Here’s what the Falcons will – and won’t – do this offseason
We offer proof that Sam Baker has occasionally held his own. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The NFL scouting combine commences this weekend. Free agency begins next month. April brings the draft. Before the cutting and pasting begins, we offer semi-educated guesses as to what the Falcons will/won’t do.
They will keep Sam Baker. The website Pro Football Focus rated Baker the second-worst tackle in the NFL last season, but he wasn’t always so hapless. A lot of things had to go wrong to render a serviceable left tackle so ineffective, and a back injury was only part of it. The Falcons fired line coach Paul Boudreau, who had lost faith in Baker, and will give Pat Hill, hired as a replacement, every chance to rebuild Baker’s self-esteem.
They will rely on Hill to set a tone, and not just with Baker. Hill hasn’t worked in the NFL since 1996, but his aggressive approach as head coach — he dared to play Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime — put Fresno State on the map. This O-line could stand some prodding. It was revealing that the Falcons’ front couldn’t muster the required push on three infamous fourth-and-1’s. It also was revealing that Mike Johnson, a 312-pound guard taken in Round 3 in 2010 after playing at Alabama under a rather exacting head coach, never found favor with Boudreau.
They won’t trade up into Round 1. Owing to last season’s five-picks-for-Julio-Jones deal, the Falcons don’t have a first-round choice in 2012. General manager Thomas Dimitroff’s preference would be for this draft to play itself out and his organization to get back on schedule. Sure, he’d waver if Indianapolis called and said, “We’ll give you the No. 1 pick for Michael Turner.” But Indy won’t.
They will keep Michael Turner. The best-case scenario is that the Falcons will get one more big season from the big back, and logic holds that you should trade a guy one year too soon, as opposed to one year too late. But what sort of return would Turner, who’s 30, bring? Would you trade a 1,000-yard back for a fifth-round pick? Wouldn’t you be better served letting him work behind a retooled line under a new offensive coordinator who might actually direct a screen pass the big back’s way?
They won’t be crushed if Curtis Lofton leaves. The middle linebacker is a three-year starter and a fierce tackler, but there’s growing sentiment that he’s a liability against the pass. The question thus becomes: Would you pay $8 million a year for a two-down linebacker? At the right price, the Falcons would love to keep Lofton. If he does depart, they’d give Akeem Dent, the Georgia product taken in Round 3 last year, a long look in the middle.
They will slap the franchise tag on Brent Grimes. The Falcons could apply this tag, which allows a team to hang on to a free agent for another year at a much higher price, to any of several defenders — Lofton, John Abraham, Thomas DeCoud — but cornerback seems the area of greatest need. (And DeCoud figures to be more affordable as a long-term re-up.)
They won’t spend big to keep Abraham. Of the Falcons’ 33 sacks last season, he produced 9 1/2. But Abraham will turn 34 in May, and he has a history of injury. It’s scary to think that a team incapable of sustaining a pass rush would shed its best pass rusher, but remember what new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan after his hiring: “I’d rather have 10 guys get four sacks than four guys get 10.”
They won’t pursue Hines Ward. As much as the Falcons would welcome the locker-room presence of Ward, who’s from Forest Park and who played at UGA and who may be cut by Pittsburgh, there would have to be an on-field component to warrant such a hire. Ward will turn 36 next month, and he plays a position where speed is of some essence. As great a pro as he has been, he doesn’t have much left.
In the tradition of “urgent” and “explosive,” they will adopt a new watchword: “Daring.” In the neo-NFL, it would seem impossible for the 10th-ranked offense to oppose the 27th-ranked defense and to make no turnovers and miss no field goals and still not score a point. But that was the Falcons’ wretched lot in their playoff loss to New York, and there’s only one rational explanation: They played scared.
Mike Smith didn’t coach scared — he went for it on two fourth-and-1’s — but the message didn’t resonate. Matt Ryan threw 41 passes to no effect, and how in the neo-NFL can a big-time quarterback leave no imprint? Dirk Koetter, the new coordinator, has to render Ryan daring again. (It isn’t as if he was always risk-averse: He threw 19 interceptions in 14 games as a Boston College senior.)
For inspiration, the Falcons can turn to their nemesis. In 12 Saints-Falcons games, Drew Brees has thrown 11 interceptions, and that’s a fat number. His team, however, has won 10 of those games. The Falcons have allowed timidity to dilute their conspicuous talent, and that starts — and needs to end — with the quarterback. It’s time for Matty Ice to become Matty Fire.
By Mark Bradley
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254 comments Add your comment
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
11:30 am
First?
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
11:31 am
Yup!
Seems that the things the Falcons won’t do are a whole lot more detrimental than the things they will do are beneficial.
Mark Bradley
February 22nd, 2012
11:35 am
Kudos, Rickster.
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
11:37 am
Thanks Mark!
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
11:44 am
But it looks like Sam Baker’s holding Charles Johnson… instead of his own.
BBQ MAN
February 22nd, 2012
11:45 am
spot on Mark!
WELP
February 22nd, 2012
11:45 am
6-10 then.
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
11:48 am
Matt Ryan needs to do something to earn the nickname “Matty Ice.” After all, they didn’t call Reggie Jackson “Mr. October” because he played well in August & September.
Nelson Muntz
February 22nd, 2012
11:51 am
Mark, I concur with you about the Falcons playing scared against the Giants, but it is misleading to refer to the Giants of December and January as the 27th ranked defense. Statistically true, but by the time the playoffs rolled around they were playing like a top 10 defense.
Bill
February 22nd, 2012
11:54 am
No to Ward..hope he goes to jail. I would trade Turner if possible. Hope Falcons don’t put the monkey of the new Coach’s back..get him some players to work with.
Thanks Mark..looking forward to your Spring Training report ..Yes?
LeeJay
February 22nd, 2012
11:56 am
Won’t Grimes be the most expensive tag of all ATL’s FA’s? I would love to see the CB Finnegan here! Dent is a downgrade, keep Lofton. Need at least 2 wr’s don’t we? But we don’t need big names like Moss just durable skilled wr’s. We’ve got the coaches now so lets get some players especially on the Lines.
atlpaddy
February 22nd, 2012
11:57 am
This list seems to be the exact opposite of what I (and a lot of other fans) think the Falcons SHOULD do!
atl fan
February 22nd, 2012
11:57 am
If what you say is true, that we will lose a productive Abe and Lofton, and keep a useless Decoud, then we will be alot worse off than last year!
Mark Bradley
February 22nd, 2012
11:58 am
I would say that, of all the guesses, the one about putting the franchise tag on Grimes is the shakiest. But what the heck.
JH
February 22nd, 2012
12:04 pm
I don’t understand where this new sentiment that Lofton is only a two down back has come from. The guy played 99% of the team’s snaps in 2011. Thats right, 99%. In fact he missed only ten defensive plays period. Moreover, how can a guy that had two picks last year (one returned for TD) be a problem in pass coverage? They need to pay this guy, he’s the real deal. Tag him if you have to since his tag would be couple million less than the Corner tag for grimes.
PMC
February 22nd, 2012
12:06 pm
What if Baker quits? His health has never been really that good and he doesn’t seem to enjoy or excel at Football at this point.
J.J.M.
February 22nd, 2012
12:11 pm
trade ryan and turner for RG3
DebJay35
February 22nd, 2012
12:17 pm
They’ll probaly bring in Crowder at MLB and let Lofton walk. TRADE TURNER FOR UMENYORA AND GO AFTER MATT FORTE!!!! How many times I gotta say it?
Tumbledown
February 22nd, 2012
12:19 pm
If the Falcons were a stock, I would sell rather than buy. I base this conclusion on the following:
(1) Matt Ryan does not appear to be developing into the star we had envisioned.
(2) Michael Turner is an aging RB. He just does seem to be explosive at all.
(3) Offensive line is a mess. Sam Baker is not the answer at the most important line position.
(4) Defensive line is weak at getting pressure on the OB. Just ask the Super Bowl champs how important pressure is to success in the NFL.
(5) Pass defense is suspect. In a conference full of great passing attacks, a weak secondary plus no pass rush equals FAIL.
(6) The drafts under the current regime have been full of busts, especially at or near the top (see Peria Jerry, etc.).
(7) No first draft pick in this draft. Many experts have acknowledged that this draft is full of impact quality players. While other teams snatch these players and improve, the Falcons wait for scraps at the lower rounds.
I just cannot be optimistic at this point, and the points made by MB in his article do not alleviate any of my concerns.
JB
February 22nd, 2012
12:20 pm
You left one off. They won’t win a playoff game. Just a hunch.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
12:23 pm
Mark, thanks for the post — Question: “If we tag Grimes in order to trade him, and don’t find a partner for whatever reason; are we on the hook for the tag # of 10+mil? Or can we cut him w/ no cap penalty?”
Thanks — Go Falcons!
Ted
February 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
I say we put everything into the offensive line. Ryan can’t have any excuses anymore. We need to see if he can play the position without the excuse of a ‘vanilla offense’ or a bad line to protect him.
Mark Bradley
February 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
Don’t know the answer, Die Hard Falcon. I’ll have to ask.
peacengrits75
February 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
JH… In the new defense under Nolan, Lofton would be typically be a two down back… I think he’s worth keeping though. We need to take a stab at Uminyora… Sure up both lines and pray these guys grow a pair…
Here’s what the Falcons will – and won’t – do this offseason | football-feed.com
February 22nd, 2012
12:29 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
PMC
February 22nd, 2012
12:29 pm
Akeem Dent, long look in the middle, yeah, this thinking went SO WELL at right guard last season.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
12:30 pm
I would really like to see Lofton brought back, but I agree that it should be at a reasonable #. He’s not Patrick Willis and he is probably worth about 5 or 6 mil a year tops.
I agree that Baker is better than he played last year, but I still would like to see us pick up a stop gap vet in FA to push for the starting LT spot.
I think that if we can get a high 4th or better pick for Turner, then we should trade him, but I don’t imagine it’ll happen and I agree anything less and we should just keep him for his last year.
dawg tired
February 22nd, 2012
12:30 pm
Any more money spent on Baker is a waste. He is a human turnstile.
Email Profiling Is Wrong
February 22nd, 2012
12:31 pm
Any way you care to slice it, personnel-wise, 2012 is gonna be a giant crap sandwich. We’re losing too much talent.
That demands that the new coaches get the most of what’s left.
As you mentioned Bradley, that begins with our QB. I guess it remains to be seen if a guy who’s had the chutzpa coached out of him can regain his cojones (with the proper care and nurturing from his newest, best-est buddy and big toe, Dirk Koetter).
2012 will answer some questions about Matt Ryan. Can Caspar Milquetoast become Chuck Norris? Underneath Mister Roger’s cartdigan sweater, is there the heart of an MMA fighter beating? Can Matt Ryan be less accountant and more gunslinger?
That’s a tall order if you ask me.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
12:34 pm
@rickster
In reference to the post about Matt earning the “Ice” moniker, I would have to disagree that he’s not earned it. He has a lot of 4th qtr comebacks and has shown that he comes up big in tight situations at the end of close games. He doesn’t win all of them, but many, of course if we could keep things close at all in the playoffs, who knows what he might do.
I see him as a clutch guy when it comes down to the wire.
PMC
February 22nd, 2012
12:35 pm
Sure, go back to the Ed Hartwell open middle of the defense years over 2 million dollars a year.
Instead of just having a terrible secondary we won’t be able to stop the run either.
dawg tired
February 22nd, 2012
12:36 pm
Mark,
Pro Football Focus ranked Baker next to last in OT efficiency. Did you see who they ranked first? Harvey Dahl!
You can see why the heat is starting to be turned up on Smitty and Dimitroff.
Boom Dizzle
February 22nd, 2012
12:36 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but I really don’t see Grimes back. He’s going to point to Dunta’s contract and I just can’t see the Falcons committing that much to the defensive backfield…
Falcons Rumors: Michael Turner, John Abraham, Brent Grimes, Curtis Lofton | NFL Trade Rumors
February 22nd, 2012
12:37 pm
[...] Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution offers his take on what the Atlanta Falcons are likely to do regarding a number of key roster decisions. [...]
mark
February 22nd, 2012
12:39 pm
Baker has never lived up to his first round pick, he seems to lack the fire and that can not be coached. Along with being terrible against pass rush and I do not see how he stays. Grimes is good but not worth top 5 money if they do not get a deal done before FA, they let him walk. Same with Lofton. Abraham is gone. Here are my predictions they sign Mathis and Nicks to shore up the lines draft a CB in the 2nd round.
w.w.
February 22nd, 2012
12:40 pm
Thanks for not simply tossing some more raw salt onto the media-slugs that are Ryan and Baker. Ive never seen such shameless scapegoating.With our high priced wunderkind receivers unable to convert to 1st down I think Ryan’s nickname is the very least of our worries yet it seems to be the main issue on the Atlanta media’s minds…ummmm Why?Why in the world would the team want to keep Decoud? He didnt tackle anybody,or pick off anything.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
12:42 pm
Thanks Mark, I would like to know if that’s a possibility. I don’t think Grimes is worth $10mil but if we can get a 2nd or 3rd pick for him, heck even a 4th instead of just letting him walk, we need picks and I think this would be a good move if we’re not on the hook if we can’t work out a trade
Coach
February 22nd, 2012
12:47 pm
“trade ryan and turner for RG3″???? Really??? Really??? Please find one GM, President, Owner or Coach in the NFL that will admit they even have that thought publicly or privately. How long is this going to go on?
Three Jack
February 22nd, 2012
12:54 pm
Matty Fire(d) would be better.
wreckbuzz
February 22nd, 2012
12:59 pm
I don’t agree with Bradley.
DE is a priority because pass rush is what the Falcons lack. IF, and it might be a big if, Mario Williams becomes a free agent, Blank has to back the Brinks truck up and dump it on Mario. Then it won’t matter about Lofton or Grimes.
Why keep Baker? He’s not better than Will Svitek or Tyson Clabo at OT. He was a revolving door at OG. Take the savings and try to keep either Grimes or Lofton (if the deal is reasonable). Let Mike Johnson have a shot at filling the RG spot.
Coach
February 22nd, 2012
1:02 pm
Sorry, I usually stick to football itself. Problem is for the last 5 years I have listened to the Falcons being called racist for hiring Dimitroff, racist for hiring Coach Smith, racist for drafting Matt Ryan, “good old boy” racist for every assistant coach hire. Racist because Vick got arrested, racist for cutting Shockley (even though no other team even put him on practice squad). This is the most ridiculous fan base ever.
O'Brien
February 22nd, 2012
1:10 pm
Mark,
How much will Daunte’s contract hurt the Falcons in the Grimes negotiations?
By that, I mean we gave Robinson a 6 year deal for $57 mil, with $22.5 guaranteed. Grimes might not get the same amount of years, but wont he be looking for similar $ value since he is a better corner than Daunte?
PMC
February 22nd, 2012
1:15 pm
Even if Baker had the best year of his career, you really want to send the above guys packing and pay Baker 2 million dollars????
Coach
February 22nd, 2012
1:18 pm
First !!! (time screened that is). Mark you know that needs to be said, maybe just not here and now. It is the truth… Anyway, sign and trade Grimes makes sense. It is a classic TD move. Drop salaries add more players for one talent. Find a replacement for Tony G. Spend a lot on both lines. I think we are a lot better off than most realize.
Th
February 22nd, 2012
1:18 pm
Lofton has averaged 1 sack per year, 3/4 of an interception per year and a stuff every 4th game. The most embarrassing was Collinsworth calling him out on national tv for dropping back 12 yards on a 3rd and 7. I think his exact words were, “Where’s he going?” Mediocrity should be cheap.
Let’s face it, we are the Lake Woebegone of the NFL – our players, coaches and management are above average but no more. Your list looks very believable and depressing.
Chris
February 22nd, 2012
1:22 pm
This is a stupid article, anybody that knows anything about football knows the falcon’s will be attempting to do the opposite of all these points. Why retain Sam Baker when Will Svitek played better and doesn’t get hurt. They should cut Michael Turner or trade him because he’s too slow to the hole and isnt an every down back, which means he’s paid too much. If Abraham isnt retained, then equal production must be added, 9.5 sacks doesn’t half measure his effectiveness as a pass rusher. Lofton and Grimes need to be resigned. Lofton is 2nd best middle linebacker in NFC and the key of our run defense, Grimes is a top 10 cover corner on a team without any others.
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
1:23 pm
Die Hard Falcon… I see your point… but I’d rather have a qb that knows how to take a lead – and then grow the lead – than try and pull out a victory in the last few minutes.
Plus, I’d like a quarterback who can actually win a post-season game.
Must be why I like Aaron Rodgers of my beloved Green Bay Packers.
PMC
February 22nd, 2012
1:27 pm
Th, so our women are strong?
teamguy
February 22nd, 2012
1:29 pm
I just heard an interview with Arthur Blank, and his plan is to keep everyone on the team, and in the front office, and get a totally new group of fans. Don’t blame him. Most of your comments are pathetic.
BjohnDawg
February 22nd, 2012
1:33 pm
they need to shore up the line….#1 priority. Period. both sides.
They were pushed around by GB last year, and Giants this year.
In the trenches…Falcons stank.
Th
February 22nd, 2012
1:44 pm
PMC: We just lost the strongest one when Blank’s wife gave him the heave-ho. Maybe he is as boring as his team. He should have franchised her.
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
1:49 pm
yes JJM, lets trade one of the top passers in the league, regardless of your opinion(which counts for nothing, by the way) for another Micheal Vick wannabe, albeit one with less thuggery, NO THANKS
Dan
February 22nd, 2012
1:57 pm
Sign Jared Gaither OT, Mario Williams DE, Paul Sloliai DT, Channing Crowder LB, Manny Lawson LB and Reggie Nelson S and I would be happy…..Let our Free Agents all go! Release Turner and Baker give Walls CB with 4.3 speed and height a shot. Draft Lamar Miller RB in the 2nd round and Ben Jones C in the 3rd.
PreyDawg
February 22nd, 2012
1:58 pm
Baker is a real mystery to me. I am a true fanatic. With DVR I go back on Monday and watch every play in slo mo. (My wife hates Mondays). One Baker play stands out and defines the season he had in my opinion.
I can’t recall the oponent right now. But it was a pass play and the defender really exploded off the ball and into Baker. Completely clean and legal. It was all about physicality. He blew Baker back on his heels and began to push him back deep into the pocket. Matt got rid of it quick, no sack and we gained two yards. That is not my point.
The camera angle was from the endzone and you had a great shot of Baker’s face. Two things were apparent, Baker was shocked at the intensity of the rusher, and Baker’s feelings were hurt.
After the whistle, he just kept staring at the defender with a look of, “Hey man! What the heck? Take it easy! That is uncalled for.”
This was about game 7 or 8 and I knew at that moment we had to DO something. Svitek ended up being a significant upgrade. That is a problem.
Baker is very slow out of his stance. His feet seemed slow all year. These may have to do with his back injury. But that look on his face. That cannot be coached I don’t think.
This new line coach better be good….REAL GOOD!!
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:02 pm
One day the Matt Ryan bash-fest will end, and FINALLY you idiots will realize that all but about 5 or 6 teams would love to have Matt Ryan. The ones excluded would be N.O., GB, NE, BAL, NYG and PITT. Guess what guys, theres only ONE Rodgers, ONE Brees, ONE Brady, ONE Big Ben, and ONE ELI. Those guys are the best of the best of the best, and there cant be 32 of them. So suck it up and deal with it, because we have a pretty freakin good one. IF youre not ok with the fact that we cant replicate Brady or Brees’ talents and somehow mutate them into Ryan’s body then go be a Pats or Saints fan. Otherwise shut up. The playoff wins will come. Its hard to win games in this league without good playcalling, and Mularkeys was just awful. Not to mention there were AT LEAST 2 dropped passes that cost us at the end of the game (Roddy against the Saints in the first matchup, Julio @ Texans). So it doesnt always fall on him, to try and pretend otherwise is ignorant.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:02 pm
HA HA HA
Breaking the bank to make CHOKE look relevant has bankrupted ole Artie……………
2007 days are back again………………..
Curtis Lofton welcome to Philly…………………
HA HA HA
PreyDawg
February 22nd, 2012
2:05 pm
@ OhhhhYeah- Good post. No argument here. Ryan has been handcuffed for a long time. He also had a bunch of critical drops this year. Granted, he got happy feet for a while after all the hits on him. (I know his sack numbers didn’t look that bad but that is a credit to him dumping it off quick).
I think we will see much improvement in him this year. i think the Scheme will give him more opportunities to succeed.
jay
February 22nd, 2012
2:07 pm
OMG! I keep reading that they are going to resign Decoud. WTH! I thought they were going to evaluate talent after the season. i don’t care how cheap he will be, he can’t play.
JH
February 22nd, 2012
2:10 pm
TH,
Mediocrity doesnt describe a player who only trails Willis and Mayo in tackles the past two years. You can’t replace that production with Dent.
jay
February 22nd, 2012
2:13 pm
BeliCheat was dumping safeties at the start of the season and he still made the superbowl. Believe me there is better cheap talent at safety without having to depend on Thomas Decout!
Ivan
February 22nd, 2012
2:14 pm
Get rid of Baker. Even if it costs the team, it’s better to just cut your losses.
Ivan
February 22nd, 2012
2:16 pm
And I’m with Jay. Let DeCoud walk too.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
2:18 pm
@OhhhhYeah–
I couldn’t agree more about all the lame Matt Ryan haters. He is definitely in the top 10 and he’s still pretty young. Glad to know there are some smart people on the blog.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:19 pm
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
1:49 pm
yes JJM, lets trade one of the top passers in the league, regardless of your opinion(which counts for nothing, by the way) for another Micheal Vick wannabe, albeit one with less thuggery, NO THANKS
_________________________________________
A thug is someone that steals, therefore CHOKE stole 72 million…………………
A weak THUG at that……………..
HA HA HA
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:20 pm
Im sorry, but with everyone predicting Boykin from Georgia to fall to the mi-late 3rd round, Dimitroff would be absolutely out of his mind not to draft him in the second round. The guy has great athleticism, size, speed, and plays with passion. Not to mention, he is a great returner and has great ball skills. So even if we slap the franchise tag on Grimes and he sticks around for one more year, Boykin could play the nickel and take over next year if we lose Grimes or decide to cut Dunta. Or we could even make him the #3 receiver and let Harry Douglas go. To me, if Boykin is there, its the no-brainer of all no-brainers.
Whopper Dawg
February 22nd, 2012
2:20 pm
A lot of stock in going into these new miracle workers, eh, I mean coordinators.
Bad OLine – no problem
No pass rush – no problem
Lose Abe – no problem
Matty Ice can’t throw long and melts in big games – no problem
TD of course gets a pass in all this, but with Lofton, DeCoud Jerry and Baker all falling out of favor, Turner as big a liability (can’t catch) as he is an asset, Edwards and Robinson are mediocre and TG on his last legs, exactly what does he hang his personnel hat on???
Ryan and Spoon and the 5 for 1 Jones???? That in four years of work with spending 6 no 1s. I just don’t get it.
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:21 pm
oh wait, arent you a Vick fan? So that means you know exactly what im talking about since he stole 100 MILLION from your blind and ignorant Eagles………
Talk about your “Ha HA HA’s”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:21 pm
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:02 pm
One day the Matt Ryan bash-fest will end, and FINALLY you idiots will realize that all but about 5 or 6 teams would love to have Matt Ryan
____________________________________________
The Arena League?
HA HA HA
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
2:22 pm
I am definitely not a huge DeCoud fan, but he did lead the team in INT’s last year and is a decent middle of the road safety. I think the biggest problem is that he gets out of position and lets huge plays get by him. I think though keeping DeCoud and Sanders is an economical and smart move, at cheap prices. Unless the best safety falls to us in the draft, I say sign them both to modest 2 yr deals and we have much more important spots to fill in FA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:25 pm
For 30 million the Ravens got 5 playoff wins…………….
HA HA HA
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:26 pm
Oops, I think I hurt CHOKEs feelings again by blindsiding him with his own argument.
100 MIL and didnt even play the entire season….sheesh, talk about stealing
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:26 pm
ZERO offensive points in a playoff game?
Are you serious?
Out scored by the defense?
It’s no wonder why Flacco is getting a new contract and CHOKE is…..well…..getting…..CRICKETS………………….
HA HA HA
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:28 pm
CHOKE…are you ever going to answer my question? You know, the one you never seem to answer? How many rings does Flacco have?
None you say? So, youre telling me he STILL doesnt have more rings than Ryan? So youre saying a playoff win really doesnt matter if you dont win the whole thing? Man, who woulda thunk it?
Ask any player around the league, moron, which theyd rather have. A bunch of playoff wins and no championship, or only a few playoff wins and just ONE championship. Clearly you dont know how the league works, friend
Pete E. Tong
February 22nd, 2012
2:28 pm
You missed the most important part!
If they stick to these predictions, they will go 9-7.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:29 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-anatomy-of-a-play/09000d5d81dcad2d/Divisional-Anatomy-Tramon-Williams-Pick-Six
“How an IDIOT reads the defense”
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:32 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soZJ_EQp9cM&feature=related
“All you need to know about a LOSER”
HA HA HA
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm
how cute, you went thru all that effort to show a video from two years ago. Wonder how many pick sixs your man crush Mike Vick has thrown, or uh…..30 yard sacks, or uh….fumbles in critical situations, or should i mention the fact that he has ZERO game winning drives in the fourth quarter in his career? And the Eagles payed him how much?
You should probably learn what it is youre trying to talk about before you actually open your mouth
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:34 pm
Oh and by the way moron, you just posted a video of Matt Ryan leadign a game winning drive in college, thanks for proving our point
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
2:41 pm
BARF
HA HA HA
Me Too
February 22nd, 2012
2:42 pm
The word should be PLAY! And it needs to be driven into HC Smith’s head with a mallet.
Th
February 22nd, 2012
2:43 pm
Great QB’s hand the ball off in the 4th quarter, not lead game winning desperation drives. Mediocre middle line backers make tackles 5 yards up field instead of stuffing them in the hole. You could also make a 15 minute DVD of Lofton being beaten to the edge and diving at heels as the RB heads up field. He is a good LB on a 10 win team but will never start in a Super Bowl.
Me Too
February 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm
And we have had Michael Turner for the past four years and we still haven’t won a playoff game or defeated a worthy opponent. How will things change if HC Smith has his “crutch/pacifier”?
Falcfan
February 22nd, 2012
2:48 pm
Here’s my predictions: They will keep Lofton, Grimes, Decoud…they will lose Abraham and douglas because some teams will pop them with more money than the Falcons are willing to pay…they should pursue the New Orleans guard, and will draft OL, DE, and TE. turner will stay and split carries 60/40 with Rodgers….Julio will be near the top in NFL in TD catches, and our offense will become very unpredictable, unlike the Mularkey era. Nolan will turn this defense into a top 6 defense with blitzes and man coverage. There you have it.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
2:48 pm
What the heck is “payed?”
The Real Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
2:50 pm
What hogwash! Does anyone believe that Dent who was a draft day reach can play as well as Lofton? Anyone including a blog writer who thinks that is just trying to get comments, not actually offering a viable idea. So we replace a 4 year starter with a second year player who has no NFL scrimmage experience? Glad TD and Smitty are making those decisions.
The Real Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
2:52 pm
And let’s all give Baker-the-bust another shot at starting. Because it was all about his injury and coaching and not his lack of talent.
Bucky
February 22nd, 2012
2:52 pm
I’m looking forward to the new Coaches…Better Results…GO Falcons!
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
2:53 pm
“Ask any player around the league, moron, which theyd rather have. A bunch of playoff wins and no championship, or only a few playoff wins and just ONE championship. Clearly you dont know how the league works, friend”
But what happens when you have NEITHER of those things? Well, it is clear as sky (outside of the Metro area), the 2008-2011 Atlanta Falcons
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
2:56 pm
JSS, my good friend, IF neither happens, then you’ll still be in the majority of the other teams that rarely do anything. And at the end of the day, it’s just a game anyway, your life’s happiness shouldn’t be based on whether your team wins a playoff game (dont worry, I’m not speaking about you,I know better).
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
2:59 pm
Assigning credit to Joe Flacco for Baltimore’s playoff success? Ha.
I’m pretty sure Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, and Ed Reed had something to do with those wins.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
Do you really think there’s that much value in a three game sample size, JSS?
Also, two of the teams the Falcons lost to won the Super Bowl, so it’s not like any other teams were beating them in the playoffs, either.
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm
Oh no, Stein, don’t come in here talking about that nonsense. Didnt you know Flacco has the same level defense that Matt Ryan has? And didnt you know Ray Rice and Micheal Turner are equals? Its all on the quarterback. Sarcasm intended
Bama Mike
February 22nd, 2012
3:02 pm
You will also hear the phrase ” Vertical Game” over 1118 times prior to the first game.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
3:07 pm
Seriously, ohhhYEAH. Pointing to playoff wins is a fool’s game.
Ryan and Smith haven’t been perfect, but who is? In my opinion, they can stay forever.
ohhhYEAH
February 22nd, 2012
3:09 pm
I know this, and you know this, but most people want to cry about it instead of seeing it for what it is.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
3:13 pm
Just remind yourself that there are people out there that believe vaccines cause autism. It usually helps me.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
3:36 pm
Falcants interested in drafting Garcia?
Uh oh CHOKE kissers………………
HA HA HA
mlko
February 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm
can the brilliant dimitroff give up more draft picks for another overrated wide receiver??? he’s a genius!
Ted M
February 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm
Flacons will go 8-8 maybe 9-7 but they’ll have an excuse…Matt Ryan just needs a year or so to learn the new offensive coordinator.
Little Richardd
February 22nd, 2012
3:44 pm
Franchise tag Grimes? That’s crack talk. Sign Ab’ham to a 6 year deal. Extend Baker 4 more years. See if Morten Andersen would be interested in doing kickoffs next year for 3 million. Grimes is decent but franchise tag??? Too much crack baby!! I should be getting million more for my chicken commericals if you where in charge!
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
3:45 pm
First on page one.. first on page 3?
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
3:46 pm
YES!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
3:48 pm
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
2:59 pm
Assigning credit to Joe Flacco for Baltimore’s playoff success? Ha.
I’m pretty sure Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata, and Ed Reed had something to do with those wins
____________________________________________________________
Tell Tom Brady Teddy Brusci won those superbowls…………………
Nice try………………..
Next excuse for FAILURE?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
3:50 pm
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
3:01 pm
Do you really think there’s that much value in a three game sample size, JSS?
Also, two of the teams the Falcons lost to won the Super Bowl, so it’s not like any other teams were beating them in the playoffs, either
_________________________________________________
If you beat those teams, then they don’t make the superbowl genius
Getting ZERO points out of your 72 million dollar investment is unexceptable……………
Next excuse?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
3:53 pm
Ted M
February 22nd, 2012
3:43 pm
Flacons will go 8-8 maybe 9-7 but they’ll have an excuse…Matt Ryan just needs a year or so to learn the new offensive coordinator.
____________________________________________
You know it!
HA HA HA
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
3:53 pm
Are you kidding me? If neither happens, then you fire the coach in first case because they don’t win in the post-season… In the second case, you “Dick Vermeil” the said coach and thank them for their service as you show them the door!
If you want to reward mediocrity, stay college football fans…
And three playoffs games in the modern NFL is way big enough of a sample! Mike Smith is not Bill Cowher (the last coach given this much leeway), and Cowher changed coordinators more than once, he was stubboen but he knew to cut bait. Don’t believe me? Go ask Neil O’Donnell, Kordell Stewart, and Tommy Maddox. It is a zero-sum game!
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
4:02 pm
Tom Brady’s offense was responsible for the following point totals in the Super Bowl: 13, 32, 20, 14, 17. Yeah, he was really lighting it up, CHOKE.
mark
February 22nd, 2012
4:02 pm
Choke looks like you turned off afternoon tv to make more stupid statements. What happen your mom tell you to clean up the basement so you turned off your tv and turned on your computer. Choke do you go to comic-con? Do you speak elf? Tell us more about yourself, your insights are so profound.
Delbert D.
February 22nd, 2012
4:03 pm
I guess I should be fired as a fan, because I sure lost faith in Baker.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
4:03 pm
Oh, and this is the only time I’m going to address the mythical Ravens defense matter. With the exception of the Steelers championship game (Flacco gave them a short field at a vital time), the Ravens D have failed to stop opposing the Falcons, the Chargers, and the Patriots when given a lead late in games over the past two seasons. This is not and has not been the 2000 Ravens defense. Stop trying to sustain that lie…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
4:07 pm
CHOKE has had 4 seasons………………….
He’s DONE
He’s TOAST
He’s OUT OF HERE……………..
Deal with it LOSERS
HA HA HA
Since Flacco is in negotiations for a long term new contract, your excuses are a moot point……………..
When is CHOKE getting that new contract?
Mark Bradley
February 22nd, 2012
4:08 pm
I believe that’s double first, Rickster. Double kudos.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
4:10 pm
I suppose CHOKE also thinks Peyton Manning is a bum, too.
Rickster
February 22nd, 2012
4:13 pm
Woo hoo!!
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
4:13 pm
You neglected to mention, CHOKE, that Ryan’s rookie contract was for six years while Flacco’s was for five.
Dawgdad (The Original)
February 22nd, 2012
4:13 pm
MB, glass always overflowing! Hah!
Maybe they will take Stephen Garcia in the 6th rd and his presence will vault them to the SuperBowl or maybe he can just stay sober and draw a nice check sporting a baseball cap on the sidelines.
RIDE OR DIE FALCON FAN
February 22nd, 2012
4:15 pm
NO MATTER HOW GOOD OR BAD THE BIRDS ARE GOTTA GO WITH EM. I AM BORN AND RAISE ATLANTA FED. WHEN I DIE I’LL BE ATLANTA DEAD. BURY ME IN THAT THAT SWEET GEORGIA CLAY. WIN LOSE OR DRAW I’LL CALL IT A DAY. GO FALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!
invictus mon
February 22nd, 2012
4:25 pm
There’s no way Matty Ice is a top 10 QB if he can’t throw the deep ball. He won’t lose you a game, but we mortgaged the farm for a deep threat and we don’t have a guy who can get it out there. That’s a problem. We don’t have an O-Line to protect him, that’s a big part of it. More importantly Matty-Ice doesn’t have the arm strength. It’s as if his nicknamed which was derived from his cool nature in leading drives in the 4th quarter, has changed to Matty-Ice the guy who’s touch is so cold he can’t complete a big pass. Sad, but true. I agree that Matt Ryan is serviceable, but a star or a top 10? You’re kidding yourself. Good enough to put out there, not bad enough to pull (barely).
Jeff B
February 22nd, 2012
4:27 pm
Mark, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. Yes, Baker wasn’t always the 2nd worst tackle in the league (according to PFF). Over the course of the three prior years, he was merely the 15th worst tackle (according to PFF). Source:
http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/06/15/three-year-pass-blocking-efficiency-offensive-linemen/
invictus mon
February 22nd, 2012
4:27 pm
Dawgdad,
All I’ve gotta say is that’s got to be the sweetest job in the world. making a couple million a year to hold a clipboard. If I got offered that job I’d have to ask if they want that in blood or if pen will do.
That said, I REALLY hope we don’t have to worry about that clown actually getting a non roster invite to camp.
Jeff B
February 22nd, 2012
4:28 pm
In case you don’t see what I’m getting at, it’s that Baker has always sucked. It’s not a matter of just “restoring his confidence.”
SawThat1nce
February 22nd, 2012
4:28 pm
Bradley, regarding that last sentence of your article, It Starts with the headcoach, not the QB.
Get the QB an OLine that can give him more than 2 seconds of protection from the pass rush, before you start raging him out.
SawThat1nce
February 22nd, 2012
4:29 pm
DeCoud, a franchise player? Come on man.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
4:40 pm
Not a top ten QB? That’s funny.
He’s better than the QB of the following teams: Buffalo, NYJ, Miami, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver, Kansas City, Oakland, Washington, Minnesota, Tampa, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, Seattle, and St. Louis. That’s 19 teams.
It’s debatable whether he’s better than Schaub, Rivers, Romo, Vick, Stafford, or Cutler.
He’s almost certainly not as good as Roethlisberger, Manning, Manning, Rodgers, Brady, or Brees.
Jeff B
February 22nd, 2012
4:41 pm
Why does everybody love Roethlisberger so much? HE’s clearly not a top-10 QB anymore!!
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
February 22nd, 2012
4:42 pm
Does the Falcons need a bartender? Is that why they’re interested in Garcia? The birds have so many problems it must be hard to determine where to begin. When you trade away 4 picks for a great receiver in Julio and then use him as a decoy for 10 yard passes you might have a problem. Blank has put all his eggs in the basket of new coaching and schemes for 2012. The draft will get him little but his checkbook could get him a couple of difference makers. Since Blank saved all the money on no draft picks for 2012 then he needs to invest those dollars in free agents that make sense. The real problem is the QB position and the birds will just have to go with Ryan this year but he will never get you past round 1.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
4:51 pm
I am not sure I disagree, Jeff B. Plus he’s always had a great defense supporting him, but I think he has played pretty well with a subpar running game the past few years. Plus, it’s just easier than dealing with the morons who think rings tell the whole story.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
4:55 pm
It’s time for some quarterback competition, CHOKE has blown his 4 chances, more than any other Falcant qb has had.
Dude needs to spend some clip board duty so he can respect the position.
I mean look at the dude, his arms are so skinny because he spends his off season partying instead of working out in the gym.
Gold Gym definitely is not on his priority list
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
4:55 pm
@George Stein–
I couldn’t agree more, I’ve been telling these MR2 haters that he’s top 10, statistically it’s a FACT. Everyone talks about 3 games (our unfortunate playoff losses) and says that he’s terrible or serviceable or any other baseless phrase that has no roots in reality. I saw him overthrow many deep routes, so I believe he can make all the NFL throws, certainly not w/ as much zip as Cutler or Stafford or some others, but if he could get more than 2 seconds so he could actually do a 5 or 7 step drop then it’d be another story. Brees, Brady have all day to pass and have terrific pockets to do so from. Rodgers is very mobile, so he buys time, Matt will prove these fools wrong
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
4:57 pm
“He’s better than the QB of the following teams: Buffalo, NYJ, Miami, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Denver, Kansas City, Oakland, Washington, Minnesota, Tampa, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, Seattle, and St. Louis. That’s 19 teams.”
??? Was that a typo?
Those two game-managers Alex Smith and Tim Tebow showed more play-off moxie than Ryan has since the 3rd quarter of 2008 debacle in Glendale…
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:02 pm
All you have to do is go back and look at the Bears game his rookie season, Die Hard, and watch him fire the ball to Micheal Jenkins on the next to last play of the game. He has plenty of arm.
What the hell is moxie, JSS?
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
5:05 pm
@JSS–
So you’re telling me that there is even 1 GM in the NFL that given the choice between Matt Ryan, Tim Tebow, or Alex Smith, that ANYONE would not take Matt Ryan hands down?!?
Alex Smith played great in the playoffs, especially when they sent brees and the aints packing, but that’s 1 game and he didn’t play bad against the G-men but Tebow, seriously! And we’re talking about a 1 playoff win a piece and the 49ers were a top 3 D. That’s silly.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:08 pm
Well, since this afternoon is a session of Mythbusters…
Fact… Romo, Cutler, Stafford, and Romo get hit and pressured way more than Ryan…
Fact… Matt Ryan is the only QB among the “statistical” Top Ten to have a playoff completion percentage of more than 60% (more than two games played) while attempting more than 40 passes and never thrown for more 200 yards…
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
5:09 pm
@Stein-
That is probably my favorite MR2 moment, that was a thing of beauty, sadly I had to watch it on Tivo. I was so sick after the bears scored and there was only 18 seconds left that I left the room to cool off, then I hear my friend yelling Come here and I came back just in time to see the field goal, had to watch the throw on rewind.
Absolutely, he can make throws, and if we get an oline this year, the haters WILL be silenced.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Everybody in the AJC blogging knows that I think Tebow is a train wreck… But I give him this, when presented with the chance to make plays, he does it… And he did it in the playoffs… The New Age Ken O’Brien hasn’t… He (Ryan) has the greatest perception aura in the world among some of you… But among the majority of observers, they have a big ball and chain around his neck… And team game or not, he wilts more and more each time sun lamp is turned on…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
0-3 in the playoffs……………
End of story……………
HA HA HA
chuck
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Grimes lost my support when he decided not to play in the playoff game. He was too concerned about his new contract so I say “Good riddance”. He showed himself as a poor teammate and surely wouldn’t be welcome back in the locker room.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Provide the source, JSS.
Die Hard Falcon
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
@JSS–
0-3 in the playoffs, I know this, I cannot defend the playoff games. That’s only 3 games. He will have to step up in the playoffs no doubt, but the reality is that in the last 4 seasons, there’ve been 64 reg season games and he’s started 62 of them and gone 43-19, plus he’s statistically doing top 10 work. While I cannot prove it, I would say that the low YPC in the playoffs could be partially due to scheme as well, anyway, I’ll stay w/ Matt
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:17 pm
Oh yeah…
“Moxie”
1. Energy, Pep
2. Courage, Determination
3. Know-How
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:17 pm
Agreed, DHF. My favorite will be when he gets handed a Lombardi Trophy and clowns like CHOKE have to eat it.
Supes
February 22nd, 2012
5:19 pm
I wouldn’t franchise Grimes, too much money…I’d rather them franchise John Abraham b/c who else are you going to get to play DE? Robert Mathis?
As far as Lofton, I’ve said it many times and I’m going to keep saying it…the guy is a SOLID player but he isn’t a Game Changing Impact type LB. He never seems to come up with a big play when the team needs it, you know who does…a guy by the name of Sean Weatherspoon! All I remember from Lofton is making tackles 5 yards pass the line of scrimmage, 10 yards after a catch or whiffing on a UNBLOCKED blitz with a simple step aside from the QB. That’s it. That’s Lofton for you (at least under Van Gorder). So tell me is it the player or the system? Seems to me that “Spoon” made several impact plays this past season where Lofton had what…1-2 at the MOST. The kind of money he’s going to demand…I’d rather have Dent there (for the cheap $) making the EXACT same plays that Lofton does. He can’t do any worst. In essence Lofton is turning into Keith Brooking(S) and we ran him out of town!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
5:20 pm
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:17 pm
Agreed, DHF. My favorite will be when he gets handed a Lombardi Trophy and clowns like CHOKE have to eat it
______________________________________________
Is that the Madden version?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
5:21 pm
The only food I will be eating is a big bowl of noodles where CHOKE gets his arm strength from…………………..
HA HA HA
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:25 pm
Can you quantify the value of moxie?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 22nd, 2012
5:29 pm
hi guys
A person SMART enough to know......
February 22nd, 2012
5:31 pm
moxie was a phrase used to describe a women right?
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:32 pm
Matt Ryan Playoffs Game Log
Playoffs
Passing
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
1 2008 ATL @ ARI L 24-30 * 26 40 65.0% 199 2 2 72.8
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
2 2010 ATL GNB L 21-48 * 20 29 69.0% 186 1 2 69.0
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
3 2011 ATL @ NYG L 2-24 24 41 58.5% 199 0 0 71.1
Three game 63.5% completion rate… He’s never thrown for more than 200 yards… And in two of those games, he threw 40 or more attempts.
Source Pro Football Reference . com
I dropped my fried twinkle
February 22nd, 2012
5:32 pm
yes
Sid
February 22nd, 2012
5:39 pm
Not that it’s all that obvious but you are probably right on the bullseye. We need some solid free agent acquistions to make some of the “won’ts” pan out. I’m worried about Baker, this game isn’t just about playing inspired, you’ve got to play at a level that transcends hand holding and tear drying and Sam has seemed to decline just slightly every year. But, look at Jammal Anderson, goes to Indy and is exceeding expectations. Give me a big Hmmmmm? ………………..and doing my best Colombo imitation (….and just one more thing) keep Curtis Lofton, he’s one of only a few that bring some swagger to this team.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:41 pm
Are you folks still salivating over that 30 yard out pattern thrown back in week 6 of 2008 before everyone had the book on how to take the sideline throws from Matt Ryan?
Funny I think Green Bay came up with answer for that one…
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:43 pm
Moxie illustrated
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3szXpKYCVo
Sid
February 22nd, 2012
5:44 pm
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Everybody in the AJC blogging knows that I think Tebow is a train wreck… But I give him this, when presented with …………………………………
***************************************************
I beg to differ that everybody in the AJC blogging knows or cares what you think…………….kinda full of yourself YA THINK?
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:46 pm
That’s moxie? Huh. I thought that was creative play-calling and better blocking.
He can only run the plays the coach calls, JSS.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:47 pm
Or compared to lack of Moxie…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipkzf8xgsWc&feature=related
maybe talent…???
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:48 pm
“kinda full of yourself YA THINK?”
….Nope
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
5:50 pm
OK, and in your mind that sack was because of Ryan’s lack of moxie? Again, can you quantify the value of moxie? And can you tell me other QBs who have this trait ahead of time instead of playing Captain Hindsight?
take it from me.
February 22nd, 2012
5:55 pm
I think its time for the Falcons origanization to step it up,and put quality players on the field,i don’t care if its a change at QB,or linebacker,or runningback,or cornerback,or headcoach,or what ever! loseing to the Saints 10 of 12 times an’t good,and its got something to do with the players the falcons put on the field.The sad part is the saints have better players,thier orgnization went out and got players to make thier team better,while the Falcons stood around blowing draft choses,,and bringing in less than steller FA.Unless the Falcons make the moves that they need to makethis year, it could be a long time before it gets better!
doggoneit
February 22nd, 2012
5:56 pm
I’m sad to say sorry to report that Hinds Ward won’t be a Falcon of any sort. He has run out of gas and has no more tools and to make him a Falcon would make us look like fools.:)
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
6:01 pm
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
5:32 pm
Matt Ryan Playoffs Game Log
Playoffs
Passing
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
1 2008 ATL @ ARI L 24-30 * 26 40 65.0% 199 2 2 72.8
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
2 2010 ATL GNB L 21-48 * 20 29 69.0% 186 1 2 69.0
Tm Opp Result GS Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rate
3 2011 ATL @ NYG L 2-24 24 41 58.5% 199 0 0 71.1
Three game 63.5% completion rate… He’s never thrown for more than 200 yards… And in two of those games, he threw 40 or more attempts.
Source Pro Football Reference . com
_________________________________________________________
An elite qb that has never thrown for 200 yards in the playoffs? That’s a lot of dink & dunk.
Flacco passed for over 300 in his last playoff game……………
I guess that’s why he is getting a new contract……………
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
6:05 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAiypz60dM
“How to throw a true deep ball with just the flick of the wrist”
Coach
February 22nd, 2012
6:05 pm
Mr. Bradley’s blog completely hi-jacked once again… what was the topic?
the good news
February 22nd, 2012
6:07 pm
I love both Abe and Grimy, but I think we should let them both go. We can get the same production with less cost if the coaching is right.Akeem Dent is a very good run stopper and he will absolutely knock someones head off on every play. I ready to see him in the middle also. Nolan can put pressure on the Q.B. with anyone— we dont need a superstar to rush the passer just creativity. The most important thing the falcons are missing is ATTITUDE. I want to see them come out next year with some fire, a big chip on their shoulder, and an ATTITUDE. The swagger will come right before the playoffs. Auther Blank needs to start pissing some folks off. Im tired of seeing all this pretty boy B.S. This is still football not a fashion show. Matt Ryan is a good enough Q.B. to take the falcons to the top— He just needs to quit playin like a sissy. I dont care how many interseptions he throws as long as he will tackle the guy that made the int. I want to see some ATTITUDE!!!
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
6:08 pm
Moxie is not a “quantifiable” portion of a talent, it is a quality exhibited…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUi1qLt-Xxo&feature=related
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
6:08 pm
He’s getting a contract because the team doesn’t have a viable alternative and because, unlike Ryan, he only has one year left of his deal; Ryan has two.
George Stein
February 22nd, 2012
6:09 pm
If it’s not quantifiable, it probably is just a figment of your imagination. Again, show some foresight and tell me who has this “moxie” trait.
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
February 22nd, 2012
6:24 pm
Is Cliff Mathews healthy? Can he contribute at DE this year?
Wink
February 22nd, 2012
6:31 pm
You really believe Hines Ward could not help this team, especially if Douglas signs elsewhere? Are kidding…Hines is the best blocking WR in the game, to go along with our desire for WR to block. Hines in the slot would be dangerous and sure handed outlet for Ryan. He does not have to run vertical routes…more Wes Walker for New England, remember no arm strength in our QB. Secondly, if not Hines, go get Randy Moss in the slot, both as a 3 receiver would be an upgrade.
L.A. Mont
February 22nd, 2012
6:45 pm
I think if the Falcons could have won at New Orleans on that Monday night after Christmas and kept Brees from breaking the passing record, that would given them a world of confidence! Instead they got blasted and didn’t recover. The pressure for the Falcons to get back to the playoffs and win will be greater this year than the last two or three years because of the way they have performed and the changes with the coaching staff. The Packers and Giants have showed, you can struggle for 14 games, but if you are peeking at the end of the season, you can win it all.
doggoneit
February 22nd, 2012
6:51 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan you do realize no one here reads your log…. one word, “Boring”
Matt
February 22nd, 2012
6:52 pm
If you are a Grimes fan, check out http://www.footballcamps.com. He will be hosting a football camp this summer with some of his teammates in Atlanta.
doggoneit
February 22nd, 2012
6:54 pm
Wink> I’m with you on that one.. The Falcons don’t have the guts to pull that string.
JSS
February 22nd, 2012
7:05 pm
If Merriam-Webster can define it, then it is not: “figment of one’s imagination.”
And because you don’t have the desire to understand a quality instead of limiting operator such as quantify; it is your prerogative…
tfalcon
February 22nd, 2012
7:13 pm
@choke Boy have u told ur daddy how u love to choke,spit and gage on long hard ones or just maybe was it ur moma who taught u that
tfalcon
February 22nd, 2012
7:15 pm
MMMMMM choke bet she was so good at it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
E-From Riverdale
February 22nd, 2012
8:06 pm
I surely hope you are completely wrong about the Falcons keeping Decloud. This guy is terrible. I understand the economics of keeping sorry a$$ Dunta Robinson but there is no economics when it comes to bringing back De who cloud.
Coach
February 22nd, 2012
8:06 pm
And my comments didn’t get through? Quality stuff there ^^^^^^^^
William Smith
February 22nd, 2012
8:17 pm
The best thing that Mr. Blank can do is simple. Go hire as a consultant a truly good general manager. Then get a report from the current front office on the moves they are planning. Then get the consultant to do just the exact opposite. If past history proves one thing it is that the Falcons will make the wrong moves. The ones they keep are washed out of the league in a short period of time, and the ones they get rid of are in the Pro Bowl.
Ronald Millsaps
February 22nd, 2012
8:40 pm
Great final sentence. He also needs to put less air under his throws, and Mike Smith needs to quit calling plays unless he improves drastically at it.
jerry
February 22nd, 2012
8:48 pm
Matt Ryan is apparently waiting ’til hell freezes over before he will throw the ball downfield if a defender is within 15 yards of the receiver. Good luck with that.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 22nd, 2012
8:58 pm
0-3 in playoffs……………..
Comments?
HA HA HA
Vince Doodly
February 22nd, 2012
11:14 pm
If the falcons keep Sam Baker, we are SCREWED. He is the worst LT in the NFL. Forget the rest of it. Matt Ryan better increase his health and life insurance. Baker will get him killed.
Once Recent Reader
February 22nd, 2012
11:44 pm
Well dropped in to see what was going on post season.
Choke, as I mentioned I’d take my 0-3 medicine if that came to pass . . . and it has. Only comment for now . . .well at least it’s not 0 – 4
Tree rollins
February 23rd, 2012
12:13 am
I don’t like any of this – you’re keeping the schlubs and parting ways with the solid contributors (other than Grimes – and he is not worth the franchise tag)!
Tree rollins
February 23rd, 2012
12:16 am
So TD is not going to make the Ricky Williams for our entire year’s draft move again? He’s a dipstick!!
Tree rollins
February 23rd, 2012
12:17 am
Trade Sam Baker for Madonna and at least we’ll have a decent halftime show…
Disgusted
February 23rd, 2012
3:30 am
I hope you are wrong about the worthless piece of garbage Sam Baker, he is a lazy guy who does nothing but find his way to the injured list.
Hate him, he is a bust. If they don’t get a couple of important players, the yrs of losing are back.
Linky, February 23, 2012: Shanny’s man crush on Brandon Weeden – Blogging the bEast
February 23rd, 2012
7:44 am
[...] Here’s what the Falcons will – and won’t – do this offseason – Mark Bradley, Atlanta Journal Constitution They won’t be crushed if Curtis Lofton leaves. The middle linebacker is a three-year starter and a fierce tackler, but there’s growing sentiment that he’s a liability against the pass. The question thus becomes: Would you pay $8 million a year for a two-down linebacker? At the right price, the Falcons would love to keep Lofton. If he does depart, they’d give Akeem Dent, the Georgia product taken in Round 3 last year, a long look in the middle. [...]
Email Profiling Is Wrong
February 23rd, 2012
7:50 am
With due respect to the Ryan defenders, come on folks. Especially those who compare him to Peyton Manning. You’ve got to be kidding.
Did any of you watch the Giants playoff game? His every flaw was on display.
Your boy plays scared. He bails out of the pocket early. He’s completely immobile. He collapses at the first hint of contact like he just had a massive heart attack. Heck he collapses if it even looks like he’s gonna get hit (see the run around right end near the end of the first half – nobody was near him. He could have run out of bounds – might not have been a bad idea given the time left on the clock. Instead he gracelessly hit the ground like he’d been shot.
Time after time after time, he shuns more difficult passes for quick, low risk completions – that’s how he accumulated the gaudy passing yardage.
He not only lacks arm strength, he’s inaccurate as well. That’s quite a double-whammy to overcome.
Maybe he will improve with new coaching and a less conservative offensive scheme. But to blame everybody but Ryan for his obvious failings is delusional.
He’s smart. He’s a nice guy from a good family. He looks you in the eye when he shakes your hand. He’s not Mike Vick.
How much goodwill does that buy him? Apparently quite a lot.
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
8:59 am
Manning got beat in his third playoff game 41-0, Email Profiling.
I’m waiting on you to give me a player that has this “moxie” trait, JSS. Just one.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
9:12 am
ZERO points in the latest playoff meltdown………………
Comments?
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
9:48 am
With Mularkey (scape goat) let’s see who you LOSERS blame for CHOKE’s BUST performance…………
HA HA HA
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
9:49 am
@ The Ignorant One…
Look-uo The Dunning-Krueger Effect…
And here’s your 2nd example of the quality of “Moxie.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9no5Z5COy0
Just saying..
February 23rd, 2012
9:51 am
It does seem our team persona is to play not to lose, rather than play to win.
D man
February 23rd, 2012
9:52 am
Why did we draft Baker in the first round again? He is too small, too slow, and can’t block. He seems like a nice guy though.
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:06 am
Unreal. I think I’m smarter than you because I have to keep asking you to give me a player with this made up moxie trait ahead of time. What part of that is so difficult?
Moxie isn’t what made that play. It probably had something to do with accuracy, time in the pocket, and ability to read a defense. It had nothing to do with moxie.
IceBIRDcold
February 23rd, 2012
10:14 am
Matty Fire a blank in the playoffs.
Matty Fire 3 playoff losses in a row.
Matty Fire is no better than Matty Ice if he does NOT WIN a game not called regular.
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:15 am
We went for it on 4th and 1 from our own 30 against the Saints, Just Saying…
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
10:26 am
and since you brought up the Colts 41-0 spanking… The Colts spent 3 more seasons getting their hats handed to them by the Patriots and Chargers until they finally took the ball out of Peyton’s hands (in a way of speaking) and rode Addai and Rhodes (especially in the Super Bowl)… Revisionist history is an AJC Blog character flaw…
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:35 am
Still haven’t seen you give a projection on a player with moxie, JSS.
I don’t disagree about your post at 10:26. It’s why it’s so friggin’ stupid to judge a single player on wins and losses. If we’ve learned anything about Manning, it’s that he was so great that he overcame remarkable talent deficiencies to help them win so many games.
FalcFans.com » Abraham headed to free agency
February 23rd, 2012
10:36 am
[...] report comes on the heels of Mark Bradley’s predictions in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the Falcons “won’t spend big” to keep Abraham. Abraham was the team’s [...]
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:37 am
By the way, the same could be said for Brady. When the Pats weren’t all about him, but instead were a strong defensive team, they won three titles in four seasons. As soon as they made the team about him, they stopped winning rings.
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
10:45 am
You’re an ignorant blogger… I knew you’d come back with a moron statement… So since you want “foresight;” but are incapable of understanding that most of us spent the days before the playoff discussing this to point ad nauseam.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/01/05/matt-ryan-is-ready-to-make-amends-in-playoffs/?cp=2#comment-428928
Here’s a link to some analysis. Stop wasting the time of other people with your limited trivialities…
Just saying..
February 23rd, 2012
10:48 am
George Stein @10:15 am:
Yeah, I know, and other times as well. But basically, those calls are:
-4th Qtr
-Very conservative play calls.
Take NO, for example. Those guys are libel to call anything, at anytime. You’re edgy before the snap, trying to cover the whole field.
With us, the extent of daring is a 1st down pass. Few draws, almost no screens, no counters, very few plays attacking the edge, and with so few shots downfield, safeties are closing fast, without concern, on most of our plays, outnumbering us in the box.
What I’m saying is, let’s be more unpredictable, less by-the-book.
vafalconfan
February 23rd, 2012
10:50 am
Despite what some of these doomsday “fans” are saying on here your article is very accurate and well written. I have to say I do hate the thought of tagging Grimes however. He derserves a payday, but he could not start for a nunber of teams in the NFL in my opinion. Just not physical enough..
PMC
February 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
Moxie = Courage, Daring, Energy and or some sort of average soft drink introduced in 1876 once endorsed by Ted Williams.
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:52 am
You’re a genius in your own mind, JSS. All I want to know is who has this made up moxie trait and the ways I would measure it. Does Andrew Luck have it? Does Ryan Mallet? Does Adrian Peterson?
This shouldn’t be that difficult for someone with your intellectual capacity.
PMC
February 23rd, 2012
10:52 am
The Falcons in the playoffs have certainly lacked Courage, Daring and Energy.
Therefore they have lacked Moxie.
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:53 am
I’d be fine with that, Just Sayin…
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
10:54 am
But do they have moxie in the regular season? Did trying to score before halftime against Green Bay show courage even if the execution could have been better?
PMC
February 23rd, 2012
11:07 am
They have been a different team at times in the regular season. Last year was mistake ridden but they played with enough moxie to get into the playoffs.
Personally, I don’t believe they have gotten the most out of the offensive talent they have available at times in the regular season and all the time in the post season. They haven’t used guys effectively. Last year they completely miscalculated the blocking they were going to get at Left Tackle and Right Guard.
The Packers game was a bad effort by the Falcons offensive personnel. The Giants game was a deplorable effort by the offensive coaches. It’s the worst playoff game plan I can remember, I’m really not sure why they chose to play the game that way. There’s plenty of blame to go around, but they haven’t played close to the same level in the post season that they have in the regular season.
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
11:09 am
@ PMC…
I provided the Webster’s definition for “Moxie” yesterday (which was a take off on the Soda’s ad campaign) from the 30’s. That is how the term got into the lexicon…
George Stein
February 23rd, 2012
11:22 am
I think it goes deeper than miscalculating the offensive line, PMC. The question is how much can you afford to allocate to RG? I’m equally frustrated with Turner, though, because he doesn’t have the speed to take advantage of the opportunities he sees when the play is blocked effectively.
As for the Packers game, I just think they had a great night and I’m not sure the ‘85 Bears could have stopped Rodgers. They were a better team. I think the discussion should just end there.
PMC
February 23rd, 2012
11:37 am
Ah, sorry if I duplicated. Long thread.
DC Dirty Bird
February 23rd, 2012
11:43 am
Does CHOKE ever have a quality football comment that doesn’t involve Matt Ryan. Is he/she even a fan of the Falcon’s.
Enough talk about what Matt Ryan isn’t. He’s on the team and not getting cut. What’s important is what we do to either protect his weaknesses or compensate for them.
Anyone want to talk about keeping Grimes or Abraham still?
George Stein, moxie is what that kid playing QB in Charlotte has. Seemingly, he doesn’t get rattled easy and is looking to make big plays. Ryan had moxie at BC when it was just him, a couple of good lineman, and a bunch of no name skill players on offense. Matter of fact, you want to know a QB who absolutely sucks, but has a lot of moxie…Rex Grossman. That dude takes each snap like he’s going to make the biggest play of the game.
DC Dirty Bird
February 23rd, 2012
12:00 pm
What happened to CHOKE?
JSS, I don’t always agree with you, but you’re right on with the “moxie” statement and your assessment as to why the Colts finally one the SB. I think you pretty much summed up the reason why CHOKE needs to stop focusing on Ryan and speak on why we have a team that basically can’t win in the playoffs unless our QB plays great football. CHOKE talks about Flacco’s record in the regular season and playoffs but doesn’t speak on how well he’s played in those games.
When did Grimes become an indespensable CB? Why do folks talk about how we can’t lose him but do not comment on how he fits in a Nolan ran defense.
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
12:11 pm
@ PMC…
No problem, it wasn’t an indictment on your point, just he’s “phishing” (in a snarky AJC blog kind of a way). Figuratively, not literally…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
12:33 pm
HA HA HA
They said it would be so easy to win in the playoffs without Vick…………
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
12:36 pm
CHOKE reminds me of Sarah (I can see Russia from my house)…..
They both give good speeches, look the part but in the end are just LOSERS
Tommy Maddox
February 23rd, 2012
12:50 pm
This is so disappointing – they have some many needs across the board.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
1:08 pm
HA HA HA
Disregard everything I say. I’m WEE TAH DUD.
HA HA HA
DC Dirty Bird
February 23rd, 2012
1:08 pm
Who is “they” and why does it matter today what was said?
PMC, when the Falcons hire an offensive coordinator who knows how to line up and attack a defenses weakness instead of one who only knows one way to play and/or call plays, we’ll be able to take advantage of our offensive talent.
snoclafLTA
February 23rd, 2012
2:51 pm
Our O-line was constantly praised during the 2010-2011 season. What happened? Losing Dahl made that big of an impact?
Pete E. Tong
February 23rd, 2012
2:59 pm
Losing Dahl was a big impact. Baker has progressively gotten worst; that didn’t help either.
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm
No, they’d already started to be pushed the last quarter of the 2010 season… That included Dahl, what people forget is that Ravens, Tampa, and the Saints dismantled the Falcons O-line in regards to pass protections in the last half of the season. They were that Weems kick-off return in Tampa away from being tied with the Saints at the end of the year. They got it together on that final drive against the Ravens after blowing that lead. And then the Saints handed their hats at home after all of that big talk about putting that ghost away after winning in N.O. earlier.
Hillbilly D has been saying it since the middle of the Smith’s first season. This team couldn’t dominate on either side of the ball regarding line play. Yes they won games, but rarely did they just make you say you’ve been manhandled…
Lol @ Dimitroff
February 23rd, 2012
3:15 pm
I hardly EVER agree with you MB. U r too politically correct, and u dont have free speech on ur blog. But this time, I agree with every thing u say in this column. Grats to u and me!
tom
February 23rd, 2012
3:16 pm
I have said it before and I say it again, Grimes is a liability. Cannot cover tall wide receivers and tight ends. Why is no one listening?
Jimmy Crack
February 23rd, 2012
3:41 pm
Mark, the toe Koetter can scheme all the screen passes he wants, but Turner is no MJD in terms of catching and accelerating, both of which Turner lacks in skill.
You are right on about Matt. He needs to grow some eggs and throw a deep ball that doesn’t invariably veer out of bounds. He should also trust his receivers to fight for that ball, and like I have said before, Smitty needs to stop worrying about that type of turnover. If the ball is intercepted, just treat it like a punt.
Disgusted
February 23rd, 2012
6:07 pm
The upgrade to the O-line is of most importance & hope upon a prayer they can get a defensive stud (hopefully two) with the picks they have. That is a long shot but they have to overachieve in this draft.
If you let Grimes go, who do you replace him with assuming that you spend big $$$$$ to get a guard and a tackle.
I will give Ray Edwards the benefit of the doubt and there is still hope that Dunta (sometimes Dumpsta) Robinson can earn the $$$$$ they are paying him. I do not think he is done.
Hate to let Abraham go, but with his age the the need to upgrade the O-line you cannot sign everybody.
Sam the Statute Baker has to go.
Disgusted
February 23rd, 2012
6:09 pm
Turner has one more yr left. Have to get it out of him, because there is no easy replacement.
Cleveland Browns Free Agency Talk – DBs | Sports Feedr
February 23rd, 2012
7:59 pm
[...] seems to think the Falcons would be reluctant to use the franchise tag on Grimes at $10.6 million, while another believes that’s exactly what they’ll [...]
Pete E. Tong
February 23rd, 2012
8:22 pm
I have said it before and I say it again, Grimes is a liability. Cannot cover tall wide receivers and tight ends. Why is no one listening?
Did you miss the Detroit game? The others? This cliche, frankly, is as old and tiresome as it is unsubstantiated.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 23rd, 2012
8:54 pm
0-3 in the playoffs & 72-million……………
HA HA HA
mars
February 23rd, 2012
9:45 pm
Wasn’t Baker a second rounder?
JSS
February 23rd, 2012
9:52 pm
Nope, Baker was the 2nd 1st round pick (21), TD made a draft trade for the pick
WS
February 24th, 2012
7:01 am
I would like to see all your great QB’s with a falcon line. I will bet they will all have happy feet with the (HEY WATCH OUT BLOCK THAT BAKER HAS PROVIDED)hey MAtt look out , he running free. Instead of you so call falcons fans putting blame in right place, put on Ryan.Matt needs to get a super model to stand up for him or maybe hire Grimes wife.He does not have time to throw down field, when he does make a good throw,our two top receivers drop football.
Falcon line Baker 1st rd bust. Balock 2nd rd pick good, McClure 7th rd, over the hill,RG still looking, Clabo picked up off streets and he should be RG . Tell me where the Great GM and head coach has brought any line help in. The two best lineman were here before they came, Balock and McClure.
Take all your good or elite teams ands see where their lineman were drafted. Most are first and second round picks. Our falcons start building a team in reverse. Get skill player for OB and Receiver, and get line from cuts. 80′S falcons knew better than this, they drafted first round picks for their line and they lasted ten to fifteen years. One being Mike Kenn. He was the best left tackle falcons have in their history. You can win with your lines, you will never be better than good team, not a superbowl team. They win the game against weak teams. Bey beat by better teams in playoffs. What do I know, it is all Matt Ryan. What a joke for falcons fans.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 24th, 2012
7:26 am
HA HA HA
I wouldn’t know how to quantify success in the NFL if my life depend on it!
HA HA HA
SmokinFletch
February 24th, 2012
8:44 am
“Falcons played scared”
What I’ve been saying for 4 years now.
Thanks for agreeing with me.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 24th, 2012
2:51 pm
CHOKE probably would CHOKE on “Smarter than a 5th grader”…………..
HA HA HA
Fred Macmurray
February 24th, 2012
3:05 pm
I dont like the term Moxie, I prefer Jenesequa,,, did I spell that right,, help me out JSS..
JSS
February 24th, 2012
3:21 pm
@ Mike, Robbie, and Chp’s Dad…
It is “Je ne sais quoi!” No, “Moxie” is definable as a quality… But the problem is that he just refuses to accept that point…
Fred Macmurray
February 24th, 2012
4:06 pm
Now Dorris Day,, she had Jenesaisquoi,,,, which is not definable. You just know it when you see it… and so far I have not seen it in Matt Ryan.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 24th, 2012
4:09 pm
QUESTION OF THE DAY AT COMBINE…….
“Is the NFL moving towards dual quarterbacks”
I told you LOSERS ………………….
HA HA HA
Bye Bye Peyton
Bye Bye CHOKE
Bye Bye Brady
Hello Rodgers
Hello Vick
Hello Cam
Hello Luck
Hello RG3
HA HA HA
Mora less Petrino
February 25th, 2012
12:21 am
“The Falcons have allowed timidity to dilute their conspicuous talent” – Exactly right!
Phalcon Phil
February 25th, 2012
4:35 pm
It’s going to hurt seeing Abe go but we have too much money tied up in scrubs like edwards and drob to sign someone of that age and injury history, especially while we still have grimes to sign. I like Lofton but we need to upgrade if we’re spending the kind of money he will command.
How many great qbs are we going to let go by while we continue the ryan experiment? First Newton, now RG3, we are going to look like a rebuilding team this year when we continue to struggle against the big boys. Like previously stated, other teams are getting better. We are just treading water, adding more weapons to the offense only to see it underachieve when it matters. The 2nd round pick will be yet another piece for ryan. I thought Peyton Manning was coddled talentwise (and to the detriment of other areas of the team) throughout his career but this takes the cake. We need to sell high on ryan while we still can. 2 months ago Blank was talking about an extension. Now, after the playoffs, all you hear is crickets.
TD needs to hit a grand slam with a rolling pin in this draft. Our last draft should have brought us a number 1/2 quality receiver, a piece for the o-line, a replacement for turner, and someone for gonzo to groom. Not to mention, we’d have a first rounder right now as we speak. When you give up that kind of loot, you do it for a franchise caliber talent qb like Newton, or RG3, not a wide receiver with a history of drops, especially in a run heavy, dink and dunk offense with a game manager qb. Don’t get me wrong, Julio will be an elite talent in this league, it just wasn’t a good move for the team overall.
9-7 next year and 2 very hot seats under td and ryan.
Spot on Dtan
February 25th, 2012
10:45 pm
I think “Mattiocre’s” contract is not extended.
Time to move on.
Spot on Dtan
February 25th, 2012
10:46 pm
And nice to see you. Phalcon.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 25th, 2012
11:17 pm
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/25/falcons-plan-to-launch-extension-talks-with-matt-ryan/
Boy they are ripping into CHOKE on NBC
SavDawg
February 27th, 2012
12:39 pm
I’m with you BjohnDawg, The problem isn’t with Matt R. its with the OL. A Rodgers nor Bree B nor T Brady could operate behind our OL.
If the offence controls the game it makes our it makes our D much better.
PM. Please
February 27th, 2012
4:00 pm
Tebow’s won more playoff games than Ryan. Blank needs to shake things up. Ditch Matty and Turner and go get Manning.
ASHCAN!!!!!!
February 27th, 2012
5:36 pm
@ CHOKE,they can’t handle the truth.LOL
Jack J.
February 28th, 2012
11:36 am
O.L. top primary draft for 2012; All though how many times was o.b. sacked from his back side? I believe that the left side of ol is not that bad; Johnson getting well at rg shoul be a major job for ol coach Pat Hill.
More quality back up o.l. to rest and keep players fresh should be a must for the future of Falcons!
Need more like Blaylock on O.L. Draft or free agents a must!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 28th, 2012
9:09 pm
I wouldn’t call CHOKE slow but a 345 lineman ran a faster 40 at the combine
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
February 28th, 2012
9:11 pm
@ASHCAN
Everybody outside of the CHOKE lovers knows he SUCKS…………
HA HA HA