Bradley’s Buzz: ESPN prescribes Vitamin D for the Falcons
There’s no defense for the indefensible, or something like that
Apparently Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com saw the same game I did. Because he spent the entirety of his post on the Falcons’ victory over San Diego — was there ever a victory so misleading? — discussing the winning team’s defense. Or the abject lack of same. Wrote Yasinskas:
“The Falcons aren’t going to go out and blow up their defense at the end of the preseason. They’re going with what they’ve got and that’s a little scary. They could have gone out and grabbed some blue-chip defensive backs in the offseason. But they didn’t.
“They’re going with Brent Grimes and Chris Houston as their starting cornerbacks and Erik Coleman and Thomas DeCoud as their starting safeties, for better or worse. If the Falcons are going to make the best of this, they need to do some of the same things they do with their offensive line. They don’t have a tremendous amount of talent there, but they make the most of it because they hide their weaknesses.
“They need to do the same thing with the secondary. The best way to do that is with a pass rush. They’ve got an elite rusher in John Abraham, but they need more than that. They need third-year pro Jamaal Anderson to step up from the very start of the season. Anderson was a top 10 pick in 2007 and he’ll be on the bench if he doesn’t start quickly.
“The Falcons have Chauncey Davis, Lawrence Sidbury and Kroy Biermann as alternatives to Anderson. One, or some combination, of all those defensive ends will have to step up or the secondary really might be in trouble.”
I’d agree the Falcons aren’t apt to blow anything up at this late date. But I’m not sure they’re committed to going with what they have. As I mentioned yesterday, GM Thomas Dimitroff seemed to indicate after the game he could be doing some last-minute shopping among free agents and off the waiver wire.
I don’t believe Anderson is going to get cut, as many commenters on Saturday’s live chat suggested. Neither do I believe he’ll become anything more than a rotational player along the defensive line. A guy with two sacks in two seasons isn’t going to turn into Deacon Jones because Mike Smith wishes really hard.
No, if there’s a pass rusher to be found (other than Abraham) among this D-line crew, I’m thinking it’s Sidbury. And it should be noted that Smitty singled the Richmond rookie out for praise after the game, which is more than he did for any first-team defender save Curtis Lofton.
The Braves have no chance (even though they do)
Here’s one of those fun-with-numbers things that is neither terribly fun nor especially edifying. Jay Jaffe of Baseball Prospectus, which leads the majors in numbers per column inch, breaks down the schedules of the National League wild card contenders for ESPN.com and determines that the Braves’ isn’t so tough. Wrote Jaffe in a post dated Friday (link requires registration):
“Aside from six games with the Phillies — against whom Atlanta is 8-4 this year — and seven with the Marlins, the only other contender the Braves face the rest of the way is the Cardinals.”
The Braves just finished a three-game series in Philadelphia, meaning only 13 of their remaining 32 games will be against teams with winning records. The Giants, by way of contrast, must still play more than half their games — 16 of 31 — against winning clubs. Yet San Francisco entered the weekend with a 12.2 percent chance of making the playoffs, while the Braves entered with “a less than 1-in-10 shot.”
Got that? Me, neither. But here’s something to consider: The Rockies, who fell into a tie with San Fran for the wild card lead 3 1/2 games ahead of the Braves, play only nine of their 31 games — and three of the next 22 — against teams with winning records.
Help a Dawg out! Tweet with Jeff Owens!
Jeff Owens, the gifted and expressive Georgia defensive tackle, set a goal of breaking the magic 1,000-follower mark on Twitter over the weekend, and he made it. (Thanks to esteemed colleague Rudy Isaza for alerting me to this momentous development.)
If you care about the Bulldogs and haven’t yet followed Mr. Owens, you should. (He’s @jeffowens95.) Because you’ll discover things, such as how Mr. Owens spent his weekend:
- Got a parking ticket for $100 on Friday;
- Got an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game;
- Went to Piggly Wiggly, where he bought meat, on Saturday,;
- Played basketball and saw teammates Geno Atkins and Darryl Gamble lose to “a 14-year-old boy”;
- Went to church on Sunday;
- Ate lunch at the Holiday Inn;
- Took a nap;
- Played “NCAA 2010″;
- Received the movie “Knowing” through Netflix;
- Cooked chicken — with yellow rice, which is apparently harder to prepare than white rice — for dinner.
Not entirely sure what’s on tap for next weekend. Something about playing cowboy. Or maybe it has to do with playing the Cowboys.
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104 comments Add your comment
dooley
August 31st, 2009
9:25 am
why havn’t we signed derrick brooks, or pacman, or chris mcallister, or someone.
Cuz
August 31st, 2009
9:26 am
That yellow rice is tougher than the Pokies offensive line.
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
9:29 am
Patience, dooley. It’s only 9:29 on a Monday.
matt_t
August 31st, 2009
9:32 am
Don’t forget about Mike Moore, he’s on twitter too. http://www.twitter.com/mikemoore82
MatthewH
August 31st, 2009
9:41 am
You better not publicize the Twiiter accounts of SEC athletes. If the SEC doesn’t have a stake in it, they’re sure to change their media policy so that they can make money and stop the free-flow of information. What exactly is their stance regarding white vs yellow rice?
Poor McKay
August 31st, 2009
9:41 am
I obviously missed something in the past few weeks, what happened to Von Hutchins? And if Houston & Grimes stink, I assume that also means that Chevis and Owens stink, too. And those last two were drafted by Gel-Head.
Catfish
August 31st, 2009
9:44 am
Anyone want to give an over/under on the life expectancy of Twitter?
toccoadawg
August 31st, 2009
9:45 am
Is it too late to pull my Falcons to the super bowl prediction?
washedup
August 31st, 2009
9:52 am
The good news is, you were able to get your opponent in third-and-long on several occasions. The bad news is, you were not able to get off the field. Is that a function of the secondary, or the defensive line? I’m not about to offer an answer, because I don’t know. Just asking.
The General
August 31st, 2009
9:59 am
I like me some of that Mahatma, saffron-seasoned rice with chicken. Hoo-wee that’s good eatin’.
FALCONS SORRY
August 31st, 2009
10:01 am
ESPN! YOU IGNORANT BUNCH OF HATERS! THE D IS THE BEST PART OF THIS FALCONS TEAM! WITH TURNER BURNER BEING HAVING TO CARRY THE WHOLE ENTIRE OFFENCE BY HIS SELF THE DEFENCE IS THE CORNER STONE OF THIS TEAM! AUTHUR BLANK GOT RID OF HIS HIGH PRICED TALENT IN VICK AND WENT ON THE CHEAP WITH MATTY HOPELESS AND NO DECENT WIDE RECIEVERS! NOW THAT THE SORRY FALCONS GOT RID OF THAT SPEED BUMP JUMP ON THE PILE AFTER THE PLAY OVER KIETH BROOKINGS THERE IS NO WAY TO GOT BUT UP FOR THE D! KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO AND HELP OUT TURNER BURNER FALCONS D!
FALCONS SORRY
August 31st, 2009
10:08 am
SOMEBODEE TAKE MY COMPUTAH AWAY! I NEED TO LERN HOW 2 SPEL AND RITE! I ALSO LIKE TO RITE BIG LONG SENTUNSES THAT NEVER SEEM TO END!
Twitter Trackbacks for Bradley's Buzz: ESPN advises the Falcons to take Vitamin D | Mark Bradley [ajc.com] on Topsy.com
August 31st, 2009
10:08 am
[...] Bradley’s Buzz: ESPN advises the Falcons to take Vitamin D | Mark Bradley blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/08/31/bradleys-buzz-espn-prescribes-vitamin-d-for-the-falcons – view page – cached Mark Bradley of the AJC collects links regarding the Falcons, the Braves and Georgia DT Jeff Owens, who just crossed the 1,000-follower threshold on Twitter. — From the page [...]
Russ
August 31st, 2009
10:09 am
…and thus ends our daily brilliant analysis from Falcons Sorry.
charlotte_dawg
August 31st, 2009
10:13 am
Michael Booker could start for this crew.
GP
August 31st, 2009
10:33 am
I hear Tom Pridemore is available.
slick
August 31st, 2009
10:37 am
Where is Charles Dimry when we need him?
midnite
August 31st, 2009
10:44 am
The Falcons do need help on defense. I always take what most of the ESPN talking heads say about Atlanta teams with a grain of salt. Adam Shefter is credible but most of the rest are full of bull.
MrKnowGood
August 31st, 2009
10:47 am
Does anyone remember…Samcon Gato and Chris Wienke!!! We had all hoped the Falcons learned their lesson with Jim Mora. After going to the NFC Championship game, the following offseason, Jim Mora cut most of the veterans on the defense and we spent the next 2 years trying to rebuild (i.e. Ed Hartwell). We really need to find DE like Brady Smith and Patrick Kerney or we’ll all be watching 3rd string running backs and QB’s run and pass all over our 1st string defense. Can you imagine a re-focused Vick facing this defense (Dec. 6th)!!! Oh well…the thought of two consecutive winning seasons was good while it lasted; too bad Vick not here anymore to take the blame for what will be a VERY long season.
jeffrey d
August 31st, 2009
10:48 am
Michael Booker could start for this crew.
A sack of dirty laundry could start for this crew.
slow roller
August 31st, 2009
10:50 am
Falcons need a return specialist. Huge hole with Douglas going down!
Aaron Kelly was great in High School…..give him a shot!
truth-serum
August 31st, 2009
10:53 am
I prescribe that we go and get Michael Vick and terrorize Defensive co-ordinators, give the press something to ignite readership, give the georgia chapter of the southern bubba crew something to hate and let the people get excited about the righteousness of giving a soul a second chance. WELCOME BACK MICAEL VICK!
truth-serum
August 31st, 2009
10:54 am
MICHAEL VICK!
Navigator
August 31st, 2009
10:55 am
One poster asked why we haven’t signed Pacman? Are you kidding? Atlanta has made their priority to sign no player that has problems with the law. The problem with their corners is not coverage, it’s their height. Look around the NFL, and you’ll see this is a common problem when you run 6′5″ receivers up against 5′10″ defensive backs. Most colleges play the short fast guys at corner and the larger less fleet of foot defensive backs at safety. I’m sorry there isn’t a crop of 6′ 3″ corners available. You have to make up for this problem by rushing the quarterback, and that’s the real problem, Atlanta doesn’t have a good rush.
WR
August 31st, 2009
11:23 am
Hey Mark, not a bad post, not bad at all, some of what you said I agree with, some I don’t, but you expect that from any fan especially considering the state of the Falcons. One thing though, you made a comment that no guy with two sacks in two seasons is going to turn into Deacon Jones, chances are we won’t see another Deacon Jones, but to say a player can’t turn it around, and they will be situational players because of poor preformance in their first two seasons is a bit much. As a sports writer I’m sure you have heard of a guy named James Harrison, not a first round pick, not even a draft pick at all, cut by one team, an after thought on another, kind of wonder how he turned out.
Am I saying that Jamaal has a chance on turning into that kind of player, not really, but I am saying that the jury is still out, we want to see it now, we want to see it in a Falcons uniform, but the reality is that it might not happen here, or it might not happen period. If it does, five years from now if you are still at the AJC you will be writing about the doom and gloom of the Falcons and how they let yet another player get away, sounds like what ya’ll said about Favre once he turned into a future hall of famer. The truth is that we don’t know, we want it now, we can’t wait for perfection, we can’t wait for a player to grow, we want a team that wasn’t expected to win much last year to be a superbowl contender this year, rarely does it want this way, in fact Superbowl teams are built over time with some ups and downs, some hits misses, its a learning process for the players as well as the coaches and the front office. The best franchises realize this and the best writers try to get fans to realize the same thing. As might Smith in Dimitroff stated continously last year, its a process, great results one year won’t necessarily lead to great results the next year, which is not bad when you consider this regime is working on building high expectations for every year, when they know and have said it will take time.
If the Falcons, god forbid, go 6-10 this year there certainly will be an uproar, but the reality for fans is that this team is finally under good management and the commitment is there even when the wins are not. I could be wrong, but if the commitment of putting a good team, year in and year out is there, chances are this team will be good this year as well as into the futute, but just like with Jamaal Andersen, sometimes you have to exercise a little patience.
charlotte_dawg
August 31st, 2009
11:24 am
A sack of dirty laundry could start for this crew.
Except for the millions, there’s no difference between Michael Booker and a sack of dirty laundry.
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
11:30 am
How about those gift wrapped 3 PICK6 by the NOODLE ARM quarterback against the 1st, 2nd and 3rd units? What good is a solid defense if the leader of the team is giving up the ball?
You people are so biased (being nice because he know the reason) because if Vick or Shockley were the qb you would place all the blame on them, but if old “BLUEEYES” sucks, you blame everybody else.
I’m actually glad you are ignoring the offensive liability, so that it will be exposed even more during the regular season.
There is no way this team wins one game before the BYE week.
Like I have said all along, Art Blank did not look happy and Matty Ice will be demoted within 2 more seasons!
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
11:36 am
“THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY”
GOOD – Reeves——Superbowl
BAD – McKay——-Championship Game
UGLY – Dimitroff—————1 & done (2008)….disaster (2009)
So Dimitroff is good management? You guys are idiots if you believe that, unless you just like losing playoff games.
Bad
DEF
August 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Anderson is not able to stay on his feet when trying to pass rush. The opposing offensive lineman is able to push him face down with little effort.
Will he all of the sudden be able stay on his feet and pressure a quarterback? Don’t think so.
Situational player at best.
No silly name here
August 31st, 2009
11:54 am
Bad News: You are so stuuuuuuuuupid. The defense will get better and the offense is there. Vick is already causing problems in Philly and DJ(interceptions galore)Schockley will be gone by next week. Mattie Ice will taking home the MVP in two years.
Bird Watcher
August 31st, 2009
11:59 am
What do you mean “Where’s Charles Dimry when you need him”? He’s wearing no. 23.
leland
August 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
Dear Mr. MB–it’s great to see the nonparell Falcons Sorry back on the blog and in his first incarnation to boot. You’ve noticed that in his absence, I used his soaring “vengence will be serve” a couple of times to keep the waters stirred. Your pal, Leland
midnite
August 31st, 2009
12:08 pm
Bad News-Neither Ryan or Redmon threw any interceptions Saturday. Almost just doesn’t count in the NFL. You are not only a racist hater, but ignorant also. Do you even have a team you support?
Greg
August 31st, 2009
12:09 pm
I know the Falcons have Biermann listed at DE, and everyone loves his motor and intensity, but surely he doesn’t have the body (he’s about 240 from the looks of him) to play that position except as a pure pass rusher relying on quickness. OTs dwarf him. Jamaal and Abraham are also on the light side for DE, though no one can argue with Abe’s pass rush. What I continue to see with the Falcons D-line, in addition to a lack of a four-man pass rush, is how easily they are getting blocked on the edges on run plays. So here I’m including Abe and Jamaal. This is not a good sign. I do think Peterson is an upgrade over Brooking, in that he’s both quicker and faster. But I’m not sold on Nicholas, especially if he’s going to be expected to cover tight ends or backs coming out of the backfield. He looks like a body builder, and seems to have great aggression, but is awkward backing up, moving in space. I’m not going to repeat what everyone can see about Houston and Grimes going against 6′5″ receivers. I’m worried like everyone else. TD better make some significant moves here on defense or it’s possibly going to be a long season.
sal governale
August 31st, 2009
12:16 pm
Bradley, you still haven’t answered my question. I find it curious your focus on Smoltz’s comback has suddenly shifted now that he’s pitching like a HOF’er again. Why? I can conclude only that your drivel is written purely out of spite, and is therefore absolutely worthless. You, sir, appear to be a vindictive hack. If I am wrong, defend yourself. If that’s even possible.
I repeat:
A 42-year-old HOF pitcher who makes an unprecedented return from major shoulder surgery sounds like a huge story. However, a 42-year-old pitcher who looks like he’s not going to make it back after major shoulder surgery doesn’t sound all that surprising. Why is it that you love the latter story, and ignore the former? Of course, I’m sure it has nothing to do with your personal bias against Smoltz.
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
12:19 pm
There’s no chance the Falcons will pursue Pacman. Zero.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
August 31st, 2009
12:24 pm
I agree with you on the Falcons — the most alarming thing about that preseason game was the (lack of) defense. We just happened to have a better offense that night. I’m going to turn my focus now to the Falcons, as I have finally admitted to myself that the Braves best chance for a playoff bid lies within the 2010 season.
Falcons blog looking for Facons
August 31st, 2009
12:24 pm
Mark Bradley – There more than enough stuff to talk about with the Falcons situation on D right now than to waste ONE SENTENCE on the (WHO CARES) Braves, Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets, Hawks or any other Atlanta sports team. THIS ISN’T THE ATLANTA SPORTS BLOG!!!! THIS IS THE FALCONS BLOG!!!! IF YOU CAN’T COME UP WITH ENOUGH TO WRITE ABOUT WITH THE FALCONS THEN GO TO WRITE FOR CREATIVE LOAFING!!!!!
DownGoesFrazier
August 31st, 2009
12:25 pm
Bad News: I’ll have a cheese burger and fries, with a large cola. Falcons Sorry: Clean the toilets before you leave.
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
12:31 pm
I wouldn’t give up on the Braves just yet, Mrs. CB. You know how they say, “Stranger things have happened”? Well, stranger things have happened.
DownGoesFrazier
August 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
I’m with the other bloggers who point out the front 4 as the weak link. And Van Gord Head, you can’t blitz all the time, you gotta put pressure up front. We might as well play a 3-4 if this is all we got. And it would be nice to see our CB’s jam a little off the line and redirect WR’s.
Gwalk
August 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
Is “Neon Deion” available??
slow roller
August 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
Re: Falcons blog looking for Facons?
Geez, what an artist.
Write whatever you want Mark, any sportstalk is relevant here!
Beautiful Monte
August 31st, 2009
12:38 pm
Hey, Bad News, don’t you have a liquor store to rob?
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
12:38 pm
Why, thanks, Slow Roller. I think I’ll heed your advice.
wxwax
August 31st, 2009
12:46 pm
Wow!
One preseason game and suddenly Thomas Dimitroff has a camp-follower coterie of haters. I’m trying to figure out what it says about these people, that they’re so ready to crucify him?
What have you done for me lately, indeed!
jam
August 31st, 2009
12:47 pm
Matt Ryan had almost 3 pick in the game one with no WR near the ball. But everyone is overlooking this. He had problems facing this D. Our O needs work too.
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
12:50 pm
What’s wrong with Matty Ice? I could write a complete thesis, but instead, in this segment, I’ll just post on the obvious:
“READING THE DEFENSE” – Those 3 gift wrapped PICK6 had to be the most “UNINTELLIGENT” reads I have ever seen! Joey Harrington could have performed better.
“ARM STRENGTH” – Any high school qb can zip a pass 15-20 yards. In the 1st quarter when “Matty Ice version of deep ball”, he had to arch his back and heave with all his might, and the ball went high into the air and was vastly under thrown and was nearly picked off.
“REDZONE” – This is the area where NOODLE ARMED quarterbacks have to have “REAL” NFL arms – gimmicking lobs, screens and quick slants don’t fool good defenses. He missed both Roddy and Gonzalez in the cluth – why? Because he has a NOODLE ARM!
“HAVING A PAIR” – He obviously doesn’t or they are so small, he could be confused with a pigeon! His performance in the big game against the Cardinals was evidence of that, 2-picks, a safety and a qb rating around 50 – P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C!!!!!!!
“TOUGHNESS” – Hit this sucker one time and he looks like he has been in a train wreck. Remember last season against Minnesota when he got his clock rung, he got up and looked like he had suffered a concussion.
I could go on and on but I think “YOU” people get the message.
Take Joe Flacco on the other hand – what does he do?
FIRST ROOKIE TO EVER WIN 1ST 2 PLAYOFF GAMES IN ROOKIE SEASON
Yeah Dimitroff is a genuis alright – picked the wrong FOOL. This team will be lucky to match the 2007 record at best.
mick vick is the man
August 31st, 2009
12:57 pm
This is what happens when you THRO-ROCKS WHEN YOU LIVE IN A GLASS HOUSE.
PHIL EAGLES WILL GO TO THE PAYOFFS AND THE BIG GAME AND COULD WIN IT ALLLLLLL….AUTHUR BLANK I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU. YOU LET THE ATHENS,GAINESVILLE,AND SOME INTER CITY REDNECKS….. TAKE WHAT YOU HAD A TEAM… DOWN….. SHOW THEM WHAT THEY LOST VICK.. AND THE REST OF THE PLAYERS THIS CRAZY MANAGEMENT CUT..
I HAD SEASON TICKETS BUT NOT ANYMORE. I’M GOING TO PHILI…TO SURPORT MICKAEL VICK..I’M NOW WEARING THE NEW #7….
GO MICHAEL VICK
FALCONS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
1:01 pm
“Beautiful Monte” that was hilarius
I’ll put it on to-do-list
But that doesn’t change the fact that Matty Ice…….
S-U-C-K-S !!!!!!!!!!!!!
TAMPAFALCON
August 31st, 2009
1:04 pm
The real test is within the division. We all play the same teams except the two other NFC division teams. We have a tough schedule (4th), but so does the other division teams. How we compare with the other teams is favorable. The Bucs are unknown. New coach, new GM, retread QB, new defense. Who knows. The Saints literally have no defense. That leaves it to the Falcons and Panthers. The edge goes to the Falcons. Especially in December. While the Panthers close with the Patriots and Giants on the road, the Falcons have their primary tough game against the Eagles at home. Look for both to make the playoffs barring significant injuries.
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
1:05 pm
jam
August 31st, 2009
12:47 pm
Matt Ryan had almost 3 pick in the game one with no WR near the ball. But everyone is overlooking this. He had problems facing this D. Our O needs work too.
“JAM”
Glad there is at least one other person on this blog not smoking crack
Caught on tape
August 31st, 2009
1:08 pm
Falcons sorry, bad news, leland, bigeasy830 – all caught on tape, check out the video!
Zach
August 31st, 2009
1:11 pm
Mark,
I know that you will probably disagree, but what is your assessment of how things happened in the 8th inning last night. My thought was, after chipper drove in diaz on that strange single for Mac to lay a bunt down setting up 2nd and 3rd with one out with Garrett and Yunel and Adam. I know that Mac is the cleanup hitter, however when you’re down one run (based on some other crazy circumstances) why would you not try to get runners in a position where a fly ball can tie the game.
Clearly it is was unfortunate that Mac smoked one at Utley, and bunting with your clean up hitter is unconventional it just seems painfully obvious that you can’t hit into a double play there.
Joey Harrington
August 31st, 2009
1:14 pm
Matt Ryan stop cloning me!!!!!!!!!!
Dshep
August 31st, 2009
1:21 pm
What is ESPN?
Pooh Dog
August 31st, 2009
1:31 pm
One thing I’d like to see Jeff Owens twitter about that I didn’t…..hitting the books. What are you there for son? Get your education!
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
1:37 pm
Zach, I’m afraid you answered yourself. Baseball men just don’t bunt with their cleanup hitters. The cleanup hitter is there to drive in the runs, not to move guys over. McCann was simply unlucky.
deep
August 31st, 2009
1:42 pm
God this blog sucks really bad….. some of you guys are…well…. I’m going back over to Sekou and his Hawks blog……… For all you Vick lovers go over to the Eagles Blog……. Go Falcons!!!! Go Matty Ice!!!! Remember the Bears games last year???? Nough Said!!!
Turtsnap
August 31st, 2009
1:42 pm
Last night, 9th inning, 2 outs, Norton up and Infante on deck. Anybody else think that should’ve been reversed? I wish Bobby could get over his infatuation with Norton, and his stupid Righty vs Lefty thing
Nativebird
August 31st, 2009
1:46 pm
To all of those “gee-give-the-guy-another-3rd-season-before-we-rush-to-judgement-and-call-Anderson-a-bust”, Mark, you’ve NAILED it on the head: “A guy with two sacks in two seasons isn’t going to turn into Deacon Jones because Mike Smith wishes really hard”.
When you flat out WHIFF on an overall #8 pick, it causes a destructive ripple effect through a franchise that is almost always under estimated, and typically hurts the most 3 years down the road.
tt44
August 31st, 2009
1:52 pm
I tell ya….. CB..Houston from ARK. REAL SHAKY! He reminds me of the cornerback Jerry Rice scored 5 TD’s that game many yrs. ago…
The height, speed and aggressiveness is a real concern for Dbacks….As far as Jamal Anderson…form ARK….(hmmm, these players from ARK ARENT GETTNG THE JOB DONE!) i WOULD NOT EVEN START HIM……GIVE SOMEONE ELSE A CHANCE TO ACTUALLY MAKE SOME SACKS…GO FIGURE….TEAMS KNOW WHO THE FALCONS OTHER D END IS AND THAT SHOULD FREE UP J. A. TO DO SOME DAMAGE!
\HE HAS NOT GOT THE JOB DONE…TRADE HIM! (HOUSTON TOO.) LOOK LETS WIN A SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO FALCONS!
tt44
August 31st, 2009
1:53 pm
Enter your comments here
Joey Harrington
August 31st, 2009
1:53 pm
Exclusive: Favre, Vick At Top Of Jersey List
Published: Monday, 31 Aug 2009 | 12:16 PM ET Text Size By: Darren Rovell
Sports Business Reporter
Perhaps the most interesting jersey sales list of all time has hit our desk at CNBC. It’s the NFLShop.com’s best selling jersey list from April 1-August 28.
Brett Favre Vikings jerseys now top the list at No. 1, even though the jerseys only became available when Favre signed with the team a couple weeks ago.
And despite being passed over by big retailer Dick’s Sporting Goods DICKS SPORTING GOODS INCDKS
22.21 -0.60 -2.63% NYSE
Quote | Chart | News | Profile
[DKS 22.21 -0.60 (-2.63%) ], Michael Vick’s Philadelphia Eagles jerseys sold well enough to make their debut at No. 4.
Also of interest is the fact that Michael Crabtree jerseys are in the top 20 even though the Texas Tech wide receiver is still holding out.
Here’s the entire list from sales on NFLShop.com from the NFL’s first four months of the fiscal year.
1. Brett Favre, Vikings
2. Jay Cutler, Bears
3. Troy Polamalu, Steelers
4. Michael Vick, Eagles
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
6. Tony Romo, Cowboys
7. Mark Sanchez, Jets
8. Tom Brady, Patriots
9. Adrian Peterson, Vikings
10. Eli Manning, Giants
11. Terrell Owens, Bills
12. Peyton Manning, Colts
13. Hines Ward, Steelers
14. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
15. Jason Witten, Cowboys
16. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
17. Joe Flacco, Ravens
18. Matt Ryan, Falcons
19. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
20. Michael Crabtree, 49ers
Hmmmmm………Vick is ahead of:
Mannings
Brady
Romo
Roethlinberger….
Matty Ice way down at #18 – that sucks
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
1:57 pm
You’re thinking of Charles Dimry, TT44.
And TurtSnap,, is there a better image of this season than Greg Norton striking out to end the game?
Turtsnap
August 31st, 2009
2:13 pm
Only other image (or fact) would be this, and I could not believe this when I heard it: JJ has given up 2 or less earned runs in 21 of his 28 starts, yet his record is only 10-9!!! So last year it was hitting and no pitching, front office shored up the pitching problem. This year lack of hitting has bitten us SO many times!
On a different note MB. I have heard that Dunta Robinson is unhappy in Houston. Do you think the Falcons might pursue a trade? If so, any indications as to what the Texans might want in return?
Bill M
August 31st, 2009
2:19 pm
Joey Harrington,
Don’t you think you should take into account that both Favre and Vick are playing for new teams this year? This is the first opportunity to buy these jerseys. No one had them in their closet already. That would also help explain Sanchez, T.O. and Crabtree.
Dr. Warren
August 31st, 2009
2:21 pm
Mark, how did this obvious glaring weakness–the Falcons’ D, and especially the secondary–go largely uncovered by everyone for so long? Hasn’t it always seemed a stretch to expect such a young defense with 5 new starters to win 10+ games?
Coop
August 31st, 2009
2:29 pm
Bad News – You’re a reatrded racists. period.
As for our D, it’s all on the DLine. I’ll take another corner, but until we get in the backfield to disrupt the run and pressure the QB, it won’t matter who’s back there. Also, maybe it’s just me, but we probably ought to spend about ten minutes this week learning how to cover the screen.
Coop
August 31st, 2009
2:30 pm
“Retarded Racist”… so mad, I couldn’t type…
FALDAWGS
August 31st, 2009
2:36 pm
well if you ask me i would have jamaal anderson playing DT and that new DE sidbury playing his position and keep babionoix where he is then i agree go out and sign a real SS
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
2:38 pm
Dr. Warren, the Falcons didn’t believe the weakness was quite so glaring until the second quarter of Saturday’s game.
FALDAWGS
August 31st, 2009
2:41 pm
what i am trying 2 figure out on all this is how do u get a team 2 3rd down and 20 and give up a first down that happened multiple times during the game whats up with that
slow roller
August 31st, 2009
2:50 pm
Mark, are there any good players the falcons might consider trading to get a cornerback? The linebacker crew didn’t look all that great either.
ICNDARK
August 31st, 2009
3:11 pm
Though I found Houston’s play at DB to be atrocious I must defend Brent Grimes. San Diego only completed a couple of passes to the reciever he was covering, and the first one for a 3rd down conversion was an obvious push-off by the reciever. Even Dan Fouts pointed that out, but then said it was a good play because it wasn’t called. It was not a good play when you follow that comment by throwing the defender under the bus, as if he is playing poorly. The rest of the game Grimes was in position in coverage and tackled the recievers well. Evidence of this is the fact that the rest of the game they were throwing to Houston’s reciever because Grimes’ man was covered. I am certain that in the film room it was not Grimes who was being called out by Smitty. I think that the fans of this organization are all too prone to hit the panic button. Just look at the improved performance of the defense in the second half. Fine, give me all the “second stringer” crap you want but they seemed more on point as a whole.
I am very thankful that the ankle-tweak suffered by Owens on a kick-return was not serious. It was Owens who caught from behind, the streaking running back headed for a touchdown. He was very fast, and obviously has skills. If anything, I think he will be as big a help to our secondary as anyone else, rookie or not. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing Ty Law in a Falcons jersey either.
Note to “Bad News”: The pass on the first drive that Matt “heaved” that was a “gift wrapped PICK6″ was overthrown not underthrown. The defender had what’s known to football types (yourself not included) as perfect coverage. In addition, if caught by the defender, he would have gone down right there in a heap with Roddy on top of him precluding any “6″ that you are assuming. In the second half, the dropped pick was a timing route and the reciever ran the wrong route. Matt didn’t have a perfect game, no Falcon did on Sat. night. But your obvous bias grows tiresome as your inaccurate analysis is regurgitated ad nauseaum (look it up!).
I for one refuse to quit on My Birds!
But will gladly fling a few at some on this blog…
Mark Bradley
August 31st, 2009
3:11 pm
I don’t know, Slow Roller. I don’t think any of the reserve tight ends would bring much, and the Falcons probably need to hang on to the receivers without Harry Douglas. This is a good roster, but it’s not yet a deep roster.
Nativebird
August 31st, 2009
3:12 pm
From Chan Gailey in 1973 to Tim Tebow in 2009, Florida Gator starting Quarterbacks sure have come a LONG way, notwithstanding the 1966 Heisman winner,(to remain nameless in Gainesville. aka “Turncoat”).
Dr. Warren
August 31st, 2009
3:15 pm
I gotcha. But that doesn’t mean the media analysts can’t see it just because the company line or belief is “we’ll be good.” I will always hold you to one of your finest recent moments–the prediction after the GA Tech -BC game in Fall of ‘07 that Matt Ryan would be a terrific pro, the best in the ‘08 class. You raised the bar that time, my friend.
Dr. Warren
August 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
Meaning, raised it permanently.
YUP!!
August 31st, 2009
3:29 pm
I can’t believe some of you rate a player based on their jersey sales!! Are you people serious?
YUP!!
August 31st, 2009
3:32 pm
So…….if a player was rated on jersey sales Vick should have been able to read defenses and audible at the line 7 years ago. Truth is if McD’s were to change the numbers on the combo menu Vick would be lost and in total confusion because we all know he’s as dumb as a rock.
Barry Jay
August 31st, 2009
3:42 pm
Grimes and Houston will get better I think…can’t get much worse. What we need is one or two tall DB veterans that can be called upon when we play the 6′-5” receivers. Even if they have lost a step…with our speedy DB’s out there too, we might have a chance to stop a third and long play every now and then.
webhead
August 31st, 2009
3:46 pm
C’mon I’m waiting for all you idiots to start blaming Brooking again. Yeah, he was the problem wasn’t he. It’s just a mirage that he looked good playing for the Cowboys!! You are all idiots!
Rocky Mountian Falcon
August 31st, 2009
4:10 pm
Lets See, Vick has not played for the Falcons in over two seasons. He is now a Eagle in Philly. If you guys love to smell his jock strap so much, become a Philly fan and leave the Falcon blogs alone! Go jump on the Eagle bandwagon. No true Falcon fan cares about Vick or even wants him back. Please just Go and dont let the door knob hit you in the tail on the way out.
Barry Jay
August 31st, 2009
4:24 pm
Rocky Mountain,
I wish those boring trolls would leave the blogs too. They will never leave if we keep responding to them. Ignore them.
Sal Governale I am not
August 31st, 2009
5:02 pm
This is a Falcon Blog, not the Braves, and if you want to believe that Smoltz pitching well against two bottom tiered teams, means he is back then hold on to that. It is now Football season buddy.
Thomas
August 31st, 2009
5:26 pm
I have read several blogs that listed the height of the FALCONS DB’s as the reason for their poor performance last Saturday evening. Some folks are calling for Champ Bailey, Dunta Robinson, and Ty Law. Champ Bailey, Asante Samuels,Dunta Robinson, Ty Law, and our former ist rounder D Hall are all about 5′10″ or less, which is the same height as Chris Houston,and Chevis Jackson. Chevis Jackson even appears taller than most. Brent Grimes who is listed as 5′10″ looks more like 5′8″, but most DB’s are short which allows them to turn and change direction easier,also they are quicker in space. Our problem is the lack of a pass rush, and Sidbury may be able to provide some help in this area. There is absolutely no need for the panic that we see from these blogs after one preseason game. Remember this is a process and next year our emphasis will again be on Defence. The offense will be a great help to the D and the fans at home will provide great energy to lift the D. So go easy, no need for panic now.
shadykraft
August 31st, 2009
5:32 pm
Shockley can’t leave. All of the plants will die…
ATLSUPERMAN
August 31st, 2009
6:16 pm
There sure is a lot of Falcons Hating going on in this Blog, Matt Ryan doesnt have a Noodle are “bad news” and who cares about his ALMOST interceptions, we got the WIN, LETS TALK ABOUT D. CHRIS OR MIKE WOULD BE BETTER THAN BRENT N CHRIS. SIDBURY SHOULD START OVE ANDERSON. PROBLEM SOLVED I FIXED THE DEFENSE IN ONE COMMENT!!!!!
ATLSUPERMAN
August 31st, 2009
6:17 pm
MC Kenzie or McAllister i mean if ur wondering.
An Observation
August 31st, 2009
6:52 pm
Please oh please don’t get caught up in the negativity started by the Vick jock sniffers. I have confidence that TD and Smitty will figure out a way to get the defense the help needed for the team to be competitive this year.
We have all been witnessing PRESEASON GAMES folks!!!!! SO DON’T PANIC YET!!!
I’m so sick of the fair weather Atlanta Falcons’ fans. Either you support the team or you don’t. It’s obvious to some of us, that have followed this team for many years, that the team is being developed for the long haul. So if you’re one of those instant gratification fair weather fans….jump off the bandwagon now….PLEASE!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!
ashman
August 31st, 2009
7:38 pm
I hope the Falcons had plenty of Solarcaine after the DB’s got burned so bad. Really though,Grimes is athletic but just not tall enough to compete against the taller wide receivers in the league.
Dire D
August 31st, 2009
8:18 pm
No reason to panic. We just have to play with what we have this year…and surely TD is scanning the waiver wire and pondering a free agent move. But we still have to look at this as a Process, as these guys have explained until their blue in the face. This is the 2nd year of the Process for the Offense and the first year of the Process for the Defense. Surely you don’t think guy’s like TD, Mike Smith, et al, just got lucky last year folks! Our problem as fans is that we are merely armchair QB’s, Coach’s and GM’s. We love the game and we each think we know what’s best for the team, or at least, we have an opinion…and we know what those are like!
But these guys running the Falcon’s are football men and they see more than we see and know more than we know. They know what they’re doing folks!
That won’t stop me or anybody else from calling out a weakness and jumping with consensus from time to time…hey, we all do!
But TD couldn’t do my job and I can’t do his. And when I hear the man speak and back up what he says with action and smart moves I believe him. And if you give Mike Smith the players he is going to win.
It does give me comfort knowing that at the heart of this football team is a group of saavy guys who have the experience to put it all together. But if this year doesn’t turn out to meet the lofty expectations of all you prognosticators and clairvoyants then take solace in the fact that this is year one in the Process for the Defense. That these guys aren’t just whistling up a giraffes behind. They really know what they are doing, really. You will just have to wait and see.
I hope Norwood’s gonna be alright. He’s a really good guy…loved the piece on him and Jerry out fishin’. Just throwin the line in and pulling em’ out like a couple of kids…lol!
mikethetruefalcon
August 31st, 2009
11:43 pm
we’re still gonna win more than Philly b/c their still 2 old…..12-4, homefield, Super Bowl. Nuff said
Bad News
August 31st, 2009
11:43 pm
I guess NOODLE ARM quarterbacks don’t sell jerseys
Joe Flacco
August 31st, 2009
11:45 pm
Hey I didn’t have a new team and I’m ahead of Matt – but then again I win playoff games and everybody knows I have a ROCKET ARM. Damn, that sucks for you Matt.
mikethetruefalcon
August 31st, 2009
11:46 pm
b/c sat nite was your SB preview
Keith
September 1st, 2009
12:02 am
Wow, the Braves actually won the first game of a series. There may be hope. 3 games out of 1st with a full month left really isn’t that big of deal. I have (of course) lost hope for the division, but the wildcard is anyone’s game. If we were to reel off 6-7 in a row, we’d be right up near the top. GO BRAVES!!
Keith
September 1st, 2009
12:04 am
Well, I forgot this was the Falcons Blog.
Ok, so I was at the game (50-yd line with a great view) SAT night. Obviously, our corners looked bad, and I think we would be wise to bring in a veteran corner (one of those that are formidable and are available). I think he will get major flack if D doesn’t do that. We look pretty desperate in those 3rd down situations. Run DEF looked decent though.
washedup
September 1st, 2009
8:15 am
All Falcon Fans: step away from the Panic Button! Remember last year? At this time of the year, we weren’t sure if any unit of our team would be competitive, and the year was pretty good. Even though the defense didn’t make the plays on third and long, at least they got the other team in that position. It’s too early to despair.
SWAMI
September 1st, 2009
8:26 am
Our D-backs are obviously in a great deal of trouble. EVERYONE knew that the “D” would be challenged this season. It is now clear to most of us that a much greater effort should have been put forth to obtain quality defensive backs/safeties prior to last games revalations.
How did this situation come about?
Either the Coaches did not know how inadequate their D-backs and “D” as a whole would be or; the coaches knew and the GM decided to roll the dice anyway against extremely bad odds.
How could the coaches NOT KNOW that Grimes and Houston were incapable of of guarding a tall qualoty WR. Shouldn’t Matty Ice and Roddy or Jenkins have totally exposed the dbacks during training camp and preseason. Shouldn’t our Super Passing Attack have made the degree of our defensive ineptitude blatantly clear to our award winning coaching staff? If not, then perhaps our passing game is not so super. If so, then perhaps our GM is not the wunderkin we have made him out to be.
Either way, its gonna be a loooooong season.
darrell starks
September 1st, 2009
8:27 am
Thomas i hate to bust your bubble but the guys you names TY LAW, CHAMP BAILEY, DUNTA ROBINSON, ASANTE SAMUEL, every one can play, if the falcons starte this season with CHRIS HOUSTON,AND BRENT GRIMES, it will be a long season for the falcons they must make a change at corner back.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
SC_Bill
September 1st, 2009
12:26 pm
Falcons trade for Tye Hill – per Jay Glazer. I know he doesn’t get the pub that Mort or King get but he seems to always get stuff first.
Paddy
September 1st, 2009
1:18 pm
They are only practice games. TD saw what we all saw with our db’s. He will find someone just like last season. Have faith and be a true fan of the Falcons.