Expect Julio Jones (only a ‘5 or 6′ last year?) to take over
Julio Jones (center) may make more impact plays than Roddy White (left). (Curtis Compton/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Julio Jones is different. He is not different just because of his rare combination of size, strength and speed for a wide receiver, or because he possesses the ability to be one of the premier players in the NFL. We’ve seen guys with talent.
Jones is quiet. He is humble. He doesn’t spend every waking minute tripping over his ego, his tongue or his Tweets.
Do you know how rare that is for an NFL wide receiver? The position breeds divas. Keyshawn Johnson spent a career screaming, “Throw me the damn ball!” but he might as well have been a spokesman for the position.
Jones doesn’t set goals. He doesn’t write numbers down on a piece of paper and put them in the top desk drawer to check after the season. He doesn’t even think, “I want to be the greatest wide receiver in NFL history.”
His career objectives are simpler. More common-man-like.
“When it’s over,” he said, “I just want to look back and think, ‘I left everything on the field.’”
He was sitting in a quiet office following Falcons practice Tuesday. The subject was one he would prefer to avoid: himself. Unfortunately, he is too good and too important to this team to avoid.
NFL teams don’t trade a blur of draft picks, potentially mortgaging the franchise’s future, for just a pretty good player. They take that leap for difference-makers. They take that leap for guys who can change a game, alter the direction of a season and maybe help redefine a team.
We’re probably going to find out this season just how great Julio Jones is. He had a tremendous rookie season: 54 catches, 959 yards, eight touchdowns. Those are impressive numbers, even before considering this backdrop: 1) He was coming off pre-draft foot surgery that affected his offseason conditioning; 2) He was limited in work with the playbook and quarterback Matt Ryan because of the lockout; 3) He played much of the season with a hamstring injury that forced him to miss three full games and parts of others; 4) He was subjected to the play-calling of Mike Mularkey, who never utilized him in screens or designed nearly enough plays to get Jones the ball in open spaces.
Jones hates being in the spotlight, but he will be central to his team's offense this season. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
When asked about his rookie season, Jones said only, “I was all right.”
On a scale of 1 to 10?
“Maybe five or six.”
And how do you feel now?
“I’m a 10. I feel 100 percent. I know the playbook. Matt and I are on the same page. I have high expectations, not only for myself but for the organization.”
If the Falcons finally take that next step this season, it will be because of Jones. If he doesn’t finish with more receptions than Roddy White, there’s an excellent chance he’ll at least make more impact plays, steal more moments, win more games.
No defender can stay with him in practice. When one is close, Jones goes up to make the catch anyway. He burned Asante Samuel on the second play of an 11-on-11 drill Tuesday. He torched poor 5-foot-9 Robert McClain on another play in the end zone, prompting one fan to yell, “You need somebody taller!”
But you won’t hear bragging from Jones.
“I’m not a selfish person,” he said. “Growing up, that’s just how my mom raised me. I don’t take anything for granted. You don’t know the people around you, so you can’t disrespect them or mistreat them. They might be the same people you meet later in life.”
When asked about potentially having a starring role in the offense, Jones talks about his chemistry with Ryan and gaining the confidence of coaches. It’s always about the bigger picture. “I really don’t care about the spotlight,” he said. “That’s why going to a place like Alabama was good for me. When you put your pads on, you wouldn’t know who’s a walk-on and who’s a scholarship player.”
A recruiting story: Jones was one of the nation’s most sought-after players in 2008. Logic suggested the kid from Foley, Ala., was going to pick the school in Tuscaloosa. But it wasn’t until he met coach Nick Saban that he was sure.
“Growing up, I really didn’t watch a lot of college football,” Jones said. “But one of the reasons I liked Alabama was when I went to visit coach Saban, he said, ‘Well you know, we want you here. But we’re going to win with you or without you.’ I was like, that’s me. I just want to win. I don’t like stuff just given to me.”
If only he were the prototype.
By Jeff Schultz
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161 comments Add your comment
MattyB
August 7th, 2012
9:41 pm
Julio and Roddy……….look out!
pat
August 7th, 2012
9:42 pm
Glad he’s a Falcon.
Brian
August 7th, 2012
9:44 pm
Jeff, I remember watching the Dawgs vs Alabama wanting some to lay a hit on him and stop him. I even yelled at the TV for someone to stop him. But now he is on our side and I am glad to have him here. Class Act he is as I saw on that day.
Gamer
August 7th, 2012
9:46 pm
IF THIS IS REALLY THE CHARACTER OF THE PHENOMENAL, SENSATIONAL AND PRODIGIOUS WIDEOUT JULIO JONES THEN THE NFL IS IN FOR A THRILL….
WITH THIS TYPE OF HARDWORKING ATTENTION TO DETAILS MINDSET AND TALENT MESHING WITHIN A RECEIVER, YEA LOOKOUT JERRY RICE RECORDS AND HIGHLIGHT REELS…
Sly Boarders
August 7th, 2012
9:46 pm
If football doesn’t get going soon (that Phoenix game doesn’t count), I’m going to track down Mike Hampton and punch his baby in the face.
Mike Hampton has a baby, doesn’t he?
King of mean
August 7th, 2012
9:46 pm
Roll birds Roll
felix the cat
August 7th, 2012
9:50 pm
Julio!! Look out NFL… He is on top of his game! Go Falcons!
bgtodd01
August 7th, 2012
9:58 pm
Now he is an excellent example for the kids out there….plus, even better, he’s a FALCON!!!
Bird
August 7th, 2012
9:58 pm
I don’t think we have to question if this is really his character. The proof is in the pudding.
David C
August 7th, 2012
10:00 pm
Falcon Fans are going to find out what Bama Fan have been talking about for years.This guy is a game changer. One guy can’t cover Julio.
Big Crimson 75
August 7th, 2012
10:03 pm
Sit back & enjoy Falcon Fans.
You saw only the tip of the iceberg last year.
The guy is a winner, a team first player & will be an elite WR for many years.
Do It Julio!!!!
old qb
August 7th, 2012
10:10 pm
To really let Jones and White fly we need a slot receiver that can open over the middle, take a hit, and then make yards after the catch. It’s time for Harry Douglas to step up. With Julio and Roddy on the outside defenses can’t double him. If Harry can beat linebackers and safeties the big guys will flourish. He’s shown potential, but he’s always been hurt.
In the red zone it will probably be Kerry Meier in the slot. Is he completely healthy? We need big bodies down in the red zone to both go up for the ball and lay a lick blocking. Douglas is too small for that role.
rollo lawson
August 7th, 2012
10:12 pm
We have two bonafide stud, #1 receivers on the outside. It’s all on Matt Ryan and the offensive line now. Hopefully Julio can steal some of Tony G. ’s five yard catches. Can’t blame Mularkey anymore, even though he was a huge part of the problem.
wyndero
August 7th, 2012
10:15 pm
Must be a slow news day, what is the point of saying he’s gonna win more games and steal moments from Roddy? Only losers think like that. Did you notice how not one falcon fan fell for that crap? Our team is focused on winning, and you best be leave that MR. White is a leader in that department. Do us a favor and find something else to get people falsely riled up about.
steven a smith
August 7th, 2012
10:20 pm
Matt Ryan must get better. The Quarterback is the leader of your football team. He has to play better in adverse conditions. If the Atlanta Falcons do not win a playoff game this year, significant changes must and will be made.
Bama Fan#2
August 7th, 2012
10:24 pm
Saw in person Julio’s first game in college against Clemson
in the Dome!! Special player in college and still wear his 8
jesey with pride. The Falcons are lucky to have him!! RTR
needing attention
August 7th, 2012
10:29 pm
@wyndero,
Do you honestly believe that…what are you smoking? I do believe that GM Dimitroff and coach Smitty know a gem when they see it, but then again, you are entitled to your opinion.
Rick
August 7th, 2012
10:33 pm
I knew jt was coming to this! Roddy will be a top 10 receiver this year and in the top 3 to 5 next year! No looking back, we will be RISING UP!
Rick
August 7th, 2012
10:34 pm
Roddy is already a top 10 my intentions were to say Julio! Apply all else I said for Julio!
skyrock
August 7th, 2012
10:42 pm
I’m so excited for this season to kick off!!! Go Julio!!!! Actions always speak louder than words!! I do feel this team going to the Big game and finally getting the monkey off the back!!!!! My LA Kings won the Cup and I feel the same as I did about them. Just a magical year!!!! GO FALCONS!!!! See you when you come to beat up on the Chargers!! LA Fan
steven a smith
August 7th, 2012
11:02 pm
This team as currently constructed will not make the playoffs. Tampa, Carolina, and N. Orleans, will have more wins…And i am an Atlana fan. Have been since Bob Lee and Steve Bartkowski, Bubba Bean and Haskell Stanback.
The Grinch
August 7th, 2012
11:11 pm
I have no doubt Julio’s going to be special. I’d just feel a little better if we had someone protecting our QB so he can throw to him.
tree rollins
August 7th, 2012
11:17 pm
After Ryan gets hurt I want him to say “Me and Redman are on the same page”. Otherwise the season’s over.
tree rollins
August 7th, 2012
11:20 pm
I want a bounty set for whichever Falcons receiver drops the fewest balls!
Adam
August 7th, 2012
11:21 pm
When Julio left Alabama for the NFL, it felt like my girlfriend had just dumped me. I love this guy and Falcon fans (which I am now) will as well in the coming years.
ViningDawg
August 7th, 2012
11:24 pm
King of mean, you said it… Roll Birds Roll…
whiskey breath
August 7th, 2012
11:28 pm
Julio is our proof of great character guys at Bama.
Has Ga ever had one with Richt?
Bird
August 7th, 2012
11:51 pm
There are good character guys at every program, and there are some knuckleheads at every program.
T-Bone
August 8th, 2012
12:20 am
He’s humble because he sucked last year. If he performs that’ll be great but so far he hasn’t been close to what we gave up for him. If he was a white QB this city would have hung him like MV did his dogs.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:29 am
Jeff
I’m still waiting for the CHOKE must go blogs like you did with Vick.
Come on buddy you can do it
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:31 am
Jeremy Maclin & Desean Jackson…………..Didn’t cost them a whole draft to acquire……ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:33 am
Do you know for the price of getting Julio Jones you could have gotten Desean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin & Lesean McCoy with some change to spare…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:41 am
This is how you draft:
Desean Jackson (Starting Receiver) Longest td 91, 88, 61 (2010)
Jeremy Maclin (Starting Receiver) Longest td 65, 55, 50
Jason Avant (Starting Slot Receiver)
Brent Celek (Starting Tight End)
Lesean McCoy (Starting Running Back) 20 total tds (2011)
All of these players were straight up draft picks. Amazing drafting skills
What a joke......
August 8th, 2012
12:43 am
Desean Jackson?? Really?… The same dude who Dunta laid out and was crawling around like a lil baby??… Damn didn’t the Falcons knock the snot out of Vick last year? He had to leave the game didn’t he?.. Best moment last year was watching Vick leave the field with a totured look in his eye and fear in his face… What a coward..
What a joke......
August 8th, 2012
12:44 am
no one cares….
Mo
August 8th, 2012
1:03 am
So everyone missed the slam against Mike Mularkey? I’m guessing that all the throws to Julio was Matt’s doing. MM had no clue what to do with this offense. I’m not saying that Koetter is better, but from listening to the players, they’ve bought into his system. aint’s fans: go “fowl” up your own teams blogs! GO FALCONS!
capstoneman
August 8th, 2012
1:36 am
Julio is a worker…plain and simple..he is the best blocker receiver I have ever seen…and a great receicer…he handles DB’s…Falcon’s are lucky….the guy is sincere and is a team player! RTR and go Julio/Falcons!!!
Blake
August 8th, 2012
1:58 am
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan….WTF or you doing on a Falcons Blog?….It must really bother you If your calling Ryan, Matt “CHOKE” Ryan….are you a Falcons fan? If Vick bothered me I would go on an Eagles blog and say so but I don’t care…so why don’t you go choke on a cheese steak hoss and take your 5 year old mentality with you….
Blake
August 8th, 2012
2:06 am
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan….BTW…Julio Jones Is far superior than any receiver on your team….do I sense a streak of jealously screaming from up northward? I hate It for ya pal….deal with It yankee doodle…!
Mora less Petrino
August 8th, 2012
2:43 am
The Birds are lucky to have JJ! Looking forward to seeing Julio and Co. with the new OC in place.
Ted M
August 8th, 2012
3:07 am
4) He was subjected to the play-calling of Mike Mularkey, who never utilized him in screens or designed nearly enough plays to get Jones the ball in open spaces.
Wow, everyone talks about Mike Mularkey like he was the biggest doofus offensive coordinator that ever lived. (I think he stunk too) What does that say about Mike Smith?
Mike Smith loved Mike Mularkey and always sang his praises. Mike Smith did not fire Mike Mularkey. How can Mike Smith be a great head coach if he thinks a doofus is a great OC?
DayOneFan
August 8th, 2012
3:38 am
@Blake…don’t fall for choke’s BS. He is only bashing MR2 because of race. He is not a Falcon fan. In his racist mind he actually believes the Birds “turned their back on vick”. I don’t know about anyone else her but, if I were arrested and lied to my boss about it, I would be fired immediately. Hell, AB waited until vick was convicted and jailed before cutting ties. What was he supposed to do…hold a roster spot for 2-years. Go away choke…bigot.
DayOneFan
August 8th, 2012
3:41 am
My last post was the truth and was deleted. I love you Jeff but, come on. You, yourself know what I said is true.
dean
August 8th, 2012
5:07 am
Julio’s momma did a great job. Good luck Julio. (i forgive you for traumatizing us dawgs that blacked out night in Athens)
Carpetbagger
August 8th, 2012
6:02 am
Jones will pull a “hammy” in week 3… he’ll be ineffective for four-five more weeks. Wait and see. He’ll turn out to be another Aundray Brucer but costing a lot more. Wait and see! Too many draft eggs in Jone’s basket. Let’s be like Green Bay/New Orleans? Yeah right! Copying is not the way to go… wait and see!
RunninWithTheDawgs
August 8th, 2012
6:26 am
The Falcons will never win a Super Bowl with Matt Ryan running the team.
Wilson Pickett
August 8th, 2012
7:09 am
Hope The Falcons and Julio have a great year.
Nick Saban…We will winl with your or without you
Mark Richt…..missing man formations and happy birthday singing…
Who-he-oh?
August 8th, 2012
7:19 am
That will be his name by EOY….FAILCANTS are a joke….Saints own you….enough said….back to your dreams and wishes for a SB victory that will never surface…if you want, I can send you a copy of the Saints SB victory if that will make you feel better….lmao….
AlanFalcon
August 8th, 2012
7:20 am
Julio plus Matt (great combination), add Roddy’s ego to the mix along with Tonys determination and it spells sucess.
Larry
August 8th, 2012
7:20 am
It won’t matter. Without the linemen (on both sides of the ball) we should have been acquiring instead of meaningless flash and dazzle, the Falcons won’t have time to get it to Jones. The defense will stop no one with any kind of run offense. The Falcons will lose a lot of games this year – and next. Successful teams have strenghth up front on offense and defense. The Falcons have a lot of pretty faces in the backfield; their plan will backfire.
kerryb
August 8th, 2012
7:41 am
Who-he-oh, can you send us a copy of all of your bounty contracts from your disgraced team?
kerryb
August 8th, 2012
7:45 am
Who-he-oh, my guess is that your team is going to be dropping like flies this year. All of the other players in the league know that your disgraced team had contracts out on them. That means that your players have unspoken bounties on them that don’t need paying. My guess is that your undersized QB is going down for the count at some time this year. Payback is a ______.
Buckeye
August 8th, 2012
7:46 am
Can’t wait for Sunday afternoons after watching “built Ford tough” Saturdays.
Larry
August 8th, 2012
8:06 am
CHOKE,
You are proof that evolution CAN go in reverse.
J-Lo
August 8th, 2012
8:06 am
Nobody mentions the inability of defenders to stop Julio from getting into the endzone. Most receivers would have turned only or two of his catches last year into touchdowns. Defenders are statistically much less likely to tackle him than they are to watch him run by them or through them. In the open field he runs like a bat out of hell. He is “The Bat Out of Hell”.
Joe alford
August 8th, 2012
8:10 am
I am VERY concerned about a hamstring issue with Julio. I don’t know why but he just seems like a guy that will always have that issue lingering. I would love to be wrong and I would REALLY love to see Matt get strong on the deep ball. If Julio stays healthy and Matty’s weight lifting help his deep ball….LOOK OUT NFC!!! Go birds!!
ATLER (Ramblin Wreck)
August 8th, 2012
8:13 am
It seems like the AJC and bubble gum arm Mattie Ryan just totally forgot about Roddy White.
ATLER (Ramblin Wreck)
August 8th, 2012
8:15 am
I think Roddy will out do Jones this year. Roddy is one the the elite WRs in the game today. He’s definitely top 10.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
8:18 am
ff Schultz is an idiot
August 8th, 2012
7:15 am
“He burned Asante Samuel on the second play of an 11-on-11 drill Tuesday.”
I have a feeling that’s a trend that will be spilling into the season.
_____________________________________________
No Jeff. Only a confirmation when Andy Reid said Asante is in steep decline. Andy Reid knows how to evaluate talent and Dimitroff? Well CHOKE is his legacy
Shug
August 8th, 2012
8:19 am
The only question is whether Julio Jones’ career will be more like Wallace Frances or Alfred Jenkins.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
8:22 am
Falcants I look forward to your annual off season excuses for a 5th straight year of failure…..ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
8:27 am
I mean seriously how many years does it take to know you are kings of LOSERVILLE?…..
Going on 9 years since the last playoff win. That is beautiful man, beautiful….ha ha
From a beatdown from Green Bay to a humiliation from the Giants (2 points) to dreams of a Superbowl. Can’t even score in the playoffs and all of sudden skip the middle man and reach the top of the mountain….ha ha
John
August 8th, 2012
8:31 am
Assuming he stays healthy (and it takes alot to bring him out of a game), Julio will be in the Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald category THIS season. Mark it down.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
8:39 am
Sorry guys but that little crack that you called a window of opportunity has been sealed. Carolina is on the rise. Tampa will return to form, and the Saints will play with a chip on their shoulders.
2007 is backkkkkkkkkkkkk
Falcons Looking for Big Things from a Healthy Julio « Tide Bits
August 8th, 2012
8:46 am
[...] the AJC.com: We’re probably going to find out this season just how great Julio Jones is. He had a tremendous [...]
Mo
August 8th, 2012
8:54 am
@Larry: What are you talking about?
CDFALCONS
August 8th, 2012
9:02 am
A thing to note: is this. The (s)Ain’t will not win the division, nor will they make the playoff’s. The buck stop at the dirty gate of the georgia Dome.
Go Dirty Birds!!!
Mo
August 8th, 2012
9:03 am
M”C”R: You lost all credibility by saying Tampa and Carolina will be relevant in the same season.
The Ghost of Rowland Lawrence........
August 8th, 2012
9:27 am
Julio was not even teh best rookie receiver in his draft clas!!!! Torrie Smith (Ravens) and AJ Green were both better….. take away the games JJ played vs. the woeful Colts and Jags, and Julio comes back to the pack pretty quickly….Add to that the fact the his QB is suspect and it becomes pretty clear the he is destined to be the second coming of ……well every middle of the road, over hyped WR in the NFL…..
dirk diggler
August 8th, 2012
9:35 am
Matt choke Ryan, you said MV would beat the falcons and matt Ryan last year. Do you remember that boy?
D man
August 8th, 2012
9:42 am
Juuuuuullllllllliiiiiiiiiiiiiooooooooooooo.
He will be fun to watch this year and beyond. Can’t wait till tomorrow night.
GO FALCONS!!!
KL
August 8th, 2012
9:53 am
I bought tickets to a few more games this year just to watch Julio. Can’t wait!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
9:59 am
Mo
August 8th, 2012
9:03 am
M”C”R: You lost all credibility by saying Tampa and Carolina will be relevant in the same season.
_______________________________________________
Actually Carolina has the best chance of dethrowning the Saints. In fact some have the Panthers having a breakout season that will send them past the 1st round of the playoffs.
Wouldn’t that be something, Cam doing in 2 years what CHOKE will never do
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:03 am
dirk diggler
August 8th, 2012
9:35 am
Matt choke Ryan, you said MV would beat the falcons and matt Ryan last year. Do you remember that boy?
_________________________________________
I also remember Vick being up by some 17 points before he got injured, but if you want to celebrate a win by default that will be the only way CHOKE will beat Vick (while out of the game).
Nice try though. We will see what happens this season when CHOKE takes that NOODLE arm outside of the Dome……ha ha
Hillbilly D
August 8th, 2012
10:05 am
Didn’t know Jones was from Foley. Ken Stabler was also from Foley. Sounds like Jones has a good head on his shoulders.
Mr. Dawg
August 8th, 2012
10:07 am
As long as Ryan has time to throw the ball I too suspect this could be a big season for Julio. One thing is for sure, the passing game needs to be strong. I’m not so sure we can expect Michael Turner to be the same back the Falcons brought in four years ago. I believe he’ll need fewer carries over the course of the season to be efffective when he gets the ball.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:08 am
The only good thing about this season is when Artie Blank breaks up this LOSER regime. Finally ending the current misery for the city.
What kind of a loser follows another loser. If you can’t get a playoff win in 3 tries in normal cities would lead to criticizing the qb and not praising him.
Then again, this is the backwards South
Philly & Baltimore in Superbowl.
That would make a great headline……The qb that got away vs the qb that the Falcants should have drafted…..ha ha
BirdDawg25
August 8th, 2012
10:10 am
aaahh ,let the bashing begin. . . , Football season is back and so are all the saints fans and vick fans…. still worried about secondary, Dunta still remains to be seen, grimes , he’s a player but sometimes has hard time covering big recievers. assante, a trade -up from what we had. I still see teams like new orleans,greenbay, san francisco running up the score, look at what the Giants did to them in the play-offs.pardon me for not being as giddy as everyone else ,but Win A Play-off game and i might get excited.maybe the new coordinators will make a difference, who knows…….
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:12 am
Mr. Dawg
August 8th, 2012
10:07 am
As long as Ryan has time to throw the ball I too suspect this could be a big season for Julio.
______________________________________
Have you seen how quickly most qbs get rid of the ball? You only need 3 seconds for a play to form. CHOKE needs more time because his arm is so WEAK and he just isn’t SMART enough to figure this out.
Stop blaming the protection. He just isn’t NFL material. 2013 he will be holding a clipboard in Jacksonville or somewhere else
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:16 am
All those thrown away draft picks will come home to roost.
Remember the 2nd rounder for Gonzalez?
Remember the whole draft for Jones?
Gonzalez will be retiring….his replacement?
Abe is on his last leg…..his replacement?
Turner is on the decline because of over use….his replacement?
You guys think things are bad now, wait for the next seasons to come.
CHOKE has set the franchise wayyyyyyyyyyyy back.
Get used to watching the Falcants go back to the basement again
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:17 am
OVER & UNDER
Flacco winning another playoff game or CHOKE failing again.
Operators are standing by
PMC
August 8th, 2012
10:18 am
The offseason is going to make a huge difference in the timing between Ryan and Jones. Ryan is going to have a lot more confidence throwing to him when he’s covered. I expect to see more plays like the TD catch against Indianapolis last year.
This team needs to counter better this season. Julio is a big part of that.
Jay
August 8th, 2012
10:21 am
Julio will go only as far as his noodle-armed QB will take him, which is not very far. We won’t see Julio dominate until we get a QB with arm strength in here.
Falcon James
August 8th, 2012
10:29 am
I can’t wait to see this ‘10′ eat up the opposing secondary’s. This is going to be a very exciting season to be a Falcon fan. I hope Roddy is ready to go as well. Like most people, I question if our OL is going to provide enough protection for deep routes. Even if we are average, I think we can eat up yards with runs after the catch. Short passes and a good screen game will keep defenses honest.
The Ghost of Rowland Lawrence........
August 8th, 2012
10:33 am
OK fellas…lay off of “Wac” Ryan….. When teh season is done, The press and the higer-up will finda reason to pass the blame…Maybe it will be teh strenght and conditioning coach, or the lady the lady that stitches up the uniforms…or maybe, just maybe it will be the guy that washes teh dishes in the chow hall up at Falconsland… Anything to avoid admitting that TD and MS have failed when it comes to evaluating talent and building a playoff contending roster….
Hillbilly D
August 8th, 2012
10:40 am
I thought it was Rolland Lawrence.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:40 am
I like tacos
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:41 am
Sorry, I’m bipolar
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:42 am
Also a jealous Saint fan
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:43 am
I love candy canes and maple syrup.
PMC
August 8th, 2012
10:44 am
Choke is a vick fan folks, not a saints fan. At least get that part right.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
10:50 am
I love Vick too
mark
August 8th, 2012
11:13 am
Andy Reid 14 years as a head coach in the NFL NO Superbowl victories. The Philly fans must have a looser mentality. I mean 14 years with NO RINGS, Bobby Cox was torched in this town for making it to the playoffs and only ONE RING. I will take Matt Ryan any day of the week over Mike Vick, b/c one Ryan competes harder than Vick and two Ryan has not spent the first 5 years of his career smoking dope and setting up dog fighting rings. I loved watching Vick play he did things on the football field no other quarterback can or will do ever. But the guy had NO HEART, so maybe he has now if that is the case I wish him the best of luck, but I will stick with my guy who is all HEART.
Tide Rising
August 8th, 2012
11:17 am
Julio was the most popular player when he was at Bama. I think on fan day Julio had an autograph signing line that was longer than Saban’s. It was precisely because he was a humble, quiet type that people respected and admired him. I’m glad he’s a Falcon. Damn glad.
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
11:24 am
IF ANY OF YOU FAILCAN’T FANS THINK THIS YEAR WON’T BE DIFFERENT FROM LAST TWO THEN YOOU MIGHT BE SMOKING SOME INDUBIOUS ISHH!!! THE FAILCAN’TS WILL NEVER MAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH MATTY MELTDOWN AS THE QUATERBACK!!!! I ALSO THINK THAT MIKE “VANILLA/PREHISTORIC” SMITH WILL NEVER GET THE JOB DONE AND HIS DAYS ARE NUMBERED!!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
11:36 am
I’m so confused. Where am I? My bipolar personality is “OPEN YOUR EYES”. I can remember to do that in the morning, unlike brushing my tooth.
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
11:47 am
YOU KNOW ITS SO FUNNY TO SEE IMPOSTERS AND FRAUDS PRTEND TO BE ME AND “CHOKE”!!! HAHAHA I CAN EASILY TELL IF ITS THE REAL “CHOKE” OR NOT!!! I GUESS IT GOES TO SHOW YOU HOW CLASSLESS THESE FAILCAN’T FANS REALLY ARE!!!!
LOL I MEAN NO WONDER YOU GUYS NEVER WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS, ITS BEACUSE THIS CITY HAS THE WORST FANS AND PEOPLE IVE EVER SEEN!! ATLANTA WILL NEVER WIN A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND QUITE FRANKLY I HOPE IT STAYS THAT WAY!!!!
Big Ray
August 8th, 2012
11:48 am
Jeremy Maclin & Desean Jackson…………..Didn’t cost them a whole draft to acquire……ha ha
Yeah, and what did they deliver last year? OH that’s right…not even a playoff spot. LOL, wow you’re dumb.
DJ Sniper
August 8th, 2012
11:57 am
Can anybody explain to me why Choke comes here to post every day? What a moron.
Anyway, to whoever it was who expressed concern about Julio’s hamstring issues from last year, I can say that it shouldn’t be much of an issue this year. Julio said that his foot injury prevented him from working out for a while last year, and as a result, his core was weak. He came out and started running full speed and that’s what caused the hammy issues. With a full offseason, he will be good to go.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:16 pm
Big Ray
August 8th, 2012
11:48 am
Jeremy Maclin & Desean Jackson…………..Didn’t cost them a whole draft to acquire……ha ha
Yeah, and what did they deliver last year? OH that’s right…not even a playoff spot. LOL, wow you’re dumb.
____________________________________________
ZERO points in a playoff game is not dumb?….you are stupid and ignorant.
Win a playoff game for God’s sake….ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:17 pm
DJ Sniper
August 8th, 2012
11:57 am
Can anybody explain to me why Choke comes here to post every day? What a moron.
_____________________________________________
Because I can…………….HA HA
DJ Sniper
August 8th, 2012
12:18 pm
And who didn’t even make it the playoffs last year? Oh yea, the Eagles.
It’s sad how Choke continues to be hung up on Vick.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
12:18 pm
ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOO POINTS
ZEROOOOOOOOOOOOOO PLAYOFF WINS
The Zero man CHOKE…HA HA
Th
August 8th, 2012
12:21 pm
Every team has receivers who get open and catch passes. To be worth 5 draft picks you better make big yards after you catch the ball. JJ averaged 7.69 yards after catch (ESPN stats) while Harry averaged 6.3. Those are pretty good numbers. Roddy had 3.64 and Tony G. had 2.9. That sucks. Quizz had 5.8 and Turner had 8.53. Maybe we should throw Turner the ball more.
As comparison: Darren Sproles averaged 8.02, Mike Wallace had 6.85, Larry Fitzgerald had 6.16, Jordy Nelson had 6.14, Steve Smith had 6 and Calvin Johnson had 5.46.
If JJ keeps his YAC’s that high and catches 100 we will have a really good year. Especially if Roddy stops diving on the ground after every catch.
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
12:23 pm
@MATT “CHOKE” RYAN- LETS DOUBLE TEAM THESE FAILCAN’T FANS LOL
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
12:25 pm
IM ABOUT TO GET SEEN ON THS BLOG AND THEN YOU ALL ARE GONNA BE TOAST!!! LIKE MATT MELT WAS IN THE PLAYOFFS!!! HAHAHAHA
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
12:27 pm
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
WHAT DO FAILCAN’TS DO???????………………………………………..RISE DOWN!!!!!!
mark
August 8th, 2012
12:37 pm
Andy Reid ZERO Superbowl wins. Mike Vick ZERO Superbowl Wins, ONE FELONY CONVICTION FOR DOG FIGHTING. Andy Reid 14 years no Superbowl Philly fans must be LOSERS!
mark
August 8th, 2012
12:38 pm
Oh wait just checked the record yes it is confirmed ANDY REID HAS ZERO SUPERBOWL WINS
mark
August 8th, 2012
12:39 pm
How is that Philly fans have not called for him to be fired, they must be losers.
mark
August 8th, 2012
12:40 pm
1-0 Federal Goverment vs. Mike Vick
OPEN YOUR EYES
August 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
DEAR MARK,
YOU ARE THE EPITOME OF THE TYPICAL ATLANTA CLASSLESS FAN!!!! YOU CONTINUE TO BASH MICHEAL VICK, YET YOU WERE CHEERING FOR HIM WHEN HE WAS PLAYING WITH THE FALCONS 6 YEARS AGO!!!! I BET IF THE FALCONS TRADED MATT RYAN FOR VICK YOUR ASSS WOULD BE THE FIRST PERSON ON THE BAND-WAGON!!!! YOU ARE AN INGRATE BAFFOON AND I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP BASHING OTHER TEAMS LIKE THE DIRTY FAILCA’T FAN THAT YOU ARE!!!!!!!
SHELBY
August 8th, 2012
1:02 pm
@matt”choke”ryan: u do realize that the year we traded for Julio we COULDN’T trade players, only draft picks, and id say he was well worth the 23rd pick. to say he sucked last year just shows ur more interested in blogging than actually watching any games…he was out 4 games and still led in TDs for Rookies…ur an idiot…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
1:15 pm
SHELBY
August 8th, 2012
1:02 pm
@matt”choke”ryan: u do realize that the year we traded for Julio we COULDN’T trade players, only draft picks, and id say he was well worth the 23rd pick. to say he sucked last year just shows ur more interested in blogging than actually watching any games…he was out 4 games and still led in TDs for Rookies…ur an idiot
________________________________________
Please show me where I said Julio sucked. I’ll wait.
Now I constantly admit CHOKE SUCKS
SHELBY
August 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
ur right..it was Tbone (the comment above u) all the ignorant comments on this page tend to run together, especially when ppl comment 15 times in a row…my appologies, but i stick to my comment that ur an idiot, ur comments have about 10% to do with the article and the other 90% is bashing our QB…shouldnt u be somewhere talking up ur own team instead of putting down ours…
Sid
August 8th, 2012
2:00 pm
Hopefully Roddy can learn a little about shutting his mouth and letting his play speak for itself. Roddy gets baited into some personal fouls and we just don’t need that in a crucial situation.
Michael "CHOKE DOGS" Vick
August 8th, 2012
2:02 pm
Why yall ain’t get me no receebuhs???? I couldn’t reed da playbook but damn das meesed up shawty!
just sayin'
August 8th, 2012
2:08 pm
‘juliet and rodney’…wonder how long it’ll take for one/both of them to start complaining that they’re not getting enough passes thrown their way?…i’d say game 4….melt doesn’t have the arm strength to throw more than 15 passes longer than 15 yrds…gonna be fun to watch….
mark
August 8th, 2012
2:12 pm
Open your eyes what the heck are you talking about, none of the information regarding the dog fighting, lack of preparation and over all lack of character did not come out until after Vick was arrested by the Feds. Vick acknowledge this himself with his new book. I loved watching Vick play but had no idea he was fighting dogs and not studying when he was our quarterback. Can you read? I would not trade Ryan for anyone right now including Breeze, Brady and anyone else. For you and the other folks on this board that do not understand sarcasm I have not the time to explain. I notice that a person who post consistently about Ryan avoided responding to my post why? Is it b/c I am right and have made a substantive argument? Either way it is fun to watch folks like you go crazy over facts, have a nice day.
JSS
August 8th, 2012
2:16 pm
Jeff Kemp, Jr throwing to Jerry Rice is still better than Ryan to Jones… Keep giving them hope Jeff Schultz, it just makes the inevitable that much better… It is not 1986…It is not 1998… It is not 2006…
JSS
August 8th, 2012
2:23 pm
Jeff Schultz, you were covering the Niners when the real thing was there (Solomon, Clark, Cooper, Jones, Rice, and Taylor) were there with Montana… Why in your heart of heart believe this group is capable of such lofty play?
JSS
August 8th, 2012
2:31 pm
How do answer you “white noise?” You don’t, it is just static…
Mr. Hankey
August 8th, 2012
2:55 pm
Looking forward to coming out of the Dome with a S…t eating grin.
lawzoo
August 8th, 2012
3:11 pm
Julio is now a 10? Must have stopped hanging out down by the schoolyard !
Statues R' Us
August 8th, 2012
3:13 pm
Enter any Saints statue comments here.
Falcons 62 - Saints 7
August 8th, 2012
3:14 pm
O.K.
Nativebird
August 8th, 2012
3:26 pm
I luv me some Julio! We Got to get mo Julio. Mularky…tssch….what a joke.
DJ Sniper
August 8th, 2012
3:27 pm
Can we please stop with the notion that Ryan doesn’t have the arm strength to throw the deep ball? As I’ve said plenty of times before, his issue is accuracy, not strength. Once he works his accuracy and if the line can hold up long enough to protect him, then you will see those deep balls get completed more often.
Rick
August 8th, 2012
3:37 pm
41 points in a playoff game
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 8th, 2012
3:37 pm
Man, I feel like a woman!
Rick
August 8th, 2012
3:39 pm
And you still lose……don’t matter if you score 41 or 2 does it “Choke”? Just saying!!!
Really?
August 8th, 2012
3:45 pm
Really all this philly love where are the superbowl rings cause if you ask me what is the differance between the eagles and the falcons 0 rings each. Really? smdh lol!!!!!!!!
PMC
August 8th, 2012
3:49 pm
He was a rookie with no offseason that missed 3 games and still led all rookies in touchdowns.
He’s pretty freaking special.
Really?
August 8th, 2012
3:50 pm
And matt ryan may possibly have a noddle arm but philly having a rocket arm and blazing speed at the qb postion hasn’t got them any superbowl rings either. REALLY? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nativebird
August 8th, 2012
4:14 pm
That so called noodle arm threw for more yards and catches last year than ANY Falcons quarterback in history….more than Chandler, more than George, more than Bart. QUATERBACK is not your problem falcon nation. Get over it and quit trying to cover up the more pressing problems on o-line, defense and o-coordinator. Your lame Brain head coach even gave away a game. hard for a Quarterback to overcome a HC brain-fart.
Why dont you try it
August 8th, 2012
4:42 pm
Hey T-Bone if Julio sucks so bad. Why aren’t you out there showing him how its done? I bet you couldn’t even catch a NFL football. Much less acquire a thousand yards coming of foot surgery and with a pulled hammy after an NFL lockout where he had no time to build chemistry with his quarterback. Julio had about a month to learn everything he needed too before the season started. I mean really, I don’t understand how people like you can come on another teams site and act like you could even catch the ball much less run with it. I mean come on your pathetic. Grow up.
No Pain, No Gain
August 8th, 2012
5:05 pm
That dude is over tweaked……..let’s see if he can stay healthy first before we start throwing around the JRice branding. Just saying…..
Rick
August 8th, 2012
5:25 pm
Its on yesr “no pain no gain” and you have to admit that what he did “while not staying healthy” as you put it, was pretty freaking special! Give props where due! Come on man, look at almost every player in the NFL and they have ALL missed some type of time! ( please note I said almost all, so no research needed to find the exception…..if there is one). Also recognize that this was his 1st year. Please HATERS, stop hating and try to congratulate.
The Ghost of Rowland Lawrence........
August 8th, 2012
5:37 pm
“He was a rookie with no offseason that missed 3 games and still led all rookies in touchdowns.
He’s pretty freaking special.”
Blah Blah Blah…….
AJ Green, and Torrey Smith were both better…
Whadda Ya Know?
August 8th, 2012
5:55 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES…how ironic you tell someone to open their eyes yet you BLINDLY love Vick like is little beoch. CHOKE…you chose the right word for you screen name…all you do is CHOKE on Vicks nutz. Both of you are pathetic little girls that come to a team’s blog that you apparently are no fan of. Did y’all cry when we beat up your boyfriend Vick last year?
while julio may be a
August 8th, 2012
6:34 pm
special talent. he has absolutely nothing on calvin johnson arguably the best player in the nfl both on and off the field. he invented humble and he is bigger than julio, as fast as julio and has a higher vertical leap than julio.
after all calvin did set the bar when he set nfl combine records.
go jackets go calvin.
Rick
August 8th, 2012
7:30 pm
@Ghost of Rowland….. you are wrong! And since they were so good why not go troll those teams blogs and pump them up instead of tearing our receiver down on the home team blog? Just saying!!! You guys rhat get on the home team blog with your rants and raves about someine being bad or horrible are poor excuses for whatever team you cheer for. Its simple you dont like the home team go to your teams blog and do what you want to do and say what you want to say. Kick rocks and stay out of the home team blog room if you only want to bash the home team!
D-Man
August 8th, 2012
9:16 pm
“When it’s over,” he said, “I just want to look back and think, ‘I left everything on the field.’”
I think I almost cried…Go Falcons!
DP
August 9th, 2012
8:31 am
Julio is old school. At Alabama he was one of the hardest workers in the weight room and at practice, barely said a word to the media, was a standout blocker in the running game, played with a broken hand and never complained about not having enough balls thrown to him on a run oriented team. I wish he could teach that knucklehead Roddy White to shut up.
Sugarmommameet(dotcom)
August 9th, 2012
10:37 am
is the best dating site for rich women looking for their boyfriends
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 9th, 2012
10:56 am
I guarantee you the Falcons are going to the playoffs!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 9th, 2012
10:57 am
Matt Ryan > Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan > Mike Vick, Julio Jones > DeShawn
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 9th, 2012
10:58 am
Remind me, did the Iggles make the playoffs last year w/ Vick? Can’t remember
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 9th, 2012
11:00 am
I have to vacate my mom’s basement for a few days for fumigation. Anyone have a place I can crash at in the meantime?
Mike "WEED" Vick
August 9th, 2012
11:02 am
Should I use a Dasani or Deer Park bottle to transport my weed?
shut up and play
August 9th, 2012
2:54 pm
him and AJ Green are humble and hopefully the new breed of great receivers.
shut up and play
August 9th, 2012
2:55 pm
Julio’s maturity started when he cut off the dreads
Roddy should cut his off and shut his mouth more often.
they must like something they see!
August 9th, 2012
3:00 pm
The top picture looks like their getting a whole lotta of face action on that linemans butt!
LawDawg
August 9th, 2012
4:33 pm
That’s funny. Even with all the draft hysteria, I knew he seemed like a good kid, but nothing like this.
Glad to have him onboard.
Julio Jones brings out the dirty bird for the Atlanta Falcons » Checkdown Chatter
August 9th, 2012
7:53 pm
[...] Aug 09 2012 TrackBack Address. Big things are expected of Julio Jones this season, from himself, the fantasy football community, and his WR tandem partner. So far in the preseason, it looks like [...]
JSS
August 10th, 2012
7:47 pm
10:56 – 11:00 AM
That is what pre-school blogging looks like!
crimson1
August 12th, 2012
11:49 am
If Jerry Jones had a good football mind, he could have gotten a much better football player as well as person. Now he’s stuck with Dez Bryant. To much Glory Hole makes for a poor decisions. ROLL TIDE!
sheluvsbama
August 13th, 2012
1:11 pm
Enter your comments here
sheluvsbama
August 13th, 2012
1:13 pm
Everyone from Foley, AL (myself included) is so proud of Julio…he has a great natural ability but no one works harder or is less selfish than he is…just a good man all the way around!
Links From Around The Web | Houndstooth Nation
August 14th, 2012
3:40 pm
[...] Expect Julio Jones (only a ‘5 or 6′ last year?) to take over – AJC.com [...]
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August 16th, 2012
12:30 pm
[...] Julio Jones is quietly dominant [...]