5 reasons not to panic over the Falcons just yet
OK, so this wasn't a highlight, but the Birds are still 4-2. (Dallas Morning News photo)
1. There are still six wins on the schedule. To enumerate: Two against Tampa Bay, one more against Carolina, home victories over Washington and Buffalo and a road victory over the Jets. That would make 10, and 10 generally gets you into the playoffs. And the Philadelphia game here — maybe you’ve heard some discussion about it — on Dec. 6 is a tossup. That would make 11, which would make the Falcons a postseason lock.
2. There’s room for growth everywhere. This is a polite way of saying the Falcons aren’t tearing it up in any single category. They’re 19th in the NFL in total offense, and they should be in the top 10. They’re 25th in total defense, which is one spot down from last season, which was to be expected with the changes made on D. Given the losses of Peria Jerry and Brian Williams, it will be hard for this defense to improve much this season. But the offense should have some breakout games in it, which would give the Falcons a puncher’s chance against anybody.
3. Jason Snelling looked good against Dallas. And that’s a major consideration, seeing that Jerious Norwood is still hurting (hip flexor this time) and Michael Turner is beginning to resemble a one-year wonder. Turner is averaging 3.4 yards per carry, down a full yard off last season’s yield. Put simply, that yard is the difference between second-and-four and second-and-five. Either the Burner gets it going or Snelling gets a longer look.
4. This staff is not Jim Mora’s staff. Mora and Co. were fine so long as nothing went wrong but clueless when something inevitably did. There are fine coaches working in Flowery Branch now — Mike Smith, Mike Mularkey, Brian VanGorder, Sugar Bear Hamilton, Paul Boudreau — and they’ll fix as much as coaches possibly can. And then, if that isn’t enough, Thomas Dimitroff will go to work come February 2010.
5. Remember when we kept saying this might be a better team with a worse record? It still might. The aggregate record of the Falcons’ six opponents is 19-18. Their first six opponents last season were 14-20. There haven’t been any Detroits or Kansas Citys on this schedule, but things will get easier in December. The Falcons are going to lose more games — they’ll lose Monday night in the Superdome — but they’ll manage that breakthrough winning season and they’ll make the playoffs. Keep the faith.
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219 comments Add your comment
brewdawg
October 27th, 2009
10:42 pm
Quick editing work needed. In reason number 2, it reads: Given the losses of Peria Jerry and Brian Williams, it will be hard for this offense to improve much this season. I’m assuming you meant “it will be hard for this ‘defense’ to improve much this season.”
eastbound and down
October 27th, 2009
10:43 pm
as long as the falcons win the games they are supposed to win, the season will be ok. losing one to tampa or carolina is a freal possibility. see eagles vs. raiders
Benjamin
October 27th, 2009
10:48 pm
Third!
Mark Bradley
October 27th, 2009
10:50 pm
I did. Thanks, Brewdawg.
But I meant, figuratively and literally, no offense.
RomeDawg
October 27th, 2009
10:54 pm
As a long time Falcons Fan, I can’t help but think negative. Hope your right. Any ideas on Turner? He seems to be a main reason our offense is sputtering.
darrell starks
October 27th, 2009
10:54 pm
What another vacation 51 hours after the game you put up post LOL
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Benjamin
October 27th, 2009
10:54 pm
Admittedly, third isn’t first, but it’s likely as close as I’ll ever get.
That aside, good article Mark. I especially liked the points made regarding our offense — 19th is at least 12 spots too low for the talent on that unit, in my opinion — and our schedule. It’s not easy, but we’ve still got three games vs. the Bucs and Panthers (…all three of which should result in victories), plus the Redskins aren’t beating anyone. At the very least I think we win 9 games this year, which breaks our run of 40-something years of not having back-to-back winning seasons. Not bad for a franchise that was dead in the water just two years ago.
In Dmitroff and Smith we trust (…because it’s better than anything ever assembled by the Marion Campbells and June Joneses of the world).
Benjamin
October 27th, 2009
10:56 pm
…and turn that frown upside down, RomeDawg. Greater things are yet to come.
Wesley Wallace
October 27th, 2009
10:58 pm
I will still be happy with a .500 season. I think the Falcons will make the first round of the playoffs, and then be done, or they will barely miss the post season. Without the Peria Jerry and Brian Williams injuries, I think we could have been playing in the NFC Championship game.
I’m excited about next year, but this year we are playing teams that have good QBs that are going to exploit our secondary.
darrell starks
October 27th, 2009
11:01 pm
Defense Defense Defense wins championship, now sense our best cornerback is out we can’t man up 1 on 1, the secondary will be exposed bad.
SCORE FALCONS 24 SAINT 42.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!
Ted Striker
October 27th, 2009
11:04 pm
Absolutely agree. It’s wise not to get too distressed over a single loss, especially a road loss — even if you didn’t look good.
This isn’t college football where style points and pollster opinions determine how a team can have an opportunity to finish at the end.
There’s nothing “mythical” about an NFL championship. In a league with a playoff all you need is an invite. Just ask the Cardinals.
BugKiller
October 27th, 2009
11:07 pm
I wonder what will happen first?
Will Matty Ice and Mike Smith face their first losing streak? Meaning losing two games in a row?
Or will Mike Vick be relevent?
Mark… I sincerely hope the AJC and you have some plans on how to handle a certain troll blogger who’s tones by the names of Vick Supporter 2, Bad News, and now “Choke,” because the rest of us, even those with INTELLIGENT anti-Falcon comments, are getting to the point where this trolling is enough is enough.
Other websites promote discourse and disagreement, and still have no issues regulating the trolls.
It’s time for the AJC to step up to the big leagues in that department, because you and Schultzie do a great job with the Live Blogs, but guys like this ruin the fun for everyone else, which means OUR rights are being impugned, which is reason enough to ban him.
BugKiller
October 27th, 2009
11:11 pm
The point I’m making is, no one has a problem with someone who ADDS something to the conversation, even if it’s a Cowboys fan, or a Saints fan busting our balls.
But all this troll does is yell “Noodle Arm” and “Mike Vick” all blog long.
Enough is enough with this guy.
ron the man
October 27th, 2009
11:12 pm
We falcon fans need to remember that we have a very young team especially on defense. Lots of guys playing in their position for the first year, and they will only get better with experience and good coaching. We have enough talent on the field to win most ball games if the guys will maintain their intensity, and this will come in time with reps. We all have questions about why some players like cris and tye are not playing, but then we know the coaches see them in practice against our quality receivers and they have an edge on us in those decisions. We appear to be just a few seoonds off on the pass rush and I am sure the coaches will come up with the right combinations this week to put some fear in Drew Brees and maybe a bruise or two on his chest to cause him to rush some throws.Our run defense has improved,and we have a good chance with maximum effort of upsetting the Saints. Go Falcons>>>>
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2009
11:13 pm
I wouldn’t be so sure about chalking up a road game against the Jets as a victory. A team that holds New Orleans to 24 points on the road (yes, considering how good the Saints offense is that is a significant achievement) and beats New England at home is no joke.
Singletary
October 27th, 2009
11:18 pm
I don’t want to see them blown out again. I understand victories and losses, but it hurts to lose to an inferior team. The thing I don’t understand is the lack of parity between divisions. Our O-Line looked like a WALL/battering ram last year against the AFC West. This year, they struggle against the East-ers. Is one part of the league JV and the NFC South and East and the AFC East etc because of excellent coaching? The teams draw from the same talent pool, so it is hard to believe that is the essence of the disparity.
Whopper Dawg
October 27th, 2009
11:42 pm
Mark,
I think your comments are spot on. In one game, Dallas, I went from thinking I really didn’t know what position I would draft in 2010 (that was very early one), to thinking we need 400 draft picks (not early one).
One real worry is the 2009 draft. I don’t see one contributor from that draft. I know the top two are out for the year now, but injuries were their rap coming in and we drafted them anyway This is a real problem, like taking a bogey on the birdie hole in the PGA, you give up strokes to the field. I am afraid we did that in the 2009 draft, and it will come home to roost. We are not in a position to stock pile talent, the picks, at least the high ones, have to play.
Ghost Rider
October 27th, 2009
11:43 pm
Guys, come visit the NFL’s newest football MB. http://letsgofootball.com/index.php? Soon to be the best site to come talk football.
Trainwreck
October 27th, 2009
11:54 pm
I am a Michael Turner fa but I could kind of see this coming. I don’t have any stats to back me up right now but I think that last year he used games agaist really weak teams to pad stats… i.e. a 200 game apiece vs. Detroit and St. Louis. He also had good games against KC, GB, Oak, and SD, whose run defenses were nothing too special either. He had good games against TB and CAR the second times around which were really good, but against Philly, the Vikes, and Chicago he didn’t have very high YPC. I don’t even think he had 100 yards against the Saints at all last year. So anyway I think this is to be expected a little, he will have a breakout game now that Ive said this but just pointing out something that I noticed…
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 27th, 2009
11:55 pm
MARK
You need to put that crack pot down.
The Falcons beat The Niners (They have lost 3 in a row)
The Falcons beat Chicago (They lost Sunday 45-10)
The Falcons Beat Carolina (They are hopeless)
The Falcons beat Miami (They gave up 30 in 1 half to The Saints)
They have beaten bottom of the barrel teams and then against “ELITE” franchises…………..
They were BLOWN OUT by The Patriots (They lost to The Jets)
They were BLOWN OUT by The Cowboys (Falcons only win with winning record)
You really think they will beat The Eagles, you really need psych examination. In fact they will get dominated by both The Redskins & Jets and Buffalo will be a toss up.
This season is DONE.
The “NEW FACE” of the franchise project is a BUST just like Matt “Choke” Ryan!
FranktheFalcon
October 27th, 2009
11:57 pm
Our Falcons will go 10-6 or 9-7 this season for the first back to back winning seasons in franchise history. It is remarkable what Coach Smith and the organization has done in such a short period of time! We will continue to improve with our great GM, our great Coach, our great Coaching Staff, and our great Owner! This is only a temporary setback, but we are definitely heading in the right direction! We need two corners and two defensive linemen. Hopefully, we can get a couple of these by free agency, the draft, or the development of some of our recent draft choices. It will be real tough in New Orleans Monday niight. Don’t expect a win. Our secondary is too porous and we are not getting enough of a pass rush to help them out. Unfortunately, we will get beat about 42- 24. New Orleans offense is too good for out talent level that we currently have on defense. But don’t get down on our team, things are pointed in the right direction! That is the good news! GO FALCONS!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 27th, 2009
11:58 pm
MATT “CHOKE” RYAN’S LAST 2 GAMES “QB RATINGS”:
vs Chicago 68…2 tds….2 ints
vs Dallas 66….2 tds…2 ints….2 fumbles
Playoffs?….. Really?
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2009
11:59 pm
http://www.scoresreport.com/2009/08/19/will-the-curse-of-370-slow-turner-down/
preston
October 28th, 2009
12:09 am
OK Mark……..5 reasons not to panic over the falcons…5 reasons the hawks will make the eastern conference title. what’s next? 5 reasons why the braves will make the playoffs in 2010…5 reasons why the georgia bulldogs will beat the florida gators this saturday…5 reasons why Ga. Tech will lose again this yr in a meaningful bowl game…and the most important of all, 5 reasons why southerners eat grits….lol.
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
October 28th, 2009
12:21 am
Hey Matt ‘Choke’ Ryan…This is Ryan’s only 2nd year…He’s way ahead of QB’s say a Jay Cutler…so we still have a few years for the Choke reference and I will give 2 more…If he has the stats of say the Bears/Cowboys then yes I would agree with you…For the 49′ers game most folks had the 49′ers winning…Look who is the choker there…Shaun ‘I love larry Johnson’s Johnson’s’ Hill…
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 28th, 2009
12:40 am
I really don’t know where the AJC journalists get their logics in the bogus predictions they make.
Against New England & Dallas, the combined scores were:
60 – 31
So how in the world are they going to stand a chance Against the Blitzing defenses of the Eagles, Jets, Giants, Buffalo & the Run stuffing Redskins and their shutdown corners?
Get serious!
Ted Striker
October 28th, 2009
12:42 am
Interesting. A guy known for predictably repetitive “Fire Willie” (etc, etc) diatribes on this blog is actually calling out other bloggers for being predictably repetitive on other subjects. Does he want a monopoly on the practice? Does he want a cookie?
Granted, nobody gets much out of a broken record on a blog, but there are numerous broken records on any quality site that permits diverse opinions. It’s not the role of the AJC to ban someone who has a legitimate disparate opinion from another reader — as long as that person keeps it clean and plays nice.
Then again — as Harry Lime said about Switzerland: “They had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? — The cuckoo clock.”
Cage match between opposing parties!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 28th, 2009
12:45 am
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
October 28th, 2009
12:21 am
Hey Matt ‘Choke’ Ryan…This is Ryan’s only 2nd year…He’s way ahead of QB’s say a Jay Cutler…so we still have a few years for the Choke reference and I will give 2 more…If he has the stats of say the Bears/Cowboys then yes I would agree with you…For the 49′ers game most folks had the 49′ers winning…Look who is the choker there…Shaun ‘I love larry Johnson’s Johnson’s’ Hill…
Aren’t you guys saying he is more intelligent, better passer, better leader etc than Vick?
Well guess what? In Vick’s 2nd season, not only did the team go to the playoffs, Vick was the 1st qb in NFL HISTORY to beat Green Bay on the road, so what are you saying?
Does that mean Vick actually was better? Or does the CHOKE has an excuse for needing more time.
Pro Bowl Back
Pro Bowl Receiver
Pro Bowl Tight End
More improved coaches
More improved Offensive Linemen
What more does he need?
Time is like the N.F.L. (Not For Long).
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 28th, 2009
12:48 am
Ted Striker
TOUCHE – Well said!!!
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
12:56 am
(sigh)
Matt Ryan has an evil stalker.
Seriously? You’re going to bash Matt Ryan? The guy has been nothing short of phenomenal in his year and a half wearing the Falcons’ uniform and has a 0.0000% risk of going to jail for organizing an interstate dogfighting ring, and you’re going to hate on him because of two poor games? Hands down the best rookie quarterback season in several years last year, and two games aside, putting up a strong campaign in his sophomore season, and all of a sudden he’s Matt “Choke” Ryan.
Excellent analysis.
BugKiller
October 28th, 2009
12:58 am
difference here, Ted Striker, is for two years, I HAVE HAD THE STASTICAL ANALYSIS of Willie’s ENTIRE career at Central Michigan, East Carolina, and now at Georgia to lead the fire Willie Martinez movement.
Which by the way, is FAR more CREDIBLE than this lunatics ravings about Mike Vick being better than Matt Ryan.
Ravings which are RACIALLY motivated, by the way.
Sorry, Striker, you may be a blind homer and think everything is hunky-dory with Martinez, but you DO NOT want to cast your lot with this race-baiting psycho.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
1:00 am
My favorite part of the cuckoo clock scene: The little skip the nefarious Harry Lime does as he leaves Holly at the big wheel.
Denver Bird
October 28th, 2009
1:08 am
man, oh man, how I wish I had watched as many movies as Ted Striker…
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
1:11 am
The real question, Mark, if you’re awake and still reading…
….who do you think represents the NFC at this point? New Orleans? Minnesota? Tampa Bay? (snicker)
I don’t think I’ve ever picked the Saints for anything other than “worst football uniforms,” but my God, they look unstoppable right now. I’m gonna go with New Orleans vs. the Colts in the league’s first “All Dome team Super Bowl.”
Atlanta Falcons Talk » Blog Archive » 5 reasons not to panic over the Falcons just yet
October 28th, 2009
1:12 am
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/10/27/5-reasons-not-to-panic-over-the-falcons-just-yet/?... [...]
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
1:14 am
And while Ted Striker knows his movies, I’m with BugKiller on the D-Cord representation. Willie Martinez, while a nice guy, isn’t fit to be the defensive coordinator of your average high school program at this point. Here’s hoping Coach Richt does the right thing and splurges for Kirby Smart or Will Muschamp or some other former Bulldog who is making a name for themselves elsewhere this offseason.
CaliDirtyBird
October 28th, 2009
1:17 am
I’m going to repost this since I posted it so late on a previous page I’m not sure anyone read it…
These are just some of my arm chair coaching thoughts and comments. Is it just me or does anyone else see the same things???
1.) Matt Ryan seems to be looking too much to Tony Gonzalez at the expense of getting the ball down field. I also think that we’ve run less designed bootlegs and rollouts than we did last year and this has effected our ability to get the ball down field. I think we do miss Harry Douglas a little more than expected but it should be no excuse… Where is the vertical passing game????
2.) Tony Gonzalez put up good numbers and has been a huge bonus in the redzone but conversely hurt some of the chemistry that White had with Ryan as well as hurt us in the run game with average blocking especially early in the season, it has gotten a bit better and we have seemed to try to run behind him less but it is still a concern for me.
3.) Sam Baker has also been a bit off in his blocking in the few games that I spent time reviewing.
4.) If Snelling is out-rushing Mike Turner change the depth chart for a game and see if that gets Turner’s attention.
5.) Despite a lot of criticism Brent Grimes has played quite well especially against Chicago whose only receivers are over 6 feet are 3rd stringers. But for God’s sake why is he covering Austin Miles (6ft.3in.) when Tye Hill and Chevis Jackson would be better match-ups? Brent Grimes should start against any receiver 6ft or under and sit the bench against anyone taller.
6.) Chris Houston is a fairly decent CB but “HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM” in at least 3 games now you gotten caught not getting your head around and giving up big pass interference calls.
7.) Thank God they finally decided to move Jamal Anderson inside but for the third game in a row now the pass rushers in the middle have gotten out of position and let HUGE running lanes open up for the opposing QBs. I think that almost 40% of the opponent rushing yards in the last three games have been by the QBs… Thankfully the total opponent rushing yards are down but still this is a BIG problem if you ask me.
Benjamin
October 28th, 2009
1:20 am
The lesser Jamal Anderson has even been somewhat impressive in the middle, Cali, to speak to your final point. He was in the backfield a pretty good bit last game. There may be hope for the man yet.
The Grinch
October 28th, 2009
2:44 am
I will echo that the Jets are not an automatic victory. And being the falcons, they’ll probably lose one to the Bucs and win one vs. the Saints.
Turner needs to be temporarily benched in favor of Snelling, purely to motivate him to drop a couple of pounds and hit the hole hard like he used to.
The loss of Jerry, Douglas, Mughelli, Norwood, Williams and Moore is what’s keeping us out of the NFC title game.
Speaking of Moore, how the hell does a SAFETY miss an entire season due to a pulled hamstring? A scrawny wideout would be one thing (though still hard to believe), but aren’t safety’s supposed to be tough?
Despite the setbacks and the schedule, I still expect us to break the streak and really hit our stride in the next year or two, providing the coaching staff stays intact.
And add me to the list of those who love the first amendment but feel that “angryblackvicksupporterchokeryannoodlearm” doesn’t contribute much and is getting very, very, very old.
David Smith
October 28th, 2009
3:09 am
Thanks for the encouraging words Mark. It amazes me how many fans have already given up on this team after six games in this season (The Atlanta Falcons website has “fans” who are already looking forward to next year’s draft instead of looking forward to the rest of the season). As a fan for 33 years of this team I have experienced much ridicule and suffering for supporting a franchise that hasn’t had consecutive winning seasons in it’s 43 years of existence (I’m to set in my ways to support another franchise). The bottom line is that this team is capable of winning for years to come (with a few more pieces) and deserve our support (unless you want to feel the pain of Cleveland, LA, Brooklyn, and even our former hockey team the Flames who all left other cities to win championships elsewhere). GO FALCONS!!!
Harvard Blue
October 28th, 2009
6:14 am
Fan of 41 years (all of my life). Blame my dad for that.
Not giving up but….
Problem #1: Dimitroff and Smith have done well, but the Foxworth business was handled poorly. BIG MISTAKE. Bigger was acting like it wasn’t important and not trying to do fix it.
Problem #2: How many NFL teams have 0 CB value. Even the Raiders have 1 good CB.
Problem #3: Turner ain’t getting it done. You say this isn’t Mora’s staff. Well tell them to stop sitting around watching the wheels come offf. Show the fans that you care as much as we do.
Problem #4: Stop jumping around placing some of the blame on Ryan. I know he’s the franchise but he is throwing too many passes away which are resulting in an extremely high number of “3 and outs” which any real football fan knows, but announcers, analysts, and coaches try to ignore, kill a defense!
Mitch (the one in Rome)
October 28th, 2009
6:16 am
I wonder if bringing in the running back and signing him is to light a fire under Turner’s a$$? And my point is that it’s not blocking, etc, but that it’s Turner’s effort. Our coaches do NOT deal with stuff in the media they just replace you if you don’t perform. It could be that Turner is getting a reminder that you have to earn the right to start in the NFL. I know Jerious is still hurt and, but not out and I thought we would pick up more secondary help. Just wondering.
I’m just not too concerned. I have not seen anything that tells me out D sucks. They are young, fast and sometimes make stupid mistakes (like wrong angles on pursuit), but that can be coached. The secondary just has to cover too long. No one in the league can cover that long. It’s not possible. The pass rush is the killer. When the rush is there our secondary looks pro-bowl. When it’s not there they get toasted. They have skill, but they can’t cover forever. We HAVE to get a pass rush going without sending the entire house every down. Stunts, one or two to blitz at the right place, but not every down.
We’ll be ok. I agree with Mark. We have 5 or 6 wins left on the schedule, and if the streak of not losing back to back games keeps up, maybe 7.
Go Birds!!!!
SimpleDawg
October 28th, 2009
6:59 am
9 – 7 would be a fortunate finish for the Falcons, based on the performance to date.
Ryan is beginning to pre-determine where he’s going with the ball on passing plays….often into double coverage. Surely there are “reads” involved and other options to the primary receiver.
Turner “the Burner” looks sluggish and impatient. He’s not seeing the holes, nor cutback lanes. Definitely not the same guy as last year.
The corners are professional only by virtue of receiving a check for their play.
Extremus
October 28th, 2009
7:10 am
I pretty much agree with all of your observations, Mr. Bradley. I too believe the Falcons will again post a winning season, which will be huge in getting that ignonimity of never doing so back-to-back out of sight and mind. But with what we have now, I think we’d have to have a run of luck like the Arizona Cardinals had last year to reach the Superbowl; I felt that in every NFC playoff game, possibly with the exception of their game against the Eagles, they caught teams napping or took advantage of sloppy plays and mistakes (Atlanta and Carolina) to advance. But right now I just don’t see us making it; Ryan’s improving, but still hasn’t yet become comfortable taking shots downfield or avoided the occasional head-scratcher as far as interceptions or throwing laterally in long yardage situations. He’s definitely an improvement consistency-wise from Vick as far as the decision-making a quarterback is responsible for, but has a long way to go. And there are just too many holes that opposing teams (especially the better ones) can exploit on both sides of the ball right now.
One thing is for sure; our running game is killing us on offense, forcing Ryan to pass in long yardage situations time and time again. Hopefully Turner will get things turned around before we have to go shopping for another featured back either through the Draft or free agency. And our undersized defense (especially the secondary) is a liability we can no longer ignore come the offseason; we have to bring in some guys who will put opposing linemen on their backs and get to QBs, and have corners and safeties who are tall, athletic, and hard-hitting to dissuade opponents’ passing games.
MiltonDawg
October 28th, 2009
7:18 am
Falcons are still in it, but the secondary was finally exposed last weekend in Dallas. Not sure if it was the loss of Williams but i look at that game then look at the game coming up against the Saints and i’m thinking…oh my!! Get to Brees early, gotta have strong pass rush. Snelling is putting in a great effort and since Turner is sluggish, hand the rock to Snelling.
GaFB
October 28th, 2009
7:22 am
Falcons don’t have much wiggle room should they lose one of those “6 wins on the schedule” games. There are 3 other teams in the conference that are also at 4-2 (out of those 3, Dallas/Green Bay look to have sort of the Falcons remaining schedule with more winnable than loseable games left while Philly might have the hardest).
At this point I’m thinking the Falcons could have a winning season but still miss out on the playoffs, but there’s still a ways to go before we can start filling out those NFC playoff brackets.
F-105 Thunderchief
October 28th, 2009
7:25 am
And that was a really big wheel.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
October 28th, 2009
7:51 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan, funny you mention Ryan’s last two games passer rating, Vick’s last two seasons, his passer ratting was 73.1 & 75.7. He probably had 10 – 12 fumbles in that time as well.
FalconUGAFan
October 28th, 2009
7:54 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan, I want to compliment you here. You are actually putting out some decent blogs. Thank you for moving away from the repetitive blogs and putting some thought and facts together.
So clearly Mike Vick did wonders for this team in his early years and he was and may still be a tremendous athlete but he is no longer our QB, I think most fans are supported Vick while he was here and now support Ryan. I know I loved MV as our QB but he broke our fan hearts. He clearly burned us and most of us will never forget that. Kinda like the girl that you loved but she cheats on you. Most of us just want to move on. But bloggers such as yourself make that difficult. Just stating facts, my friend.
Nativebird
October 28th, 2009
7:57 am
7. Arthur Blank continues to stay out of football decisions.
FalconUGAFan
October 28th, 2009
8:00 am
Ok so back to the Falcons. The team messed up last year by going 11-5 (curse and a blessing). Now we all have the expectation that they will improve the win loss record, but their schedule is tougher. They did it with smoke and mirrors last year. They added some horses but injuries are starting to pile up a bit. With that said. I think they will break the winning season curse and continue to improve if we don’t start freaking out on them.
Atticus
October 28th, 2009
8:03 am
Problems:
1-Turner is doing nothing, he is SO slow to the hole
2-Norwood always is hurt
3-Our drafts picks are hurt
4-We have no CBs
5-We have no pass rush
Footnote: Was it me or were our WRs never open against Dallas?
Dr. M
October 28th, 2009
8:13 am
After reading the Blog and thinking over the Dallas game for the last couple of days, I have a few thoughts. First, everyone has heard that “the best defense is a good offense.” In the Dallas game, Ryan and the offense had 3 interceptions, 4 sacks, 1 fumble, multiple 3 and outs, and did not control the clock. This obviously put too much pressure on the defense and made them look worse than they are. Even though they are still a work in progress. Secondly, I have been arguing with my son since last year that Snelling is a better Back than Turner. He is faster, quicker, more determined, moves the pile better than Turner. He plays with more emotion and enthusiasm. In short, Snelling needs to start.
NCFalconFan
October 28th, 2009
8:15 am
Can we please let Foxworth go. Has anyone notice how he is playing in Baltimore? The Ravens pass defense is near the bottom as well, I’m glad we didn’t committ that much money to him. However the Brent Grimes experiement should have ended last year.
I wish we would be more aggressive in free agency and trades. You don’t bring in a Tony Gonzalez and don’t expect big things to happen. When Brian Williams went down we should have been looking hard to fill his spot instead of filling spots with previous rejects.
Blue Fender
October 28th, 2009
8:19 am
Why don’t we wait to see how the season plays out before we start chopping off heads. Every team has bad games (look at the Pats agains the Jets earlier). The Patriot blogs were filled with doom and gloom and the Jets blogs were full of misplaced hope (as usual). I guarantee if the Falcons upset the Saints, most of you naysaying goobers will be shouting “Superbowl” at the top of your lungs.
MILTON
October 28th, 2009
8:25 am
Matt Ryan needs to bark-out more at his teammates and back-it-up with more of his own toughness. Linebackers and safeties need to read the slants better to help support the corners and make those receivers pay for coming across the middle. Matt need to go deep at least 3-6 times
more every game to keep safetys away from the line of scrimage.
But SHE said...
October 28th, 2009
8:33 am
Who the hell do you expect to pick up mid-season off the street that isn’t a previous reject? Deion or Rod Woodson? Must be something wrong with McAlister ’cause nobody has picked him up. Probably just O.L.D. disease. Injuries happen- you just have to hope that your depth steps up. Snelling has, now let’s see who steps up in the secondary. Hill and Jackson definitely need some game action.
FalconUGAFan
October 28th, 2009
8:38 am
Yea thats my question. It’s hard to believe the TD doesn’t spend a good part of his day looking for new/different personnel. The players we have are well…..the players we have. Td is always making a move, but I doubt he is going to spend a tremendous amount of money to pull in a veteran free agent. Not his style.
Darth Urinator
October 28th, 2009
8:40 am
5 Other Reasons NOT To Panic Over Falcons (Yet)</strong
5. Roddy White’s test results came back negative…. for now.
4. The latest sexual harassment lawsuit against Arthur Blank has been tentatively dropped.
3 The Falcons can still trade for Vick in the offseason.
2. It is still over a month until the Falcons get the “Pearl Harbor Treatment” from Philly
1. Matt Ryan hasn’t failed a drug test yet.
greg
October 28th, 2009
8:40 am
The schedule is very difficult with all the teams they play coming off by weeks. 9 and 7 would be a great record.
Reid Adair
October 28th, 2009
8:41 am
Very good points, Mark. While I was disappointed with the overall performance in the Dallas game, I really wasn’t that surprised that the Falcons lost. The defense is very young, and they’re still learning.
When the schedule came out, everyone knew this was going to be the tough stretch, with six of eight games on the road. I am confident that Coach Smith and his staff will use the Dallas game as a learning experience, and the team will get better. As you mentioned with #4, that simply did not happen in the past.
An Observation
October 28th, 2009
8:49 am
Don’t you just love all the fair weather (band wagon) fans. The team is currently 4-2, not 2-4. They will win more and lose more this year so get use to it. They will still have an overall winning season this year!!!! GO FALCONS!!!!
Darth Urinator
October 28th, 2009
8:59 am
THE REAL “MARK BRADLEY” QUESTION HERE FOR THIS BLOG SHOULD BE….
Would the Falcons be better off drafting TIM TEBOW next year or talking HERSCHEL WALKER into coming out of retirement next season to don red and black for the people of Georgia once more?
Andy Smith
October 28th, 2009
9:23 am
I do not agree that Turner is a one year wonder. WIthout Norwood to stretch the field laterally, the opposing defenses only need shut Turner down in the middle. If we had a back fast enough to get on the outside to take the pressure off then I believe we would see the old Turner back.
You are all idiots
October 28th, 2009
9:23 am
I love it how after a 2 game winning streak, we don’t hear anything from these retards, but after a road loss to a talented team (who were coming off a bye, had their backs against the wall, and had admitted that this game was going to make or break the season) all of the sudden the Falcons are terrible and are going to lose the rest of their games. GET AN F-ING CLUE, PEOPLE!!!! We are 4-2 and have 10 games left in the season, 5 of which are against absolutely TERRIBLE teams (Tampa twice, Washington, Buffalo, Carolina) If we only win those, we will have a winning season…if we steal one more, then we are probably going to the playoffs.
And if I here one more thing about how awesome Vick was I’m going to scream…I admit, he started out great and I was as big a fan as anyone. But once people figured out how to take the run away from him, we all saw the truth, he is a mediocre passer, who couldn’t win games with his arm…which is what a quarterback is supposed to do. I love how you refuse to mention his final two seasons playing in Atlanta, when he went 15-17, no playoffs, had a terrible QB rating, and didn’t go to any pro bowls…not to mention the last year he spent on the team…WHEN HE WAS IN JAIL!!!! Why do you support this clown? His career is basically over, he barely sees the field in Philly and when he does, nothing happens. Nobody cares about him. He is nothing. And people who keep living in the past obviously have no lives of their own and live a very very sad existence.
You know Ryan is better. There is no argument.
Terrell
October 28th, 2009
9:27 am
Harvard Blue
Ans to Problem 1. Have you seen Foxworth this year? He’s not worth the 16 million in guarenteed money the Ravens are getting him.
Ans to Problem 2. There aren’t too many shutdown corners in the NFL. A good secondary depends on its front 7. No pass rush means more time for the QB to read and the DB to cover. That’s too much
Ans. to Problem 3. Knee jerk reactions are not going to help this team win. You just continue to be a critical fan and let these guys handle their job, because that is what it is a job. If you had a great year and the following year you were struggling would you get fired? The boss knows what he has and is giving you the confidence you will figure it out.
Ans to Problem 4 Okay it’s either throw passes away and play the field position game or be like Jay Cutler and throw 3-5 picks a game. The choice is yours.
Terrell
October 28th, 2009
9:34 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan,
When Vick was here he had:
Pro Bowl Running Back: Warrick Dunn
Pro Bowl Tight End: Alge Crumpler
More improved coaches: This is relative. At that time Mora and Company was the best staff we had.
More improved Offensive Linemen: That line helped us lead the league in rushing for a few seasons when Vick was in Atlanta.
Vick was not the better player. Better athlete? Yes, but you continue to live in the past if you want to. He wasn’t a great passer and because his work ethic was terrible. You can look at his 60 minutes interview to hear him say he was lazy. In Vick’s 2nd year(first year starting) we went 9-6-1. Ryan in his 1st year (1st year starting) we went 11-5. I know common sense isn’t your strongest trait but you can try to use it at least once.
Terrell
October 28th, 2009
9:42 am
People seem to forget why teams have training camps and OTAs. It takes all that time to learn a playbook. You all keep saying TD do this and TD bring in that person. I played in a Pro Style Offense in high school with all the motions and routes and formations. It’s hard. Then I went to college and it was twice as hard, now just imagining doubling the playbook you learned in college. It’s like saying lets bring in somebody who has a similar position as you but doesn’t know how certain things are done in your office. It takes time for them to acclimate themselves even though they have the same position title. If it’s hard for them think about a CB who has to go full speed in a defense he doesn’t know.
PMC
October 28th, 2009
9:47 am
At least we feel like we have a good coaching staff who don’t often make the same mistakes twice. Lofton has been a bright spot. Peterson is making plays. Special Teams has largely been great. We are razor thin at Nose Tackle. Trey Lewis has to play better. Thomas Johnson has to continue to hang in there. Abe has to start working back inside like he did against Jake Long. They need to get thier hands up. I know they are going to have to play zone so maybe if they can just tackle well and make hits count and have one guy strip it out while the other guy tackles…. gang tackle…. play with furious anger.
I’m proud of them win or lose but I hope they can take some of the away crowd noise and let it pump them up. Boos and silence are good.
PMC
October 28th, 2009
9:53 am
Chris Owens looks like a good fast and athletic player. We know Tye Hill can run and he’s talented if he’s healthy which he wasn’t for most of his Rams career.
It shows the level headedness of our staff that they will not force guys out there and send them to the wolves without them being prepared to play (remember petrino with leftwich) They knew what they were doing with Foxworth last year and they got the best out of him. Tye Hill is more talented than Foxworth.
We knew our young defense was going to have growing pains… that means some weeks (Chicago, Miami) they will carry the team and others (New England, Dallas) they will struggle. It’s ok, the offense just has to start carrying the team. They have to start giving Turner some room to work with let him run some not just stretch plays where he’s been being caught from behind this year..
Saints Fan
October 28th, 2009
9:53 am
Wow!!! Came over here for a temperature check and am astounded at the overall depressed tone of most of the posts. I personally believe the Falcons are more respected around the league than many of you might think. I know realistic Saints fans would be happy splitting games with your dirty birds Come on and cheer up, have faith in your team and here’s hoping the Saints and Falcons show the nation on Monday night what a great rivalry game we have between us. Please, no Hail Marys. On second thought, Darren Sharper might welcome the opportunity.
Good luck the rest of the way except,of course, against our Saints! I really hope the NFC South can place two teams in the playoffs…sort of like rooting for any SEC team againts an out-of-conference opponent.
PMC
October 28th, 2009
9:56 am
Also, Stecker has been pretty good for both New Orleans and Tampa in an emergency relief role. He’s a pretty good guy to have on a roster in a pinch.
bigeasy830
October 28th, 2009
10:01 am
Bugkiller you are the only race baiting psycho on this blog, you were the first to bring up the bull. This is America, we all don’t have to agree on a subject to have a discussion about it. “IT’S JUST HEALTHY CONVERSATION”. I have been going to the Falcons tailgate parties at the dome that a few of my friends have been throwing since MV7 first year as a starter. Many of them are from Atlanta and a few others from out of state. They are all DIE HARD Falcons fans. They love the Falcons, They love Matt Ryan, and they still support MV7. You see that is what most true Falcons fans that invest time money and energy in support of their team believe. I am a proud Falcons hater and they all know it they make me sit in the front row so they can give me you know what every time the Falcons make a big play, but its all in fun because believe me I do the same to them.
But here is my reasons why you fair weather fans should not panic
1. Your team is 4-2
2. Your team look well prepared for evey game just like they did last year. You have weakness on your defense that I pointed out before the season, and of course Matt Ryan lack of armstrength seem to limit your offense at times as I stated before the season, that is why Turner is not running well. Teams are stacking the box and the middle because of Matt Ryan’s inability to consistenly stretch the field deep or from sideline to side line. I told you people you need another running back as a change of pace guy bedcause Norwood is too fragile to be counted on. But all in all against mediocre teams the Falcons look good because they are well coached and well prepared and Matt Ryan is a top 5 QB in the NFL. He does not have a great NFL arm but he has an adequate NFL arm and well above everything else, (But I would still take Joe Flacco over Ryan anyday of the week).
3. You are chasing the SAINTS,one of the few teams in NFL history that have more lack of success than the Falcons. I am not saying they will fold down the stretch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. One hit to Drew Brees and it’s over for them.
Also Mark Bradley, I would not count the Jets or the Carolina road games as wins. The Falcons must beat the teams that they may be fighting for a play-off spot against as the tiebreaker, like The Giants and The Eagles. If they do go 10-6 and those teams finish 10-6 with a win over the Falcons, they win the tiebreaker. I think only one team will make it to the play-offs from the south and one team from the west with 2 teams from the east and 2 from the north making it. But the Falcons won’t go 10-6 and they won’t make it to the play-offs because they suck.HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
The Saints win by 20 on Monday Night
“Look Who’s Back, You Suckers!!!!!”
FalconUGAFan
October 28th, 2009
10:15 am
Welcome Saints fan, Good to have you! Thanks for the nice words. I think we are all sitting around holding our breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. We do have a bit of a history of that you know.
But you are right..Time to rally around the team!
Keith
October 28th, 2009
10:21 am
I completely agree. We should win 10 and we might win 11….even if we lose both to the Saints. We shall see!
FALCONS SENSOR CRITICS
October 28th, 2009
10:21 am
TRY SAYING THIS ON THERE MESSAGE BOARD AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS
Rectal Bleeding
October 28th, 2009
10:22 am
I’m counting on another Saints late season collapse.
Keith
October 28th, 2009
10:22 am
Having optimism in the Falcons doesn’t mean I didn’t wonder about the deep ball. I think Jenkins had one catch, maybe? Where were the deep passes? I didn’t see one over 30 yds….maybe I just missed it. Throw the deep ball to White and Jenkins…..like we have seen in the past.
Ted Striker
October 28th, 2009
10:23 am
“A morning glory at my window in the morning satisfies my soul more than a daily rant about either M. Vick or W. Martinez.” — Walt Whitman
“Rant topic no matter. Rant is rant. Hear same thing over over, is rant, not good talky talky.” — Confucius
“If everyone demanded Willie Martinez be fired rather than demanding another television set there would be peace.” — John Lennon
“Bugkiller hates Willie Martinez even more than I despised Nina Myers.” — Jack Bauer, CTU
Huh?
October 28th, 2009
10:33 am
@FALCONS SENSOR CRITICS
You don’t make any cense….
this is soooo stupid
October 28th, 2009
10:35 am
Comparing Mike Vick and Matt Ryan is like comparing apples and oranges people!!! You people are killing me. They both have there strenths and weaknesses period. Matt Ryan has some attributes that are clearly better than Mike Vick and Mike Vick has some attributes that are clearly better than Matt Ryan. They both are/were two of the best QB’s in Falcons history. Those that hate Matt Ryan just refuse to realize that he’s on his way to a stellar career with the Falcons and those that hate Mike Vick just refuse to acknowlege that he was a great player for the Falcons when he was here.
Go Falcons!!!
Apples vs Oranges
October 28th, 2009
10:38 am
So Vick is an apple and Ryan is an orange? That is soooooo racist!
FALCONS SORRY
October 28th, 2009
10:43 am
SORRY ATL FALCONS! YOU BUNCH OF BACK STABING HATERS ARE NOW GET WHAT YOU DESERVE FOR HOW THIS TEAM HAS TREAT ITS SUPPER STARS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS! ESPECIALLY FOR HOW THAT SNAKE AUTHUR BLANK DID TO VICK! NOW MIKE IS LAUGHING HIS HEAD OFF IN PHILY AND RIDING THAT TRAIN TO MIAMI WITH HIS MEETING WITH DESTINY IN JANUARY! AND NOW EVEN KIETH BROOKINGS IS HAVING THE LAST LAUGH OVER THE SHORT COMING OF THIS FRANCHISE! BROOKINGS LAUGHING HIS HEAD OFF ON THE SIDE LINE AGAINST HIS OLD TEAM MATES AND BLANK! WHAT GO AROUND COME AROUND AUTHUR BLANK! AND YOU ARE GOING TO GET WHAT IS YOURS FOR HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE! BROOKINGS AND VICK MIGHT EVEN WIND UP PLAYING AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE SUPPER BOWL WITH OUT THEIR OLD BOSS AND BLANK WILL HAVE TO SIT AT HOME WITH HIS TV AND CRY LIKE A LITTLE GIRL WHILE HIS FORMER EMPLOEES PLAY OFF AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR CHAMPION OF THE WHOLE WORLD! THE TIME FOR THE FALCONS TO START TO PANIC SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE FIRST DAY AFTER THEY WAISTED THAT DRAFT PICK ON MATTY HOPELESS! WHERE IS YOUR OFFENSE WITHOUT VICK AND DUNN AND CRUMP FALCONS! TURNER BURNER CANT CARRY THIS OFFENCE FOREVER! THE ONLY BOWL GAME THE FALCONS ARE GOING TO WITH # 2 AS THIER QUARTERBACK IS THE TOLET BOWL GAME! COME TO THINK OF IT # 2 IS WHAT THE FALCONS ARE FULL OF SO THAT GAME SOUND LIKE THE BEST ONE FOR THE AND THEY REALLY DO HAVE THE RIGHT FRANCHISE QB! # 2 FOR # 2! DONT FORGET TO FLUSH BLANK!
Huh?
October 28th, 2009
10:43 am
No, I think he meant it the other way around. Not racist then.
AlvinDark
October 28th, 2009
10:43 am
Its my job to enlighten, inform and educate the fans who are ignorant. First of all, like this article says “Dont Panic Yet”. The season is not over just because we got outplayed by the Cowgirls and are trailing the Saints by two games in the division. Secondly, the Falcons can win Monday nights game against the Saints. It is entirely possible that the Falcons can win that game convincingly. The only problem is for the Falcons to pull that off THEY WILL HAVE TO PLAY AN ALMOST FLAWLESS GAME against the Saints on Monday night. The good news is that they are capable of doing just that. This much I can say is that if the Falcons bring their “A” game like I know they can, listen to me and watch carefully; THE SAINTS WILL BE IN BIG TROUBLE ON MONDAY NIGHT. PERIOD. End of story. Sure “Matty Ice” had a poor game against Dallas, but that is only one loss and if Matty Ice can shake that game from his system and play a solid game, the Saints will be in big trouble on Monday night. The Falcons will beat the Saints 56-14.
MightyQuinn
October 28th, 2009
10:44 am
Now, Ted, that right there was funny, I don’t care who you are!
Huh?
October 28th, 2009
10:44 am
Hey Sorry is back! Missed you! You always make me hungry with the talk about supper…..
No Counting
October 28th, 2009
10:46 am
At this point we should not be counting wins or losses…We should be taking this season one game at a time and looking to improve every game.
Mark Bradley
October 28th, 2009
10:46 am
You know, I used to consider myself the most opinionated person in the world. Having read these comments for a while now, I don’t any longer.
Peadawg
October 28th, 2009
10:49 am
Falcons sorry:
“BROOKINGS AND VICK MIGHT EVEN WIND UP PLAYING AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE SUPPER BOWL”
Please tell me you’re not that dumb……
No Counting
October 28th, 2009
10:54 am
How do we know “Falcons Sorry” ins’t Vick?
CJ
October 28th, 2009
10:57 am
last!!!
Huh?
October 28th, 2009
10:57 am
I think it is Mark trying to run up his post count.
I’m doing my part..Beee—yord at work!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 28th, 2009
11:11 am
Quarterbacks determine who WINS & LOSES. If your quarterback is near the middle of the pack (Number 14) how do you expect to be a contender?
If he is ranked number 14 and the team is 4-2, then someone else is the reason for an above average performance.
The Vikings had a very good team, but they knew they needed a Superbowl caliber quarterback under center, so they went after Brett Favre.
Face it guys, the problem for a team’s problems is in the leadership role and that is the quarterback.
Start putting the blame where it belongs.
Chaseolla
October 28th, 2009
11:26 am
Dear Mark
REMINDER, The Falcons Saints game irregardless of records always goes down to last possesion. if you want to say it’s a loss before it’s played move to Tampa Bay! If we execute and can run the ball and Tackle and not turn the ball over wo be it to the AINT’S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell it like it is
October 28th, 2009
11:27 am
Take the falcons and stick’um up your ass.They lost to a team they were suppose to beat.No playoffs and to hell with a winning season. if you can’t make the playoffs what good is a winning season.
Joke24
October 28th, 2009
11:28 am
Look for me at the game. I will be there with my girl and she will be in a skimpy Falcons related outfit showing her cleavage.
TROTTINGHOME
October 28th, 2009
11:29 am
Mark’s response to Brewdog is pure lawyer…ish. Beware of snakes in your brain.
AveryBrooks
October 28th, 2009
11:31 am
OK. The Saints-Falcons game on monday night features the high-powered Saints averaging almost 40 points a game vs. the Falcons who are averaging scoring about 20 points. Ok lets analyze this. The saints are averaging scoring about 10 points per quarter. The Falcons MUST beat that by outscoring that 10 points per quarter by scoring 14 points themselves each and every quarter (two touchdowns). Field goals will not help them. Elam can just about take the day off. We wont need his services since we will be scoring 8 touchdowns in the game. Oh thats right we will need him for the extra points. Repeat that formula for four quarters and you win the game 56-40. This is the only formula that will work against the Saints. Beat them at their own game by outscoring them. HOpefully after this win, the Falcons will be ranked #1 in the entire national football league in the power rankings. Matty Ice will run for president of the united states after Obamas term is up. Go Falcons!
PMC
October 28th, 2009
11:32 am
AlvinDark…. AWESOME!