You say the Falcons are legit? Buddy, I’ve heard it before
I have this problem. I can never fully concentrate on watching the local NFL club actually play because I have one eye on that door.
See it? It’s the one that says, “Falcons Annals.” And I keep waiting for Dan Henning to walk through and bum a cigarette. Or Norm Van Brocklin to barge in and start stacking chairs. Or Marion Campbell to amble over and say, “What’s up, gahz?” (Swampy talk for “guys.”)
I came to work here in 1984. It took seven years before I actually saw a winning Falcons’ season, and when finally one arrived Jerry Glanville was coaching and the stereo was blaring so loud — “Back in Black” and “Wild Wild West” and “2 Legit 2 Quit” — that I never heard a single word in any postgame interview and I was too distracted by the sight of Wayne Newton sitting next to Hammer in the press box for anything to register.
And now I watch the door, and I wait. For Wayne Newton to sing, “Danke Schoen.” Or for Hammer to put a move on somebody. (On that surrealistic Sunday, Deion Sanders intercepted a pass and was returning it and Hammer stood up in the press box and yelled, “Put a move on him!”) Or for Steve Broussard to hit air.
I watch the door, and I wait for the other shoe to drop. I wait for the phone call in my hotel room at 10:40 p.m. on Super Bowl eve and the voice on the line to say, “My friend at a Miami TV station says a Falcon just got arrested.” And then, 20 minutes later, for the follow-up that begins, “It gets even better. It’s Eugene Robinson.”
I watch the door and I await the worst because, to be frank, how could you not? Forty-three seasons and never consecutive winning campaigns. The grim and resolute power of the great fickle Bird logo. The faith that, no matter how good anything might seem, that door is going to fly open and O.J. Santiago is going to ride in on a golf cart — and fall off the darned thing.
Only now I’m starting to wonder. Is it OK to take that one eye off the dark door? To borrow from “Marathon Man” — which didn’t end well for anybody — is it safe?
Loading ...I spent the preseason fretting about one thing or another, from Harry Douglas to overconfidence, and finally I found something that seemed a clear and present danger. The defense. It stank. And what happened when the Falcons started playing for real?
The defense made four takeaways and didn’t surrender a point until the game’s 57th minute. Charles Dimry did not walk through that door and line up at cornerback. Keith Brooking did not get fooled on third-and-16. Instead everything went right. Or, for a student of Falcons history, everything went wrong.
And now I’m thinking: Could it be? Could brainpower have been the missing element all along? Are Smitty the coach and TD the GM smart enough to outwit a legacy of letdowns now on its fifth deflating decade? Are the men who wear the great fickle Bird at last flop-free?
Me, I’d never say such a thing just yet. Me, I’m still eyeing that door. But I’m starting to wonder. I’m starting to think there might indeed be a trophy behind that door, and not Glanville’s faux California Trophy. This one’s named after a coach. His first name was Vince. But I dare not mention his last name lest I jinx …
Wait! I see something! Guy says his name is Aundray Bruce, and he’s toting a machete!
(Video alert: If you fast-forward to the four-minute mark and watch the rest, you’ll find three manifestations of the Falcons of yore.)
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123 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
September 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
It has taken a long time for this organization to overcome bad ownership, bad management, bad coaching and bad personnel decisions.
It would certainly seem – since there certainly are no guarantees – that most, if not all, of those problems have been corrected. You brought up some very dark memories of the Falcons’ past, Mark, but I think it’s safe to look away from the dark door and focus on what’s happening now.
Dave
September 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
You cant take your eye off of that door until 9 wins this year.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
Those of us who have watched the Falcons since 1966 have 18 years on you Mark. Nearly half of the misery took place before you got here. They got off to a good start yesterday but it’s still early. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Is your mention of Van Brocklin stacking chairs an illusion to his challenge to Ron Hudspeth? If so, Hudspeth was being a smart ass and I don’t blame Van Brocklin a bit for that one. Others may see it differently.
NativeATLien
September 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
i’ll be curious to see how the discussion goes here. funny, when Terrence Moore expressed the same kind of pessimism/cynicism he was met with a resounding chorus of “you’re racist” and stuff along that line.
face it, Mark. people like to be sugarcoated and lied to around these parts…
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
That was indeed a Hudspeth reference, Hillbilly. And that did happen before I arrived. But I heard about it.
F-105 Thunderchief
September 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
I heard it, and believed it, in years two and three of the Mora regime. I’m hopeful, but I’ve seen the curse in action to many times to believe it until it comes to pass.
By the way, Glanville, was/is/will always be a dolt/clown.
toccoadawg
September 14th, 2009
2:22 pm
I couldnt agree with Reid more.
Bob in SF
September 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
It helps to not have a GM whose sole qualification is being the owner’s son.
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
Actually, Bob, Dimitroff is a quarterback’s son.
Manny
September 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
Great first game. But the score is ugly and our running game wasn’t hitting on anything. But I am confident in one thing and one thing only: The ownership and management looks very competent and strong. Why? Because when they saw a glaring problem (secondary issues) they went out and fixed it almost immediately.
That is a seismic shift in what would normally happen with the Atlanta Falcons (run with what you got and blame the coaches for the performance of immature or bad talent.) That and that alone gives me hope- not the fact that they won that game.
F-105 Thunderchief
September 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
Aundray Bruce? Man, that guy was almost as big a waste of skin as Adam Jones. At least Jones did have one – or was it two – productive seasons.
Junior Miller
September 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
As a lifelong Falcons fan who remembers the original thunder and lightning backfield of Bubba Bean and Haskell Stanback, I appeciate your concerns, MB. But, as long as Matt Ryan doesn’t morph into Billy Joe Tolliver and as long as Dimitroff keeps Bobby Butler’s name off speed dial for secondary help, I think we’ll be okay.
beavis
September 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
heh heh, you said “Falcons Annals”
F-105 Thunderchief
September 14th, 2009
2:28 pm
Need to clarify. Jones is a bigger waste of skin, because he actually proved he could play, only to then &#$$ it all away.
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
I always believed Bobby Butler got to see more great catches up close than any CB ever, Junior. He was invariably right on his man, and yet the man tended to make the catch.
Falcon luck, I call it.
Randalf, the Wise
September 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
2 Legit ? Quit!
DawgNDallas
September 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Two things, Mark:
I thought Aundray had a crossbow…(?)
Also I had the sound off on the last part of the game (due to a one year old son, long story). Anyway the Falcons were up 19-0 with under 4 minutes left when the Dolphins got the TD. The dolphins needed two touchdowns (with two-point conversions) and a field goal to tie it. But they just kicked the point after. Maybe the dolphins figured not enough time, but not even trying for the long shot was basically giving up. Wasn’t that bad coaching? Was there any discussion about this? Am I over-thinking this?
Ryno
September 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Mr. Bradley – where on earth did you dig up that phone of Glanville? I would buy a print of that and hang it on the bar in my house for humor.
Also – if you have any hidden pictures of June Jones soaking his bunions surrounded by Falcons Cheerleaders, post them immediately.
Go Falcons!
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
Here you go, Ryno. It’s from a cheerleader Web site.
Now don’t everyone rush off! You hear? Come back here!
SWAT Native
September 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Mark,
Your concerns about history really hit home when you remember that they’re wearing the ‘66 throwbacks this Sunday.
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Nope, DawgNDallas. It was a machete. He had it even when he was a student-athlete at Auburn.
And you’re right about Miami giving up.
dl
September 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
14th!!!!!!!! Man, I’m cool!
Khao$
September 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
Great article Mark! It summed up why it’s hard for me to get overly hyped about the season after game one. Judging our “legacy”, the law of averages would tell you to pick against the Falcons winning back to back seasons. Not being a pessimist…just a mathematician. I won’t believe it until I see it. That said, I’m hoping for the best. And who knows, if the Falcons do have back to back winning seasons, maybe the Hawks will make it out of the 2nd round…
Maybe I’m wishing for too much.
elviskl
September 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
the reason the falcons will prevail is because they have ridded themselves of all nonthinking thugs, ex uga grads etc……..
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
Please post more videos while look for my parachute pants.
Gotta, gotta dance…
A Tribe Called Quest
September 14th, 2009
2:48 pm
One of the worst blogs I’ve ever seen.
Sting 'em Buzz
September 14th, 2009
2:50 pm
I truly believe that we have reached the end of that particular curse.
Herschel Talker
September 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
A Tribe Called Quest: Why don’t you go back to your Mike Vick worshipping hole and leave the blog critiquing to the big boys? You clown.
MB: another winning blog. It’s fair to be skeptical, even though this really does look legit.
rms
September 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
they have the same cheerleading outfits….. so out of date!!!!!
Al
September 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
Falcons will finish 11-5 again. Mark it down. They will make it to the nfc champ game. Winner to be determined.
Philo Beddo
September 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
I bet that elviski gets removed…..he used MB’s dreaded “t” word.
Denver Bird
September 14th, 2009
2:57 pm
I go back to ‘77 and the Grits Blitz, and that notorious “record” we hold has been an albatross around our neck for far too long. One thing I remember clearly is Coach Jim Mora, sitting at 5-2 in 2005, saying consecutive winning seasons meant nothing to him… Then he went out and proved it. This is the year – or else…
Sick of It
September 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
Nah, elviskl, it’s cause they got rid of a Georgia Tech graduate waste of space who didn’t know that the other team PROBABLY wasn’t going to run the ball on 3rd and 16.
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
I’m actually as un-skeptical about this team as a skeptic can be.
Bil
September 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
Does anyone know what time the us open final is today?
74 Dawg
September 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
I would think that throwback is a word the Falcons would want to avoid.
elviskl
September 14th, 2009
3:04 pm
HEY SICK OF IT……COME ON DOWN TO NORTH AVE ON NOV 28 AND GET YOU A PIECE..AND BRING BILLY BOB QB WITH YOU BOY
oldmike
September 14th, 2009
3:07 pm
Seeing Tony Gonzalez on the field for our team was a huge rush. This guy is a first ballot HOF’er and he still is playing at a HIGH level. What a great add to an already talented offense. Hats off to TD for that trade!!!
GeoffDawg
September 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
I think the franchise’s low point is when June Jones used to wear those God-awful workout pants on the sidelines. Their garishness reportedly contributed to Jeff George’s minor break with reality.
GeoffDawg
September 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
Also, can anyone actually get too many accolades? I just can’t say enough about the talent evaluation abilities of Thomas Dimitroff. Does that guy ever make a personnel mistake?
Gilbert Renfroe
September 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
Good article Bradley. Seriously. But why do you never mention me in your passing allusions to flashes of Falcon Greatness?
Herschel Talker
September 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
MB – so I noticed, regarding your skepticism. But I noticed that there’s a hint of it.
NoleRick
September 14th, 2009
3:25 pm
Some really bad memories brought back….but its just that …the Past..
Somehow this season just feels different, feels like we have a coach, GM, QB, and players that are all on the same page. In the past, that never seemed to be the case.
D Falcon
September 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
I have tried every way that I can to find a reason why they won’t stop the madness of no back-to-back winning seasons, but I just can’t find one. This should be the end of it, but this is the Falcons…As much as I hope this long negative streak ends this year, I can’t forget 2005 (the last time I thought it was over). 6-2, then 8-5, only to drop the last 3 games. I’m putting my trust in Coach Smitty and TD that THIS IS IT!
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 14th, 2009
3:28 pm
Mark, back to the point.
Reason not to be sceptical, good pass rush equals good secondary play.
Preseason did not reveal it. That’s game plan and coaching.
Antonio Gramsci
September 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
You’re in the big leagues, now, Harmon.
And MB continues to enjoy his complimentary “100% Wrong Club” membership. Where are the “they can do it!” Bravos now, Mark?
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
3:35 pm
It would not surprise me if TD never drafts a Yellow Jacket or Bulldog again because the fans of both teams make it difficult to cut them. I’m quilty here too.
Greg
September 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
Well we weren’t exactly hitting on all cylinders were we? T jury is still out, I say. Some breaks went our way, for sure. (Just because you hit a guy hard, as Peterson did, doesn’t mean the ball pops up into the hands of one of your CBs.) Ryan was inconsistent and strangely weak-armed at the start. Miami stuffed the box, and therefore Turner, but we took too long to figure out how to answer that. It would have taken Belichick/Brady about 2 plays (1 play?). They had receivers get behind us much of the time—thank god Pennington missed them. So there’s lots to work on. Biggest surprise to me: Biermann. He looks bigger for sure, and clearly has been going to the Abe school of pass-rushing, than which there is no better..
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
Possibly TD’s first mistake is trading Laurent Robinson. Still far better bating average than any other GM in Atlanta pro history.
slick
September 14th, 2009
3:39 pm
Great batting average Jackets2009. Mike Peterson made more plays yesterday than Keith Brooking made his last 5 years here in town.
STRETCH
September 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
While watching the game yesterday i didnt see that many Gonzales jerseys in the crowd. But im guessing after that performance on Sunday, the next time there will be a few more double eights sprinkled throughout the dome!
T-Bone
September 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
MB,
Great article. You’re doing geat stuff lately. I would love for you to do a follow-up article giving details on all of these great, wacky stories from Falcons history. Some of them I remembered but many of them I did not.
PMC
September 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
Everything in this town WAS gimmick. Let it go Mark.
This is a process. No one is saying they are anything but 1 game into another long season. It’s simply been over a decade since our defense had a game with those kind of hitting and big plays involved on our team…. maybe it’s never happened….before for more than a player or two.
Keep writing negative colums though… I think it’s working. We need our defense to play with some furious anger… so far so good.
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
3:44 pm
You just proved my point about the two team’s fans trashing the archrival’s players while wanting their’s to stay pass their time.
Shrewd and funny comment about possibly losing all this blog’s reader’s to the cheerleader site.
You got Billy Joe's...
September 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
…last name wrong – I always thought it was Billy Joe Overthrow!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
I thought I remembered the original 1966 backfield as Ernie Wheelright and Jim “Cannonball” Butler. Ah, they won 3 games that first year and that was a lot for an expansion team in those days. Everybody thought they were off and on their way.
Seems like I remember Mr. Bisher writing a line in 1966 about QB Randy Johnson “spending more time on his back than Michaelangelo at the Sistine Chapel”. That Furman always could turn a phrase.
nola falcon fan
September 14th, 2009
3:46 pm
MB – of all your well done blogging since AJC changed their (yours) format, this is by far my favorite. Being a native Atlantan and growig up with those nightmares walking through the door, it cracked me up.
When I look at my door, I see Jeff George with his hat on backward, looking for June to scream at. Or is it Jamal Anderson walking through with a freshly blown out knee?
… oh it is so easy to drum up painful Falcon memories
helmet head
September 14th, 2009
3:47 pm
Seriously, a Falcons history lesson and no mention of June Jones and Jeff George?
AGTFan
September 14th, 2009
3:49 pm
Like others, I’m going to be nervous until we see win #9. When / if that happens, I might actually float off the ground. It’ll feel that way.
Josh
September 14th, 2009
3:50 pm
Great article, Mark. How many awesome (read: miserable) memories from those days. This franchise has not been void of talent by any means. The use of that talent has been horribly mismanaged. Here’s hoping for a new day.
wxwax
September 14th, 2009
3:53 pm
Injuries.
Larry
September 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
What a sad, miserable life you must lead, Mr. Bradley! Are you so filled with fear and meekness that you cannot enjoy the new sunrise and the morning freshness? Have you no gratitude for the excitement of the possibilities? Was/is your favorite character as a child/man Eeyore?
As Morgan Freeman said in the great movie, The Shaw-shank Redemption, “its time to get on living or get on dying.” Pick one, Mr. Bradley!
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
Mark, is it true that the Falcons passed on Boomer Esiason in 1st and 2nd rounds because Hemming’s son badmouthed him? I heard that rumour. Or was that just madeup by the GM to cover his incompetence. It was similar to the Hawks’ mistakes at PG because we had a QB then who could not throw an accurate long ball.
TommyGator
September 14th, 2009
4:02 pm
I’ve been a Falcon by deFault since day one. Only game we got on TV on Sunday afternoons in Panhandle Florida. I watched this team struggle futilely for years, seem to gel, and fall apart again. Time after time after time. I’m still a Falcon at heart…and I believe (!) the corner has finally been turned.
It was clear many years ago that this franchise would never rise above mediocrity as long as the Smith family was in the big chair. Arthur Blank has finally put together the management personnel to properly evaluate, procure and build a talent pool. As painful as the Mike Vick fiasco was, it was necessary for Mr. Blank to learn that, while he may be the public face of the team, he could not be the manager. Now Dimitroff knows talent and values character in the mold of the Pats. And Mike Smith, I am coming to believe, was the unifying force behind the Jags success.
My sports “fandom” has included watching the Braves go from doormats and jokes to the incredible run of the 90’s. And (to the chagrin of many reading this) watching the Gators rise from perpetually “waiting til next year!” to the pinnacle of college football. Both journeys involved long waits and many heartbreaks (I still can’t hear “Lindsay Scott,” without a spike in my blood pressure and a moment of depression), but the wait has been worth the patience and loyalty.
What a payoff if we see it happen with the Falcons. I think we will. I believe this organization is arriving. Maybe not to the penthouse quite yet, but soon. And joyously!
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
4:03 pm
Thanks, Nola.
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
4:04 pm
I don’t get the folks who need to throw Mark under the bus every day. If you don’t like this blog, there are zillions of other places on the net where you can spend your time. Mark has a good sense of humour. Maybe the flaw is with those who don’t have one.
Barry
September 14th, 2009
4:05 pm
Hey Y’all:
Here you go Mark Bradley, ith your pessimistic commentary. It appears you are use to be a loser and covering losing sports team. You never appear to talk about winning and motivating teams to win. These dare statements to Smith and dimitroff is childish. The season just got started and your are eager to doubt. These Falcons are “legit”. They have an excellent coaching staff and administration. They have added some excellent players through free agent signings and the draft. The “PROCESS” continues in making these Falcons Super Bowl champs. I enjoyed how these coaches are getting all these guys on the same page and playing in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. But you Mark, you seem to be writng your articles as if you are a writer for one of our competing cities. I sometimes believe that your favorite football team is not the Falcons. If that is the case, you net to “get out of town” in your effort to desstroy local football fans confidence in our Falcons. Someone nee to take the computwer keys out of your hand with this doubt filled writing you are giving us fans. The FALCONS will be winners this year and in the future. The foundation is set for this team to grow into something great in our sports community in Atlanta. We do not need you, with your if, and, or but commentary destroying our feelings after the first game of the season. Go find yourself another city and team to write for if you are so “resistant to change” about our Atlanta Falcons.
SPEAK FOR THE LOCAL SPORTS TEAM NOT AGAINST THEM. I F YOU ARE AGAINST US, GO TO ANOTHER CITY.
GO FALCONS, ARTHUR BLANK, JOHN MC KAY, DIMITROFF, COACH SMITH AND HIS STAFF, AND OF COURSE, THE PLAYERS.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
………………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!………….
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
4:06 pm
I covered the 1984 draft, but I have never heard anything about Henning’s son and Boomer. That’s a new one.
DAVID
September 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
The Falcons looked REAL SHARP, I like what I saw, if we dont have any major injuries and play with that same intensity this is going to be a very good year…
BravesFan79
September 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
Hey now… that 91 falcons season was great! Andre Rison, Deon, Chris Miller… that team actually gave the eventual Champion Redskins their closest game in the playoffs!!
shadykraft
September 14th, 2009
4:10 pm
It was two Riders Mark. I hate to be a pain but I know you hold yourself to a very high standard with the musical references. I had so much fun watching the game. How bout Peterson putting the hat on the ball at least once and then Perry with the fumble recovery, Abe running over Long for the sack! What a great start to the season!
mike
September 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
You left out the fight in the huddle. Can’t remember who was involved. Could of been tight-end and the running back.
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
4:15 pm
If critical or skeptical fans had to leave whenever they boo or criticize the home team, the city of brotherly love would be a ghost town. Maybe some of you should confront them with a “love it or leave it” edit and see where u get.
BravesFan79
September 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
June Jones and Jerry Glanville did very well at Hawaii actually. The 98 season was a special one, but this one might be even better!
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
The “love it or leave it” folks should have been at the Uga blog last week to tell the lynch mob after Richt, his assistants and QB that.
Jackets2009
September 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
It was good to win the first game but the Miami QB does not have the arm to be a serious test. Raven’s safety Reed loves playing against the guy I’d imagine as he usually adds to his pick stats.
shadykraft
September 14th, 2009
4:23 pm
i get it now mark. the motorcycle rider. dang. And sorry I abbreviated P. Jerry to Perry. It’s just easier for me. And I have a guy next to me named Perry. So, it really was an honest mistake.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 14th, 2009
4:28 pm
The fight in the huddle was Art Malone and Jim Mitchell. For you nostalgia buffs:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,908293,00.html
WeAreOnesWithBadMemories
September 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
The Falcons are over it! DejaVu struck me last year as I remembered the old Falcons never made a successful trip to the West Coast. The old Falcons were always beaten by Miami. The old Falcons never played a decent game against Denver, but last year’s Denver game did not give me a bad feeling. I believe in this team, and I have been a fan since 1966.
4TheBirds
September 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
Great start for the Falcons! Having a respectful team has been a long time coming here in Atlanta.
My only question, Mark, is this:
How long before Roddy White begins to turn Terrell Owens on us and complain about not getting the ball enough?
Or do you not see that happening at all?
DJ
September 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
The gritz blitz in the 70s was the real deal. So was Chris Chandler / Dan Reeves era. The rest was questionable.
DJ
September 14th, 2009
4:48 pm
But this one is different – the who organization seems to have a clue. How long can we keep it together?
Whopper Dawg
September 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
Jeff,
I feel your pain. I have been keeping up with this bunch since 1966 when I was 8. Our football team won the championship the next year and as a reward we got KFC for supper and watched a Falcon’s highlight film. Nobis was on every clip.
I think this time, they have it right. At least it makes sense what they are doing unlike past regimes, including Reeves.
MatthewH
September 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
Some other memories:
1) Norm van Brocklin blaming the team’s losing on “the whores on Peachtree Street”
2) A QB ( I forget which one) breaking the huddle and lining up behind the guard
3) A first round draft pick leaving training camp for good and only taking his Tiny Tim records
4) I believe that on the Falcons first kick-off ever in ‘66, the kicker missed the ball
(The last two I remember Grizzard writing about)
Charles Dimry
September 14th, 2009
4:56 pm
Thought Bruce pulled an air gun on the pizza delivery guy. He was always such a joker…like pretending to be a #1 pick or playing TE. Oh that Aundray!!
MiltonDawg
September 14th, 2009
5:03 pm
MB- can we get a clip of the Dirty Bird dance with Dan Reeves attempting to dance? And didn’t Eugene Robinson win an award earlier in the week/month for high moral character??
sameold
September 14th, 2009
5:09 pm
Good stuff, Bark…I mean Mark
Chris
September 14th, 2009
5:28 pm
thanks for the 2 Legit 2 Quit video!
Mark Bradley
September 14th, 2009
5:29 pm
Earlier in the day, Milton Dawg.
Xesphere
September 14th, 2009
5:35 pm
Uh is elviskl gay or something? Why is he trying to get get a piece of two guys on Nov 28th? Sounds pretty gay to me!
chas
September 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
Cursed teams are cursed because of the bozos that run the organization. We don’t talk about the cursed Bosox anymore do we? The Kennedy family isn’t cursed…they just make dumb mistakes and put themselves in risky situations. We don’t think of the Braves as a crummy organization anymore now that Schuerholz and Wren and Cox are running the team. Despite the tough schedule this should be a team that has a great shot of ending this horrible streak. But, yes one eye is still open…I think it is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and yes, I have it too after enduring 35 years of this myself. The 1980 playoff loss and subsequent losing season was really tough to bare.
jeffrey d
September 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
Not a lot of birthday love for Mr. Bradley. Or are we keeping it a secret?
Extremus
September 14th, 2009
5:48 pm
Let’s not forget that the Falcons aren’t the only Atlanta pro sports team with an at-times tattered history. Before the unprecedented and came-to-be-taken-for-granted run of fourteen division titles (although the result was only one World Series win), the Braves were one of the doormats of professional sports, let alone baseball, as well. And the Hawks? Outside of the Wilkins, Doc Rivers, Spud Webb and company years, they’ve NEVER presented a true candidacy for an NBA championship and never even reached the conference finals.
But things are changing. Lessons are slowly being learned, but they ARE being learned and correctly addressed this time, across all three organizations. Sure, the Braves’ poor offense did them in despite the great effort their pitching staff has given this year, and while I’m not comfortable with how the Tom Glavine or John Smoltz departures happened/were handled, I believe that over the next year or two the front office may actually overcome the obstacles presented by a disinterested corporate Liberty Media ownership and fill in the pieces to make the Braves a championship-caliber team once again (even though I think Bobby Cox and most of the coaching staff may have to go to reintroduce a fire and sense of urgency to compliment the calm professionalism of past years). My “Next World Series Championship” likelihood: 2 to 5 years.
The Hawks are going through what seems to be one of the most promising off-seasons for them in recent memory, with (at least on paper) genuinely wise acquisitions that will help this team in the long run despite the fact that most of the teams above them got better as well. With next year’s bumper crop of high-profile, game-changing free agents, I look for the Hawks to be major players in that off-season, adding to their already impressive depth with at least one genuine superstar and finally getting over the final hump to being a real contender. My “First Atlanta NBA Championship” prediction: 2 to 4 years.
Now back to the Falcons. So maybe there will be a letdown (I admit that defense, especially the secondary, is still suspect, even after the big showing against Miami); here’s hoping there won’t be, and that we’ll again see playoff football and (who knows?) even a Superbowl championship, but even if it doesn’t happen this year, I believe that given one more offseason of upgrading the defensive side of the ball (Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all), the Atlanta Falcons will indeed be a complete package and even (dare I even suggest this) the Team of the 2010s, the next true NFL dynasty. Don’t buy it yet? Fine, but I see a hunger and a focus in this Falcons franchise, from ownership to coaches to players, that I haven’t seen since those upstart 1991 Braves were keeping me up past my bedtime. These guys believe they can win, and I believe their bringing Atlanta home a Superbowl trophy is a very real possibility if not a probability in the very near future. My First Superbowl Championship prediction: 1 to 3 years.
I know the long and tragic past of our pro sports franchises, having been a fan since I was in grade school during the early 80s. But Change is a constant, and I believe Atlanta’s turn to shine is coming quite soon. So keep watching that door if you like, Mr. Bradley; I’ll have my eyes glued to my TV, rooting for our teams and daring to believe in the future.
Skeezix
September 14th, 2009
5:52 pm
The NFL is boring.
PreyDawg
September 14th, 2009
6:17 pm
Blast from the past Mark. I have pics with me and those same 4 cheerleaders. I had no clue they were in a poster or video or whatever. I think I still have them anyway in a drawers somewhere. I must confess, the only one I remember is the one standing by the handlebars. I was quite enamored with her curls. I think she ended up being the cheerleading director for a few years or at least I thought I saw her patrolling the sidelines when I had season tix. Now I have officially rambled entirely too long about a 3 minute long encounter with a cheerleader. That what happens when you get to be old and fat like me.
gatorman770
September 14th, 2009
6:39 pm
I see more real hope and change in the Falcons than I do in Obuma and Polosie!
THE FALCONS STINK
September 14th, 2009
7:14 pm
Until they win a 9th game this year, i don’t believe. Some one will break Matt Ryan’s leg, just after an ACL blows up on Turner. It’s a Falcon thing.
dawes
September 14th, 2009
7:52 pm
all you people when the are in super bowl in january don,t jump on bandwagon and by you are one that stink not the falcons
doggy
September 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
Falcons won at MN… an unbeatable MN in the NFC Championship… they played a near perfect game… most history is bad, but not all is bad behind the door… roll them chains in ‘09… beauch
Atlanta/Fulton County Stadium
September 14th, 2009
8:12 pm
Glanville lied on his resume, what a redneck.
Derrick Richards
September 14th, 2009
8:59 pm
Hillbilly, that first backfield was Ernie Wheelwright and Junior Coffee, not a bad duo at all for an expansion team.
Benjamin
September 14th, 2009
9:15 pm
Don’t be so hard on Keith Brooking, Bradley. One play aside, he’s the second-greatest linebacker this team has seen in franchise history.
downsouthdirtybird
September 14th, 2009
9:30 pm
bradley is this the only article i,m gonna see from you the next 8 weeks????? i’ve only been reading this same damn article all summer long. but this is best 1 yet bc of the pics but still same thing you’ve wrote all summer.
downsouthdirtybird
September 14th, 2009
9:31 pm
d3, dol, and really do hate to say this but even that fat never seen a treadmill or worked out a day in my life js are better than you
bugman
September 14th, 2009
9:32 pm
My eyes!
I’m owe you a virus for that one Bradley!
Ed-Covington
September 14th, 2009
9:54 pm
MB:
Great Blog, but didn’t you or JS cover this subject last month?
Too many bad memeories to cover here. Watched Falcons’ first game in ‘66 at frat house at Tech during rush week. Closer than Mora/McKay was Bennett/LeBaron. Both were highly respected but let go by the Smiths when Falcons “plateaued” and replaced by Rankin’s son Taylor.
BTW: Dan Henning’s son was Boomer’s roomate at Maryland, whether he talked his dad out of drafting him, I don’t know.
Bruce did threaten a pizza delivery man with an air gun.
GO BIRDS!!
sportaree
September 14th, 2009
10:35 pm
Thank you to everyone today who made POSITIVE comments. In Church yesterday morning. the message was to focus on POSITIVE things and to be thankful for what you have rather than to be Negative and dwell on what you don,t have. To put that in football terms the Falcons are 1-0. Now I would think that is a POSITIVE start. Many teams would like to be 1-0 instead of 0-1. Does anybody out there think that the 0-1 teams will just throw their hands up, catch a negative attiude, and give up on the season? No they will not, they are trying beat us they are trying to WIN THE GAME! If everyone, the Owner, GM, Coaches, Players, and us Fans keep a POSITIVE attitude that door will not only open it will be blown of it’s hinges. Change of subject: Many of us thought it would be a three team race in the NFC South, but the Panthers might be in trouble.
eric
September 14th, 2009
10:50 pm
Am I the only one here that didn’t hate Jerry Glanville? I thought the “Back in Black” campaign was pretty cool and the ‘91 team was pretty darn good…
JOE THE BLOGGER
September 14th, 2009
11:13 pm
Damn I miss Ron Hudspeth … wish I could zoom back to happy hour at Harrisons … and back to an era when the Journal and Constitution were different papers… with large sport sections full of stories researched and written by actual local reporters. You guys do a good job, but there is significantly less locally produced content in this day and age. Does anyone else remember the Falcons drafting Bubba Bean with the third pick in the draft? Watching him run was like watching MC Hammer dance sideways… lots of jiggling, and no movement down the field.
The Happy Zooker
September 14th, 2009
11:35 pm
Mark – fantastic article, as a life-long Falcons fan I appreciate your concern and historical perspective. If memory serves me, didn’t Todd Peterson miss a chip shot field goal after the Falcons recovered a fumble to start OT in the next to last game against Tampa Bay that would have given Mora his 9th win and ended the curse? How about Dave Hampton getting 1000 yards only to lose it later on a botched toss sweep? Another infamous Falcon – Alex Hawkins’ commentary – hence, the Happy Zooker for John Zook. You hit on a lot of great(infamous) “highlights”, but there are so many more. Pat Peppler anyone? Keep up the great work.
Sick of It
September 14th, 2009
11:47 pm
Hey ElvisGirl, I’ll be there. And I don’t need to bring anyone. You, on the other hand, better grab a few dozen nerds to help out, because I’ll eat your lunch, break your pocket protector and send you crying home to Mommy. Then you’ll get to watch your Yeller Maggots take a beating. See ya then! Oh wait, no I won’t. You seem like a “computer screen cowboy”, all talk no walk.
scottbravesfan
September 15th, 2009
12:28 am
This is our year Bradley!!!!
Mark Bradley
September 15th, 2009
12:50 am
That’s correct, Zooker. Good memory.
Dr. Warren
September 15th, 2009
2:18 am
High-quality writing, Mark. Beyond the curse, the Falcons’ biggest worry is Drew Brees and the improved Saints defense.
Mark Bradley
September 15th, 2009
2:20 am
Thanks, Dr. W.
Beau Bock
September 15th, 2009
6:53 am
I love you Jerry!
Navigator
September 15th, 2009
8:24 am
Two items from last weeks game: 1) The offense was not together but they still won, 2) the defense is way ahead of where they were suppose to be, early in the season. I said before the season started that the defense would be spotty until they jelled (later in the season). I was completely surprised at how quickly the defense came together, but they will have games when this won’t be so. However, by season end, they will be better than last year.
ATL
September 15th, 2009
8:55 am
This blog is horrible! Show some D@#N support for OUR team!
Dean
September 15th, 2009
9:54 am
I’m still waiting for Roland Lawrence to come out of hiding. If you would have been with the paper just 4 years earlier…’Note can tell you all about it-if you dare ask.
Peyton Youmans
September 15th, 2009
10:25 am
Mark, your bad dream that is the last 25 years is over. Falcon fans need not be afraid anymore, this is the beginning of the glory days for the Falcons.
Ivan
September 15th, 2009
12:30 pm
One down. Eight more wins to go. Then that door becomes completely irrelevant.
MattyIce
September 15th, 2009
8:15 pm
FRESH video Bradley. Watch MattyIce this Sunday and I’ll be cookin’ DB’s like a pound of bacon. Yo’ Tony G, let’s kick it…
http://tr.im/yOAg
Buzz Capra
September 16th, 2009
8:56 am
How did I miss this earlier –great Mark!