One Falcon out, another down: Isn’t this where we came in?
Tony Gonzalez says he's not afraid of ghosts. He's new around here. (Photo by M. Bradley)
Flowery Branch – If it happened in Latrobe, Pa., you’d shrug and say, “That’s football.” But this is the Branch and these are the Birds, and once again this star-crossed franchise is endeavoring to make history by actually putting one winning season after another. And here’s the scorecard after six days of camp:
A Pro Bowl receiver is still in Alabama because he wants the sort of money Larry Fitzgerald gets, and the No. 3 wideout has been lost for the season with a knee injury.
And now you’re not shrugging. You’re thinking, “Here we go again.”
Coming off an epic NFC title game, the Falcons botched a Super Bowl by having Terance Mathis get miffed exiting the team plane and having Eugene Robinson get himself arrested 21 hours before kickoff. Coming off that Super Bowl, O.J. Santiago fell off a golf cart on Day 1 of camp and Jamal Anderson wrecked his knee in Week 2. Coming off a playoff victory at Lambeau Field, Michael Vick broke his leg in Week 3 of the exhibition season.
Were these the Pittsburgh Steelers, you’d say, “Oh, they’ll handle it.” But these aren’t the Steelers. These are the Falcons, who haven’t consolidated a gain in 43 years of trying.
Tony Gonzalez is new here. Asked Thursday about if he believes a jinx hangs over the Birds, he said: “I hope not. I’m not going to get into that Boston Red Sox type of stuff. We’ve got a good football team. We’ve got good players. It’s sad for Harry, but injuries happen.”
Then this: “One of the most underrated things is football is staying healthy. If we can do that, we’ve got a good shot. We just hope nothing else happens.”
But the Falcons’ track record is that something else always happens. As much as we might believe in the brainpower of Thomas Dimitroff and the basics of Mike Smith, these men still work for the franchise that bears the Bird in its logo. And that Bird hasn’t yet failed to mess up a good thing.
Loading ...A year ago the Falcons were 11-5 in large measure because they didn’t get hurt. Now Harry Douglas gets hurt just catching a pass on a Wednesday in August. No, he isn’t among the Falcons’ 10 biggest names, but what if Roddy White doesn’t show before Sept. 13? Can they make do with Michael Jenkins and Brian Finneran and assorted free agents? (Don’t forget: The Falcons traded Laurent Robinson to the Rams in April, and Robinson opened camp as a first-stringer.)
Said Finneran, who tore his ACL on July 30, 2006 and essentially missed two seasons: “A guy getting hurt is bad at any point.”
Said Smith, being pragmatic: “Injuries happen. But as I just told the team after practice, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. I know that’s harsh to say, and we all feel for Harry, but that’s the way it is.”
And that is the way it is. But because these are the Falcons, any adverse development is seen as the first sign of the apocalypse. Maybe this time will be different. But we’ve been expecting the worst for 43 years now, and at least every other year the great fickle Bird has done its voodoo.
Were I Matt Ryan, I wouldn’t walk under any ladders. Or spill any salt. Or exhale until January.
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184 comments Add your comment
Roddy the @@@HOLE
August 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
HEY RODDY, YOU GREEDY, MONEY MONGERED @@@HOLE, YOU CAN TAKE YOUR DEMANDS AND SHOVE THEM UP YOUR @@@ AS FAR AS WE ARE CONCERNED. YOU GREEDY BASTURDS HAVE ALREADY RUINED PROF SPORTS!!!
oldbird
August 6th, 2009
2:42 pm
Let’s get down to the important matters…who’s that interviewing TG?
Braindawg
August 6th, 2009
2:49 pm
Heres my take. Yeah losing Douglas hurts. Roddy need s to get to camp, as Mark Bradley pointed out so well yesterday. And I think he will get to camp sooner than later. I think Thomas Dimitroff, will wait til a good replacement is released from a team that has to many WR’s, and pick them up. As far as the not winning two yrs in a row, (curse, if you will) is concerned, I fullly expect to have that end this yr. Like was said all last yr., “This aint your daddy, or for that matter your grand dads, Falcons, anymore!” And I believe that! And yes the schedule will be tougher, always is after you win and make the playoffs, after not making the playoffs and having that kind of schedule. Just look at the team, we brought in Gonzo his first yr with the team, Matty hasnt had two back to back losing seasons with the team, same thing with Turner, and Baker also. The same thing can be said for Mike Smith, along with Thomas Dimitroff. This is, as was shown last yr, a new team, new way of thinking. This team is solid. Do I look to go, what 11-5 again, more than likely not, but this will be a winning yr. We will challenge for a playoff spot. Yes injuries can sideline even the best of teams. But you dont control when a player gets hurt. Its just bad luck when that happens. This team is put together as solidly as possible. So as with any team, we’ll roll the injury dice and see what comes up this yr. And if we do have more players get hurt, then thats just the way it is…….But anyone that says, “oh the Falcons are jinxed” are as stupid as T. Moore thinking he’s going to be inducted into the sports writers hall of fame! Sorry T.M., I had to take the shot, I was open…. Bottom line is we’ll be fine, now wheres my Crown and coke….Woman wheres my drink…That is all! Later!
The Dogfighter Returns
August 6th, 2009
2:51 pm
back to life back to reality. give roddy his money and stop being the same lousy falcons. give the man his cash. $10 million.
get your money roddy.
tale of woe
August 6th, 2009
2:52 pm
Yes…Answer Oldbird’s question!
MiltonDawg
August 6th, 2009
2:54 pm
I wonder if Roddy and Crabtree have the same agent? Crabtree is threatening to sit out the whole season and re-enter next year’s draft if his demands are not met. T.O. has made every WR a freakin bunch of drama queens.
Braindawg
August 6th, 2009
3:00 pm
Oh ok, let me throw a lame brained idea out there, one that will never happen, but would solve our problem……Bring in The Man, Mr. Excitement, you got it, the one the only, ladies and germs meet your new WR, Mr. Mike Vick……..Well it was just an idea…Dont start throwing stuff…….
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
3:07 pm
I believe the journalist pictured with Tony Gonzalez is Ms. Laura Okmin, who I believe is with FoxSports.com.
Bushwacker
August 6th, 2009
3:09 pm
Its the CURSE!!!
Braindawg is right, Vick is going to be making spectacular plays for somebody, as long as he accepts its not at qb, he needs to be making the plays for us!!!!
GT97
August 6th, 2009
3:12 pm
Roddy may have had the yards and receptions last year, but I still don’t trust him. Anybody remember the Denver game last year? It is obvious that psychological mindset plays a role in how well he performs; it is a little scary to think he can live up to the hype that comes with a big contract. If the Falcons give him lots of money, he will be a bust. I guarantee it! Falcons Fan suffer either way this year. Hello to waiting longer for back to back winning seasons.
PMC
August 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
Definately not saying “Here we go again.” I’m thinking. Who will it be that steps up this year? How will they still do it without HD.
We will miss Harry, but injuries are a part of the game. No reason to fold the tent. They didn’t when Baker went down last year either.
Daniel Bell
August 6th, 2009
3:20 pm
I’ve worked in newsrooms for years, and I’ve never seen a sports journalists that looks like that.
Ackshun
August 6th, 2009
3:21 pm
With Douglas down the best thing to do is put Norwood at punt return and bring Ashlie Lelie beck. He is familiar to the team and still has some years on him at 29. Granted he did do too much last time he was here but then again Roddy White didn’t look like much of a receiver until Matt Ryan showed up.
PMC
August 6th, 2009
3:21 pm
If they can handle the adversity last year… they can handle it this year.
tale of woe
August 6th, 2009
3:28 pm
hmmm…is this the same reporter?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/thenetwork/bios/okmin.html
MB, make sure you are doing your homework on these reporters
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
3:35 pm
That would be the same Laura Okmin.
Wait a second. Are we objectifying women here? Because if we are, I want no part of it.
JJ
August 6th, 2009
3:38 pm
She hasn’t aged in 13 yrs….
MB – when can we expect the info from D-led or yourself about the 3 new receivers in camp today?
Mike
August 6th, 2009
3:40 pm
Yeah, MB…where’s the news? Or was there a notice from the organization to keep the news quiet until they break it on the site?
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
3:41 pm
No way Mark, we just think these people are more sexy than they are good reporters, thats all. We just think they are attractive and not making any statements on their abilities.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
3:45 pm
Be patient. It’s coming. (See, I shouldn’t have teased you like that. I apologize.)
Mike
August 6th, 2009
3:46 pm
Yep…now you got folks hitting F5 on every site with Falcons content…LOL!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
Can you post a photo of Salma Hayek or ScarJo while we wait?
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
Tale of woe
August 6th, 2009
2:10 pm
Ike Hillard????? I would like that
You would? Hmmm.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
3:51 pm
Oh crap
JJ
August 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
or Tony G’s wife?
JJ
August 6th, 2009
3:55 pm
MB – Did you see T.Moore on Rome yesterday? He actually kept his mouth shut more, usually they cannot shut him up.
JJ
August 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
and he ACTUALLY argued against the race card that the other reporter from Boston was arguing…incredible! yea, I know you wont touch this one! lol
Glenn
August 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
Tony G has always struck me as a ladies man . That chick seems a little long in the tooth though . Something about the NASCAR type babe with a little less tread that appeals to me as well . That being said , Roddy White is going to get his dough . If he comes in & plays out his contract without getting injured he will get a contract that will supersize Fitzy’s by aplenty . I’m telling ya . There will not be a salary cap next season . It will be hard to put the proverbial genie back in the bottle . Roddy White held the leverage even before HD’s knee injury . Harry Douglas was never going to make or break the Falcons anyway . I’m bored with Roddy White . How does our young D look ?
Panties in a wad
August 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
Or-lan-dddooooooooo!
Mike
August 6th, 2009
4:02 pm
He messing up…he was supposed to have this secret info for us hours ago.
MightyQuinn
August 6th, 2009
4:06 pm
Does anybody remember specifically what happened to the Falcons after their 12-4 1980 division winning season that led to them going 7-9? Is that when William Andrews blew his knee out? Lynn Cain? I don’t think I remember Bart getting hurt then.
MightyQuinn
August 6th, 2009
4:09 pm
And its suprising/interesting that negotiations took a turn for the worse after HD’s injury, isn’t it? NOT!!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 6th, 2009
4:17 pm
I’m thinking since Mark pulled off that Kotchman for LaRoche deal (although he humbly denies it) and came very close to pulling off the Greg Norton for Albert Pujols deal, he should go on another brainstorming session and bring in a couple of wide outs.
Paul Hamilton
August 6th, 2009
4:19 pm
They signed ferguson
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
4:21 pm
Williams Andrews hurt his knee in training camp in 1984. Know how I remember? It was my first year at the AJC and we’d gone all-out on our pro preview section, which had to be pre-printed. Guess who was on the cover. Yesiree. William Andrews, who by then was out for the season.
FYI, Gerald Riggs became the starting running back and, in Game 1 at New Orleans, set the Falcons’ single-game record for rushing.
John
August 6th, 2009
4:22 pm
Atlanta has a hard time becoming an established sports town due in part of the abundance of pessimistic articles such as this. Unfortunately, it is a fact that too many people believe everything they read. When there is so much negative propaganda in our local news papers dogging our teams, the sheeple that fill our stadiums and help to establish our home field advantages quickly lose their faith. Nobody enjoys reading preseason maledictions, or regurgitated injury predictions from Football Outsiders. I would love for someone at the AJC to stay positive about our teams for once. The color of a jersey and the emblem on a helmet have nothing to do with any team sustaining success, just as hair-plugs and a smug pedosmile have nothing to do with the substance lacking from an article.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
4:23 pm
MQ, how bout after the Super Bowl run, JAM holds out and blows his knee out. Not it’s just getting weird
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
I’m thinking another reason a city might not become “an established sports town” is for the local football team to go 43 seasons without having back-to-back winning years. But maybe that’s just me.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
what ferguson? Turd Ferguson
E. Ft. Lauderdale Aluminummediocre
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
John has a point. Too many people believe anything that’s written down in a paper or on a blog. I should know, I once had people believing that the Falcons were going to package Michael Vick in a sign and trade deal for Kobe Bryant…
tale of woe
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
Ferguson instead of Hillard?????? Hmmmmm….Can we get both? I read that we were looking at Ferguson before HD got injured…Let’s get Hillard now!
Native Georgian
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
Roddy- Harry’s blood is on your hands.
Thomas Brown- welcome to the team.
Bergeron- no AFL to resort to. Here’s your chance.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
Robert Ferguson. Here’s D-Led’s story about the signing.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
4:27 pm
Tale I think Hillard is a done deal
Vick Supporter
August 6th, 2009
4:28 pm
If I’m not mistaken, you people were saying that Roddy was one of the best Wrs in the NFL, and now you turn on him.
You just wait until Vick steps on that field. The Falcons will always be the cursed franchise that its always been. Vick is going to shine though so that all that matters.
Vick Supporter
August 6th, 2009
4:29 pm
Robert Ferguson,LMAO!!!
I can’t breathe!!! LMAO!
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 6th, 2009
4:29 pm
I’ve been watching the Falcons since 1966. There was an awful lot of futility before Mark Bradley ever got to town so I don’t think he’s to blame. Maybe this will be the year they have back to back winning seasons but you can understand if I’m not getting all excited.
And remember the Falcons, like any other sports team, are a business. I, or anyone else, owe them nothing just because they do business in Atlanta.
tale of woe
August 6th, 2009
4:30 pm
Bank Walker – Hillard wasn’t signed, but Ferbuson was -
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
4:32 pm
I know but I think they will go back to Hillard now since the injury
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
August 6th, 2009
4:32 pm
Yep I was right, Turd Ferguson