Falcons’ next offensive coordinator: Jaguars’ Koetter (really?)

Dirk Koetter has spent the past five seasons as Jacksonville's offensive coordinator. (AP photo)

Dirk Koetter has spent the past five seasons as Jacksonville's offensive coordinator. (AP photo)

I’ve long made it a practice to not pre-judge coaches. We’ve seen enough examples of guys who can win the press conference but lose on the field, and vice versa.

That said, the Falcons’ hiring of Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator isn’t going to spark any block parties.

Koetter has been working for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who this season finished 32nd in total offense, 32nd in passing and 28th in scoring – which wouldn’t be so bad if the NFL had, say, 100 teams and not 32. The assumption in Flowery Branch must be that there’s only so much a coach can do with Blaine Gabbert.

Koetter has been a known candidate from the outset. The news of his hiring leaked out Sunday morning and later was confirmed by the Falcons, although Koetter said he was under instruction from the team not to comment.

The second sentence of Koetter’s bio in the Jacksonville media guide begins, “Known for his expertise of the passing offense …” In his first season as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator in 2007, the Jaguars finished seventh in total offense, 17th in passing and sixth in scoring. That also was Mike Smith’s last season in Jacksonville, before he was hired as Falcons’ head coach.

But this is what has happened to the Jaguars’ offense since:

2008: 20th total offense (15th passing), 24th scoring.

2009: 18th total offense  (19th passing), 24th scoring.

2010: 15th total offense  (27th passing), 18th scoring.

2011: 32nd total offense (32nd passing), 28th scoring.

The Jaguars have had some obvious personnel deficiencies. The organization was a mess and head coach Jack Del Rio clearly had lost his effectiveness. But it’s safe to conclude Koetter was not viewed as anybody’s “hot” candidate.

Two factors may have played into this hiring: 1) Smith wanted somebody he is comfortable with, and in this case that’s somebody he has worked with; 2) The Falcons’ third straight immediate playoff exit has, for the first time, put some heat on Smith, and that perceived uncertainty sometimes affects a team’s ability to hire a high-profile candidate.

That said, Koetter had a solid offensive reputation when he was Arizona State’s head coach, and was viewed by some as one of the rising coaches early on at Jacksonville. As recently as July, an NFL.com blog on Koetter included this: “The Jaguars’ offensive coordinator is on the cusp of taking that next step [in coaching]. If he can continue to get what he has gotten out of Jacksonville’s offense without an abundance of talent, especially if he manages to get Blaine Gabbert ready to play despite this lockout, then a move up is imminent.”

It’s ironic that Koetter should come from the organization that just hired the Falcons’ recently maligned offensive coordinator, Mike Mularkey, as head coach. Mularkey might have been fired even if he had not gotten the Jacksonville job, given the predictability of the Falcons’ offense and the widely held belief that he did not fully utilize the weapons on the roster.

That’s on Koetter’s shoulders now. But it will be at least September before anybody is too excited.

By Jeff Schultz

Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSchultzAJC). Friend me on Facebook (Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC).

1,029 comments Add your comment

kerry

January 15th, 2012
11:55 am

what the hell………… first

kerry

January 15th, 2012
11:55 am

what the hell………… first

Jeff

January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

TexasFalcon

January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

Hold on to your comments. Let’s not forget that Maurice Jones Drew just lead the league in rushing. Also this is a safe hire for Mike Smith he knows him. He still has to control the entire system and this hire along with the Defensive Coordinator will either make or break his coaching life in Atlanta.

Smarty

January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

Boo!!! Com’n Man!

seminoles

January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

JoeC

January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

First from NC.?
Go ‘Noles!!

Falcon1364

January 15th, 2012
11:57 am

old timer

January 15th, 2012
11:57 am

Are you freakin kidding me. There goes the 2012 season.

kerry norwood

January 15th, 2012
11:58 am

this is all mike smith why u keep bring people in for your former team (stop it mike ditka)

Waldo

January 15th, 2012
11:58 am

scott

January 15th, 2012
11:58 am

Wow…they really do want to win a Super Bowl. Oh wait, that’s the 49ers…sorry.

Carl Harris

January 15th, 2012
11:58 am

Let’s be real. The Falcons have been mediocre since 1966. I watched the first game when Dennis Claridge was the QB[he played at Nebraska]. If Alabama had Julio back, I doubt the Falcons could have beaten them. They have always been pathetic and always will. Ryan is not the answer at QB..and Turner has seen his better day. Their D is awful…the O line is terrible..other than that they are still awful.

patriots75

January 15th, 2012
11:59 am

This is a little to much good old boys for me, i have been a supporter all my life and remember the first game and as of today,i am finished with this team,no longer is this about the Smith family,we are going in the wrong direction so i have to say good bye falcants!!!

Falcon1364

January 15th, 2012
12:00 pm

Don’t know about this hire ! Not to thrilled. They should have waited on someone from Green Bay or another pass first team !

Riley

January 15th, 2012
12:00 pm

We now know this is Mike Smith’s time to go. He is the one with this boring “old school” philosophy. It’s him.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

January 15th, 2012
12:00 pm

jury is still out- let’s remember what he had for offensive personnel in J’ville. Perhpas with better weapons in ATL, he can do a lot better now.

Frontman

January 15th, 2012
12:01 pm

TexasFalcon,
Smitty has no more “safe” hires. I think Mr. Blank made it pretty clear that marking time was not good enough. Bringing in Smitty’s buddies because he used to coach with them is no way to be an elite team. That being said, I hope I’m wrong and I am willing to give the guy a chance. But, if you simply run MM’s offense next year, I will howl at the moon.

DogTheMan

January 15th, 2012
12:01 pm

I am not surprised. He is a run first, ball control type coach. That would be all well and good if we had an offensive line that could actually do that. We can’t get fourth and inches. We need a new running and some new lineman and a QB not with an arm that is not a BB gun… Oh Well!!!

Frontman

January 15th, 2012
12:02 pm

Anybody want to take odds on Del Rio being DC now?

rush2112

January 15th, 2012
12:03 pm

WOW! What a “losing” decision…..basically we swapped losing coaches for losing coaches. Mr. Blank I hope you feel good about it, we’ll have to see how it plays out, but look at the results he’s delivered in Jax not exactly what i would call “gotta have results”. 3 more years down the drain and then start all over again. Mike Smith hiring an out of work buddy……NICE JOB!

biz

January 15th, 2012
12:03 pm

Not an inspiring pick to say the least.

HGN

January 15th, 2012
12:04 pm

Unbelievable. I just can’t believe Smith and TD are going to stake their jobs and reputation on this guy……Why?

Outside Observer

January 15th, 2012
12:04 pm

There was not a lot of support when Mike Smith was hired, but that proved to be a success. Give it some time. Don’t overreact because the guy doesn’t have a big name.

ground_fog

January 15th, 2012
12:04 pm

Does anyone know who was ranked 31st in total offense with the Niners but was hired as head coach at another team? that would be Mike Mccarthy of the Packers.

SirReal

January 15th, 2012
12:05 pm

Think Smith might be in for his first losing season. Brace yourselves ATL. I think we may have just become third in our division…Why dont we just call up Del Rio, change our colors and logo, and for that matter lets just change the name of the city too. This was vanilla ball Smitty’s guy the whole time. Guess we’ll be getting another LB coach from JAX to run the D too huh? GARBAGE!!!lol

DHD

January 15th, 2012
12:05 pm

He must have something on Smith.

Gene

January 15th, 2012
12:05 pm

Initial disappointment but if u don’t have the right pieces, the offense still won’t be as good. No matter if the coach is an offensive guru or not! We will just have to wait and see who we draft and who we sign and or let go.

ground_fog

January 15th, 2012
12:05 pm

This was the best we could get. Smith is on the hot seat. Koetter was taking a chance to come here..so i’ll give him a chance

K-Baby

January 15th, 2012
12:06 pm

So the Falcons and Jaguars essentially swapped offensive coordinators. The “process” has stalled at best and is a failure at worst.

Thoroughly disappointed.

Hawks4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:06 pm

This Falcons staff (Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith and Arthur Blank) reminds me of scene in the Lucy Ball show and the candy factory episode. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnbNcQlzV-4.

They simply cannot catch up. They appear to be totally unqualified when you compare to their playoff track record in comparison to 1st year coaches (both Harbaughs one their first playoff games).

Jim beating the Saints last night against the vaunted Saints! Smith just don’t seem to get it.

ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:06 pm

You have got to be kidding me.

Ben

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

What on earth are they thinking??? Awful awful hire.

Couldn’t they have at least done us a favor and hired Mike Bobo???

Dimitroff just sealed his own fate.

sheepdawg

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

bs, blank has given up

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

This is the NEW NFL – Offenses Passing RULES! This team, especially Smith and Dimitroff are showing themselves to be very inept and overmatched. (See the Harbaughs (both of them)

Especially the 49ers. See Sean Payton. See Detroit, the Packers etc. This future does NOT look bright. With this hiring of Dirk Koetter.

ground_fog

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

Nick Saban thought he was good enough to interview. what does that tell you?

Sam

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

What the h&$l!b! The falcons are forever losers. The same old vanilla offense as mularky

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

Jeff, thanks for pointing this out. Pretty damning facts.How can they possibly spin this horrific hire?
Did they even look anywhere else? Doubtful. Everyone knew they would do the comfortable thing, because they obviously prefer the safety of comfort over possibly shaking things up in the hopes of improving.
This unimaginative and uninspired pick really does reflect this team and it’s administration. I am starting to believe that Marcus was the part of the Home depot equation with b*lls.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

Watch out for the 3 stooges (Dimitroff, Blank and Smith) try and spin this as some great, earth shaking hire. Dirk Koetter ran the offense that was the worst in the league.

There is no spinning that. Don’t talk to me about what he (Koetter) did at Boise Stat 3 years ago. As we say in the south…That Dog Won’t Hunt Doo-Doo.

Nick Saban

January 15th, 2012
12:07 pm

Are you serious!!!!!! I want to come back to the pros. Mr.Blank, my staff here is Tuscaloosa will kill Mike Smith and he staff. You guys aren’t serious about winning a championship. Tell me what is the diiference between Mike Smith-Matt Ryan, Jim Harbaugh-Alex Smith, John Harbaugh-Joe Flacco, John Fox-Tim Tebow, Gary Kubiak-T.J. Yates? If you don’t know I’ll tell you Mike Smith-Matt-Ryan have yet to lead this city to a layoff when. I and A.J. McCarron would have at least won a playoff game in the four years those idiots have been there in Atlanta. Mr. Blank you know how to contact me. I will be waiting for your call.

ground_fog

January 15th, 2012
12:08 pm

If we don’t get Spags though i’ll be really pissed

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:08 pm

The hiring of Dirk Koetter officially puts Smith on the hot seat. Smith has 2 years at best.

Next year we most likely will miss the playoffs. (2012 Playoffs: Division champs: Philly, 49ers, Saints, Packers. Wild Card: Lions and Giants). Falcons finish 8-8.

2013 Playoffs: Cowboys, 49ers, Saints, Lions. Wild Card: Packers and (Panthers or Eagles). Smith will be fired

End of story. Just my take.

Buckeye

January 15th, 2012
12:09 pm

Now there’s a “name brand” hire.

ROZEMAN13

January 15th, 2012
12:09 pm

Just dont understand this move at all. This is not going to excite the fan base.

Scott Anderson

January 15th, 2012
12:09 pm

I have been a Falcons fan since the early 60 s and have stuck it out.

This hiring is just a masking for Smith to not bring anyone in that could threaten his job if things go sour next year. Come on step up and bring in a ex head coach for the defense.

The worst coach Falcons ever had was Dan Reeves and Marion Campbell.

Smith could drop like a rock next year when the Falcons stub toes.

Why cant that running back from the draft be like Sproeles for NO ? what a differance that guy makes for that team.

Blank's Brain

January 15th, 2012
12:09 pm

All of you idiots prejudging the hire can go back to flipping the burgers.
Jacksonville isn’t exactly loaded with talent on offense.
I’ll wait and see what and not prejudge. His college stats are impressive
and if Atlanta can get a couple of Free Agent OL’s I think you will see
a good deal of improvement and play calling here.
But fools rush in so relax ladies. Lets not jump off the energy bus yet.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:10 pm

We SWAP our Crap for Jax Crap! WTF is this about? Wow Saban at Bama wanted him so the Falcons must have done a Great thing! Hahahahaha. This didn’t help anything IMO.

falcon

January 15th, 2012
12:10 pm

Put me in the not impressed column.

Chris the C Dog

January 15th, 2012
12:11 pm

My parents always said “If you want to catch a cold, hang around someone with the flu!” Why would you hang around ANYONE from the Jacksonville franchise? You can’t catch a sneeze from them!What have they done to warrant this respect? This is just another blown opportunity to elevate this dismall franchise. This is why I let my season tickets go. NEVER gonna be more than they are right now. They are who we thought they were!

NOTSo FAst

January 15th, 2012
12:11 pm

This move will not sell many tickets. After watching NO and SF play. we know that to win we have to control the ball and score a lot of points. Nothing that I read shows that he can do that.

Not a Fat But...

January 15th, 2012
12:11 pm

@ Frontman. that’s a sucker bet. You know Del Rio will show up somewhere in near I- 985 later this year. Why couldn’t they wait until after the Superbowl?

Desert Dawg

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

Meet the new Boss, same as the old Boss. We just got fooled again.

Chucktown38

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

Hahaha are you kidding me, Blank should of brought back June Jones before this GUY.It’s like the blind leading the blind with the franchise.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

Can Not Wait for the year 2015 ! !

Red-N-Black

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

Ok so more of the same anemic play against good defensive teams. Hey Mike call the moving van because at the end of next season you’re going to need it. Hey call Mularkey I’m sure he still has the number. Love my team but I’ll just keep hoping like we do every season, we’ve become use to it.

Jerry

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

WOW, same ole boring offense next year! Trade Julio and Roddy because they aren’t needed with this offense. Time to get a defense and try to win games 10-7. This hire is awful!

k howard

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

So when did the Smiths buy the team back?

burger brian

January 15th, 2012
12:12 pm

This is on Smitty- this is do or die for the ol boy. I think the DC hire will be more telling whether TD nd Blank are destined for mediocrity,

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:13 pm

Smarty
January 15th, 2012
11:56 am

Boo!!! Com’n Man!
Smart you ain’t. It is C’mon Man.

MAS

January 15th, 2012
12:13 pm

Mr. Blank! Did you know about this? Is this a joke?

PatrickT

January 15th, 2012
12:13 pm

Was there really a line of teams banging down the door to hire Koetter? If we didn’t act now someone was going to steal him away? Lost a lot of faith in TD today. in 7 out of 10 years, Mularkey bested Koetter’s BEST offensive pass ranking, and this is an upgrade?

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:14 pm

The 49ers ability to beat the Saints in a PLAYOFF game is further proof that Thomas DimWit and Mike “Jacksonville” Smith” don’t know Dirk about football.

@DanWeiner

January 15th, 2012
12:14 pm

It’s cool guys, when they hire Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator, at least Mike Smith will be able to go down on his sinking ship surrounded by friends!

Runnin with the Dawgs

January 15th, 2012
12:14 pm

He’ll be coming to a team with a higher quality of talent on the offense than he had at Jax. Remember when Gene Chizik went to Auburn. The entire fan base thought it was crazy to hire him, as he had never had a winning record anywhere. Auburn went undefeated in his first year as head coach. Welcome Dirk! Do us good. GO FALCONS!

Section 335

January 15th, 2012
12:15 pm

I’m stunned by this hire!

So, Is this Mike Smith’s way of giving season ticket holders the middle finger for wanting Mularkey gone? He hires one of his friends who lead the 32nd ranked offense this season? Really? If this regime truly cares about moving this franchise forward there is NO logical explanation this hire. I can’t believe I just sent this idiots more money last week for tickets. What a waste.

Falcon56

January 15th, 2012
12:15 pm

WTF! Mike Smith just signed his own pink slip!

I'm done...

January 15th, 2012
12:15 pm

mediocre garbage hire….

Brian F.

January 15th, 2012
12:15 pm

This hiring is completely deserving of the UPROAR it is going to receive. This is what out thorough and diagnostic led us to. Let the steady ride down the roller coaster begin.

Long Time STH

January 15th, 2012
12:16 pm

I felt the same as a lot of you since I heard the news. With that said after listening to people in the know, namely the reporter who covers the AFC South, Dan Reeves and a couple others, I’m willing to give this guy a chance. This guy didn’t have much to work with on offense as every
thing was going to the defense in the last couple of drafts. I do not think Smith would make a “buddy” hire as he knows his rear is on the line this season..Same for Dimitroff..Let’s give it a chance guys.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
12:16 pm

Where as i do not agree with this hire, some of you idiots need to realize this was not “Smith’s hir.” Mike Smith will not write Koetters checks, and he did not single-handedly hire him. He doesn’t have that kind of freedom right now in Atlanta. If anyone was to be hired, you can believe Dimitroff and Blank signed off on it as well. That’s not to say it’s still not a dumb move, because I think it is, but stop acting like this was all Mike Smith’s doing. Learn how things work

k howard

January 15th, 2012
12:17 pm

maybe coach smith has an old coaching buddy from highschool he can get for d coordinator.

Logan

January 15th, 2012
12:17 pm

Sounds like an Atlanta Spirit hire. He’s the Rick Sund of the NFL.

Bob

January 15th, 2012
12:17 pm

Mike Smith is working real hard at getting the Falcons to s*ck as bad as the Jags…and punch his ticket out of town, too.

Cejay

January 15th, 2012
12:18 pm

Hey….At least we don’t have to put up with the saints fags on the blogs today…..

SirReal

January 15th, 2012
12:18 pm

I know they didnt have much personnel and a rookie QB last year but LAST?!!! LAST?!!! Wow. I dont know much about him but from what I hear from my JAX friends, we basically got Mularkey all over again,. Just read the bio and he’s touted as a vertical passing guy. We’ll see if he can work with all the talent we have. We are all (myself included) making emotional reactions right now. After the dust settles, lets just see what he can do. We ALL know its a make or break year for Smith is I’m sure they know it too. I think it’ll be alright as long as he plays to Ryan’s strength and for the love of humanity can MIX UP THE PLAY CALLS (maybe throw a screen once in a 1000 years too.lol)!!!!
Lets make a quick personnel comparison. Ok, our line is garbage. JAX was probably better. QB=Ryan’s better than Gabbert or Garrard RB= Edge to MJD but Turner isnt too far behind (better use Quizz more though)WR= No comparison TE=Lewis is good but so is Tony.
We’ll see guys. We’ll see.

Whopper Dawg

January 15th, 2012
12:18 pm

As hard as it is to believe after the way they started, but I am about ready to see TD and MS roll out of town.

Of all the franchises to pattern yourself after, we pick the Jaguars.

32nd??? 32nd??? TD has out thought myself yet again.

Ryan2white

January 15th, 2012
12:18 pm

Embarrassed!! This should be the last year for Mike Smith if we lose in the early round of playoffs again.. If it’s not his last year, Dimitroff needs to go!

ed

January 15th, 2012
12:19 pm

well that just made my decision about season ticket renewal a lot easier. i can’t believe this is the decision we made knowing our offense has to move to a passing offense.

Dylan

January 15th, 2012
12:19 pm

Why are we stealing coaches from the worst team in the league

rush2112

January 15th, 2012
12:19 pm

“Nick Saban thought he was good enough to interview. what does that tell you”?

Tells me he should be calling college offense’s and not NFL! We’ll end up being average at best, which is what we were last year, and we know where that got us. Our only hope is that we hire someone who can deliver us a killer defense, so we don’t have to worry about scoring. because based on this guys “history” we’ll suck again! But I bet Smitty has a nice reunion party…….

1eyedJack

January 15th, 2012
12:20 pm

Still some good offensive linemen in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Also in the 5th, 6th…..

2 GOOD DOGS

January 15th, 2012
12:20 pm

WHO IN THE HELL IS RUNNING THIS TEAM? BLANK, DIMITROFF, MCKAY, AND SMITH , 4 GROWN MEN WITH “SOME ” FOOTBALL KNOWLEDGE COME UP WITH THIS HIRE? IF I WERE TONY GONZALEZ, I’D GET OUT NOW. WHY GO THROUGH WORSE MISERY NEXT YEAR. THE SAINTS WILL ABSOLUTELY CRUSH THE FALCONS NEXT SEASON WITH CAROLINA CLOSE BEHIND. PAYTON WILL FIX HIS DEFENSE BIG TIME AFTER LOSING TO THE 9ERS, WHILE SMITH WILL CONTINUE TO STUMBLE ALONG THE SIDELINE CLUELESS. I’M REALLY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BRAINTRUST.

ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:20 pm

Most of the players on offense have more experience than this guy.

Koetter also interviewed for the Alabama job? There are actual professional coaches out there and you hired another college guy?

Good luck, coach.
We better get a real QB coach and DC or….

Ghosts of loserville

January 15th, 2012
12:20 pm

Wow. This is a decision that would do Rankin Smith proud.

extremus

January 15th, 2012
12:21 pm

My feelings on this aren’t very positive; A) the “search” didn’t last a week for a candidate, and B) the offensive coordinator we picked up just finished WAYYY behind the one we just finally celebrated getting rid of in about every conceivable category, Blaine Gabbert or no.

I hope I’m proven wrong; I really do. But I get the strong feeling that we’re in for another frustrating and underperforming season from our offense. I fear we’ve seen the Falcons’ best days under Dimitroff and Smith, and that’s coming from someone who’s been a staunch supporter of both.

OC Matt Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:21 pm

There was an article several weeks ago suggesting that the Falcons hire an OC who will keep our system in place and let Matt make more of the calls on offense. Hopefully this hire takes us in that direction. More no huddle = better offense.

Wet Willie...keep on smiling

January 15th, 2012
12:22 pm

Does this mean Bobo will not be going to the Falcons?

j

January 15th, 2012
12:22 pm

Get it over with and hire the Jax DC as well.

M10

January 15th, 2012
12:22 pm

In my opinion M.Smith just put his job on the line with hiring koetter,the jags offense was terrible the only bright spot was Jones Drew.If Smith thinks Turner going to perform like Jones Drew he has another thing coming.The Nfl is becoming a more verticle attacking league something i think Smith is forgetting especially with the talent on offense,Im not thrilled at all.

D man

January 15th, 2012
12:23 pm

You fair weather fans crack me up. The team has had its best 4 year run in team history and now we suck? You don’t know what your talking about. This is a great franchise compared to the beginning 30 years. I’m proud to be a fan that doesn’t jump off when they don’t get a win or don’t hire glamor coach. Either be a fan or go root for another team.

Sports are a losing proposition when you think about it. At the end of each season, there is only one team that wins it all. Does that mean all other teams seasons were a disaster? I believe if you have a season like the Falcons had this season, it was a great season. It’s a lot better than what we ussually sit through.

Diehard

January 15th, 2012
12:23 pm

So Arthur wants people to get excited about a new stadium (and have the state put up money) and he goes and hires this loser ?!? Smith only wants people around him that wouldn’t be a candidate for his job. Pitiful.

realist

January 15th, 2012
12:24 pm

229 Bravesfan

January 15th, 2012
12:24 pm

What a let down, good job Blank and Smith.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:24 pm

The Falcons just got Bamboozled, Hoodwinked and Mularked!

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:24 pm

Thank God I am more of a College Football fan otherwise I might be chewing on the muzzle of a 12ga Remington about now.

TICKETS

January 15th, 2012
12:24 pm

TICKETS FOR SALE OBO, ANOTHER ATLANTA BRAIN STORM.

78Dawg

January 15th, 2012
12:25 pm

This hire will cost Smith his job at the end of next season….RIDICULOUS..Tom D. Will go with him..

ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:25 pm

If you want to win now, you hire an old dog professional who knows what to do from day 1. You hire proven winners and you give them the keys to the kingdom and let them do the job you hired them for.
If you want to protect yourself as the biggest name (ego) in the building, you hire a guy who is as green as the grass and tell him what to do.

Which option did the Falcons take?
Which option will they take with the QB coach and DC?

Bigboy

January 15th, 2012
12:26 pm

For the love of pete Mike and Dirk are not boys. They spent one year together in jax.BOOM. This guy knows the offense and look what he had to work with..garrard. Who did he start for? That’s right he didn’t start for anyone because he sucks. Expectations aren’t high and when he is successful all of you including you Jeff will be eating your words.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:27 pm

@ D man

January 15th, 2012
12:23 pm
———————————————

Shut up fool.

I bet you’re the kind of idiot that thinks EVERY CHILD should get a trophy at the end of the season in pop-warner football and soccer.

Stop being such as wuss and apologist.

Wet Willie...keep on smiling

January 15th, 2012
12:27 pm

Let me 1st to say the Falcons will not lose in the 1st round of the playoffs in 2012!!!! They will not make the playoffs. Julio should ask for a trade in hopes he can get to a team that the QB can throw the ball at least 30 yards. Ok 40 yards.

WTF MAN

January 15th, 2012
12:27 pm

I am speechless…you can spin this any way you want but these kind of moves are what constantly kill this franchise in its ultimate goal…Super Bowl Champions. C’mon all the elite offensive minds out there both discovered and not given a chance yet and this is the answer? This worn tire of a coach from an organization that at best is mediocre will not get us competitive with the offenses that are dominating not just our division but the conference and the NFL as a whole. I can’t help but think that Smith is doing here what killed Dan Reeves which is not evolving as a coach and staying on a path where yes you will be competetive but not going to win only in that you limit yourself. No the OC was not gonna solve all of our problems but it was an important component and the old saying that time will tell does not apply here…the answer is apparent and this flat out was the pansy way of filling an important position but to end this I can only think of one thing left to say…Coach Smith you are a pussy.Man up and give us a championship…Dirk Koetter really? Losing BVG and his pornstache and we get this loser with his porn moniker…I never in a million years would think that Sean Payton and his girly boy look would be more hardcore than Coach Smith. And to Arthur Blank….Smith we know is a Pussy….but you signed off on this one after the pontificating on how what happened this year was not good enough…you sir are full of excrement.

railpost

January 15th, 2012
12:27 pm

THIS MOVE does NOTHING to suggest to the fans of the Atlanta Falcons that we are in any way, shape, form or fashion trying to be anything but our usual 3rd rate team. You just lost another disappointed fan!!!!

Michael

January 15th, 2012
12:28 pm

Would you guys really be that excited if the hire had been Billick, Schottenheimer, or Clements? I admit that I was in the Clements/Aaron Krommer camp (Saints OLine coach and wishful thinking on my part), but Billick has been out of the league since 07′ and it did not seem like he was too eager to get back into coaching, let alone as an OC. I live in NY and they ran Schottenheimer out of town here. Clements had an average run as OC in Buffalo before going to GB as QB coach. If there was a sexy candidate out there that didn’t have any serious cons then that person would be being considered to be a head coach somewhere.

Bottom line is that until the Falcons upgrade their talent in the trenches it won’t matter who the OC is. Smitty/TD know that the temperature is up, I don’t think they are deliberately trying to get fired. Give Koetter a shot.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:28 pm

The Falcants don’t have a coordinator problem………………….

They have a CHOKE problem :)

Cut off the head of the CHICKEN and fry that sucker ……………….

HA HA HA :)

Skydawg

January 15th, 2012
12:29 pm

Horrific hire. PERIOD!

ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:29 pm

D man, you misread these comments.
Yes, people in this town want more than regular season wins.

What you are reading on this board are the comments of a town starved for a championship caliber team.
Starved, rabid, and ravenous for a winner, we give you…..lights and drumroll….DIRK Koetter….the line to buy tickets to the SB starts here?

marion campbell

January 15th, 2012
12:29 pm

ThePro,

January 15th, 2012
12:29 pm

Well if he was as bad as he was in Jacksonville this past season it’s safe to say 2012 will be the last season in Atl for Mike Smith

JTH

January 15th, 2012
12:30 pm

With this move Arthur Blank confirms all his talk about winning is just lip service. What a damn joke. Typical Falcons.

jimmy

January 15th, 2012
12:30 pm

i live in Jax. They bash this guy constantly on talk radio. etc. Last dude I figured the Falcons would go after. Not a happy fan here!

Looking for another bandwagon to jump on....

January 15th, 2012
12:30 pm

Come on….no flash, no change…..nothing even remotely interesting about this OC. Does anyone else around here notice the teams we are watching this weekend are actually INTERESTING on both sides of the ball (even the Godlike Tebow)……I’m looking at the Lions as my new team to follow.

TD has no clue!

January 15th, 2012
12:30 pm

GOOD. TD, Smith and Matty Melt will be gone in 2 years. By the way, who dat? The 49ers dats who dat. hahahaha

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:31 pm

@ Michael

January 15th, 2012
12:28 pm
———————————————
I certainly would have been excited if they hired Chip Kelly – Head coach of the Oregon Ducks. He certainly knows a thing or two about throwing the football DOWN THE FIELD.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:31 pm

D man……The ONLY teams that didn’t have BAD years are the 4 that played for the AFC and NFC Championships. Winning the Super bowl isn’t easy. A team isn’t a loser if they are playing for a Championship in 1 of the 2 leagues.

Double Dub

January 15th, 2012
12:31 pm

I live in Jacksonville and have to watch this team most Sundays due to regional coverage. Granted the personnel is different, but how can you pick a guy to run your offense who’s offense finished DEAD LAST?! Mike Smith is a homer and just upped the temperature on his seat with this hire. I cannot believe Mike Smith would make a hire like this based on how we ended the season. If we bring in Del Rio, I am not sure I can watch the Falcons this season. Still in shock…

what!!!

January 15th, 2012
12:32 pm

no playoff !!! wrong man!

D man

January 15th, 2012
12:33 pm

Falcons4eva

Wrong on all counts. I coach little league baseball and I hate the every kid gets a trophy approach because it doesn’t teach kids the realities of life that life is not fair. On the other hand, I am a positive minded person that doesn’t Waller around in the self pity of losing three straight playoff appearances like most of these non real Falcon Fans on this blog. I applaud what Blank and the organization has done for my Falcons and I wish Blank would buy the Hawks and Braves because we would be alot better off if he did.

jhj88

January 15th, 2012
12:33 pm

Anyone got any tissue?? after this hiring i feel like crying..

rash

January 15th, 2012
12:34 pm

great hire…..koetter was the coach i was wanting td and blank to hire good pickup all yall haters give the man a chance before you cut his throat and feed him to the wolves im sure atl. offense have sucess all yall will be saying good pickup some of yall dont even know football all you can think that is gonna do a good job is the names you have heard before…all i can say is great job now get spags as the dc and clement as qb coach and life will be good next year

Jimmy

January 15th, 2012
12:34 pm

I will give this one year and if it doesn’t work, Mike Smith pack your bags. Arthur we thought you wanted to win, it starts with the front office. What a bad choice!!! Falcons put some names out there, known they wanted to hire this clown. Falcons will have the number one draft pick in 2013.

Michael

January 15th, 2012
12:34 pm

@Falcons4Eva Why would Chip Kelly leave a top flight head coaching job at the college level to be an OC in the NFL? Recall that Phil Knight is bankrolling the Oregon football program. As long as Kelly is getting them to BCS bowls he’s going to be paid well there. Would make no sense for him to come to the NFL for anything short of a HC job.

bamaonline

January 15th, 2012
12:34 pm

Alabama tried to hire him but when he found out about the Ncaa problems that are lining up for Saban and Alabama over some recruiting violation he decided to stay in the NFL where a team don’t have to worry the NCAA coming in.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

What Would “SeenThisB4″ say about this hire?

oooops….my bad…..

He’s probably has his mouth too full to speak with CROW ! !

Who Dat, say they gone beat them 49ers. Not the Saints. Pull up a chair with us and watch the rest of the NFL.

Skydawg

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

With this hire, I have lost a lot of respect with Smith, Dimitroff and Blank. This wreaks of a the good ole boy, don’t spend a lot of money network. I’m shocked. If I were Arthur Blank and I was truly committed to winning, this hire would not have happened.

Bruce

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

If we are going to be a ball control offense next yr why did we sell the farm for an “explosive” receiver? Turner is absolutely the worst running back up the middle, expecially on delayed handoffs. He goes down easier than TJ Duckett unless he gets 5 yds downfield. Jacquizz Rodgers has shown little as a RB this yr. Snelling is a good backup that plays hard. Don’t see how we can be a ball control offense when we can’t make 3rd & 1’s or 4th & 1/2 yd. No improvements that will be an immediate help will be available when the Falcons finally get to draft in the 2nd round. I may be wrong but I don’t see that many free agents available this yr that will give immediate results. Thanks again Falcons for once again not getting a “Name” coach that know what he is doing.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

I took my morning DIRK and it came out looking like a Mularkey.

TD has no clue!

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

You know this guy is crap, even MM didn’t want him as his OC.

JP

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

All the great OC’s have elite QB’s or QB’s who play elite….as I mentioned prior, the OC is only as good as the QB and the QB’s ability to make plays…elite QB play equals playoff wins……just look at the games already played thus far in this year’s playoff’s…..some of you are way too emotional to post on a sports blog..!!!! LMAO…!!!

Falcoon

January 15th, 2012
12:36 pm

Be careful what you wish for. You couldn’t wait to get Mark out of town lol. Remember players play and coaches coach. No matter how good of a coach you are, at certain levels, the player are the key to your success. So don’t blame the coach, blame the personnel people, who don’t bring players that matches the coaches style and philosophy. In college you recruit what you need and in pro you bring players that matches your skim. Good luck Falcons.

jhj88

January 15th, 2012
12:37 pm

Troll alert!

abby normal

January 15th, 2012
12:37 pm

And Arthur Blank signed off on this hire????? Maybe we can get Jerry Glanville to come back as DC. I just don’t see this as a great step forward.

Mark

January 15th, 2012
12:37 pm

This is simply a hire so that they would not have to totally change the offensive philosophy. I will have to disagree with some earlier comments of the Falcons having a horrible defense. They ranked in the top ten in stopping the run. The offense could not sustain any decent drives, so the defense finally wore down towards the end of the 3rd quarter of the Giants game. Defense is simply missing a pass rush. Corner back play was really not that bad considering we had no pass rush. Now play at the Safety position, as far as the passing game went, was horrible. When the opposing QB has all damn day to throw the ball you won’t win. I look for Abraham to be allowed to leave so we can free up some money. Decoud and Grimes will not be back either. I also see some OL free agents being brought in as well. Now with that said Koetter’s offense may work, but if I had the choice it would have been Billick or Clements as OC. Remaining optimistic till shown otherwise.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:37 pm

“Mike Vick Curse”

You will never win a playoff game until I lift the curse :)

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:38 pm

@ Michael

January 15th, 2012
12:34 pm
—————————————
I didn’t say he would. But I did say it would make me excited. But Kelly never denied having an interest in becoming a HC in the NFL. In fact ESPN and others have said rumor was the Dolphins were interested in Chip. As long as the SEC is the SEC, the Ducks will never win a BCS.

Better be one helluva introduction

January 15th, 2012
12:38 pm

In all of the speculation and write ups of all the candidates, Koetter was not really singled out for anything beyond his personal connection to Coach Smith. Fans are going to want to know more of the strategic thinking that went into this hire – and it will need to be both substantial and convincing.

If the front office is as talented and perceptive as we keep saying they are, they must have a pretty good reason for this decision. They need to help the fans understand why this can be the best choice for OC. Soon.

ddt

January 15th, 2012
12:38 pm

We couldn’t have waited 3 weeks, a very questionable hire, Why are we stil hiring Smith’s Boys???

JP

January 15th, 2012
12:38 pm

thanks Falcoon…!!

Koetter

January 15th, 2012
12:39 pm

We will be a high-powered offense! Mark my word.

Hoopster

January 15th, 2012
12:39 pm

The Jags haven’t had any receivers in years.

jhj88

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

Troll Alert! Most likely an Anits fan

Declinometer

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

As a Jaguar fan that has been calling for Koetter’s firing for a few years, I say good luck Falcons. Any offensive production from the Jaguars was despite of Koetter. It’s going to be a long year until he gets fired.

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

JP while I generally agree about elite QB’s , I think Smith shows what can happen when the right COACH teams up with a QB not even considered good.

san diego steve

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

At Arizona State, Koetter headed up the third-best offense in the NCAA, which gained 537.4 yards per game and put up 36.8 points per game that year. The Arizona State offense also passed for almost 400 yards per game that season.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

Oh yeah………………

Flacco is the 1st qb EVER to start at qb in the playoffs in his 1st 4 seasons………………

Did I mention:

Should have drafted Flacco……………..

HA HA HA :)

Mike Smith

January 15th, 2012
12:40 pm

“Let’s hire Koetter, I can keep him in line and he will do what he is told”

LOL

January 15th, 2012
12:41 pm

Hey guys, maybe we’re missing out on things. All we need is Jack Del Rio for DC, and we’re Jacksonville number 2. If you squint a little, Arthur Blank even looks like the new Jaguar owner. Plus, we got us a QB on Gabbert’s level. Whoo.

mackpack2

January 15th, 2012
12:41 pm

Another stupid choice by the Falcons front office! Mike Smith will be fired mid year ,What in the hell are u thinking.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:41 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:35 pm

I took my morning DIRK and it came out looking like a Mularkey.
———————————————–

I took my morning DIRK around the block and stepped into a pile of Mularkey. I could not wipe if off my feet!

Nativebird

January 15th, 2012
12:42 pm

Wow. My season ticket upgrade selection just got a lot better. Talkin about hearing the sound of “thud” with this hire. Billick? No. Mcdaniels? Nope. Okay…hmmm. How about Sporano? Nada. Oh good…we got KOETTER!………Here that collective “who?” by the entire Falcon nation.

Ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:42 pm

The reason for the timing of the hire is that you want your OC in place before the East/West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl as those are 2 of the 3 biggest recruiting events.

Greg Moundine

January 15th, 2012
12:42 pm

I believe. We need our FB back an a tough WR. Remember our fullback was a Pro Bowl player. Our offense is not that bad. Falcons will hit home run with DC. Watch.

Tommy Maddox

January 15th, 2012
12:42 pm

I guess there were no more Harbaugh offspring available to hire.

Mr. Blank, you might want to stick with the home improvement products business because your football business blows.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:43 pm

THE FLACCO SUPERBOWL TOUR

2 wins to pay dirt, while CHOKE rest that ZERO points performance :)

Ted M

January 15th, 2012
12:43 pm

I have no idea if this guy is any good, in spite of his crappy record, but at least Blank can afford to fire Dimitroff, Smith & staff if need be. Ga Tech can NOT afford to fire Paul Johnson were stuck with him for better or worse. Unfortunately there is only worse.

Bruce

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

Just because you do not agree with what a team is doing and complain about it does not mean that you are not a fan or are jumping off the bandwagon. If you were not a fan then why would you be complaining so much? I am tired of people that keep saying that people that complain about the coaching & play calling of both the Falcons & the Bulldogs are jumping off the bandwagon & are not true fans. True fans do not sit by like little lambs and accept mediocrity from the teams they love. Get real guys, fans have a right to complain.

WaitandSee

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

When I first heard about Koetter I wasn’t impressed. But I was listening to 680thefan the other day and Chuck Oliver said that Koetter was the second best play caller in college behind Bobby Petrino. Now that’s saying alot. Petrino is, if not the best, one of the best play callers in college. Jacksonville had no weapons. At Arizona State Koetter had the third-best offense in the NCAA that averaged 537.4 yards a game with a passing offense of 400 yards a game. Now I know that’s college. Let’s just hope he can be creative with the talent that we have. Remember in 2005 Mike Mccarthy (Green Bay Packers head coach) was the OC in San Francisco and that offense finished last with Alex Smith as a rookie. Look at McCarthy now, a Super Bowl winner. Let’s just wait and see if Koetter can be our McCarthy.

AlanFalcon

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

The only thing wrong with ths hire are the idiots on this blog who want to kick a man before he has a chance to show what he can do, why don’t you just move out of the state and go (bleep) another coach -You blog monsters are SICK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

JB…………do the 49ers have an ELITE QB? Hahahha I don’t think so. Harbaough is only 1 yr removed from College and Andrew Luck. The guy’s play calling and coaching is great since he is playing for the NFC Championship now.

Ueeediot

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

wonders how many games Arizona state could win in the NFL.

wonders how many games Arizona State played against NFL (scratch that) even SEC level teams…

smashmouth

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

I think we can all agree this was not a sexy pick, seems a little hasty and has a whiff of nepotism.

For a moment, let’s consider Tom Moore- OC for Indy. Since 98, won a ring and offense been a complete juggernaut. This year, he loses one player and ends up 30th in total offense with no doubt 10x the talent Jax has ever had-I’d take orlovsky and painter over gabbert right now too. Would we all not have been jumping up and down with that hire?

My point is the ranking (32nd – yuk) doesn’t tell the whole story- don’t get caught up in it. Talent, play calling and scheme that the head coach allows and game situation dictate the seasons totals- Jax was 11 in scoring D so there wasn’t a need to turn every game into a shootout unlike say, NO or NE.

Koetter has performed at certain points in his career but situation around him(talent, head coach, low scoring games) have ultimately been reflected in the numbers. Though we don’t have a big reason to be excited over the hire, this guy could end up showing his best yet in the ATL. Remember, no one was pumped for the Smitty hire at the time either.

For those of you who reply with angst for not winning a playoff game yet- remember two things: playoffs weren’t even in the discussion when Smitty started(interested how quick it’s moved from that to being expected) and until last night, the Pats had lost 3 straight playoff games including 2 at home (where they are unbeatable). Saints have a pretty good OC and they couldn’t outshoot Alex Smith– it’s a total team sport ya’ll

ground_fog

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

jhj88

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

Mr. Blank i bet u won’t have another press conference explain this stupid hiring!

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:44 pm

@ Hoopster

January 15th, 2012
12:39 pm

The Jags haven’t had any receivers in years.

——————————————-
Nether have they had any coaches….we get them all it seems! (Smith, BVG, Now Koetter) and Players (Mike Peters and a couple others over the past 4 years).

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
12:45 pm

San Diego Steve – Is that the same ASU offense that got him fired after 5 mediocre years and was 1-11 against top ten teams?

Rise Up Atlanta

January 15th, 2012
12:46 pm

I’m a season ticket holder and I will be letting my season tickets go. This is a bad hire, it’s just going to get worse for this franchise. I really believed we would do better than this. This franchise doesn’t want a championship bad enough. Good Luck Falcons, I can watch this crap on TV every sunday.

Wow

January 15th, 2012
12:46 pm

“Who got it better than us” Everyyyyybodddy!

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:46 pm

Mike Smith can NOT get enough of Jacksonville. He has an obsession with them. 4 years, we always scrimmage with them at pre-season. What’s with this guy and Jacksonville and all things Jags?

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:46 pm

wait&see……….Chuck Oliver? Really you are going to listen to Chuck “Fat DA” Oliver for your coaching advise? You have been Smoking with VICK & CROWELL?

Cal

January 15th, 2012
12:47 pm

As long as Mike smith is there we’ll never get any top tier coordinators. They should’ve fired him with the others.

SawThat1nce

January 15th, 2012
12:47 pm

This sounds like a joke, that JS is punking his readers with.
Can’t be true.

Frank Wren

January 15th, 2012
12:47 pm

Great hire, Thomas!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:48 pm

1st time in Ravens history that they have been to the playoffs 4 years in a row. Prior to Flacco, it was just 2 years, and a 5-11 record before Flacco was drafted.

CHOKE will be holding that clip board real soon………………. Destiny cannot be denied :)

Robbie

January 15th, 2012
12:48 pm

Wouldn’t you thinik that A. B. and crew would know more about this person than we would. If it turns out that we have the same type of offense then T.D. and on down needs to go… Our draft has been so bad for 3 years this is what needs to be criqutqed.

Hedo Rick

January 15th, 2012
12:48 pm

So true…. WTF is up with us and Jacksonville? Only thing I want out of Jax is MJD for another year or two. This is a ridiculous hire.

———————-
Falcons4Eva
January 15th, 2012
12:46 pm

Mike Smith can NOT get enough of Jacksonville. He has an obsession with them. 4 years, we always scrimmage with them at pre-season. What’s with this guy and Jacksonville and all things Jags?

Jimmy Falcon

January 15th, 2012
12:48 pm

Well, the OC is done now.

Spags will not be coming here. Smitty is on the hot seat, Andy Reid is not. After watching the Niners yesterday, maybe we bring Mike Singletary in as DC?

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
12:49 pm

Smashmouth- It is not just the playoff issue- It is the disjointed, unfocused and inconsistent play of this team. They perform poorly against winning teams.
Koetter got worse at JAx. Not just one bad year. There is no way to justify this hire based on his performance. I will hope for the best , but looks like a bad hire now.

[...] Koetter, 52, was Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011. He will replace Mike Mularkey, who left to become Jacksonville’s head coach. AJC columnist Jeff Schultz has checked in already on the hire. [...]

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
12:49 pm

Runnin with the Dawgs
January 15th, 2012
12:14 pm

He’ll be coming to a team with a higher quality of talent on the offense than he had at Jax. Remember when Gene Chizik went to Auburn. The entire fan base thought it was crazy to hire him, as he had never had a winning record anywhere. Auburn went undefeated in his first year as head coach. Welcome Dirk! Do us good. GO FALCONS!
__________________________________

Chizik did NOT go undefeated his first year at Auburn. He finished 8-5 there in 2009. Check your facts before you post.

Paul From Milton

January 15th, 2012
12:50 pm

He better get that offense producing quickly or it will get even uglier. Now let’s hire Del Rio as DC and the circle will be complete.

Greg M

January 15th, 2012
12:50 pm

Give them tickets up like you all did when Vick left. I will jump all over them as if the stock market dropped. The Falcons will prevail. Go Falcons.

coo coo bird fan

January 15th, 2012
12:50 pm

U gotta be kidding ME!!! The confidence level is dwindling by the second as well as fans, I do not trust this pick and unless MJD comes along with him whats the use. Falcons lose 10 games next year and Mr. Koetner gets the door after one year, book it!!

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:50 pm

Jeff Shultz said: “…2) The Falcons’ third straight immediate playoff exit has, for the first time, put some heat on Smith, and that perceived uncertainty sometimes affects a team’s ability to hire a high-profile candidate.”

Translation: Smith has 2 years. Period. Blank did not want to put added burden on Smith by having a strong minded and potential Head Coach in waiting. Therefore he allow Smith with someone who would not undermine him and the team.

welikebaseball2

January 15th, 2012
12:50 pm

I knew they’d go with someone that Smith has worked with. In turn, I knew that would be someone on the conservative side (32nd in passing doesn’t exactly scream agressive). Mike Smith has got to go.

Section 335

January 15th, 2012
12:51 pm

I think John Henderson is available for DC…….

FalconFan

January 15th, 2012
12:51 pm

Well, that’s probably Smitty’s last hire…

tree rollins

January 15th, 2012
12:52 pm

Regarding the Falcons sexy new hire for OC, I think we just traded Rosanne Barr (Mularkey) for Rosie O’Donnel (Koetter). Falcons fans have got to be thrilled – I can see those 2012 season tickets just flyin’ off the shelves!

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:52 pm

Typto Error –

Blank allowed Smith to HIRE someone who would not undermine is authority and be seen as a “Head Coach-In Waiting”.

Mike Smith….you are now on the CLOCK!

john

January 15th, 2012
12:52 pm

Unbelievable I’ve been glued to the computer all week to see this coordinator get hired. I feel betrayed!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:52 pm

A MESSAGE FROM MRS CHARLIE…………………..

I can’t show my face anymore because of all the ELITE talk I made about CHOKE.

I am a COWARD so I have retired my screen name, and just monitor the comments on the blogs until the heat settles down, and I can sneak and make a comment in the near future, and hopefully the CHOKE critics will forget what I said.

In the End I’m just a COWARD :)

Bama Bill

January 15th, 2012
12:52 pm

Guess the Bama OC job was not available – but why did the Falcons take him ? Strange hire !

Ole richie

January 15th, 2012
12:53 pm

This guy has never had a decent QB or a serviceable WR in jax. Let’s hold off on the wfts and give the dude a chance with some real talent

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:53 pm

I give up…another typo error.

Must be the keyboard…full of Mularkey and Dirk-doo-doo

Cal

January 15th, 2012
12:53 pm

So much for all the talk of wanting a championship from Mr. Blank. You let the staff go hire another dud coordinator with no resume to speak of. No good coordinator wants to work with mike smith, his style is to old and the NFL has passed him by. Now how does Author Blank expect to win with basiclly the same coaching staff?

BLACKFALCON

January 15th, 2012
12:54 pm

We are condemning before we see it play out … He never had a quarterback to coach.

Are you kidding me?

January 15th, 2012
12:55 pm

Breaking news… The next piece of the puzzle will be implemented when the falcons announce Grady high’s own towel boy to the position of Defensive Coach. Falcons are looking for a perfect compliment to their newly hired OC. Smith was recently quoted saying ” I feel real comfortable with the towel boy… During Friday night lights, he was always there with a smile and a fresh towel… I don’t care if he does not have a results oriented record as a DC, its part of the process. Folks, this is pitiful.

Danny

January 15th, 2012
12:55 pm

OK, folks, the Falcons have demonstrated their lack of commitment to producing a winning team. There is only one way you and I can show our displeasure with their decisions. No one within the Falcons organization will read these posts but believe me, there is a way for us to make a difference. Do not purchase tickets to the game and do not buy their NFL memorabilia. This is the only way for our voice to be heard. An empty stadium, no concessions, no parking fees, no jersey sales is our only effective voice. Please, let’s bad together on this. If this is the best Mike Smith can do, I’m so ready for him to be gone as well!!!!!!!!!!

FalconFan

January 15th, 2012
12:55 pm

Let’s see, Falcons burn 5 picks to get Jones so they can go downfield, now they hire a OC who thinks down field is 3 yards past the line of scrimmage. Screwy.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:55 pm

Everybody talked trash about Jim Mora, but he won a playoff game and made it to the Championship game in his 1st season…………….

HA HA HA :)

Bama mike

January 15th, 2012
12:55 pm

Well. Where do I get my discounted tickets for the 2012 Mike Smith farewell tour.

Larry

January 15th, 2012
12:56 pm

I think it would be wise for us to began wishing Blank would sell the team to a true leader.

Remember, it was Bernie Marcus that was the CEO and number one guy that founded Home Depot, and Arthur Blank as CFO simply helped to seek investors and managed the money. He is your classic number two guy and he shows it often with his decisions:

1. Firing Reeves,
2. Hugging and loving on Vick for all to view.
3. Hiring Mora
4. Hiring Petrino.
5. Marrying–and leaving–women 25 years his junior.

What is more successful, the Georgia Aquarium or the Atlanta Falcons?

SawThat1nce

January 15th, 2012
12:56 pm

We’ll just have to wait and see. If Smith makes this guy toe the line with his conservative run first philosophy, like he did the last OC.
And makes whichever person that they hire for DC follows his bend but don’t break defensive ideas, Smith won’t be around much longer.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
12:56 pm

I was SURE Mike BOBO was going to be the Falcons new OC.

Bama mike

January 15th, 2012
12:56 pm

Memo to Flowery Branch. See San Francisco on how to do it.

Marvin Mangrum

January 15th, 2012
12:56 pm

It is really rather simple, you can x it you can o it to death but really its just this, who hired the last genius? Somehow or the other I have just a nagging feeling that it was the same guy who hired the last one. Never read about it here, but I saw several games this year where it looked to me like someone did not have a plan. When you watch a half of a pro football and can not see the plan, would you say you have a problem? I saw at least 5 games where it looked like kiddie ball! So it is good that genius is gone, but why do we keep swapping all this great talent with, the ahem, Jags? Just curious.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
12:57 pm

In this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnbNcQlzV-4 . . ..you have:

Arthur Blank plays the role as “The Boss”
Lucy Ball playing the role as “Coach Smith”
Ethel playing the role as “Thomas Dimitroff”

Totally Inept!

Runnin with the Dawgs

January 15th, 2012
12:58 pm

I remember when Mr. Blank bought the Falcons, and hired Mike Smith to be head coach. I thought here we go again, but he brought us a winner for three consecutive seasons. I’m sure Mr Blank approved this hire, and in view of what he has done with the Falcons so far I trust his judgement.

SirReal

January 15th, 2012
12:58 pm

BREAKING NEWS: Falcons hire Jacksonville Jaguars D-Line coach as DC. Or was it their LB coach? Or was it their secondary coach? Or was it……

Rankin Smith

January 15th, 2012
12:58 pm

Making me look like a genius.

Dennis

January 15th, 2012
12:59 pm

Sorry, but I just can’t get excited about this one.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
12:59 pm

2008 vs NFC West……………….PUNKED

2010 vs NFC Nort………………….PUNKED

2011 vs NFC East…………………..PUNKED

CHOKE is running out of divisions to be PUNKED :)

slobberknocker

January 15th, 2012
12:59 pm

Is today April 1st ?

Cal

January 15th, 2012
1:00 pm

I’m with Danny………..No one from the falcon organization that matters read these blogs, if you want change. STOP BUYING GAME TICKETS AND OTHER FALCON ITEMS. the fans deserve better.

Way to go Blank!

January 15th, 2012
1:01 pm

Wow…I thought we wanted to win a superbowl. I thought Blank wanted to build a new stadium. Obviously not.

This isn’t on the players, it’s not on the coaches, it’s not on Dimitroff. This decision falls on Blank. Honestly, if this was the best his dream team could come up with he should have told them to kick rocks and started the rebuilding process a year early.

And for all the people talking about Jacksonville’s lack of talent, if this guy is going to be so great now that he has our talent then just think of what the Offensive Coordinator of the 31st ranked offense in the league would have been able to do. Lord knows what we could have had if we had even TALKED to the coordinator of the 15th ranked offense.

Way to go Falcons! Way to shed the years of losing and bring this team into a new age…of more losing.

Honestly, if he had sold the team back to the Smith’s I think I would have been happier.

tidog

January 15th, 2012
1:01 pm

The hire means nothing if the offensive line issue isn’t addressed. Mr. Blank has been talking toughness, the GM has been talking toughness sinc the abrupt season end.. Toughness isn’t what their line lacks, its power and strength. If the line doesn’t get overpowered on 4th and one three times this season we split with the Saints and possibly beat the Giants. You give your back a inch he’ll take a yard, Turner isn’t the problem it’s the guys opening the holes lack of power and strength.

Great Falconi

January 15th, 2012
1:01 pm

How many times do we run our mouths about how terrible or great someone is only to find that we’re wrong? I’ll give Koetter the benefit of the doubt, but Smitty’s on the hot seat and needs this hire to be a good one. We’ll see if Smitty gets what he needs.

tree rollins

January 15th, 2012
1:02 pm

News flash – del Rio just turned down the DC job with the Atlanta Jaguars after admitting even HE did not want to coach on a team with Welcome Back Koetter in the offensive reins again this season! Coach Smith now saying he may give the slot to Mike Peterson – a guy that understands the Jags defensive system.

cedrick

January 15th, 2012
1:02 pm

LOSER, They went out and hired a LOSER for OC!!!! Hell, I would have been happy with them going after a winner a college coaching but NOPE, they went after a LOSER!!!! Look I might have reached my limit with with the Falcons it may be time for me too get off the bangwagon of my home team and find a new squad!!!! This is very disappointing!!!!!!!!! Someone post the address of where I should sent all this Falcon mess back to Mr. Blank! :(

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
1:03 pm

Great Falconi- True enough and he may turn out to be great. But based on the facts we have at this point it doesn’t look like a good hire. I hope I am wrong.

Ted M

January 15th, 2012
1:03 pm

I know the Falcons don’t have a 1st round draft pick. Do the they have a 2nd round draft pick? I’m not sure. Anyone?

Cal

January 15th, 2012
1:03 pm

Make the front office do better, let’s just stop purchasing Falcon products and tickets till they do more. They can do better than what their doing, they’re just half azz presenting a product to the fans. YES I’M ANGRY, you should be too…………

SawThat1nce

January 15th, 2012
1:04 pm

Agreee with tidog, the GM needs to get a strong OLine and DLine also, if this team is going to have any success against the better NFL teams.

Bruce

January 15th, 2012
1:04 pm

Saying “He never had a QB to coach” is like saying I never had a job as a NASCAR driver, but you are going to put me in a car & see if I can win the Daytona 500. I hope I am wrong but I wonder what they saw in this guy? Not sure how going 32nd even with no talent shows that you have the ability to do an outstanding job. Lots of yds at ASU against Pac 10 defenses does not exactly give him rave reviews.

Devil's Advocate

January 15th, 2012
1:04 pm

I see all this talk about passing but what about his rushing numbers? You people in the media just like Falcons management will sink with the ship if you keep trying to make Matt Ryan = Brees/Rogers/Brady. Falcons must return to a dominant running game or else…

Fal Con

January 15th, 2012
1:04 pm

Welcome to Atlanta Coach Koetter. I wish you much success with the FALCONS.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:05 pm

Man the Ravens know how to draft.

They don’t waste 72 million on a 22 PICK CHUMP

or…………………..

Throw away a WHOLE draft for a player that the BUST can’t utilize his downfield skills………………..

HA HA HA :)

10 Year Season Ticket Holder

January 15th, 2012
1:06 pm

I will be renewing my season tickets this year. Falcons, do not take that a vote of confidence. I am only doing it it sale to the fans of NFC East teams, I will take all that extra cash and go on a nice vacation instead of letting you disappoint yet again. Thanks for making the decision easy on me.

Bug Zapper

January 15th, 2012
1:06 pm

I’d trade Bobo for Koetter anyday!

Supa Steve

January 15th, 2012
1:06 pm

As Falcons fans usually do, most people are freaking out way too hard…am I impressed with the hiring? No…but have we lost trust in TD and company? I haven’t. Look what Koetter was given to work with besides his always great running game…David Garrard didn’t have the highest of ceilings, and the JAX’s best receiver in the last five years has been either Mike Sims-Walker or Mercedes Lewis. I’m interested to see what he can do with our talented offense that Mularkey couldn’t…

Cal

January 15th, 2012
1:06 pm

They have a second round pick, might need it to draft a DC though

dave

January 15th, 2012
1:07 pm

Regrettably, I fear this decision will be the beginning of the end for Mike Smith as the Falcon’s head coach, I hope I’m proved wrong.

Falcon Realist

January 15th, 2012
1:07 pm

This is great news. It means the Falcons are assured of having a new coach in 2013. Mike Smith does not get it. You have to have the ability to throw the ball in the Red Zone. What has Jacksonville ever won? So what Jones-Drew leads the league in rushing. Michael Turner is always around the top guys in rushing. Jacksonville’s problem was always passing the ball. This guy will not help Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan is disappointed himself. This guy will help Ryan remain where he is — a good QB, nothing special. In two years Alex Smith will move past Ryan on the QB ranking.

Mike Smith wants to feel safe and in charge of his team. He won and Arthur Blank got suckered again.

Trust me, Mike Smith has one year left before Thomas D. throws him under the bus.

jerseyfalcon

January 15th, 2012
1:07 pm

Who was last in defense last year?…last in special teams? Atl will hire him next…

The Czar

January 15th, 2012
1:07 pm

This is a sad hire. I want be renewing my season tickets. Tired of the same ole same ole.

Tommyb

January 15th, 2012
1:08 pm

Mike Smith is a clown …..what is about this nepotism …..this tells me he rather feel comfortable with his friends then making a tough decision. Also seems he more concerned for his buddies then the future of this franchise…… I cannot believe blank allowed this

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:08 pm

Greg Williams left as Saints DC guess who they are looking at Spags and Nolan think we will screw that one up too. They make it so hard to say go Falcons.

Section 335

January 15th, 2012
1:10 pm

OK, since I was already stupid enough to throw my chips into the middle of the season ticket pool for next season I think instead of purchasing my customary Falcons gear, I’ll buy a Jaguars jersey and throw Tuggle’s name on the back of it next season.

I feel like such a sucker and I know that the Falcons sales team is laughing at my stupidity this morning.

WaitandSee

January 15th, 2012
1:10 pm

wait&see……….Chuck Oliver? Really you are going to listen to Chuck “Fat DA” Oliver for your coaching advise? You have been Smoking with VICK & CROWELL?

5150 UOAD- Chuck Oliver also taught English in high school and he told me to tell you that it’s not advise he gives, it’s advice. Looks like someone was smoking when they posted that message. By the way breaktime is over. Back to the fries.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:11 pm

Falcon Realist

January 15th, 2012
1:07 pm

This is great news. It means the Falcons are assured of having a new coach in 2013. Mike Smith does not get it. You have to have the ability to throw the ball in the Red Zone. What has Jacksonville ever won? So what Jones-Drew leads the league in rushing. Michael Turner is always around the top guys in rushing. Jacksonville’s problem was always passing the ball. This guy will not help Matt Ryan. Matt Ryan is disappointed himself. This guy will help Ryan remain where he is — a good QB, nothing special. In two years Alex Smith will move past Ryan on the QB ranking.

__________________________________________________

Dan Marino couldn’t help CHOKE……………….

He SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSS :)

tree rollins

January 15th, 2012
1:12 pm

David Garrard coming aboard as new passing coach under Koetter to coach up Matt Ryan – welcome to the all new Atlanta Jags.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:14 pm

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:08 pm

Greg Williams left as Saints DC guess who they are looking at Spags and Nolan think we will screw that one up too. They make it so hard to say go Falcons.

_______________________________________________

Spags to Eagles

Nolan to Saints

Why would any good coach want to play with CHOKE?

HA HA HA :)

New Age Offense

January 15th, 2012
1:14 pm

The problem with Smitty and a lot of the old school coaches is they have a tendency not to change with the times. This is a new offensive age with the new rules average QB’s can throw for 300 yards. Smitty Stategy can get us to the play-offs but the Falcons will not be able to advance in the playoffs

JSin

January 15th, 2012
1:15 pm

Smitty is gone next year…no doubt about it. Why would they make this hire??

marshall

January 15th, 2012
1:16 pm

Well i’ll start off by saying not doing back flips over this hire. But the thing that does intrige me is that we hired someone who was being considered to coach for alabama. We all consider Nick Sabin a smart guy and a great coach weather you like him or not, and sabin interviewed him to take over a national championship offense, so there muat be something there. Plus he was the guy that started the climb of boise state rise out of obscirity. talent make you look good, lack of it makes you look badheres hoping he ends up look good with the talent we have.

Falcon Realist

January 15th, 2012
1:17 pm

Mike Smith hired one of his boys to prove loyalty because he will be looking for a LB coaching job in 2013 after the Falcons fail to make the playoffs.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:18 pm

HA HA HA

Flacco in the 1st quarter has done what CHOKE couldn’t do the whole game……………..

SCORE Offensive points………………..

HA HA HA :)

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
1:19 pm

D man

January 15th, 2012
12:23 pm

This is a great franchise compared to the beginning 30 years . . . I believe if you have a season like the Falcons had this season, it was a great season.
__________________________

Attitudes like this help explain why Atlanta (”Losersville”) has only ONE championship in ANY pro sport (’95 Braves) in its nearly half a century of putting teams on the field. Far too many fans are satisfied with mediocrity. D man even calls it “great.” What a loser.

DawgDad

January 15th, 2012
1:19 pm

Look, if I were on the hot seat like Smith I would want to circle the wagons with people I know and trust. I would not want to take chances on people or invite potential backstabbers onto the coaching staff.

It will be very difficult for the Falcons to overcome all the personnel upheaval coming this offseason and plug the gaping holes along the offensive and defensive lines to make a playoff run in 2012. The team may take a step back before they are positioned to move forward. People need to temper expectations – for all the glitz and glory and lofty expectations the Saints are sitting at home today, too, along with the Steelers.

It’s a good thing to be in the mix every year, but teams in all sports struggle to make the jump from playoff contender to playoff winner. Often, these teams focus on being one or two key players away and overlook significant talent gaps and weaknesses in other areas. The Flacons are a playoff contender and NOT a championship contender, and they have serious work at hand this offseason just to maintain the level of achievement.

tree rollins

January 15th, 2012
1:22 pm

Dimitroff just got his marching orders from the new coaching staff – trade Matt Ryan and no more than 5 draft picks for Blaine Gabbert now so we can jump start this Atlanta offense like it was in Jacksonville. TD just checked his cubbard and said he might not have enough draft picks left -but he noted he can use all his 2014 picks if Jax will take them off his hands….

Alan

January 15th, 2012
1:23 pm

You guys a re a bunch of whingers. Read the article referred to above about this guy’s philosophy. He emphasises spreading the field horizontally and vertically, and knows how to use the slot WR and RBs to open up the passing game. That alone puts him way ahead of Mularkey.

At least give the guy a chance to succeed, before passing judgment .If he’s that bad, we’ll be cleaning house and moving on soon enough.

PS – who are these proven, elite candidates that we passed up? Clements was awful as OC in Buffalo, Bilick (if he was even available) hasn’t coached a decent offense since 98, and Martz has been terrible at every job he’s held since leaving St Louis.

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:24 pm

Just saying could have done better I am sure.

Cal

January 15th, 2012
1:24 pm

DONE BLANK, I done blogging and talking about it. maybe i’m wrong about this, maybe the problem is the owner not knowing anything about football. It dosen’t take a genious to know we’re headed down the same road again. tired of waiting to the next year, every year. Done with this foolishness……………………….OUT FOR GOOD. (thanks Falcon fans for the great blogs over the years)

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:26 pm

Can’t wait till next year.

Great Falconi

January 15th, 2012
1:27 pm

I’m not at all confident in this hire, but I wouldn’t be confident in hiring any of the people I saw mentioned for this job. If we had hired Brian Schottenheimer, I wouldn’t be confident about him because I saw the Jets struggle regularly. If Mike Martz had been hired, I wouldn’t have been confident in him to do anything worthwhile. If Billick had been hired, I would think back to all those crappy Ravens offenses he helped author. If Hue Jackson had been hired, I would look back at his power-hungry and scheming ways during his failed season as the Raiders head coach. Rick Neuheisel? Hahahaha. Who else did we see connected to this job?

See what I mean? If you’re not drinking the Kool-Aid, you’re not going to feel good about anybody. Therefore, it’s up to Koetter (and whoever gets the job on the other side of the ball) to surprise us with success. I don’t mind being surprised. As a Falcon fan, I’m used to being disappointed and can handle that quite well.

mj

January 15th, 2012
1:28 pm

Alright Smith, your round ones are definitely on the table now. Hope you are making choices out of sound mind instead of respect. Good luck and we will see! Next? Don’t tell me Bill Billick as defensive cord? Oh, he’s an offensive guy. Come on Man!!!

Section 335

January 15th, 2012
1:28 pm

Alan-I mean Coach Smith, I’m not drinking that Gatorade again. Why don’t you look at the NFL numbers of “your boy” against any of the guys you just named and get back with us.

Good luck with unemployment next season!

Dan

January 15th, 2012
1:29 pm

I thought Mr. Blank was serious about improving the coaching staff.
They hire one that a college team (Alabama) just turned down and make him OC.
That tells me that the Falcons really don’t care as much about winning as they do about unemployed friends.

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:29 pm

No Spags no Nolan let’s go after GB DC 32nd on offense why not 32nd on defense?

JSS

January 15th, 2012
1:30 pm

The smile on my face is as wide as the Sahara Desert! I said the following last Wednesday: “Do you really trust (Mike) Smith with the choice?

Again he has proven that it is his philosophy and conservative nature. Rivera and Williams will chew him up and spit him out! Good luck with that!!!

Michael

January 15th, 2012
1:30 pm

Thank you Alan, that was my point. None of the other candidates came without their own faults. If any of them were so great then they’d be getting HC interviews. @Falcons4Eva, thanks for clarifying what you meant about Chip Kelly. Goes to the point Alan and I are making, Chip Kelly would be exciting but he’s not going to leave to be an OC, he’d want to be an HC just like most of the “exciting” candidates.

Relax people, good coordinators put their players in position to do what they do well. See the Alex Smith rushing TD yesterday versus NO, that was a brilliant call. That is what Mularkey lacked. The ability to be creative when the moment called for it. Let’s see what Koetter can do in his moment.

tree rollins

January 15th, 2012
1:32 pm

Falcons just opened a new season tickets package today – you can now see half of the Jaguars games and half the Falcons games in the same season. This way, you can now see coaches Smith, Mularkey, and Koetter all in the same season and watch some of the most explosive offenses in the NFL! Watch the 2 young star QB’s – Gabbert and Ryan. Who cares about the Packers? Watch these great offensive minds put on a clinic on where the new NFL is headed with offensive coaching.

Dirk Koetter

January 15th, 2012
1:33 pm

I guess all you falcon fans no more than me since you run your own fantasy football teams. Let’s see. What’s the payout for winning the championship? $250 a season. That ought to be enough for bus passes for the year. Bunch of losers.

GDawg

January 15th, 2012
1:33 pm

Enter your comments here

Greg Mendel

January 15th, 2012
1:34 pm

Maybe Koetter isn’t a genius, which could be a reason for optimism. The last offensive genius, the one he’s replacing, couldn’t figure out how to get the most out of Ryan, White, Jones, Gonzalez, Douglas, Rodgers, Weems, or Turner. Maybe Koetter is smart enough to figure out how to lock and load his new weapons with live rounds.

chris

January 15th, 2012
1:34 pm

you gotta be kidding…you cant tell me we couldnt have waited a few weeks did a real search and gotten someone with a proven track record of SUCCESS….???? well its looking more and more like we wont be worrying about first round playoff loss in 2012 – wont be any playoffs with this setup–disappointed…very

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
1:34 pm

Michael- While the other candidates had issues, they also had some evidence based success. None for this guy. Actually , quite the opposite. So it is just a hope and prayer. Give me one reason to justify the hire.

Mo

January 15th, 2012
1:35 pm

My sources tell me that the former equipment manager of jaxville during the time Mike Smith was there
is currently being interviewed for the DC position for the Atl Falcons. True? He did work for Jaxville so clearly he’s the odds on favorite.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
1:35 pm

JP
“All the great OC’s have elite QB’s or QB’s who play elite….as I mentioned prior, the OC is only as good as the QB and the QB’s ability to make plays…elite QB play equals playoff wins……just look at the games already played thus far in this year’s playoff’s…..some of you are way too emotional to post on a sports blog..!!!! LMAO…!!!”

I agree. Alex Smith and TJ Yates are DEFINITELY elite quarterbacks right….RIGHT? Ha. That was a good joke my friend; started my morning off right. IT ALL STARTS WITH COACHING! Mularkey NEVER put the game in Ryan’s hands, and as a result, we got crappy play calling and a quarterback handcuffed by his OC. Get a clue son. IT STARTS AT THE TOP!

Mr. ATL

January 15th, 2012
1:38 pm

At a minimum, politically bad choice.

Arthur Blank = Rankin Smith

January 15th, 2012
1:38 pm

Poor Matt.
He might have been a star with good coaching.
He’s probably a year from being the second coming of David Carr (who also had no chance).

KennyRK

January 15th, 2012
1:39 pm

I totally agree with D Man’s comments. For the last 4 years we have been able to watch regular season games THAT MATTER. I will take that over all of the past season in a heartbeat. This team needs stability; I understand that we took a step back this year but that doesn’t mean that both MS and TD should be fired. I believe this hire will allow Matt to call a majority of the plays, which is fine with me. This is why everyone says Atlanta has the worst fans in America.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
1:41 pm

Falcons and Dwags are the same.
Will the FALCONS start the season with a RED OUT? I am sure the Dwags have plenty of those Power Ranger uniforms and Helmets they can sell the Falcons.

ibelieve

January 15th, 2012
1:42 pm

He will do well if he get the highest rated players on the board and not be over rules with some black dot criteria. The GM is killing the Falcons with this criteria and other teams in the NFL are drafting them and going to the playoff ! This staff has made a lot of misses the last three years. Jones is a good player but please do not mortgage the organization with a trade like this again. Blank would not have trade with Lowe’s by giving up the Atlanta, Jasksonville market etc. for the New York market improve his over all bottom line when he was number one the year before, (13-3) Remove the darn dots and draft the best players. If they screw up after they have being giving a chance cut them. But at least give the men a chance. He with out fault throw the first stone.

Driver 8

January 15th, 2012
1:43 pm

Dirk Diggler would have been a better choice

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:44 pm

Flacco 2 touch down passes in the 1st quarter…………………….

Everybody say it with me………………………………….

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO…………………..

HA HA HA :)

The Duke

January 15th, 2012
1:45 pm

Are you freaking kidding me? This guy just got his last boss fired at JAX. Mike Smith and his cronyism is sickening really. And shame on Arthur Blank for allowing mediocracy. If I were a season ticket holder I would certainly not renew now.

Gman 84

January 15th, 2012
1:46 pm

Love how Blank comes out with his, “I’m angry and demand a Super Bowl” talk and then they hire this guy. Talk is cheap and so are the Falcons – a doomed enterprise

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:48 pm

OK, before we pass judgement on the guy, like Schultz, remember this. Jacksonville has not exactly given this guy alot to work with at the WR posituion and QB. Look at the starters for both positions since he has been there. A great rb is not a balanced offense. If he is an expert at passing the ball then we have the weapons for him to prove his bio. Now, you arm chair coaches / gm’s can b*tch and complain the rest of the day. It does not mean you or Schultz are right.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:48 pm

Everything about the Ravens is lite years ahead of the Falcants:

GM………………….Better

COACH………………………..Better

QB…………………….Give me a break………………..Better

While the Falcants fans keep celebrating back to back winning seasons, the Ravens are not satisfied until they win ANOTHER superbowl…………….

HA HA HA :)

RGO67

January 15th, 2012
1:48 pm

Q and A with Dirk….http://xandolabs.com/2011/07/dirk-koetter-exclusive-interview/

Non-season ticket holder ever (& early retiree)

January 15th, 2012
1:49 pm

Kenny, maybe u have unlimited funds to support mediocrity but I and many others don’t.
With the Packers, Niners, Pats, etc, you know u can give them a few years and they’ll be back in the Super Bowl.
With the Falcons, had you been a season ticket holder since 1966, you would have no Super Bowl wins and only one appearance for your money.
Had you instead saved the money, you would be able to retire early.
Did I mention I have never bought a Falcon ticket and retired in my fifties.

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:49 pm

Matt Choke, worry about your own team that is out of the playoofs and choked again.

Truth

January 15th, 2012
1:50 pm

@5150 UAOD

Fact is, UGA is a relevant player in the NCAA, Tech isn’t and hasn’t been for a long time. We average 10 wins a year over the last 11 years and we still have heat on our coach, rightly or wrongly. We are relevant, you aren’t. Envy is ugly still at your age. Get over it.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
1:50 pm

Kramer dont feed him, he’s a cry baby who has nothing to live for. He will be fine if we dont talk to him :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:50 pm

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:49 pm

Matt Choke, worry about your own team that is out of the playoofs and choked again

____________________________________________________

My team is your team, I’m just Embarrassed to say it…………….

HA HA HA :)

Reality

January 15th, 2012
1:51 pm

A thought out of left field: Mike Singeltary as DC. Yes, I know he isn’t coaching the Niners but he turned them around.

Did you see the niners D yesterday? Intense and hard hitting. Brees had nobody open all day.

Singeltary may be wired a bit too tight as a HC but I give him a ton of credit for instilling a toughness in what was a soft, awful team.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
1:51 pm

Guy could be a great hire but I doubt it.
Maybe we can get KEN WHISENHUNT as the HC next year.

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:51 pm

Matt choke, the only thing light years ahead is the fact that your football inteligence is so far behind. Let me guess, you were a aint’s fan yesterday and today you are a die hard Ravens fan. That is until they lose at Foxboro next week then you love the Pats.

falconfansince03

January 15th, 2012
1:52 pm

Allowing such a quick decision on an OC with the record Koetter had at the Jags, seems to speak VOLUMES about Mr. Blank’s trust and faith in TD and Smitty. I’m guessing that trust will last just one more season.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:53 pm

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
1:50 pm

Kramer dont feed him, he’s a cry baby who has nothing to live for. He will be fine if we dont talk to him

__________________________________________________

Ravens 17

Texans 3

Flacco 2 touch downs………………..

Isn’t that the same team that CHOKE had a 50 qb rating and lost to a rookie?

HA HA HA :)

steven A.

January 15th, 2012
1:53 pm

Falcons will miss the playoffs next season. They will be swept by the Carolina Panthers. Stick a fork in him, 3rd in the NFC South, “Smitty will be done.” YES!!!!

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:54 pm

Matt choke, first off, stop with the ha ha’s and smile faces. This is not facebook and you might be 16 but, most of us on here are not. If you are to embarrassed to be a Falcon fan then jump on the Packers or 49ers, or Patriots bandwagon. Quite frankly we do not need your dumba** with our base.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
1:54 pm

Didnt Flacco put up a goose egg against the JAGS? Dont worry Choke, I’ll still be your friend, maybe one day you’ll find peace :)

LaVelle

January 15th, 2012
1:55 pm

As a TRUE FALCON Fan, This pick DISAPPOINTS ME IN NUMEROUS WAYS, I have watched every single game of Matt Ryan Tenure and he needs a guy who can bring out his full potential..

1. Brian Billick and Tom Clements, were the guys I was so hoping for. Billick with his KNOWN offensive expertise and winning a Super Bowl and Clements because of the amazing job he has done with Rogers.

2. We need to become a PASSING Offense, we have one of the top QBs, explosive WRs and Yet, our coaches do not want to or refuse to use this to our advantage.

3. The Jaguars have always been a RUN FIRST TEAM, in order to be like the PACKERS, SAINTS, PATRIOTS, this philosophy has to change, and it definitely will not change under Mike Smith.

4. FANS wanted an EXCITING HIRE, ARTHUR BLANK does not listen to the FANS. SOmetimes you have to do what will make your FANS happy and also create a BUZZ around the league while during the Offseason. YES the drafting of Julio created Buzz last year, but this YEAR we have nothing and this pick only makes it worse.

5. If they do not do something very BOLD when it comes to the Defensive COACH pick, it will be a long offseason, full of worry.

OVERALL, Blank and Smith, you guys need to stop holding Matt Ryan Back and let him go and see what he can do, running the ball more and more, you will never be able to realize his full potential, yes there was a lot of times we passed a lot, but it was the CHOICE of play calls that were being made, look at the Patriots offense last night or saints, they will run 3 or four recievers out there at at a time with unique play sets. I will not stop being a Falcons Fan, but this was really disappointing to here, Blank YOU SAY YOUR GOAL IS TO WIN A SUPER BOWL, WELL YOU NEED TO STOP LETTING SMITH PICK HIS FRIENDS, AND PICK GUYS WHO WILL BRING THE TOUGHNESS WE TRULLY NEED, YOU HAVE COMMERCIALS SAYING RISE UP ATLANTA, BUT YOU YOUR OWN SELF WILL NOT FOLLOW THE SLOGAN, COME ON FALCONS, ARTHUR BLANK TAKE A CHANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:55 pm

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:51 pm

Matt choke, the only thing light years ahead is the fact that your football inteligence

________________________________________

Is that the same football intelligence that predicted in 2008 that your boy will be a CHOKE or…………………..

Your intelligence that said he will win in the playoffs………………..

Put down your brain before you hurt yourself…………………..

HA HA HA :)

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:56 pm

ohhhhyeah, maybe that is chokes problem, he needs a piece. To much chokin’ the chicken has clouded his judgement. Packers, Pats, 49ers, they always want more fans chokey.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:57 pm

steven A.

January 15th, 2012
1:53 pm

Falcons will miss the playoffs next season. They will be swept by the Carolina Panthers. Stick a fork in him, 3rd in the NFC South, “Smitty will be done.” YES!!!!

____________________________________________

HA HA HA

2004 is a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG time ago…………………

It will be 10 plus years before they win another playoff game…………………

HA HA HA :)

slad3

January 15th, 2012
1:57 pm

good thought reality. he could take the D up a notch

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

CHOKE is just another angry black QB fan. He is mad because no AA are leading their teams to the SB like his favorite player MV7.
CHOKE is not a Falcon Fan. He WAS when MV7 was here but not anymore.
CHOKE would NEVER say his real name. Never PROVE he is a Falcon season ticket holder or ever has been.
We know you CHOKE and what your issue is.

New Age Offense

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

Wow the Falcon fans aresck of cronyism, well lets see America is the land of cronyism….By the way I am not sure Matty Ice can become an elite quarterback therefore the Falcons will need an elite running back… Matty Ice lacks pocket presence….he has a tendency to panick when the pocket gets tight…

DEP

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

Smitty…the only way this is gonna work is if you let this guy actually run a offense, not a offense that plods along, but one that attacks the defense. We know Del Rio was even more conservative offensively than you, so maybe this guy was tied up by Del Rio, I don’t know, but please let the Offense attack instead of the old 3 yards and a wish on 3rd down. And get a DC that beleives in kicking the Q’sB butt and not play zone every play like BVG did.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
1:54 pm

Matt choke, first off, stop with the ha ha’s and smile faces. This is not facebook and you might be 16 but, most of us on here are not. If you are to embarrassed to be a Falcon fan then jump on the Packers or 49ers, or Patriots bandwagon. Quite frankly we do not need your dumba** with our base

___________________________________________

I’m sorry if your life is so sad that you are threatened by smiles, but being a CHOKE fan that is enough to make any soul go cold…………………

HA HA HA :)

HA HA HA :)

HA HA HA :)

miked706

January 15th, 2012
2:01 pm

This organization just made me cancel my season tickets. The coach doesn’t want to win. The GM doesn’t want to win and this coach isn’t going to take us nowhere. You hire a guy whose offense was last in the league? Keep the tickets, I’ll watch the boring offense I’m tv. I’m still a fan just not a season ticket fan anymore.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:01 pm

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
1:54 pm

Didnt Flacco put up a goose egg against the JAGS? Dont worry Choke, I’ll still be your friend, maybe one day you’ll find peace

______________________________________________

See that’s the difference between Falcants fans and Ravens fans………………

They care more about playoff wins and not regular season insignificant losses…………

That’s why you are watching Flacco on t.v…………………..

HA HA HA :)

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
2:01 pm

LaVell, the Billick thing would not have worked considering his relationship to Smith. say he came in here and things did not improve. You think Smith would want to fire his family? Your second point is one that is valid however, this guy is supposed to be a passing guru. Like I said before, look at the talent he has had to work with in Jax. Your 3rd point has to do with my last sentence. No qb and wr’s means you have to run first. Your 4th point has been proven wrong over and over in the sporst world. Good front office do NOT hire to excite the fan base. They hire the best man for the job. Your 5th point is the same as the 4th. They have to hire the best man.

Michael

January 15th, 2012
2:03 pm

Rivercard- Koetter’s teams at ASU were pass heavy teams and he is known to be a guy who favors the vertical passing game. Look at the offensive numbers he put up at ASU from 01-06, and the numbers he put up in Jax in 07′ when they were a playoff team. Koetter’s area of expertise is the passing game and that’s where we fell short offensively last year. I admit that I wasn’t “excited” about this hire either but I’m not doom and gloom like most of the people on this blog because I realize that the Falcons have serious personnel issues up front on both sides of the ball. The biggest difference between the teams still playing now and the Falcons is the talent on the OLine/DLine.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:03 pm

REally quick Choke, remind me how many Super Bowls Flacco has? Wait….you mean he hasn’t won a Super Bowl yet? So…..you’re saying those playoff wins mean jsut as much as a regular season win? Dang….who would’ve thought?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:04 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

CHOKE is just another angry black QB fan.

_______________________________________

Do you work for Uncle Sam? How do you know what ethnicity or gender I am? :)

D. Orlando Bedwetter

January 15th, 2012
2:04 pm

Real Atlanta ‘fans’ should thank Arthur Blank, Dimitroff, and Coach Smith for hiring Dirk Koetter.

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
2:05 pm

Michael, best comment so far. I think this is a good hire and we have to improve the line on both sides to make this a SB contender. You do not do squat without a physical line.

Greg Mendel

January 15th, 2012
2:05 pm

I wonder how “quick” the decision on Koetter actually was. Mularkey interviewed for HC positions last year, so management had to know he was interested. By mid-season 2011, it was obvious to everyone that the team was not explosive, as expected. With the writing on the wall, consideration of potential OC replacements probably started early. Koetter could have been a second or third choice, but it would be naive to assume management hadn’t given the matter a lot of prior thought.

Going Nowhere

January 15th, 2012
2:05 pm

This is a huge drag. Are we hoping to score even less points in the playoffs?

Vet

January 15th, 2012
2:05 pm

I guess the falcons and jags are playing musical chairs with coaches. pathetic

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
2:06 pm

Yeah Choke, I’m watching Flacco being Flacco today. Overthrows, behind throws, underthrows, and dumping off to Ray Rice to do all the work. And, benefitting from a ferocious defense and opponent turnovers/short field. Is that the Flacco you are talking about?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:06 pm

New Age Offense

January 15th, 2012
1:59 pm

Wow the Falcon fans aresck of cronyism, well lets see America is the land of cronyism….By the way I am not sure Matty Ice can become an elite quarterback therefore the Falcons will need an elite running back… Matty Ice lacks pocket presence

__________________________________________

HA HA HA

He also lacks INTELLIGENCE…………………..

HA HA HA :)

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
2:06 pm

How do you know what ethnicity or gender I am?

CHOKE read that again. I don’t know your ethnicity. I KNOW the Ethnicity of your Favorite QB MV7.

fansince74

January 15th, 2012
2:07 pm

Not what we were hoping but our knowledge is limited. It’s kind of hard to judge a coach based on poor talent. Maybe what we see as underachieving in Jacksonville was actually getting the most out of what He had.

jim

January 15th, 2012
2:07 pm

rise up ??????

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:07 pm

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
2:06 pm

Yeah Choke, I’m watching Flacco being Flacco today. Overthrows, behind throws, underthrows, and dumping off to Ray Rice to do all the work

_______________________________________

14 > ZERO

HA HA HA :)

Kramer

January 15th, 2012
2:07 pm

People, Chokey is not a Falcons or Ravens fan. He is a aint’s fan from the word go. Still ticked off from yesterday he has decided to come on here and act like a child and provoke hate. Best to ignore him and let him be miserable with his aint’s once again choking on a playoff loss on the west coast.

dirk diggler

January 15th, 2012
2:08 pm

Im excited be cumming to Atlanta!!! Will be searching for additional acting talent willing to bend over and take it…oh wait, I’ve got 52 sob’s that’s all ready broken in

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:09 pm

0-3 In the playoffs and ZERO points in a playoff game………………….

HA HA HA :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:10 pm

Still waiting on Choke to tell me how many Super Bowls Flacco has won, and how a playoff win that doesn’t get you a Super Bowl is any better than a regular season win. By the way, how many times has Flacco led his team from behind in the 4th quarter to win or tie a game? Wanna know how many more times Ryan has done it than Ol Joe? ;)

And in case youre still lost on the first part of this comment……playoff wins mean nothing unless you win the trophy at the end…..friend :)

Blank and The Falcons Front Office are clueless

January 15th, 2012
2:10 pm

I have been a season ticket holder for sixteen years and enough is enough.How many home games will be on tv this season?

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
2:10 pm

Somewhere on a truck stop on I-75, between ATL and JAX, last week…

Unnamed Falcons Official: uh, how about this, we’ll give you the guy who led our offense to no points in the playofs…what can we get for that?

Unnamed Jaguars Official: well…would you take the guy who led our offense to dead last in the NFL?

In Unison: DEAL!!!

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:12 pm

@ ijohnathan

THAT was hilarious

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:12 pm

4 Soon to be 5 playoff wins > ZERO………………..

HA HA HA :)

New Age Offense

January 15th, 2012
2:12 pm

Rise-up Falcon Fans and cheer for this new hire! RISE-UP I like that! Matty Ice more like Matty rubberband weak noodle arm….. Whatever happen to the backside throw…Did you see the bullet Alex Smith threw to the TE…. Where the low throw in the red zone from Matty rubberband arm?

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:12 pm

Bigboy

January 15th, 2012
2:12 pm

I’m embarrassed to be a falcons fan and listen to you MORONS bash on our new hire. Why in the hell would TD and Mike agree on someone that would fail as OC when they know the heat has been turned up to win? Have some faith and let these things play out.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:13 pm

As usual, Choke has no answer for me. It’s ok buddy. We still love ya

Otis Brown

January 15th, 2012
2:16 pm

Wow!! Way to support your team… I have been a Falcons fan since the late 70’s and I will be a Falcons fan when they put me in the ground. I’m still pissed at the way the season ended, but I’m not going to bash this decision until I see how it works. Support your team or go pull for the Saints!
RISE UP!!!

Bigboy

January 15th, 2012
2:16 pm

Let’s look at the talent Brian Schott. had compared to Dirks. Jets have an all-pro line, a superbowl MVP WR, two great running backs, and a first round draft pick QB in sanchez. Arent we enjoying watching the jets in the playoffs? O wait, we’re not because Brian Schott can’t utilize the talent he has.

1 4 GT

January 15th, 2012
2:16 pm

Have I been having a Rip Van Winkel nap? I thought the Smith’s had sold the Falcons to some uber rich hardware guy. Did I just wake up from a 20 year nap? What I have read in the AJC today sounds like some dumb move the Smith family Falcons would make. Another “good ole boy” hire. WOW!!! Will Atlanta fans of sports teams ever overcome this acceptance of mediocrity?

Paul

January 15th, 2012
2:17 pm

I think we should get to him better. After all, it won’t be long before Blank introduces him as the “Interim Head Coach” while the “process” continues.

san diego steve

January 15th, 2012
2:18 pm

did they rush to hire this guy so he was on board to view the east-west shrine game for draft evaluations? the game is friday. are the remaining offensive assistants staying?

Bigboy

January 15th, 2012
2:19 pm

What did Dirk do with Mojo? That’s right he helped him get the rushing title. A pass first OC realized what he had and didnt have and used what he had. I’ll believe in Dirk until he proves me wrong. Rise Up!

smh

January 15th, 2012
2:19 pm

it woudl be niceifwe had mjd but we dont im tired of his boring offense and it looks like we will have another year of it

Big Fat Meh

January 15th, 2012
2:21 pm

After ten years as a season ticket holder, I finally realized that no matter how hard I try to be a fan, I just don’t care about this team. My decision to finally give up my tickets seems to be a good move after seeing this (yet another) lackluster move by the Falcons. My season ticket money went to a new tv for Christmas. Meh.

duronimo

January 15th, 2012
2:21 pm

Who’s going to stop this incest? I though you went to successful organizations to find coaching talent?

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
2:21 pm

Michael- Stats being stats his results at ASU were mediocre as evidenced by his being fired. Surely he deserves some of the blame for the regression of JAX offense during his tenure.

Yes Oline and Dline are bad. The same decision makers that put together those lines.
Another difference between the other playoff teams and Falcons is energy and attitude. Falcons play like they are medicated.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
2:25 pm

Hires like are the reason Fantasy Football is getting so big. I don’t want to cheer for a bad team. I want to draft my own team and look like a smart coach. Maybe some of the Fantasy Players have the right idea after all. It seems all the Bloggers know as much as anybody working for a team in the NFL.

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
2:27 pm

KennyRK

January 15th, 2012
1:39 pm

I totally agree with D Man’s comments. For the last 4 years we have been able to watch regular season games THAT MATTER. I will take that over all of the past season in a heartbeat. This team needs stability; I understand that we took a step back this year but that doesn’t mean that both MS and TD should be fired. I believe this hire will allow Matt to call a majority of the plays, which is fine with me. This is why everyone says Atlanta has the worst fans in America.
_______________________

You’ve got it backwards, doofus. If Atlanta has the worst fans in America it’s because Atlanta has put the worst teams on the field in America–for nearly half a century. And don’t even think about arguing with me. Just look at their championship record: Five teams (Braves, Flames, Thrashers, Hawks, Falcons), ONE championship in 46 years. If you’re satisfied with that, you deserve it.

Horshack

January 15th, 2012
2:27 pm

He was good with the Sweathogs.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 15th, 2012
2:28 pm

In fairness to Koetter, Blaine Gabbert is a terrible player and is going to be a major bust, so judging him based on last year isn’t entirely fair. He probably deserves some credit for finding a way to get Maurice Jones-Drew to the rushing title despite such horrible personnel at QB and WR.

With that said, this is a vanilla hire and isn’t exactly inspiring.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:28 pm

I like how Dimitroff & Blank stated that NO player will be above losing their job, no matter how high they were drafted.

CHOKE………………..Bye Bye & pick up that clip board………………….

HA HA HA :)

Dave

January 15th, 2012
2:29 pm

tony

January 15th, 2012
2:31 pm

When Dimitroff took Matt Ryan over Glenn Dorsey and gave away all those draft picks for Jones, I knew the falcons were in deep trouble. This hire has to be the worse in falcon’s history.

Dirk Koetter: Jaguars-OC 2007-2011 Wins 36 Loses 44

Dave

January 15th, 2012
2:32 pm

Personally, I find “Choke” rather amusing. It’s fun to watch someone comment who has one thing to say….which makes me wonder – why aren’t we calling him Parrot Boy? (Or Girl…) He certainly seems capable on only one train of thought.

Yikes

January 15th, 2012
2:33 pm

Perhaps Dumbnitroff can use his new England connections and get us the Patriots DC so we can also get coordinator of 32nd ranked defense.

GTJeff

January 15th, 2012
2:35 pm

What the F? I am EXTREMELY ANGRY as a Falcons fan right now. Obviously smith is a puss bag who is too afraid to go outside of his stupid box.

fedup falcon

January 15th, 2012
2:35 pm

i think Koetter will do good but only if we rebuild our offensive line to give Matt time to throw.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
2:36 pm

DAVE don’t worry CHOKE will be dead soon. His heart will attack him because Matt Ryan ain’t going away anytime soon. Choke living with all the hate and anger can’t survive the next few RYAN years.

Big Ray

January 15th, 2012
2:36 pm

I find it interesting that folks want to pass judgement on a guy whose name they didn’t know prior to this.

So his offensive rankings have gone downhill ever since 2007…look deeper. The Jacksonvile front office, personnel moves, and coaching have gone down since, as well.

Quick, name me somebody at an offensive skill position besides Maurice Jones Drew, Blaine Gabbert, and David Garrard for the Jags since 2007.

Note: Garrard was injured on and off that entire time….

Meet the new boss...

January 15th, 2012
2:37 pm

Same as the old boss…

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
2:37 pm

Reality

January 15th, 2012
1:51 pm

A thought out of left field: Mike Singeltary as DC. Yes, I know he isn’t coaching the Niners but he turned them around.

Did you see the niners D yesterday? Intense and hard hitting. Brees had nobody open all day.

Singeltary may be wired a bit too tight as a HC but I give him a ton of credit for instilling a toughness in what was a soft, awful team.
________________________

“Brees had nobody open all day.” Are you nuts?! He completed more than 60% of his passes for 462 yards and 4 TDs. Nobody open??????????? Get real.

On the other hand, I do agree with you on SF.

Big Ray

January 15th, 2012
2:37 pm

….and Gabbert is scared to play….or haven’t you noticed?

just me

January 15th, 2012
2:39 pm

Numerous posts from fools and idiots who have no clue what they are talking about. Because they haven’t heard of him, he must suck. Just fools being fools. Typical of about 50% of the population of Atlanta.

June Jones

January 15th, 2012
2:39 pm

Hey I a pass coacnhing master!!!!! and I worked under glanville (better winning% that Rio)
:-O

keepinitreal

January 15th, 2012
2:39 pm

Very disappointing. All the rheteroic in the post-season presser about how the Falcons are going to do whatever it takes to win a championship was a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. Smitty wanted a yes-man who he had a close relationship with rather than the offensive genius this team needs.

My guess is Smitty gets fired within the next year or two.

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
2:40 pm

Big Ray just me- Then give me one fact based reason this is a good hire. His failures speak for themselves.

just me

January 15th, 2012
2:41 pm

@DawgNole

“Brees had nobody open all day.” Are you nuts?! He completed more than 60% of his passes for 462 yards and 4 TDs. Nobody open??????????? Get real.

How many picks and fumbles? Most were short passes with the yardage after the catch. Hard to throw down field under pressure. Ask Ryan.

just me

January 15th, 2012
2:44 pm

@keepinitreal “My guess is Smitty gets fired within the next year or two.”

Reality says you are a complete idiot. Can you name the offensive coordinators of Pittsburg, New England, Philly, New Orleans, San Francisco, Baltimore…

Just keep being dumb as dirt. The world needs more idiots like you. That makes my job easier to keep making big money on idiots like you.

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
2:44 pm

Dumitroff sucks! Matty chickensh!t needs a west coast style offense to be successful. Smith and Dumitroff will be gone in 2 years. We have peaked, and giving up 5 picks for an often injured player will set us back for 5 years

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
2:44 pm

Anybody know where I can buy a playoff game?

2004 is a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Time to wait for another :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:46 pm

Choke….why don’t you respond to my posts? there are at least two you failed to reply to. Guess you didnt really have an answer :)

Jim

January 15th, 2012
2:47 pm

Two losers swapping jobs and the team that get the other’s loser is supposed to have faith? In what? Reincarnation? The current Falcons no longer get the benefit of any doubt and reservation of judgments. This is a goofy hire on paper…which is the most objective standard anyone has. I’ve been a Falcon fan since the 70’s, and with few exceptions, this organization just consistenly finds a way to disappoint the fans…but they sell tickets and create false hope annually, that’s a given. I don’t see this move as an obvious good one, which is what the organization needs. I know, give him a chance. Yeah, right.

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
2:48 pm

Ryan needs to grow a pair! Sliding short of first down and throwing the ball away ain’t cutting it!

DAMON

January 15th, 2012
2:49 pm

We don’t need an OC, Ryan thinks he’s the second coming of Peyton……..let’em call his own plays :shock:

Devil's Advocate

January 15th, 2012
2:49 pm

Why do people keep saying Matt Ryan is one the best QBs in the league when his body of work says he’s just average? Marketing says Ryan is one of the best. If we judge ALL QBs by the same criteria, Ryan is just another mid-tier guy. That’s not an insult or hate, it’s the truth.

More importantly, it doesn’t mean the Falcons cannot win the Super Bowl with Ryan. We just need a great run blocking OL like we’ve had for the past decade before we decided to become a pass first team in 2011.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
2:52 pm

This has all the makings of “ISHTAR” or “Gigli” if this were a Hollywood Can’t Miss Movie.

Devil's Advocate

January 15th, 2012
2:52 pm

And more importantly, we need a tougher defense.

GulfwavesGary

January 15th, 2012
2:53 pm

Never heard of the guy. Not happy. No on the job training. No grace period. Either he produces from the beginning or I hate the hire. Just cannot believe it. Watching 3rd string QB Yaes for Houston playing. Falcons 0 offensive points in playoff. Houston 13 in first half. The guy better be great or Coach Smith is to blame.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
2:53 pm

@Devil’s Adv.

I think he’s better than his body of work suggests. I agree to some extent, simply because I know he’s not Brees, Manning, Brady, or Rodgers. BUT, in his defense, he could easily be right behind them if he had an OC that was worth anything the past few years. Yes, they developed him well for his FIRST FEW YEARS, but the past two, even at 13-3 last year, they never put the game in his hands, as we see with Rodgers, Brees, Manning, and Brady. Ryan’s body of work, even in spite of being handcuffed by an inept OC, shows that he can be a top QB in this league. Maybe I’m wrong, but if I’m right, then Mularkey being gone will prove fruitful for Matty Ice. And as he goes, the Falcons go also

Reality

January 15th, 2012
2:54 pm

With a winning record, the Falcons will have a tough schedule next year. The Falcons will struggle to make the playoffs.

Prediction: Next year is Mike Smith’s last with the Falcons.

Next year is a wasted year for the Falcons.

Herschel Talker

January 15th, 2012
2:56 pm

Schultzie:

What’s with the split infinitive in the first sentence?

HT

jmoore

January 15th, 2012
2:57 pm

MIKE SMITH YOU SUCK!!!! NEXT YEAR YOUR BROTHER IN LAW WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO TAKE THE FALCONS TO A HIGHER LEVEL….JERK……

Saints lost

January 15th, 2012
2:57 pm

What happen to the Saint’s? Brees away from home is no better than Ryan. Funny stuff listening to all of the blue gummed, bug eyed fools from New Orleans. Saw where one of your boys shot up a couple of San Fran fans at Applebee’s in Duluth.

We used to take care of that kind of stuff with a rope and pickup. Problem was solved so quick.

My Opinon

January 15th, 2012
2:58 pm

@Reality “Prediction: Next year is Mike Smith’s last with the Falcons.”

I don’t have to predict to know you will still be an idiot next year.

Devil's Advocate

January 15th, 2012
2:59 pm

ohhhhYEAH,

I disagree. Ryan has been making adjustments at the line and going no huddle on a regular basis for 2 seasons now. Against inferior defenses Ryan looked above average but against better defenses he looked below average. He is what he is right now. Sure, he could get better but so can any player on any team in the NFL. Why is Ryan’s “could” more probable than everyone else’s “could”?

bill

January 15th, 2012
3:00 pm

Boy, I feel better now…the Atlanta Jags, or is it the Jacksonville Falcons?

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:00 pm

@ Reality

Schedule of opponents already decided. We play the NFC East and AFC West. If we cant beat Dallas, Washington, Oakland, KC, Denver, and SD, then theres a problem. We also play Arizona and Detroit again. HOWEVER, even as bad as everyone thinks we are, we aren’t that bad. We are certainly in a better situation than every team in the AFC West, INCLUDING Denver, and much better than Arizona. And Washington….well…..it’s Washington. We will beat the Bucs twice and Carolina at least once, so I’m already at 10 wins. Maybe we get lucky and steal a game from the Saints, or steal a game in New York or Philly(doubt it…have we EVER won in Philly?). So even as things stand, I still like our chances to have another SOLID year at minimum. Who knows, maybe they’ll surprise us all

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:02 pm

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
2:48 pm

Ryan needs to grow a pair! Sliding short of first down and throwing the ball away ain’t cutting it!

____________________________________

That was HILARIOUS………………

What a BIG PUNK :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:03 pm

@DA

It’s not better or worse than anyone’s “could,” nor did I make that statement. I’m just saying time will tell what he ends up as, nothing more. But I do agree that he isnt always great at making reads and calling audibles at the line. An area in which every qb in the league always has room to grow, even the greats.

Falconsfan708

January 15th, 2012
3:03 pm

This says it all……from ajc article thursday
Dirk Koetter
This one makes the least sense of any candidate available. His offense last year was one of the worst in the NFL while he was offensive coordinator in Jacksonville. His Jaguars were ranked dead last in total offense and passing yards. The Jaguars were 12th in rushing, but were 28th in points per game. Some will say that was a product of having a rookie quarterback and a team in turmoil. That excuse doesn’t pass the smell test when Denver is in the divisional playoff round with Tim Tebow, along with the Houston Texans winning in the playoffs with their 3rd string quarterback. He’s of course on the list for his familiarity with Coach Smith. Isn’t that the exact thing the Falcons need to get away from?

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:04 pm

Ryan is gutless

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:04 pm

DAMON

January 15th, 2012
2:49 pm

We don’t need an OC, Ryan thinks he’s the second coming of Peyton……..let’em call his own plays

_____________________________________________-

He couldn’t carry Peyton Mannings luggage…………..

HA HA HA :)

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
3:05 pm

You’ve missed the boat, “Just me.”

Reality said “Brees “had nobody open all day.” This has nothing to do with YAC.

You don’t complete 40 passes for 462 yards with nobody open all day.

Steer your ignorant comments in someone else’s direction.

Dawg A

January 15th, 2012
3:05 pm

Horrible hire! And yes I am (not for long) a season ticket holder so I do understand the game. Another idiot move by Blank!

42-10

January 15th, 2012
3:06 pm

Falcons had a chance to really step up and get a damn good OC and also make a hit with the fans but no they took the easy way out and hired a friend.???? Holy Cow and you wonder why fans don’t like the Falcons and Falcons can’t win..

Also the same BS Braves and Hawks do…BS sorry Atlanta teams.

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:06 pm

ohhh yeah……in the pros they have a drill call “scramble drill” in which the QB has to practice scrambling outside of the pocket to make a play……Matt has not done this well in practice, thus it has not translated in the game….additionally, I have been at the practices when they the “deep post” drills are called…again Matt did not execute well in practice thus, the OC doesnt call those plays in the game because there has not been success with it in practice…..for those who really have played sports college and or pro..this is well known…

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:07 pm

Yay!!! More bland football! Dimitroff sucks!

42-10

January 15th, 2012
3:07 pm

I bet they never interviewed anyone else..want to bet?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:08 pm

Reality

January 15th, 2012
2:54 pm

With a winning record, the Falcons will have a tough schedule next year. The Falcons will struggle to make the playoffs.

Prediction: Next year is Mike Smith’s last with the Falcons.

Next year is a wasted year for the Falcons

_____________________________________________

And in 2013 The Great Hope search starts all over again……………..

HA HA HA :)

freddy

January 15th, 2012
3:09 pm

They better hire Steve Spagnuolo as DC are the fans will rebell and not show up.

freddy

January 15th, 2012
3:11 pm

DT said it would not be a fan hire..damn well got that right..stupid man!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:12 pm

Devil’s Advocate

January 15th, 2012
2:59 pm

ohhhhYEAH,

I disagree. Ryan has been making adjustments at the line and going no huddle on a regular basis for 2 seasons now. Against inferior defenses Ryan looked above average but against better defenses he looked below average. He is what he is right now. Sure, he could get better but so can any player on any team in the NFL. Why is Ryan’s “could” more probable than everyone else’s “could”?

_____________________________________

EXACTLY!

HA HA HA :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:13 pm

@JP

Funny, considering I played a fair amount of college ball. I know what goes on in practice, I also know games are often MUCH different than practice. Practice speed is not game speed, etc…It’s also hard to complete a deep ball when you’re constantly in a 3rd and 14 and Ray Charles knows youre about to throw it AT LEAST 14 yards to pick up a first down. But I guess you didn’t think about that, while you were trying to talk to me about practice

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:13 pm

People thinking Dimitroff and smith are the answer are wrong. Smith gets outcoached by anyone with an imagination. Dimitroff gives up 5 picks for an oft injured player who will touch the ball 7 times per game! This was when there are so many needs on defense! He sucks!

O'Brien

January 15th, 2012
3:15 pm

So the problem with ATL’s offense is coaching, but the problem with Jacksonville’s offense is not enough quality players? So ATL and Jax switch coaches? As a Falcons fan, I’m not impressed with this hire. I hope Koetter surprises me though, because next year, Smitty and TD will be out of excuses.

GT Grad

January 15th, 2012
3:16 pm

Goodbye Falcons

O'Brien

January 15th, 2012
3:16 pm

Baltimore could not get 1 yard on 4th and goal. Ouch.

Dawg A

January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm

Raheem Morris got fired by Tampa Bay and he was also their Defensive Coordinator. They were ranked last in the NFL in defense stats. I realize he was hired as a DB coach or something but if we hurry up we can get him as our DEF. Coordinator! It appears as though noone wants him either as their Coordinator so let’s hurry up and get him so we can have the worse OC and the worse DC from this past year! Come on guys let’s make another bonehead hire….. Can we fire the owner????? Geez!

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm

O’Brien sounds like the FALCONS not getting that 1/2 yard.

Devil's Advocate

January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm

Matt “CHOKE” Ryan,

I’m glad you agree with my statement but don’t get it twisted. I don’t view Ryan as a choker. I was quite frustrated how the media overhyped Ryan from the day he was drafted. It was very unfair to Ryan to say he’s the next Brady/Manning. People were so desperate to wash the taste of Vick from their mouths that they were willing to set Ryan up for failure.

Ryan is capable of leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl but he does need help from a dependable running game and stout defense. We must re-establish the run in 2012.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:03 pm

@DA

It’s not better or worse than anyone’s “could,” nor did I make that statement. I’m just saying time will tell what he ends up as, nothing more. But I do agree that he isnt always great at making reads and calling audibles at the line. An area in which every qb in the league always has room to grow, even the greats

______________________________________________

Yeah I’m sure Ryan Leaf is still thinking that………………

HA HA HA :)

lombardi

January 15th, 2012
3:19 pm

Just from a PR standpoint this is hideous. BUT, the Jags had over 20 guys on IR this year and a rookie QB who was not supposed to be the starter.

That said, I’ll wait and see —- but in the meantime don’t think I’ll be renewing season tix.

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:19 pm

ohh yeah,…he can’t make the throws in practice, hence the OC doesnt see our chances of success in the game because as you said…game speed and practice speed is totally different…thanks for making my point…additionally, every QB faces 3 and 14 at some point….which again is why elite QB’s make plays when the pocket collapses…they don’t make excuses about the offensive line….we didn’t complain about the offensive line when the former QB was here…don’t start now..!!!

OPEN YOUR EYES

January 15th, 2012
3:20 pm

DOES ANYBODY WANT MY SEASON TICKETS?? MY EMAIL IS “SICKANDTIRED@YAHOO.COM”

ATl Sports

January 15th, 2012
3:20 pm

THAT IS IT FOR ME!!!! ARTHUR! ARTHUR! ARTHUR!
YOU SAID THERE WOULD BE A THOROUGH SEARCH AND YOU LET US DOWN!!!!!
SMITH HAS DONE ALL HE CAN DO AND DIMITROFF FALLS FOR THIS!
START HAVING A WINNING RECORD AND YOU THINK THAT MAKES US HAPPY.
WE ARE A MIDDLE OF THE PACK TEAM!
HOPE YOU PROVE ME WRONG!
FEEL SORRY FOR THE PLAYERS!

Mr. Blazingame

January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm

I like this hire. Expect huge results. Very excited.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:04 pm

Ryan is gutless

____________________________________________________

HA HA HA :)

O'Brien

January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm

MJD led the league in rushing, but he also had 43 receptions. Turner had 17. Will our RB catch more passes? Will Koetter run more screens? Time will tell.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:22 pm

Yeah, I’m sure Ryan Leaf wishes he was half the QB Matt Ryan is. I don’t recall Leaf ever having a winning season in pro ball, much less even playing in the playoffs. But that really was a nice try Mr Choke. Maybe one day you’ll try and make a stupid comparison that will actualyl land, but this one aint it. Better luck next time :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:25 pm

Yes, they do face them AT SOME POINT, not every series though. And its a little easier to let a terrible O line slide when you’ve got a mobile vs immobile qb in the pocket. So lets not try and compare footspeed with Ryan and Vick, everyone knows its not even a debate, so that point is already moot. Ryan isnt a scrambler at all, not does he need to be. He needs a solid line, and no I’m not blaming his failure completely on the offensive line, but it helps when you have one that can give you at least 3 seconds to even peak downfield.

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:29 pm

ohhhh YEAH…Tom Brady is the work mobile QB in the league maybe…but he has the pocket awareness to make plays when the line doesnt protect…Matt has to improve in this area.and he has to improve now…the trends clearly show this…

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:30 pm

and it’s not every series….

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:30 pm

I believe CHOKE should try out for the punter position once Arthur brings in the next qb :)

keepinitreal

January 15th, 2012
3:31 pm

“Reality says you are a complete idiot. Can you name the offensive coordinators of Pittsburg, New England, Philly, New Orleans, San Francisco, Baltimore…”

The only idiot is you if you think the Falcons can be compared to the NFL’s elite organizations. Continue to live in your delusional world while the Falcons still seek their first playoff win since 2004.

You probably think Matt Ryan is as good as Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, too. People like you are the reason Atlanta sports are forever mired in mediocrity, because you don’t hold anyone accountable and tolerate being just pretty good.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:32 pm

Jp, I think you misread my opinions. I’m not saying Ryan is elite, I’m saying he can improve. I’m not saying he’s top teir, I’m saying he has the potential. I’m not saying he doesn’t need to improve, he does. Every single person on this team needs to be better next year than they were this past year, other than Spoon, I don’t know how he could be much bigger than he was this year.

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:35 pm

First some asked for a “pocket passer”, we got that (so we thought)…then some asked for “back to back” winning seasons..we got that (does not amount to much if you can’t win in the playoffs)…next a new offensive cord was wanted (now no one is happy with the selection)…and now ohhh YEAH wants a new offensive line…(if we get that will we then win the Super Bowl)…????

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm

Also……never asked for a new O line. Not once. All I said was it’d be nice for Ryan to have more than 3 seconds to look for a receiver. Are you a lawyer? If not, you shuold really consider it, you’re quite capable of twisting words

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm

Manny

January 15th, 2012
3:39 pm

ohhhhYeah-

Please stop holding water for Matt Ryan. We all know that Matt Ryan checks down out of the deep ball. My 11 year-old son can see that he’s uncomfortable throwing it deep.

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:40 pm

Ohyeah, he can improve. That is for sure. He is a smart player, but you can’t teach arm strength or toughness and he lacks in both categories!

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:40 pm

ohhh YEAH, we speak the same language now……because Ryan does need to improve..that’s all I’m saying. If we were Jets fans we would be “SCREAMING” for Ryan’s head at this point…..it’s one of our biggest deficiencies IMO….the QB who makes the most elite plays will win the Super Bowl…we can all watch and see ..after all the Falcons were one and done…

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm

Also……never asked for a new O line. Not once. All I said was it’d be nice for Ryan to have more than 3 seconds to look for a receiver.

____________________________________________________

HA HA HA

Clowns still making excuses for CHOKE

This O Line is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than any line Vick ever had and he didn’t have any problem winning in the playoffs…………………

This CHUMP justs SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

HA HA HA :)

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm

Yates is a better qb than ryan

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:42 pm

Fire Dimitroff!!!!

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:43 pm

ohhhh YEAH, you didnt ask for a new line, correct…but you implied that the line was reason for lack of success on 3rd down conversions….im sure you will agree with that…

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
3:44 pm

CHOKE…………WHO do you want to be the Falcon QB? WHO can we Draft, Free Agent purchase, or Develop right now?
Since you don’t like RYAN to find the Falcons a new QB.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm

If you can’t lead your team to a single field goal in the playoffs, you are a BUST. Plain and simple.

HA HA HA :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm

Gatorzone

I was with you up until you said “toughness.” Yes, he does lack arm strength, but the beating he took this year (and everyone saw it, dont say you didnt) shuold leave not a single question about his toughness. Does he get happy feet? Absolutely, but what quarterback is gonna stand there and give a d lineman or linebacker a free shot? Not sure I’ve ever seen too many willing to do that. Stepping into a throw when you know you’re gonna get leveled is one thing, I’ve seen plenty qbs take hits after the throw, INCLUDING Ryan, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a qb just want to stand in and get killed without tryin to move. So long story short Arm strength:avg-below avg. Toughness:above avg.

GulfwavesGary

January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm

We are still looking for a DC. Let me thrown my name into the hat. I have no success yet but no worse than the OC from the last place offensive team. I have watched football my whole life, that counts for something. My hire could not be any worse than this OC hire. Please contact me my email. I can be bought for a relative small amount. I am very unhappy with Arthur Blank. Cannot even believe it.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:46 pm

JP, on 3rd and a half yard…absolutely thats the lines fault if we cant get enough push for that. When a defense gets to the qb rushing only 3 or 4(as often happened this past season) then absolutely its on the offensive line. Disagree?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:46 pm

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm

Yates is a better qb than ryan

____________________________________________

That is an UNDERSTATEMENT…………………

Joey Harrington is not far behind……………..

HA HA HA :)

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:47 pm

ohhh YEAH ……..please continue to watch the remaining playoff games, in spite of our early exit…..while watching…take note of when QB’s make elite plays and how thats helps a team win…afterwords compare what you saw to what you’ve seen in our QB….and then tell me what you think….offensive lines are more comparable than one might think….!!

Manny

January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm

Oh, and I watched a good portion of Tom Brady’s performance last night. The ball was out of his hands in less than 3 seconds most of the time. It’s hard to sack a quarterback when he distributes the ball so quickly.

So you really don’t have to throw the deep ball, but you have to distribute it in such a way to improve YAC numbers.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm

Flacco is showing how to close a win in the playoffs………………

CHOKE are you taking notes?

HA HA HA :)

UGA89

January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm

Before Falcon fans cast stones towards other organizations and put them down, you should look within your own organization. If you do have success next year remember both your head coach and OC came from, wait for it…Jacksonville.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
3:49 pm

Gatorzone
HOW the F do you think YATES is better than RYAN? he has played 6 games and he didn’t get his team to the playoffs. A few other QBs did that.
YDS CMP% TD INT RAT
949 61.2 3 3 80.7

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm

I’ve been watching. Saw Brady not come close to getting touched last night and putting up gaudy numbers on a Bronco’s d that was one of the better ones in the league. Watched Alex Smith, who is not elite, have a great game yesterday afternoon because….what do you know, his line gave him plenty of time.

boots

January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm

whiff. There will be ZERO enthusiasm about the 2012 season. ZERO. ZIP. NADA. ZZZZZZZ… LAME. DISAPPOINTING.

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm

ohhh YEAH, …I think this one is a push..for on one of the 4th downs,,,Ryan was trying to push forward using his “BACK” as he was not facing forward….its was like he was moving a huge appliance down the street by pushing it with his back…an elite QB would have led with the ball first..not his back…c’mon…

Jay Dubu

January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm

From reading the snippits of the press conference, I really thought that the Falcons were going to make some moves that would be alligned with their retoric, but sadly, they’ve done the usual.

With the running game that Jacksonville had, you’d think their passing game would have been prime for play action passing, yt they didn’t fair well.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm

Choke….showing how? Handing off to Ray Rice? So you’re saying Flacco is great because Ray Rice is great? Ahhhh, it makes sense now :)

john13

January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm

Stay the course. In due time the Falcons will ascend to the next level. Mike Smith is the best in team history and the front office is in great hands. Stay the course and reap the rewards. Knee jerk react and experience another long run of futility.

Tuscaloosa Steve

January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm

I was skeptical as well but read the interview here:

http://xandolabs.com/2011/07/dirk-koetter-exclusive-interview/

The four verticals concept they are talking about is the one that the Saints are using. And from the sounds of this quote Del Rio would not let Koetter run it in Jax.

Quote:

“To me, it’s something that has been around for over 15 years now. Depending on your level of competition, your conference affiliation and the part of the country you live, it’s really not that new. Where I’m at, it’s probably more out of vogue, and done by guys who only truly believe in it. From an offensive coach’s standpoint, you get the ball to your playmakers running down the field vertically. It’s the perfect formula for an explosive play. It’s not like you’re in 2×2 and you’re throwing quick outs to the outside and stick routes to the inside. You might complete that concept 67 percent of the time, but you’re only getting six yard plays. However, you may complete four verticals 48 percent of the time but you’re getting 18 yard gains, those are the kinds of plays I like better. I don’t like to work hard for four yard gains.”

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
3:52 pm

Ohyeah, I saw Ryan slide short of a first down 3 times this season! That shows lack of toughness! How often do you see ANY qb not willing to take a hit fighting for a first down? They were all during critical situations that cost the Falcons!

Dirty Boyd

January 15th, 2012
3:52 pm

I have only just stopped laughing over the announcement that the Braves had resigned Jack Wilson. Can this town ever stop stepping on its Richard?

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:53 pm

Brady and Smith..both made significant plays when the pocket collapse….when they have time…you also witness them hit the receiver in stride for YAC…something again Ryan did not do well in practice..,.(I have been to many)…thanks again for making my point…!!!

Dirty Boyd

January 15th, 2012
3:53 pm

Can you imagine Matt Ryan doing what even Alex Smith did yesterday?

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
3:53 pm

CHOKE…………..Hahahah right……………Flacco is showing how to close a win in the playoffs……………by leaving 3 min to go and only getting a FG? That was a pathetic last drive. He couldn’t make a PASS when it was needed.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:54 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
3:49 pm

Gatorzone
HOW the F do you think YATES is better than RYAN? he has played 6 games and he didn’t get his team to the playoffs. A few other QBs did that.
YDS CMP% TD INT RAT
949 61.2 3 3 80.7

_______________________________________

I do believe he EMBARRASSED CHOKE in his 1st start.

HA HA HA :)

Rankin Smith

January 15th, 2012
3:56 pm

Miss me yet?

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:56 pm

Gatorzone…man if I could only count how many times I’ve seen Brady, or Manning(both), or Rivers, or Favre slide short of a first down. But I guess none of them are tough either. Guess they are terrible for not wanting to get beaten to death by someone who outweighs them by about 50 lbs running full speed at them. But then on the other hand, say he takes the hit and fumbles the ball to the defense, thenyou’d say, “Yeah our qb is one tough SOB, too bad he can’t hold onto the ball,” right?

JP

January 15th, 2012
3:56 pm

gatorzone…thanks, not sure what Falcon QB…ohhh YEAH has seen…!!

Rankin Smith

January 15th, 2012
3:57 pm

June Jones don’t look so bad now.

Jay Dubu

January 15th, 2012
3:58 pm

D Man, the comparison for the Falcons is not their 1st 30 years, but the other 31 teams in the league for the current year.

If the goal is to be a better francise today than it was the first 30 years, then I can see why you’re content. I didn’t hear the Falcons’ press conference, I just read excerpts online, but I don’t recall reading that since the Falcons have done better than the 1st 30 years, this season’s performence was ok.

If I missed that/those comment(s), please let me know where I can find them.

AJ

January 15th, 2012
3:58 pm

The Falcons just took a few steps in the wrong direction, imo. This decision will prove to be spotlight on Ryan, Smith and Dimitroff for the 2012 season. If they dont make the playoffs or go 1 and out in the playoffs (again) fans will be screaming for wholesale changes. Hope it works out but I am completely underwhelmed at the moment.

Falcon James

January 15th, 2012
3:59 pm

This is the best hire we have seen in a long time. All the “real” falcon fan need to show they support because it don’t gets no better than this

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
3:59 pm

The Falcons qb I saw, I believe, was the same one who got lit up for 5 sacks and Lord only knows how many more hits he took from the Bears the first game of the season, took even more hits as the year went on, even though the sacks actually did decline, had his leg bent almost in half by his own lineman, and missed all of what? Two plays all season? But yeah you’re right, he’s quite the pansy out there

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
3:59 pm

PLAYOFF UPDATE TOTAL:

Flacco 5

CHOKE………….. A Big GOOSE EGG………………..

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:00 pm

Flacco is 1 game away from the Superbowl

CHOKE is flushing the toilet bowl

HA HA HA :)

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:00 pm

Choke and Gatorzone………T J Yeats just completing that deep pass Ryan can’t make. Wait Yates completed it to the OTHER F..ing team. YATES is better than RYAN for sure.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:02 pm

0-3 In the playoffs…………………

All you need to know about CHOKE………………

HA HA HA :)

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:02 pm

ohhh YEAH, I forgot about the Bears game…my bad…!!

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:02 pm

Choke, does this mean you’ll be jumping on the Tom Brady wagon when they get murdered in Foxborough next weekend? Just wondering

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:03 pm

CHOKE…………I am sure the Falcons D is just like the Ravens and Flacco doesn’t get a few wins a season because of the D.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:03 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:00 pm

Choke and Gatorzone………T J Yeats just completing that deep pass Ryan can’t make. Wait Yates completed it to the OTHER F..ing team. YATES is better than RYAN for sure.

_____________________________________________

One big difference:

Yates is in this position because he won a PLAYOFF game and earned the right to make the pass………….

HA HA HA :)

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
4:04 pm

john13

January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm

“Stay the course. In due time the Falcons will ascend to the next level.”
_____________________________

In due time???!!! You’re kidding, right? They’ve had 46 years! How the hell long do we have to give them? Dope.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:05 pm

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:02 pm

Choke, does this mean you’ll be jumping on the Tom Brady wagon when they get murdered in Foxborough next weekend? Just wondering

___________________________________________

BOO HOO HOO :)

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:05 pm

Don’t worry 5150, I tried to ask Choke earlier how many Super Bowls Flacco had won, and how a playoff win meant more than a regular season win if your team doesnt win the whole thing. He refused to comment, probably because he knew how stupid he would have sounded if he tried to argue differently. Oh well. We let him have his fun anyway

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:06 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:03 pm

CHOKE…………I am sure the Falcons D is just like the Ravens and Flacco doesn’t get a few wins a season because of the D.

___________________________________

Double BOO HOO HOO :)

Admiral Obvious

January 15th, 2012
4:06 pm

NOT IMPRESSED……….hopefully he comes cheap which gives them extra money to hire a decent defensive coordinator

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:06 pm

ohhh YEAH…see the recent post by 5150…Yates did throw the INT which essentially loss the game for the Texans…no elite QB play on that drive…but on the prior drive..Flacco made enough plays to get a field goal..which put the lead to 7 points…which forced the Texans hand to need 7….and thus throw deep for the INT….however, if the Texans gets the ball back…the Texans can win with elite QB play…just watch and learn….

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:07 pm

CHOKE no YATES didn’t EARN that right. The OTHER Texan QBs did that. Yates ended up being the QB after they were in position for the playoffs.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:09 pm

JP, trust me, I have quite the understanding of how the game works. Again, I never said Ryan was the best, I never said Flacco was bad. The problem you and I have is that you seem to think I’m defending Ryan like he is Bart Starr and I’m not. It’s just that I see the potential he has, and if it turns out next year that I’m wrong, and he fails in a new system, I’ll be glad to admit I was wrong, but for now, I’m on his side.

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:10 pm

Hey Choke….Dilfer 1-0, Mike Vick, 0-0. That’s the Super Bowl record comparison, so I guess by your definition Dilfer is better than Vick…right? :) BOO HOO

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:10 pm

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:07 pm

CHOKE no YATES didn’t EARN that right. The OTHER Texan QBs did that. Yates ended up being the QB after they were in position for the playoffs.

_________________________________________

Want some WHINE with that CHEESE?

HA HA HA :)

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:11 pm

T J Yates is ELITE for sure with that last pass. Hell he just did his best A. MURRAY impression.

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:12 pm

Flacco in the AFC Championship…Wow….!!!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:12 pm

FLACCO vs CHOKE UPDATE:

Road playoff wins….Flacco 4 CHOKE Zero

Home playoff wins…Flacco 1 CHOKE Zero

Championship Games…Flacco 2 CHOKE Zero

HA HA HA :)

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:14 pm

ohhh YEAH…you are correct again….if Ryan does not improve in the new system he must go…after all…who saw this version of Alex Smith coming…..

Manny

January 15th, 2012
4:15 pm

OhhhhYeah-

The reason why you saw Tom Brady not getting hit was because the ball came out much faster than Matt Ryan’s. Tom Brady’s ball was come in 2 seconds.

And where were you when the Falcons had a truly terrible, undersized line that relied on the cut-blocking scheme? Remember then? It was when the experts were talking about how bad the O-line was with the Falcons.

Of course, that was when the Falcons had Mike Vick as their quarterback and many of you told him to win anyway. I’m telling you: there were times when the defender reached Mike Vick at the same time as the football! It was truly a terrible line! THIS line, while not very good, was so much better than THAT line.

But the main difference between Matt Ryan and Tom Brady isn’t the line. It’s the TIME! The time is takes for the ball to get out is Tom Brady’s hand is much quicker than with Matt Ryan’s.

Manny

January 15th, 2012
4:16 pm

Out, not come. (weird)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:18 pm

Manny

January 15th, 2012
4:15 pm

OhhhhYeah-

The reason why you saw Tom Brady not getting hit was because the ball came out much faster than Matt Ryan’s. Tom Brady’s ball was come in 2 seconds.

And where were you when the Falcons had a truly terrible, undersized line that relied on the cut-blocking scheme? Remember then? It was when the experts were talking about how bad the O-line was with the Falcons.

Of course, that was when the Falcons had Mike Vick as their quarterback and many of you told him to win anyway. I’m telling you: there were times when the defender reached Mike Vick at the same time as the football! It was truly a terrible line! THIS line, while not very good, was so much better than THAT line.

But the main difference between Matt Ryan and Tom Brady isn’t the line. It’s the TIME! The time is takes for the ball to get out is Tom Brady’s hand is much quicker than with Matt Ryan’s.

_______________________________________________

Let the SPIN EXCUSE GAMES begin………………..

HA HA HA :)

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
4:19 pm

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:06 pm

ohhh YEAH…see the recent post by 5150…Yates did throw the INT which essentially loss the game for the Texans…no elite QB play on that drive…but on the prior drive..Flacco made enough plays to get a field goal..which put the lead to 7 points…which forced the Texans hand to need 7….and thus throw deep for the INT….however, if the Texans gets the ball back…the Texans can win with elite QB play…just watch and learn….
________________________

“Flacco made enough plays to get a field goal..which put the lead to 7 points…which forced the Texans hand to need 7.”

You might want to watch and learn yourself, JP. The Texans already needed the 7 (before the FG) since they were behind by 4. DUH!

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:20 pm

ohhh YEAH…we have to look for Ryan’s replacement now…he’s evidenced enough reasonable doubt that he might not be the franchise guy we all wanted him to be..Hence, if he doesn’t pan out next year, then hopefully our next candidate is on the sideline waiting……if Ryan does prove to be the overall 3rd pick in the draft some desired him to be…then we trade the guy in waiting if the trade is worth anything…No emotional support for Ryan…just emotional support for wining…!!!!

Boise Dawg

January 15th, 2012
4:21 pm

Based on what I know.. Koetter is a great offensive mind. He actually helped groom Chris Petersen when they were both assistants at Oregon. He is also supposedly the mastermind behind the offense that Boise State currently runs… he installed it when he was head coach there up until 2001 and then Petersen took over when Koetter left to go to Arizona St.

I thought I had read Koetter was going to Alabama, which might have been a better fit for him. He has had more success in college as a coordinator than what he has shown in the pros.

kurula

January 15th, 2012
4:24 pm

i feel like sometimes when a coordinator is promoted to head coach, he does what would be the equivalent of me and my friends saying ”hey, we should open a bar! how hard could it be?”

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:24 pm

Koetter must think he has the weapons in Atlanta to run his Scheme. he must think RYAN is good enough to make it happen for the Falcons.

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:24 pm

DawgNole…you are correct….guess my point was doubly applicable as opposed to singularly…thanks for falling for the set up…I mean support…thanks for the support…

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
4:28 pm

Watch Yates in 4 years and then you can compare him to Ryan… To me he looks better

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:28 pm

Manny

Completely agree, BUT, how often did our oh so inept OC call for the quick slant, or the quick screen to the receiver even? Not very many, if ever.

JP
If Ryan doesn’t work out this year, I wouldn’t mind finging a way to get Barkley in the ‘13 draft. Mark my words, he WILL be the better pro between him and Luck, hands down

nuffsaid

January 15th, 2012
4:30 pm

This has to be the most “assinine” hire in Falcon history!! Why in the hell do we need another loser?
Arthur Blank, T.D. must have their collective heads up each others arses!!

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
4:30 pm

Boise Dawg- I don’t know about about the rest, but Peterson didn’t take over Hawkins did.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
4:30 pm

Time for Arthur to cut his losses.

He took winning in the playoffs for granted, and now he has to deal with the reality of the tough road to winning in the playoffs.

Vick made it look too easy for these losers who wanted a traditional (code word) quarterback. They got their wish and now it has been 8 years since the last taste of going deep in the playoffs.

Now they are such an embarrassment that the cream of the crop coaches don’t want to become a part of this mess.

The new coordinator was the only guy that wanted the job.

HA HA HA :)

The Falconator

January 15th, 2012
4:31 pm

I’m totally underwhelmed with the idea of Koetter. Take a look at the flood of ill will on this blog this afternoon while PLAYOFF games are on the tube. Blank, TD and Smitty seem clueless as to the anger and desperation rampant in the fan base. Also not happy with the way Falcons brass are managing communications. I see no upside at all to this move for reasons others have amply demonstrated. Maybe JAX will buy back a package of Smith, Koetter and whatever lame DC choice is announced once next season’s sure to be train wreck is in the books. And no, I’m not willing to give them any benefit of the doubt. I’ve been this team almost since the beginning and my patience has run out.

Boise Dawg

January 15th, 2012
4:32 pm

Rivercard… Hawkins took over as head coach. Petersen was hired as OC to run Koetters offense since he was familiar with it from their days together at Oregon.

rc35

January 15th, 2012
4:35 pm

I’m a Jacksonville native who later moved to Atlanta. I pull for the Falcons in the NFC and the Jags in the AFC. Why the Falcons would hire ANYBODY from the Jaguars’ recent staff is beyond me. To quote from a golden oldie, “Ain’t no Coupe de Ville hidin’ at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box!”

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:36 pm

Remind me again, Choke, who in the world was it that played QB for the Falcons in 2005 and 2006? I’m pretty sure it was Vick. So uh…..guess you’re saying he’s just as bad. He had ONE good playoff run, and he was the best the franchise had? LOL. Now THAT is funny. Guess his years in 05 and 06 weren’t worth mentioning huh? 2005: 8-8, 2006: 7-9

:) :)

JP

January 15th, 2012
4:36 pm

ohhh YEAH…have not seen enough of Barkley to really know..will take your word for it for now……also, because so many people have said Luck is a can’t miss I have my doubts as if he will and can live up to the expectations……at this point, I’ll take a guy who’s got something to prove versus the anointed guys who might not understand how much room he has to grow at the next level….

Blank=biggest sucker EVER!

January 15th, 2012
4:38 pm

As PT Barnum once said (in reference to A. Blank) “theres a sucker born every minute!” Smitty and Dimitroff should be locked up. the way they are treating Blank has got to be a CRIME!

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
4:39 pm

Choke, Vick was sent to prison and the Falcons moved on…. What do you expect?

ohhhhYEAH

January 15th, 2012
4:44 pm

Well friends, I’m off.

Choke, good luck with….whatever it is you do :)

tony

January 15th, 2012
4:47 pm

Mike Martz would of been a better choice in my opinion. The Rams won a sb when he was their OC. He did ok as a hc(53-32).

I agree with some that they should hire Steve Spagnuolo-DC. He was a bad hc but a good DC(NYG won SB). Until they build a dominant d-line and o-line, it really doesn’t matter who they hire.

Starrman

January 15th, 2012
4:48 pm

What happen with Clements,at least an interview would have fool us a little.I starting to think the Falcons are a joke.I hope he signed a 1 yr deal because Dementia and Smith are getting fired next year

Who Me?

January 15th, 2012
4:50 pm

This is about the WORST personnel move I’ve seen from this organization since the day Jerry Glanville was hired. Unbelievable that AB would give the nod to this guy right out of the gate. Jeff’s comment about CMS being on the hot seat might be spot on but is this REALLY the leading candidate the league has to offer? Don’t be surprised if Del Rio shows up as our DC next…

You know what? it’s this narrow minded bunker mentality that’s killed Atlanta sports franchises for so many years and yet we keep making the same goober-headed mistakes over and over again.

so Coach, how’s it feel to be living Groundhog Day?

Here’s the NFL coaching carousel in full action:
Get a job as OC in the NFL, move to Jacksonville. The HC gets fired, you become the HC, and then YOU’re fired 3 years later. Career over??

Nooooooooooo, you just pack your stuff up and move north to Atlanta where they’re too STUPID to understand you just got fired and your offensive scheme hadn’t worked for the last 5 years so HEY, they need an OC and you need a paycheck.

Buncha damn Jed Clampett’s running the sports teams in this town…I hope I’m so wrong I eat it for 2 years saying i”m sorry….but on the surface this stinks.

Nikki

January 15th, 2012
4:52 pm

All I can say is coach Smith really is putting all his eggs in the basket of his J-ville peeps. Some times you need to branch out.

Satchmo

January 15th, 2012
4:54 pm

Very interesting,the connection between Jax and Atl.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
4:55 pm

Mike Smith didn’t Change his Underwear he just turned the dirty pair inside out.

JB

January 15th, 2012
4:57 pm

Just like Richt and Bobo…..non threatening…….and just more of the same that won’t let a strong willed OC come in with fresh ideas…..The proof will be in the pudding I guess.

j

January 15th, 2012
5:01 pm

give the guy a chance. his offense did manage to put up 14 on the Falcons

JB

January 15th, 2012
5:02 pm

didn’t that staff down there just get fired for not getting it done?

JB

January 15th, 2012
5:03 pm

Who’s the OL coach with the Falcons. Let’s hope they don’t come after Coach Friend.

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
5:06 pm

More vanilla from smith! Fire Dumitroff!!!!
He has had way too many misses and this is another terrible decision! I think next year Falcons take a step back and smith gets canned!

j

January 15th, 2012
5:08 pm

Nothing like hiring an OC who was fired for being a poor OC

Suck Pick

January 15th, 2012
5:11 pm

C’mon man really–the guy is bad—so many other better choices

JB

January 15th, 2012
5:12 pm

Jacksonville 32nd of 32 teams in Offense ….. And they hire the OC………………Only in Atlanta……Marion Campbell not available….

Sid

January 15th, 2012
5:13 pm

49′ers……. thank you!! You put the Dat in my Who……….!!

On another note, this hire makes Mike Smith comfortable…….?? Is it because Koetter is an unlikely head coaching hire should the Falcons and Smith falter next year? I don’t know anything, nada, zero, zilch about the guy and am willing to wait and see. I know our current front office isn’t a bunch of derelicts trying to run a football team and they expect the hire to produce results and so should we. No matter, we still need massive changes on the O line. Don’t know if we can expect much with our first pick in the draft @ #55.
****************************************************

ground_fog ………January 15th, 2012 ………12:04 pm
Does anyone know who was ranked 31st in total offense with the Niners but was hired as head coach at another team? that would be Mike Mccarthy of the Packers.
_________________
ground frog………..you couldn’t be more wrong, the Niners were 32nd in total offense when McCarthy was OC the year before he was hired @ GB.
___

JB

January 15th, 2012
5:13 pm

Geez, they could of hired Bobo……

j

January 15th, 2012
5:14 pm

So even our former OC didn’t want to keep this guy. Looks like problem is with the HC. The Atlanta Jaguars will suck

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
5:16 pm

JB……Bobo can’t find a road out of Athens. He has been there so long he doesn’t know there is a world outside of UGa’s rectum.

BravesFan79

January 15th, 2012
5:17 pm

Im going to trust that the coaches know something the average fans dont, and that this is a good hire. I just hope we land a big name D coordinator.

Gatorzone

January 15th, 2012
5:20 pm

Yay!!!! More of the same!!!!!
Thanks Smith!! Falcons will fall to 3rd place in the south

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
5:22 pm

I like the Koetter Hire…and yes I am here to rub it in saints fans faces..get back in the gutter until mardi gras…2 straight pre championship game exits from the playoffs…is this the best drew brees will ever be again? is sean peyton on the hot seat? 2009 is so long ago…reset the team..(sound familiar, fake falkon(vick) fans?)

Birdman of Alcahol

January 15th, 2012
5:22 pm

Status quo. Safe, un-imaginative. Remember this hire when we look back on the failure of this group led by Ryan to ever win a superbowl. I don’t get it, you could have promoted Bratkowski or any of our offensive coaches if you want to keep the control the clock by running scheme, only to lose to high power passers. Same ole same ole. 9-7 next year.

Ernie

January 15th, 2012
5:22 pm

Had season tickets for the last 8 years. I’m not renewing based on this hire alone. Completely ridiculous. Perhaps I’ll get new tickets when Smith gets fired after next year.

Sid

January 15th, 2012
5:23 pm

Meet Dirk Koetter

1983–1984 Highland HS Head Coach

1985 San Francisco State (OC)

1986–1988 UTEP (OC)

1989–1993 Missouri (OC)

1994–1995 Boston College (OC)

1996–1998 Oregon (OC)

1998–2000 Boise State Head Coach

2001–2006 Arizona State Head Coach

2007–2011 Jacksonville Jaguars (OC)

2011 Jacksonville Jaguars (OC/QB)

2012 Atlanta Falcons (OC)

Timmychuck

January 15th, 2012
5:23 pm

The Falcons are pulling a joke on us , right?

Whoppper Dawg

January 15th, 2012
5:24 pm

I have to admit when running through possible OCs for the Falcons, the thought “Why don’t we hire whoever had the worst offense this year?” did not spring to mind.

Not quite sure how you make chicken salad out of that.

Sid

January 15th, 2012
5:27 pm

I can’t find it now but whoever wrote Dan Reeves was one of the Falcons worst coaches is an idiot.

Old Coach

January 15th, 2012
5:28 pm

@5150
I guess you are an expert on just about everything! I have never seen anyone that know everythig about everything. Why start downgrading Bobo? What a tool!!!

Troup Dawg

January 15th, 2012
5:29 pm

What the hell with this hire!!! And you people saying “give him the benefit of the doubt” just from what facts are you drawing the bases for this statement? LOOK AT HIS BODY OF WORK!! HE SUCKS!!!

LAST IN THE NFL IN OFFENSE!!!! Spare me the PAC-12 BS he produced at ASU.

BLANF YOU ARE A FOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 15th, 2012
5:31 pm

this is a horrible hire jvilles offense stunk now we get this guy ,we would be better off with malarkey,Mr.Blank this is a bad hire!

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
5:32 pm

Old Coach stop sniffing BOBO’s butt. I was not the only person on here to Laugh about BOBO being a joke OC like the new Falcon Hire.

yodaddybrother

January 15th, 2012
5:33 pm

typical move from an Atlanta organization…..

hire the worst and probably cheapest coach available. Jacksonville Jaguars the worst offense in the league and we bring him in and expect to be good.

playa changes

January 15th, 2012
5:33 pm

problem is d-block mentality (falcons.com)

this stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 15th, 2012
5:34 pm

of all the coaches we get this one to screw us up

Old Coach

January 15th, 2012
5:34 pm

5150 maybe the Falcons could hire one of your Tech coaches, maybe CPJ! Once again you have ALL the answers.

Jeffrey

January 15th, 2012
5:36 pm

They have to be kidding. We hired someone Smith was comfortable with, really? What happened to the talk of bringing coaches who will give a new perspectives? His offense was no better than 15th and seemed to get worse each year until it bottomed out at 32nd this year. I’m tired of this buddy system and in particular hiring losers. No championship shot next year, guess no need to renew season tickets.

Anthony Davis

January 15th, 2012
5:40 pm

dont know where to start, Atlanta is known for this, fans are never excited, all the hype in the regular season and when they come to the playoffs they act like they never been there before. Just pray they sign Spags cause DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
5:41 pm

Everyone in line at the gas station who was playing lotto slips and buying 1 grape flavored blunt wrapper seemed so bummed out about the saints loss to a defensive running team..they play 4 or 5 games of Madden 2011 a day and they know how to win and the aint’s were supposed to win it all on pure passing.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
5:45 pm

Trisha….the Katrina Trash already hit the Lottery when they got moved out of the NoLa Toilet for free by the American Taxpayers.

Jockich Smelley, I

January 15th, 2012
5:47 pm

Ryan, bit of advice……let it rip Brother! Quit dinking and dunking and checking down….Your passing game is like listening to the rain hit a tin roof (dink…dink…dunk..dink dunk…dink)….you pad your stats ….listen, promise Tony G that your wife will have his baby……

Well….Ryan will once again be able to HIDE behind the OC hiring…..Matty Ice, stand up like a man and start being accountable….quit saying WE and say I!!!

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
5:49 pm

Trisha- instead of worrying about Saints- Falcon fans need to ponder why a team like SF has passed them by.

fan

January 15th, 2012
5:50 pm

cancelling season tickets. this garbage on top of the obvious ref cheating for GB…. We are DONE.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
5:55 pm

@rivercard

I don’t worry about the saints, but I really get off on Schadenfreude..it’s FANtastic!

RedandBlackPeachy

January 15th, 2012
5:57 pm

So…are we the Jackanta Jaguars or the Atlanville Falcons? Just want to know how to cheer next season.

ZACK

January 15th, 2012
5:57 pm

I QUIT!!!! WHAT AN IDIOTIC ORGANIZATION!!!! DAMN LOSERS MAKE ME SICK!!! MIKE SMITH START PACKING YOU DAMN BITTER BEER FACED CLOWN!!!

DuvalJagsFan

January 15th, 2012
5:57 pm

I am beyond happy! What a perfect switch! Yall got a Jags coaching team now and we can take over from the Falcons! Thanks Atlanta! GO JAGS!!!!!! DUUUUUVVVALLLLLL!!!

Steve

January 15th, 2012
5:59 pm

WTH??? When did the Smiths re-buy the team? This sucks!

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:01 pm

falcons just went from first to worst.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:01 pm

are falcons stupid because blank got money?

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
6:04 pm

The same people were upset about the mile Smith hire also, if you recall, They wanted name splash..Parcells..in which case we would be the miami Dolphins today. there is a reason teams (other than Denver) don’t run themselves based on fan poll..and that reason is the fans themselves.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:04 pm

The Jags had the worst reciever core in the NFL. (Not the case in ATL)
Had a rookie quarterback. (Not the case in ATL)
A losing mentallity (Not the case in ATL)
I trust TD and SMITH. (Ryan, Turner, Jones, Gonzalez, White, Rodgers, Douglas).
Nationally this guy is respected. This ain’t JACKSONVILLE. GOG I HATE THIS FANBASE.
THIS IS THE MOST WINNING WE HAVE SEEN IN HISTORY AND YOU GUYS HAVE THE ANSWERS. Yeah right Falcons we will be GREAT in 2012.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:05 pm

How can this clown coach spaghetti, paper and salad thrower, weak arm and cannot get the ball beyond 15 yards Matt Ryan? This can’t be an encore of “Do you believe in another miracle”?

Old Dawg Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:07 pm

Are we sure that Mike Smith isnt related to Rankin Smith which would explain why this OC was hired. For those of you who don’t remember Rankin Smith (the Smith family) owned the Falcons when they really sucked. Looks like we are back on that road. again with this hire. Wow I am blown away with this!!!!! I could have picked a better OC-how about Bobo going to the Falcons-would be a step up for the Falcons and can’t hurt my Dawgs either.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:08 pm

I’m still upset with Smith hiring. What has he done? I can coach falcons to get three loses in the playoffs. Actually, the falcons have gone backward.

Tim

January 15th, 2012
6:08 pm

My guess is that Blank didn’t want to spend a lot of money.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:10 pm

OK, falcons suck again!!!

JB

January 15th, 2012
6:11 pm

Blank can not be happy with this. If it flops, Smith just punched his ticket out of town. Blank didn’t build Depot into what it is by hiring losers and lightweights.He may be a great guy( see Mark Richt), but letting Smith reach for a wet blanket to run the O was probably not a good move. 32 of 32 offenses this year. Can’t get any worse in the NFL,

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
6:11 pm

JP
January 15th, 2012
4:24 pm

DawgNole…you are correct….
_________________________

Looks like you are as well–this time.

Ron

January 15th, 2012
6:12 pm

I’m hoping this article isn’t true and is some form of a sick practical joke.

Mrs. Koetter

January 15th, 2012
6:17 pm

Take it from me, he’s not worth it.

O.... Boy

January 15th, 2012
6:17 pm

Might as well hired Mike Bobo….

GwinnettGUY

January 15th, 2012
6:18 pm

This is what the falcon leadership does. Arthur if you want to make it to the next level hire people that makes a difference in their organization. Why in anyone right mind hire someone that has one of the worse offense in the NFL. Now tell me Mike and Arthur how is this guy going to get you to the next level. But wait a minute what level are you trying to get to. The Bottom because if so, you are doing a great job of getting there.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:19 pm

falcons are losers and it takes one to knows one. Where do these falcons find these these losers? It isn’t possible. Friends do not allow friends to hire losers.

Red & Black

January 15th, 2012
6:20 pm

So Long Atlanta Falcons

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:20 pm

alcons are losers and it takes one to know one. Where do falcons find these losers? It isn’t possible. Friends do not allow friends to hire losers.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:20 pm

falcons are losers and it takes one to know one. Where do falcons find these losers? It isn’t possible. Friends do not allow friends to hire losers.

Barney Strickland

January 15th, 2012
6:22 pm

Most of you folks have NO CLUE….. Dirk was the guy who got the ball rolling at Boise State and ASU…. Nick Saban wanted him at Alabama…. I say we give him a chance…. Smitty knows he’s got 2 years tops to make something happen!! He didn’t want to just hire a “yes” man…. this guy is being trusted to save his job……!!

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
6:22 pm

Last True

The Jags had the worst reciever core in the NFL. (Not the case in ATL)Give you that , but surely he had some input into that position durung his time there.
Had a rookie quarterback. (Not the case in ATL) Only for the last year. Did he help pick that guy?
A losing mentallity (Not the case in ATL) Well they were doing all right(not great) before the collapse since 08 Did he contribute to threir losing attitude?
I trust TD and SMITH. (Ryan, Turner, Jones, Gonzalez, White, Rodgers, Douglas). Well some of those you name I wouldn’t get real worked up about and you know I could list some busts to match.
Nationally this guy is respected. How do you know this?

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:23 pm

falcons suck, braves already suck and hawks are going to suck. Maybe, grass root is the answer.

Home Depot Weasel

January 15th, 2012
6:24 pm

You southern folks are too stupid to see a good hire!

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
6:25 pm

And here I thought a Koetter was something a woman would use.

Silly me.

falconfan58

January 15th, 2012
6:25 pm

This is just like the falcon offene. Dull with no changes in concept or scheme. Other words SOShi-

John Jupin

January 15th, 2012
6:26 pm

Who?

January 15th, 2012
6:26 pm

I’ve never heard of this guy. Why didn’t the falcons hire a big name from a good team, not the lowly jaguars who had an offense that sucked??? Hello???

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
6:26 pm

Barney that is blarney. He did a good job at Boise, but hardly got the “ball rolling”. As for ASU he was fair and got fired. Ever heard of Frank Kush?

Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired

January 15th, 2012
6:27 pm

After reading the majority of these posts, I’d have to say that the so-called Falcons fans aren’t real fans at all. Being totally negative without even seeing what this new offensive coordinator might be able to do with the team’s personnel is STUPID!!!!! Yeah I said it…..STUPID!!!!!

loserville

January 15th, 2012
6:27 pm

another typical, dumb move by the morons who run the falcons—more of the same mediocrity to continue. That’s why atl will always be loserville. they just never learn.

Falcons4Eva

January 15th, 2012
6:29 pm

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
6:22 pm
” I trust TD and SMITH. (Ryan, Turner, Jones, Gonzalez, White, Rodgers, Douglas). ”
———————————————–

Well I DON’T TRUST TD and Smith. (Sam Baker, Ray Edwards, Peria Jerry, Dunta Robinson, and others)…

Jimmy

January 15th, 2012
6:29 pm

What this hire says is that Smith is a short timer.
Hiring a buddy as OC means Smith has no where to hide.
If the O doesn’t drastically improve within the next three years, Smith, his buddies and horse they rode in on will be fired.

miked706

January 15th, 2012
6:30 pm

And just think this organization wants is to foot the bill for a new stadium and oh yeah by the way I got my season ticket invoice and they went up on my tickets. Real funny real funny all you people on the waiting list, you’ll be off it this year. I think a lot of season tickets will be available.

regina kay

January 15th, 2012
6:33 pm

Well, no season tickets for me. The entire organization needs to be blown up……just start over…new coach, qb, oc, dc, ol, etc…

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:34 pm

Hey Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired;
Have you seen a championship team? Then, shut up! Best teams are supposed to win not lose. You play to win not lose. If you play for a professional team and you do not win, you are a loser. Fans do not have anything to do with it. Face the fact, falcons can’t win and will not win so they are losers. I can tell it to their faces all day long and they know it is the truth.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
6:34 pm

Watching the G-Men and the Packers last year it seems the PATH to the Super Bowl has to include Beating the FALCONS.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
6:37 pm

STAY OUT OF APPLEBEES TODAY (good advice anytime, really)..Ex cons with guns (AKA typical sAint’s fan) are upset drew brees and sean peyton didn’t accomplish anything this year..because as every blogger here knows, only winning super bowls matters, all other 31 teams suck and should be broken up and start from scratch every year.

Big Crimson 75

January 15th, 2012
6:37 pm

Once again — the solution to the Falcons is simple:
Hellooooooooo Coach Saben.

Please Arthur do something worth while as Owner, make the call, it’s ballsy, but you won’t be going home year after year & one thing is for sure, your team will have heart!!
Plus, Saben won’t be taken any orders from the real problem with the Falcons, Thomas Dimitroff.

Walterego

January 15th, 2012
6:38 pm

Uninspired, lame hire. Why is coach Smith’s “comfort level” more important than the best OC!?!

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:40 pm

Rivercard

Google Dirk Koetter, see Youtube Dirk Koetter.

This team has established a winning core. That won’t changeby an OC. This guy has an hugh opportunity to add to whats there. All we can do is speculate and the negativity towards this coach and this team after four years of winning and 3 playoff appearances. Most teams takes 7 years to get to the Playoffs (Alex Smith, SF). Ya’ll need to calm down the winning won’t stop. We need someone to unlock this teams greatness. The windows wild open for a young team like us, not like old teams like Pittsburgh, New Orleans, New England, Baltimore. If we were so bad you people wouldn’t be on here talking so much garbage.

Seasonticketholder

January 15th, 2012
6:42 pm

After 21 years of being a season ticket holder… I’m done. Koetter??? are you kidding me…

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:42 pm

I can stop the negatives about the falcons when they win the Superbowl. How many of you stupid enough to say that falcons will win a Superbowl. If you think falcons can win a Superbowl, email me your entire saving. If falcons win a Superbowl, I will give your saving back, otherwise, I will keep it. Do you want to play? That’s what I thought we have more chickens than falcons.

Yuck

January 15th, 2012
6:43 pm

I can’t believe that Arthur Blank would put his stamp of approval on this one. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised…historically, the big names avoid Atlanta like the plague. Maybe my grandkids will get to see a winner in Atlanta, cause it doesn’t look like it will happen any time soon.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:44 pm

Ok. Regina Kay is officially the dumbest human-being alive. 11-5, 9-7, 13-3, 10-6. ok you must be drunk.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
6:45 pm

If you do not have talent, no offensive scheme will help you..see JAX

If you have talent, Offensive scheme can make a huge difference..see ATL

If you think in 1 dimensional absolutes, nothing can help you..see UGA FANS and Democrats

BIG JIM

January 15th, 2012
6:45 pm

with all the talented the falcons got if dirk can be creative with this offense he will go a long way if not he will be another MM. Because the falcons got to many weapon not to be in the playoff the jags did’nt have any WR like the falcons but they did have a running game lets see what dirk can do with talented…..

jerry

January 15th, 2012
6:47 pm

Let us see what he can do with a roster loaded with average players, courtesy of Dimitroff.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:48 pm

ok. Falcon is the second dumbest person, next too Regina Kay. Must be a Colts fan. So quick to turn on there team after they have a tough year. But we still winning you can only hang your hat on one thing for now. But when we get that SB. won’t be any room on the wagon. LAME.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:48 pm

Hey LastTrue Falcon Fan;
Out of those nice records, how many play-off wins? That’s what I thought, zero. It’s also your IQ.

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
6:49 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan- I have read about Dirk and I stand unimpressed with his record which is all I can judge him by. It is not the playoff losses that upset me as much as the inconsistent uninspired performances and the lack of competitiveness against good teams.
SF wouldn’t be in playoffs if they didn’t pick right coach.

Falcon

January 15th, 2012
6:51 pm

Hey LastTrue Falcon Fan;
Do you win in the regular season so you can lose in the play-off? Nice motive, I should see you working for McDonald’s soon. IQ is not required to be employed there.

J-bone

January 15th, 2012
6:51 pm

So much for trying to bring a superbowl title to Atlanta…….why would you hire the oc of the WORST offense in the NFL? Nice move guys!

rideordiefalconsfan

January 15th, 2012
6:54 pm

I have to take a backseat on this i dont know what the new o.c has to offer. I just hope he gets an strong athletic oline to protect matt ryan and create holes in the running game. I am just worried bout if we get an aggressive d.c because we need takeaways and pressure on the quarterback the offense is going to be fine its the defense scares me

jojatekdlemieux

January 15th, 2012
6:54 pm

Unbelievable. This is a team that could have had the pick-of-the-litter. No matter, though. Defense wins championships. Let’s hope we fare better selecting a proven DC (with a ring perhaps?) and Blank/Dimitroff re-sign the core of that unit (minus Dunta). Rebuilding the chemistry that once existed on the OL would be nice as well… look no further than that unit, CDK, to explain the Falcons’ inconsistency on offense…

LILBURN DAWG

January 15th, 2012
6:56 pm

I’ll admit, I’m a college football fan. But having lived in Atlanta most of my 46 years, this is more of the same with the Falcons. As a child, I rooted for the other team when my dad took my brother and I to see a game. The birds were horrible and, with the exception of a handful of years and one lucky super bowl season, the Falcons continue to illustrate mediocrity. They want to win and play for conference championships and go to the super bowl. But when you look at their history of coaching hires, it’s apparent they don’t want to bring in a winner like Belichick or Harbaugh, etc. The birds are eternally stuck in an old school mentality and Jerry Jones wannabe Blank is clueless. Look at the consistent winners over the past few years. Green Bay, New England, New Orleans. What do they all have in common? Coaches who threw away the ‘three yards and a cloud of dust’ playbook of yesteryear. The commitment to win championships starts at the top. Memo to Blank: Go talk to Mr. Kraft. Hanging out on the sidelines a la Jerry Jones acting like you know what you’re doing just isn’t going to do it. I suppose Atlanta sports fans should just realize when it comes to fielding winning pro sports teams, we must look elsewhere. Although the Braves had a 14 year run, they have but just one world series to their name. I guess things could be worse. Atlanta could be Chicago.

agent7g

January 15th, 2012
6:57 pm

Most of you so called fans are an embarrassment to humanity. You know nothing of Koetter’s work. Did you really want some big name that you could pin your hopes on? The powers that be went with a safe pick that suits the personnel in place. The Falcons do not have to blow this roster apart to continue the success that they have enjoyed over the last 4 seasons. The Falcons play the AFC West & the NFC East next season. They should be able to repeat a 10-6 record with ease. This team is on the right path. Remain calm. “Choke” is still a d–che.

showmebetr

January 15th, 2012
6:58 pm

Can’t believe this move. What was the rush and you bring someone in just because they’re familiar with MS..He has the worst record in offense in the league and this is what you think the fans want??? Could have at least tried to go after somebody on the Saints team. All I can say is this better work or it’s going to be a loooonnnnnnggggggg 2012 season.

beerad

January 15th, 2012
6:58 pm

You have got to be kidding! Well we will see an other year or two of not winning a playoff game and he’ll be gone. Look how long it took to get rid of VanGorder. Look at his resume he always leaves before he gets fired. Never be outstanding at any job. Mr Blank you have the money go out and get some proven winners.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
6:59 pm

Falcon, are you impressed with the saints. If you don’t have the team to go all the way who cares about a playoff win. Who is your team and believe me I’m clearly more intelligent than you. I don’t complain over something I have no control over and take shots at people that can see me. Unlike you internet tough guy. This team is building and is getting stronger. the pieces are in place. Pay attention to FOOTBALL not internet porn and you will see this team is respected nationally even in losing effort can worry about you. Your a nobody hiding behind this teams name. Get A JOB

Ted

January 15th, 2012
7:00 pm

So much for another winning season in a row… what a bad bad choice. hes offence only scored above 20 points or better 2 times the whole season… won only 4 games.. great job birds..

hobbler

January 15th, 2012
7:01 pm

I can hear Rich McKay now in the booth trying to sell Koetter to the fans to buy tickets during next year’s preseason games. Get lost. (the finger). 32nd. What a joke.

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
7:02 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan – Actually they were universally ripped nationally for their pathetic effort in the playoffs. All seemed to agree that something is not clicking with this team.

No Surprise Here!

January 15th, 2012
7:03 pm

It’s all about coaching relationships in this league…OC position is filled, now DC is next…most falcon fans aren’t excited about hire, but give guy a chance before judging..all on the blogs jaguar fans are excited he has left…may have to call falcons the new ATLANTA JAGUARS

LILBURN DAWG

January 15th, 2012
7:03 pm

Atlanta fans are supposed to be impressed with Koetter’s work? His ‘record’ over the past four seasons:
2008: 20th total offense (15th passing), 24th scoring.

2009: 18th total offense (19th passing), 24th scoring.

2010: 15th total offense (27th passing), 18th scoring.

2011: 32nd total offense (32nd passing), 28th scoring.

Those stats have super bowl winner all over them.

showmebetr

January 15th, 2012
7:05 pm

@agent7g..that’s the Falcons problem now always wanna be safe, conservative. The fans here have had enough of that. This says MS all over it just so he can continue the same ole run, control the clock..Those days are over, we need to air it out!!!!

curious

January 15th, 2012
7:06 pm

Smith says he wants someone Ryan is comfortable with and understands what the Falcons are trying to do on offense. What the blank is going on here?

MIKE SMITH IS DUMBER THAN MIKE WOODSON

January 15th, 2012
7:08 pm

STUPID COACHING MOVE

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
7:09 pm

Don’t even know why I am upset? Falcons proved by not signing Dahl that they weren’t serious. Probably lose Abraham and Grimes this year. I think this regime may have peaked.

jerry

January 15th, 2012
7:10 pm

The generic can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow but it can be just as effective as the brand name.

TexasFalcon

January 15th, 2012
7:10 pm

These so call sling the ball all over the place is NOT doing so well once teams get tape on them….New Orleans is at home, Green Bay is headed home tonight. DEFENSE Wins Rings. Our Offensive line needs to be rebuilt and PLEASE find someone defenders who can GET OFF THE FREAKING FIELD…. 3rd Down kill us this year POINT BLANK…..

Edward

January 15th, 2012
7:10 pm

I can’t believe what I just read.

June Jones

January 15th, 2012
7:10 pm

Who? Enough said…

No Surprise Here!

January 15th, 2012
7:11 pm

Now that I think about it…Jags and Falcons swapped coordinators…MM is head coach of Jags and he promoted falcons old qb coach to be coordinator in JAX and Jax OC came to Atlanta to be OC…WOW!

Brent Philmon

January 15th, 2012
7:11 pm

Until we have a “go for the jugular mentality” (i.e. see Packers, Saints, and Patriots offensive gameplan), we will never be an elite team. We have the offensive weapons to join that club, if we get away from this “power football” mentality we want to exert at least 40% of the game (coincidentally that 40% of the game where we become stagnant offensively). I’m a huge MT fan, but I say trade Michael Turner and get a back in the mold of the versatile back that can catch the ball as well as run (i.e. LT in his prime, Ahmad Bradshaw, Foster, Ray Rice, etc.). The old adage of “Nice Guys Finish Last” seems to be the mantra for our team.

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
7:11 pm

LILBURN DAWG

January 15th, 2012
6:56 pm

“I guess things could be worse. Atlanta could be Chicago.”
____________________________

Being Chicago would be an improvement. In Atlanta, there’s been only ONE pro championship in 46 years. Chicago’s had the Bulls, the White Sox, the Bears, and the Black Hawks–all of them champions (some more than once). Even the hapless Cubs made it to the Series several times. Atlanta/Chicago? No comparison in terms of futility and failure of the pro teams. None whatsoever. Atlanta’s not even in the same universe as Chicago in this category..

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
7:12 pm

all of ya’ll putting this OC offense of performances. Put the QB up there as well. What has Mike Martz done since his SB or Denver OC or Mangini or Weiss doesn’t mean jack if you don’t have the people to make the plays……………. but ATL needed something new this guy is coming into an upgrade opportunity. You can only neetpick Matt Ryan so much can’t deny he is a winning he answered the arm questions this year. The Winning continue and this organization is builty for a SB its coming sooner than some of ya’ll fake fans want.

J-Man

January 15th, 2012
7:13 pm

I think you need to interview TD, Schultz and get his explaination I wanna know how an O-Cordinator with the 32nd rank offense is an IMPROVEMENT???????

Kyle

January 15th, 2012
7:13 pm

It is pathetic just as I’m sure the DC pick will be as well. I hope they don’t have another press conference at the end of next season to try and explain away another season that will be a total loss. They explain it well in the hires they make.

truthbtold

January 15th, 2012
7:13 pm

D O Ledbetter, you Schultz and Bradley should wear The Falcons out in your columns for this move. Our OC (who was not getting the job done) leaves for a head coaching job in Jacksonville because he was going to be fired here. And Jacksonville’s OC (who was not getting the job done) leaves for a OC job here because he was going to be fired (worst offense in the league). And this is suppose to improve the Falcons? Now mathematically, the OC we had is better than the one we’re getting because one became a head coach at the team he went to. The other, had terrible results at the same team and was not in the running for the head coach position. Are morons running the Falcons? That’s just like deciding that you want a better car, and you give your plucker to someone that has less of a car than you (they’re happy to get your car because it’s a step up from what they have). But then you turn around and get the car they’re getting rid of as your replacement? LOL – how stupid is that?

J-Man

January 15th, 2012
7:14 pm

Can we trade Turner for MJD?

showmebetr

January 15th, 2012
7:14 pm

and a collective hush falls over the city!!! LOL

LILBURN DAWG

January 15th, 2012
7:15 pm

The Atlanta Falcons: Rebuilding since 1965.

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
7:15 pm

agent7g

January 15th, 2012
6:57 pm

“The Falcons do not have to blow this roster apart to continue the success that they have enjoyed over the last 4 seasons.”
____________________

You’re right. To continue the success that they have enjoyed over the last 4 seasons (zero playoff wins), there’s no need to blow this roster apart. On the other hand, if they want to IMPROVE on that success . . . .

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
7:15 pm

JSS, The saints can’t even afford to re-sign Brees. If he goes into the free agents there will be 5 teams that will out bid them. remember 5 years ago this team was about to live town b4 katrina. You can’t make up that type of debt in this short period. if they don’t resign him. We will see how real that WHO DAT nation is…………………

Tech Tony

January 15th, 2012
7:17 pm

I hate to make up my mind before giving the man an opportunity but I’m seriously thinking of Koettering my wrists over this hire.

no excuses

January 15th, 2012
7:18 pm

Enter your comments here

agent7g

January 15th, 2012
7:20 pm

Every organization makes mistakes in the draft & in free agency. Not one person who has posted on this topic knows more about football than Coach Smith or TD. including myself. Are you unhappy about going to the playoffs? Would you like to ask the folks in Buffalo or Carolina or Dallas how it feels to not make the tournament? Were you so happy in your misery after a 5-11 season that your feeble minds actually miss being given the gift of watching your team play in the POST-season that can’t comprehend what is happening in front of your eyes? Are you watching the game that is currently being played? The Giants are close to defeating the mighty Pack. On the road. In dominating fashion.

no excuses

January 15th, 2012
7:22 pm

*sigh* Oh well… looks like more mediocrity to come for the Falcons. At least I have my Crimson Tide to watch next year!

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
7:26 pm

Looks like Brees and Rodgers can sit at home next week watching a team that was 6-8, 4 weeks ago play the team QB’ed by the immortal Alex Smith , and rambling about how the deep passing game has made defense and running the ball moot.

#1 seed loses at home in the divisional round=LOSERS (sound familiar, Fake Falkon fans?)

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
7:28 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan:

“I don’t complain over something I have no control over and take shots at people that can see me.”
_________________________

Huh? You don’t take shots at people that can see you? So does that mean that you only take shots at people who CAN’T see you?

Get off the Oxycodone, LastTrue. You’ve got jelly for brains.

agent7g

January 15th, 2012
7:28 pm

@trishaDishaWarEagle

-right on.

No Surprise Here!

January 15th, 2012
7:30 pm

Fans aren’t happy with hire which I understand and it’s funny how excited fans were that MM was leaving to coach Jags and Jag fans were equally excited to see their OC come to Atlanta…WOW!

jaguar offense sucks

January 15th, 2012
7:31 pm

the jaguars had one of the worst offenses in the league. The falcons can hire anyone and they hire this guy??? are you serious??? I’m giving up my tickets—enough is enough.

DawgNole

January 15th, 2012
7:31 pm

LILBURN DAWG
January 15th, 2012
7:15 pm

“The Atlanta Falcons: Rebuilding since 1965.”
____________________________

You nailed it there, buddy. An excellent summary. Concise and straight to the crux of the problem with this pseudo franchise.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
7:31 pm

Comments from Chris Mortensen of ESPN on Falcons hire of Dirk Koetter:

If we need to know one thing about Koetter, it’s whether he’ll be more fearless in crucial games than Mike Mularkey was. And it’s safe to say he prefers aerial aggression.

Who are you people to critic this man? Who are we? all of you who are done with Falcons please leave we don’t need you.

5150 UOAD

January 15th, 2012
7:33 pm

I guess the Super Bowl ain’t Mr Rogers or Mr. Brees neighborhood this year either.

Larry k

January 15th, 2012
7:33 pm

I think the Falcons should have waited and seen what was the out come of the GB ans NYG game and looking at it now we might could have gotten Clements . This hire ? time will tell.Only thing that would offset this hire is go after Spag. for DC. This guy was great with the Giants.

smith's buddy

January 15th, 2012
7:34 pm

only criteria: he’s a good buddy of smith–nothing else matters.

loserville continues

January 15th, 2012
7:36 pm

there must be some kind of curse in atl—the ownership makes dumb hires, the management is incompetent, the coaches are mediocre and the players choke in every big game.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
7:37 pm

Chris Mortensen on Dirk Koettner to Falcon’s OC:

The risk the Falcons are taking, in my mind, is on whether his significant college success can translate to NFL success, especially when given a set of talent that should rank among the NFL’s elite.

The nation believe’s this team our own fanbase can’t even acknowledge sucees even in losing efforts this team is RISING ya’ll better wake the Hell UP.

Michael M.

January 15th, 2012
7:38 pm

I laughed my tail off at the Saints losing and now I have to start laughing at my own team for another stupid judgement call here………..

Smith said Koetter will bring “a fresh set of ideas to our offense.”

“He is bright, he understands the intricacies of the vertical passing game, but he also wants to be able to run the football which is very important in the NFL,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with Dirk and have tremendous confidence that he will be a great addition to our team and our coaching staff.”

Smith has emphasized a run-first philosophy with Atlanta.

First things first Coaches………..you better start looking for some new blood to run the freakin ball because you have about worn Turner slap out and secondly, you better make a better judgement call for DC becasue you going to have to be able to stop the other team from scoring alot of points…….otherwise you are going to get your asx blowed out in every game ! ! ! !

jacksonville = worst nfl offense

January 15th, 2012
7:39 pm

who made this incredibly bad hire??? worst offensive coordinator in the league and he gets hired by smith?? amazing.

Orlando

January 15th, 2012
7:40 pm

Okay, someone PLEASE tell me this is a JOKE.
Falcons can’t beat ANY good teams because they have such a predicable offense.
I’m sitting in my chair looking at the formations they throw up and call the next play.
90% of the time I’m right, so I know opposing defenses can read it too.. And they have.
Which is why the Falcons are home watching the playoffs with me.
They have no imagination and now they hire someone with even LESS imagination.
DAMN

No Surprise Here!

January 15th, 2012
7:40 pm

packers and saints are out…in the playoffs it’s all about which defenses play well and obviously Saints and Packer defenses SUCK and failed

Mr. Mustard

January 15th, 2012
7:40 pm

For the first time since T. Dimitroff became the Falcons’ General Manager, I am having doubts about him. Here are the main reasons why:

1) Ever since the second New Orleans’ game in 2010 (with a win, we get home field advantage throughout the playoffs), this team has played not to lose. Very soft, careful football, playing percentages. I was mad then, and it happened all this year. I watched that game in amazement as every single decision was made to be safe.

2) The Julio Jones deal – Yes Julio is good and I may be proven wrong yet, but rarely has any one player ever proven to be worth so many picks. This might have been Blank, but you build with the draft, and we clearly have holes. If T.D. thought we were at championship caliber and Jones was the missing piece, that is disturbing too.

3) Mike Smith has shown some bad game management skills. I applaud his calls on 4th and one, because we should be able to get those one yards each, but specifically the 41 seconds with 3 timeouts and not using them, against the Giants.

That pissed me off. You don’t see Bill Bellichick giving away the ball, or chances to score. They attack, and we just submitted to the toughness of the Giants and ran into the locker room to “regroup”. Seriously?

And we are going to be a “ground and pound” bunch? That takes toughness right? I mean more than those fancy -dancy west coast dink and dunk teams, but they quit. That tells me more about Coach Mike Smith than anything else.

4) The refusal to adjust to the 3rd down situations on defense. Coach Smith should have ordered Van Gorder to try something different.

5) Now Coach Smith and T.D. have hired a homer, a crony a buddy from Jacksonville. It it does not work, then it will be Smith’s legacy. Familiar and safe, ground and fall, over championship level thinking and management.

6) Dimitroff better focus on the lines. ALL focus and picks and moves should be to get linemen.

7) Turner and Gonzalez are done, and frankly the only reason we signed Gonzalez is because of our limited draft picks. I thought we were going to cut them one year too soon, as to one year too late.

Dimitroff’s Jones’ decision has put him in a bind.

First rate management teams, don’t do this. Yet here we are. Again.

Michael M.

January 15th, 2012
7:41 pm

49ers will take out the Giants…………book it, its the ” Real Deal ” !

Falcon Fan 24-7

January 15th, 2012
7:42 pm

We are in trouble, again. Why pick a OC from one of the worst team in the NFL with a horrendous losing record. The Falcons and Hawks always go for the least expensive guy.

meh

January 15th, 2012
7:42 pm

OMG! Terrible choice!

kerryb

January 15th, 2012
7:46 pm

It looks like Mike Smith’s familiarity with Jacksonville is going to bite us this time. why the heck would Arthur Blank agree to hire an OC that even our defense totally dominated this year. I’m just throwing my hands in the air right now. After 25 years I don’t care anything about the Falcons anymore. I was hoping we would see some bold move to create a new offense but I don’t see that this is any better than what we had.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
7:49 pm

HA HA HA

Yet another team the Falcants have spring boarded to the Superbowl

HA HA HA :)

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
7:50 pm

Mr. Mustard- Excellent summary. Add TD mixed results draft picks to list

stan

January 15th, 2012
7:51 pm

PACK ARE GOING DOWN. THIS PROVES GOOD DEFENCE ALWAYS WILL TAKE OUT A GOOD OFFENCE. HOPE WE GET SAPGAGS

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
7:52 pm

KEY TO MAKING THE SUPERBOWL:

Play vs CHOKE

2008 vs Cardinals
2010 vs Green Bay
2011 vs Giants

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
7:53 pm

ATTENTION LOSERS:

Good coaches will not be coming to Loserville as long as CHOKE is the qb.

You will only get other team’s scraps……………

HA HA HA :)

truthbtold

January 15th, 2012
7:53 pm

@ last true falcon fan – Say what you want, but in most coaching vacancies – the coach is judged by his results. This coach spent the last 4 seasons with the same team, and his results got worse – year after year. There was no gradual improvement in the offense. He had input on the assembling of talent as the OC. Without even defending this guy’s resume, if you were in the Falcon’s shoes you should want to hire the best possible person for the job. His resume would not make him the best possible candidate. He’s a friend of Mike Smith. Mike Smith could have been his own OC all of the seasons. As head coach, he decides the style of play and it’s going to remain the same. The entire league knows what plays we are going to run before we run them, so Mike Smith wants someone that thinks like he does. Run the ball and throw to the sidelines to get into field goal range……

Najeh Davenpoop

January 15th, 2012
7:54 pm

They are chanting “Let’s Go Giants” at Lambeau Field. They yelled “Cruuuuuuuuz” in the 2nd half when Victor Cruz caught a pass. I am waiting for the Rob Parker article about how terrible Packers fans are.

Millermoose

January 15th, 2012
7:55 pm

This is sure not going to get any fans excited. The team had the opportunity to make a splash with a new OC and DC and we go out and get a guy on one of the worst teams in the league. Maybe Arthur likes throwing his money away ???

Nate

January 15th, 2012
7:59 pm

Refs tried to give the game to the packers. What a joke. Fumble obvious. Late hit non existent. Still get blown out. Adios cheeseheads. Go giants!

exfalconfan

January 15th, 2012
7:59 pm

The only way a true falcon fan can be heard by Arthur Blank is to do exactly like buc fans boycott that mismanaged laydown and die team

Ex-Season Ticker Holder

January 15th, 2012
8:00 pm

This has to be a joke. The Falcon Fans are the April Fools in January

KenK

January 15th, 2012
8:00 pm

OH NO from bad to worse at oc. Someone give me some good news like Blank Fires TD.

marshall

January 15th, 2012
8:02 pm

J guess we didn’t loose to a chump team after all….if Giants win next week we will have been eliminated by the super bowl rep for the NFC he last 4 playoff attempts……interesting

TRUTH HURTS

January 15th, 2012
8:03 pm

Well good thing from this is that Mike Smith will most likely be fired after a poor season. Who would be a new head coach next year?

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:04 pm

at truthbtold,

Ok the worst market team with the worst crowd attendeance, worst record in a divison with the colts and all there games are blacked out. Who wants to go there. This team in a ATLANTA had rough year and still went 10-6 two drop passes from 12-4. Who was this guys Quarterback over those 4 years you are also judge by your talent. Like a quarterback who throws 316 yards in a game (stat) but only completed 10 passes its 316 yards but when you look back at it you only made 10 passes. If you don’t have the opportunities you don’t have success. This guy will have success in ATLANT because we are a consistent winning team. THIS AINT JACKSONVILLE.

jo

January 15th, 2012
8:05 pm

Smith.managed to do the impossible. Have the.blame shift from MM on to Smith shoulders alone. This is a dumba#$ choice.

Stone

January 15th, 2012
8:05 pm

this is terrible….why are we hiring someone from a losing team…c’mon Mr. Blanks you said you wanted to win…this does not show that…How long do we as fans have to wait foe at least an effort from you….this is crazy..

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:06 pm

@ Choke you ignorance annoys me. PLease find a roof to jump off of please we would all appreciate it……………..lol

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
8:08 pm

Since disgruntled Aint’s fans are shooting up Applebees, I guess now that the packers and Aaron CHOKE Rodgers lost, it won’t be safe to go to to IHOP for a while, either.

Mr. Mustard

January 15th, 2012
8:09 pm

Couldn’t agree more Orlando.

You know what bothers me more? Coach Smith’s version of football is supposed to be “tough” “smash mouth”, “ground and pound”, but we conceded the rest of the first half against the Giants.

Ryan fell down well before a crucial first down marker, on third down to avoid being hit (in the playoffs).

None of our guys seem to be able to break a tackle.

The last half of this season, it suddenly dawned on me; the Falcons are soft physically and mentally.

Now Koetter? He better be a diamond in the rough or it seems as though the fans won’t forgive him.

To be fair, Billichick and MCcarthyh were suspect and look what they did. Maybe Smith sees something in Koetter. Surely hope so.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:12 pm

I know ya’ll haters just heard Bradshaw say if you lead your team to the playoff 4 years in a row pretty impressive. Three out of 4 pretty impressive. MATT Ryan

St Simons - we're on Island time

January 15th, 2012
8:12 pm

half a century of futility – continues

Blank will sell the team next year

I’m closer to the Jags stadium now anyway. bye falcons

Turk

January 15th, 2012
8:13 pm

Well Coach Smith is putting a lot of faith into this guy because if he fails and we dont win anything Smith is gone. Now what i want to see is a new DC coach. SPAGS!!!!!!!

Larry

January 15th, 2012
8:13 pm

Mr. Schultz,

Why is it you allow this “CHOKE” child to continue to contaminate your blogs. Mr. Ledbetter banned him because of this same incessant, irrelevant, and off topic vomit while you let it go unabated.

Why? He adds nothing of substance or value to any topic.

Saints fan shoot two guys for cheering for 49ers

January 15th, 2012
8:14 pm

A Georgia man allegedly shot at two football fans in a restaurant parking lot — critically injuring one — because he took offense to their cheering for the San Francisco 49ers as they faced off against the New Orleans Saints.

Donald Ray Ayro, 31, was being held without bond Sunday after the incident, according to a police press release.

Corey Adams, 30, told WSB-TV that he and friend Chris Middleton, also 30, were confronted by Ayro inside an Applebee’s restaurant in Duluth, Ga., as they celebrated a 49ers touchdown in the playoff game.

“The only thing me and my buddy said was, we were excited that the 49ers scored,” Adams said. “It was only one touchdown.”

According to Adams, the Saints fan then left but told the men he would return.

About 90 minutes later, Ayro allegedly fired gunshots at Adams and Middleton in the restaurant’s parking lot.

“I took off running and he started shooting at me and shot like four or five times and he grazed the back of my head,” Adams told WSB.

Middleton was shot in the chest. He was taken to nearby Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition.

Police found Ayro through Adams’ description of him and his vehicle. He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, police said.

The 49ers beat the Saints 36-32 Saturday.

Really!!!

January 15th, 2012
8:18 pm

No more season tickets for this guy…..terrible!!!

Fan of the Game

January 15th, 2012
8:19 pm

Boy I bet the Jaguars are wishing they had not let go of Tom Coughlin.

Fan of the Game

January 15th, 2012
8:21 pm

In pro football there are so many intangibles. Head Coach sometimes put reigns on the OC and also he had the worse QB to work with. They had receivers open many times and he was not close to getting the ball to them. Mike Smith knows what it takes. Hell of alot more than these bloggers.

Michael

January 15th, 2012
8:27 pm

Some of you “fans” on here need to get real. I’ve been through all the ATL sports heartbreakers like the rest of you and I was ticked off at the way we played in big games all year. However, jumping ship on the team for hiring this guy before he’s called a game for us is not the way to go. We weren’t the only ones who wanted this guy (and I’m not talking about Bama, Mike Tice in Chicago raved about him and wanted him as his QB coach because of his knowledge of the vertical passing game). Is it sexy? No it’s not. Again, who out there would’ve got you excited? Tom Clements still fire you up now? Schottenheimer just got run out of NY like Mularkey did here. Martz was ran out of Chicago. Billick has been doing tv since 07. Players play, coaches coach. This guy had no talent passing game wise in Jax. Recall Dunta’s comments about the Jags WRs (yes, even Dunta had the nerve to call them bad). Relax people, there was no hire out there that was going to be the solution to the ultimate issue with this team (talent in the trenches and lack of talent in the secondary).

Felix the cat

January 15th, 2012
8:27 pm

quick call mularky back and offer more money ..jeesh..Come on Man!!!!

JSS

January 15th, 2012
8:29 pm

Phony JSS impersonator…
“JSS January 15th, 2012 7:10 pm The Saints will make a better choice to replace Gregg Williams. They are a more effective and better run organization and will ensure longer term success.”

Are you scared to make your own points? I just can’t understand you’d want to steal my user-name? I’m supposedly such a “jerk” or “faux-elitist?”

Come on, use your user-name and make your own points… Thanks…

Florida Guy

January 15th, 2012
8:29 pm

not inspiring, but we’ll see. It’s not my job on the line (at least as far as I know) LOL. I like Smitty and hope this works out, but boy, I think I would have went with someone with a better track record. hope it works out

Phil

January 15th, 2012
8:30 pm

My God, even Bobo may have been a better choice! What the hell is Smith thinking? Are there no others candidates for anything outside of Jacksonville?? I’m sure the next D coordinator will come from there also.

Big Jim

January 15th, 2012
8:30 pm

Does this mean that we are conceding next season already?

32 of 32

January 15th, 2012
8:32 pm

worst offense of 32 nfl teams: jaguars!! congrats to the brilliant falcons management for another great hire!! how about trading away more picks soon to get another overrated offensive player???? !!!!

dawg tired

January 15th, 2012
8:32 pm

What is the rearranging the deck chairs with the Jaguars? We get their DC as the head coach and their OC as our OC. I could see doing that with the Packers, Patriots or Giants but the Jags?!!

I never saw the Jags as the standard we should be looking to for coaching talent.

Dallas Falcon

January 15th, 2012
8:33 pm

My complaint is ….we should have gotten a OC with a track record of winning in the NFL playoffs. Please find this in a DC.

dimitroff

January 15th, 2012
8:34 pm

the most overrated gm in football—another bonehead move, worse than trading all those draft choices for julio jones.

lombardi

January 15th, 2012
8:36 pm

Across all the blogs, be they, the Cage, ESPN , NFL, etc I’ve seen a lot of great fan passion for the birds. After listening to AB last week on the presser, I yet again bought in to the honesty of the pursuit of the ring – even though he was apparently keeping Old School Smitty.

Not w/ this OC selection.

We’ve basically traded the exact same OC schemes in the past week w/ the Jags.

I’ve watched the playoff games – and in particular the SF game where, w/ the same personnel, a coach has turned it around.

Here in the ATL, Smitty is likeable but not the answer for me to invest anything, be it time, money, etc., further into. (Sorry, I don’t base consecutive winning seasons as the go-to mantra – it should be the minimum expectation). In case I’m wrong, wishing you all the best.

sam

January 15th, 2012
8:37 pm

All I can say is, WTF! Of all the good candidates out there we pick this guy? I’ve been a big fan of TD and Coach Smith, but really? I hope they both know this is a watershed decision. If the Falcons regress on offense again next year they should all be gone.

B Damn T

January 15th, 2012
8:39 pm

I would rather beat my toes with a hammer than watch the falcons offense next season. To hire anyone from Jacksonville is a huge mistake.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
8:41 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:06 pm

@ Choke you ignorance annoys me

_______________________________________

“you” ignorance…………..all I can say to that is………………..

HA HA HA :)

Phil

January 15th, 2012
8:41 pm

I thought Demitroff had some friggin sense. He allowed this?? Worst friggin hire I can ever remember for the Falcons!

Donaldo

January 15th, 2012
8:42 pm

What was the rush?? Seems like another questionable management decision, so obviously there are issues within the management structure, hidden from the public, that appear to continue a philosophy of continued musical chairs. I learned long ago to not make important decisions in a rush, not sure this group has learned this yet. Time will tell, I am not holding my breathe. GO NINERS

Donaldo

January 15th, 2012
8:42 pm

What was the rush?? Seems like another questionable management decision, so obviously there are issues within the management structure, hidden from the public, that appear to continue a philosophy of continued musical chairs. I learned long ago to not make important decisions in a rush, not sure this group has learned this yet. Time will tell, I am not holding my breathe. GO NINERS

JSS

January 15th, 2012
8:42 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan
January 15th, 2012
7:15 pm
“JSS, The saints can’t even afford to re-sign Brees. If he goes into the free agents there will be 5 teams that will out bid them. remember 5 years ago this team was about to live town b4 katrina. You can’t make up that type of debt in this short period. if they don’t resign him. We will see how real that WHO DAT nation is…………………”

That post is not by me…

Actually, if the Patriots can afford to resign Tom Brady, then the Saints can afford Brees. The problem they will have in on the defensive side in two years when they will have to start transition out their safeties and move their corners around. The linebacking situation and more depth behind Sean Rodgers is the next step…

regina kay

January 15th, 2012
8:42 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan …..Mike Smith, is this you…..lol. You are an idiot. How much are the falcons paying you to defend their pathetic choice of an OC. I have been a season ticket holder for 10 years and not impressed at the number of times Matty Ice has gotten us to the playoffs. How many times have we won……You need a LIFE.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
8:43 pm

The main problem with the Falcons is half the so called fan base wasn’t born here and is fair weather. Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Oakland, cleveland..they have devoted fan bases who don’t jump ship after every loss because nobody moves to those cities..those are cities fate puts you in at birth for some cosmic penalty. As I sit on GA 400 every day , 2/3 of the people in those cars around me who i wish would disappear/die to alleviate traffic, were not born in Georgia. Those of us who were born here know that a great system can show bad results with bad personnel, and are waiting to see how the Koetter system works with our good quality offensive skill players.

Had enough

January 15th, 2012
8:45 pm

So Jeff are you saying that this is Mike Mularkey all over again?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
8:45 pm

Larry

January 15th, 2012
8:13 pm

Mr. Schultz,

Why is it you allow this “CHOKE” child to continue to contaminate your blogs. Mr. Ledbetter banned him because of this same incessant, irrelevant, and off topic vomit while you let it go unabated.

Why? He adds nothing of substance or value to any topic.

__________________________________________________

BOO HOO HOO….Man up sissy :)

Say hi to the other COWARD Mrs. Charlie…………….

HA HA HA :)

Noneya

January 15th, 2012
8:46 pm

I hate to prejudge this dude before he gets here but this wasn’t the splash I was expecting. Can he get us over the hump against the better teams in the league? It amazes me how coaches just get recycled throughout the league.

Days In The Lives Of Falcons Fans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QKLJ4wY_yQ

Phil

January 15th, 2012
8:46 pm

I have always liked Smith but I’m beginning to question his judgement. I’m also begging to question if he can win a playoff game either. If the DC hire is as bad as this one, Smith has lost it.

Look outside of Jacksonville Smith!!!!!

BBQ MAN

January 15th, 2012
8:46 pm

GREAT HIRE sharp offensive mind just never had the ammo at jville

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
8:48 pm

Trisha- Yeah fans in Pitt, Buffalo etc never complain about the coaching, players etc. LOL

ZACK

January 15th, 2012
8:49 pm

SHOW SMITH AND TD THE DAMN DOOR NOW! DAMN IDIOTS! FANS PLEASE RISE UP AND DO NOT GO TO THE GAMES TO WATCH THESE LOSERS!!!

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
8:50 pm

BBQ MAN “GREAT HIRE sharp offensive mind”

And you know this how?

old man

January 15th, 2012
8:50 pm

It’s almost impossible for anyone to comment intelligently on this hire. JAX has been so ham strung with mediocre talent. What would Koetter have done if he had better talent?

With MT so one-dimensional, and with the investment in Julio, we need to go to a more NY Giants style offense (throwing more on first down, using backs in pass game, etc.) and I have to hope this coach has that approach in him. His experience in JAX tells us very little. For now, we have to rely on the powers that be. But draft and trade decisions will in part be based on what the OC says our direction should be. If we see more of the personnel and play selection issues that have stopped us to this point, don’t blame the new OC–blame the person who brought him here. This is really about Mike Smith.

For now, I don’t know enough to have an opinion either way.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
8:50 pm

regina kay

January 15th, 2012
8:42 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan …..Mike Smith, is this you…..lol. You are an idiot. How much are the falcons paying you to defend their pathetic choice of an OC. I have been a season ticket holder for 10 years and not impressed at the number of times Matty Ice has gotten us to the playoffs. How many times have we won……You need a LIFE.

__________________________________

THANK YOU

HA HA HA :)

Phil

January 15th, 2012
8:53 pm

What friggin loser do they have left in Jacksonville that Smith will hire next as the DC? Del Rio? Or some loser defensive back coach? I thought Richt was an idiot, but Smith is trying to get the honor for the biggest idiot in the state.

Muscley men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
8:54 pm

Scott Anderson

January 15th, 2012
12:09 pm

The worst coach Falcons ever had was Dan Reeves and Marion Campbell.

Are you retarded? Mora

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:55 pm

@regina i wouldn’t pay for anything that i complained about so bad. and who was martz before rams aaallllllllllllllllllooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg time ago. Who pays for season tickets for a team they hate free up those tickets loser. for a real fan

Banned Poster

January 15th, 2012
8:56 pm

wow all this for an OC hire? Who hires an OC for fan interest? No one! Give it time and let it work out. The Falcons needed a new direction and this guy will have better talent than he ever did in Jacksonville.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:56 pm

Choke you can’t have a job you are on here all times of the day loser………………

chuck e

January 15th, 2012
8:57 pm

A sorry choice. I’m, thinking Mike Smith doesn’t want a potential head coach (as in his job) successor as either the OC or the DC. that said, expect the DC choice to be equally uninspiring!!!! NOT GOOD!!!

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
8:58 pm

Banned Poster “this guy will have better talent than he ever did in Jacksonville.”

The question is will the Falcons have better coaching?

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
8:58 pm

Fair Weather Falcon Fan Logic 101

If Eli Manning wins 2 more games this year, he becomes the “Winner” Manning and Peyton becomes the “Loser” Manning , Instead of the standard of excellence at the position for the last decade, because Eli Will have 2 super bowl wins..Even though his career shows no sustained level of excellence like Peyton’s.

Lefty Dave

January 15th, 2012
8:59 pm

I have been a falcon fan since 1966, and a season ticket holder also. Why would you hire a OC from a team that finished 32 in offense out of 32 teams. I don’t want to hear that Jacksonvill did not have the play makers like we do. They have a much better O- line than ours. The OC has been there enough years that if he was ever going to do something with an offense to make it better it would have happened. The falcon front office needs to do something that is going to get the fans exicited again. Mr. Blank I would not be in such a hurry to build a outdoor stadium it would be ashame if that stadium never sold out. Until our program gets to the next level, my support is over.

It's offical, I'm done supporting this team!

January 15th, 2012
8:59 pm

As I open my Season Ticket renewal letter today I heard the news that the Falcons just hired the worst OC in the league. This renewal form is going into the trash can. I hope I’m wrong and I wish Arthur the best of luck but I can’t support this incredibly stupid hiring decision. Who the heck hires the worst OC in the league???

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
8:59 pm

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
8:43 pm

The main problem with the Falcons is half the so called fan base wasn’t born here and is fair weather. Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Oakland, cleveland..they have devoted fan bases who don’t jump ship after every loss because nobody moves to those cities..those are cities fate puts you in at birth for some cosmic penalty. As I sit on GA 400 every day , 2/3 of the people in those cars around me who i wish would disappear/die to alleviate traffic, were not born in Georgia. Those of us who were born here know that a great system can show bad results with bad personnel, and are waiting to see how the Koetter system works with our good quality offensive skill players.

Fan support doesn’t win games, touchdowns do

ED

January 15th, 2012
8:59 pm

I think Dirk Koetter deserves a chance to prove himself with a better supporting cast than what he had in Jacksonville, Greg Williams wasn’t exactly tearing things up when he was in Buffalo but now he’s one of the best assistants in the league. I think he will have a lot more to work with in Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:00 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
8:56 pm

Choke you can’t have a job you are on here all times of the day loser………………

___________________________________________________________

Don’t be jealous if you are too STUPID to have a career to allow you time from the gutter digging………..HA HA HA :)

athens dirty bird

January 15th, 2012
9:00 pm

Since ‘66, the Falcons have been putrid every year with very few exceptions. Smith comes along, and we have four winning years, playoff in three. Those that don’t remember Hecker, Van Brocklin, Henning,
Jones, etc..just shut up.
Smith knows his business. Shut up and watch.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:01 pm

Okay LOSERS say it with me……………………….

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO……………..

HA HA HA :)

'Cuse99

January 15th, 2012
9:02 pm

Why are you guys listening to Shultz!!! We all know he’s an idiot! This was a great hire! He’s highly, highly respected around the NFL. You can’t make sugar out of s**t! I think. No, I know, you guys will be happy with the results. He never had weapons in Jax like he’s got here. This guy is a very, very good coach! Trust me!

WHY???

January 15th, 2012
9:03 pm

Mike! Loan your buddy a few bucks but don’t screw the team by hiring the worst OC in the league!

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:03 pm

athens dirty bird

January 15th, 2012
9:00 pm

Since ‘66, the Falcons have been putrid every year with very few exceptions. Smith comes along, and we have four winning years, playoff in three. Those that don’t remember Hecker, Van Brocklin, Henning,
Jones, etc..just shut up.
Smith knows his business. Shut up and watch.

Ah yes, the “Second Place Is Awesome” Atlanta sports mentality

Phil

January 15th, 2012
9:03 pm

“Who the heck hires the worst OC in the league???”

Apparently Smith is so fixated on Jacksonville, that he can’t look anywhere but there. I guess if Bobo was their OC, he would have hired him also.

Does Willie Martinez work for Jacksonville??

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
9:04 pm

‘Cuse99 – and we should listen to you because…?

Give me one fact based reason that this is a good hire.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:04 pm

@ “CHOKE” so you don’t have a career, another mad man upset at the world and things he can’t control cause he can’t find a job. At least you have Matt Ryans and Falcons struggles to pray on. Please get out of your mothers basement you are too old for that. GO FALCONS.

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:05 pm

Matt “CHOKE” Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:01 pm

Okay LOSERS say it with me……………………….

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO……………..

HA HA HA :)

We have Favre, but we knew he’d never amount to anything.

Then we had Schaub, and we wisely dumped him too.

Welcome to the Atlanta Groan Zone

B'Red

January 15th, 2012
9:08 pm

Here we go, Michael Turner up the midddle for a two yard loss, way to go dirtybirds.

Gary O

January 15th, 2012
9:10 pm

All the Falcons had to do was wait and see how the GB game went. Since GB lost, they could have hired Tom Clements, who is GB’s QB coach. But they give us this guy?

At Arizona State, Koetter compiled a 40–34 record, and four winning seasons in six years. Under Koetter, the Sun Devils became known for a vertical passing attack. He held a 1–11 record against top 10 teams, and was 2–19 against ranked teams..

So he beat up on the bad teams, and lost to the good teams. He should fit right in here in ATL.

I wonder what Matt Ryan’s reaction was when he heard of the hire?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:11 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:04 pm

@ “CHOKE” so you don’t have a career, another mad man upset at the world and things he can’t control cause he can’t find a job. At least you have Matt Ryans and Falcons struggles to pray on. Please get out of your mothers basement you are too old for that. GO FALCONS

______________________________________________

If that makes you feel better, but don’t try and divert that CHOKE is a JOKE……………

HA HA HA :)

FalconFan

January 15th, 2012
9:13 pm

Well now atleast the Falcons aren’t the only CHOKE teams in the NFL. Add New Orleans, Green Bay (wow what a thrashing) and Pittsburgh to the mix. It’s nice to have company. One bad thing, all the other teams have won Super Bowls. With this OC, I don’t believe we will be any better, not unless Drew-Jones comes with the OC.

Michael

January 15th, 2012
9:14 pm

Arthur Blank, not Mike Smith, just hired the failed OC from Jacksonville. I assume Blank knows his record.

AllGood 4 Now

January 15th, 2012
9:14 pm

I would be really upset if i wasn’t still laughing at the saints and packers so i will wait till Sept. to be upset all good for now

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:16 pm

He is way better than Joe Flacco, how many games has Flacco defense win for him and I believe the ICEMAN beat Flacco in Atlanta. Better passer rating, better than Flacco better throwing percentage. Go be a RAVEN fan what you waiting for??????????????? We don’t need you down here homie………………..

Michael

January 15th, 2012
9:18 pm

All Mighty Saints vs Invincible Packers in the title game next week! Or not.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:19 pm

Two points in a playoff game…………IMPRESSIVE…………

HA HA HA :)

one for all

January 15th, 2012
9:19 pm

GM Dimitroff should have hired a Patriots coach. Then we would have competent Super Bowl leadership as our coaches. Just saying. Jax? What have they ever done? Now we have most of their ex-coaches.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:19 pm

Muscle Men: Its clear what you are: and your comments back it up thoroughly. You are a joke a walking human error.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:22 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:16 pm

He is way better than Joe Flacco, how many games has Flacco defense win for him and I believe the ICEMAN beat Flacco in Atlanta. Better passer rating, better than Flacco better throwing percentage. Go be a RAVEN fan what you waiting for??????????????? We don’t need you down here homie

_____________________________________________

That defense excuse is as LAME as you are :)

The Falcants defense was playing LIGHTS OUT but CHOKE sucked so bad they got fatigued because they had to come back on the field after 3 and out, after 3 and outs……….

He just SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS…………

BUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

HA HA HA :)

loserville again

January 15th, 2012
9:22 pm

overpaid for julio jones
overpaid for dunta robinson (bust)
ryan chokes in the playoffs (0-3)
running game is terrible
bad oline
no top WRs
hire the OC from the worst offense in the league

brilliant

Phil

January 15th, 2012
9:22 pm

Dimitroff must be out of the country or something. I can’t believe he signed off on this. We are already a playoff team, we need to take the next step now. With this idiotic hiring we have taken a step backwards. Let’s see if the DC hiring takes us yet another step backwards. I’m guessing it will because it will be another loser from Jacksonville.

Is Jacksonville REALLY where you want to go to hire your key assistants?? I don’t think so!!!

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:22 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:19 pm

Muscle Men: Its clear what you are: and your comments back it up thoroughly. You are a joke a walking human error.

Dare I say…………………………………………….. U MAD?

Thoughtful

January 15th, 2012
9:22 pm

Michael

January 15th, 2012
9:23 pm

The enemy of great is the Atlanta Falcons.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:24 pm

FLACCO vs CHOKE in Playoffs:

Flacco 5-3 w/4 road wins

CHOKE – ZERO Man………………0-3

HA HA HA :)

Trailboss

January 15th, 2012
9:24 pm

WHAT IS THIS THING WITH JACKSONVILLE AND ATLANTA… THEY CAN’T BUY A WIN AND CAN’T SALE ONE WHEN IT COME DOWN TO BRINGING IN MORE TALENT.THIS GUY IS ALREADY GETTING HITS.COACH SMITH I STILL HAVE YOUR HOUSE FOR SALE SIGN AND THE MOVE YOU JUST MADE HAVE YOUR NAME ALL OVER IT… DON’T FORGET HAVING PEOPLE YOU CAN CONTROL WON’T WIN GAMES.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:24 pm

“Choke” that all you can hang on this man’s entire career. his career totally out ways that garbage. If that’s all you need good for you. Get off of VICK’s jock he is gone and this quarterback is way better than number 7 anyday of the week. Move to Philly if you can’t stomach Baltimore.

Michael

January 15th, 2012
9:25 pm

I would think the Ravens fans are pretty fed up with Flacco, too.

'Cuse99

January 15th, 2012
9:26 pm

Because I played for him my man…He’s a very very good coach. His hands were tied most of the time there. Never had any real weapons out MJD…No really good outside threats. He and Smitty were only on the same staff for one season. It’s not like they have a long history together. He’s very innovative and with all these weapons he’ll be anything but predictable. Remember I said it…

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:27 pm

45 – 21

24 -2

Last 2 playoff games……………………

All you need to know about the BUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

HA HA HA :)

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:28 pm

Falcons lose to Giants by 22 on the road.
Packers lose to Giants by 17 at home, after a bye week.
The “typical” home field betting line advantage is about 3 points.
So the Falcons are within 2 points of the Packers.
Right?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:29 pm

DUMP THE POODLE WITH THE ARM MADE OF NOODLE……………

HA HA HA :)

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:29 pm

*Rolls 20 and summons the ghost of Jerry Glanville*

vuduchld

January 15th, 2012
9:30 pm

LMAO! When will you pilgrims that the Falcons will NEVER be ready for prime-time. This organization is a like a rudderless ship, thats standed out to sea and headed nowhere. So, tell me, how’s that Matty Ice thingy workin for ya?

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:31 pm

Flacco TRADE BAIT on his way out of BALTIMORE he is holding that team back from being great. Give the ICEMAN that D for four years and he would have a ring by now. You know nothing about Football.

Flowery Branch

January 15th, 2012
9:31 pm

It’s 95% players in the nfl. the cowboys won a super bowl with barry switzer. and at least we got rid of our dc and his 70’s mustache.

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:31 pm

Apparently Trent Dilfer never rode the coattails of the Ravens defense, as that is a “lame” excuse.

Dilfer is obviously better than Marino, Tarkenton, Warren Moon, Dan Fouts, Jim Kelly, etc. And even Joe Flaccid.

Yeah, I’ll buy that.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:32 pm

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:28 pm

Falcons lose to Giants by 22 on the road.
Packers lose to Giants by 17 at home, after a bye week.
The “typical” home field betting line advantage is about 3 points.
So the Falcons are within 2 points of the Packers.
Right?

______________________________________

Only a LOSER would try and find a rainbow out of LOSING………..

HA HA HA :)

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:32 pm

vuduchld

January 15th, 2012
9:30 pm

LMAO! When will you pilgrims that the Falcons will NEVER be ready for prime-time. This organization is a like a rudderless ship, thats standed out to sea and headed nowhere. So, tell me, how’s that Matty Ice thingy workin for ya?

Better than a city built below sea level hit by a moderate hurricane I guess

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:33 pm

That noodle arm crap died this year nobody even talking about that. Get a life. I never heard someone attack one guy for winning what is your purpose for watching if you don’t like him? What’s Vick’s record?

Dork is solid

January 15th, 2012
9:33 pm

Nick Saban wanted this guy BAD…. Flew him out to Tusc on his jet Wednesday. If Saban wanted him that bad he must not be as big a loser as all you people think. Jim Harbough got the same reaction in SF… now look.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:33 pm

Musle Men can’t get mad at something I don’t control. LOSER

Phil

January 15th, 2012
9:34 pm

I thought Mularkey leaving was a blessing in disguise. Not so sure about that now. Same for Van Gorder. I thought Smith would actually upgrade those 2 positions and maybe get us over the hump. Forgot how fixated Smith is on Jacksonville and can’t look anywhere else. Why not look at Green Bay, New England, teams like that?? Friggin Jacksonville? Loser City??

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:35 pm

vuduchld

January 15th, 2012
9:30 pm

LMAO! When will you pilgrims that the Falcons will NEVER be ready for prime-time. This organization is a like a rudderless ship, thats standed out to sea and headed nowhere. So, tell me, how’s that Matty Ice thingy workin for ya?

______________________________________

HA HA HA :)

rivercard

January 15th, 2012
9:35 pm

Cuse99 – I’ll take your word on that and does give you a unique perspective. The thing that puzzles me is that if he so respected and his hands were tied , no personnel, Why did he stay in Jax so long? ?

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:36 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:33 pm

Musle Men can’t get mad at something I don’t control. LOSER

That’s true. For example, the Falcons can’t seem to control their destiny.

Kevrock

January 15th, 2012
9:36 pm

At this moment this is not a good look. Winning heals wounds especially in the playoffs,

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:36 pm

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:31 pm

Flacco TRADE BAIT on his way out of BALTIMORE he is holding that team back from being great. Give the ICEMAN that D for four years and he would have a ring by now. You know nothing about Football.

_____________________________________________________

Mike Vick didn’t need the Ravens D……………….

That’s proof from your LAME mouth that CHOKE could only hold Vick’s clip board……………’

HA HA HA :)

Michael

January 15th, 2012
9:36 pm

Why are you pretending Mike Smith owns the team and hired this OC?

Phil

January 15th, 2012
9:37 pm

Dork is solid

I think Saban was going over the OC that Boise State has now, not this guy. But I could be wrong.

larry

January 15th, 2012
9:37 pm

give the guy a chance maybe a fresh start with more offensive weopons will help

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:39 pm

I loved how the SPINELESS CHOKE slid 10 yards before the nearest defender………….

HA HA HA :)

ATL = black mecca

January 15th, 2012
9:39 pm

sure, the teams suck, but the city is black mecca!!! Lots of hot ladies around here at the clubs for me to sample!!!!

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:40 pm

Vick can’t even get to the playoffs back to back, win back to back, complete a full season. So over VICK. The ICEMAN wiped him out of Falcons record books like he wasn’t even here. LOL I knew you was a left over VICK fan to broke to move to PHILLY. How’s Philly doing with number 7. Oops he just missed another game cause he’s to soft.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:41 pm

A TIMELINE TO SUCCESS:

2008 vs Arizona……………….Safety

2010 vs Green Bay……………PICK 6 before half time

2011 vs Giants……………………..ZERO Offensive points

Hall of Fame baby……………………

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:43 pm

Mularky………………..GONE

Van Gorder………………..GONE

CHOKE the coach killer……………

HA HA HA :)

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:45 pm

Man you can’t be serious you got to be 14 or something how many teams would want a quarterback that gives them a chance each year to get to the post season. His time is coming and this city will get a SUPER BOWL with Matt Ryan

Captain Jack

January 15th, 2012
9:46 pm

Very Stupid Move For A Team That Needs A Strong Coordinator!

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
9:46 pm

Vick has never won the big one..vick has never even had back to back winning seasons..he’s a total choker.

Who dat say dey gonna shoot up applebees?

Phil

January 15th, 2012
9:47 pm

Dork is solid

Saban interviwed Boise State’s current OC Brent Pease, not this clown that Smith hired.

Hurt Kurbstreit

January 15th, 2012
9:50 pm

Are you kidding me?!!!! Dirk Dingler would have been a better choice. This is shocking.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:51 pm

You people kill how much you know about the future. The same fan base that predicted 2-14 Matt Ryan rookie year. Wrong then and will be wrong about this. Sale your house and move from Atlanta what you are saying in this blog is pointless if this team is so bad. You know there good that’s why your on here. Nothing worst than a HATER

Benny

January 15th, 2012
9:51 pm

For crying out loud, Ralph Freidgen is available, and has successfully blended offensive schemes in the pros and in college. He was the OC when the Chargers went to the Super Bowl, with Stan Humphries as QB. He CAN maximize talent.

GOP Cannon

January 15th, 2012
9:51 pm

I am going to try and reserve judgement until after next season; however, on the surface this looks like a pretty poor move. As the Jaguars have the worst offense in the NFL, statistically any other offensive coordiantor in the league would be a better pick up (at least on paper).

Ichabod

January 15th, 2012
9:51 pm

Quizz should be happy, he’s probably going to get a ton more carries. The new OC hasn’t forgotten all he knew when he was lighting up the stadium in the past, so I’m betting that with a better surrounding cast we are going to be a lot better than our first impressions here tonight.

After watching the Giants-Packer game, I feel a little better about our defense, but we need to get a pass rush, and the secondary needs help. As much as I like Grimes I suspect he will be limited from here on, which gives us an opportunity to bring in a taller Grimes. Last year I hoped that Ryan would build up his arm strength, but I guess he isn’t into that stuff. During the Patriot game they made the comment that Brady liked short passes, and they were effective because of the 1200+ yds or so after the catch. Of course the defense still had to respect Brady’s long ball, which they don’t with Ryan. But the long ball can get you into a lot of trouble too, as Brees found out with his several long ball ITs against SF.

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:53 pm

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
9:54 pm

Hey Rodgers!! Discount double check!!! 15-1-done haha

Shadenfreude to enjoy for all Falcons fans for last year..

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:54 pm

Matt “CHOKE” Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:28 pm

Falcons lose to Giants by 22 on the road.
Packers lose to Giants by 17 at home, after a bye week.
The “typical” home field betting line advantage is about 3 points.
So the Falcons are within 2 points of the Packers.
Right?

______________________________________

Only a LOSER would try and find a rainbow out of LOSING………..

HA HA HA

===

You are obviously too stupid to catch a whiff of the heavy stench of sarcasm in my post.

And as to making excuses for losing, you should have been on here Saturday evening, when the Saints fans were doing just that. Oh, other than the ones who decided to take out their frustrations at a local Applebees.

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
9:55 pm

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
9:54 pm

Hey Rodgers!! Discount double check!!! 15-1-done haha

Shadenfreude to enjoy for all Falcons fans for last year..

Girls and football don’t mix

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:56 pm

Matt “CHOKE” Ryan

January 15th, 2012
9:41 pm
A TIMELINE TO SUCCESS:

2008 vs Arizona……………….Safety

2010 vs Green Bay……………PICK 6 before half time

2011 vs Giants……………………..ZERO Offensive points

Hall of Fame baby……………………

HA HA HA

===

Okay, so I generally think you are a moron, and these are cherry-picked events, but dayum, that was a funny post.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
9:57 pm

@Muscled men in spandex

With that screen name, I somehow doubt you and women mix at all

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
9:58 pm

All you haters let’s play GM;

Who do you want Mike Martz from the Bears (Not in Playoffs, got Cutler, Bulger and every other QB killed) His last success was 1999.

There’s nobody else out there that’s a “big name” and if they are so good why are they available. This guy’s “MO” is pass aggressive and aerial assault. Can’t do that in Jacksonville, But maybe in ATL.

ijonathan

January 15th, 2012
9:59 pm

Aaron Rodgers didn’t exactly handle himself too well in the post game presser, IMHO. Explictly mentioned dropped passes, ball security, but didn’t shine the light too brightly on himself. Sure, he probably wasn’t the main reason they lost, but didn’t come off like a strong leader right there.

Maybe he just isn’t used to losing.

Gotta love the Michael Boley Discount Doublecheck moves on the field today.

PapaDawg

January 15th, 2012
10:00 pm

OK I’m done with the Falcons. 30 years as a fan with their nonsense is enough. I’m going back as full time fan with the Patriots

John

January 15th, 2012
10:01 pm

Good Luck Coach…. Do your Best!!!!! Go Falcons

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
10:03 pm

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
9:57 pm

@Muscled men in spandex

With that screen name, I somehow doubt you and women mix at all

War Homophobe Eagle!

A Blank

January 15th, 2012
10:03 pm

Im tired of playing with this toy. Yoyos are boring.

Joeyfalcon32

January 15th, 2012
10:05 pm

WHATTTTT…. This is the changes we were promised… YOu hire an OC from the last ranking offense the last two years….. Speechless…. No wonder the Saints keep beating us…

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
10:05 pm

@Papa Dawg please go to New England in two years that team will have no QB and will fade away and the FALCONS will be flying high.

Buford Pusser

January 15th, 2012
10:07 pm

Unbelievable….that’s all I can muster.

NtheNo

January 15th, 2012
10:07 pm

I officially give up on this joke of a franschise….had high hopes when Arthur Blank bought the team but no more….absolutely no interest in buying any more tickets, I’m done.

Matt Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:08 pm

Whew! That takes a ton of pressure off me. I’m glad we didn’t get someone good.

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 15th, 2012
10:11 pm

@LastTrue Falcon Fan

It was fun reading your posts tonight. Have a good week and remember that somewhere on packers blogs tonight, tons of fans are screaming “this coaching staff is idiotic, they should have started Matt Flynn, he had the hot hand!”, and that’s why NFL franchises do not hire for fan buzz and approval…

Good Luck to Mr. Blank, TD, Coach Smitty, Coach koetter, and our as yet to be named DC in assembling a great team this off season..Falcons fan for life!

If we could get the actor that played Arnold Horseshack to introduce the coach at press conferences as “Mr. Koetter” that would be classic.

iceBIRDcold12

January 15th, 2012
10:13 pm

MattyICE is a disgrace to the Ice nation. He has now been casted a new nickname until further notice:

“MATTYMELT” – visit your local Waffle House it is now on the menu.

OC is not ALL of the problem cause the QB, RB, LB, DB, OL and DL must also perform.

Demetri

January 15th, 2012
10:14 pm

Since i traded all our picks away this year….. We’re shooting for a high draft pick next year.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
10:14 pm

Good post from you tonight too. Falcon2 for life. Too much winning from this team to not defend them stay up. Go Falcons 2012

Smithy

January 15th, 2012
10:16 pm

He told me that he could show Matty how to sneak a yard.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
10:16 pm

@iceBIRDcold12

Ok you are the new dumbest person on-line. Check the record. Who is your team probably lost this year, probably not in the playoff. Phone home and go back to where you are from.

Redneck Bill from Trailerville

January 15th, 2012
10:18 pm

Well, I expect big things from Turner now. Next year, he’ll take three full steps before he collapses against the defensive line.

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:19 pm

So, Arthur Blank is getting more and more impatient about the Falcons’ lack of a championship and is now getting more and more vocal about it, huh? Well, our more-and-more-Steinbrenner-like-every-day owner can blame the guy in the mirror.

Sure, the players deserve some of the blame, as do the coaches, but by far the majority of the blame goes to you, Arthur, and if you’re surprised, kindly continue reading.

Did the players or coaches run out Dan Reeves, a proven success? No, they didn’t. Did they hire an unknown commodity (a hardly-expired trend) who was extremely tolerant to replace him? No, they didn’t. Did they hire Alex Gibbs, one of the dirtiest line coaches in history, who, along with Mora, and the players who followed them, establish the reputation of “dirtiest team in the league”? No, they didn’t— but any player following cheap orders is just as guilty, so this question stands out from the pack. Who ran Matt Schaub out of town? Who hired Bobby Petrino? Who apparently didn’t do much at all during the Michael Vick controversy? Who in the WORLD thought switching Vick from the system he was familiar with to the West Coast Offense was a good idea— when it not only was a bad offense but also the WORST-POSSIBLE offense he could’ve been in? Who KEPT him in this offense throughout the rest of his tenure in Atlanta, no matter how badly it “worked”? Who continues to inspire the acquisitions of high-profile offensive players instead of pushing to draft those who can play the line of scrimmage? Who apparently doesn’t even realize that his closest brush to a Super Bowl was his first year of ownership, which was a team he had almost nothing to do with?

nes

January 15th, 2012
10:19 pm

WHAT A JOKE! MAYBE-JUST MAYBE WE CAN SIGN THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND HAVE AN ALL JACKSONVILLE STAFF HERE IN ATLANTA! WAY TO GO WITH THE GREAT BIG SHAKE UP MR. BLANK!! THE JAGS WERE DEAD LAST IN TOTAL OFFENSE AND PASSING! IT IS A SHAME YOU WILL HAVE TO FIRE GM DIMITROFF AND HEAD COACH MIKE SMITH NEXT YEAR! YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF MR. BLANK BY LETTING ANOTHER CRONY FROM JACKSONVILLE TO COME TO ATLANTA TO STAGNATE AN ALREADY DREADFUL OFFENSE. DISGUSTED AGAIN! THAT IS WHY I USED THE CAPITAL LETTERS TO GET THAT POINT ACROSS!

Makes a little sense

January 15th, 2012
10:20 pm

After just watching Moneyball, the hiring of Koetter seems to make a little sense. We can hire a guy who in 2007, with talent around him (Fred Taylor 1200 rush yds, MJD 750 rush yds, Jarrard 102 QBR, 2500 yds passing, 3 ints/18 TDs in 12 games and patchwork receiving crew) was one of the best in the league. Not to mention, I am sure we did not overpay for the guy given his 2011 results.

JAX has been on a downward spiral so I throw the perfromance out. Gabbert is more affraid of contact than Ryan, if that’s possible. Clearly this is Smitty’s boy. It’s on Big Mike to get the Falcons past where they are, and his comfort has just about everything to do with this decision.

Let’s see if Koetter can take this team, which is far more talented skill-wise on offense, than the 2007 brand of the Jaguars.

The real key for Koetter will be to get Ryan to perform well on clutch 3rd downs, in big games, specifically on the road. Keep in mind, Ryan is the straw that stirs the drink, and he had the lowest QBR of ALL QBs in the NFL on passes traveling 20 yds downfield.

Ryan is 3-16 in games where he throws 40+ times. I’m not sure anyone can fix that.

OH HELL!!!!

January 15th, 2012
10:21 pm

WHY NOT DAN REEVES??????

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:25 pm

“spandex”– Get a new ID, and folks, quit throwing “suck”, etc. around. Infuriating how that word has made its way to the mainstream as if it’s perfectly fine.

Let’s get Steve Spagnola as defensive coordinator.

I would’ve made a serious push for Mike Martz, a serious push.

Draft for both sides of the line of scrimmage.

JSS

January 15th, 2012
10:26 pm

This blog has gone crazy… “Ice Nation?” Now that is new, is that right up there with “Hello Kitty Nation?” They are both soft and immobile!

Ryan didn’t slide, he fell! He fell like a tree, tim-beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!!!

OH HELL!!!!

January 15th, 2012
10:27 pm

THERE AIN’T NO FIXING MATTY ICE. YOU CAN SEE FEAR IN HIS EYES. HE HAS THAT BARTKOWSKI SYNDROME. ” OHHHH HERE COMES THOSE BIG BRUISERS, DUCK!!!!” WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET. HE’S ALREADY BEEN PAID THE MONEY. HE WILL NOT GET THE FALCONS PASS THE FIRST ROUND IN THE PLAYOFFS.PLAYOFFS???????????????????

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
10:29 pm

I hate when people try to pull out a stat of 3-16 when he throws 40+ times look at the entire stats if you are going to pull that crap out your $%$. How many wins to loses does he have? how many big plays did the defense gives up. You people kill me we covered up for every bad attribute MV7 had because he was exciting. there’s nothing more exciting that winning and the ICEMAN has brought this town more wins than any QB that can here. Please shut up we don’t care if you are not a FALCONS fan but we are on the rise and you all will eat those words. LAMES

JSS

January 15th, 2012
10:30 pm

John Abraham did the Championship belt last year, it didn’t help the Falcons much…
Coughlin has Belichick and McCartney’s number… Hard to believe that Tom has anyone’s number, Cowher beat him like a rented mule!

OH HELL!!!!

January 15th, 2012
10:31 pm

COACHES ARE HIRED TO BE FIRED. THE DATE IS NOT ON THE CONTRACT YET.2012 SHOULD BE THE YEAR FOR THE PRESENT STAFF.

Quint in ATL

January 15th, 2012
10:32 pm

I still think that letting Dahl walk and then Ovie getting hurt were the problems the running game could not overcome.

iceBIRDcold12

January 15th, 2012
10:32 pm

LastTrue Falcons Fan… well. well. well. Unlike you I am a true Falcon. I am not dumb. Since you know sports so well how many PRESSSSSSSURE games has MATTYMELT WON? hUH

You are the smartest dude on rhe web with your….WWW.COM degree. until he wins 1 playoff game he and you are casted from the ice nation.

Leeman

January 15th, 2012
10:32 pm

Same ole Falcons.

Nerehere

January 15th, 2012
10:34 pm

We as Atlanta fans of football, Mr. Blank-don’t like your product you are putting out on the field or in the front office. After all that talk, about how things are going to change, is same ole, same ole. This Offensive Line coaching hire is ridiculous. That marshmallow Smith made this hiring decision because he would be in conflict with candidates that were worth something with a differing opinion which possibility could relieve him of his head coaching duties. Wow. That’s being objective, to say the least.

Nerehere

January 15th, 2012
10:35 pm

This Offensive Line coaching hire is ridiculous. That marshmallow Smith made this hiring decision because he would be in conflict with candidates that were worth something with a differing opinion which possibility could relieve him of his head coaching duties. Wow. That’s being objective, to say the least.

Nerehere

January 15th, 2012
10:37 pm

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:37 pm

In response to a separate point, homophobia isn’t bad. Before you criticize me for telling the truth, criticize those on the blog for typing trashy comments. I said nothing wrong.

Arthur Blank needs to blame himself for the lack of championship, as he is making his impatience more and more obvious. Who ran out Dan Reeves, Matt Schaub, etc. for Jim Mora, Bobby Petrino, etc.? I rest my case.

Nerehere

January 15th, 2012
10:37 pm

Good ole boy network. Get rid of Mike Smith.

LVilleLucid

January 15th, 2012
10:38 pm

What did you say Mr. Blank?

January 15th, 2012
10:40 pm

Didn’t Mr. Blank say he was “angry” and “wanted a NFL championship in Atlanta? Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. After this, the DC the Falcons hire will probably be another nobody and the Falcons will continue being a good team as a playoff team that can’t win a playoff game. We really have 1 offensive weapon and that is Julio Jones. Roddy White is a joke, and Turner has had his better days.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:41 pm

iceBIRDcold12

January 15th, 2012
10:13 pm

MattyICE is a disgrace to the Ice nation. He has now been casted a new nickname until further notice:

“MATTYMELT” – visit your local Waffle House it is now on the menu.

OC is not ALL of the problem cause the QB, RB, LB, DB, OL and DL must also perform.

_________________________________________-

“MattyMelt”

HA HA HA :)

agent7g

January 15th, 2012
10:41 pm

Schultz. You should be ashamed.

OH HELL!!!!

January 15th, 2012
10:42 pm

IN FAIRNESS TO THE FALCONS, THEY DID HELP TO GET THE GIANTS GOING. MUST’VE BEEN THE DIRTY BIRD DANCE.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:42 pm

Smithy

January 15th, 2012
10:16 pm

He told me that he could show Matty how to sneak a yard.

_____________________________________________

Good luck with that. That little PUNK is a WUSS………………

HA HA HA :)

Leeman

January 15th, 2012
10:43 pm

Enter your comments here So we hired the worst performing oc in the biz.

Since it is a joke, may as well have fun with the return of the spirit of greg knapp…could there have been a worse hire? Who? (& u cannot say Knapp)

Makes a little sense

January 15th, 2012
10:44 pm

LTFF –

I think you need to take the blinders off and realize that Ryan is limited. The stats 4000 yds, 29 TDs look great, but when it counts, what happens….Matt is a fine NFL QB, but to be elite, he has to put the team on his back and win TOUGH games – road games, conference games and PLAYOFF games.

This is a run first offense and he just is not the QB who can benefit from freelancing. He needs to be a play-action QB to be successful. His first instinct is to throw the ball away vs. making a play down field. He is looking to slide short of first downs rather than stick his body into traffic to extend drives. He does whatever it was that he did on QB sneaks. He also loses accuracy drastically on throws over 10 yds downfield – largely because he is throwing high or on his back foot to avoid any contact.
TDs are never scored in the redzone on balls thrown OB or out the back of the end-zone. Ryan is a kickers best friend – which is why Bryant was 27 of 29 on FGs this year. 50% TD ratio in the red-zone is not going to cut it.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:46 pm

RDcold12

January 15th, 2012
10:32 pm

LastTrue Falcons Fan… well. well. well. Unlike you I am a true Falcon. I am not dumb. Since you know sports so well how many PRESSSSSSSURE games has MATTYMELT WON? hUH

You are the smartest dude on rhe web with your….WWW.COM degree. until he wins 1 playoff game he and you are casted from the ice nation.

________________________________________

CHOKE win a playoff game? Is that a joke? Only on Madden………………..

HA HA HA :)

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:46 pm

Blank can blame himself. The team was closest to a title in his first year here, a team he had almost nothing to do with. Michael Vick had his best year as a first-year starter and got progressively worse each subsequent year, a fact that speaks terribly of the organization. Putting that man— one of the greatest players in history—in the West Coast offense was literally the least-prudent offense to use him in.

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:48 pm

What a nothing conglomeration of conversation. I’m out.

Congratulations to Eli Manning, arguably the coolest quarterback under pressure in history— with Joe Montana and Steve McNair as his main rivals, followed by John Elway, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, and Vick.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:48 pm

OH HELL!!!!

January 15th, 2012
10:42 pm

IN FAIRNESS TO THE FALCONS, THEY DID HELP TO GET THE GIANTS GOING. MUST’VE BEEN THE DIRTY BIRD DANCE.

_____________________________________________________

Actually the CHOKE led Falcants are the opponents practice squad………………..

HA HA HA :)

freddy

January 15th, 2012
10:49 pm

851 comments and 97% are against Koetter as OC.. What does that tell you Mr. Blank, Smitty & TD. Could that many be wrong?

clueless

January 15th, 2012
10:50 pm

Jeff, WTF did AB & TD leave Smitty on a limb & tell him to sink or swim? I think Smitty has signed his own demise! The bad thing is we have to put up with this “out of synch” franchise for another year and then start all over with more of the same re-building B/S!

I wonder IF they talked to other candidates and were turned down flat!? I thought sure they would wait till after the S.B. and interview Quality Applicants..Guess that idea went straight out the window.. Good by Falcons..hello Panthers!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
10:50 pm

There is a rumor that Blank agree to take on Jacksonville’s leftovers by taking their coordinator if they agree to trade away CHOKE for a bag of balls………………

HA HA HA :)

Makes a little sense

January 15th, 2012
10:53 pm

Last True Falcon Fan –

I also hate it when people throw out that nasty little state about Ryan’s 0-3 record in the playoffs and clearly lackluster performances. He get’s paid $70 million to step up. Quit covering for him. It’s time for the crackly-voiced QB to step up and be accountable.

iceBIRDcold12

January 15th, 2012
10:54 pm

Reality and truth are words of a real fan not “check the record”. Some fake “real” fans talk past the first step to recovery——————–I ADMIT. The regular season is the homework and the playoffs is the test. Do you think we passed?

I will finish with this. 2 POINTS

Chokeonthis

January 15th, 2012
10:55 pm

@ Choke. All your tough guy talk bashing Ryan. My money would be on you being the sissy either kissing his ass, or getting yours kicked should your paths ever cross at the “wrong place, wrong time!”
Prototypical courage behind the keyboard = “Choke”

Crowell at "Wounded Knee"

January 15th, 2012
10:56 pm

Would’ve been better off hiring my OC, Mr. BoBo.

Crowell at "Wounded Knee"

January 15th, 2012
11:01 pm

Matt “Choke” reeks of a drunken depressed Jacket fan!

SawThat1nce

January 15th, 2012
11:02 pm

RM@10:46……..Vick “one of the greatest players in history”?
That must be some pretty strong weed, you’re a puffin on.
Vick Sux.

Once Recent Reader

January 15th, 2012
11:12 pm

First time on since last weekend. In San Fran through Thursday – arrived last night. Watched game against the Saints with many happy 49er travellers. Was suprised when I saw the pick for OC . . . .I don’t know anything about the new OC and won’t say how he’ll do . . . .but I knew there would be trouble on the blogs when I saw where he came from. Will the “Falcs Playoff Curse” since Smith and Ryan joined team hold true . . .and Giants make it to the SB?? Their chances look much better now of getting there . . ..49ers are tough tough. What’s the word on Defensive Coordinator?? I know the fans on here have high expectations of someone with a more aggressive nature. Team still needs to get some consistent pass rushers . . . . . .some secondary help. It’s going to be another tough year for us Ryan supporters. Only some playoff success will change that . . . .but they have to get there again first. 3 out of 4 years in Playoffs is great . . . . not so great if getting their gives detractors a legitimate reason to bash the inability to win at least one game!

JSS

January 15th, 2012
11:13 pm

300 sacrificed at Čhaŋkpé Ópi Wakpála… Wow, the closer it gets to midnight, the internet bada**es come out and act they have to defend the undependable one…

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
11:14 pm

Chokeonthis

January 15th, 2012
10:55 pm

@ Choke. All your tough guy talk bashing Ryan. My money would be on you being the sissy either kissing his ass, or getting yours kicked should your paths ever cross at the “wrong place, wrong time!”
Prototypical courage behind the keyboard = “Choke”

_______________________________________________

HA HA HA

CHOKE is that you posting?…………….

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
11:16 pm

I heard the water boy throws a tighter spiral than CHOKE……………..

HA HA HA :)

marktwain

January 15th, 2012
11:20 pm

I don’t guess anybody at ESPN will be calling out what horrible sports fans they have in Green Bay for selling half their tickets in the stadium to Giants fans. Either that or Victor Cruz has more fans than Old Style. Rather they’ll save the fan bashing for us because we show a little late trying to fit in afternoon delight before kickoff because we don’t have a bunch of snowcows here.

Eric C.

January 15th, 2012
11:29 pm

Peyton Manning — 0-3 in first three playoff games and lost third game 0-41 :-D

Eric C.

January 15th, 2012
11:33 pm

That is just unfair…the Falcons need an OC and they pick the guy whose regressing team finished 32nd…dang!

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 15th, 2012
11:33 pm

Eric C.

January 15th, 2012
11:29 pm

Peyton Manning — 0-3 in first three playoff games and lost third game 0-41

_____________________________________-

Comparing CHOKE to Peyton Manning…………………..

Put down the crack pot…………….

HA HA HA :)

blane f.

January 15th, 2012
11:34 pm

falcons and jags should join forces. maybe between the two of them they could field a decent team

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan Jr.

January 15th, 2012
11:34 pm

Trade CHOKE now while he has little bit of value left in him…and I do mean little. Cut your losses Falcons Fans. Should have drafted Flacco

Eric C.

January 15th, 2012
11:36 pm

Chuckle, chuckle…MCR, I think you are a riot, seriously.

Once Recent Reader

January 15th, 2012
11:36 pm

marktwain . . . ..pretty tough to bash the Packer fans. They are real hardcore and even travel very well. Not sure how many Giant fans were there – as I saw a bunch . . .. but it still looked a lot more Green in the stands than white and blue.

Once Recent Reader

January 15th, 2012
11:38 pm

Choke . . ..I went on some Ravens blogs . ..they bash Flacco just as much as some bash Ryan. I haven’t been on their today, but after watching the game I’m sure they still have some doubts as the Texans really played well if not for mistakes. I thought Flacco did a pretty good job early – not here to bash him.

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
11:46 pm

You guys kill all these VICK fans can’t move on you people covered for VICK for years and still losing else where. My QB is still winning and pasing him by. I cold12 you will be a falcons fan win they win just like the rest of these cowards on this blog. The only place they have a voice but the Falcons can’t hear you and neither can us real fans. Look Out Vick just threw another PICK. Matt has given this town so many wins you guys can’t handle just don’t know what to do. Vick is gone………

LastTrue Falcon Fan

January 15th, 2012
11:49 pm

I’m done with this blog. I’m not built for all these loser and there loser mentality. Ryan and Falcons still winning getting better, Vick losing and getting worser. Go Falcons

Muscled men in spandex

January 15th, 2012
11:50 pm

Ronald Millsaps

January 15th, 2012
10:25 pm

“spandex”– Get a new ID

Nah.

C. Jay

January 15th, 2012
11:55 pm

OK…in my line of work, Goldman Sachs is perceived to be the best. Whenever my firm seeks to hire top talent, we see how many people we can get from GS. Maybe we don’t get their #1 guy, but #2, 3 or 4 is possible. We made what appeared to be a good move with Dimtrof….he can from a winning organization and saw how championship teams are built….my point is he came from the organization perceived to be the best. Smith was a stretch, but TD convinced us this was a football guy and they shared the same vision. So, Smith comes in and brings Van Gorder (they worked together in J’ville)…can’t say that worked out. Now we are bringing in another coordinator from the only organization that is known more for loosing than the Falcons. Couldn’t we wait for someone from the Patriots…what about New Orleans…the Packers maybe???? As a fan, I want to see decisions that make at least common sense and this one fails in so many categories. And the shared vision thing…if they are on the same page, then answer me this….if Smith wants to pound it out on the ground, why did we trade up for Julio as opposed to drafting to build a better O-line? Falcon management needs to understand…they are loosing the fan base here.

Timmy

January 16th, 2012
12:12 am

The hire … meh … we’ll see … need to motivate Matty Happy Feet Check Down Fall Down to lay it all on the line … I haven’t seen it yet …

LakeDawg

January 16th, 2012
12:26 am

I don’t know if he will work out or not, but what is it with the NFL? Coaches just seem to go from team to team. Get fired in one place, then show up in another. No new blood in the system. This definitely is not a bold move. Lacks imagination. Apparently Blank brings nothing to the table other than holding his employees accountable, which is fine, but he’s not providing any leadership.

hustle 25

January 16th, 2012
12:30 am

1st: no strong opinion on the OC choice except their is more NFL talent to work with for him here in Atlanta.

2nd: I am not a big fan of excuses in any capacity. What follows are not excuses, but might be worthy of a second look:
The last 3 times the Falcons have been knocked out of playoffs, it has been by a “hot” team (AZ,GB,NYG). 2 of those 3 seasons, the Falcons had a better record, but the NFL’s ridiculous playoff format forces them to travel to a division winner (sound familiar 2010 Saints?). If Falcons play at home vs. AZ and NYG, chances are they win at least one of them. Road playoff victories are rare.
Also, last season was set up well, but how many of you remember a little thing called the Jan. 2011 ICE Storm?? City frozen in, players taken way out of their rhythm and comfort zone, believe many had to “live” at F.Branch.. Not much spirrit in city, pep rallies, etc.. as other things were obviously pressing. Certainly couldn’t help the Falcons in their preparation for GB.
Having said that, team needs a lot more toughness. That could start with the owner……………staying off the field during games, practices, etc.!!!! Also, scrap all the “no-huddle” mess the press thinks is great. Why ??? – so you can panic and have to snap the ball with 1 second on the play clock and the defense knows your tendency.
The QB sneak vs. NYG was classic. Let’s move a bunch of people in motion and shift (all the while our O-Lineman are already down in a stance – hard to fire out with weight down on hand for over 15 seconds).. at least that OC is gone, so maybe thing’s will improve.

PS – Really wanted Dallas to win the East, but knew that was a dream when they choked about Week 13 against Giants.

Sargent Carter

January 16th, 2012
12:44 am

This team has turned into the Beverly Hills Clampetts. This guy is our next offensive guru to make us live live long and prosper? I have wondered about Smitty a lot recently, but now we must focus the light on Dimitikof for agreeing…and where was Rankin Blank in all of this? What in the name of the 32nd ranked offense were they thinking? Private Pyle, I could finish 32nd in offense and I would settle for a contract of anything above 100k, well, just pay off all my credit cards and I’d settle for 50k per annum, maybe plus limo service to and from practice, ah, even some dirty, illegal, cabs to and from team functions. One would have thunk we would have chosen a real name since we have so much talent on offense, but noooo, we are the Falcons. My choice for defensive coach? …..Buddy Ryan…bring back the old guy…and on this I am serious…this is Smitty’s last season, a blind man can see that..is it Kettle, Keotier, Keotter? Blank, you just lost your fan base……time for 10$ seats again…remember?

J-Man

January 16th, 2012
1:03 am

Fans are pissed. I’m starting to wonder who has more inept ownership. The Braves, The Falcons, or The Hawks?
The Braves have done nothing to atone for blowing a 10.5 game lead with a month to go.
The Falcons hire the worst OC according to last years rankings.
And the Hawks pay Joe Johnson all that money and he can’t wina game.
Atlanta has become Cleveland

Ashley

January 16th, 2012
1:05 am

For the first time I think Smith’s job is in Jeopardy. Most sexy picks rarely turn out that good, but this one had better turn out well or Mike Smith will pay for it.

Thomas from Montogmery

January 16th, 2012
1:43 am

Give Dirk Koetter OC two years to implement his offense for the falcons…then complain. If this hire turns out to be a bust Smitty is gone. I hope the falcons do not have to rebuild, Thomas.

Thomas from Montogmery

January 16th, 2012
1:43 am

Enter your comments here

FalconJim

January 16th, 2012
1:57 am

Welcome Back Kotter…….HAHAHA!!! This hiring is BEYOND ridiculous. It’s a joke!!! Just shoot me…

Waffle House or Bust

January 16th, 2012
2:13 am

Horrible QB mixed with horrible offensive coordinator = fun to watch in 2012.

Waffle House or Bust

January 16th, 2012
2:15 am

Mr. Blank you have lost my respect. Have fun holding coach Smiths balls.

Jasper and Isiah

January 16th, 2012
2:40 am

Timmy: This must be Tebow…….on your backside like Ryan….no room to talk!

Dan E

January 16th, 2012
2:52 am

Well let’s give the guy a chance. He can’t be worse than Mularkey who “coached” the Falcon’s offense to zero points against the Giants. (Remember…the defense scored the two points on a safety!) It has to get better……right……doesn’t it………someone please tell me it will get better…..please!!!!

kbb

January 16th, 2012
2:53 am

Good old boy Hire.

Mr Blank, start trying to hire the best available instead of this Good Ole Boy network. 5 years ago we were 49ers South, now we are Jacksonville North!!

chucky

January 16th, 2012
3:44 am

Really, people? You do realize that this guy was working with David Garrard, Byron Leftwich, and Blaine Gabbert has his QB’s? And his best WR during this whole stint was probably Mike Sims Walker. Not exactly a lot of talent to work with. Not even the best offensive coordinator in the league could do much with that. MJD was the league’s #1 rusher this year, and that’s WITH defenses playing the run the entire game. Oh, and MJD has had quite a bit of receptions too over his career. So as long as he implements the screen game, I’ll be happy. He has so much more talent to work with it’s ridiculous — so just give him time.

todd

January 16th, 2012
3:45 am

I hope I’m wrong but this guy is going to make us long for the days of Mularkey… Mike Smith is digging his own grave here. He’s comfortable with this guy? Give me a break. You won’t be that comfortable when you’re getting booed off the field at the Ga Dome. Smith doesn’t get any more free passes after this season.

If you think about it, how many coachs/organizations go on to success after losing their 1st 3 playoff games? Now the pressure is going to be extremely high for the next one, making it even tougher.

JSS

January 16th, 2012
5:17 am

“Two years?” What don’t you get? This is a one shot deal, if they don’t show vast improvements coming out of camp, people better start calling moving companies. I bet he won’t say “pre-season doesn’t matter in the process” in August this time!

What no saints and packers

January 16th, 2012
5:21 am

Just want say where all those Green bay and New orleans fans at now rub it in funny they all come in here blastin the new OC now folks just wait see if do better if falcons start off 7-0 next season it was well picked if we go 2-5 at start then Smith and the GM Job is on the Line here if we go 5-11 in his first season blank may shoot someone ….Oh and Ny Giants vs the Patriots in superbowl rematch also…..after sunday of next week and Giants will win another superbowl vs Pats again….sorry tom brady n friends Giants are hot now and i see Giants over comein 49ers in candlestick n Pats easy 47- 3 rout over Baltimore(Cleveland) Ravens under art Modell who left town so could screw ohio…and Ray Lewis will go and shoot n kill another person durin superbowl and like he did in atlanta and got away with it…so everytime i see him doin his dance of death i say there is Ray(i killed some one)Lewis run on field and he run off after Flacco is sacked 4 times and intercepted as fast as a stud drone…..and him and Matt Ryan can be known as Frozen Ice!

ATL guy

January 16th, 2012
5:29 am

This is really sad. I thought for sure Falcon management would take a chance and make a pick that would give the birds a chance to compete with the NFC’s elite. I guess not. 9-7 or 10-6 at best which may not be good enough to make the playoffs next year anyway. What a drag….

ZACK

January 16th, 2012
6:18 am

DAMN THE FALCONS! RISE UP AND ROOT FOR THE GIANTS! THE FALCONS ARE LOSERS! AND ALWAYS WILL BE!

Mr. Charlie

January 16th, 2012
6:29 am

Mr. Charlie

January 16th, 2012
6:30 am

Dear Falcons Fans,

Losing to better teams that lost in thei divisional rounds, does not by default make the Falcons better. You’re still 0-3 in the playoffs for the last 3 teams you’ve BEEN to the playoffs.

Sincerely,

NFC South Champs and NFC North Champs

jgral

January 16th, 2012
6:47 am

awful, awful, awful…

Road to Championships Runs Through Atlanta – http://jgwb.us/atlblog

William

January 16th, 2012
6:48 am

LMAO …
After watching the playoff game, Blank just just “F it” and turned into Rankin Smith.
It’s all just about the money now, fans.
20 more years of mediocrity…

Paddy

January 16th, 2012
7:03 am

I may be wrong here…..but the old addage of establishing the running game no longer applies in the NFL and in college football. It didn’t happen overnight but I just realized it. Which does not say much for my [powers of observation.

Excitement in ATL

January 16th, 2012
7:29 am

YES!! I can’t wait to buy season tickets to see the jaguars offensive coordinator run the Falcons O!!! YES!! He should really light it up! Super Bowl, here we come!!

Go cheap

January 16th, 2012
7:31 am

Blank goes cheap, makes millions if the team is good or not and waits a year or two until the chump atlanta taxpayers build him a new $800 million open air stadium, with tons of pricey corporate suites giving him more millions!!! He knows his stuff–that’s why he’s a billionaire.

Agent009

January 16th, 2012
7:49 am

Good ole boy network… In your face, beetches! (Dave Chapelle’s voice dubbed in)

Michael M.

January 16th, 2012
8:12 am

Two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL we heard all Season long being talked about and talked about and look at them now……………….going to be sitting at home watching the rest of the Football Season unfold. Breeze and Rodgers, So someone tell me how come these two great Passing Quarterbacks are going to be sitting at home on their butts if a great Quarterback or say elite Quarterback is what wins Championships ?

So much for 500 yard games and 5 td performances. When it comes down to the wire, most often , its a good defense playing a good game that takes the team to the next level. I hope the Falcons come up with a A+ on a DC and they just might be able to take the next level !

Paul

January 16th, 2012
8:15 am

This does appear to be a lateral move (at best. Maybe a sub move), but let’s not forget that Mike Smith’s hiring didn’t exactly set off parades, either. But I have to admit, Koetter doesn’t exactly make me confident going into next season. I think this is a mistake. Sure hope I’m wrong.

just facts

January 16th, 2012
8:26 am

go back and look at my post from last week. I said that Smith, not Dimitroff, and not Blank, would have the final word and he did. he hired a like minded coach who runs a conservative run first offense. that is fine but we will have to have a san fran, ny giant type of defense to protect the offense.

Mr Zizzle

January 16th, 2012
8:26 am

Please! Please! Please! Stop running on second and 9 when the defense has 8 in the box! Why not throw the ball to Julio, Roddy or Tony?

Rodster

January 16th, 2012
8:27 am

Too early to say for Koetter… But he won’t have long to show some improvement with the Falcon’s offense. Honestly, he’s got to be better than Mularkey. We were horribly predictable. Sorry, I know this isn’t fair, but the name ‘Mularkey’ just conjures up bad karma for me.

Chi Town

January 16th, 2012
8:29 am

Don’t know much about this hire, mainly because I’m not a Falcons Fan. With the current coaching staff or lack of, you can see why NOT. The one thing that I do know IS.

TEBOW got beat like a SINNER!!!!!……………Brady, bar none, the best Quarterback in the NFL……..3 Superbowls & counting

Wright

January 16th, 2012
8:30 am

DIRK DIGGLER AS OC, HAVE YOU BOYS BEEN WATCHING TOO MANY PORN MOVIES? MAKE WILLIE MARTINEZ DC AND THE CYCLE WILL BE COMPLETE.

MEDIOCRE BREEDS MEDIOCRE

The Alpha Male

January 16th, 2012
8:31 am

I’m very excited given the choice of candidates available….. Koetter did the best he could do based on the lack of offensive talent he was given and the fact Blaine Gabberts looked scared to death most of the season.

Michael M.

January 16th, 2012
8:33 am

One other thing Atlanta has to have next year………….a young tough new running back not afraid to take hits and run over people…….that’s the secret to winning. Michael Turner is being used up and Rodgers isn’t a big enough guy to pound no football for extra yards.
Snell got his Jaw broke in the Giants game, how that one happen I don’t know.Ovie being lost for the Season sure hurt too but whatever they have to do they better seriously look at some people to run the football if they want that run first option and put some beef on that offensive line.

Michael M.

January 16th, 2012
8:34 am

What the hell is a dirk diggler ? lmao

what?

January 16th, 2012
8:57 am

unbelievable………….. the front office needs to be fired. The wont sell any more season tickets. I still cant believe this hire. EPIC FAIL.

Chris L

January 16th, 2012
9:02 am

Absurdly awful hire and the final nail in the Falcons’ coffin. Hey Mr. Blank: You tried, you failed. Time to start over. Need new GM, coach, OC, QB, and defense … and all those draft picks back from the stupid Julio Jones trade that will set us back for years to come. On the plus side, I won’t bother watching the Falcons next year, much as I didn’t bother to watch the playoff game this year as the result was in before the birds’ flight even left Atlanta.

d.carter

January 16th, 2012
9:07 am

THE EXCUSES FOR MATTY (COACH KILLER) RYAN ARE RUNNING OUT. HE IS GONNA COST MIKE SMITH AND THOMAS DIMITROFF THEIR JOBS AS WELL…

MAD AS HELL

January 16th, 2012
9:09 am

boy am i excited. Smith must want out. Get rid of a middle of the road guy and hire the dead last guy. stupid stupid stupid

Be Da Man

January 16th, 2012
9:10 am

we hired who? Not surprised. The city of Atlanta can never get out of its own way when it comes to sports. The same city that traded away Dominique Wilkihs for danny manning , paid Joe Johnson a Kings Ransom, blew a 10 game lead with a month to play and lost MLB wild card to eventual champion, couldn’t score a touch down in playoff game with Giants, got blown out at home after goind 13-3 getting 1 seed an home field adv the year before, had the most dynamic QB in his prime and managed to screw that up by treating him like a KING and having the owner wheeling him around the stadium, held the 1 FBS team to no first downs in the first half of SEC championship and still managed to get blown out…..it’s touch being a sprots fan around here, but i carry own.

This hire is nothing but Dimitroff not wanting anyone else in his hen house. That’s why he hired Smith,who no one heard of,, and now this joker, who no one has heard of. Dimotroff is the problem and time will prove that he doesn’t know what he is doing either. Welli hope he’s right about this guy for his sake and ours.

GO BIRDS

SirReal

January 16th, 2012
9:19 am

I dont know what this guy will do with the team. Lets at least wait until we see whats on the field before we judge. What if the guy actually has the prowess to get it done? We cant go by numbers alone. Jacksonville was a complete mess last year from ownership on down. I’ll give him a mulligan for last year…but he’s in Atlanta now with much better talent so I expect him to bring it.

Preston Thompson

January 16th, 2012
9:19 am

Yep, this does seem to be a money move. I do know how of members of Blank’s monetary persuasion or so cheap, and just hate to part with the dollar, but this deal stinks to high heaven. Smith gets a buddy he comfortable with. That means he doesn’t ruffle Mike feathers and does whatever is needed to protect Smith quarterback buddy. Who needs a quarterback that hits the grounds like a wet noodle if somebody hollers at him. Atlanta sure don’t, they got one.

Oh well, all that’s left is wait and see if Mike’s buddy will work out. At least he comfortable.

TDub

January 16th, 2012
9:21 am

In defense of the guy – look at what he had to work with (outside of MJD, nothing). I’ll reserve judgement until I see a few games.

Brock

January 16th, 2012
9:27 am

So I guess no one in the front office read the first sentence in this article on the Bird Cage Blog:

Dirk Koetter
This one makes the least sense of any candidate available. His offense last year was one of the worst in the NFL while he was offensive coordinator in Jacksonville. His Jaguars were ranked dead last in total offense and passing yards. The Jaguars were 12th in rushing, but were 28th in points per game. Some will say that was a product of having a rookie quarterback and a team in turmoil. That excuse doesn’t pass the smell test when Denver is in the divisional playoff round with Tim Tebow, along with the Houston Texans winning in the playoffs with their 3rd string quarterback. He’s of course on the list for his familiarity with Coach Smith. Isn’t that the exact thing the Falcons need to get away from?

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
9:34 am

I don’t think that the Packers would have scored a TD without the help of the Ref that officiated yesterday’s game.
Perhaps IF, the OLine had of been big enough and strong enough in the Falcons/Giants game, the Falcons could have continued the drives on those 4th and inches plays, and MAYBE, scored some points.

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
9:38 am

@9:27..Tebow had God on his side in many of those games(but he must of did some heavy sinning last week, before the Pats game), and the rookie QB played pretty darn good most of the time.

Joey

January 16th, 2012
9:42 am

The only sports team in Atlanta who have the money to buy any coach they want, and they get this? Doesn’t matter anyway – Smith would make Brady and Rodgers hand off on 1st and 2nd downs . . .

Joey

January 16th, 2012
9:44 am

SawThat1nce, I doubt Tebow sinned, but he may have had some impure thoughts when he read about Katy Perry’s interest in him.

I know I would . . .

MountainDawg

January 16th, 2012
9:46 am

A mediocre coach (at best) from a subpar franchise…is NOT the answer. Ryan isn’t an elite QB, BUT can get the job done IF he had a solid OL. Also, Turner is washed up & needs to go. Falcons also has some holes at DT…they need a “pocket crusher” there.

Dan

January 16th, 2012
9:49 am

Teams usually hire guys coming off breakout years. Smith hires a guy who held the last ranked offense and is just as conservative as Mularkey, so says Jacksonville fans. I feel like Smith is hiring his buddies as opposed to whose best for the job. He may feel Koetter is the best optiion, but I know I’ll take Billick or Clements anyday. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hired Del Rio for DC while he’s not a bad coach Smith seems to go for familiarity, which isn’t always the best thing to do.

usjacket

January 16th, 2012
9:57 am

1) Smith wanted somebody he is comfortable with, and in this case that’s somebody he has worked with; That says it all, the number one reason he was hired! Thats just great!

David

January 16th, 2012
10:01 am

I am completely OK with this move. The coach has show in the past the ability to have really good offensives. That said I think he is the kind of coach that when he has talent can make that talent shine and when he has nothing to work with, well not many people can make bricks without straw. Look at the only talent on Jacksonvilles roster. MDJ. Was stellar. Look at the WR on Jacksonvilles roster. Not many of them should be in the NFL. I think he will get the most out of Atlanta’s talent.

Therut

January 16th, 2012
10:05 am

I’m confused, is this Mike Smitn making the decisions or Rankin Smith?

AllGood 4 Now

January 16th, 2012
10:17 am

And if in a few Months this all looks great a bunch of you will change your names and hop on the wagon and start bashing anyone who dares say a word. Its just a game and we are not the owners . We can yell all we want but True fans know that know matter what we will pull for our team. We may not like the choices and we have had plenty of bad choices to look at in our teams past. But true fans will remain just that. So stop whining or go to the saints site lots of fun over there.

itpdude

January 16th, 2012
10:26 am

I don’t know how a team has such a tough time with MJD. How can a QB NOT do well with a great RB?

Turner is probably toast. He was unable to make the cuts later in the season. Snelling is a good downhill runner. But Atlanta needs to reassess some things. Get an RB to at least share with Turner. Even a third rounder will work if he’s can make cuts. Give mop–up to Snelling.

Maybe this OC will take advantage of the ATL running game. Let’s get real, Ryan is never going to be Brady or Brees. He needs a running game. It was ridiculous to see Mularkey try to make it an air offense with good runners and good run blocking. ATL should be a run first team.

Hopefully this OC, with MJD experience, will bring it.

Joey

January 16th, 2012
10:27 am

Some Falcon fans can be Falcon fans without having our collective heads in our butts regarding the state of our team. We can love the Falcons and disagree with personnel and staff moves.

It’s not whining, it is commenting.

You don’t have to read it.

Chris

January 16th, 2012
10:42 am

Why is it that “True fans” are those that are willing to pull for and shell out money for a product that is crap? The owners, players, and coaches don’t give two squirts about us as long as they have a steady cash flow supplied by zombies that root for mediocrity.

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
10:44 am

“just as conservative as Mularkey”, I think that MM was running the Offense the way that the Headcoach wanted him to run it, conservative.

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
10:47 am

GM needs to get this new guy a rock solid OLine, and see what happens.
I believe that if TD would do that, the Falcons would probably win a playoof game next season, maybe.

ATLien

January 16th, 2012
10:53 am

Seems like there’s 20 pages of highly paid NFL experts here panning the hire. Really? I don’t know why I bother reading some of this junk sometimes. You’ve got know it all Shultzie here leading a pack of idiots to hate the new OC before he ever steps foot on a Falcons practice field. His offensive scheme was good enough to get MJD a huge season when there was zero, nothing, nada surrounding him.

All those who think that the Falcons must morph into a throw it 50 times video game football just because of the Saints and Packers need to look more closely at SF. Defense still wins championships. A ground game helps keeps the video game QB’s off the field. The offense will look much the same, which isn’t bad, just hopefully a little less predictable.

drew

January 16th, 2012
10:55 am

Yeah, yeah, 32nd in offense doesn’t sound good, but as one who screamed so loudly to get rid of Mularkey, I’ll reserve judgement for now. We’ll see soon enough.

But some of these bloggers need to take a deep breath and chill. I think it’s ridiculous that so many “fans” here think Mike Smith should be gone if the Falcons don’t have success (i.e., a playoff win) next year. These folks are either idiots, or they’re simply letting their emotions get the best of them. I know the only number folks want to talk about is the 0-3 playoff record, but let’s look at the bigger picture.

In 4 years under Mike Smith, the Falcons have had 4 consecutive winning seasons, 3 playoff appearances, and a regular season record of 43-21. Prior to Mike Smith, this franchise had a total of 10 winning seasons. Compared to previous Falcon coaches, this is the freakin’ promised land! Yes, we need to get better, but let’s be realistic.

Anybody remember coach Leaman Bennett? In his 6 seasons coaching the Falcons he compiled a 46-41 record (best for a Falcons coach at that time), and 3 playoff appearances. But after 6 years of relative success, ownership claimed that the team had “reached a plateau” and Bennett was gone. Turns out the plateau wasn’t a bad place to be. It would be 9 years before the Falcons sniffed the playoffs again. In the 25 years since Bennett was fired, to the beginning of the Mike Smith era, the Falcons had a total of 5 winning seasons!

Just saying…be careful what you ask for, because you might just get it.

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
11:05 am

@Mrs. Charlie

So just like clock work the COWARD returns from his undisclosed bunker.

Once again waiting until the heat he thought had cooled down.

Once again coming in late to the CHOKE meltdown after party.

Come on who gets shut out in the playoffs, after his IDIOT cheerleader lauds him as an elite qb.

Once again, the COWARD shows up with her dress on backwards :)

You have lost your male card, turn it in and report to Victoria Secret…………..

HA HA HA :)

Storybook

January 16th, 2012
11:05 am

Just so some of you know, Alabama was looking to hire this guy to replace their offensive coordinator who just left. This guy had zero talent outside of MJD to work with in Jacksonville.

Short Term Memory

January 16th, 2012
11:18 am

He had the 7th ranked offense with David Gerrard as qb – that’s impressive. Having said that, I don’t think Matt Ryan is going to change or the offense is going to change that much. Ryan just has to take a step forward. He has been in the league four years. I think the next three seasons are critical. Most quarterback take a big leap. Also, remember coach smith is a defensive guy, and wants to win games with defense. If he can shore up the secondary, I think we could win on defense. The secondary has to be healthy for the post season.

Well cross your fingers that we get a really good defensive coordinator.

GregKennesaw

January 16th, 2012
11:25 am

Hey Choke, how’d your Aints do this weekend LMAO…………..hahahhaha ainst better stay off the west coast, bad luck…. hahahahhaha

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
11:27 am

Got to have a better OLine, and a better DLine.
Can’t hang it all on the QB, or the secondary.

Luv 2 Hate Me

January 16th, 2012
11:31 am

Falcons took a step backwards instead of moving forward. I hope this guy proves everybody wrong or else Mike Smith and his Jaguar buddies will be looking for a new jobs in 2013.

Walker, Texas Ranger

January 16th, 2012
11:32 am

Bunch of experts on here….who knows, these guys are involved day to day where as some fans want Clements just because he is a quarterbacks coach with the all mighty Packers, well how did he look yesterday or they want Mike Martz who coached the worst team in the NFL. But just because this guy couldnt win with a sissy quarterback, the “experts” think it is a horrible hire.
Get over it. No body knows when it comes to an OC. Now DC’s are a little more predictable as far as production. An example, Wade Phillips always has a great D when he is the DC.

vesaversa

January 16th, 2012
11:34 am

This hire just put one foot out the door for coach Smith if he doesn’t get his team to perform better than they have during the pass three years .I will predict that the Falcons want fair any better than the pass three years which i hope spell the end of coach Smith error in Atlanta .

STATE of DISAPPOINTMENT

January 16th, 2012
11:36 am

WOW…really?? until our state’s teams hire competent coach..we will all be disappointed fans.
Koetter…really!!!..that’s thinking “outside the box”

Jason

January 16th, 2012
11:40 am

Why don’t we save any negative, and frankly, unnecessary comments until we see what happens. The fact that Mularky is gone is good news already. These higher ups aren’t stupid. Gene Chizik had some haters when he was hired, but then went and won the National Championship at Auburn. I bet y’all wouldn’t be complaining this much if the Falcons win the Super Bowl..

heartofdarkness

January 16th, 2012
11:43 am

Instruction Manual for Falcon’s Fans: Ready! Fire! Aim!

Coach

January 16th, 2012
11:46 am

There is absolutely nothing wrong with hiring someone you know and are comfortable with if their knowledge and work ethic falls in line with what you are trying to do and you can build a cohesive unit. This actually makes things a lot more efficient and effective. That being said, I am not entirely impressed by this guys body of work. Alabama was talking to him because of what he can do in the college game, not the NFL. There is a huge difference and being good at one usually means you might not be that good at the other. Ask Bobby Petrino, or Pete Carrol, or Charlie Weiss, or George O’Leary, or Lane Kiffin or NICK SABAN himself. That list is VERY LONG. Time will tell and I will give him the benefit for now but it won’t take long to see the truth. As for the year with Garrard, even a blind squirrel…

Mediocrity

January 16th, 2012
11:47 am

I’m beginning to question Mike Smith. The Falcons need a proven winner at OC and DC if they want to make a Super Bowl run….so far…..fail for the OC hire. Here’s to another year of mediocrity but atleast Smith will have his buddy on the team. Yay

Fred Macmurray

January 16th, 2012
12:04 pm

Mike Smiths seat is so hot his pants are on fire,,,and I would say that goes for TD as well,, one more year of crap and we move on,,, speaking of crap,, where is SeenThisB4 and HiramSaint,, hope there ok,,,,,,,:)

it is what it is

January 16th, 2012
12:04 pm

for all you football fans in the state of Louisiana, it must sux to be you this year

Get a grip

January 16th, 2012
12:07 pm

The overwhelming majority here cannot be wrong. All of you who are saying “let’s give the coach a chance” or anything similar, THIS IS THE NFL. In other words, PROFESSIONAL football. This is not a risk taking job with coach hiring. Maybe he is a HS or college coach, but he is not a pro OC. For an owner whose talk about being a super bowl champion is cheap, but look at his actions following those statements.

BrainBust

January 16th, 2012
12:10 pm

This is just another in a long list of sub-par coach hirings that Blank has been involved in the whole way along. Jim Mora, Jr. “interviewed really well” and was totally unproven and had nothing to do with MV7 playing out of his mind and making Mora successful when he was not. Bobby Petrino,,, nothing more needs to be said. Mike Smith looked as if he was going to make us all forget about these bone-headed hirings ,, but now that is not even the case. To an earlier posting that nailed it, Smith will be gone after 2013 ,,, and Dimitroff will soon follow. I will now watch from afar and look forward to more golf on NFL Sundays.

truthbtold

January 16th, 2012
12:10 pm

I could understand it, if we were raiding a team like the Patriots, the Steelers, or the Giants (teams that have won titles and been consistently excellent over the last 10 years). But to be using key ingredients from a team like the Jaguars as a framework to build upon is just ludicrous on sooo many levels. What does this attraction to the Jaguars franchise stem from? The series record is 3 – 2 in favor of the Jags, and there have been no memorable beat downs by the Jags teams over the years that would inspire anyone to see the franchise as a launching pad for greatness. Especially considering you want to take your team to the next level, and your team is already at a level above the team you are pooling from. This seems to be a fixation on low hanging fruit (worked with Mike Smith, close to home, and will run the same schemes Mike Smith likes). Mike Smith’s team suffers from poor game planning, no fire or enthusiasm on the field, poor tackling skills, weak zone defenses,and timid scoring attacks (run first mentality). Maybe, just maybe – it’s the coach?

truthbtold

January 16th, 2012
12:21 pm

Dirk had his best days in college, and all of his promise is supposed to be based upon his results at the college level. And Brian Van Gorder had poor results with the Falcons because according to Schultz – “VanGorder was viewed by some as too rah-rah and college-like for the NFL. Sorry, I’m not buying it. The guy knows defense. Maybe some of his players just don’t take direction well.

Regardless, it often seemed Smith wasn’t on the same page as his coordinators. For as much heat as Mularkey took, Smith is the one more likely to order vanilla in an ice-cream shop. VanGorder’s defensive resume is all about attacking and blitzing. But the Falcons were conservative.

So exactly how is this supposed to mesh? One coordinator didn’t work out because he’s more of a fit for the college ranks with his aggressiveness, and we hire another coordinator based upon that working for him in the college ranks 5 years ago! This sounds like the 3 Stooges………

BrainBust

January 16th, 2012
12:24 pm

It is almost as if Blank is allowing a Jax relationship of proximity dictate where our organization is heading. They are, I think, the only NFL teams that scrimmage together in the offseason ,, which came from Smitty’s relationship. Unbelievable ,,,, so Smitty gets hired from Jax ,, Mularkey goes to Jax ,, we hire Koetter from Jax ,,what’s next Arthur?? you and Shahid Khan floating around Jax harbor in Khan’s yacht ,,, figuring out what other coaches you can recycle or trade?

ab initio

January 16th, 2012
12:38 pm

This hiring makes sense because the Jags are the NFL’s version of MLB’s Royals, and the Braves have a tether to that team. Why the idiots that run the sports teams in Atlanta continually think that bringing losers to this town will transform them into winners is beyond me.

Then again, fans here are so willing to settle for this idiocy…

mark

January 16th, 2012
12:40 pm

how about this for a so call sexy pick!? its like we pick a 300 pound girl! this picks sucks! clements was the best choice! i hope they spend some money on spags

mark

January 16th, 2012
12:45 pm

its seems mm is playing football in the backyard of the school is like he is picking all his buddies, lest be honest this oc sucks man 32 rank O I DONT CARE IF THEY HAD GABBERT OR NOT! here we dont have even MJD so its a poor sign by a more poor organization! where did all the arthur blank words went!? this has to be the most bipolar franchise in the nfl now we are the ATLANTA JAGUARS!

Done

January 16th, 2012
12:45 pm

With all the talent out there, how the heck do we go out and get this hack. Hey Blank, spend the money for some one descent. I like most other Falcon fans am tired of the same crap from this franchise. While other teams are going out to get top notch people we settle for scrap. Hey Roges and Snelling. If I were you I’d look for another team that will allow you to touch the ball a couple times for we will be running the same delay with the same players and gaining the same zero yards. What a joke. Thanks for nothing Blank.

Festus

January 16th, 2012
1:03 pm

One of the keys to keeping your job as a Head Coach is to have assistants that no one would consider as an interim coach. Trade Matti Lice for Tim Tebow. Yea he loses. But he is exciting.

j glanville

January 16th, 2012
1:04 pm

dang it, I was gonna apply for that job!

Jim G

January 16th, 2012
1:08 pm

I’ve always been a hardcore Falcons fan….I’m 42…I’ve been supporting the Falcons since the days of Bubba Bean, Buddy Curry, Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews, Lynn Cain, Fulton Kykendall etc…..I was a kid…I also liked Pittsburgh…from my magnetic football set…I always liked Mean Joe, Jack Lambert, Terry Bradshaw etc… I’m born and raised in Atlanta…so my hometeam has always been the Falcons…and I’ve been a passive Steeler follower…I’m SICK of this LAME Falcons crap…SICK OF IT!!! I gave up my season tickets 2 years ago…now..I’ve giving up on the Falcons…Consider me a fulltime Steelers fan…I’ll passively follow the Falcons….maybe…time to follow an intelligent and strong organization….a WINNING organization…

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
1:16 pm

SawThat1nce

January 16th, 2012
11:27 am

Got to have a better OLine, and a better DLine.
Can’t hang it all on the QB, or the secondary.

__________________________________________

Vick did it twice in 2002 & 2004 without either. Next EXCUSE :)

You can slap lipstick on a pig and it’s still a pig.

DUMP THE CHUMP

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
1:19 pm

Everybody say it with me…………………….

SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED JOE 5 PLAYOFF WINS FLACCO……………

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
1:20 pm

Listen up LOSERS………………

Vick at 22 > CHOKE at ANY AGE……………

HA HA HA :)

steven a

January 16th, 2012
1:21 pm

Matt Ryan needs an OC who can get the ball out of his hands really fast, ala, west coast scheme. Joe Montana would not have had sucess under these “CLOWNS”

shav

January 16th, 2012
1:22 pm

Defense wins championships.

The Falconator

January 16th, 2012
1:22 pm

OK, I blew off some steam on this board yesterday about the OC move (or lack of credible same thereof) but I feel sooooo much better now because I realized that the Falcs don’t pick in this year’s draft until long after all the good O-line prospects will be off the board. The soon-to-be 32nd ranked offense Koetter will give us won’t have to worry about whether or not Ryan and JJ can stretch the field because they won’t have time for anything more than short outs with the pocket collapsing. No draft, no line, more failures on 4th and inches and no creativity. And no honeymoon, grace period or benefit of the doubt for koetter, Smith, TD and Blank. THIS SUCKS!!!!!

PMC

January 16th, 2012
1:39 pm

yeah and if the Falcons drafted Flacco you’d be a big fan of Ryan.

Flacco is big gangly statueesque midwestern white guy with no athleticism. Don’t understand why you would be a fan of Vick and also Flacco’s game.

You like fumbles?

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
1:41 pm

DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE

The defense did their part vs the Giants. As I recall they scored the ONLY 2 points in the game.

HA HA HA :)

It’s time to neuter that worthless dog named CHOKE…………….

HA HA HA :)

Matt "CHOKE" Ryan

January 16th, 2012
1:44 pm

5 PLayoff wins is 5 Playofff wins……………

I like winners……………

HA HA HA :)

ANTOINEFORD

January 16th, 2012
2:08 pm

Maybe the worst sports move since the Blazers drafted Sam Bowie.

MIKE SMITH IS DUMBER THAN MIKE WOODSON

January 16th, 2012
2:13 pm

FIRE MIKE SMITH OLD @$$ PLEASE

Sandy Springs

January 16th, 2012
2:28 pm

Score zero points in the playoff game, than go hire the guy from the worst O in the league….is this a joke?

CGD..

January 16th, 2012
2:48 pm

Blank Shooting Blanks Again?

Koetter said he has more film study to do on the Falcons, but stated that he’s a proponent of the vertical passing game, running the football and that he’s been ordered to improve the team’s screen passing attack.”

Vertical game? Good luck with this throw back QB……Mularkey was covering for the guy and got beat up for it..

Arthur does not get it… Same ole ish comin…. 0-4

Flacco did what? Won again? Thats 5 playoff wins and counting! Wow…

CGD..

January 16th, 2012
2:52 pm

Hire a guy with the 32nd offense?

Arthur you have out done yourself! Congrats!

CGD..

January 16th, 2012
2:53 pm

ASG> Blank. The gap is increasing fast….

Felix

January 16th, 2012
3:29 pm

32nd? Like number Thirty Two? Like Last Place? Like the Worst?

Unreal! What the h _ _ _ is happening to pro sports in Atlanta? There is mediocrity everywhere I look. Everywhere!

We got lousy owners, sub par coaches, and except for a few exceptions (like Braves pitching) we are stuck with a bunch of two bit players.

Dumber Than Dumb

January 16th, 2012
3:35 pm

Pretty dang dumb to hire a coordinator from the 32nd ranked offense out of 32 teams. Was Dmitroff drunk making this decision ? Lemme guess, a defensive coordinator from the winless Colts will be hired next ?

Felix

January 16th, 2012
3:47 pm

Atlanta ought to be the mecca of pro sports in the south. Yet, what are we known as? — Losersville.

Charlotte will soon surpass us in football, Miami is kicking our butts in basketball and in 2012 Miami will probably be kicking our behinds in baseball too.

This sucks!

Arthur Blank

January 16th, 2012
3:54 pm

Dumber Than Dumb

January 16th, 2012
4:02 pm

Only Jacksonville Jaguar worth getting is Maurice Jones-Drew. But Falcons hire their failed OC and will probably hire Jack (off) Del Rio as the DC. Boy the buddy system rules and hiring the best qualified doesn’t…

Dumber Than Dumb

January 16th, 2012
4:11 pm

Why not go after Saints,Packers,or Patriots OC’s ? You know, coordinators from SUCCESSFUL NFL offenses ?

b

January 16th, 2012
4:12 pm

People need to harrass Smith,Blank,and Dimitroff at next press conference.
Unacceptable choice for the good ole boys.

Farnsworthy

January 16th, 2012
4:30 pm

Atlanta, Georgia: The graveyard of pro sports.

Double Zero Eight

January 16th, 2012
4:34 pm

Is it April 1st? This has got to be a joke!
The Panthers will win a Super Bowl before
the Falcons.

Double Zero Eight

January 16th, 2012
4:38 pm

Sounds like Georgia politics……the
“good ole boys” syndrome prevails.

Dumber Than Dumb

January 16th, 2012
4:57 pm

After losing again in the first round of the playoffs its great news to hear Falcons signed an OC from one of the worst teams in the NFL. Hooray ! Joy ! Joy !

vimtu4984

January 16th, 2012
5:19 pm

Oh boy….when Author bought the team from the Smith’s I thought we were on our way. No Mike is not related (or is he??) but we can’t seem to shake the Smith curse. This is a world class failure. Gonna be tough to pay my invoice for season tickets. The DC better be good….or I may release my seats!

C3

January 16th, 2012
5:47 pm

He must have pictures of Mike Smith &^@%ing a goat.

Blackbird 4Life

January 16th, 2012
5:48 pm

HERE WE GO AGAIN…DAMN

OMG!! Are you kidding?

January 16th, 2012
6:28 pm

This hiring reminds me of tha trash barge from NYC a few years ago that no one would accept, so it was sailing around, up and down the east coast and through the Caribbean looking for a port of call. It seems that no one else in the NFL wants our garbage or Jacksonville’s, so we are just recycling it between ourselves – Mularkey for Koetter. As someone who just put a down payment on two season tickets, this has me reconsidering.

realfalconfan

January 16th, 2012
6:34 pm

the people who are fussin really dont care abput the falcons
all im gonna dp is wait and see what happen they said in the beginning that mike smith would be a joke but 4 straight winning seasons and the fact that turner and ryan got hurt we woulda have been in the playoffs for 3 straight years this is the best winning teams that we have had i trust smith and ryan and rem brees and rodgers have all been a league for over 6 years now they are shinning we got a good thing coming we just got to make our atlanta teams killing attitudes then we will non stop championships lets go falcons

Double Zero Eight

January 16th, 2012
6:54 pm

I have a very good friend that is an attorney,but I would not
hire him to reprresent me on an important case. You usually get
what you pay for. Why not hire a proven-top tier OC vs. looking
for a “diamond in the rough”?

[...] writes: I’ve long made it a practice to not pre-judge coaches. We’ve seen enough examples of guys who [...]

Michael

January 16th, 2012
7:14 pm

Billick likes broadcasting and does not want to come be OC for his brother in law, Martz retired today, Schottenheimer just got run out of NY and landed in STL, Tom Clements biggest feather in the cap (being from GB) does not look as good today as it did yesterday morning and his offenses in Buffalo when he was OC were average. Who did you guys want? Is there really anyone out there that would make you feel that much better about next year? I see all the complaining but see no one offering realistic suggestions as to who we could have had. Mine? Aaron Krommer, Saints OLine coach. May have helped land Nicks in free agency too.

Eric C.

January 16th, 2012
8:15 pm

I think it is ironic that the Falcons hired the OC with the 32nd ranked defense…don’t you?

Football Bat

January 16th, 2012
8:36 pm

I for one, find it EXCITING that the Falcons brass are testing the theory that given another lineman or two, ANY IDIOT COULD RACK UP POINTS WITH OUR TALENT ON OFFENSE.

South Georgia

January 16th, 2012
9:00 pm

Coaching will not help much until you get a quarterback who has guts to step up in big games.

Ronald Millsaps

January 16th, 2012
9:35 pm

As for the abysmal in the Giants’ game yesterday, contrary to the presented premise by the announcers, no, the call in question was no “judgment” ball. The Packer in question had the ball slipping out and was not touching the ground. This reality is a fact, not a “judgment”; truth is absolute, not open to personal interpretation. Kindly read this last sentence again, most of you, given your sleazy comments.

The league’s rule that you must maintain possession “throughout the catch” is insane and self-contradictory. If you catch the ball and are down, you have a catch. If you continue to slide and have the ball come out, this fact does not mean you didn’t have a catch. The people coming up with these rules are undoubtedly the same pansy parents who put their kids in “timeout.”

Ronald Millsaps

January 16th, 2012
9:36 pm

abysmal call*

King Peter

January 16th, 2012
9:36 pm

Sorry falcons fans,i must have been out of my mine!

Ronald Millsaps

January 16th, 2012
9:37 pm

judgment call*

CGD..

January 16th, 2012
11:47 pm

Hey Arthur your new hire had the 32nd ranked offense (last)Fact, not the 23rd offense in 2011?..Wow..

This is not a drill? He really did this? Oh shoot….

Are you related to Rankin by any chance?

Antman

January 17th, 2012
12:23 am

Blank has lost his blanking mind. just to get someone that makes Mike Smith feel comfortable wit is rediculas. If he can’t feel comfortable with anyone other than a looser that shows his lack of self confidents. This guy was 32nd in totlal offense;worst in the NFL. Are you kiddinga? i AM TIRED OF THIS FOOLISHNESS. I won’t be a seasonal tifket holder this year. ANd Im sure of us feel the same.This will be the first time since the MIchael Vick ara that there will be empty bleachers in the stands.

Mr. Charlie

January 17th, 2012
6:58 am

Antman there have been empty seats this past season already.

Jimmy Crack

January 17th, 2012
7:23 am

32 out of 100. That made milk come out of my nose. Thanks Jeff.

mock1

January 17th, 2012
7:28 am

WTF…..You get what you pay for……Nothing from nothing leaves nothing !!! com’ on man!!!

TrishaDishaWarEagle

January 17th, 2012
8:09 am

Hmmm..should I trust the analysis or top NFL insiders that this is a good hire, or the whines and incoherent ramblings of aint’s fans, madden players, and other assorted losers on the Atlanta Urinal sports blog who wanted a “sexy” hire..

Yeah, I’ll go with the insiders..

Go FALCONS!!!!

CGD..

January 17th, 2012
11:01 am

Last= theres only one way to go? Thats up ^! LMAO!

Dee

January 17th, 2012
11:02 am

We should have waited I don’t like this hire we need to spread the offense with the weapons we have and we need to revamped the whole defense keep babineau and abraham the rest can go I mean really if you wathed the games they play lazy and gives up once the guy goes by them Arthur Blank stop letting these guys rob you revamped the defense Dunta is overpaid

DW

January 17th, 2012
11:21 am

I am so tired of Atlanta Teams and this comfortable crap!!! It’s not going to get you to a championship.

Kane337

January 17th, 2012
12:55 pm

With this hire the Falcons should have the #1 offense in the league next season……LOL

zbulldawg

January 17th, 2012
1:16 pm

He’s going with someone he can trust ! The Jags couldn’t have passing game game without the tools to work with ! The last thing we need is a coach to come in & only be worried about his own A – - ! Keeps the ego’s down This team is sitting on go to take off !! It won’t take much to sit OFF !

[...] a look at some of the Atlanta Falcons’ targets for both the offensive and defensive coordinators. Well I guess I’m 0 for 1. The Falcons might as well hire Jack Del Rio now so we can complete the change to the Jaguars of the [...]

Just get it done

January 17th, 2012
4:13 pm

Retread? We’ll see…..I don’t care if it’s the big rat Mickey Mouse…..Just do the job you’re paid to do.

phil

January 17th, 2012
7:59 pm

HGN
January 15th, 2012
12:04 pm

Unbelievable. I just can’t believe Smith and TD are going to stake their jobs and reputation on this guy……Why?

*******

Because they’re buffoons.

musicrockinrobin

January 17th, 2012
8:00 pm

Personally, I think this might be a good thing. Maybe we’ll get back to running the ball. I got really tired of three passes and punt. Why have three good running backs if you’re just gonna pass it? Jason Snelling and J. Rogers had 111 carries combined for the year, not nearly enough. Sproles was NO’s 3rd back( & mostly a receiver) and he had 87 carries. M. Turner is hardly washed up, he averaged just under 4.5 ypc and finished third in the league. NO QB needs to throw 50 passes, that’s too many. The running game helps the o-line by wearing down the defenders and keeping them honest. It’s about time somebody started laying the wood to these basketball teams, that’s how the Giants and the 49ers won…they HIT Harder. Now if we could get a d-coodinator that will teach that we might be on our way. These last four seasons have been better than it could have been, just ask the fans of all the teams looking up at us.

elvis the falcon fan

January 20th, 2012
12:41 pm

This is a joke right? No, come on serioulsy, Are you effin kidding me? I can just see it now, Arthur, Smitty, and TD are all sitting in the conference room and in walks McKay with the kosher donuts and coffee. The conversation goes something like this: AB—”alright guys, I am about to ask the taxpayors for another bucket full of cash for a new dome event though the one we got is fine, so who is it going to be?” SMITTY—”well, we need to correct the process and get better” TD—-”I agree with Smitty, we need to go out make a great hire who can design out routes for Julio and also needs to be able to design plays so we can run our aging overweight tippy toe power runner on first down.”
McKay raises his hand and asks if anyone has seen his stapler. Then TD says ” I know, kets go hire whomever had the worst offense in the league last year and make him our new OC” SMITTY—”I think that we need to correct the process.” TD—”well its settled then.”

Brendan

January 21st, 2012
11:38 pm

I’ll support the hire, for now. I was not saddened to see Mularkey go. This is probably a step in the right direction.