Bandwagon alert! Lots of folks really like the 2010 Falcons
A substantive reason to be cheerful: New man Dunta Robinson (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
Lots of folks were saying lots of nice things about the Falcons this time a year ago, and that was understandable. The Falcons were coming off an improbable playoff season and were a feel-good story. Today the Falcons are coming off a 9-7 season in which they were eliminated from postseason consideration with three games to go … and lots of folks are still saying lots of nice things about their chances in 2010.
From Michael Kun of the Washington Post’s NFL blog The League: “I’ll give you a non-playoff team [from 2009] that’s going to go all the way to the NFC Championship game, barring a major injury. The Atlanta Falcons.”
From Andy Benoit, writing for the New York Times’ NFL blog The Fifth Down:
Let’s see: Modest success the previous year; no burden of high expectations; distinct offensive and defensive identity; star quarterback; and improvements in most key areas of weakness. Sounds pretty good. And we haven’t even mentioned the stability at the top (another trait the Saints, Steelers and Giants all shared, by the way). Owner Arthur Blank and GM Thomas Dimitroff run their program with great chemistry. Perhaps even Super Bowl caliber chemistry.
Let the record reflect that Benoit still tabs the Falcons to finish second in the NFC South and suggests they “may still be a player or two short of Super Bowl caliber.” The greater point is that enthusiasm for this team coming off a (slightly) disappointing season seems every bit as great in many circles as it did for one that had seen everything break right in 2008.
Browsing the magazine rack at Kroger yesterday, I noted that the Sporting News Pro Football yearbook picks the Falcons to win the NFC South, which is the home of the reigning Super Bowl titlist. And I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that these glowing forecasts mesh with my own. Last month I picked the Falcons to go 12-4, win their division and play Dallas for the NFC title.
I am, as we’re all too aware, thick as a brick. But even a goofball feels encouraged when more clever folks are seeing the same thing he is. At least this goofball does.
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193 comments Add your comment
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
1:37 pm
I’m a true Falcons fan but I have to be realistic, I’d be surprised if the Falcons win 9 games this season even more surprised if they win 10. Blank, Dimitroff and McKay have not made the proper moves to build a championship caliber team. The Falcons resemble the Hawks in that they are only good enough to make it to the first round of the playoffs or have a meaningless 9-7 back to back winning season. I could care less about a back to back winning season, if every other season they are at least going deep into the playoffs, if not, winning it all. I don’t understand the logic of the Falcons’ front office. We had the chance to get DE Julius Peppers who truly could have taken our defense to the next level as well as helped us get 2 division wins against his former team the Panthers, not to mention wins against the other teams that he already knows very well in our division. DE J. Abraham has been on the decline for a while now so why not get him some help on the other end. Our receivers are sub-par, Roddy White is a number 2 receiver at best and Mike Jenkins as well Brian Finneran don’t deserve to be wearing an NFL jersey. Can anybody tell me why Brian Finneran is still employed by the Falcons? We haven’t had a good receiver since Terence Mathis. I do like Mike Smith but I don’t think he is using Jerious Norwood properly. Norwood is like a potato chip (injury prone) therefore he shouldn’t be carrying the ball as a RB any more than 3 times a game. He should be used as a receiver or a receiving back like Reggie Bush or Brian Westbrook in the flats. Truth be told I don’t expect RB Mike Turner to give us anymore than what he gave us last season, I do believe his first year here was just a lucky season for him and in my honest opinion he will never match or top that season. I am impressed with RB Jason Snelling and do believe that we would get more out of him than we would M. Turner or if we did the running back by committee in alternating running backs it would be great for our offense. Our FB Ovie Mughelli is a bust as well, but he is just good enough to get us by, I guess as long as he is blocking we are good because we don’t run plays that utilize our FB for anything other than blocking. But I can’t tell you how much I miss the greatest full back we ever had in Bob Christian. Oh yeah I miss the greatest Safety we ever had also in Scott Case, I can’t tell you who is playing Safety for us these days but whoever he is I’ll bet he isn’t nasty and lays the smack down the way that Scott Case did back in the day.The only big moves the Falcons have made is signing the veteran CB Dunta Robinson which I am in total agreement that that was a great move. The rest are rookies, guys they got from the draft. The Falcons need at least 5 more pieces to make it to the next level, 1 on offense and 4 on defense. Until we get a good number 1 WR, a hard hitting Safety, a LB who can lead as well as close up the middle, a DE to help out aging Abraham, and another shut down CB then I refuse to jump aboard this endless Falcons rollercoaster ride. I am emotionally burned out by my favorite football team in the Falcons. I feel bad for Mr. Blank because he is getting older and his dream of bringing an NFL championship to Atlanta seems to be escaping his grasp. I think Dimitroff and McKay should be fired after this season if the Falcons dont at least make it to the NFC championship game. It is my honest opinion that if the Falcons organization had given Dan Reeves 2 more years then we would have had our chamipionship by now. I also feel that Coach Reeves would have been a greater selection to head the front office than McKay or Dimitroff. Mr. Blank, I need a job, HIRE ME and in 2 years I promise you that I can get this great city the championship it deserves. Until then I wont be jumping on the bandwagon just sittin’ on the sidelines with my head in my hands wondering why can’t my Falcons get it right.
#1 Falcon Fan
July 21st, 2010
1:43 pm
hey FALCONS SORRY please STFU……
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
1:45 pm
Howie, it doesn’t look like you’re that much, of a Falcons fan.
suwaneefalcon
July 21st, 2010
1:47 pm
Sorry Howie, I lived in Denver through the Reeves era. Thsi club would not have gotten better under him and I like the guy. The Broncos did not win a SB until he left and they changed his draft methods. Liked the small fast guys and a small offensive line. They would get crushed in SB’s because the NFC team would wear down their lines. No, I think we are much farther ahead with our current regime then with Reeves. Great man though.
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
1:49 pm
Vick Supporter…….’Vick will shine again’……..Vick always looks pretty shinny, like he greases hisself up, kind of like Flavor-Flav.
Vick Supporter
July 21st, 2010
1:53 pm
Vick will probably score 3tds against the Falcons this time,lol
FalconUGAFan
July 21st, 2010
1:54 pm
Randal, the Falcons are OUR team. There will always be people that support an individual and that’s fine as that is their choice. But don’t lose your choice to support YOUR team because of the actions of others.
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
1:59 pm
I’m a huge Falcons, fan just tired of accepting mediocrity with my Atlanta sports franchises. Atlanta has become a major city and it’s time our teams step up and become major competitors. I think Atlanta sports fans should be more like L.A, Boston and New York sports fans, even Dallas. An average season is unacceptable to them. Do you think they would’ve cared about a back 2 back winning season? All they know is championships in those markets. Our teams will never do well until you the fan start raising your level of expectations and letting these owners hear it for sitting on there hands when they should be making key acquisitions during the off-season as well as during the season. Great teams see that their team has a need and they go out and get the best possible player to fill that need. Our teams don’t do that.
Dr. Warren
July 21st, 2010
2:02 pm
10-6 sounds right to me after reviewing the schedule. And let’s toast to not having to think about the Hawks for a good long while.
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
2:10 pm
Suwaneefalcon I disagree with you sir, the Falcons haven’t even come close to seeing the Super Bowl since Coach Reeves. The year that Mora got us there was because he still had Reeves’ team. Coach Smith is a good coach but I think had we kept Coach Reeves a little longer we would have made at least 2 more Super Bowl appearences and maybe several NFC championship appearences. It’s been over 10 years since we were in the Super Bowl and the only person to ever get us there was Coach Reeves. I do think that Coach Smith is the best we’ve had since Reeves. Reeves had a great game plan for the Falcons remember DVD. Vick would have become a better QB under Reeves. I’m still a Vick fan BTW.
bob
July 21st, 2010
2:20 pm
Braves and Falcons both have me fired up this year.
Gotta love it.
bob
July 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
btw: Vick will never step on a NFL field again. Talented or not.
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
Howie@2:10…….That is some pretty stuff there.
Keith
July 21st, 2010
2:23 pm
12-4 might be a stretch, but I think 11 wins are doable and more probable.
I definitely think it’s their year to step up. I think 2 years they outperformed everyone’s expectations with the rookie at the helm, but then last year dealt with injuries and Matty had a sophomore slump if you will.
After the stabilization in the secondary, I think it’s time for us to put up or shut up. Do well in the regular season and at least 1 playoff win…if not making it to the NFC championship. We will see!
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:25 pm
Falcons 12-4, at least, in the year 2010.
Twilly D.
July 21st, 2010
2:26 pm
I really think FALCONS SORRY is really Mark’s alter ego. Right Mark, come on fess up.
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
2:26 pm
Poor Bob, another Falcons and Braves fan who has yet to face the reality of the entire situation. I’ll bet Bob thinks that the Thrashers will win the Stanley Cup also. We’re praying for you Bob. lol
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:26 pm
Howie@210…..Sorry, I meant to say that is some FUNNY stuff.
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
2:28 pm
Thanks crymeariver, always glad to add some comic relief for my challenged compadres. lol
Gritz Blitz
July 21st, 2010
2:32 pm
I have loved this team for over 30 years but I have never anticipated a season more than this year. Go Falcons! We can hardly wait.
ReddJonn68
July 21st, 2010
2:35 pm
Well Howie Long you couldn’t be more off base, I guess you think we should’ve went with Glenn Dorsey instead of Ryan. Look the NFL is just as much timing as luck, Ryan with a little more seasoning is going to lead this franchise to the big show. As for WRs Peyton gets along fine with no-names every year & Fitzgerald and Bouldin couldn’t cut he mustard. So screw the great WR corp theory, solid defense & a potent offense is the key. A few breaks along the way won’t hurt, like I said earlier in the blog, Dallast( dead last ) has been stockpiling for yrs & ain’t got no more too show for it than the Falcons. Go Birds !!!!!!!!
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:36 pm
12-4
ReddJonn68
July 21st, 2010
2:38 pm
meant the mustard
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:39 pm
The OL is the key to the Falcons success in 2010.
Cam
July 21st, 2010
2:42 pm
The Herd’s got ‘em going to the Super Bowl against the Ravens. Don’t know if you keep up with his picks in College Football though. Cause I do, and let’s just say “I’m Broke”
Howie Long
July 21st, 2010
2:45 pm
Good points Redd. but i say give Matty Ice 2 more seasons and I promise you guys that this guy that everyone wants to be the next Peyton Manning will not produce You guys will be begging for a new QB. It is so hard to find good QB’s now days. Peyton is a freak he is gifted he doesnt need big name receivers to get wins and to break records. But Matt isn’t cut from the same cloth as Peyton he does need the help of seasoned receivers. I hope you guys will be on here later ive enjoyed the chat. I have a meeting to go to. Remember my name because im running for mayor in Atlanta in the 2022 mayoral election. Your vote counts.
Willie Coyote
July 21st, 2010
2:45 pm
That NY Times article said that Jenkins, who runs a 4.2 40, is slow. While he has not lived up to expectations, slow he is not.
When it assessed Decoud, it described Coleman instead. Decoud was not weak in pass coverage or any facet for that matter.
Whatever. Go Birds.
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:51 pm
Howey, are you hiramsaint, pretending to be someone else, again?
CDC
July 21st, 2010
2:54 pm
Mike Vick still has HER PEAS.
crymeariver
July 21st, 2010
2:56 pm
Howie Long, if you want the GM job with the Falcons, you need to go down to your nearest Home Depot and fill out an application.
You might be able to use Reeves as a reference, if you promise to hire him back as the head coach.
ReddJonn68
July 21st, 2010
2:57 pm
Holla Howie Long, never would I utter Matt in the same breath as Peyton thats blasphemy, because you could probably line a guy out at split end on the left side with ” Custodian ” # 00 on the back of his jersey !!! They probably still make the AFC Championship game !!!!
Ed
July 21st, 2010
3:07 pm
I am fearful tonight with Tommy Hanson pitching. He’s done pretty bad the past 5 starts. over a 7 era. I don’t think the guy is as good as he was billed by the media.
Just sayin....
July 21st, 2010
3:09 pm
Those that leave and don’t want to be fans can go!!!! Those who stay and support other teams against my Birds can go!!!! We only want the true fans!!!!!!!
Paddy O
July 21st, 2010
3:29 pm
Falcon sorry – just wanted to say – THANKS! for typing that whole diatribe in capitals – so I quickly avoided it, after the first four words or so. Sir, if you want people to read your comments, please write it as though you are an adult. Unless, of course, you are just writing it for your narcissistic self. Again, THANKS!
Just sayin....
July 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
Falcon sorry I am just wandering, who do you support or are you too embarrassed to say? It is easy to make fun of other’s team and stay behind the curtain like the Great OZ!
Paddy O
July 21st, 2010
3:37 pm
If Ryan develops some deception in his delivery – pump fakes, more effective look offs, we should be a good team, with Ryan throwing for 3500 yards. I’ve been satisfied with his play – he is already beyond Vick’s development, but Schaub is 3 years ahead of him.
FALCONS SORRY
July 21st, 2010
3:44 pm
I’M FOR THE FALCANS ALL THE WAY SINCE THAT NOODLE ARM WILL SAVE THE DAY HA HA HA!! BUT NO HARD FEELINGS WHEN YALL GO TO FHILLY AND LOOSE TO YA BOY AGAIN HAHAHA!!! GO BIRDS MAYBE YOU CAN BEAT CHARLOT IN THE BATTLE FOR WORST IN THE DIVISIEN YOU KNOW THE TEAM THAT WATCHES THE SUPPER BOWL FROM HOME!!!! 3-13 AT BEST SUCKAS!!
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
July 21st, 2010
3:50 pm
WOW…..Falcons Sorry might be able to read…BUT HE SURE CAN’T WRITE….I mean “SUPPER” BOWL….”ILL LEGIMATE”….I mean really…..A mind is a terrible thing to waste….please don’t continue to let everyone know how uneducated you are….don’t post another comment….PLEASE…..all caps only makes it more pronounced that basic simple grammar skills are no where to be found….Signed Your Hero – MV7
GSU Eagle 91
July 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
Falcons Sorry, You are the officially….the dumbest blogger ever to post a comment on this otherwise rational board… I suspect you spent your days in the fetal position sucking your thumb, wondering why the Eagles are not considering MV as a starter, either..
Because he cannot grasp the playbook….Matt can….I’ll take the smart QB everytime….
I predict the Falcons will be 10-6 this season. Maybe 11-5. Carolina is unproven, TB is rebuilding, and the Saints need to be dethroned. Let’s do it.
It's a shame what he did to that dog
July 21st, 2010
4:09 pm
Since when did anyone read the sports section of the NY Times? That’s like taking advice from Jimmy Carter about how to be president.
It's a shame what he did to that dog
July 21st, 2010
4:10 pm
“But even a goofball feels encouraged when more clever folks are seeing the same thing he is. At least this goofball does.”
I had no idea people at the WaPost and NY Times were clever. Most of them are brain dead left wingers who like to slob democrat knobs. Just sayin.
falconsfan
July 21st, 2010
4:22 pm
We’ll get somewhere if we dump Roddy White and Jenkins!!!
Just sayin....
July 21st, 2010
4:22 pm
Well it’s obvious that Falcons Sorry is just on here to try and irritate Falcon fans and I think it is coming from his frustration of being a buc’s fan!
Tim Parker
July 21st, 2010
4:26 pm
The Falcons will be better but are ham-stringed by one of the toughest opening schedules in the NFL. Critical games include the first six games: @Steelers (hopefully minus Molestisberger) ; Cardinals (close game, but ATL wins in home opener) ; @Saints (Super Dome field advantage via pumped sound and light effects) ; vs. 49ers (looking for revenge for last years whoppin’) ; @Browns (tougher game than one might think) ; @Eagles (Home of crooked refs and NFL’s most obnoxious fans).
Get past the first six games healthy and with a winning record, the Falcons dominate the rest of the teams with maybe the exception of the Ravens and second Saints game. Worst case scenario: 10-6. Best case scenario 16-0.
Tim Parker
July 21st, 2010
4:31 pm
Falcons Sorry is a Bucs fan with a Napoleonic complex. The lack of intelligence and articulation are readily evident.
HB
July 21st, 2010
4:40 pm
You shop at Kroger…what a mistake… Publix is number 1 in Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!!!!
crackbaby
July 21st, 2010
4:50 pm
Tim Parker,
16-0! What are you smoking, dude? At least you aren’t saying fire TD and McKay like some others above (would those people please submit to an IQ test
2010 will be the second season of building a defense based on youth, talent and character after team management made a conscious decision to get younger by dismissing some prominent veterans last off-season. Dimitroff is doing the right thing by building a foundation using the middle rounds of the draft. Just look at what Ted Thompson of the Packers has done using the same method.
Acquiring Julius Peppers would not solve enough problems and cost too much money. I hope Weatherspoon lives up to expectations and Lofton continues to develop. Naturally, the secondary must demonstrate a quantum leap improvement make and survive playoffs.
Not too much attention has been devoted to the Falcons lackluster offense last season. O line needs to play much better and we need 4+ yards per carry from whoever runs the rock.
Go Falcons!
hiramsaint
July 21st, 2010
4:51 pm
is it deja-vu or did i hear all this same crappola last year. my bad …colin cowherd said it so it must be true. i’d check his accuracy first before i got to exited.
papadawg
July 21st, 2010
4:55 pm
Defense is still just too weak to go far
papadawg
July 21st, 2010
5:00 pm
I’ve been a lowly Falcons fan since Tommy Nobis was their FIRST Draft pick and I’ve seen a awful lot of BAD so forgive me if I don’t get all shaky excited about this team