Who is your favorite current falcon player?

by Mattyice318 on Jul 13, 2010 7:07 PM EDT

We have only got a month or so until the preseason starts, so I just thought it would be fun to see which falcon is your favorite player. So just choose a current player, and post his name below. Maybe include why you like the player so much, or write a giant paragraph, or even a humorous one liner that I predict Dave will do. For the sake of popular demand, it is officially allowed to choose the great Noriaki Kinoshita if you wish to do so. And believe me when I say this, you do

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Cliche pick alert!

But I can’t lie, Matty Ice is definitely my favorite player. When he came on board (along with TD and Smitty and the Burner, of course)… that 2008 offseason was the first where I become a true Falcons fanatic. Before that I was a Falcons fan, but I didn’t see every game nor did I follow every offseason move. I guess I was more of a Tech fan.

But when the franchise moved into reboot mode, it was like I could come in at the beginning and say that I watched this dynasty grow. And Matt Ryan was a huge part of that. He’s incredibly intelligent, obviously a great quarterback, and has the brighest future of any player on the roster. He’s the face of the Falcons, and as the Falcons are obviously my favorite team, he is most definitely my favorite player.

Honorable mention goes out to Kroy Biermann (is there anyone who doesn’t like him?) and Tony Gonzalez. I also have a soft spot for Spoon and K. Meier (Sunshine?), but I haven’t seen them actually do anything yet; that’s just based on who they are.

by orion12 on Jul 13, 2010 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I feel the same way.

I’ve been a fan of the Birds for as long as I can remember (that being the 1998 NFC Championship game.)

but I was always a diehard UGA fan. However, as with you, orion, I also started becoming more of a fanatic around 2008.

There was a time when I could say "We (the Falcons) have never really had a stud player grow and develop with us since I began following the Birds all those years ago. Vick was cool and all, but what did he really bring us? He brought many fans who were probably more interested in the circus that was Vick’s QB style rather than the Falcons themselves. Don’t get me wrong, Vick was (yes, was.) an incredible athlete and, at times, a joy to watch, but he was always that way. He didn’t mature as a passer much at all, all he did was hand the ball off or run for his life.

Then, against many, many people’s wishes, we drafted Matt Ryan. Since then, I can say my Falcons fanaticism has grown exponentially.

As cliche as it is, my favorite player is also Matt Ryan because he’s that guy that we’ve been lacking since the days of Bartkowski. Matty Ice is the real deal and many of us fans haven’t had a chance to see a player like that be ours from beginning to (hopefully) end.

Spoon is a very close 2nd for me right now. He’d be my favorite, but he’s unproven on the field. I love his energetic, vocal personality, but our Matty Ice takes the crown from me until Spoon carries us to SB win #1.

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on Jul 13, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

in Vick's Defense

I don’t know what to truly make of him. I did think the media was overrating him with his talents and ability to make plays, but teams seemed to have figured him out by 2005 and he never self-adjusted and probably is inept at reading coverages as proficient as Matt Ryan is.
Yet, I’m not sure if I can contribute that to him or the coaching staff. We had Greg Knapp as our O Coordinator. A one year wonder, and I saw so many points left on the board and we were so one dimensional with an at best finesse running game that can make big plays but not consistent and just as many busted plays. We never really signed any complimenting pieces for Vick other than Dunn, took away Duckett for a less productive receiver. Receivers for whatever reason couldn’t catch balls (whether that was because Vick’s balls were thrown too hard or receivers never developed and were out of the game mentally, is let to be known – Remember, Joey Harrington had more success with Roddy White). Mora’s staff never made adjustments on a consistent basis. We saw the year he had in Seattle (but maybe he also had a bad team there too). The only bright spot I saw was the two games in 2006 PIT and CIN in which it seemed like we finally had a passing game. But once again we were figured out by the lowly Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, and never made the adjustments. So I’m not sure what was truly the issue with Vick, but now we have a staff that seems to know what they are doing, and a QB to compliment them.

I belong to NO ONE...and no one belongs to ME.

by brotherbrown on Jul 16, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Pimps vs Players

I like Decoud. He’s a leader and has an incedible attitude. He is also quite a good footballer but he’s my #2. Gotta go Matt. Runners up are Bear Woods, Spoon, Lofton and the rest of the damn team I guess.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Jul 13, 2010 9:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Well mine is Harry Douglas

Like orion, I was a falcon fan for a few years, but not die-hard as I am today. I would keep up with the team from time to time, but not following any aspect to great extent. The 2007 year made me like them even more. For some reason, I’ve always been a fan of the underdog. It’s why my favorite NBA team is the New Jersey Nets, MLB team is Pirates, and NFL is the Falcons. I remember the 2008 draft, probably one of the best Falcons drafts I can think of (I only really know 3). One of the things I remember was Harry Douglas getting drafted, and I just had a good feeling about him. He was just about as fast as a~~Usain~~ a lightning bolt. I remember the 2008 Falcons-Bears game, and I said out loud on 3rd and long “He’s gonna bomb it deep to Harry Douglas”. I may have needed a new pair of pants after they played the Panthers for the second time that year, and I cried myself to sleep when he tore his ACL last year. IF Harry can come back this year as fast as before, and refrain from injury, he will be great. I’m not so sure about his brother Toney though.

by Mattyice318 on Jul 13, 2010 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not going to lie

I love Lofton and DeCoud. To me, they’re the kind of quiet, effective, no-nonsense players I want at every position on the Falcons. I think they’re both due for absolutely huge seasons.

Oh, and you expect a one-liner? How about DeCoud….go all….the way!

by Dave Choate on Jul 13, 2010 10:14 PM EDT reply actions

Rec'd but...

Decoud is not quiet. He’s a rather chatty individual. Check him out on youtube.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Jul 13, 2010 10:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

But he's quietly chatty

by Dave Choate on Jul 14, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions

You have a book of them, don’t you?

by Mattyice318 on Jul 13, 2010 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Too much money

by Dave Choate on Jul 14, 2010 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions

DeCoud Didn’t play in 2008, so 2009 was technically was his first season and did pretty well.

I belong to NO ONE...and no one belongs to ME.

by brotherbrown on Jul 16, 2010 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I have 3

Matt Ryan: he may look like Opie, but he is one tough S.O.B. who never gives up and is relentless in his drive to win. On top of that, he has the kind of intelligence, class, and leadership that you just can’t coach into a person. My Falcon-loving heart fills with hope every time he takes a snap.

Roddy White: this guy is just a an absolute badass, an elite WR who earns his status by going hard every play. There are other receivers in the NFL with superior physical tools who can’t hold a candle to White because they can’t match the level of effort and energy that he puts in down after down. How many times have you seen him pull of some insane acrobatics to bring in a pass that has no business being caught? The chemistry between him and Ryan is a beautiful thing, and they are sure to be one of the all-time great QB/WR duos.

Kroy Biermann: if I could single out one player as being emblematic of what the current Falcons are all about, it would be the Duffman. Like the team he plays for, his success hasn’t come easy. He’s gotten to where he is on this team by working his ass off and giving 100% at whatever role he’s asked to play, whether it’s kicking a punt or coming in for one down to eat the opposing QB’s soul. And like the Falcons as a team, he still hasn’t reached his full potential and knows he has a lot to prove before the world takes notice. He’s a living example of what hard work, heart, and a commitment to team can achieve; in other words, a model Falcon.

by ArthurDank on Jul 13, 2010 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

Curtis Lofton

Is one badass mo-fo, by far my favorite player

But for the other side of the ball I’d have to say Ovie Mughelli, most people overlook the blocking back and pick a “flashy” guy like Matty Ice or Roddy White, not me. In my opinion he is one of the best fullback’s in the league. He gets his job done and then some and rarely screws up. just from watching games it always seems to me that he clears huge holes for any running back no matter who he is blocking.

Chicago Blackhawks = Champs
Let football season begin. GO FALCONS!

by mc29012 on Jul 13, 2010 10:31 PM EDT reply actions

i like

air grimes. he only started in 6 games, and thats how many picks he had. if he works on his tackle technique and stays with his guy better next season watch out. i think he has a promising future. ne one that can make brees look like a scrub is good in my book. he has got ball hawk ability speed ups, and a great diving catch ability. he jus needs to not get beat as much. runner rup is brandyn harvy, haha. hope he makes the team he is lookn good

Weatherspoon1stFalconsPick???

by JJWatt1stfalconspick on Jul 14, 2010 3:29 AM EDT reply actions

CURTIS LOFTON!!!

I played middle linebacker during wreck and high school football. It’s the defensive quarterback and in my opinion the captain of the team. Glad we have a great one. He hits hard covers the run good and can cover. Would like to see him get some sacks and picks too but he’s still young he’s gotta bright future. Also played DE and D-line but Decoud and Turner are tied for second

by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Jul 14, 2010 4:24 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I like Grimes too, could he be our next shutdown corner and MVP of our secondary?

I belong to NO ONE...and no one belongs to ME.

by brotherbrown on Jul 16, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Matty Ice

...in dixie land i'll take my stand to root for Atlanta

by southman on Jul 14, 2010 7:58 AM EDT reply actions

Gonzo

Really I like all of the great ones you have mentioned, but sue me if you dont like my pick. He is going to take us to the Super Bowl after all…

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on Jul 14, 2010 8:19 AM EDT reply actions

Obvious:
Matt Ryan – for reasons stated above.
Kroy Biermann – ditto.

Also considered:
Thomas DeCoud – really performed on the field, seems like a cool guy off the field.
Stephen Nicholas – hard not to root for this guy.
Vance Walker – he’s a Tech guy.
Brent Grimes – it’s a love/hate thing sometimes, but I like rooting for an “underdog”.
Jonathan Babineaux/ Roddy White – not a big fan of some of their off-the-field activities, but both are close to the best in the league at their positions. While they sometimes get recognized as such (Roddy’s Pro Bowls; big $$ contracts), I think they are both still underrated (nationally, at least).

Of the Rookies and/or Practice Squad guys, I have high hopes for Mike Johnson, Kerry Meier, Dimitri Nance, and Andy Strickland. Yes, now I’ve named nearly half the team…

But my Favorite is:
Jerious Norwood – He (when healthy) is a highlight machine, but is just a country boy at heart (kissin’ fish and such). I thought he got a raw deal when Turner was brought in for big $$, when he had put up better part-time numbers on a worse team. Obviously, after how ‘08 and ’09 went down, making him the lead runner probably would’ve turned into a big mistake. But he is great fun to watch, and I expect him to bounce back in a big way this coming season (in his limited role, of course).

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Jul 14, 2010 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

Vance Walker does make me proud

as do all the Tech guys. I want Tashard Choice to start somewhere and J.Dwyer to steal touches from Mendenhall and D. Thomas to make Broncos fans forget about Marshall. We’ll see if any of that happens.

by orion12 on Jul 14, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Where's the love...

for my boy Michael Turner…

’Tis a truly sad day when Falcons fans seldom talk about the Burner.

Australian Atlanta Falcons Fan EST 2003

Falcons are my life,
Falcons are my soul,
I watch them through all the strife,
Until they get that Superbowl.

by Grayson on Jul 15, 2010 2:18 AM EDT reply actions

but

hes a given, lol

Weatherspoon1stFalconsPick???

by JJWatt1stfalconspick on Jul 15, 2010 3:18 AM EDT reply actions

Harvey Dahl

Not really good enough to play the position, but scary enough to distract a defensive tackle.

How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?

by AnOldBird on Jul 15, 2010 1:28 PM EDT reply actions

Hey now...

We had a damn great line in 08.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Jul 15, 2010 8:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

How can you choose?

I just love the team as a whole and how they are coming together co-hesively. Every piece contributes in their own way. Sorely missed when they aren’t there, but the team still plays competitive without them.
Noriaki Kinoshita isn’t on the team current…even as practice squad FYI. He was in 2007-8

I belong to NO ONE...and no one belongs to ME.

by brotherbrown on Jul 16, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions