The Falcons are playing, and we’re chatting live (via TV)
I'm not mentioning this guy's name the rest of the day. (AP photo)
Over the past few days, It has been easy to forget that the franchise Michael Vick left behind is still preparing for its season. For those keeping score, this will be the Falcons’ third post-Vick campaign, and the previous two have ranged from morose (4-12 in 2007) to downright giddy (11-5 in ‘08).
But it is just the Falcons’ luck to open their exhibition season on the same day Vick partook of his first NFL practice as an Eagle. It’s weird how this keeps happening. Vick’s first Virginia court date came on Day 1 of Training Camp 2007 in Flowery Branch. Vick’s guilty plea came on the day the Falcons played a nationally televised exhibition. Vick’s sentencing came on the day the Falcons played the Saints on Monday night.
But here I make a pledge: I will not, in this post, mention that man’s name again. It’s time to focus on the Atlanta Falcons, who have a pretty fair quarterback in their own right. And today, from the lush splendor of Vinings Estates, I will see how Mr. Matt Ryan, the No. 3 pick in the 2008 draft, looks vis-a-vis Mr. Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick in 2009.
Not to say I’m smart or anything — as we know, I ain’t — but I did think Mr. Ryan would be a fine pro. I’m not so sure about Mr. Stafford, whom I saw throw his first collegiate pass (against Western Kentucky) and his last (against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl). Stafford is the greater talent, but I haven’t yet seen in him the attention to detail that Ryan brings to every facet of football.
But I’m willing to be proved wrong. The Falcons proved me wrong in 2008, winning 11 games after I’d guessed they’d lose 11. This time I’m saying 10-6 with an NFC South title, but what do I know? I do know this, though: If the Falcons lose to the 0-for-2008 Detroit Lions, Mike Smith’s gotta go.
So join me as I make these and other pronouncements. We’ll get going in earnest around 3:45 p.m. — kickoff is set for 4 — And if I break down and mention the name I just promised not to mention, I expect to be chastised severely. So pay attention, people!
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313 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
August 15th, 2009
2:41 pm
I am looking forward to the game this afternoon – if for no other reason that to see and hear some talk about the Falcons that does NOT include the former #7.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
2:43 pm
I’m sorry, Reid, but I know not of whom you speak.
Tired of Dumb (nameless player) Fans & Glad Matt Ryan is Here
August 15th, 2009
2:49 pm
Thank you Mark Bradley. It is past time to stop talking about the nameless wonder who will never win the city another game and focus on the guys who are busting their butts on the field for THIS city.
There are a lot of story lines with this team, a lot of good guys who aren’t criminals and coddled, a lot of great games on the schedule and a city that needs to move on. Let’s go Falcons.
Smashmouth
August 15th, 2009
2:50 pm
Right on Bradley, we need to be focused only on the Falcons and who they play any given week. That Smith gotta go comment is a little edgy for you isn’t it? Any word on who is going to bring speed to the slot now that Douglas is out? Booker and Finn will play some, but I think a speedy #3 would have lots of room to move throughout the D with all the attention the other skill players will be drawing. Tough loss, get well HD.
Falcons4Ever
August 15th, 2009
2:55 pm
I wish everyone would quit bringing up the Mike Vick issue. My God, can’t we just leave it in the past. He was a great athlete and should be a good one still but he’s no QB. Funny how our receivers didn’t start being good until Matt was drafted. Now that’s a great QB!!!!!!! I for one am looking forward to a good year. I know we have a tough schedule but we’ll survive and with a little luck here and there make it deeper into the playoffs. Back to back winning seasons for the first time. We finally have people in the right place making the right decisions. Things will only get better for this franchise.
Bourbon Dawgwalker
August 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
Amen to the end of the former qb speak. I just want to see our current qb make some throws to Gonzalez and see if Norwood and break a long one. Also looking forward to seeing how some former Dawgs do, particularly Stafford and Thomas Brown.
Falcons4Ever
August 15th, 2009
2:57 pm
Yeah, Are there any FA’s out there who could help at the WR spot?
The Hometown Kid
August 15th, 2009
2:58 pm
Will this game be on TV tonight MB??
Big O
August 15th, 2009
2:59 pm
Hi neighbor,
I’m glad to have some Live football on. All those reruns on the NFL Network got old quick. I will be going back and forth between the Braves and Falcons with a slight tilt towards the Birds. There is a youtube video just posted of MV7 practice reps.
Falcons4Ever
August 15th, 2009
3:03 pm
The Hometown Kid
August 15th, 2009
2:58 pm
Will this game be on TV tonight MB??
It will be on the NFL network at 4:00 today.
Falcons4Ever
August 15th, 2009
3:05 pm
Who will be taking Douglas’ job on punt returns?
FalconUGAFan
August 15th, 2009
3:06 pm
Can’t wait. Got my wings warming and my beer cooling up here in DC…. I know its a preseason, but I’m ready to see what glories my beloved Falcons will bestow upon us. Ok, so really I’m just ready for some football!
Reid Adair
August 15th, 2009
3:13 pm
Mark, come on. Surely that doesn’t count as mentioning his name!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:14 pm
The Falcons-Lions game is also on WXIA — I believe that’s 11Alive — at 4 p.m., for those in the Atlanta market.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:14 pm
It doesn’t, Reid. I’m just playing around.
La Jolla Dawg
August 15th, 2009
3:17 pm
Looking forward to watching a Falcons pre-season game–first time I can remember one being televised nationally (well, live anyway).
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:17 pm
It will be interesting to see if the two free-agent receivers — Booker and Ferguson — contribute much today. Also to see how Roddy White looks. As I recall, he held out for a while, didn’t he?
And I know everyone wants to see Peria Jerry, but I have to say the rookie that intrigues me is Lawrence Sidbury, the defensive end from Richmond. If he’s as good as the Falcons think he is, they’ll have a pass rusher to bookend John Abraham.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:19 pm
The Smith’s-gotta-go comment wasn’t edgy, Smashmouth. It was what we in the trade refer to as a stupid joke.
FalconUGAFan
August 15th, 2009
3:21 pm
How is Peria’s ankle?
mitch
August 15th, 2009
3:24 pm
Dear Mr. MB–Doreen told me I had to cut the yard and clean the bathroom. I guess that’s it for me today as far as football on TV is concerned. I don’t care. Your pal, Mitch
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:27 pm
I believe I’d heed Doreen, were I you, Mitch. You’ll be with us in spirit, though.
And I think Jerry’s OK, FalconUGA. I know he was listed No. 1 on the depth chart the other day. Which brings me to something: The Falcons described their depth chart as “unofficial.” Who, then, would have the official Falcons’ depth chart? The Denver Broncos? The Montreal Canadiens?
Joseph Russo
August 15th, 2009
3:30 pm
Hey MB, whos gonna emerge as the #2 and #3 qbs on the roster. Will the former dawg pull out the backup job, or will the baby faced bama kid beat him out for the #3?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:31 pm
And while we’re waiting for the gymnastics on Channel 11 to end, I added a YouTube clip of Peria Jerry highlights above. You Georgia fans will particularly enjoy watching him help Ole Miss beat the hated Gators in 2008.
FlyHigh
August 15th, 2009
3:32 pm
Some reports say Grimes has won the cb opposite Houston, is the competition over and if so then are we in trouble there?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:33 pm
I think Redman’s the definite No. 2, Joseph. It’s the same principle as with pinch-hitters in baseball. You’d rather have an older guy coming in cold off the bench. And I think No. 3’s a tossup. I will tell you one thing D.J. Shockley has working for him, though: He and Matt Ryan have formed a very close alliance.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:34 pm
I don’t know that the competition can be over before the exhibitions have even begun, FlyHigh.
JMayne
August 15th, 2009
3:39 pm
Mark, i saw this Aaron Kelly kid play at Clemson, and at times he looked incredible. Big, decent speed, and can jump. Do you the he has a shot to make the team.
La Jolla Dawg
August 15th, 2009
3:42 pm
Hard to believe #3 qb position would be a toss up. JPW doesn’t have the same level of experience DJ Shockley does and he’s not as mobile. Additionally, Shockley spent the past year in the Falcons’ system and is the “older guy” so how can it be a toss up?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:42 pm
Yes, I do, JMayne. The Falcons signed him as a free agent almost immediately after the draft, and he was considered by many among the dozen best undrafted players. And receivers are hard to rate, as we know. Wasn’t Marques Colston a seventh-rounder?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:43 pm
I believe the Falcons have liked what they’ve seen of JPW so far, La Jolla. That’s how.
FlyHigh
August 15th, 2009
3:44 pm
Perhaps unlike you and I, a paid columnist,Pat Yaskinas at Espn believes a competition can be over. I agree with you, but from this quote on his blog, it sounds like a done deal for Grimes:
” know there’s been a lot of talk about the battle for the starting cornerback job opposite Chris Houston. But I’m not so sure this battle is really still a battle. It looks like Brent Grimes might have settled things already. The Falcons keep raving about Grimes’ athletic ability. Rookie Christopher Owens, Chevis Jackson and Von Hutchins are still in the mix, but I think they might be fighting for the nickelback job.”
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 15th, 2009
3:45 pm
Hello Mark,
Thought I’d drop by the chat. It’s about 15 minutes before kickoff and there are oh, maybe 200 to 300 people inside Ford Field. Matthew Stafford fever has not caught on yet. And, one more thing, Calvin Johnson is not playing.
–DOL
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:46 pm
That’s interesting. Because obviously the Falcons weren’t so high on Grimes a year ago, when he got hurt and lost his job. I don’t think they’ve ever viewed Von Hutchins as much more than a nickel back, but there has been some hope that Chevis Jackson can be a starting CB. And obviously they liked Owens enough to draft him.
eric
August 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
ready to get this season started falcons eagles nfc championship game get ready people because that will be loudest the dome has been since san fransico 98 playoffs.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
3:49 pm
Thanks, D-Led.
And let me make this clear. Esteemed colleage D. Orlando Ledbetter is at Ford Field. I’m at home in Smyrna/Mableton/Vinings, where Mr. Ledbetter is a pillar of the community, as is Hawks writer Sekou Smith.
And if there are only 300 people on hand at Ford Field, D-Led shouldn’t have much of an issue with post-game traffic.
FlyHigh
August 15th, 2009
3:52 pm
If Chevis wins the job I think we will be in a better place than having Grimes at around 5 foot zero. No disrespect to Grimes, he is in an NFL camp afterall, but if he starts at CB then the likes of Brady, Big Ben, Brees, Eli all will certainly target that side of the field all day long. Hopefully Chevis is the real deal we thought he was to draft him.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 15th, 2009
3:57 pm
National Anthem time. U.S. Army from Jackson, Michigan presenting the colors.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 15th, 2009
4:01 pm
Singer’s microphone didn’t work. The crowd pitched in and helped out singing the National Anthem. Kind of nice to know folks haven’t forgotten the words!!!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:02 pm
Randy Waters and Brian Baldinger doing the game on Channel 11. Don’t know who’s doing it on the NFL Network. My cable system doesn’t carry it.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:05 pm
Very nice. Channel 11 has already lost its feed. Just got it back, though.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:06 pm
D-Led wasn’t kidding. Looks like there are 12 people on hand. Not counting the teams.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:07 pm
Well, the Lions are catching on. Ryan throws deep for Michael Jenkins, the same receiver who took Ryan’s frist NFL pass for a touchdown against the Lions last season. But this one’s overthrown.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:11 pm
Tony Gonzalez catches a pass for a first down on second-and-long. I’m guessing he’ll catch a few more in 2009.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:22 pm
Falcons defense looks awful on first Lions drive. No pass rush, an illegal-contact penalty (refused) on Grimes, Culpepper scrambling effectively. Only a third-down sack by Thomas Johnson on a Culpepper bootleg holds Lions to a FG. It’s 3-0.
Birdman
August 15th, 2009
4:23 pm
The Falcons are looking sluggish, and the Lions are looking hungry.
Angus
August 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
Too early to call our LB’s slow (Peterson in particular)?
GritzBlitzin
August 15th, 2009
4:24 pm
Coach Smith not happy!
SC
August 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
How about that Thomas Johnson? Mark, could DTturn out to be the most improved position for the Falcons?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
Smitty looking mad on the sideline. Yelling at the defense, red in the face. Guess he knows he’s gone if he loses this one.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:27 pm
I think we all know it’s going to take a while for the D to find its feet. But that was a pretty lackluster start. (I know, it’s only a preseason game.)
GritzBlitzin
August 15th, 2009
4:28 pm
Nice audible Matt!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:30 pm
End-around to Roddy White fizzles. I hate plays like that early in a game.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
Finneran with a first-down catch. Ryan settling in now. Falcons past midfield.
La Jolla Dawg
August 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
Burner!
GritzBlitzin
August 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
HECK YEA!!! There goes the TRAIN!!!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:32 pm
And the Burner Turner breaks a 40-yarder up the gut for a touchdown. Huge hole.
That’s more like it, I’d suggest.
dl
August 15th, 2009
4:34 pm
TD up the gut!!!!! Finally our offense is waking up, but we need Milloy back on defense. We don’t have enough vets on defense, sign Derrick Brooks and Lawyer Milloy.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
Falcons ran a trap on the TD run. Dahl and Mughelli crunched the corner linebacker, and Clabo cleared out underneath. Textbook.
And I was wondering how long it would take Randy Waters to correct Brian Baldinger on his errant claim that Turner led the NFL in rushing last season. Less than a quarter, as it turns out.
Birdman
August 15th, 2009
4:36 pm
Peterson did look slow when Culpepper ran away from him.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:37 pm
Peria Jerry still not in yet.
reggie
August 15th, 2009
4:38 pm
flipping between falcons,braves, and golf.Tiger still 7 under
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:39 pm
I’m sorry. Jerry is in now. Wasn’t in on the first series. The Falcons just gave up a first down. Lofton slow to cover the fullback in the flat.
Quarter ends. Falcs 7, Lions 3.
reggie
August 15th, 2009
4:39 pm
Lions should go old school and let Culpepper play this season,that way he can see the game and not get shellshocked
reggie
August 15th, 2009
4:40 pm
meaning Stafford
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:41 pm
I’d be surprised if Culpepper isn’t the Week 1 starter, Reggie. The Falcons wouldn’t have gone with Ryan on Opening Day last season if they’d had any doubt at all.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:42 pm
Grimes breaks up a pass.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:43 pm
Abraham with a big inside rush on third down. Culpepper scrambles away but runs OOB short of the first.
Eric Weems back to receive the punt. Fair-catches it.
bobcat31096
August 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
must be nice to be able to watch the game . nfl network has it blacked out where i live in dublin ga .
dl
August 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
anyone else watching this game?
dl
August 15th, 2009
4:44 pm
Enter your comments here
dl
August 15th, 2009
4:46 pm
Bring back Jeff George!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:47 pm
You haven’t missed much, Bobcat.
Ryan out at QB. Redman in. Two penalties in two snaps — holding and illegal shift.
bobcat31096
August 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
and cant pick up any of the atlanta channels. been waiting all week for the game and this happens .whats up with that ?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
Who says Marty Booker can’t still play in the NFL? He catches a pass on second-and-long. And on third-and-five but comes up short of the first down, which is hard to do on third-and-five.
KevinGT
August 15th, 2009
4:48 pm
Thank God my neighbor Mark called me and let me know the game was on! Last week, I made a note that was scheduled for 8pm tonight. I checked ajc.com this morning and I saw no indication of a schedule change. I understand these game times can change but it would be nice to see the local game schedule change as a headline with a minor story. Maybe it was there and I missed it. But I did look for it a 8am and found nothing. Anyway, back to the game.
Go Falcons!
PS. Go Calvin!
KornDawg
August 15th, 2009
4:49 pm
I’m watching on Fox 54 in Augusta ( in standard def) because the HD feed on the NFL network is blacked out due to local coverage. Which means I can’t watch the Braves game on Fox. I’m not happy but at least it’s football.
bobcat31096
August 15th, 2009
4:50 pm
put D.J.shockley in there or is he still with the falcons ?
dl
August 15th, 2009
4:51 pm
ANyone agree that we could use a vet like D.Brooks? or am i on crack?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:52 pm
Alas, Calvin Johnson won’t play today, KevinGT. Slight injury.
La Jolla Dawg
August 15th, 2009
4:53 pm
The 11 Alive feed is what the NFL Network is showing. They are even showing Atlanta promos for the Tonight Show.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:54 pm
There’s always a chance, DL, that the Falcons will add a veteran in August. They added Foxworth and Fudge late in August last season.
Falcons D forces a punt.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 15th, 2009
4:54 pm
I think the Falcons oughta look at bringing back Lawyer Milloy.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:55 pm
Eric Weems with a nice punt return past midfield. Gets bumped out by the punter, though.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:56 pm
I doubt seriously the Falcons will think seriously about Lawyer Milloy. The Cardinals playoff loss is pretty fresh in their minds.
Benjamin
August 15th, 2009
4:57 pm
Mark,
Got a ball signed by Matt Ryan and Michael Turner at Falcons camp on Tuesday — was a VIP for the first time in my life, in anything (lol) — and then went on to have both DJ and Finn sign it. My friends were really getting onto me for “devaluing the ball,” but I actually like the third and fourth guys more than the first two. Shock’s my favorite Georgia player perhaps ever, and Finn is my favorite Falcon outside of DJ.
What would you have done? Would you have let the other two sign, or ran for the gate and posted the ball on EBay?
Turtsnap
August 15th, 2009
4:58 pm
Mark, regarding Sidbury I was shocked and excited to see him drop down to the Falcons in the draft. Before the draft, all the draft analysts regarded him in high esteem!
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
4:59 pm
I’d get all the signatures I could and keep the thing, Benjamin. Memories are more important than money, I always say.
Turtsnap
August 15th, 2009
4:59 pm
Nice play by Roddy, caught it and immediately knew where he had to be to get a 1st down
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:00 pm
Roddy White catches a pass for a first down.
Baldinger is going on about how the Falcons have to get the ball to Jerious Norwood. Haven’t we all been saying this for 10 years?
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 15th, 2009
5:01 pm
Understood Mark,good point.
KevinGT
August 15th, 2009
5:01 pm
Thanks, Mark, for the Calvin update. I read the article about his practice this week with 3 quarterbacks so I hoping to see a little long ball from the Lions. All the better for the Falcons!
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 15th, 2009
5:02 pm
Mark, what are you thoughts on Chevis Jackson?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:02 pm
Elam hits from 46. It’s 10-3 Falcons. About time for Stafford, don’t you think?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:03 pm
My thoughts on Chevis Jackson: The Falcons are trying to convince themselves he can be a starting CB — they like him a lot — but they aren’t there yet.
La Jolla Dawg
August 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
Nice applause for Stafford–well from the 12 people who are there.
bobcat31096
August 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
is stafford suppose to play?
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:05 pm
Stafford comes on. Gets a cheer from the underflow crowd. Stafford throws on first down. Colbert drops it. Gets booed. (Colbert, not Stafford.)
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:06 pm
And now Stafford calls a TO.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:08 pm
Stafford throws again. Completes this one.
Trey Lewis and Jerry are now the DTs.
Mark Bradley
August 15th, 2009
5:09 pm
Stafford throws on third down. Colbert drops it again. Isn’t this what happened to Matthew as a Georgia freshman?