A rainy-day question: Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?
Are the long-suffering Hawks the flagship of Atlanta sports? (AJC photo by Elissa Eubanks)
I’m fairly certain they’ll never play a game against one another, but it’s one of those rainy-day topics — and today is a rainy day — I find irresistible. The Falcons are good. The Hawks are good. Who’s better?
I know. Apples and oranges. Still, there are ways to measure. The Hawks, who are 5-2, are No. 6 among 30 NBA teams in both Marc Stein’s power rankings on ESPN.com and Chris Mannix’s similar list on SI.com. The Falcons, who are 5-3, are No. 12 in Peter King’s Fine Fifteen on SI.com.
King on the Falcons: “The Falcons will be a tough out in January. And yes, they’ll be playing football in January.”
Stein on the Hawks: “Honestly can’t remember the last time Atlanta looked this credible.”
I’d agree with both sentiments. I believe the Falcons will finish 10-6 and will make the playoffs. (That has been my longstanding prediction, but I’ll concede my forecast of an NFC South title is in jeopardy.) I believe the Hawks will finish 54-28 and will reach the Eastern Conference finals. And I also believe, for the sake of today’s exercise, the Hawks are a better team than the Falcons. My reasons:
• Without Peria Jerry, Brian Williams and William Moore, the Falcons’ defense isn’t apt to improve as much en route as I figured it would.
Loading ...• Jamal Crawford is even better than I thought, and I thought he was pretty darn good.
• The Falcons are 1-3 on the road, having beaten only so-so San Francisco; the Hawks are 2-2, having beaten a good Portland club.
• The Falcons’ big name (Matt Ryan) is having a decent season; the Hawks’ big name (Joe Johnson) was just named Eastern Conference player of the week. (And his minutes are down!)
Put simply, I like the Falcons, but I really like the Hawks. And I pass along this bit of byplay as a way of saying I don’t think I’m alone. Dennis Scott, the greatest shooter ever and now a member of the Hawks’ radio crew, sidled up to me at the season opener and said, “You’ve been around here a long time. When has this team had so many players?”
And I said, “Probably 1988. When Carr and Levingston and Spud and Battle and Koncak were the second unit.” And that, you might recall, was one heck of a team. I think these Hawks can be at least as good. There, I’ve said it.
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170 comments Add your comment
nhe
November 10th, 2009
11:39 am
better?……….maybe Hawks at the moment (time will tell)…………more “rootable”?………definitely Falcons
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:40 am
first
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:40 am
shoot . . . second
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:41 am
also . . .mark price was a pretty good shooter . . .not to mention steph curry’s dad!
Mark Bradley
November 10th, 2009
11:43 am
I don’t know. I think the Hawks are a bunch of good guys. Were I a neutral, I’d have no problem rooting for them.
Mark Bradley
November 10th, 2009
11:45 am
Price was a fine shooter. Scott was better. I’m intractable on this point.
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:48 am
reggie miller even . . . but, I digress . . . Hawks have a legitimate chance to make some noise this year . . . the East has two good teams and the Hawks match up well to Cleveland in a seven game series . . . Lebron is the best player in the league, but the Big Aristotle is shadow of his former self . . . his ego will not allow for him to play less than 20-25 mins a night and he will be a liability in the playoff because he clogs the lane and can’t hit FTs . . . .that said, Boston is fairly deep and they have playmakers every where . . . Hawks have no answer for Rondo (but no one else does either!)
Falcs are good but flawed . . . we have no idea which Turner will show up each week . . . the secondary is trying to do its job with smoke and mirrors and the pass rush comes and goes . . . a bend, but don’t break D does not win in the playoffs, but the Birds will definitely be a tough out . . . even when the offense sputters, they scare opposing Defenses because of all the weapons . . ! Birds won’t get a home game though as they are likely the wild card . . . they gotta do better on the road than they have so far . . .
Either way, it is great to have two Atown teams that have a chance in every game they play!!!
nhe
November 10th, 2009
11:49 am
I agree MB – I just find the M Smith/Dimitroff/Ryan story arc more compelling and rootable than the Woodson/Josh Smith/J Johnson story arc………….though Rick Sun is a ray of hope (pun intended) and does not get near enough credit for making us forget about a guy named Knight (who?).
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:50 am
Love your loyalty to D.Scott. Heckuva player. The tech Lethal Weapon 3 combo was my favorite college team ever!
Ron E.
November 10th, 2009
11:51 am
This is easy. I can imagine the Falcons beating the Vikings, Cowboys, or Saints to get to the Super Bowl. I have a very hard time envisioning the Hawks beating Orlando, Boston, or Cleveland to reach the NBA finals. Matt Ryan is a better QB than Joe Johnson is a franchise NBA player. The Falcons are the better team.
PMC
November 10th, 2009
11:55 am
I am primarily a Falcons fan above any other sports team. At this point in the process if you’re going to have this conversation the Hawks are better because they are at a point in thier process when they can seize home court go deep into the playoffs and at the least be a really tough out in the playoffs. The Falcons are hoping for a Wild Card spot at this point and a playoff win would be gravy. The Falcons are still building. The Hawks have spent several years building a quality team and now that they have removed some BK blunders in favor of Jamal Freaking Crawford!!!! They are in buisiness!!!
Go Falcons, Go Hawks.
PMC
November 10th, 2009
11:57 am
The hawks have everything they need to beat any team in the playoffs they just have to play solid up tempo defense and believe in themselves. There are plenty of guys on that team that can score and they have guys with dog in them like Zaza and Horford.
DCbravosfan
November 10th, 2009
11:58 am
The Birds (as a likely wildcard team) would have to win tough games on the road to go far in playoffs. The Hawks have demonstrated that they can compete on the road and even steal a win or two. Birds still have some problems on the defensive side of the ball and a “bend but don’t break D” doesn’t win many games in the playoffs. Hawks have talent every where and see much more committed to defense this year. That said, the Falcs O creates matchup problems all over the field.
Hawks are more likely to advance in the playoffs, but they will ultimately lose to the Cs. (We can’t contain Rondo and he gets tremendous looks for everyone on the floor with him. He almost averaged a triple double in the playoffs last year. Dude is a baller!)
Falcs might not get out of the first round in the playoffs. Unless, of course, the Saints swoon and the Birds somehow win the NFC South. Home game in the playoffs is a huge advantage!!!
Blank's Soiled Boxers
November 10th, 2009
12:02 pm
RE: “Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?”
Better? At what?
Staying out of jail?
Sporting the most hideous tattoos per body part?
Having team jerseys worn during the most armed felonies?
Fathering the most illegitimate children?
Having the lowest average player IQ?
Keeping It Real?
doc
November 10th, 2009
12:07 pm
ding! crazy bell just rang.
bfred
November 10th, 2009
12:07 pm
Too bad the Hawks aren’t halfway through their season, because we won’t know what the injury situation looks like until then. At full strength I’d say the Falcons are better but the defense just won’t be the same for the rest of the year, shifting the balance to the Hawks.
Frankly, not that I care – with both of these looking like playoff teams and the Braves showing so much life over the back 2/3 of their season, life continues to improve for Atlanta sports fans.
Falcons73
November 10th, 2009
12:08 pm
Mark, I think if you are looking at the short term (meaning this season), it might be the Hawks. Long term, ABSOLUTELY the Falcons. The difference is ownership. The Falcons have all the pieces in place to make a long sustainable run (Blank, Dimitroff, Smith). The Hawks are certainly lacking at key management positions (Ownership is a joke, GM is solid but how long will he be here, and Woody is NO COACH SMITH).
lefty fielder
November 10th, 2009
12:10 pm
Say what? I think the Falcons can run and block better but the Hawks would be better with the Hail Mary pass.
All I'm Saying Is...
November 10th, 2009
12:11 pm
This is an easy call and I would agree with Bradley and go with the Hawks. Falcons depth is questionable on both sides of the ball and we still have a half a season left. Hawks have more horses and not only have made the playoffs the last couple of years but also have won some games and a playoff series. Falcons have yet to win a playoff game. (And by the way, it is way cool to even be in a position to have this kind of debate.)
LET’S GO HAWKS!
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Ron E: Considering we lost to the Cowboys and the Saints and the Vikings are undefeated, I want some of what you have been smoking. That written, we did upset the Vikings back in 1998 to make the Super Bowl so anything can happen in a one-game, winner-takes-the-series situation that is the NFL Playoffs.
Blank’s Soiled Boxers: Why would you want to go down that route? None of the detritus you typed is relevant and certainly need not be typed in the same sentence as Hawks and Falcons. You truly made yourself look stupid and ignorant. I’m surprised the AJ/C didn’t delete your post as a public service.
doc
November 10th, 2009
12:12 pm
bfred, amen to that.
personally, i think the bees are the best as they have the best coach in PJ. heh heh
okay, kidding, just ruffling a few feathers.
agree with mark. right now hawks can go farther and suspect if chemistry improves and c’s have injuries or cavs fail to gel we move into 3rd in east.
darrell starks
November 10th, 2009
12:13 pm
TOSS UP ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
ATL Steve
November 10th, 2009
12:13 pm
Being an Atlanta native…I’M HAPPY THAT WE CAN EVEN HAVE THIS DISCUSSION! Having seen both up close this year, these Hawks come at you in waves!
Mychelfromatl
November 10th, 2009
12:14 pm
There are both good teams, but I would have to say the Hawks. The Hawks are a year ahead in their process whereas the Falcons are in the position the Hawks were in last year coming off a surprise playoff run.
Go Hawks and Falcons.
EW
November 10th, 2009
12:15 pm
MB, don’t know the answer to your question. Both teams have a lot to prove this season and it’s exciting for fans. All I need to know is that it’s a great year when your title’s asking who’s BETTER rather than who’s WORSE.
Dr. Warren
November 10th, 2009
12:15 pm
George Gervin–hell, even Alex English–might argue that Dennis Scott was not the best shooter ever. As for the Hawks and Falcons, don’t the coaching staffs matter? I’d take Smitty and his players’ gung-ho devotion over Woody and his players’ respect/ambivalence.
Drewcat
November 10th, 2009
12:15 pm
Hawks are definitely the Team of the A-Town. Just look at the excitement they have brought in their last two playoff runs. We now call Phillips the Highlight Factory, and while the Falcons get nationally televised games, the Hawks just seem to have captured the fervor of the city. Pro basketball in this city had not been relevant this decade. And then something happened.
Hawks have more exciting players and have a better shot at winning right now. GO HAWKS! BTW, where’s Sekou??? LOL
robert08
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
I don’t know who is better … I’m just glad both franchises appear to be on the upswing. Go Falcons. Go Hawks.
Mychelfromatl
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
ATL Steve,
I second that!!! I can’t remember the last this city had two good teams at one time. Hold on was it 1998. Yep.
**Falcons went to the Superbowl.
**Hawks went 31-19 and made the playoffs.
Strangely both teams went downhill right after, smh.
dap01
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
It is amazing what good management and good character on teams will do.
Go Falcons, Go Hawks!
Atlanta Fan
November 10th, 2009
12:20 pm
Hawks for right now Matt Ryan is all hype weak arm and pressure kills this guy and he has better tool as for team mates to work with .Hawks are playing good must do better in hitting the boards!!
Hawk n the Ham
November 10th, 2009
12:21 pm
As far as the power rankings go for the Hawks, it should actually be #5. Somehow the Heat gets all the love at #5, but last I checked the Hawks beat them in 7 games with our depleted bench. Hawks have more weapons this year and will definately push the Celtics. The Cavs are a big question mark not playing up to the hype of Shaq ball. The Magic are the sole leader in the east.
Go Hawks!
Gary
November 10th, 2009
12:24 pm
It doesn’t matter whos better. Both teams are playoff bound and are built to win once they get there. The Hawks may have the easier path, but both teams have to beat a divisional juggernaut that is standing in their way right now. Orlando may be an easier task for the Hawks vs what the Falcons have to deal with in the Saints. I just like the fact that Atlanta sports has more than one team to cheer for in the fall/winter. GO HAWKS and GO FALCONS!!
doc
November 10th, 2009
12:25 pm
all im saying is … you can delete it but not all comments are reviewed. see report this comment? have at it if you wish.
Chris
November 10th, 2009
12:26 pm
Is Dennis Scott still doing Hawks radio? I’ve been seeing him every night on NBAtv, which by the way, is far and away better than NFLNetwork or MLBTV. Anywho, the Hawks are one of the top teams in their conference. The Falcons are not. I’d say the Falcons are a toss up for a playoff spot, whereas the Hawks are just trying to figure out if they will have homecourt advantage. On that note, as much as I like getting cheap scalped tickets to Hawks and Thrashers, Philips could really use some more fans for what appears to be two good teams they have.
hmmm
November 10th, 2009
12:26 pm
Tough to say the Falcons are better. They lost their road playoff game last year and unless the Saints collapse in December the Falcons will have to play on the road in the playoffs again where they are 1-3 so far this season. I could see the Falcons making the playoffs because the NFC West and North are soft divisions and over in the East the Giants are coming unglued. But I would see the Falcons losing in the Wild Card to Arizona or Philly. Hawks have already proven they can get past the 1st rd and have done nothing to indicate they can’t make a deeper run this season.
Fedor (honorary Florida Gator)
November 10th, 2009
12:26 pm
The Gators are the superior team. Goooooooo Gators!
Loser Georgia fans, I would like you can watch win another SEC championship in your backyard, AGAIN.
Gooooooooooooooooo GATORS!!!
Mychelfromatl
November 10th, 2009
12:28 pm
Mark,
Where is Sekou?…if he’s gone…AJC can we get a new beat writer atleast…sheessshhhhh!!
Sally Sarcasm
November 10th, 2009
12:31 pm
Yes, we all know that not a single NFL or NBA player has EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEERRRRRR committed crimes against their fellow man (& woman) using the million$ irresponsible sports owners have used to empower them.
I hereby nominate the entire rosters of both the Hawks and Falcons for Sainthood.
( Go, Braves! )
Wink
November 10th, 2009
12:38 pm
Who is better Hawks or Falcons?
Falcons have better management staff…Hawks have the Sprit group?
Hawks have had back to back winning seasons…Falcons have not done this in their existence.
Falcons have a known identity, we know they want to run the ball…the Hawks have the players to run but want…not sure what their identity is?
Hawks will finish in the playoffs with the 4h seed…Falcons must play for a Wild Card with 8 games to go.
Both teams have talent to keep them from being average, but not yet in the Elite team category.
Both teams have a Franchise player in (Matt Ryan & Joe Johnson) who are overrated, but the best we have. Could either mount a campaign to be MVP of the league?????
Given the playoff formats, Falcons have to beat their opponent only once, (Win or Go Home) and the Hawks have to win a (Series). Without the home court advantage the Hawks will not beat Boston, Orlando or Cleveland in a series.
Both are entertaining to watch, have the ability to win most games, but the edge goes to the Falcons as the team with the Best Opportunity for Success.
Right now Falcons appear better…but I like where all of the teams are headed.
ptjackets
November 10th, 2009
12:39 pm
Mark I know you make a living writing sports but as a whole do you really think many people in Atlanta care about the hawks? I for one don’t and won’t watch them even if they do win. I quit watching gangster ball years ago!
Sugarbaby
November 10th, 2009
12:40 pm
I think the Hawks are better right now, but both need to break through the barriers above their heads and beat some big teams in order to have league-wide respect. The Falcons looked sort of pitiful against the Cowboys, but looked tough (if mistake-prone) against the Saints. The Hawks are still perceived as not being able to compete in the playoffs with the Celtics, etc. Nobody respects our teams – nobody except Peter King even MENTIONS our teams. We need to get behind them and show them that we are for real.
EEJacket
November 10th, 2009
12:49 pm
Humbug, I say, Marcus! The Magic spell the death knoll for the hawkies in the first round (provided the hawks make it there). Clearly not now what with half the roster gone and all (yes hawks fans YOU would get smacked by oklahoma city too if half of your roster was injured/suspended) but once we’re back to full speed I don’t particularly see the hawks surpassing us to get to the finals.
Dawgs2009
November 10th, 2009
12:49 pm
It is great to have the Hawks back! I missed them over the past 10 years. I used to love going down to the OMNI to watch Smitty and Mookie. Those were some good 50 win teams. Just couldn’t get over the hump. It went to the crapper when we had to play at the Georgia Dome and it wasn’t the same until the Boston series and ZaZa standing up to Garnett in 2008.
I love the Falcons, but I cringe with every Matt Ryan pass now. I feel like there is an interception just waiting to happen. Kinda like when I watch Joe Cox.
Volman
November 10th, 2009
12:50 pm
Nice job, Mr. Bradley.
Who is going to be filling in for Sekou Smith? Where do I send my resume? haha.
Go Hawks!
Mark Bradley
November 10th, 2009
12:59 pm
I’m not sure what the plan is regarding the Hawks’ beat. I’m not privy to high-level talks.
Dr. Warren
November 10th, 2009
1:08 pm
What happened to Sekou, Mark? I thought he did a great job.
evan
November 10th, 2009
1:10 pm
Both teams can give you the winning boner!
Sautee
November 10th, 2009
1:17 pm
Why compare apples and oranges?
Michael
November 10th, 2009
1:26 pm
I find the Falcons losses to New England, Dallas, and New Orleans pretty excusable, for now. They still have shown that can just run away with games against inferior opponents. I knowe have defensive injuries…but our defense is just as fun to watch as the offense! I’m loving the Falcons and the way they play good ole smack ya in the mouth football….9-7 or 13-3…im behind ‘em!
the Hawks im still not so sure about. Yes, they have a better road record than the Falcons… but we all know the Hawks are a different team on the road than at home.
The question with both of these teams right now is, “how good can and will you be on the road?”
tho it would help if the Falcons could get an easy road game for once… i dont even see Carolina as a pushover
DJ
November 10th, 2009
1:27 pm
Yep…it’s definitely raining