We give you odds on Braves’, Falcons’ or Hawks’ title parade
Forgot what Atlanta parade looked like? Here's 1995 Braves World Series MVP Tom Glavine.
It is that time of year when two leagues are close to determining new champions and every sports fan in Atlanta thinks, “There goes another parade.”
A potential NBA title in Oklahoma City? A possible Stanley Cup in Los Angeles (only slightly better than if Ilya Kovalchuk led New Jersey)? Are the sporting gods planning any more shots to the groin area? Is Mike Mularkey destined to lead Jacksonville to a Super Bowl? (On second thought, we’re probably safe.)
Not counting minor leagues or sports teams that would make you pause and think, “Wait, do they count?” Atlanta has celebrated only one pro championship since the Braves and Falcons theoretically lifted the city out of amateur status in 1966.
Depending on how generous you want to be with the math, Atlanta is 1-for-46 years, which equates to an annual parade percentage of .022, or 1-for-155 seasons (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL), which is a batting/completion/shooting percentage of .007. Even Josh Smith is shooting 27.8 percent from 3-point range.
Loading ...So the question: What will it take for the Braves, Falcons or Hawks to win a championship? What follows is how I would rank the three, and what potentially could push them over the top:
1. Braves (46-plus seasons: 3799-3564, 17 playoffs, 1 title).
Biggest need: leadership.
Parade odds: 15-1.
They have been really good (25-15) and really bad (eight-game losing streak). The issue is not talent but chemistry. We’ve seen that they’re a different team when Chipper Jones is out of the lineup. That speaks not only to Jones’ impact in the lineup, but the otherwise lack of leadership in the clubhouse.
I know the baseball vs. football emotion thing can be debated. But the Braves haven’t consistently played with a sense of urgency and fight. They don’t scrap. They don’t always seem confident. That’s what allows teams to endure when pitching, defense or offense falls off. That falls on the manager, Fredi Gonzalez, who needs to prove he can pull this bunch out of a tailspin, which he didn’t a year ago.
2. Falcons (46 seasons: 299-399-6, 11 playoffs, 0 titles).
Biggest needs: offensive line, play-calling.
Parade odds: 25-1.
They’re evolving into that Braves argument of the 1990s. The Braves won 14 division titles but only one World Series. The Falcons have made the playoffs three out of four years under Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith but have yet to win a postseason game (losing the past two by scores of 48-21 and 24-2).
Dimitroff bristled at suggestions in the offseason that he wasn’t doing enough to improve the team, but he should recognize that re-signing players and adding talent are two different things. It follows that the trade for cornerback Asante Samuel was significant.
But there are significant questions on offense. The line excels at neither pass nor run blocking, and Sam Baker returns at left tackle. Mularkey’s predictability at play-calling was an issue, but we’ll never know how much was dictated by coach Mike Smith. Perceptions that the Falcons’ need more of a bombs-away offense are off base. They just need to find ways to utilize all of their weapons and keep defenses off balance. That’s on new coordinator Dirk Koetter. Then real judgments on Matt Ryan (seven points in past six playoff quarters) can be made.
3. Hawks (44 seasons: 1762-1798, 28 playoffs, 0 titles).
Biggest need: a plan.
Parade odds: 100-1.
Of the three franchises, the Hawks are the only ones who seem to make it up as they go. Is Al Horford ideal at center? No. Does Jeff Teague have shortcomings at point guard? Yes. But the biggest problem was giving Joe Johnson an elite player’s contract, the issue being he’s not an elite player, and he has hamstrung them financially.
There is no easy way out of this mess. But the most significant move they could make would be trading Josh Smith (who wants out and likely will leave next year in free agency) for a starting point guard, a center or a second scoring option. But plans only come about when an organization shows some semblance of stability, and the Hawks are anything but stable. From the pratfalls of ownership to the uncertain future of general manager Rick Sund, it’s difficult to get a handle on where this team is going.
This bunch has probably hit their ceiling as a first- or second-round playoff team, unless significant changes are made. But what do the Hawks generally do? Tweak and play it safe.
By Jeff Schultz
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173 comments Add your comment
vmguru
June 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
We could always include the Atlanta Chiefs from the old NASL (North American Soccer League) to get a second championship in the count!
dawggirl
June 5th, 2012
2:34 pm
We need some new teams, yeesh.
phil esposito
June 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
ok, it wasn’t perfessional, but i seem to recall the knights winning a championship, heck, they would have stuffed the thrashers…………….
mountain_jim
June 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
Of the 3, only the Falcons have local, committed, deep-pockets ownership and a quality front office – they will be the first, if any of them win it all.
P-Man
June 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
Win or lose, though (mostly lose!), these are MY teams!
PMC
June 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Resigning Thomas Decoud is not the same as improving the secondary. That’s what most people had the most beef with. We’ve seen this guy play quite a bit now, not much has been impressive other than catching batted balls in the endzone.
Until he traded for Samuel, there was nothing done where anyone could say that they looked like they were on the right track. I’m sure it’s frustrating to be confronted with reality, but I’m sure he watched the same games as we did.
PMC
June 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
We could also count hockey teams that have moved away.
roterhals
June 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
anybody watch NFL Greatest Games featuring the 1980 Falcons – Cowboys playoff game last night? I couldn’t watch the end….in my opinion still the most devastating loss in Falcons’ history.
Just The Facts
June 5th, 2012
2:53 pm
JS – your last statement about the Hawks was “tweak & play it safe.” That surely applies to the Braves as well who are the Kings of play it safe. When you are on budgetary constraints but no one wants to admit how that ties your hands that’s what you get.
Welcome to Atlanta Sports. Teams are built for REGULAR SEASON SUCCESS NOT POST SEASON SUCCESS!
Brian
June 5th, 2012
2:58 pm
UGA odds Jeff?
Jeff Schultz
June 5th, 2012
3:03 pm
Brian — Pro sports teams only for now. Will address my thoughts on UGA, Tech, etc. closer to fall.
We give you odds on Braves’, Falcons’ or Hawks’ title parade | football-feed.com
June 5th, 2012
3:05 pm
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Brian
June 5th, 2012
3:08 pm
Sounds good, thanks
Old Jax Bravo Fan
June 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
Judging from some of Freddy G’s comments following some games (particularly losses and poor on-field play) and the tail spin carry-over from last year (and Spring practice) it does seem as though FG is on an endangered list. He needs to kick some A and do it quickly. Shoddy play and lack of interest and hustle cannot be tolerated in pro sports. FG should (and does) know that.
Astro Joe
June 5th, 2012
3:27 pm
The Hawks leadership has a plan… keep doing the same thing until someone responds to the invisible “For Sale” sign in front of the arena. Then the ASG will count the sales proceeds and watch someone else fix the scoreboard, use the amnesty provision as appropriate, hire a proactive GM and bring in an established and well-respected head coach to lead a pro team in a town the produces very, very good NBA viewership ratings.
Oh, you meant a plan to win a title? Yeah, no plan there.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 5th, 2012
3:33 pm
“They’re evolving into that Braves’ argument of the 1990s. The Braves won 14 division titles but only one World Series. ”
This is an insult to the 90s Braves. At least those teams regularly advanced in the playoffs and made it to the World Series. The current Falcons are more like the 2002-2005 Braves who commenced sh-tting the bed as soon as the playoffs started.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
The Atlanta Dream have the best championship odds in Atlanta.
Jeff Schultz
June 5th, 2012
3:39 pm
Najeh — The “90s” Braves reference probably misleading — referencing all 14 years of run, so that would include 2002-05. I get you point.
JSS
June 5th, 2012
3:41 pm
I’ll never fall for the “improved” Falcons lie in conjunction with the term “bombs away” and scheme does not change that! Key component mixing from that mix!
JSS
June 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
Missing
Jay
June 5th, 2012
3:44 pm
Jeff,
I agree with your comments but would flip the Braves odds with the Falcons. The Falcons have better management and a salary cap to help them whereas the Braves suffer from absentee ownership and lack of a competitive payroll. The Hawks have no shot under present management.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 5th, 2012
3:45 pm
Hey Jeff
Still no blogs on CHOKE I see…ha ha
Is it time for college football yet
June 5th, 2012
3:46 pm
“every sports fan in Atlanta thinks…..’there goes another parade”….never thought that before. I don’t care about other cities and their parades. Once the season is over here, it’s over EVERYWHERE for me. That’s what most fans think.
Hey
June 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
Atlanta Chiefs and the Atlanta Dream
Hugo
June 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
I am glad that I didn’t see the cowboys game either. But it seems TV only shows the Atlanta teams losses instead of the ones , however few, than wins. How many times have they showed the 1995 World Series?
I think for the Hawks sake, they need to borrow OKC’s blueprint. By the way, they have at least two former hawks on their team. Muhammad and Royal. Bench players who were once starters for the Hawks.
Is it time for college football yet?
June 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
UGA will get the whole state a championship SOON
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
ESPN has Carolina winning the NFC South.
Even in a Saints suspension season, CHOKE still gets beaten out by a 2nd year starter….ha ha
Herschel Talker
June 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
SCHULTZIE:
BRAVES ODDS WHILE FAT FREDI IS THE MANAGER: 5 BILLION TO 1. WE AIN’T WINNING SQUAT WITH THAT DIPSTICK RUNNING THE SHOW.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ!!!
HT
Steve Bartkowski
June 5th, 2012
3:51 pm
The Golden Pole would have thrown for 8000 yards in a season in todays league.
Buckeye
June 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
Odds for dogs? Slimmer than none.
JMG
June 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
Hawks odds are generous; it would be a miracle if that team got to the EC Finals. Falcons need a gamer QB that is clutch in the big game, all the other pieces are coming together. In the MLB, anything is possible- moreso than any other league. Weak as SS, RF, 3B (when chippers hurt), 8th inning, back of rotation, etc. but I could see a good run by Bravos.
–
Atlanta Insight Blog: http://atlinsight.com
falCans
June 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
SERIOUSLY JEFF ARE YOU TRYING TO RUN JOSH SMITH OFF!!! You know these idiots are going to hang on to your every last word and start screaming for his head!! Where are you from anyway??
Steve Bartkowski
June 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
I want a 1980 Falcons-Dallas rematch. Falcons win that game 9 out of 10 times and go on to win the Super Bowl.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 5th, 2012
3:54 pm
I guess since this is year 5 Smitty/Dimitroff/CHOKE will be singing ther swan song
With the number 1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select………
Tattoo anyone?
June 5th, 2012
3:54 pm
Funny coming from a Buckeye
Yawn
June 5th, 2012
3:55 pm
Stupid article. Just more griping and moaning about the same old things. All three of our teams are very competitive year-in-and-year out and have been for the last 5 years. How about being grateful for what we’ve got and supporting the home team instead of taking pot shots about Josh’s 3 point shooting percentage and the Joe Johnson contract. In case you missed last season, Josh is the best player on a team that finished 4th in the East last year and led this team to a very good season despite Al’s injury. As for Joe, if the Hawks hadn’t re-signed Joe, then there would have been 4 Schultz and Bradley articles complaining about how cheap ASG is and how the team was dreaming thinking that it could lure another big free agent to ATL.
suck on that haters
June 5th, 2012
3:57 pm
Dawgs will have a Championship parade from St. Simons, thru Atlanta, to the top of the state next year!!
JMG
June 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
Hawks-generous, would be a miracle if that team got to EC Finals. Falcons-need gamer QB that’s clutch when it counts, all other pieces are coming together. In the MLB- anything is possible, more so that any other of the other leagues. Weak at SS, RF, 3B (w/o Chip), 8th inning, back of rotation, etc. but I could see nice run by Bravos.
–
ATL Insight Blog: http://atlantainsight.com
Vote the current idiot out of the White House
June 5th, 2012
3:59 pm
At least whoever wins the next championships will have a new President to visit in the White House next Spring!!
JG
June 5th, 2012
3:59 pm
Hawks-generous, would be a miracle if that team got to EC Finals. Falcons-need gamer QB that’s clutch when it counts, all other pieces are coming together. In the MLB- anything is possible, more so that any other of the other leagues. Weak at SS, RF, 3B (w/o Chip), 8th inning, back of rotation, etc. but I could see nice run by Bravos.
–
ATL Insight Blog: http://atlantainsight.com
Jim
June 5th, 2012
4:02 pm
Think about this…….what would really be more striking is if the Thunder win the NBA Title, Oklahoma City will have as many professional championships as Atlanta (1). Go chew on that one.
Bravos this year
June 5th, 2012
4:04 pm
Well, it won’t be Nawleans having a parade for the Aints!!
Big Crimson 75
June 5th, 2012
4:05 pm
The Pro Teams in Atlanta are collectively as strong as ever.
None are the stinkers most of us grew up on! Remember Fulton Co Stadium in the 80s!!!!
The Falcons seem to have the most solid foundation.
The Braves probably have the most talented Roster of the 3.
The Hawks are 2 Al Horford FT’s from being in the Conference Finals.
All 3 Teams have questionable Head Coaches/Managers.
Mike Smith can’t win in the Playoffs, Fredi Gonzales can’t get his Teams to the Playoffs & Larry Drew can’t make a decent decision once getting into the Playoffs!!
Only football and baseball count here
June 5th, 2012
4:06 pm
Ok City? Basketball? Who cares
yeehaw
June 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
What about the Atlanta Chiefs? They won one.
Sage of Bluesland
June 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
Thanks to the blustering Don Waddell, the Thrashers aren’t even mentioned in this article.
At least a sun belt team winning another hockey championship means no Canadian team will win, and thank God for that.
hit the ball willie
June 5th, 2012
4:08 pm
Atlanta Crackers were great…A bit salty though
James Bond
June 5th, 2012
4:09 pm
.007? That’s pathetic, chaps!
Delta's ready when you are
June 5th, 2012
4:10 pm
Flames flamed out, but they were fun and raised families in Atlanta…kids went to UGA. Embraced their new roots unlike miserable transplants today.
Delta's ready when you are
June 5th, 2012
4:13 pm
Flames were fun to watch….they embraced city and put down roots. Kids grew up and embraced UGA. They were good transplants, unlike you miserable, critical transplants today.
Atlanta - love it or leave it
June 5th, 2012
4:15 pm
bunch of miserable, critical transplants today. Go home and quit your bitchin’ here.
yucky
June 5th, 2012
4:17 pm
That was a rainy and cold day for Braves parade. But it was still nice
Felix
June 5th, 2012
4:21 pm
That monstrosity for celebrating HRs that Miami has stuck out there behind CF is obscene. Gives me a headache to look at it.
Felix
June 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
…..wondering if Ozzie Guillen will have his commie buddy Castro in the dugout with him.
Brave Hokie
June 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
“Loser” + “ville” = Atlanta
& it ain’t EVER gonna change.
I was at that parade, BTW…
Brave Hokie
June 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
& the Braves will fo-sho lose in Miami tomorrow nite, I will be there…
0-5 when I have seen them on the road
mark
June 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
Hey look everyone Choke was allowed out of his mother’s basement for some fresh air. Choke please get a new routine b/c this one is getting old. By the way Saints looking real good this year, wow Lofton will be the man in the middle when Ryan throws the ball over his head for another first down. Shultz the only franchise even sniffing at a world championship are the Falcons, as they have an owner who actually cares about winning and holds his staff to some accountability. Braves and Hawks would have to miracle their ass into a title.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Jeff Schultz, do you know anything about basketball? Jeff Teague is the least of this team’s problems. What are Teague’s short-comings? Seriously, you are off base with this one. If we trade Josh (which I don’t want too), it better be for a center that blocks shots, rebounds, and defends. Nothing more, nothing less. All Jeff Teague needs is a competent coach that believes in him. Not one that treats him as the team whipping boy and turns a blind eye when other players on the team are screwing up and not pulling their load. How about the coach telling his power forward and center to grab the rebound, find your point guard, and run the floor for easy buckets. Works for OKC, Spurs, Celtics, Clippers, Nuggets, …….. Do I need to continue.
City of Losers
June 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Yep. We are always good enough not to suck, but not bad enough to draft impact players. The only ownership that cares about Rings is Blank and he is stuck with a Salary Cap. As for the Braves and Hawks, Corporate Ownership doesn’t work especially those Moron’s owning the Hawks. Please sell.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:31 pm
That center should average around 15ppg as well.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:33 pm
The Hawks would be in the ECF right now if they had a real coach.
City of Losers
June 5th, 2012
4:33 pm
Rollo,
You are out of your mind. Teague is a back up point guard at best. Teams attack his size and skill on defense as their first option. Get a clue.
bali
June 5th, 2012
4:50 pm
atlanta fans: 1 the most loyal in the history of professional sports 2 gluttons for punishment..
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:55 pm
City of Losers, you and Jeff must related. Teague can play ball you idiot. The guy is still young and learning the ropes. I guess you’d rather re-up Captain Kirk for $10 million a year.
UGADawg83
June 5th, 2012
5:28 pm
Odds on Hawks not near long enough. The Atlanta Spirit are the most inept pro sports owners since the fellow, I believe his name was Donald Sterling, that owned the Clippers.
athensdawg
June 5th, 2012
5:31 pm
june 5 (pick the year…the same two quotes can always be counted on at this time of year)
dawgs will win the national title.
cubs will win the world series.
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 5th, 2012
5:57 pm
The Falcons have a better shot than the Braves. The Falcons have NFL-caliber players, the Braves have one semi-retired big league hitter and an iffy pitching staff.
Survey says...Failcants will nevah win a SB
June 5th, 2012
5:59 pm
Saints own you loosahs….
SSIgator
June 5th, 2012
6:18 pm
Jeff -
Glad you did not include UGA football on the list. Mark “I can win games – just not the big games” Richt and his army of Kool-Aid drinkers would have flooded the survey with their usual Pre-Season #1 nonsense. Luckily for everyone else that noise always fades away by the end of September each year.
KevinM
June 5th, 2012
6:24 pm
Jeff, you can up the odds for the Hawks at 1000-1.
The combination of the 7 dwarfs and Sund is a perfect match for ineptness. They have already told you they want a new fan base who will support their vision…….like looking in a shallow cup. The current fan base is tired of their excuses.
ChopChamps95
June 5th, 2012
6:25 pm
Both the Braves and Hawks need to clean house from ownership all the way down to their respective head coaches. Until both of those teams get new leadership (in most to all areas) neither will even get a sniff of a championship.
I’ll agree with alot of others in that the Falcons have by far the best chance to win a championship first. Arthur Blank, unlike the Braves and Hawks ownership, atleast cares about making the fan base happy by going out and getting necessary players needed to atleast build a contender. However, if the Falcons want to win a Super Bowl, the players and coaching staff need to quit sh*tting their pants when the playoffs arrive.
ChopChamps95
June 5th, 2012
6:26 pm
Both the Braves and Hawks need to clean house from ownership all the way down to their respective head coaches. Until both of those teams get new leadership (in most to all areas) neither will even get a sniff of a championship.
I’ll agree with alot of others in that the Falcons have by far the best chance to win a championship first. Arthur Blank, unlike the Braves and Hawks ownership, atleast cares about making the fan base happy by going out and getting necessary players needed to atleast build a contender. However, if the Falcons want to win a Super Bowl, the players and coaching staff need to quit s.h.i.tting their pants when the playoffs arrive.
KC
June 5th, 2012
6:29 pm
Trade Josh for Dwight (as long as Howard signs extension). Horford moving back at PF with Howard at center = best frontcourt in the league right there! – - oh and somehow hide Marvin in the trade. Maybe you can stick him in Josh’s trunk as they head out of town.
hawksfancents95
June 5th, 2012
6:35 pm
@jeff schultz
nice topic,very interesting to see the opinions of atlantas “worst fans in the USA”.
1.Falcons-Its either this or next year to win or get to the superbowl or the mike smith era is over so id like to think we can finally get over this hump and have a good chance to make this happen. i like to think a pro bowl qb/rb/wr/te is enough offense to win any game but last years 24-2 loss still looms.
2.Braves- The bravos are streaky but if they can pull a contradiction of last years regular season finale i think they can swing a championship run in the next 3 years.(hopefully this year to end chippers run that would be absolutely fitting)
3.Thrashers
4.Hawks. its true im an avid hawks fan but they have no intention of anything but trying to clear operation costs and make a profit(not that every team doesnt do that but they have 0 intention of anything else). its funny they dont realize that if you pay a little more for a innovative GM and Head Coach you can actually have a team that is fun to watch/wins and it brings you in more revenue. no one cares if you go into the luxury tax or not, its very easy to build a championship caliber team under the salary cap of you have a GM that can get the right players for the right prices(Moneyball thinking).
as for horford, trade him he has reached his peak as an athletic 6′9 C. as for josh smith, it pains me to see my favorite hawk go but we need to trade him for something because he knows ASG is a joke and will not re-sign. jeff teague has peaked as well as a athletic pg who can only penetrate has an ok shot and a poor passer who does not do what all-star PG’s do which is make shots easy for everyone else.
Paul in NH
June 5th, 2012
6:40 pm
There is no doubt which Atlanta team is least likely to win a championship – the Hawks.
You need a few great players to win in the NBA. Look at the last 4 teams in the playoffs
Miami has LeBron and Wade – both likely going to the HoF
Boston has KG, Pierce, Allen (3 to the HoF) and Rondo
OKC has Durant and Westbrook
San Antonio has Duncan (HoF), Parker and Ginobili
Firsttimer
June 5th, 2012
6:47 pm
@mountain_jim
I totally agree. The biggest problem for the Braves and Hawks is ownership. Cheap owners make a cheap organization..as in no superstars,only low budget rosters. Notice that when Ted Turner owned the Hawks and Braves they were competitive contenders and carried true superstars. The Falcons are the team now with a deep pockets owner and signings like Asante Samuel leads me to believe they have the better odds of bringing a parade to Atlanta.
BIG DOG
June 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
Jeff Schultz – What about Atlanta Dream ?
ROUGH ROUGH
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Delbert D.
June 5th, 2012
6:53 pm
Liberty Media 1000-1 odds.
Bravesfan79
June 5th, 2012
7:18 pm
Im with Pman…. regardless… these are MY teams… and when they finally do win a title, i can say i was a loyal fan the whole time! Unlike all the jumpers out there who go from team to team. By the way… i wonder how many people will jump from being Miami heat fans to OKC fans after OKC spanks them in the finals?
Double Zero Eight
June 5th, 2012
7:22 pm
I concur with the bloggers that
picked the Falcons to win a title
first. The owners of the Braves and
Hawks are too cheap to compete with
the “big boys”.
dmr
June 5th, 2012
7:44 pm
With only 3 major sports teams left in Atlanta note these things: Each team has had 40+ years in competition. 2 of the 3 major sports franchises are below .500. In a total of 136 seasons of playing sports….1 Championship.
ATLANTA MEDIA, NATIONAL MEDIA, LOCAL AND NATIONAL RADIO…QUIT BLAMING THE FANS! Kick a dog for 136 seasons and eventually he will bite you or just leave.
tony
June 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
If they(owners) are in the sports business just to make money, they are not concern about winning championships. I believe that has always been the case with Atanta Sports Owners.
Vesaversa
June 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
The Falcons definitely have a better shot at a championship they have a great owner that care about winning . Not so much over at the Hawks and Braves . The Braves need a individual owner they are now own by a corporation who bottom line is about profits the same can be said about the Hawks .
CGD..
June 5th, 2012
7:55 pm
“Then real judgments on Matt Ryan (seven points in past six playoff quarters) can be made.” -Jeff S.-
What took so long?
Wow this guys really does suck at QB? Seven lousy points for the [throwback], [obsolete], [72 million] dollar arm?
Mr. Blank, you really [paid] way to much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disgusted
June 5th, 2012
7:58 pm
The Hawks and Braves have almost no chance because of ownership.
The Falcons are a probability but I want to see womething from this bunch.
Liberty Media might be worse than the bumbling Atlanta Spirit.
The Winnipeg Jets might win a championship before any of our teams.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 5th, 2012
8:01 pm
unless ted turner comes back, the braves & their ownership will never see a championship again. marlins did it twice…spend a lot for a title…then dump everyone afterwards.
Slimjr
June 5th, 2012
8:04 pm
1- Championship in 155 combined seasons over almost on half of one century? Yawn….zzzzzz.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 5th, 2012
8:04 pm
i don’t put too much blame on ryan as I do his weak O-line…getting sacked/knocked down way too much. glad mularky is gone…see what koetter can do.
Disgusted
June 5th, 2012
8:07 pm
I would trade all three teams to get the Winnipeg Jets back.
dawg4u
June 5th, 2012
8:47 pm
Jeff I agree with your order of finish regarding parades. It would be nice if the Bravos ownership was as stable as the Falcons. The Hawks chances of a title parade are about as good as Sherman getting reincarnated and burning down Atlanta once again. I am very hopeful though of the new OC of the Falcons turning things around for that unit as well as Nolan as the DC.
Hy Ronatt
June 5th, 2012
8:52 pm
Go Braves! …and take the Falcons with you.
Falcon James
June 5th, 2012
8:53 pm
For some reason, I really never got into basketball. Maybe because I was too short.Therefore, I will reserve my comments about the Hawks. The Braves on the other has a good team. They need a little bit of help from the Manager. They also rely on Chipper too much. He is over rated and clearly. The only thing Chipper got is that he been with the team along time. Frankly, I would rather see Hubby or Pendleton still playing. Chipper just a year or two younger then those two anyone. Maybe Chipper can be Manager next year. The Falcon on the other hand have a Super Bowl well in sight. I know the stars need to align, but the Falcon have, by far, the best roster of any Atlanta team. The Falcon need to put it together and they will bring the Parade to Atlanta.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
8:54 pm
The Atlanta Spirit Group was Jerry Sandusky, and we were a collective, hockey-loving 8-year-old who just wanted take a shower.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
8:55 pm
Go, Braves!
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
9:05 pm
We guess Chris Bosh won’t be appearing on “The Client List” anytime soon.
Ted Striker
June 5th, 2012
9:09 pm
Gentlemen,
This is all very stimulating discussion however I’m just ticked off ATL lost their Lingerie Football League team before playing a single game.
Georgia Born and raised
June 5th, 2012
9:24 pm
Jeff,
Any chance you will retire or just go away. We are all sick of your stupid columns. Just go away man, you are anti-atlanta and we have never liked you. go write for somebody else because you stink here.
Danielle D.
June 5th, 2012
9:29 pm
Chances of winning the championship
Braves: 0%
Falcons: 0%
Hawks: 0%
UGA: Less than 0%
Nativebird
June 5th, 2012
9:50 pm
Odds Matt Ryan will win a superbowl: 2-3. With the Atlanta Falcons? 10-1.
Larry
June 5th, 2012
11:05 pm
Jeff,
You’re much too king regarding Fredi Gonzalez.
Bar none, he is the simgle most pinheaded, double digit IQ, cerebrally challenged manager in the game. Thus, giving the Braves better odds than the Falcons is illogical on your part but you’re also spot-on regarding the Falcons’ glaring weakness…a well below average OL.
dannyL
June 6th, 2012
12:49 am
Danielle D._Tech fan obviously…showing her love for team that bangs her team repeatedly.
bulldogbubba
June 6th, 2012
1:23 am
Jeff , This is crazy talk. You need some time OFF!! A few days away will clear up that warped thought process. ADIOS. AMIGO
Dr. Warren
June 6th, 2012
2:35 am
The Braves have not had a losing season since 1990—that is 22 years ago. That is incredible, no matter what the World Series record has been.
Ron E.
June 6th, 2012
6:42 am
Leadership? And here I thought what the Braves needed was better work by their starting pitchers. I guess that’s why I read the media though: to learn what meaningless cliche is troubling my favorite team.
True Falcon Fan
June 6th, 2012
6:45 am
Braves w/Freddie & Frank = “well there you have 2 “F”!
Falcons w/AB, GM, MS, staff & “The Team” = “WINNER”
Hawks = i am really not a basketball fan – that said, i would like to see the Hawks be a “WINNER”
Go Falcons!
JB
June 6th, 2012
7:31 am
It really starts with ownership. Falcons have the best shot as they have a local involved owner who appears to want to win. Hawks & Braves…..toast. Not happening. losing money and ownership has an attitude of good money after bad.
bryant hendricks
June 6th, 2012
7:47 am
What about the Atlanta Chiefs? First championship for Atlanta even though nobody remembers them or what sport they played…
pblsn2
June 6th, 2012
7:55 am
perhaps we could just change the names of all three franchises and start the count over?….
Rodster
June 6th, 2012
8:06 am
I think Falcon’s probably have the best shot. Just depends on so many variables and luck of getting hot at the right time like the Packers of 2010 and the Giants of 2011. The Falcon’s might have a shot now that Mularkey is gone. But if they go back to the preponderance of long side liine out routes that they always run the last couple of years, then I’d say Smith must be the problem. They’ve got the offensive talent to be more creative.
Don Waddell
June 6th, 2012
8:17 am
I guarantee that the Thrashers will win a championship. I’m working on a 5-year plan as we speak.
dean
June 6th, 2012
8:23 am
“Hope for the best and expect the worst.”, is the best an ATL fan of any sport can do.
Adam
June 6th, 2012
8:27 am
the winnpeg jets will win the stanley cup before any of these lousy teams
Dawg Uno
June 6th, 2012
8:29 am
It’s only been 32 years since UGA won the football championship, so don’t lose hope.
Biggest needs: Coaching, players who can read and don’t spend half their time in jail.
Parade odds: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 :1
Nahila
June 6th, 2012
9:00 am
If Smith is traded, the only thing that can improve the Hawks is to get a good and tall center in return so that Horford goes to PF to replace Smith. Yes, the Hawks need a good backup point guard and shooting guard but should try to resign Hinrich at a lower salary figure as he can play both positions which can enable the zhawks to draft a second round pick at Guard that they can bring in to the point guard position. They should keep Williams at SF as with Smith gone, Willams might take up some of the scoring slack, however, if they can make a good trade (doubtful), then pull the trigger. Then resign PF Johnson and another outside shooter that could play both SG and SF.
Felix
June 6th, 2012
9:21 am
Other than the 1995 World Series, has Atlanta ever won a championship?
Sad Sack
June 6th, 2012
9:53 am
I would say that the odds are greater than 100-1 that any of these three win a championship within the next 5 years.
D man
June 6th, 2012
9:59 am
What a depressing article Jeff. I think the Falcons have a better chance at a title than the Braves because of better talent. At least they made it to the playoffs.
The hawks are a complete mess of a team. No leaders, no heart, no superstars, just a solid 8 seed team that will lose in the first or second round at best. Time to reassemble this team and restructure. We need leaders, superstars, and a little fight. I only like Horford as a starter. Build around him and get whatever we can in trades for JJ, and maybe Smith will want to stay. I like his fight.
We need fighters on all of our teams to get titles. Miami Heat, Philly Eagles, and the An. Angles proved that pure talent isn’t what wins titles. Heart and the will to not fail wins titles. Bring it Atlanta teams. I’m a big fan and have been for 40+ years…
Justin
June 6th, 2012
10:06 am
It would be absurd to trade Josh Smith for a point guard when Jeff Teague is already one of the better players on the team and is one that legitimately still has upside. Trade Josh, amnesty Marvin. You’re stuck with Joe, so in that regard it probably is 100-1.
SawThat1nce
June 6th, 2012
10:08 am
Shultz, you are a sports writer for the AJC, and yet you seem to know little to nothing about the hometown MLB team.
Other than the little skid they hit with their losing streak, when so many of their key offensive players were out for various reasons, the Braves have been prettty well the opposite, of this junk, that you wrote.
go braves!
reckingball
June 6th, 2012
10:18 am
Shultz, you are a sports writer for the AJC? And yet, you seem to know little to nothing, about the hometown MLB team.
Other than the skid that they took during their losing streak, when so many of their offensive players were out for various reasons, the Braves have played pretty well the opposite, of what you wrote, in this piece of junk.
Check the Standings for the NLEast, they are still right in the thick of the race, in one of the toughest Division in MLB.
go braves!
Johnny Dakota
June 6th, 2012
10:37 am
I vote Thrashers….by the time we get our third hockey team, they’ll win a title within five years… that’s how long it will take the other three.
Knows Warts
June 6th, 2012
10:40 am
Two main reasons why the Braves won’t win a WS anytime soon:
1. Liberty Media
2. Frank Wren
JSS
June 6th, 2012
10:47 am
“Winners” do not always equate to “Champions!” And there’s the rub… But looking who was making the analogy… Still, Danny White was a helluva of “winner!” Russ Ortiz was a “winner.” Mike Fratello was a “winner” but he never smelled a championship!
NekiEcko
June 6th, 2012
10:54 am
I think everything starts with ownership. Mr. Blank through trial and error is determined to bring a championship to Atlanta, while Liberty Media and Atlanta Suck Group only concerns is the bottomline of what they get from their profits.
I remember that Mr. Gereon(ASG) was talking trash about AB and local media before (does he know to shut his trap up) about how the Hawks was better than the Falcons, that they dont get any respect from media and see how quickly Mr. Blank shut him up. Until those organizations(Liberty Media and ASG), pull their heads out of their collective butts, Falcons will have the best chance to win a title.
CrαZy
June 6th, 2012
11:01 am
1) Braves- They are young and have multiple players with very high ceilings… they might not win it this year, but they are set up to win in the near future!!
2) Falcons- Not as promising as the Braves, but with the parody in the NFL, I think there odds are almost as good as the Braves.
3) UGA- It’s been 32 years they’re due… And this years schedule is set up better than ever, but then there’s Bama and LSU so yeah not gonna happen!!
4) GT- Only ahead of the Hawks because the Hawks have ZERO hope until the ASG is gone… Yeah GT has almost as little hope as the Hawks, but their basketball program is going to get it going again… Brian Gregory is showing he can recruit and coach in the ACC.
5) Hawks – Again NEVER going to win a title playing it safe and being owned by the Atlanta Spirit Group.
JSS
June 6th, 2012
11:16 am
Where is DUI (Dept of Unintended irony) when needed? “2) Falcons- Not as promising as the Braves, but with the parody in the NFL, I think there odds are almost as good as the Braves.”
“Parody” is certainly the word to describe any team who’d invest long term in Thomas DeCoud…
Now, there is a recipe for “parity!”
D-1 revenue sports are like the worse of English aristocracy, it is designed to prohibit real competition and give a false sense of glory!
Nativebird
June 6th, 2012
11:18 am
I can’t see Liberty Media winning a championship of any kind…any where. But you can bet they’ll have a healthy balance sheet.
mark
June 6th, 2012
11:21 am
this hurts.. tweak and play it safe.
CrαZy
June 6th, 2012
11:31 am
Parity
that’s what I get for not reading before I hit submit…
Artman
June 6th, 2012
11:39 am
1. Falcons – Blank is the only owner who truely gets it, i.e. hire a quality person for the general manager and let the guy do his thing.
2 Braves – I have less of a feel here but do know without some sort of salary cap there will always be teams able to spend much more money than the Braves.
3 Hawks – The owners don’t have a clue. HIre a mediocre general manager and a cheap head coach. Give the mediocre gm little or no auhority to make decisions. My best guess is they are still trying to sell so they are on hold to make any changes.
Scot
June 6th, 2012
12:57 pm
I grew up in Dallas as a Cowboys fan, but have lived in Atlanta for 12 years. That 1980 Cowboys-Falcons playoff game was so exciting. Don’t feel too badly, because the Eagles sent the Cowboys packing a week later.
Larry
June 6th, 2012
1:00 pm
Looks like “reckingball” and “SawThat1nce” are one and the same! Any other usernames?
LOL!
JSS
June 6th, 2012
1:02 pm
“i.e. hire a quality person for the general manager and let the guy do his thing.”
Sam Baker, Peria Jerry, and a bundle of draft picks in Cleveland is a helluva legacy!
SawThat1nce
June 6th, 2012
1:11 pm
That reckingball person stole my comment, and re-edited it. haha
Got to admit, his version is much better.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 6th, 2012
1:20 pm
If CHOKE and Flacco had reversed rookie salaries CHOKE would still be overpaid at 30 million
Dude should be playing for league minimum.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
DID YOU KNOW?
The last time the Falcants won a playoff game George Bush had just been re-elected
That was like 3 presidential terms ago
Larry
June 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
“CHOKE”
Somewhere outsdie of your mom’s basement is a tree tirelessly producing oxygen so that you can breath…I think you owe it an opology.
gordonguy1969
June 6th, 2012
1:46 pm
You can make fun of the Chiefs all you want. You can call them “soccer players,” you can call them insignificant, you can call them nobodies. But there’s one other thing you can call them – Champions. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t take that away from them. What would be nice, Schultz, is instead of mocking them and scoffing at their achievements you would instead do a story on these “Forgotten Champions.” Believe it or not, there are a lot of folks in this city who actually would care if you took the time to do some journalism.
Oh, wait, I forgot…
Bob
June 6th, 2012
1:47 pm
Atlanta Cheifs – North American Soccer League
NASL Championships
1968
Division Titles
1968 Atlantic Division
1971 Southern Division
1981 Southern Division
True Falcon Fan
June 6th, 2012
2:24 pm
Winners, Champions as in football/Super Bowl – that’s what i’m hoping for the Falcons with this current ownership, GM, HC & team,
We have World Champion/Braves! Winners
Whether you like the ownership, management or coaching for any ATL professional team “it is what it is” — and you have every right to your opinion.
JSS – so bring all the diggin’ BS you like — I Hope mamma dim are doing well!
So have you moved back to SF or was it LA – my guess is “whoever”, is missing “YOU”!
Or are you still taking care of mamma or is it the other way around?
Go Falcons!
Dr Braves
June 6th, 2012
3:20 pm
You just can’t keep yourself from attacking Fredi can you Jeff. Even when they’re winning you bring up last year! Cox is gone, get over it!!!
True Falcon Fan
June 6th, 2012
3:50 pm
Dr Braves — started the season 0-4 jus completed 0-8 next is 0-16 —- Freddie is NOT the answer!
Don’t miss my point – i would love to see the Braves win the World Series this year, but it ain’t happen!
Go Falcons
fuzzybee
June 6th, 2012
4:28 pm
This is why journalists aren’t engineers. With an average of 28 teams per league, “par” for each team is winning one championship every 28 years. With 3 teams, we should have a parade every 10 years but have only celebrated once in 46 years. If you divide 10 by 46 you get 22% which says that our teams are only 1/5th as good as they should be if everything was allocated purely by luck.
This confirms Jeff’s main point, Atlanta is a sports graveyard.
JSS
June 6th, 2012
4:48 pm
Momma joke is all you have! it sure isn’t defining “champions!” You crag like a star exuding its last gas vapors! Oh, I’m doing an expiring star a disservice, you’re like a fragment wondering aimlessly across an ellipse… Nothing but wishing that your tired journey would finally an body with enough gravity to keep you from floating about the outer reaches with no purpose… Why don’t you go trail a play like your idol DeCoud while the other team celebrates another score!!!
donte080
June 6th, 2012
5:05 pm
re: Braves/Hawks/Falcons
Instead of another whiny article about the opinionated small “odds of a championship” (as if some beat writer has any understanding at all as to what that entails) why not write an article about how lucky we are in Atlanta to have all 3 major sport teams competitive (as in the playoffs) at the same time? How many major cities can make that claim?
I’m sure I’ll get plenty of responses from all the naysayers for this comment!
Wow
June 6th, 2012
5:18 pm
Man, was it really 48-21?
I was thinking 45 or something.
Yeah……………..
In other news, heard Curtis Lofton fit right in with the bounty mentality in New Orleans.
Hitting on Chase Daniels in practice, starting fights.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
June 6th, 2012
5:53 pm
Larry
June 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
“CHOKE”
Somewhere outsdie of your mom’s basement is a tree tirelessly producing oxygen so that you can breath…I think you owe it an opology.
_____________________________________________________
So if I let you have a few puffs would that help you spell “apology”?
HA HA
Now you owe all the bloggers an “OPOLOGY”…..HA HA
Jborodawg
June 6th, 2012
6:23 pm
Schultz…just a few days ago you said the Braves season was crumbling. Therefore, how can you give em better odds than the Falcons?
“Yawn”@3:55PM…I’m with you. Too many pundits and ‘fans’ talk about lack of trades and spending. Let’s see what Simmons and Constanza end up doing; not to mention Uggs and JayHey seem to be on an upswing.
“They don’t scrap…don’t hussle…” Do what? You obviously haven’t been watching; and just reading the box score or sumthin.
Jborodawg
June 6th, 2012
6:26 pm
@donte080…I’m with you.
True Falcon Fan
June 6th, 2012
8:02 pm
JSS hello you out there —— you must be on Pluto —- fine yourself a sucker, you sound like you are in need something maybe sugar……………………….
Glad to know mommy is doing fine
Go Falcons
Fbguy
June 6th, 2012
9:00 pm
Are the Hawks still in Atlanta? And if so, why?
DawgNole
June 6th, 2012
10:51 pm
PMC
June 5th, 2012
2:50 pm
We could also count hockey teams that have moved away.
_______________________
He DID count the hockey teams; they contributed to those 155 seasons with NO titles. Miserable in the postseason–like the rest of ATL’s pro teams.
DawgNole
June 6th, 2012
10:54 pm
Yawn
June 5th, 2012
3:55 pm
Stupid article. Just more griping and moaning about the same old things. All three of our teams are very competitive year-in-and-year out and have been for the last 5 years. How about being grateful for what we’ve got and supporting the home team
_______________________
Let’s see, ONE championship in 155 seasons and you think we should be “grateful”?
GET A LIFE!
GATOR HATER.
June 7th, 2012
8:00 am
This city is a joke, when it comes to anyplayoffs.With any of the Pro teams. 2 words. THEY CHOKE. This city is jinxed, when playoff time. Even the Georgia Force, are a bust, when it comes to playoff time. Hate, to say it. But don’t think. The state of Georgia will ever see another Championship,in any of the Pro Teams.
J
June 7th, 2012
1:10 pm
i get a kick out of reading Najeh’s comments … main reason i even bother reading the comments. i agree, the Dream have the best chance.
i also agree with another comment, these are MY teams, win or lose.
J
June 7th, 2012
1:14 pm
Nahila lost my respect when he said we should trade smith and use marvin williams to help on the scoring slack. what scoring slack is marvin going to help out with? he’s a 6th/7th man if that
donte080
June 7th, 2012
1:32 pm
re” Get a life!” (dawghole)
This coming from a clown who posts on AJC blog 50+ times a day….
Falcon Jim's stalker should be BANNED
June 7th, 2012
5:04 pm
Enter your comments here
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
8:55 pm
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
8:54 pm
The Atlanta Spirit Group was Jerry Sandusky, and we were a collective, hockey-loving 8-year-old who just wanted take a shower.
___________________
ALL Atlanta pro teams have been Sandusky, and the devoted fans of those teams have been that 8-year-old.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
8:57 pm
Dr. Warren
June 6th, 2012
2:35 am
The Braves have not had a losing season since 1990—that is 22 years ago. That is incredible, no matter what the World Series record has been.
______________
What’s incredible is that they could go 22 years w/o a losing season–and still win only 1 championship during that time.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:01 pm
bryant hendricks
June 6th, 2012
7:47 am
What about the Atlanta Chiefs? First championship for Atlanta even though nobody remembers them or what sport they played…
_______________________
“. . . nobody remembers them or what sport they played.”
That’s why they’re not a legitimate part of this discussion.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:02 pm
Felix
June 6th, 2012
9:21 am
Other than the 1995 World Series, has Atlanta ever won a championship?
_____________________
Not in the 4 major pro sports.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:13 pm
D man
June 6th, 2012
9:59 am
What a depressing article Jeff.
____________________
Truth hurts, reality bites–hard.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:26 pm
donte080
June 6th, 2012
5:05 pm
re: Braves/Hawks/Falcons
Instead of another whiny article about the opinionated small “odds of a championship” (as if some beat writer has any understanding at all as to what that entails) why not write an article about how lucky we are in Atlanta to have all 3 major sport teams competitive (as in the playoffs) at the same time? How many major cities can make that claim?
I’m sure I’ll get plenty of responses from all the naysayers for this comment!
______________________
No, you’re more likely to get responses from fans who, after nearly half a century, aspire to more than simply being “competitive.”
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:29 pm
gordonguy1969
June 6th, 2012
1:46 pm
You can make fun of the Chiefs all you want. You can call them “soccer players,” you can call them insignificant, you can call them nobodies. But there’s one other thing you can call them – Champions. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t take that away from them.
______________
I don’t think anyone’s trying to “take that away from them.” The column is about the 3 MAJOR sports left in ATL, and soccer simply doesn’t qualify.
DawgNole
June 7th, 2012
9:31 pm
donte080
June 7th, 2012
1:32 pm
re” Get a life!” (dawghole)
This coming from a clown who posts on AJC blog 50+ times a day….
_________________
I’ve never come close to 50, liar, but I’ll work on it today–just for you.
Lobosolo
June 8th, 2012
2:29 am
Odds that you’ll will finally learn how to write… 100-1
Jborodawg
June 8th, 2012
7:39 am
“Braves crumbling…just like 2011″
Hmmm…just swept MIA at MIA…and 6 of last 6…
war eagle
June 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
The Atlanta KNIGHTS won the Turner cup in 1994! IHL’s version of the Stanley Cup-AAA hockey
donte080
June 9th, 2012
12:40 am
“fans who aspire to be something more than competitive”
By b!tching on an internet blog? Oh my, you are really making a huge impact with that one, dawg-hole!
DawgNole
June 9th, 2012
10:57 am
donte080
June 9th, 2012
12:40 am
“fans who aspire to be something more than competitive”
By b!tching on an internet blog? Oh my, you are really making a huge impact with that one, dawg-hole!
________________________
You’re up in the wee hours–again–obsessing over me and my comments. But you have a life–right?
donte080
June 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
wee hours or mid-morning hours…you sure seem overly concerned regarding my opinions as to your whiny-arse posts about the hawks and their ‘playoff history’….which sounds to an outsider that you have the emotional maturity of a 13 year old….keep up the good fight, dawg-hole, hawks are going to change their philosophy all because of what you post on a blog.
DawgNole
June 9th, 2012
3:43 pm
donte080
June 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
wee hours or mid-morning hours…you sure seem overly concerned regarding my opinions as to your whiny-arse posts about the hawks and their ‘playoff history’….which sounds to an outsider that you have the emotional maturity of a 13 year old….keep up the good fight, dawg-hole, hawks are going to change their philosophy all because of what you post on a blog.
________________________
Actually, they’re not likely to change their philosophy at all, which means they’ll continue down the same path of failure, and you and your ilk will continue to be “grateful”–and preach to the rest of us that we should be as well–because you feel they’re “competitive.” That’s what losers do.