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
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 13th, 2009
3:08 pm
I’M SO SICK AND TIRED OF HAVING TO CREATE MV7 ON EVERY SINGLE MADDEN GAME THAT COMES OUT!!
YOU KNOW HOW I DO IT THOUGH……….
50 FOR AWARENESS AND THEN NOTHING BUT 99′S ACROSS THE BOARD
Zoomie
July 13th, 2009
3:12 pm
That 11-5 projection is pretty rosy. I don’t think they’ll pull it off. I got ‘em going 9-7 with a very bad stretch between Dallas and the NY Giants.
Still, 9-7 would be a winning season, would break the curse, and would provide a lot of hope for the 2010-2011 season.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
3:20 pm
Took you long enough to use my blog name Bad News!! HA! HA! HA! HA!
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
3:21 pm
Madden………..thats as close as Vick will get to the NFL again.
Morehouse 4 Life
July 13th, 2009
4:12 pm
I bet that Sarah Palin framed Mike Vick and ran over Michael Jackson with a snowmobile.
N
July 13th, 2009
4:17 pm
@ DNA. “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.”
It’s pretty clear that what you requested is exactly what I was asking for; “more insight” … you know, instead of rehashed aggregation. Congratulations DNA, you just changed genders. And… speaking of, why would wanting better coverage that takes advantage of the AJC’s position make me a woman? And why is that stated as a bad thing? So what if I am a woman? That means I can’t have an opinion on the Falcons or the direction of this blog? Several active posters would likely disagree on that point.
FMV
July 13th, 2009
4:23 pm
Finally some voices of reason about Vick. He was run out of town and his replacement is barely worthy of holding his jock and no one else can see it.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
4:49 pm
Matt
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 13th, 2009
5:05 pm
“FMV” – You are absolutely right! I only support Matty Ice because I can run a 4.3 in the 40 & I hate that Vick for being the last Falcon qb to make it to the pro bowl & championship game.
I hate those fast guys. Damn you Vick!
Matty Ice please win a playoff game this year – Pretty please.
I love you Matty Ice!
Ticket Operator
July 13th, 2009
5:13 pm
Due to the failed P.R. program “New Face” of the franchise, we are offering free tickets to avoid any pending black outs. Also, if you purchase tickets we will be giving away free number 2 jerseys.
Our new pledge is in an effort to reach box office success that we enjoyed during the 2002 – 2006 seasons and also, limit the amount of number 2 jerseys being used for floor mats.
Go Falcons!
Dealing with Reality
July 13th, 2009
5:17 pm
Bad news, answer to your question… a resounding yes. It does make you racist. Were Flacco in Atlanta and had success, you would making your racist remarks towards him. I mean seriously, every other european descent qb you’ve mentioned, you’ve trashed. The only qb of european descent that you speak highly of is Ryans counterpart successful rookie qb Flacco. I think they both did a great job last year, and think they are both very talented. My support goes to my team though, because I don’t have racist feelings against our home team QB like you do. How stupid do you think everyone is? No current Michael Vick excuse-maker ever has or ever will give a D*MN about Flacco. They will use him, but they won’t give a d*mn about him. I invite you once again to Deal with Reality and get out of your fantasy world. I understand you supporting Vick. But trashing Ryan for no reason but to be a racist baby who hasn’t gotten his way… that makes you the bad guy. If you don’t want to be the bad guy, then Deal with Reality.
Birdfan
July 13th, 2009
5:18 pm
N
This is a football blog, no one is interested in your snippy comments.
You need to get a life.
FMV
Didn’t think it was possible, but you are more clueless than Vick.
Ticket Operator
July 13th, 2009
5:38 pm
Operators are standing by…….
Hello………..
Hello………..
Anybody there………….
Another black out pending………..
Go Falcons!
N
July 13th, 2009
7:04 pm
Birdfan – It is a football blog. But more often than not, it has operated like an RSS feed as of late.
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey doo mauh mauh maunz impersonator…..we no longer need a one trick fast pony in Atlanta who was figured out and after that was no longer effective.
We now have a true QB who will lead the team to many repeated playoff apperances and a superbowl win.
Matt proved from his vry 1st pass in the NFL that he is heads and sholders above Mike “oh a can run fast” Vick.
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
8:08 pm
But Mikey can wun vewy fast. We should weally brwing him back.
HA HA HA HA!! He can even run to the mailbox without his ankle bracelett going off!
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
8:10 pm
Mike welcome to the looser league…………..the UFL.
jb4falcons
July 13th, 2009
8:14 pm
Bad News,,,Why do people like you always pull out the racist card? Why? Think about what you are saying…What you are doing? Let’s take another look at this. The overall majority of Falcon starters are black. Outside of QB, the entire backfield is black. All starting receivers are black. The entire starting defensive line is black, the entire starting linebackers are black, the entire starting defensive backfield is black, the Assistant Head Coach is black. The Falcons are not racist, true Falcon fans are not racist. I am happy with my Falcon starters and trust that the GM and Head Coach are placing the best players at all positions no matter what color the skin. You can bet that Ryan is their choice not by his skin color but by his playing and leadership ability. Take your racial comments elsewhere,
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
9:28 pm
My Man Matty Ice “Dream List”
- Be elected to pro bowl
- Win a playoff game
- Make it to the championship game
- Get my picture on the bill board
- Sell out the dome without corporate sponsors
- Sell 1/4 as many number 2 jerseys as number 7
Oh Santa – please oh please.
Free Mike Vick
July 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
Mike Vick.
Atlien
July 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
As long as the falcons win it shouldnt matter who’s QB….on with some team talk or something…bout time to get over it…I have…
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
10:12 pm
BWAA HA HA!!! If I were you Vick fans I would be pissed that when Vick got his 130 million, he shoved in your face and gave you the finger.
He could careless who you are and how much you loved his sorry excuss as a QB.
Like I’ve said 100 or times. I’m a Falcons fan and if Matt don’t do the job then get another QB.
It’s about the team and wis, not a single player.
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
10:15 pm
BWAAA HA HA!!
it's me again
July 13th, 2009
10:16 pm
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
MATT RYAN
Mike Vick
July 13th, 2009
11:09 pm
For the record, that finger was for “YOU” people – here is another
Big Bad Bird
July 14th, 2009
4:54 am
Hey jb4falcons I admire you sounds like a real football fan. Now this guy FMV is a Dumb @$$ bigot and needs to keep it 100 Matt is the man if Vick was playing we might have been our typical 7-9 or 6-10 selves last year. Chi. game would have been lost MV never would have made that pass maybe a 15yd scramble fans screaming to be silenced by a lost fumble for caring the ball like loaf of stale bread. Come on cuz get a grip. Its over in Atl. for MV
Falcon57
July 14th, 2009
7:52 am
Calvin and FMV. Get over it. And FMV, if Vick was the greatest player Atlanta has ever seen, why hasn’t any of the other 31 NFL teams tried to sign him??????????? And the notion that the NFL “let” the Falcons win with Matt Ryan is absolutely the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Other than that, go spend some time in English class and learn how to spell and write a intelligent sentence!!!
jerry
July 14th, 2009
7:52 am
Don’t respond to Vick baiters. Don’t be a dumb f–k.
FMV
July 14th, 2009
9:00 am
The reason no other team has sighed Mike Vick is because the man won’t let him play. The idea of an athletic QB in the NFL disturbed the good ol boys, so they fought back. The result is one of the greatest to ver play the game, will not be allowed to play the game. I’m surprised Spike Lee wont do a movie about it.
it's me again
July 14th, 2009
11:19 am
11-5 (regular season)…. 1 & done (playoffs)
What do we do for an encore?
Joe Flacco
July 14th, 2009
11:30 am
Hey Falcon fans. Did you see NFL Live on ESPN yesterday? They listed me as the most impressive quarterback for 2009 season.
They were complimenting me on me big, strong accurate arm. They said I have the big play arm – but guess what?
I didn’t see Matty Ice on the show – why not?
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 14th, 2009
1:44 pm
Joe are you still crying that you didn’t win the R.O.Y?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
PLEASE GOD, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD ON YOUR GREEN EARTH WILL SOMEONE PLEASE SIGN THE GREATEST QB OF ALL TIME.
HE DOESN’T HAVE A JOB……….NO JOB!!
I TRIED TO PLAY MADDEN WITH MATTY ICE BUT APPARENTLY I CAN’T READ DEFENSES EITHER.
I NEED THEM WHEELS YO!!
OTHERWISE IT’S JUST ANONTER CHAMPIONSHIP GAME “APPEARANCE ONLY”
Matty Ice
July 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
I was watching The NFL Network and that guy Marshall Faulk, yes that future hall of famer, was saying that I will struggle in 2009.
How can I possibly struggle more than I did against the Cardinals in the playoffs? It’s not like I can lose 2 playoff games in 1 season.
I hate all this math. Nobody said I had to think. They said all I had to do was hand the ball off to Mike Turner and look smart. Dammit!
mike
July 14th, 2009
3:23 pm
i guess herpes is racist too since it only chose to hang out with one of the afforementioned qb’s
Dealing with Reality
July 14th, 2009
5:01 pm
OK, now all we have is a bunch of 3rd graders in here. I’m gonna go eat at the adults table. Geez!
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 14th, 2009
5:30 pm
I WAS WATCHING YOU TUBE AND THE 2008 NFL HIGHLIGHTS……….
NO MV7
SO I TRIED WATCHING THE 2007 NFL HIGHLIGHTS……….
NO MV7
HOW CAN THE GREATEST QB EVER HAVE NO HIGHLIGHTS, NO SUPER BOWL RINGS, NO MVP AWARDS, NO R.O.Y. AWARD, NO ENDORSMENTS, AND NO CONTRACT?
AND I BET HE STILL RUNS REAL REAL FAST……….BUT NOBODY WANTS HIM
Ray Lewis
July 14th, 2009
9:18 pm
You’re welcome Joe.
Trey
July 14th, 2009
10:07 pm
Chauncey Davis is that guy! He will show up big time for the Falcons. This whole article was just stupid…The AJC needs to send a copy of there notes to these guys…1-15 come on! No credit as a news source.
Dave
July 15th, 2009
8:39 am
I wouldn’t be surprised by 11-5, 5-11, or anything in-between. The team could actually improve overall and finish with a significantly worse record. I do think they’ll be in every game, though, and it should be an exciting season.
doo mauh mauh maunz
July 15th, 2009
10:28 am
Who farted?
VICK SUPPORTER 2
July 15th, 2009
11:06 am
THAT WOULD BE ME……….SORRY
Dealing with Reality
July 15th, 2009
4:17 pm
Enter your comments here
opelikaoutlaw
July 15th, 2009
11:01 pm
For everyone hating on Matt Ryan- How many rookie of the year votes did Flacco get? Less than Chris Johnson. By Matt Ryan’s 3rd year he will be as good as Peyton, and better than Brady. Brady sucks anyway, he’s just lucky enough to be on a great team. They even made Matt Cassell look good last year. Sorry Chiefs you just wasted $62 million.
IDC
July 16th, 2009
9:51 am
Mark, please monitor the blogs you post. This blog has nothing to do with Falcon football but ridiculous back and forths about someone who no longer has anything to do with the Falcons. Please shut it down now!!
Mark Bradley
July 16th, 2009
11:13 am
I’m monitoring the posts and the comments, IDC. And our policy at AJC.com is to shut something down only if it gets objectionable. I don’t see anything that meets that description above. But thanks for asking.
$7.19 @ Wal-Mart
July 18th, 2009
5:09 pm
You can get all those pre-season magaazines at Wal-Mart for 10% off Mark.
GO FALCONS!
mobetter
July 20th, 2009
11:36 am
alll i see no winning season. Can’t do it no def . lets seee what the the staff, will do b4 this year last yr 1-15 who is matt ice no off line can he last a hole season the burner genural manger td mike smith what? yes this makes no sence . just as we all say in this blog lets wait and see the season.we might have a def yor pick this which will be btoback.
Live from the Dome, where consolation is available | Mark Bradley
December 27th, 2009
12:07 pm
[...] many of you, I fully expected this season to extend into the second week of January. (Sporting News had the Falcons playing in for the NFC championship.) I have to say I’m disappointed, but I’m not massively surprised. By October it was [...]