The 2009 Falcons: A slow start yields to a furious finish
Good news: The team is accustomed to its coaches, and vice versa. Bad news: The schedule is much more difficult. Good news: The defense is faster. Bad news: The defense is younger. What will it all mean for the 2009 Falcons? Something like this:
Miami, Sept. 13: The first pass of Matt Ryan’s first season went for a touchdown. The second pass of his second season will do likewise. This won’t become a negative until he’s as old as George Blanda. Falcons 27, Dolphins 17.
Carolina, Sept. 20: Here’s what we private detectives call a red herring. The Panthers come to the Dome, exploit the Falcons’ remade secondary and lay early claim to the NFC South title. Panthers 23, Falcons 17.
At New England, Sept. 27: Speaking of an exploited secondary, here come Messrs. Brady and Moss and Welker, and there go 41 big fat points up on the ol’ Foxborough scoreboard. Patriots 41, Falcons 14.
At San Francisco, Oct. 11: The Falcons come off their bye and begin to put things right. And didn’t the annual trip to San Fran used to be a nightmare? What happened to the Niners, anyway? Falcons 30, 49ers 17.
Chicago, Oct. 18: New quarterback in Chi, as you’ve doubtless heard. Won’t matter. The Bears still haven’t gotten over those final 11 seconds from last season, and now Jason Elam does it again. Falcons 23, Bears 20.
At Dallas, Oct. 25: Not much in-between with the Cowboys. Depending on the observer, Dallas is either a Super Bowl team or NFL’s the most overrated club. It won’t look overrated this day. Cowboys 28, Falcons 20.
At New Orleans, Nov. 2: When last the Falcons played on Monday night in the Superdome, they were overwhelmed in the Katrina Game. They won’t be overwhelmed this time. They won’t win, either. Saints 31, Falcons 24.
Washington, Nov. 8: The Falcons are under .500 and are 0-2 in the NFC South, which makes this a gut check. It will also be the game on which the season turns. Defense starts to grow up. Falcons 31, Redskins 14.
At Carolina, Nov. 15: The Falcons weren’t better than the Panthers in September, but they are now. They’ll win a massive road game and serve notice that the division title is still within their reach. Falcons 23, Panthers 17.
Loading ...At New York Giants, Nov. 22: Boy, the schedule just won’t let up, will it? The Falcons give the NFC’s best team a royal scare, but the noise and the cold and the opponent prove too tough. Giants 24, Falcons 20.
Tampa Bay, Nov. 29: Don’t look now, but the schedule is about to ease, just in time. The Falcons nose back above .500 with a comprehensive win over the club that dumped Jon Gruden. Falcons 30, Buccaneers 14.
Philadelphia, Dec. 6: Let’s assume this one’s sold out. Let’s assume this gets moved to Sunday night. Let’s assume Michael Vick not only plays but scores the winning touchdown. Eagles 27, Falcons 24.
New Orleans, Dec. 13: It’s starting to coalesce — offense, defense, Mike Smith’s pregame speech. The Falcons bear only slight resemblance to the team of September, and that’s good! Falcons 33, Saints 20.
At New York Jets, Dec. 20: Back to the Meadowlands for a much easier assignment. The Jets are OK, but they’re not the Giants. And the Falcons, bang on cue, are really rumbling. Falcons 23, Jets 14.
Buffalo, Dec. 27: Confetti drops from the ceiling two days after Christmas. The Falcons clinch a second consecutive winning season for the first time ever. Only took 43 years. Falcons 30, Bills 17.
At Tampa Bay, Jan. 3: Two days after Georgia wins the Outback Bowl in Raymond James Stadium, the Falcons win the NFC South. They finish 10-6 and head to the playoffs. Wasn’t easy, though. Falcons 28, Buccaneers 13.
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145 comments Add your comment
Barry
August 21st, 2009
10:55 am
First!!! I love ya Mark. You articles are what blogs are all about. They inspire conversation. I think you’re record prediction is right on, just some of the specific games are off. They beat Carolina here, but not there. I think they win in N.O. Come to think of it, they might go 11-5
rduck
August 21st, 2009
10:55 am
1st
rduck
August 21st, 2009
10:56 am
2nd?
gdg73
August 21st, 2009
10:57 am
It might be a shoot-out in New England. More like 41-34, New England. Also, I just don’t see the Cowboys beating the Falcons. I think they are over-rated. When all else fails, just run right at Brooking 3:16.
rduck
August 21st, 2009
10:57 am
I would hope that they do not lose to Philly. The dog-diehard fans of Vick would never shutup about it.
washedup
August 21st, 2009
10:59 am
Mark, that would make for an interesting and exciting season, should it play out that way. “Sure things” are fun in some things, but not football.
Benjamin
August 21st, 2009
11:05 am
7th!
I like the 10-6, but think we’ll take a different path to get there.
El Bravo
August 21st, 2009
11:05 am
MB, I think the record is on target but we take a different path to get there. We probably havee to start the season 4 and 1 to get to 10 wins. We have to win early games against Miami, Carolina and Chicago at home plus San Fran on the road before we get to the meat of the schedule. The five games following Chicago will be very tough…
T-Bone
August 21st, 2009
11:09 am
Good stuff. I think one of the Panthers games, the Dallas game, and the Philly game are toss ups.
Duh!!
August 21st, 2009
11:13 am
Mark are you bored?
Herschel Talker
August 21st, 2009
11:17 am
MB – kissing the butt of the Vick supporters again. It never ends…
FALCONS SORRY
August 21st, 2009
11:18 am
ATL FALCONS! YOU ARE TRYING TO CELEBRATE THE PAST BECAUSE YOU PEOPLE KNOW THE BEST DAYS OF THIS FRANCHISE ARE BEHIND IT! THE BEST DAYS FOR THE FALCONS TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 2001 AND 2006 WHEN THE GREATEST QB AND FOOTBALL PLAYER TOOK THE FILLED AND PUT HIS SKILLS ON DISPLAY HERE! VERY FEW TEAMS HAVE THE CHANCE TO HAVE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE GAME AND A FUTURE HALL OF FAMER PERSON BE THE FACE OF THEY FRANCHISE! THE FALCONS WERE ONE SUCH TEAM BUT WERE TOO STUPID TO REALIZE THE MONEY AND FAME AND FORTUNE AND FANS AND TICKETS SOLD OUT THAT THIS MAN BROUGHT TO THIS CITY! HAVING # 7 PLAY ON YOUR CITYS FOOTBALL TEAM IS LIKE HAVING MICHEAL JORDAN TIGER WOODS AND BIG SHAQ ALL ROLED INTO ONE! THE NFL MAY BE CRAZY BUT THEY ARE NOT STUPID AND THAT IS WHY THEY ARE SELLING THE # 7 EAGELS JERSEY AND SELLING OUT OF THEM EVER DAY! HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO STILL GET THE FALCONS REGULAR AND THROW BACK OLD SCHOOL JERSEY WITH # 7 ON THEM INSTEAD OF # 2 WHEN HE DONT EVEN PLAY HERE ANY MORE! THE FALCONS COULD HAVE THEY CHEER LEADERS PROMISE TO TAKE OFF ALL THEY CLOTHS AND HALF TIME AND THE FALCONS COULD STILL NOT SELL OUT THE DOME WITH MATT HOPELESS AS QB! NOT UNLESS OLD # 7 IS MAKING A SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE LIKE HE WILL DO ON DECEMEBER 6! VENGENCE WILL BE SERVE IN THE DOME THAT WEEK! KEEP CLINGING TO THE PAST BECAUSE THAT WILL BE ALL YOU GOT LEFT TO HOLD ON TO AUTHUR BLANK!
DawginLex
August 21st, 2009
11:29 am
1st, the unis scare me. All I can see is Marion Campbell roaming the sidleines. Maybe I will get past it.
I had originally thought 10-6 but hadn’t really looked at the schedule. The only sure “L” is NE away. Split with Carolina and the Saints, sweep the Bucs and drop one at NYG and/or Dallas.
I’m now thinking 11-5. Philly will not win the game in the Dome. No way. Ain’t gonna happen.
Falcons sorry:
1st, turn your all caps off
2nd, no one is a racist in regards to Vick just because he broke the law, got caught and did time.
3rd, Matt ryan will win more games as Falcons QB than Vick ever dreamed of winning.
4th, Vick has his 2nd chance. Let him earn respect.
Bubba
August 21st, 2009
11:31 am
Too bad your “Submit Comment” button doesn’t have a “Stupid” filter on it. I feel sorry for FALCONS SORRY’s wife, she has to listen to that ignoramus all day. Unless she’s either A). as stupid as he is, or B). nonexistent.
To the matter at hand, I think the Falcons’ D is going to be better than everyone gives them credit for. Which is fine by me, the less other teams are prepared, the better. The problem with predictions like this, Mark, is that it’s all based on last year’s info. That was yesterday – what have you got to show me today? “Young” does not mean “worse,” Mark. Give us some tangible information – something other than “they’re young” – from which you base your conclusions.
MiltonDawg
August 21st, 2009
11:32 am
FalconsSorry- hooked on phonics worked for me!! Vick will get humiliated on 12/6.
MB- most games look pretty accurate- I think the Falcons will beat the Panthers twice though. Delhomme doesn’t look to be that solid this year. Great running game though. Cowboys will be overrated-again. I’m calling an upset @ DAL & NE (if that game was played in NOV or DEC..NE all the way because of the weather).
leland
August 21st, 2009
11:34 am
I agree, Falcons Sorry, vengence will be serve.
Ignore the trolls
August 21st, 2009
11:35 am
Stop feeding the trolls you fools. The troll above is some loser playing a character and nothing more. Stop reacting to him and he’ll eventually go away.
On another topic, the throw backs look good. In fact, I think they look better then the regular uniforms. The falcons should consider wearing them full time instead of the Arena like uniforms they wear now.
Cameron
August 21st, 2009
11:37 am
Falcons sorry:
Your ignorance shows in your grammar and spelling.
David Smith
August 21st, 2009
11:46 am
I was the only person at my job last season to believe this team had a chance to do something special last season (everyone laughed when I said we would at least win 10 games). For the first time in my 38 years of watching this team do I sense “something special” about this franchise going into a season this year. I hope that we will take the next step of the “process” deep into the playoffs this year and bring a championship home to this long suffering football city (my prediction is 11-5 again).
gdg73
August 21st, 2009
11:47 am
True ignorance is displayed when you “nuts” keep responding to FALCONSORRY’s posts. Sadly, it works everytime.
Mark Bradley
August 21st, 2009
11:49 am
Thanks, Barry. We do try here at AJC.com.
midnite
August 21st, 2009
11:53 am
Fingers crossed for 10-6, that should get us in the playoffs. I don’t think Philly will beat us in the Dome, glad we are not going to the Linc. There will be emotional pressure on Vick, but he probably won’t get in the game you know being the 3rd string QB. Love those throwback uni’s. Pumped for tonight in St. Louis. GO Falcons!
hawkfan
August 21st, 2009
11:53 am
10-6 or 11-5 sound good … but we should beat Miami and Philly camon …
Question
August 21st, 2009
11:59 am
Mark – Who’s the coach of the Dallas Cowboys when they are supposed to beat us Wade Phillips or Mike Shanehan?
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
12:04 pm
Mark, you honestly believe an 8-win Georgia team is going to get a New Year’s Day Bowl Game?
With Soft Willie Martinez at the helm of the defense, we’ll be lucky to get to the Peach Bowl this year.
As for the Falcons, I’m with you.
They’ll be one game worse this year, even if they’re better.
What I don’t believe, though, is the small amount of points you have the offense scoring in some of these games, especially against an old defense like the Patriots.
Believe you me, that game will be a shootout, with a score more like 40 – 38 than your lopsided score.
The Falcons look to have one of the all-time offenses this year, with all of those Pro Bowl toys at Ryan’s disposal.
Mike's Pitt Bull
August 21st, 2009
12:11 pm
It will be ruff, but I feel better with a QB who throws down the field to receivers instead of a RB who takes snaps.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
August 21st, 2009
12:16 pm
EAGLES 50
FALCONS 3
EAGLES HAVE TOO MANY OFFENSIVE WEAPONS AND THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A DEFENSE. THE FALCONS DEFENSE WILL BE ON THE FIELD ALLLLLLLLLL DAY LONG!
oldbird
August 21st, 2009
12:18 pm
Why do you folks read Falcons Sorry’s posts? I started skipping over his racist ramblings weeks ago and have been enjoying the blogs ever since.
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
12:18 pm
Yeah, Vick Jock Supporter, we certainly saw that “awesome” Eagles defense last night.
Seems to me, that when faced with a multi-attack offense like the Falcons will bring (much like Indy last night) and without Jim Johnson’s genius on the sidelines, Philly isn’t going to be quite as good as people believe.
Also, the bad karma from employing a sociopathic animal torturer and abuser will bite them in the @$$ (pun intended).
Just Sayin'
August 21st, 2009
12:19 pm
Week 13: Mike Vick, meet John Abraham. John-Michael. That said, 10-6 feels about right.
DawginLex
August 21st, 2009
12:29 pm
Falcons 35
Eagles 10
vick 0-7 0 yards 2 INT
Bad News
August 21st, 2009
12:31 pm
Did you guys know that Matt Ryan is only 5 years younger than Vick?
Matt is 24 years and is just now entering his 2nd year – that’s old for a sophomore season. Let’s put that into perspective, by the time Vick was 24:
Landed Brett Favre 1st lost in playoffs at home
2 Playoff wins
1 Championship game appearance
2 Pro bowl selections
Finalist for MVP in his 1st season as starter
Matt being a 5-year college player is a long time. 5 years in college is a long time, since Vick only played 2 years.
My question is this:
If Ryan is so-called more elite than Vick, how can this be if he spent 5-years in college, compared to only 2-years for Vick, yet Vick won his 1st playoff game as a starter at age 22, yet Matt at age 23 failed to win in the playoffs and has no pro bowl selections.
Someone please explain to me how he is elite?
Mark Bradley
August 21st, 2009
12:48 pm
The late Jim Johnson was indeed a fine coach and fine fellow. And he had, even though the Eagles always did well against Michael Vick, great respect for No. 7.
JAG
August 21st, 2009
12:49 pm
I like 10-6, but you have October messed up. Bears win it this time, then the Falcons turn around and win at Dallas. I understand the logic of losing to Carolina because it is week 2, young defense, etc. but I see them each winning their games at home.
Boo Boo
August 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
Who was the AJC seer that saw a 5-11 season last year? Only goes to show that Mark Bradley has as much ability to inaccurately fantasize about the future as anyone. The problem is he has now foreseen wonderful things ahead. That’s called a jinx. Looks like that 5-11 season is going to catch up with Bradley and the Birds this year.
Last in the NFC South, due to a defense that will be looking to sign big name free agents for 2011. Injuries will abound, most damaging will be the knee of Matt Ryan, by the third game of the year, and Mike Turner’s leg blowing out soon after. Led by another succession of backup quarterbacks, and the inability to sustain a running game, the offense will be pitted against the defense for which will be the NFL’s biggest laughing stock.
And darn it, Mike Vick will not play against the Falcons, but the Eagles will still win easily. Vick will be nursing a hamstring injury, and on the verge of being cut by the Eagles at the end of the year, rather than pay him $5-mil next year as a wildcatter.
There, the jinx is reversed. A prediction of doom and gloom, typical of 43 years of Atlanta Falcon history has been made. Now maybe the Falcons will have a chance to play each game as they come, without anyone knowing the outcome in advance.
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
Bad News, you’re a moron.
Vick spent 3 years in college, first of all.
Both of them were red shirted.
Matt Ryan, as a ROOKIE QB, led his team to the playoffs starting every single game while being asked to do much more than “not lose” the game as Joe Fluke-O was.
This has NEVER happened in NFL history.
Mike Vick played sparingly until his second year.
In his second year, he played the best he’s ever played. Yep. Guy peaked in his first year starting.
Hmmm. Why could that be?
Is it because after his first year, people (like Tampa in particular) figured out how to stop his gimmick?
Make him pass, and he’s a MEDIOCRE QB at best. Let him run, and he’s a running back, albeit a good one that can beat you.
Matt Ryan is by far a better QB.
Mike Vick’s stats and winning percentage got worse and worse every year he played.
Also, Mike Vick refused to do the kind of hard work that separated the talented guys from the all-time greats.
He was the last guy in and the first guy out. He didn’t watch film. He didn’t work with his receivers. He didn’t take part in offseason conditioning.
He was also had absolutely no leadership skills and non of the intangibles, the “it” that makes guys like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Matt Ryan stand apart.
I reiterate… you’re a moron.
Cincinatti Bowtie
August 21st, 2009
12:53 pm
MANILOVETHEALLCAPSBUTTONANDHATEMYSPACEBAR…GO VICK!!!
spectator
August 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
OK, bad news, I will explain but am guessing you won’t understand. Vick is a turkey who just spent two years in prison and may never start another game at QB. Vick left college early because he was too dumb to pass college courses. Matt Ryan had an excellent rookie year and was selected offensive rookie of the year. He also LED his team to an 11 win season. Every knowledgeable football person in the NFL rate Ryan as an ELITE QB. Got it now????
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
Also, Bad News (nice name by the way idiot), Mike Vick came out after his redshirt sophomore year not because he was or is a better QB.
Far from it in fact. Most people in football told him to stay at least another year. No, he came out for one reason only: MONEY.
Money to start his dream of owning a Dog Fighting Empire.
Because you know that the FIRST thing he bought with his rookie signing bonus right? The house on Moonlight Rd, or wherever the frak it was.
So, we had a guy come out early so he can get MONEY to start an ILLEGAL dog fighting empire.
And we had one guy stay “one year too long” (so said Mel Kiper, Jr. about Matt Ryan) and risk injury and loss of draft status.
Why? Because he wanted to finish his degree.
Sounds like one guy is not only a better human being and QB than the other guy, but you know, have his priorities in order, too.
shadykraft
August 21st, 2009
1:16 pm
ThosE throwbacks are cool. Turning the page. Are they using them the whole season or just a few games? FALCONS SORRY, thanks for making me feel super intelligent. I needed a boost. Is the CAPS LOCK button stuck? or is it broken? I dont care what people say about you (myself included) I think your posts are well thought out. You will always have my undivided attention.
uga_b
August 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
I really miss the old logo. Much better looking than the new logo.
I will usually take 4 out of 6 inside the division, but I hope we can push it 5 out of 6. There are definitely a lot of trap games based on last season, but every years teams fall off or rise up. Let’s get that D moving in the right direction.
Timmaaayyyyyy....
August 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Mark, Mark, Mark… you’ve got to be kidding me. No way we lose to Carolina at home the second game of the season. I think Coach Smith will have the guys motivated. This offens will average 28 a game no matter what defense is playing. Provided we stay healthy, I see a 12 and 4 record, an NFC Championship, and a Super Bowl victory. You heard it here first. This is not the team of years past. I’ll be you a steak at Bone’s if I’m wrong! Just a small steak. Great read though.
Timmaaayyyyyy....
August 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
LMAO at Boo Boo though!!!
gdg73
August 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
BugKiller,
It is possible to build Matt Ryan up without tearing Mike Vick down. Just wanted to share that with you.
Badmoon
August 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
I love the stupididty of some of the posts. If you are going to disagree with everybody at least learn how to spell. I agree with the majority of the predictions, although I feel that the NE game will be more of a shootout. There are a couple that could go either way.
Vick will be an asset to the Eagles, but they are still the Eagles.
Bad News
August 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
BugKiller (according to PETA killing bugs is cruel):
Speaking of “idiots” this is what you said:
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
Bad News, you’re a moron.
Vick spent 3 years in college, first of all.
Both of them were red shirted.
First you said Vick spent 3 – years in college, please name the 3 years.
Then later in your post you stated “both” were redshirt. I don’t know what they feed you in those trailer parks but here in the good ole USA “both” relates to the number 2 —- say it with me “2″.
You have just earned the “insignificant” award
As far as Philly defense not looking good last night, I recall a large majority of “YOU” people stating that “it’s just the preseason”.
So if that’s the case, then losing to an 0-16 team is in fact more of a reality of the season to come and “not just the preseason”. Interesting
ATL.BIRDS
August 21st, 2009
1:27 pm
You Vick lovers move to Philly, get down on one knee, then ask the dog killer if he will marry you pathetic idiots. Get off of VICTORIAS jock!!!!!!!!! GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Flacco
August 21st, 2009
1:27 pm
Hey Matty want to borrow one of my playoff wins?
Oh by the way, you won offensive player of the year, but PEPSI voted me R O O K I E of the year, not just offensive rookie of the year.
Ouch, that’s gotta hurt. Well since you will be watching from your grandma living room, check me out again deep in the playoffs.
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
1:28 pm
BugKiller……….you are on a roll!!! KEEP IT UP!! The REAL truth is what the Vick fans can’t handle!!!!
Bad News
August 21st, 2009
1:34 pm
Here is some reality for you:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290103022
Oh the memories
Tech Fan
August 21st, 2009
1:39 pm
Bad News,
I think by “Both of them were redshirted”, he meant Vick and Ryan.
Hillbilly Deluxe
August 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
Aren’t those uniforms in the picture the 1966 uniforms? Excuse me, I’ve broken into a cold sweat and am searching furiously for a paper sack. (I remember the 1966 season).
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
1:52 pm
Bad News……..remember 2005 and 2006. Enough said!! VICK SUCKS!
Vick will destroy the Eagles franchise.
Write this down…..Eagles 6-10 no playoffs and Vick will be sent out of town on an Alpo truck!!
midnite
August 21st, 2009
1:53 pm
Bad News-None of your posts make any sense and you are not very good at math. I’m sure you support Vick unconditionally. It really tells what your values are, or lack of which thereof. Vick is a felon, half a$$ slacking, lying, dope smoking, animal abusing, low life gangster wannabeeand ex-con.
DawginLex
August 21st, 2009
1:54 pm
Folks don’t argue with the idiot. He will make you angry, take you to a place you don’t want to go and beat you with experience.
He know he can’t justify his arguments so he lashes out like idiots do. Just ignore him and be thankful that:
1.)ryan is here
2.)Mike Smith is here
3.)the defense is getting better
4.)vick is in Philly
Regarding point #3)Even the idiot should be able to understand that Flacco won more in the playoffs because the Ravens had a better defense than the Falcons.
Supes
August 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Mark,
12-4.
Remember this, I’ll be “back to collect” when the season is over.
book it.
Amazing!!!
August 21st, 2009
2:03 pm
MAKING HIS MARK
Of course, the club’s most profound metamorphosis occurred on offense. And so much of that was due to Michael. At an age when most quarterbacks are still in college, he took the first steps toward becoming the bona fide leader of an NFL team. His teammates not only liked him, they looked up to him and trusted him—even those 10 years his senior.
The qualities the Falcons admired in Michael were not hard to understand. He made at least one play a game that defied description, like a mind-blowing 44-yard touchdown run against the Panthers. There was also a 40-yard, against-the-grain bullet against the Green Bay Packers that was the lead of a November ‘02 story on Michael in USA Today Sports Weekly.
Making these types of jaw-dropping plays that much more amazing was the fact that Michael limited his mistakes. He was not the scatter-armed, deer-in-the-headlights stereotype of the young passer forced too soon into the starting lineup. On the contrary, he went longer than any other QB in 2002 before throwing his first interception. Also, when Michael got on a roll, he carried the whole offense with him—elevating the performance of everyone around him.
That was the case in Atlanta’s 30-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13, when he ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries. That win appeared to secure a playoff spot for the team and got plenty of people talking about Michael as the league MVP. But the Falcons limped home, dropping three of their last four. Fortunately for them, the New Orleans Saints played even worse. Atlanta backed into the postseason despite a painful loss to the Cleveland Browns on the last Sunday of the regular campaign.
The Falcons’ poor finish banished them to a first-round match-up against the Packers in Green Bay.With snow falling on Lambeau Field almost all game long, Atlanta pulled a major upset, 27-7. The defense was terrific, shutting down Green Bay’s running game and putting constant pressure on Brett Favre. Michael was also fantastic. Though his numbers were just average (117 yards passing and 64 yards rushing), he led the Falcons on scoring drives on their first possessions of the first and third quarters, and made like Houdini on several occasions by escaping what appeared to be certain sacks.
The following week the Falcons fell in Philadelphia to the Eagles. In a defensive struggle, Michael committed a crucial mistake early, throwing an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by Bobby Taylor and returned for a touchdown. While Atlanta’s offense was able to move the ball most of the game, the Eagles stiffened in the red zone and won 20-6.
Michael learned a valuable lesson on that day. The rule for quarterbacks as their teams advance deeper into the NFL playoffs is to make the most of scoring opportunities, avoid errors and manage the clock. While Donovan McNabb posted less impressive stats than Michael, he didn’t take any unnecessary chances and capitalized whenever Atlanta’s defense provided an opening.
In the final analysis, Michael’s first season as a starter was an unqualified success. He threw for nearly 3,000 yards, ran for almost 800 yards and accounted for 24 touchdowns. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl. Most important, however, he showed the ability to win on the road in pressure situations.
Michael faced pressure of a different kind as the 2003 season opened. In training camp, he suffered a fractured fibula in his left leg that threatened to end his year. The injury dealt a severe blow to the Falcons, who some predicted would represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Without Michael, Atlanta’s offense sagged to one of the league’s worst. Opponents were able to crowd the line of scrimmage, which made it much easier to clamp down on Dunn and Duckett. Meanwhile, quarterbacks Doug Johnson and Kurt Kittner were awful. The Falcons dropped to the basement in the NFC South, and Reeves came under heavy criticism.
Michael also had his critics. Many questioned his toughness when his recovery dragged on longer than predicted. Even Reeves seemed a bit impatient.
Michael, however, stuck to his guns, saying he wouldn’t return until he was sure he could play without any reservation or uncertainty. With Atlanta’s record at 2-9, he finally deemed himself fully healthy in late November. In his first game back, a 17-13 loss at Houston, Michael got his feet wet with about two quarters worth of action against the Texans.
A week later in the Georgia Dome, he made his first start of ‘03, an event that the Falcons treated like a title game. After LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem (dressed in a Vick jersey), Michael emerged from the tunnel onto the field. The Atlanta faithful erupted in deafening cheers. The left-hander didn’t disappoint. Showing almost no rust, Michael passed for 179 yards and rushed for 141 more (the third highest total for the a QB in NFL history) and a touchdown. His presence energized the entire team. The Falcons beat the Panthers in overtime on a 32-yard TD interception by Kevin Mathis.
The remainder of the season was about Michael reacquainting himself with the league. He struggled against the Indianapolis Colts, but rebounded with two solid outings to end the year. In fact, in a 30-28 victory over Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the campaign’s second-to-last Sunday, Michael posted a QB rating of 119.2, the second best mark of his career.
Michael Vick, 2002 Topps
The win against Tampa Bay helped the Falcons finish at 5-11—but that record that wasn’t nearly good enough to save Reeves’s job. (Actually, he was fired before the year ended.) In his place, the team hired Jim Mora Jr., formerly San Francisco’s defensive coordinator. He tabbed Greg Knapp and Alex Gibbs as his offensive and defensive coordinators. In the draft, new GM Rick McKay plucked cornerback DeAngelo Hall in the first round of the draft.
In training camp, Michael was slow to pick up Knapp’s version of the West Coast offense. The system—which called for short, quick passes—didn’t seem to fit his talents. But the regular season was an entirely different story. The Falcons finished at 11-5 and won their division. Michael was solid, throwing for 2,313 yards and rushing for 902. In all, he accounted for 17 touchdowns.
Atlanta started the 2004 season on a tear, winning its first four games. Michael’s performance in Week 3 against division rival St. Louis proved he was comfortable in the new offense. On the day, he completed 14 of 19 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown. He also added 109 yards on 12 carries. Atlanta won easily, 34-17.
Michael enjoyed another big day five weeks later in Denver. In perhaps his finest game as a pro, he threw for 252 yards and two scores, with no interceptions. Michael ran for another 115 yards. He ended the afternoon with a passer rating of 136.1, as Atlanta whipped the Broncos, 41-28.
The Falcons took five of their next six games to seal the AFC South crown. Michael, however, was hurting with a sore shoulder. Hoping to get his quarterback healthy for the playoffs, Mora sat Michael in a loss to the Saints, and then played him for only a couple of series in the season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
With Atlanta earning a bye in the first round, Michael enjoyed an extra week of rest, which turned out to be awful news for the Rams. After beating Seattle in a Wild Card matchup, St. Louis had no answer for Michael or Atlanta’s punishing running game. While Michael passed for only 82 yards, two of his completions went for two touchdowns, and he also rushed for 119 yards, part of a dominant 337-yard ground attack. The Falcons pummeled the Rams, 42-17, and moved on to the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The same question was asked over and over again heading into the contest. Was Michael ready to take his team to the Super Bowl? With the wind howling in Philly, it didn’t appear so. The Eagles shut down Dunn and Duckett, and kept Michael in the pocket, where he seemed confused by the variety of blitzes and coverages confronting him. Meanwhile, Donovan McNabb displayed the maturity that Michael still lacked. The Eagles converted several key turnovers into back-breaking scores and cruised to the NFC championship, 27-10.
All in all, the ‘04 campaign was still a great learning experience for Michael. Though his critics remained, knocking him for being a halfback wearing a quarterback’s number, he demonstrated greater ability to think his way through a game.
Atlanta fans had visions of the first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history in 2005. While the team played well, the Falcons could not overcome stronger division rivals Carolina and Tampa Bay. After an 8–5 start, Atlanta dropped its final three games to finish with a .500 record. Michael had a nice year, starting 15 games and throwing for 2,412 yards. He ran for another 597 and led the NFL at 5.9 yards per carry.
Michael’s ’05 numbers only told part of the story, however. Again, he continued to learn how to turn the extra attention he drew into opportunities for teammates. Dunn, tight end Alge Crumpler, and receiver Michael Jenkins all had superb seasons.
The 2006 campaign saw Michael’s number rise, but his team’s fortunes drooped, with just seven victories. Atlanta actually had a chance to make the playoffs in a weak NFC but didn’t get the help it needed in the last two weeks. Twice during the year, Michael threw four touchdowns in a game. He finished the season with a career-best 20.
SWAT Native
August 21st, 2009
2:03 pm
Mark,
Love your blogs and your projection, but I think that for comparison purposes (and to establish your credibility), you should post a link to last year’s forecast.
GameTheory
August 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Mark I am trying really hard not to be more pessimistic this year (respecting the consecutive seasons curse, yada yada yada) but I can’t. I am expecting 12-4 this year and an NFC South title. We sweep the ‘Aints, pick off the Cowboys and split home and home with the Panthers. Maybe not a Super Bowl this year but definitely within the next two if Ryan stays healthy.
Nativebird
August 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
MB, very doable season prediction, I’ll take that for sure, although I think they could upset one of your opposing winners except for NE.
BTW, I LOVE the throw-back Uni’s, circa 1966. Can’t wait for a team to actually win in them.
midnite
August 21st, 2009
2:12 pm
For anyone to try to diminish what the 11-5 Falcons, with Mike Smith, TD, and Matt Ryan did in 2008 is complete lunacy. After the shambles Mike Vick(and Petrino)left this team in 2007, the Falcons overcame tremendous odds to do what they did in 2008. Please don’t compare the felon with Matt Ryan.
SWAT Native
August 21st, 2009
2:13 pm
I hadn’t realized how much the ‘66 jerseys were like the one’s they wore ten years ago. I vote for going back to this look (with the red helmets) and getting rid of the arena-league uniforms.
Falcons Defense
August 21st, 2009
2:13 pm
vs Arizona in playoffs……..
2 interceptions
1 safety
Hey we didn’t play offense!
Gary
August 21st, 2009
2:16 pm
Falcons losing to the Panthers in week 2 at home? Panthers only win here when our team is a disaster. 41-17 loss at NE? I give it that the NE game might be a loss, but please the Falcons offense should at least put up 28 or better on that old defense. High scoring game that day will be. You are giving Dallas way too much credit predicting a win. This team has 11 of 12 wins in it and will get over the NFC South hump this year.
Depth Chart
August 21st, 2009
2:18 pm
Brooking…………gone
Boley…………gone
Foxworth…………gone
Grady……….gone
Milloy…………gone
Douglas…………done for season
Moore…………… injured
Houston…………..injured
Big Dog
August 21st, 2009
2:19 pm
Come on Mark. Don’t be so negative! 14-2. You’re giving Carolina and Philly too much credit..
MightyQuinn
August 21st, 2009
2:20 pm
Did anyone bother to read “Amazing!!!”’s post? Just wondering. You don’t get paid by the word here, dude.
Gary
August 21st, 2009
2:22 pm
Wow, its seems a lot of the Vick lovers seem to forget that our Falcons teams underachieved every year except two the entire time he was here. You do remember the 05 and 06 season’s don’t you? How many critical fumbles did Mr. Vick cost us down the stretch in those seasons? I remember the Falcons leading TB at home in 05 with a shot at the playoffs on the line. Vick had the ball in his right hand and while scrambling around fumbled deep inside the Falcon 20. TB scores on the next play and win the game. Falcons finished 8-8 and miss the playoffs. Next year ole Michael gives the fans the finger and fails to show up against Carolina in a critical late season home game. Falcons finish 7-9 and Vick is done as a Falcon after that.
Big Dog
August 21st, 2009
2:23 pm
Oh, I’m sorry! I forgot Dallas… They are highly over-rated. When was the last time they were in the playoffs? Don’t make decisions based on records 10+ years ago.
Amazing!!!
August 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
I looked for a Ryan “biography” but apparently you have to win a playoff game first.
Maybe next year guys
midnite
August 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
Amazing!!!-Anyone can copy and paste, you are not fooling anybody.
Just a reminder, you left out:
Ron Mexico
pictured smoking a blunt
failing to study playbook
stolen Rolex
birding us fans
water bottle stash
standing up Congress
killing and abusing dogs
lying to Blank and Goodell
going to prison
Or will all of that be in your next plagiarized novel?
St. Louis
August 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
We will beat your sorry butts worst than Detroit!
Angry White Man
August 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
I hate I can’t run a 4.3 forty
I hate I am not rich
I hate rich black quarterbacks
I am angry as hell!!!!!
tj
August 21st, 2009
2:41 pm
If the Falcans cut Shockley, and keep Redman, I would have to say that a winning season is not in store for us… Ryan has the potential to get hurt, and I would rather see Shockley behind center than ole Noodle arm Redman if that were to happen.. If Ryan stays injury free, then a winning season is a possibility only if the D can improve some more!
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
3:00 pm
AMAZING……you left off what the dumbing was doing off the field.
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
oh and all the fumbles that cost the team wins!!!! MORON!!!
Terrell
August 21st, 2009
3:10 pm
Bug Killer, if I may. You are right to a certain extent that Vick was his best as a first year starter, but it wasn’t because teams hadn’t figured him out yet, it was because coach Reeves played to his strengths. The offense they ran then was very similar to the one Atlanta is running now.
As for you Bad News, Bug Killer was saying that “BOTH” Vick and Ryan red-shirted. How can you say 24 is too old for a 2nd year player? Most guys are either turning 23 or 24 in their 2nd season because most red shirt in their 1st year of college. Vick was in college for 3 years, by rule of the NFL you have to be removed from high school 3 years before you can go enter in the draft. The year he came on to the scenes was his second year at Va Tech when they played Florida ST in the championship game. He was a red-shirt freshman, which means he had already been at Va Tech for 1 season and he was in his 2nd season when they went to the National Title game. In other words, if Vick had stayed in college like Matt Ryan did Vick would’ve been the same age. I really think you need to get your facts straight before you try to post again.
Terrell
August 21st, 2009
3:18 pm
I’m sorry to the old heads here, but I like the throwbacks because you don’t have to seem them every week. I hate the color combo of black jerseys, white pants, and a red helmet. It’s like out team got dressed in the dark or something. I don’t understand how our current jerseys can be defined as area league.
bakerman
August 21st, 2009
3:23 pm
If ignorance is bliss, you vick lovers must be the happiest people on the planet!
Curse Of Vick
August 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
2004 & counting!
Mark Bradley
August 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
Good idea, Swat Native. Here is last season’s famous 5-11 forecast. Read it and laugh.
Matt Ryan Groupie
August 21st, 2009
3:27 pm
I don’t care about winning playoff games.
Go Falcons!
FAN OF FALCONS SORRY
August 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
FALCONS SORRY YOUR RIGHT!!! #7 WAS IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST PLAYR ON THE FILLED! AUTHUR BLANKS TEAM IS NOTHING WITH THAT SORRY #2 AND WILL GET KILT WHEN THE EAGELS COME TO THE DOME! LOOK HERE EVEN IF THE SORRY FALCONS CARIED MACHINE GUNS ON THEY BACKS TO SHOOT DOWN VICK THEY STILL CULD NOT STOP #7 FROM TAKIN IT TOO THE HOUSE! GO VICK! GO EAGELS! AND GO FALCONS SORRY!
BugKiller
August 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
Terrell, thank you. I appreciate the back up. Can’t hang out all day and wait to respond to idiots like that guy.
As for proving Vick spent 3 years in college, has this moron ever heard of ESPN.com or even Wikipedia???
I mean wow.
And I have no issues with the people who, for some unknown reason, feel affection for a sociopathic dog killer and torturer.
But to claim that Vick is anything even comparing to Matt Ryan as a QUARTERBACK is lunacy.
It’s night and day. Vick is a running back, much like Jesus Tebow is a fullback.
They both just happen to throw the ball every once in awhile. Usually only to their first read, as neither know how to read defenses or play in a pro style offense.
What I cannot stand are the people who tear down the best QB this franchise has had since Bartowski (and he’s gonna be better, God-willing) to prop up their favorite felon.
Nativebird
August 21st, 2009
3:53 pm
Problem with Vick is that while he was busy thanking the Eagles, his family, Tony Dungy and everything else under God’s blue sky, he didn’t once mention Atlanta.
Vick did not apologize to the Falcons Organization for embarrassing them. Not once did he say he was sorry to the Atlanta fan base specifically for letting them down. Bet Mr. Blank noticed this too.
“I’m sorry to everybody” doesn’t cut it bro.
Like all thugs, it’s about them, not their victims. Even his apologies were about him.
Vick CRUSHED this organization and city, and still doesn’t have the decency to even apologize for it. and for that, I will never forgive him.
JEM
August 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
“TOOK THE FILLED”. Hilaroius. Falcons Sorry is a TROLL.
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
4:03 pm
Vick=franchise killer…..WATCH OUT EAGLES!!!
Matt Ryan Groupie
August 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
I don’t care if we go 10 more years without a playoff win.
Go Falcons!
SWAT Native
August 21st, 2009
4:16 pm
Actually, Mark, your projections from last year were looking pretty good until the Green Bay game; I think that win was really the turning point in their season (who really thought they’d win that one?). You actually had them doing better than most prognosticators. Hopefully, though, you’ve underestimated them again this year, but I think you have it about right.
Phoneguy71
August 21st, 2009
4:17 pm
FALCONS SORRY:!!! #7 WAS IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST PLAYR ON THE FILLED!
Are you serious….. The filled….Its the FIELD!!!!! Moron
Angry White Man
August 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
Who cares if Vick
Is the only Falcon qb to be elected to 3 pro bowls
Is the only Falcon qb to be a finalist for MVP
Last qb to win the division
Last qb to win a playoff game
Only qb in the decade to not go 1 & done in the playoffs
I speak for all of “OUR” kind – we don’t like his type dagg nappit!
Phoneguy71
August 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
HaHAHA LMAO “The filled”
Frickin moron Vick Troll…. Hilarious!
SWAT Native
August 21st, 2009
4:21 pm
Native Bird,
I hate to get drawn into the Michael Vick debate because I think we’d all be better if we moved on. But, I believe that Michael Vick made apologies to the Falcons, fans and franchise when he had his press conference when he accepted the plea deal.
One thing that struck me in the telecast of the Detroit game was Arthur Blank saying that he had visited Vick when he got out of prison, spent a few hours at his house, and even called the commissioner on his behalf. To me, if Arthur Blank can forgive him and move on, I think everyone else should, too.
Phoneguy71
August 21st, 2009
4:22 pm
NativeBird: I couldnt have said it better my friend. Well said.
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
I’m wouldn’t care if all you Vick nu** huggers would leave and go post your stupid comments on the Eagles board.
JEM
August 21st, 2009
4:24 pm
Diggin’ those throwbacks, though. Hey Blank, bring back the old logo and change the current uni’s ASAP. They are just a horrible reminder of a horrible era.
JEM
August 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
Great idea YUP!!. All of the folks with the Vick man-crush can head on over to the Philadelphia Beagles boards and blogs. He is with a new team, CLOWNS!
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
16-0 all the way baby!!!
TheManMike
August 21st, 2009
4:31 pm
Nice article Mark.
dan
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
I say 9-7. There are like 3 teams that have a bye week before the Falcons this year. With that being said, bye weeks don’t tend to be as big of a deal in the NFL like the are in college and can actually work against a team if their opponent is on a hot streak. I could see the Falcons starting off like 4-6, and finish out 9-7. I also think that the Patriots game will be closer that 41-14. The Pats have weapons, but that match up will be in week 3 and I think it may take Brady a few weeks to get his legs under him coming off surgery. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pats got more conservative and ran the ball more at the beginning of the year.
JEM
August 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
Can you say UNDEFEATED? BELEIVE IT!
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
i’m feeling it JEM woot!
Barry
August 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
HEY Y’ALL:
THE FUTURE LOOKS MORE THAN BRIGHT FOR OUR FALCONS. WE HAVE A GREAT OWNER, GREAT COACHES, AND SOME REAL YOUNG, TALENTED, NASTY PLAYING, FOOTBALL PLAYERS. WE “SHOCKED THE WORLD’ LAST YEAR WITH THIS GROUP. AND THIS YEAR, WITH THE “NEW EDITIONS”, THESE FALCONS ARE GOING TO BE NASTIER THAN EVER. THE PHILOSOPHY AND VISION FOR THIS TEAM IS INTACT. THE PLAYERS HAVE BOUGHT. THE FANS HAVE BOUGHT INTO IT. AND THE COMMUNITY HAS BOUGHT INTO IT. THISD SEASON IWLL BE A DOG FIGHT. AND, “ONE GAME AT A TIME”, THESE FALCONS ARE GOING TO HAVE THE NAYSAYERS “EATING CHEESE’ JUST LIKE THEY DID LAST YEAR. SOME PEOPLE ARE “RESISTANT TO CHANGE” EVEN THE NAYSAYERS. BUT “CHANGE HAS COME TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS. THERE WILL BE SOME BUTT KICKING BEING DONE BY OUR FALCONS FOR YEARS TO COME. SOME SAY HOW? SOME SAY WHY/ ISAY BECAUSE WE HAVE NO PREMODONAS ON THIS TEAM THAT TAKES AWAY FROM THE TEAM COMCEPT THAT IS NOW EMPLOYED BY THE ATLANTA FALCONS. THESE GUYS ARE MANAGING AND COACHING IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” FASHION. THEY FUNCTION AS A TEAM. THEY COVER EACH OTHER AS A TEAM. THE COACH AS A TEAM. AND THEY PLAY AS A TEAM. THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE. WE HAVE STARS, BUT THEY BELIEVE IN EACH OTHER AND FUNCTION AS A TEAM. THEY ARE NOT “INDIVIDUALIST”. WE HAVE SEEN THOSE KIND IN ATLANTA AND IT DOES NOT WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS. THEREFORE, KUDOS TO ARTHUR BLANK, RICH MCKAY, THOMAS DIMITROFF, MIKE SMITH AND HIS COACHING STAFF, AND OF COURSE, THE PLAYERS OF THE ATLANTA FALCONS. WE, AS FANS ARE DOWN WITH YOU. AND AS YOU GUYS COVER FOR EACH OTHER, WE , AS FANS, ARE COVERING FOR YOU IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. BRING ON THE “NAYSAYERS” WHO INFILTRATE THESE BLOGS. BY YEAR END, THEY WILL BE EATING CHEESE. THEY WILL BE EATING SO MUCH CHEESE THEY ARE GOINGTO CHOKE IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. THEREFORE, ONE GAME AT A TIME, WE WILL WATCH OUR FALCONS FLY. WE ARE NOT PLAYING WITH NOBODY. WE OWE THE TEAMS IN THIS LEAGUE FOR THE DISRESPECT OVER IN OUR DOWN TIMES. WE ARE MORE THAN READY FOR THE CHALLENGE. WE ARE REVAMP FOR THE SEASON AND READY TO TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SUPER BOWLS FOR A LONG TIME TO CAOME. CHANGE HAS COME TO ATLANTA. CHANGE HAS COME IN SEEING REAL FOOTBALL AND CHAMPIONSHIPS RIGHT HERE ON OUR DOOR STEPS.
ACCEPT IT, RECEIVE IT, AND ENJOY IT. WE HAVE ARRIVED. AND WE HAVE ARRIVED IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
GO FUTURE CHAMPIONS OF THE NFL!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THIS IS A SECRET FROM A FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!!…………….
RINGOLD
YUP!!
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
JEM……..I’ll take you up on that also! 16-0!!!!
Trainwreck
August 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
90th! I agree with 10-6… but we beat the Cowboys and lose to the Redskins because that black hole in the middle is sucking up all possible running lanes… Also I just want to see Turner truck Brooking one good time… maybe twice… maybe 21 times… something like that.
Trainwreck
August 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
or um… 105th!
SWAT Native
August 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
@ Terrell,
So, the red jersey, white pants, and black helmet combination works better for you?
"Mr. Falcon"
August 21st, 2009
5:24 pm
FILLED….. EDUCATE YOUR SELF!
Amazing, I had no idea the Falcons won the AFC South.
Honestly, I always liked watching Vick play football. He was fun to watch, but he NEVER cared about winning games. He is not that kind of player. He deserves a second chance, but everyone has the right to be skeptical about his character. He electrocuted, beat and drowned dogs because they cost him thousands of dollars. “Thousands of dollars”, This guy was worth over a hundred million dollars. He is obviously not wired right, but I wish him the nothing but the best.
Mark,
I can’t see the Falcons losing to the Eagles in the dome. Especially after what happened to them last year in Philly.
I also think we can beat the Cowboys.
We always beat the Giants in New York
I also can’t see Carolina winning in the dome this year.
I really like these throwbacks. They look great, all the way down to the socks. The retro version of the 66 helmet is really mean.
Michael#2
August 21st, 2009
6:11 pm
I’m going to guess the Falcons will finish a very surprising 13-3 after staring 3-0. Have home field advantage in the playoffs and play the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan will be the Super bowl MVP – and Tony Gonzales will score the winning touchdown! How nice would that be!
A Realist
August 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
The Falcons are going to win a few of the games that the analysts are predicting that they might lose, e.g., Carolina, Philadelphia, etc. Subsequently they WILL HAVE a winning season this year and then hopefully all the haters can then go post their negative bull@*%& on some other team’s blog other than the Falcons’ blog.
Vick is NO LONGER PLAYING IN THIS CITY…..SO JUST LET IT GO!!!!! OR…..BETTER YET, GO POST ON THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER’S OR THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS’ SPORTS BLOGS. They do have them and if you can read you’ll find out that the City of Brotherly Love is not quite all welcoming Vick with open arms…Brotherly Love NOT!!!!
Brent S.
August 21st, 2009
6:53 pm
To: Falcons Sorry
Subject: GET OVER YOURSELF!! and live with the rest of the Falcons world in the NOW!!! Yes, I loved watching Vick play as well. No one cheered louder than I did when he would scramble for a TD or just make something happened. But you forget one little thing…HE COMMITTED A FELONY!!!!!!! Dog fighting is a crime in 48 states, including the one he was in doing it. My gosh Vick lovers…enough already!! I hope he gets his life back together, but it won’t be and SHOULDN’T be in Atlanta. Vick screwed, himself, this city, his team, owner (by lying to his face), and MOSTof all–US THE FANS, that invested emotionally into the team. I figure, if a ROOKIE QB can come in here and take a 4-12 team to an 11-5 record, to the playoffs, and be voted AP Rookie of the Year, then he’s already done WAY MORE than expected or anticipated.
Also, here’s an interesting stat for you:
In 2001, the Falcons went 7-9. In Vicks FULL starting season (2002), the Falcons went 9-6-1.
Fast forward to 2007: Falcons go 4-12 in 2007 (on the heels of Vick getting busted), Matt Ryan comes in, has the year he did, and the Falcons are 11-5.
So Vick only improved the team TWO games better than in 2001.
Matt Ryan improved the team SEVEN games better than in 2007, which Vick was partially responsibly for. So the results are obvious…Ryan is a better QB than Vick!!!
FALCONS SORRY
August 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
I VISITED VICK SINCE HE HAS BEEN OUT OF PRISON AND I GOT TO SAY HE’S GOT THE SWEETEST JUICE I EVER TASTED. HE SHOOTS IT JUST LIKE HE THROWS A FOOTBALL LONG AND HARD:)
OldTimer
August 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
12.4
Dolphins (win)
Panthers (win)
Patriots (loss)
49ers (win)
Bears (win)
Cowboys (loss)
Saints (win)
Redskins (win)
Panthers (win)
Giants (loss)
Bus (win)
Eagles (win)
Saints (win)
Jets (win)
Bills(win)
Bucs(loss)
Ken Strickland
August 21st, 2009
7:32 pm
The Saints and Panthers couldn’t handle our OFF in the 2nd meeting with both teams, and we soundly defeated both teams. We’re going to be much stronger on both OFF and DEF, so I don’t see them beating us. The Saints DEF finished one slot ahead of ours and compared to us, they did very little in the off season to correct their DEF problems. Our style of OFF can keep their high powered passing OFF on the sidelines.
Carolina still has JDelhomme as their QB, and their rushing DEF finished only 5 slots ahead of ours. These are the only 2gms I have issues with. I actually see our DEF coming together after our bye week.
Ken Strickland "STFU"
August 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
You know nothing!
Say it with me:
August 21st, 2009
10:06 pm
Grimes is still not tall enough.
Timboy6
August 22nd, 2009
10:34 am
I think “Falcons Sorry” is baiting everybody. Surely he’s not that big of an idiot!
WHAT UP!!!
August 22nd, 2009
11:12 am
Thanks Vick for been the idiot you are and doing what you did that got you out of Atlanta. We have a real football team know. Again……..thanks.
Bad News
August 22nd, 2009
11:30 am
Let me get this straight. Lose against an 0-16 team and barely survive a second embarrassment against a 2-12 team.
How do you expect to compete against the likes of New England, Redskins, Philly, etc?
Delupe
August 22nd, 2009
11:37 am
Win at Buffalo in late December…I don’t think so!!
bigeasy830
August 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
Falcons will be 4-12 in 2009.
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”
Dennis
August 22nd, 2009
2:11 pm
Brent Grimes is totally useless. If he did a single thing right in last night’s game, I didn’t see it.
Paddy
August 22nd, 2009
4:46 pm
Falcon Sorry is a white guy. Don’t you get it?
kj
August 22nd, 2009
11:55 pm
Man, sorry im late. hopefully someone gets a good read out of these articles. Just an honest comparison from 7 and 2’s first playoff games. Not really going to change anyone’s mind but a fun read nonetheless. Hopefully it will shed some insight on the two at that stage of their career.
7- http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ms-vickflashback071909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
2-http://bleacherreport.com/articles/101767-hes-only-a-rookie-matt-ryan-impresses-in-playoff-debut
Q
August 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
Good Lawd!!!
Mike Vick has moved on, so why won’t you guys??? Fans and non fans.
Those calling others racist surely are the furthest thing from racist themselves, right?
I sincerely hope that all of you are equally outraged that a player who killed another HUMAN only got 24 days in jail.
Sheesh!!
Shug
August 23rd, 2009
10:51 am
I say 13-3, Falcons beat New England, Dallas, and Philly.
Amy
August 23rd, 2009
10:55 am
Dallas is way over-rated.
Good Grief
August 23rd, 2009
11:20 am
I’d say a 10 to 11 win season sounds about right – Anything less than 9 wins would be surprising to me. I have a few different scores down, but other than that we’re just about on the same page. I think you’re taking into consideration our defense far more than you did our offense. For example: the New England game – somebody already said this but that game could be a shootout and a lot closer.
From what I have seen of our offense this season we’ll be a team that other teams have to worry about outscoring because we should be able to put up a lot of points – scoring 28 pts. a game should be no problem for our team. For all we know, we may end up blowing quite a few teams out especially if our offense stays on the field soaking up time.
ByteMe
August 23rd, 2009
11:24 am
Mark, you’re likely right on the final tally, but definitely will be wrong on the first two games. The Dolphins’ D will give Ryan “happy feet” all day and they know how to control the ball when they have it. Carolina, on the other hand, has a terrible run defense, and the Falcons’ runners will put up some impressive numbers and handily beat them.
James
August 23rd, 2009
12:01 pm
Football Fans should compare the talent of Football Players.
The Double Standard legal system in this Country has nothing to do with Football.
Jay
August 23rd, 2009
2:15 pm
Atlanta the city to busy to hate. Some of the comments I’ve read, I just can’t tell. I guess hate is just in your blood. You must live in a perfect world.
Atl Hawk
August 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
when will you people realize that you ae not the author or finisher if other people lives. your comments are just that…yours. and you can keep them if you want to. And people you ae not mad that he killed dogs, your because he got at least another million dollar contract while you have to scramble and pay your credit card bills as they keep coming every month. Thaty would make me mad to to see somebody I think is beneath me making more than me. I tell you what, try walking on at Flowery branch and see if you can make millions like him. Otherwise, go back to your pathetic little life and work harder. The more you talk about him is the time you could be getting into shape and on the field. Clearly he is not concerned about none of yall. Pay ya bills the best way you can. And speaking of bills delupe…they come here in December
Mark Bradley
August 23rd, 2009
11:23 pm
The Buffalo game is here, I believe.
Live from Flowery Branch, and I'm still a bit antsy | Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
11:13 am
[...] make a first down all season. I am, as you’ve gathered, a bit confused. I’m expecting this team to be good. I’m also expecting the other shoe to drop. I am, as ever, a nervous [...]
Ricky
August 25th, 2009
10:23 am
Yeah, I think MB is going to get surprised with some of these predictions. (I call it, we beat NE by one point) We had a relative injury free season last year, any marquee players get hurt this year we could be looking at .500 or worse. It is a seriously tough schedule. We are better in so many areas, faster (hope you do well in Dallas Kieth) and hungrier defense, more weapons on offense, special teams will excel. I am so over the Jamaal Anderson “experiment”. Tell me, is he the last to arrive for practice or the weight room and the first to leave? He has raw talent and skills but yet is the consumate underachiever. 2 sacks since being drafted #8 in the first round 2 years ago, are you serious? You would think all quarterbacks are left handed….!! I guess those 13.5 sacks in his senior season at Arkansas were a fluke. Somebody drug test that boy……..
Ricky
August 25th, 2009
10:25 am
Amy you are so correct………!!
M Anthony
August 26th, 2009
1:48 pm
Still so much hate for Mr Vick here. Whats the matter morons you lack confidence in your home team that you feel your oats by still bashing Mike. The mans gone, let it go. He is back in the NFL and doing something you clowns will never do. He is the show. Your haterization will sooner or later eat whats left of your little brain. Dang let it go.
Michael Vick Panthers | Chanel News | News | Breaking News | News Headlines | Latest News | World News | US News | Entertainment News | Daily News | News Channel | Sports News
August 30th, 2009
4:50 am
[...] takes the field today. So will animal advocates – on the other side of town. … The 2009 Falcons: A slow start yields to a furious finishLet's assume Michael Vick not only plays but scores the winning touchdown. Eagles 27, Falcons [...]
Bradley's Buzz: Peter King picks the Falcons, and woe is he! | Mark Bradley
September 7th, 2009
9:32 am
[...] for Industrious Pete today. Because he picked the Falcons to go 10-6 and win the NFC South — same as I did! And we know what that means, don’t [...]
Bradley's Buzz: Everybody (well, almost) loves the Falcons | Mark Bradley
September 9th, 2009
3:57 am
[...] preseason and was starting to think, “Maybe I overclubbed.” (I’d picked them to go 10-6 and win the NFC South.) But now I find I’m only one among many gushing pundits. To [...]
Bradley's Buzz: An invisible link regarding UGA's Carlton Thomas | Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
9:32 am
[...] I picked Carolina to beat the Falcons in Week 2! [...]
How Carolina might get it right against the Falcons | Mark Bradley
September 18th, 2009
2:07 am
[...] collectors of MB whiffs have already begun salivating over yet another on the horizon. Last month I picked Carolina to beat the Falcons in Week 2. This was before the Falcons bowed up — coaches are always exhorting their men to “bow [...]
Chattin' with Bradley: The rain, the Falcons and other things | Mark Bradley
September 20th, 2009
11:30 am
[...] why, then, did I pick the Panthers a month ago? Because, in the midst of the semi-alarming exhibition season, I didn’t think the [...]
Live from New England, and the head Dirty Bird is in the house! | Mark Bradley
September 27th, 2009
10:36 am
[...] pick the Pats. The Globe has it 27-21, the Herald 27-20. A month ago, this idiot correspondent picked New England to win 41-14, but that was at a time when the Falcons’ defense seemed suspect and when I was operating on [...]
Live from New York (sic), about to watch the other Big Blue! | Mark Bradley
November 22nd, 2009
10:56 am
[...] had them 5-4 at this point, and the only part I got wrong was I had the results of the Carolina games flipped. I also had them [...]