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
Mitun
August 6th, 2009
4:34 pm
hey MB… Do you think WR Reggie Williams fit for ATL?
Glenn
August 6th, 2009
4:49 pm
Robert Ferguson ? Gees . Roddy White should hold out now for part ownership . Did we work anyone else out, like maybe Irving Fryar or Mark Clayton ?
bleedred&black
August 6th, 2009
4:54 pm
I hate to say it, but I saw this coming last year. RW has one decent season and now pay me? Does anyone remember him dropping a touchdown pass against Arizona last year? Helped cost us the game. He DID have a great year overall, though. Perhaps we should incorporate a “pay as you perform” clause in this premadonnas? Roddy needs to shut up, finish the contract that he IS STILL UNDER, show a little work ethic, and stop acting like the d***bag he apparently is. Go Birds!!
JJ
August 6th, 2009
4:57 pm
MB – you keep us hanging all day for FERGI?
8 yrs, 2k yard and 13 TDs – wow!
Ted
August 6th, 2009
5:03 pm
The Falcons signed Robert Ferguson, I don’t think he is going to help very much. Also, now the 2nd round pick Moore is injured.
Regarding White, here is the way I see it. It sounds like he wants close to $10 million/year. The falcons are probably offering around $8 million. If he doesn’t take the offer, he will receive $2 million this year and then be a restricted free agent. Assuming he has a great year and then signs for $10 next year (4 year contract), he will make a total of $32 million over the next 4 years (2009-2012). If he signs now for $8, he will make $32 million over next 4 years (2009-2012). If he doesn’t sign now, he could get injured this year or have an average year and will not get anything near $8 million next year.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
5:04 pm
Ferguson might not be the end of it. Just sayin’.
TheManMike
August 6th, 2009
5:06 pm
Roddy holding out is a weird thing. I am leaning toward it being more negative for the team than it is positive for his well-being. All this new energy, the new intensity on the field, records being broken again – and then this. Working out in Alabama? At what point did Roddy lose that team feeling that showed all last year? Work with your team and look at the bigger picture and know that you will get what your put into it. His contract will be extended and increased, but let it happen man, don’t start to mess with the moxie this team is building.
I like that TD and Smit aren’t scared to move forward – they know contractually he’s here this year and if he isnt game ready, well…..It is what it is.
Man – Harry Douglas going down. I was real excited about this guy. He was another speedy scrapper on the field that could make a play at any time – what a loss. I do think the idea of having Norwood do some slot, he has excellent speed and good hands……Somethings gotta happen.
And, for the record – I think curses are for the birds………wait…..I don’t much believe in them, rather.
TheManMike
August 6th, 2009
5:07 pm
Got to love the foreshadowing MB…
JJ
August 6th, 2009
5:10 pm
MB – there you go again!!!lol
me
August 6th, 2009
5:11 pm
In Dimitroff we trust!
Ry
August 6th, 2009
5:12 pm
I hope Ferguson is not the end of it. I think a lot of people underestimate the impact that Douglas had last year and was expected to have this year. He added another wrinkle for defenses with his speed and was a good return guy. Also, without Roddy they do not have anyone that can stretch the defense downfield.
Turtsnap
August 6th, 2009
5:13 pm
While I was upset to hear about HD’s injury, lets keep it in perspective here….. He was the number 3 wide receiver. The more critical thing is to get Roddy’s butt into camp and hope that his little holdout doesn’t turn into Jamal’s ordeal in ‘99…. if you’ll remember, he held out for more money in ‘99, late to camp and blew out his knee.
I think we are ok without HD at number 3, where it hurts the most is the kick returning game. That is where HD was the factor last year. Please don’t resign Adam Jennings :O)
Ry
August 6th, 2009
5:14 pm
Turtsnap, I agree 100%.
boo hoo
August 6th, 2009
5:18 pm
Somewhere, Mike Vick cries.
LOLOLOL
Panties in a wad
August 6th, 2009
5:22 pm
Mark Bradley- “Ferguson might not be the end of it. Just sayin’.”
If I had a job to go to I would be so mad at you right now.
Panties in a wad
August 6th, 2009
5:23 pm
You need to get the IT guys to see about adding a “Quote” button. Would save us all some typing.
JerryRice
August 6th, 2009
5:31 pm
To Greedy White: Like a rotten apple you must remove it from the batch before it spoils the whole bunch. Rotten “apple” white is a process that needed to take place. Roddy thinks he is a stud, so he says, “Look world, look at me, I am the greatest wide receiver in the game today”; discounting the fact that Larry Fitzgerald has the greatest skills and the greatest hands to ever play the game. So Roddy deceived himself into thinking, I am the best receiver in the game today so I must get paid more money than anyone. That is a lie that will never be accepted by anyone. Roddy is a good wide receiver. He is nowhere near a great wide receiver. I think Roddy ranks between 20-30 in the league. I know there are at least 19 widouts who are better than White so White should be paid correspondinly to his position in the pecking order of talent and skills and not a penny more than that.
Mike Franklin
August 6th, 2009
5:36 pm
As a fan since 1968, I have to ask myself whether bowing down to kiss Roddy White in his wallet is worth it. My answer is no.
Someday, we’ll have the right mix. Good coaching, good offense, good defense, the perfect schedule. But for now? Roddy ain’t Jesus and sure as heck not worth what he is asking. I’d rather see the Falc’s hire Mike Vick as a Wide Out than roll over for that no catching, no training, easy at home Roddy.
Panties in a wad
August 6th, 2009
5:44 pm
Did the Bears sign Matt Jones or is he still a free agent?
tupac elliot
August 6th, 2009
5:50 pm
Hey those jinx days are gone. Injuries are a part of the game….The Falcons will be a successful team and francise….you nay sayers get another team….Go Falcons!
Gumbo
August 6th, 2009
5:53 pm
I know this is a CHEAP SHOT, but notice which part of Tony is closest to Ms. Okmin……
Get in Camp, Roddy!! Time to take one for the Team
tupac elliot
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
ya know Mark,,,,didnt you start this crap by agreeing with that Roddy hold out of camp….dang…..man, look what you did…he actually stakes his claim on a sports reporter……too bad for him…..let him play video games in Ala….does he not see the fans dont appreciate what he is doing to the chemistry of the TEAM!
tupac elliot
August 6th, 2009
5:59 pm
Hey AB , coach Smitty, And TD,,,,,show lil raddy that them ole days are gone ..Falcons are on a new horizon….lil raddy signed that contract, didnt bat an for two and a half seasons, (he was probably worried he was gonna get cut….) sind him out to Raiders..get rid of that cancer!!!! The cure is dont give in…..!!!!!!! Set the precedent, however, when a player deserves his due, set precedent there too! Go FAlcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dawgfan1911
August 6th, 2009
6:05 pm
Remember when Roddy was a bust who dropped passes all over the field his first couple years and everyone wanted to say he was a bust. They stuck with him and continued to believe in him and in return this is what they get a premadona receiver who thinks he deserve Fitzgerald type money. He could at least show up to camp, he is under contract. I know it is a business, but show some loyalty towards the team that continued to support you through your rough professional moments, dont give them your ass to kiss. I am sure the Falcons will take care of Roddy after the season starts. I am more dissappointed in him than anything.
Mike Vick Curse
August 6th, 2009
6:30 pm
I warned you fools…………
V-O-O-D-O-O!!!!
2004 & Counting!
Roddy White
August 6th, 2009
6:32 pm
Arthur please cut me! I want to go play with Joe Flacco so I can win playoff games.
Please Arthur………….
C U T—–M E !
GT GRAD
August 6th, 2009
6:34 pm
Vick would be a GREAT wideout, punt return specialist and kick-off return specialist…….if he would agree and have a good attitude about these postions, I say sign him up! QB no way…….he is just not talented enough at ALL aspects to be an effective QB in the NFL.
Marvin Harrison: Yes for the right money.
Marshall (from Denver): Yes for the right money and reasonable draft pick in the trade.
Roddy: Sign him to a $5M/year deal with incentives which allow him to reach $10M/year if he meets or exceeds set goals (ALL of the NFL, NBA & MLB contracts should use reasonable base salaries with automatic bonuses if the player meets or exceeds specific goals for each given year).
Go Falcons!
Matt Jones
August 6th, 2009
6:39 pm
Sign me Arthur Blank…..oh hold up **sniff**…..**snort snort**…..
Okay what was I saying?
Shane
August 6th, 2009
6:39 pm
So you’re JerryRice
What’s that mean to you, Shane?
I’ve heard about you.
What have you heard, Shane?
I’ve heard that you’re a low-down, Yankee liar
JT
August 6th, 2009
6:40 pm
Hopefully the dirty birds will continue the trend of being losers after they have a winning season. There’s no team that’s worse than Atlanta and there’s no city that’s more ghetto and pathetic.
GT GRAD
August 6th, 2009
6:42 pm
I didn’t really graduate, hell I didn’t even attend Georgia Tech – I just like to appear to be not a total jackass
JT
August 6th, 2009
6:45 pm
Atlanta is too “ghetto” yet I’m too broke to move. Oh God I’m living in the ghetto!
Brian Finneran
August 6th, 2009
6:46 pm
Hey Matty I’m open, throw the ball…….oh dang another ACL!
myra
August 6th, 2009
6:47 pm
Saw camp today. D.J. looookin good. John Parker W. not so bad. Redman not too good. And Matty Ice? Very good but also threw some pics.
Your welcome
Julius Peppers
August 6th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hey Matty, I can hardly wait!
Do you like your ribs medium or well done?
DJ Shockley
August 6th, 2009
6:53 pm
Myra thank you for having some football knowledge. Maybe this preseason I will actually get a start like I was promised last year.
Don’t be so hard on Matty, those picks were not his fault – Roddy usually bailed him out.
jb4falcons
August 6th, 2009
6:53 pm
The Patriots lose their QB Brady in the 1st game of the season. Probably the best QB in football.Their leader is down. What do they do? They simply matched our Falcons record and go 11-5 somehow missing the playoffs. What does this say? We will have back to back winning seasons. Yes, this time it is different. There are no such things as a jinx. It is what it is.
JJ
August 6th, 2009
6:53 pm
Roddy couldn’t hold Fitzgerald’s jock. He needs to get his rear in camp.
myra
August 6th, 2009
6:54 pm
And one more thing…why not Marvin Harrison? If any one had something to proveit would be him…….but if hes askin too much then fugetaboutit
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
6:57 pm
tupac elliot
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
ya know Mark,,,,didnt you start this crap by agreeing with that Roddy hold out of camp….dang…..man, look what you did…he actually stakes his claim on a sports reporter……too bad for him…..let him play video games in Ala….does he not see the fans dont appreciate what he is doing to the chemistry of the TEAM!
This one had nothing to do with me, Tupac. I never wrote that Roddy White should hold out.
Georgia On My Mind
August 6th, 2009
6:58 pm
Now that we know who the Falcons signed…here is a more important question: Why did it take so long for Selma Hayak to get married and so little time to get pregnant? Anyone?
Tampa Gator
August 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
Heck, I am so mad that the Falcons didn’t sign Ike Hillard that I am going to take out the crowbar in my car and assault the next person that drives by my house.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2009
7:03 pm
Mitun
August 6th, 2009
4:34 pm
hey MB… Do you think WR Reggie Williams fit for ATL?
He might well be a fit, Mitun, if not for him being on probation on a drug charge.
Roddy White here and listen up, dog
August 6th, 2009
7:17 pm
I am really just ticked off because Tony Gonzalez is camp and is going to take away some of my “prime time” catches this year, just when T.O. got moved to the Buff-town up NY way and no longer can steal “my time” on ESPN Sunday night highlights. And you know, I am the new highlight film now, Fitz or no Fitz. I am now the NFL’s “prime time” receiver and ye all know it, too. I tried on Fitz’s jock strap. Way too small man!
me
August 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
JT do us all a favor and go “play” in the road…in the ghetto…. if nothing happens in a hour, just keep playing.
Roddy the @@@HOLE
August 6th, 2009
7:22 pm
Hey, you folks who continue to buy the overpriced tickets to overpay these greedy overpaid basturds are the reason they keep asking for more. As for me, I told the money grubbing @@@holes to shove it 5 years ago by cancelling my season tickets!
JJ
August 6th, 2009
7:23 pm
JJ
August 6th, 2009
6:53 pm
You’re stealing my name, pic another! I’ve spent yrs tarnishing my name, dont need your help! The real JJ (go wareagles!)
bigeasy830
August 6th, 2009
7:48 pm
When Harry Douglass hurt his knee, Matt Ryan used an expletive, what did he say, “Oh Gee golly gosh darn’it”. HAHAHAHAHA. Roddy, imagine you going over the middle and noodle arm Ryan throwing a weak pass that flutters and hangs you out to dry for a safety to bust you up before you sign a new contract. I bet you after that pass Harry Douglass wish it was Michael Vick throwing it to him instead of old Matt “Noodle Arm” Ryan. You better stay home Roddy until you get your money.
Falcons, 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
Michael
August 6th, 2009
7:49 pm
“Were these the Pittsburgh Steelers”…If these were the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Stop using were over If…it bothers the bajeezes out of me!! I could take up your job right now and do better.
Also, let us not get down on the Falcons so fast. William Moore is out for a month and will be healthy by at least week 2 of the regular season from what I predict. Sure, losing Harry is tough but someone will fill in for him. And, Thomas DeCoud has been impressive and heading that safety position anyways.
Let’s not get our pants in a tangle. Everyone has injuries, it is part of the game. If Matty Ice gets indicted for killing his dogs, then I will say “here we go again”
Until that time, I am behind this team. They are younger, but more athletic than last year. And let’s not forget, despite what those pundits say, that Atlanta was NEVER blown out last year. They were in every single game they played into the 4th quarter. I believe they will be just as competitive this year.
We just are not used to having such a staple quarterback. With Ryan and coach Smith will come consistency
JJ
August 6th, 2009
7:54 pm
fishyfishyfishy, not tonight!