Eight years later, the Packers must come to Mr. Blank’s house
That giddy night in Green Bay: Blank, Vick and Sonny Perdue. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Eight years ago, the rookie owner saw his sixth-seeded team upset Green Bay at Lambeau Field on a snowy Saturday night. This Saturday night, Green Bay will play here as the lower seed, as an underdog seeking to unseat a member of the NFL’s upper crust. Because that’s what Arthur Blank’s Falcons have become.
“We’re a relevant team in the NFL now,” Blank said this week. “This is an important team in the NFL.”
Note that Blank chose to use one word twice — “team.”
On the night of Jan. 4, 2003, the emphasis wasn’t so much on the collective as an individual. That famous upset was seen as a function of Michael Vick, described in the fifth paragraph of the Associated Press game report as “the 22-year-old improvisational genius.” But Vick would preside over only one more playoff victory as a Falcon, and he took his final snap for this franchise on Dec. 31, 2006.
Yet here the Falcons sit, the reversals of losing Vick and Bobby Petrino, head coach for all of 13 games, having been rendered a long-ago memory. They were a playoff team in 2008, a winning team in 2009, the class of the NFC this season. These Falcons, simply put, are constructed better than any Falcons have ever been.
Said Blank: “This team reflects Thomas [Dimitroff, the general manager] and Smitty [coach Mike Smith]. This team is very balanced — No. 5 in both offense [points scored] and defense [points yielded] and last in penalties. That’s not a formula for glamorous, but it is a formula for success.”
Back to January 2003: Vick controlled that game in Green Bay and the Falcons became the first visitor to beat the Packers in a playoff game; a week later, the Eagles controlled Vick on a blustery night in Philadelphia and won by two touchdowns. Those Falcons had but one way to win, and that way was tied to No. 7. These Falcons have many ways.
“We’re more balanced,” Blank said. “There’s not a single player who’s the focus. Michael was extremely talented, and win, lose or draw there were people who’d come to watch him play.”
Also this: “I’m thrilled about this year, but also beyond this year — and not just because of our quarterback Matt Ryan. We’re positioned for success for a very long time.”
Blank’s first season as owner was giddy beyond all expectation: He bought the team in February 2002, saw Vick rise from newly promoted starter to Pro Bowl quarterback, saw his team finish 9-6-1 but back into the playoffs when New Orleans lost at home to Carolina on the regular season’s final day. Then the Falcons went to Wisconsin and won, and in July 2003 the team arrived for training camp in Greenville, S.C., widely tipped as a Super Bowl team.
Then Vick broke his leg against Baltimore in the third preseason game, which undid the 2003 season, which led Blank to fire Dan Reeves and hire Jim Mora, who led the Falcons to the NFC title game — also in Philadelphia, also a comprehensive loss — before running out of ideas. So Blank fired Mora and hired Petrino, and by the shank of 2007 this team had become an object of pity: Quarterback in jail, coach in Arkansas.
The Falcons weren’t seeking excellence when they went out hunting a new GM and a new coach in January 2008 — they were hoping for a shred of credibility. They found Dimitroff via webcam and Smith via a series of interviews at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, and now Blank’s beloved franchise appears built to last. Which beats the heck out of being built to finish last.
First things first, however: The Packers in another playoff game. Who’s Blank picking? The Pack by a touchdown? “Yeah, right,” he said, unappreciative of the insolence.
Then: “We’re certainly in a better position [as opposed to eight years ago, when the Falcons, as the No. 6 seed, couldn't play a home game] … We’re set up to have a chance to do well. That said, we’re playing a team that travels very well.”
Eight years ago, the Falcons had to go play in the snow to announce themselves to the NFL. This time the road to the Super Bowl leads through Atlanta — where as we know it never ever snows.
By Mark Bradley
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238 comments Add your comment
section 340
January 14th, 2011
11:34 am
Only two of the “experts” at espn pick the Falcons to win. A well rested number one seed home team vs a sixth seed, and we are the underdog, silly how much disrespect that network has shown this team this year. I think the team can use this as a great motivational tool. Everyone is saying that Green Bay is “Hot” because they won 3 straight must win games. I could say that they may be spent or running out of gas.
I agree with Ted M. Open the game up with the pass in order to open up the run, and then power run with Turner, Snelling and Ovie in the back field at the same time. I have yet to see that formation. Imagine a 750lb backfield. Then boom back to no huddle.
Anything to keep em guessing. Mularkey was known as inspector gadget in Pittsburgh I can’t remember a trick play sense he has been here. How ’bout a flea flicker . I love S@#$ like that to start a game.
I am rambling ideas because I will send him Mularkey to the moon if falls to the 3 straight draws up them middle garbage. Its like playing a special-ed kid in rock, paper, scissors you know they are going to throw rock.
And personally I don’t love the “Rise Up” theme. I never sat down. We had to use Samuel L and a choir to get our Vick Fans to convert to a team not a player. But whatever make the dome as loud as possible. I’ll be standing up every down on defense and remember be quite when we are on offense. The stadium was doing the wave on offense against the Saints. Come on man act like we’ve been here before. Long time season ticket holder.
Matt Ryan is the Truth
In Dimitroff and Smith We Trust
Go Falcons
Mark Bradley
January 14th, 2011
11:35 am
I am blogging live from the titanic tilt.
And this was a product of a little interview with AMB, done via phone.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & TIred
January 14th, 2011
11:35 am
Please y’all …..don’t respond to the rantings of a lunatic. If you ignore the rants maybe he’ll go away…..Don’t sweat it if there are some former Atlanta Falcons’ fans who are still worshipping the past. It’s their loss….
The Atlanta Falcons are now headed in a different direction…..THANK GOODNESS!!!!! I, for one, as so proud of the way the team has turned the franchise around. GO FALCONS!!!!!
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:38 am
what’s the titanic tilt? a bar?
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:41 am
pic caption: Sonny: Yes, Mike, i like bird dogs too.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 14th, 2011
11:41 am
Mark,
If you are in anyway near anything called the Titanic do not pick the Falcons,
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:42 am
Mike: Mr. Blank, I sure do like those dog pens you sell.
Tweets that mention Eight years later, the Packers must play in Mr. Blank's house | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
January 14th, 2011
11:43 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor. ajc sports editor said: @MarkBradleyAJC recalls the last time #Falcons-#Packers met in playoff … it was a wild one http://bit.ly/e5n563 [...]
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:43 am
Sonny: Mike, you know i’m an old Bulldog. Mike: yes, i’ve got a few old ones myself.
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:44 am
Mike: Sonny, what’s the secret of staying out of jail? Sonny: don’t break the law son.
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:47 am
Sonny: Mike, i really enjoy watching Bulldog games. Mike: me too Guv.
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
11:47 am
Good stuff todd grantham- Now go work on that putrid 3-4 defense you installed
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
11:48 am
Get Justin Houston to stay at UGA while you are at it.
falconfan 24-7
January 14th, 2011
11:51 am
Fyi, Matt made the Pro Bowl over Rodgers.The coaches, fans and players have spoken.
Go Falcons and “Sack the Pack”!
Bird Droppings II
January 14th, 2011
11:54 am
Go Pack Go. Not.
We have the Pack and Eagles on our schedule again next season. Go Figure.
gadawgs
January 14th, 2011
11:56 am
Love my Falcons. Saturday night is gonna be fun. Gotta be loud people!!!!
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
11:58 am
Blank: Sonny, do you have guard dogs around the mansion? Sonny: yes. Mike: me too!
connie
January 14th, 2011
11:58 am
All I can remember from the country people in atlanta was,” Go Vick, he is our man, this is Vick house”..Just like you all treated the slaves down south, when you used them up,and they could not produce, it was over. YOU COUNTRY PEOPLE TURNED YOUR BACK ON VICK! NOW, HE IS BACK! TAKE THAT!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 14th, 2011
11:59 am
Actually he is not back, unless you count sitting in his living room watching the rest of the playoffs from his couch.
Enkinan
January 14th, 2011
12:02 pm
These comments sections are so much more quiet with the obnoxious “Two Dat” and Eagles fans gone home for the season.
Buc Blue
January 14th, 2011
12:03 pm
So Deon SanderClaus was on that team…I must have forgot about that. Anyway, I guess the taxpayers paid for the Sonny to be there?
bc from milw
January 14th, 2011
12:04 pm
Enter your comments here
Enkinan
January 14th, 2011
12:05 pm
Hey connie, I wanted Shaub to play when Vick was here. Vick is a great athlete, and a mediocre quarterback that makes too many poor decisions. Go move to Philly if you love him so much.
Buc Blue
January 14th, 2011
12:11 pm
Falcons Sorry said – Mr. Blank stabbed Vick in the back. WOW. That is rich.
clay
January 14th, 2011
12:11 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flBXW78dVEc, and thats all I got to say about that.
SimpleDawg
January 14th, 2011
12:15 pm
Wow, Falcons Sorry has a mate……connie.
A match made in error.
Mel from Atlanta
January 14th, 2011
12:20 pm
Perry get your carpet bag fool head out of this City. How ya doing – Ru Ru?
Chuck Clausen
January 14th, 2011
12:26 pm
Arthur Blank has put all the pieces together to give the Falcon fans a great team – I coached from 1976 through 1991 in the NFL – winning championships in pro football starts with ownership.. Thomas and Mike are fulling their locker room with great athletes, who are good teammates and quality people. I spent 5 great season with Woody at Ohio State and Woody always said “you win with quality people” I don;t know if we win this weekend or not, but we will be prepared and our players will leave it all on the field. Great time to be a Falcon fan
Driver 8
January 14th, 2011
12:40 pm
Mark,
I don’t sense that NFL fans view the Falcons as having arrived. A win Saturday and ultimately a Super Bowl victory are really the only way to reverse the negative perception cemented by 40 years of ineptitude.
I love what the Falcons are building (and have built) but I’ve been surprised by the consensus that the Packers are the better team. Maybe it was the NO game (uncharacteristic mistakes on the big stage) that has me so concerned about this game, or perhaps it is that this moment has seemingly taken a lifetime to arrive (1998 was more lightening in the bottle) and that a loss would minimize the progress to date.
Or maybe the thing that still holds me back is that I sat in the end zone at ATL-FULCO as a giddy 17 year old Falcon fan where Drew Pearson broke our collective hearts 30 years ago. I have never been the same fan since.
Pete
January 14th, 2011
12:41 pm
I am a Bears fan from Austin, Tx. long story as to why the Bears are my team. I have been reading the newspapers from the various playoff towns. The experts are picking the packers to get to the SB. I personally think the Falcons can take them down. When the Bears beat the Packers they do it by having a balanced attack on O. limit turnovers, easier said than done with Jay at QB and make Rodgers work the ball downfield limiting big plays. the Falcons are the perfect team to do those things. Don’t give up on the run too early. The Pack will run blitz like crazy early to stop the run and try to force ryan to beat them. Just keep pounding the rock and wait for play action opportunities to your TE. .I remember three years or so commenting on ESPN’s board about how i felt sorry for the ATL fans because the Vick thing and the coach leaving thing left the team looking at years of rebuidling. Amazing how fast it all trurned for the good. Now it seems like the Falcons will be a factor each year for awhile.
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
12:48 pm
MB- On the eve of this huge game, no pick from you?
(Un-) Fair weather fan
January 14th, 2011
12:49 pm
Driver 8: “I don’t sense that NFL fans view the Falcons as having arrived. A win Saturday and ultimately a Super Bowl victory are really the only way to reverse the negative perception cemented by 40 years of ineptitude.”
I agree with this 100%. And even then, it still might have to be followed by continued strength to break through.
“Or maybe the thing that still holds me back is that I sat in the end zone at ATL-FULCO as a giddy 17 year old Falcon fan where Drew Pearson broke our collective hearts 30 years ago. I have never been the same fan since.”
Wow, couldn’t have written it better myself .
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
12:51 pm
Mark, do you think the Falcons will “Blank” the Packers? heh
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
12:52 pm
Thank Pete, Us Atlanta fans are definately a tortured bunch. An odd collection of souls if you will. The Falcons are the best organization in town so we dream of a North Dallas run
Eric C.
January 14th, 2011
12:52 pm
Most of the experts at ESPN went 1-3 last round…I’m glad they are picking agains the Falcons
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
12:54 pm
No one picked Seattle to beat New Orleans but if you check Mark’s old columns from before the game you would see I and a couple of others did pick them to beat the Saints
Joycee Banicheck
January 14th, 2011
12:54 pm
Kinda thought more idiot cheese heads would be on this blog today telling us how great their franchise and state are. “our uniforms are better”, “we have hotter chicks”, yada yada yada…
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
12:54 pm
You certainly have to say as far as situations go, the Falcons couldnt’ have put themselves in a better one. Why pick against them?
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
12:56 pm
Who knows where they are at, maybe doing a saonce to get encouragment from Vince Lombardi. Who knows
Ross
January 14th, 2011
12:56 pm
Joycee – their uniforms are better
In fact I’m hoping the Birds bust out the throwbacks for the game! Then the Packers’ one advantage would be neutralized.
Eric C.
January 14th, 2011
12:58 pm
Packers are going to be easy to wear down after two tough road contests at CHI and PHI.
The first quarter will be the big key. The Falcons need to keep it close early, then they should be able to wear them down easily in the 2nd half if they have about 60% of the total plays as they usually do. Falcons own the 4th quarter.
If turnovers are even, Falcons are looking at a 5 to 9 pt win.
AU Liberal in ATL
January 14th, 2011
1:00 pm
If it’s all caps, we don’t read it. Go Birds!
Pete
January 14th, 2011
1:03 pm
Question: What do you call a woman that weighs 225lbs. from Wisconsin?
Answer: anorexic
Joycee Banicheck
January 14th, 2011
1:04 pm
Not sure I’d go some other team’s blog and rant about how much my team’s unis are better is all I’m saying. Maybe Friday is the day they all put on their Favre jerseys and cry…
extremus
January 14th, 2011
1:06 pm
I said this in an earlier post; the main reason the Falcons still don’t get much love from the national media (particularly ESPN and SI) is about revenue and the things that drive it. The team-centric aspect of this Falcons unit doesn’t make for the kind of things those guys make a living off of, namely focusing on “superstars” who routinely create a circus atmosphere for their team to have to deal with (be it via Twitter, off-the-field problems or just plain being hedonistic and obnoxious). The Patriots model the Falcons are being built around is very much like the Braves model from the 1990s (though the Braves certainly had their superstars, the clubhouse atmosphere always remained at an even keel, a testament to Bobby Cox’s biggest strength as a manager and John Scheurholz’s ability to bring in personnel who were compatible); much of the positive mindset comes from focusing on professionalism and keeping things in the clubhouse, not about kneejerk reactions and trash talk. A team with aspirations to greatness keeps things professional and even-keeled; they don’t tolerate distractions (hopefully Roddy White’s Twitter escapades are a one-and-done and ALL Falcons players take a lesson from it) so they don’t give the bloggers much to write about.
“Superstars” and big-market teams like the northeast teams, Green Bay, and forced-down-the-public consciousness’-throats “feel-good” stories like New Orleans make for more tantalizing press. More importantly, a potential Superbowl matchup between two of those teams generates much more revenue (and hence media glitz) than say, if a small or medium market matchup like Atlanta-Kansas City were to occur. Sure everyone says they want parity, but in the NFL as it is with all professional sports, that’s an utter hypocrisy if you simply look at the balance of coverage by the sports networks. It all comes down to money and what sells to the most readers/watchers, unfortunately.
But at least Falcons fans can take solace in the fact that whether the national media cares about them or not, we have a very good team now and one that will hopefully contend regularly for years to come. A football TEAM that Atlanta can finally be proud of.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
FrontRow
January 14th, 2011
1:06 pm
First visiting team to win a playoff game in Lambeau. Here’s a question: Have the Falcons EVER lost a playoff game in the Dome?
Falcon
January 14th, 2011
1:07 pm
p on ron mexico
todd grantham
January 14th, 2011
1:08 pm
Have you ever noticed that quite often Arthur has a “Blank” look on his face?
Get another Story
January 14th, 2011
1:10 pm
I have a wonderful Idea. Let’s beat the Mike Vick Drum when he may come back to Atlanta to play in the Playoffs. Since he is now out of the Playoffs, let’s beat the Mike Vick Drum about what happend forever ago. Isn’t there another story line for you Mark? How many times will you and Schultz drag up the Mike Vick story? Can’t you find something else to write about besides using him as a baseline for everything you guys write about and me melancholy and dramatic about. I can see it now…..
A new McDonalds opens up somewhere in the Atlanta area and Bradley releases a column, “I remember when Mike Vick went to a McDonalds with Bobby Petrino, they then tore the heart and soul out of the city 6 months later when one got arrested and the other went to Arkansas”. Schultz would soon follow suit with a similar article about a new Barnes and Noble, reminiscing about how he saw Mike Vick and Petrino reading childrens books before setting the entire city of Atlanta afire a la Sherman. Good Lord I understand that you require blog hits in order to justify your pay, but man you are beating the same old drum again and again. Of course here I am reading it so what does that say about me?
Far_East
January 14th, 2011
1:23 pm
The Packers are good but they should have lost to Philly. I think the media loves them because they would like GB to win a big one post Favre (a lot of them are probably tired of Favre fanfare and wanted to say GB did the right thing).
Anyway, Matty Ice is 20-2 in the dome. I’m not saying it’s a sure thing but I wouldn’t bet against the Falcons in the Dome – it would be foolish to do so.
Go Falcons.