The Falcons: From 1-15 to the NFC title game, SN says
OK, this Falcons’ mania, over which we’ve remarked at length, is officially off the hook. The Sporting News Pro Football yearbook, which last season picked the Birds to go 1-15, rates them somewhat more highly this time.
It picks them to go 11-5, to win the NFC South by two full games and — wait for it — to win two playoff games and play the New York Giants for the NFC title.
(Thankfully, the magazine does not pick the Falcons to win the NFC title.)
I’d link to all of this gushing, but no such link exits. (Preseason magazines don’t usually appear online, for a basic reason: If they did, nobody would pay $7.99 plus tax — as I just did — to read one.) But I have offered visual proof above, and I will take the liberty of quoting from SNPF 2009.
And let me just note that, once again, the overall forecast doesn’t appear to have been offered by the same person who wrote the Falcons’ profile. Last year’s team outlook was the work of esteemed colleague D. Orlando Ledbetter, who was as surprised as anyone over the 1-15 projection. This year Falcons’ capsules were done by Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, who writers:
“These Falcons appear to be built for the long haul. But if they can’t make a swift transition on the defensive side of the ball [Editor's note: Why not simply "on defense"?], the Falcons could lose the momentum gained last year and go from being the league’s biggest surprise to its biggest disappointment …
“Expectations for this franchise are high again — maybe too high. The defense remains in rebuilding mode and the offense is still young at the most crucial spot on the field. The special teams are strong, though. If the defense can get better and the offense can avoid a precipitous drop in production, the Falcons should stay in the hunt for a division title to the end. This doesn’t look like a team that’s ready to make a long run in the playoffs, but a second straight postseason is possible.”
OK, so now you’re asking: Does SNPF 2009 really like the Falcons or not? Yes and no, I guess. But I’ll leave you with the magazine’s obligatory View From An Unnamed Opponent:
“You have to start with Matt Ryan, who was just lights-out last year. He’s an outstanding player, and he obviously has a great command of the game and great knowledge and awareness of what’s going on around him. They’re real solid there and should be for a while.
“They have a very strong running game, too, with [Michael] Turner, and with [Jerious] Norwood they’ve got that changeup kind of back there as well. They also have one of the best fullbacks in the league [in Ovie Mughelli]. You talk about one-on-one blocking and moving people; he’s really good at it.
“On defense, the pass rush needs a little bit of a kick-start. Everybody’s getting on Jamaal Anderson, but he’s still playing pretty well. I’m not ready to sign off on him just yet. If he can get better or if they can add another guy to help out John Abraham, they should be OK there.
“Chauncey Davis could be that guy, but I see him more as a rotational guy. If they get that pass rush going, they should be all right. But they’ve made a lot of changes at linebacker and in the secondary, so you have to see how that’s going to work out.”
(Coming attraction: The next Bradley post, set to arrive at 10:40 a.m., will be the Monday Bradley’s Buzz. Topics include Frenchy in NY, the Thrashers and … Jim Harrick?)
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149 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
11:38 am
Believe it or not, we at the ol’ AJC actually had some philosophical discussions about Bradley’s Buzz and the act of linking before it was launched. And research — or so I’m told — shows that online readers really like aggregation. The aforementioned Buster Olney does it on a daily basis to great effect on ESPN.com. Esteemed former colleague John Clay does it nicely for the Lexington Herald-Leader. There’s a site called Mr. SEC — it’s in my blogroll up and to the right — that links to every article regarding an SEC school.
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
11:39 am
There are mixed reports on Peterson. Some think he’s not really a starting linebacker anymore, but consensus holds that he played his best under Mike Smith at Jacksonville.
MaconKnight
July 13th, 2009
11:43 am
The Falcons have never had back to back winning seasons. The real question should be is this year the Falcons finaly have back to back winning seasons! it’s so hard to predict because an injury in the preseason to ryan or any starter on the o-line or d-line can derail the whole year.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
11:47 am
Why do the Falcons need more freak’en linebackers?!?! I don’t believe the Falcons lost anyone on defense that can’t be replaced with who they have know.
Some must thinks this team is still owened by the Smith family and coached by Jim Mora and his clowns.
It was coaching that got the Falcons to 11-5 and it will be the same thing that will take them to 12-4 this year.
Great coaching and talented players equal success.
FMV
July 13th, 2009
11:47 am
Forget all this whining and crying about who wrote what. The bottom line is the Falcons will not win 11 games with Matt Ryan. Last year was a fluke. He got help from the NFL in an effort to make us forget how important Vick was to this team….Well breaking news. Some of us will never forget.
Mike Vick Forever!!!!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 13th, 2009
11:50 am
I wonder if the Cardinals would part with Dansby.
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
11:50 am
I like that logic. “The bottom line is that the Falcons will not win 11 games with Matt Ryan.”
Even though they won 11 games under Matt Ryan in 2008.
FMV
July 13th, 2009
11:51 am
Am I being sensored?
FMV
July 13th, 2009
11:53 am
They won 11 games because the NFL want Matt Ryan to look good because he replaced the “bad” guy. Well, they can only do that so long so this year will be different.
Dan
July 13th, 2009
11:56 am
What about picking up some leadership in Derrick Brooks LB and Chris McAlister DB. I figure they can also help lead and help out the young guys.
Sarah B
July 13th, 2009
11:57 am
FMV, no you should not be sensored, but you should get educated. Last year was no fluke.
N
July 13th, 2009
11:57 am
Just to clear the air — I very much appreciate the aggregation, and I enjoy reading your postings MB. But it has been a very long while (on the Falcon front) since there was something “original”. I’d love to see some interviews (if people aren’t away on vacation). I understand that it’s that slow season right now for NFL, and it’s fine.
I also, for the record, agree with your usage of “esteemed colleague” as written. It’s best that way. My only issue was the editorial comment on word choice. Such posts always engender annoying responsive posts (like mine) which then spawn others (typically of the “zomg, you misspelled a word” or “LOLz you didn’t push the space bar” comments — see Sansho (but without the epeen and with valid arguments)). These things are distracting from the topic, and always annoying. No one’s perfect, and that’s the beauty of writing — there are so many different ways to do it, and no “right” way. Long way of saying — I definitely did not mean to offend, and hope I did not. You are always VERY clear about attribution, and links, and I do like the new quote mechanic even better. I’m just looking forward to you throwing your credentials around and getting some original content (and of all the things that have ever needed a link, Pat’s column on Stephen Nicholas deserves one).
In sum. I’m a fan, not a hater. I read after all
If I were ever punished so terribly as to be in Cleveland, I would go find that local news reporter (the self-appointed “mayor”) and slash his tires. What a chump. And even more so that he didn’t get your humor, and the point you were making.
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
12:00 pm
Regarding “original content,” here’s an interview with the Falcons’ owner that ran over the weekend.
Big Bad Bird
July 13th, 2009
12:07 pm
I think everybody should not worry about the defense they will be o.k they have just what they need to be successful. Youth is just what you need on defense the ability to fly to the ball. We have a good coach defensive minded as well as a good DC there schemes will put the young guys in a position to be successful The offense has enough veterans to have the continuity to play together and dominate there side of the ball and enough back ups to not miss a beat. Another thing our team is patterned after all the successful teams of the last 5 or 7 years there a little bit of Pitt., Jax., N.E., The Giants, all recent Superbowl champions. DON’T WORRY PEOPLE TRUE FRIENDS DON’T DOUBT IT’S OUR TIME.
dwayne
July 13th, 2009
12:07 pm
FMV and Calvin, nobody ran Mike Vick out of town, 95 % of Falcon fans loved MV the football player. The real “bottom line” is, he lied to Blank, he lied to the “FEDS”, and he lied to you!!Which every person now ought to know, you CAN NOT lie to the “FEDS”. They will get you one way or the other. (his boyz turned on him quick, didn’t they)If Mike Vick would have said “yes I funded the fights, I have been around dog fighting all my life”. He would have got what most dog fighters get for first time offenders, a slap on the wrist, fine, you can’t own any more dogs, blah, blah. Look up the stats if you don not believe me. I still believe Mike Vick should be in the NFL, everyone deserves and gets 2nd, 3rd and 4rth chances in life. He should be no different. As far as PETA is concerned, they should stay out of the NFL’s business, Vick did his time. End of story.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 13th, 2009
12:08 pm
I think the league should “let” the Falcons win 11 or 12 games this year because everyone is not over the M. Vick thing yet. It might take 10 or 11 years or until Matty Ice retires. While they are at it, you know the Hawks didn’t sign David Thompson or Marvin Webster way back when, maybe they can help us get over that too.
JSS
July 13th, 2009
12:09 pm
Falcons = one win (if their lucky) and done come tournament time (AKA the NFC division round)…
P.S. Have Fitzgerald and Bolden stopped running yet? (ROTFLMAO)
dwayne
July 13th, 2009
12:14 pm
No, Bolden and Fitz is still running….now thats funny JSS….guess what, the guy chasing them, Brooking, is still trying to catch them Dallas.
Big Bad Bird
July 13th, 2009
12:17 pm
FMV Is a Mike Vick lover, I love the guy to all love affairs end playa so let it go. and Keep it moving. Matt Ryan was the change we needed to get over the hump along with the coach. Jim Mora was to passive. To coach the team we had at that time . To many strong Egos in D. Hall, A. Crumpler, and a few others. That group need a Guy like Tom Coughlin a hard nose in your face type of guy. This regime has it together my friend the players they selected fit into scheme, and with the personality of the coach.
dcfalcon
July 13th, 2009
12:27 pm
On the scheduel . . . The NFL has built their league around a certain degree of parity and very few great teams that dominate the league year-to-year. I bet last year a lot of teams looked at the Falcons and Dolphins on their schedules and assumed wins, just as some teams saw the Pats on the schedule in the first few weeks and thought they were in trouble.
The difference between most of the teams in the league is very marginal. Injuries, coaching, chemistry and momentum / confidence tend to actually make a huge difference. Teams that look tough in July may or may not be that good come September.
This schedule is probably tougher than last year’s, but who knows? Year-to-year, the NFL is a tough place to make a living as a prognosticator.
N
July 13th, 2009
12:28 pm
Yeah, I read that and enjoyed it. I would just love to see more articles like that because of your access. I should have put my thanks for the good article in the comment section after your comment:
“Thanks, Marcus, but there really wasn’t much to this interview. I asked one question. Blank answered it. (He gives extensive answers.) Then we talked for a minute. Then we hung up.”
I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck and start reading Falcons articles from the AJC. I typically read many of the comments as well, because I like a lot of the personalities (I’ll save the shout-outs).
BillyBob
July 13th, 2009
12:38 pm
My confidence is neither in mags like Sporting News nor any other opinions before regular season games begin. My confidence is in the current GM and Head Coach. They will make us proud to be Falcon fans.
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
12:39 pm
Can anyone please explain to me why D J Shockley was the only qb on the pre season roster that didn’t get a start in the pre season, when the coach stated that each qb would get a start?
What were they afraid of? Afraid that everyone would see what everybody actually knows – D J is the best qb on the team?
Coincidentally he was the only African American qb on the roster. Is there any question why the team still has not sold out the first game yet? The Saints finished 8-8 and already sold out for the season.
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
12:42 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Drew Brees start at quarterback for New Orleans?
JJB
July 13th, 2009
12:57 pm
DJ Shockley was the best QB on the team? haha! Lets be honest if we are going to delve in the racial gutter. There are plenty of black players on the Falcons. Plenty of tough, opinionated people. If they thought that DJ has been getting the shaft, wouldn’t you think that they would have been saying something and be vocal? If there was truly this great racial conspiracy to keep DJ down, would all of the black players on the Falcons lay down or be patsies? Naw, you will see DJ get plenty of reps this pre season. They have to figure out who they are going to cut-Redmond, Shockley, or Wilson. Whoever gets cut, there will be no gnashing of teeth with the Falcons players. This administration will pick the right one to cut. Lets see how it plays out.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 13th, 2009
12:57 pm
You are correct Mr. Bradley and he is white contrary to Bad News belief. If DJ is so good, why didn’t the other 31 teams draft him?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
July 13th, 2009
1:00 pm
My pick is Wilson will be the odd man out or practice squad.
CDawg42
July 13th, 2009
1:04 pm
Well said on the Vick thing, dwayne…
dwayne
July 13th, 2009
1:06 pm
DJ WAS BETTER THAN GREENE TOO….(sarcasm dripping off my comment)DJ is a professional, a team player.
dna
July 13th, 2009
1:11 pm
It is about time the AJC started covering the Falcons in more depth. MB nice job. N must be a woman. Now if we can just get more insight into the shemes and personel they are trying to run. Weiner is the one who might be missed the most.
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
Looks like the “true” face of the franchise is now receiving favorable recognition now that owners are realizing if we don’t sign him, our rivals might……..
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9800798/Vick-could-play-key-role-for-interested-NFL-team
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
1:23 pm
It’s obvious that you guys are concerned about protecting “the last” position in the NFL and change the subject about the original question:
Please explain to me if DJ was not a threat, why the “great” coach (as you guys claim) would make a statement saying each of the 4 qbs on the roster at the time would get a start in each of the 4 pre season games last year. Even Joey Harrington got a start.
Why not DJ? The 3 white qbs got a shot. Did the “great” coach lie? Was he afraid of a qb debate?
Now the other question:
If Matty Ice (lame name) was this great savior of the terrible Mike Vick at quarterback, why did it take the corporate sponsors, last season to bail out the “black outs” buy purchasing the tickets at the last moment?
Why can’t the “new face” sell tickets? Anybody?
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
1:30 pm
Let who ever wants Vick get him. The real fans in Atlanta don’t give a flying floozie fart about it anyway. Vick was figured out before he decided to be a complete idiot for doing what he did. Vick hasn’t been any kind of threat in the NFL since 2004.
Bring him to the NFC south we could use a fumbling idiot in our division. BWAA! HA! HA!
DJ Shockley fan
July 13th, 2009
1:31 pm
Why is it that all of the Vick Supporters commenting in offensive, racist tones, while complaining about racism? When you act like trash you should be treated like trash. All racists are trash, and that includes supporters of Mike Vick. And leave my man D J out of it. There is no way he would stoop to your level, or back-stab the team like Vick did. He has one thing Vick never has shown to the Atlanta sports public…. CLASS.
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
1:43 pm
If Vick was figured out by 2004 – how did he manage to make the pro bowl in 2005? Genuise.
Speaking of being figured out – last 4 games of season. Who owns these numbers?
2 – touch downs
4 – interceptions
3 – fumbles
Lets not forget about that fabulous 2-interceptions & 1-safety in the playoffs.
A safety in the playoffs? Are you kidding me? That’s the biggest choke ever.
I guess he was figured out in just 12 games
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
1:44 pm
Still waiting on the answers to why DJ never got a start in the pre season.
Still waiting on the answer why Matty Ice can’t sell tickets…..
I’ll wait
Dealing with Reality
July 13th, 2009
1:48 pm
Good morning to Bad News. I see you’re spreading your hate and misinformation on THIS blog today. You are delusional. I hope one day you will look beyond your IMAGINATION and DEAL WITH REALITY. You are wrong, wrong, wrong. Why should Mr. Vick be responsible for his criminal activity? And why is your animosity aimed at Blank, the team and the fans when Vick’s abscence was caused by the investigation by the FBI, his 5 year involvement in a known criminal act, subsequent lying to the FBI, lying to Mr. Blank (who at the time was in full support mode and told the press he believed Vick’s every word), lying to commissioner Goodell, and lying to the public at large (YOU, HE LIED TO YOU!!)? Mr. Vick’s current absence was caused by himself (no one else) and was executed by public law enforcement agencies. The Falcons, Mr. Blank and least of all the fans, had absolutely nothing to do with it. They were all victims nursing the broken hearts that Vick left them with. I’m a former Vick fan who is dealing with reality. You should, too.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
1:50 pm
Why was DJ the only QB not to get a start in pre-season? Because he sucks!!! DUH!!
D J Shockley fan
July 13th, 2009
1:58 pm
Correction- not all Mike Vick fans are racist. Just the ones who have commented on this blog so far and those who agree with them. The proof would be your vocalized feelings for Matt Ryan. That’s unfounded and undeserved hatred, and the result of a pathetic racist point of view. If you respect D J, be like him and show a little support for Ryan.
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
2:07 pm
Joe Flacco – rookie in 2008
Matt Ryan – rookie in 2008
Joe Flacco – won 2 playoff wins
Matt Ryan – zero playoff wins
Joe Flacco – White
Matt Ryan – White
Is that a racist comparison
Matty Ice sucks
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
2:15 pm
What kind of record did your beloved Vick leave this team in 2005-2006?
ENOUGH SAID!!
I was a Vick fan. I defended him to the bitter end.
All you can hold onto is Vick was a PRO-BOWL QB!! HA! HA! HA!
JJB
July 13th, 2009
2:21 pm
The reality of Atlanta versus other cities is that this city has many transplants- There are many more fans of other teams than in most cities. Be that as it may, once a tradition of winning is established here, it will translate into attendance at games. I remember the years of NO being the “aints” and having plenty of vacant seats and fans with bags on their heads. VS2/Bad News is a 15 year old pimply faced white kid in his mom’s basement with a computer and an attitude. yawn…
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
2:32 pm
2002 – 2006 All seats sold out. End of conversation
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
2:35 pm
Based on Mr. Bradley’s article and around the sports medias, the Falcons are superbowl contenders.
If they don’t win the superbowl, that can only mean the quarterback is responsible – right?
No more excuses – Vick was blamed for 2005-2006.
Go Falcons
T-Pain
July 13th, 2009
2:36 pm
Blank you ruined this franchise the moment you turned your back on Mike Vick when he needed you most. After all he done for you! Shameful!
JJB
July 13th, 2009
2:41 pm
There is no dispute that MV energized the black fan base of the Falcons. Unfortunately a sold out dome did not deliver consistently good play from the Falcons, or from Vick. I am not sure why there would be anger with the Falcons over not having Vick on the team. He put himself in neverland and club fed when his buddies rolled over on him to the feds. I am not sure how that should translate into anger over the team. The team has always been about more than one person, regardless if a substantial amount of people bought tickets to see only one person. And how is Matt Ryan involved in this at all? The hatred of him can only be racially motivated as what other cause do you have to hate?
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
2:43 pm
Bad News…..HA HA HA!!! That’s all you got. 2002-2006 sold out. BWAA HA HA!!!
Mike Vick has wet dreams about being the kind of QB Matt Ryan is.
Bad News
July 13th, 2009
2:44 pm
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/News/Articles/2009/01/Wild_Card/Falcons_Cardinals_Game_Story.aspx
Get used to it – What a B U S T !
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
2:57 pm
Come on Bad News you can do better than the Cards game highlites. Come you jerk do it.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
2:57 pm
It’s true Joe Flacco is the only rookie qb to win 2 playoff games.
It’s true Joe Flacco was signed for 42 million less than Ryan.
It’s true Joe Flacco won without pro bowl wr & rb.
It’s true Joe Flacco didn’t choke in playoffs.
It’s true Joe Flacco runs faster than a snail.
It’s true Joe Flacco throws further than 40 yards.
Call me stupid, because facts lie. The Falcons suck!
The GM is overrated.
The coach is an idiot.
Matt Ryan is love!