Matt Ryan on 2009: “We want to win our division”

Flowery Branch – A year ago minicamp for Matt Ryan was about Matt Ryan, who was just trying to show he belonged in the NFL. This one was different. The world now knows Matty Ice belongs, and the Iceman himself is focused on his team.

“Last year you were just trying to keep your head above water,” Ryan said Sunday, the Falcons having completed their weekend drills. “I certainly don’t want to sound like I have it all figured out — because I don’t — but this year it’s more about fine-tuning.”

A quick way to get Ryan to try and change the subject: Ask about last season. The greatest rookie quarterback in NFL history doesn’t care to revisit his rookie year — at least not yet. “It’ll be be nice to look back on when you’re done playing,” he said. “But right now it was just a good start. It’s something to have in the bank.”

When he does recall 2008 — hey, writers are paid to be persistent — does he think first about successes or failures? “A little bit of both. You have to learn from your mistakes: ‘Why did I make that mistake?’ But you also have to learn from what you did well: ‘Why did this work?’ You can’t just focus on the negative plays, or the positive.”

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Then this: “At this position, you have to have no conscience. You’re going to make some mistakes, but you can’t let them weigh on you.”

If he’d dared to imagine the ideal rookie season, would what became reality have come close to the dream? Ryan: “We would’ve won a couple of more games down the stretch, with us being in the playoffs. It was a good first year, but that’s done.”

Regarding minicamp, Ryan said, “It was a chance to work on the things I need to do better.” Such as? “Decision-making. There are two things you have to do as a quarterback — make good decisions and be accurate with your throws — but making good decisions is No. 1. I want to make decisions quicker and better.”

Ryan might or might not have a better season in 2009 than in 2008, but if he doesn’t it won’t be for lack of trying. This, as we know, is a young man — he turns 24 on Saturday — of unflagging focus. Asked about his new playmate Tony Gonzalez, Ryan pointed to the field, where practice had technically ended.

“You see six guys still out there, and four are doing interviews,” Ryan said. “But those two are working. [Indeed, Gonzalez and another Falcon were hitting a blocking sled.] He’s teaching young guys how to work. It’s not by chance — there’s a reason he’s the greatest tight end of all time. He’s a huge pickup for us.”

What would be reasonable goals for Matty Ice and the 2009 Falcons? “It’s the same as last year: We’re not worried about outside expectations. But we want to win our division and give ourselves a chance. That’s it. There are no personal goals.”

Last question: What’s with the hair? “Aerodynamics,” Ryan said, and then he laughed. “I just felt like going shorter. It’s easy to maintain.”

He laughed again. “I’m just happy it still grows back.”

180 comments Add your comment

leggomyego

May 11th, 2009
11:54 am

Thanks Mac, I wish i could claim that as a ‘Leggo Original’, but you know how it is… heard it somewhere and adopted it as my own.

There will be those i think that, regardless of Matt Ryan’s numbers, consider his second season a sophmore slump if he doesn’t get the win totals we had last year. But have you guys seen the new schedule? I know i’ve brought it up before, but in the event you haven’t then trust me it’s a Killa. The good news is that everyone in the South will be playing predominately the same schedule minus a couple of seeding games so we’re all tested by the same scale predominately. Ryan may not get 14 wins this year like many are unrealistically expecting, he may only get 9, but that might still be enough to win the division. The big thing for me for Ryan is seeing an improvement on the red zone numbers, maintain that nice completion percentage (improving on it would be very cool) while increasing the number of throws by around 5 a game average and keeping the picks down. All very achievable goals in my book. The real weight is on Mularkey to scheme for this very potent offense. He hasn’t really been known for being a 3 wide/pass catchin- tight end kind of OC, so we’ll see what he’s made of. But he was a tight end too, right? Surely he’s got plenty of plays squirreled away for his old position other than ‘Block Down!’

Truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
12:50 pm

TheManMike

May 11th, 2009
9:51 am

I am not a frequent blogger on this site, so you may have me mixed up with someone else how acknowledges the obvious of the Michael Vick scenario. I do appreciate the plug.

Curious George

May 11th, 2009
10:36 am

I don’t know that Mr. Sanchez is in the same league talent wise as Mr. Vick, nor do I feel that he has been a target of hate as has M. Vick. The crime of Dog fighting was a misdemeanor two months before his arrest. Everyone including the owner new Vick was a dog fighter since his childhood. Dogs fight every day, as do humans on the Ultimate prize fight. Big deal. The bottom line is the Bubba Crew has an issue with a Black quarterback and the Press is about selling papers so they stir up controversy. Peta, a radical animal rights group, would have no audience without the press.

Mark Bradley
May 10th, 2009
4:34 pm

Too bad he’s not marketable and not respected by his peers. (Still laughing at that one, Truth. Too funny!)

You are funny!!! How many blogs did you count? Duh!

Mark Bradley
May 11th, 2009
7:44 am
I meant the actual number of Falcon fans vis-a-vis Vick fans.

An Effort to save face? Hummm.
Look at where your sampling poll is coming from, your Bubba laden blog sight. No, I don’t think he was ever popular in red country.

Most people don’t bother to speak to you or this paper. They see hate journalism for what it is.
It’s clear that AJC sells are down.
It’s hard to be an enthusiastic Fal-con, emphasis on con, fan when you see the racism and hatred that showed with the treatment of Vick.
Righteousness exalteth a nation.
No the city of Atlanta is not behind the falcons the way they were with Vick as the QB. Just keeping it real.
Nobody really cares what they do, no matter how many free ticket giveaways you have. The handling of Vick has left a bad taste in the people’s mouth.
You talk to your bubbas when you do your polls, why don’t you poll the inner city and see how they feel? I do agree with you that the Falcons lost a lot of fans with how they handled Vick. It’s easy to see why.
The falcons showed very little class and they obviously don’t care about how we feel as a city or as a people. So you have a lot of redneck NASCAR supporters. It takes the support of the WHOLE city to win…something you don’t have. I expected you’ll start a campaign and dump free ticket inner city…
I won’t be surprised and it won’t work. Most people see you for whom and what you are.

Good Job Michael Vick. You’ve done your time, grown up and are a better man. God bless you.

I FEEL U!!

Truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
12:58 pm

NUNNA YO BIZZNEZZ

May 11th, 2009
11:04 am
are u kidding me folks..
matt ryan was exposed late last year..he floats the bAll on deep passes that are to easy to intercept to me..he is strong And accurate 25 yards And in..he is smart no doubt,but once his running gAme is shut down,he is nothing..he don’t bring no other intAngibles at all to his gAme..

now,having said that,now im gonna say this..

to beat Atlanta is to have matt ice throw the ball!!!
we will be seeing 8 in the box,and we will see the run game shut down,And matt on his back more because he is not fast or mobile enough to do any damage with his legs..

Good post.

The truth is he averages 7 yards per pass completion. Thats a 3 1/2 yard pass and the running back falls forward for 3 1/2 yards. Gee…he aint no Marino,young, Montana…or Vick.

Just had the ball to Turner or quick out to Norwood and dont turn the ball over.

Reality Time

May 11th, 2009
1:02 pm

Truth-Serum, I usually ignore morons like you, but Vick supporters all talk about how the Falcons handled Vick. They couldn’t “handle”, the fool was in jail. There was nothing to handle, he was not available to play ball. Get over it. You act like it was decreed that from Vick forward every quarterback has to be black. Well that’s not the case. I don’t care what color the guy is, I just don’t want him to be an idiot.

Truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
2:53 pm

Reality Time

May 11th, 2009
1:02 pm

I appreciate the shout out. I try to take something positive from every situation. I agree with you that there is a lot of dissention about The NFL’s, and the press’ handling of Vick. I also agree that he has a lot of supporters.

Im glad I did not prejudge you and think you were a “Bubba from nascar”.I can tell from your post that you must indeed be a christian. You want better for the next man than your own experience.

“I don’t care what color the guy is, I just don’t want him to be an idiot.”

TRUTH-SERUM

May 11th, 2009
3:23 pm

Anthony

May 10th, 2009
10:29 pm
First of all I’m white and I love seeing Michael Vick play football “truth-serum”. The thing you are really missing is Vick would still be here if he had not broken the law. I would not have a problem with him still be our quarterback. But he is not here and it’s no one elses fault but his. You can say what you want. WE TRUE FALCON FANS DON’T CARE who is quarterbacking as long as we win and they conduct their selves as good upstanding citizens. But I will say that what Vick has gone thru is wrong. I think he should be punished for what he has done but the commisioner and all these animal rights groups are trying to make an example out of him and that is wrong. If it were anyone else this would have all been over. Like I said, I love watching Vick play and I hope he comes back stronger than ever. It’s just the true falcon fans don’t care. We’ve got a quarterback and so lets support him now. Vick is paying his debt to society and lets hope he does great in the future. Let’s stop making this thing be all about black and white. Remember, he is the one who got himself in this situation and so that’s why we’ve got Ryan in the first place!

EXCELLENT POST.

I ALMOST AGREE WITH YOU ALMOST 100%. IM NOT MAKING THIS TO BE ABOUT BLACK AND WHITE. IT IS WHAT IT IS…BLACK AND WHITE. WOULD THIS have happened IF HE WERE NOT THE COCKY BLACK SUPER ATHELETE?

I APPRECIATE YOUR POST. I AGREE NOW THAT VICK HAS BEEN HUMBLED AND DONE WHAT THE LAW HAS REQUIRED. LETS GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO GET HIS JOB BACK. THATS ALL I ASK. IF RYAN IS A BETTER QB THEN LET VICK BE BACK UP. JUST GIVE THE MAN A FAIR CHANCE TO COMPETE.

I AGREE THAT PETA IS A RADICAL ANIMAL RIGHTS LEACH THAT SUCK ON THE BLOOD OF CELEBS.
THE PRESS FEEDS ON HATE JOUNALISM. ALA RUSH LIMBAUGH.

I CANT ROOT FOR INJUSTICE.Thats why the Falcons have lost fan base. THE MAN HAS DONE HIS TIME. LET HIM COMPETE.

Reality Time

May 11th, 2009
3:28 pm

I don’t believe I mentioned the press or Vick supporters. I said the Falcons had no choice in the way they handled Vick he was in jail. As to your last point, you are correct. In my own experience Michael Vick was an idiot.

HATinGA

May 11th, 2009
3:44 pm

It really doesnt matter what you say or how much scents you make when dealing with the people who support MV. I learned that a few years back when Barry was Mayor of DC, the man was on tape smoking crack!! crack!! and they reelected him!They see nothing more than the color of his skin,OJ brutaly murdered two people including the mother of his kids!Who were at home! and they cheered when he got away with it! There are know words going change their minds.

Mark Bradley

May 11th, 2009
3:48 pm

Just for the heck of it, I went back and reread what I wrote about Matt Ryan.

Sure enough, the words “Michael” and “Vick” weren’t included anywhere.

This used to be Michael Vick’s team. Now it’s Matt Ryan’s. End of story.

HATinGA

May 11th, 2009
3:58 pm

Im hoping maybe when MV gets a new team they will go bring there boards down! I wish him the best by the way I think he has more than paid his debt ! Altho im sure a few creditors would not agree!lol

What!!!

May 11th, 2009
4:25 pm

Truth-Serum and Vick Supporter is living proof that you …..CAN’T FIX STUPID!!!

truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
4:43 pm

HATinGA

May 11th, 2009
3:58 pm

Yeah. Good post. The kid is becoming a nice man. Its nice to have a chance to grow and mature.

Can anyone tell me why there is so many haters on this site led by Mark(put your head in the sand when you see the truth until it goes away Bradley?

Mark Bradley

May 11th, 2009
3:48 pm
Just for the heck of it, I went back and reread what I wrote about Matt Ryan.
Sure enough, the words “Michael” and “Vick” weren’t included anywhere.
This used to be Michael Vick’s team. Now it’s Matt Ryan’s.

Yeah,…, right!

I cant tell.

If its his team why are we discussing VicK? Why are you giving your robotic Bubba posse instructions on how to address the Michael Vick situation? What happened to fairness in jounalism? Stop trying to control peoples thoughts on the matter. Thats the same mistake the NFL made. Hate jounalism at its best.

Are there any FREE thinkers on this site? How many Bradley hate ditto heads are here?

Why does it suprise you that you wrote about a handoff artist and we are discussing Michael Vick? Why do you look the other way when it comes to injustice?
If you bury your head in the sand it doesnt mean the lion will go away. DUH!!
How childish. DUDE!?!
I quess I was wrong to expect more from hate a journalist.

Reality Time
May 11th, 2009
3:28 pm

The very first sentence in your 3:28 post refers to Vick supporters, and yes you did say you did not care what color a person was you just wanted him not to be an idiot….I thought you meant well and wanted people to have a better experience than you have had.

I hope every one is having a nice day.

truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
4:48 pm

Reality Time

May 11th, 2009
1:02 pm

This is the post in question.

Shout out to Vick Supporter,NUNNA YO BIZZNEZZ, you guys are pioneers in this wilderness of hate mongers. Good job guys!!

Zup

May 11th, 2009
7:46 pm

This blog sucks. Oh yeah, Vick sucked, too. Can some one block the ranting idiots. Yes, I’m black, and I think Vick was an average QB who often gave up on the team late in the season. He was often sullen and distant (from what I could see) and hardly the leader a QB should be on a success NFL team. Vick is all about Vick. Soon he’ll be playing for the God-forsaken RAIDERS, and I’m sure if he would love it if he those who worshipped him in ATL would move to Oakland and blindly kiss his ass there.

Truth-serum

May 11th, 2009
10:55 pm

What!!!

May 11th, 2009
4:25 pm

Truth-Serum and Vick Supporter is living proof that you …..CAN’T FIX STUPID!!!

Yeah, but well keep trying. If we give up on you guys nobody else will care.It doesnt matter you were born this way or if your parents made you this way, were not going to play the blame game, just continue to reach out. Its a tireless and thankless job, but we hold out hope that one day the bubbas will stop the madness.I can only imagine how hate has destroyed you mentally and ruined your lives and the people around you.Lets keep hope alive!!

Thank you for the plug and shout out. I appreciate you.

Mark Bradley, and the Bubba crew, STOP THE HATE!!!!

TheManMike

May 12th, 2009
7:51 am

Mark Bradley –

Your blogs are great – keep them coming. I also went back and re-read your blog and you are correct – no mention of the word Michael, or the word Vick. So – where is all this spew is coming from? I know i fell victim and responded….i should have known better. D. Orlandos blogs were shut down for a while because of the old drama that were the Falcons….

We are a new team – The City DOES support our birds – Matt Ryan DID lead the team to the playoffs last year – Burner Turner did rack up 2nd most yards in league – Roddy White did make the pro-bowl……Beleive me, the city is behind this new team.

We need Barry in here with his “SHHHHHH – ONE HEARTBEAT BABY!” – We need more people like him….He’s the man….

LET THE PROCESS CONTINUE!

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
8:07 am

MICHAEL VICK!

What!!!

May 12th, 2009
8:11 am

Truth-serum……………………never mind you wouldn’t understand.

[...] [Falcons] Falcons QB Matt Ryan Aiming For A Division Title A year ago minicamp for Matt Ryan was about Matt Ryan, who was just trying to show he belonged in the NFL. This one was different. The world now knows Matty Ice belongs, and the Iceman himself is focused on his team. "Last year you were just trying to keep your head above water," Ryan said Sunday. "I certainly don’t want to sound like I have it all figured out — because I don’t — but this year it’s more about fine-tuning. It’s the same as last year: We’re not worried about outside expectations. But we want to win our division and give ourselves a chance. That’s it. There are no personal goals." Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution [...]

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
9:30 am

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
8:07 am
MICHAEL VICK!

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
9:32 am

Mark Bradley

May 11th, 2009
3:48 pm
Just for the heck of it, I went back and reread what I wrote about Matt Ryan.
Sure enough, the words “Michael” and “Vick” weren’t included anywhere.
This used to be Michael Vick’s team. Now it’s Matt Ryan’s.

Yeah,…, right!

I cant tell.

If its his team why are we discussing VicK? Why are you giving your robotic Bubba posse instructions on how to address the Michael Vick situation? What happened to fairness in jounalism? Stop trying to control peoples thoughts on the matter. Thats the same mistake the NFL made. Hate jounalism at its best.

Are there any FREE thinkers on this site? How many Bradley hate ditto heads are here?

Why does it suprise you that you wrote about a handoff artist and we are discussing Michael Vick? Why do you look the other way when it comes to injustice?
If you bury your head in the sand it doesnt mean the lion will go away. DUH!!
How childish. DUDE!?!
I quess I was wrong to expect more from a hate journalist

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
9:46 am

Is Michael Vick a rising star? Will he Quarterback the falcons soon?

Is he better than the handoff artist the falcons have now that averages 7 yards per pass completion(3 1/2 yard pass-runningback falls forward 3 1/2 yards = 7 yards)

4/15: Oh, boy. Michael Vick is shopping a reality TV series … 04/15/2009
Perhaps Michael Vick was inspired by TI’s Road to Redemption series: the incarcerated football star is now shopping around his own reality …

Michael Vick’s release from prison approved | ajc Sports Talk 02/26/2009
Imprisoned Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick has been approved for release to home confinement and could be released to his Virginia home as early as May.

Judge gets update on Michael Vick bankruptcy plan | ajc.com

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
10:12 am

I just went to a sporting good site and one the cover page they had Picture of Micheal Vicks FALCON Jersey selling @ 220.00 I thought you said he wasnt marketable?

I did not see any other quarterback jersey for the Falcons.

http://www.sidelinemvp.com/nfl_jerseys.html

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
10:18 am

Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
9:32 am
Mark Bradley

May 11th, 2009
3:48 pm
Just for the heck of it, I went back and reread what I wrote about Matt Ryan.
Sure enough, the words “Michael” and “Vick” weren’t included anywhere.
This used to be Michael Vick’s team. Now it’s Matt Ryan’s.

Yeah,…, right! then why are his jerseys being sold @Truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
9:32 am
Mark Bradley

May 11th, 2009
3:48 pm
Just for the heck of it, I went back and reread what I wrote about Matt Ryan.
Sure enough, the words “Michael” and “Vick” weren’t included anywhere.
This used to be Michael Vick’s team. Now it’s Matt Ryan’s.

Yeah,…, right! Then why are his falcon jerseys being sold @ http://www.sidelinemvp.com/nfl_jerseys.html
they dont sell any other falcons quarterback jersey

Mark Bradley

May 12th, 2009
10:21 am

Thanks, Mike. I’m obliged.

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
10:28 am

Mark Bradley can you tell me why Vick jersey is being sold as the Falcon quarterback for 220.00? can you tell me why no Hand-off artist jerseys are being sold @sidelinemvp/nfl_jerseys

Falcon Devil

May 12th, 2009
1:38 pm

Anyone who calls calls Matty Ice a handoff artist did not watch the Chicago game last year, and probably didnt see his first NFL pass either. They probably didn’t watch one game of the most impressive NFL Rookie QB season ever. Figures….

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
2:38 pm

Falcon Devil

May 12th, 2009
1:38 pm

EVEN A BROKE CLOCK IS RIGHT TWICE A DAY!

THE DUDE AVERAGES 7 YARD PER COMPLETION AND IN CASE YOU CANT DO THE MATH THATS 3 1/2 PASS (SAFE TOSS OR SWING TO NORWOOD OR TURNER) THEN THE RUNNING BACK FALLS FORWARD FOR 3 1/2 YARDS. TOTAL 7 YARDS.

YEAH, HES A HAND OFF ARTIST!

JJB

May 12th, 2009
2:53 pm

Hey Mark, great article! What have you heard about Peria Jerry’s knee and prognosis and what is the contract status of the draftees? Are we fast tracking to get them into the normal camp when its time or are we going to have some problems signing some?

Mark Bradley

May 12th, 2009
2:56 pm

Jerry just banged knees. He’ll be fine. Don’t know much about the contractual stuff. Esteemed colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter is way ahead of me on that.

JJB

May 12th, 2009
4:07 pm

Mark, just trying to get back on topic. We can get there.

JJB

May 12th, 2009
4:21 pm

Lets look at Matt Ryan and compare him to the other hand off artists in the league in 2008. Ryan – 7.93 YPA; Eli Manning – 6.76 YPA; Payton Manning – 7.21 YPA; Jake Delhomme – 7.94 YPA; Jay Cutler – 7.35 YPA; Kurt Warner 7.66 YPA. I guess the Falcon’s chief handoff artist is in very good company. Mike Vick’s career was 6.7 YPA in comparison

TheManMike

May 12th, 2009
6:45 pm

JJB-

Great point. Sure did get the point across – That is REALLY good company…minus Jake Delhomme….. ;)

TheManMike

May 12th, 2009
6:48 pm

All i know is, Game 1 in the Dome, Pass 1 in the Dome – Mattlanta launched a pass that cannot be disputed – it cannot be reasoned as a fluke – it was on the money, and it put 6 on the board. Thats a QB i want. Followed shortly by Burners ALL DAY RUN FEST! I am really excited about this coming season.

What else is there to say?

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
7:01 pm

Obviously the majority of the posting dealt with MICHAEL VICK. That would clearly be a more marketable subject. Why are we discussing a hand off artist? By the way im sure we can find something positive to take from this, now the subject of MICHAEL VICK has been throughly discussed and we are set to move forward to another subject.
On a positive note you can still by MICHAEL VICKS JERSEY # 7 FOR ONLY 220.00 TAX INCLUDED.
GO # 7!

truth-serum

May 12th, 2009
8:56 pm

Mark Bradley

May 12th, 2009
10:21 am
Thanks, Mike. I’m obliged.

Good sport Mark Bradley!

By the way his jersey’s are being sold at http://www.sidelinemvp.com/nfl_jerseys.html
I dont think that they sell any other Falcon qb jersey.

Go Mike Vick # 7

Jeremiah

May 12th, 2009
10:47 pm

Go Matt Ryan, Go Falcons! I’m excited about this season and could care less about the past. Vick, Racism, and all that other crap, Let’s go Falcons!!!

Stephen

May 13th, 2009
7:59 am

NEWSFLASH: All of Black Atlanta did not drink the Kool-aid and holdheartedly support Vick, and there are many of us who feel that he was anything more than an exciting athlete who should have never been drafted as an NFL QB. If you look at his QB stats, (check out the NFL website) as compared to other QBs in the league for the same amount of time, he was average.
SECOND NEWSFLASH: The commissioner hasn’t agreed to let Vick back into the league yet. No team has openly discussed acquiring him from the Falcons yet. Oh..my bad..there was interest by some minor league team. JUST THE FACTS!!!

Stephen

May 13th, 2009
8:55 am

Can this please be the LAST Falcons’ blog that even mentions Michael Vick???? PLEASE OH PLEASE CAN WE JUST MOVE ON!!!! He is no longer living or playing in Atlanta. In fact, the article that started all this had absolutely nothing to do with Vick. Warrick Dunn actually did more for the Atlanta community, in terms of giving back, than MV ever did (except selling jerseys and some tickets).

Dawg4Life

May 13th, 2009
10:40 am

Truth Serum/Vick Supporter- What you guys are missing is the fact that this man is a convicted felon who did a terrible thing. I agree that Vick has done his time and, if Goodell lets him, he should have a chance to get a job somewhere in the NFL. There is no way on earth that the Falcons would let this man back on their team. He burned them too many times. Not to mention, that they have worked to build themselves out of this “funk” they were in for the past 2 years. With the media circus, and hub-bub that would come along with Vick coming back to Atlanta, there is no way Blank would allow that and I don’t blame him. Vick was electric when he was here, and there is no doubt about it. I think a lot of times people forget just how good he really was because of everything that went down. Ryan is a going to be a great QB. His arm isn’t the strongest, but his decision making and accuracy more than make up for it. He does have a great running game, but so did VIck’s teams. He has the ability to take this team very far, and will be able to lead them better than Vick would. As a true Falcon fan, you should be able to recognize that.

Mark

May 13th, 2009
12:49 pm

You people need a life, deal in reality, SUPPORT THE TEAM NOT CRIMINAL PLAYERS.

truth-serum

May 13th, 2009
6:46 pm

Anthony
May 10th, 2009
10:29 pm

First of all I’m white and I love seeing Michael Vick play football “truth-serum”. The thing you are really missing is Vick would still be here if he had not broken the law. I would not have a problem with him still be our quarterback. But he is not here and it’s no one elses fault but his. You can say what you want. WE TRUE FALCON FANS DON’T CARE who is quarterbacking as long as we win and they conduct their selves as good upstanding citizens. But I will say that what Vick has gone thru is wrong. I think he should be punished for what he has done but the commisioner and all these animal rights groups are trying to make an example out of him and that is wrong. If it were anyone else this would have all been over. Like I said, I love watching Vick play and I hope he comes back stronger than ever. It’s just the true falcon fans don’t care. We’ve got a quarterback and so lets support him now. Vick is paying his debt to society and lets hope he does great in the future. Let’s stop making this thing be all about black and white. Remember, he is the one who got himself in this situation and so that’s why we’ve got Ryan in the first place!

EXCELLENT POST.

I ALMOST AGREE WITH YOU ALMOST 100%. IM NOT MAKING THIS TO BE ABOUT BLACK AND WHITE. IT IS WHAT IT IS…BLACK AND WHITE. WOULD THIS have happened IF HE WERE NOT THE COCKY BLACK SUPER ATHELETE?

I APPRECIATE YOUR POST. I AGREE NOW THAT VICK HAS BEEN HUMBLED AND DONE WHAT THE LAW HAS REQUIRED. LETS GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO GET HIS JOB BACK. THATS ALL I ASK. IF RYAN IS A BETTER QB THEN LET VICK BE BACK UP. JUST GIVE THE MAN A FAIR CHANCE TO COMPETE.

I AGREE THAT PETA IS A RADICAL ANIMAL RIGHTS LEACH THAT SUCK ON THE BLOOD OF CELEBS.
THE PRESS FEEDS ON HATE JOUNALISM. ALA RUSH LIMBAUGH.

I CANT ROOT FOR INJUSTICE.Thats why the Falcons have lost fan base. THE MAN HAS DONE HIS TIME. LET HIM COMPETE.

drmondo

May 13th, 2009
9:55 pm

Enough with the Vick talk. This is supposed to be about the Falcons, not a former player. I wish the AJC would just remove anyone who feels the need to dwell on this issue, good or bad. It’s what drives many real fans of this team away from this paper. I have to go to non-Falcons sites to hear news about the team instead of this stupid soap opera.

mars

May 14th, 2009
9:27 am

Mr. Bradley, tear this blog down. Shame on you for providing a forum for racist trash like Truth Serum and Vick Supporter! Leave the Falcons reporting to Ledbetter, if you have no more responsibility than what you have allowed here. And by the way, dunderheads, those who write for sports pages are Sports Writers, not Journalists. Big difference (although there hasn’t been any objective journalism around since Ted Turner got into the game).

truth-serum

May 14th, 2009
10:38 am

drmondo

May 13th, 2009
9:55 pm

Michael Vick is still a falcon so get past your emotions and prejudices. Rooting for Michael Vick and a fair treatment is rooting for the falcons.I also hope you can learn to understand that I have high expectations for an organization as well as an individual.
Its you who cant seem to gasp that. Im OK with holding Vick to high standards, I am also holding the organization to high standards. Learn to support and build, not tear down and reject. Never throw out the baby with the bath water.

Speaking of getting past your prejudices…mars

May 14th, 2009
9:27 am

Im sorry you feel that my support of Vick is racist.
I encourage you to read. I also encourage you to learn to be tolerant of other views than arent your own.

Anthony
May 10th, 2009
10:29 pm

One other thing. I hope you have a nice day.

Robert

May 14th, 2009
7:08 pm

Where will Vick be in 3 years? See Quincy Carter.

Halimaw

May 14th, 2009
9:38 pm

The truth is an idiot! Respected by his peers? Oh you meant in the dog-fighting circles. I get it. I really wanted Vick to do well, and he was exciting. However, he is not very bright and had we (The Fans) not gotten lucky with Matt Ryan we would now be in Detroit’s situation. I believe in Thomas Dimitroff and his skills as a G.M. There is a reason why he was director of college scouting in N.E. As person that had season tickets for 15 years, I am optimistic about the future.

Halimaw

May 14th, 2009
9:45 pm

Also, I would like to see Vick get away from the influences of his childhood friends (sic) and grow up. I want him to be successful, but he blew it here. I had a rotten first marriage, but I grew up and am happily married now. So I believe in redemption and change. However, I am married to a different woman. You blow it one place and you try to learn from your mistakes at ANOTHER PLACE!

jb4falcons

May 14th, 2009
10:37 pm

I don’t know about you, but I will be so glad when Vick gets out of jail and back onto the field in some other uniform in some other city in some other offense in some other fan blog. Jeeze, give me a break…We have the best talent in years and I still read all the garbage about Vick. I also will be glad when he does play again and the Falcons face him. This team we have put together will game plan his team like every other team game planned us and defeat him and put an end to all this bs. Ryan is a QB, not some freaky fun to watch spinning wheel who fools some of the people some of the time. Ryan simply is smarter and has better touch and accuracy who is willing to distribute to the player who has the best opportunity to score without any desire to show case himself. It’s called TEAM. Will the Vick Supporters please follow him to his new found team when it happens and will the Falcon Supports continue to support their team on the field.

Halimaw

May 15th, 2009
12:07 am

Nice comment! I will be glad to lose hip cap liability too.