Matt Ryan: The absolute right man at the absolute right time
Matty Ice showed up, and everything around him changed. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind you of what you already know. On Sunday I was talking with Charles Chandler of the Charlotte Observer, and he said, “It’s amazing what these guys have done.”
He meant the Falcons, and it is. And we around here saw it firsthand last season, the rise to 11-5 one year after the agony and indignity of Petrino/Vick. And now we watch as the Falcons head to Foxborough 2-0 and only a 4 1/2-point underdog against the gold standard of professional football, and we dare to ask: Might they win?
And about now, we should take three steps back and try to see the landscape, as opposed, say, to the hair on Michael Turner’s chinny-chin-chin. We should take a moment to reflect, not for the first time but maybe for the first time in a while, just what has transpired.
In the span of two offseasons, a franchise has gone from being both mocked and pitied to being hailed as a new paradigm. It has happened for many reasons, from the celebrated (Dimitroff, Smitty, Turner, Gonzo) to the subtle (Lofton) to the hidden (O-line coach Paul Boudreau). But mostly it has happened because of Matt Ryan.
Had Thomas Dimitroff taken Glenn Dorsey with the third pick of Round 1 on April 26, 2008, it wouldn’t have rendered the “process” less valid or made Mike Smith as phony as Jerry Glanville. But Ryan made it all work, and he made it work overnight. More than just the right pick, he was the right pick at the right moment.
Michael Vick exited Flowery Branch and the whole operation collapsed. Matty Ice showed up and everyone began to believe anew. It wasn’t because he made any campaign promises. (Like Smitty, Ryan is a smart guy who works hard not to say too much. And if you’ve seen his AirTran spot, you know he’s no Al Pacino.) He made people believe because there’s something about Matty that has that effect on people.
It was once said of Joey Harrington — a Falcon quarterback in the lost season of 2007, lest we forget — that he’d step into a huddle and 10 other guys would want to step out. When Ryan steps in the huddle, those other 10 see him and think, “Hey, we’ve got a chance.” Lots of successful sports people write books on leadership. Ryan is the living text.
Loading ...Say Dimitroff had waited a year to take his quarterback. Nobody in this draft — not Matthew Stafford, not even Mark Sanchez — would have had the restorative effect on a woebegone team and a fractured fan base that Ryan has had here. And without Ryan playing for the Falcons in 2008, none of us would have had cause to believe so completely in the process. Because with Chris Redman at quarterback, the 2008 Falcons would have gone 5-11.
Joe Flacco, taken in Round 1 of the same draft, slipped into Baltimore and made a decent team better, but Joe Flacco could not have made a bad team believe. Ryan did that by showing up and working hard and respecting his elders — he spent $10,000 to install a new stereo system in the locker room — and hanging tough in Week 2 last season in Tampa, and he did it by not being afraid to be The Man Who Followed Michael Vick.
To this day, all Ryan has said about his predecessor as face-of-the-franchise is this: “I’m not Mike Vick; I can’t be Mike Vick.” But the Falcons didn’t need another No. 7. They needed a guy who wanted to be here, who wanted to take the ball and this team and see where he could lead it. And every week he proves to be even better than we thought he was.
Nineteen months ago he left Boston and a lot of folks deemed him another Falcons mistake. This weekend he returns to New England as the league’s fourth-ranked passer, as field commander of one of the NFL’s nine unbeaten teams. This up-from-desolation saga is being written because a lot of bright people keep doing inspired work. The most inspirational of all wears No. 2.
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227 comments Add your comment
tixholdersince66
September 24th, 2009
10:32 am
1st
Hollywould
September 24th, 2009
10:33 am
Nice piece Mark, I don’t know if the Falcons have been lucky, smart, or shrewed. I will take all three and keep the faith. It has been a long time since I felt we have a chance to win every game. STHolder since ‘92. Go Falcons
Falconsforlife
September 24th, 2009
10:34 am
Ryan is amazing. We are lucky to have him.
It’s nice finally having a true qb with an amazing work ethic, poise, confidence, leadership, and accuracy. Matty Ice represents this city well. We’re in for a hell of a ride.
SUPER MAN IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 24th, 2009
10:41 am
Eagles have “extensive” package of plays for Vick
Posted by Mike Florio on September 24, 2009 7:35 AM ET
As Eagles quarterback Mike Vick prepares to make his official return to football for the first time since December 2006, ESPN’s Sal Paolatonio reports that the team is working on an “extensive” package of plays for the man who spent the last two football seasons doing something other than playing football.
The package, per Paolantonio, consists of shotgun and Wildcat formations.
Regarding coach Andy Reid’s coy approach to Vick’s status on Sunday, Paolantonio was blunt.
“Don’t believe it,” Paolantonio said during a SportsCenter segment. “Too much time and emotion has been invested by Vick, this franchise, and this city to get Vick to this point and not have him play.”
So of the four quarterbacks on the Philly roster, Vick is the only one whose name can be added in ink to the list of guys the Chiefs can expect to see. As to Donovan McNabb (rib), Kevin Kolb, and Jeff Garcia, Kansas City can’t rule out any of them, and thus must prepare for each of them.
Vick Supporter
September 24th, 2009
10:43 am
All you haters on here think you are so smart. I am better educated, more intelligent, better looking, in better physical condition and make more money than all of you ignorant rednecks on this blog combined. I make over $70,000 a year as a Systems Analyst for Crisco.
I can make my own hours and get to call my own shots while of you pathetic people blog on here before rushing off for your shift at McDonald’s in your rusty used cars. None of you ignorant haters will disrespect me the way you have done Vick.
You all are jealous that I can buy a Vick jersey for every team in the NFL with just the change I have in my pocket… and still get front row tickets to a game in any city.
December 6th is the day…………
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
Ryno
September 24th, 2009
10:47 am
but Joe Flacco could not have made a bad team believe.
Thank you for saying this. It’s easy to assume Flacco had a better year because his team advanced farther – but if the roles were switched – does Flacco contribute to an 11 win season in Atlanta?
Almost certainly not.
Chet
September 24th, 2009
10:48 am
As a Native New Englander and Patriot fan I’m pulling for the Falcons this week. They are a hard working group without the flashy “its all about me” players. Kudos to the Falcons management and coaching staff.
Hollywould
September 24th, 2009
10:50 am
Is Vick gonna play for every team now? Might as well for all the fumbles and interceptions, not studying, not practicing. Maybe there is a Vick jersey for every team. He sure helped them out.
Dam, some people are just stupid.
F-105 Thunderchief
September 24th, 2009
10:52 am
Just think, we could be watching Dorsey limping around and Andre Woodson carrying a clipboard if blog readers ran the Falcons. Thank heavens they don’t.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
10:54 am
Ryno
What Joe Flacco does not have to work with:
-NO Pro bowl back
-NO Pro bowl receiver
-NO Pro bowl & Hall of Fame tight end
Any time a quarterback can out perform a qb who has much more to work with offensively, that means he is an OVER ACHIEVER and the one who accomplishes LESS with so much MORE is plain and simple……….
A BUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ostrich Racer
September 24th, 2009
10:56 am
Remarkable, what leadership can accomplish. Ryan makes everyone around him better.
(VS — What kind of systems does Crisco analyze?)
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 24th, 2009
10:58 am
Ryan is a smart guy who works hard not to say too much
If only more people in professional sports were like that.
keep it real
September 24th, 2009
11:02 am
Why is it that whenever an article about Matt Ryan appears, the Vickheads appear as if they have some grudge or feel the need to support a man that was completely responsible for his own failures as a Falcon?
The article was about Ryan, a class act, and not Vick.
Vick Supporter, you forgot to mention your incredibly small penis.
AZ Jacket
September 24th, 2009
11:02 am
Hey Vick Support, Is Crisco that lard company. Did not know they needed System Analyst? Now if you are a system analyst for Cisco, the networking company, you are under paid. I have 3 system analyst working for me and they make over $1k a year. Of course two of them have Masters degrees. What the he(double hockey sticks) does that have to do with Vick? No one disrespected Vick except Vick himself. He committed the crime so he did the time.
Greg from Marietta
September 24th, 2009
11:03 am
Mark, This has to be one of the very best articles that you have ever written. If you look back on the events that led up to the selection of Matt Ryan it is almost like fate deemed it to happen. In a way we owe Mike Vick & Bobby Patrino a debt of gratitude for being the misfits that they turned out to be.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:04 am
Hollywould
September 24th, 2009
10:50 am
Is Vick gonna play for every team now? Might as well for all the fumbles and interceptions, not studying, not practicing. Maybe there is a Vick jersey for every team. He sure helped them out.
Dam, some people are just stupid.
Are you aware that you are self-promoting Vick?
Vick has a 38-28-1 career record
3 Pro bowls
Runner up to the MVP at age (22)
Led team to (ONLY) Championship game appearance since 1997
As remarkable as that is alone, now think about what he confessed while playing for the Falcons:
Last player to report to practice
First to leave practice
Didn’t view film
Was lazy
If he can accomplished all those “FACTS” stats mentioned above, what does that say for the quarterbacks that were not lazy and viewed film?
They are pretty pathetic, because how can a guy accomplish so much while not even working at it?
Maybe he didn’t work hard or review film because he is JUST THAT GOOD.
or……………
He knew he would not receive any credit so why bother to work hard.
Now all of a sudden his NEW teammates and coaches are saying what a dedicated hard worker he is now. Maybe that has something to do with he is finally on a team that has REAL TALENT & COACHES who don’t have their heads between their legs.
So I say to you and others like you – continue the SELF PROMOTION
AZ Jacket
September 24th, 2009
11:05 am
BAD NEWS, you are an idiot. Plan and simple. Flacco is a good fit for the Ravens but he would not have done what Ryan did in Atlanta. The Ravens were winning prior to him arriving because the defense carried them. The team was not in the tank becaue their past QB was a felon and their Coach did not slip out in the middle of the night.
It's me
September 24th, 2009
11:09 am
What Slack-o did have Bad Spews was an all Pro-Defence. Good thing for him or they would have not even sniffed the play-offs.
Speaking of sniffing Bad Spews. How does Vick butthole smell? You’ve had your nose up it for awhile now.
AZ Jacket
September 24th, 2009
11:09 am
Bad News, your stats are good but your resoning sucks. Yes he had all of that and threw it away. He committed a felony and was convicted. He lied to the Falcons and the league. He took millions from the Falcons and then trashed them. Maybe he deserves a second chance but not in Atlanta….we don’t need him.
Concrete Blonde Quarterback Michael Vick
September 24th, 2009
11:09 am
[...] Matt Ryan: The absolute right man at the absolute right time … [...]
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:09 am
I have said this over and over………….should have drafted Joe Flacco
Flacco wins with much less………….
NOODLE ARM chokes with MUCH MORE
But you Falcons fans are made for one another…………LOSERS
keep it real
September 24th, 2009
11:11 am
Bad News (previously known as Vick Supporter 2),
Your rhetoric is getting old.
We get it, Flacco is a far more superior quarterback than Mike Vick.
I agree.
It's me
September 24th, 2009
11:11 am
Bad Spews….why don’t you ever mentions Vick’s last two years in Atlanta? YOU FREAKEN MORON!!! YOU HAVE NO DA** CASE. YOU KNOW IT, WE ALL KNOW IT!
Ryno
September 24th, 2009
11:13 am
Bad News – you and I aren’t aren’t that far apart and I’m not here to incite argument.
My point was that Baltimore needed a strong quarterback to not make mistakes and to make the occasional long throws – they got one in Flacco. But their leadership is still with Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the defense. Can you really argue that Flacco is the leader of the Ravens?
The Falcons needed their leader to come from the offense. With so much turnover at QB in 2007 and 2008, stability and leadership had to come from under center. Everyone (even his teammates) say that Matt Ryan is the leader of the Falcons.
Two teams that needed two different things and both got what they were looking for. Different strokes for Different folks is all I’m saying.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:13 am
I have a question………..
If NOODLE ARM………….
-Didn’t watch films
-Was lazy
-Late to practice
-First to leave practice
What would have been his accomplishments?
I mean going 1 AND DONE is pretty LAME considering the previous qb didn’t watch film and was lazy, yet won playoff games
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:20 am
Ryno
Again I have to correct you, and I will use your own logic:
NOODLE ARM was and is not the leader of the team…..
if you recall, last season when he stunk up the place even more than usual, Lawyer Milloy put his foot in his butt on National Television for making the team look bad – I think you remember that……..
Fast forward to this season, there is no doubt that Peterson is the leader of this team……….NO DOUBT!
hatfieldgeoff
September 24th, 2009
11:22 am
Hey Vick Supporter (AKA Jock sniffer) – Relax, glad you made it to the middle-class, but do you work for CISCO or Crisco. If its Cisco you ought to know how to spell it. If its Crisco, you better hope all the people you are belittling keep frying your chicken mcnuggets so you can keep your job. And by the way, do you realize the Eagles package of plays, is just reaffirming that Vick is indeed just an Athletic/Running QB. And that is what most of his detractors have said he was from the beginning. Also, you may want to get a trailer four your, no-doubt, expensive automobile. It can carry that inferiority complex of yours.
P.S. if your are carrying that much change you might want to get a bank card.
Have nice day.
UGA ALL THE WAY
September 24th, 2009
11:24 am
Mark… Great article man. VICK WHO?? Thats all i gotta say. The Falcons have come a long way and they have worked REALLY hard to get where they are.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:25 am
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=290103022
OH THE MEMORIES
dl
September 24th, 2009
11:26 am
BadNews-You are nasty.
What..
September 24th, 2009
11:29 am
Vicks last two years proves that Vick’s…..
lazyness
lack of watching film
last to show up for practice
first to leave practice
unwilling to work with receivers, that he was a useless runningback with a QB number on his chest, who NEVER HAD A COMEBACK FROM BEHIND 4TH QUARTER WIN!!! He is what he was which is basicly nothing better than a 4th string QB who can’t even run the wildcat…proved that in the pre-season.
Big Skee
September 24th, 2009
11:30 am
I can barely stand reading these blogs anymore. I swear sometimes free speech is entirely overrated.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:30 am
Joe Flacco Steps Breaks Out, Becomes First Rook Two-Game Playoff Winner
Posted Jan 10, 2009 8:00PM By Will Brinson (RSS feed)
Filed Under: Ravens, Titans, NFL Playoffs
Email Print ShareText SizeAAA
Joe Flacco just did something no quarterback in the history of the NFL has ever done: win two playoff football games in his rookie year. That’s what makes him the greatest rookie signal-caller ever
“END OF CONVERSATION”……..Don’t you just hate FACTS
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 24th, 2009
11:31 am
Mark very good, hate it turned into a Vic-off. Tired of the subject. As for Ryan, if he were with Baltimore, I venture to say they would have made it to the Super Bowl. As for the Vick debate, everyone had a shot at him and only one team wanted him. Put Ryan on the market and see how many teams want him. I bet all but maybe one, Indy and maybe even them because of the age deal. Because Ryan is so much younger than all the top QB’s, their teams would trade straight up today for Ryan. Philly would trade all 10 of their QB’s.
David Smith
September 24th, 2009
11:34 am
I didn’t initially want the Falcons to draft Matt Ryan because I felt we needed to address our Offensive and Defensive line. Matt quickly won me over with his poise in the pocket, accurate arm, and true to his nickname an unflappable attitude in the most tense situations (Chicago anyone?). Matt is also very humble with his success and works harder than some of the more seasoned veterans (As he showed up at Flowery Branch the day after the loss against the Cardinals to watch film on how he could improve his technique). I loved Vick when he was here and, glad that he is getting another chance to play again but, he never showed that type of dedication to take his team to the next level.
What..
September 24th, 2009
11:34 am
Falons win sunday. That’s all that matters.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 24th, 2009
11:38 am
I’m guessing there are quite a few QB’s in the league who wish they could throw as well as “ol’ Noodle Arm”.
Tru Falcon fan
September 24th, 2009
11:40 am
Bad News is just some Douce on here trying to get a rise out of the bloggers anybody with eyes who watches the game knows about Ryan’s talent and leadership. Give me noodle arm any day over Vick or Flacco. Peterson is the leader of the defence and Ryan is the leader of the offense. Its team Leaders. Plural. Now bad news enjoy the rest of the week off because school starts back Monday.
DandyD
September 24th, 2009
11:42 am
To: Vick Supporter.
Too bad 70K a year isn’t enough to buy you a brain, you unmitigated idiot. Go back and crawl back into the swamp you came from. As for me and about a million others…I’ll put my $ on the Ryan Express.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:42 am
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
“ONCE AGAIN SPREADING LIES”
In the real world we deal with facts and not fabrication and distorting the truth….I’m sure FOX NEWS has an opening…..below is a fact check…..
Not only did Vick have plenty of suitors, he actually turned down teams and selected the Eagles. One of the teams turned down were the Bengals, apparently the golden boy Palmer was not getting the job done:
Source: Five teams interested in Vick
Views 93417 Comments 404 08:25 AM ET 08.11 Share Print It My T&R
A source familiar with Michael Vick’s deliberations with NFL teams said Monday morning that at least five clubs are interested in Vick. That comes after former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, an adviser to Vick, said Sunday night on NBC that Vick could sign with a team soon. Sources also said Monday that the NFL Players Association has no suspicions that the league’s franchise owners are colluding to keep Vick from returning to the league.
Washington Post
George Holman
September 24th, 2009
11:43 am
Well said!
Chill
September 24th, 2009
11:43 am
I was behind Mike Vick when he was our quarterback but the homie Matt Ryan has proven to me that he’s more than the real deal. He’s one of those “Special” Quarterbacks that come along once every ten years or so. As a Falcon’s fan(emphasis on Falcon’s) I never felt more confident in our QB. Matt never ask to be here and all he’s done since day one is delivered in the long shadow of our former Qb. That really makes what he’s doing even more special and honestly unprecedented. I stand behind Matt Ryan 100%. Like T.O said….”That’s my Quarterback”. The other dude is Old news….
Ryno
September 24th, 2009
11:44 am
Bad News
Fair enough sir. No doubt the Peterson pickup was a big one for the Falcons. I’m assuming then that you consider Turner the leader of the offense if not Matt Ryan. A fair guess since he had one of the best rushing years ever by a Falcon RB.
Clearly you’ve read alot about Flacco. Has his Raven’s teammates come out and praised his leadership skills? I’m not challanging your point – but if you could share some links or quotes – I’d love to read them.
Thanks.
midnite
September 24th, 2009
11:44 am
@Bad News
I see school is out again today. Have you killed anymore dogs like you were bragging about recently. You must not have seen your idol’s preseason stats. Oh yeah, he still sucks like he has since 2nd half of 2005. You know drop back 20 yds. with the ball stuck out in mid-air and fumbles inside HIS OWN 5 yd.line. Now run along little fella.
Tallcarl
September 24th, 2009
11:49 am
You Vick lovers will always live in the past. You will always be loosers and could-have beens. Vick was treated like a Star but acted like a thugg. IF you didn’t make me so mad I would feel sorry foR you. You need counciling and like MV you need a short chain so the poison you spew will not affect others. Michael Vick will never win a championship because he is lazy, a lousey leader and STUPID. Yes, I said never and I said stupid. Now get a life and SHUT UP.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:51 am
NOODLE ARM is not a winner, far from it!
When a team’s defense gives you 4 turnovers and you only score 19 points, that is PATHETIC!
Then that same team gives up over 308 yards in the air in just 15 MINUTES the whole game…..I think facts speaks for itsel, but you idiots are too blind and trying so hard to justify NOODLE ARM as the right pick.
How many 300 yard games does he have this season? Flacco has one, but then again Flacco is a playoff winner – that is obvious
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
11:55 am
midnite
It’s funny you keep mentioning worthless dogs
But since you insist in keeping this useless conversation about the most worthless species in the wild life, if one more dog ends up under my tires, I’m going to file a complaint against you sir 
Mark Bradley
September 24th, 2009
11:55 am
Matt Ryan is 13-5 as a pro quarterback. I’d say that meets the utter definition of “winner.”
What's Important
September 24th, 2009
12:00 pm
Bad News, you just can’t stick with the facts. In the first year for both Ryan and Flacco, which is the subject of this blog, Matt Ryan did not have a Hall of Fame tight end and Roddy White was not a pro bowl receiver (or even close) until Matt Ryan came into the picture. All this relates back to your your hatred of Matt Ryan because of the issues with Michael Vick. If you only cared about the Falcons because of Vick you no longer have a need to be on this blog. Jump on a Philly blog and get all the Mike Vick talk you crave. Myself, I’ve had enough.
bamaguy
September 24th, 2009
12:03 pm
Enter your comments here
The saddest part is that vicksupporter thinks $70,000 is a lot of money. That won’t buy you a garage in Buckhead.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:06 pm
MARK MARK MARK
Give me a playoff win before you start throwing around the “winner” tag:)
If that’s the case Kyle Orton is a bigger winner
Inya
September 24th, 2009
12:14 pm
Vick Supporter. Keep working at Crisco. Maybe some day you’ll be successful.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:15 pm
What’s Important
Come on now – you really didn’t think I wouldn’t fact check you did you
In 2007 Roddy White was 8th in the NFL…..I think NOODLE ARM arrived in 2008 and lucked into a receiver that finished 8th with Mark Redman and Joey Harrington of all people
….Nice company for NOODLE ARM to be compared with 
NFL Player Receiving Statistics – 2007
Statistics: Passing | Rushing | Receiving | Scoring | Returning | Kicking | Punting | Defense
Receiving Yards Leaders – All PlayersRK PLAYER TEAM REC YDS AVG LONG TD YDS/G FUM
1 Reggie Wayne, WR IND 104 1510 14.5 64 10 94.4 3
2 Randy Moss, WR NWE 98 1493 15.2 65 23 93.3 0
3 Chad Ochocinco, WR CIN 93 1440 15.5 70 8 90.0 2
4 Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARI 100 1409 14.1 48 10 93.9 3
5 Terrell Owens, WR DAL 81 1355 16.7 52 15 90.3 0
6 Brandon Marshall, WR DEN 102 1325 13.0 68 7 82.8 3
7 Braylon Edwards, WR CLE 80 1289 16.1 78 16 80.6 3
8 Roddy White, WR ATL 83 1202 14.5 69 6 75.1 3
Marques Colston, WR NOR 98 1202 12.3 45 11 75.1 1
10 Torry Holt, WR STL 93 1189 12.8 40 7 74.3 2
You are all idiots
September 24th, 2009
12:17 pm
Can one of you idiot Vick supporters explain to me why Vick being lazy and dumb is an argument for why he is better than Ryan??? How is this a defense? All successful QB’s in the NFL work hard, study film, and practice harder than the rest of their team: Brady, P. Manning, E. Manning, Roethlisberger…what do these guys have in common? Super Bowl victories…if Vick was so great he would have one…he’s never won ANYTHING in the NFL and he never will because he is a no good lazy piece of S#!T! I was a fan before he WENT TO JAIL and LEFT OUR TEAM IN SHAMBLES…which is the one part of the Vick story that you ignorant A$$#OLES keep forgetting. Have fun rooting for a loser and a criminal…I’m hithching my wagon to the guy that has a future of greatness in the NFL: #2, baby!!!! Let’s go Birds!!!!
And to the guy bragging about his $70k/year job…wow, buddy, me and you must not be from the same neighborhood because that’s about the basement salary where I live.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:19 pm
MARK
Nice to know you are still alive
How about you tell the blog which Falcons qb in franchise history were selected to the most pro bowls.
Oh here is another one: What is the record for the most regular season wins by a team and losing in the first round of the playoffs.
Can you handle that sports writer?
What's Important
September 24th, 2009
12:21 pm
Bad news, don’t believe I said a word about rushing. See you failed to retract the statement about the tight end. Once again, you throw out a bunch of meaningless statistics that have no relevance when put in context.
Tymar
September 24th, 2009
12:21 pm
Vick Supporter! You are a disgrace to my entire race and my gender. Nobody worth his own salt has to brag about himself to feel like a real man, but you apparently do. On a FOOTBALL blog, no less! I am a proud minority and a HBCU graduate (with honors), and I am thankful I do not have to live and walk in your shoes, Vick Supporter.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:22 pm
You are all idiots
Did you finish Jr. High School?
If a player who is more dedicated accomplishes less, then that makes the hard worker look pretty lame….did I write too fast for you Forrest Gump
Hollywould
September 24th, 2009
12:22 pm
Well, i am back and I see the insanity continues. Bad news (or like the other poster said, VS2)
Why the hate on Ryan. Is it because he works hard, does his job, has respect from his teammates,
respects his teammates, doesn’t use the media for self-infatuation, doesn’t have kids from multiple ladies(i use that term loosley) or is it because he is WHITE? I seriously do not get it. I like Flacco
also. Good for him. As VS2 said every week last year the Falcons were gonna lose, insanity is saying and doing the same thing over and over while being wrong. All I know is we are 2-0 and going to NE with a chance to win. Has not happened in the past. I am SURE if you ask the Falcons who the leader of the team is…..well even you know the answer.
maddawg
September 24th, 2009
12:24 pm
if the falcons had joe flacco instead of matt ryan, bad news would be calling him noodle arm. it’s not about ryan it’s because he replaced vick. at least tell the truth!!
i was a huge vick fan but he is gone now and ryan is our guy, a very good one i might add. the entire league knows it.
i wish vick well but i am a falcons fan!!!!!!
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:25 pm
What’s important
You really should stay off the crack
These are receivers not rushers…..
Did you complete elementary school
Receiving Yards Leaders – All PlayersRK PLAYER TEAM REC YDS AVG LONG TD YDS/G FUM
1 Reggie Wayne, WR IND 104 1510 14.5 64 10 94.4 3
2 Randy Moss, WR NWE 98 1493 15.2 65 23 93.3 0
3 Chad Ochocinco, WR CIN 93 1440 15.5 70 8 90.0 2
4 Larry Fitzgerald, WR ARI 100 1409 14.1 48 10 93.9 3
5 Terrell Owens, WR DAL 81 1355 16.7 52 15 90.3 0
6 Brandon Marshall, WR DEN 102 1325 13.0 68 7 82.8 3
7 Braylon Edwards, WR CLE 80 1289 16.1 78 16 80.6 3
8 Roddy White, WR ATL 83 1202 14.5 69 6 75.1 3
Marques Colston, WR NOR 98 1202 12.3 45 11 75.1 1
10 Torry Holt, WR STL 93 1189 12.8 40 7 74.3 2
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:26 pm
Joe Flacco ROCKS
Ryan Man
September 24th, 2009
12:28 pm
Hey Bad News,
I think you should pull your head out of Flacco’s ass for one minute just to consider if he really did anything to win either of those playoff games last year.
Against Miami, Flacco went a whopping 9-23 for 135 yards and no td’s in Baltimore’s 27-9 win. Flacco did run for a score, albeit in garbage time, but the lone first half highlight in that game was an Ed Reed 64 yard INT return for a score. Clearly, that game was one by the defense, and any argument you make to the contrary is simply moronic.
Against Tennessee, Flacco did perform slightly better, throwing for a whopping 161 yards while completing a full an astonishing 50% of his passes. Sure, he threw for a first quarter score, but then proceeded to lead his team to 9 first downs against 21 for the Titans, and the Ravens were outgained 391-211. So how did the Ravens win? Defense again, my friend. The defense forced three TOs to keep the game within reach.
I’m sorry, you give Ryan Baltimore’s defense, and they’re playing for the Super Bowl instead of losing to the Steelers (in a game in which Flacco furthered his playoff legacy by going 13-30 for 141 yards, might I add).
Flacco’s a game manager, plain and simple. Ryan actually makes plays and wins games. There’s no argument as to who the better choice was for the Falcons.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:29 pm
EVEN MORE BAD NEWS
Source: Welker to play SundayComment Email Print Share ESPN.com news services
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker expects to play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, a source told ESPN’s Michael Smith.
Welker, who did not participate in practice Wednesday, was held out of last Sunday’s loss to the Jets because of a knee injury. The Patriots offense went without a touchdown for the first time since Dec. 10, 2006.
Welker, 28, had played in every game the past four seasons. He has 223 catches for more than 2,300 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two season.
In the season-opening win over the Buffalo Bills, he caught 12 passes for 93 yards.
What's Important
September 24th, 2009
12:31 pm
Bad News, I stand corrected. Still, don’t believe #8 is pro bowl caliber, and even that was with quarterbacks other than Vick. How about you fess up to the misstatement about the tight end statement. Yes, I complete elementary, middle school, high school and college, and that time in college included a statistics course that proved that statistics could be twisted to prove any statement you wish to make if it is not placed in context. So keep throwing up numbers that signify nothing, you’ll convince no one.
You are all idiots
September 24th, 2009
12:36 pm
Bad News…I’m fully confident that I’ve had much more education than you, given that fact that, as I read some older columns, you basically sit in front of your computer all day and write comments…Which leads me to believe that you are A) Unemployed, B)Mentally deficient (it’s a fancy way of saying dumb), and C) Really really lonely…Have a nice life!
You are about as much of a loser as your favorite Quarterback. Why do want to root for/defend someone who admittedly didn’t try. He obviously doesn’t respect you or any other fans, his teammates, or the game of football…did you guys have thing while you were in prison together?
Ivan
September 24th, 2009
12:37 pm
Comparing Vick’s entire career to Ryan’s short tenure is just stupid. Anyone can twist stats and spin them into “facts”. Try this one….
Ryan’s first year in the NFL:
11-5. Playoffs. Rookie of the year.
Vick’s first year in the NFL:
sat on the bench. (probably because he’s too lazy to study and practice, and too stupid to comprehend a Dan Reeves run first playbook.)
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:39 pm
That damn Joe Flacco – 2nd in league in offense
Thought of the Day: Ravens’ identity
September 24, 2009 10:00 AM
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
The “Thought of the Day” posts in the AFC North are never easy, and we have another thought-provoking topic for our community this week.
Are the Baltimore Ravens an offense-oriented or defense-oriented team?
Through two weeks, the Ravens are second in the NFL in scoring at 34.5 points per game. But they’ve also allowed an average of 25 points per game in wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.
It’s early, but Baltimore is ranked third in total offense and No. 17 in total defense. Both are very un-Raven like and beg the question of whether this team’s longstanding identity has officially changed.
Jon Hughes
September 24th, 2009
12:40 pm
its sad that joey harrington and mark redmond can do a better job at getting roddy white the ball than ole ron mexico
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
Ivan
Vick’s 2nd year:
Saturday, Jan. 4, 8:00 PM ET
At: Lambeau Field
In Saturday’s late game, Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons marched into Green Bay for a battle with the Packers, and marched out with the first-ever playoff victory for a visitor at Lambeau Field, 27-7.
The Packers had never lost a home playoff game and were the only team to go unbeaten at home during the regular season. All the elements seemed in the Packers favor; the snow, the cold, and thousands of screaming Packers fans. But on this day, it was the young gun from Atlanta making the big plays instead of the aging hometown gunslinger.
Michael Vick didn’t put up impressive numbers or make any game-breaking plays, but he continually escaped from the Green Bay pass rush and made plays when it appeared there were none. He completed 13-of-25 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown and added 64 yards on the ground.
The Falcons opened the game by marching 66 yards to the Packers 10-yard line before Vick connected with Shawn Jefferson in the endzone. The Packers first possession ended after just three plays when Keion Carpenter intercepted a Brett Favre pass and returned it to the Packers 38.
After a couple of incompletions and a run for no gain, Chris Mohr’s punt pinned the Packers back at their own five-yard line. Green Bay moved the ball out to the 12 where they were stopped on third-and-three before Falcons linebacker Mark Simoneau beat Matt Bowen and blocked Josh Bidwell’s punt which Artie Ulmer smothered in the endzone for another Atlanta touchdown.
Atlanta added another touchdown in the second quarter on a six-yard run by T.J. Duckett after a controversial muffed punt put the Falcons back in scoring position at the Packers 21-yard line. Atlanta’s Kevin McCadam pushed Tyrone Williams into Green Bay punt returner Eric Metcalf, and Falcons fullback George Layne recovered the ball.
Replay showed the ball clearly bounced off McCadam’s left shoulder, but head coach Mike Sherman didn’t challenge the call. After the game he said he spoke with an official on the field, but was led to believe the play would not be reviewable.
Jay Feely added a 22-yard field goal to give the Falcons a 24-0 lead at the end of the first half and they were never seriously challenged after that point.
NOODLE ARM’S 2ND YEAR ?????????????????/
Coop
September 24th, 2009
12:43 pm
Mark. I love your stories, but I just can’t take this blog anymore. These Vick Supporter and Bad News guys are just racist idiots. They’re not concerned with ethics, morals, leadership, OR winning. They just want a black QB. I supported Mike Vick for a long time. Personally, I thought his sentence was too harsh, but he did break the law. I’m thrilled we have a great QB. I didn’t want Ryan, I was a Dorsey guy, but I was wrong. But it’s embarassing to be associated with the Vick legacy since I’m a Falcon’s fan. I just can’t listen to these folks who hate Ryan because he’s white. I’m done.
BugKiller
September 24th, 2009
12:48 pm
I love how ANY article supporting Matt Ryan, I’m sorry, I mean Noodle Arm, brings out the Vickidiots.
Why it that?
What’s the psychosis involved in the kind of idiots who support a sociopath like Vick? Who go as far as to ignore EVERY single fact revolving around Vick’s career in Atlanta as well as the events of his own making that led to his downfall.
It’s a very interesting kind of denial of the logical mind. The word “fan” comes from fanatic, and people like Bad News is nothing but.
With no logic to support any of the invictive that he spews Matt Ryan’s way, combined to his inane ignorance of Mike Vick’s career, Bad News displays a definitive picture of someone who’s lost touch with all of reality.
Now, I say this knowing my own particular obsessions, particularly with the demand that Willie Martinez be fired. But whereas I use verifiable fact over the whole course of Willie’s horrible tenure to base my well-rounded and honest argument around, Bad News picks and chooses certain statistics to create an inaccurately positive reflection of Vick’s career in Atlanta, while basically ignoring everything that happened his last two years, including his deceptions, his sociopathy in finding enjoyment over the killing and torturing of animals, the fact that he was the ringleader in an illegal gambling enterprise (which would have eventually found it’s way to his play, as these things always do in the end), and the fact that after the NFL caught on to Mike Vick’s schtick, as it were, and because he was unwilling to work to better himself, he was horrible his last two years.
Bad News is a nobody. He’s a small man who is angry at the world for not recognized his delusional outsized opinion of his own importance. It wouldn’t surprise me if Bad News was either 1) a drug addict 2) an alcoholic 3) had some sort of criminal record 4) or a sociopathy of his own, as he obviously so identifies with Mike Vick, an actual sociopath.
Guys like Bad News feel the need to lash out at what the perceive as unjust persecutions in what they feel is a world that marginalizes them.
He is obviously a deeply disturbed individual who was probably abused as a child (physically and mentally, perhaps sexually?), definitely comes from a broken home (absentee father is most likely), and possibly apprenticed to a criminal of some sort as a personal mentor, thus his continued loyalty to a felon such as Vick.
See the way he lashes out the way that he does. His constant use of the nickname “Noodle Arm,” is obviously a subconscious tell, announcing to everyone his own sexual frustrations due to impotence.
Bad News is not someone who has received a higher education. Probably not a high school dropout, but definitely no more than a semester at a community college, perhaps Perimeter. He lacks the ability to think non linearly. He’s straight-line thinking, all the way, and uses his one-track mind to bash the same idea over and over again. He counters logical arguments with the same counter argument, no matter how many times he’s proven wrong. He is easily confused, so he returns to the same line of though for comfort.
He wants attention, but he also NEEDS people to admit to him that he’s right to feed his personal delusions of self-importance. He is a man driven by his id, and puts so much of his self-worth into these declarations he makes on the blogs. This is why he comes back, time after time after time to interject his beliefs when no one is addressing them. It’s sad, really, that his compulsions to support and defend Mike Vick will never bring him what his id so desires: relevance amongst our small community.
Bad News’ pathology is interesting, even if the man himself has become a non-entity on these blogs.
Jon Hughes
September 24th, 2009
12:48 pm
Bad news what was Vicks stats against philly the next week? I dont recall but i do remember 2 INTs and No TDs.
You are all idiots
September 24th, 2009
12:54 pm
Yeah, I love how Bad News can only pick and choose stats from random games…notice how NONE of them are from his last two years playing in Atlanta…when he went 15-16 with no playoff appearances and pedestrian (that means mediocre…which means not so good) stats. Sorry…had to dumb it down for our less educated posters.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
Mark- nice piece about a serendipitous moment in Atlanta sports history. I really enjoy your pieces, but every piece about the Falcons is riddled with these crazies. I don’t understand why Bad News is allowed to continue to fill up the blog. It makes me not want to read your stuff on line.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
12:57 pm
Bug Killer is just as bad.
You are all idiots
September 24th, 2009
12:57 pm
BugKiller…that was awesome.
Dr. Warren
September 24th, 2009
12:59 pm
Ryan shows a lot of promise–more than just promise–but frankly I don’t think Matt Ryan himself would feel comfortable with being anointed so soon. It’s only been 18 games. There was a playoff loss in there, too. (Brady and Big Ben won Super Bowls in their first years–even though Brady wasn’t actually a rookie). I’m always impressed by Mark Bradley, especially how he produces fine-quality writing so quickly and frequently, but sometimes I think sportswriters, all of them, are too quick to anoint and condemn. It sells papers and gets hits.
Jon Hughes
September 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
hahaha bug that was pretty funny
AD
September 24th, 2009
1:03 pm
I feel like you get ripped for alot (myself included) for your articles, but this one was some of your better work. Keep it up Bradley
BugKiller
September 24th, 2009
1:06 pm
Dr. Warren,
I think you would probably agree that in their second years, Brady and Big Ben were QBs who were not allowed the kind of freedom in their offenses that Matt Ryan currently enjoys, and had the benefit of OUTSTANDING defenses, something Ryan does not YET enjoy here in Atlanta.
It was not until their respective second Super Bowl wins that they were considered complete quarterbacks by their own teams as well as the rest of the league.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in the NFL who doesn’t believe that Ryan, at this point, is a complete QB. He has total freedom to run this offense, and he’s had that freedom since last year.
That’s completely unheard of. The only other time that’s EVER happened for a rookie QB was with Marino, and Marino had the luxury of sitting the first half of the year to get ready.
Ryan is unprecedented. At that’s a fair assessment.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
1:07 pm
BAN BAD NEWS………….He is talking badly about our hero…..
BOO HOO HOO
Chef montuer
September 24th, 2009
1:10 pm
Better QB’S: Peton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Big Ben, Phillip Rivers, Jay Cutler, Aron Rodgers, Trent Edwards, Joe Flacco, Carson Palmer and Matt Shaub. Mcnabb also if he wasn”t hurt
Stuck inside of Pullman with the Georgia blues again
September 24th, 2009
1:11 pm
This is one of the best sports pieces that the AJC has done. Well done, Mark.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
1:15 pm
No… I would ban Bad News because you are not offering any new discussion about the Falcons, you don’t refence the topic of the blog. You post WAY TOO MUCH, which is clearly meant to generate a response. I get it that it works and you get attention. But for those of us who are real fans of Atlanta sports and would like to have reasonable discussions of our team its just annoying and sad.
If you were to post your same idea once or twice, then fine. It is that you post over and over the same thing. Please find another way to get your attention. You make talking sports on this blog unenjoyable for most everyone. Not, because you have a different opinion, but because you are childish, repetitive and provacative in such an obvious way that really it is depressing.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
1:18 pm
Chef montuer- I would agree with you on Brees, McNabb, Brady, Manning, Rivers, big ben…. I would say the discussion is open about Flacco, Palmer(who is always hurt), but Jay Cutler, Matt Schaub, and Trent Edwars???? you lost all credibility
Jon Hughes
September 24th, 2009
1:19 pm
Vicks last year he passed for 2474 yards had 13 INTs and 21 TDs Ryan did better than that in his rookie year. I guess ole ron mexico was thinking too much about dog fights and the like. If R. Mexico wasnt so much of an idiot he probably would have been great that being said he is an idiot.
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
1:24 pm
Daniel
2 out of the last 3 posts were by you…………
Posting too much
Bad News
September 24th, 2009
1:29 pm
PLAYOFF GAPS:
1997 – 2002
QB that broke the streak………….Mike Vick
PLAYOFF WINNING GAPS:
1997 – 2002
QB Ending streak………..Mike Vick
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME GAPS:
1997 – 2004
QB Ending streak…………..Mike Vick
PLAYOFF WINNING GAP:
2004 – ????
QB Ending streak………..????
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME GAP:
2004 – ????
QB Ending streak……………..????
UGA Girls are Dawgs
September 24th, 2009
1:31 pm
Hey BAD NEWS – stop defending Vick so much – he is a convicted dog killer and deserved what he got. Secondly, he was not much of a passer and was bailed out a lot by his speed, but the problem is he was bound to slow down in a couple of year, and without his running plays, what you have left is a mediocre passer with an inaccurate, weak arm
NikkiFree
September 24th, 2009
1:32 pm
There should have been a third option on that poll about Matty Ice. My answer would have been ” No, but I trusted Thomas Dimitroff’s judgement and supported my Birds on draft day even AFTER the RYAN pick.
Daniel
September 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
NikkiFree- you had more faith than me, at that point and time. Obviously, your faith turned out to be right; Dimitroff has earned my trust, along with Mike Smith. But, I have to be honest I didn’t have any faith on that first draft day. Good for you.
Just Sayin'
September 24th, 2009
1:36 pm
Why the attitude Vick Supporter? Did your room in your parent’s basement get flooded out earlier this week? Does being “better educated” mean a high school diploma and several computer related certifications? Don’t believe the hype. Go Falcons.
CDawg42
September 24th, 2009
1:37 pm
I believe I speak for the masses here when I say that “the most extreme person on both sides of an argument are really the same CRAZY person!”
Jon Hughes
September 24th, 2009
1:38 pm
Vicks last game as a falcon 15 – 24 115yards 1 INT 0 TDs thats pathetic
He could also never follow one good year with another he was an average QB at best.
falcon66
September 24th, 2009
1:40 pm
bad news, if we Falcons fans are a bunch of losers why do stay on our blog trying to ruin our enjoying our team. Nobody was a bigger Vick fan than me, but the man is no longer here and no longer our concern. Why don’t you take your sorry a$$ over to the Philly blog and leave us alone.
What's Important
September 24th, 2009
1:43 pm
Bad News, how many times do we have to explain it to you? Matt Ryan has not played his second season yet, so we can’t compare what he did to what Vick did in his second season until Matt Ryan has finished his second season. Understand now?
Rob Thomas
September 24th, 2009
1:49 pm
Alright, from this point on, nobody respond to anymore posts that Bad News makes. Everyone’s responses just keep fueling him to make us even angrier, while his posts at this point really have no significance anymore, so let’s just let it go.
E's Dirty Bird's
September 24th, 2009
1:50 pm
Enter your comments here
Ross
September 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Coop, totally agree, there is every bit as much racism on either side, regardless of melanin content of the skin. Bad News is nothing but a miserable no-hang-time pu$$y who thinks it’s cute to defend a miserable low-life animal torturing narcissist. I wish this paper would ban his sorry a$$.