Mularkey on Falcons’ offense: Do what we do, only better
What are Tony Gonzalez's strengths? Only everything, Mike Mularkey says. (AP photo)
Flowery Branch – We know what can happen when we assume, but here’s a case study. Outside consensus holds that the Falcons’ offense will be both expanded and expansive in 2009, what with Matt Ryan being an established pro and Michael Turner being a money back and Tony Gonzalez being aboard. Lots more plays! Lots more looks!
Said Mike Mularkey, the offensive coordinator: “We’ve taken out about 30 pages of the playbook. Last year we didn’t know who we had and what we had, so we put everything in. This year, from OTAs [organized team activities] on, we’ve said, ‘We don’t have to expand anything. We just have to do it better.’ And that’s we what want to do: Just do what we do good, and do it better.”
Those concerned that the addition of the All-Pro Gonzalez might induce Mularkey to overpass don’t know Mularkey. (And shouldn’t that be the title of the Falcons’ pruned playbook? “A Bunch of Mularkey”?) He wants to run the ball. “That’s always been my philosophy,” he said. But his guiding principle is even more pragmatic.
“We want to score every time we touch the football. There are no boards, no sheets, no objectives [posted in the offense's meeting room]. We don’t say, ‘We’re going to get 20 first downs and eight explosive plays [20-plus yards] or have 35 percent of something. If you score every time, every goal you’d shoot for is going to accumulate.”
Against every expectation, the 2008 Falcons mustered a first-rate offense from a rookie quarterback, a career backup tailback and an offensive line regarded in preseason as the NFL’s worst. They finished 10th in scoring, sixth in yardage, 14th in passing, second in rushing. The team that we figured — well, I sure figured — would need to win every game 17-14 wound up scoring 20-plus points 12 times in 16 regular-season games.
The 2009 offense should be better still, for many reasons. Chief among them: Gonzalez. “I know what his strengths are,” Mularkey said.
What are they? “Everything. He doesn’t get enough credit for his blocking. He’s one of the best blockers I’ve ever graded coming out of college. We’re not going to create a whole new offense for him, but we can move him around.”
Another misconception: The Falcons simplified their offense a year ago owing to their rookie quarterback. Mularkey: “The easy answer would be to say, ‘Yes,’ but I look back and we had more checks [audibles] going into the Detroit [season opener] than in any game I’ve ever been part of. I must have had confidence in him.”
Loading ...Ryan’s potential? How high is up? “He grows from everything he does,” Mularkey said. “Even if it’s something he does well, he wants to expand it. He’s never going to get comfortable. He’s not settling for normalcy.”
Given that we on the periphery were so wrong about everything regarding the 2008 offense, are we right to expect bigger and better? “Teams are going to be a little bit better prepared for us,” Mularkey said. “But the thing I don’t know is if they can prepare for how hard we play. People ask how Michael can do what he does. He can do it because the rest of the team is running downfield knocking defenders off him. That’s hard to prepare for. I’ve never seen it anywhere else I’ve been.”
And here we pause to note: Mularkey worked for the Pittsburgh Steelers under Bill Cowher. That team had a defense to complement its O. These Falcons figure to need to score in bunches to prop up a fledgling D. But that’s another assumption, and we know all about those.
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188 comments Add your comment
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
MIKE MULARKY! YEAH THAT SOUND ABOUT RIGHT! MULARKY IS THE WORD FOR IT! IT MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH WHEN I THINK ABOUT WHAT THE OFFENCE ON THIS TEAM COULD HAVE BEEN COMPARED TO WHAT IT IS RIGHT NOW! TONY GONZOLEEZ IS A BROKE DOWN OLD MAN WHO IS ONE GOOD HIT AWAY FROM BEING THE NEXT MICHEAL IRVIN! IT DONT HELP THAT HE DONT GET ANY GOOD ANIMAL PROTIEN BY EATING MEAT TO HELP MAKE HIS BODY STRONG AND KEEP HIS MUSCLES WORKING GOOD! EACH TIME I SEE MATTY HOPELESS TRY TO SLING THAT BALL WITH THAT POOR WEAK ARM HE GOT IT MAKE ME WANT TO FEEL SORRY FOR HIM! HECK I FEEL SORRY FOR THE WHOLE TEAM TRYING TO WIN WITH THIS CLOWN! TURNER BURNER! I HOPE YOU DONT BREAK YOUR BACK THIS TRYING TO CARRY THIS WHOLE FRANCHISE ON IT! YOU KNOW THEY SAY ABOUT TRY TO MAKE CHICKEN SALAD OUT OF CHICKEN AUTHUR BLANK! THE FALCONS WILL TRY TO BE TO MAKE SOME DECENT CHICKEN SALAD IN 2009 BUT THEY DONT HAVE ANYTHING WORTH EATING TO WORK WITH! THAT IS ALL GOING TO CHANGE ON DECEMBER 6 WHEN THE WHOLE FALCONS TEAM GET TURNED IN TO ROAD KILL WHEN THE KING RETURN TO CLAIM HIS THRONE! JUST TRY MAKING SOME CHICKEN SALAD OUT OF WHAT YOU GOT LEFT COME DECEMBER 7 FALCONS! PEARL HARBOR FALCONS! PEARL HARBOR!
Mike S
August 24th, 2009
12:30 pm
Man, I’m getting excited to see this offense for more than just a quarter!
FALCONS SORRY IS A MORON
August 24th, 2009
12:37 pm
YOU REALLY ARTICULATE YOUR POINT IN ALL CAPS!
And yes December 7th will be an interesting game. It will be interesting to see all the true Falcons fans who show up, and not just the supporters of Vick.
I want Vick to have an awesome season, but I also want him to lay a goose egg against the Dirty Birds.
Team loyalty first.
MiltonDawg
August 24th, 2009
12:42 pm
Falcons Sorry- quit snorting that stuff before you get on the blogs. Get over it and go play in traffic moron. Please do this city a favor.
Falcons are shaped to have a great season- I think they’ll average around 25-30 pts a game.
Paul H
August 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
LOVE this offense. Look for it to be among the best in the league, and featured on many Sportscenter highlights. Don’t want to speak too soon, but this one is going to be exciting.
Marcus
August 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
Lets just let things roll and see where we stand in jan. 2010. I am excited.
Patrick
August 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
It’s Dec. 6.
Patrick
August 24th, 2009
12:59 pm
It amazes how many people respond to the Falcons Sorry ruse. It’s like Pavlov’s dogs.
Amy Carter
August 24th, 2009
1:04 pm
My cat’s name was Misty Mularkey Ying Yang.
Sleeze
August 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
Patrick, I agree – ATLANTA SORRY probably had a Over/Under of 25 of how many people would respond back to his little tirade. No doubt he’s laughing all the way to his fry cook job at Burger King.
Clayton
August 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
We all believe the Falcons Off will be among the leagues best. I wonder how the defense will be. I think they will be better. The D line even with out Grady will be better with a healthy Trey Lewis (very underrrated) and Jerry. Also, if Anderson can’t hold his own, Davis and Sidbury are ready to play. I do have doubts about the DB’s esp at LCB I believe we will miss D foxworth, also believe LB’s will better, faster and stronger than last year.
Common Pact
August 24th, 2009
1:18 pm
Let’s just ALL AGREE to totally ignore anything posted by FALCONS SORRY and any of these other Vick supporters that are ALWAYS negative and can’t seem to find their way to a Philadelphia Eagles’ blog. FYI – Two Philadelphia Newspapers: The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News and they both have sports websites.
Just pretent that you don’t even see all the CAPS and the ignorant non-coherent rants, the grammatically incorrect and spelling challenged attempt at the English language, etc. He obviously enjoyes the attention because it is probably the only attention that he ever gets.
In quoting Nancy Reagan……”Just say NO”….. TO FALCONS SORRY AND HIS POSSE of HATERS!!!!! GO FALCONS!!!!!
FALCON SORRY
August 24th, 2009
1:23 pm
THAT INCOHERENT!!!!!!!!!
YUP!!
August 24th, 2009
1:26 pm
The day Vick plead guilty was when the Falcons offense started getting better.
Thanks Vick for your support!! GO FALCONS!!!!!!
BugKiller
August 24th, 2009
1:28 pm
You know something, Bradley, it really angers me as a veteran (not of WWII, though) that you feel compelled to censor people’s blogs when they use the “T” word to describe Vick’s heinous, sociopathic actions because you view it as a stand-in for the indefensible “N” word, yet you do not feel compelled to censor FALCONS SORRY’S post in which he makes an allegory of his favorite sociopath’s return to Atlanta with Pearl Harbor.
Shame on you. Either you censor everything that is blatantly (or not blatantly in the “T” word cases), or you censor nothing.
Most of us have had it to “here” with this moron’s posts about his favorite sociopath, and this latest ranting about Pearl Harbor is his most offensive to date. To dishonor the men and women who died in 1941 by even having the event mentioned in the same sentence as that evil sociopath is a new low for this cretin.
Please remove his post.
MightyQuinn
August 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
Geez, Mark, you write a nice bit about OUR football team and it once again gets highjacked. Anyway, returning to point, I find myself getting almost giddy about this offense. I feel like the guy with a winning Mega-millions ticket worrying about getting to the GA lottery offices without having a fatal accident or heart attack. Intense anticipation with a foreboding sense of doom lurking in the back of my brain.
Clayton
August 24th, 2009
1:33 pm
Good point BugKiller.
collegeballfan
August 24th, 2009
1:35 pm
Better offense with Gonzalez. Better defense with all the youth?
Much tougher schedule.
Bad News
August 24th, 2009
1:39 pm
Are you people serious? How can you evaluate whether your offense is good or bad without playing “REAL” defenses?
You have played against the 0-16 Lions (lost) & the equally pathetic 2-14 Rams!
This organization is so pathetic that they look for anything to see a bright light, even if it is against talentless teams.
Let’s see what they will do against the Ravens and perhaps the Chargers. Those teams have some “REAL” pass rushing and coverage talent.
I would be very careful about the next 2 games, ryan is a thin and weak guy, and one or two hits and he will find himself on “IRL”.
The signing of Gonzalez is not going to be as significant as you “low self esteem” bloggers (non-paying fans) may think. The problem was not at the tight end position – the problem was Ryan in the redzone where they finished near the bottom of the league.
It was not because the tight ends were not open, it was because Ryan’s arm strength was not strong enough to zip the ball between press coverage. Gonzales will be effective on slants, but in the redzone he will not be able to be anymore effective than the other tight ends, because it’s the quarterback’s responsibility to get the ball to the receivers.
Sorry guys – the problem remains at qb.
MightyQuinn
August 24th, 2009
1:42 pm
The defense is indeed the ultimate question for this year. The offense is rock solid but the defense will be the making or breaking of this season. We all know that solid defenses win SUPPER BOWLS. (I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help myself!)
Idiot Referee
August 24th, 2009
1:44 pm
“Bug Killer”
Actually we are fed up with racist idiots like you!
matt r
August 24th, 2009
1:46 pm
If FALCONS SORRY’s posts were removed that would reduce the comedy added to my day, and today’s was one of my favorites. Please leave them.
And BTW good column.
BugKiller
August 24th, 2009
1:52 pm
And to point; I too, like you do, Mark, believe that MANY people have used these blogs to voice their vile prejudice (from both sides) and have used the “T” word as a replacement for the “N” word.
But others have not, simply using the “T” word as it is in it’s modern inclination.
Of course, if asked the etymology of the word, I don’t believe there is many people who actually understand or know its origins.
Regardless, it is your perogative Bobby Brown, to censor your blog as you see fit. I am simply merely pointing out that if you leave FALCONS SORRY’S post up, which is indecent at best and un-American at worst, you will have created a horrible double standard in which only some forms of questionable language is censored, while others are “okay” by you.
Clayton
August 24th, 2009
1:59 pm
Hey Bad news, How can you say the offense is bad when they were so good last year, added a pro bowl TE (who hasn’t lost a step, and lost no starters at all. Defense could be hurt but my guess is your a very jealous Bucs fan who doesn’t want to admit the Falcons are for once headed in the right direction
YUP!!
August 24th, 2009
2:01 pm
Bad News…….your last post just set stupid back 10 more years!!
Joe Flacco
August 24th, 2009
2:08 pm
If you delusional bloggers want to see a preview of next week’s beat down, check me and my boys tonight against a top 3 team in the NFL.
After we deal with them – may God help Ryan next week!
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
2:11 pm
I AM SORRY FOR ALL THE PREVIOUS POSTS. I HAVE A DOUBLE PERSONALITY AND THE OTHER ME (MV7 LOVER) USUALLY SAYS THINGS I DO NOT AGREE WITH. THE REAL ME LOVES THE FALCONS STARTING WITH MR BLANK , MR DIMITROFF, MR MCKAY THECOACHING STAFF AND OF COURSE THE PLAYERS. JUST IGNORE ME AND DON’T REPLY TO MY POSTS.
"Mr. Falcon"
August 24th, 2009
2:12 pm
Enter your comments here
Dr. Warren
August 24th, 2009
2:12 pm
Mark–how much do you think the loss of Harry Douglas will hurt this offense?
Idiot Referee
August 24th, 2009
2:13 pm
“Bug Killer”
Stop your whining you little girl!
tbhawksfan
August 24th, 2009
2:15 pm
Hey Bugkiller; isn’t that always the problem; therefore the need to have free speech.
Oh, and the birds O looks killer. It’ll be interesting to see how the D shakes out.
"Mr. Falcon"
August 24th, 2009
2:18 pm
BAD NEWS, You don’t know what you are talking about. You obviously never watched the Falcons last year. The problem with the Falcons in the red zone last year was the lack of effort on the part of the tight ends and receivers. Ryan did not trust them to go and get the ball. How many drops did they have in the red zone last year. I remember 2 right off the top of my head. One was by a receiver and the other was a tight end. All quarter backs need a pass catching tight end in the red zone to open things up.
"Mr. Falcon"
August 24th, 2009
2:21 pm
The Falcons have a Superbowl caliber offense, any person who does not believe that is lying to their self.
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
2:23 pm
Some, Dr. Warren. He’d be the No. 1 slot receiver. (Or, put another way, the No. 3 receiver.) And I think there’s a dropoff between Douglas and Finneran.
And my position on the “t” word has undergone some modification. After consultation with Ms. Q. McElroy, who’s the head of this department, I’ve decided to let the “t” word stand unless I deem it a blatant bit of code for a racial epithet.
As for Falcons Sorry invoking Pearl Harbor Day: I believe the Falcons and Eagles play on Dec. 6. I believe Pearl Harbor Day is Dec. 7. Let’s try to keep our sense of humor, shall we?
tbhawksfan
August 24th, 2009
2:33 pm
MB – I agree about the dropoff with Finn. Is it written in stone that Finn will be the #3 WR or might Booker/Weems etc beat him out for that spot.
I see Finn as a good situation reciever at best.
Sting 'em Buzz
August 24th, 2009
2:35 pm
on this subject, I agree with bugkiller….toe meets FALCONS SORRY
"Mr. Falcon"
August 24th, 2009
2:37 pm
Mark, did Shockly just ruin his chances to make this team? Can the falcons cut Jamal Anderson? Have you heard anything about the Falcons running the 3-4 defense some this year.
Rational Voice
August 24th, 2009
2:40 pm
“BugKiller” and “Clayton,”
This isn’t the Soviet Union. “Falcons Sorry” has as much right to speak freely as you do.
Frankly, your ramblings are only mildly LESS absurd than anyone else’s, but no one is calling for censorship on YOUR ill-advised comments.
As far as I can see, “Falcons Sorry’s” post is actually somewhat on the topic of the article, doesn’t use any profanity, doesn’t personally attack or insult anyone on this blog and displays an enthusiasm expected of a typical rabid NFL (or Vick) fan.
Let’s all try to eat a little more fiber and not be so grumpy.
Go Falcons!
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
2:42 pm
I don’t think Jamaal Anderson will be cut, Mr. Falcon, but I think D.J. Shockley’s roster spot is 50-50. And TB, I’d keep my eye on Weems. I believe D-Led is writing a little something about him as we speak.
Clayton
August 24th, 2009
2:43 pm
Rational Voice, I understand where your coming from but me also being a veteran. I have seen things in the middle east that aren’t funny and shouldnt be used in posts like that. And remember all i said was good point and dropped it at that. I don’t believe I have rambled about anything except if the Falcons D will be good enough for them to make the playoffs.
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
2:49 pm
You know, when I was a young writer trying to be creative, I once likened a blowout high school basketball game (the score was 100-24) to Little Big Horn. Steve Wilson, the editor of the Lexington Leader, told me to hold off on comparing sports to war. And I’ve tried very hard to do that ever since. I won’t even describe someone’s injury list as “a M*A*S*H unit.” (Although I wish I had a nickel for every time it has been done.)
Bat Masterson
August 24th, 2009
2:56 pm
So what are you saying Mark, now that you are older you have given up?
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
3:00 pm
Trying to be creative? Yes, I’ve given up that aspect of the writing game, Bat. Haven’t you noticed?
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
MR BRADLEY YOU DON’T NEED TO “TRY” TO BE CREATIVE ANYMORE. IT COMES NATURAL NOW. THAT IS WHAT EXPERIENCE WILL DO FOR YOU.
Ponce De Leon
August 24th, 2009
3:11 pm
The Falcons have to break the (no two winning seasons in a row) jinx. Are there any other NFL teams with that wierd statistic?
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
3:17 pm
MR BRADLEY, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SIDBURY? HE LOOKED GOOD AGAINST THE RAMS. MAYBE HE WILL BE THE DE THE FALCONS WERE LOOKING FOR. 2 SACKS IN ONE GAME. WOW! IT TOOK JA 98 2 YEARS TO GET THAT MANY SACKS!
gabeaux
August 24th, 2009
3:18 pm
The term “thug” is an earned one. You have to make yourself a thug by your me-first, damn the team, damn the fans, I’m above the law attitude. I think Falcons Sorry is a pimpled eighth grader from Marist who doubles over in laughter when everyone responds to his remedial drivel. The Falcons will be fine this year, breaking their dubious record of never having back to back winning seasons.
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
3:19 pm
The Houston Texans have never had a winning season, Ponce, and the “new” Cleveland Browns have had only one. But every other franchise has had consecutive winning seasons, as did the “old” Browns.
And thanks, Falcons Sorry.
Herschel Talker
August 24th, 2009
3:21 pm
Patrick – Great analogy, but I don’t think the bloggers here are smart enough to know who Pavlov’s dogs are.
FALCONS SORRY likes men
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
3:27 pm
HERSCHEL TALKER I GUESS THAT IS ONE THING YOU AND I HAVE IN COMMON. BIG BOY!
leland
August 24th, 2009
3:41 pm
Dear Mr. MB–I liked the old FALCONS SORRY better. Remember, vengence will be serve. Your pal, Leland
tipical bloger
August 24th, 2009
3:45 pm
whoever pavlov’s dogs are, MV7 didn’t do ‘em.
tbhawksfan
August 24th, 2009
3:51 pm
That’s very funny, even the sign in name……too much
Hercule Poirot
August 24th, 2009
3:58 pm
Why did mitch become leland again? Very curious situation.
Hastings
August 24th, 2009
3:59 pm
Yes. Very curious indeed.
Sherlock Holmes
August 24th, 2009
4:01 pm
Elementary, my dear Poirot … but first … Watson, the needle.
Lance
August 24th, 2009
4:04 pm
that’s hilarious… “Bad News” is so obviously a huge fan of another team who got nervous enough about the Falcons being better than his own team that he felt it necessary to find a pro-Falcons blog and vent about it. there are certainly valid issues with the Falcons that can be discussed (youth of the D, depth at certain positions, etc.), but he doesn’t even know enough about the team to bring them up, and instead harps on things that don’t even make any sense… signing of Gonzalez isn’t that significant??? Matt Ryan is the problem?!?! amazing.
YUP!!
August 24th, 2009
4:05 pm
Mark……..the Panthers have never had back to back winning seasons.
Archie
August 24th, 2009
4:09 pm
Honest question here… can IP or email addresses be banned from AJC forums? If so, is that ever used to curb the blatant flaming on these boards? Half the comments I read of these threads would get your IP address banned on any blog or message board I know of. Even Deadspin wouldn’t allow comments like some of the ones I read on here. Seriously, what is the purpose of these blogs, is it serious discussion or a cyber food fight? Serious readers shouldn’t have to sift through all the nonsense replies just to read well thought out comments, at least I know which ones to ignore since the flames are usually written in all caps.
leland
August 24th, 2009
4:11 pm
There are too many “Mitch” bloggers on here, all Philistines, and I did not want to be confused with them. And HP, the last time you raised this question, I asked you about Ms Marple, but you, you Belgian quack, didn’t have the courtesy to reply.
Lance
August 24th, 2009
4:11 pm
by the way, i haven’t had a chance to watch the pre-season games yet… can someone tell me how Peria Jerry is doing? i’ve read really conflicting analysis of his play so far. some have said he’s looked overmatched, some have said he’s looked fantastic and that DT is going to be a huge strength for us. anyone have any insight?
wxwax
August 24th, 2009
4:18 pm
Being a worrier by nature, I worry about injuries. Who replaces Turner? Who replaces Ryan? Who replaces Gonzalez? Who replaces White?
Norwood’s the only outstanding backup, but his body won’t allow him to be used like Turner.
I also worry about that stat showing a drop-off for running backs the year after they carry the load.
But assuming everyone’s healthy, this offense should be exciting to watch. Defensive coach Mke Smith could supervising an explsoive offense.
How ironic that sometimes in the NFL a head coach whose specialty is on one side of the ball ends up leading a team that excels on the other side of the ball. Dungy, Billick… Mike Smith?
leland
August 24th, 2009
4:25 pm
And, HP, the point I made earlier regarding FALCONS SORRY’s earlier offerings should have caused a stirring in you, and would have, if you were able to set aside your Belgian nosiness. Further, I can’t think of a single thing you’ve said that ranks with FS’s best, among which was the ringing, “vengence will be serve.”
"Thug" Definition
August 24th, 2009
4:34 pm
What is a thug anyway? Is it a low-life or is it a tool used to insult a certain demographic? How about this list:
Ben Roethlinberger (suspected rapist)
Tom Brady (multiple children out of wedlock)
Matt Jones (drug & alcohol abuser)
Dick Cheney & CIA interrogators (violated Congressional laws)
George W Bush (lied about WMD)
Are these guys thugs?
All I'm Saying Is...
August 24th, 2009
4:34 pm
Everybody should calm down because very little can be determined about a team’s capabilities during pre-season aside from what non-first round rookies have earned a spot and which veterans are on the bubble and, therefore, can be dispensed with (likely DJ Shockley).
St. Louis was 2 and 14 last year so our offense romping over their first stringers means little. Despite his blather, Falcons Sorry was right in that we won’t really know what we have on offense until the regular season starts and, maybe, when we play the Ravens or Chargers during pre-season.
Lance: Peria Jerry has some things to work on as he was basically man-handled versus the Rams. Don’t worry, though, he’ll get better.
wxwax: Injuries are part of the game and some can be withstood (Norwood for Turner) and some probably not (Gonzalez). Chris Redman is a veteran, seems like a professional, and won a couple of games he started in the season before Ryan showed up so he could manage the team if necessary.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Hercule Poirot
August 24th, 2009
4:41 pm
Miss Marple is awaiting you in her boudoir, Leland. She says she has for you, how you say, a never-ending itch? Bon soir, mon amie.
Falcons Sorry they drafted Vick instead of Drew Brees AND LT
August 24th, 2009
4:46 pm
Falcons Sorry seems to have chilled out. Must have borrowed some of Vick’s weed.
The Offense will be fine. The season hinges on all the young defensive players we have. But given the choice, I’d rather have inexperienced talent on defense than offense.
Bobby McGreevey
August 24th, 2009
4:47 pm
Vick’s all about the Grey Goose these days.
Haevy Beer Dirnker
August 24th, 2009
4:50 pm
How did everybody under estimate last year’s team, specifically the offense? Because we don’t know what’s going on with the way the players are coached, motivated, and taught. If the defense, as average as it seems, can get that same type of attention maybe something special can happen. I’m a believer that enough credit is not given to mind over matter. Big things can happen when you get in that “zone”, especially when you start to have consistent success.
Bad News
August 24th, 2009
4:52 pm
I keep hearing you guys go on and on about the past – last season. Well that’s fine, but if you are going to base the 2009 team on 2008 performance(s), you have to look at the whole picture.
The offensive numbers were padded on by teams such as:
Detroit
St. Louis
Kansas City
Oakland
Denver
San Diego (before they jelled)
That 2008 team played in the benefit of the 9th “EASIEST” schedule in the NFL. This season:
4th toughest schedule in the NFL
4 games playing teams coming off of a bye week
5 straight road games against 4 teams that were in the top 10 in defense
Now, that is what they had to deal with after the season ended in 2008, that does not include the unknowns such as injuries and lack of depth due the following losses in personnel:
Keith Brooking
Lawyer Milloy
Foxworth
Michael Boley
Grady Jackson
Harry Douglas (gone for season)
Houston (hamstrings linger for a very long time)
This defense finished 24th in 2008 and with the mentioned losses of personnel, they could possibly fall to 28 or worst. Even the New England offense couldn’t compensate for a defensive liability as great as this one, and the Falcons offense is nothing close to the Patriots.
That’s why even Arthur Blank said on the NFL Network that the team is better but the record probably will not be. What that says is, he likes the players but knows they can’t win nearly that many games again this season.
FAN OF FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
4:54 pm
FALCONS SORRY IS THE MAN! MATTY HOPELESS DON’T HAVE NO CHANCE WHEN THE KING RETURN TO ATLANTA! TONY GONZOLEEZ IS OLD! TURNER BURNER IS A RUNNIN BACK! AUTHUR BLANK IS CHICKEN SALAD! THE EAGELS WILL CRUSH THE FALCONS WORSER THAN THE GERMANS BOMBED PEARL HARBOR! GO VICK! GO EAGELS! GO FALCONS SORRY!!
Bad News and Good News
August 24th, 2009
4:57 pm
The Falcons may take a step back record-wise this year, but I don’t think anyone can reasonably expect that they will be a less talented team than last year. I still think they will make the playoffs, and then it’s basically a crapshoot as long as they aren’t the lowest-seeded wildcard. They are lining up their major skill players to be at peak ability for the next 2-5 years, so I see that as being this group’s window for a Super Bowl run anyway.
Clay
August 24th, 2009
4:59 pm
I think Falcons Sorry posts his rants out of fun to see what kind of reaction it gets. No one could believe that anyone really thinks Falcons Sorry’s posts are legit.
“Thug” Definition brings up a good point about Matt Jones. There was almost an uproar over Vick not being signed (until he was) but no one cares that teams are avoiding Matt Jones. Why the double standard?
FAN OF FALCONS SORRY IS NOT A FAN OF SPELLCHECK. OR OF SPELLING IN GENERAL.
August 24th, 2009
5:01 pm
Who are the Eagels? Are they in the same league as the Chefs? Do they compete on the Food Network to see who has the best chicken salad recipe?
YUP!!
August 24th, 2009
5:03 pm
The Falcons will have a top 10 defense by mid-season.
Chicken Salad is delicious!
August 24th, 2009
5:08 pm
Nobody cares about Matt Jones because he’s never done anything noteworthy as a professional except use drugs. And maybe eat Chicken Salad.
Haevy Beer Dirnker
August 24th, 2009
5:15 pm
2009 aint got >>squat<< to do with 2008, just like 2008’s got nothing to do with 2007. If that was true why bother playing the games?
leland
August 24th, 2009
5:19 pm
Thank you, M. Poirot. Should you see her, please tell her that only she can quench my thirst and assuage my hunger, and that only she can redeem my longing. And if you can remember, please tell her that I know how to scratch her never-ending itch. Thank you, dear M. Poirot.
YUP!!!
August 24th, 2009
5:24 pm
I forgot to mention that the season will be over by mid season.
Lance
August 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
Bad News – i don’t really understand what your point is. if it’s that the Falcons could end up having a worse record than last year, then yeah, i think most Falcons fans would agree with that. but you seem to also be suggesting that this team is just going to be way worse, and you’re using some flimsy arguments in the process, not to mention being completely selective just to make the Falcons look worse (which tells me you are more than likely either a Bucs, Saints, or Panthers fan)
you say that the offensive numbers were padded, but you completely ignore the fact that we put up a lot of points against some good defenses last year. on the one hand, you criticize the Falcons fans for basing everything on last year, but then you harp on the difficulty of the schedule which is based on – GUESS WHAT??? – last year. aren’t you kind of contradicting yourself there? the parity of the NFL is such that we don’t really know how hard the schedule will be. everyone thought they had an easy win on their schedule when they played the Falcons last year, and they were wrong 11 times.
and as far as the defense goes, you seem to think that just because we cut some players, the defense is just going to be horrific… but you ignore the fact that several of the players you mention weren’t producing that well anymore and were well past their prime. don’t you think there was maybe a reason we cut those players?? Brooking, Milloy and Boley weren’t producing at a high level at all and have been replaced by players who could easily become upgrades (i think Peterson over Brooking already is). so for you to make that argument as if it’s just a given is pretty baseless.
and concerning the Falcons offense not being close to the Patriots offense, i’m sorry, but that’s just a HUGE exaggeration. i’m not saying we are where the Patriots are yet, but i will say that we are a more well balanced offense (our running game is way better) who very well could be as good as the Pats offense this year. you talk like the Pats had the #1 offense last year and the Falcons were #32. the disparity between the two isn’t that large, and the Falcons could easily be a top 5 offense this year. most analysts i’ve read expect them to be.
Southside Falcon
August 24th, 2009
5:39 pm
Right on “thug”Definition it does seem like only a certain demographic gets “thug” and other demographics get no label, when accusations of rape come out, people have kids out of wedlock, or have substance abuse problem, regardles of what some would say thug is just another word for “N”. As far as them birds the O wil be unbeliveable, and the DEFENSE will suprise. I truly wish no one would label anyone or pass judgement and save the immature name calling and insults for grade school
Southside Falcon
August 24th, 2009
5:44 pm
BTW yall Bad News is a saints or should i say ‘Aints Fan check the other blogs
Jack G.
August 24th, 2009
5:46 pm
FALCON SORRY
Have you ever noticed that all the clothes washers in the appliance Dept. at Sears are WHITE, but when you open the lid, all the agitators are BLACK
mark
August 24th, 2009
5:59 pm
The offence looks great. I think Shockley has regressed, he needs to go get a job on his degree.I hope anderson is cut he looks pathetic against 2nd and 3rd teamers. Bierman looks great. Oay no attention to the negative blogers, that is a cry for atention and perhaps a clogged crack pipe.
Dwayne
August 24th, 2009
5:59 pm
Ben Roethlinberger (suspected rapist) suspected is the key word.
Tom Brady (multiple children out of wedlock) he pays his child support, I hope, if he don’t, throw him in jail and call him a thug.
Matt Jones (drug & alcohol abuser) I was at one time. I’m o.k. now. Thank You for caring.
Dick Cheney & CIA interrogators (violated Congressional laws) Show me one person who is without sin.
George W Bush (lied about WMD) All politicians lie. Deal with it.
Are these guys thugs? Call them what you want. Free speech. God Bless. Amen.
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
6:13 pm
Clay wrote: “There was almost an uproar over Vick not being signed (until he was) but no one cares that teams are avoiding Matt Jones. Why the double standard?”
You know the answer to the question…..I’m sure Tony Dungy is getting ready to start “mentoring” Matt Jones as we speak. All of Matt’s “brothas” from around the league are speaking out on his behalf. Country club members all over the USA are getting prepared to riot if the NFL continues to black-ball Matt Jones for drinking a beer on a golf course. LOL
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
6:15 pm
I think Sidbury might wind up being the key Falcon rookie, Falcon Sorry.
And I can’t tell the Mitches from the Lelands, either. Need a scorecard.
oldbrave
August 24th, 2009
6:26 pm
As vet of a war to protect this country I feel Bug Killer has earned the right to say what he damn well pleases to say I have the up most respect for all our vets they have earned the right where most others on here have only enjoyed the benefits of vet service
bigeasy830
August 24th, 2009
6:28 pm
The Falcon’s suck, it is only preseason and they only played the The Rams and the Lions, come on man. They will not score more than 17 points against the Dolphins first game of the season.
And Bugkiller, I know FALCON SORRY personally. He has more patriotism in his pinky than you do your whole sorry body.
Falcons 4-12 in 2009
“Back To Life, Back To Reality”.
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
6:32 pm
And Yup is indeed correct. (Meaning: I was wrong.) Carolina has never had consecutive winning seasons. Thanks, Yup.
oldbrave
August 24th, 2009
6:33 pm
tour in nam here and when youre getting shot at youre all brothers color has no place in the fox hole or this country all racist white , black , red are wrong period
ugag
August 24th, 2009
6:50 pm
what?, another puppyDAWG QB cant make it in the pro’s. Unfreakinbelievable
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
7:18 pm
Falcons Sorry they drafted Vick instead of Drew Brees AND LT: I AIN’T SMOKING NO WEED YOU FOOL! I AM LIKE MV7…A CHANGED MAN!!! YOU FEEL ME FOOL? CAN WE ALL GET ALONG?
BY THE WAY I NOW LOVES DOGS. I GOT ME A COUPLE OF PIT BULLS, I NAMED THEM RON MEXICO AND OOKIE.
tjhook
August 24th, 2009
8:11 pm
Falcons Sorry, we need to keep you around. You’re like the dog in the neighborhood that runs barking up to the gate and makes a ton of noise while people walk past, evening pushing the gate forward while leaning on it. Then on the occasion the gate is left open, does not go out wondering but stays in the yard. Fighting loneliness with passion. Come enjoy the Falcons with us this season, Falcons Sorry . . . Our chicken salad needs more seasoning.
tjhook
August 24th, 2009
8:12 pm
sorry about misspell. even pushing the gate forward . .
eddiedawg
August 24th, 2009
8:19 pm
Screw the haters.
I grew up with this team and learned that every winning season meant bad things were coming the next. If you haters (FALCONS SORRY, BIG EASY and BAD NEWS) can’t admit that this team is FINALLY heading in the right direction, then get off the blog. The Vick thing is over-screw him as well. We may not go 11-5 again this year, but we will be in EVERY game, and that’s all you can ask. I think 9-7 wins the South anyways.
This to all the stupid Saints fans on this blog-you may have an explosive offense also, but your head coach is a dumb@$$. Gimme MIKE SMITH ALL DAY LONG.
GO FALCONS.
FALCONS SORRY
August 24th, 2009
8:28 pm
TJHOOK, WHAT???YOUR COMMENTS DON’T MAKE NO SENSE FOOL. WHO YOU CALLING DOG???? I’LL COME ALL RIGHT AND BITE YOUR AZZ….
Charlie
August 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
The difference between demographics of MJ and MV is one believes in personal responsibility, and the other makes excuses.
Nobody supports Matt Jones because he brought it on himself, he blew his privilige of playing in the NFL. Quite frankly, I have better things to do and worry about a idiot how blew (no put intended) his chance.
I also feel the same way about Vick, however, he paid his dues, he deserves a chance. However, I am not optimistic that he will be in the NFL in 2 years.
Those who support Vick are make excuses, and accept excuses. It is really the main reason why the black members of society seem to struggle.
Charlie
August 24th, 2009
8:42 pm
No matter what anyone thinks, you cannot have watched the game last Saturday and not think this team is going to be good.
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
Charlie wrote: “Nobody supports Matt Jones because he brought it on himself, he blew his privilige of playing in the NFL. I also feel the same way about Vick, however, he paid his dues, he deserves a chance.
So, let me get this straight, a convicted federal felon (MV) did not “bring it on himself” and deserves a second chance but a guy who violated probation by drinking a beer on a golf course (MJ) does not deserve a second chance….wow….just wow. And I assume you don’t think Michael Irving should be in the HOF because of his substance abuse problem? Just askin’
FALCONS SORRY AWESOME
August 24th, 2009
9:08 pm
Good Article, MB and yes, FALCONS SORRY ARE AWESOME. Those of you that buy into FALCONS SORRY being what you think he is are falling into his trap and making yourself look like the dumbarse he wants you to believe he is. He and his snow white buddies chuckle at the trouble that can be stirred with each calculated sentence and then hang on their seats for the incensed responders. Andy Kaufman and Sasha Barron Cohen has made careers out of this. Don’t act like rednecks and respond and his fun will be lost. (…of course, my spectator fun will be partially lost as well but I don’t come to this blog to be humored by masquerading shipdits or homicidal rednecks, I come for FALCON EFFING FOOTBALL!!!!!!!)
btw – my guess is FALCON SORRY will refute my outting him – of course – but you cant bs a bs’er.
Cuz
August 24th, 2009
9:11 pm
After reading this column I am more confused than trying to find classes on North Campus when I was a freshman. And I thought the Dawgs blogs got hijacked. Does anyone actually read FALCONS SORRY besides Bradley. Those all caps are painful. I just scroll past. If he or she has something to say that is worthwhile, sorry I missed it. I think I came on here to ask Mark if he thought DJ would make the cut, but after reading the comments I questioned everything. I had to pull out my drivers license to make sure I belonged in this house.
What the heck is the “t” word? Transexual.transfigured, terrific, tortoise-like, terrible, totally-Dude, testosterone, technical, tomorrow, tremendous, tough, tuff, technicolor, Tech, Trek, Techie, Trekie, Talladega, terra-firma, TMI or my favorite of all, the T in TnA.
Mr. Bradley, I would like to buy a clue.
Real Falcons Fan
August 24th, 2009
9:27 pm
Has a real Falcons Fan, through thick & thin, has been tough. It is almost like being a Manic Depressant. But! I sense that these Falcons are different. In all my years of being a Falcons fan, I have never seen the team act so professional and legit… Outside of Roddy’s little hold out, the rest of the team seems to have jelled in a way I have never seen before. We are no longer looking for the one miracle year or building our team around one player (Vick). I own several jersey’s, including Vick’s. He was a great athlete and fun to watch, but what he did, he did to his self, and through the team in chaos.. WE, true Falcon fans had to endure the painful 2007 season.. And we wondered what TD was thinking when he took Matt Ryan over Dorsey?? Then we saw what a true GM and Coach can do to turn around such a crippled and demoralized team. I have never the Falcons do what they did to Chicago last year, I, like most fan’s, thought the games was lost. Went upstairs to vent, then came down and saw the fans going crazy! I thought, noooo way! These are not the Falcons I was use to watching, this was a whole different team, never quit.. The players we lost in the off season were not that great (outside of Foxworth). I think Peterson will be better than Brooking, and Nichols will out shine Boley. Sidbury is going to be a beast, and Lofton will come into his own. I don’t think the schedule will be has difficult than expected.. The Skins and Eagles are over-rated, and the Giants are so tough. The Patriots will be tough, but, we will have to wait and see. No one expected the Bears to have the season they had in 85. I think the winds are changing in Atlanta, 40+ years has been a long wait, we are over-due. GO FALCONS!!!!
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
9:29 pm
The word in question, Cuz, is “thug.”
Charlie
August 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
Matt Jones did a lot more than drink beer on the golf course, but it is not up to me to decide if he gets a chance to play or not. Obviously team feel he bring more baggage than he is worth, and I say that is their right. I am not going to cry about it.
If a team did not want to take a chance on Vick, I would have felt the exact same way, however, the Eagles thought it was worth it. The man did pay a huge price, so I wish him the best.
For the record, I wish Matt the best too.
Michael Irvin, he had a pretty good body of work on the, probably Hall worthy, but, again, if he does not get in, he got what he deserved, if the voters decide to not vote him in due to his off the field issues, so be it, again, I ain’t gonna cry.
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
Cuz wrote: “What the heck is the “t” word? Transexual.transfigured, terrific, tortoise-like, terrible, totally-Dude, testosterone, technical, tomorrow, tremendous, tough, tuff, technicolor, Tech, Trek, Techie, Trekie, Talladega, terra-firma, TMI or my favorite of all, the T in TnA.”
Now that’s funny….I don’t care who you are.
Cuz
August 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
What does race matter in the way of choosing players for a Pro-football team? Isn’t it all about wins and marketing to make money? So don’t you try to put the best player on the field regardless of color of skin or ancestors origin? Does it not seem that persons of color have a pretty darn high percentage in the NFL. And why would anyone care in the first place? And last but not least, why am I writing all my sentences in questions? Is this a problem?
Charlie
August 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
The fact is, if a professional athlete chooses to do coke, fight dogs, or break the law in any way, he, nor the “fans” have a right to complain. The players are grown men, and they have been given a privilege, and if they cross the line, they pay the price. No two situations are ever the exact same, no two players are the same. When one looks at the players race and tries to use that as an excuse, it only weakens that race and shows their insecurity.
yo mama
August 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
HEY, FALCONS SORRY LOOK AT MV7′S OFFENSE AKA AS YOUI SPELL IT OFFENCE, AGAINST MATT RYANS. SO, WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF GAMES PLAYED, MATT RYANS OFFENSE HAD ONLY 11 MORE PLAYS, BUT OUT SCORED THE 2006 MV7 LED OFFENSE BY NEALRY 100 POINTS, AND ABOUT 30 YARDS PER GAME MORE THAN MV7. SEE STATZ FLACONS SORRY. THEY NEVER LIE. HEAD TO HEAD, A MATT RYAN LEAD OFFENE PRODUCED MORE WINS, YARDS RUNNING, PASSING, AND A PLAYOFF BERTH. VICKS ROOKIE YEAR WAS WATCHING HIM LOSE BIG TO THE RAMS, TB, ETC. THE MAN CANT THROW CONSISTENTLY WELL, AND HAS TOO MUCH GOIN ON OFF THE FIELD TO CONSIDERED A PRO. HOW YA LIKE THEM APPLES STUPID!
atl offense stats-2009 without MV7 matt ryan as starter 16 games 24.4 points per game average 391 total points 1,011 total plays from scrimmage 361.2 yards per game average rated 6th in the NFL record 11-5
2006 stats with vick 16 games 18.2 points per game 292 total points 1,000 total plays 331.9 yards per game. 14th in nfl. record 7-9
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
Cuz wrote: “So don’t you try to put the best player on the field regardless of color of skin or ancestors origin?”
Yep, you’re exactly right…that’s why Wes Welker, who has caught more passes in the NFL over the past two years went undrafted and was cut by the San Diego Chargers…puttin’ the best players on the field regardless of race or skin color. ROTFLMAO. Is the NFL scouting that bad or is there a problem?
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
Just wondering: Can we ever have a discussion about pro football without it turning into another round of racial back-and-forth? And, given that we’ve pretty much explored that topic from every angle over the past few years, have we really solved anything?
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
10:23 pm
@Mark Bradley….that coming from a writer for the AJC….a publication that can bring race into the “gardening” section of the newspaper…a newspaper that continually prints articles about MV7 just to get the discussion boards going…its Atlanta…its part of who we are…it will be OK.
Cuz
August 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
I have a dream Mark Bradley that one day the sons/daughters of UGA grads or fans, the sons/daughters of Georgia Tech grads or fans and the sons/daughters of Michael Vick or Matt Ryan uh, fans oh and the SPCA can all sit down at that tail gate of brother/sisterhood and have a cold beer and a piece of fried chicken, some cole slaw, Aunt Minnie’s homemade pickles and choclate cake with some vanilla ice cream.
Cue the choir. Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. Sounding good. Why can’t we all be free? If you are talking about my baby it don’t matter if you’re black or white.
Let's just enjoy the games
August 24th, 2009
10:36 pm
Mark, I think some of the labeling, etc. stems from the fact (right or wrong) that so many fans are envious of athletes. They look at the money athletes make and the lifestyle they live and apparent lack of life intelligence that many athletes demonstrate and think “if I was so and so, I’d be set for life. I wouldn’t do all the stupid things they do.”
Fans read about all the player arrests and shennigans. They read Sports Illustrated’s recent report that 78% of former NFL players go bankrupt or are under major $ stress due to joblessness within 2 years after retirement and think “what a bonehead/thug/etc. and think themselves morally superior.
My thought is that given the “just stay eligible” education that a lot of athletes get in high school and college, the legions of hangers-on and synchophants that surround them, and authority figures who excuse every misdeed from the age of 6 because little Johnny was a gifted athlete, we should not be surprised by the ultimate result. I also think that most of us who grew up in middle class families and had to bust our tails to get ahead in school and in our careers wouldn’t be much different than a typical NFL player if we were in their shoes.
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
10:38 pm
Cuz wrote: “can all sit down at that tail gate of brother/sisterhood and have a cold beer and a piece of fried chicken”
Oh man, you’ve done it now….bringing up “fried chicken”…Fuzzy Zoeller did that in a joking manner and got run out of golf…lost his endorsements….and Tiger didn’t say nothin’, only good old Furman Bisher came to his defense…but, dam@ the meal sounded good…I’m in.
Tailgaiting with Cuz
August 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Sounds good to me. But instead of fried chicken, I want CHICKEN SALAD.
Burger Brian
August 24th, 2009
10:43 pm
I think that this offense has the potential to be better than any in this Franchise history certainly. This offensive line makes such a difference. Not only does Matty stay clean but they are picking defenders off of Burner downfield. Watch the team’s behaviour, very professional. Clearly Thomas’s “Atlanta Paradigm” is taking shape. I am concerned that they will need to score alot of points. Mark ~ what do you think of the secondary, clearly our obvious achilles!
Cuz
August 24th, 2009
10:46 pm
Where I tail gate, Caucasians and Not-Caucasians eat fried chicken together on that great checkerboard tablecloth of brotherhood. Oh come on. Everybody in the South eats Fried Chicken unless you have a medical condition. Heck it marks us more than sweet tea or grits. Try to find either one in Minnesota where I was for two weeks recently. Come to think of it, they don’t have fried chicken either. What is Brett gonna do? Get a UPS package from Bojangles?
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2009
10:49 pm
The secondary could stand some work, Burger Brian, but the key to the defense is the pass rush. Average DBs can look pretty good if the quarterback has to throw to his first read every time.
Charlie
August 24th, 2009
10:56 pm
Sid looks like the real deal, if you bookend him with Abe, and if we can get a push off the front, our D will be fine.
I like the fact that Turner has broken open for runs in both games. Once teams start stacking the box to stop him, Matty Ice-Gonzo will make our offence one of the best in the league.
Cuz
August 24th, 2009
10:59 pm
Bradley, I think to solve this race issue for good, we all need to slit our wrists. Then we check the color of the blood. I am betting that all of ours is red. So then it don’t matter what is outside, only what lies within. I have a knife handy I will be the first. Ouch, bleeding okay uhhm, dang, it is green. I am a Klingon. That one Grandparent that went to Tech did me in. I am uh well, tired and uh need a rag or a something or something. I guess I better clean this keyboard before I uh, Ponys I see Ponys.
Supes
August 24th, 2009
11:05 pm
Mark,
I don’t think so. I think the VERY few vocal and ignorant MV fans will always turn this into a race issue at the end. Their own hero worship for this failed individual exposes them for what they are= Racists. When you combine it with their hatred for Matt Ryan, it’s plain and evident.
Cuz's Doctor
August 24th, 2009
11:07 pm
Don’t worry about Cuz. I bandaged his wrists, gave him some stitches, performed a tracheotomy and made sure he never reproduced again. I gave him some anti-septic, anti-biotics, three shots of morphine and two shots of Padron. He is lying as still as a Steve Spurier Gamehen offense. I think I will just leave him here and go a few states away. Bye now.
crabapplejoe
August 24th, 2009
11:18 pm
Cuz’s Doctor wrote: “Don’t worry about Cuz. I bandaged his wrists, gave him some stitches, performed a tracheotomy and made sure he never reproduced again. I gave him some anti-septic, anti-biotics, three shots of morphine and two shots of Padron.”
Dam@, does that mean he ain’t bringin’ the fried chicken to the tailgate party no more….you come on and bring the rest of that Padron and we’ll work it out. LOL
Stereotyping??
August 24th, 2009
11:19 pm
Could it be that mostly black players get labeled as thugs because the percentage of players who are black is much higher than white, and the percentage of fans in the stands is much higher white than black? So, statistically speaking, a player who runs afoul of the law is much likelier to be black than white, and the fan who notices is more likely to realize that the player is of a different race? But thuggish behavior is not about race, it’s about irresponsible, selfish, me-first and everyone else-last, just give me a paycheck, I’m entitled to whatever I want mentalities. Just a thought. But I’m all for eating with Cuz and cheering the Falcons on together if he can find a bandage and doesn’t bleed to death.
Supes
August 24th, 2009
11:23 pm
But thuggish behavior is not about race, it’s about irresponsible, selfish, me-first and everyone else-last, just give me a paycheck, I’m entitled to whatever I want mentalities. Just a thought.
*********************
QUOTED FOR TRUTH!
Too bad most can’t put it in perspective.
Cuz's not paid enough secretary
August 24th, 2009
11:24 pm
Mr. Bradley, Cuz wanted to let you know that he scored some big clients with your “Bunch of Malarkey Offense” idea. He told me before his eyes rolled back in his head that he had some big clients that wanted to come on board. He said he had Roto-Rooter and Paulie’s Port A Potties in the bag. He also said he was working on Cow Patty’s homemade Ice Cream sandwiches. Two oreo cookie kind of shells with a vanilla ice cream center. I tried one. They taste like krap.
But anyway, Two Idiots Marketing Group is on a roll. How long before I get a pay raise and quit spending my money on your office supplies and get a real office not this utility room at Cuz’s house. Have you seen the size of these Cockroaches here? I am thinking of finding a jockey and entering one in the Derby.
Let me know something soon, I desperately need a manicure by Kim Chee. She has a great nail place. You should try it if you come to Augusta for the Masters.
Gen Neyland
August 24th, 2009
11:30 pm
Screw the racial thing. Ain’t got time for the little brains. Send Shockley and Parker packing an pick up Ainge. He’s darn near a perfect fit for this offense off the bench even as a 3rd stringer. Shockley ain’t got this offense…Parker needs to fly out to San Diego to continue…D.J to Washington. Bring Ainge to Atlanta. It’s not about race, it’s about WINNING, fools…
Gen Neyland
August 24th, 2009
11:32 pm
Cuz : They’ll never listen to us…
Sidbury is a steal
August 24th, 2009
11:33 pm
Sidbury is going to be one of the biggest steals of the draft. I’m predicting 8 sacks this year and that he’ll be a full-time starter next year and reach double digits. The guy is just so fast off the edge. What a pair of bookends we can have with him and Abraham.
Cuz again
August 24th, 2009
11:37 pm
Okay, awake again. Where did these bandages come from and why is my secretary mad at me. I swore that bounced paycheck was the bank’s fault. But truly, I am inspired by the latest comments on this blog. Race really means nothing. I saw Jim Crow and it was as ugly as a Stephen Garcia Hail Mary. Face it, we have come a long way. But we are still traveling that road. So I will give you a lift, a ride, a hand. a companion or even give you a piggy back ride. We are all in this together. Let us all just talk about these teams and players as if we are all one people. Here is the hint, we are. God love you all.
JEM
August 24th, 2009
11:50 pm
Go Falcons
JEM
August 24th, 2009
11:54 pm
I thought “Thugs” worked for the mafia. And “Snow White” was a Disney character. Folks, shut up about race and start typing football. Falcons Football!
Cuz
August 25th, 2009
12:03 am
I think Tony Gonzales is the best Falcons addition since Michael Turner. Whoa, did not have to go far for that. Before the complaints, Matt Ryan was a draft, not an add on. Tough schedule, but with the pride and commitment of this team, no losing record this year, a back to got your back playoff run.
Cuz as TV''s Baretta
August 25th, 2009
12:06 am
What color is Tony? Answer, the Falcons Red and Black baby. And that is the name of dat tune.
pickettboy
August 25th, 2009
3:15 am
Hey everyone check me out, I dont think anyone is a bigger Vick fan than me. But when dec. 6 comes I’m with the home team. Oncw a falcon always a falcon. But my boy vick still a bird, cause he sighned with the eagles, show the man some love and respect, hell you must forgot we have MattyIce , with turner and gonzalez, thats twice as nice.
Alan
August 25th, 2009
7:00 am
I wish all of you Vick lovers would see the man for what he is, a good athelete with a bad history and a future very much like his brother Marcus, remember the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Dungy has already had to call him out about Vodka, what else is there that we don’t know about.
Now lets get serious and talk some real football, GO FALCONS !!!!!
wl webb
August 25th, 2009
7:06 am
who is this idiot talking about pearl harbor
Kerry Fruit Moses
August 25th, 2009
8:15 am
I feel extremely good about the offense; top 5 even, but I am equally nerves about the defense. With that said I think we are doing the right thing by going young. If you are going to be a bottom/middle of the pack D you may as well do it with young guys who can grow rather than a team of veterans. GO FALCONS!!!!!!
falcon fan
August 25th, 2009
8:50 am
uh, the germans didn’t bomb pearl harbor
Jim
August 25th, 2009
9:01 am
Does anybody know status of safety Moore– both physically and how the Falcons view him? A big time playmaking safety can go a long way to improved defense (Pittsburg/Baltimore). Moore seemed to have some special physical abilities–size/speed.
Andy
August 25th, 2009
9:01 am
Excited about Falcons but shcedule looks brutal… 8-8 prediction… With Gonzo & Finn, we should always convert on 3rd down, right?
Sure does look like kickoff returns are going to be a real bore this year with the rule change. I think only the elite returners (Cribbs, Washington) will have a shot at returning them to the house this year. I expect kickoff return TD’s to be down 40%. And punt return TD’s in Dallas, down 75%…
True Falcon Fan
August 25th, 2009
9:22 am
“Falcons Sorry” is a bitter racist. You’re pathetic. Do us all a favor and move to Philadelphia. Wait, those people don’t deserve that. Better yet, move to Alaska where you can be put on ice for 50 years. They can use your worthless cadaver to show school children how not to look and act. While you’re at it you might consider learning the english language. Maybe a 5th grade refresher course. Jeez, what a loser!
Sarah B
August 25th, 2009
10:27 am
Cuz is the only one on here that makes any sense….
regijoli
August 25th, 2009
10:49 am
Why is it every falcons blog has to be tainted with comments for and/or against MV7. HE NO LONGER PLAYS NOR IS HE RELEVANT TO FALCONS FOOTBALL. If you are an anti-supporter of MV7 because of what he was convicted of you probably disliked him all along and if you are a supporter of him, then you probably wanted him to be a falcon for life regardless of what he was convicted of. The bottom line is the falcons have moved on and as fans we need to move on as well. Please let let it go. And for the record I am a Vick fan, Vick the football player. You all are showing ignorance by beating a dead issue. If you want to bash or praise him go to an Eagles blog. Let’s just keep it Falcons here. Please just agree to disagree and let it go. KEEP IT FALCONS TALK.
Wendell
August 25th, 2009
12:15 pm
Vick is a thug.
Jeremy
August 25th, 2009
12:29 pm
Dolphins fan here; and I got one thing to say to you whining babies: Your team has an offense and a QB that 90 PERCENT of the NFL would be thrilled to swap for. While the rest of us envy you, all you do is whine like spoiled kids, not at all appreciating how good you got it.
SO LISTEN UP: YOU FALCON FANS DON’T DESERVE WHAT YOU GOT!!!! I HOPE YOU LOOSE EVERY GAME THIS SEASON (wait… that’d probably make some of you pretty happy. IDIOTS!!!!)
GulagCarpaccio
August 25th, 2009
12:40 pm
Jack G. is a rascist P*G
Joe Flacco
August 25th, 2009
12:49 pm
Did you fools like my DEEP BALL? I was throwing 50 yard lasers all over the field.
I am going to show you idiots who the “TRUE ROY” really was.
I throw lasers because of my arm strength and Ryan throws lobs because his arm is like a noodle.
Did you see how all the announcers were saying there is no other qb in the league that throws the “out pass” & deep ball like me?
That’s ARM STRENGTH BABY!!!!!
Coroner
August 25th, 2009
12:57 pm
Detroit (0-16) & St. Louis (2-14) – are we boasting about our performance against them?
We lost to Detroit and almost lost to the sorry Rams. Did you guys see the Ravens in preseason, playing like it was mid season? They were crunching the qb like he was a stuff doggy toy.
Ryan does not have zip on his ball past 20 yards. Mark Sanchez has great arm strength and the Ravens had 2 pick-6 and almost a third.
When the Ravens come here next week it’s going to get early quick.
They are going to shut down Mike Turner, so there is going to be target practice on Ryan. That’s scary because he is a tall, thin, easy target.
The Ravens defense is going to be HIGHLY motivated, because Flacco didn’t win the “ROY” and they are a close team, so they will be sleeping, eating and licking their chops thinking about ripping into him.
I think we better get the backup ready and lots of body bags.
Coroner
August 25th, 2009
1:01 pm
CHARLIE
Michael Irvin is already inducted in the HALL OF FAME – What are you talking about?
Atlanta Falcon Fan
August 25th, 2009
1:53 pm
Coroner, Joe Flacco isn’t quite the QB Matt Ryan is. Flacco can’t run the no huddle nearly as efficient if at all. Flacco doens’t direct traffic like Ryan. Flacco has a whole team around him offense and defense whereas Matt Ryan had question marks all around him at the beginning of last season. That Ravens defense is coming at one of the better offensive line in the NFL. Licking their chops or not they won’t get to Ryan much at all. Ryan has already proved he can work against the blitz especially with Gonzo in the mix now.
When are all of you guys gonna realize Matt Ryan is the real deal? Gonzalez said he has never seen another second year like him. Mularkey says it. All these people who know football know Matt Ryan is special, except you couch experts.
Also, racism sucks. Why doesn’t everyone just quit being so darned insecure about their race and if someone doesn’t like it, so what? Who care’s. Doesn’t bother me. I am who I am, I am the color I am, and if someone makes a generalization that’s on them. Yeah I am white, but if someone does or does not do something for me because of that, then I don’t need them nor am I going to give them the time of day. All of this Ben Rothlisburger, Mike Vick, the word thug being thrown around in place of another word, it’s BS. Why pay attention to it. This is football, not the black guy did this so he’s a thug, this white guy did that do so he must be a thug. Thug is a generalization and an opinion of someone who another person deems “a person who continually makes poor decisions without ever trying to fix his or her decision process to prevent said decisions in the future”. It has nothing to do with skin color. Europeans use the work for theives and drunks. It is what you make it. But it shouldn’t be made into football.
Atlanta Falcon Fan
August 25th, 2009
2:00 pm
Now, Mr. Bradley…with that said, onto your blog.
I agree with Mularkey, and I like the philosophy. I believe football is about execution. If you can execute and execute well, the games will take care of themselves. I am a fan of GT and Paul Johnson. This is one of his mantra’s. His offense doesn’t do anything anyone hasn’t seen, but the execution is high level and that’s what counts. You can have 600 plays in a book, but they really won’t mean much if your team is mediocre at running them. If you have 100 plays but execute them all at a high level, BAM look out!
It’s like taking an exam. If you study all of the material within let’s say chapters 1,2,and 3 you’ll be ok. Let’s say you are given a study guide from your professor highlighting only the topics on the exam within those chapters. You are going to be a whole lot better off studying just those topics on the study guide than wasting time on the all of the extra stuff in those chapters.
Bubba Gone Wild
August 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
The offensive Line is a beast. I saw Clabo knock the ish out of a linemen and LBs pulling on run plays. I love to see the o-line hit so viciously. They are violent and relentless when blocking. It’s going to be a treat to see this year. They protect Turner really well.
Duece Pigbelow
August 25th, 2009
2:10 pm
If Vick is a Thug, wouldn’t it be fair to say White pple are Land Thieves, rapist, and hypocrites. Since people are throwing out general statements.
Atlanta Falcon Fan
August 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
Duece……
Yep, all of this generalizations and irrational yelping by insecure people. I got no time for people who blame their problems on color.
Ivan Payne
August 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
Mark,
Seeing as how Vick is no longer relevant to Falcons football, why not just delete any posts with the clear intent to do nothing but cheerlead him. They’re nothing but a waste of space and has turned your blog into a circus. This IS your blog, right??
Bad News
August 25th, 2009
2:30 pm
I am a veteran of 3-decades and a recipient of 2-Expeditionary & 1-Humanitarian Medals. I never flaunt my service because I don’t want to use my service to the country to give me a free pass to force “RACIAL or HATRED” on to people and using the excuse that I have earned a right to do so.
“Bug Killer” it is so-called veterans like you that give men, present and past, in uniform a bad rep.
Everyone has a right to voice their individual opinions, whether you like it or not, as long as it does not show hate and racism.
Bad News
August 25th, 2009
2:41 pm
The Falcons have some serious issues to deal with and the bloggers on here are living in a delusional fantasy world. That schedule that they enjoyed last season, was as easy as the Bulldogs was in college, probably easier.
The way they have performed against the 2 worst teams from 2008 was pathetic for a playoff team.
Now they have some serious match up problems coming this week. The Chargers have so big and fast receivers, 6′5 & 6′4 receivers, who will make Grimes & company look like slow dwarfs.
That does not even include what “LT”, Sproules, Rivers & Antonio Gates will bring to the table.
Then what is left of the Falcons after the Chargers get done, the Ravens will mop up the remaining healthy players.
This season may be over before the start of the season.
crabs in my jocks joe
August 25th, 2009
2:46 pm
I’m just a tired old redneck with no life.
bigeasy830
August 25th, 2009
3:32 pm
Atlanta Falcon Fan, you stated that Joe Flaco is not quit the QB that Matt Ryan is, well you Flacco won 2 play-off games and Matt Ryan was one and done. I wouldn’t care if Matt Ryan was purple like Barney, his color is irrelevent. He is simply a weak armed chump and all you bandwagon Matt Ryan fans will be jumping off that bandwagon by weak 8 when the Falcons will be 2-6.
Falcons suck and will be 4-12 in 2009
“Back to Life, Back To Reality”.
Unca' Bob
August 25th, 2009
3:38 pm
thug [ thug ] (plural thugs)
noun
Definition:
1. brutal person: somebody, especially a criminal, who is brutal and violent
2. Indian robber: a member of a former secret organization of robbers in India, worshipers of the goddess Kali, who strangled their victims
Falcons Not Sorry
August 25th, 2009
3:42 pm
Falcons Sorry – Based on your beligerent All Caps rant, your slaughtering of the english language and your obvious inability to recognize football talent I can only conclude that you are A Carolina Panther Fan. You need not worry about December 6. You should be worried about November 15th when the Dirty Birds come to Bank of America Stadium and embarrass your team. We will not settle for a Wildcard this year. We will win the division.
Look, a unicorn
August 25th, 2009
3:43 pm
I got my tickets for Dec. 6th. FALCONS SORRY, where’s a good place near the Dome to park where I won’t get kilt by pro-Vick fans congregatin’ after the game? And should I bring mace or cash money?
Look, a unicorn
August 25th, 2009
3:44 pm
psst. Unca, it’s me, JW_.
Unca' Bob
August 25th, 2009
3:48 pm
Man, you made me look! What’s up Corn?
JJB
August 25th, 2009
4:23 pm
Gee Bad News, I remember that the Falcons played the Chargers in the regular season last year, at their place, and won. I do not take stock in preseason games anyway- Pittsburgh lost each of them last year and the Lions won all of them. I do not see any gap player for player with 14 of the teams that the Falcons will play in the regular season this year. Their defense is a question mark, but I do not see them performing worse than the defense last year. Your rant is lame and I am tired of each year is going to be the Saints year. It is as bad and lame as listening to how the Texans are going to turn the corner. I see the same question marks around the Saints defense as I do the Falcons
Dick Hurtz
August 25th, 2009
4:52 pm
Falcon sorry…learn to type, spell, and use at least half the brain you have before posting to this forum. You are a tool.
Peter Ballzitch
August 25th, 2009
4:53 pm
Amen Dick Hurtz.
Bad News
August 25th, 2009
5:02 pm
JJB
Good try, but Shawn Merrimann did not play last season and “LT” was playing all season with a bad foot. They are the spark plugs on both sides of the ball and both are healthy this season
This will get ugly fast.
JJB
August 25th, 2009
5:58 pm
Yawn. Remember, the Chargers still have Norv Turner
Matt Jones
August 25th, 2009
7:15 pm
What’s wrong with having a good time now and again. Go Falcons and take a chance on me; I could help.
Unca' Bob
August 25th, 2009
7:58 pm
With the talent the Chargers have this year, as well as years past, to have done no better than what they have shown is a Shame.
PS- Lookin’ for the invite to the chicken pluckin’ Cuz.
PSS- Cuz, does your under paid secretary have a sister?
Win,lose, or tie bravos til i die
August 25th, 2009
9:57 pm
how does not liking vick make me a moron rascist
PETA Watcher
August 25th, 2009
10:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MblfdR459Rk
Quagmire
August 25th, 2009
11:24 pm
Giggidy Giggidy Goo !!
Vick Supporter
August 26th, 2009
5:20 am
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d81224f1c/Vick-to-play-Thursday
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned
Question
August 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
Can anyone tell me why there are so many more black players in the NFL than whites?
Question Answered
August 26th, 2009
4:44 pm
Because I think that generally speaking, the US black population has a higher percentage of its populace with superior athletic skills that football teams value than does any other demographic. Although the black population is 13.4% of the US population as a whole it is overrepresented demographically in US sports such as Football and basketball. This overrepresentation is based upon merit than race from all things that I can see.
chyna doll
August 26th, 2009
5:58 pm
um I’ve never seen a black agitator in a washing machine before. the black part is the drum. and washing machines comes in all colors.
Falcons Apparel Operator
August 27th, 2009
1:14 am
Sales are really booming – oops those are Eagle jerseys.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/eagles-jerseys-in-124580.html
Question
August 27th, 2009
1:20 am
Thanks “Question Asnwered”!
So you are telling me that although the black population is only 13 % nation-wide, the NFL & NBA employs more of them because of their superior athleticism?
That’s amazing.
Question Answered
August 27th, 2009
1:14 pm
It is amazing Question! Each demographic has its pluses and minuses. Just as the black population is over represented in the NFL and NBA, they are underrepresented in academic fields such as Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as well as Rhodes scholarships and PHD’s. That amazing statistic is lamentable
Edward
August 27th, 2009
3:28 pm
I literally cannot wait until September 13th for the season to begin and to watch this offense work together in unison. I agree with Mularkey in regards to the fact that he doesn’t change his philosophy no matter what. Matt Ryan will be like a kid in a candy store with all the weapons around him there is simply no way to adequately cover Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White in the same offense. As for the defense I think they are greatly underrated and under appreciated and will be much better than we think. I love or linebacking corps of Lofton, Nicholas and Peterson. 2 more preseason games to go to fine tune this Ferrari before the fish come in from South Florida, I can’t wait.
Edward
August 27th, 2009
3:54 pm
Falcon Sorry…, first of all the Germans didn’t bomb Pearl Harbor the Japanese did that shoes how much attention you paid in history class. You can be a Mike Vick fan all you want but I’d hate to know I still thought the world of self admitted lazy quarterback who was the first to leave and the last to arrive to practice, to the games, maybe that’s why in 6 years as the starting quarterback he never learned how to audible from the line of scrimmage. The Falcons have moved on with a better team all the way around. Go be an Eagles fan or maybe Leavenworth will start an NFL team and Vick can be a overpaid RUNNING BACK playing QUARTERBACK for them, then you can go out and buy a prison striped #7 jersey to go along with the other ones you have.
Question Answered
August 27th, 2009
4:24 pm
Edward, Falcons Sorry is a joke handle designed to get a rise out of people. Lots of intentionally wrong stuff to make people vent
WHAT UP!!!
August 27th, 2009
10:45 pm
The great Mike Vick was 4/4 passing for a grand total of 19 yards. And by the way one pass made up 13 of those yards. He rushed for 1 yard. There is nothing great about Mike Vick.
He is a has been who never really was!
Vick Supporter
August 28th, 2009
7:56 am
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned