The Falcons in 2012: I foresee a breakthrough – or a bellyflop
Is the sky the limit for the Falcons? Or will the ceiling be lower? (AJC photo by Hyosub Shin)
For four seasons the Falcons were essentially the same team, give or take. Since the arrival of Thomas Dimitroff (general manager), Mike Smith (coach), Matt Ryan (quarterback) and Michael Turner (running back), the franchise that had never known consecutive winning seasons had known nothing else — no fewer than nine victories in any year, three playoff appearances in four tries.
But also: No playoff success.
The belief here is that the steady-as-she-goes dynamic is about to change. The Falcons, I submit, will get really good in 2012 — and by “really good” I mean play-for-the-NFC-title-good — or they’ll slip below .500. No more 10-6 or 11-5 and lose to the eventual champ in Round 1. Either it’s the big breakthrough or the big bellyflop.
The oft-expressed belief here is that the Falcons had outgrown their coaching, and by this I don’t mean Smith. (He’s the best coach in Falcons annals by some distance.) But the coordination, particularly on offense but also on defense, had gone stale. This team had gone as far with Mike Mularkey and Brian VanGorder doing the scheming as it could. Now there are different men in charge of both X’s and O’s, and now we’re about to see if the Bradley Theory was correct or, as has been the case with other Bradley Theories, as wrong as all get-out.
I kept counting heads — Ryan, Turner, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones, John Abraham, Curtis Lofton (since departed), Brent Grimes, Dunta Robinson, Sean Weatherspoon — and telling myself: “There’s no reason for a team with this much talent not to win a playoff game.” I was telling myself as much even as I was watching this able aggregation lose 24-2 to the Giants in the Meadowlands. But here’s where I play devil’s advocate with myself and say, “Old son, what if you were again in error? What if this roster isn’t all that special?”
As much as I believe in what Dimitroff has done, I also confess to having moments of doubt. There are games when I’d wonder why White drops so many passes, if Turner isn’t already two steps over the hill, if Ryan is capable of leading a team to more than just respectability. I’d wonder about an offensive line incapable of getting an inch’s worth of push. I’d wonder about a defense that couldn’t trouble one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. In sum, I’d wonder if I hadn’t overrated the whole operation.
Let me be clear: I don’t think I had, or have. I thought/think this is one of the NFL’s most gifted teams. But now, for better or worse, we’re all about to find out. There can be no more excuses for these players. The defense has a new coordinator in Mike Nolan. The offense has a new coordinator in Dirk Koetter. The O-line has a new steward in Pat Hill. If Ryan can’t throw the deep ball or the linemen can’t get outside to block for a screen pass (which Koetter plans to feature), it won’t be Mularkey’s fault. He’s coaching the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The belief here is that this team will indeed break upward, that the Falcons stand closer to the Super Bowl today than at any time this century. But with great expectation — and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels optimistic — comes intense pressure, and there’s a small part of me that thinks a sluggish start could spawn the sort of finger-pointing this team under Dimitroff/Smith has managed to avoid. (Only in 2009, when both Turner and Ryan were hurt, was there cause for real angst.)
And this schedule won’t be easy. Technically only five games will come against 2011 playoff qualifiers, but the Falcons must play six times against non-qualifiers who went 7-9 or better last season. Any given Sunday and all that.
I say again: I believe the 2012 Falcons will be stout enough to handle whatever comes their way. I believe that the new coaches will help lift this team to higher heights. But if these players don’t perform any better than they did under their old coaches, I don’t foresee (to invoke an infamous Falcons word) a plateau effect. If this doesn’t work, I see a cliff — and a fall.
Oh, and for all who feel this post was ambiguous as to my expectations for the Falcons … take a peek at this CineSport video.
By Mark Bradley
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150 comments Add your comment
Benjamin
August 6th, 2012
3:32 pm
So it’s either going to be a good year or a bad one? That’s why they pay you the big bucks.
First? Go Falcons!
david
August 6th, 2012
3:37 pm
so close–
mike addington
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
Mark, I think the Falcoms pinpointed at least one of their problems with the realization that they need players with that hard to define “big play” instinct. I think the roste is at least as good as the Giants, but every championship team needs a few big game players.
georgiadawg93
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
8-8, Smith gets MAYBE one more year. And I say this liking the guy.
Johnny Falco
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
If they cut Turner’s runs, they lose what made them contenders. Too much change isn’t good when you have something that works.
DawginLex
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
It’s kinda like UGA. Saints are reeling from all their “stuff”, time to pounce. Falcons can win the division.
Problem is: San Francisco
They are going to the Super Bowl, not Atlanta
jonathan
August 6th, 2012
3:48 pm
Does coaching have something to do with getting less than an inch… or we’re we just that predictable?
Born2Buzz
August 6th, 2012
3:49 pm
Way to go out on a limb there MB. Pick one, will ya.
I will. They will be better this year and play in the conference finals. There, see how easy that was.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2012
3:51 pm
I have picked. I’ve said they’re going to the Super Bowl.
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2012
3:53 pm
For verification, read the last graph.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2012/04/25/the-samuel-trade-another-validation-of-falcons-management/
Stinger 2
August 6th, 2012
3:55 pm
Mark: Not sure about this, but I heard that Falcon`s schedule is rated only the 24th hardest in NFL.
D'OH!
August 6th, 2012
3:57 pm
BELLY FLOP!
Just like every previous year. The Falcons will be lucky to win this year. Does not matter the schedule…. They just flat out stink up the place. Maybe we can ship them off to LA!
Mark Bradley
August 6th, 2012
3:58 pm
The schedule doesn’t look all that hard at first blush, I’ll concede. But Philadelphia and San Diego and Dallas and Arizona and Kansas City and Oakland were either 7-9 or 8-8 last season, and those teams scare you.
Losersville
August 6th, 2012
4:01 pm
Falcons in Super Bowl? Not gonna happen
D'OH!
August 6th, 2012
4:04 pm
who wins in a game between tech and the falcons????
lanier
August 6th, 2012
4:07 pm
glad you didnt make a forecast this time
BW
August 6th, 2012
4:09 pm
Mark
What do you think of the team sweeping its first 6 games? The pre-bye week schedule is very favorable especially catching Peyton Manning and a rebuilding San Diego team early in the season. Simply splitting the rest of the schedule will assure a playoff berth at 11-5.
mark
August 6th, 2012
4:12 pm
Mark- great leap of faith, either a good year or bad year based on performance way to go out on the ledge. My question to the my fellow fans is this, if we fail to advance in the playoffs much less make the playoffs is that the end of Smith? Bill Cowher who everyone loves did not win a Superbowl until his 14th season. Same with Ryan do we get rid of him after this contract Peyton did not win his first playoff game until year 5 and only one Superbowl which most people feel was due to balance attack and defense. What about Dimitroff- Bill Polian has one Super Bowl victory as an executive yet is considered on of the all time greats. Let’s dump all three if we don’t win the super bowl and start over with the trifecta of Marion Campbell, Scott Campbell and Ken Herock those where the halcyon days!
FourthN1
August 6th, 2012
4:12 pm
Great call MB….The Falcons have a lot to prove to the rest of the league and more importantly themselves. This team is built to win this year regardless of the schedule or the division. The coaching staff is tight and on the same page, we have the best front office in the NFL. If you’ve come here looking for the same team of years past…don’t waist your time. Let the era begin, either you’re in or out. GO FALCONS…it’s clear where I stand.
rick
August 6th, 2012
4:16 pm
I agree with you and when you look at the roster, they should be that good….they should be really special. The only thing I see missing is “the fire in the eye”. They consistently look flat and without any passion…..I hate to say it ..but the team has Smith’s personality…..
I am hoping that these new coordinators will spark a fire and create a focus on game day…..Im hoping that they will find their mojo…and I am optimistic that they willl…..
If the coordinators do not provide this spark…this team and Smitty could be in trouble……I hope this doesnt happen
y3ll0wjacket
August 6th, 2012
4:18 pm
Falcon fan living in KC…will be at the Sept 9th game at Arrowhead and rooting for the Falcons. If you listen to the radio here, you’d think the Chiefs were going to the Super Bowl. I’m thinking the Falcons will be able to move the ball pretty well on the ground and that Matty Ryan will be able to complete enough passes to win a conservatively played game. I am much more confident in the Falcons than the Chiefs, but then again I’m usually wrong.
Sabermetric Meister
August 6th, 2012
4:27 pm
I generally agree that it is all about the coordinators, MB. That said, will there be an adjustment period like we saw with UGA when they hired Grantham and it wasn’t until YEAR 2 that we saw the leap forward? I know these guys are pro’s but they’re still human and there is a learning curve with new things. I expect a team that should get better as the season goes on. Hopefully, they’re peaking come playoff time with a decent playoff draw.
I think it might be next season that we see a huge leap forward though….hopefully they are quick studies though.
Gman 84
August 6th, 2012
4:31 pm
Guessing the Falcons revert to the norm this year.
Nolan seems like a good hire. Not sure about Dirk though. What exactly is he known for and why do we assume he will improve the offense?
This being the Falcons, they are always capable of surprises, though the surprises are rarely pleasant.
glorydays
August 6th, 2012
4:32 pm
Reduced carries for Turner means fewer in Q1-3 and more in Q4 assuming they are close or ahead in score. I admit I got this from Vince Dooley, he often bounces ideas off me because he considers me his equal….excuse me I have to take my medication now.
Ted M
August 6th, 2012
4:32 pm
it saddens me to say but its gonna be … the big bellyflop.
Average and Nice
August 6th, 2012
4:32 pm
How did Falcons get two of the most unimaginative OC’s in NFL history? Under both Gregg Knapp and Mike Mularkey, fans could guess 8/10 plays before they happened. I can’t imagine how easy it was for the opposing DC’s. Come to think of it, our defenses have only been slightly more exciting than our offenses. Until Falcons start taking chances on the field, they will never be known for anything including playoff wins.
Jeffrey
August 6th, 2012
4:39 pm
I think it’s a pretty tough schedule that could make them look like they won’t make the playoffs if they lose a few. My guess is they barely make the playoffs but then do a lot of damage when they get there because of the tough regular season. I’ll go as far as to say they get to the super bowl and the just maybe.
Irate Ostrich
August 6th, 2012
4:40 pm
If we can get Matt Ryan a new arm sewn on we should be fine.
j
August 6th, 2012
4:41 pm
We need a good running back to win. Sim
D'OH!
August 6th, 2012
4:42 pm
6 Wins tops this year!!! They are not a good team.
a country boy can survive
August 6th, 2012
4:51 pm
yep just like uga…underperforming and overpromising…super bowl, haha…just like uga is the preseason ncaa national champion EVERY season, the falcons are following the same path…saints looked just like the same team that lit atlanta up the last time they played….8-8 for the falcants, tied with carolina in division after 11-5 saints…just like richt, i hope yall keep smith forever…
PMC
August 6th, 2012
4:53 pm
Just having an offseason is going to improve them a lot this year. Especially early on.
If TD whiffs on the line choices again this year he may not get to make anymore picks. These are his guys. This is his team through and through.
I thought I was feeling negative as far as doing much in the playoffs this year. They are going to be a very good football team this year folks, I just don’t think it’s a superbowl year. I don’t feel like they are quite where they need to be in terms of talent on the offensive line.
Maxwell the chihuahua hunter
August 6th, 2012
4:55 pm
Turner is done. Ryan most overrated qb in NFC. 6-10 in 2012. Seems like you Falcon’s fans would be used to failure by now.
PMC
August 6th, 2012
4:57 pm
Hey, people predict demise every single year. They’ve been wrong each of the last 4 years.
Moorman
August 6th, 2012
4:58 pm
The belief here is that the falcons are just getting exposed in the playoffs. Have you noticed, when they play physical teams, they fold. This is WHY the move to a offense that is geared more to finessing the defense ( running screens) is more suited to a team that doesnt have a dominant offensive line… On defense, i feel havent been tough enuf up the middle, outside of william moore. I like TWO safeties that can hit and a ” nose” tackle that can control the middle, two things the falcons dont have….
Reebok
August 6th, 2012
5:08 pm
The Falcons do have some pretty good skill players, but they are unimpressive on both lines. I figure they’ll be somewhere between 7-9 and 10-6…yes, they will likely make it to the playoffs, but as they have showed over the past several seasons, they are far from being an elite or Super-Bowl caliber team.
LT
August 6th, 2012
5:23 pm
Funny how that awesome panoply of talent you categorized didn’t include a single trench fighter (other than Tony Gonzalez; but that really doesn’t count). The Falcons have gone for sizzle without the steak; they will be paying for the execrable Julio Jones deal for several more years. No matter how good the “talent” positions are, without the grunts doing the heavy work up front, the prancers get smashed. The Falcons will fall flat on their faces this year.
Greg Mendel
August 6th, 2012
5:23 pm
The only reason for a total collapse this season would be critical injuries. The out-for-the-season kind, affecting multiple players. Plus, every team can have bad luck, as in turnovers, but turnovers are somewhat controllable and can go either way.
Overall, the Falcons are a solid team with talent. So are the Saints, Packers and Eagles — who didn’t get to the Superbowl last season.
The biggest single question, in my opinion, is the offensive line. If Ryan has more time, we’ll be in good shape. If he has significantly more time, we’ll be in the SB.
John
August 6th, 2012
5:29 pm
The Falcons will go either 11-5 or 12-4. The Falcons will win in the playoffs and contend for the Lombardy trophy this year and for many years to come. GO FALCONS!!!!!! You Mighty Birds of Prey
dawg4u
August 6th, 2012
5:49 pm
I agree that Mike Smith has been the best Falcon coach as far as the regular season goes. If we decide to include the playoffs then both Dan Reeves and Leeman Bennett are better. I would much rather go 9-7 or 10-6 and win a playoff game or two than lose big in the first playoff game year after year. That familiar pattern seems to be something the Falcons just can’t get out of their heads and until we win a playoff game the frustration will continue to rise. The Falcons have probably been the least predictable of any team in the NFL over the course of their history!
Dwayne C
August 6th, 2012
5:51 pm
I’m not optimistic…but I was wrong when I predicted the Falcons would go 8-8 or 9-7 last year. As for 2012 I’m inclined to believe the “belly flop” scenario more than the “break through”. Prediction: 9-7, 2nd place in the NFC South and no playoffs(the Philly Eagles and and Detroit LIons get the wildcards – NY Giants, NO Saints, GB Packers and SF 49ers get the division titles).
GRD
August 6th, 2012
5:55 pm
Prediction
Falcons will go 10-6 and lose again first round and Bradley will write, with this new off scheme and new coordinators, we are just one or 2 players away from breaking through and 2013 will be the year. Mark it down, no pun intended.
But What About The
August 6th, 2012
5:58 pm
OFFENSIVE LINE? No significant upgrades to the Falcons OL that can’t protect the QB. Ryan can’t hit Roddy or Julio if he’s staring up at the circus tent.
Jack
August 6th, 2012
5:59 pm
I’ve not missed watching more than two games since the Falcons started playing. I used to get excited thinking this year’s the year. I don’t get excited anymore. That 24-2 loss to the Giants was the biggest disappointment.
falCANS
August 6th, 2012
6:06 pm
Im mad everybody keeps pushin for a playoff win IM THINKING SUPERBOWL!!! Really wish a bold prediction came out of our locker room
Jay
August 6th, 2012
6:11 pm
Man up and take a position, one way or the other.
falCANS
August 6th, 2012
6:15 pm
Super Bowl in New Orleans!!!! Haaaaa!!!
Big Crimson 75
August 6th, 2012
6:17 pm
At least Coach Smith can’t use the word “process” anymore.
For Smitty, it’s now or never. I think the Players feel the heat on their Coach.
I look for big things this season.
Playoff win(s) are a must. Anything less is not good enough.
This is on paper the most talented, experienced Team the Falcons have had.
Go Falcons. Julio for MVP!!
marko
August 6th, 2012
6:20 pm
Break through or belly flop? You know if you really wanted to go out on a limb, you could through in mediocre.
P2BigPoppa
August 6th, 2012
6:26 pm
Keep hope alive falcon fans!!!!!! They still have to get pass the Saints. Who Dat??????
old qb
August 6th, 2012
6:36 pm
I think the Falcons (if the injury bug doesn’t bite) will be better than last year. However, I keep looking at their schedule and they’ll have to really play well to finish 9-7. Hey, the Saints are the Saints, Tampa Bay will be much, much improved. Carolina with Cam Newton will be a real struggle. So, 9-7 isn’t terrible this year and if they can grab a wild card with that record they still have as good as anyone (other than Green Bay and San Francisco) of getting to the big one. Frankly, San Francisco is going to be the class of the NFC this season.
Hillbilly D
August 6th, 2012
6:43 pm
The Falcons in 2012: I foresee a breakthrough – or a bellyflop
Careful out there on that limb MB.
jerry
August 6th, 2012
6:52 pm
Chiefs 19, Packers 14. Chiefs stop Packers at 13-0 and end Packer win streak at 19 games at Arrowhead. A very dangerous opener for the Birds.
Saints Dismal History
August 6th, 2012
6:56 pm
Just beating the dismal Taints twice will make my year.
Brian F
August 6th, 2012
6:57 pm
If our offensive line is not significantly better, we should not be talking Super Bowl or even playoffs for that matter. When the offensive line stinks, it permeates throughout the whole team. Unfortunately, I just don’t see the line being SIGNIFICANTLY better. Hope I am wrong though.
marko
August 6th, 2012
7:06 pm
I think I met say Throw in mediocre. Have any of you people ever noticed that it;s hard to write when you’re sober?
SeminoleWarrior
August 6th, 2012
7:07 pm
Mark, we are feeling the same vibe, brother. There is a LOT on the line this season….
GT GRAD
August 6th, 2012
7:07 pm
Hey that’s me in the picture with the red shirt and blue hat (standing next to my Brother and Nephew —- along with 6 other family members/friends)………..prety cool!
I think the Falcons will win 10-12 regular season games. They will probably win 2 playoff games; after that who knows, but we have a chance to win it all (IF we find a legitimate starting caliber LT prior to the first game…….please some team cut one loose due to salary cap reasons!).
GT GRAD
August 6th, 2012
7:09 pm
I actually know how to spell “pretty”…..just a typo.
Beast from the East
August 6th, 2012
7:09 pm
Mike Nolan was a good hire and I expect to see much more pressure on the opposing QB. The offensive line play will tell the tale. If they’re solid then the sky’s the limit. If not, then you’ll see a similar result as the past few years.
Beast from the East
August 6th, 2012
7:12 pm
GT GRAD,
I don’t see anyone with a red shirt and blue hat. White, red, yellow and grey but no blue. Am I missing something?
The Truth
August 6th, 2012
7:24 pm
Flop for sure. Ryan is overrated, and doesn’t have the intangibles necessary to lead a team to victory when it counts. The DL is pedestrian, and the rest of the defense, save a few solid performers, is not championship material. Offensively, aside from Ryan’s shortcomings, the OL is awful and Turner is past his productive years – not to mention he doesn’t have a capable every-down back waiting in the wings to take over.
colelinski
August 6th, 2012
7:33 pm
10–6
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 6th, 2012
7:38 pm
Mark you have been preaching a breakthrough the past 5 seasons.
The only breakthrough will be Smitty/Dimitroff/CHOKE getting the boot
GT GRAD
August 6th, 2012
7:49 pm
My chin is almost dead center…….the hat looks a little more grey than blue!
Rick
August 6th, 2012
7:52 pm
Please put me down for this to be the season all you cry babies who have doubted us to have! I choose 11 and 5 maybe 12 and 4. I choose 3 wins for the offense, 3 for the defense, 1 for special teams 2 for all around team effort and 2 for coaching, maybe 3! Now when the wagon rolls dont you band jumpers come out the forrest; stay under your rocks and keep doubting! Dont need any bandwagon jumpers! In the famous words of Singletary “dont need them, we can win without you”. Mark keep your prediction and let the haters hate until they have to come back to the blog and say “Bradley I have to admit you were correct.” Rise Up Falcons, our year starts Thursday and we will be in the NO at the end of the year!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 6th, 2012
7:53 pm
How in the HELL do you go from 0-3 in the playoffs and ZERO points in the playoffs to going to the Superbowl? Try scoring first.
More like Super Bowel than Super Bowl.
Really?
August 6th, 2012
7:54 pm
Sure never takes long for the Saints trolls to show up on an all Falcons blog. Not sure who the rest of the anti-fans are. Light that bad in your parents basement??
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 6th, 2012
7:56 pm
What have they done to score more than 2 points in a playoff game? They will be lucky to finish 3rd in the division.
Beast from the East
August 6th, 2012
8:03 pm
GT GRAD,
Gotcha! Now, tell me what the heck you all were staring at.
Nativebird
August 6th, 2012
8:08 pm
Good to see someone in the atlanta sports press FINALLY start objectively putting the onus on the franchise squarely where it belongs….coaching and front office. This franchise leadership talks a big game….but say nothing. Talk about championships…but have NOT done enough to win a single playoff game. Talks about fans and loyalty, but only wants to build bigger stadiums. It is clear to me that this culture comes from the top….a hammer salesmen that has spent s lifetime talking (selling) a big game. They need to shut up and WIN in the playoffs.
youTROLLScalledAINTS
August 6th, 2012
8:08 pm
Funny how these Trolls roll out to bash the home team but these cowards dont realize that they did not win it all last year if memory serves correct or the year before that! Then to boot I would not brag about scoring 41 points in a playoff game……and then still losing! Really! How about you jump back in the swamp you crawled out of and hold your breath until the Aints win it again!
Poor sad Failcant fans...like the one above...
August 6th, 2012
8:14 pm
Keep hating on the SB Champion Saints…..proves your jealousy of the Saints and your delusion and desperation with your no SB ring, no playoff win pathetic FAILCANTS….must be sad to be a Falclown fan…no hope of victory or respect at any level….fans like the one above – please return to your cashier station at Walmart or your trailer in the ghetto….who dat, we dat, we got da Ring… You got Nothing..lmao…..
Whopper Dawg
August 6th, 2012
8:16 pm
Interesting column. I am one that thinks they will hover about the same, maybe sneak into the playoffs, maybe not and here is why.
All the players you named only one plays on the line. JA, he of the lonely pass rush. He is all we have, and when you can’t generate a pass rush against the better teams, you know the kind you play in the playoffs, the guys with real good QBs, you get beat. A lot of the time, you get beaten badly.
Couple that with our Oline that can neither protect against the pass rush or open holes and provide push against the better defenses.
And the great equalizer is the QB. Ours is not there yet. He is pretty good, but has yet to seize the moment in games that really count.
Maybe all the injuries will heal and a pass rush will develop, maybe a couple of quality Oline starters will emerge from the pile of scrubs TD has draftd, maybe this is the year Ryan takes the next step, maybe the new coordinators are just what we needed.
I mean if we are so innovative that we are going to throw screens passes, maybe the sky is the limit.
But that is a helluva lot of maybes.
youTROLLScalledAINTS
August 6th, 2012
8:21 pm
Keep living in the past chump! Lol. You pathetic loser. You troll my teams blog living in the spare room of your Aunts trailer. Lol. Who dat? You dat that need to live in the past buster! No one cares about your “ring” from years ago swamp rat! I keep telling you suckers that the reason you will never sniff another ring is because you so focused on the pity party ring you got! Lol! Now go pour water in the toilet so you can flush your Aunts bathroom!
youTROLLScalledAINTS
August 6th, 2012
8:31 pm
As for those that call themselves “fans” (I use that term lightly). Guys how long did we beg for back-to-back winning seasons? How long did we beg for back-to-back playoff runs? Its a process guys. You first have to learn to crawl before you walk and we are running now! ( Please no comments from you Aint fans because your 6 year of being relevant does not count). Its time to be all in and become part of the Rise Up Nation or just find another team to cheer for, but go elsewhere and bash another team. We are the Falcons and we RISE UP!
Sid
August 6th, 2012
8:33 pm
Only reading the bylline, you are way out on a limb!
chief mojo rising
August 6th, 2012
8:41 pm
If this team F’s up one more time, fire them all, dimaettrophf and the whole coaching staff. Me hands get sappy when making love over stump
Sid
August 6th, 2012
8:56 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
August 6th, 2012
7:56 pm
What have they done to score more than 2 points in a playoff game? They will be lucky to finish 3rd in the division.
********************************************************
My god man, what have they done? Are you the village idiot? Could you be here in all your stupidity 30 minutes after the first Falcons playoff game……..cause that won’t be Week 1 of the Playoffs……!
HAHA
August 6th, 2012
9:51 pm
STOP WAFFLING AND TAKE A STANCE
AtLiens
August 6th, 2012
10:08 pm
Jeez how weak Bradley. Make a prediction. They can only do either of two things. Anything less than a playoff win is a bellyflop. there’s no middle ground this season.
The media needs to hold our teams more accountable maybe they and the fanbase won’t be so content with mediocre performances.
PMC
August 6th, 2012
10:59 pm
They didn’t do as much as I hoped, (I wanted a starter at Left Tackle) But I LOVE the Peter Konz pick (best interior lineman available), and they got the fullback from that Wisconsin team as well. They are loaded up in the skill positions, and Michael Turner is better than he gets credit for here.
The OL was a disaster last season without training camp. Despite a lot of picks on both lines of scrimmage and some free agents, It remains that this team needs to be better up front to get where they want. Ray Edwards has got to be the player they brought him in to be.
The schedule is too difficult to expect an amazing record, but this is a playoff team no doubt and they could definitely win this division. What they do when they get there, I can’t say but nothing would surprise me.
realitycheck
August 6th, 2012
11:46 pm
Hardly anyone outside the AJC or the 404 and 770 area codes are believers. A 3rd place divisional finish is possible because this team just isn’t that good unless they are playing a weak opponent. Clumsy and slow footed Matt Ryan in a SB? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eaglesfan
August 7th, 2012
12:06 am
This season is the ONLY time the Falcon’s will have a chance to make it to and through the playoffs. Lets face it, The Saint’s (now notoriously will be known as the caint’s)
Ed Stone
August 7th, 2012
12:09 am
MB, I know you don’t write the headlines, just the articles, as the great Furman Bisher once told me. Therefore I skipped the article. Who would waste their time reading this article with this headline?
Pete
August 7th, 2012
12:40 am
Have they fixed the O-line? That’s what cost us the season last year and if it isn’t significantly better this season the Falcon’s won’t be either.
A Complete Blank
August 7th, 2012
1:22 am
6-10….
Tokyo Tom
August 7th, 2012
2:18 am
Quit hating on MB- he isn’t predicting yet (unless you check his link back to the samuel column in April- he’s saying Super Bowl this year), he just pointing out possibilities.
As for me- 9 wins this year, which might take the division. No way to predict playoff record until field is set. I’ve been watching the Birds since the beginning, have had season tickets since 1973- sorry all you 790 listeners and transplants from yankeeland- I’ll gladly take 9 to 11 win seasons every year and not cry about not winning/getting to the SB. You whiners are the same who complain that, when Matt Ryan is considered a Top 10 QB, he isn’t a Top 5; when he gets to Top 5, that he isn’t Top 3; when he gets to Top 3 he isn’t No 1, when he wins a SB, he doesn’t win two, etc. Just shut up, please.
Oh- and NO TO ANY NEW STADIUM11111
Tokyo Tom
August 7th, 2012
2:20 am
Sorry- I meant NO TO ANY NEW STADIUM!!!!!
PLAYMAKER
August 7th, 2012
3:42 am
1st mistake=draft, the Falcons actually did better with undrafted rookies
2nd=letting Lofton go
3rd Not restructing FB O. MUG. contract
4th Staying put with OL
5th Giving a over the hill LB A SHOT TO START. Relying on Dent who probably isn’t ready.
6th Not getting a Super Bowl type punter
I hope I’m wrong. We need to win!
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2012
3:43 am
The first comment beat me to it. Way to take a stand.
I don’t know if they will make the playoffs, but I am 100% certain they will not win the division. If they make it, it will be as a wild card.
Ellabell1
August 7th, 2012
6:20 am
My only hope for this year is that when we get ahead a little we need to keep playing. Seems like we always slack off and then get ourselves in a bad position. We need to have the urgency factor and score points on every possession.
Working Stiff
August 7th, 2012
6:23 am
Time to rise up, Atlanta. Yeah….rise up and refuse to pay $80 for a ticket. Rise up and refuse to pay $20 to park. Rise up and refuse to pay $8 for a $1 beer at the stadium. Rise up and refuse to pay $6 for a $0.50 hot dog. Sure Arthur Blank needs the money but this is ridiculous!
Falcons 62 - Saints 7
August 7th, 2012
7:38 am
September 16, 1973
JSS
August 7th, 2012
8:04 am
“But here’s where I play devil’s advocate with myself and say, “Old son, what if you were again in error? What if this roster isn’t all that special?” Mark Bradley…
You almost hit a homerun there… They are very talented the NFL terms… But when they are stacked up in comparison to the teams that they have to leapfrog, they are not ”special!” It’s always been a glaring point… And when the Falcons finally add a talented piece, other teams like the Giants, the Packers, the Saints, and now the 49ers add 2 to 3 very special pieces at a much lower price! They are constantly playing catch-up… They are kinda like Milwaukee Bucks in the 1980s
Jackson
August 7th, 2012
8:34 am
They have the talent to go all the way, but do they have the fire? Time will tell, but I am thinking they will break through and surprise many.
Jackson
August 7th, 2012
8:56 am
My biggest concern is LT. Baker will be fine if his back holds up. Problem is back problems tend to be chronic, so it is dicey if he can hold up all season. I’m a big strong guy, and I know from experience that the smallest back issue can turn a big strong guy into a weakling. So let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Next concern is attitude. These “business like” players, which the Falcons are prone to look for need to develop a chip on their shoulders. They miss the “Havery Dahl” mentality. They need to get it back and prove to themselves that they are among the elite.
Saints 45 - Falcons 16
August 7th, 2012
9:02 am
December 26, 2011
Jim in Augusta
August 7th, 2012
9:12 am
Closer to the Super Bowl than any team in Falcon history? Where were you in 1998 inthe closing seconds of the playoff game with the Vikings? Plus I don’t see the logic in predicting either greatmess or being lousy. An objective look at any team would not lead to such a conclusion.
ATL Rocks
August 7th, 2012
9:15 am
The Falcons have the talent to run much more sophisticated strategies on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, the new coaching staff will implement some surprises.It got pretty boring last year watching Turner run it up the middle every play. However, I still think that Turner can be an effective weapon. The Falcons need to complement Turner with 10-15 yard screen plays, Gonzoles, and the deep threat from Douglas, White, and Julio. I also hope that Smith learned from last year and will use Matt Bryant if we are in range. He is one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL and a class act. I love the attitude the D has this year and look forward to terrorizing Newton, Brees, and Manning. The O-line is the big question mark. All in all, it should be an exciting season. I agree with the earlier posts that the Chiefs are going to be a tough opener, but we have the talent to go all the way this year if everyone stays healthy.
D man
August 7th, 2012
9:28 am
No matter what happens this year, I still love my Falcons… I’ve loved them during the Gritz Blitz years. I loved them during the Bartkowski years, the Marion Campbell years, the neon Dion years, the up and down years, the injury riddled years, and now through the WINNING years I still love my Falcons… And some day, I will be able to look back and say I loved them during the Superbowl years…
True Falcon Fan
August 7th, 2012
9:47 am
Mark Bradley: Very good article, Thank You!
Go Falcons!!!!
Trailboss
August 7th, 2012
9:51 am
As much as agree I’m still waiting for the parade before I leave this world and with this team I’m headed to Peachtree ,Street.I feel like Mark I ready but if this is not the team than we may as well sale them because man on paper is a Dynamite team if they stay health other than that…. GO BIRDS.
PMC
August 7th, 2012
9:56 am
The questions of TD need to be more directed. It shouldn’t be… Thomas, many feel you didn’t do much this offseason.
The question should be Thomas, why after watching all the games last year are you so hopeful that ostensibly the same group of offensive linemen is a year later going to be able to get the inch they couldn’t last year?
If last year wasn’t acceptable, and you were going to do all you could to get better, why are the same guys starting for the weakest part of the team in the first preseason game?
Nite Owl
August 7th, 2012
9:57 am
@”Choke”:
You wanted to know how a team could go from losing a first-round playoff game to the Super Bowl the next year.
The 2010 New York Giants went 10-6 and didn’t make the playoffs. Super Bowl champs the next year.
The 2009 Green Bay Packers lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Cardinals. Super Bowl champs the next year.
Your own Saints didn’t even make the playoffs in 2008 after an 8-8 record, then won the Super Bowl the next year. (But I know you’ve had a memory-wipe from 2008 and back.)
The 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers lost in the first round to the Jaguars. Super Bowl champs the next year.
The 2006 New York Giants lost in the first round to the Eagles. Super Bowl champs the next year.
The 2005 Indianapolis Colts lost their first playoff game to the Steelers. Super Bowl champs the next year.
Also, keep in mind that 2009 is getting further and further away. You might as well be a Jets fan celebrating Super Bowl III. Nobody around these parts cares.
And you know that once Brees is gone, you can dig back into that junk drawer and get out the paper bag with the little eyeholes. Maybe he’ll throw for 10,000 pretty yards this year and lose to a scrub team like the 49ers again. At least when we lose, it’s to the champs. Enjoy it while you can.
PapaK
August 7th, 2012
10:22 am
The Falcons are a good team. Is this the year they become a very good team? I think it all depends on 3 things: injuries, offensive line and Matt Ryan. Lack of depth in some key areas (cornerback, O-line, linebacker) would be very apparent if there were injuries. If Clabo or Gonzales went down that would hurt. Finally, can Ryan make the throws? I believe they have enough of everything else to win it all.
The rut
August 7th, 2012
10:48 am
8-8-No playoff. Can’t gain a foot on the ground? What (who) has changed?
PreyDawg
August 7th, 2012
11:02 am
Good assesment I think. There is no in between. I am kind of on the fence as well. How can they play with such pride in the final regular season game against Tampa and then look like absolute CRAP against a Giants team that wasn’t that much better. NOBODY made plays for us in that Giants game.
A side note about Vilma and the Saints. I have been to almost every Falcons/Saints games. And long before I knew of this investigation, I knew that the Saints under Peyton were extremely chippy. The amazing thing to me is they never got called for personal fouls. Remember our Monday night game last year. There were at least 6 cheap shots by them in the game. But who gets called? Weatherspoon for what was a perfectly clean hit.
The truth is, the Saints are great PR for the league. The NFL let them get away with lots of extra shots for years. And all this apparently happened AFTER the league had warned them twice about a bounty. So this whole thing with Vilma is a bed that the NFL made for itself to sleep in. There should have been some personal fouls called a long long time ago.
Now Vilma is going to make them look silly and the league is going to loose lots of clout. Guess the Saints, Drew Brees, and Vilma run the NFL now.
PreyDawg
August 7th, 2012
11:05 am
We couldn’t run the ball well last year because we were SO predictable. Not only did we telegraph when we would run. We telegraphed what hole we were going to. And empty backfield in the playoffs on 4th and 1???? Of course it was going to be a Ryan sneek.
Realtycheck
August 7th, 2012
11:19 am
The NFL has become a tight end league and the Falcons are relying on the oldest war horse on the block.
AINTSRTROLLBLOGGERS
August 7th, 2012
11:36 am
@The Rut
41 points in a playoff game…………and you still lose………..nothing much has changed.
Upper Deck cronies
August 7th, 2012
11:38 am
Ryan ain’t tuff enough to get them past the 1st round of the playoffs and he thinks he will take them to the Super Bowl??
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 7th, 2012
11:46 am
Falcons should leave the NFL…and join the ACC.
Lt Col Razorback
August 7th, 2012
11:50 am
Johnny Falco –
That’s the whole point. The Falcons are a team that has almost worked, but never been able to finish. They play well during the regular season, then sputter and fizzle out in the playoffs. Something has to change if they are to breakout of that pattern.
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 7th, 2012
11:58 am
None of the Falcons “stars” are household names. Matt Ryan and Roddy White don’t keep defensive coordinators awake all night worrying. The defense watched as it’s leading tackler left for the Saints, and team management tried to convince us that Tatupu would make fans forget about Lofton. Stop accepting mediocrity, and vote by “empty seats”.
Go For 2
August 7th, 2012
11:59 am
Mark:
Any reason you left out how bad the Falcons are on the line (both o and d)? I guess that has nothing to do with success in NFL Football. Seriously Mark, these columns highlight one of two things: 1. your ignorance of the game of football (I doubt this) or 2. your laziness in researching and reporting (more likley).
Falcons, Inc. (TD, Rich McKay), Mr. B) has shown very limited ability to assess and draft personnel so they have defaulted to over-paying for free agent players. Long term they will be in salary cap trouble and have no basae of draft picks to build upon; the neglect of the lines will be their most glaring weakness again however.
yeahsure
August 7th, 2012
12:13 pm
I think the hiring of the new coordinators will make a bigger impact than you think. Someone who left the Falcons recently (cant remember who it was) commented that the players were playing with a sense of uneasy tension on the field. I think that has a lot to do with MM’s arrogant, uncompromising personality and BVG’s tendancy to bite your head off.
I’m thinking Smitty brought in Dirk and Nolan not only for their playcalling skills, but also knowing that they would be able to mesh with the players (who are no longer a young team) and get the best out of them. So far, you can feel that the energy and vibe is much better. We’ll see how that plays out during the season.
PMC
August 7th, 2012
12:14 pm
They haven’t really overpaid any free agents. Michael Turner has been a bargain. Dunta was paid the going rate, he just hasn’t played to his contract whether that is scheme or other, he hasn’t played like a 57 million dollar player. Ray Edwards got a solid deal for both parties. He just wasn’t effective last year. Anything extra that Grimes gets is overdue back pay.
The money is not the issue, it’s the value after the sale. If they can manage to find a real LT next year, there really aren’t that many holes to fill going forward. The biggest problem on the team is not having a viable left tackle. They’ll find a RB next off season no problem. They should be ok on the interior of the OL now with the Konz pick up. They aren’t changing safeties even though they have 2 SS and no real FS on the team so it is what it is there. CB is ok. They can find other LB’s. What they really need other than LT the most is quality pass rushers, but they might have a few of them as well if they finally turn loose guys they haven’t let play in the last several years.
yeahsure
August 7th, 2012
12:16 pm
@Nite Owl.
Great Post. But people on here dont respond well to valid points and logic.
PMC
August 7th, 2012
12:16 pm
Ovie could be seen as an overpayment but that’s on Mckay, and Ovie was the only effective blockers they had in the running game last year.
Tony Grazziano
August 7th, 2012
12:22 pm
This article didn’t tell us much- either good or bad? Anyone can predict that! I figure 9-7, a slight drop off. Ryan has to prove he can and wants to throw downfield. Screens to recievers and check offs are way past getting old. Lack of a pass rush as well as a middle linebacker are also issues. Football is still primarily won in the lines- not superior skill position players.
True Falcon Fan
August 7th, 2012
12:31 pm
11:59 — “YOU” are the ignorant idiot!!!
Why waste your time expressing your opinion on this blog, you obviously are not a Falcons fan…..
Go Falcons!!!
Joe
August 7th, 2012
12:35 pm
WOW! Maybe I can get a job as a sportswriter at AJC………
My take on 2012 Georgia Bulldogs…….it will either be a good year or a bad year.
Brandon
August 7th, 2012
12:48 pm
This article reminded me of my last trip to my financial planner. “Well Brandon, if Europe unravels further, the U.S. gets a debt downgrade and considering that the market is over 13,000, we will probably see a pullback and we want to get defensive. On the other hand, if the ECB implements some policy changes, we address our debt, and we view the current move over 13,000 as momentous, we could go higher and we may want to be more offensive and take more risk.” In short, this article says nothing and means nothing.
correction....
August 7th, 2012
1:01 pm
i see 9.5 wins for gt and i see at least 8 total arrests for the dawgs. you have the numbers flip flopped although with a little effort the dawgs could hit 9-10.
while the fulmer cup is out of reach this year the dawgs could finish no 2.
when i think of the dawgs…. a no 2 always comes to mind.
hey dawgs thanks for keeping the summer entertaining for all of us. great job.
now if we could only get your kissing singing hugging swimming coach in some hot water.
Jimmy Crack
August 7th, 2012
1:08 pm
I foresee us going 16-0, plowing through the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl.
Or we could crash and burn with multiple injuries.
This is fun, Mark! Let’s do another one!
True Falcon Fan
August 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
Re: UGA Bull Pups “WHO CARES”
Senior falcon
August 7th, 2012
1:37 pm
Mark
You should know by now, you not only have to write it, you have to read it for some of them. BTW, good article
CDOG
August 7th, 2012
1:40 pm
NEED TO STRENGTH THEIR LINEBACKING GROUP.NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE RETURN GAME ALSO.GET A BACK UP QUARTERBACK READY BESIDES CHRIS REDMAN.DAVIS OR PARKER WILSON WILL FIT BETTER AT 2 AND 3 FOR THE SEASON OR A TRADE PICKUP FOR A QB LIKE DONNAVAN MCNABB
NES
August 7th, 2012
2:04 pm
Mr. Bradley, my sentiments exactly! I want to believe they are going to go to the playoffs and WIN! However, same players and especially Sam Baker, you have to wonder can the offense carry the load in games that are close or games that they need catch-up fast scoring capability too. GM Dimitroff blew the OT Holmes draft pick for this year by drafting another injured player so maybe next year he can contribute or wash-out since he was only rated 28th, not deserving to be drafted as high as the Falcons did! We are not in that position to reach on players for the offensive line, i sure hope they give Mike Johnson a fair shake to win the RG spot, he has never had a true opportunity to play that position in real games. Surely he is better than Hawley and Reynolds, both who blew their chance last year. QB Ryan can be very good with enough time to set up and pass, but his roll-outs are torture to watch. So Baker and Co. better block better and for a little longer to afford Ryan time to get the ball down the field to the fleet receivers we have. It is a shame that Ryan doesn’t have that flick of the wrist action like for example: Rodgers, Newton, Brady do to just escape pressure with quick accurate throws for completions and avoid sacks.. Ryan can throw the ball away out of bounds but doesn’t look for a quick wrist flick for a first down to a check down receiver–that is the difference in elite and very good quarterbacks in my honest opinion, i am not an expert. Falcons will be improved but will their won and loss record show it?? Thanks Mr. Bradley for posting my blog, D-Led blocks all of mine, guess he doesn’t like realistic comments!
hey mark...
August 7th, 2012
2:25 pm
you should change your name to Bark Madley one time and see if anybody catches it.
Silly Analysis by MB
August 7th, 2012
2:57 pm
So, the Falcons will play 5 games against teams who qualified for the playoffs in 2011 (above average teams) and 6 games against teams who didn’t quite qualify but had records of 7-9 or better in 2011 (average teams)? I believe that leaves 5 teams who had records of 6-10 or worse in 2011 (below average teams). That seems exactly like the kind of schedule one might expect to play and is hardly reason for concern.
Flacons never learn
August 7th, 2012
3:45 pm
I pre dict 4 – 12. 2 many fist round draft busts a long with no first round pix this year has this team domed from the strat. Thats what U get 4 trading a way a pix 4 Juliet Jones.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 7th, 2012
3:51 pm
PLAYOFF SLOTS:
Green Bay
Philly
Giants
San Fran
Detroit or Chicago
The only other playoff spot will be between Saints/Carolina/Tampa/Falcants
Good luck with those Superbowl predictions
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 7th, 2012
3:55 pm
Nite Owl
August 7th, 2012
9:57 am
@”Choke”:
You wanted to know how a team could go from losing a first-round playoff game to the Super Bowl the next year.
________________________________________
Nice try but you missed the most important statistic: Did any of those teams you listed have their offense shut out in the playoff game prior?
Didn’t think so
PMC
August 7th, 2012
4:00 pm
With what QB in Philly? Mike gets hurt every year like the Falcons don’t scratch in the playoffs.
The NFC north gets 3 teams in before the East gets 2.
RobbE33
August 7th, 2012
4:01 pm
If the guys play with a chip on their shoulders and the coaches can make adjustments during the game, we’ll be better. Otherwise…
David Puddy
August 7th, 2012
4:01 pm
The club certainly recovered–and then some–from the Vick/Petrino fiasco faster than most expected. Can’t see the team being more than we’ve seen the past cuople years; good enough to give the perception that they’re relevant. Key players getting older and not much to hang the hat on beyond a few up and comers. Am I wrong?
Mr. Hankey
August 7th, 2012
4:18 pm
Wow, what a soothsayer. How DO you do it? They’ll either be good or they’ll tank. If that ain’t psychic I don’t know what is. I’m a die hard fan. Problem is I can’t shake the cloud of doubt, nor will I even try until they win a playoff game. I’d rather them tank (SERIOUSLY!) than lay out that 60 minute pile of horse squeeze the plopped all over the Meadowlands or the Georgia Dome 2 yrs ago.
At least we had the foresight not to resign Keith Brooking(s).
DANG IT ALL! I can’t take another squatter in the playoffs. Don’t we get enough of that garbage from the Hawks and Braves? Hell, even the Dawgs choke on big games these days or have we forgotten South Carolina, let alone the Mich. State game. I can’t take it.
Mr. Hankey
August 7th, 2012
4:19 pm
Will someone, ANYONE, on the Falcons RISE UP and take us to the Promised Land? Talk about a love/hate affair.
Pitbull
August 7th, 2012
4:23 pm
I think after 46 or 47 years of football history, you have to go with the team trend.
The Falcons will tease, but will fold at the end.
Its a shame. I was living in Atlanta and have followed the Falcons since their first two NFL draft picks, Tommy Nobis and Randy Johnson.
I remember when Randy Johnson lined up to take the first Falcons snap from center, but he go confused and lined up under his right guard. The guard had to wave him over to the center to take the snap.
Bet you guys didn’t know that.It was a foreshadow of things to come.
The Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins franchises started the same year. Look at how many times the Dolphins have made it to the playoffs and the Super Bowl compared to the Falcons.
Mike Smith is the best coach the Falcons have ever had and has built the best team they have ever had.
Leeman Bennett was very good and might have gotten them there in another couple of years but the rug was pulled out from under him by the owners and he was replaced by a guy who couldn’t win a poker game with four aces and a king high.That is the history of the Falcons.
Mike Vick could have only happened to the Falcons.
For the Falcons, winning it all just isn’t in in the cards.
Brooklyn Bullies
August 7th, 2012
5:59 pm
Get rid of the dome and play in some harsh conditions and maybe this soft team will win when they travel and play in a harsh environment in January. GO GIANTS…..
JSS
August 7th, 2012
11:55 pm
True Falcon Fan
August 7th, 2012
12:31 pm
“YOU are the ignorant idiot!!!”
“YOU” really need to stop being self-reflexive in digital print…
CGD..
August 8th, 2012
12:07 am
Melt is 4-10 against the winners the past 2 seasons.. Give him a clip bd..We have seen this B4..
A buster he is.. The experiment is almost over.. Mr. Blank is already looking for a replacement…And he should…
Yawn………………………………………
CGD..
August 8th, 2012
12:11 am
An Epic Choke: Shutout by a 27th ranked defense???????????????????????????????????
Beyond embarrassing on a National stage…. Yep, Epic fail! History tends to repeat itself..He will…
PRETENDER he is for sure…………………………
CGD..
August 8th, 2012
12:15 am
42 million= 5 playoff wins [Ravens QB]
72 million= 0 playoff wins [Fal-cons QB]
Mr. Blank should ask for a refund! Brutal, Just Brutal..
Tree
August 8th, 2012
4:49 am
So a good season or a bad one, eh? What a bold prediction!
Tree
August 8th, 2012
4:52 am
Rise up is so played out….it is derived from falling flat in playoffs every year before.
That slogan needs to be put to rest as desperately as our playoff record.
Mike Smith on his Falcons: ‘We’ve got to do something better’ | Mark Bradley
August 8th, 2012
2:04 pm
[...] on how there’ll be no in-between for the Falcons this season, and why he thinks they’re going to the Super [...]
Robert Milner
August 8th, 2012
4:13 pm
Mark, you are off the mark about Falcons always losing in the first round of the playoffs, They lost to the Packers in 2011 then to the Giants this year and both became Superbowl champs….don’t you think that makes a difference?…..