After 26 NFL starts, how does Ryan compare to Vick?

First

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Ryan is the better passer of course!! Bigger threat was Michael Vick. What he did to opposing defenses in his prime was uncanny and the fact that teams had to prepare just for him is equivalent to the hack a shaq in the NBA! He had wr acting like him in practice. He never got over the hump of his passing for obvious reasons but he was still one of a kind and I go with Mike Vick in the first 26 starts. Kudos to Matt Ryan because he had a great rookie season and did well but he doesn’t have the “IT” factor just yet. But hey thats my opinion!

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These stats were before teams started “spying Vick” and then it was all down hill for Vick, Ryan will be able to improve because he is not reliant on “scrambling” to complete the play. I will take Ryan for the long run

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Not First!

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By most measures, they are comparable. Ryan has an appreciably better completion rate, but Vick accounted for 15 more yards per game. Because of Ryan’s much higher penchant for interceptions, I think Vick takes this by a hair.

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Interesting comparison. Just wondering why we are still talking about Vick. For better or worse, Ryan is our quarterback now. Overall, he’s struggling through this season. The hope is that the experience from this tough season will make him a better QB going forward. Hopefully, he and the team can at least get us a winning season so that we can break this non consecutive winning season curse.

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History and playoff wins

Rest my case!

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

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MATTY HOPELESS! YOU DO NOT EVEN COMPARE TO MIKE! NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT! YOU ARE AS SORRY AND OVER PAID A QUARTERBACK AS THIS TOWN HAS EVER SEEN! BLANK TREATS YOU LIKE HIS LITTLE GOLDEN CHILD BUT THAT HOW HE USED TO TREAT MV7 BEFORE YOU STAB HIM IN THE BACK! AUTHUR BLANK = JUDAS THE TRADER! I HOPE YOU ENJOY COUNTING YOUR 30 PECES OF SILVER BLANK BECAUSE YOU WONT BE COUNTING THEM IN MIAMI COME JANUARY! BUT THE PHILADELPHIA EAGELS WILL! MATTY HOPELESS WILL BE CRYING LIKE A LITTLE GIRL INTO HER TOWEL AND WONDERING WHY BLANK DONT LOVE HIM NO MORE AFTER BLANK GET FED UP WITH HIM AND WASTE ANOTHER HIGH DRAFT PICK ON ANOTHER SQUEEKY CLEAN GOLDEN BOY WHO AINT GOT NO GOOD GAME OR NO GOOD ARM NIETHER! MATTY HOPELESS HAD THE BEST YEAR OF HIS ENTIRE CAREER AS A ROOK AND THAT WAS ONLY BECAUSE HE TOOK PEOPLE IN THE NFL BY SUPRISE! HE HAS BEEN ON A STEADY DECLINE EVER SINCE NOT JUST A SOFTMORE JINX! IF THIS TEAM WONT WISE UP AND TRADE MATTY HOPELESS FOR VICK THEN AT LEAST CALL UP THE TITAN AND GET VY DOWN HERE TO TAKE CARE OF BUSNESS! WHEN YOU BEEN TO THE THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN LIKE THIS FRANCHISE WAS WITH MV7 THERE AINT NO WHERE TO GO BUT DOWN! AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHERE # 2 IS GOING! RIGHT DOWN THE TOLET BOWL DRAIN WHERE IT GO WHEN YOU FLUSH IT! AND THAT # 2 IS TAKING ALL BLANKS MONEY THE ENTIRE FALCONS FRANCHISE AND THE WHOLE ATL RIGHT DOWN THE DRAIN AND INTO THE SEWER WITH HIM! # 7 IN YOUR PROGRAMS WILL ALWAYS BE # 1 IN THE HEART OF PEOPLE IN THIS TOWN THAT KNOW FOOTBALL AND ARE TRUE FALCON FAN!

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FIRST!

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Uh OOOOHHHH. I’ll stay outta this conversation, I’m only here to watch.

**Proceed**

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brave1

November 23rd, 2009
11:00 am
With Vick they had to SIMPLIFY the offense because he wouldn’t work hard enough to study.

“Actually” there was an article out last week, that stated several quarterback coaches stated that Ryan’s playbook was simplified, so I think you have it backwards.

I believe the AJC ran that article on one of their blogs.

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I loved Vick and he broke my heart. I now love Ryan and hope he won’t do the same. Vick certainly electrified this city and brought an energy to this franchise that had never been seen before, but he was too inconsistent, too susceptible to injury, and had a poor work ethic. Ryan, while showing this season that he is human, is the exact opposite. The consistency certainly isn’t there yet, but I’m hoping he turned a corner yesterday.

It’s almost impossible to compare the two since they are vastly different. One key thing to remember is that Vick never led this team to back to back winning seasons. That is obviously in jeopardy now, but I would bet real money on the fact that Ryan will do that before his career is over. And when Ryan leaves this franchise it will be because he is retiring and not getting hauled off to jail.

It’s almost impossible to compare the two since they are vastly different. One key thing to remember is that Vick never led this team to back to back winning seasons. That is obviously in jeopardy now, but I would bet real money on the fact that Ryan will do that before his career is over. And when Ryan leaves this franchise it will be because he is retiring and not getting hauled off to jail.

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Awwwman forget it, I’ll join the coversation. To me they both was pretty decent through their first 26 games.

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The AJC goes out of it’s way to instigate annomosity between the Vick/Matt Ryan fans. Let it go, please. Matt Ryans is our QB of the future and Vick is doing the best he can to resurrect his career. Just let it go Bradley…..The only conversation these comparisons will spark on this AJC blog are opinions(sometimes racially motivated) not based on any facts.

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To “Matt Chole Ryan”…so the same records (except for the tie that “Vick” couldn’t win) means that Vick is better? So Vick one 1 – not 2, not 3 – playoff game and he is better? Did he ever take us again to the playoffs? Did he give us back to back winning seasons? Um, no. And I guess since he didn’t reach 26 games until his fourth year doesn’t say anything to you about Vick’s lack of football readiness?

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I’ll go with the homie Mike Vick just b/c he could beat you in a variety of ways. The first 2 years the sky was the limit for Mike back then & the energy for the Falcons at that time was undeniable. With that said, I’m a huge Matt Ryan fan & I was glad to see him play well on Sun.

-REEcently Roe!

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Seeing some good points from both sides of the fence but @Steve we don’t measure in terms of points but WINS!

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As a Bears fan, I will take them both right now over Jay Cutler

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To FALCONS SORRY AND CHOKE-

Your skin color is showing. Love your racist comments week after week. I just know in my heart that if Matt Ryan was black you would be singing his praises.

From the immortal field of dreams…

“I told him that I could never respect a man whose hero was a criminal.”

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It’s very hard to compare these two. Michael Vick was drafted to run a version of the west coast offense versus Ryan who was drafted to run a more pro style, shotgun orriented offense. The west coast requires a more athletic type qb because of the shorter routes and reads. The Falcons offense now is based off timeing,combination, deep play action routes. This is conducsive to a pocket passer. Needless to say the running game sets all of that up. We will see how good Ryan is in the weeks to come with Turner the Burner out.

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Ideally, give me Vick’s legs and arm strength, but give me Ryan’s height, brain, heart, and soul.

Since we’re keeping it in the real world – give me Vick without the criminal penchant. Not reality?

OK, give me Ryan.

And can we get a defense?

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Yawn. Ryan cannot and will never be able to do what Michael Vick did with his legs. So far only one human ever could do what he did that’s why he was paid like he was. He was unbelievable. If circumstances were different and things had worked out Vick would have been and all time great but it was not to be. Michael Vick was special and unfortunately he was also especially stupid so he’s not hear anymore.
I’m tired of this crap.

Just compare them in college. Michael Vick was an unreal playmaker. Matt Ryan at his best will never do any of the things Michael Vick did well… that doesn’t mean Matt won’t eventually be able to be a very very very good QB. Ryan does all the little mental things well wheras Vick was unparalled physically.

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Hi, it’s Mike, y’know? Have you seen my career?

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FOr the record, Mike was perfect for the Raiders style vertical offense and that’s more of what DR ran before he was fired.

Then Gregg Knapp was inexplicably hired and they ruined the entire system.

Gregg Knapp(Jim Mora) may be the dumbest coaches in the NFL.

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Yesterday’s game…right after the giants missed their field goal the falcons had the ball 2nd and 7 and Ryan scrambled and slid 2 yards short when he could have easily got the first down with a dive. Then an incomplete pass, a punt and the giants drive for an easy TD. Had Ryan made that 1st down the whole game may have been different, probably would have been different.

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PMC: You are on the money. Vick was incredible but he had off the field problems AND he was lazy in that he would not commit himself to become great. Vick had all the talents and skills of a hall of fame qb. Vick would never develop those skills. Vick was fighting dogs when he should have been honing and improving his skills. Vick could have become as great as Donovan McNabb or even greater. Vick had a strong arm and was fairly accurate, but should have improved his accuracy with fervent practice. Vick made a handful of incredible throws, but not thousands of great throws like Brett Farve or Peyton Manning. Vick could have become one of the all-time greats but settled for being the greatest running quarterback of all time. As you said, Vicks accomplishments are in the past. When Vick was at his highest moment (defeating Green Bay in the playoffs); Vick flicked his bic better than anybody had ever seen.

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Mike was the coach killer while Matt is a team player. Would be interesting to ask the players from both time periods who would they rather play with. Mr. blank has enough brains to realize which one was a cancer

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I’ll leave the stats comparisons to the number geeks but I will note this…..if we can’t get better offensive line protection for Ryan, we better start looking for a Vick-like player to run when the walls come caving in on passing plays. Seriously now, Ryan was so harried against the Giants yesterday I don’t think he even had time to breath much less throw a pass. But to his credit, he remained poised and did well considering the pressure – hey look Ma, no picks this game! For reals though, Falcons need some help on that O-line (and don’t even get me started about our secondary….looks like Dimitroff is gonna have a busy off-season filling these holes).

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There is ALREADY a TON of separation between Vick and Ryan. Ryan was the Rookie of the Year. Vick was the Bust of the Century.

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Sorry Mark, I should have said history. I know you haven’t written this before… but this feels like a thousand year old discussion.

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Mike Vick (aka “Coach Killa”) would’ve gotten Mike Mularkey and Mike Smith fired.

Frankly, a finger-pointing buffoon like Vick would’ve eventually gotten Vince Lombardi fired.

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Jay Cutler is a coach killer. Mike Shanahan was his first victim, Lovie Smith is his next.

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Ohhh……there’s a big difference between Vick and Ryan. One is the lowest form of life dog killer and the other has his act together.

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Vick was the show, and the rest of the “team” and all the rest of us bought into that–games were Mike’s to win or lose. Ryan needs a team around him (as do all good QBs) to be successful. The whole offense needs to do a better job. This defense has done just about the best it could, and in at least two games, has given the offense the opportunity to win the game and the offense has blown it. We could have been 7-3. We will be 9-7 and happy for it–at least I will be and Matt Ryan will be part of the reason. This is not our year but next year…look out.

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Ted, Ryan also hit A. Jenkins in the hands with a sure TD pass. That makes two games the Falcons could have won this year if Jenkins makes the sure catch.

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Kudos on today’s topic Mark. One of the more intriguing.

Might want to consider one comparing Mora vs. Mike Smith at some point also. I’d like to see how they stack up after two seasons.

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In the final analysis, to the Ryan haters it won’t matter if the Falcons win out all the way to the Supper, er, Super Bowl and take home the Lombardi Trophy this year, it will be IN SPITE of Matt Ryan and never, ever because of him. I have no interest in reading anything they write now, not because they are negative about Ryan (and he certainly has deserved some criticism), but because they are monotonous, meanspirited, moronic, and malodorous. They bring nothing new to the table everytime this topic rears its ugly head.

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Who cares? MV is not part of this team now and never will be again. What a waist of time and energy and you people go right along with it. MB, let the MV fanatics crawl back in their hole. All you are doing is stirring the pot as usual. Nothing journalistic about your article as usual. MV is a non story but you keep the fire burning. What a joke. As I said before the AJC Sports section is now no more than a tabloid rag. The departure of Furman was the last connection to sports journalism.

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Can you all go a week without mentioning my name??? I see I’m still keeping the lights on at the AJC!!

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The more appropriate comparison is between Ryan and Joe Flacco:

Matt Ryan 3-10 when attempting over 30 passes including postseason
Joe Flacco 2-8 when attempting over 30 passes including postseason

MR 84.3 QB rating
JF 84.1 QB rating

Both are 16-10 as starters

So far, pretty even. I would still prefer Flacco just because of his arm strength.

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lest we forget – yup that was a sure TD drop but they happen. Ryan’s slide was a decision, a bad decision in a must win game with the D already playing poorly.

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Until Matty-Ice wins a playoff game…STOP with the comparisons! Who cares about stats!!

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In this week of Thanksgiving, all of you Falcon fans out there should be thankful that there was a pro bowl quarterback in the recent past and a pro bowl quarterback in the near future. Mike was the past, Matt is the future.

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Thanks for the reminder Bears Fan. As far as Cutler goes, my condolences…

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I wonder what the CHOKE supporters will say when the Falcons draft a qb in the 1st round in the 2010 draft.

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Who were the starting running back and wide receivers in 2002?

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It will very intersting in a couple of weeks

IRONY CHECK:

- Falcons made the CHOKE the “New Face” Franchise qb

- Falcons cut Vick

- Eagles sign Vick

- Falcons struggling

- Eagles in driving seat both division & wildcard in sight

- Falcons vs Eagles to determine Falcons season

Just think of the irony. That run by Vick of 35 yards was so fast, I didn’t think it was even 35 yards until the announcers stated it.

The Eagles have handled Vick just right, easing him along, letting him get his legs back. Last night showed his legs are 90 percent back and in 2 weeks, they will be just where he wants to be.

Remember the Minnesota game in 2002?

Remember the Carolina game in 2004?

Interesting Irony……………..

The biggest Irony perhaps will be when he enters the game in the dome, and gets a standing ovation.

Who wants to bet that Andy Reid has promised Vick that he will give him a high dose of plays, because Reid understands how Vick was handled when he played here and the way he was cut.

It’s going to be very interesting…………….

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Thank you gdg73!

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Matt Ryan appears to be learning from his mistakes. He misses Norwood

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gdg73, that is the supidest comment I think I have ever heard. He was the 3rd pick and when you pick a QB that high he has to be the franchise player. I don’t remember anyone forcing him down my throat. I think he was the logical choice and has done a good job. Has he had a couple bad games….sure…hell he is still young and learning. The Falcon organization is now smarter than the average fan. They understand what it takes to win and will get this team where it needs to be. Matt Ryan is smart and a leader. He is not self centered and is a team player. He teammates repect him and will play hard with him. I don’t see how you exclude MB from your media comments since the AJC is the only media in town. MB is on his side one week and taking shots at him the next. After the Panthers game it was can Matty Ice be the answer. Get a grip. Winning football games is a process and the Falcons are in the hunt.

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Mike Vick filled up the dome with fans….Matt Ryan is having trouble doing the same.

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One more thing, it is really nice to see the hip hop thug, bling culture that was part of MV’s world gone.

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So Pryor of Ohio State or Tim Tebow, either one would be a good draft pick.

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The comparison is absurd. The two were playing far different teams. In 2004, the Saints were a .500 team, Carolina was sub-.500 and Tampa, well was Tampa. The Falcons schedule in 2004 was against weaker teams than the 2009 schedule, and Ryan and the Falcons are yet to play the weaker part of the schedule. To make a comparison at this point is absurd or at best moot. Baring major injury Ryan likely has 10 to 15 more years to play and has the talent to be a Super Bowl winner, while Vick’s career will most likely end in obscurity as a third string back-up.

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Matt “Choke” Ryan, that is stupid. 3-1 is not a winning season nor is 8-7. If Jenkins could catch the Falcons would be 6-4, not the Giants. Place the blame where it should be and the QB is not the place.

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Matt “Choke” Ryan

If your a falcons fan, then you are a joke of a fan. I can’t believe you actually think MV is better than MR. If the game was on the line and your choice of QB was “Vick” or “Ryan”, you gotta pick Ryan. Vick couldn’t pass. Granted he (Vick) had a stronger arm but that’s all for not if he couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Ryan can take them down the field like he did agains’t the Giants. Vick definatly couldn’t run the ball 80 yards for a TD in a 2 minute offense. Besides, If the Falcons would of won the Toss in OT yesterday, then there’s no doubt they would’ve won that game. MR will come around and be a fine QB for the falcons for years to come. Plus, he’s a clean cut guy who’s the face of our franchise. Vick had a few incidents when he was in ATL such as giving the fans the middle finger and yelling vulgar words. Ryan would never do that. And let us not forget about the dog fighting.

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Vick may have scored more career TDs than Ryan, but Ryan has scored FEWER S-T-Ds than the unwashed, unclean, nefarious Vick.

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I bet Matt Ryan never gave anyone herpes. Never would go see a good dog fight. Just a boring QB who the fans will not go see.

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Nice article but irrelevant. Vick is done in Atlanta and all the screaming and trash talking in the world won’t bring him back. I’d rather discuss who we draft or sign to replace Michael Jenkins. He is killing us and that wide open drop yesterday may be turning point of the season. He has got to go.

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Fair and Balanced, if you are correct, which I doubt. The Falcons do not need those 20,000 fans. They are all like you and ‘choke’ all they would do is boo the home team and wear #7 jersy. Falcons do not need that kind of fan.

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Mark what are you trying to do? I thought we had an agreement about sticking together. Why is my picture not part of this article? Dude what are you trying to start here? Some kind of race war?

knock it off ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Just when I get my mojo back you have to start trying to undermine me.

Joe Cox was right. I have no idea why I waste my time with people who have never played competitively at this level.

Let’s stick together as one. We are falcons.

Got my mojo back. No one cares about the past QB.

It’s the matty Ice era, Ice ice baby.

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Ron Mexico = Coach Killer (and dog killer for that matter)

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First, it is very obvious to distinguish what demographics that ‘FALCONS SORRY’ belongs too. Give me a break.

Second, i can’t believe we are even try to draw a comparison. At the very least, we can count on Matty to be in it game in and game out. At the end of every Vick run, we had to hold our breath to see if he is going go get up. Forget learning the play book. He is so lazy and his mind occupied with ’something else’ in the state of VA that he wouldn’t even learn out to slide. They had to get TP (braves hitting coach) to teach him something that almost all QBs know how to do.

I admit that i feel like Matt has been a little too reliant on Tony since his arrival here and therefore not using White or Jenkins as much as last year but that reminds me of another QB who made Crumpler the WR for the falcons.

So, same record after 26 games but we will get our consecutive winning seasons this year and i know that Matt will work hard to come back a better QB next season.

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Real American, you are so right man. I am still the man in the ATL. My boys still come back and protect me. Algie and DeAngelo are still my boys and when AB gets smart and bring me back…I will have him bring back those boys. I will be the king of the ATL. All the women will want me and all the dogs will hide.

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The bottom line is that in his second year it’s clear to see that teams have had a chance to watch film and prepair for Ryan. Vick after his first year had teams gameplanning and drafting just to specifically stop Vick (Tampa Bay, Carolina). It’s clear that Dan reeves was the best coach for Vick, he held Vick accountable for his actions. Wade phillips was too soft, and Mora was more like a brother than a coach. They both are great QB’s though.

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Of course, you need to have good health insurance.

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So, what exactly is the value of this comparison? Vick was Vick and Ryan is Ryan. As much as I loved (and sometime hated) watching him play and wish what happened to him had not happened, he is gone and we need to live in the present.

I just hope Ryan snaps back, then defense plays better and we break that emparassing streak of no back to back winning seasons. That is what is important now.

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locdog59, well said. I think Matt bounced back in the 2nd half. The defense is a work in progress.

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How many offensive coordinators did MV7 play for while he was here? Unless and until Matt Ryan reaches the NFC Championship game there is nothing to discuss, dispute, or compare.

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Mark all this cricism is getting out of hand an uncalled for. This my second year and I am still learning folks. Give me a break I just adjusted to the adjustment made by the d coordinators.

If I had my way we would have been running no huddle since the frisco game. The coaches don’t listen to me. My game management skils in the no huddle is second to none.

Ice ice baby. . Bring on the bucs.

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I’m a falcon fan first; I cheered for Vick when he was a falcon and I now I cheer for Ryan. As much as Ryan is scaring me with his inconsistent play, i agree he is young but he does put in the time and effort needed to get correct the issues. So I agree, I don’t see Ryan having a worse year, I only see him getting better.

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ILOVEFOOTBALL, he was fighting dogs while Reeves was his coach. How would he have been better. Hell, he was into dog fighting while he was at VT.

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So it’s finally obvious! MV7 was and still is 10X better than Matt Ryan. Folks, this is a team with momentum heading toward being a Superbowl team. The one factor that kills good teams is injury, and we’ve had more than our share. The Falcons with Harry Douglas, Peria Jerry, Brian Williams, Jerious Norwood, Michael Turner, William Moore, and Sam Baker would not be 5-5, they would be at least 7-3.

May I ask please? Let this be the last blog on Michael Vick!

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Happy to have had both associated with the Falcons. As of right now, I’d say Vick was better throughout 26 games. The stats and stuff are nice, but what sets Vick apart from Ryan is that I’d feel more comfortable if Vick had to carry the team on his back rather than Ryan.

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Mark Bradley leaves and all the kids come out to play. Once again, let me reiterate, the Falcons had two quarterbacks in the last ten year that were better than most teams quaterbacks in the last 20. By the numbers, as Mark pointed out, these quarterbacks at the same stage in their career are evenly matched. Everything else ( the choke, fair and balanced, herpes..etc) is a reflection of each poster’s own biases.

Here’s the nitty gritty. Ever since I have been in Atlanta, there’s been a struggle within the region regarding the city’s image. There are some that want to portray Atlanta a typical Southern Town, and there are some that want to portray as an Urban and Hip City. There lies the problem.

Atlanta is a combination of both. In 2001 when Vick was drafted, who knew he was into dogfighting?
No one. Yet, there was nothing there to suggest that he was either. Matt Ryan, he is the real deal. He is going through a slump but he will bounce back.

By the way, Chicago is cold, I like the weather down here.

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WE DID HAVE FAVRE!!!!!!!!!!!

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Before people start to crush Ryan for his play this season, let’s remember that the Falcons have a horrible defense and a terrible kicker. Those are the main two reasons that this team is underachieving this season. Ryan has made his share of mistakes and has not played as well as last season but there are other factors.

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Ryan is an adult; Vick will always be a petulant child.
A better comparison would be to Manning, Brady, McNabb or other quality quarterbacks not a QB bust like Vick.

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I hope Vick does well with Philly (or Chicago next year), loved watching him in ATL and wish his decisions had been better. Ryan is a very capable QB, our best leader in a while, and still very young. In my mind, Vick is like C. Miller and J. George; talented QBs that could not lead.

If all stats are nearly equal, then you have to take Ryan on the intangibles.

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Matt Ryan is this decade’s Chris Miller. Matt Ryan will tease fans with his arm, but just like Chris Miller, he turns the ball over too much (via the INT or fumble or both) and can’t handle defensive pressure on a week to week basis.

For Ryan to succeed in Atlanta, Michael Turner has to perform EVERY YEAR at NFL MVP level like last year when he received some votes and had 1700 yards.

…and if Michael Turner (rather than the overrated Warrick Dunn) was paired with Vick, the Falcons would have gone further in the playoffs than beating Green Bay in 2002 and St. Louis in 2004..

I question whether Matt Ryan will even win a playoff game in Atlanta, before Vick does with his new team..

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I believe if Vick had the recievers that Ryan has now, his number would be better. I mean come on, Roddy and Michael were dropping passes left and right, running sorry routes, and not fighting for the ball. And don’t give that mess about him scrambling all the time because if you check the game tapes, blocking was a major issue when he was on the field, I mean they barely block most of the time why do you think ran so much. Dan Reeves should have stayed he was developing Vick into what he should be today and he would have keep Vick in check behavior-wise. As far as the dogs, he served his time leave him alone, I rather be worried about the crooks in politics passing out money to all these corporation and leaving us bankrupt. I love dogs in all but it people who do far worst and recieve less punish and backlash.

Vick all day baby!!!

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It is meaningless to judge Vick solely on his passing stats, when he contributed more to his team’s running game than any other quarterback in NFL history. It’s no different than judging Marshall Faulk without taking into account his receiving stats, or Brian Mitchell without considering return yardage. Completion percentage and quarterback rating may somewhat begin to show what he did as a passer, but you get the same amount of credit for a rushing yard as a passing yard, which essentially means every 8-yard Vick run is no different from an 8-yard Ryan completion. Traditional passing numbers don’t even begin to describe Vick’s entire impact on an offense, including how his bootleg action opened up running lanes for Warrick Dunn and allowed him to have some of the best seasons of his career while playing with Vick.

There are also two key differences between Ryan and Vick at the same stage in their careers. First of all, the Falcons’ offense was completely reliant on Vick’s ability the entire time he was here, and you could tell by the fact that the Falcons won 60% of their games with him starting and under 20% of their games with him injured or suspended from 2002-2007. On the other hand, the Falcons’ current offense is designed around Michael Turner, not Ryan. Everything the rest of the offense does is currently based off of the running game. Matt Ryan has still not shouldered anywhere near the amount of offensive responsibility that Vick did, and this explaind why Vick had more total yards per game as well as more turnovers per game. Ryan has been allowed the opportunity to learn from his mistakes in an offense where he is not the centerpiece. Vick, like many other young quarterbacks on previously bad teams, never had that luxury.

The second key difference is that the Falcons have invested in a solid support system for Ryan from day one, including a GM with a proven track record of player evaluation on an elite team, a coach who has been successful at every place he has been a coordinator and who is able and willing to
make adjustments as a game and season go along, an offensive coordinator who has developed another young QB into a Super Bowl champion and who believes in a system that works in the NFL, a first-round pick blindside tackle, a running back who excels in short yardage and on the goal line, and a Hall-of-Fame caliber target in the passing game. Basically, this version of the Falcons has done everything right from the top down as far as assembling a winning TEAM. Vick had none of these things, and the fact that he had to make do without them explains why the Falcons started fast and faded down the stretch in his last two seasons here — the undersized lines wore down, teams started figuring out how to defend the Falcons’ college-style offensive scheme and the coaching staff refused to adjust.

When you take into account the situation each player was in, the support they had around them, and what they were able to accomplish given the situation, Vick was the better player through 26 starts, no question. That said, considering what a great situation Ryan is in for a young quarterback, my guess would be that he turns around his current slump and continues to improve. I think when all is said and done Ryan will be a good player. But for a guy who draws Peyton Manning comparisons, I have a hard time seeing him have the singlehanded positive impact on a team that Vick or Manning do.

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Common Falcons fans, Ryan is still the guy for the job. Hes still learning usually the percentage would say 75% Ryan….25 Vick. I can tell the Atlanta faithful are losing hope. The current offensive line in the past few games looks like the offensive lines from the Vick era. Vick could scramble. Ryan has to think fast and throw. Give Matt Ryan the protection that Peyton and Brady have, and its a done deal. Ryans a little off in the pocket right now because hes a rookie. Hes still learning. Go Falcons…wildcard here we come.

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Athony, one of them is still dropping passes.

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Chump the Dump.

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Anthony hit one thing on the head, Reeves leaving was the worst thing for Vick. Reeve’s game of play action and bombs was best suited for MV. Greg Knapp killed him.

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“if we had someone who could kick a 40 yard field goal we’d be 7-3 right now and your record for Ryan would be 18-8 as a starter.”

If Todd Peterson could kick a 40-yard field goal, the Falcons would have made the playoffs in 2006. If Jim Mora didn’t have to call someone on a cell phone to figure out the tiebreakers, the Falcons would have made the playoffs in 2006. If Michael Jenkins catches a perfectly thrown 60 yard TD pass against the Browns in 2006, the Falcons win that game and probably make the playoffs. I could literally write a book with every single screw-up Vick’s inferior coaches and teammates made that cost Vick on his record or his passing stats.

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Before people start to crush Ryan for his play this season, let’s remember that the Falcons have a horrible defense and a terrible kicker. Those are the main two reasons that this team is underachieving this season. Ryan has made his share of mistakes and has not played as well as last season but there are other factors.
—–
It’s not my fault folks. Remember I am young and still learning my craft. If effing Michael jenkins would cath the friggin ball we would have a better record.

Why am I even wasting my time explaining football to clueless fans?

Her are a few smiley faces to entertain you.

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Matt Ryan is still a better Quarterback than Vick will ever be. This is his second season, Eli Manning had difficulties in his first couple of years and now look at him. Everyone wants to jump on the band wagon when everything is going well, but lets blame it all on one player, you need to look at the whole team. The defense is giving up too many big passing plays. Lets point fingers at more than the one guy that works hard at being a good quarterback.

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BREAKING NEWS: FALCONS RELEASE JASON ELAM!!! Yeah right.lol Why we keep such a detriment to the team is beyond me.

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Matt Ryan after 16 games = 0 dogs injured
Mike Vick + 17 hurt, 5 killed

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DanNotDan

November 23rd, 2009
12:58 pm
Ryan is an adult; Vick will always be a petulant child.
A better comparison would be to Manning, Brady, McNabb or other quality quarterbacks not a QB bust like Vick.

The Hell, this is the stupidest comment on here about Ryan and he’s not no more mature than Vick. Thats the problem with people saying comments making it sound all good when its not. And then to mention these other QB’s, Ryan doesn’t even come close to them.

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for those of you who don’t think vick was much of an accurate passer i would reference you to check out the pro bowl game where he and a young larry fitzgerald were hooking up with relative ease the entire time he was in the game. I believe if vick’s caliber of recievers were better then he too would have been better. we didn’t get roddy until when 2005ish and we all know roddy was horrible his first year. let’s be honest on both sides of the coin people.

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Instead of talking about who is a better QB, why isn’t anybody talking
about getting a kicker that could actually kick a field goal.

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BLANK TREATS YOU LIKE HIS LITTLE GOLDEN CHILD BUT THAT HOW HE USED TO TREAT MV7 BEFORE YOU STAB HIM IN THE BACK! AUTHUR BLANK = JUDAS THE TRADER!

Stuff like this just makes you smile…

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Why not just give the two biggest douchebags ( i need not mention their names) on these football blogs a forum to spout their total garbage BS drivel.

MUST BE A SLOWWWWW DAY Mark…

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Did anybody mention the terrible receiver’s and o-line Vick had to play with?

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There are huge differences in Michael Vick and Matt Ryan. With Vick, the Falcons were a one player team. Yes, he got a lot of yardage (combined). Yes, he was feared. But, it didn’t take teams long to figure out: You stop Vick, you stop the Falcons. Every year of Vick’s career, the Falcons got just a little bit worse because teams were able to defense Vick. With Ryan, we are developing more into a complete team. We have running, we have passing.

Matt Ryan is in his second year. Few, if any, NFL quarterbacks are consistently good until their 4th of 5th year. It takes that long to really adjust to the NFL and learn defenses. I believe Matt is coming along just fine, and is still progressing appropriately. The Falcons are about 4 defensive players from being a consistent winner. You want to compare QB’s…do you think Michael Vick could have brought the Falcons back from a 14 point deficit? I don’t. The Falcons only won with Vick when we scored first, and stayed ahead. Vick was totally incapable (as a rule) of staging comebacks.

I will take Ryan over Vick any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!

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Hey look everyone, I made MMQB!!!!

f. Michael Jenkins would have been the Goat of the Week were it not for Hank Poteat tackling Calvin Johnson in the end zone in Detroit. Jenkins dropped a perfect pass in the end zone from Matt Ryan that likely would have won the game for Atlanta at the Giants.

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Forget Ryan vs Vick………

What about Ryan vs Freeman (The Rookie)

It will be very embarrassing if the CHOKE get’s beaten by Josh Freeman and Tampa.

That would be hilarious and I wonder who will get the blame then.

I know it won’t be the CHOKE’s fault, but I believe Tampa takes this game.

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Falcons Sorry, Seeing that you love Vick the dog killer so much, maybe YOU can fix his problem. NOBODY stabbed him in the back, he screwed himself quite nicely and basically said screw you too. Vick was an elusive “gimmick” that everyone was starting to fig out anyway… Go buy a pitbull and maybe your idol will come hang with you then….

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If Freeman beats Ryan? This isn’t a 1 on 1 sport like tennis you DOUCHE. You obviously never played football…

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The real difference is that Ryan will one day bring a championship to Atlanta, Vick will never do that anywhere. Brains and integrety count a LOT!

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Why not convert Michael Jenkins to CB? The Falcons are paying him big money, he can run with NFL receivers, he is big and strong and catches the ball like a DL. Weems can take his spot at WR unitil Harry Douglas can make it back.

Mike Vick, yesterday’s news.

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Actual Numbers for 26 STARTS by BOTH PLAYERS:

Vick 16-9-1 vs. Ryan 16-10

Vick 5390 total yards vs. Ryan 5700 total yards

Vick passer rating after 26 games = 77.1 vs. Ryan after 26 games = 84.3

Vick 23+9=32 TD’s and 15 Int passing vs. Ryan 32+2=34 TD’s and 12 Int

Vick 9 TD’s rushing vs. Ryan 2 TD’s Rushing

Vick 24 Fumbles and lost 14 vs. Ryan 9 Fumbles and lost 3

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OOPS! Ment Choke

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26 games isn’t telling an accurate story. Like it said in the story, it took 4 season for Vick to get there, Ryan has gotten there in 1 and 1/2. To me it all comes down to how hard each worked. Vick admitted he worked hard smoking dope, fighting dogs and being an all round lazy bum. Ryan spends all this time looking at film and practicing. In 4 years, you’ll be saying “Vick who?”. I predict Vick won’t even be in the league…and Matt Ryan will get better each year. Remember, we have the fourth toughest schedule in the league this season. I think we’ll be doing well if we finish over 500. This team is still very new and will only get better.

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Mark there are so many factor to look at, the main one being Michael “Burner” Turner. Let’s be perfectly honest about this situation, if Vick had Turner, and a seasoned Roddy White, not to mention Tony Gonzalez this year, we would be scoring like New Orleans. Also you must remember that Atlanta’s blocking scheme was built around Vick/ Dunn because we didn’t have decent receivers at the time. The coaching, of lack of in Vick’s case has made a significant difference. The mentality of Coach Smith has a significant factor on players, and Vick and Smith would have really gotten along because they both have that fire inside. As for Mat (Ice) Ryan, he’s going to be o.k, but his penchant for relying on Gonzalez to much has really been a problem this year, and for whatever reason M. Jenkins has dropped more balls than a playboy bunny this season. Bottom line here is if you give me a choice between Vick/ Ryan in a playoff setting and Turner and White as other weapons, what D Coordinator would want to game plan for that. My pick in a land slide due to the “it” factor is Vick.

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I’m not even going to read anything in this blog, go to hell MB …………….

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The guys who suffered as a result of Vick is endless. Matt Schaub, Peerless Price, D-Hall, Algae Crumpler, Warrick Dunn, TJ Duckett, Gregg Knapp, Jim Mora, Dan Reeves and Bobby Petrino. All of the above individuals have suffered as a result of the heinous nature of Michael (Vampire) Vick.

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Hey there, Choke. You always manage to work your little boyfriend, Flacco, into the conversation and comparison. What was your little boyfriends day like yesterday? Pretty nice completion he made on that last drive…to the wrong colored jersey. And he did a GREAT job on the first and goal at the 1 of not getting them in there.

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Vick would be an excellent running back.

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Mark,

I think Matt is doing just fine at this point in his career. He has made some mistakes, as all new quarterbacks do, but overall he is a solid leader and play maker. He will do nothing but improve, because he is a hard worker and a student of the game. I think that one thing, work and study, is what ultimately will separate Matt from Vick.

Vick was amazing. His talent and ability were a gift. That defenses had to play to defend just him was a testament to his natural skills. He took chances that would amaze and frustrate, sometimes all at the same time, but at least in his early years, it seemed to pay off more than not.

The biggest weaknesses with Vick was in that he was not a “team” player, taking way too much on himself and as a result putting the end result more on him rather than depending on the team. He was not necessarily a student of the game, and did not work to improve his skills. That began to show up as he grew older. The other area of weakness with Vick, and where there is no comparison between him and Ryan is in character. The off-field antics and character issues undermined in a subconscious way, not tangible, but nevertheless still worked in the background like a hidden computer program, and ate away at the potential.

In his own way, Vick was a great player and quarterback. He might have been a better running back or even receiver. But the character issues would have eventually done their ugly work.

Matt Ryan is a totally different type and style of player, team oriented and a true leader on the field. His skills and talent will get better with age and his work ethic will take him farther and keep him longer than Vick will ever know. His character will never sink his own boat nor sully the reputation of the team. That is worth a lot in these days.

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benchwarmer

November 23rd, 2009
1:50 pm
Chock, I just don’t get your displeasure with Ryan. Do you have a hidden agenda?

“It’s not hidden” **Wink Wink**

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The Falcons actually won a couple of playoff games with Mike Vick under center. Now Mike didn’t have bruising back like Michael Turner to put up 1700 yards in a season. He didn’t have THIS Roddy White, and that’s by RODDY’S admission. Mike didn’t have a future hall of famer at TE no matter how good Alge was…he was no Tony Gonzalez…and the Falcons never drafted a O-lineman in the first round before Sam Baker. Now all off-season we kept hearing how this offense was going to be unstoppable. Well guess what…it is and 12 interceptions in 10 games is part of the reason why!

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HEY “CHOKE” DOUCHEBAG

November 23rd, 2009
2:04 pm
You obviously never even played a down of football. You know nothing about football other than what you can cut and paste from some other website.

This blog sucks about as much as every other one you get on. Little punk douchebag

“Now Now” no need for name calling

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

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Glad you admit you never even played a down of football. PUNK DOUCHE TECH LOVER.

Go find more stats to cut and paste.

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It’s amazing how some of you keep saying Vick made his “name on “mediocre teams, I don’t think Green Bay was “mediocre” with Farve in Green Bay when Vick was the first to Beat them “EVER’ in Green Bay, was Minnesota in the playoffs? Is any one, Just my opinion, but isn’t this suppose to be the best Football League in the World. Who you play in the NFL isn’t important. The fact of the matter is this is probably one of the most gifted athletes ever, you can say he made dumb decisions off the field (youth &money), but to ever say this guy had numbers because of “mediocre” opponents is a joke, and spoken by most who never got beyond H.S. football. People as a former baller myself (Big Ten)and later as a 6th round pick, you can’t even believe how good your ‘Average’ guy is on Sundays. Speak what you know people not what you think you know.

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I think the comparison is silly. I know that the defense we had with Michael Vick was much better than today! That is has a huge impact on the offense. Their styles are completely different, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. Matter of fact why don’t you compare the defenses during each ones era. Bottom line, Micheal did not lead us to a superbowl and we don’t know what Matty well do, better yet why don’t you do a comparison of who worked harder at his trait! How bout them apples!

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WHAT’S THE POINT? WE ALL KNOW THAT MATT IS STUDENT OF GAME. STUDIES FILM, WORKS AT HIS GAME. AND THAT MV7 RELIED STRICTLY ON HIS GOD GIVEN ABILITY….WHICH WAS VERY CONSIDERABLE. LET’S HAVE THIS DISCUSSION WHEN MATT IS A 3 TIME PRO BOWL QB!

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MV7 can lose 2 steps and a hop and he’s STILL faster than EVERY QB in the league and many RB’s. The man just spent the last 2 years in prison. When he’s leading the Panthers or 49ers in 2010, THAT will tell the story. C’Mon Son, put your hate on pause until then!

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“played”

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Mark Bradley, please tell us who was the starting running back and the wide receivers in 2002? Its been asked and no one can remember who they were. How many yards did the starting RB get in 2002? Who played on the offensive line that was drafted in the first round? Anybody?

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3 GUARANTEES IN LIFE:

- Death

- Taxes

- Matt Ryan CHOKING

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

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Neither of them had as good a curly mullet as I did. Now Jeff George, he had good hair and a great attitude.

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Choke, I’m leaving you for Mark Bradley!

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Hey Choke,

You’re a Canadian aren’t you?

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To go dawgs,

Matt Stafford didnt give a rats you know what about UGA. He came in and just bided his time until the NFL came calling. Which game did he win for us last year with his heart. Was it FLorida or Alabama, I cant remember.

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One difference is that we now have a field general… a real leader. With Vick we had a great athelete with a strong but not very accurate arm. I am not happy with where we are right now but I am excited about the future of this team with Ryan at the helm. After 33 years a sa season ticket holder I would love to see back to back winning seasons. The 2nd half of the schedule lends itself in our favor… If MJ will hold on to the ball and if our kicker re-discovers his skill.

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Real American

November 23rd, 2009
2:21 pm
Mark Bradley, please tell us who was the starting running back and the wide receivers in 2002? Its been asked and no one can remember who they were. How many yards did the starting RB get in 2002? Who played on the offensive line that was drafted in the first round? Anybody?

“He will ignore you” unless you ask him something like “What did the CHOKE have for lunch”

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and I think we all know you “CHOKED” on some tube steak at lunch you PUNK DOUCHE

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Real American,

We had no pro bowlers in 07′. Matt Ryan joining the team helped make Roddy a probowl wr. Yes I know the offensive line sucked in 02′, but many of the players on it today were around when Vick was here yet he still never was able to play as a pocket passer. Vick had a few good years and then started sucking. Remember when he flipped off the fans? Remember when he would “get injured” at the end of games in 06? Vick did nothing except give us a good year and then disappoint us.

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Tim

November 23rd, 2009
2:26 pm
Hey Choke,

You’re a Canadian aren’t you?

“Que? Se habla Espanol?

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I have been a Falcons fan for years, and I have to chime in;
Mark, when looking at completion rates and passer ratings was any consideration given to those multiple, countless, wide open passes thrown by Vick to Roddy White, Micheal Jenkins (just like yesterday), and Alge Crumpler that were clearly great throws, and in the end became drops. Vick never had any dependable receivers, well maybe Finnernan, but he has speed limitations. I would love to see the ratings after you compare the drop passes of each quaterback, not passes defended, DROPS BY RECEIVERs. I would think Vick would pull ahead even more in overall numbers.
Offensive Line; need I say more; I dont know how many times I have seen defensive linemen in the backfield before Vick could even take a two step drop. How many times have I seen Vick save the day by using his feet while the rest of the offense stood and watched?
Coaching; Mr. Blank’s greatest mistake was firing Dan Reeves, Reeves Offense was suited for Vick’s talents, power running game with a vertical pass game, and so was Patrinos unfortunetly we never got to see Vick in that Offense. The Mora/Knapp offense was terrible; think about thier inability to modifiy thier game plan at halftime or from quarter to quarter, Knapp was not capable of doing that (See Seattle), they just hoped that Vick would make a great play. The current Offense Coordinator at least has the ability to alter his game plan ( and understand what the defense is trying to do) that is a convenience that Vick never had under Mora. The West Coast Offense was never suited for VICK.
Don’t get me wrong I love Matt Ryan, but I always felt that even when things were going bad for the Falcons during a game, and if it were close we always had a chance with Vick, he could take over a game by himself, but Ryan needs help. Please lets be honest everyone, Ryan’s arm is not very strong (Redmonds arm is stronger & the third stringer, and the guy they cut), and there are several throws he cant make, so he makes up for it by being a coach on the field.
Sometimes you just need to have an Aarron Rodgers type of arm to win a game, NOT COACHING.
Mark for you to say that Vick had just as much talent around him as Ryan, come on now; can you really compare an aging Dunn to Turner, or an overated Duckett to Turner, and Norwood. Can you compare Crumpler to Tony Gonzales even an old Gonzales? After his second year did Crumpler even practice? The Vick threat made them all better, and all overated. Where are Crumpler, Duckett, Dunn now? Gonzales is just as old or older than these players. I bet Vick would love to have Roddy White, now that he has learned how to catch the ball, probably not Jenkins he is worse than a moody teenage girl, you never know what to expect
If Vick ever gets the chance to start somewhere, in a good offense (not west coast) with a good offense line, a good coach (not Mora/Knapp) who can change a game plan with the flow of the game, I think we will all be surprised; doesn’t really matter if Vick has lost a step or not, he still faster than any Quarterback in the NFL, and his arm is as strong as ….. well name someone, anyone!

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HEY “CHOKE” DOUCHEBAG

November 23rd, 2009
2:28 pm
You have no answer because you’ve never even played a down of football other than on your play station you PUNK DOUCHE.

Go cut and paste some stats from another website

“Hold on a second, I need to restart my playstation”

“DUMP THE CHUMP”

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When Vick went to jail, the holes that he covered with his athleticism became very apparent. The Falcons could not win without Vick, period. So the Falcons adressed those holes with acquisitions of Turner, Gonzalez, Dahl, Clabo, & Baker. Not to mention the upgrade of the defense in Abraham, Biermann, Lofton, Peterson, etc.

Given all the new tools, Ryan numbers still are NOT better than what Vicks were. The most important numbers are playoff wins: Vick 2-1 Ryan 0-1. Sorry, Ryan is an ordinary player and can not take over a game like Vick did.

Ryan is just not the winner we all want him to be. Even in college, BC (Ryan) did not compete on the national stage as did VT (Vick). BC’s (Ryan’s) only appearance in ACC Championship was a loss to VT. Nod goes to Vick, though I want Ryan to Win.

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For all of you people saying Matt Ryan can’t find a way to win are ignorant.

Matt found a way against the Giants eventhough, Jenkins dropped a wide open TD pass, Elam missed another field goal, and the defense getting burned on a career Eli Manning day.

Matt drove the ball down the field and had the opportunity to win the game. Matt did his part.

The rest of this teams needs to act like they want to win.

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I think the argument is meaningless. Trent Dilfer sports a championship ring because the Ravens defense stopped teams from scoring. All he had to do was manage/scrouge up 14 point per game and it normally resulted in a win. Matt Ryan will do fine once the defense gets better. I know its an old cliche, but defense really does win championships. That what is missing from the Falcon equation: DEFENSE

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Let’s not talk about two seasons. Five years down the road when the Falcons have put together a more complete roster, Ryan will be one of the best quarterbacks in football. Forget about Vick.
Ryan is a student of the game and works hard to improve himself. He’s very smart and knows how to run an offense. At the end of his reign with the Falcons, Vick was going downhill. The League learned how to adjust to his free lance style of play. He also doesn’t have the football savvy of Ryan.

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All I’m Saying Is…,

You DID that sir….thanks for breaking it down for the former “short bus” students!!

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Matt “Choke” Ryan,

I love it…keep em coming!!

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*Are not kidding or fools* I meant NOT kidding

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Ummmm Gotech610…..Matt didn’t find a way to win…34 is greater than 31…and guess who had the 34? It wasn’t Matt’s team.

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Fair and balanced,

So Matt Ryan can help that Michael Jenkins dropped a perfect pass wide open in the endzone, or Jason Elam missing a field goal that would have won the game had he made, right?

Because the rest of the team didn’t do their part they lost. Matt Ryan did his part and as a QB that was a way to win. Not in points, but in work. Matt did his job, the other knuckleheads cost him the game. And yeah…him…The rest of the team needs to act like they want to win. Matt can’t on his own.

Receiver’s dropping wide open passes is ridiculous.

So yeah, fair and balanced, Matt did win the game.

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fair and balance,

Matt did his part. He got the game tying TD drive and other points during the game. The other parts of the team failed. Not to say that Matt didn’t some failures in the first half, but he came out the second half a different player and it was the only reason the Falcons even had a chance. So yeah, Matt won.

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Why Brad?… But if I must: 1) How long do running backs last in the NFL? 2) How long do quarterbacks last in the NFL?… A starting running back goes down every week in the NFL because of the hits he takes. It will be statistically telling to revisit the stat sheet 5-6 years from now when Vick’s legs will be totally spent (aren’t they already? He already broke his ankle once already). It’s ok if your running back sits out a few games a year but not your quarterback.

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Who cares anymore? Vick is a wanna be on the bench now, and Matt Ryan has a ton of potential. Just think if he had Roddy White, Tony Gonzales and a Third Option that didn’t drop big Passes??

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Remember the debate over Montana vs Young. What did history show?

History might be repeating itself in front of our eyes, as long as you eyes are wide open.

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as the guy who “undid” Mora…

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Fair and balanced,

So Matt Ryan can help that Michael Jenkins dropped a perfect pass wide open in the endzone, or Jason Elam missing a field goal that would have won the game had he made, right?

Because the rest of the team didn’t do their part they lost. Matt Ryan did his part and as a QB that was a way to win. Not in points, but in work. Matt did his job, the other knuckleheads cost him the game. And yeah…him…The rest of the team needs to act like they want to win. Matt can’t on his own.

Receiver’s dropping wide open passes is ridiculous.

So yeah, fair and balanced, Matt did win the game.
——
Dude thanks for ignoring the fact that my fumble before half-time led to a touchdown. It wasn’t my fault, if that idiot kicker made his kicks and friggin Michael Jenkins catches the ball we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.

I am young and still learning. I really appreciate your support and sticking your neck out for me. We need to stick together. falcons need to stick together. Stick to the script people. All this cricism is not helping.

See you at the dome this week. Matty Ice era. no huddle from start to finish.

Ice ice baby!!!!!!!!!!!

You are the fan of the day. Here are some smiley faces specially for you. I luv you.

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Everyone comparing the teams around these two players is ignoring the defense these two QB’s played with. Ryan has a much better offensive supporting cast, but Vick had a much better defense – Roughly 16th in the league (2002 and 2004 – the two main seasons we are comparing) vs 26th for Ryan. Doubt Vick’s record would have been the same with Ryan’s defense just as Ryan’s numbers would’t be as good with Vick’s supporting offensive cast.

As for the comment about HOF – Schaub would not have made the HOF regardless – he gets hurt way to much. So far this year has has been better, but I would imagine he will miss significant time again in the next few years. If he proves that he is past his injury bug then you can open up that conversation. Vick we’ll never know since his off-the-field decisions eliminated three prime years as a starter. He also missed a reasonable amount of time due to injury. Ryan it is way to early to start talking about HOF. One bright spot thus far is through his college career and current pro career he does not seem to be very susceptible to injury.

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One important question is which qb had the best off-line…since Ryan is more pass minded he would need a better line and more time to be a better passer whereas Vick could just take off and run.

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Mark Bradley my opinion doesnt matter. I want to congratulate you for having the guts enough to write this topic. So many people want to sweep anything under the rug that doesnt fit the way there opinion swing. But sir it is your job to invoke the facts of the case. And i just want to congratulate you because i see so many remarks of how “stupid the atlanta writers are” when you dont speak to there interest. But a good journalists job is not to take sides on a issue but show the facts and then you are allowed to give your opinion. Kudos man.

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Enter your comments here

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so, i think you left out that ryan still is in the hunt for having back to back winning seasons, a feat vick never accomplished and most likely wont get a shot at in Philly. Ryan has also sported a team with a defense ranked at the bottom, when vick had a better option in 02, 04. in addition, i think you need to compare the pass attempts, ryan i know for sure has thrown many times. you also left off points scored. vick teams hardly ever hit 30 points, in ryans rookie year, his offense outscored any of vicks teams or best years head to head. and that was when he was a rookie. what i am saying is ryan slings it more, and therefore he has opportunities for more picks. he is also getting alot of drops like vick.

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Vick can run, but thats what running backs are for. If the QB goes down to injury, as Vick did early in his career, the team’s season can be ruined. This is a team sport, and the QB that can play is better than the one on the sideline.

Also, the QB that sits in jail for a couple of seasons not only can’t help the team, but ends up hurting the team even more than if he were just injured. I hope Vick’s troubles are behind him, but comparing Vick and Ryan’s service as a quarterback for the Falcons is easy. Vick damn near destroyed the franchise, Ryan has shown he can be as effective, and certainly has greater upside potential than Vick. The great quarterbacks usually take 4 or 5 years to develop.

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Vick gave us some of the most exciting football ever. He was like a shooting star!
Once the teams dedicated a “spy” for him, things started to change. In my mind it was the game in Philly. I don’t think he was the same after that. He could run like a deer, but in the NFL running QB’s are NFL.

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This whole blog disgust me and low life’s that dreamed it up. The crazy discussion around MVick and MSchaub drove Schaub out of town and I read the stupid remarks about this ability and the Falcons wanting to dis him to make Vick feel better. Now he’s being considered around the league as being one of the best. We wouldn’t have even needed Ryan if he hadn’t wanted to be anywhere but Atlanta, and repeats what another QB named Favre who also wanted out. So now the stupid bloggers want to talk about the second year QB Ryan. The AJC, Falcons and many of their fans totally disgust me with their stupid talk.

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Gotta say that MV7 renewed my interrest in pro football. It had grown stale for me with all the 40+ passing attemtps per game. Mike brought the running game back in focus and he did things that I have never seen a pro QB do, before or since. Heck I even went out and bought a falcons t-shirt for the first time since the Gritz Blitz days. But the wheels fell off and a sign that there is a God, Matty ice showed up.

The comparison, as it is set up, is unfair. Let’s compare Matt’s numbers after four years in the league with MV7 on a prorated basis. I think you will find that there is no comparison, Matty Ice might just be a future hall of famer, and they will doing film snippets about MV7 ten years from now, with a “what could have been” theme.

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Attaboy Bradley, keep it stirred up!

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The one thing that no one seems to factor in here is the effect of the Bird. The Bird is evil. The Bird will grant brief flashes of brilliance only if they are followed by extensive periods of mediocrity. The Bird will always send Eugene Robinson to a ho and Bobby Petrino to a hog. The Bird will give us Brett Favre, but only for his drunken youth. Maybe the Bird is the city or maybe it’s the Falcons, I don’t know, but I do know that you could only fairly compare the two if you were somehow able to take the Bird out of the equation.

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BOTH ARE GOOD IN THEIR OWN WAY. NEITHER IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER. YOU CAN’T COMPARE THEM.I WANT TO KNOW WHO’S BETTER JASON ELAM OR MORTON ANDERSON?

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Can’t we just talk about Michael Jenkins dropping the gift wrapped touchdown pass or Elam missing yet another critical chip shot?

Despite the struggles Matt Ryan has been having with interceptions in the red zone, he rarely seems to take us out of the game. With Vick, he never seemed to be able to get us back into the game (there’s a stat for you Bradley, see how the QBs stack up coming from behind). I don’t expect us to play mistake free, but if Falcons in general are having problems executing when we need it the most – it won’t matter who is better.

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“We can compare/contrast Ryan to Vick as young players, and you can make the case that Vick was slightly better. (Though not as a rookie; he started only two games in 2001.) But we cannot compare the Ryan of 2009 to the Vick of 2009 because there’s no comparison. One is the starting quarterback. The other is a backup.”

So what was the point exactly? This subject just came to mind all of a sudden and you thought in Week 10 it would be a great topic? Suuuuuuure.

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Atlanta’s pass-protection terminology and blocking schemes are the same as Ryan had as a BC senior, so right away he knew such technical elements as whether the tight end or the running back would pick up a stray blitzer. That allows him to immediately identify his hot receiver.
http://www.cardinalsportal.com/news/young-man-s-game-.php?act=print

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Having a strong running game helps. So does playing in an offense that is identical to the one Ryan played in at Boston College.
Same blocking schemes.
Same pass protection terminology.
Pure genius on the part of offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey if you ask me.
http://www.bradenton.com/sports/story/1095561.html

Hey Mark….you think that may have played a part in the 2008 season at all? No?

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To hey sorry Falcons: Let me guess. You want Al Sharpton to take over for Blank, and JeesseJ to be the new coach.

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there once was a guy named matt
who thought he had it down pat
said arthur the blank
matt in york you stank
no more in my limo you’ll be sat

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I just don’t get it. MB just has to keep bringing up Vick to stir the pot and bring broke di@k tools and their hate from under their rocks.
Lazy journalism.

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Should I remind “YOU” people that there are very few guarantees in life………

- Death

- Taxes

- Ryan CHOKING

I get tired of watching these one dimensional, slow foot, I can’t win without future Hall of Fame receivers & running backs. We have seen that forever – there is no creativity.

Now Vick on the otherhand, who needs a running back or receiver or offensive line for that matter – he has and will beat teams ALL BY HIS DAMN SELF, and I know that really bothers “YOU” people so bad

Vick will forever be the Falcons LEGEND, sorry guys, that’s the way it is. There are only a handful of athletes that have played for this sorry city: Mike Vick, Deion Sanders, Dominique Wilkins, Andruw Jones, Hank Aaron – the rest are just average and some like the CHOKE are just plain SORRY

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Who cares? Matt Ryan is our Quarterback and if you can’t support him and the rest of the Team, Then shut up. If you revisit this in 5 years and then compare the numbers.

Matt will carry this team to a Super Bowl, it will happen.

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DawgBite

November 23rd, 2009
4:03 pm
Can’t we just talk about Michael Jenkins dropping the gift wrapped touchdown pass or Elam missing yet another critical chip shot?

Despite the struggles Matt Ryan has been having with interceptions in the red zone, he rarely seems to take us out of the game. With Vick, he never seemed to be able to get us back into the game (there’s a stat for you Bradley, see how the QBs stack up coming from behind). I don’t expect us to play mistake free, but if Falcons in general are having problems executing when we need it the most – it won’t matter who is better.

Man, what wrong wit yo I’s? Yeah, Jenkins is a bust, but Matty Melt throws A LOT of bad passes!

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Choke,I honestly can’t believe how stupid you are.

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Matt Schaub a hall of famer? What planet? What makes Matt Schaub more special than any other quarterback?

The Bears have ran through some quarterbacks. Jay Cutler looked like a Hall of Famer in Denver, now how does he look?

I like Matt Ryan, but who knows what the future holds? He might end up like Peyton Manning, he might end up like, as someone posted earlier, David Carr.

As for Matt Schaub, please, take away Andre Johnson and what do you have?

Vick should have been a hall of famer, he had the talent, just not the drive. He got to egotisical. That still doesn’t take away what he did for the Falcons, nor does that take away the fact the he was a good quarterback.

The whole Matt Schaub-Mike Vick debate was nonsense, because the Mora-Knapp duo would have ruined whomever was quarterback. When a team goes from 6-2 and looking like Superbowl contenders to 8-8, thats all coaching.

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Ryan’s programmed answers in interviews belie his problem as a quarterback–he lacks the creativity of the great ones, the ability to find alternative receivers and to improvise in the pocket. Singular quarterbacks, like great artists, are not simply master students of form–they innovate form in some way.

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Vick was the most exciting player to wear a Falcons uniform. I was a bandwagon Falcons fan prior to his arrival, but I’ve been a die-hard since.

It was awful to me to see such great talent wasted, between his seemingly lax performance and attitude over his last year and a half with the Falcons and the legal troubles, jail, etc.

Back in ‘03 and ‘04 you just knew the guys was going to get us a Super Bowl win within the next couple years, but things fell off a cliff and it never happened.

After last year’s surprise, we felt the same thing going into this season. But the injuries have been rampant, and Matty’s hitting the Sophomore Slump. He’s clearly a little rattled over the last few games, but I think he’s going to pull through. This team is clearly not what we hoped it would be, but it’s still a good team and we’re bound to be great next season.

Keep the faith

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there was a young man from nantucket

nah, said i wouldnt do that one.

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This column is laughable. Vick, as immeasurably talented physically as he is, will always be an idiot. Ryan, though less physical, has much more mental capability than Vick’s entire lineage. Give me Ryan and the seasons to let him mature, than a simple few seasons of Vick scrambling before the other teams figured him out.

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Mark – it’s time to start talking about Michael Jenkins. The guy seriously needs to learn how to catch. If not in the hands, where does he want it thrown to him?

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Peter King named Jenkins his runner-up Goat of the Week.

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Instead of beating a dead Dog, i.e. Mike Vick. Let’s compare our midget DB’s to the rest of the leagues WR’s. Herein lies the BIGGEST issue with this years team. If we had a defense, Matt Ryan would be able to perform with Manning’s ability.

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Watch Schaub tonight and see who the best Matt is. A great QB makes a great receiver even better. Ever since I’ve been traveling to Houston I’ve been able to watch Schaub. Poise and talent. I’m hoping Ryan can someday be as good.
Comparing anyone to Vick is ludicrous. He was unique. Really, no other pro QB was like him. As long as his speed was there,he would always be dangerous. But teams eventually figured out his weakness-no passing ability.
The Falcons, however, made a choice of going away from Schaub. Over time, that’s the comparison that makes the most sense. However, Vick still generates more press and interest,thus this blog.

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Rex here. Have you seen my career?

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As has been mentioned before..the stats don’t lie, they are dead even…but I’m willing to bet Ryan will NOT be lying to his coaches, family and friends, murder a bunch of innocent dogs, make himself a national villain , embarrass the entire city, not to mention his team and the entire NFL, and then come back to make headlines more for his attempt for redemption than his actual playing skill.

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Bottom line is what did Vick do when other teams figured out how to defend him? He did absolutely nothing. He only won 7 games. He couldn’t throw his way to a high school victory.. Vick was a scat back playing QB. Matt needs to calm down and trust his surrounding cast. Matt will still be in this league as a starting QB when Vick is playing in the Canadian league or jobless.. Vick had weapons, he just couldn’t throw the ball to them.

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Here’s the ONLY real complaint I’ve EVER had with people who bash Ryan like “Choke” and his five other names and some of the others: They never use any factual information to do so.

They troll the blog calling him “Noodle Arm” and make other ridiculous claims about what he can and cannot do, when NFL coaches and experts say week after week how impressed they are with Ryan and how he can make EVERY throw in the book, and do so accurately.

Here are the facts: HE’S A SECOND YEAR QB.

As for his arm strength, there’s not a single QB in the league who can throw it harder than Vick, but does it matter? Vick couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn. What’s the use of arm strength without accuracy?

Matt Ryan has also taken receivers who performed poorly with Vick and made one a pro bowler and the other one much, much better, even if he still drops too many balls in key situations.

This year he’s made more mistakes, yes, but I think that has more to do with him trying to force the ball into Gonzalez too much, especially when he’s triple covered. If you look at the stats, you’ll see Gonzalez has been thrown to more than Roddy White. I think Tony’s HOF resume daunts Ryan a little bit. Also, objectively, Ryan HAS been skittish since the Dallas game when his line let him get hit about 15 times.

In the end, I understand that there are those out there who are Vick fans. Up until the moment he pleaded guilty, there was NO bigger Vick fan and Vick apologist on this planet than ME. I used to send Mike Florio s website, profootballtalk.com, emails daily cussing him out for the joy he was taking in Vick’s demise and remind him that Vick was innocent until proven guilty.

What I don’t understand is why these people blame the Falcons for what happened to Vick. Why the blame the Falcons for not waiting for Vick.

VICK DID EVERYTHING TO HIMSELF AND HE SCREWED THE TEAM, HIS TEAMMATES, AND THE FANS OVER.

And he did it with NO remorse. If you buy his remorse act now, there’s no help for you. Mike Vick is a man who is sorry he got caught, not sorry he did it. And yeah, it frustrates me and makes me angry to no end that his fans troll the Falcons board and hate on Matt Ryan for no reason whatsoever. The kid is going to be a GREAT QB. Everyone who knows anything about the NFL has been saying that for two years. But guys like “Choke” know better. I would hate to see how “Choke” would have treated Eli Manning, Super Bowl winning QB, here in Atlanta during his first two years when he was dreadful.

Here are the facts:

The Falcons have basically the same pieces on offense last year that they had when Vick was here in 2006, and EVERYONE was blaming the line and receivers for Vick’s trouble. Matt Ryan took those pieces that Vick finished 7-9 with and finished 11-5. AS A ROOKIE QB. That’s unheard of.

The Falcons the last two years have a worse DEFENSE than at any time with Vick under center. And yet, Ryan is still on schedule this season to do what Vick could never do: have back to back winning seasons.

So, to be honest, most all of the problems would go away if people like “Choke” stopped trolling the boards with the SOS about “noodle arms” and actually made some valid points. Even if they’re negative, have a reason to say them accept for your own personal prejudice against Ryan because his skin color. Racism is dirty from all directions, and should have no place anywhere.

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Matt Ryan—-How many games threatening blackout???
Mike Vick—-0

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Say whatever you want but one thing is for sure,after the first 26 starts its good bet Ryan will not go 15-15 with 2 years in prison for the next 4 seasons!!!

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Vick was the better player at this stage of his career. Then, he got himself thrown in jail for being a criminal and it went downhill fast. Now, he carries a clipboard on the sideline for Philly and hopes he’ll get into the game for 2 or 3 plays each game. Ryan isn’t flashy, doesn’t wear flat-billed hats or bling-bling. Chances are, Ryan won’t get thrown in jail for being a criminal either. Go figure.

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Please, check the FILTER.

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I would much prefer Matt to Mike one somple reason not a pot head.

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I say we sign Vick after the season is over and let both of them dual it out in camp.

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Here’s why this comparison is garbage:

Vick took four seasons to reach 26 games.
He had four seasons to study defenses.
He had four seasons to adjust his body and mind to NFL play.
Vick was also an unconventional player.
His running was the harbinger of the wildcat.
If you take away his running, which was record setting, the yardage numbers go way down.

Ryan is a little more than 1.5 seasons into his career.
He is a pocket passer that NFL defenses are designed to contain.
When the other teams in the league adjusted to Vick…his passing ability could not compensate.
Ryan is doing what he is doing without the benefit of four years of study and maturity.

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In fairness to Vick, Jimmy, you can’t “take away his running.” It’s part of the package, and like saying, “if you take away Dan Marino’s cannon arm, he’s not the player he was.” Vick’s legs are non-negotiable.

Though I will concede to the fact that you’re right; he did have a longer time to make those 26 starts that you’d mentioned.

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Ryan will never put the Falcons franchise in the dire straits that Vick did. It wasn’t just him that did the time, it was the entire franchise until we got our quarterback and coach. I will take a team player that puts team first anytime over someone that is self centered and especially on the wrong things. In the long haul I truly believe that Ryan has the most upside of the two. Everyone needs to remember that what Ryan did in his first year that it took Vick his third. We’ll see plenty of playoffs with Ryan. And trust me, the Eagles won’t let Vick go if he is the answer.

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Mark, who cares about Vick comparisons? What are we going to do about shankapotmus Elam and the mut and jeff cornerbacks? Fix that and we are two games better and there is no comparison talk!

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Best way to fix Elam is to have him Koenen, and the long-snapper locked into a room at camp all week to get their timing down. Both the big shanks were the direct result of a miss in their cadence. Elam’s leg is still what it was.

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MB is gripping.
This newspaper suck so bad, I think they love the controversy.
Sad

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Please, again, CHECK THE FILTER.

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Don’t forget that vick had 4 years to study film, be coached by NFL coaches, have work on timing and footwork, etc. Yes, he was injured…but still had more coaching and access to instruction than Ryan has had yet. I think it is funny that Roddy White and Michael Jenkins couldn’t catch the ball with Vick as QB, but both have done very well with Ryan at QB. Plus, Ryan was thrown to the wolves in 2008…didn’t get to be tutored early on. My vote is Ryan is better.

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Wow…what a great article. Its about time that someone put the numbers up for all to see. you people “annointed” Ryan as the next greatest thing, yet Vick outperformed him and alot of people who have constantly criticized Vick are actually being honest with their opinions for once about how good Vick was.

i have to give it to Mark Bradley…he’s been fair as far as the comparison of the two. if i had to pick one, of course i would pick Vick because he just gives you that “extra” that you need on the filed to make a play. Ryan tried to scramble, and slid after one yard when he could have had the first down. Vick would never do that….he flat out plays harder than Ryan……Vick played his heart out for this team and took our city to heights we’ve never seen before. i can’t wait for the Eagles game….we’ll get to feel the electricity again instead of falling asleep when Ryan plays.

It really does suck to go to a Falcon game now…..hard to believe that i could fall asleep in a dome full of people but with Ryan at QB you can do it quite easily.

I’m glad to see alot of people on here that I’ve had battles with actually admitting that Vick was the better QB…and actually point out how F’ed up the Mora regime and Blank’s dumb descision to fire Reeves.

i fully believe that Vick will be better than he was because he’s been humbled. I couldn’t imagine being handed 130 million dollars and have to carry the franchise by yourself. Let’s admit it folks….it was The Mike Vick Show when he played here, and that wasn’t right. that’s why i hope Andy Reid will get him a couple more plays so we can enjoy real football in this town again.

“Vick will shine again”

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This was a good reading! Good job Mark Bradley. Let me throw my opinion in there too..

First..lol

I can honestly say the rookie Mike Vick had allot tougher time posting those numbers than Matt Ryan did.. Vick had Mike Jenkins at WR and Alge Crumpler in his prime.. Jenkins was never a very effective WR for ATL and you can see that today.. Roddy White was horrible his first few years and was just starting to mature when Vick went to jail.. Matt Ryan got a mature football team that started young under Vick.. So far I don’t see Ryan being special at all.. He is a basic prototype QB that makes decent decisions aka good reads.. He’s patient because he has to be due to the fact he’s not much for scrambling.. I see a limited level of potential for him.. If you look around college football you will notice that the NFL is on the verge of being overwhelmed by Michael Vick like Quarterbacks in the name of the “FAD OFFENSIVE SCHEME” The ‘Wildcat”

But then again what team doesn’t want a QB that can throw a bullet accurately, while also being able to beat your WRs in the 40 yard dash.. I think a change is commin.. Vick was just the beginning..

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Seriously Finn was the previous QB’s top receiver. You folks are kidding right? Mark you need to start talking about other people on this team. these stories comparing me to the previous guy are simply too easy and lame.

How about some in depth articles about who we are and what makes us tick? Talk about my other teammates. There 53 guys on this team.

I couldn’t leave without my smiley faces.

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“Roddy White was horrible his first few years and was just starting to mature when Vick went to jail.. Matt Ryan got a mature football team that started young under Vick.. ”

I’ve been saying this for years….people say that Ryan made the WRs better…..that’s a straight up lie. Roddy couldn’t catch sh…and Jenkins still can’t. Roddy himself said that he didn’t know how to run routes correctly nor focus on catching the ball. Ryan came to a team that matured, and he wasn’t placed under alot of pressure because of the state of the team. Vick had presure EVERY YEAR….mainly because of his all world ability….people expected greatness from him. It turns out he flat out wasn’t mature enough to handle everything.

Vick will be a better player because he’s a better person. this guy STILL HAS more ability than Ryan.

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MV#7 ! SHOULD I SAY MORE ! HE WAS THE FACE OF THE NFL FOR SOMETIME. NO MATTER WHAT HE WAS DOING IN HIS OFF TIME . I WILL STILL EMBRACE HIM . THE ONLY WAY HE WILL BE REPLACED HERE IN THE ATL IS IF AND ONLY MATT RYAN BRING US A CHAMPIONSHIP. WITH THAT BEING SAID HE IS THE BEST QUARTERBACK HE HAVE HAD IN ATLANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VICK IS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Bugkiller you need a woman to show you what real fun is all about. you are not supposed to derive any kind of gratification from posting on these boards.

That’s not what it is for. What kind of grown man are you? stop whining over another man/woman’s post. How difficult is it to simply ignore a post? Is this too much to handle for a uga grad? you graduated right?

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Well Mr. Bradley, I let this topic work its way out before weighing in on the matter. As you put it before us, it is a two comparison of both players. The rest is conjecture and vitriolic that should be left for another time. My main concern which I have had with Matt Ryan was and is decision making. My niece is an alumnae of BC (Class of 92). I’ve been to about 60 Eagle games since 1988. The question about Ryan was always the aforementioned mental question. What choice will Matt make? To be honest, I don’t give him as much grief about his arm strength. I did question his accuracy, and I don’t think the past 26 games has dissuaded me of this opinion. Receivers (with the exception of Jenkins) have made plays for him that just were not made for Michael Vick. If Vance Johnson, Ricky Nattiel, and Rod Smith can catch the fireballs that Elway were zipping with the same amount of inaccuracy with Vick before Shannahan came and changed the nature of the Denver offense (run, run, pass later), then I can not see why the Falcon wideouts can out do or did not do the same. As I have stated earlier and often, Matt Ryan is lauded for study and film room ethic. But there is a disconnect, if you are putting in that much time and it is not sinking in, a problem exists.

Now I will move to Michael Vick. I’m no Michael Vick apologist when it came to his lack of film room or study meeting dedication. That was unacceptable behavior. I don’t care if it was Reeves. Steve DeBerg, Michael Johnson, or Bill Musgrave; mentoring him. Michael’s bad habits were not addressed, “don’t ask, don’t tell” was not just a failure in the military. Look, the clearest evidence of the failure of Reeves’ staff was not Michael Vick or Matt Schaub progress. It the barometer was the failure that Doug Johnson. Teams destroyed Johnson and Reeves fate was sealed. On that occasion, you can not honestly charge Vick of being a “Coach Killer.” Doug Johnson and regressive Falcons offense was the problem. Vick was 2-1 upon his return. In terms of the question, you can only weigh in on the Reeves tenure. I’m no fan of Reeves or his offense “genius.” The Falcons played their best football when Rich Brooks was the interim coach in 1998. Both men (Vick and Ryan) are highly flawed products. The future question for Matt Ryan is for another day, it is clearly supposition to lay out superstardom for him. The comparative nexus really becomes is he Chris Miller descendant or Steve Bartkowski ascendant. The Falcons owe this town something different this time. More importantly, they owe Matt Ryan a different fate. In terms of Vick, those who are so quick to bury him should remember that Doug Williams, Jeff Hosteltler, and Jim Plunkett were thrown on the ash heap of failure. All three were how old when they led teams to Super Bowl championships? Like I said, it is a question for another day…

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I guess to take the folks mind off the fact that the falcons cant win, this so called sports writer invokes Mike Vick. You can compare stats and a solicit dumb remarks from the dumb fans who fall for this play and many will. Say what you want the man brought a lot of money into this city. Something you and your fans will never do. Lets deal with the real situation. With Matt and the rest of the falconettes, the team is losing games. One more loss and I am going to show up with a brown bag over my head. This team will be like the bravettes. In the end, the clowns peter out.

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OHHHHH JSS silents the crowd! Good comment dude.. This is deep right here:

“The comparative nexus really becomes is he Chris Miller descendant or Steve Bartkowski ascendant. ”

Man you be puttin in work on your posts..LOL I’m just trying to tell people that Ryan is already obsolete, where as Michael Vick type players are the new thing every team wants..

Wish I could say it all scientific like that..

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Whoa there pastorrob… Didn’t you just say you wish people would stop being so emotional..?? But now you’re over here talking about Vick let the city down..lol I don’t think the whole city of Atlanta was basing their lives around Vick.. What does letting the city down have to do with football ?? Who cares if Vick is not in Atlanta anymore.. If he’s that important, than the Falcons could have just invested their money in another scrambling quarterback to fill the seats of the georgia dome..

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How are any of these statistics even remotely useful or telling with Ryan only playing 10 games so far “in his second season” while Vick played in 15 his second season. You’re not even comparing Vick’s second full season as a starter. I find it curious that there’s no comparison of rushing touchdowns. Wonder why that is? And who were the running backs keeping the safeties honest in 2002? Travis Jervey? TJ Duckett? A banged up Dunn? Thanks for all the meaningless numbers.

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Defenses never adjusted to Michael Vick’s game..lol It impossible to adjust to scrambling Quarterbacks.. They are too unpredictable.. And if you decide to over compensate and rush the whole world at one, then all you have to do is throw it down the field or dump it to your running back.. just like in Madden 2010 LOLOL..

It’s not rocket science.. His stats went down not because they adjusted to him, they went down because he wouldn’t educate himself on the game.. He didn’t make reads.. He just went out and played street football and won games.. You can’t adjust to that at all.. You can only wait for him to make a stupid mistake costing the game..

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Some people want to overlook this:

Having a strong running game helps. So does playing in an offense that is identical to the one Ryan played in at Boston College.
Same blocking schemes.
Same pass protection terminology.
Pure genius on the part of offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey if you ask me.
http://www.bradenton.com/sports/story/1095561.html

Ryan had an EXTREMELY “simplified” playbook. So simple it was the SAME ONE HE HAD AS A 5th YEAR SENIOR AT BOSTON COLLEGE.
Of course he threw 22 interceptions his senior year so that explains why he’s still throwing to the DBs…but let’s not pretend like he’s some football genuis when he had the LUXURY of having a OC that was catering to him specifically like that.

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Wow I’m learning allot today.. I didn’t know the Falcons offense is based on the Boston College offense, just to accomodate Matt Ryan.. Well that down plays his abilities quite a bit.. That means if Matt Ryan goes to a different team he’s going to be a nobody..lolol that’s too bad.. He better get his money while he’s here then..

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HEY I’m not a Ryan hater Jimmy!

I think he’s a decent talent.. I just dont see any raw potential.. specially now that I know he has a whole offensive playbook that he trained with for 5 years.. In fact I expect Ryan to take them to the playoffs.. But again there’s that big lack of potential thing..

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Jimmy, He’s a friggin idiot and a racist (let’s not leave out Choke/VS2

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Some guy earlier said something about best QB in franchise history. I’d like to see how Bartkowski compares in his first 26.

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Vick was 20 when he entered the league, with a year and a half of college experience in an option-style system. Ryan was 23 when he entered the league, with three years of college experience in not only a pro-style system, but the exact same system into which he entered with the Falcons. The amount of experience each player had at the time of their drafting is like night and day. Vick beat Favre at Lambeau at age 22. Ryan was still in college at age 22. Comparing Ryan’s second season to Vick’s second season makes zero sense.

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Jimmy, and this not said in a personal manner. Ryan’s other comparison measures are strangely two you don’t truly want to throw on table if you’re a Falcon fan. Guess who? They are one Dan Marino and Tom Brady! Don’t believe me, go look it up. It doesn’t make me a Ryan hater, I’m just making an observation…

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Last year was the best year of Matt Ryan’s career?What?One thing about it,Falcon fans don’t have to worry about him quitting on them.

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MV7 was a one man show. With Ryan, you don’t get people standing up out of their seats everytime he touches the ball. With MV7 it was more like a human highlight film (no disrespect Dominique). The win in Green Bay in the playoffs (against Farve), the Overtime win against the Vikings with MV7 running 46 yards for the win…this is the stuff that legends are made of and why people can’t stop talking about MV7. There is no comparison, because MV7 did not have a coach or a team around him, he carried ATL on his back. I must commend Mr. Bradley on a good article. I would take MV7 and a sold out and filled to capacity Dome in every game.

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Vick was 20 when he was drafted out of college, from a college-style option system where he was coached to take off running after making one or two reads. Ryan was 23 when he was drafted out of college, from a pro-style system that used the exact same play calls that he used in the pros from day one. At age 22, Vick’s Falcons beat the Packers at Lambeau Field. At age 22, Ryan was in college. At age 24, Vick was in the NFC Championship Game. Ryan is currently age 24, and although many things can happen between now and January, the NFC Championship Game looks like a long shot. Comparing one guy’s second season to the other guy’s second season makes no sense… the way Bradley does it, by comparing one guy after 26 starts to the other guy after 26 starts is a lot more reasonable.

Sorry if this is a re-post, but I think this post got eaten the first time I posted it.

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For Willy…
Bartkowski’s First two years… Those were really bad football teams…
1975 and 1976 4-10
Season Team Passing Rushing Fumbles
G GS Comp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Sck SckY Rate Att Yds Avg TD FUM Lost
1976 Atlanta Falcons 5 – 57 120 47.5 677 5.6 2 9 18 150 39.5 8 -10 -1.3 1 – –
1975 Atlanta Falcons 11 – 115 255 45.1 1,662 6.5 13 15 19 197 59.3 14 15 1.1 2 – –

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MUCH better defense? So I guess nfl.com is lying again. For some reason they have the Falcons defense of 2002 ranked #19 allowing 19.1 points a game, but the 2008 Falcons defense is ranked #24 allowing 20.3 points a game…..yeah that’s a world of difference right there…that 2002 defense was practically the Ravens defense of 2001!!!! Yeah, that 2002 defense was world beaters!!!

Dont fall for the okey-doke people…dont let these folks come in here hollering that Vick benefitted from a much better defense when the 2008 defense allowed a whooping .8 points more per game than the one in 2002.

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I don’t blame anyone but Vick for putting himself in a position to get arrested and go to jail, although I do think the damage would have been minimized considerably if he had good lawyers working for him.

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No one seemed to notice that the Falcons scored EVERY TIME Ryan got the ball in the second half against a very good Giants defense. 3 touchdowns and a field goal (a dropped pass that Jenkins should have caught).

Ryan is a VERY good quarterback on an average team. The only way this comparison makes sense is after Ryan has had FOUR years the way Vick did in your comparison. Four years is an
eternity in the NFL.

After 2012, no one will be making this comparison. Ryan will be one of the leagues best quarterbacks and we’ll be glad we have him.

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Oh, you’re talking about him leaving college early… why is that anyone’s “fault”? Ask Matt Leinart whether staying in college is a good idea if you are the projected #1 overall pick. I’m just stating the obvious, that it doesn’t make sense to compare a 21-year-old second year player with minimal experience in a pro-style offense to a 24-year-old second year player with about as much experience in a pro-style offense as possible. It is perfectly fair to expect more out of a more experienced, older Matt Ryan in his 2nd year than an inexperienced, younger Vick in his 2nd year.

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Roddy White’s poor play was blamed on Vick’s improvization.

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BugKiller, will you please limit your comments to one paragraph? Talk about blog-overkill!

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We are just fans.Ask the experts about who they would rather have at qb. Someone mentioned earlier Crumpler went to a pro bowl because of Mike. WHAT? What does that validate?Ask Crump who he would rather have at qb. I think the experts prefer…. RYAN. Vick was gonna get our wr’s run outta town.With Ryan they have prospered on the field and off.White and Jenkins would probably be in the poorhouse if not for Ryan.Or starring for another team.Gonzalez definitely would be here.Come on dudes and duddetes.Lets get behind our team and do OUR part as fans to push them to success.Yes,we as fans have an obgligation too.We are part of the franchise,a major part.Instead of criticizing let’s ask,”What can we do to help.”

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Very true Ed10… Well said!!!

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“Someone mentioned earlier Crumpler went to a pro bowl because of Mike. WHAT? What does that validate?”

It validates the same thing that is validated when Ryan fans credit him with Roddy White’s success. Just as White has had his best years with Ryan, Crumpler had his best years with Vick. If you are going to use that line of reasoning with one player, it only makes sense to use it with every player.

“I think the experts prefer…. RYAN.”

The experts also preferred the Steelers and Bengals to win yesterday. The experts also had a hard time deciding between Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf on draft day in 1998. The experts also voted Anthony Thomas the rookie of the year in 2001 over fellow rookie running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

“White and Jenkins would probably be in the poorhouse if not for Ryan.”

Jenkins is going to be in the poor house after this season when he gets cut. He is just as bad with Ryan as he was with Harrington or Vick. Funny how the magic Matt Ryan touch only extends to White and not to Jenkins, huh? Maybe White’s success has something to do with natural development that all players undergo?

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Something for you statistics people: After 26 games compare ball distribution – number of catches per different receivers.

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THE HUNT IN ON; ATLANTA NEEDS:

1 A NEW COACH!!!!!!!
2 A NEW KICKER!!!!!!!!!!!
3 A NEW QUARTER BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BECAUSE THE FALCONS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

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“Seems to me like if the Falcons had an accurate place kicker and better defense against the pass, their record would be just a tad better than it.”

True, and if Vick’s Falcons had a better coaching staff and better offensive and defensive lines, they would have had a better record too. QBs in general get too much credit when they win and too much blame when they lose. Ryan has played like sh*t recently, including the first half of yesterday’s game, but he certainly lived up to his draft status in the 4th quarter.

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I’ll say it again bloggers and Ryan apologists, you will never hear the last of M. Vick until the second coming at least get’s to an NFC championship game. The AJC will never let you forget Vick either!! Get used to it.

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The experts are not always right but they are right about this.They say dont be the man that follows the man.Dont worry Ryan.Mike was not the man.YOU BE’S THAT DUDE!!!! YOU DA MAN!!! WHO DAT? YOU DAT BABY BROTHER!!!! As I said before,I am a fan since ‘66.I’ve seen em all come and go.Ryan has the toughness,mental ability and physical abilty that exudes leadership.As I said before,I am a 61 yr old black man who looks past skin color to ability.Dude is good.I am glad to have him as my qb.I am behind you Matt.And dont get me wrong,I LOVED Mike.But I have….Moved on.

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Real American,
Did you ever play, errr ANY football in your life??
If you did, you would know what I’m talking about.
Stop defending your BOYZ and get your shi!! straight.

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True Fans of Falcons.. Do not fall into this trap of Ryan VS Vick!!!! U cannot compare the two. I was the biggest MV fan around and still am but his time has come and gone. I knew it just like people around him knew it he had all the talent in the world but didnt use it. Coming late to practice leaving earlier. Hell i knew something was wrong by just looking at the Falcons when he was there. After hearing that interview that he did with James Brown i got pissed because i knew he was going to say he was not trying to improve on winning. He was to worried about HIMSELF!!! Not the team! I dont want anybody on any of the ATL teams that i go for on the teams to be that way. I would rather lose every damn game than to here that crap again. The problem doesn’t just begin with Matt hell its that damn DEFENSE with those short a@# corners!! Hell they are like 5 foot nothing!!! then they cant wrap anyone up. Plus we need someone else to go with Roddy White!! Jenkins is not the answer, then we need another running back also. Turner cant do it by himself… Then that damn front O line sucks it sucked when Vick was there! Dont get to caught up in Vick VS Matt!!!! True fans just worry about the direction the team is going. People said the same thing about P. Manning until he got get recievers and an O line! Now look at him the BEST IN THE GAME!!!! Look at the HAWKS it took them what 5 yrs until they started to come around.. Now they are the best in the east…. So dont be so fast to jump ship…. Hell even when Vick was here people still cried so just stop!!! IF YOU DONT WANT TO BE A FALCON GO ROOT FOR ANOTHER DAMN TEAM WE DONT NEED YOU!!!!! GO FALCONS!!!! GO MATTT RYAN!!

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Vick was a very exciting, compelling player. He alone made my season tickets worth what I payed for them. I think this comparison, more than anything else, shows that Vick was, perhaps, a better overall QB and many of us remember. But, Ryan has something that we all know Vick never really had in the NFL; Ryan has longevity — Vick always played 1 or 2 runs away from a serious injury and, let’s face it, even if he didn’t get hurt, it was just a matter of time before his legs would become no better than the defensive players trying to run him down. Maybe he could have transitioned over to a more traditional-styled QB, but we may never know. One thing is for sure, Vick was not going to last as he was, we just hate it that it ended so soon and so poorly.

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Is this a serious question? Vick wouldn’t do some of the work like studying film. He never learned how to read defenses and depended on his running ability too much. That was ok his first couple of years but defenses learned how to defense him thus his productivity declined. Besides I haven’t heard anything about Ryan fighting dogs. Where is Vick now? Riding the pines at Philly.

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Ramguy throwing 12 interceptions in 10 games is a sign of not being able to read a defense isn’t it? or is Matty Ice colorblind?

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When Ryan won the Chicago game last year, the analysts pulled out their yellow video markers and broke down what a great play that was. Vick, on the other hand, was pure highlight film.

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VS, Blame Bradley, your new hero…idiot
This crap would NEVER happen if MB could dream up something else to blog about,so he gets a charge out of the action. It’s about being fun, but tools like you turn it into a racial issue.
Typical Atlanta.

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Um . . . Gents . . . .just about every other day there seems to be a picture of Ryan in the paper. Maybe reading into things a bit much there . . . or seeing what you want to see.

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VS when I call you out slick, you will know,paranoid.

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BAD NEWZ BRADLEY: You forgot to mention ME. I was WET DOWN AND ELECTROCUTED because I didn’t win my fight. What punishment do YOU get for sellout journalism?

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Mark, I had some great limericks on the blog earlier. Some of my best material yet.

can i get paid for making your blog more entertaining?

looking for a new career, willie

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Look gentlemen and maybe lady, don’t let this degenerate in the last remaining portions of this blog… The same ones who always declare “reverse racism” are digging for a fight. You’ve pretty much stayed above the fray… Just stick to the topic, it has been insightful to those who have chosen to listen…

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BAD NEWZ BRADLEY: You forgot to mention ME. I was SHOT WITH A .22 PISTOL because I didn’t win my fight. What punishment do YOU get for sellout journalism?

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its ten pm and i tire
another day in the fire
its been fun
but now its done
me thinks i’m in straits quite dire

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Nice Rhyme WM.Is that iambic pentameter?

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BAD NEWZ BRADLEY: You forgot to mention ME. I was SLAMMED TO THE GROUND UNTIL DEAD because I didn’t win my fight. What punishment do YOU get for sellout journalism?

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