Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons
Smitty and Dimitty: You're in good hands with these guys. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
You can’t really game-plan a work stoppage. How do you prepare to do something when nothing can be done? That said …
If the NFL lockout arrives as expected — the start (or stop) date is March 4 — and lasts into August or September, the Falcons figure to be OK. They don’t need a lot. They can subsist without buying a big-name free agent. And they are, you’ll recall, coming off a pretty fair season.
“We’re definitely preparing for a regular offseason,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said this week. “That’s the only way we can do it.”
It’s the only way to prepare. What if the work stoppage holds for all of 10 locked-out days and then the NFL goes back to work? A GM can’t say, “I’m a little behind here — who’s a free agent this year?” He has to be ready to rumble. And the April draft will come off no matter what’s happening labor-wise.
But the great imponderable of Looming Lockout 2011 is free agency. Let’s say no settlement is reached until September: The best guesses hold that the NFL and its players would decide to have a blurry-fast training camp and preseason and skip free agency. (Scheduled FA’s would return to their teams for one more season.) The 2-14 Carolina Panthers might have a tough time with that; the 13-3 Falcons would not.
There was a time when the Falcons needed everything in a hurry, but that time was 2008. In his first three months on the job, Dimitroff made a big splash in free agency by signing Michael Turner and had a big hit in the draft with Matt Ryan. Those were two guys the Falcons had to have. Ever since, their moves have been a function not of desperation but deliberation.
Dimitroff did swing the Tony Gonzalez trade with Kansas City in April 2009, and last March he spent big on the free-agent cornerback Dunta Robinson. All else of significance has been draft-related. TD the GM takes no small measure of pride in his ability to wrangle a draft. Last year he took offensive guards Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley in Rounds 3 and 4, and this moved the famous Mel Kiper of ESPN to rate the Falcons’ 2010 draft a C-minus. (This grade rankled, and rankles still, within team HQ.)
Starting guards Harvey Dahl and Justin Blalock are scheduled to be free agents, and so is right tackle Tyson Clabo. There’s a chance the Falcons could lock up Clabo, say, by tagging him a “franchise” player, but Dimitroff prefers not to go that route. So there’s a possibility all three could leave if free agency is allowed to take its normal course. But the Falcons have backups in-house — don’t forget tackle Garrett Reynolds, a fifth-round draftee in 2009 — and could survive such an exodus.
And there’s the value of having a Bird as sharp as Dimitroff in charge. He always works off the draft, and he works not just for next season but down the road. (Every GM seeks to do the same, but not all are so adept.) The Falcons will have the 27th pick in Round 1, which is a far cry from the No. 3 of Dimitroff’s first draft, but he likes this way fine.
“It’s drastically different,” he said, “and [drafting later] is an area in which I feel a lot more comfortable. [The New England Patriots, whence TD came, tend to draft late.] You can get good football players, and there are opportunities for value. You can also move up and down.”
This draft’s target area? Read between the lines. “We need to continue to add explosive players with a sense of urgency on both offense and defense,” Dimitroff said.
Sounds like “wide receiver and pass rusher,” does it not?
If this lockout amounts to anything, the winners will be teams with a plan in place and the management to carry it through. It was no accident that the Washington Redskins won two Super Bowls in post-strike seasons: They had Joe Gibbs and Bobby Beathard to steer. It would be no great surprise if the post-lockout NFL sees the Falcons in Super Bowl XLVI. They’ve got Mike Smith and his little buddy in charge.
By Mark Bradley
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145 comments Add your comment
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 18th, 2011
10:48 am
1 ST
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 18th, 2011
10:53 am
Wow ! in a stunning upset i got the 1st march madness begins early for me
Mark Bradley
February 18th, 2011
10:54 am
SOUTH GA gets the kudos
todd grantham
February 18th, 2011
11:01 am
stunning is right.
Ben
February 18th, 2011
11:01 am
I think the lockout works against the Falcons for the exact reasons you mentioned. Not having free agency means one less opportunity for the smart franchises like the Falcons to do what they’re good at (make great FA decisions), and one less opportunity for the retarded franchises like Dallas or Washington to do something they’re great at (make stupid free agent decisions). In a nutshell, no good roster moves for the Falcons + no bad roster moves by other teams = advantage for the stupid teams that we’re competing with for the playoff spots.
Capologist
February 18th, 2011
11:01 am
You can’t be serious. Because of a potential lockout, that would benefit the Falcons? I guess whatever you need to tell yourself after the “Shellacking In the Dome”, whatever helps.
norman
February 18th, 2011
11:04 am
Bradley- Just a couple of months ago, I asked you about a work stoppage in the NFL. You said that it just wasn’t going to happen. Too much money for the players and owners. Now you’re writing on the coming work stoppage. What made you change?
danielsdawgs
February 18th, 2011
11:11 am
Bring in Champ Bailey. We need a shut down corner
jfreak13713
February 18th, 2011
11:15 am
A work stoppage hurts the Falcons and the NFL because the fans in a time when money is very tight will them as greedy! They won’t lose every fan but some will punish the NFL and or the Falcons by not attending as many games or not buying merchandise. I hope the players and owners understand whats going on in the country right now with budget cuts and UNION workers expecting TOO much out of tax payers and see themelves in the eyes of their fans??
Paul H
February 18th, 2011
11:19 am
Rounding out the top 10
Hankie Aron
February 18th, 2011
11:24 am
Not sure Mark how TD would feel you calling him Mike Smith’s little buddy. As a fan, I am more than satisfied with their leadership along with Artie “Money Bags” Blankasauraus
Hankie Aron
February 18th, 2011
11:24 am
I like your thoughts jfreak
Hankie Aron
February 18th, 2011
11:25 am
As said too often on the blogs, Book it
cantondawg
February 18th, 2011
11:25 am
In this economy, A strike is absolutely ridiculous. I have no sympathy for either the owners or the players.
The owners will always win out because they have the money in the first place. It won’t affect their lifestyle because they’re rich already.
Tell me how many players could make the millions that they are making now in a job outside of Football.
You would be lucky to find one. Most of them would be making less than $100,000 in a menial job.
Hankie Aron
February 18th, 2011
11:28 am
Capologist-a franchise nor a GM are relegated to 1 bad game. Get serious before you put that out there
Mr. Obvious
February 18th, 2011
11:28 am
Who benefits most from an NFL Lockout?
Our families, friends and loved ones we have neglected on weekends, Mondays & Thursdays for so many years in favor of following a meaningless (in the grand scheme of life) “game” played by a bunch spoiled, inarticulate millionaires who think we are all beneath them.
Observer
February 18th, 2011
11:29 am
The Packers lead the NFL in injuries which continued in the Superbowl and still won.
The Falcons lost a nickel back and fell apart.
Packer GM > TD and the rest.
Patriots vs Packers in next year’s Superbowl with the Pack winning.
TD and Smitty are better than what the Falcons usually have.
But not by as much as MB thinks.
Observer
February 18th, 2011
11:31 am
Good point Mr.Obvious.
falconpoop
February 18th, 2011
11:41 am
Forget FA, forget the draft, forget everything! I just want to play football! I’m retarded and everyone knows it! I hated school, and I hated doing homework! Gosh why can’t I get a girlfriend?!!! I guess I’m so freakin ugly and so freakin slow. I can’t do math. Algebra III always got me. Dang it Huberty! (Algebra III teacher). Go Falcons!
falconpoop
February 18th, 2011
11:41 am
I don’t know how to multiply, or add and subracting is my favorite.
teamguy
February 18th, 2011
11:43 am
One way a lockout will hurt the Falcons is they won’t get my season ticket renewal. I may not get my $440 back for the NFC Championship game that didn’t happen, but they won’t get any more. Baseball pulled this crap a few years back, and they have not made one dime off me since then. Goose-that-laid-the-golden-egg, meet your executioner: the NFL. And I don’t care who’s fault it is. .I’ll be gone. And I’ve been doing this since the second year the team has existed. My family can take a pretty decent vacation with the money I spend on these tickets, so I guess they will benefit the most.
teamguy
February 18th, 2011
11:44 am
*whose*
Dan
February 18th, 2011
11:44 am
Still touting the superior intellect of Dimitroff – it is as if the one and done in the playoffs and the Saints loss in the playoffs never happened
How about sombody winning a playoff game before they are Cantonized
Remarkable
February 18th, 2011
11:44 am
We still need a cornerback. Where will he come from? Round 3?
Howard
February 18th, 2011
11:48 am
Ask Mel Kiper about Emmett Smith
Mark Bradley
February 18th, 2011
11:55 am
Time and tide, norman.
Curious George
February 18th, 2011
12:10 pm
Since Arthur Blank could potentially save million$$$ next year if there is no football due to an extended NFL Lockout, could the Atlanta Thrashers Hockey Club benefit the most by being being purchased away and saved from the Atlanta Spirit Group (of Criminals) as an “alternate investment” for Mr. Blank to infuse with that monetary capital?
Roll Tide
February 18th, 2011
12:13 pm
If the falcons were smart the would try to get Bob Sanders for the right price. They have a nice young safety back there but the saints have Bob Sanders on our list so your loss.
Go Saints
Who Dat in Atlanta
February 18th, 2011
12:20 pm
Falcons are coming off one of their best season in a looooooong while and still couldn’t get out of the the first round.
WHO DAT!
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
12:23 pm
Bob Sanders would look good in a Saints Uniform
Milburn Drysdale
February 18th, 2011
12:25 pm
I am with Teamguy…..any work stoppage and the owners and the players can flat forget me ever watching a game on Tv, much less shelling out big bucks to go watch them play at the Dome. They did this back in the eighties, but we forgave them. Not gonna happen this time. The fans need to RISE UP and let these people know who really pays the bills. Just one game and you can for about it.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 18th, 2011
12:32 pm
A lockout benefits every owner equally, since they get paid whether or not games are played. I hate to tell y’all this, but the owners flat out don’t care whether or not you renew your season tickets. They are getting paid their billions of dollars in TV revenue even during the lockout.
Snoman
February 18th, 2011
12:34 pm
Hey Roll Tide, go ahead and spend all your money on Bob Sanders for the two great games he will play for you. The rest of the money will be spent on his therapists as he will be in rehab the rest of the year.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
12:39 pm
Snoman you must be a falcons fan, does that first round beatdown still hurt.
Back to the Ain'ts
February 18th, 2011
12:45 pm
Who Dat,
My memory of the playoffs was that the Ain’ts lost to the SeaChickens who had a losing record going into the playoffs. And the Falcons, while they did lose in the 1st Rd of the playoffs, lost to the eventual Superbowl champs.
Certainly nothing to brag about, but a lot less embarassing than meager fight your boys put up.
Go spend your money on Bob. There’s a reason the Colts are letting him go. Nine games in three years. ‘Nuff said.
Milburn Drysdale
February 18th, 2011
12:46 pm
@Who Dat…..doesn’t a beatdown at the hands of the Packers hurt a lot less than a first round beatdown to the Seahawks?
Tweets that mention Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
February 18th, 2011
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Sean Womble. Sean Womble said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: Who would benefit from a protracted #NFL lockout? Maybe the #Falcons. http://bit.ly/eyTyei [...]
Ted Striker
February 18th, 2011
12:50 pm
I looked the pic at the top by Curtis Compton and asked myself: How is it that Dimitroff can pull off wearing a visor without getting a label and Spurrier couldn’t?
Then I realized it was because Dimitroff doesn’t toss his.
Can you imagine the Bear ever tossing his houndstooth hat? Or Paterno slamming down his coke bottle glasses? Or Tressel ripping off his sweater vest in disgust?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:01 pm
While the Saints did lose on the ROAD and the game was close, The Falcons got a beatdown in the so called WINNER DOME AND THE GAME WASN’T EVEN CLOSE. Still waiting on that first playoff win from the bust Matty Ice
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:02 pm
I know one place they could care less about a lockout…..ALABAMA…heard tell that Tshirts with “Free Harvey” under a tree are selling out
Mark Bradley
February 18th, 2011
1:03 pm
Dimitroff is an interesting fellow. He told me after our iced-in week that he learned to drive on slippery surfaces from “riding the hard pack.” (I believe that means he snowboards.)
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:08 pm
Observer, thanks for that completely irrelevant post about the Packers.
???
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:09 pm
Who Dat, you lost to the worst team that has EVER made the playoffs. We lost to the Superbowl champion.
I don’t think i’d be making comparisons between the Saints playoff loss and the Falcons playoff loss if I were a Saints fan.
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:09 pm
Who Dat Nation…is it true, that when Brees runs on the field, all the Little People jump up in their replica # 9 jerseys and start singing the Munchkin song from the Wizard of Oz?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:11 pm
Mark
Would you consider Matt Ryan being a bust at this point? Zero playoff wins and he can’t lead the team when it counts.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:12 pm
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:09 pm
Who Dat, you lost to the worst team that has EVER made the playoffs. We lost to the Superbowl champion.
Superbowl Championships
Saints 1 Falcons 0
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:14 pm
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:09 pm
Who Dat Nation…is it true, that when Brees runs on the field, all the Little People jump up in their replica # 9 jerseys and start singing the Munchkin song from the Wizard of Oz?
Is it true that Matty Ice practices choking on madden because he knows he can’t lead a team to a playoff win. Michael Vick has more wins than the bust and he took a year off in prison
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:15 pm
Who Dat – lol, such a predictable response from a Saints fan. I guess you just change the subject when you can’t respond to the topic at hand?
And are you seriously calling Matt Ryan a bust??? That’s easily the dumbest thing i’ve ever heard. How many playoff wins did Rodgers have after his first 3 seasons? None, but according to your logic, he was a “bust”. Idiotic to say the least. There are plenty of hall of fame QBs who didn’t have playoff wins in their first 3 seasons. Are they busts too?
My prediction – you won’t respond to these questions because you can’t, but you’ll remind everyone about that time your team won a Superbowl.
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:15 pm
Who Dat Nation……………..thanks good….how many years has the Munchkin been in the league…SD didn’t think too highly of him did they
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:18 pm
Curious George
I’m hoping Arthur Blank is holding out to buy the Braves and doesn’t monkey around with his money buying a hockey team that will probably be playing elsewhere in a few years.
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:19 pm
Dumbo, you’re trying to converse with a complete idiot here, so don’t waste your breath. Anyone who calls a QB who has equalled Dan Marino in wins after only 3 years is a “bust” simply because that QB plays for a team he doesn’t like is clearly insane and such a homer that logic is somewhat useless.
I’m not even sure why I bothered responding to him. He’s gained a reputation around here for being among the least intelligent posters on this site, and that’s a tight race.
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:20 pm
haha, good point Dumbo. Who Dat’s own logic forces him to conclude that Brees is a bust. Reality hurts, doesn’t it Who Dat?
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:21 pm
Would you call Dan Marino a bust? Other than his rookie season I don’t believe he ever won many playoff games.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:22 pm
And are you seriously calling Matt Ryan a bust??? That’s easily the dumbest thing i’ve ever heard. How many playoff wins did Rodgers have after his first 3 seasons? None, but according to your logic, he was a “bust”. Idiotic to say the least. There are plenty of hall of fame QBs who didn’t have playoff wins in their first 3 seasons. Are they busts too?
Aaron Rodgers 4 wins
Mark Sanchez 4 wins
Joe Flacco 4 wins
Michael Vick 2 wins
Jay Cutler 1 win
MATT RYAN 0 WINS 2 LOSSES
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:24 pm
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:15 pm
Who Dat Nation……………..thanks good….how many years has the Munchkin been in the league…SD didn’t think too highly of him did they
How many superbowl wins does Matty Ice have? Oh I forgot only falcon fans are worried about back to back winning seasons
Chris
February 18th, 2011
1:24 pm
I remain hopeful about the Falcons front office, but I do not quite understand the Dimitroff-as-genius sentiment that I hear in Atlanta. Selecting Matt Ryan was a good move, but beyond that what are we coronating him for. Sam Baker is OK, but certainly not a dominant left tackle. Peria Jerry (sp?) has been a bust thus far. Witherspoon is OK, but not great. None of the lower round picks has made a difference. The Gonzalez trade has been great, but not exactly thinking outside the box. Again, I have nothing negative to say about Dimitroff, but still wonder what is driving all the accolades except for maybe “He’s not Rich McKay” sentiment
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:25 pm
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:20 pm
haha, good point Dumbo. Who Dat’s own logic forces him to conclude that Brees is a bust. Reality hurts, doesn’t it Who Dat?
Nope, Brees isn’t a bust and never was one. But what is sad is Brees before and after he got hurt still has a stronger arm that Noodle Arm.
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:27 pm
Ahhh, Who Dat – you continue to show why you’re generally considered among the less intelligent people who post here.
You do realize that 3 of the QBs you listed got wins well after 3 years, and the other 2 were playing behind top 5 defenses and ready made teams, right? Of course you don’t.
Also, are you going to respond to the Brees thing, or are you going to hide behind your standard “hey, we won a Superbowl!” response?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:30 pm
You do realize that 3 of the QBs you listed got wins well after 3 years
Vick won in his second season
Sanchez won in his first season
Flacco won in his first season
Who is less intelligent now?
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:30 pm
follow me carefully here Who Dat, i know it’s tough for you – you just said that Ryan is a bust because he didn’t have any playoff wins after 3 years. Brees didn’t have any playoff wins after 3 years either. According to your own litmus test, Brees is a bust.
So yes, you do think Brees is a bust… either that or you just selectively make up rules for the QBs you don’t like so you can call them a bust. But anyone who is basing a QBs worth in the league based on what they’ve done after 3 years doesn’t know much about football.
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:31 pm
Who Dat Nation….hear tell when the league decide it needed a enema…they gave NO a frachise
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
Who Dat, you’re still not paying attention. I said 2 of them played behind ready made teams – Flacco and Sanchez. I never said those guys didn’t get wins in their first 3 years.
Are you really this dense??? You don’t even read the posts before you respond to them, do you?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
and the other 2 were playing behind top 5 defenses and ready made teams
Are you really going to use that as an excuse for Matty Ice???? The Saints or Colts didn’t have top 5 defenses but we got to the Superbowl??????
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
Who Dat, you’re still not paying attention. I said 2 of them played behind ready made teams – Flacco and Sanchez. I never said those guys didn’t get wins in their first 3 years.
Are you really this dense??? You don’t even read the posts before you respond to them, do you?
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
Who Dat, you’re still not paying attention. I said 2 of them played behind ready made teams – Flacco and Sanchez. I never said those guys didn’t get wins in their first 3 years.
Are you really this dense??? You don’t even read the posts before you respond to them, do you?
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
franchise…..sorry about typo
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
yep, the Saints and Colts both had QB’s well into their career too. Completely different situations.
It’s hilarious watching you change the rules over and over again just to try and win an argument. Please tell me you’re not an attorney.
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
Who Dat Nation….go back to that nasty city on the big muddy
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
Are you really this dense??? You don’t even read the posts before you respond to them, do you?
Did Arizona have a top 5 defense that year they beat the Falcons?
BirdDirty
February 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
Kill the lovefest Mark Bradley. Like someone said before, our defense loses one nickel back and the defense implodes. Where is all that depth Dimitroff secured through the draft? You right fluff stories for people/players you admire, and kill others. I will say it again, until the local newspaper takes a stand against mediocrity, these conservative, play it safe front offices in Atl will never be motivated to do all it can to win championships (Hawks and Braves included).
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:35 pm
Dumbo
February 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
Who Dat Nation….go back to that nasty city on the big muddy
Like Atlanta is such a clean city, that city is nothing but a drug smuggling projects with nasty falcon rednecks. How is the trailer park Dumbo
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:38 pm
Who Dat – nope. But Arizona had a veteran QB who had been in the league for years and had already won Superbowls.
Let’s follow your hilariously flawed logic. At first you said Ryan was a bust because he didn’t have a playoff win after 3 years. I pointed out multiple QBs who didn’t have playoff wins in their first 3 years, which of course you never responded to (because you can’t).
You listed two, but those guys were playing on teams with amazing defenses that were ready made, unlike the Falcons who have been rebuilding from scratch since Ryan got there.
So now you’re giving me QBs who played on teams with no defense, but now you’re breaking your own rule because all the examples you are giving me are guys who were in the league for more than 3 years.
Are you starting to see why no one here thinks you’re very smart???
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:38 pm
cheshire
Facts are facts and the facts state the Matty Ice has ZERO playoff wins. Drew Brees has won and he has a Superbowl so please continue you pointless debate. Because all you can say is Matt Ryan has led the falcons to back to back winning seasons. Thats all??????
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:39 pm
lol – now Who Dat is trying to compare New Orleans, a city so disgusting that half the city left when they finally had an excuse too, and Atlanta, an Olympic city whose population has been increasing since the 70’s because so many people want to live here.
Trust me Who Dat, that’s a losing argument. You should be familiar with those by now.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:40 pm
Who Dat – nope. But Arizona had a veteran QB who had been in the league for years and had already won Superbowls.
I kinda remember a QB choking when the game was on the line?????? Oh I forgot the other team had a verteran QB.
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
haha – but that’s not what you originally said. You said he was a bust because he had no playoff wins after 3 seasons. But Brees didn’t have any after 3 years either. So either you think Brees is a bust according to your own rule, or you have to admit that it’s a stupid rule. And you can’t do either!
It’s like talking to a child.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
You listed two, but those guys were playing on teams with amazing defenses that were ready made
The defense can’t win a game without offense just ask the Green Bay Packers the spanked the Falcons in the Georgia Dome.
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:42 pm
If the Falcons announced today that they were trading Matt Ryan 25 GMs would be calling TD.
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:43 pm
“The defense can’t win a game without offense”
LOL, ever heard of the 2000 Ravens or the 2003 Bucs???
Seriously, have you EVER watched a football game?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:43 pm
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
haha – but that’s not what you originally said. You said he was a bust because he had no playoff wins after 3 seasons. But Brees didn’t have any after 3 years either. So either you think Brees is a bust according to your own rule, or you have to admit that it’s a stupid rule. And you can’t do either!
It’s like talking to a child.
Facts are Facts and at this point he has ZERO playoff wins. But Vince Young has ONE.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:44 pm
cheshire
February 18th, 2011
1:43 pm
“The defense can’t win a game without offense”
LOL, ever heard of the 2000 Ravens or the 2003 Bucs???
Seriously, have you EVER watched a football game?
They won with the offense scoring and the defense playing great. Learn Football because they did not shutout any teams
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:45 pm
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:42 pm
If the Falcons announced today that they were trading Matt Ryan 25 GMs would be calling TD.
Yea they would be calling to ask if he really is a bust
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:48 pm
Who Dat Nation
Do you still have your Ain’ts sack? One fluke season and you think you’re all that?
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:51 pm
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
1:48 pm
Who Dat Nation
Do you still have your Ain’ts sack? One fluke season and you think you’re all that?
We found out the Falcons were overrated after that first round loss. So much for the Dome homefield advantage.
AINT you sorry
February 18th, 2011
1:52 pm
What is up with all these sorry Aints fans on our blog? You wardies were nowhere to be found after you got whipped by the worst team ever to make the playoffs. Crawl back in your dirty little holes and stay there until you crawl back out to watch us beat you in the Superdome again next year. Geaux screw yourselves, and Go Falcons!
AINT you sorry
February 18th, 2011
1:54 pm
Your coach doesn’t even want to live amongst you disgraceful people, he’d rather live in Dallas! What a joke!
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
1:56 pm
? You wardies were nowhere to be found after you got whipped by the worst team ever to make the playoffs
48-21 is a whipping compared to 41-36. But hey you guys think losing by 3 touchdowns and a 2 field goals is not a whipping then you are delusional
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
2:00 pm
We found out the Saints were overrated after that thumping by the 7-9 Seahawks.
Who Dat Nation
February 18th, 2011
2:03 pm
1eyedJack
February 18th, 2011
2:00 pm
We found out the Saints were overrated after that thumping by the 7-9 Seahawks.
Its hard to win back to back superbowls, just ask new england after spygate
Mathias of the Wood
February 18th, 2011
2:05 pm
MB, another fine article.
Are the Falcons (or any NFL team) authorized to sign FA’s if the players get locked out?
5150 UOAD
February 18th, 2011
2:22 pm
The OWNER benefit.
Many Players are living life styles they haven’t paid for.
Jerry Jones is not feeling good with all he owes on his HOUSE. The Falcons just pay rent on the DOME.
ATL fans are STUPID if they think a NEW outdoor stadium is a good thing. I need more work not more taxes or Floating Bonds to build a PLAYPEN for Millionaires and Billionaires.
Most of the FAT AZZ NLF player couldn’t do a 9-5 job 50 weeks a tear with only 2 weeks vacation. They ain’t that Smart or Physically able to do a real job.
PUT the SOBs on the street and let them look for work like the rest of us.
5150 UOAD
February 18th, 2011
2:27 pm
Make it real fun and NO NFL team sign a colleger player that has not GRADUATE from College. Not used his 4 years but ACTUALLY GRADUATED. That would change the ATTITUDE of PLAYERS looking to be RICH PUNKS. If A player is not 26yrs old he can’t be signed unless he has a College Degree.
Roger GOOFBALL
February 18th, 2011
2:37 pm
My NFL Network invoice will benefit from a long lockout.
College Football is better anyway.
AINT you sorry
February 18th, 2011
2:41 pm
Falcons beat the Seahawks 34-18 at Qwest field a couple weeks before they punded the sorry ass Aints, I was there. Your team is classless from the top down, owner all the way down to the scumbag fans. Drew Brees is the only guy on that team who has any class. Tom Benson, Sean Payton and Gregg Williams are all scumbags
SawThat1nce
February 18th, 2011
3:27 pm
saints are cheap shot artist.
Greg Williams is one of the biggest D-bags in the NFL.
Sean Payton is odd.
DirtyBirdsin11
February 18th, 2011
3:27 pm
I bet Mel Kiper’s grade for the 2010 draft would be higher if he factored in Tony Gonzalez for the 2nd round pick.
Ted Striker
February 18th, 2011
3:28 pm
BirdDirty — You’re being a little hard on Mark, certainly not that he can’t handle it. However here’s the thang. Sports columnists are aren’t supposed to be cheerleaders for the public or shills for a team or organization. They’re Switzerland. Neutral.
Mark Bradley`s Booster
February 18th, 2011
3:33 pm
Mark: A suggestion from your Booster. Why not shut down Who Dat. He has ruined your blog by not commenting on anything revelant to your story. The many replies to his comments are just as bad!! To address your point about the Falcons benefiting from a lockout: My feeling is that
they might for the reasons you stated but the risk of many fans becoming so irate and disloyal could be very bad for the future.
willie
February 18th, 2011
3:46 pm
I am a huge Falcons fan but I agree that Matty Ice still has alot to prove. Those 2 picks completely turned that GB game for us. You just can’t do that in big games. Hopefully, he learns from it. He is nowhere near being in the discussion for top 10 QBs yet.
Larry
February 18th, 2011
4:06 pm
It is pretty easy to draft when you have a top five pick, need just about everything, and coming off a crime scene year in 2007 that has Blank willing to so (spend) just about anything.
Mr. Dimitroff has earned the very average grade of a “C” ever since. Picking winners later in the draft is when the great GM’s are..great!
From my perspective, the jury is still out on the short dude with spiked hair and the goatee of a 14 year old…and the person who the brilliant owner (the same owner that hired Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino) hired over a telephone call, not in person!
mars
February 18th, 2011
4:30 pm
“Do you know how much are the insurance payments on a Ferrari?”
404
February 18th, 2011
4:43 pm
N – Next
F – Financial
L – Losers
Reality Suckss
February 18th, 2011
5:27 pm
Should have drafted Clay Matthews.
B
February 18th, 2011
5:37 pm
yeah right. they have a weak arm qb. no pass rush. lazy secondary. no big time wide receivers and a running back that runs like a 40 year old. yeah they have no problems
gb showed that.
Whopper Dawg
February 18th, 2011
5:38 pm
Oh the praises for TD. Letting three starting OL go, and the best three, Baker is the weak sister and McClure is on his last legs, and starting with three essentially rookies in thier place would be a disaster.
TD made some good moves in FA, TG and Turner. Robinson is iffy (one int this year) and signing Jenkins to $20mm over four years was stupid.
Great draft in TD’s first year because of Ryan and Lofton, Baker has lost his shine, DeCoud make be a keeper, but that draft of the last two years have yielded next to nothing. He has burned 5 picks in three years on CBs, two of which were in the third round, and none of them can cover a table.
The next draft is important for TD and the Falcons, we need some players out of this draft not bench warmers.
The Falcon Jedi
February 18th, 2011
7:42 pm
I have no comment
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
February 18th, 2011
7:58 pm
td needs to focus heavy on D & O-line…need that aggressive approach
Larry
February 18th, 2011
9:49 pm
What are chances of trading Dunta Robinson for someone who might be able to play CB because he surely can not. The Falcons have done a great job since being Vicked but paying big money for Robinson was a weak move at best.
opie
February 18th, 2011
10:07 pm
Mark, you are crowning Dimitroff and Smith as great but the Falcons are 0-2 with 6 turnovers in the playoff. He drafted Peria Jerry over Clay Matthews and CB Davis Miami Dolphins. Everyone knew of Peria Jerry’s injury history in college as well as William Moore. He wasted a two valuable 2nd round picks to trade up for the worst left tackle in football, Sam Baker. Curtis Lofton is over-rated he cannot cover a grandmother out of the backfield. I am sorry I ever criticized Keith Brookings for his coverage skills. Lofton tackles are often pile ons after the play.
Chris Owens, Chevis Jackson, William Middleton, CB from AZ State, all wasted picks for need. That New England BS does not translate in Atlanta, He is not Bill Bellichick!! Mike Smith’s defenses in Jacksonville never finished in the top 10. He has no impact in the Ravens Superbowl run. Marvin Lewis was the D-Coordinator. Jack Delrio’s read and react defenses are awfull year in and year out and Smith uses his non aggressive passive schemes. Every criticizes Mularkey and Van Gorder but it is Mike Smith’s responsibility to make game time adjustments. He is calling the defense not Van Gorder. Review Jacksonville’s game tape Atlanta run the same lousy scheme!!
Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons | Mark … | Articles about the world
February 19th, 2011
2:10 am
[...] the original post: Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons | Mark … Posted in Benefits Tags: are-fortified, atlanta, atlanta-falcons, atlanta-journal-, [...]
JSS
February 19th, 2011
8:25 am
Tony Gonzalez is one more year older (and slower), Turner is one more year older (and slower), Abraham one more year older (and slower)… By the way, have Weems and Grimes signed extensions yet? The same goes for your kickoff specialist and punter…
This smells of the first 80’s strike (1982)… Everyone thought that it was going to benefit the Sport Magazine “team of the 80’s.” Two years later they lost their All-World multi-purpose back to injury. It was the beginning of the end for all of that promise!
Tweets that mention Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
February 19th, 2011
8:26 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by marilynsoffice, Cooler Talk 89.7. Cooler Talk 89.7 said: Who benefits from a long lockout? Maybe the Atlanta Falcons: If the NFL lockout arrives as expected — the start … http://bit.ly/hOJsqZ [...]
mf
February 19th, 2011
9:06 am
Wow…it sure sucks when all I want to do is get some Falcons takes and all of a sudden the board gets flames by Saints fans. Don’t you swamp people have a whole city to rebuild?
Bud
February 19th, 2011
9:09 am
Why anyone listens to kiper is beyond me. He’s an idiot. He parrots general manager managers, plagerizes media guides, and repeats coaches observations. If he had an original thought, it would die of loneliness.
carmatter
February 19th, 2011
9:33 am
When did the Falcons lose in the first round of the playoffs? The last two times they had first round byes, and the time before that was when Vick took us to the NFC Championship game against Philly, wasn’t it? What is Who Dat talking about?
5150 UOAD
February 19th, 2011
9:40 am
I think the RICH owners have everything to win. The ACTING like they are rich players with less than 3 years in the League and the Players that have 8 or more years(getting too Old) are the ones that will hurt.
Fussball Fan
February 19th, 2011
10:23 am
Stop talking about the seeing the Falcons in the Super Bowl 46!! I know that is the ultimate goal, but did you see the arse kicking that they just took in their last game!! That is why Atlanta fans are always so heart broken after loses, due to all the hype they receive and the writers in the AJC believing that they are the ‘85 Bears. Learn from last years loss and then, here’s an original thought…..Look at improving on last season and not getting embarrassed at home during the playoffs, before you start on the Super Bowl chatter.
Fussball Fan
February 19th, 2011
10:31 am
Ironic how a poster called the Falcons a smart organization (0 Super Bowl Championships- 1 appearance) and Dallas and Washington retarded organizations ( 8 Super Bowl championships- 13 appearances). Please WIN SOMETHING, before you talk about NFL royalty. With comments like that, I wonder which ledger the Falcons fans would fall in?
Dr. Warren
February 19th, 2011
11:11 am
“Little buddy”? Is Dimitroff really that short?
Joseph Allen McWhorter
February 19th, 2011
11:21 am
A.J. Green sure would look great in a Falcons uniform but that is just a dream.
Three Steps Mister
February 19th, 2011
11:41 am
It’s time—way past time—– that Jim Gray leave the sports reporting scene altogether.
He boned the moment with Pete Rose at the All Century Team show, and has contiuned to screw up over the years and now the Golf Channel has mercifully excluded him from our view and sound indefinitely.
Maybe he could take the place of that other classless dufus, Robert Gibbs. Unfortunately that’s already a bone shop over their anyway, and what else would you expect.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
February 19th, 2011
12:19 pm
“A.J. Green sure would look great in a Falcons uniform but that is just a dream.”
Snooker the Bengals outta their #4 pick (toss in a Matty Ice for Carson Palmer trade to sweeten the deal) and A.J. Green could be in a Falcons uniforn near you.
Audacious? Damned skippy. Stupid? Perhaps. But me, I’ve seen enough of Ryan to think he’s peaked as an NFL QB. Seems like more and more of his out passes (the only pass he ever throws) turn into pick sixes as NFL DB’s figure him out.
Can’t argue with the Falcons streak of three straight winning seasons. But they have another streak too – crappy first round draft choices – save Ryan, picks like Jamal Anderson (Rich McKay’s handiwork) and Peria Jerry look like wasted picks.
coloradobulldog
February 19th, 2011
12:43 pm
“Can’t argue with the Falcons streak of three straight winning seasons. But they have another streak too – crappy first round draft choices – save Ryan, picks like Jamal Anderson (Rich McKay’s handiwork) and Peria Jerry look like wasted picks”
Uh Purgatory… Witherspoon was our last 1st Round pick and he was not a weak pick. Great pick at that place in the 1st round. And I think its unfair to say Jerry is a wasted pick at this point. Give him a full year of health. He was not over his knew injury last year and played well as a rookie before he got hurt.
coloradobulldog
February 19th, 2011
12:44 pm
And trading Ryan for Carson Palmer is the dumbest idea I have ever heard.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
February 19th, 2011
2:05 pm
Uh, coloradobulldog, Anderson is definitely a bust and after two years, Jerry has had no impact whatsoever.
These guys are first round picks. Weather-Wither-spoon had very little impact last year. Injury-prone or not good enough to earn playing time – tomayto/tomahto; either way their contributions to the cause are as weak as the cheapskate who sits next to me in church and puts a slug in the collection plate.
I’m trading Ryan for Carson Palmer and the #4 pick (i.e. A.J. Green).
And New Coke or pitching Charlie Liebrandt to face Kirby Puckett are way dumber ideas.
Reality Bites
February 19th, 2011
2:46 pm
We dont have a defense…whaddya mean we dont need anything?
SawThat1nce
February 19th, 2011
8:21 pm
Escaped from Email………..Sounds pretty stupid to me.
Who Dat Nation
February 19th, 2011
9:14 pm
Go Saints
sorry dude,
February 19th, 2011
10:31 pm
the saints are not very good.
Major
February 19th, 2011
10:38 pm
There was one true statement made earlier, ALABAMA, could, care less about the lockout, and it has nothing to do with a damn tree or t shirt, but only with winning the 2012 national championship, which, will, come to pass ! ! !
Chucktown38
February 19th, 2011
11:03 pm
Observer you think GB spanked our a$$ because of a nickle back? What are you smoking?No O and no D plain and simple Oh yeah and a Qb that cant throw the ball any futher than 45 yards.
Reality Check !
February 20th, 2011
10:24 am
I think we need to rebuild the whole team and coaching staff. Should have hired Rex Ryan.
TD stinks
February 20th, 2011
10:26 am
Should have hired Rex Ryan and drafted Clay Matthews.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
February 20th, 2011
11:29 am
Well coloradosprings and Isawthelight, I hope you’re correct.
You’re definitely taking the safe route. And since there’s no way in hades the Birds will ship Matty the One Trick Pony out of town, I hope you’re right.
I suspect you see Ryan as a work in progress rather than a finished product (i.e. a franchise QB). Here’s hoping in three more years your best laid plans yield another Peyton Manning behind center and not Jake Plummer.
If we move Ryan while some see him as the former, we can get an impact player in return. If we wait until it’s clear he’s the latter, we’re stuck with him.
ryan
February 20th, 2011
11:54 am
The Falcons should draft Pouncey if he there i would go TE or DE in the 2nd how about DJ Williams TE from Arkansas .
No Crying
February 20th, 2011
3:18 pm
The birds have a fine pass rush, They got to the quarterback plenty of times. They just have to learn how to tackle him once they get there.
Eazy
February 20th, 2011
5:53 pm
I have to disagree with you Mark Bradley. This free agent class has great young players at every position of need, and I think this is the year when the Falcons should make a splash in Free Agency. If we added players like Charles Johnson/Kiwanuka and Chad Greenway, we would greatly improve our defense without breaking the bank. There’s also quite a few explosive players on offense that are going to be available. Darren Sproles, Leon Washington, Santana Moss, Santonio Holmes, and Sidney Rice are all good offensive players that we could use, but don’t necessarily need that bad. I think we’d be better served getting Sproles and Santana Moss. We could use our draft picks for a defensive end, a young tight end, and some offensive linemen.
Falcon 2
February 20th, 2011
6:44 pm
You must be kidding if you think they hit it off with Matt Noodle Arm Ryan!
Gen Neyland
February 20th, 2011
10:49 pm
Hope y’all got a chance to watch the ESPN story on Condredge Holloway tonight…GBO
Kirk
February 21st, 2011
3:08 am
Just fine without a major free agent acqusition ???? Wait a minute..I swear I thought that Head Shop on Buford Hwy had closed..y know the one with the bongs and crack pipes..the only one in metro Atlanta for stoners…
What have you been smokin? Is this the kind of spin the AJC sportswriters puke after the defensive nightmare in the Dome last month???
Were you watchin the same game? yes the Falcons were smoked like every other team the Pack smoked enroute to the Lombardi Trophy but the butt whippin in the dome was far worse than any other team the Packers beat..
Have you forgotten that or now that winning seasons appear to be on the immediate horizons is that all that matters..an ass every 18 inches..keep the Dome filled..or is the mantra now
” Maintain the franchise’s “positive direction” with a view toward a new “downtown outdoor venue”
Did it ever occur to you Bradley that the fans of this only recently successful and more often than not beleagured franchise just MIGHT want more than just a winning season here….or is this just more
corporate media SPIN???
go along get along???
we get it!
Jborodawg
February 21st, 2011
9:09 am
CBA?! Lockout?! Coal miners need a union. Why do millionaire football players need a union? What if they don’t play on Sunday? What if your garbage isn’t picked up? Compare those two.
If there’s a “work” stoppage, I’ll never set foot in the Ga Dome (or any other NFL venue) again.
bigeasy830
February 21st, 2011
9:12 am
The Falcons need playmakers buddy, they need to sign some in free agency,like Santonio Holmes and a good young pass rusher like Cahrles Johnson. TD is not that great of a GM, he gave alot of money to Robinson who had no INTs the year before and was a bust this past season. He traded 2 2nd round picks for Sam Baker when Baker would have been there for the Falcons in the second round and Baker is a bust, in that draft you have play makers like Jordy Nalson, DeSean Jackson, Ray Rice, Matt Forte, Eddie Royal and a couple of more players that went in the second round. The Falcons could have filled some holes on a team that has shown to still have big holes which was exposed in the play-off lost. Matt Ryan can win a Super Bowl but he needs WRs and a third down back that can get YAC for him. The defense needs a better pass rush. I think Hary Douglas will have a break out season next year for you, since he should be fully recovered physically and mentally from the knee injury. But the Falcons need to get a few more play makers.
Why the Falcons shouldn't pursue Bob Sanders: He gets hurt | Mark Bradley
February 21st, 2011
11:07 am
[...] sooner had I written a little something about the looming lockout and how the Falcons have little need to make a free-agent splash than I was inundated by various forms of electronic missives, all wanting to know: Should the [...]
Should the Falcons pursue Georgia legend Champ Bailey? | Atlanta … | atlantafalcons.sportsblogstoday.com
February 21st, 2011
5:29 pm
[...] continue reading… [...]
DayOneFan
February 22nd, 2011
4:38 pm
The Falcons still need push in the middle of the DL . Get a BIG nose tackle(or 2) instead of playing four DE’s. They were able to get pressure off the corners(most of the time). But, the QB’s would just step up in the pocket to escape the rush, time after time. Pressure up the middle will result in more sacks. All the big man need to do is move the line of scrimmage two or three yards back so the QB’s can’t step up in the pocket. Our DT’s are just big DE’s. You have enough DE’s, so, get some BIG tackles (340 types). Pay the man!
WE NEED GIRTH !!!!
On offense, we need speed to get outside (RB) and speed to get down field (WR). Let Norwood go, he is to injury prone.