A Little Perspective

by Jeanna Thomas on Dec 10, 2011 5:01 PM EST

We looked horrible against the Texans last Sunday--I am unable, and unwilling, to sugarcoat it--and I’ve pretty much been in a constant state of thinly veiled fury since that game. I think, however, that we could all benefit from a little perspective on this team’s recent history and the potential that remains for this season. Brace yourself, and hit the jump.

Let me just start by saying, remember 2007? Seriously? Vick was suspended, and we had a record number of players on injured reserve. We saw a little Cristobal Rojohombre, Joey Harrington, and even Byron Leftwich at quarterback. Oh, and our "coach," the infamous Bobby Petrino, sneaked out of town following week 14, leaving notes in players’ lockers in lieu of telling the team he was leaving in any way that might be more becoming to a grown man. We finished 4-12. It pains me to even think about it.

Skip ahead to 2008. We hired Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith, moves that, in retrospect, I think we can all agree have been hugely beneficial to this team. We drafted Matt Ryan, and even though my husband and I, as I’m sure was the case with many of you, were seriously skeptical about starting a rookie, his first pass as a pro, which we all remember fondly, relieved our concerns. We finished 11-5 and secured a playoff bid. We lost to Arizona, and the Cardinals went on to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. This was kind of a big turnaround from 2007.

The 2009 season resulted in a huge accomplishment for the Falcons. In finishing the season 9-7, they established, for the first time in franchise history, back-to-back winning seasons. Yeah. Two short years ago, finishing above .500 in back-to-back seasons was a pinnacle of achievement.

And last year--well, 2010 was a banner year for the Falcons. Finishing 13-3, winning the division for the fourth time in team history, securing the top seed in the NFC, and posting a third consecutive winning season were all phenomenal achievements. We sent a record number of players to the Pro Bowl. Obviously, the playoff situation, despite home field advantage, ended poorly. We’re all still bitter. But you cannot deny that last year was a spectacular regular season.

Which brings us to this season, a season filled with ups and downs, to say the least. At 7-5 following last Sunday’s hot mess of a showing against the Texans, with the below average Panthers, the abysmally poor Jaguars, the dreaded Saints, and the imploded Bucs remaining on the schedule, I have a hard time picturing any scenario in which we would not end up posting our fourth consecutive winning season. Two years ago, back-to-back winning seasons was a huge deal. Winning seasons have become a part of the culture for this Falcons team. This is significant.

We are still very much in the playoff hunt at this point. The Jay Cutler-less Bears, the inconsistent Giants and the similarly inconsistent Cowboys (minus whichever actually manages to pull it together enough to win that division) and the downward-spiraling Lions are our stiffest competition for a wildcard spot. Our remaining schedule is relatively easy, although the Panthers have lost close games against some very good teams, and the Saints are--oh, this hurts to say--legitimately good, at least on offense, and that will be a very difficult game to win on the road.

I want the Falcons to win a Super Bowl. I want them to win a Super Bowl this season. I actually wanted them to win a Super Bowl last season, when we seemed poised to make a run. I want them to win a Super Bowl every season. Who doesn’t? But, the fact of the matter is, every team--players, coaches, front office, and fans--wants to win a Super Bowl every season, and one team actually gets to live the dream. The other 31 teams end the season disappointed.

It’s just the way it is.

This four year stretch, in the grand scheme, has been fantastic for the Falcons. I don’t think you can look objectively at the way this team has performed under the guidance of Smitty and Dimitroff and not be impressed with the consistent progress and improvement. This is an inconsistent football team. This is a mistake-prone football team. But, we have a top ten defense, and the third-best run defense in the entire league. We have so much potential on offense, and they are just waiting for Mike Mularkey to figure out how to use them effectively. Despite all of our legitimate frustrations, this is a very good Falcons football team. Can you look back at the travesty that was the 2007 season and honestly tell me the current team is not a huge improvement in four short years?

So, let’s beat the Panthers tomorrow, for the love of all that is sacred and holy, and let’s embarrass Jacksonville next Thursday night. Perhaps the Jags will be motivated to hire Mike Mularkey as their new head coach on the spot, who knows. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for the Monday night game against the Saints, let’s see if we can frustrate Raheem Morris enough to throw some of his own players out of the game on New Year’s Day, and let’s all ask Santa for a wildcard spot this holiday season. Remember, Green Bay barely edged into the playoffs last year as the sixth seed and ran the table. Anything can happen.

Tweet Comment 60 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Excellent post

I think a lot of it has to do with us overhyping our own talent. In 08 no one new who we were, we were a brand new team with brand new players. In 09 we were plagued with injuries. Last year, we had an easy schedule and barely beat most teams we played. I can only remember one game that we actually beat another team down (ARZ). So I know it’s the NFL and There’s no easy games, but we beat most teams by 3-6 points, some bad teams, (and had a little luck on the way) and it really showed in the playoffs. We all have to realize our talent level, it’s average. We are an average team, we gotta accept it.

by dirtybirds233 on Dec 10, 2011 5:20 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Excellent article Jenna

but I don’t see it quite the same.

You are right that ATL is light years ahead of 2007 but, in reality, how could it not be? The bar had been set so low with Petrino and Vick that, while possible, it would have been highly unlikely the team would have gotten worse. That being said the rate of improvement was amazing from 2007 to 2008. But here is my issue, from 2009 to this point in this season the team has progressed only marginally. We have added talent and cut players that seemed to not perform to target. Drafted to fill key positions and signed FA’s as needed. Still the team suffers from the same challenges as 2008. We play marginally against poor teams and struggle against teams that are playoff caliber. The offense still stuggles to stretch the field regardless of players. MT still gets stuffed to frequently. The D is pretty good in the two catagories – points allowed and against the run. The only real improvement in pass D has been against long yardage plays and we made have digressed in that area this season.

ATL is ONLY in the playoff hunt right now because the other teams lost. To say otherwise is denial.

I have to disagree with dirtybirds223 in one respect. I don’t think our talent is average, on the contrary I think the talent is above average, if only just slightly. I think we have a below average coaching staff. At this point that is starting to include Mike Smith.

by mwalex on Dec 10, 2011 5:30 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I'd actually agree with you there

I guess a better way for me to re-word it is I think we are the top team out of the second tier teams (Giants, Jets, Lions, Bengals, Raiders). But one person who I think the media and us alike have overhyped is Matt Ryan. He has shown nothing yet that should make anyone beleove he is more than average.

by dirtybirds233 on Dec 10, 2011 5:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I appreciate and understand your opinion of Matt

but until I see him working with a better OC I can’t draw the same conclusion. We dump MM, get someone in that knows how to run an O and if Matt plays the same then I’ll have to agree with you.

by mwalex on Dec 10, 2011 6:00 PM EST up reply actions

I see where you're coming from

I don’t see any reason to keep MM next season. He doesn’t understand how to utilize the talent given to him. But while everyone has bad games, those two deep misses last week resulted in a loss…maybe I just haven’t gotten over last week but everytime I see him throw the ball deep I think two things: 1. Interception 2. Overthrown.

by dirtybirds233 on Dec 10, 2011 6:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

in retrospect

dumping Mularkey and promoting Ryan’s coach to OC could have made things look so different this season, couldn’t it?

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Dec 11, 2011 5:40 AM EST up reply actions

I cant disagree with either of you guys.

So many variables go into winning a championship and we seem to be so inconsistant week in and week out and its not just one thing killing us its several things so to get it all right for the rest of the way out is gonna be very difficult…we would almost have to make a flawless run. And yes Green Bay did it last year but they have Aaron Rodgers Matty Ice is no Aaron Rodgers and a hell of a coaching staff. The things that this team prided themselves on last year are destroying this teams potential and that just a small part of the problem if they cant right those mental lapses (penalties, drop balls, frustration..etc) then maybe they can make a run but again this is a small piece of the puzzle as coaching also seems to be a weakness this season and after 13 weeks the window to make creative changes in schemes is quickly closing. Ill take the next couple weeks if successful with a grain of salt and a very observant eye hoping to see change.

by Bigru3 on Dec 10, 2011 6:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

rec'd

I like the optimism of Jeanna, but my thoughts go pretty much the same way as yours.

in my opinion, there are three important factors that contribute to team’s success in any given game and season (ranked in order of growing importance):
1. Talent level
2. Playcalling/strategy
3. Players motivation

while a team with a Matt Ryan at QB has higher chances of succeeding than a team with a Tarvaris Jackson, talent level alone won’t take the team far into the playoffs (even if playoff berth is achieved) these days. proper strategy along with superior motivation can. that’s how the Hawks beat the aints in the playoffs last year.

Our team was able to accumulate the needed talent (I view some below average personnel decisions like Dunta signing as normal – you can’t hit bull’s eye every time). What we’ve failed at is playcalling (Mularkey and BVGs soft zone) and motivation (all the crap about RW turning into a Terrel Owens or Ochocinco). and it;s not just the players motivation, sometimes its the motivation of coaches who fail to make halftime adjustments.

many of us downgrade our 13-3 season and call it pure luck. in reality, that wasn’t luck alone. it was motivation (being able to pull of close wins), and high efficiency. despite all those playcalling woes, we were still able to score points (despite generating average yardage on offense) and keep the teams from scoring against us (despite giving up lots of yards).
looking at the stats from this year, I noticed the opposite – we’re ranked 13 on offense but only 17 in points scoredm meaning our redzone efficiency must have dropped along with turnovers. on defense, we’re ranked 9th, but 10th in points allowed. these stats indicate we’re below average in points/yards ratios on offense and defense.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Dec 11, 2011 6:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Its a hard thing

Its hard to have a team that makes it.The vaunted packers were a bunch of losers for several years before this latest phase of greatness.Its a tradition for them.We got to get the tradition of winning first.Thats what we are doing.Its always a hit or miss thing.Some coaches are better than others and some are just lucky.Players are human beings and as such have flaws.Its what makes all this interesting.I think we are the best team in the NFL and at the same time I think sometimes we really suck.Its a game and not real life so keep some perspective.If it were easy hell we probably wouldn’t even watch the game.I’m frustrated with the team because I know how good they can be.Still even now with our paltry 7-5 record we are sitting pretty.Matt Ryan is a tall sort of fellow who is not as athletic as we wish but I’ll tell you one thing he is one of the smartest if not the smartest QB around.I have watched a lot of football and never have I seen a QB take the defense apart like him.If we had a line that could give him one point five more seconds he will be a whole lot better.I enjoy watching this team and It not fun sometimes but I wouldn’t give up this team for the world.If you don’t think they are any good or you don’t like em then hell go watch another team.

by JT131 on Dec 10, 2011 6:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Back to Business

I think Jeanna is right. It’s kind of like the Braves, they only won the series once after they started their pennant run, but how could you complain with around 14 straight years making the playoffs. This is Atlanta/Georgia sports after all.

Having said that. This team seems to be a victim of there own hype. The thing that made them so hard to beat last year was the workman-like attitude the team brought, week in and week out, they were all business. This team does not have truly dominant talent so they must play hard and play as a team. I think they forgot who they are; a bunch of overachievers with great character and drive but only slightly above average talent level.

All I can say is I hope they do wake up before it’s too late.

by Saint's Hater on Dec 10, 2011 6:36 PM EST reply actions

I agree with the "victim of their own hype" thing.

And, I think that the “hype” has impacted them across the board. But, I disagree about “slightly above average talent level.” We do have some players who fit that description and have overachieved, but we have a lot of very talented guys who are underachieving.

The “workmanlike” attitude is what we are missing this year. They had better figure it out.

by Jeanna Thomas on Dec 11, 2011 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

I agree, but

My blame is beginning to trend towards the coaching staff. I believe we do have better than average players at many, if not most positions, but our coaching staff seems to struggle with putting them in a position to maximize their talents. Coach Smith seems inept when it comes to making adjustments during games. Take the trouncing we received by Green Bay (both times) – he failed to make any adjustments. MM should have been fired after last season. To be shut down in that green bay game with the talent we had was inexcusable. It’s one thing to lose, but we were shellacked. And for goodness sake, the play calling is atrocious. With the exception of last week, and the first down deep balls, I think 99% of a series’ play selections have been run, run, pass. Mix it up for crying out loud. I think VanGorder is doing a decent job. I’m not a fan of the bend, but don’t break defense, but we’ve improved pretty significantly on that side of the ball.

You’re absolutely right in that we could run the table as a wildcard like Green Bay did last year, but in no way are we green bay. Our coaching staff and QB are light years behind theirs. I’d love to be proven wrong, but I have a suspicion that we’ll be one and done in the playoffs. We’re too inconsistent, play too sloppily (penalties), and are too mundane in our play calling to fool anyone.

by DenverFalcon on Dec 10, 2011 6:39 PM EST reply actions

My View

Ryan has big time accuracy issues, deep ball not even close, and if he hits a receiver in stride in medium passes it is a minor miracle.

After four years of TD drafts, the only impact player we have on defense and the only pass rusher was here when TD arrived, Abraham. Still no shut down corner, and his D free agents are OK, Robinson and Edwards, but nothing like they were supposed to be. The Jones trade had and has enormous cost and should have been made ONLY if the team was one player away from the Bowl. Obviously, this team is not.

Couple that with Ryan’s accuracy problems and a one dimensional running back with only straight line speed, and you have real problems. Right now, the Falcons are firmly in the middle of the pack, and 13 – 3 looks more like an aberration than the norm.

So what to do? Here is what.

Package Ryan, Jones and Turner to move up and grab the kid from Baylor. Start Snelling (who can catch by the way) and spell him with the midget (who can catch too). Start Douglass opposite Roddy, and pick up a third WR in FA, move to passing 70% of the time with a QB that can sling it (great accuracy and throws a great deep ball) as well as run it with multidimensional backs in the backfield.

If I could swing that deal, I would do it in a minute.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 10, 2011 7:07 PM EST reply actions

You had me till you started trading franchise players...

Funny

by Bigru3 on Dec 10, 2011 7:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

i seriously

hope you’re trolling

by Erihury on Dec 10, 2011 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

I'm with Bigru

Had me till the end. I still say trade Roddy and a 2nd rounder to the WR desperate Jags for a top 10 pick…maybe top 5.

by dirtybirds233 on Dec 10, 2011 7:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Think About It

Big names, I know. But watch the games this weekend, Brady, Rogers, Brees, watch where they place the ball and watch their receivers clock up YAC. Then watch Ryan and the receivers having to stop in their tracks to haul in the high ball, low ball or behind ball.

Love Ryan’s intangibles, gym rat, smart, dedicated, coachable, good Peyton impression at LOS, but all that doesn’t matter if the ball is not catchable or where it needs to be. And its not. And if you accept that, then you have to accept that he is not the guy unless you have a dominating defense (we don’t) and a great running game (not this year). The Baylor kid is unbelievable accurate and also throws a great deep ball and can run it if he has to. Would you trade Ryan one for one for this kid? Anyone would have to jump at the chance.

That leads us to Turner. What will be the drop off if we go to Snelling? Minimal at best in the running game, and Snelling is a vast improvement in the passing game. Bye Turner, you won’t miss him.

Now for Jones. Good kid, great potential, hammy may be a problem, but let’s assume it is not. What would you rather have, an accurate QB throwing to Douglas and everybody else, or an inaccurate QB overthrowing Jones and everybody else?? And that is really what it comes down to, if Ryan was an accurate passer, I wouldn’t be posting this. But he is not. Wasn’t in college, isn’t in the pros. And is not getting better, in fact you can argue regressing. In today’s game, you have to have an accurate passer or you can’t compete with the elite teams. Can’t do it. Ryan will make a great coach one day, but a top shelf NFL QB, forget about it. The Baylor kid will be.

You would have to jump at the deal, got to. You will glad you did. Slam dunk.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 10, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions

you know Matt Ryan

is top 10 in almost any measurable stat from stupid QBR, WPA, DVOA. Why on earth would we trade that

by Erihury on Dec 10, 2011 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

Well No

13th in QB ranking, 17th in completion percentage, 7th in ints (most), YDs per attempt 17th, TDs 9th.

But look at the gap in numbers between the top five QBs and Ryan and it should open you eyes. Different league. I just want to get to their level, middle of the pack will get you, well, middle of the pack, where we reside.

Savvy?

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 10, 2011 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

TD 9th thats top 10

how do we have any clue RGIII is going to be even close to what Ryan has been. Ryan and Turner are making up for such a bad O Line.

by Erihury on Dec 10, 2011 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

TD 9th thats top 10

You said any measurable stat, and you cling to one. Obviously you are grasping at straws.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

and thats

with a bad O Line.

by Erihury on Dec 10, 2011 8:32 PM EST up reply actions

You must really hate Ryan

Matt has won many games for when the run game looked like a pile of crap. This year we’ve been plagued by inconsistent O-line play and inexcusable drops by the WR’s. Matt has had his issues this year as well, but the WR drops have cost us wins in at least 3 games. The guy is plenty accurate. The misses on deep balls are a timing thing that can be worked on.

by leonw92 on Dec 10, 2011 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

This is my issue with your posts

All you do is toss the players under the bus. Do you really suppose that RGIII would do will in MM’s system? If you do then you haven’t paid attention to the past four years.

You want to trade JJ and keep White? Explain how that makes even a little sense. RW has many more drops. JJ has much higher yard per target and YAC numbers than RW. JJ is much younger and costs a whole lot less.

It is a great thing you don’t work in ATL’s front office. The team would look like DET from a few years ago.

by mwalex on Dec 10, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions

You Guys

Like Ryan, fine. Hell, I like him too. BUT – Completion % in college, 60%. In pros 60%. And that is not this year, that is college and pro career. He is, what he is.

You guys are missing the point, can he rise to the level of the elite QBs that it takes to win the Bowl??

Think so?? Check out the stats of the top three. Check out what QBs have won the last 20 SBs. Pretty much HOFs all. Is Ryan at that level or will ever be? Nope. Again, I love the kid, but unless TD does a BUNCH on the D side of the ball, NO WAY we beat teams with elite QBs. NO WAY. If you believe so, please tell me HOW.

It is not a matter of throwing players under the bus, in fact I offered a SOLUTION to move to the next level, and if the issue is MM, I would rather have that issue with an accurate QB rather than one that is NOT.

Want to keep JJ, fine, put Roddy in the deal, either way, we need a new QB. We and Ryan are in the middle of the pack, and if you can’t see that, then shame on you.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 1:12 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

If you honestly think that MM

will ever take this offense to a SB with anything less than a Rodgers or Brady type QB then you are off base. Also assuming that BGIII is elite is WAY off base because he has yet to play against a good D in college much less the NFL. Again, think Randal Cunningham.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 1:34 AM EST up reply actions

If you honestly think that MM

Fire MM now. AOK with that.

Despite your protests and comparison to Cunningham, I think he will be a fine QB. Really, really good. He will go in the top 5 at least.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

He probably will

but that does not mean he will be successful nor fit into the current scheme. Change schemes and Ryan might improve. Don’t change schemes and no QB might perform well unless it is a Rodgers or Brees type QB.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 1:50 AM EST up reply actions

While I agree that this guy is rather outrageous in his opinions,

Allow me to stop you right there in the QB comparisons. You are, if I remember correctly, the same guy who swore up and down that Cam Newton would be a complete and utter bust, thus calling into question your ability to evaluate QBs. He “lacked the intelligence to be an impact QB”, remember?

Otherwise, I completely agree with you. I can appreciate the uniqueness of his ideas, but they are pretty crazy.

by Starrk on Dec 11, 2011 2:51 AM EST up reply actions

I trust

that you are not referring to me in the mistaken evaluation of Newton.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 3:21 AM EST up reply actions

No sir

I meant mwalex.

by Starrk on Dec 11, 2011 3:41 AM EST up reply actions

I stand corrected on physical skills

that one I give to you. I don’t change my opinion on intelligence. His most recent comment was an example. Saying I want to pull my team up to my level will not get him brownie points with his players. Newton is not an intelligent player and that has been proven. Now, in the right scheme how smart does your QB have to be? I guess we’ll see.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

I was actually in partial agreement with you

until the trade discussion. That is one of the most laughable things I have heard in a while. RGIII looks great in college, but do you know who he reminds me of? Randal Cunningham. How many titles did he win.

You have constantly complained about the cost of JJ and you’d do that for BGIII? A QB with one standout season for a crappy team in a conference with no teams with a decent pass D. Again, laughable.

by mwalex on Dec 10, 2011 10:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

you’d do that for BGIII?

You bet. Not costing draft pick one.

While you accuse me of throwing players under the bus, I am also raising other up, YES, YES?

So, watch what you say.

The drafts picks spend for JJ are a sunk cost. Can’t change that now, Swapping out an inaccurate, essentially immobile QB for RG, you bet again.

Ryan is not going to get us there. I wish he would, but not gonna happen.

AT LEAST, I have a proposed solution. And pray tell, what is yours????

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 1:18 AM EST up reply actions

Watch what i say?

You need to take a step back and get a grip.

My solution? If you would stop running off at the mouth and read you would have seen it many times. Change the coaching staff starting with MM and BVG. That has a much faster turn around time than the short sighted trade of Ryan, JJ and MT for BGIII. If you think BGIII is a solution you should stop watching football, seriously.

If you also think that BGIII would play well in a MM derived system then you are sorely mistaken.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 1:31 AM EST up reply actions

Uh

Don’t think that Smith is going to fire both his coordinators, do you?????

Of course not, so what is your point??

Mine is, trading for an accurate QB vs one that is not, is a plus, plus one that is mobile, regardless of MM. Accuracy is accuracy.

The drop off of the other players traded would be minimal if at all, especially with the addition of a QB that can put the ball where it needs to be.

So, now to the insult about running my mouth, where in the hell do you get off?? You want to make it personal, you let me know.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 1:53 AM EST up reply actions

It's not up to Smith

Accuracy versus accuracy is moot. If the plays aren’t effective and the WR’s don’t run the routes it doesn’t matter.

I get off based on your posts. Pure and simple. Sorry if it offended you as I should phrased it differently, that is my mistake. You asked my solution and I’ve posted it many times. I am not going to make it personal because I could care less about you.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 2:03 AM EST up reply actions

Well of course

I am crushed that you don’t care. I thought we had something, but I was wrong. I will have to live with that.

It comes down to, do you believe that Ryan is a SB QB or not?

And he could be with a great D and a great OLine and a great RB, but who wouldn’t be? Without those, not so much.

Again, look at how far his stats are vs the elites QBs in every aspect, and those are the guys you have to beat. He ain’t the guy, and if he is not, how do you get the guy? Trade for the Baylor kid, you will be glad you did. Ain’t no bust there.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 2:26 AM EST up reply actions

I do believe Ryan can win a SB

but it will be with a better D. Look at Rogers, last year GB had the #2 D in the league. This year the GB D doesn’t matter. Most every team that won a SB had a very good D. The exception was the Saints and they had a very opportunistic D. Also, almost every team that has won a SB has a very good O line. The points you are making about D, OL and RB have been the case and the norm.

Let’s revisit some of your comments about BGIII and see how it turns out, epsecially the one about him being “better” than Ryan in his second year, whatever “better” means.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

oh yea

i cant wait to see RGIII behind this line Mike Vick 2.0 here we come

by Erihury on Dec 11, 2011 7:11 AM EST up reply actions

Oh on the subject of not costing a draft pick

Okay, you have just traded three very talents players, regardless of your opinion, for a rookie QB. Snelling is not a starting RB and if you think so there are 31 NFL teams that would disagree with you. BGIII is not nor has he been tested or proven. Winning a Heisman means nothing as there have been many Heisman winning QB’s that have been terrible in the NFL.

Your comment about the last 20 SB QB’s being pretty much HOF quality:

GB – Rodgers, not yet and a long way to go
NE – Brady, yep
NO – Brees, maybe
PIT – Roethlisberger, probably not
IND – Manning, yes
NYG – Manning, not likely
TB – Brad Johnson, no way
BAL – Dilfer, oh hell no
DAL – Aikman, probably if he’s not already

No, not all are SB quality.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 1:48 AM EST up reply actions

Think Again

Here are the last 22 SB QBs, in historical sequence, earliest to the latest.

GB Rogers
Ain’ts Brees
Pitt Big Ben
Giants Eli
Colts Manning
Pitt Big Ben
Pats Brady
Pats Brady
Bucs Johnson (smothering D)
Pats Brady
Ravens Dilfer (smothering D)
Rams Warner
Broncos Elway
Broncos Elway
Pack Bret
Pokes Aikman
9ers Young
Pokes Aikman
Pokes Aikman
Skins Rypien (SB MVP)
Giants Sims
9ers Montana
9ers Montana

There are 17 QBs that have won the SB in the last 22 years. I would venture to guess, that if Rogers,Eli and Brees keep playing at this level, then all except Johnson and Difer will make the Hall. Saying Big Ben won’t is a joke. 2 Super Bowl victories already.

if you think so there are 31 NFL teams that would disagree with you

Yep, and they all disagreed with the Texans running back Adrian Foster could play who was an undrafted free agent and ran all over the Falcons last week and has been averaging 100 yards a game for two years. So, the NFL teams (YOUR reference point) is not infallible, see Ryan Leaf, see Tony G, see Joe Profit (if you know who that is), see Audray Bruce, see etc, etc. In his second year, he will be better than Ryan and will go in the top 5, no doubt.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 2:14 AM EST up reply actions

Super Bowl victories

are part of the equation to get a QB into the hall, not a guarantee if the rest of his stats don’t match past QB’s. Ben R might get into the hall but not because he is elite. It will be just like Bradshaw. He was a good QB with an amazing D behind him. Nothing more and nothing less.

The arguement about UDFA versus someone that can’t get signed is irrelevant. NONE of the players you mentioned had a NFL resume that prevented them from getting signed. That was Snelling issue and how abvious can that be. If he was starting quality he would have been, again, pure and simple.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

By your logic

If he was starting quality he would have been, again, pure and simple.

Then Grimes would not be a starting CB.

And more logic

Ben R might get into the hall but not because he is elite.

You are in the minority if you think he is not in the top 5 QBs in the NFL. It is not all about stats. He wins, and has changed the Steelers into a passing team from a running team. Unlike the Falcons, who are really just a mess.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

jones & ryan

Jj had issues Catching the ball in alabama and matt had issues throwing ints at boston college so whats da problem. Why is everyone surprised?

by jgreedy on Dec 10, 2011 7:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions

and to say

We’re only in da playoff hunt because other teams loses… isn’t thats how everybody makes it to da playoff, because other team lose.

by jgreedy on Dec 10, 2011 7:34 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Uh

Please check Green Bay, Ain’ts, Pats, 9ners, etc

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 10, 2011 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

Did you just say that?

Yes teams lose but other teams win. I don’t know if you noticed but ATL did not win. Backing into the playoffs is a good as a loss.

by mwalex on Dec 10, 2011 10:23 PM EST up reply actions

That is not

the flipping point, the point is some teams control their destiny by winning, and some hope to back in by other teams losing,

Which would you rather be, a good ‘un or a bad’un? According to you, it doesn’t matter.

by Whopper Dawg on Dec 11, 2011 4:30 AM EST up reply actions

You don't even know the point I was trying to make

if your response was to me.

Let me try to explain. My point was the same as yours. Backing into the playoffs is not “controlling their destinty”, especially in games they should win. If you’s stop trying to argue you’d see that.

I don’t understand how you can get confused by my posts, I never said it doesn’t matter if you are a good’un or bad’un.

by mwalex on Dec 11, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions

Just enjoy the game

Been a Falcon fan from the beginning and will die a Falcon fan. I have seen some great games played by the Falcons over the years and some horrendous ones as well but I have always enjoyed the game. This season may not be all we as fans wanted or hoped for but I
do believe the team will post another winning season. The Falcons may not make it to the Super Bowl this year they may not make it to the play offs but I as a fan will simply enjoy the game.

by oldschoolfalcon on Dec 10, 2011 8:37 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I'm with u. die hard fan

by jgreedy on Dec 10, 2011 8:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

DIE HARD FAN HERE ALSO

for 45 years but a win this week will take a complete turnaround from last. I would be very happy with that , but with all that has been happening, I dont really exoect a lot of improvement.

by old cuss on Dec 10, 2011 9:09 PM EST reply actions

so

are we going to see any draws or screens this week? Are Quizz or Snelling going to get more then 4 carries? Does MM know flea flickers are dumb and this O Line cant block for very long?

by Erihury on Dec 10, 2011 10:32 PM EST reply actions

LMAO. Of course not.

We’re “not good at screens,” remember? Uuuugggghhhh. I have avoided the “fire Mularkey” thing but that article about the fact that we have attempted 16 total screens this season changed my mind.

by Jeanna Thomas on Dec 11, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions

While perspective is never a bad thing

I think that may be part of the problem with modern-day Atlanta sports teams. We were so shitty for so long that once we stopped losing all the time, people were excited. Even when it became evident that we peaked, it no one wanted to argue for change because they were just glad not to completely suck. Now virtually all of our sports teams are stuck in perpetual mediocrity, and most feel helpless to stop it or are afraid of going back to the depths.

Based on what I’ve seen, nothing will change and we will stay mediocre. What know what I think? The Falcons may become just like the Hawks- consistently in the playoffs, but never anywhere near a threat to win a championship. That’s a terrifying thought.

by Starrk on Dec 11, 2011 3:40 AM EST reply actions

wow, dat sho nuff be a lotta man love for RG3

gut the team for an unknown.
gee, wonder if pitrino would come back to coach, too.

no thanks, i’ll take the current set of players and coaches.
i find it a good sign that we’re still a playoff contender with 4 games to play than being eliminated by the 4th game played.

if just two of those dropped passes had been completed we’d be 9 and 3.

and i’ll take consistently in the playoffs over 45 years of mostly futile efforts.

by Tybee2 on Dec 11, 2011 7:51 AM EST reply actions 2 recs