I asked, ‘Why no buzz for the Falcons?’ Here’s what you said
The rookie Julio Jones makes a buzz-worthy entrance. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
I’ve been hearing rather less about the Falcons than I thought I might, and much of what I have heard has been negative. So I got to thinking: Where’s the buzz about these Birds? And then I thought, “Maybe it’s just you. Maybe there’s this huge buzz you haven’t heard because you’re off listening to your warped vinyl records.”
So I asked. In a blog post on AJC.com Wednesday morning, I invited readers to tell me if such a buzz existed, and if not why not. And the results were overwhelming — 400 online comments in 4 1/2 hours, dozens of emailed responses, plus Facebook postings and Twitter tweets — and instructive.
From Paul Lipsey via email: “Thought you’d made a wacky assumption this morning, but I see nothing in the first hour of comments to indicate that you’ve made a mistake. No screeching outrage from the Falcon flock? I’m flummoxed.”
So that made two of us. The obvious next question: Why aren’t you buzzed?
From Tom on AJC.com: “Because the thought of Michael Turner running for two yards a carry and the defense getting repeatedly smoked does not make one excited.”
From Matt from MN on AJC.com: “Because the thought of another year of Mike Mularkey in charge of Matt Ryan and the offense is just too much to bear.”
From Derrick on AJC.com: “The reason for the lack of buzz goes back to that embarrassing playoff loss. It sucked the air out of our fan base.”
From Fred-D on AJC.com: “It’s a combination of both the Green Bay game and not trusting them to win big when they should.”
From Micky Woolsey via email: “The fans just don’t trust the Falcons because of the past. I have to admit that, even though I think they are the best team in the NFC, I still have doubts.”
From HJones on AJC.com: “I am 65 years old and lived in the Atlanta area all of my life. I have seen all of the bad times and the supposedly good times. I don’t have faith in the current Falcons to play at the high level required to win the BIG games.”
From JSS on AJC.com: “They are the NFC’s version of the Chiefs. No one except for the diehards or those just like long-suffering Cubs fans put much trust in them. When they finally win a title, it will be more of a relief than a feeling of honest elation.”
We pause to note: The Falcons were 13-3 last season and were the NFC’s No. 1 seed. They got blitzed by Green Bay in the playoffs, but the Packers did win the Super Bowl. The Falcons have added Julio Jones via the draft and Ray Edwards via free agency. A good team would appear to have gotten better on both offense and defense. Does glory not await?
From nickpaste on Twitter: “The Packers, Eagles, Saints, Patriots, et cetera, temper our expectations. ”
From jamaaliver on AJC.com: “Philadelphia signed the bigger names in free agency. A lot of the pundits are picking New Orleans to win the division.”
From NorthGANole on AJC.com: “Buzz usually comes with added personnel … The only major acquisition that was made [outside of draft picks] is Ray Edwards and we haven’t seen him play yet.”
From Mark Teems on Facebook: “Falcons starters are great. The rest of the team keeps losing preseason games.”
From Big Ray on AJC.com: “True diehard Falcon fans are excited. But even we were burnt by the loss to Green Bay. We’ve got to win that first playoff game under the Dimitroff/Smith regime.
Many respondents pointed, with cause, to causation: The lockout diverted our attention, and the Braves captured it. And we tend to pay attention to college football around here. And it is still preseason.
From Ronald D. Willard via email: “The vast majority of reasonable fans understand that this team is in such good hands that there is little need for hand-wringing … It is simply too early to get excited or worried. You know that Dimitroff, Smith and the players will be well prepared and will give us the maximum effort at all times. Their efficiency has both spoiled us and given us a sense of security that long-time fans have never had the luxury of enjoying.”
From Jason Reittenbach via email: “My prediction: If we beat Chicago in Week 1 and then have Vick and prime-time TV coming in Week 2, the excitement will be through the roof once again.”
On those cheery notes, I’ll end. But not without saying thanks to everyone who responded. I’m in your debt.
By Mark Bradley
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194 comments Add your comment
Falcons4Eva
August 24th, 2011
4:24 pm
Answer – Mike Murlarkey is the reason.
Falcons4Eva
August 24th, 2011
4:25 pm
Oh by they way – I didn’t read the article…Now I interrupt this comment to read Mark’s update…
Mark Bradley
August 24th, 2011
4:29 pm
Kudos for being the first to rip Mike Mularkey on this post, Falcons4Eva.
PreyDawg
August 24th, 2011
4:33 pm
Falcon fan for 30 years here. I was a bummed as anyone alive by the Green Bay Loss. And not just the loss. The manner of the loss. Let’s face it, it made the regular season look like a mirage. The Green Bay offense made our D look like bums. And the whiffs on 5 different wide open sack opportunities was almost too painful to watch.
All that said, I am optimisitic. If we can protect Ryan…that is absolutely key…more key than Turner. Then this team can beat anyone. However, I have to see Ryan perform in the playoffs to get really hyped.
LinkinPro
August 24th, 2011
4:34 pm
The inconsistancy on the offensive/defensive sides of the ball knocks the wind ouf of confidence. As a diehard fan since 89′, i truley believe the time is right for a championship run, but the main measuring stick will be our record after the week 5 primetime game against Green Bay. If we come out of it 4-1, my confidence and trust will return. As alot of fans have said “We have seen this before” Hype and no hope, so alot of the fans are lying in the bushes waiting for news to be really excited about!
matt r
August 24th, 2011
4:35 pm
The Falcons did win a lot of BIG games last year. Just not the biggest.
The Real Falcon
August 24th, 2011
4:37 pm
Season ticket holder and I AM stoked! Will be at eavry game just like each year.
Falcons4Eva
August 24th, 2011
4:37 pm
I should also add that “buzz” is generally reserved for those teams with either:
A.) Teams that score a lot and score with style and pizzazz. We score on long dink and donk drives and a bunch of field goals. Not very exciting. Keeps you off ESPN highlights.
B.) Teams with great personality and character – not necessarily the kind of Personality and Character that this teams wants or needs (Ocho Cinco, T.O. the coach of the Jets, aka a bunch of clowns, etc)
Especially after the Mike Vick and Bobby Pertrino disaster, this team would rather stay BORING and under the Radar and be a steady solid team than have the BUZZ factor that lights up the highlight reel on ESPN
Go Falcons. Go Braves, Geaux to HeL1 Saints!
meh
August 24th, 2011
4:39 pm
if they mix the statue of liberty play in a few times a maybe a fake spike or two, that should get folks excited.
LinkinPro
August 24th, 2011
4:39 pm
The other thing is “on paper” we are stacked on the offensive side of the ball. Lots of comparisons to the Rams Superbowl “greatest show on turf” offense. The Gameplan has to be designed to accomodate the talent on the roster, which hasnt been done in the past. Hopeful, that we are just seeing a very Vanilla Offense in the preseason and the High-Octane O that we would love to see will come alive Week 1!
oldmike
August 24th, 2011
4:40 pm
Not excited because except for one team the season ends in despair. Why invest so much emotion in something as fragile as a football team. Ask any Giant fan right now how it looks for 2011. Would you like to be a season ticket holder there? Falcons could be incredible and then one freak play and subsequent injury could kill the season. Ask the PATS about that one.
Jeff Van Not
August 24th, 2011
4:44 pm
Excitement will go way up after the Braves win the World Series. Atlanta fans can only focus on one sport at a time. That is why people only pay attention to the Hawks from February – early April. couple that with competition from UGA and GT plus the lockout and you can see why fans are slow to get ramped up. God help them if they start off slow.
Larry Munson
August 24th, 2011
4:45 pm
No buzz for the Falcons? Why I remember one time when (insert crickets chirping)
Hillbilly D
August 24th, 2011
4:55 pm
I watch a football game now and then but am not really a big football fan. JSS made a pretty good point, though. Those of us who have been around since 1966 have seen expectations not met, more than a time or two.
J.J.M.
August 24th, 2011
4:56 pm
THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL THROW THE DEEP BALL
collegeballfan
August 24th, 2011
5:05 pm
“I’m in your debt.”
When are you mailing the checks?
Spanky
August 24th, 2011
5:10 pm
Mark, I think there is buzz for our dirty birds, HOWEVER, the bitterness of the lock-out still leaves a nasty taste in our collective mouths. I’m willing to bet that it’s like that everywhere! We very much tend to be all “Okay, fine then!! To heck with ya!”…we did it to the Braves when they scratched a season! Once the games count, we’ll give a crap! Keep up the good work, Mark!
Jason
August 24th, 2011
5:13 pm
I can only speak for myself (when my wife lets me) but for me its more about the lockout. I’ve been tuning out the NFL since the Draft. Other that the casual check-in to make sure that its returning or to plan my Fantasy team, I’ve been occupying myself with other things (and teams such as our Red Hot Braves!) I will flip the switch to BUZZ a few days before Game 1!!! and will keep it there all year long.
steve
August 24th, 2011
5:13 pm
MB, why has no one mentioned Harry Douglas or Peria Jerry in these talks of the Falcons getting better? Assuming they stay healthy, Julio Jones and Ray Edwards aren’t the only two guys making the Falcons better…they’re gaining a first round run stuffer and a speedster who (I think) is a significant upgrade to Finneran.
Paddy
August 24th, 2011
5:14 pm
Win the first 2 and the buzz will be so real, you will think you stepped on a hornets nest. The pre-season has nothing to do with hype. Same as spring training in baseball. These Falcons can play and at the highest levels. I am ready for a great season.
Whopper Dawg
August 24th, 2011
5:14 pm
To the casual fan, the smoking that occurred in the Green Bay game has had a large impact.
To the more die hard, ditto, plus the offense in the Jaguar game looked exactly like the offense that MM has been running. So, why did we draft Jones, for a seven yard down and out? Add that to a defense that has serious pass coverage and tackling problems, and no, I am not buzzed.
Show something MM, show something.
Outside Observer
August 24th, 2011
5:15 pm
Can it be classified as a silent buzz? I have very high expectations for the Falcons this year, but I don’t want any of the media hype. Look how many championships the media buzz brought a team looking to win a championship in its own stadium (sorry Cowgirls) and a team that was considered unbeatable (suck it Lebron). Teams that “fly under the radar” seem to be having more success (SF Giants, Mavs). The best team will win in the end, and I have confidence that my team will be in the running for that title, but until then, I am completely ok with the media hyping up Philly, NO, NE, and Pit.
FEATHEREDFRIEND
August 24th, 2011
5:18 pm
youtube-”falcons truth play 60″- That about says it all
Michael
August 24th, 2011
5:24 pm
Good lord,
these people suck
Runner-
August 24th, 2011
5:25 pm
Julio Jones won’t really make this team better on defense, so the fanbase is unsure if we’ll get burned again or not. Plus, the team won’t even make the playoffs this year with the tough schedule
Mark (another one)
August 24th, 2011
5:32 pm
With all professional sports, I start the off season worrying about what could have happened and how we could have done better only if … Then I morn the sport while I pick up the next one. I also track the sport during the off season to see what’s happening with my team, and rebuild the fire. Then when the season hits I am certain it will be a better year (the optomist comes out) and I am fired up for action.
This off season didn’t build the fire. All the talk about the lock out, the litigation, the stupidity of ‘could the Patriot players attend Mrs. Kraft’s funneral’. It was all so stupid it turned me off. It was especially bad that the normal people working for the teams got the shaft. I know they later received back pay, but the pay reductions put people in a bad way. And it was all because a bunch of rich players couldn’t agree with the rich owners how to split the huge pot of money at the end of their rainbow.
I tried to tune all this out because I knew they would figure out how to not lose the season and the details are not my concern. I’m a sports fan with a family and a job. I don’t need to worry about the Falcon’s salary cap, etc. They have good people to do that. Unfortunately, its hard to tune out because I start with the sports section and there it was, every day it seemed.
Now that all is peaceful on the labor front, I am looking forward to the season, but I’m not my excited self. I am pretty sure it will come. It did last time and it did for baseball (and no, I am not angry with Glavine. In fact he is one of my favorites of all time). The only sport that lost me so far was basketball.
As for college sports, Go Dawgs!!!
Thomas Dimitroff
August 24th, 2011
5:36 pm
Dear J.J.M.,
Please don’t confuse “explosive” for throwing the ball deep. Ha! You know we don’t do that here. But I can promise you some outstanding double reverses and some run after the catch yardage.
lower case b
August 24th, 2011
5:37 pm
If the Falcon’s win in Chicago, this fan base will be fired up for the Philly game. By the way, J.J.M., do you think the Falcon”s should throw the ball deep?
uga_b
August 24th, 2011
5:41 pm
MB,
It is hard to get excited about the regular season when you expect to make the playoffs where it actually matters. People want to see how this team performs in the playoffs and the Packers, Saints, and Giants have further shown that regular season is more about qualifying than winning.
extremus
August 24th, 2011
5:49 pm
While I would not be too quick to harshly criticise a coaching staff that, along with shrewd front management has literally transformed the culture surrounding this team, this year (if even that long) is the remaining window of opportunity for Mike Mularkey, I believe. All of last season and the year before, Mularkey’s playcalling and the lack of explosive plays or complete blowouts in the Falcons’ favor were a point of concern…and then the Falcons got torched by Green Bay and an offense that clearly showed how outclassed Atlanta’s offense was.
While the Falcons certainly addressed some big needs on defense as well (Edwards being the most prominent), there was no secret made of their efforts to make the offense more dynamic and give Matt Ryan more downfield options. Adding a rejuvenated Harry Douglass to the mix of White and Jones, not to mention Gonzalez underneath, and both the organization and the fans now believe there should be NO further excuse for a sputtering, inconsistent offensive attack or a season-full of nail-biters where the Falcons should have piled it on and won going away.
If this offense dazzles, it will be nothing less than what is expected given the pieces now in place. If it fails to deliver on a consistent basis once again, Mularkey’s job will be in serious jeopardy. Fair or not, the fact is that everything’s been done from a player addition standpoint that can be done. It’s time to deliver or go home.
GT Alum
August 24th, 2011
5:56 pm
Seems like most people expect the Falcons to make the playoffs, but they’re not sure what they’re going to do once they’re there. I think people are waiting for the Falcons to prove they can win in the playoffs. I’m not even sure there will be excitement before the playoffs, but I bet people’s interest level will rise come playoff time.
Remember the complacency that set in during the Braves’ run of division titles because they only won 1 World Series? I think the Falcons have reached a similar point. Not sure the have to win a title to escape it, but I suspect at least an appearance in the NFC championship game is required.
blazerdawg
August 24th, 2011
6:02 pm
Lockout and focus on CFB issues has caused for a late start. Does not quite feel like FB season yet. As others have stated, beat Chicago and the buzz will be greater than it has been in a long time.
blazerdawg
August 24th, 2011
6:06 pm
MB – what role do you think the AJC and local media have in “buzz”.
I remember in 1980 for the Birds and in 1982 and 1991 & 92 for the Braves, the teams were front page news every day – TV and radio remotes from the Stadium and sports bars (Beer Mug & Three Dollar Cafe) were common – not because the media was following a trend of interest, but in tandem with a growing interest and anticipation of success.
We need a positive local perspective – not the cynical transplant perspective that the AJC often exhibits. Lord knows the natives get enough of that.
James
August 24th, 2011
6:06 pm
It’s better to not have a buzz and just sneak up on people like the Packers did last year.
joemoedee
August 24th, 2011
6:24 pm
Again a lot of it has to do with Atlanta being so transient. You go to most large cities… you don’t have sports bars for the Steelers, Patriots, Lions, etc. Here you do. So when 1/2 or so of your local population grew up supporting their own home team, the local team won’t generate a huge buzz unless they’re in a high profile game.
Matt
August 24th, 2011
6:29 pm
I didn’t really think about it until now, but I haven’t been nearly as dirty bird obsessed as I usually am since the Packers loss. I was at that game, and to say it took the wind out of every Atlantan’s sails is a huge understatement. I’m sure when the season starts the excitement will return, but as many pointed out, it may not be full-blown until we win some playoff games.
DA BEARS!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2011
6:32 pm
with the slate of games the falcons have 7-9 at most 8-8 maybe a wild card ‘ryan isnt nfl elite receivers are me me me and the defense is always suspect mike smith is a good coach but dont exspect much atlanta because in the end there the falcons ‘maybe a 500 team if they stay healthy but the team is moving in the right direction
SC
August 24th, 2011
6:40 pm
A lot of people blame Mularkey. I don’t they understand the magnitude of the deficit in player quality which accrued during the years of McKay as GM and the revolving door of head coaches. Lack of depth is a difficult thing to overcome even in three (?) years. I think Dimitroff, Smith, Mularkey, Van Gorder, and Armstrong have done a great job.
Fans in Atlanta are suffering from hype-fatigue or maybe prediction-fatigue. They have learned that the real story isn’t known until the following season. Why isn’t Turner as effective as his first year – groin injury. Why is the opposing safety doubling up on Roddy? Turns out, Michael Jenkins *wasn’t* a big deep threat (the post route against a weak Lions secondary doesn’t count) and Harry Douglas had not recovered completely from his knee injury. Why hasn’t the pass rush improved? Kroy Biermann is one of the ‘Real Football Players of Atlanta’.
I’m still going to cheer for the Falcons until my throat is sore, but don’t tell me that the defense is going to be carried by the newly high-powered offense. Show me.
DA BEARS!!!!!!!!
August 24th, 2011
6:44 pm
i agree beerman is the best player on the falcons he is always welcome in chicago
Usual Fan
August 24th, 2011
6:57 pm
Typical Falcons reaction. Most Falcon fans are closet fans, when the team wins, they’ll be there. when they lose, (Usually), they won’t be there. They’ll continue to win during the regular season and when they make the playoffs, they’ll lose in the 1st or 2nd round.
Matt
August 24th, 2011
6:59 pm
Um DA BEARS, your calling the falcons a .500 team? I think your team got beat by the same team in the playoffs and, unlike the falcons, the bears lost good players instead of gaining them. You guys let go of Greg Olsen, why??? And you say Ryan isn’t NFL elite?? HA! At least our QB didn’t quit halfway through our playoff loss, plus Matty Ice doesn’t look like his dog just died all the time, unlike Cutler…
HATinGA
August 24th, 2011
6:59 pm
The only Buzz we need is after WINS!! And its preseason! Teams coming off bad seasons that made alot of changes create buzz. Good teams, like I think we are now, the fans expect to be good. We win those first two home games (Philly,GB) there will be more buzz than we will all want!!
Joe Tess Fish House
August 24th, 2011
7:02 pm
U didnt use my coments. 2 many fist round draft busts. Why get egcited win U no they have no chance?
HATinGA
August 24th, 2011
7:04 pm
Hate those fist round draft busts!
HATinGA
August 24th, 2011
7:05 pm
They get me egcited!
PMC
August 24th, 2011
7:17 pm
I don’t really have a problem with Mularkey. He’s working with what he’s got.
PMC
August 24th, 2011
7:17 pm
It could be a lot worse, we could have Greg Knapp.
kevin
August 24th, 2011
7:21 pm
The buzz and excitement is in athens!
HJones
August 24th, 2011
7:27 pm
I said what I was quoted to have said but made it clear I thought the problem is the predictable play-calling, offensive strategy, offensive coordinator, and too much Michael Turner. We have the players on the TEAM to win the BIG game but our coaching staff chooses not to let Matt Ryan and the team free.
“I am 65 years old and lived in the Atlanta area all of my life. I have seen all of the bad times and the supposedly good times. I don’t have faith in the current Falcons to play at the high level required to win the BIG games.”
mountain_jim
August 24th, 2011
7:34 pm
Falcon fan since 1972, agree with HJones about scheming and play-calling, and that falls on Mularkey and Smith for supporting his conservative style of play.
Buzz 2011
August 24th, 2011
7:39 pm
The lack of Buzz may include the following future event…
They have the Green Bay Packers on their schedule don’t they..
Buzz 2011
August 24th, 2011
7:41 pm
By the way Bark Madley, Buzz lives on North Avenue and that is where the Buzz will come from this football season..
The next person who uses the "Too predictable" phrase....
August 24th, 2011
7:46 pm
Needs to qualify their remarks with some sort of certified football background that DOES NOT include Madden video games, fantasy football, or years on sitting on the couch, thinking they understand professional football.
You numb nuts say this year after year, yet have NO alternative to what too predictable is.
Run on first down? Every team does that. It works too.
TN Jeff
August 24th, 2011
7:49 pm
Perhaps my memory is inaccurate. But I recall you predicting the Falcons would get in the playoffs as a Wild Card Team Mark. You ask why there’s no buzz for a team that won their division and finished at 13-3 last year as if we should expect it again the upcoming year. You yourself don’t expect it. I don’t get all excited about lowering my expectations. That’s a buzz kill. So I blame you Mark – you’re new nickname: Mark “Buzz Kill” Bradley.
Cnote
August 24th, 2011
7:51 pm
Season Ticket holder for 10 years. I love no buzz, because it catches everyone off guard and takes the pressure off the team. (Cant imagine if the Falcons had to play with the pressure that Philly has with all the buzz they created) After our first two regular season games, you will see the buzz. For now, lets keep it low key.
NRBQ
August 24th, 2011
7:52 pm
As someone mentioned earlier, having to depend on a lazy, barely literate, unimaginative beat writer contributes.
AJC Braves, Hawks, CFB and Recruiting writers are all over it. The Falcons guy needs to try for a career in rap.
phil
August 24th, 2011
7:54 pm
After the crushing Green Bay defeat, i’m flat this year. I can’t get excited at all. The lockout ruined it all too.
We’re not going to go anywhere, we all know it right now, so what’s the point?
Depressing.
phil
August 24th, 2011
7:56 pm
Cnote – give it up before they crush your spirit…again.
Worm
August 24th, 2011
7:56 pm
College Town
Call me later when you win in the playoffs
August 24th, 2011
8:02 pm
13-3 and got smacked down like we were not near ready, still hurts and mighty embarrassing—I’ll start spending money on the Falcons when the great “Matty Ice” wins when it really counts
Vick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
8:08 pm
Vick took the excitement with him. Simply put…there is nothing to be excited about in this town. I used to be a huge falcon fan until the Vick thing happened and I found out how they fans here really were. Sure, call him dog killer and all that BS, but to say he wasn’t a great player here and that he was a “N”….I’ve HATED the falcons ever since…which is sad because I love the NFL and love going to games, but I simply can’t stand to see “Ice” play in person..point blank. The last game I went to I fell asleep and I was on the 50yd line.
Take a look at ESPN,com….they are devoting an entire issue just to him…the first time in their history. Vick has the charisma and other wordly skills that Ice can never duplicate. I bought my tickets for the week 2 game against the Falcons back in April and am excited that I get to see great…EXCITING football again in person.
Oh yeah, my E.A.G.L.E.S. are gonna dust your asses
Vick for MVP
Vick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
8:09 pm
E.A.G.L.E.S. EAGLES!!!! lol
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 24th, 2011
8:14 pm
Mularky, Green Bay loss, never had decent pass defenders, loss of Finneran all play a part but most fans are just cynical.
I know I am sick of hype. I do not bite on the hype. I do not watch preseason games or watch pregame propaganda. I find out when kickoff or first pitch is thrown and do not turn on TV until that time. Got sick of know nothings arguing if they do this on D, then the other team will do this on offense, on third down then need to do blah,blah, blah. What they predict never happens and it is such a waste of time. Just play the game for goodness sakes.
Prep Zone
August 24th, 2011
8:17 pm
Flummoxed is a great friggin word.
Boss
August 24th, 2011
8:22 pm
How many people didn’t read this retread article but just skimmed the names to see if mb used their comment?
Najeh Davenpoop
August 24th, 2011
8:23 pm
Vick Supporter are you going to the Week 2 game?
Boss
August 24th, 2011
8:30 pm
vick licker
your boy is already starting to revert back to the real vick with his recent comments about how dogfighting is not really that bad and just part of his “culture” and how he was forced to go to the eagles. add in his pathetic 3 pick game last week and it’s easy to see that as soon as the eagles front office give dog killer a fat long term deal he will start half assing again.
who will your T.E.A.M. be when vick turns back into vick and the criminals in philly start booing him and all that high priced talent doesn’t work as a team because they have never played as one before?
Don’t worry vick licker your type will just pick the team with the best record at the moment and they will be your team.
Typical and sad.
tim
August 24th, 2011
8:42 pm
Why no buzz? Answer: What have they done for me lately. Not much.
Mayhem Is Coming
August 24th, 2011
8:54 pm
Being humiiated by Green Bay and the “fans” making mass exodus when the game was completly gone at the start of the third quarter and those stupid pelvic thrust TD celebrations. There seemed to be no heart from the team and gave up, never adapted. Time and again the opposing team comes in here and we let them do whatever they do. Brooking when he came here added like a meatball and no one nailed him. It’s great to be winning,I like the coaching staff and players, but there seems to be no heart and that makes for no buzz, no anticipation.
Vick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
9:07 pm
@Najeh Davenpoop
Damn right I;m coming to the game. Bought my tickets in April
Vick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
9:13 pm
@Boss
Ohhhh yeah…thats really creative. The fact of the matter is the Eagles are going to embarass the Falcons in week two. Hell, he has a good chance to have another HISTORIC game.
What HISTORIC, EPIC GAME has “Ice” had?
None.
“Ice” is a good game manager and he does his job and thats ok, but in the NFL, especially now with the spread offenses being ran the majority of the time, you need someone dynamic at QB. Look what Rodgers did to ya’ll last year, at home, #1 seed…he sliced and diced you..and Vick can do that on another level.
Smoke on this
http://espn.go.com/nfl/feature/moment/_/id/6865945/inside-moment-time-michael-vick-game-century
Vick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
9:15 pm
@Boss
LOL man…funny that you think the preseason is important. Typical loserville fan
FSUnole
August 24th, 2011
9:19 pm
I haven’t seen anything in the preaseason thus far to be excited about. This team will still struggle and be near the bottom in 3rd down defense. They did not address the safety situation. I’m sorry but owens wouldn’t start on 28 other teams, he’s not what the falcons need. There is just as much cause for concern as there is excitement. I for one, think they go 9-7 or 8-8.. The sked looks pretty brutal for a team that is not very deep..sorry, that are just the facts.
Da-led
August 24th, 2011
9:19 pm
Blame the lack of buzz on the fact you have a really crappy reporter covering this beat. he is awful.
FSUnole
August 24th, 2011
9:21 pm
convick hasn’t won jack squat in this league..It was fun watching my nole smoke his convict arse in the Sugar Bowl…scalp that sucka
Coastaldawg
August 24th, 2011
9:26 pm
The owner is a jerk who only cares about himself. I will never buy a ticket as long as he is owner.
black1
August 24th, 2011
9:35 pm
#2 is overrated and people scared to say it! No excitment
Ryan highly overrated
August 24th, 2011
9:42 pm
Rank the Falcons 0 to 10 . 6.5 they are not a killer team why Run game goes down Ryan can not carry this team . Defence they just keep the Falcon in the game for a while not killer D!!
DecaturJim
August 24th, 2011
9:48 pm
Serious Football fans realize that this year the Falcons will pay a much more difficult schedule. You cannot compare this year with last. Yea, last year was great, but now let’s see how the team looks against comparable teams and talent.
malone
August 24th, 2011
9:49 pm
Die hard since Steve Bartkowski/ William Andrews days. We are cautiously optimistic, despite all of the disappointments over the years. After all, If you’re a die-hard falcon fan after going through what we’ve been through for last 30+ years, you are a resilient believer that one day all the glory will fall upon us. The bottom line is we need to beat Green Bay and beat them good. And if that happens, people will start to talk. The buzz will be through the roof. But let’s face it — it is time to win it all. And I mean NOW, before our two stud DEs get too old, and before roddy white’s prime begins to fade. And if we do make it to the promise land and win the Super Bowl, oh the glory!!
robrob
August 24th, 2011
10:05 pm
Atlanta fans are the worst in sports. You sit back and whine about the team in your city. The people that hold these franchises up come from other places than Atlanta. Atlanta fans show up when Philly comes to town or the Cowboys. Question was, Where’s the buzz bout the birds? I say it is everywhere but Atlanta. The buzz in Atlanta is over some dope boys pushing kilos all over the Southeastern US.
robrob
August 24th, 2011
10:08 pm
Falcons are gonna fly high this year
Bama Falcon
August 24th, 2011
10:10 pm
Ticket holder for 15 years, last trip to the dome, the loss to Green Bay, left the game not mad, but shocked, will always remain a falcon fan, however, will only see a few games this season, this economy has kicked my A$$………………………….
T. Dimitroff
August 24th, 2011
10:51 pm
You guys are pathetic. Don’t you know I pulled mularkey to the side and told him he better get his rear in gear or his A$$ would be grass and im a snapper lawn mower. You don”t honestly think i gave up all those drafts picks to bring julio along slowly. This offense is going to be the one of the most prolific in nfl history. I promise or ill resign at the end of the season.
TD
Furious Styles
August 24th, 2011
10:53 pm
Stop looking for Buzz and just play ball. Whatever happened to just playing ball and not worrying about hype, hoopla, trash-talk and buzz.
Don't Feed Iggles Trolls (It Isn't 1960 Anymore)
August 24th, 2011
10:54 pm
People, get over the Green Bay game. It was seven months ago. You’re acting like we’re the worst division champion in the history of sports (Seattle, I’m looking at you). These posts are filled with a bunch of “yeah but” people who have no confidence at all. I’m so optimistic about what the 2011 Falcons can do
Blaming Mike Mularkey for the offensive struggles is a cop-out. The players have to execute the plays, period. Navy calls 99.9% run plays. Georgia Tech runs 90% run plays. It’s about execution, not play calling. You could call a fake punt 12 times in a row and if the defense can’t stop it, you’re the greatest coordinator of all time. We lose one playoff game badly and everybody needs to be replaced. Calm down, take a deep breath and look around. For every Falcon player you want run out of town, take a look at the free agent wire and tell me if you can honestly replace that person with someone better. Names don’t get you everywhere. It gets you on NBC every Sunday night (Iggles), but it doesn’t win championships. Team continuity, playmaking and a tiny bit of luck does. Stick by your team, stop bellyaching and be grateful, because four years ago we weren’t even talking playoffs at all.
Who Me?
August 24th, 2011
10:59 pm
For those of us who have gotten our hopes up too much (think ‘98 Super Bowl for those that were/are still fans), there are still too many questions based on this teams loss to GB last year in the first round and the lackluster depth/attitude we’ve seen in the first 2 preseason games.
We now expect the Falcons to make the playoffs given the makeup of the mgmt and the team. What we haven’t seen is post-season consistency and dominance of any kind. The Falcons in the current makeup are exactly like the Braves of the 90’s and early 2000’s – good enough to win their division in any given year and secure home field advantage, only to blow it the first or second round of the playoffs.
Win one SuperBowl, things will begin to shape up. Win 2 and you will see believers in a big way… yeah, i’d say its pretty much time for Arthur to get this team on a roll, or he’s going to start seeing more empty seats than he might should given the teams regular season success.
We need a dynasty, I think the city feels like we have the right owner to get there. Question is, can he keep the fan base satisfied with being a regular season division winner???
Keith
August 24th, 2011
11:02 pm
Mark,
I AM excited about the BIRDS this year; however, this is tempered with 2 things:
#1 – Braves have been playing well, especially of late.
#2 – Falcons whippin’ to the Packers is still fresh in my mind.
Having said that, GO FALCONS!!!
Who Me?
August 24th, 2011
11:09 pm
Agree with other posters here about Ryan’s lack of leadership/success. At a loss to explain why the kid isn’t at the top 2 or 3 in his league given his mental makeup and the success he had as a rookie QB. One can only attribute this to a couple of things:
>> MM is a terrible OC, or
>> Ryan’s QB coach is non-existent, or
>> we’ve reached the limits of Matt’s abilities and WYSIWIG – what you see is what you get.
Pick one, i’m at a loss except to say he drives me nuts from time to time with his inability to step up and make the throw while the pocket is still intact.
Vicks Lick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
11:11 pm
Enter your comments here
Vicks Lick Supporter
August 24th, 2011
11:13 pm
I would let the season play itself out,, and that goes for you Vick Lickers,,, we shall see
Tdawg
August 24th, 2011
11:26 pm
Vick Reporter I was actually a big Vick fan and hated what happened to him. Guess what though. He put himself into that predicament. I don’t recall any of the Falcon people hauling his arse off to jail. To boot he flat out lied to the fans and to the owner who time and time again gave Michael second and third chances. You are obviously a racist peace of garabage. I wish Michael nothing but luck in his attempt to keep his NFL career going. He is truley worth the price of admission, but if you want to blame someone for what happened to Vick, why not ask him who’s fault it was. But sense you’re a racist, you wouldn’t even believe Vick if he personally told you that it was his fault. Why don’t you just go crawl back under that rock from which you slittered from.
PMC
August 24th, 2011
11:49 pm
I disagree with the premise that some have stating that a good WR, in this case we hope Julio Jones does not improve the defense. Julio Jones is a weapon. He gives them more of a chance to score Touchdowns than they had last year. Playing with a lead changes the way teams play defense always. The goal of this team this year should be not just scoring on possessions, they are decent at that. It’s scoring TD’s rather than settling for 3 like they did so often last season.
The vastly underrated aspect is the character and heart from all 53 players. Weems kick returns, Roddy’s hustling back to beat San Fan; Grimes’ numerous interceptions and PBU’s to save games.
They are a gritty and determined team, what they need to do better is make it look easy more often instead of having to do everything the hard way.
FaceTheNation
August 25th, 2011
1:17 am
The buzz is zzz until we see the success of the draft day trade which traded away the future of the franchaise. Julio will be the ROokie of the year. However, the team will not be improved as a result of not enough improvement on defense.
Drizzy Swagghard
August 25th, 2011
1:29 am
My opinion is that the Falcons have traditionally let us REAL fans down after short periods of success, especially when there are high expectations for the following season. I do believe that this team will be different because of Smitty & TD but the history is there to cast doubt. I am a Falcons believer and always have been but the facts are the facts.
clay
August 25th, 2011
2:35 am
the braves are playing so well right now and the postseason run is starting to heat up, plus college football is in the air.
bigeasy830
August 25th, 2011
3:13 am
@ Vick Supporter
The Steelers exposed the Eagles and Vick ;ast game. Vick still struggles with his pre-snap reads against zone defenses. The Falcons will be hyped up for that game just like Vick will be. No way will the Falcons get embarrased, that will be a great game.
Also Mark
This year the Falcons are a real contender for the Super Bowl. In 98 when they made it, I was one of the few that saw the potential in the team. After they beat SF in the regular season that year I thought they could run the table the rest of their schedule. This year the acqusition of Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers along with Ray Edwards make the Falcons a legit contender.
Falcons fans don’t let last years play-off lost get you down on the team. I have been a huge Falcons critic and a Matt Ryyan critic, but Ryan showed guts in the lost, he made mistakes but he kept slinging the rock. I respect him as a player and the leader of that team now.
P. Bull Terrier
August 25th, 2011
3:27 am
Really?!? A blog column about blog comments???
Shultz’s “I’m on vacation” column is better than a rehash of a bunch of comments that were posted on the earlier blog.
What’s next, a column listing all the people to claim “first” after each new column?
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
August 25th, 2011
3:36 am
Pittsburg DEFF exposed Philly in that game last week…..Before all all the Philly/Vick trolls start in I think you yourselves realize it. Where is the pass protection??(everyone know where they want Vick to roll too ESPECIALLY these birds)…Where is the run D??(are you really gonna rely on a rookie to shore up your WEAK LB core??)…Just quick observations from what I saw of the starters….Certainly no “dream” team. I know I know …..its preseason…..But those were your starters in there getting beat!!
Stinger2
August 25th, 2011
4:53 am
Mark: In your summary of responses above, you failed to include one that was posted many times yesterday: That is college football (especially UGA) is the dominant sport
for most Atlanta an Georgia fans. There are also some GT fans that had rather get their “buzz” from the Jackets.
Stinger2
August 25th, 2011
4:57 am
I and msny other GT fans prefer to get our “buzz” from the GT Yellow Jackets. The UGA fans prefer the “Dawgs” by far over the Falcons.
Stinger2
August 25th, 2011
5:00 am
I have just made two responses that were not posted. Why?
FalconUGAFan
August 25th, 2011
6:03 am
@bigeasy830
Gotta give you props. I do remember you coming on here and ripping the Falcons…and to be honest, you were usually on point. But at least you have the cohones to come back and give credit where it is due. Ryan had nothing to do with Vick. Vick did himself in and people just need to let it go. Usually coming on here is a waste of time, but you deserved it.
rainman
August 25th, 2011
6:37 am
I think we see the secondary getting torched again!
Willie Coyote
August 25th, 2011
7:20 am
What annoys me is that when the “experts” bring up teams that could challenge the apparent juggernaut Philadelphia Eagles, they bring up the Packers (understandably) and the Saints (who isn’t the best team in their own division).
If the Birds are aggressive on offense, there will be not a lot a defense can do to stop them. If they have an improved pass rush, the coverage of the DBs will all of a sudden look spectacular.
My only cause for concern are the two coordinators. Let’s hope they bring it this year.
GO Birds!!! To hell with the rest!!!
dean
August 25th, 2011
7:34 am
101st!
I stand by my comment on yesterday’s question to fans.
Kane337
August 25th, 2011
7:48 am
After UGA loses it’s first 2 games maybe some of you so called “college fans” will turn your attention to the Falcons. Not sure why college football is so big in Georgia. It’s not like UGA has done anything since the early 80’s.
Atticus
August 25th, 2011
8:04 am
Mark, these aren’t a true sample of the fans and you know it. The true fans are the ones at the games and in the regular season. There is a lot of buzz at everyone i talk to, about Julio Jones and Harry Douglas and Weatherspoon and Will Moore. Matt Ryan is great, Turner is healthy, we got Ray Drew…..are you kidding me, no buzz?
Yes the loss in the playoffs hurt, especially how bad it was, but this franchise is set for years and believe me they will have a lot of explosive plays.
Falcon Josh
August 25th, 2011
8:14 am
Love that 790am saw this article for the crap that it is this morning.
Dontavius Supremo
August 25th, 2011
8:15 am
History is a heavy burden, and no team has a history more burdensome than the Falcons. History says you can always count on one thing from this franchise: They WILL let you down.
bitter dawgs fan
August 25th, 2011
8:15 am
790 the zone talk jocks——————its all about SEC football—–loosers————wake up
———–6-7 gt football drew avag——52,000 fans for there home games——
———————last time falcons were 7-7——-they drew 22,000 for home games
———————————-tech is loved more than falcons——-and tech is 4th behind
—————————–uga—-bamma—tree killers—–all-burn—- pay for play
Escaped from Email Purgatory
August 25th, 2011
8:36 am
The Falcons play in a really tough division. New Orleans is generally our equal, with a superior QB; and Tampa Bay has improved tremendously with Josh Freeman as QB. I think they’re primed to challenge anybody in the division.
Like’s been said many times on this blog, we have no quick strike capability. Is that the fault of Mularkey’s cautious play calling or Matt Ryan’s tentative nature and scattershot accuracy, or both?
And we’re only human. How can you not think about how Green Bay absolutely shredded our secondary last year in the playoffs?
The Birds under the Dimitroff / Smith regime have brought consistency to the franchise. For that I’m happy and grateful. But we were not a thirteen-win team last year – we proved it when GB came to town and thoroughly whipped our butts.
Maybe our defense will be better this year. Maybe the high draft picks we’ve been accumulating will all be healthy for a change.
Maybe, maybe, maybe.
That’s why my Falcon fever is tempered.
Born&RaisedInAtl
August 25th, 2011
8:40 am
Mark Bradley you suck! Always have and all of you phony fans get the hell out of the city! I’m 32 years old and I have been behind the Falcons since I was a little boy, thru the Bartkowski and White Shoes days and the terrible Smith Family regime, the highs and lows of Michael Vick and now the perennial playoff contender we have now. While I don’t condone the playoff loss to Green Bay, I’m still psyched about our team and its direction. I wish there was another Newspaper in this city so Bradley would be forced to actually do some real writing. You are the white Terrance Howard and the city will be better off when you are gone. Schultz is more credible anyway!!!
Elton
August 25th, 2011
8:46 am
The reason there is no buzz for this team is simple. First the total breakdown against Green Bay, there is no personality on the team, Chicken arm Matt Ryan is overrated, they are good enough to win games in the regular season but don’t have it in them to win the big game. Just one playoff game even after having home field advatange.
Elton
August 25th, 2011
8:49 am
790 am crew are nothing but homers and the reason Matt Ryan is overrated in this city. They are just so happy now that ole blue eyes is running the ship they can care less about playoff wins or championships for that matter. Just as long as Matty has a wining record that way they can justify his take over for the great Mike Vick.
Carpetbagger
August 25th, 2011
9:02 am
My father, who is from Wisconsin, used to tell me how the Green Bay Packer fans of the 1960s said that they needed Johnny Unitas as their QB. This is just usual fan talk. However, 790 is more than fan talk… they are the homer and Blanc prop station.
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
9:03 am
There is no buzz on the AJC because DOL is pretty much over his head in his assignment. It took a month of camp before he mentioned who was hitting, who the rookie free agents were, reported anything beside what people were “saying” about Julio…..And for Ryan? Well, he pretty much has the best regular season record any QB has ever had after 3 seasons. That speaks for itself.
Winning in playoffs is not that hard, getting there is much harder. My guess is Ryan will QB 10-12 more season, probably have 7-8 more playoff appearances, and will probably win a few games there too. Overrated? Hardly.
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
9:06 am
The only thing great about Vick is his potential.
As I remember, he went 1 and done in the playoffs to. This season? lol, I give him and over under of 9 games started. He did look pretty impressive against the steelers.
robdawg08
August 25th, 2011
9:13 am
The real answer is fans have no confidence in the Falcons defense. Especially the 3rd down defense. The Falcons offense is very good. But the pass rush and coverage on WR’s just isn’t there.
J
August 25th, 2011
9:17 am
cause we all know the ‘cons or ‘ cants are straight garbage always wetting the bed when the bright lights are on. bunch of country bumpkins who can never make the big leap.
J
August 25th, 2011
9:19 am
Winning in playoffs is not that hard, getting there is much harder. My guess is Ryan will QB 10-12 more season, probably have 7-8 more playoff appearances, and will probably win a few games there too. Overrated? Hardly.
——
OMG what a douche bag.
What?
August 25th, 2011
9:23 am
1 of your last 10 “articles” is about the Falcons. You are an idiot, thank god the newspaper business is going down.
Elton
August 25th, 2011
9:30 am
Let’s wait and see how chicken arm does against that Steelers defense on Saturday. That is what he will be facing in the playoffs. I personally think he is a overrated average QB. Flaccio, Sanchez, Bradford are all better but don’t get have the hype he gets. But we all know why he came in and cleaned up the image for the Falcons if he can only now get the big wins then the excitement will come. For now all he does is say the right things and manage games while Turner, Roddy, Jones, Douglas, and Gonzales do all the work.
Nativebird
August 25th, 2011
9:34 am
40+ years of mediocrate does not just go away with a few winning seasons and a blip super bowl appearance. It will take a lot more consistent winning and playoff threat to burn that label. re: Sports Media? Well, careers are made off predictions and supposed intelligence on camera; NO ONE is going to hang their hat on the Falcons, not for awhile. Too risky.
robdawg08
August 25th, 2011
9:36 am
Homor Elton, its Flacco.
E-From Riverdale
August 25th, 2011
9:37 am
Thanks Extremus. I really enjoyed reading your comments and you nailed the problems with the Falcons and the Falcons fan base. The question is this the last year Blank will tolerate let downs by Offensive Coordinator Mike Mularkey? and how much longer will the Gm and Head Coach attempt to hide or ignore the problem with Mularkey?
Cannonball Butler, Ray Easterling, et al
August 25th, 2011
9:38 am
I remember the Hecker years, the Campbell years, the Dan Henning years……I’m absolutely STOKED
for the Mike Smith years !!!!!
GO BIRDS !!!
robdawg08
August 25th, 2011
9:38 am
Mark, I apologize to you. I see why some people should be banned from blogging. Like What? and Ted DiBiase above. Complete turd lickers.
Cannonball Butler, Ray Easterling, et al
August 25th, 2011
9:39 am
Also, Elton…..stop with the drugs, dude. It’s affected your brain
1eyedJack
August 25th, 2011
9:39 am
Show me.
TSA Screeners = Losers
August 25th, 2011
9:41 am
Falcons home games are an excellent opportunity for local law enforcement officials to serve outstanding warrants in one convenient location.
1eyedJack
August 25th, 2011
9:42 am
“I remember the Hecker years, the Campbell years, the Dan Henning years……”
Yeah, me too. Hey, who was that guy we had one year that looked more like an accountant than a football coach? Bald head and glasses?
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
9:42 am
Elton, I agree the Steelers are always a good test to see where your QB really stands, hence MV7 3 picks….que the excuses in 3-2-1….And yes, Ryans greatest strength is managing the game and getting the balls into the hands of his playmakers. Kinda sound like Joe Montana to me.
robdawg08
August 25th, 2011
9:44 am
Born&Raised, if you are 32 then you would have been born in 1979. So you watched Bartkowski play when you were 2 and 3 years old ? Wow ! You’re some kind of genius. Most 2 years-olds don’t even have the awareness yet to even watch tv.
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
9:46 am
E, The falcons went 13-3 and got a bye. They lost in the playoffs because our defense collapsed. Just what did our offensive coordinator do wrong? You don’t like HOW we got to 13-3?
Brave Hokie
August 25th, 2011
9:47 am
{To me} it is easy to understand the lack of Falcon fan exuberance…
They just simply have not built up enough result equity over 40 years, regardless how much the owner, GM, coaches, and players make it appear that things are looking ‘up’…
Everyone is waiting the other boot to come down on them, like the Packers did last Jan.
That, and ~ win a frigg’in preseason game, no matter how much they don’t matter {someone has to win, why not the Falcons?}
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
9:47 am
1eye….You talking about Marion Campbell 1.0, or 2.0? And, let not forget about the Glanville years, and the California trophy.
1eyedJack
August 25th, 2011
10:02 am
Mr Charlie, I googled it. Pat Peppler…..forgettable.
PMC
August 25th, 2011
10:07 am
Whatever, Falcons are going to the NFC championship this year. Period.
Durrrrty Bird
August 25th, 2011
10:08 am
I’ll say this, I’m very excited for this season. But my lasting two memories from last year are losing the HUGE Monday Night Football game at home to the hated Saints and getting blown out in the playoffs. I have the utmost confidence in this team, but I know the this wasn’t as good as the 13-3 record. The Falcons are a great team, but I need to see them win in Chicago Week 1 and BEAT THE EAGLES IN WEEK 2.
That game against the Eagles is going to be one of the biggest games in franchise history. A true measuring stick of this team’s ability and potential. They’ve got to stick to it to Vick. I still root for the guy (sometimes). I want the Falcons to take down the NFL’s version of the Heat on national television and put a notice out to the NFL that they are for real this year and all that Green Bay playoff loss did was light a fire.
Can’t wait to see Edwards this weekend. Excited for the improved defense and explosive offense. Go Falcons!
PMC
August 25th, 2011
10:08 am
The Green Bay game is over. Last year’s team is over. Stop bringing it up.
PMC
August 25th, 2011
10:09 am
you can forget that game because the Falcons beat them in the regular season. Go back and focus on some of the great wins, you’ll be happier.
Moondog
August 25th, 2011
10:14 am
I am, for one, excited about this team. After going 13-1 last year I think the Falcons filled some of the holes from last year. I think the D-line (if they stay healthy) could make a huge difference which will make the secondary’s job easier. Julio will just add to an already top-notch corp of receivers. But, the primary reason I’m excited about this team is that I am excited about the ownership and management of the Falcons. We’ve known we have one of the best owners in the NFL and after the Vick/Petrino debacle, Mr. Blank went out and hired a great young GM and a rock solid coach in Dimitroff and Smith. These guys are going to put the Falcons in the Super Bowl–will it be this year? Who knows? But, these guys will continue to bring in the players that can get it done. I think the Falcons future is very bright!
Joe 12-Pack
August 25th, 2011
10:16 am
One other factor in regards to last year’s 13-3: Many of those wins were Lady Luck wins.
If Roddy White had not caused a fumble of an interception vs. San Fran that game was over.
The Saints kicker missed a 29-yard field goal in overtime.
The bizarro Kroy Biermann pick-6 against Cleveland that could’ve easily been dropped.
They could have started 1-4 and gone downhill from there.
How much luck will they have this year?
PMC
August 25th, 2011
10:17 am
you are, what your record says you are and you make your own luck.
Section 321 Season Ticket Holder
August 25th, 2011
10:36 am
I’m very optimistic! The Falcons are in great hands! Arthur Blank has done a heck of a job building the front office and Dimitroff has done a great job drafting/signing the right players. Dimitroff was cut out of the same cloth as Belichick and isn’t about the hoopla in signing in big name players, like Philly, and fans need to understand that! We have a motivated, calm and collective group that realizes they’re still a long ways from where they want to be and that a lot of work needs to be done. Please don’t let all of the Vick supporters in this town warp your brain into thinking we aren’t behind this team 110%!!! See you in Indianapolis!!!
My 2 Cents
Section 321 Season Ticket Holder
August 25th, 2011
10:40 am
@Joe 12-Pack… Every team has to have a little luck in order to win. If Desean Jackson was tackled and didn’t run back that punt return to beat the Giants, the Packers wouldn’t have made the playoffs and never had a chance to win the Super Bowl. Lady Luck my arse!
Ted DiBiase
August 25th, 2011
10:49 am
robdawg08
The Falcons are in the best shape they’ve ever been in since they joined the NFL. We have the right owener, GM, coach, QB, etc. in place to be a winner for a long time. Anyone that thinks differently is an idiot. Only retards read Bradley’s blog for good insight, he is a no talent a$$ clown, along with everyone who agrees with him. ^_^
StungByAYellowJacket
August 25th, 2011
11:25 am
I agree with what one poster has already mentioned, The Falcons and Bullpuppies both have similar dilemma’s, the first couple of games could really decide what way the fanbase will go, and could perhaps be the mental motivator that could decide whether the team is going to the next level. The only difference is that the Bullpuppies have a more wide spread fanbase that will support them because of all the college football history in the State.
Gulch Tailgater
August 25th, 2011
11:38 am
I will have a “Buzz” after tailgating and after the Falcons whip some butt!!
Please leave your half Falcon, half Philly Vick jersey at home!
RISE UP!!! Real Falcons Fans
Vick fans move to Philly!!
Vick Supporter
August 25th, 2011
12:38 pm
@bigeasy830
I thought you knew football man. Vick exposed in the preseason? There was no gameplanning by the Eagles and the Steelers had just got their asses beat by the Skins, so they game planned for the Eagles.
We’ll see what happens in Week 2
shmoe
August 25th, 2011
12:43 pm
spoiled is spoiled. all these reasons are just excuses. either you support your team with zeal, or you are an arms-length what-have-you-done-for-me-lately/we-might-not-win-in-the-postseason/this-team-doesn’t-have-”pizzazz”/braves-are-playing-well/college-football-town excuse maker.
jimho
shmoe
August 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
after so many losing, pitiful seasons, the fact that the fanbase is spoiled after a couple of decent seasons is nauseating. falcons are on the RISE, they are not there yet. we should yet be hungry and ravenous for a championship!
wtf?
Gulch Tailgater
August 25th, 2011
12:56 pm
TELL’em shmoe!!!!!
ClaudeHumphrey
August 25th, 2011
1:28 pm
The reason WHY there is no buzz for the Falcons is because the Falcons (as well as the other professional sports teams in Atlanta) have disappointed for so many years. Last year the Falcons were the #1 seed in the NFC, a distinction they had never had before. The Falcons regular season record was even better than the eventual world champion Packers. The Falcons played a ROTTEN game against the Packers and forfeited their season away, AFTER HAVING BEATEN THOSE SAME WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PACKERS EARLIER IN THE SEASON WHEN THE GAME DIDNT COUNT 20-17. It makes no sense getting all worked up and excited about a team that will EVENTUALLY FAIL AND LOSE ANYWAY. To heck with the Falcons–THEY ARE GOING NOWHERE.
Rnew
August 25th, 2011
1:31 pm
Although it has been said time and time again, I will say it again. Mike Mularkey is awful! I’ve heard him be referred to as an offensive genius. HA! If he was anything close, wouldn’t someone have given him another shot at the head job. I’m just wondering when will T.D. or Mr. Blanks cut ties with this dinosaur. The Falcons have too much talent to be bogged down by his predictable play calling.
rfgh
August 25th, 2011
1:40 pm
I hate to say it, even though his record as starter is fantastic, I just dont think Ryan has an NFL arm. He reminds me of Chad Pennington. Having a receiver run a 4.3 forty means nothing if the quarterback cant throw it 40. With some zip and accurately.
freelemur
August 25th, 2011
1:46 pm
because atlanta sports fans are idiots? that would be my first and only guess.
Mr Charlie
August 25th, 2011
1:46 pm
Rbew….Falcons went 13-3, lost due to a defensive collapse, and you want a new OC? Why? You just don’t like they way they win? How much better than 13-3 do you think they would have been by calling different plays? Or, do you think a new OC would suit up and play CB too? I just don’t get you guys.
What's Important
August 25th, 2011
1:48 pm
@rfg – Jeff George had an “NFL Arm” and where did that get him or any of the many teams he played on? Philip Rivers throws for gagillion yards every year, where does that get him other than an early pick in a fantasy footaball league. Matt Shaub, who everyone hated when he was here in Atlanta throws for a lot of yards every year, Matt Hasselbeck has what you would classify as an NFL Arm, all that has gottem them is a lot of yards. These quarterbacks have been in the league much longer than Matt Ryan and not a Super Bowl among them. An NFL Arm is one that can win you games consistently, and Matt Ryan has done that for the three years he has been playing. He will win a playoff game and he may eventually win the Super Bowl, and I for one don’t care if it is on a 20 yard pass or an 80 yard pass, just win.
What's Important
August 25th, 2011
1:53 pm
Posted a response to rfgh, why was it removed?
LawDawg
August 25th, 2011
2:09 pm
Wow, way to pick and choose the comments to republish to establish a predetermined narrative. The tenor of the comments was much more along the lines of “Braves, Dawgs, preseason is boring and pointless, wait until the first week of the regular season and the buzz will start.”
Why even ask if you are going to reproduce the ones with which you agree and that fit into a narrative that limits it to people not trusting the Falcons to be any good?
LawDawg
August 25th, 2011
2:10 pm
To be fair, you did mention that fact, but you could have done a much better job constructing the article based on the actual feedback received.
SeenThisB4
August 25th, 2011
2:34 pm
The truth is they know, they have SeenThisB4. It won’t be the falcan’ts winning the NFC South this year, it will be New Orleans. There has never been a repeat NFC South Division Champion and there is absolutely no indication, not even a distant reverberation that such will be the case this year. In fact, with the rise of the Tampa team, the falcan’ts may just be sitting in position 3 of the division at the end of the season.
Die Hard Falcon
August 25th, 2011
2:43 pm
The Falcons are going to be a contender this year, barring the usual caveats, injuries to key players, etc. There is no reason that Falcon fans have to become philly fans b/c of Vick. I started being a Falcon fan when Prime Time was in ATL and I remained a Deion fan after he left, but I always cheered for my Falcons. I hope Vick has turned his life around and does well, just not against my Falcons. Matt Ryan is a top 10 QB and the stats don’t lie, he is tied w/ Marino for most wins in first 3 years, his stats were the best they’ve been last year, which means he’s improving, I don’t care that he can’t run for 1000yds., he’s our QB and he’s a gym rat/film rat, love that. Vick admitted in an interview w/ Jim Mora that he never watched film, I hope for his sake he does now, but I am much happier to have a guy who will work his butt off for the Falcons. Stop hating on Matty Ice, unless he comes out and compares himself to Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, he’s not overrated.
Falcons all the way!!!!!!!!!!!
KingCobra
August 25th, 2011
3:54 pm
I dont know if anybody is aware of it, but Atlanta has TWO professional teams that are capable of winning the WHOLE ENCHALADA THIS SEASON. The Falcons, with the addition of Julio Jones, have the potential to win the superbowl, while the Braves have the potential to win the world series. With an impending lockout in the NBA with the Hawks looming on the horizon as a non-factor and with the recent relocation of the Thrashers, leaving a vacancy of having NHL HOCKEY, the only thing that will make me happy as an atlanta sports fan is to see our Braaves and Falcons pull a double-championship with both clubs ending up as WORLD CHAMPIONS. This city is literally STARVING for a championship. In the last several hundred years, there has been only ONE championship team in Atlanta, with the Braves winning that title in 1995. I believe that Atlanta will experience a rennaissance in sports should the citys best two sports clubs take home respective championship flags for their teams.
KingCobra
August 25th, 2011
4:03 pm
Die Hard Falcon: the vick hatred will never cease. Everyone will continue to dump on vick until the guy commits suicide. I know its true that Vick did a horrible thing by killing dogs, but most of you feel that Vick should be punished by being put to death to make the score even, even though the guy has paid his debt to society and now has a following of admiring great friends. Although when Vick was taking fighting dogs to the slaughterhouse, at least he was gracious enough and had enough championship pedigree to be THE GREATEST DOGFIGHTER at the time. Now that Vick has fallen off the top of the mountain and has ascended and climbed back to the tippy top, Vick is once again a force to be reckened against in the national football league. Just toast the guy, drink champaign and salute the great Mike Vick for beating the odds. VICK IS A GREAT TALENT, ALWAYS HAS BEEN, ALWAYS WILL BE, AND WILL PROVIDE YEARS OF JOY AND HAPPINESS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.
FEATHEREDFRIEND
August 25th, 2011
4:32 pm
youtube-falcons truth play 60- one of the best falcons videos to get you hyped for the season
birdwatcha
August 25th, 2011
5:36 pm
Falcons need some help at nickle back. Everybody knows our weakness now.
falcon4ever
August 25th, 2011
5:42 pm
Checked out the video featheredfriend…awesome!!!! Thats exactly what we need to set us on fire for the season! I’m buzzed now!
Barry
August 25th, 2011
5:43 pm
Hey Y’all:
Here you go , SORRY BRADLEY!! It appears you listed only the negative , non-Falcon naysayers in this article. You did not list the individuals who were telling you otherwise. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM,MAN.??? You need to report local sports in another city with your ANTI-ATLANTA sport writing mentality. I would like to report you to your boss and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. YOU STINK!!!! GET OUT OF TOWN.
GO FALCONS. THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES TO THE SUPER BOWL.
“WE RISE’ IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
…………………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!……………………….
mcat
August 25th, 2011
5:52 pm
Pretty cool video if only it could be true. Does kinda hype you up though!
Bluto
August 25th, 2011
5:58 pm
I am guessing all the negative people are either “Mike Vick” fans and not Falcons fans, or they were not around for the Smith era.
Highly Unlikely
August 25th, 2011
6:32 pm
Because atlanta has the worst fan base …. hows the weather? I’d say fair.
Hardy
August 25th, 2011
6:42 pm
After UGA starts the season 0-2 the Falcons love will come on strong.
Saints R.E.A.M.
August 26th, 2011
12:36 am
Unfortunately, this will be the season when the wheels fall off of the wagon for the Falcons. Expectations of the fans are too high! The media loves the Falcons. Last year the Falcons got the breaks, stayed healthy, had home field advantage through the playoffs…..and laid an EGG just what birds do. Well, this year the breaks won’t be there to stop the fall…..fans will call for heads to roll in a tumultuous season to forget. 7-9 regular season prediction. Matty Ice will catch he1l this year for throwing short dump passes! Watch it happen…you heard it hear first.
PlanB
August 26th, 2011
7:57 am
I remember for decades when the aints would give anything to have a 7 – 9 season record. A decade is 10 years REAM.
RobbE33
August 26th, 2011
10:18 am
The Falcons are showing a lot of potential but we’ve had our hopes torn out and stomped on before.
Until I see Ryan’s team dominate playoff caliber opponents on a consistent basis, I’ll remain quietly optimistic.
Pro football’s preseason is no indication of anything, especially with Smitty at the helm.
Talent and determination are fine as long as it’s maximized with an innovative coordinator.
I’d rather the Falcons fly under the radar than evoke the Cajun voodoo priestess’ Big Ben curse from the ’70s!
THE ICE HAS MELTED
August 26th, 2011
12:10 pm
Question: Why haven’t the Falcons gotten alot of buzz????
Answer: What have they done to merit such respect besides getting blasted by the Fudge Packers AT HOME and Wait for it lose to the JAGS???????????? LMFAO
The only Buzz the Falcants are getting is the FAIL BUZZ RING CHECK and WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!
Who is Gault? A Fictional Character - GROW UP EINSTEIN!
August 26th, 2011
1:49 pm
I have no idea why you say there’s no buzz on the Falcons – I see it. And backing up your theory by selecting a handful of knuckleheads? YOU MUST HAVE HAD NOTHING TO WRITE ABOUT ON THIS DAY!!!!
Jon
August 26th, 2011
3:57 pm
You’re nuts. The town has been talking about the great job Arthur has done with this team year in and year out – improving all the time. I can find a dozen idiots to trash anything – that hardly makes it the voice of the town. This was the weakest piece of cr*p Mark has put out to date! And there have been a few of them!
Kane337
August 26th, 2011
4:30 pm
“kevin
August 24th, 2011
7:21 pm
The buzz and excitement is in athens!”
Over a team that went 6-7 last year and hasn’t sniffed a NC title game since 1983? Give me that stuff you are smoking.
John
August 26th, 2011
7:34 pm
The buzz left town with Vick, I”m on the Philly bandwagon and there is a buzz. Not a “dreamteam” buzz, but very upbeat about the potential. Atlanta couldn’t cover the Packs 4 wide receivers last year, they didn’t address the CB in the offseason, therefore I expect the same thing this year. Philly is loaded with 3 Pro Bowl CB’s this season and pass rush in preparations for Green Bay. The Pack beat down the Falcons at home, but only beat the Eagles by 7, therefore the Eagles are in a greater position of competing for the SB. The Saints will win the divison, Atlanta will battle the Bucs for the wild card in the playoffs and either will be disposed in the first round….again.
mcat
August 26th, 2011
9:19 pm
5 1/2 hour moderation! I should feel special
Chandler going Deep...
August 26th, 2011
10:40 pm
Y*A*W*N……
Steelers will crush……
ugaclassof2004
August 27th, 2011
11:34 pm
Man what a bunch of crybaby’s!!! I really wish our fan-base would grow a pair.
Yes the playoff loss sucked but we did A.) Lose to the eventual Super Bowl Champs and B.) Learned from it. It’s the NFL man, blowouts happen!!!
Joe Montana: lost to the Giants 49-3 in the playoffs back in 1986- the guy won 4 Super Bowls.
John Elway: got his butt handed to him in 3 Super Bowls before he won his first in 1997
Troy Aikman: got destroyed 38-6 vs. the Lions in 1991 before winning 3 out of the next 4 Super Bowls.
Peyton Manning: didn’t win a playoff game his first 5 years in the league( including a stinker to the Jets 41-0) , and now is regarded as one of the best QB’s of all time.
Steve Young lost a game to the Eagles 40-8, and went on to win a Super Bowl later that year.
Its the NFL, its a man leagues. How you survive the tough losses is what defines you. The Falcons might not meet everyone’s expectations, but they are at least trying to be a contender and that should earn our respect. That’s a heck of a lot better than where the organization was when guys like Vick , Bobby Petrino, and MeAngelo Hall were acting like morons on a regular basis. Oh yeah, and Vick is 2-3 in playoff games, really domination let me tell you!! Give me a break. This is a team that will be a presence in the playoffs for MANY years to come.
ugaclassof2004
August 27th, 2011
11:39 pm
Oh yeah and @THE ICE HAS MELTED
That Fail Buzz Ring was going off big time when Marshawn Lynch stiff armed you pathetic defense right in the face!
WHO DAT SAY THEY GONNA BEAT DEM SAINTS? Well apparently a 7-9 loser team from the NFC West, DAT’s WHO!
Quincy Q
August 28th, 2011
6:52 pm
Falcons don’t have enough talent compared to other teams if u look a superbowl winners they have talent across the board and more than one elite player Falcons might have one elite player they the Falcons don’t have enough superb players to make big time plays consistently
Quincy Q
August 28th, 2011
6:56 pm
The Falcons do not draft well should get new scouts Falcon scout don’t have an eye for selecting undrafted free agents and need better draft picks in rounds 4-7
uwant12
August 28th, 2011
11:26 pm
Without a pass rush the secondary has no chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carl
August 29th, 2011
12:16 pm
PLAYOFFS?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME, PLAYOFFS?!
Reggie
August 29th, 2011
2:05 pm
Dunta Robinson has to be the worst pick ATL Falcons has ever made. He is garbage. Dimetroff and McKay act as if they are blind to fact our secondary sux. Arthur Blank, here is a fact, your a billionaire. Spend the dang money and get your team right if you want a Super Bowl ring!!!
Mike
August 29th, 2011
5:30 pm
The Lions have greater potential than the Birds.
Last year’s 13-3 record should’ve had an asterisk next to it. It was padded with mediocre teams. Once they faced a true opponent, well… we all know how that ended.
Michael “The Burner” Turner hasn’t ‘burned’ anything in two years. He’s a reincarnation of Jamal Anderson, only slower. With Julio and Roddy on the field, we have a greater chance for more explosive down field plays. Not only that, but Harry Douglas is showing major improvement this preseason.
Not that this is a secret, but the secondary continues to be the achilles heel. Grimes is okay (at best), but if he’s gonna bite on double moves and jump routs like he did in the first half of the Pittsburgh game, it’s gonna be a long season. Unfortunately for the birds, their schedule is loaded with pass happy teams this year.
I say 10-6… Nah, scratch that, 9-7.
Buzzworthy: SI's Peter King picks Falcons to win Super Bowl | Mark Bradley
August 30th, 2011
10:55 am
[...] we wondered about the absence of a buzz regarding the 2011 Falcons. Perhaps this will get one [...]