Falcons’ Smith gets to prove he’s not just Mora the same
Mr. Feisty now needs to be Mr. Fix-It. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Flowery Branch — Not to bring up a depressing precedent, but Jim Mora was 17-8 after 25 games as Falcons coach and 9-14 thereafter. Mike Smith is 16-9 after 25 games, his Falcons having lost three of four.
At issue now: Can Smith do what Mora conspicuously could not, which is right a team going wrong?
These Falcons can still make the postseason. They can also miss the playoffs and finish without that forever-sought second consecutive winning season. This season can go either way now, and it’s the head coach’s job to make it go his way.
The Falcons go to New Jersey for a game Sunday against the Giants, who are likewise 5-4 but are coming off a bye. For the first time under Smith, the Falcons seem to be dealing from weakness. They lost a game in Charlotte they should have won. The prized tailback has a bad ankle. The prized quarterback is in a funk. The famous kicker can no longer kick.
Mora had Plan A. Indeed, he got the job because he dazzled the Falcons’ brass with his charts and briefing books. But, as Mike Tyson famously said, everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth. The Falcons got hit in the mouth in the middle of Year 2 under Young Jimbo and he never came up with Plan B.
Smith figures to find one. He is a better coach than Mora, and Smitty has better coaches around him. Even without Turner — all Smith would say Monday was that he’s “confident Michael Turner will play again in 2009” — there’s enough offensive talent on hand to make do. That’s provided Ryan gets its going again, which likewise falls on the coaching staff.
Ryan proved as a rookie he has all the attributes of a winning NFL quarterback. His coaches must isolate what’s not working — be it mechanics or mind-set or decision-making — and administer the antidote. “That’s our job,” Smith said, “and not just with Matt Ryan. Our job as a coaching staff is to make sure we turn over every stone and look in minute detail to help our players perform better.”
If there was a word of the day at 4400 Falcon Parkway, it was “precision.” Mora once held a goofball Monday briefing in which his theme was “fight on!” Smitty is too much of a pro for such sophomoric glop. He’s a technical guy, a taskmaster, a coach’s coach.
“We have to be very precise in what we’re doing,” Smith said. “One person not doing his job on a play can lead to failure of the play, and one play can cost a ballgame.”
Believe it or not, professionals are more motivated by details — and the desire not to be embarrassed come Monday’s film sessions — than by happy talk and bromides. Mora wanted his men to fight their way out of a hole; Smith wants his players to play their way out of it. Big difference.
As dark as it seems now, this season isn’t nearly lost. Only four NFC teams have more victories than the Falcons, and of the other three 5-4 teams, the Falcons will face two of them. This team can still get where it needs to go, and I’m thinking it will. I’m still thinking 10-6, still thinking playoffs.
And I’m thinking, not for the first time, that Mike Smith is no Jim Mora. Thank goodness for that.
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157 comments Add your comment
TomDAWG
November 16th, 2009
6:22 pm
FIRST!!!!!!!
Gomer Pyle
November 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
first..
Gomer Pyle
November 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
darn..that’ll teach me
TomDAWG
November 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
Wow, lol, what do I get for being 1st???
CTim
November 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
Well written Mark. Let’s hope you’re right on everything you said. This is the pivotal game that will show if this team can take it to the next level, if they will assert themselves in adversity. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. My prediction is whichever 5-4 team wins this game goes to the playoffs. The loser will be home in Jan.
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
6:24 pm
Yes, you are, TomDawg, but with an asterisk. There were 77 comments here already when a computer genius — i.e., me — managed to kill what I thought was a draft of this post but was actually the post itself.
The post has been reconstructed. The 77 comments, alas, were lost. I apologize for my stupidity.
"Chef" Tim Dix
November 16th, 2009
6:30 pm
Naw Mark, alot needed to be gone.
TomDAWG
November 16th, 2009
6:30 pm
I think that the Falcons are gonna be alright. No reason to panic just yet. Matt Ryan does need to stop trying to force the ball in tight coverage. I think he will be ok. Peyton Manning threw a whole bunch of picks his first few years. He is pretty good now I think. I know the Falcons have looked good in the past and have raised the hopes of the fans, only to smash those hopes to a million pieces. I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt and stay positive. Back to back winning seasons…GO FALCONS!!!!!!
TomDAWG
November 16th, 2009
6:33 pm
Mark? Do you mean I am kinda like Barry Bonds…an * by my accomplishment?
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
6:33 pm
It had gotten out of hand, Chef. But I’d gone through and tried to delete offending comments. Then I got stupid and deleted everything. Thanks to esteemed colleague Carolyn Warmbold for saving the day. (She’d made a copy.)
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
6:33 pm
More like a Roger Maris, Tom.
Browncoat
November 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
We must find a placekicker. Elam has struggled ALL YEAR. Most of his kicks have been ugly, knuckling line drives.
BRAVESFAN5114
November 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
Mark, Good post. I think you are on track about Smith. Better than any previous coach here, I feel like he wants to win at all costs. We may be a crossroads, but this is the time the Falcons make the right decision and take a step up. Disapointed with the last couple of games, but I feel better than I ever have after losing three of four.
bali smith
November 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
Reguardless of the outcome of the season Coach Smith is the coach. Comparing him to Jim Mora is silly. There is no comparison.The Falcons are evolving there will be ups and downs. I hope they finish 10 and 6, but they may not. I like the fact that every game thiss season the Falcons have played hard.Yesterday s game was tough to take. Hopefully there will be better days ahead
Sonny Clusters
November 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
Getting deleted on a sports blog is for loosers. Loosers. When we was first beginning to blog we knew we’d never get deleted because Clusters were not loosers. We was Honor Roll and state championship.
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
6:41 pm
I think there could be a change at kicker soon, Browncoat. Smith stuck up for Elam, but he also said, “The kicker has to kick the ball between the goalposts.”
And Morten Andersen surely has the Flowery Branch number on speed dial.
Tell it like it is
November 16th, 2009
6:46 pm
Back to back playoffs would be better.
Edd
November 16th, 2009
6:47 pm
A Falcons fan since 66′, Bottom line- Ryan is off a bit. Mike Smith, get to coaching and now !!!!!!!!
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
6:49 pm
Mark, did you get a chance to talk to van gorder today? he’s not after my job, is he? willie
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
6:51 pm
Edd, after 43 years do you still claim to have a hold on sanity?
Joseph Allen McWhorter
November 16th, 2009
6:51 pm
Mark, the falcons have games left against Tampa Bay-twice there, Buffalo, and the Jets. Those are four winnable games. Yes, I very much like your prediction of a 10-6 finish and a wild card playoff berth. I don’t think these falcons are Super Bowl material. I think they are a year away from that.They have issues, yes, but I do see the drought finally ending of non consecutive winning seasons. They will make the playoffs.
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
6:54 pm
Didn’t see VanGorder. Heard he had an appointment in Athens.
I’m kidding!
Tell it like it is
November 16th, 2009
6:55 pm
EDD–I agree 100 percent.I am a fan since 66 allso.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
6:55 pm
man, the poll on the other blog has me staying on as dc down to 14%. thats gratitude for you.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
6:56 pm
LOL! thats the best line you’ve ever popped on me.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
Mark, btw, why do you call coach smith smitty? you never called me martini even when you liked me. not understanding, willie
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
7:00 pm
shades of petrino and auburn. i need to get out of this cutthroat business and do something productive. like write a column.
real fan
November 16th, 2009
7:04 pm
Id be happy with 10-6 or 9-7 but nothing less. This team has quite a way to go before it can make a real run in the post season . But I am confident we are headed in the right direction. Unlike some other Ga. teams I know .
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
i think my first column will be an expose’ about the corruption and graft in the ajc sports department.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
7:06 pm
real fan, are you going to be upset when vangorder becomes my co-coordinator at uga next year?
MR
November 16th, 2009
7:10 pm
Smith is 16 – 10, 63%, and to compare him with Mora is an unfair comparison. Mora took over a pretty good team, Smith took one that was in the grave and brought it to life. I forget though, the Atlanta media can only tear down, they do not know how to take the positives. What a joke.
Mark Bradley
November 16th, 2009
7:11 pm
The only reason I call Mike Smith by his nickname is because everybody with the Falcons does. If you say “Smith,” out there, they think of Rankin.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
7:14 pm
MARK
You are a joke.
pilgrim
November 16th, 2009
7:16 pm
The Panther loss was the worst since Smith has been here. It destroys confidence inside the team; it discourages the fans. But I’ll take your hopeful words, Jeff. I see in Smith an essential identification with his team. When Mora hit the skids he looked westward.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
7:19 pm
Mark, thanks for removing my post that referenced your hypocracy.
Are you not man enough to admit that you criticized bloggers who tried to compare Vick to the CHOKE, and you said Vick is a former Falcon.
Now you are comparing Smith to Mora, who is a former Falcon.
So what are you saying? You want it both ways?
-Mora………..championship game
-Smith………..1 and done
-Mora………….qb in pro bowl
-Smith………….qb never going to pro bowl
Great comparison.
Clint
November 16th, 2009
7:31 pm
I’ve been reading this blog for a while and this “Choke” guys seems to be on Vick cowgirl style.
Paul Johnson
November 16th, 2009
7:36 pm
Matt Ryan wouldn’t make my team. Not man enough. Neither would Vick. I’ll take Brooking and Nobis though.
Danny
November 16th, 2009
7:37 pm
Mark,
Do you know why the Falcons seldom throw the deep ball? Opposing defenses have a much easier time when they know Ryan is not attempting passes more than 20-30 yards.
teabag93
November 16th, 2009
7:41 pm
Mark,you once made a statement that Turner was starting to look like a one hit wonder. So let’s not be bias and try to defend Ryan by turning the attention toward the head coach. His not throwing the ball in the other receivers hands,Ryan is. Because of his bad play the falcons are losing games they could win. Even though the defense is weak now because of injuries they still have played good enough to win. Turn overs lose games especially when they come during a crucial moment in the game
Tell it like it is
November 16th, 2009
7:41 pm
that Panther game did remind me of a lot of bad games through the years.I hope thats not a bad omon, but like said i’ve saw it before.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
7:42 pm
ATTENTION “CHOKE” FANS:
Stay tuned for Monday Night Football and watch the quarterback the Falcons should have drafted……………..
JOE FLACCO BABY
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
7:44 pm
JOE FLACCOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mary Wanna
November 16th, 2009
7:57 pm
When is the AJC going to hire some real sportswriters? These blogs are always inflammatory without any substance. Mark, can you really not come up with any worthwhile analysis with the Giants on deck? You seem to spend more of your time moderating and deleting your critics than doing any valid research. Mora? Who cares?
Bud Adams
November 16th, 2009
8:01 pm
Hey Vick! You oughta come play for me. Unlike the other owners I have faith in you – I believe you can flip off the fans with the best of them. I should know. Of course you’ll have to back up Vince Young and Kerry Collins. Bud
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:03 pm
i see on the nick smitty. too bad my real name is willie. maybe bobby cox can come up with a good nickname for me. not the kind some of those uga fans use though.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:05 pm
i do appreciate Mark you deleting the foul vulgar comments about me that sometimes appear. i TOLD coach richt to quit posting them.
GW
November 16th, 2009
8:06 pm
Ryan is not looking good right now but the defense is hanging by a thread. Carolina had been a turnover machine until Sunday. Is Ryan locking in on Gonzalez too much?
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:06 pm
NOt sure i buy that explanation. rankin smith was never a coach. MHRIP.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:09 pm
folks say richt has no temper or passion. not true. i’ve seen him throw his laptop against the wall after reading one of your pieces.
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:12 pm
marywanna misses the whole point of the blog. its just a release valve for normal, everyday idiots like me. willie
jack
November 16th, 2009
8:14 pm
The Falcons are a very good football team. They could have easily won the last three games that they lost… The Patriots just lost to the Colts and Manning was playing so poorly that he was throwing ducks that were being intercepted… a couple of lucky breaks (bad spot; fumble on the 1 yard line) and the Colts won a game they should have lost.
In the NFL this happens.
three jack
November 16th, 2009
8:18 pm
Same old Falcons, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I said it after the 2008 draft, said it again after last season, Matt Ryan is not an NFL quarterback. He threw too many interceptions in college and is doing the same as a pro. He’s fine as long as the team hides his deficiencies with a strong running game. But he cannot carry a team with his weak arm and inability to throw the out pattern. Maybe he should get the sticks out and start preparing for a future career in golf.
Can you say Joey Harrington?
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:18 pm
everytime Mark leaves the blog for a while another inflammatory column about me pops up.
why am i singled out for this treatment? there are plenty of inept coaches on the uga staff that could serve for fodder.
The Grinch
November 16th, 2009
8:20 pm
Smith is better than Mora, and the chasm is even wider between Mularkey and Knapp. This team will turn it around. Not sure they’ll beat 9-7 this year, but with the injuries and schedule that ain’t bad. I hope Dimitroff goes after some guys next year that aren’t made of glass, though.
The Grinch
November 16th, 2009
8:21 pm
Because you suck the most, Willie, and it’s not even a contest. Nothing personal.
Jack G.
November 16th, 2009
8:23 pm
I warned everyone about the sophomore jinx. GM—Coach—QB—-all sophomores.
You might avoid one, but not all three. Seems like the Falcons didnt avoid any.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
8:24 pm
three jack
November 16th, 2009
8:18 pm
Same old Falcons, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
I said it after the 2008 draft, said it again after last season, Matt Ryan is not an NFL quarterback. He threw too many interceptions in college and is doing the same as a pro. He’s fine as long as the team hides his deficiencies with a strong running game. But he cannot carry a team with his weak arm and inability to throw the out pattern. Maybe he should get the sticks out and start preparing for a future career in golf.
Can you say Joey Harrington?
“That’s cold”
Joey at least lasted 6 seasons 
teabag93
November 16th, 2009
8:31 pm
Three Jack,you might be right about Ryan but these are not the same old falcons. They have become a better team through Auther Blanks ownership and they still gonna be okay but they need to get Ryan under control. His play needs to improve or we gonna be at home for the playoffs.
three jack
November 16th, 2009
8:33 pm
Matt Ryan 3-8 record when throwing over 30 passes in a game.
Roudy Roddy
November 16th, 2009
8:34 pm
Matt “Choke”
I agree Ryan is making poor decisions on the field. Your hero Vick was stealing watches,smoking dope on my space,getting coaches fired,Ron Mexicoing, dog fighting, water bottleing, missing meetings w congress,
and on the field..not knowing the plays,fingering the crowd, throwing 100 mile per hour screen passes, fumbling, and quiting. And I think I think I left some stuff out.
three jack
November 16th, 2009
8:39 pm
55-56, the won-loss record since Blank bought the team. Better yes, but not by much.
John
November 16th, 2009
8:44 pm
Why do you losers care if you are “FIRST!!!!” God, nothing against Bradley and Schultz et al, but if you have nothing better to do with your day than wait for their blog, then I feel bad for your misery. And if you are supposed to be working, your boss should give your job to one of the thousands who would do it better for less.
Mora? Are You Kidding?
November 16th, 2009
8:48 pm
Comparing Mora and Smitty is like comparing Vick and Ryan. Vick was a flash in the pan running back who could throw a ball 60 yards on a line. Ryan is a quarterback. A guy the team believes in. A long termer who is going through growing pains as did all of the great ones. Look at Bradshaw’s first three years, or either Mannings, or just about anyone else’s. He’ll be fine, and so will Smitty by the way, who is a coach who has earned his stripes and his respect while Mora was the son of an accomplished pro coach who would most likely got his shot because of his name. Vick and the team got worse every year he was here. I don’t mean worse record wise, that happens due to the vagaries of NFL scheduling, I mean they got fundamentally worse every year. Vick went from a guy who was coached on and off the field on how to play AND how to act when Reeves was here to a guy who was left to his own devices by Mora, who wanted to be one of the guys.
U-no
November 16th, 2009
8:48 pm
The Falcons, Coach Smith, and Matt Ryan will be OK. Injuries are sometimes part of the game. Playing through funks, part of the game. Sophmore growning pains, part of the game. Considering the mistakes and injuries I though the Falcons made a game of it against Carolina who happen to be a pretty good team.
We are still a year or even two away from achieving dominance. We will have another winning season, make the playoffs, and get rid of more ancient monkeys off our backs this year.
We still need to make some trades or get some good draft picks to shore up the defense and give us some more tools to work with on offense. But, we will reach the goals. There is no doubt that this organization is making the right moves and will put a consistent winner on the field every year for some time in the future.
Let not your heart be troubled!
Choke, you are an idiot
November 16th, 2009
8:50 pm
Flacco better than Ryan? Are you using a bong? Give Ryan Flacco’s defense for one game and see what happens. The Raven’s success is due to Ray Lewis and company, Flacco is along for the ride.
By the way, how’s the felon doing in Philly?
JASon
November 16th, 2009
8:51 pm
Every team cannot have a winning record every year. This is not always the coaches fault.
I fault the coaches for much of what is going on with the falcons, but the god’s honest truth is they’re still a great staff. I think it is insane the constant swinging door that coaches have to go through. For example, Jon Gruden wins the NFC south one season, and the next season he gets a WINNING RECORD, and yet he is still shown the door. That is just one example, this kind of shenanigans goes on all the time…
pilgrim
November 16th, 2009
8:51 pm
three jack brings up a point. How did Blank get from firing Reeves, hiring Mora, hiring Petrino, going after Parcells… all the way over to Smith/Demitroff? It’s almost a miracle. The loss to the Panthers doesn’t look so bad now.
AthDogFalcon
November 16th, 2009
8:53 pm
It just cracks me up that the Falcons spend big bucks on Elam, and once again are going to have to call on Morten to come to the rescue. If he has gotten over his injury sustained at the last ending of his career, I guarantee he makes any of the ones Elam has missed this year. Give him a call, restart the five year clock for Canton!
willie martinez
November 16th, 2009
8:57 pm
grinch, i would suggest you return to mount crumpet. or a place very, very south of there. best, willie
Meanwhile...Otis and Morten discuss the Falcons
November 16th, 2009
9:04 pm
Call this a strict hypothetical, as I’m certainly not casting aspersions on Morton Andersen’s character.
But what’s the difference between Otis the town drunk being passed out on a bench at 3:00am in Mayberry, and Morten Andersen being passed out drunk on the next bench at 3:00am in Mayberry?
The difference is, Andersen could still split the uprights from 45 yards in. Elam might do well to note that, and perform accordingly.
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:16 pm
@Matt”Choke”Ryan-(and all your other aliases)
If you have guts enough to answer this-are you a Falcons fan or a Vick fan? There is a difference…..
Seems to me you revel in the demise of our QB. I am mad as heck at Ryan’s play as well, but I want us to succeed-and I don’t care what color the QB is. 2nd year QB’s should be given the benefit of the doubt……
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:22 pm
Mora? Are You Kidding?
November 16th, 2009
8:48 pm
Comparing Mora and Smitty is like comparing Vick and Ryan.
“You are absolutely right” Vick is a 3-time pro bowler and runner up MVP candidate and the CHOKE is a BUST – Glad you brought that comparison to the blog
Great job!
Your timing is off eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:25 pm
Don’t think “Choke” is going to respond right now eddiedawg. With the Ravens on Monday Night Football, no doubt Choke is having some intimate moments with his Joe Flacco FatHead.
flowerybranchbob
November 16th, 2009
9:26 pm
Listening to the coaches show tonight on dave fm gave no insight. Durham and Arch are the biggest house organs in town. How about some legit questions boys? Or do you have to submit them to Stehpanie Blank for approval?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:26 pm
The CHOKE’s LAST 5 GAMES:
vs Chicago 68 QB RATING ……… 2 PICKS
vs Dallas 66 QB RATING ……….. 2 PICKS
vs Saints 46 QB RATING ………… 3 PICKS
vs Redskins 81 QB RATING ………. 1 PICK
vs Carolina 57 QB RATING ………. 2 PICKS
10 Interceptions in the last 5 games………
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
The Grinch
November 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
Thanks for the tip, Willie; will do. Unfortunately, because of you the Dawgs will be playing in a bowl on top of a mountain somewhere if they play in one at all. Please retire and take up knitting or something so they can come back south where they belong. All the best, etc.
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
@Matt”Choke”-
I notice how you don’t answer direct questions-you just throw out stats. Who would you like to see at QB instead of Ryan?
Kane337
November 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
When Vinitari comes back for the Colts they will probably release Matt Stover who has been filling in for him. Stover might be worth looking into if Elam keeps this up. Don’t forget that we have a new long snapper now and it appeared there was a timing issue on the missed FG.
Cairo
November 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
Winning cures everything. When “he” wins then the criticism stops until then call a spade a spade…”He” sucks right now. I have not seen “him” lead our team to victory since he Chicago game…That means taking the team on his shoulders and “leading” the team to victory. “He” throws TOO MANY picks and sloppy foot work with high balls (no pun intended). But “He” is a monster in the film room.
Cairo
November 16th, 2009
9:39 pm
Chicago game last year by the way!
Your timing is off eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
eddiedawg, no way Choke is going to answer you right now; with the Ravens on TV, odds are he’s engaged in some intimate moments with his Joe Flacco FatHead.
Can you talk about odds on this blog, or will Goodell shut it down? And when does the Goodell FatHead come out?
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:42 pm
Good call timing-you are correct on the Flacco/Choke intercourse….
I still want to know who he would rather have at QB. Dissing him is one thing-he wants to dump him-what’s his solution?
I am a FALCONS fan, so I want him to turn it around. GO BIRDS
bird
November 16th, 2009
9:43 pm
well noted! take a look at this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU
TMoney
November 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
@eddiedawg
I tried asking him directly before, and he spewed stats and then said Harrington would be better. My bet is that he is either a) a fan of the Saints, Panthers, or Buccaneers or b) a fan of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named that feels the Falcons were in the wrong. Either way, trying to have a logical conversation with him is pointless. I’d say he’s as dumb as a brick, but I don’t want to insult the brick.
DirkMcGirt
November 16th, 2009
9:51 pm
Article was exactly what I was thinking. Coaching wise, it seems very different from the several past coaching staffs. Since Reeves, the coaches have seemed to think they could beat everyone with sure will. Reeves and Smith were/are more methodical coaches. The loss against Carolina was a big blow, but still seems as the season is not at all lost.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:52 pm
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
The CHOKE’s LAST 5 GAMES:
vs Chicago 68 QB RATING ……… 2 PICKS
vs Dallas 66 QB RATING ……….. 2 PICKS
vs Saints 46 QB RATING ………… 3 PICKS
vs Redskins 81 QB RATING ………. 1 PICK
vs Carolina 57 QB RATING ………. 2 PICKS
10 Interceptions in the last 5 games………
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
TMoney
November 16th, 2009
9:53 pm
My point exactly.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:54 pm
CURRENT LIST OF TIE BREAKERS OVER FALCONS:
CAROLINA
DALLAS
Soon to be:
GIANTS
EAGLES
DALLAS
CAROLINA
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
Good call Tmoney and thanks for the advice-”Choke” is a complete dumba$$……..
On a more serious note for Falcons fans-my prediction is Smitty gets him playing better this week and we beat the G-men without Turner. Ryan throws for 3 td’s-”noodle” arm and all…..
GO BIRDS
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:56 pm
DAMN……..What a play by the “TRUE” ROY
FLACCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:58 pm
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
Good call Tmoney and thanks for the advice-”Choke” is a complete dumba$$……..
On a more serious note for Falcons fans-my prediction is Smitty gets him playing better this week and we beat the G-men without Turner. Ryan throws for 3 td’s-”noodle” arm and all…..
“Throwing to the opposing team” does not count as a touchdown
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
Eric C.
November 16th, 2009
10:00 pm
I don’t understand the kicking issue…if Elam has truly lost his stuff, we saw that many games ago…why in the world is it such a shock now that it finally cost a game? In any case, the blame can certainly be placed on the snap/hold timing as much as Elam on the missed FG yesterday.
benchwarmer
November 16th, 2009
10:00 pm
Smith will do. The GM a-ok too. Falcons fly!
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
@Choke-
Wow you can cut and paste comments-I am so impressed.
Ryan throws three td’s to Falcons this week and we win. Go cheer for Vick and Flacco on another blog, loser.
Vinyl obsession
November 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
Thank God for Choke that FatHeads are vinyl.
I’ll just leave it at that.
three jack
November 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
eddiedawg asked, which quarterback would be better.
It’s too late for that question, ownership has committed to Matty ‘Melting Ice’ for multi years.
But if they wanted to make a splash in the offseason, trade noodle arm for a much better Matt…Stafford that is!
eddiedawg
November 16th, 2009
10:23 pm
three jack-
Ridiculous-Stafford threw 5 picks in one game recently. I don’t recall Matty doing that his rookie year.
And I want to know REALISTICALLY what you Ryan-haters would suggest would be better. Don’t say go get Manning.
Supes
November 16th, 2009
10:29 pm
Any knowledgeable football person knows you JUDGE a draff 3-4 years DOWN THE ROAD.
Of course, the TROLLS who are allowed to post here forget that. How convinient. Meanwhile my perfectly articulate post earlier on DOL’s blog was “erased’. Nice CENSORSHIP AJC, the moderator who did this doesn’t understand which posts should be erased and which ones left alone.
flafalcon
November 16th, 2009
10:46 pm
Two words fo Matt Ryan..SETTLE DOWN… come on I know you can do it, slow down a little manage the game don’t let the game manage you. We still have a chance to pull this out. We have to stop the long run’s, Corner backs need to stay home and not over pursue. Whats up with Hill? They ate his lunch all day Sunday. I don’t care what you say Elam your to much a pro to miss those kind of kicks you pretty much cost us the game in New Orleans. Ive been a fan since conception, please put a product on the feild I can be proud of. I tired of getting abuse from all my coworkers and people on the street whon she me wearing my Falcon gear. Lets go Falcons and Settle Down #2.
three jack
November 16th, 2009
10:46 pm
speaking of ridiculous, stafford has nothing in detroit — no running game, piss poor o-line and a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs since i think bobby layne was under center.
matty melting ice has everything a young qb needs except the arm…he is destined to become the next joey harrington.