Game by game: Here’s how the 2010 Falcons will finish 12-4
"The Super Bowl's that way," Tom Brady tells Matt Ryan. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The Falcons will finish 12-4 and win the NFC South. Here’s how:
At Pittsburgh, Sept. 12: You don’t like playing these guys anywhere, especially up there on Opening Day with the Steelers coming off a dud season. But if you have to do it, this is the year. Because Ben Roethlisberger won’t be playing. Falcons 21, Steelers 16.
Arizona, Sept. 19: The great receiver Larry Fizgerald sprained a knee ligament in an exhibition game but is expected back for the regular season. Won’t matter. He no longer has Kurt Warner throwing to him. He has Matt Leinart, who hasn’t done a thing since college. Falcons 30, Cardinals 14.
At New Orleans, Sept. 26: Here’s where the watching world starts to take the Birds seriously. The Falcons nearly won in the Superdome last November at a time when the Saints were unbeaten. This time they’ll render the Saints unbeaten no more. Falcons 26, Saints 24.
San Francisco, Oct. 3: A potential misstep. The Falcons are coming off a win that has led NFL pundits — and there are only 10 zillion — to wonder if they’re the new power in the NFC. The Niners are improving incrementally. A tough game, but still a win. Falcons 23, Niners 17.
At Cleveland, Oct. 10: Mike Holmgren is running the Browns. This will help — eventually. Right now this is an NFL irritants: A road game against a lousy team when you’re 4-0 with everyone singing your praises. Falcons 24, Browns 14.
At Philadelphia, Oct. 17: Here’s where Mercury Morris and the rest of the 1972 Miami Dolphins stop sweating the 2010 Falcons. The Eagles are in post-Donovan McNabb mode, but they’re still an OK team. And the Falcons are due to lose. Eagles 20, Falcons 17.
Cincinnati, Oct. 24: The Bengals have found themselves again, but you never know how long a roster that includes Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco can co-exist. Lots of national chatter about this one. Lots more about the Falcons when they win. Falcons 34, Bengals 24.
Tampa Bay, Nov. 7: The Falcons exit their bye week atop the NFC South. They consolidate their hold against the only division opponent they swept last season. Falcons 35, Bucs 3.
Baltimore, Nov. 11: This is more like it. A Thursday night game against a tough AFC bunch. Some will see this as the game that proves Joe Flacco is better than Matt Ryan. (The two were first-round picks in 2008.) Scoreboard suggests otherwise. Falcons 20, Ravens 13.
At St. Louis, Nov. 21: Sam Bradford, the No. 1 pick in the April draft, should be starting by now, assuming he hasn’t already been chased out of the lineup by the utter lack of support around him. The Falcons have nine days to prepare, not that they’ll need it. Falcons 31, Rams 10.
Green Bay, Nov. 28: Another delicious Dome date. The Packers and Falcons are two of the NFC’s three best teams. (The Cowboys being the third.) They could well meet in January. If so, the Falcons had better hope for a different result. Packers 24, Falcons 20.
At Tampa Bay, Dec. 5: Move along, folks. Nothing to see here. Just an angry team hammering a lousy opponent. Falcons 31, Bucs 10.
At Carolina, Dec. 12: The Panthers are where they usually are in December — trying to slide into the playoff chase. This is a must win for Carolina, and it won’t be for the Falcons, who are 10-2 and a postseason cinch. Desperation carries the day. Panthers 17, Falcons 14.
At Seattle, Dec. 19: The third of three consecutive road games involves a long trip. It also involves an accommodating opponent less talented than the pro-style (heh, heh) teams Pete Carroll coached at Southern Cal. Falcons clinch their division. Falcons 27, Seahawks 14.
New Orleans, Dec. 27: Two nights after Christmas, only one team has much on the table. The Falcons have won the NFC South and need one victory in their final two games to secure a first-round bye. The Saints have to win. And do. Saints 30, Falcons 24.
Carolina, Jan. 2: Here it is, folks, the culmination of the finest regular season this franchise has seen since 1998. Those Birds wound up in the Super Bowl. These Birds just might. Falcons 24, Panthers 10.
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201 comments Add your comment
GT92
August 22nd, 2010
2:18 pm
Go Falcons!
JacketFan86
August 22nd, 2010
2:18 pm
1st! I say 11-5. GO dirty birds!!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!
August 22nd, 2010
2:19 pm
FIRST!
SUCK IT HATERS!
The Falcons wouldn’t beat Coach Saban and the Tide!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!
August 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Anh, whatever! We’re still # 1 in the Polls, and the Falcons STILL wouldn’t beat us.
ROLL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cheshire
August 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
ROLL TIDE!!!!!!! is right, our beloved Falcons don’t have a chance when we play the University of Alabama this year
(???)
Geezerbut
August 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
My first ever attempt at being first.
Geezerbut
August 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
Go Falcons anyway.
Cracker Jacket
August 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
The Falcons have a good chance of being 12-4 but so much rest on the defense ! Tech could beat Alabama this year! Bama will not finish in the top 10!
Buzz
August 22nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Roll Tide??? Ga Tech will have the best defense in the country. Mark my words!
Benjamin
August 22nd, 2010
2:34 pm
Wow… 12-4…
That’s a tough schedule to win 12 games, MB. I’m going to go with 10-6 and a return to the playoffs. [I think we can steal a game while there, but the second round will see our season end. Still, not a bad show.]
OldTimer
August 22nd, 2010
2:35 pm
Want to win this thing, stop treating the Patriot’s Uncle Bill like he’s the next messiah. Smitty already has, now it’s up to the GM. Let’s go!!
Bob Horners texting while driving issues
August 22nd, 2010
2:35 pm
you failed geezer
IceColdATLien
August 22nd, 2010
2:36 pm
It’s optimistic, but I like it
Bob Horners texting while driving issues
August 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Whats the line on Bama-Falcons game
IceColdATLien
August 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
I think they lose to Baltimore, but other than that agree… I got em going 11-5
BugKiller
August 22nd, 2010
2:37 pm
This only comes to fruition if Mike Mularky has his play calling privledges revoked.
As he is good for at least two losses due to his horrible play call selection.
He calls a football game like he’s not even watching what’s happening.
He’s the Falcons version of Soft Willie Martinez. Good for two losses a year.
enz
August 22nd, 2010
2:38 pm
Send me some lottery numbers too while youre at it mark…just kidding…Hopefully, these predictions are at least close!
The Grinch
August 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
It all depends on staying healthy. I was thinking 12-4 during training camp myself, but now we’ve lost Peters and Meier (who I think had a good shot at being our no. 3 WR), and Robinson hasn’t made it to the field yet. IF Douglas and Jerry return to form and IF Jenkins steps it up finally and IF one of the RB’s step up as a change of pace back (I don’t picture Norwood getting 30 carries this whole season) we might go 12-4. I’m leaning more toward 11-5 at the moment.
Charles Jackson
August 22nd, 2010
2:40 pm
Hey, Roll Tide: You’re an idiot.
The Grinch
August 22nd, 2010
2:41 pm
And I agree with IceCold, that additional loss will be to Baltimore.
Ree Roe
August 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Mark,
I am a huge Falcons fan, but don’t share your optimism about the Birds this yr. 12-4? Sweeping the AFC North? Hmmm, I just don’t see it. Not with this receiving corps & not with this many unknowns on D. 9-7 or 10-6 seems more realistic.
And Falcons are among the top 3 teams in the NFC? We’ll just have to agree to disagree. The Saints, unfortunately, are still better than us. Minny is still better…Green Bay & Dallas are better than us right now at least. Did you see how we played vs. NE against their starters?
-REEal Roe!!!
TwoDat!
August 22nd, 2010
2:44 pm
Mark, you have the falcons winning 3 road games out of their first 5 games including a win in the superdome. Wishful thinking is an understatement. This team has done nothing to prove they can go to Pittsburgh or New Orleans and win on the road. There is an awful lot of hype for a team that missed the playoffs. Not to mention, that New Orleans has gotten better-not worse. Dream on! If the falcons make the playoffs, I will applaud the effort. They will not win the NFC South, and I venture to say they won’t beat out Washington, Seattle, or San Francisco for the final playoff spot.
RC in ATL
August 22nd, 2010
2:45 pm
Wow, Mark Bradley! I hope you are right, man! This would be a fantastic season for the Falcons. And I know you were just really kidding when you picked the Hawks over Orlando!
Reid Adair
August 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
Defense is definitely going to be the key. A leaner Michael Turner and a constatntly-learning Matt Ryan will lead the offense.
74 Dawg
August 22nd, 2010
2:49 pm
That’s my “best case” scenario, Mark; only I have us beating the Saints here and losing there. In my more reality based scenario, I have the Birds losing to Baltimore based on 3 things: 3 days rest, a better defense, and just a much more physical team. Worst case scenario, they look like they are playing the Patriots half the season, Michael Turner does not re-gain his burst and aggressiveness, and they finish 8 – 8.
74 Dawg
August 22nd, 2010
2:52 pm
two dat- Washington, Seattle and San Fran ? What dat ?
Johns Creek Jacket
August 22nd, 2010
2:58 pm
I love the Falcons but don’t see a 12-4 season unless or defense is doing a ggod job of hiding their talent in the preseason. NE just ran over us whenever they wanted to. Not a good sign.
POWDERDAWG IN DENVER
August 22nd, 2010
3:02 pm
Does anyone know the status of Peter’s? season ending or just banged up?
Spud Webb
August 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
Wow, 4-0 vs the AFC north. Cleveland sure…but 3-0 vs baltimore, cincy & the steelers? I’d hope for at least 2-1 at best.
Gwinnett Fred
August 22nd, 2010
3:09 pm
We’re screwed. Anytime Bradley is optimistic about something – it turns to raw sewage (witness Hawks vs. Magic).
The good news is that Bradley knows less about the NFL than the NBA, so hopefully the football Gods won’t hold his prediction against the team.
I’m on board for 10-6, good for a wild card spot.
hmmmm........
August 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
10-6
fsjr
August 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
MB, I crunched your numbers:
The Falcons will avg 25 ppg and give up a paltry 16 ppg. I can see the 25 ppg but if we only give up 16 ppg, that would mean we most definitely have a Super Bowl caliber defense. Pencil us in?
Sumit
August 22nd, 2010
3:13 pm
Falcons rookie tackle expected to be out for 10 to 14 days Aaron Wilson
Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive tackle Corey Peters’ sprained left knee isn’t regarded as a serious injury, according to NFL sources with knowledge of the situation.
Peters’ magnetic resonance imaging exam Friday didn’t reveal any major damage to the knee. The injury was suffered against the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Instead of a long-term convalescence, Peters’ recovery time is expected to last between 10 and 14 days.
Season Ticker Holder
August 22nd, 2010
3:24 pm
In 2 preseason games, the first team offense has not scored a TD. The defense is weak against the run and pass. The Falcons will be lucky to go 8 – 8.
rc35
August 22nd, 2010
3:25 pm
De Plane, Boss! De Plane! (For those of you too young to remember, that means “FANTASY ISLAND.”) I wish the Falcons could go 12-4, but could you remind me how they’re going to do that with a QB in a state of arrested development, a receiving corps that lacks the ability to get open or catch a long pass reliably, running backs who seem to be able to bog down behind an overwhelmed OL when the game calls for critical short yardage, a DL who can’t take part in a Gold Rush after Abraham gets tired about Week 4 of the season, and DB’s who get burned more than redheads at the beach without sunscreen?
Mark Bradley
August 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
fsjr, I wouldn’t bother crunching these numbers. Because I sure didn’t. You’re way too technical for me.
Skydawg
August 22nd, 2010
3:28 pm
Roll Tide, you are truly an a$$hat. But Saban will get his chance to play the Falcons, when he’s the coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year when Wade Phillips is finally shown the door. And it’s going to happen. Jones will throw so much money, the backstabbing Saban won’t be able to turn it down. Then once again, Bama and Tuscaloosa will return to the cesspool it really is.
fsjr
August 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
(laughing) And on second thought, I guess shouldn’t have either.
michael d
August 22nd, 2010
3:42 pm
i like the prediction but i think we’ll finish 10-6. I don’t see us beating the saints either time because i have been watching the falcons since ‘92 (I’m 27yrs old) and my short history with the falcons reminds me all the time that the falcons have NEVER been able to defend the pass so drew brees should have 2 pro bowl games against us unless robinson is the corner we expect him to be.
murray county mystic
August 22nd, 2010
3:44 pm
Skydawg, you are right about one thing; Saban is leaving Bama after this season. But…he ain’t going to Dallas, he’s going back to Baton Rouge to replace Leslie Miles. Bradley, 12-4?? really?? this club is no better than last years club…10-6, miss the playoffs again..
mario
August 22nd, 2010
3:48 pm
I like this but I have this bunch at 13-3, with us losing @NO, Phil and home vs Ravens……
PLAYOFFS: NFC 1) atl, 2)GB 3)dal 4) SF 5) MIN 6)no, the saints and cowboys have hell of schedules
AFC 1)colts 2)NYJ 3) bal 4) SD 5) NE 6)CIN
WILD CARD: SAT 1/8/11 4:30 MIN @ SF, 8:30 CIN @ BAL
SUN 1/9/11 1PM NO@ DAL, 4:30 NE @ SD
DIVISIONALS SAT 1/15/11 4:30 BAL @ NYJ 8:30 NO @ ATL
SUN 1/16/11 1PM NE @COLTS 4:30 MIN @GB
CONF CHAMPIONSHIPS 1/23/11
SUN 3PM GB @ ATL 6:30 BAL @ COLTS
SUPER BOWL SUN 2/6/11 ATL vs COLTS, COLTS WIN DUE TO SB BEING PLAYED AT LUCAS OIL STADIUM THIS YEAR..
Seth
August 22nd, 2010
3:49 pm
Another joke prediction by MB. Are you this excited by last weeks game? Good gosh do you wear rose colored glasses. This team will be lucky to go 11-5. 9-7 is more likely.
mario
August 22nd, 2010
3:50 pm
MURRAY CO YOU ARE WRONG..HAVE SEEN OUR SCHED WE HAVE NO MORE THAN 4 LOSSES ON THIS TEAM….
Mark Bradley
August 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Er, mario … this season’s Super Bowl is set for Jerry Jones’ new palace in Dallas.
DawgNole
August 22nd, 2010
3:56 pm
I don’t know about this one, Mark. Having been a Falcons follower since their creation in the mid-60s, I’d love to see happen what you’re predicting for this season, but there’s just no way. In fact, I don’t believe they’ll even win that opener at the Steelers. Tell you what, if they do (whup the Steelers in Pittsburg), I’ll be right here to salute your brilliant prognostication. If they don’t, you can write, “DawgNole was right!”
I hope DawgNole is wrong.
Don
August 22nd, 2010
3:57 pm
I can’t wait for week 8 when Bradley writes his 8 reasons why the falcons won’t squander their 1 game lead. hahaha
Mark Bradley
August 22nd, 2010
3:57 pm
DawgNole, you’d never go wrong predicting the opposite of my predictions.
Rob
August 22nd, 2010
3:58 pm
This team won’t beat the steelers even without Ben. Mark you are insane with these predictions. 12-4. Can I get some action against that?
DERRICK
August 22nd, 2010
4:08 pm
6-10 IF YOUR LUCKY………….THE FALCONS SUCK.
Delbert D.
August 22nd, 2010
4:09 pm
Mark – Whaddya mean, Leinart hasn’t done anything since college? He’s tied with Aaron Rogers at #6 on the Wondelic for starting QBs, just ahead of Tom Brady and behind Tony Romo.
St. Clarkston
August 22nd, 2010
4:20 pm
After watching last years and this preseasons defensive struggles, 10 wins seems more realistic
BT
August 22nd, 2010
4:23 pm
In order for the Falcons to earn a 12/4 record?
They would need to RISE UP!
mario
August 22nd, 2010
4:30 pm
my bad about the SB location but what do you think about my predix
Addison174
August 22nd, 2010
4:37 pm
Is Roll Tide serious?! haha
So how long ago did you turn 6 years old?
No college team could come close to beating the back ups in the NFL.
I think 11-5 but 12-4 sounds great! Go Falcons!
Saint Sal
August 22nd, 2010
4:46 pm
The falcons will be lucky to win 10 games. Mark it down—the falcons will not make the playoffs. Ryans’ overrated and their D has more holes than a slice of swiss cheese. Saints–rolling to another NFC title.
Dawghater
August 22nd, 2010
4:46 pm
Mark,
Tell me you did see the game this week against New England? Preseason or not it showed the Falcons are not in the NFL Elite teams. 12 wins, I don’t think so!
realitycheck
August 22nd, 2010
5:04 pm
No way am I drinking this kool aid! Expectations are way way too high for this team. 10-6 is much more realistic and no guarantee of even that. Too many Falcon fans/writers are blowing their balloons up, only to likely have them pop. For ones drinking that 12-4 kool aid, big disappointment is likely to come. If Brees stays healthy, the Falcons are highly unlikely to overtake the Saints. However if something happens to Brees, then the door will open for the Falcons or Panthers. For everyone who’s so sure of 11-5 or 12-4, I suggest you withdraw all of your savings and fly to Vegas and put it all on the Falcons over 9(nine is the over/under total for regular season wins)for the season. Remember those sly old oddsmakers are usually pretty damn accurate!
juice sourcer
August 22nd, 2010
5:17 pm
Not a chance…loss at Pittsburg to open season sets the wrong tone…10-6 at best.
OranJuceJonz
August 22nd, 2010
5:29 pm
@@@@@@@MB..Did you forget how tough it is to play up in Seattle?? I have that as 1 loss and the 49′S game scares me,im leaning toward a loss there as well
Bob Horner
August 22nd, 2010
5:31 pm
Game 1 @ Pittsburgh will set the tone….(has anybody said that.??) Hines Ward makes a couple of big plays and they beat us on a FG…
observer
August 22nd, 2010
6:05 pm
It would be hilarious to watch an NFL team face a college team. Half the college players would be injured or on stretchers by the end of the game. If the Falcons did play Alabama, it would probably be about 56 – 0. Absolutely no way a college team, even a top notch team, could ever match up with a pro team.
JASon
August 22nd, 2010
6:09 pm
Mark, I agree with the 12-4, I think this schedule is one of the weakest in the country. Who knows they may do even better. But why do you feel the need to predict the scores? Does anyone have any idea how the games are going to play out? What difference does it make if you are correct on the scores, anyway?
Falcons Fan 4 Life
August 22nd, 2010
6:11 pm
I like it Bradley- though I am thinking 11-5. Hawks, Braves, Falcons, Tech, UGA…. we’ve got the best right here in Dixie.
cheshire
August 22nd, 2010
6:14 pm
i hope you’re right Mark. i’m trying to be cautiously optimistic about this team, and that preseason game threw me for a loop. i’m not sure if that was just one of those preseason blips that has no meaning, or if there were some valid red flags there.
bottom line though, this offense has to figure out a way to stay on the field, and this defense has to figure out a way to get off of it. last season was absolutely maddening watching our offense get two quick first downs and then completely stall, or watching our defense give up 3rd down conversion after 3rd down conversion. i don’t think i can handle another season full of that.
i don’t think we’ll go 12-4, but i think we’ll win 10 or 11 and get in the playoffs. after that, who knows. it all depends on (a.) how much Ryan progresses and (b.) how big a leap this defense can make as a unit. i think both will be better than they were last year (especially the defense), but right now, quantifying how much better is almost impossible.
MikeyD
August 22nd, 2010
6:17 pm
No way the Falcons possibly win more than 9 games this season unless there are major changes to the defense, starting with the overrated and underskilled college assistant pretending to be an NFL defensive coordinator. The “D” will continue to resemble swiss cheese until we cut this loser loose!
lakester
August 22nd, 2010
6:18 pm
you sir are the poster boy for a homer. dont know you but ive got 10K says you are wrong.
you have my e mail address so lets set it up, I enjoy free money
Whopper Dawg
August 22nd, 2010
6:49 pm
You are dreaming, the Falcons are the trendy pick this year because they have focused on the D though the last two drafts and free agency, which is perceived as their weak link because of the “stars” on offense. And part of the problem is they are starting to believe it.
The reality is that winning seasons back to back is a milestone for this franchise and we had one playoff appearance which resulted in a first round exit.
The New England game, while only preseason, clearly exhibited how far the Falcons have to go which is substantial. I think another winning season could be in the offing, but the projections of 12 -4 and NFC championship game appearance are widely off base.
PMC
August 22nd, 2010
6:49 pm
I kind of wonder if they really are solid enough on offense to score 35 pts even one time.
Way too many field goals the last two years.
Martin
August 22nd, 2010
6:51 pm
Bradley you are the same guy that predicted the saints would lose to the colts in the super bowl. You also predicted something special in the playoffs with the Atlanta hawks. Now you are saying that the saints would lose at home in the super dome to the dirty birds. With your predictions the saints have nothing to worry about. The dirty birds don’t have the horses on offense or defense to keep up with the saints. I’ll take you up on that bet, there’s no way the dirty birds unseat the saints in the NFC south. Remember in the last eight games the saints are 7-1 against the dirty birds. I predict the Saints sweep the birds again. Remember we’ve owned that team the last couple of years. We in the big easy hate the dirty birds as much as your fans hate the saints.
PMC
August 22nd, 2010
6:51 pm
It feels a bit more like a 10-6 or 11-5 team at this point doesn’t it?
They are good they are solid…. but they have a lot of issues and a fairly difficult division.
Flowery Branch, Georgia
August 22nd, 2010
7:02 pm
.
Nesbitt for Heisman
.
thunderbull56
August 22nd, 2010
7:14 pm
Mark, people used to ask me why I bought a paper every day.My answer was always, I live so far out of town, and I don’t mean Atl,there is no one to deliver a subscription, and what else can I buy for a quarter that delivers as much entertainment value? I know I often dog you and Jiffy, and the others, but that was entertaining.A whole sixteen game wrapup on Aug.22.I will only caution you to remember we once were in the NFC West and that more than the ownership probably contributed to the long no consecutive winning season drought as much as anything.We had to do the left coast three times a year and that was when the Rams were in LA.So SF and Seattle are dangerous games.If we do as well on the road as you predict,I’ll be humbled.Opening in Pittsburgh with Mickey Mouse playing quarterback for the home team, is not a lock.You make your statement as a team early and maintain consistency.And BTW,stick it in the endzone and you won’t need much of a kicking game.
Larry
August 22nd, 2010
7:20 pm
9-7
Mark, did you see how easy it was for the Patriots to convert 3rd downs? And have you not noticed we either can’t or want attempt passes over 30 yards?
A 12-4 team can stop people on key 3rd downs and know how and when to stretch the field!
Larry
August 22nd, 2010
7:25 pm
won’t not want
R.U.KIDDIN-ME???
August 22nd, 2010
7:32 pm
MARK,IBELIEVE THE TEAM WILL BE A 10-6/12-4,WON/LOST SEASON & NOT IN THE ORDER YOU PREDICT!! A LOT WILL DEPEND UPON THE REF’S( SEE THE N.O.KATRINA’S FOR EXAMPLE THEY GOT ALL THE B.S. CALL’S LAST YEAR)!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 22nd, 2010
7:34 pm
10-6 seems much more realistic, given that schedule. Don’t sleep on Baltimore and Cincinnati.
Football Bat
August 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
MARK, YOUR PREDICTION LAST YEAR, scores aside, was almost perfect. You flipped the Carolina games (1-1) and you missed the 2nd New Orleans game which we lost. Every other game you were right on, which actually is damned impressive. Not that I don’t enjoy busting your AJC arse all season, but credit where it’s due, my man so kudos to you.
This year…. well let’s hope you’re only one off again. Vincent Jackson wouldn’t hurt your chances.
bama falcon fan
August 22nd, 2010
7:37 pm
@Pitt=L – Pho=W – @NO=W – SF=W – @CLE=W – @PHI=L – Cin=W – TAM=W – BAL=W – @STL=W – GRE=L – @TAM=W – @CAR=W – @SEA=W – NO=W – CAR=W
For the season – 13-3
Football Bat
August 22nd, 2010
7:44 pm
@ Martin, Falcons fans don’t hate the Saints, we love ‘em as a rival. We just hate half their fans that show up on the Falcons blog. Actually less than half. Some. A few. OK, really pretty much just you.
You can brag about last year, but you escaped by a hair last time. We shall see, we shall see.
Greg
August 22nd, 2010
7:55 pm
Mark, you are a true fan. As you probably know, ‘fan’ is short for ‘fanatic’. I.e., you have lost your mind! What a fantasy! I see the Falcons as an average team this year. Better than the Bucs and the Panthers, yes…but average. I’m originally from Pittsburgh, and I hope you’re right about the Birds beating ‘em this year, but I watched Dennis Dixon play this week, and he gives us plenty to worry about even without Roethlisberger. And the Pittsburgh defense is pretty awesome. I hope I’m wrong, but think we lose the opener
Martin
August 22nd, 2010
8:15 pm
Some of you sorry falcon fans needs to get off that Katrina kick about the saints and how the refs felt sorry for them that’s why they got the calls last year from the refs. If that were the case, the saints would have went to the super bowl in 2006 the year immediately after katrina. That’s the year they played the bears for the NFC championship. The saints won the super bowl because they’ve had the number one offense, the last 3-4 years. They won gene super bowl because they were second in the NFL, because of forcing turn overs. They won because they were the best team, unlike the sorry falcons. Until you win a super bowl, shut the hell up. The saints has played in the NFC championship game the last couple of years, what has your falcons done in that time span, nothing. So I say and I’ll say it again, until your team has the name of super bowl champion, next to it’s name shut the hell up haters.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:43 pm
Now Martin @8:15pm…….You know that the NFL officials were making a lot of calls in the saints favor in 2009, even if you don’t want to admit it.
Look at the pick6 against the Falcons last year in the 1st game, R. White was fouled by a saints linebacker directly in front of the umpire, and he never threw a flag against the saints.
There ought to be an investigation.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:45 pm
The Falcons were leading 14-7 at the time, and driving the ball down the field. The officials had to do something to help the saints get a win.
MikeyD
August 22nd, 2010
8:46 pm
Hey Martin –
Proper spelling and correct grammar aren’t crimes. Idiot.
Chop Block
August 22nd, 2010
8:50 pm
Wow, didn’t take long for Martin to show his true colors! Most Falcons fans on this blog keep it professional, even when Saints fans get ugly, but it only took one sideways comment to get Martin to call our Falcons “sorry” and tell us to “shut the hell up.”
Stay classy.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:51 pm
Later in the 2nd half, that same umpire threw a flag on Falcons LB Peterson for the same foul that was committed against Falcons WR White in the 1st half(that wasn’t called).
Only, Peterson never committed a penalty.Chris Collingsworth looking at the replay made the comment, that if you are going to call a penalty on Peterson for that play, you may as well not even play the game of football. And Collingsworth doesn’t even like the Falcons.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:53 pm
So in closing, Martin don’t try to tell me that the NFL didn’t help the saints to the SB, because they surely did.
ezcofalconfan52
August 22nd, 2010
8:54 pm
lol martin it wasnt until this past year yall saints fans had a reason to come out of hiding an talk like yall are a every year winning franchise, i use to like the saints as a team but yalls fan base is wack an makes yall team look horrible. unless yall win atleast 10 games every year for the next couple years dont come to our blog talkin down….. an beside falcons still have more overall wins between the 2 teams anyways.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:56 pm
Oh yeah, I think that MB is a little off on his prediction.
I think that the Falcons will end up at least 13-3 in the regular season, maybe 14-2.
They will beat the Steelers badly, and beat the saints both games.
rekingball
August 22nd, 2010
8:58 pm
GO MIGHTY FALCONS! FLY HIGH!
Bob Horner had a big fro
August 22nd, 2010
9:21 pm
Let’s hope you are right, Mark. We have a good schedule with the 49ers and Green Bay at home. I think this year could be special. However, we have to avoid injuries, and there is no guarantee for that. I can’t disagree with your picks, although I can’t see us losing to the Panthers. I think you threw that one in to sound “realistic.”
J-Man
August 22nd, 2010
9:22 pm
Bradley I know I gave you flak about that “8 Reasons” article on the Braves but I’m gonna let you pass on this one because if I was right last year you predicted a 10-6 or a 9-7 record for the Falcons so you have better mojo with the Falcons than you do with the Braves
Jamesdfd
August 22nd, 2010
9:26 pm
We’re not going to lose to Carolina we should be them twice which should make us 13-3 with a first round playoff bye.
Football Fan
August 22nd, 2010
9:32 pm
Bama earned respect by winning the championship. They lose respect with idiot fans comparing them to an NFL team. That said, the third poster who was “First” has prompted me to say….ROLL TIDE ROLL, AROUND THE BOWL AND DOWN THE HOLE…..
Jay
August 22nd, 2010
9:38 pm
No way they go 12-4. 10-6, 11-5 is far more likely. You underestimate the Saints, and the Cincy game could be tricky, since our secondary looks like hot garbage.
We better hope Robinson is that good.
icedawg
August 22nd, 2010
10:52 pm
9-7, perhaps 10-6, especially seeing how they played against NE
antidog
August 22nd, 2010
10:54 pm
Bradley sorry. How can you say we are going to win at New Orleans, then lose at home. However we have a better chance of winning Green Bay then winning at NO. Also we have a good chance to sweep Carolina. Eagles games would be done. 10 or 11 wins barring injuries is more realistic, with winning the division.
Dawgtards ruin this state
August 22nd, 2010
11:17 pm
Go Birds
DawgDad
August 22nd, 2010
11:35 pm
Easier to see them going 8-8 than 12-4. More likely 10-6. Not nearly enough defense to go 12-4, and the downfield passing game has to be a concern. I’m not sure this team can attack the edges consistently enough to knock off all those teams on the list.
Proud Season Ticket Holder
August 22nd, 2010
11:42 pm
I say 11-5 or 12-4… Preseason games don’t tell the story of a team… Look at the Raiders a few years ago… They went 4-0 and was the worst team in the league that year… I think Atlanta will be the NFC South Champs… The NFL gave the Saints a Super Bowl so ppl would say that saved their city… Both games last year was FIXED!!!!!!! And every other game last season was fixed… Looked like Madden to me smh but the Falcons are prepared to make a deep run… Just watch and see!!!!!!!!!
don't eat yellow snow
August 22nd, 2010
11:48 pm
8-8 at best. Patriots showed us who is boss even in a pre season game.
33theburner33
August 23rd, 2010
12:27 am
dang, so many people freaking out about a preseason game…
Conyers Falcons/Braves Fan
August 23rd, 2010
4:18 am
Mark: I hope you are right. However, I believe that the Falcons will
not be so good. 10-4 at best, 9-7 or 8-8 more likely.
Jen
August 23rd, 2010
5:06 am
For all of you that are judging the Falcons from their first 2 preseason games……IT”S PRESEASON!!!!!!!
the year the Lions lost every game, guess what?…they were 4-0 in preseason games.
Just go and look at the Indy Colts preseason vs. Reg season stats.
Just hope every player stays healthy.
CHALK TALK: Film review highlights third down struggles | Atlanta Falcons
August 23rd, 2010
7:01 am
[...] esteemed colleague Mark Bradley is predicting a 12-4 campaign for the Falcons. He obviously believes they will drastically improve on this woeful third down [...]
Howie Long
August 23rd, 2010
7:45 am
Wishful thinking Mr. Bradley at best the Falcons will end up at 10-6. I love my Falcons but im a realist and they havent made any big additions to their roster that would even make me slightly believe that they could make it to the playoffs without getting the wildcard spot and then losing in the first round. We need a number 1 receiver Roddy White is a number 2 receiver, we need a good defensive end thatwill free up J. Abraham, we need to start Snelling at RB (M. Turner just a had lucky season his first year here believe me it wont happen again), we need for Matt Ryan to step up and take full control of the offensive pass the ball and quit playing like he is scared its almost like he doesnt trust his O-Line or his receivers, use J. Norwood as a receiving back, get a new offensive coordinator and also, get rid of Thomas Dimitroff.
Falcons 10-6
Joey
August 23rd, 2010
7:54 am
Don’t know, Mark. How are the Falcons gonna score 3 TDs when they can’t get in the endzone now?
Some Sense
August 23rd, 2010
7:55 am
Even for a preseason game, that was a schoolyard beatdown Thursday night.
Poor, shameful as a matter of fact. Men v. boys.
jfreak
August 23rd, 2010
7:58 am
The Falcons start slow with 2 and 2 record, but I think they will finish with 10-6 record and they do make the playoffs. I don’t see them being better than the Saints, Vikings, Cowboys, or the Packers. However, if the Falcons start strong and go 3 and 1 in theif first four games then 11-6 or 12-4 is not out of the question? Defense will be the key for this team. Can they stop anyone?
Who Dat Nation
August 23rd, 2010
8:07 am
Literally bulletin board material. Will be sure to remind you of your Falcons and Saints predictions throughout the season Mark……….
Nativebird
August 23rd, 2010
8:09 am
I love it. All is possible. Certainly the talent is here to do it. Question is now…year 3…is this ‘brain-trust’ reeeeeally capable of preparing and executing, steering an organization to the superbowl. I hope so. No injury excuses…no “we’re so young” excuses from the “draft guru” we hired.
Will our “pro-bowler” holdout wider receiver actually be the man this year…or continue to smile and laugh and joke when he drops passes like he did as a rookie.
time to step gentlemen…this is no laughing matter to a city who yearns to be taken seriously in the NFL.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
August 23rd, 2010
8:13 am
schedule is certainly in the falcon’s favor. just hope everyone stays healthy and learn from their pre-season mistakes.
dx107
August 23rd, 2010
8:46 am
look like an 8-8 team to me – offense can not move the ball. Defense still can not stop the run.
Manny
August 23rd, 2010
8:58 am
OK, here we go with a dose of reality. I don’t have us beating the Steelers that first game. They have a credible backup to replace Big Ben and they can stuff the run(0-1)
I see us getting our first win against the Cardinals.(1-1)
New Orleans at New Orleans? I think it’s winnable, but I got the Saints in a squeaker. (1-2)
We will beat the 49ers. (2-2)
Beating what’s left at Cleveland (3-2)
Philly? I don’t think they can beat the Falcons (4-2)
Cincinnati will beat us. See, their offense is complete and I think their running game will be underestimated because of the WR freakshow. Cedric Benson is a train. (4-3)
We’ll beat Tampa Bay (5-3)
We will lose against the Ravens. They will stuff our running game and make Matt Ryan beat them. (5-4)
We’ll beat St. Louis (6-4)
Green Bay will beat us (6-5)
Tampa Bay @ Tampa. I got them beating the Falcons in an upset. (6-6)
We’ll beat Carolina (7-6)
Same with Seattle (8-6)
The Saints will beat us again (8-7)
We will beat Carolina again. (9-7)
That’s how I see it. We will beat some good teams, but we won’t beat teams that stuffs the run. We will beat Philly, but won’t beat the Saints, even though we may get close in the first one.
In short, the max here is 10-6, but I see the Falcons more like a 9-7 team. We’re too one-dimensional on offense and we’ve still got gaps on D. We have to be able to stuff the run for that will be our downfall.
gator32301
August 23rd, 2010
9:11 am
Mark, first off, i’m a bengals fan and of course hoping for a win, but this comment is not so much about the pick but about the score. are you even familiar with the type of team cincinnati is? what makes you think the falcons will drop 34 on one of the league’s best defenses?
rekingball
August 23rd, 2010
9:13 am
Manny, why are you pretending to be a Falcon’s fan?
BirdDog
August 23rd, 2010
9:31 am
Falcons were 9-7 last year with half their team on the DL and they lost at least 1 game on a last minute field goal. No way they do worse than 9-7 this year but I’m thinking more like 11-5. Go Falcons! Rise up!!!
Once "Recent" Reader
August 23rd, 2010
9:38 am
Who Dat Nation . . . .who’s bulletin board?????? If it was a member of the Falcons making the predictions sure . . . . . .but if you think the Saints would tack up an article with predictions from a Reporter to get themselves pumped up when they play Falcs . ..well they must really be in need of artificial stimulation.
DawgInDC
August 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
Mark, were you under a rock last week>? did you not see the NE game? they are more likely to finish 4-12 than 12-4…I say 9-7..miss the playoffs
THE COMMENTOR
August 23rd, 2010
9:50 am
MARK, YOU ARE A GREAT SPORTS COLUMNIST WITH SUPERIOR INTELLIGENCE WHO HAS A VERY WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT ON THE SPORT TOPIC THAT YOU ARE WRITING ON AND EXCELLENT-TO-SUPERIOR WRITING TALENTS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES.
HOWEVER, YOU ARE MISTAKEN IF YOU THINK THAT THE ATLANTA FALCONS WILL LOSE ANY HOME GAMES THIS YEAR OR EVEN IN THE PLAYOFFS.
I STATE THAT THE ATLANTA FALCONS WILL WIN FOURTEEN GAMES (14) AND ONLY LOSE TWO GAMES (2) WITH THOSE TWO LOSSES BEING AGAINST THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS IN NEW ORLEANS ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2010 AND AGAINST THE CAROLINA PANTHERS IN CAROLINA ON DECEMBER 12, 2010 WHICH ARE ROAD LOSSES.
I STATE THAT THE ATLANTA FALCONS HAVE A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL THIS FEBRUARY 2011 AND STAND A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING THE SUPER BOWL IF THEY ARE FORTUNATE TO MAKE IT THAT FAR.
Manny
August 23rd, 2010
10:01 am
rekingball,
I don’t take my fandom into consideration when I’m trying to predict an outcome of a game or season. That’s a recipe for inaccuracy, IMO.
But here’s why I think that this is a 10-6 or 9-7 team.
1. A running back will be injured. And I’m thinking that it’s going to be Michael Turner, eventually. This isn’t doom-and-gloom, but it’s simply the way the Falcons play that lends to him being hurt a few games.
Now why do I say that? Because he’s going to get too many touches on the offense. His ankle is chronic and with all that torque along with all those touches, it’s just a matter of time. I mean, I sat back a watched him during preseason and he’s getting too many touches in these meaningless games, IMO. That means that he’s key to moving the ball.
Oh, and another thing: Because we stall so much on 3rd down, it’s going to be incumbent upon Turner to get us out of there. That’s why they’re incorporating this dump pass to Turner… to get him even MORE touches in order to get him out in space.
2. Matt Ryan is dependent on his TEs too much. The last few preseason games, as well as last season- the WRs were almost non-factors. Gonzales is Ryan’s go-to receiver and he only take chances with his WRs primarily on out patterns. And going over the top for big plays haven’t been seen so far.
3. Our defense have improved against the pass, but needs work against the run. If we can’t stuff the run, we can’t beat the higher echelon teams. And that’s another reason why I saw that upset against the Bucs.
4. The Falcons haven’t really improved as a team from last year, so I gave them last year’s record. Someone on here said that the Falcons were 9-7 last year with half the team on DL. That’s true. Now given that I really do not believe that Turner is going to go the entire season on the field, that only leaves me to believe that at least one or two games would have been won if Matt Ryan would have been on the field when he was sidelined.
I can’t think of one game that Chris Redman lost that Matt Ryan would have won if he wasn’t out there due to his toe injury. So I look at the schedule and I can see a max of 10-6. I can’t see anything over that. But I think it’s going to be more like 9-7.
But things may change if this next game (dress rehearsal) looks more open on offense and we can get good defensive play against the run. I may think twice if I see Matt Ryan being able to go downfield and Michael Turner getting some relief. Only if I see that will I think twice.
But if I see us being bogged down on offense and it’s the Michael Turner/Tony Gonzalez show… uggh!
Will
August 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
Mark:
There you go again, looking at life through the rose-colored glasses of a true “homer”! This from the writer who proclaimed the Braves the equivalent to the 1927 Yankees after two games in New York and from the writer who said the Hawks would advance past the first round of this year’s playoffs!
The Falcons will win nine games, with an outside chance at ten if they stay healthy and the ball bounces their way.
Multiple sources that are familiar with the Falcons have told me that concern is growing that Ryan may be closer to what you saw last year than what you saw his first year in the NFL. These same sources have indicated that Turner is on the downside of his career and concern continues regarding the health of the receivers. Finally, both Anderson and Baker are proving to be first round busts.
The Falcons are not a bad team, just a team that is just above average.
Multiple calls for comment from the Falcon front office have not been immediately returned.
harris
August 23rd, 2010
10:27 am
Bradley I think you meant 4 and 12- no way in the heck the saints lose to the falcons at home. And I know you dreaming to think they are going to beat pittsburgh at home
Antidawg
August 23rd, 2010
10:29 am
Manny are you really being manny? How can you sat the steelers have a credible backup. Leftwich will get the start, and he played for us and Tampa. Results not so great. With Peria in the lineup we can stop the run. I like us 10- 6 or 11-4. Of course that is if we do not get a rash of injuries like last year.
Ted M
August 23rd, 2010
10:39 am
Dennis Dixon and the Steelers will surprise the Falcons in week one. Baltimore will be to much for the Falcons too.
I know preseason means nothing, but I’m still worried Ryan hasn’t lead TD drive yet, aren’t you?
robdawg08
August 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
I’ll go 10-6 with wild card spot. Road games are hard to win even if you are playing the Chiefs,Lions, & Rams. Carolina & 49ers will be most improved teams in NFC.
robdawg08
August 23rd, 2010
11:05 am
Tony Gonzalez was misused (under used) last year. He can’t be covered and is open every down. Throw the dang ball to him…
Reggie
August 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
Ok so the Falcons will avg 25 ppg….are you high? Have you seen the offense or lack there of. And the defense is going to hold the opposition to 16 ppg…you sir are an idiot. 8-8 or back to back to back winning seasons at 9-7…that seems to keep certain people satisfied. Not me.
Manny
August 23rd, 2010
11:22 am
Antidawg,
Dennis Dixon will get the start for the Steelers. And I hope so with Peria, but I haven’t seen much of him. But I’m taking injuries into account, as well.
Here’s the deal: the only way for the Falcons to win more than 9 games is for Turner and Norwood to stay upright. Both Turner AND Norwood. With 0 injuries after 16 games that places them on the sidelines.
You see what I mean?
Boom Dizzle
August 23rd, 2010
11:24 am
This is a scared sports town. It’s like we’d rather sneak up on people as opposed to just beating them. After the first preseason game, we were going to the Super Bowl. After the second one, we’ll won’t win 6 games.
It’s time to expect big things from this team and embrace high expectations…..With the talent and way the schedule sets up, ANYTHING less than 10 -6 would be a huge disappointment. IMO I have them going 12 – 4 also……
Reggie
August 23rd, 2010
11:42 am
robdawg08
August 23rd, 2010
11:05 am
Tony Gonzalez was misused (under used) last year. He can’t be covered and is open every down. Throw the dang ball to him… Clearly you didn’t watch the Falcons last year..Matt Ryan was so locked in on Tony he was throwing the ball at him when Tony was on the sideline getting water!
geneg
August 23rd, 2010
11:46 am
I don’t know which football game you watched Saturday night, but the one I watched, the one between the Falcons and the Patriots, left me feeling like this was going to be another, long, boring, sucky season for the Falcons. None of the eleven Falcons players on the field at any point in time were better than the eleven players the Patriots had on the field. Having lived in Dallas for the last twenty-one years I’ve seen good, bad and indifferent football teams, this one is at best indifferent. It is not championship calibre and will be lucky to go 8 – 8, much less 12 – 4. I know it’s your job to create enthusiasm, but this team reminds me of the same Falcons I left twenty-one years ago. Nothing has changed. Oh, my!
Honest Falcon Fan and 5yr Season Tkt Holder
August 23rd, 2010
12:20 pm
I love the Falcons, I pull for them just as hard as any transplant, but I see more of the same from last year, 9-7 if we are lucky. Defensively we are just not that physical and offensively we don’t scare anybody with our dink and dunk passing game. We have a good running game but without a threat of going deep, teams will stack eight in the box and dare us to beat them with anything longer than a 15-20 yard pass . Offensive line is OK but not that deep.. Pittsburg with a backup QB is still 50/50 to the Steelers(they don’t lose home openers), we lose to New Orleans twice ( to much offense),Ravens (just to physical), Green bay ( To much Offense),Phidelelphia,Cincinati and we have a habit of always losing to Seattle in there place. That puts us at 8-8 unless we win one the eight games I mentioned. I will be there cheering ,trying to help the team as much as I can but 12, 11 or 10 wins with our talent is dreaming. Eight wins with a possible 9th is more likely.
Gipp
August 23rd, 2010
1:45 pm
I think the falcons must start out strong the beginning of the season. I think if they beat pittsburg, it will give them condifence to play any other teams. Lose against them then it will be a long season. They do have some good players and those guys got to step it up for them to have a good season. I predict 10-6 if they start off strong and 8-8 if they do not.
PlanB
August 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
I like the way Biermann is playing. That will help this season.
Sorry to see Meier gone for the season. What do we have to do to keep him for next year?
Bama Backer
August 23rd, 2010
3:13 pm
I heard thru a source that Alabama is under investigation by the NCAA for unspeicified violations, sounds serious.
Sour Grapes
August 23rd, 2010
3:19 pm
good article mark- eveyone enjoys a little fiction sometimes. the bengals , the ravens , the niners and the saints all win where you say they will lose. 8-8 but another winning season of .500 or more– congratulations on 3 in a row
Sid
August 23rd, 2010
3:21 pm
12-4 could be right on the money, I have no doubt we will have at least 10 wins. This offense is better than last year and with an improved defense our offense will have more opportunities to put points on the board. Just like every team, injuries or the lack thereof play a big part of the season. But I disagree on the Philadelphia game, that’s a W………..!!
mark
August 23rd, 2010
3:34 pm
, trey lewis. is coming on. if you remember before both knee injuries, as a rookie in 07. he was the only bright spot in a season to forget. go falcons
FLDude
August 23rd, 2010
4:14 pm
The NFC South Championship stays in Louisiana!!
WHO DAT!!!!
Hamad Meander
August 23rd, 2010
4:29 pm
Being a HUGE Falcons fan, optimistical and yet still realistic, I think 12-4 would be above expectations. Everything centers on this team staying healthy, which they have NOT been able to do in the last couple of years. Meier is already done for the season, so our WR depth is a concern. I am most concerned with Peria Jerry, William Moore, Sam Baker, Trey Lewis, Brian Williams and Harry Douglas. If all these players make it through the season and contribute, this is a very good team. I would be satisfied with 10-6 and a playoff berth. I still think the Falcons are a ways off from Superbowl contention.
Schmitt
August 23rd, 2010
4:35 pm
Does anyone know where the Falcons vs Bama game will be played? Obviously the Falcons will need to win that one if they expect to beat the Miami Heat in the world series
Schmitt
August 23rd, 2010
4:38 pm
For real though, the Falcons will go undefeated and Drew Brees will go out with a season ending injury due to the Madden Curse (just look at what it did to Vick)
joe
August 23rd, 2010
4:38 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO they won’t. 9 wins if they are lucky.
Ramblin Wrecker
August 23rd, 2010
4:42 pm
12-4 seems like about right. However, I think the Falcons beat New Orleans at home and lose to them on the road. I also see the Falcons beating Philly. Kolb might be good down the road, but he’s not going to be right off the bat. I think they lose to Baltimore, because they’ll be tough physically. But I don’t see them losing to Carolina, either time. So I’d still have them at 13-3 or 12-4, just a different way.
VicksStepChild
August 23rd, 2010
4:48 pm
I agree that the Falcons may have another banner season like they did in mattys rookie season when they went 11-5. So what. If the Falcons dont win the Super Bowl in my opinion it represents a COMPLETELY WASTED SEASON. Ask hall of famer Jerry Rice of the SF 49ers. When he played, he played for the rings and not to come up short. I can tell by the way the Falcons lost their last playoff game to the Arizona Cardinals, the Falcons were just happy to be playing in the playoffs and did not dominate against an inferior team. The Cardinals went on to play in the superbowl just to lose the game. I think the Falcons are capable of winning the superbowl this season. But if they dont I will consider their season a TOTAL WASTE.
However....
August 23rd, 2010
4:53 pm
if that last preseason game was just the Falcons way of trying to throw teams off and they are secretly better than how they played last week, then Yes! There is a chance……
PhilJohnson
August 23rd, 2010
4:53 pm
I know this may offense some people out there, but I know there are many bloggers that keep blogging about Michael Vick. The reason why you keep doing it is because you have some twisted, convoluted pipe dream that Vick will EITHER start at qb for Philly instead of Kolb or by some freak last minute twist of fate, the Eagles trade Vick for Matt Ryan and Vick ends of under center again as qb for the Falcons this year. Listen guys and gals, Arthur Blank isnt a fool. Vick made a fool of the Falcons franchise and he wont get another chance here in Atlanta. So you should just forget about Vick because he has long forgotten the Atlanta Falcons and the fans he let down.
Mike Moroski (the other great Polish QB)
August 23rd, 2010
5:08 pm
Not a bad guess but my money is on them losing either to the Bengals or Ravens and going 11-5.
WTF?
August 23rd, 2010
5:17 pm
do people really think this team is that good? What changed from last year? Not much. I give them another 9 wins and 7 losses again. They are not that good and are not ready to be that good yet. But if they don’t start getting rid of the good players and getting soon to be retired players filling the roster they will be able to go 12 and 4. Not yet though.
Jimmy Jam
August 23rd, 2010
5:17 pm
Mark Bradley smoking some of that stuff Uncle Russell smoked in “Death at a Funeral.” Put down the crack pipe Mark.
WTF?
August 23rd, 2010
5:19 pm
the first 4 games will be the true test of whether they can play or not. I have them going 1 win and 3 losses in the first 4 games. They’ll either win against Arizona or San Fran but not both. Steelers, no way, even with rothlesburger. Steelers are too physical for the falcons and will manhandle their offensive line the entire game. I get Ryan throws at least 2 interceptions that game and gets sacked 4 or more times.
MisterEarl
August 23rd, 2010
5:21 pm
C’mon man!
10-5
The Falcons defensive backs will be torched if the pass rush stays the same. The Linebacker position features a rookie and does not have quality dept.
Problem area at wide receiver matching up with the Saints deep and talented defensive backs
Don’t even think about beating the Saints in The Superdome
scott
August 23rd, 2010
5:31 pm
falcons winning this year would be good for this economic stagnant racialy divided city it would give it a much needed spark..it needs it for sure and the falcons can save this depressed town and lift it up…COME ON FALCONS!!
Bravesfansince66
August 23rd, 2010
5:37 pm
Falcon offense needs to mature and get first downs and control the clock…3 and out ain’t going to cut it. Turner is the key to doing this. Flinging the ball down the field on every down is a formula for disaster. Believe we will be better on “D” this year but not if we have to stay on the field becuase the offense can’t score when it is in the red zone.
Tell it like it is.
August 23rd, 2010
5:41 pm
As evidence of thier last preseason game vs NE,i would say no team could look that bad,and be that good,preseason or not.
ACE
August 23rd, 2010
5:43 pm
Byron Leftwich is going to smoke the Dirty Birds, that’ll probably sting a little
jb
August 23rd, 2010
6:03 pm
They’ll be lucky to win 5 games.
SAINTS LSU
August 23rd, 2010
6:24 pm
Mark Bradley you know you just put your foot in your mouth the falcons beat the saints in Nawlins the saints will go 13-3 or 12-4
SAINTS LSU
August 23rd, 2010
6:32 pm
@ proud season ticket holder so the NFL fix the super bowl for the saints maybe you know who kill Kennedy LOL
GoDawgs
August 23rd, 2010
7:10 pm
Not with the way they looked against the pats first team. If the starters perform like that often in the season they will be lucky to go 8-8.
Mike
August 23rd, 2010
7:13 pm
game by game
Pitt 31 Atl 23…. Pitts oline pushes around Atl’s D and Mendenhall has carreer day.
Atl 30 Ariz 28 late fg and Atl escapes after Leinart looks like an NFL QB for his first and only time.
New Orleans 35 Atl 30….once again D line is manhandled, and the offense has 2 drives stopped inside the 10 and have to settle for FG.
Atl 27 SF 20…Gore has huge day, but still not enough to beat us in the dome.
Atl 30 Clev 17….after jumping out to a big lead, clev punishes our D line to make it a game, until a Turner breaks a big run in 4th to ice the game.
Philly 28 Atl 10….Philly finally gets some off production and their D shuts down Turner….Ryan is sacked 4 times and Sam Baker returns to the IR.
Cinncy 27 Atl 16…forget TO and Ocho, Benson goes off and once again Atlantas redzone woes kill them.
Atl 26 TB 19….a game of many field goals..TB racks up yards, but are worse in the red zone than we are.
Balt 28 Atl 27..Ryan has huge game, but Rice has over 200 yrds combined off.
Atl 38 St Louis 13….Rams suck
GB 31 Atl 20…Aaron Rogers passes for over 400 on his way to league MVP.
Atl 24 TB 16…Atl escapes from TB with a win after TB has two redzone turnovers. our D line still looking bad.
Atl 27 Car 21…J Stewart has huge day, but not enough to lead Panthers to win.
Atl 26 Sea 17….3 game winning streak vs not very good teams.
Atl 34 NO 31….finally a quality win.
Car 31 Atl 26…a late goal line stand helps Carolina beat us, and keeps us out of the playoffs at 9-7.
dandy
August 23rd, 2010
7:31 pm
…………………………………………………………………….!
Tell it like it is.
August 23rd, 2010
7:36 pm
Go Dawgs—–My point exactly!
bob
August 23rd, 2010
8:10 pm
This scenario shows them stumbling into the playoffs. Sounds like 12-5 then.
Rich
August 23rd, 2010
8:46 pm
I guess the AJC does not have a robust drug testing policy.
Hurricane Joe
August 23rd, 2010
8:58 pm
ROTFLMAO! 4-12 is more like it.
Hurricane Joe
August 23rd, 2010
9:04 pm
If hard work were the only criteria for success waitresses would rule the world.
Mark Palkovic
August 23rd, 2010
9:08 pm
This guy is nuts,hire me AJC because he sure doesn`t know football,they will not beat Cincinnati and if they are going to the playoffs they will not play any starters in game 16,so Carolina is another loss at the end of the season.
Michael
August 23rd, 2010
9:32 pm
I hope you are right.
Michael
August 23rd, 2010
9:34 pm
That is, I hope Mr. Bradley is right.
Steve
August 23rd, 2010
9:40 pm
I’m with you, except…. flip the home and road games with the Saints. Falcons lose on the road and win at home. Plus, Atlanta beats Carolina in Carolina. 13-3.
Michael
August 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
What if the Falcons go 16-0 and nobody scores on them. Matt Ryan has 60 TD passed and Michael Turner rushes for 3000 yards, and lose in the first round of the playoffs 3-0 to an 8-8 team. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! This can’t be happening! OK, I’m just kidding. Please don’t anyone correct me. I’m just kidding.
Mark
August 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
As we used to say back in the day!
OH HELL YES!!!!!!
Mark
August 23rd, 2010
9:49 pm
Enter your comments here
Kapoonka
August 23rd, 2010
9:53 pm
I know the AJC has fallen on hard times, but I think they should invest in a drug test for you. I really don’t think you believe what you wrote, but you surely achieved your objective by getting a lot of “you must be on crack” responses. I’m guessing like maybe a 500 season…at best.
REAL FALCON FAN
August 23rd, 2010
10:07 pm
HEY MARK , FOR THE MOST PART YOU ARE RIGHT ,BUT I SEE US BEATING THE AINTS TWICE AND WE WILL NOT LOSE TO GREEN BAY OR THE EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO FALCONS
Steeler4Life
August 23rd, 2010
10:15 pm
Roethlisberger doesn’t play DEFENSE!! But Harrison, Woodley, and Polamalu sure do!!! GO STEELERS! You Falcon fans need to be concerned with game 1 first!!!
Matt the Brave
August 23rd, 2010
10:22 pm
Roll Tide (apparently, that roll is for toilet paper), the Buccaneers would beat the crap out of Alabama. Apparently you have no idea that the NFL are professionals. No matter how you cut it, these guys would kill to make sure they still had their spots. The kids at Alabama get to lead their coaches and that organization around by the *nose* because they feel like no one can replace them. You’re a joker, and stay off of the discussion boards until you finally realize that you’re an idiot and have 3 brain cells because you’re backwater trash.
catdaddy1
August 23rd, 2010
10:24 pm
are you out your mind,give them a 7and 9 seson.
DannyB
August 23rd, 2010
11:03 pm
The Falcons look good, but not that good. I took the liberty as an interim editor to rework your prediction. The season will be a 11-5.
At New Orleans, Sept. 26: Here’s where the watching world starts to take the Birds seriously. The Falcons nearly won in the Superdome last November at a time when the Saints were unbeaten. This time they’ll do the same exact thing – shoulda, coulda, woulda… Falcons 21, Saints 31.
Saints1Fan
August 23rd, 2010
11:06 pm
Why does everyone keep saying the Saints have such a tough schedule. We have the exact same schedule as everyone in the NFC South, except for 2 games. We have Dallas and Minnesota, and the Falcons have Philadelphia and Green Bay.
Mark, you are thinking big. Very big. Let me help you. You are starting the season with only 14 possible wins because you will lose both games to the Saints. I have you losing to Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay, Philadelphia, 1 game to Carolina. Cleveland and Cincinatti are also a possibility. The best you will be this year is 9-7. Maybe 7-9.
Health is key for all teams, but I think NO has more quality back-ups than the Falcons. You don’t believe me, the Saints have 5 WR that could start for any team in the league. Definitely for the Falcons. They have 4 starting CB’s, 4 very nice running backs, O-Linemen out the whazzoo, and D-Linemen galore. Darren Sharper’s back up at FS is Malcolm Jenkins.
Can you name the Falcons back-ups? Better yet, would you feel comfortable with them starting? Me either.
DannyB
August 23rd, 2010
11:07 pm
Real Falcon Fan — nice name, kinda catchy. Must be lonely being the only one in the city of college football fans and transient NFL fans. Like your dedication, but there Aint no way da dirty-birds gonna beat dem Saints. It’ll playout out like most of your recent years: Gonzalez will get an age-related injury, Ryan will be caught with Vick at a Night Club with a piece under his shirt, your OLBs will get turf toe, and your kicker will miss 3 in a row…
rose colred glasses
August 23rd, 2010
11:10 pm
pour me some of what you’re drinking MB.
ejj
August 24th, 2010
12:40 am
I am a falcon fan, but I am real. don’t see more than 8 wins. I hope I ‘m wrong, but defense is soft, and falcons did not beat every soft team last year, so I’m not a believer yet. Nice “rise up video, but team needs to believe it. Need strong inside rush, don’t depend totally on Abe, others need to step up. Linebackers not solid, wspoon a rookie, got turned around last game, been seeing basic flaws in pass defense (db’s getting turned, etc), other lb’s would not be starting on other clubs. I will be at the games, when home, cheering, as an 12th player, though. Must win at home.
A complete blank
August 24th, 2010
12:42 am
Way too much hype for a team with a crappy Defense and a hot and cold offense. Schedule is tough. Plus they are the Falcons…Too much coaching inexperience……Record will be closer to 4-12.. Sorry Mark!!!
Mike
August 24th, 2010
1:26 am
This is what happens when your local “sports columnist” reads another sports columnist prediction! I want you to take a bite of Lee Rusakoff’s humble pie @ the end the season! 10-6 @ best.
You better pray that Michael Turner holds up. Besides, the Steelers are notorius for stopping the run. Also, with the return of Troy P., Aaron Smith, Bryant McFadden and Larry Foote, I think the Steelers are being underestimated. When expectations aren’t high (Superbowl for them)this is the year the Steelers shine. You spoke about Ben? If the Falcons play D like they did last Thursday, Dennis Dixon & Byron Leftwich will have a field day!
Triumph The Soothsayer
August 24th, 2010
1:29 am
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!
That’s a great prediction…FOR ME TO POOP ON!!!!
That doozie rivals the “Dogs will go 11-0″ column in 1988.
Triumph has a long memory. I found that edition and read it while gnawing on bones out of the dumpster behind the KFC on Gray Highway one late August day in Macon…TRUE STORY!
The years have made Triumph wiser. Bradley? Not so much. Flip the numbers and you’ll be closer to the eventual actuality.
Triumph knows. Trust me…I’m a Soothsayer.
Joshua
August 24th, 2010
2:41 am
The Falcons are definitely talented enough to go 12-4 and win the division like MB says. But they are the Falcons, and the fact is they probably won’t get it done, regardless of how good they should be.
mightymike
August 24th, 2010
3:55 am
what is up with you guys?
Where is your faith?
They will go all the way only if enough will believe that includes tham and you…
No matter who wins we’re all winners in life just by beign here
Piece out you all
The Falcons can't go 12-4? 'Sure they can,' says Mr. Sunshine | Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2010
8:23 am
[...] See, I do read your comments. Herein I’ll attempt to parry the main objections raised by the little post in which I predicted the Falcons will go 12-4. [...]
Sid
August 24th, 2010
10:38 am
I looked at each team on the Falcons schedule to see what the opposition had the previous week they play the Falcons. Turns out 12 of the teams played their previous week on the road. They only face one team coming off of their bye week, the Bengals. We catch the Saints coming off of a road trip to SF for Monday Night Football. We catch Carolina coming off a road trip to Seattle. We play Green Bay the week after they play a huge away game against the Vikings. Also, Philadelphia plays us after a road trip to SF. And the Saints may well be pretty beat up for that MNF game after they tangle with the Ravens.
Falcons Vs——————————who opp. played the previous week
@ Steelers——————————–
Arizona ———————————–@ Rams
@ Saints———————————–@ 49ers (MNF)
San Francisco—————————–@ KC
@ Cleveland——————————-Bengals
@ Eagles————————————@ 49ers
Bengals—————————————Bye Week
Falcons Bye Week———————————
Tampa—————————————@ Cardinals
Baltimore————————————Miami
@ Rams————————————–@ 49ers
Packers ————————————–@ Minnesota
@ Tampa————————————-@ Baltimore
@ Carolina———————————–@ Seahawks
@ Seahawks ———————————@ 49ers
Saints (MNF)——————————-@ Ravens
Carolina—————————————@ Steelers
hiramsaint
August 25th, 2010
6:27 pm
sid – so your sayin’ 9 wins at best? i’ll have to agree-9 at best
ATL Observer
August 26th, 2010
12:21 pm
Don’t think the Pitt game is lock with no Ben. The real star (as last year proved) is Polumalu, and he’s in the lineup. I actually would flip the San Fran and Philly results. I don’t think we can take both Baltimore AND Cincy, only split. 4-2 against the division sounds about right.
I’m thinking 10-6, *maybe* 11-5.
TDiddy
August 26th, 2010
2:28 pm
10-6 is more realistic no way they go into Pitt & win week 1 home opener for the Steelers. Not so sure they will sweep the AFC North beating both Baltimore & Cincy. Nothing like wishful thinking Falcon fans, just remember last time you were in the Super Bowl you guys were down in Liberty City chasing tricks. Lol
Baldy2658
August 28th, 2010
9:59 am
With or without Big Ben they won’t beat the Steelers
FAAAQ
August 28th, 2010
10:18 am
Got to find the end zone… and so far we haven’t…
Don't Drink the Coolaid
August 28th, 2010
10:23 am
Yep – that’s it – you just gave the Falcons the kiss of death. How about the lack of a downfield passing game?? Or the 3rd down efficiency – I don’t see 12 – 4. This season will be a lot closer to 9-7 or 10 – 6 then 12 – 4. Wildcard here we come!!
Peter
August 28th, 2010
11:19 am
Funny stuff Mark….especially your call of the Raven’s Game….. they take it all this year………we get stomped in that game. Joe Flaco shows us why we picked the wrong QB in the draft.
We may hang with the Saints, they are typically close games, ” IF ” we split with them, then we have a chance for 10 wins.
Do we have a kicker ? Can we catch the ball ? Will the offensive line hold up ?
All big questions along with, is Matt going to get any better ?
The defense got better so there is hope for the Falcon’s.
Mike
August 28th, 2010
11:59 am
Mark, a 12-4 record is wishful thinking I’m afraid. Did you see the same game that I saw last night? Something is wrong with Matt Ryan. He misses and underthrows receivers. He throws the ball after the receiver breaks, rather than before and his interception was a weak floater that any high school defensive back would have intercepted. I think our offensive playcalling lacks imiganation. How many balls did Roddy White drop last night? How much is Arthur Blank paying him to drop touchdown passes?
After the Pittsburgh game, I expect you will need revise your 12-4 record.
Thanks for being positive and I hope that I am wrong, but from what I have seen on the field, I’m very discouraged.
jovan
August 28th, 2010
1:02 pm
U must be out ur top if u think the Falcons go win any game against the Saints