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.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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
Steve Brown
November 10th, 2009
1:27 pm
Falcons will beat the Hawks in football and the Hawks will win in baskets. Dumb question deserves a dumb answer. A waste of time and mind.
Ryno
November 10th, 2009
1:28 pm
I’ll give the Falcons the edge – but it’s alot closer than I thought it would be.
The deciding factor for me is coaching. I trust the Falcons coaching staff alot more than the Hawks.
mike
November 10th, 2009
1:32 pm
@ptjackets- many people care about the hawks around this city, just not you and you’re “i hate the nba friends”.. the hawks are the only team to win a playoff series in this city in many, many years..go hawks and go falcons! Braves and thrashers- step up your game!
NoleRick
November 10th, 2009
1:33 pm
Growing up watching both of these franchises, its great to even consider this conversation. I just want to enjoy the ride. I do agree that the Hawks have a great chance to make big noise this year and will only get better as the other big name teams get older (Boston mainly).
roan st
November 10th, 2009
1:34 pm
The same. Neither have proven that they can compete against the upper echelon teams.
MAD-DONNA
November 10th, 2009
1:35 pm
To be a really good team, you have to beat really good teams on the road. The Hawks, nor the Falcons have proven to be able to do that consistently. They both are OK teams at best.
F-105 Thunderchief
November 10th, 2009
1:37 pm
This reminds me of the movie “Stand By Me,” in which chubby Jerry O’Connell asks, “Do you think Mighty Mouse could beat up Superman?”
LOL
November 10th, 2009
1:38 pm
<3 the "winning boner" — – - just LOL @ how the braves aren't even in the top 2 Atlanta teams.
think it ranks like this 4 pro teams —
Hawks
Falcons
Thrashers
G Braves
G Gladiators
Braves
g.tech football would be like tied w/ the falcs.
Mark Bradley
November 10th, 2009
1:39 pm
Or the Hulk versus the Thing. Or the Mighty Thor versus either one.
Bullwinkle
November 10th, 2009
1:39 pm
The Falcons and Hawks are both very good………at breaking our hearts at crunch time. We’ve suffered a long time.
timthebrave
November 10th, 2009
1:41 pm
The Hawks are a better regular season team but I can picture the Falcons winning a championship before them. Also not sure about long term with the Spirit group as owners. I hope they both win championships soon. Go dirty birds in the dirty south!
LOL
November 10th, 2009
1:41 pm
?
LOL
November 10th, 2009
1:42 pm
h8 how “my long comments” don’t get posted. H8 U AJC!!! U R SO LAME. BTW <3<3<3<3<3 winningboner <3<3<3<3<3<3
Atl Hawk
November 10th, 2009
1:43 pm
Hawks will win 60 games this year!!!! Falcons going back to Miami to finish the bizness.
David Smith
November 10th, 2009
1:45 pm
Historically the Hawks win this debate hands down (4 division championships, 18 winning seasons, and multiple back to back winning seasons). The Falcons have a chance to rectify decades of frustrating seasons by exorcising a 43 year old demon by having another winning season this year.
K Red
November 10th, 2009
1:45 pm
If you mean which team has the most talent, I would agree that it’s the Hawks. However, if you mean which overall organization, including coaching, is better, the Falcons win hands down. As long as Woody is the Hawks coach, there’s always a risk he’ll screw it up.
PMC
November 10th, 2009
1:45 pm
The Hawks play an exciting brand of basketball if people will give them a chance and go watch or maybe manage to find them on TV. I’m personally not as into basketball as I am football and I don’t really watch full hawks games… but they are a fun watch.
Horford is a bonified star. Johnson is a lot better when he’s got guys around him that can share the load.
Jon
November 10th, 2009
1:49 pm
The Hawks might currently be higher in the pecking order than the Falcons but I would guess that the Falcons are closer to winning a championship. The reason is that NBA championships are usually won by a team with a dominant player (Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Duncan, Pierce) of which the Hawks don’t have. However, Super Bowls are won by great organizations, of which the Falcons are quickly becoming. Bottom line- the Falcons will be having a victory parade in Atlanta before the Hawks do.
UGADawg83
November 10th, 2009
1:50 pm
The Falcons have the chance to win a title more than the Hawks—the gap between the best of the NFL and the rest of the league is a lot smaller than the gap between the best of the NBA and the rest of the league, plus a one game play-off doesn’t identify weaknesses as much as a seven game play-off series.
Reality
November 10th, 2009
1:52 pm
Blanks Soiled Boxers, I’m so sorry no one thought you were good enough to play on their teams during recess. Boo hoo.
Vick=Dog killing thug
November 10th, 2009
1:54 pm
Falcons all the way.. better coaching and leadership. Jury is still out on Woodson.
E's Dirty Bird's
November 10th, 2009
1:54 pm
I am just relishing the fact that we are actually having a conversation about “Whoose Better” between the Hawks and Falcons!! When is the last time you can remeber that this was even a worthy subject??
That being said, I give the edge to the HAWKS. As strong a starting 5 as any in the league and a 2nd unit which is uperior than most in the league.
The entire hawks season hinges on one playr, J-Smoove. Can he continue to maintain his discipline by not shooting the outside “J” much less the “3″? If so, Hawks face the Celtics in the Eastern Finals.
As far as the Falcons go, I am sick and tired of the finger being pointed at the defense, evryone knew (which includes my Mother) that the D was not going to win us a championship, but what we did think was that we had an offense that could put up 32+ points consistently. The offense has been a major dissapointment. And by the way, what’s the deal with the Falcon’s scoring on every opening drive and than completely sputtering in every subsequent drive thereafter?? Puzzling!!
Anyways, Great post!!
dstdeelite
November 10th, 2009
1:55 pm
I’d have to say the Hawks. I like Matt Ryan, but his degree of work in the pocket is suspect at best. Even though the Falcons are still in the infancy stages of rebuilding, the Hawks have my vote because they’ve come a loooooooong way. For Joe Johnson to even garner a nod for EC Player of the Week is astonishing. ATL gets no love in the national media. That being said, until both teams win some very meaningful road games and come ready to compete EVERY SINGLE game, we’ll still be on the outside looking in. Both teams have to find a way to become more consistent. GO Hawks!! Go Falcons!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
1:59 pm
ART’S WOES:
- Lost the 16-million in Vick’s bonus money
- You will take a 16 – million dollar cap hit
- Your Coach is a THUG
- Your franchise qb passed for 135 yards
- Carolina & Tampa are improving
- Your franchise qb is RANKED lower than Seneca Wallace
- Your franchise qb is RANKED 20th in the NFL
- Your franchise qb has 4 straight games with a PICK
- Your franchis qb has 3 of 4 games less than 200 yards passing
- Your franchise qb QB RATING has dropped from 106 to 81
Damn Art, things are not looking good, but you do have a qb that gives good interviews and razor commercials
SWAT Native
November 10th, 2009
2:01 pm
I’m a 30-year Falcons season ticket holder, but I have to go with the Hawks. They have shown that they can win in the playoffs, and the current Falcons team has not (yet). Be interesting to look back after both seasons, though.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:02 pm
Well at least the Hawks won a playoff game last season
don pardo
November 10th, 2009
2:02 pm
Interesting question, but it’s way to early to be sure about the Hawks.
when knew Crawford was a good scorer but the question remains, can be play defense. Plus the Falcons have more upside. The Cardinals proved last year that with no great team in the NFC any playoff team can make it to the Superbowl. The Hawks have 2 probably 3 teams preventing them from getting to the finals. Basket is know for have 50 wins teams that have no chance to get the finals, while any NFL team that gets to the playoffs could win.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:05 pm
UGADawg83
November 10th, 2009
1:50 pm
The Falcons have the chance to win a title more than the Hawks—the gap between the best of the NFL and the rest of the league is a lot smaller than the gap between the best of the NBA and the rest of the league, plus a one game play-off doesn’t identify weaknesses as much as a seven game play-off series.
Just like the Dawgs – the only football team in Georgia has a bee for the mascot
The Falcons have as much a chance at winning the Superbowl as Hell freezing over
don pardo
November 10th, 2009
2:06 pm
“Choke” you are an idiot.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:08 pm
I heard Matt even CHOKES on sunflower seeds
BRAD
November 10th, 2009
2:12 pm
Could Atlanta have one of the best sports cities in the country? Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers, and Braves have/had winning records this year. Georgia Tech ranked in the top 10. The only team in Ga not holding their water…..my Dawgs..damn.
Terrell
November 10th, 2009
2:15 pm
Blank’s Soiled Boxers,
We could be like the Braves the lighter the jersey the lighter the skin complexion.
ptjackets,
Yeah so you rather waste your time watching A Westside Story and Grease right?
Wink,
Matt Ryan isn’t overrated. He’s only in his second season and has proven to be better than some of these 7,8,9 year veterans. Joe Johnson overrated? You serious? Now that is funny. When you can lead your team in scoring and assists you aren’t overrated. If anything he’s underrated because he isn’t as verbal.
Ron Roberts
November 10th, 2009
2:15 pm
AHh, yes….I was wondering when “Choke” was going to show up with his racially-motivated pile of steaming brown goo.
Hey, “Choke,” maybe the reason our “average” QB ratings aren’t such a big deal to us Falcons’ fans is because we had ‘em showing up with the last “regime” – only this time we’re winning and our QB stays off the police blotter.
Sheesh. Turn the page, dude. It’s O-V-E-R – nd even the Eagles can’t figure out a way to use the guy in any worthwhile way. It’s not just the team…it MUST be the playa.
BRAD
November 10th, 2009
2:19 pm
“choke”, how come nobody wants ya boy MV7?!? There is talk that he might go to the Bills, but their best receiver says he doesn’t think he would be a good fit?!? What up with that???
Terrell
November 10th, 2009
2:20 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan,
It took the Hawks 5 years under woodson to get to the playoffs. It took Smith one year to make it. You can’t measure the two, and it’s funny you continue to talk about what Ryan can’t do but Flacco hasn’t been better and since Vick hasn’t done anything you can’t say anything about him. If you’re going to say something at least have an intelligent comment instead of talking out your neck.
Terrell
November 10th, 2009
2:22 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan and we know what you choke on.
WW
November 10th, 2009
2:28 pm
I chose the Atlanta team that won the whole thing this year, Chain Lightning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP1ax43JQ2k
Oh, and in a What-if Mark, Thor kills The Hulk.
http://www.incredible-hulk-library.com/superhero-library/incredible-hulk/incredible-hulk-comic-details.aspx?id=WI&issue=45
Paul H
November 10th, 2009
2:38 pm
I believe the Braves will also make the playoffs next year, which means all 3 of our sports teams reaching the playoffs in one calendar year. I think we’re on the cusp of Atlanta sports being relevant again.
Paul H
November 10th, 2009
2:40 pm
Hey Choke, your boy Vick isn’t coming back. Get over it. That’s why the Falcons are actually good now.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:48 pm
Terrell
November 10th, 2009
2:20 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan,
It took the Hawks 5 years under woodson to get to the playoffs. It took Smith one year to make it. You can’t measure the two, and it’s funny you continue to talk about what Ryan can’t do but Flacco hasn’t been better and since Vick hasn’t done anything you can’t say anything about him. If you’re going to say something at least have an intelligent comment instead of talking out your neck.
Interesting, looking at ESPN.COM………..
Joe Cool is RANKED NUMBER 12 in the NFL
The CHOKE is RANKED NUMBER 20 in the NFL – Not much difference? You are stupid
Thank God for Turner or the team would be winless
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:50 pm
Terrell
November 10th, 2009
2:22 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan and we know what you choke on.
Are you gay? You seem to be an expert on the subject – come on out of the closet. It’s a free country – except in Atlanta “backwards” USA
Kane337
November 10th, 2009
2:51 pm
Falcons over the Hawks easily. It’s not even close. The Falcons have better ownership, GM, and coach. Although Rick Sund may be an up-and-comer and surprise us all with what he has built on this Hawks team so far. Hey the Braves should be good next year too with all the pitching right?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:52 pm
Paul H
November 10th, 2009
2:40 pm
Hey Choke, your boy Vick isn’t coming back. Get over it. That’s why the Falcons are actually good now.
Why do you fools assume I am a Vick fan? Because the Falcons have the CHOKE doesn’t imply I like any player in the NFL.
Just stating a fact – don’t shoot the messenger, shoot the CHOKE.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 10th, 2009
2:56 pm
You LOSERS are so used to losing you don’t even know you are a LOSER.
Almost like a crack head in denial
If you combine the Pro Franhises in this pathetic city, there is like 150 years & 1 championship – that is EMBARRASSING.
That only 1-title by the Braves was because they had black players and since then what have they done?
Vas O. Lean
November 10th, 2009
3:00 pm
At least the Braves players aren’t covered in tatz (except 4 Chipper), and most of them can stay out of prison.
A fastball in the rectum is THE REASON why you don’t see many “MeAngelo” types in baseball.
Elliptical Logician
November 10th, 2009
3:05 pm
I think it’s peculiar that both teams are top ten material, but still nowhere close to elite. I think the Hawks will end up in the same place as last year, winning one playoff but losing in the second round, even though their team is considerably improved. Likewise, I think the Falcons will manage to win a wild card berth, but won’t go anywhere for the second year in a row.
Long-term, though, with Dimitrof in the front office, Arthur Blank signing the checks, and Mike Smith leading the team, I think the sky is the limit for the Falcons. The Hawks may never fare any better than they will this year.
Nativebird
November 10th, 2009
3:12 pm
No question, Falcons beat Hawks hands down, and I don’t think the Hawks would score even 1 touchdown.
TMoney
November 10th, 2009
3:13 pm
I think both teams are good, not great, but definitely good. They each have their flaws, but with Atlanta sports, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
One other thing to look at is that, though they didn’t make the playoffs, the Braves did finish above .500 at 86-76. The Thrashers are currently 7-6-1. If they can pull out a winning season it will be the first time since the Thrashers came to Atlanta that all four franchises have winning seasons in the same year.
Benjamin
November 10th, 2009
3:15 pm
We’re definitely living in some good times right now, as Atlanta-based sports fans. Both the Hawks and Falcons should make the playoffs — and, reasonably speaking, have bright futures — and then you’ve got the potential of the Braves being another bat or two away from World Series contention again, plus the Thrashers are playing over .500-level hockey. Then, looking at the college ranks, you’ve got two upstart programs at Georgia Tech…
Good time to be an Atlanta-area sports fan…
Boneyard Randy
November 10th, 2009
3:21 pm
While I’d like to say the Hawks have a better shot, I just can’t do it. The Falcons can beat anyone on any given Sunday and if they make the playoffs, they can get to the super bowl (see e.g., NY Giants). The Hawks on the other hand will have to go through at least Orlando, Boston and Cleveland in the East and then the Lakers in the West…I love our team, but that’s a bit more daunting than the ‘Aints and Cowgirls. Broncos aren’t for real and Steelers are beatable. Will be at the Highlight Factory and Dome as much as possible!