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
Buck Commander
January 14th, 2011
10:07 am
First on Friday!!
rawdawg
January 14th, 2011
10:07 am
First
rawdawg
January 14th, 2011
10:08 am
curses
Buck Commander
January 14th, 2011
10:08 am
rawdawg, come out and play. The weathers fine.
THE LAST THUG OF KRYPTON
January 14th, 2011
10:09 am
WHEN MATT RYAN THROWS THIS GAME AWAY TOMORROW NIGHT YOU HATERS WILL BE WISHING MIKE VICK WAS BACK HERE TO LEAD THE FALCONS TO VICK-TORY!
PLEASE BELIEVE THAT!
Mark Bradley
January 14th, 2011
10:09 am
Buck Commander by a nose over rawdawg. Kudos in a classic “first” finish.
Buck Commander
January 14th, 2011
10:10 am
Look Mark, rawdawg is back and in second place where he belongs.
chewyandrw
January 14th, 2011
10:10 am
One thing man…I went to a game in Green Bay the year after Atlanta had gone up there and put them out…I wore Falcons gear bc the Packers were playing the Eagles and I wanted to support the Birds. I caught so much crap and hell for that. We need to return the favor in a non-physical way to those who are coming to watch the Packers. We need the amazing fanbase that the Packers have in GB down here in Atlanta.
PMC
January 14th, 2011
10:18 am
We’re not “relevant” yet. Relevance comes with winning games like this one routinely.
Relevance comes over time, it comes from beating good teams in the playoffs. All we can do is hope for more of that.
Herschel Talker
January 14th, 2011
10:22 am
MB:
We’re gonna get it done this weekend!!! What say you on the prediction for the game?
HT
dean
January 14th, 2011
10:22 am
I’d like to see another blocked punt to start the firestorm on GB.
Lasting memory of that game: Fox sports gal tells Vick, “Green Bay has never lost a home playoff game in their history.”, Vick: “I guess we’ll go out and try to make history.” He trotted off. And we did.
Hate him or love him, he had a helluva game that night.
dean
January 14th, 2011
10:23 am
I’d like to see another blocked punt to start the firestorm.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 14th, 2011
10:25 am
is sonny perdue coming to the game anybody know ?
Dr. Warren
January 14th, 2011
10:26 am
Ryan or Rodgers? Who would you take as your qb in a playoff game? Gotta say Rodgers right now, but I’ll take our running back and our receivers. It’s gonna be a tough one, and let’s hope Gonzalez didn’t bring the 13-3 one-and-out curse from KC.
Ted M
January 14th, 2011
10:27 am
Who’s Blank picking? The Pack by a touchdown? “Yeah, right,” he said, unappreciative of the insolence. That’s pretty funny.
So Mark is blog the result of one on one interview you had with Blank?
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:28 am
Simple – Punch them in the mouth in the 1st quarter. They’ll be licking their wounds the rest of the game
Buck Commander
January 14th, 2011
10:29 am
Sonny is going ice fishing this weekend.
Ted M
January 14th, 2011
10:29 am
oops, So Mark is “this” blog.
I ran out of coffee 2 days ago. I am so looking forward to that next cup.
RobbE33
January 14th, 2011
10:29 am
Today’s relevance becomes tomorrow’s respect if the Falcons can take the next step ahead of them. Only with a Super bowl can they ever hope to silence the “Yeah, buts.”
I am so thankful that Thomas and Smitty have collected a team built on character and intelligence. Thank you, Arthur! We’ll do our best to repay you in kind.
FALCONS SORRY
January 14th, 2011
10:31 am
AUTHUR BLANK! YOU MADE THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU STAB MIKE IN THE BACK! HE WAS LIKE A SON TO YOU! AND YOU BETRAY HIM FOR YOUR SORRY ILL LEGITMATE SON MATTY HOPELESS! MIKE GAVE YOU THE BEST MEMORY OF YOUR LIFE BLANK! THEN YOU TOSS HIM AWAY LIKE TRASH! YOU ARE THE ONE THAT TRASH BLANK! AND YOU ARE GOING TO GET BURN FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE WHEN YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER! YOU COULD HAVE CONKERED THE WORLD WITH MIKE BLANK! THE WORLD! BUT YOU THREW IT ALL AWAY JUST TO GET YOUR PRETTY POSTER BOY QB THAT DO ESPN COMERCIAL! WHEN CRYIN RYAN COST US THE GAME AGAINST THE PACKER YOU WILL BE DOWN ON YOUR KNEEZ LIKE MONICA LOU WHISKY TRYING TO GET MV THE MAN TO COME BACK AND SAVE YOUR FRANCHISE AND FROM GOING BROKE! WHERE YOUR WALLET AT! BETTER RUN GO TO YOUR SORRY HO DEPOT AND GET YOU SOME GARDEN KNEE PAD BLANK! DONT SLIP ON FALL ON NO ICE RUNNING TO TH CASH REGSTER BLANK!
Alex
January 14th, 2011
10:31 am
Last sentence=funny stuff
Ted M
January 14th, 2011
10:32 am
This game is a toss up. I’m worried for the Falcons. Its gonna be real fun to watch though.
Buck Commander
January 14th, 2011
10:33 am
Well, that gave me a headache.
Ted M
January 14th, 2011
10:37 am
I hope the Falcons open up the offense. They should use 10 yard passes to Gonzo and 20 yard passes to White to open up the running game for Turner. I hope 7 of the first 8 plays are passes.
Ted M
January 14th, 2011
10:38 am
I’ve learned to skip all caps posts.
dean
January 14th, 2011
10:40 am
FalconsSorry again does not fail to disappoint with his Criminal Worship.
DawginLex
January 14th, 2011
10:43 am
Falcons sorry=MV7
Still looking for Vick in ATL this weeekend?
He might be there, if he BOUGHT A TICKET TO WATCH THE WINNERS PLAY.
Go away Troll Boy, your Vick ghetto we are the world representing thug trash ain’t welcome here anymore.
go play with your dog. If you still have one.
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:44 am
Mark- You just don’t seem very confident in the Falcon’s ability to win this game. Sure Aaron Rodgers is better than Matt Ryan but as a team the Falcons are much healthier (Pack without Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant) and much more balanced. If Brees threw for 400 yards and couldn’t win without a running game and a good defense against Seattle, I just don’t see the Pack coming into the Dome and beating the well rested Falcons anymore than those 03 Falcons going into Philly and beating the demonstrably better Eagles
P Rose
January 14th, 2011
10:45 am
I’m glad fools like FALCONS SORRY are horny for Mike Vick instead of being Falcons fans. Going to the Dome is much more enjoyable without drooling psychotics like this nut trolling the stands.
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:46 am
Falcons Sorry- Your stream of consciousness has never had any fish in it
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:47 am
I wouldn’t trade 20-2 Matt Ryan at home for 4x MV7’s
NFL FAN
January 14th, 2011
10:48 am
Falcons Sorry obviously is need of english and grammar classes! Also, your “boy” mike is a mass murdering, gangland hood who brought down a dark cloud over the Falcons franchise for his heinous crimes. Mr. Blank did the right thing in dropping his sorry ass! Vick still can’t win a playoff game and has shown once again this year that it is all about him and not a “team”. He was a prime reason the Eagles lost to the Packers; they should have won that game even with Akers missed FG’s but “mike” tried to be the man and couldn’t finish. Your post sounds like you’re the one who owns the knee pads and gets down for your “boy” mike! Watch out for his herpes, Falcons Sorry! Or, do you own a Ron Mexico jersey, too! Keep loving your hoodlums, Falcons Sorry, and keep following losers!
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:50 am
Falcons are a class and model NFL organization now unlike those ghetto team days Falcons Sorry is so fond of.
DawginLex
January 14th, 2011
10:50 am
Falcons sorry=MV7
Still looking for Vick in ATL this weeekend?
He might be there, if he BOUGHT A TICKET TO WATCH THE WINNERS PLAY.
Go away Troll Boy, your Vick ghetto we are the world representing thug trash ain’t welcome here anymore.
go play with your dog. If you still have one.
Hey ghetto boy!!!!!!!!
CAN YOU READ DIS??????????
LOSER
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
10:52 am
Good logic Ted M- All caps posts are people that are starving for attention.
PMC
January 14th, 2011
10:54 am
Every single Falcons blog devolves….. It’s almost not worth reading anymore.
Come on guys, focus on the present and what’s right with the world.
Smiling Jack
January 14th, 2011
10:57 am
Could we please have a moratorium on ignorance, stupidity, racism and criminal worship until after the Super Bowl? Please!!! Go Falcons! Beat the cheese out of the Pack!
nola falcon fan
January 14th, 2011
11:01 am
MB – you blogging live from the game? And any truth the rumor that ESPN even favors Green Bay snow storms over ATL snow? Dang nat’l media gives us no love
JohnHatINmacon
January 14th, 2011
11:03 am
The Falcons have to pressure Rodgers, if they rush 3or4 its not going to stop the run or the pass, last game even when we had good coverage Rodgers would find a running lane and pick up 1st downs. They have to get him on the ground, if we give up a big play or two so be it. A sack fumble will more than make up for it. Facons by 10!! The road to Dallas gos thru Georgia!!
Glenn In Florida
January 14th, 2011
11:03 am
Does Falcons Sorry have a sever mental problem? Mr. Vick lost last game, right? He also was about to get kicked out of Atlanta, before the Snoopy incident, because of his play. One game he looks like the best who ever played. The next he looks like he never played the game before. His INT in the 4th qtr cost the Eagles the game, so what is Falcon Sorry whining about? Also like so many have said before, “You get respect when you actually do something.” There are lots and lots of teams who make the playoffs, there are much fewer that bring home the SB Trophy. You want respect, you win a SB Title. Didn’t anyone watch what happened in Saint Land last year? You win it all and the Falcons will be all over TV and ESPN. Teams that use the “we don’t get respect” line, need to, because deep down, they don’t think they can win. Saturday we will see.
Reid Adair
January 14th, 2011
11:04 am
That was a great game at Lambeau Field and a proud moment for Falcons fans. But now, eight years later, things are different. Very different.
Sports Review
January 14th, 2011
11:05 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Hankie Aron
January 14th, 2011
11:10 am
Yep completely different Reid.
Coach Mike Smith is good.
January 14th, 2011
11:12 am
`
Only three games to go = Super Bowl Champions.
SimpleDawg
January 14th, 2011
11:15 am
Falcon Sorry is very adept at pushing people’s buttons. He’s also very good at the misuse of the King’s English, but not so much that we can’t figure it out.
I’m not sure if he’s a Vick lover, a Ryan hater, a guy with a need for attention, or merely a person who just likes to needle the populace for his own reading pleasure.
In any case, he’s a sick puppy…….HaHaHa.
vmguru
January 14th, 2011
11:22 am
Some people talk about the past, some people live in the past, some people can’t get past the past, and some are just past tense!
Go Falcons!
(Un-) Fair weather fan
January 14th, 2011
11:23 am
Mark, thought you might be interested in this little tidbit from the LA Times, another sign of the utter lack of respect this team is getting, still:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-erskine-20110114,0,1515177.column
In Atlanta, Saturday’s forecast calls for temps in the 40s and a 70% chance of grits.
No matter the weather, 70,000 or so raving lunatics will show up at each venue, some of them carrying torches. Those are the reasonable ones. Be very wary of the others.
The lone indoor game is in Atlanta, where they play in one of those awful sealed tombs that remind me of Indian casinos. The only thing making that game worthy of your precious time is the Packers of Green Bay. By the way, if anybody should be playing in the snow, it is those guys. Indoor football is to the Packers what Cheez Whiz is to a pungent wheel of Wisconsin scamorze.
I am a visionary of the first rank, and foresee the eventual matchup of the Green Bay Packing Co. against the Chicago Bears in Soldier Field the following week. Bears-Packers for the NFC title? Is epic a verb? Is now. Because a matchup of such blood rivals could out-epic the Super Bowl.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 14th, 2011
11:24 am
This franchise has become relevant again with sustained regular season success. LOL- yes this franchise, how funny is it thatthe Flaocns and success can still be used after all these years. Forget the Vick years, what about the Fulton County Stadium Falcons! Those where lean years. I am just enjoying the moment b/c in sports they do not last forever.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
January 14th, 2011
11:25 am
wow- lost the keys I guess on Falcons, at one point.
vmguru
January 14th, 2011
11:27 am
Lowcountry, those of us who were Braves fans in the 70’s and 80’s never guessed the Braves would become relevant but they sure did. It will be nice to see the Falcons attain the same type of relevance.
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.
Eric
January 14th, 2011
1:26 pm
There’s some gold in that Falcons Sorry post:
“Conkered”, “Monica Lou Whisky”, “Ill Legitimate”….
LMAO!!!
(Un-) Fair weather fan
January 14th, 2011
1:27 pm
Good post, extremus.
It’s always struck me how easily the league would strike the Falcons from prime-time/night game slots, even sometimes after winning seasons. It’s as though over the years they finally decided to wash their hands of the franchise for blockbuster game times and broadcasts. Will be interesting, regardless of how far the Falcons go, to see whether that changes next year, especially given the tremendous ratings of the New Orleans Monday night game.
GSU Eagle 91
January 14th, 2011
1:28 pm
I look forward to this game as I believe in the Falcons…
It will be close, but our team sends the Packers home as losers. 24-20…
Falcons Sorry….Your pitiful rants and 1st grade education make the rest of us laugh….
Go back to the ghetto…and stay there…
VOLinATL
January 14th, 2011
1:34 pm
Back when the Falcons still had classy uniforms…unlike the Arena League stuff they converted to.
Falcons Roll
January 14th, 2011
1:45 pm
Atlanta beats Green Bay easy on the way to the NFC title. Falcons 33 GB 20—mark it down!
Joycee Banicheck
January 14th, 2011
1:47 pm
“Monica Lou Whisky” might be his best ever…
oh really
January 14th, 2011
1:49 pm
FALCONS SORRY that’s the most ignorant rant I have heard
The Flacons org didn’t put Vick in jail, Vick did it to himself
The Falcons didn’t held up the process and make it harder for the only team that wanted to sign him back then, They released him without issue (with out trying to get paid from the Eagles, meaning one less hurdle for any team who wanted to sign him to clear.
Get your facts straight
papadawg
January 14th, 2011
1:50 pm
If we beat the Packers does that mean we play Super Vicks team, Oh wait a minute they got beat. HA!
JSS
January 14th, 2011
2:29 pm
@ Mark Bradley…
I’ll give it to you and Jeff Schultz in this respect… it must be be like being in the room in 1947 when the India Partition was tearing the sub-continent apart having to monitor these blogs… We always know there’s a ruthless anarchist and a group of bloody blog power hungry fools just waiting to try to send a subject into chaos just around the next comment! Enjoy!
Walker, Texas Ranger
January 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
FALCONS SORRY has been quiet when MV was being touted for MVP and then shows up after the Falcons have the best record in the NFC and Vick is back into QB tailspin. But I got to give it to the guy, his post are FUNNY. Now which is funnier, FALCONS SORRY posts or the posts of people who think he is serious.
Iceman
January 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
I’m really worried that the Falcons will lose. GB matches up well. This is Ryan’s game. He has to make some plays and not throw into double coverage. This is pretty much the NFC chamionship game, because the other teams arent that good.
C
January 14th, 2011
2:32 pm
Should be a fun one tomorrow night! Run Turner run!
Go Falcons!
FugitivePoet
January 14th, 2011
2:32 pm
packers fans (lowercase absolutely intentional) could y’all please stay off our Falcons boards?
I know y’all a little jealous at how national the Falcons have become when y’all been around so long and I know y’all realize that your history beyond the days of Lombardi when there were like two teams in the league is mostly myth and I know y’all still reeling from the Falcons blowing-up the Lambeau mystique back in ‘03 and now every team kicks your butts at Lambeau, but searching out our boards to vent your latent frustrations is just pathetic. Additionally, y’all will feel better by staying on your own boards because everybody there will happily enable your delusion.
Y’all take care now ya hear?
To Da ATL: Rise Up!
Walker, Texas Ranger
January 14th, 2011
2:33 pm
“Monica Lou Whiskey” was his best ever. Followed closely by Ho Depot
Chop Buster
January 14th, 2011
2:36 pm
I said it earlier on another blog, if this team is play to this level in three years, imagine what we will be like with more offensive and defensive pieces to the team, and Ryan with another year of experience and comfort under his belt. Like Arthur said, he wants us to be relevant every year and I believe we’re finally on our way. Rise Up Falcons & Show These Packers Why We’re 13-3 and the #1 Seed!!!
Red Harrison
January 14th, 2011
2:40 pm
that is the best ghet-to satire I have ever read.
it was satire, wasn’t it?
Samuel
January 14th, 2011
2:43 pm
That Falconsorry guy is real stupid. He walks around in a world of no accountability. I don’t know blame everybody but myself…
Ted Striker
January 14th, 2011
2:47 pm
Nice column. Especially liked the “built to last” versus “built to finish last” word turn. Wasn’t that long ago that S.I. ranked the Falcons the worst team in pro football.
I recall sitting in Dave & Busters and watching the ‘03 Falcons/Packers game. That place was worse than bonkers the entire game. Was almost like being in a dive bar in Detroit during watching a Red Wings playoff game.
I will say this. I’ve never envisioned Blank as a guy willing to settle for credibility, even in the worst of times. Guy is always looking ahead. Demands excellence.
Walker, Texas Ranger
January 14th, 2011
2:48 pm
Now on the game, when I throw out the sick feeling I have that the City of Atlanta sports teams is still snake bit and are doomed, I actually like the Falcons chances. Our QB is in the top 5 comp. % when the opponnet rushes 5 or more, which GB lives by the Blitz. Add in a raucous crowd and the Falcons should win.
The crowd is going to have to be a 12th man, so Rise Up Falcon Fans.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 14th, 2011
2:57 pm
Yeah, and Vick was QB on that team. Hes not N E more so how R the Flacons supose 2 win?
Red Harrison
January 14th, 2011
2:59 pm
I believe the crowd is going to have to cause at least two penalties, and the golden boy is going to have to have to turn into Joe Montana before our eyes. It could happen, but it might not. I’ve been shell-shocked since Jerry Glanville & Fred Bruney called that stupid blitz in Atl-Fulco stadium in ‘79 against the Cowboys, and that week’s Sports Illustrated (still have it) cover – “The Next NFL Dynaasty”
OK, 30 years of being miserable is enough – Go Falcons
Pete
January 14th, 2011
3:02 pm
Falcons by 10! We are rested and the players are out to prove “You don’t come into our house and win”. Next up Falcons over the Bears and then we head to Dallas.
julie brooks
January 14th, 2011
3:13 pm
Wow, “FALCON SORRY” is really illiterate!
Michael Vick
January 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
Yall leave FALCONS SORRY alone. He my homeboy dawg. Him and Brees are comin to my crib this weekend to watch the playoffs from my couch. Go Iggles
ace
January 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
must win this game. the whole sports world is hating us, doubting us and disrespesting us, this is a must win, and should be a beat down.
please, please, please, Falcons, don’t embarass us and let us down again just because you’re on national tv!
yeahsure
January 14th, 2011
3:31 pm
I dont think Mark can do a Falcons piece without mentioning Vick. Oh… and this one has a nice picture of him too. Well done.
FugitivePoet
January 14th, 2011
3:36 pm
***Postscript to the Falcons Faithful at Da Dome on Saturday night***:
Time has come to put aside Southern hospitality for just one night and knock that stupid clump of fake cheese off the head of that packers fan sitting in front of you. We should send them home with stories that will eliminate them “traveling well” when Da ATL is the destination which will accompany the bloody horror-story they will tell of watching their team get castrated.
Lastly, perhaps ESPN will finally grow a pair and broadcast the tears of Trent Dilbert, Fatboy Golic and the host of CT-based northeast-biased co-conspirators when the Falcons defeat the packers and all of those yankee dreams.
Rise Up ATL Rise Up!
JSS
January 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
@ Ted Striker…
Worse than being in a “Dive Bar” in Hamtramck after a Wings game?
Chop Buster
January 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
Red Harrison…it has to be satire–or the person is disabled (mentally). LOL
Chop Buster
January 14th, 2011
3:40 pm
Joe Tess FH and Falcon Sorry are one in the same–or at least twins.
JSS
January 14th, 2011
3:41 pm
One thing about that picture, one person in the photo isn’t plotting a way to get a multi-million dollar hand out from the tax payers! Bless y’all little souls!
Doc Dawg
January 14th, 2011
3:42 pm
The Clampetts finally figured it out when they hired Reeves, of course 40 years too late. Mr. Blank got a little too caught up in the “market a hot product” mentality with Vick and Mora and Petrino, but he’s figured it out too. The Falcons will be a relevant franchise from now to the foreseeable future. I’m not sure we can say that about the Saints and Bucs, and certainly not about the Panthers. If we come to dominate the division over the next decade much like the Pats, Steelers and Colts dominate their divisions, there is no reason we can’t compete for championships year after year like those franchises do.
FugitivePoet
January 14th, 2011
3:45 pm
Open letter to the Birds fans going to the game:
Let us, for one night, put aside our admirable Southern hospitality and render packers fans less “well traveled” in the future where ATL is concerned by smacking off a cheese hat or two of that green-clad insult sitting right in front of you.
Let us as well hope that national television is able to capture the tears of Trent Dilbert and the assembled northeast-biased bunch from that CT network after their yankee dreams are shattered and they slither to their limos never to be seen or welcomed again by the good people of ATL.
Rise Up ATL! Rise Up Falcons!
JSS
January 14th, 2011
3:47 pm
Nobody is going to dominate the NFC South… Not the Saints, not the Bucs, the Cats with the new age Rankin Smith, and not Arthur Blanks’ South Hall County Boys! That’s the beauty of the NFL…
JSS
January 14th, 2011
3:48 pm
That is till the lockout! Ha ha, all of the dynasty dreams will go poof then!
Bishop Eddie Longs Red Panties
January 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
Im glad to see Falcons Sorry back he got to be the best enterainment for free on the web LMAO!
JASon
January 14th, 2011
3:54 pm
Mark, any way you can work Vick into the story is good. What? Who cares whether he’s relevant, work him in! Don’t gimme the integrity speech again, we don’t have time for that! I’ve got advertisers on me because we’re not getting enough hits…just do what you have to do!
-the management
NOT!
January 14th, 2011
3:55 pm
Green bay 31 Coons 3 !!! It will be ugly!
TheAntiMe
January 14th, 2011
4:08 pm
WHEN CRYIN RYAN COST US THE GAME AGAINST THE PACKER YOU WILL BE DOWN ON YOUR KNEEZ LIKE MONICA LOU WHISKY TRYING TO GET MV THE MAN TO COME BACK AND SAVE YOUR FRANCHISE AND FROM GOING BROKE!
Actually, I seriously doubt that Arthur Blank drinks Monica Lou whiskey or any other brand of whiskey for that matter. No, I would imagine that Mr. Blank is probably more likely to be sipping on Dom Perignon.
Ferris Buehler
January 14th, 2011
4:09 pm
Where is Vick now? Michael Vick? Michael Vick?
Anyone? Anyone?
JSS
January 14th, 2011
4:11 pm
“No, I would imagine that Mr. Blank is probably more likely to be sipping on Dom Perignon.”
He drinks ‘Cutty Shark’ like most of his generation, and cuts it with anything but water like you’re suppose too…
houstondawgfan
January 14th, 2011
4:18 pm
This is nuts how the national media and people across the US do not give the Falcons a chance to win this game?? Everything is about the packers, I really hope the Falcons blow them out of the building saturday. The way the sportswriters are talking on Espn and other outlets, the falcons dont need to show up and give this one to the packers. Come onm FAlcons show them that we belong asd the top seed in the NFC.. END
papadawg
January 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
I wonder if Mr. Blank will ever push one of his stars around in a wheelchair like he did M. Vick. Still makes me sick
Ted Striker
January 14th, 2011
4:34 pm
JSS – Had a great meal at a Polish restaurant in Hamtramck some years back. Can’t remember the name of the place. I do remember seeing an autographed picture of Rudy Tomjanovich there.
First trip to Detroit was in Sept ‘88 for a biz trip…”training.” One night we went to a Tiger game at Tiger Stadium. I nearly froze. Was wearing a sport coat because I was too young/dumb to know to pack an overcoat for the trip. Jack Morris got the W (over the Indians & former Brave B. Jacoby) with former Brave Darrell Evans hitting a dinger for the home team. I just wanted the game to end so I could get back to the hotel and take a hot shower. I wonder how many people at that training session with me — there were about 25 of us — are actually still employed? My guess…zero point zero.
I actually like Detroit, even with all it’s problems. But I like cities. [Except for Cleveland. The mayor was rude to Mark Bradley one time and me and LeBron up & took our business elsewhere after that faux paus]
FugitivePoet
January 14th, 2011
4:42 pm
Come on down packers and pasteurized-food heads: We got sumpin’ for your ####.
Take note pasteurized-food heads: these are not your father’s Southerners. We have learned to temper our hospitality. Only those that are deserving receive our concern. Y’all in the stadium that are clad in envy-green and baby-puke yellow can expect a piece of the beatdown that will be received by your team on the field. You are likely to be less “well traveled” in the future where Atlanta is concerned.
Postscript:
We, the good people of Atlanta, are ever hopeful that, after the Falcons have handed the packers their #### on a platter, the national media are able to capture the doe-eyed tears of Trent Dilbert and his coconspirators—the assembled northeast-biased wasps from that CT network—after their petty dreams and animus have been shattered and as they attempt to slither unnoticed to their limos.
Moreover, we, the good people of Atlanta, demand after said defeat that Dilbert, et al., consider themselves persona nongrata in our beloved South, never to darken our doorways again.
Lastly, after we are awarded the trophy, don’t y’all try to come around for our reknowned hospitality, iced tea, penetrating conversation and world class photo-ops with an “aw shucks, didn’t mean nuthin’” grin on your faces. We will not ever forget your disrespectfulness and insults. Especially you Dilbert.
Rise Up ATL! Rise Up Falcons!
Matt S GB
January 14th, 2011
5:04 pm
Aaron will be on tomorrow and our running game will pound your week defense.
Aaron will throw for 300+ yards and 3 tds
Pack will get revenge
GB 37
Atl 24
Shadowfax419
January 14th, 2011
5:10 pm
@ Extremus Very intelligent post! Excellent explaination of our “dissing” by the national media. I have learned over the years to take the national sports media with just slightly less than a grain of salt. We true Atlanta Falcon fans (myself since the 66 LA Rams game) know that this team and organization is unlike any other in the past. We can take solace in the fact that they are here for the long haul, not just a flash in the pan. I am expecting a powerful performance this weekend from our guys, and recognize that, win or lose, they are the best Falcons team I have ever seen. I will continue to support them all the way to Dallas, because that is where I expect them to be in Feb. We have a lot to be proud of this year!
Go Falcons! RISE UP!!!!
Singletary
January 14th, 2011
5:12 pm
Funny. (Actually not.) We think 13-3 is upper crust, but Trent Dilfer, Matt Millen etc. think that we should lick the feet of GB and forfeit. Even my beloved looks up and questions why I misrepresented that the Falcons were in the playoffs for the lack of coverage, jokingly. OTOH, my former co-workers who are Packers fans, question why we should have more coverage– which to date has been ‘nil — because, their words, “the NFL, networks, Packer Nation and I believe we should be the featured team.”
Correct me if I am wrong, bu t the two by-words of most recent NFL marketing missives have been “parity” and “opening new markets” I can see why that is considered to be Wembley, Mexico City & Toronto. However, with the biggest demographic growth being 34-50 women (both fan-dom AND garb) as well as the thrilled NOLA populace, can you guess why I think at least NFL Network talking heads should talk the correct line???
They don’t have to support ATL,but they should not be so disproportionate.
bjdealer21
January 14th, 2011
5:13 pm
If MV ever learns how to be a man (which I doubt) then perhaps he can become the “man”.. MR has evolved into a terrific QB for the Falcons.. he doesn’t need to learn to be a man.. but just show us to the SB and you have my vote for being the “Man”.. first the Packers and then the NFC Championship game.. win it and we are in the SB.. in the meantime MV is still out looking for a new dog.. hope he never finds one.. and also hope that nobody else picks him up after the Eagles say “bye bye jailbird”.. GO FALCONS!!!
JTA
January 14th, 2011
5:22 pm
Hey FALCONS SORRY, If Michael Vick was such the great football player that you claim he is, then why aren’t the Eagles in the playoffs? I guess your boy just doesn’t have what Matty Ice has; character!!!
Al
January 14th, 2011
5:22 pm
Come on people, Falcons Sorry is only trying to stir up mess.Why didn’t you hear much from him when the Eagles was kicking butt. That would have been the time to praise Vick. Falcons Sorry isn’t who he pretends to be, he hates Vick as much as anybody. He just like validating his hate by hearing other hate for Vick.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 14th, 2011
5:23 pm
Good article. Your article hints at the difference between the current Falcons and Vick’s Falcons. Vick’s Falcons were completely reliant on Vick carrying an otherwise awful team. The current Falcons are not overly reliant on any single player, which means any given “key” player can have an off game and the Falcons can still win. That is a sign of good coaching and good management.
Dave
January 14th, 2011
5:34 pm
Well, I see the testosterone wars are going strong. Here’s my take. I hope the Falcons win. Green Bay could. win. Atlanta could win. But regardless, if I had looked at a crystal ball three years ago and seen the Falcons organization and this level, I’d have gotten a new medium. After 42 years of ineptitude in the whole organization, the owner, the coach, the GM, finally knew what they were doing and have been working in sync together ever since. We finally got it right. Personally, I think we may still be two or three position players away from greatness, but I’ll back this team proudly for what they have already accomplished. And whether or not the Falcons win tomorrow night, win or lose next week, win or lose the Super Bowl this year, they are on the right path. Finally.
Vick Rules
January 14th, 2011
5:38 pm
ryan will choke it up and the falcons will lose to green bay—bet the house on the packers!
nauti-dawg
January 14th, 2011
5:38 pm
GB is geared up to stop the run first – Falcons should come out passing from the git go, then revert to the run.
BirdDawg
January 14th, 2011
5:44 pm
I just want to mention that its not too late to fire Mark Richt. Please God make McGarity fire him..please. Sorry to change the subject.
Go Falcons
Ramguy
January 14th, 2011
5:57 pm
I don’t even know why the Falcons are going to show up. They should just forfeit the game now. After all almost all the “experts” are picking the Pack. Of course many of the same “experts” said Oregon was going to score at will against Auburn. I hope the Falcon’s players are getting a steady diet of all these predictions.
Ramguy
January 14th, 2011
6:07 pm
I don’t know why the Falcons are even bothering showing up. They should just go ahead and forfeit the game now and save themselves all the embarrassment of Rogers and the Packers new found running game of demolishing them. After all the “experts” are all predicting a Pack win. Of course many of the same “experts” said Oregon was going to score at will against Auburn. I hope Smith is giving the players a steady diet of these predictions. I usually don’t buy into these conspiracy theories but the networks and the NFL are salivating over a Bears-Packers NFC championship game so watch for some bad calls by the refs going against Seattle and Atlanta.
Mark Bradley`s Booster
January 14th, 2011
6:11 pm
I believe the national media has always and will continue will hype the teams that have historic winning traditions
regardless of the geogrophical locations. This includes all professional major sports. The Dallas Cowboys are in the same group as the Packers,Bears,Steelers in the NFL.
Atlanta may get there some day in the very near future starting with a win over the Packers.
OldTimer
January 14th, 2011
6:13 pm
Snap the damn ball.
Zen Master
January 14th, 2011
6:20 pm
A lot of pumping for the next Jim Brown (Starks) , as he was a non factor last game. Our defense has come together too, so as the Zen master says we”ll see
SEC MAN
January 14th, 2011
6:40 pm
@CONNIE11:58 A.M.,DID YOU WORK @ BEING THAT STUPID OR……………DID IT JUST COME NATURALLY??!!! I SUSPECT THE LATTER!!!!
kral
January 14th, 2011
6:48 pm
makes feel better when so called experts on the big EEE..almost all trumpet the packers…as Rodney D. use to say the Falcons are getting no respect..glad the game is played on the field not in the media
#1 Blank Fan
January 14th, 2011
7:01 pm
Tomorrow night we get to see the beginning of an era, this is the first day of our new dynasty, these are our new ‘91 Braves, Smitty is our new Bobby, and Ryan our new Maddux, Roddy is our flashy Neon Deion, and Turner is that Brick House we had in Andruw, We got to see Sid slide and I am ready to watch Gonzo go. This is excitement in Atlanta, we have a Football team that nobody appreciates, until Turner makes that final blast from the 5 as the clock ticks 3,2,1 I cant wait to hear it “FALCONS WIN!, FALCONS WIN!, FALCONS WIN!” and I will place that AJC in my bottom drawer sealed just as tight as the day after the mighty Braves started their historic run. It is destiny, you couldn’t write a script any better than this. My son will be telling his kids one day that he remembers his daddy yelling and screaming, jumping up and down hysterically as the Falcons that nobody ever believed in won the first Superbowl of many, as I have told him the same story of me an my father back in ‘91. Rise Up is a perfect theme, I love it…..LET’s RISE UP ATLANTA…..RISE UP!!!!
Ben Roth-rapist-berger
January 14th, 2011
7:15 pm
Michael Vick
January 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
Yall leave FALCONS SORRY alone. He my homeboy dawg.
===============================
FALCONS SORRY, Run!!!
DogKiller will choke and drown you, too!
take it from me
January 14th, 2011
7:19 pm
We just need to aax the falcons,if they think they can win this game! if they say yes,then thats good enought for me.
SLCPunk
January 14th, 2011
7:54 pm
“If turnovers are even, Falcons are looking at a 5 to 9 pt win.”
“Atlanta beats Green Bay easy on the way to the NFC title. Falcons 33 GB 20—mark it down!”
“Falcons by 10!”
I’m not saying any of you are wrong, but here is one of the most amazing team stats I’ve ever seen:
The Green Bay Packers’ largest margin of deficit at any time during the 2010 season?
7 points. Look it up.
Mr Blank
January 14th, 2011
8:04 pm
I will promise you that Mr. Blans was not a Sunny Perdue fan..
He is a much better and brighter man that that.
Karen White
January 14th, 2011
8:18 pm
A wise person once told me, “You can’t talk to a fool, you have to argue with them.” I’m not going to argue with this fool, Falcons Sorry. However, I will not allow him to besmirch Mr. Blank.
Falcons Sorry, your facts are skewed. To say Michael Vick was like a son to Mr. Blank, I would like to know how can anyone ingratiate themselves on someone else? To correct your obvious inability to see truth, Mr. Blank treated Mike like a son. How did Michael Vick treat Mr. Blank? Like a sucker. He lied to Mr. Blank time and time again. He was a selfish individual who displayed these straits in his professional and personal life. Mr. Blank put his reputation on the line when he stood up for this juvenile delinquent time and time again. When asked point blank if the accusations were true, Mike looked Mr. Blank dead in his eyes and denied them. When Mike couldn’t hide the truth which was coming to light, he finally showed some maturity and accepted his well deserved punishment.
Mr. Blank is a businessman who has a big heart. His philantrophic record speaks for itself. As the class act he is, Mr. Blank never abandoned or threw Mike away like trash. He forgave him (much to the chagrin of scores of people who wanted to burn Mike at the stake). Mr. Blank kept and still keeps in touch with Mike and continues to support him.
In closing, I hope you read my post. Better yet, I hope you understand it. Mike is the reason I became a football fan. His athleticism and energy caught my eye and has kept me pinned ever since. I am a proud #1 FALCONS FAN. Moreover, I’m an unabashed Arthur Blank fan.
Falcons Sorry, you’re sorry. Whether you posted your comments to irritate or get Falcons fans riled up, you’ve accomplished only one thing; showing every reader of this blog you’re a fool.
Ike Skybang'r
January 14th, 2011
9:07 pm
FalconSorry is a white male playing to stereotypes to rile up those that are prone to racist/bigot reactions… Trust me. I am using the force
Coach Mike Smith is good.
January 14th, 2011
9:28 pm
Matt Ryan is good too.
Sarah Palin
January 14th, 2011
9:29 pm
I like to shoot defenseless moose using high powered rifles.
mike
January 14th, 2011
10:06 pm
that was then this is now who cares what means something is now and when all you falcon fans wake up sunday morning will find out that the falcons and all the fans will watch the next playoff game at home lol cause the falcons will lose then yall can remeber this lost and by the way that game then dont mean nothing now
The Boss
January 14th, 2011
10:37 pm
Is “Falcons Sorry” for real? Is it really possible in this day and age that an individual can be that far behind the “curve?” Is he really as dumb as he presents himself or is it simply a means to garner attention and aggravate those that take the bait? Oh well, WHOGAS!
ATTENTION: FALCONS FANS going to the game…BRING IT…AMP IT UP…..MAKE THE PLACE ROCK…DEFEND THE DOME!
Jim
January 14th, 2011
10:41 pm
Turner has to rush for at least 125 or we lose this game. Rodgers is a man and will tear us apart through the air. The only way we win is with rushing and controlling the clock. If Turner is held under a hundy we are done.
Jim
January 14th, 2011
10:42 pm
and go you f*cking Falcons!
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
Mark Bradley
January 14th, 2011
11:30 pm
First
Nathan Deal
January 14th, 2011
11:45 pm
Sonny won’t be at the game. He’s too tired from destroying the State of Georgia.
And Vick won’t be there because he’s too tired from destroying the Falcons.
But GO FALCONS, GO ATLANTA, AND GO STATE OF GEORGIA!!!
Covers Dixie like the Dew
January 15th, 2011
12:04 am
`
Turner the Burner will
smoke
——— some cheese tonight.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
January 15th, 2011
12:25 am
Falcons win by 7….and all is rejoice by it
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
January 15th, 2011
12:27 am
it’s my bday and my only gift i want is a falcons win……that and a job
Coach M. Richt
January 15th, 2011
12:33 am
Uh Oh
Sid
January 15th, 2011
1:01 am
chewyandrw
January 14th, 2011
10:10 am
************************************
I was at the Packer/Falcons game @ Lambeau in ‘02, one of the Packer fans knocked my Falcons hat off my head from behind and we started to tussle, got no further really than a pushing match as about 5 GB security were there before I could blink an eye. He got thrown out of the stadium just as quickly as my hat hit the stands. Anyway, I don’t think it would hurt to knock a few cheese bonnets of some heads at the stadium tonight. RISE UP FALCONS
Jim Flox
January 15th, 2011
1:07 am
To start off, Packers fan here. If GB weren’t playing the Falcons, that would be who I’d be rooting for this round. I’m a fan of Matt Ryan, Roddy, Burner and Abraham. I like your team, and I can see a Falcons/Packers rivalry ongoing for the next few (maybe several) years.
As exciting as Vick can be to watch, it was good for the organization, not to mention the team, to bid him sayonara after the whole gambling ring/dog killing debacle.
Anyhow, this game should be an all-timer Saturday night, and I’m looking forward to watching it, not to mentioning being emotionally invested in it, as I expect all you are as well.
May the best team (and soon to be Super Bowl Champ) win.
Eagles Sorry
January 15th, 2011
1:47 am
Falcons Sorry, “The Man” hasn’t been a member of the local team in over four years. Perhaps you should go to philly.com where the Eagles fans are trashing him. “The Man” is the only man that gave “The Man” a raw deal. Mr. Blank had nothing to do with the troubles that “The Man” got himself in. Poor judgement on and off the field is why “The Man” is a bird of a different feather. Again, philly.com is where you want to be. You can even use my moniker.
Rutherford
January 15th, 2011
1:59 am
I’d pay $1,000 to see what Falcons Sorry looks like and to have him shine my shoes while smiling at me. Maybe he could even do a little dance for me when finishes with my shoes.
FYI: Mike Vick purchased the fencing he used for holding those dogs from Mr. Blank’s Home Depot. (Vick even got the employee discount on that fencing, too.)
TheAntiMe
January 15th, 2011
2:29 am
I’d pay $1,000 to see what Falcons Sorry looks like and to have him shine my shoes while smiling at me. Maybe he could even do a little dance for me when finishes with my shoes.
You can put your money back in the bank. Falcons Sorry is a 37 year-old white guy who is a Human Resources executive with a local Fortune 500 company. He gets a kick out of seeing how many people’s feathers he can ruffle (like yours, based on your racist comments) and also craves attention so he sits back and relishes all of the attention he receives from his bogus comments. And yes, I did just give him more attention just now. You’re welcome, Falcons Sorry.
Mora less Petrino
January 15th, 2011
2:29 am
Project 115 warm up; Pipe this into the Packers locker room at 115db, looped! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-xjGdou2iQ&NR=1
Third and Long, “BEHIND ENEMY LINES: Packers are confident” What would the players on any team be saying? “It’s hopeless!” Two weeks is too long for too much talking. Kickoff can’t get here soon enough. GO BIRDS! (Here and Chicago).
House Blueprints - House Plan 17770
January 15th, 2011
3:32 am
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TheAntiMe
January 15th, 2011
3:46 am
Third and Long, “BEHIND ENEMY LINES: Packers are confident” What would the players on any team be saying? “It’s hopeless!” Two weeks is too long for too much talking. Kickoff can’t get here soon enough. GO BIRDS! (Here and Chicago).
GO BIRDS! (Actually, here, here, and in Dallas.)
Dan E
January 15th, 2011
6:32 am
To: Falcons Sorry
You really need to lay off the Mad Dog at least 2 hours before you make a comment on here……because you reallt sound stupid!!! Wait,excuse me…I mean stoopid!! I need to spell it so “you” will get it!!
Blind Willy
January 15th, 2011
7:45 am
Ohhhh but to see Arthur Blank pushing Vick around in a wheelchair again. That image was burned into my mind and I knew Blank was a rich idiot. Now if we could just get him to stop trolling the sidelines like Jerry Jones. Blank, stay in the owner’s suite smoking your $50 cigar and spend some time with your 30 year old wife.
Red Ruffensore
January 15th, 2011
8:01 am
How about a $30 cigar and a 50 year old wife? We’ve come a long way Falcons Fans! Step aside-this is OUR time! Give em the bird, Falcons!
Dixie Normuss
January 15th, 2011
8:47 am
My uncle was a mid-level exec at Home Depot corporate a few years back so he had inside scoop. Blank’s current wife was actually a Home Depot cashier. Blank spotted her while in the store one day. Fast forward several months and he had dumped his then current wife & children and was pursuing the former (much-younger) cashier. What a snake….a rich one…..but still a snake.
Bobby Petrino
January 15th, 2011
9:04 am
Atlanta is the world’s largest outhouse
Navigator
January 15th, 2011
9:26 am
Speaking of scheduling, the NFL is so eaten up with bias, why do the Falcons play either Green Bay or the Packers every year and not Detroit. Also why does the team play Philly every year and not New York or Washington. Oh yeah, when Atlanta plays Dallas why is it mostly in Dallas. My personal opinion is no team show play conference team every year, but rotate amongst the teams. There will be a time in the near future when the teams just mentioned will complain about having to play Atlanta.
Big Al
January 15th, 2011
9:34 am
By midnight tonight Falcons will be known as the “Folding Falcons”.
Bird Droppings II
January 15th, 2011
9:51 am
The Falcons will win by 10 tonight. Both offenses will score 10 points, but Atlanta’s D will cause a fumble and return it for a TD. The final score 17-10.
Bird Droppings II
January 15th, 2011
9:52 am
Atlanta wins 17-10.
crabapplejoe
January 15th, 2011
9:53 am
“Mr. Blank’s House”…..pleeeez…..he didn’t pay for the Dome and neither did Deion.
Samuel Clemens
January 15th, 2011
10:01 am
I just got all four wisom teeth out yesterday morning and im still going to be in Sec 225 tonight!!!!!!!!!!! Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!
MARCIA
January 15th, 2011
10:06 am
Could you possibly have found a picture WITHOUT
MARCIA
January 15th, 2011
10:08 am
could you have found a pict without vick
papadawg
January 15th, 2011
10:45 am
We’re going to win by uglying the Packers back to Green Bay
ijonathan
January 15th, 2011
10:49 am
@JSS…”Cutty Shark”…LMAO…
JSS
January 14th, 2011
4:11 pm
“No, I would imagine that Mr. Blank is probably more likely to be sipping on Dom Perignon.”
He drinks ‘Cutty Shark’ like most of his generation, and cuts it with anything but water like you’re suppose too…
quickwitt
January 15th, 2011
10:56 am
PMC – Falcons ARE relevant. Their 13-3 season, number one seed, makes them quite relevant. What they don’t yet have is respectability. Nearly all the pundits are picking the Packers to win; they picked the Saints 3 weeks ago for the same reason: opponent perceived to be the better team. Falcons did not win that game, hence more of the same rhetoric this week with Packers being the consensus national choice. A big difference this time is there’s no tomorrow. With the Saints game, a loss was inconsequential because a bad Carolina team was next on the schedule. I expect a greater sense of urgency and focus, particularly offensively for this game.
If the Falcons want to garner respect nationally, they simply have to win this game. It’s time!
DMAN
January 15th, 2011
11:00 am
Why do you waste time commenting on SORRY, been doing same crap last 2yrs.Well rested Falcons = long night for Pack!
Who Cares?
January 15th, 2011
11:08 am
Hey Falcons Sorry, just a “heads up” that the gub-mint offices will be closed this coming Monday, so your checks will be a little late next week.
Perdue won’t be at the game tonight either. It’s his first weekend to be out of the Governor’s office and in Houston County, where he and his neighbors can celebrate the $60,000,000.00 he funneled their way while he was in office for special interest projects. Who knows, he and Vick have such similar character and ethics, they might just spend the weekend fishing together!.
SawThat1nce
January 15th, 2011
11:13 am
Falcons will win by 10.
I knew it was coming
January 15th, 2011
12:00 pm
The first visitor to be GB in a playoff game. Hell, he was the first in a line of playoff losses. First, nothing else. GB before that game had something special. After that game, they lost many. Had GB lost only that playoff at home, now that is something to write about.
I didn’t know the idiot only one one more playoff for Atlanta.
By the way. who threw the last pass for Philly this season. Whose bone ahead decision was it? Exactly, Vick was a farce….again….this season.
carnac the magnificent
January 15th, 2011
12:05 pm
Who are two dudes who need to get a life? Buck Commander & rawdawg
I knew it was coming
January 15th, 2011
12:10 pm
I can’t smell or typ this mornings.
I knew it was coming
January 15th, 2011
12:13 pm
Remember the pic of Vick sitting of the bleachers with Blank and Blank’s hands on Vicks knees. Blank got what he deserved with Vick. He kept coddling and coddling.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 15th, 2011
12:20 pm
Perrier Jery is a fist round bust and ti will caused the Flacons tonignt now that Gren Bay has a powerfil runnin attack.
Sorry 2 say but 1 and done.
how2fish
January 15th, 2011
12:39 pm
Bobby Petrino and whenever anyone in the ATL uses the outhouse we say “just a minute I have to take a Petrino”…I know I know it never gets old saying it.
richardb
January 15th, 2011
1:00 pm
Vick doesn’t play for us anymore so let’s leave hime at home where his team is and focus on our Falcons. Green Bay is dangerous and we need to be ready. If we take away Rodger’s ability to go downfield, think we win going away. We need to keep our penalty and turnover free play going and no team can stop us!
Mike Smith is great coach, Blank did an awesome job picking this guy. Hope he leads us to the Super Bowl like Reeves did but with a different result.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 15th, 2011
1:16 pm
Enter your comments here
SawThat1nce
January 15th, 2011
1:17 pm
MB……Why do you have to have a picture of two people that mean nothing more to Ga. than bad history, attached to your article?
Georgia Man
January 15th, 2011
1:22 pm
82% of Georgia natives are introduced to their future spouses at family reunions
Mora less Petrino
January 15th, 2011
1:34 pm
TheAntiMe, GO BIRDS! (Here and Chicago), means Falcons & Seahawks this weekend. Actually, I’d like for the Falcons to play the Bears. If ATL plays Seattle next week, everyone would discount the Falcons getting to the big show. With a win tonight, either team coming from the Chicago game should be a W in the Dome for our guys.
Mora less Petrino
January 15th, 2011
1:44 pm
GO BIRDS here and Chicago means Falcons & Seahawks. Wouldn’t mind see the Bears come here though.
GT
January 15th, 2011
2:12 pm
Two years ago the press was tearing into the Falcons for not having receivers. The great thing about a drop back quarterback that doesn’t move much in the pocket, the receivers are not ambushed by the ball, not knowing where and when it is going to be released. I often wonder if Vick had stayed would we have traded White, like we had years ago with a talented quarterback who ended up in Green Bay.
Ty
January 15th, 2011
2:31 pm
Falcons will lose 27-24!
Underground Atlanta
January 15th, 2011
2:43 pm
`
Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo will take care of business again.
Michael Turner will
smoke some cheese.
>>>>>
Trent Dilfer
January 15th, 2011
2:59 pm
GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!! WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!
Van Brocklin
January 15th, 2011
3:02 pm
………. Win one for “The Dutchman”.
ATLFalcons4Eva
January 15th, 2011
3:02 pm
Just 2 wins and we’re in the Superbowl ! !
Put another way, Bean the Packers tonight, and we pretty much as set to beat the Bears / Seahawks and it’s on to the Superbowl.
My prediction:
Falcons 24 Packers 21
Bears 31 Seahawks 24
Falcons 21 Bears 10
Superbowl:
Falcons 24 Ravens 21
WIDawg
January 15th, 2011
4:00 pm
Too bad that this game had to happen before next weekend. Going to be a good gane that sends Matty Ice home from the playoffs early. GB wins 24-17. Packers are just too good and it actually helps them to be in the dome. They play better indoors.
Football wife
January 15th, 2011
8:09 pm
Falcons will be sending cheese whiz back to GB–24 to 17.
Football wife
January 15th, 2011
8:10 pm
Way to go, ZAC BROWN BAND! Go Falcons!
Your Shiny Happy Discotheque Falcons/Packers Open Thread [Video] | Star Talk
January 15th, 2011
10:00 pm
[...] Owner Arthur Blank is happy that “we’re a relevant team in the NFL now.” Meanwhile, in Green Bay, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers “continues to [...]
respect the house
January 15th, 2011
10:35 pm
the packers should respect blank’s house or he’ll get mad and order atlanta to give him a new stadium!
matt's the man!
January 15th, 2011
10:55 pm
next year, matt should be a lot better and the falcons may win it all!!!!
Troy
January 16th, 2011
4:18 am
Well, I guess you have to give it to “Falcons Sorry.” He predicted exactly what was going to happen in the Green Bay game there at the end of the 2nd quarter. Well played, Sir.
bill
January 16th, 2011
2:38 pm
FugitivePoet
January 14th, 2011
4:42 pm
Come on down packers and pasteurized-food heads: We got sumpin’ for your ####.
Take note pasteurized-food heads: these are not your father’s Southerners. We have learned to temper our hospitality. Only those that are deserving receive our concern. Y’all in the stadium that are clad in envy-green and baby-puke yellow can expect a piece of the beatdown that will be received by your team on the field. You are likely to be less “well traveled” in the future where Atlanta is concerned.
Postscript:
We, the good people of Atlanta, are ever hopeful that, after the Falcons have handed the packers their #### on a platter, the national media are able to capture the doe-eyed tears of Trent Dilbert and his coconspirators—the assembled northeast-biased wasps from that CT network—after their petty dreams and animus have been shattered and as they attempt to slither unnoticed to their limos.
Moreover, we, the good people of Atlanta, demand after said defeat that Dilbert, et al., consider themselves persona nongrata in our beloved South, never to darken our doorways again.
Lastly, after we are awarded the trophy, don’t y’all try to come around for our reknowned hospitality, iced tea, penetrating conversation and world class photo-ops with an “aw shucks, didn’t mean nuthin’” grin on your faces. We will not ever forget your disrespectfulness and insults. Especially you Dilbert.
Rise Up ATL! Rise Up Falcons!
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* Report this comment
Hahahahaha, now you sound pretty stupid.
where's vick?
January 16th, 2011
8:25 pm
the falcons never should have gotten rid of vick. with vick, the falcons would in the super bowl. blank blew it—they need to git rid of ryan and bring in a real qb who can win big games. with all the african-americans in atlanta, vick would bring more fans to the games.
Green Bay...All Day
January 16th, 2011
9:23 pm
Ohhh, look at the “Pre-game comments”..where are ya’ll busta’s now? We (Green Bay) dominated you on the field, in the stands, yds. coaching etc…..Ya’ll a long way from being us! I’ll remind you of this beating next year when we come back to the “frozen tundra of the south”! And when we do we’ll bring back a fully participated in camp 2nd yr RB beast of James Starks, a healthy “looking over his shoulder” for Starks RB Ryan Grant and the Beast of them all Jermichael Finley! ooooh ya’ll ace’s are in trouble!!!! But for now keeping watching the replays on NFL Network!
SportsFan31313
January 18th, 2011
1:46 pm
This is what happens when you sell out Michael Vick. “Green Bay played us just like we thought they would play us.” The Falcons had all of the tools to be a Super Bowl Team. They just had an over-rated Matt Ryan. Arthur Blank played up to some of the Fans and sold out their Prize Quarter Back “Michael Vick”. Had they kept Michael Vick, they would definitely won that game and would win this Super Bowl. Arthur Blank, you get what you pay for.
In business, there are no permanent friends and permanent enemies. That is why you were video taped standing in Michael Vick’s Locker Room, prior to the start of the Falcons eagles game in an attempt to patch up your slick dirty deeds you did to him. Michael Vick did nothing to you or the team. He did admit to and was convicted to a crime in which he served time for. Now he is with the Eagles whom Tony Dungy, Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, and the Eagles owner felt kind enough to give him another chance. He turned out just great. In fact, spectacular.
If the Eagles had the caliber of players that the Falcons have on the offensive Line and Defensive Secondary, The Eagles would be going to the NFC Championship game next week. But it’s water under the bridge. So just as I predicted it would happen this way, it did. “The Dirty Birds will go one and done, and they will also have the opportunity to sit at home on the couch and watch next week’s game along with everyone else”.
Try again next year, but guess what Mr. Blank. The results will be the exact same. Better try and get Michael Vick. But I doubt that he would ever want to play for you or the organization again.