All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that
Turner the Burner aloft. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Our weekly Heat Check is devoted to the winner of a game so wild you’d have sworn the winning team couldn’t get out of its own way — right up until that moment when it, er, won the game.
Matt Ryan: I’m thinking those who likened him to Peyton Manning had it wrong. Ryan is more Ben Roethlisberger — a quarterback who doesn’t make every play but makes the big ones — than the essence of precision. We saw again Sunday night that Ryan can look pedestrian for whole quarters at a time. Thing is, not many of those substandard quarters are fourth quarters. Heat Index: Who needs a hot QB when you’ve got Matty Ice?
Michael Vick: Technically he no longer plays for the Falcons, but he gets grandfathered into our ratings because … well, because I say so. His three turnovers put the Eagles in position to lose, and then he put the Eagles in position to win. And then he left with a concussion and the Eagles lost anyway. And not many folks in the Dome seemed to be cheering him, which had to sting. Heat Index: Pointing toward the scoreboard to answer a shower of boos is rarely cool — less so when that scoreboard winds up showing that your side lost and you weren’t around to see it. (But at least he pointed with his index finger, if you students of Falcons history get my drift.)
Michael Turner: Sometimes you wonder why the Falcons keep handing the ball to this guy. Then he bursts through the line and you remember. He’s kind of an oddity himself — a power back whose biggest plays come on long runs. Heat Index: He’s the Burner, remember?
Tony Gonzalez: I admit it. There was a time last season when I thought he’d lost a step. Can’t say the notion occurred last night. Heat Index: Caught more passes that the Falcons’ starting wide receivers combined — I’d call that a hot night.
Julio Jones: He caught only two passes, but the third-down catch when the Falcons trailed by 10 points was the night’s biggest play. Had to jump, got hit by two Eagles, still hauled it in. Heat Index: More soothing balm for those who thought Thomas Dimitroff overreached on Draft Night.
Sam Baker: Speaking of first-round picks by TD the GM … here’s one that doesn’t look so hot. Baker hasn’t yielded all nine sacks posted by the Falcons’ first two opponents, but it does kind of seem that way. Heat Index: Bakers are supposed to be skilled at regulating heat, are they not?
The defense: It made some plays, yes. Just not very many. The Falcons have surrendered 61 points in two games. That’s not new-and-improved. That’s not-even-as-good-as-before. And the Eagles’ last good surge failed not because of anything the Falcons did but because Jeremy Maclin dropped the ball. Heat Index: Coordinator Brian VanGorder’s temperature has been known to rise. I’m guessing it’s at, ahem, fever pitch.
Dunta Robinson: I’m sorry, but that was a penalty. He seems to get those against Philly. Heat Index: The NFL might bring some heat Robinson’s way, in the form of another suspension.
The punter: His name is Matt Bosher. He punted out of bounds on his own 20. That takes some doing, but I’m not sure it’s something that should ever be done. Heat Index: Let’s just say he’s not the next Matty Ice.
Mike Smith: Give Smitty much credit for the intransigence displayed by his men. (More than anything, intransigence won the game.) But if the Eagles’ final heave had bounced the wrong way, we’d have wondered how the Falcons took the ball with 1:41 remaining and Philadelphia down to its final timeout … and still wound up punting to DeSean Jackson and having to defend a pass from beyond midfield. Heat Index: It’s not often the deployment of the fall-on-the-ball Victory Formation can go wrong, but this bit of time mismanagement came perilously close. A bit more coaching cool is advised.
By Mark Bradley
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180 comments Add your comment
dtanner
September 19th, 2011
9:56 am
first!
Mark Bradley
September 19th, 2011
10:03 am
Kudos to dtanner, former star of “Full House.”
dtanner
September 19th, 2011
10:03 am
longtime reader,first time first,
DCBravosFan
September 19th, 2011
10:04 am
The scoreboard pointing was tres obnoxious. Mike certainly has not lost his cockiness. Not a good moment for him.
DCBravosFan
September 19th, 2011
10:05 am
Enter your comments here
Mark Bradley
September 19th, 2011
10:05 am
Then I kudo you for your first “first.” Wear it in good health.
DCBravosFan
September 19th, 2011
10:05 am
I thought the scoreboard pointing was a bit much. Mike has certainly not lost his cocky edge. Not a great moment for him.
JacketFanMarcus
September 19th, 2011
10:06 am
Falcons still missing something. Not sure what it is. Coming back to beat Philly with some QB I’ve never heard of – doesn’t impress me!
And the Falcons still might have lost if the Philly receiver doesn’t drop a WIDE open ball in his hands on 4th down.
This may be a long season….but at least Georgia Tech looks good this year…
Marcus
September 19th, 2011
10:06 am
2nd or lower ..
MB, what could Smitty do? … clock stoped on change of possession (4th down drop by Macklin). PHI called their last timeout after the 1st down play to conserve time knowing that 3 more plays wouldn’t run out the game clock, even if play clock went all the way down. I think they milked the clock for almost all that they could.
Mark Bradley
September 19th, 2011
10:07 am
Could have run the ball into the line, as opposed to having Matt Ryan fall on it.
Michael M.
September 19th, 2011
10:07 am
Congratulations Matt Ryan and all the Birds on First Win of Season!
At least vick didn't point the the scoreboard with the fingers he used last time
September 19th, 2011
10:08 am
Where is Mike Mularkey on the heat index? Mularkey playcalls for 3 qtrs: 152 yards, Matt Ryan no-huddle: 10 plays 160+ yds 2 tds.
kudzu
September 19th, 2011
10:08 am
Serious issues with OLine, punter, DTackles, Dbacks…not sure how we won, thank you Matt and Tony G for hanging…Matt damn near got killed…
Will be easier now to be at the Bucs/Falcs game next week in Tampa…
kudzu
September 19th, 2011
10:10 am
BTW, Vick still does what he does, fumbles…
Marcus
September 19th, 2011
10:11 am
Glad for the W, but I think if Vick doesn’t get hurt, we take the ‘L’. Not hating, loving the win (esp. since I live up here in Philly region), but the Falcons D, despite the turnovers we gained, looked at wit’s end trying to stop the Eagles in the 3Q. The O didn’t look much better until late.
I am still not sure where M. Ryan was throwing on the 1st int … almost looked like a slip, as it was between TG and Harry Douglass and Nnamdi was in the right place. The 2nd one looked like timing/pressure, as Julio barely had turned his head and A. Samuel was, again, in the right place.
Also, last nite’s game was dang-near a blood match …. I can sense that these teams really don’t like each other … or at least the Falcons take exception to being the Eagles pet the last few games in this series (including when Vick was wearing the red-n-black).
Nice win
September 19th, 2011
10:15 am
Nice win but if Vick stays in game, Falcons lose. You could sense the “here we go again” with last night’s crowd up until the Vick injury. Additionally, Ryan is missing explosive play capability which could cost us big when playing the best NFC teams. Hope he continues to improve.
Marcus
September 19th, 2011
10:16 am
ro-row … blog monster … long story short (from eaten post):
Big questions on what M. Ryan saw on the 2 ints .., Falcons D looked perplexed when PHI put the foot on the accelerator in 3Q, just prior to Vick’s injury.
S. Baker might need to go by Costco and get supersized Wheaties … Trent Cole was tearing him up.
Sidenote (related to S. Baker’s performance): Any chance VanGorder implements some of that Wide 9 DL technique for JA55 and Ray Edwards, even if to give a different look to upcoming offenses?
Dr. Warren
September 19th, 2011
10:20 am
MB, not to quibble with you, but wouldn’t any running back’s biggest plays come on long runs?
Henry
September 19th, 2011
10:23 am
What’s with this Matty Ice moniker? It sounds like the name of a comic book action figure.
Eric
September 19th, 2011
10:23 am
I think both coordinators need to go honestly. BVG and Mularkey call some of the worst games I have ever seen. Defensively I don’t think there is ever a pass play where the opposing receiver isn’t wide open and offensively I would LOVE to see just a HINT of the kind of things the Eagles were doing all night. Instead we get boring formations, predictable token deep passes and poor clock management. This team has the talent to be a SB winner but it doesn’t have the coaching….
Herschel Talker
September 19th, 2011
10:24 am
MB:
You still think those guys at Turner Field are going to make the playoffs? When is your next column updating your prediction on those losers?
HT
NativeAtlantian
September 19th, 2011
10:27 am
~~Ugly~~ in soooooooooooo many ways but it’s called a “W”. Nice rundown Mr. Bradley!
Joe Tess Fish Housep
September 19th, 2011
10:28 am
The defence toally suxed last nite. Perrier Jerry still dont have N E sac nor does Ray Edmunds. @ thing they gave up most of there draft 4 Juliet Jones who did nuttin last nite is just plane dumb.
Flacons got lucky last nite. Had Vick not got injrued with a cheep shot, Eagels would of had won last nite.
Casey
September 19th, 2011
10:28 am
Is there any way we can get Harvey Dahl back? I know we can’t… but is there any hope for this offensive line?? They HAVE to come together if we’re going to make a playoff run; let alone a deep playoff run.
JLC
September 19th, 2011
10:29 am
I’m Tony Gonzalez from UC Berkley?
Mr C
September 19th, 2011
10:31 am
Hey Bradley, u haven’t answered my question about Dimitroff’s genius on draft day. The greatest trick journalist like u pull is convincing the world that Dimitroff is a genius. Can u name great players from Dimitroff’s draft? Baker, Decold, Owens, Peria, Weatherspoon, Blalock, Sidbury? Dunta Robinson is a bust as a Falcon.
Falcons o-line is awful. I watched the San Diego and Patriots game and it’s amazing how some teams can stack up on o-line while we continuously suck on o-line.
Casey
September 19th, 2011
10:33 am
Maybe they’ll suspend Robinson for the season (wishful thinking). He’s definitely a bust as a Falcon.
katherine
September 19th, 2011
10:33 am
I was really proud of the falcons last night for not giving up and playing until the last second. Are there things the need to work on? Yes….but what I was most disappointed in was the so called fans on the blog and in the staduim. They arent true fans if they were rooting for vick..you can root for him anytime except when he is playing the falcons. The “fans” on the blog last night were bashing the falcons all the way through the game and then all of a sudden are saying yay they won…fair weather fans.
TechLB
September 19th, 2011
10:34 am
Mark,
Matt’s a great QB but give us the breakdown on the offensive play calling and the lack of creativity by Mularkey. Seriously, are we planning to be this predictable – dare people to stop Michael Turner on 1st and 2nd down then blitz on 3rd – for the entire season? The best drives were Matty calling audibles and that’s a problem.
Also, Julio is a beast with the ball in his hands but he needs to sharpen his footwork and be more aggressive going for the ball…sloppy routes, waiting for the ball are going to minimize him against top corners.
katherine
September 19th, 2011
10:36 am
Nice win
September 19th, 2011
10:15 am
Nice win but if Vick stays in game, Falcons lose. You could sense the “here we go again” with last night’s crowd up until the Vick injury. Additionally, Ryan is missing explosive play capability which could cost us big when playing the best NFC teams. Hope he continues to improve.
You don’t know that at all. The so called fans rooting for vick aren’t real falcons fans either.
katherine
September 19th, 2011
10:36 am
ok why are my comments not showing up
Alphare
September 19th, 2011
10:39 am
I don’t remember a single Falcon defense player is from a big time school. That’s interesting.
Ted M
September 19th, 2011
10:39 am
Michael “No Longer the Burner” Turner.
But still pretty good.
Puma
September 19th, 2011
10:39 am
I agree we were lucky to win, but Vick did not get injured on a cheap shot but was tackled into his own guy.
Anyway, I thought the D did a decent job, the only problem was that the offense couldn’t stay on the field. When are they going to start clicking, doesn’t seem like they are in sync at all.
Dunta Robinson – so I am no football expert, but I can’t tell if this guy just sucks and has no impact, other than costly penalties, or is he so good that he never gets in on the action because they don’t throw his way?
Bob Berry to Cannonball Butler
September 19th, 2011
10:40 am
Dunta is a baller. He can hit.
Jesus, Julio can block. They teach that at Alabama.
P.Jerry is a baller. Grimes is a baller.
Gonzales is a legend.
Both Matts are solid and gutsy. Good.
BUT
We still cannot cover the 2nd, 3rd & 4th receiver.
We cannot kick off or punt (don’t they call it “football”?)
Look at the Iggles Left Tackle. Now look at ours. Boom.
Worst.defense.ever.
Put down the koolaid. The only reason we won was we knocked Scoreboard-Pointer out of the game. We won’t even make the playoffs with this defense, this pass coverage, this punter, and this Left tackle. You know it. I know it. NFL caliber coaches are supposed to fix these things.
Chandler the handler
September 19th, 2011
10:41 am
Have to agree with the comments regarding the OC– poor play calling. He seemed oblivious to T. Cole blowing up Sam Baker. Let Matt Ryan take control of more games. He thrives in the no- huddle and is a very cerebral qb. To quote from last night’s commentary when ryan took over , “right now Matt Ryan is calling a masterful game”. Much better than the first 3 quarters.
Mr. Mustard
September 19th, 2011
10:41 am
Some questions and observations:
1) We won a slug fest. I am impressed.
2) Where are Harry Douglas and Kerry Meiers (sp?) with cross over the middle? Where are the screens? One to Turner worked well in the first quarter. I watched New England’s play calling and they mix it up. We don’t.
3) The Julio Jones catch did exactly what he was drafted to do. That was nice to see.
4) I like our defense. Jerry’s name was called. Edwards seems to be making a difference. We are fast on defense, finally. Two last minute signings in the secondary started and made plays. Good.
5) Tuner the Burner, cannot create plays. Must have huge hole nowadays. Not good.
6) Really liked Jacquizz. Hit the holes, and cradled the ball. Put him on the field more.
Great game, and a meaningful one, I think for more reasons than just the win. We fought and won a game when things weren’t going our way. Maybe a maturation moment? I think so.
Throw some screens and balls to our slots. Geez.
duronimo
September 19th, 2011
10:41 am
Mullarky’s play calling was abysmal. In contrast, when Ryan got to call the plays (in the hurry-up) he quickly dismantled the Philly defense. Anyone else notice?
Greg
September 19th, 2011
10:41 am
No huddle= falcons drive down the field. keep it going.
Ted M
September 19th, 2011
10:42 am
Sam Baker got off to such a good start as a rookie only to flop. Was it the back surgery?
VP
September 19th, 2011
10:44 am
Bradley,
Do we have the only kick off man in the NFL who can’t get touch backs? It seems his kicks only go to the goal line. Huge disadvantage for us when compared to the other kickers who are all booming it into the back of the endzone.
PMC
September 19th, 2011
10:45 am
Two 80 yard drives in the 4th quarter for TD’s. Nice job Falcon offense!
Mr. Obvious
September 19th, 2011
10:45 am
The heat of the Falcons after last night’s game is NOTHING compared to the HEAT going right now in #7’s Herpes-riddled crotch.
Even better, Vick will one day be going for a swim for eternity in the Lake of Fire while wearing a gasoline Speedo.
Our beloved NFL team and our beloved city are now both better off for being cleansed of that demonic creature.
Go, Falcons, Go!!!!
PMC
September 19th, 2011
10:46 am
Go Flacons! GOOOO FLACONS!
duronimo
September 19th, 2011
10:47 am
Mullarky’s play calling was a smorgasboard of futility. However, with Matt calling the plays in the 4th quarter, he picked Philly apart like a surgeon.
Matt from MN
September 19th, 2011
10:47 am
Stop the madness and fire Mularkey, NOW!
Still Skeptical
September 19th, 2011
10:52 am
Baker v.Cole: Haven’t seen that much backpeddeling since Lester Maddox. When Baker wasn’t just plain beat he was used as a human battering ram. O.line is very suspect. Too many sacks, too many hurries, too many rush for no gain plays. Ryan may be tough but he can not take that kind of pounding every week.
Casey
September 19th, 2011
10:57 am
Two weeks in a row with Ryan taking a pounding. It’s not going to let up against Tampa Bay either! I’m more concerned with the O-Line than with the secondary.
GT GRAD
September 19th, 2011
10:57 am
Several big moments; however, three had the most significant impacts. The play when the Philly right gaurd pulled too soon & led to the Edwards fumble recovery. The play Vick got hurtand ended up leaving the game for good. The fact that Matt Ryan was allowed to RUN THE NO HUDDLE OFFENSE…………the third moment changed the game more than any other.
How in the world do you leave Sam Baker in the game after he was consistently egtting destroyed?
Matt Ryan has had almost no time to set & throw for two games now; he struggled during most of the Chicago game; however, he was ON for the entire Philly game…….thanks Matty Ice! Another 4th Quarter comeback.
Treeofwoe
September 19th, 2011
11:01 am
Great great win. We got the Philly mental block off our back. This was my perfect Mike Vick returns game. He gets K.O.’d and we beat Philly….is it wrong that I take great pleasure in that?
Let Matt run the offense!!! I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we started driving when he was calling the shots and calling out of plays from MM. Just audible Matt. Let the coach have a few token plays then call into what we need to do. Win > than making the OC mad over not running his play.
Someone send Baker to Yoga so he can learn to bend at the waist against a bull rush.
Officiating was horrible. How many illegal hands to the face / facemasking against Abe can the refs ignore…I guess all of them? How many hits to the head did Ryan take that weren’t called? It’s okay, we outlasted the refs and the Eagles. Go FALCONS!!!
Curt
September 19th, 2011
11:02 am
Offensive:
some very poor offensive play calling except for very early in the game and very late.
Problem is the coordinator does not adjust.
Sam Baker on his heels too much. He just seems slow and weak.
Need to throw deep more than once a game; especially when the safetys roll up to the line.
Defense:
Way too much zone defense and it seems every team knows exactly what the Falcons defense is doing.
Defensive players are good so the problem must be the coordinator.
Dunta Robinson is exception to the good player statement. How many times do we have to see him chasing recievers down the field. It is obvious who other teams think is the weak corner when Dunta’s name is called so often. How many times did we hear Grimes name called defending a pass? Very few…..
GTT
September 19th, 2011
11:03 am
Would you say that with Vick in the game, the Eagle offense is stylized?
John
September 19th, 2011
11:05 am
Congrats on the Falcon win, but everybody knows if Vick would’ve stayed on the field they lose…He left the field up by 10, and rarely had a 3rd down on his touchdown drives. He was a man playing sandlot football with the Falcons defense.
Lank
September 19th, 2011
11:06 am
JLC, LMAO. I was worried Tony G was suffering from dimentia when I saw that. Maybe he is and just forgot that he is older now and had an awesome game.
Jeff
September 19th, 2011
11:06 am
Time to get rid of Vangorder. He is not an NFL coach. Send him back to college where he belongs.
Treeofwoe
September 19th, 2011
11:09 am
Oh yeah…how many more days til we hire another punter / kickoff guy. Bosher doesn’t look like he could punt in college much less for an NFL team. He’s gonna cost us a game if we don’t upgrade that position and quick. He only kicked it INTO the endzone twice. ONce just inside the line and the other out the back but only after getting an extra 5 yards on a penalty? Muffs a punt? Please stop the madness front office.
avee
September 19th, 2011
11:09 am
What was that take a knee stuff on our last possession? Was that to play it safe and reduce risk of fumble or worse? Bah. Should have handed the ball off 3 times to Turner. Would have eaten up more time and might have gotten a first down. All the take a knee accomplished was force a rookie punter to kick to DeShean Jackson around midfield and still leave Philly with time to run a couple of plays. Horrible play calling.
That one-handed grab by Tony Gonzalez for a TD was one of the most amazing catches I’ve seen in a long time.
teamguy
September 19th, 2011
11:10 am
Here’s another question for you guys: Do you think 680 will still have Dan Reeves on their show with Buck & Kincade since he said what he did on Saturday? I don’t know about you, but I lost all respect for him for saying such an idiotic thing.
sam
September 19th, 2011
11:16 am
Matt Bosher needs to be replaced. When you can’t kick touch backs off 35 yds, you don’t belong in NFL. What’s up with Weems not catching the ball inside 20!!! Does he think it’ll automatically go in to the end zone for a touch back?
Just Looking
September 19th, 2011
11:22 am
ugly ugly win last night. I fear a bad season. Mike Turner will have to be relied upon too much which will wear him down again and pretty much end his career. The oline is horrendous. The defense is horrendous. Lucky VIck got hurt or this would of been a lose. This does not look like a playoff team and we gave a way draft picks. We probably should of got a Oline guy instead of JJ. He is a terrible route runner and by the time he learn to run routes Matt Ryan might be down with this oline.
Herschel Talker
September 19th, 2011
11:24 am
Lank/JLC:
Please explain your Tony Gonzalez joke for us folks not in the know. Thanks.
HT
Just Looking
September 19th, 2011
11:24 am
got a win but ugly game..Oline and secondary is horrendous. Gave away too many draft picks. JJ is a terrible route runner. Matt be crushed by the time he learns.
Who Me?
September 19th, 2011
11:24 am
Agree with Jeff. BVG’s time in the NFL has come and gone. He’s gotten us this far, but he’s officially being outgunned and outschemed. Our 4 man front was a joke most of the game. I thought the Eagles defensive set was far more suited to the NFL, and so apparently does T. Cole. The guy was a beast – but then I thought that was what Ray Edwards and John Abraham were supposed to be for the Falcons. What gives? They get their props, they had a good game, but I felt like the Eagles D was much more aggressive.
Mr. Swamp People
September 19th, 2011
11:35 am
WHO DAT! GEUAX SAINTS! GRIS GRIS
Lank
September 19th, 2011
11:46 am
In the starting lineup videos when the players were saying their name and college, Tony Gonzalez said “I’m Tony Gonzalez? University of California?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdvwEjnlzOE
Lonegunwoman
September 19th, 2011
11:47 am
It was an UGLY win, but a win. There are so many things the Falcons did poorly that I can’t believe we won. I am so thankful we did though. The whole game I kept thinking the same things: .
1) Matty Ice earned his name taking hit after hit and continued getting up and playing his game. I LOVE THAT GUY!
2)F***in’ MIchael Vick, fumble, fumble, interception, injured….followed by showing his tail to the fans… that’s classic Vick for you.
3)We don’t need sucker shot players on our team. That head leading defensive hit the Falcons were penalized for was earned. That guy is playing like a thug and its not good for the team.
I love the Falcons and watch every year. This year looks to be an interesting season.
GO FALCONS! Clean up and play your game.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
September 19th, 2011
11:47 am
Got to say that I like Dunta Robinson, and I like that he will hit people even if its “illegal”. Dude, its football. I know what the league now says, but that was a heck of a hit and it put the fear in those boys. Could it be that footsteps heard caused that 4th down pass to be bobbled? I think so.
I want our D to be feared whether legal or illegal. We hit people hard and I want other teams to fear that. Maybe we got in their heads a bit.
Keep smacking people Dunta.
chargodfrey
September 19th, 2011
11:49 am
You’re wrong about Matty Ice. He is like Peyton. Go back and look at the success ratio of offensive plays comparing Mularkey in charge of play calling (totally predictable and occurs in slow motion) vs. Matt Ryan (totally UNpredictable and happens very fast catching the Defense off guard) . We look like 2 COMPLETELY different Teams. Sometimes seemingly complex problems are real simple to solve.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
11:51 am
Part 2
Donto Roberson is a cheep shot artitist and an embrassment to the Flacons. It is time 2 cut him and stop the penaltys that hurt the team.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
September 19th, 2011
11:54 am
Keep Hitting REAL Hard Dunta.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
September 19th, 2011
11:54 am
Come on Joe Tess Fish House, that hit was hard nosed football. Its not a cheap shot. The league has just lost its nerve. Thats how you play the game. Dunta may get fined or even suspended, but he’s a keeper on my D if I’m coaching. Receivers know they are going to get hit. That’s good.
nathan
September 19th, 2011
12:02 pm
Congrats on the win, Falcons! If you wanna win more, here’s what you need to do:
Bench/Replace:
Robinson
Bosher
Baker
More PT for:
Rodgers, Snelling
Relieve of duties:
Mularky
Van Gorder
Thanks, Santa!
Dawgwild
September 19th, 2011
12:02 pm
So glad Vick’s gone! What a thug, class-less, dog-killer!
Buckeye
September 19th, 2011
12:06 pm
Damn. I went to bed after Q3 but I checked Sports Center at o’dark thirty before the dog got fed………….
Go Falcons
Go Matty Ice
Buckeye
September 19th, 2011
12:07 pm
I will continue to be a Vick fan. But I hope we don’t see him in Philly in January!
nathan
September 19th, 2011
12:07 pm
More…
-I thought Dunta led with his shoulder pads, not his helmet…however, he didn’t even ATTEMPT to wrap-up…
-the middle of the field on defense was WIDE OPEN all night, that zone scheme (along w/BVG) has got to go…
-Weems, AT LEAST fair catch the ball, do NOT let another ball hit the ground, EVER
-shoulda had the TE help Baker doubleteam Trent Cole…adjustments, guys!
nathan
September 19th, 2011
12:10 pm
oh, don’t forget, we were GIVEN a turnover on that “interception”…not only did the corner drop the ball, so did the refs!
all I remember is
September 19th, 2011
12:10 pm
`
NBC Sport’s know it all Cris Collinsworth is annoying and irritating.
DJ Sniper
September 19th, 2011
12:14 pm
1. Please remove all play calling duties from Mike Mularkey. Even Trent Dilfer mentioned last night that the offense works better when Matt Ryan is running the no huddle. Mularkey’s offensive schemes are not getting it done.
2. Don’t just fire Brian Van Gorder, but ban him from the premises altogether. This guy has no business whatsoever coaching an NFL defense. He has no clue whatsoever when it comes to adjusting his defense when the initial game plan isn’t working. Somebody please get rid of the soft zone coverage asap.
3. Take Sam Baker out back and shoot him. A franchise left tackle he is NOT. For two weeks in a row now, he has been flat out abused by the opposition’s best pass rushers; first Julius Peppers and now Trent Cole. Every time the ball was snapped, he was moving backwards. Of course, Mularkey didn’t do him any favors by keeping him in 1-on-1 matchups instead of putting a tight end or running back over there to help out.
4. Scour the waiver wire, the street, or something, and get a new kicker. Matt Bosher has to have the weakest leg of any kicker in the league. I think only 1 of his kick-offs has been ruled a touchback. All others have been returned. Other kickers are booming kick-offs out of the back of the end zone, but not him. Field position is important.
Ted M
September 19th, 2011
12:15 pm
What did Dan Reeves say on 680?
WoW
September 19th, 2011
12:18 pm
Sam Baker is just terrible. I have watched him now for years and I just dont see any improvement on his pass rushing skills, blocking skills, feet placement, nothing. He may be better as an inside guy where you can contain better and not have to worry about pass protection.
Nativebird
September 19th, 2011
12:18 pm
Well, as I had expected, so far haven’t seen ANY of last week’s Vick Love Fest Sports-press retract their statements on how Atlanta was going to “cheer” for Vick and welcome him back “home”. I was there: Atlanta Falcon Fans BOOOOED Michael Vick so MERCILESSLY like I’ve never heard in the Dome. This franchise-wrecker is Persona Non-Grata in this town WITH OUT A DOUBT. Period. And you will never hear this from the Press….ever. It doesn’t fit their “Narrative” of Race, hate, culture, tragedy and “redemption”. Atlanta didn’t quit Vick….Vick quit Atlanta. And that is the ugly truth.
Kelvin Frazier
September 19th, 2011
12:21 pm
Vick fumbling the ball. That’s the Vick I remember. BTW, when Vick left the game he wasn’t point at the scoreboard. He was pointing at his parole officer who was there at the game cheering for him wearing a No. 7 Jersey.
Samuel
September 19th, 2011
12:22 pm
Mularky is too conservative, he needs to do better at play calling. Also get your speed players out in space so they can make plays. Is Mike Smith having these conversations with his offensive coordinator? I think the coaches need to be held more accountable.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
12:23 pm
Part 3
If Vick had not of been injrued by a cheep shot and had 2 leave the game the Eagels would of had won.
M
September 19th, 2011
12:27 pm
Last time I checked Vick didn’t play on the defense so how does Vick going out of the game cause the Eagles to lose Sunday night?
MG
September 19th, 2011
12:34 pm
Last time I checked Vick didn’t play on the defense so him being knocked out of the game had nothing to do with the Falcons scoring to win in the 4th quarter. Eagles just got beat plain and simple.
Mr. Dawg
September 19th, 2011
12:46 pm
Claiming that the Eagles would have won if Vick didn’t get hurt is like saying the Falcons would have won easier if Ryan had a more powerful downfield throwing arm. Vick’s style of play pays big dividends as long as he is healthy. His style of play along with his lack of size makes staying healthy much less likely for him than other quarterbacks. When Vick is your quarterback you take on a greater inherent risk. It’s part of the package. Congratulations on a big win Falcons!
Ivan
September 19th, 2011
12:47 pm
The Vick fans should be thankful he left the game injured. Otherwise, he’d have coughed up the ball even more.
Oh well. Maybe he’ll actually get tough enough to play in the NFL one of these days.
Falcons win and sit at 1-1. The Bucs better be ready.
Heath
September 19th, 2011
12:49 pm
One of these days JTFH is going to post something with, say, 1/3 of the words spelled correctly and we’re all going to die of a heart attack. Vick fans make me smile.
jarvis
September 19th, 2011
1:01 pm
Sto saying “if Vick hadn’t gotten hurt”…..he didn’t pull a hamstring. He got his ding dong knocked into the ground again and again and again. He took an assbeating and it finally caught up to him.
OC/DC Dinosaurs
September 19th, 2011
1:08 pm
Here’s what missing with the Falcons. It is a coaching ATTITUDE about “take no prisoners”, scoring, and winning the game. Compare our “kneeling” end of game management at 1:41 left with Green Bay’s aggressive play calling on their own 16 yard line with 3:09 left in the game with the Panthers. Green Bay was ahead 23-16, and on first down FROM HIS OWN 16, Aaron Rogers throws a pass for a 84 yard touchdown sealing the game. The Falcons are afraid of their own shadow because of the coaching staff especially on offense. We should have tried to make a first down.
GIVE ME A BREAK
September 19th, 2011
1:13 pm
If,if,if. Thats why the game is played, to create the if’s. Good game Falcons.
Thank You Vick
September 19th, 2011
1:16 pm
Thank you Vick. Without your timely turnovers, the Falcons may not have won.
ATL Fan
September 19th, 2011
1:22 pm
It appears to me that Vick has been coached on what to say and how to say it in interviews. He speaks with more maturity…And then he lets his actions speak even louder.
Funny thing about scores on scoreboards, until the game is over, they can change.
Terry
September 19th, 2011
1:31 pm
Same Vick that he was with the Falcons, he holes the ball out while running down the field, and it gets slapped out of his hand. I don’t know how many times that happened when he was our QB. The Eagles Fans need to get uses to Vick being hurt, nothing changed there either, don’t hate Vick just not crazy about a running QB, they are more prone to be injured before the seasons over. Better hope that backup QB is good, because he’s going to play a lot.
IliiniDawg
September 19th, 2011
1:37 pm
Dunta = Deangelo = overhyped, overpaid, preening prima donna, who makes as many “bad” plays as good ones.
I’ve seen enough of Duntangelo. I’ll order another Brent Grimes instead. He may be a midget, but he plays clean, fights hard on every play, doesn’t draw attention to himself, and oh, gets interceptions – something that is sorta one of those things you want your CB to do.
Eric
September 19th, 2011
1:39 pm
All these people saying we won because Vick got hurt are out of their minds. Last I checked Vick doesn’t play defense and the reason we won is because MR and the offense finally got their act together and had two 80 yard TD drives late. The Eagles backup still got them a TD and moved them down the field just as well as Vick would have. Also, Maclin would have dropped Vick’s pass as well.
We won this game with heart and guts and sometimes wins like that can propel a team (see “fluke” win at NO last year)…..
John Dance
September 19th, 2011
1:43 pm
Vick’s performance last night pointed out why Atlanta is much better off without him. If you’re going to wear a number seven jersey to the dome, please be sure it’s the current team. They bought him, they own him.
Barry
September 19th, 2011
1:44 pm
Hey Y’all:
A wel fought game. We hung in there until the end. But we need to be careful. We need more consistance on offense and defense. On offense, we need more creative plays that make yardage. We also need Sam baker to learn how to block. He is going tp turm Matty Ice into Joe Thiesman.: Remember “The Blind Side”. On defense, we need to sack more. We also need are D-Backs to cover better. They giv too much space to the opposing receivers. They need to practice the coverage, tackling, and stripping skills. We need to do all of this in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
All in all, this was a “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” win . We all loved it. Now it is on to the next game. Remeber , One Game At A Time” on our way to the Super Bowl!!!!
LET”S GO FALCONS!!!
“WE RISE” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………………………” ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!”………………………
Nanny
September 19th, 2011
1:47 pm
Bosher has to go. He killed us yesterday, and almost cost us at the end by punting straight down the middle to Jackson. There has to be a better punter out there. Wasted draft pick by Dimitroff.
As others have said, Baker is a disgrace, and a complete bust of a first round pick by Dimitroff.
Gonzalez was amazing though, and Julio will be a beast as he continues to learn. Also liked the way weatherspoon played.
OC
September 19th, 2011
1:51 pm
Mike Mularkey= Greg Knapp. Never thought I’d see another OC as inept and conservative as Knapp and his buddy Jim Moron. When Vick was here we debated whether offensive troubles were related to him or Knapp. Same situation exists today with lack of explosive plays: is it Ryan or Mularkey? All I know is we play half our games indoors and should have a fast team capable of big plays.
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
Finally somebody writing the truth about the Falcons Defense, Dimitroff may have made very crucial mistake in not addressing some needs on defense……like maybe the secondary, DT depth or maybe a new scheme, giving up 30 pts a game is not what you would call great gameplanning
3rd in the league in most pts given up per game
6th in the league in most yds given up per game
6th in the league in most yds given up passing per game
New & Improved = ATROCIOUS
J
September 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
The falcons gave up 31 points in 3 quarters. The Saints, Bucs, and Panthers are licking their chops.
DJ Sniper
September 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
TedM, Dan Reeves said that he felt that the Falcons turned their backs on Vick when they released him. He felt they should have been there to support him more. I wonder if he’s just still bitter from when he got fired.
J
September 19th, 2011
1:59 pm
Eric
September 19th, 2011
1:39 pm
All these people saying we won because Vick got hurt are out of their minds. Last I checked Vick doesn’t play defense and the reason we won is because MR and the offense finally got their act together and had two 80 yard TD drives late. The Eagles backup still got them a TD and moved them down the field just as well as Vick would have. Also, Maclin would have dropped Vick’s pass as well.
We won this game with heart and guts and sometimes wins like that can propel a team (see “fluke” win at NO last year)…..
——-
He does play defense by putting points on the board and keeping drives alive. While he was in the game he dissected the falcons defense with the precision of an experienced surgeon. Call Him Dr. Vick
Stat Man
September 19th, 2011
2:04 pm
Ice 1
Vick 0
Stat Man
September 19th, 2011
2:05 pm
Only a Vick fan would call a 2 fumble/1 pic performance “precision”.
QB/DB
September 19th, 2011
2:07 pm
We don’t have a Playoff type off. line, we must look at a trade or free agent and stop playing favorites. Boy if we had M. Jenkins to this receiving corps. . . then BIRDS ARE AWESOME. Look at trade or free agent. Falcons also need to stop trying to be someone else, we just don’t have an electroic type team but it is okay, we can grind and then hit you with the pass.
DeportMularky
September 19th, 2011
2:08 pm
Mularky MUST go! Note that it was only when Ryan was calling the plays in the no huddle that the team lit up.
Mularky simply does not have the cojones to play bold football. He is timid so he runs Turner off tackle until he HAS to throw… which means the defense KNOWS the Falcons are going to throw and they know Mularky will only throw 8-10 yard routes.
If Blank won’t fire Mularky, just have Ryan call his own plays or go no huddle all the time.
Ivan
September 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
“While he was in the game he dissected the falcons defense with the precision of an experienced surgeon.”
BWAHAHAHA!!! oh…you were serious.
Mr Charlie
September 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
I get it, you guys identify with Vick because like you, he is full of unrealized potential that will never be reached, makes bad decisions, quits, and makes excuses. But now that everyone realizes this, why are you still here? Either you identify with Vick, or you don’t, you will not change anyone mind. We all saw what happened last night. Vick 0, Ice 1.
Strange Murphy
September 19th, 2011
2:17 pm
Vick lost! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
DeportMularky
September 19th, 2011
2:18 pm
“Kelvin Frazier” … thank you for your comment that Vick was not pointing at the scoreboard but pointing to his parole officer… that was the best laugh I had all day.
fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
2:19 pm
Glad the falcons won eventhough im not sure how they did. Lots of things need to be addressed. It looks like the only player ready this year is Tony G. Where has roddy been this year? Is he still on the team? Julio had a big time catch on third down but thats all. The Oline is horendus! Give it up to Ryan for fighting to the end. On the defensive side of the ball we have huge holes down the field. Eagles recievers were way to open and every time we looked like we had them stopped on a play they would pick up 5 or 6 yards. As far as special teams goes to bad we got rid of Koenan, that Bosher guy from Miami has a noodle of a leg and great muff by the way. I am not sure what to think about the falcons after 2 weeks. I hope they r just knocking the rust off and will soon return to football condition mentally and physically but even then do we have the D to get us deep in the playoffs (as Jim Mora Sr. would say PLAYOFFS??? PLAYOFFS!!!) assuming our Ferari offense starts performing like it should? Am I on the mark? What do you think…
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
2:20 pm
Mularkey & VanGorder must leave in order for the Falcons to reach the next level both are wayyyy too predictible to survive the fight for the NFC title….let alone the run to a Superbowl…games like Green Bay on Primetime Sunday night football could get very ugly, as well as games against NO, Houston, and Detroit, if they are for real….it will be a fight just to survive this div., with way the playcalling has been going these guys better wake up & start opening up their play books soon!!!
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
2:22 pm
why you guys not posting some the comments, my comment was about Mularkey & VanGorders vanilla play-calling what is harsh about that blog ????
meh
September 19th, 2011
2:23 pm
Baker should’ve slid over in that dude’s face so he couldn’t get a running start. I agree that it was a penalty on Dunta Robinson but i don’t think it was as vicious as that dude calling the game was acting like it was.
Mr C
September 19th, 2011
2:29 pm
A win is a win. But that was some Lucky win. I don’t think the reporting by AJC beat/blog writer is that great. Miss the days of Winkelijohn. A question for the Mike Smith and the offensive coordinator is why they didn’t use a running back or tight end to help Sam Baker out. Where was the adjustment? Play after play, Baker was abused and i never saw anyone help him out till the last couple of plays in the game.
What’s up with the punter? Every team can kick the ball out of bounds except the falcons. it will cost the Falcons a game.
If the Falcons don’t improve their o-line, Ryan will be knocked out of a game soon.
I see the Falcons finishing 8-8 or 9-7 for the season.
humperdink
September 19th, 2011
2:31 pm
Meh,
Didn’t he hit him with the shoulder? I’m with you on that one. Also, what about the bad call on Abraham’s late hit. That was ridiculous.
colelinski
September 19th, 2011
2:34 pm
Won in spite of all the pitiful play. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a team with both sides of the ball so far out
of sync.
And I’m not sure Sam Baker could keep his Granny from getting to Ryan. And the rest of the o-line does’nt
do much better.
Could be a very long season.
Sam Bakers Arms
September 19th, 2011
2:41 pm
We just could’nt reach the dude,,,
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
2:57 pm
Its quiet obvous 2 me that Vick was key 2 the Eagels sucess. They where winning when he got injrued. They did not start 2 loose the game until after Vick left adn they had 2 use there 3 string QB
Flacons got lucky again. This wont happen against Green bay and Eric Rogers
old qb
September 19th, 2011
3:08 pm
Hey, quit picking on our punter. Bosher is history–he just doesn’t know it yet. I said last week after the Chicago game he’d be gone by game four. Hey may not make it that long. TD should get UGA’s Butler and Walsh next year and we’ll be set. Bosher needs to find another line of work–and soon.
And why didn’t Mularky put Snelling over on the left side to help Baker? It was obvious to everyone Baker couldn’t handle Cole. this ain’t nuclear science–get the man some help before Ryan gets decaptitated.
And don’t speculate on Vick if he’d stayed in the game. Don’t you remember–Vick never stays in the game.
C
September 19th, 2011
3:11 pm
One of the things that could go the Falcon’s was what that MV is usually good for 2-3 bonehead moves a game. Well….he delivered that just in the first half. Thanks Vick for reminding us of why we are glad you play for another team now.
As for the O-Line and D-Backs, look around the rest of the league. MANY good teams are having difficulties in those areas. Not just ATL. Let’s see how things are gelling in those areas in October before we cry that the sky is falling.
Ivan
September 19th, 2011
3:15 pm
“Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
2:57 pm
Its quiet obvous 2 me that Vick was key 2 the Eagels sucess. They where winning when he got injrued. They did not start 2 loose the game until after Vick left adn they had 2 use there 3 string QB
Flacons got lucky again. This wont happen against Green bay and Eric Rogers”
——
I’ll have what he’s having.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
3:20 pm
Finnaly some 1 agrease with me.
drmaryb (*_-)
September 19th, 2011
3:56 pm
Rosetta Stone!
“Finnaly some 1 agrease with me” – Joe Tess Fish House -
_________________
Wow! If Rosetta Stone can sell, “My Baby Can Read!” DVD’s perhaps she can help this guy learn to spell?
But on second thought, If Joe works for a Fish House, then a “Fin-naly fish – just might be in A Grease-ment.”
You Never know. LOL
fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
3:59 pm
Ivan, who is Eric Rodgers?
Greg Mendel
September 19th, 2011
4:17 pm
Yesterday, most folks didn’t think the Falcons would beat Philly. Today, they don’t seem to think the Falcons won. Yeah, there were mistakes, but Atlanta still won.
And the whining… “If Vick hadn’t gone out…blah, blah, blah…” Injuries are part of the game. That’s why the officials didn’t pause the game and reschedule it for a date and time more convenient for Mike Vick and the Eagles to resume play.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
4:17 pm
The QB 4 the Packers
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:01 pm
I am always amazed at the near superhuman powers of some of you. Simply stating as fact that had Vick remained in, the Bird’s lose. What a pack of nitwits. I saw the same game, and it was back and forth more than once. Plus, Vick was in a fumble-mode and was taking hits. No one knows what “would have happened”, just what did happen. You must be the same people who say “if the South had machine guns, “we” would have won the War.
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:01 pm
But Baker is a HUGE disapointment so far. Peria finally had a big play though. It’s about time.
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:09 pm
You are correct. It is amazing how many people appear to know for a certainty that the Eagles would have won if only Vik had stayed in. I saw a game going back and forth. Falcon’s up 21 – 10, then down by 10. Then up, and finally, winning.
ATL Observer
September 19th, 2011
5:26 pm
Big win for Matt…he got his butt kicked for three quarters but kept getting up, kept reloading and delivered the drives when the team needed it the most.
That said…..Mike Mularkey needs to be canned. Why is it when the team reverts to a no-huddle…everything’s fine. But when MM is asked to dial up a running play, the only one he’s ever heard of “33 up the gut” (geez, would a sweep or a draw or a reverse or ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT ONE PLAY kill you?). Offensive line has looked TERRIBLE and if that’s how they play against the elite lines, there will be no playoff successes…..I don’t care if a Montana-Brady-Bradshaw clone is at QB, that type of line play isn’t going to cut it.
Secondary is still bad. Very bad. Not a coincidence that two of the three turnovers were on the carpet. Could have been a couple more, but this D isn’t pulling it off.
I’m still hopeful. I said it: 2-3 after five and we’d be fine. Halfway there!
P Rose
September 19th, 2011
6:41 pm
Someone please tell Weems to take a knee when he catches a kickoff 8 yards deep in the end zone. It’s tough starting drives from the 15 yard line all the time. Those five free extra yards might come in handy sometime.
P Rose
September 19th, 2011
6:48 pm
I recorded the game on my DVR and watched the second half again just now. Collinsworth’s lovefest with Vick, Jackson, Cole, Macklin and McCoy would have been hard to stomach a second time if I hadn’t known the Falcons were going to win.
Falcons dodge 0-2 season start – Atlanta Journal Constitution | CgPage
September 19th, 2011
7:37 pm
[...] All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that [...]
Sausage King of Chicago
September 19th, 2011
7:48 pm
I liked it when Collingsworth called Julio “a freak…in a good way.” How about calling him a phenomenal athlete. Cheese and rice, Chris, buy a thesaurus!
Maybe the Eagles should bring in Adam Froman as a backup quarterback. I’m just sayin’!
dan
September 19th, 2011
8:30 pm
Jeez… watching that games was miserable! We’ll take the win I suppose, but now we get to hear about how we would have lost if Vick were in there. The drama continues…typical.
I think the nucleus of this team,like the Pittsburgh Steelers, is strong,was which is why I knew last week was fluky for both teams. That being said, we have a lot of work on the O-Line, which means we’ll have to stick with the run game because it’s easier for our line schematically. That sucks because we won’t be able to sling the ball down field like we want to. But you have to go with your team’s strengths, and the offense just moves better when we’re able to establish the run; at least for now.. The secondary was better than last week but still needs improvement. We got some glaring holes but then again so does everyone else, so we’ll just have to see.
dan
September 19th, 2011
8:31 pm
Jeez… watching that games was miserable! We’ll take the win I suppose, but now we get to hear about how we would have lost if Vick were in there. The drama continues…typical.
I think the nucleus of this team,like the Pittsburgh Steelers, is strong, which is why I knew last week was fluky for both teams. That being said, we have a lot of work on the O-Line, which means we’ll have to stick with the run game because it’s easier for our line schematically. That sucks because we won’t be able to sling the ball down field like we want to. But you have to go with your team’s strengths, and the offense just moves better when we’re able to establish the run; at least for now.. The secondary was better than last week but still needs improvement. We got some glaring holes but then again so does everyone else, so we’ll just have to see.
All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that
September 19th, 2011
8:51 pm
[...] All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that [...]
Ryan > Vick!
September 19th, 2011
8:58 pm
Vick choked big time in the big game. Ryan owns the Eagles! Bet the house—Falcons beat the Eagles easy in the playoffs, in the Dome!!!!!
7, See ya.
September 19th, 2011
9:41 pm
In the what were they thinking Dept: these guys can’t run off 1:41? Jeez.
Fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
9:46 pm
The packers QB is Aaron Rodgers not Eric Rogers…
FrontRow
September 19th, 2011
10:00 pm
To all those that think we would have lost if Vick stayed in – Mr. Vick was averaging 1 fumble per quarter; when he left the game he still owed us to more fumbles.
To those math challenged let’s just say that means Mr. Vick stays in, we win.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
10:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
10:32 pm
Some of U dont no what U R saying. Vick stays in the game and they win. He was repalced by a 3 sting QB who could not move the ball. It took a cheep shot by a cheep chop dirty team 2 get Vick out of the game for the Falcons 2 win.
tyler
September 19th, 2011
10:41 pm
Great win for the Falcons!!! Could it have been better played, ofcourse. There has never been an NFL game where either team could of played better in some facet of the game. I was excited to see Weatherspoon play better and for Jerry to make a huge play, along with Edwards. The Robinson hit in my opnion was good tough football, and from Coach Smith’s comments after the game he agrees. All this crap about him being a cheap shot artist who needs to be cut is ridiculous complaining from fans who seem incapable of enjoying a win. Moan all you want, after 35 years of cheering for the Falcons I’ve learned to enjoy any victory in the most competitive league on the planet.
As for Vick, I was sorry to see him hurt. I think the Falcons would of won the game anyway. Vick’s off the field troubles aside, he was the the most fearless competitor I have ever seen play for Atlanta. I watched for several years as he sacrificed his body for years to make relatively untalented Falcon teams into playoff contenders. I read someone complaining about Dan Reeves comments, but frankly I’m in complete agreement with him. I thought Arthur Blank completely turned his back on Vick when the young man needed him most. Not to mention how much money Vick generated for Blank when he was selling out the Dome for years. Does’nt make me any less of a Falcon fan that I don’t respect Blank, I could’nt care less when the Smith’s owned the team than I do now that Blank owns them. I cheer for the Falcons players and coaches not the owners. Lord knows I pay good money for them to provide me with a good product,to me its recreational and to them they are in business to make money. I’m proud of the way Vick has resurrected his career and life and wish him nothing but the best, but I am much more proud of the Falcons win on Sunday night and look forward to watching them improve as the season goes on.
Philly Vick
September 19th, 2011
10:44 pm
in the playoffs, with Vick playing 60 minutes, the eagles will beat the falcons easy up in Philly. The Eagles will win the division–falcons squeak in with a wild card slot. New Orleans is winning that division.
stendek
September 19th, 2011
10:45 pm
Defining. The Falcons were in a must win home game with the media darling Philly Eagles. Misguided Mike Sick worshippers filled the Georgia Dome wearing jerseys with No. 7. At times it seemed like an Eagle partisan crowd. Defining. The television announcers made no attempt to disguise their Eagle bias. Chris Collinsworth would marry Mike Sick if he was a woman. Defining. The Falcon D jumpstarted the team with several monstrous plays. Tony Gonzalez carried the load until other members of the offense ended their slumber. Defining. The Falcons were in a fourth quarter hole. A magnificent rally turned an apparent 0-2 start into an improbable 1-1 record. Defining. MV7 quit on the Eagles just as he quit so many times in a Falcon uniform. Some things just never change. The pooch torturer will never lead the Eagles to the NFL promised land. Too much arrogance. Too many unforced giveaways. The Falcons still have much work to do. The D must cut down on points allowed. The O needs to follow the Tony Gonzalez example. Defining.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
September 19th, 2011
11:02 pm
Sam Baker needs to be replaced soon or Ryan won’t make it through the entire season. There has got to be some unemployed decent player that the Falcons can acquire that can take Baker’s spot on the roster. Baker is reallly bad!!!!
I also agree that Mularkey needs to let Matt call the plays on the field and the defense needs to stop playing so much soft zone coverage.
joe
September 20th, 2011
7:24 am
I’ll comment again on TD as the talent evaluator: Three first round picks that don’t have the ability to match- Baker, Peria, Merriweather. Miss, miss, miss…..
Michael M.
September 20th, 2011
7:31 am
Its in the History Books now, time to move on and focus on next opponent which I am sure the Trolls will start bashing the Falcons and coming up with another one of them lop-sided basketball scores claiming the Falcons will get the beat-down at the hands of the Bucs! Ha ! Ha !
Joe Tess Fish House
September 20th, 2011
8:11 am
Flacons turned there back on Vick and then they cheap shoted an injury on him so get could not get his revenge.
BET
September 20th, 2011
11:15 am
You all have to know that if MV7 stayed in the game the Falcons are blown out…don’t kid yourself. Matt Ryan played great but he has to win in the post season for me to hype him. The Falcon were lucky Sunday…so let’s keep it real. The Falcons will not make playoff with that defense…Drew Brees has to be foaming at the mouth the get a crack at us…Cam Newton has outplayed Matt Ryan..he can cleary throw better and has a better “it” factor…Cam Newton know he can play and win…sometimes Matt looks scared and that has to affect his team mates.
BET
September 20th, 2011
11:20 am
After reading some more of your follishness…I feel sorry for you ATL fans…you are delusional…what game were you watching Sunday night.
Falcon'sTalon
September 20th, 2011
11:27 am
The Falcons will probably work some magic a few more times in the Georgia Dome this season, but it won’t work on the road to any degree of success. There are simply too many holes, too many galring weaknesses on both sides of the ball. This team WILL miss the playoffs this season. I predict a 9-7 record. Also, some people love to lament the loss of Mike Vick and how things could have been different had they foolishly held his roster spot open while he was in Federal Pen. Make no mistake one of the worst moves inflicted on this franchise since the loss of Brett Favre was failing to resign Matt Shaub. No one ever mentions this loss, but with Shaub there would have been no Matt Ryan. And the last time I checked, the other Matt is a much better passer than Matty Ice.
Long Time STH
September 20th, 2011
11:34 am
Maybe this is the answer for the Baker Problem. He played right tackle but could adjust. He’s out there and available!
Jon Stinchcomb (born August 27, 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Georgia.
What Pass Defense?
September 20th, 2011
11:39 am
Julio Jones is a work in progress with his route running. Even with the poor route running he is still accomplishing a very important function for the offense. He commands close coverage by one of the other teams top corner backs and maybe help from a safety because of his size and speed. Does anyone need three guesses why Tony Gonzalez had such a big game and why he will have more big games? The middle and underneath parts of the field are wide open because of the attention and coverage Roddy and Julio command.
I want to see the Falcons pass coverage tighten. I wonder if Dunta Robinson regrets signing with the Falcons. He excels in man-to-man press coverage. He is obviously not a zone corner back. I thought the coaching staff strives to put players in a position to play to their strengths as much as possible and does everything possible to hide a players weaknesses. As long as Dunta is forced to play zone he will struggle.
Gritz Blitz
September 20th, 2011
11:53 am
Bradley — Dunta Robinson was not suspended for last year’s hit on DeSean Jackson. He was fined 50K and it was later reduced to 25K. Why was the fine reduced? Many NFL analysts believed at the time while the hit was violent, it was not illegal. His hit Sunday was lead with his shoulder pad and his face mask just grazed Maclin’s helmet. Most of the impact was shoulder pad to shoulder pad. The ref wasn’t even initially going to throw a flag until the Eagle bench erupted pressuring the him to throw the flag. We fondly remember all those big hits Scott Case used to make on receivers. I wonder in today’s time how many now would be allowed.
C from Marietta
September 20th, 2011
12:21 pm
Only Atlanta fans still cry after a win.
Steve-O
September 20th, 2011
5:18 pm
Joe Tess Fish House
September 20th, 2011
8:11 am
Flacons turned there back on Vick and then they cheap shoted an injury on him so get could not get his revenge.
________________________________________________________________________
Joe Tess, please use your real name and stop using misspellings and incorrect grammar intentionally, just so you can think you are having fun with some alter-ego. And if you REALLY think (which you don’t…) that it was a cheap shot that took down Vick, how is it that he his his head on his own teammate? Was he in on the conspiracy, too? You are old and tired, get a new schtick.
Steelers fan
September 20th, 2011
5:56 pm
Matt Ryan is like Ben Roethlisberger ? He is not even close. Ben has 2 Super Bowl rings. Matt has ZERO !!!!!!!! Falcon fans can only dream of a Super Bowl win.
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September 20th, 2011
10:52 pm
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J-Lo
September 20th, 2011
11:58 pm
For all you Dunta haters: Did you know that he and Grimes are statistically the best CB tandem in the league? The problem WAS at the nickel spot. And for the Burner doubters: He’s averaging 6.9 yards a carry. What more do you want?
J-Lo
September 21st, 2011
12:00 am
And Dunta was also the reason that Maclin dove out of bounds on the long reception from Kafka, and also the reason he dropped that pass on 4th down. He was scared to death, literally.
Frank Wilson
September 21st, 2011
4:09 am
Looks like “Mr. Obvious” isn’t much of a student of scripture. Last time I looked, Jesus Christ died for
sinners who would believe in his name. Michael Vick
has done that and to suggest that any puny man can commit
a sin too great for the marvelous Grace and plan of God is blasphemy.
You won’t go to Hell either if you have placed your faith
in Christ…………. but you look like a legalistic
moron.
Old White Haired Man
September 21st, 2011
7:13 am
We are proud of our defending NFC South Champions…
Ivan
September 21st, 2011
8:19 am
“After reading some more of your follishness…I feel sorry for you ATL fans…you are delusional…what game were you watching Sunday night.”
I think it was the one that had the final score of Falcons 35, Egals 31.
sckot
September 21st, 2011
9:22 am
Falcons need a better D coordinator. Seems like the def hasnt improved over the last three years. Falcons got newer faster d players but the def is the same. Time for a new d coordinator.
Byron Mehaffey
September 21st, 2011
11:04 am
Please get rid of the coordinators. They are worse than terrible!!!
Dean Palaferro
September 21st, 2011
1:27 pm
D Robinson just not make enough plays!
I think he made one knockdown in Game 2 and none in Game 1
Every time they throw his way he is 5 yards from the receiver who is catching the ball!
Tighten it up DR!
TCCB
September 21st, 2011
8:55 pm
Michael Turner, enough said.
L. R. Glass, Sr.
September 22nd, 2011
9:29 pm
First of all, let me say great game, Matty & Company. You did what you were supposed to do, and you succeeded. Philly was no pushover, and they proved it. However, last year’s playoff loss notwithstanding (considering the fact that you lost to the eventual Super Bowl champions),you proved that you should be considered as one of the BIG DOGS of the NFL. Mark my words all you haters; the Falcons will bring the silver football trophy home to Atlanta sooner than you think!
Now for all of you Vick Haters out there: if the only thing you have to complain about is him pointing to the scoreboard when he was going to the locker room, I’d say Michael has come a long way. There are those who now respect this man, for he has earned it. Sure, there are those who feel that he should burn in Hell for what he did, but he paid his debt and he continues to exhibit great humility and grace under fire. While not saying that he is, remember that “A saint is but a sinner who fell down, and got back up”. To both the Falcons AND to Michael, keep up the good work, and the blessings will be bestowed upon you. GO, FALCONS!
yes fal can
September 22nd, 2011
11:40 pm
Nice use of the word “intransigence” …..
Chris
September 23rd, 2011
10:17 am
I am going to hear that i am a homer, but. . . there was nothing Vick could have done to change the outcome of the game. Kafka was 7-9. He made a perfect throw to Maclin. To all those peope hating on D. Robinson, without him we lose the game. Maclin was scared to make that catch. He did not want to be hurt by our “overpaid, underperforming” cornerback. Has he missed some tackles in run support? Of course. Has he missed an assignment covering someone? Yep, but there is not one cornerback in the league for two weeks that has not had the same errors.
Bojack
September 23rd, 2011
10:45 pm
The offennsive line stinks. The kicker stinks worse. Matt is not going to last long behind that wet paperbag line.
BullDogMike
September 24th, 2011
9:44 am
Where in the heck ( trying to restrain myself here ) did T.D. get this guy that he has punting ? Don’t try and tell me that he’s the best available……
True Falcon Fan
September 24th, 2011
10:17 am
Falcons 31 BucO’s 24
ENOUGH SAID!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Falcons