The Answer or The Question?

If you haven't been watching the Atlanta Falcons this year, then you might be like many of the Atlanta radio call ins asking "What's the deal with Matt Ryan?" He looks pretty much like a rookie out there, high throws, bad decisions, etc.

Last year, he was "The Answer," right now, he's a "Question" - it goes like this, "IF Matt plays well..."

As someone who has no authority, experience or education on the subject, much like most talk show hosts, I want everyone to remain calm. Matt is a hard worker and he's trying TOO hard. Notice where most of his high throws and interceptions come at in the games. Missed field goals, dropped passes, sacks, all occurred a play or two before each of his mistakes. It doesn't make it right, but if your kicker misses a field goal, it's at least understandable that you might bare down just a bit harder.

So go easy on Matt, remember this is year two.

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Leaders

It's great to be a Falcons fans, because the orginization has leaders now, than ever before. From top to bottom. Say what you will about a business man owning a football franchise, I think any business man that does what good business people do (leveraging other folks talent and master delegation) can do the same thing with a Franchise.

When you think about it, how is football different than any other business. Coach Mike Smith:

Q. Did you do anything different to get Jonathan Babineaux free today?
A. “Jonathan was a man playing on a mission today. He had 10 tackles[sales] from the defensive tackle position. I thought Brain (VanGorder) and his staff, Ray Hamilton the Defensive Line Coach, continue to evaluate our guys and what their strengths are, and try to put them in situations where they can be successful. Babs just had one heck of a game today. We did some things different, just like each week. When we put our game plan together, our game plan is based on trying to put our guys in the most advantageous positions.”

What I love about this is that is what good business owners, coaches, and football people do, they put people in a position to make plays or succeed. I wouldn't take the top salesperson from a company and put him in a administrative position.

I just love the Falcons orginization now, and I think the way it is being run will keep fans for a long time. I love that we have a great business minded quarterback too!

Q: What is your opinion on the 5-3 record thus far in the season?
A: The important thing is that we’re in the mix. Now it is going to come down to how we play in November and December. These last two months are crucially important to our football team and we’re excited to take the challenge head on. Our goal is to make sure we win as many games as possible down the stretch.”

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Fat Tuesday - The Day After Saints v Falcons

I'm not here to talk about Brees and Co. The simple fact, is that they have play makers on that side of the ball. If you watched the game there were balls thrown to covered players where the player simply made the play. In fact, the whole team was making plays. I'd even go as far to say that the Saints played AWFUL but had spectacular plays to stay in the game and eventually win it. As a side note it was so difficult to watch MNF. I need less Tireco and Brees butt kissing and more actual commentary on the game.

It was a great game to watch and enjoy but I have a few tidbits that I'd like to share. There are no moral victories, so "we played 'em close" just doesn't cut it for me. The game was well within reach and it came down to a handful of plays that should have been made that would have changed the game.

1. Jason Elam - I like the idea of getting veteran kickers that are awesome guys and leaders, but it's time. If he makes one of those kicks, it's a different game.
2. Michael Jenkins - You have to make that catch. It's 3rd down and the ball hits you in the hands. It was the one time I agreed with the announcers! Michael Jenkins has to step up!
3. Matt Ryan - He's awesome and he's young, I like the guy. He was pressured, rushed and made some poor decisions. The pick 6 was bad enough, but I was more upset about the sacks than the INTs. He walked right into those when in at least 2 cases he could have pulled a "Ryan" and thrown it away.

You take away even one of those mistakes and the game might be...

Here's my positive notes...

• Michael Turner looked like the beast again! It's time to give him the rock and ride it out. It almost looked like the Falcons had been saving up plays just for New Orleans... hmm.
• Coy Wire - are you kidding me!? Get this guy in the game more. I love the effort.
• Eric Weems - Why oh why did you let Adam Jennings keep you hidden for all these years?
• Did you see Brian Finneran? The guy is tall, slow but is so much fun to watch him do the little things.

Tuesday Morning Coach

• Why isn't Abraham on the field almost every play?
• Wide Receiver and Running Back - we are surprisingly "shallow." Can Coy Wire play running back?
• Can we tell Matt Ryan that he CAN'T throw to Tony anymore? Seriously, if Matt looks at Tony any harder, I would think he was interested in a serious relationship. Sorry guys.
• I like our Defense actually, it should always be BLITZ and keep the ball in front, our secondary is pitiful.

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A Year Ago...

The Atlanta Falcons have come a long way, but there are some unsung heroes of the team and some stories you might have missed. One year ago (actually some of these go MANY years back)....

• Michael Jenkins was a bust and the Falcons receiving core was a disaster.
  
• The offensive line couldn't block... well, me even. As one analyst says, "they were a turnstile."
• Last Year, the offensive line had Wiener and McClure and a bunch of no-names.
  
• Lawyer Malloy & Keith Brooking were already wondering who stole their food from the retirement home. Their play on the field looked "OLD"
• With no offensive line, Warrick Dunn couldn't make the moves that he had left.
• Our Kicker was older than most of the owners in the NFL
• Every game required the obligatory MV reference.
• It was tough to be a Falcon fan... Falcon Fans got sympathy
  

THIS YEAR...

• The Falcons are near the league leaders in caught balls (or dead last in Dropped passes)
• Roddy is a pro-bowler and Michael Jenkins has turned into an excellent deep threat and possession receiver.
• The offensive line is nasty and frankly almost a strength.
  
• The offensive line has Wiener and McClure and a bunch of no names.
  
• Lawyer Malloy is playing very well and Keith Brooking is not back to probowl form, but definitely making his presence felt.
• Michael Turner doesn't need to juke, he just runs over the defense.
• Our kicker is now only older than everyone on the team
• Every game almost requires MV - P discussions for Michael Turner and Matt Ryan
• It's great to be a Falcon Fan!
  

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Playoffs!!!!! Falcons Defeat The Vikings

In what is possibly the second worst performance of the year by young Matt Ryan, he showed why he has that special "it" factor. He didn't fill up the stat sheet. He didn't do anything spectacular. No, he just was a MAN and lead a team. He also didn't make any mistakes. He played as if the game was just a game.

Compare that to the opposing team and you're getting an opposite response. I'm so excited we're in the playoffs that instead of finishing this post, I'm going to point out a few things I really liked about the broadcast.

• Brian Billick does a great job! I didn't like him as a coach, but as a commentator he's excellent. The next John Madden... shhh, don't tell anyone.
• Matt Ryan is the Alternate for the NFC - WOOT! I didn't know.
  
• Falcons are 4th overall in 3rd down conversions.
• Coming into the game the Falcons were giving the ball up way too much. I think we're in the plus column now.
  
• Playoffs!? - So much for rebuilding. Too bad a certain tight end isn't still here. Here's hoping we get to meet him early next year. Wink, Wink!
  

Lawyer Malloy is playing like a stud and had a great argument for Matt Ryan to be MVP! I may write about it this week.

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Marta For MVP

All weekend leading up to the game, talk of Matt Ryan as an MVP candidate covered the Radio. Even Cowherd briefly mentioned it, which tells me it's more than a "homer" issue. ...

And why not? Matt Ryan has played better than many other QBs in this league. He deserves a ton of credit. I would have had him pass 100 times against New Orleans the way he was playing.

However, I think Turner is this year's MVP. Actually, the OLINE is the MVP, but you can only give it to one player and Michael Turner has sure made the big difference.

I love this NFL breakdown video of his runs against Tampa. Apparently, Michael Turner is more of a bruiser than originally thought.

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Atlanta Survives Mistakes To Overcome Chargers

They say the truly great teams find a way to win, sometimes inspite of themselves. Hopefully, the same can be said of teams that just hold on to win as well. There was some truly great plays, like Ryan's entire game and Jamaal Anderson's blocked kick. However, there was some sloppy play as well.

You can read the rather mundane recap here.

The match up of Tomlinson vs Turner was non-existent, or rather, LT was non-existent. Frankly, they just aren't giving him the rock enough. He still has the speed and quickness but I hardly saw his number called at all.

In any case, the Falcons won and that's all that matters. ... And to Steve, the UGA fan, God's team won again this week! (It's a joke folks!)

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Great Recap Article On Matty "ICE"

ESPN rehashes a lot of stuff us locals here in the ATL have all heard about our new star, but it's still a great read.

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Panthers Exploit The Falcons

It was a long tough game to watch. You could see the pendulum swinging on every possession. You've watched the game or gotten your fill over at Yahoo or ESPN, so let's get on with some of the good and the bad.

Sam Baker - a big huge GOOD and BAD. Bad that he is out, but I feel great that we drafted a guy that has a major impact on our offensive line.

Brent Grimes - is getting his chance to show what he has and although he put up a valiant effort in the second half, he was getting beat all day.

Matt Ryan - He's doing great, but if he's making 41 passes we're in for a LONG day.

FRIDAY FANTASY UPDATE

Harry Douglas was the dark pick of the week, and would have had an outstanding game.... had he caught the ball.

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Fantasy Falcon Friday!

It's been a while, but I'm still loving the Falcons. This week if you got to sit 'em or start 'em here's my take.

Sit 'em

Michael Jenkins - He's losing favor and dropping passes.

Start 'em

Matt Ryan - With some major QBs on bye weeks Ryan is poised to have a decent game. He's not going to win you a Fantasy Championship yet, but he'll help.

Michael Turner - Fantasy Beast... so far.

Roddy White - Starting to develop consistently. A good no. 2 WR

WILD CAR

Harry Douglas - I think he's going to have a breakout game and given the state of the league, I'd be sure to pick him up off the waiver wire, he may very well be the no. 2 wide out with Larent Robinson injured. Given that he'll also get some rushing yards, he runs at least one reverse a game.

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Falcon Friday

The buzz is back!  Turner running all over the Lions certainly causing a stir.  It certainly didn't hurt to have a solid performance from Ryan.  Listening to the radio, blogs and other outlets... apparently we (Atlanta Falcons) haven't earned ANY respect after last week.  Vegas has under  at 10, up 3 points after Garcia went down.  I guess we have less of a shot to beat them with their "backup."

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Tampa Here We Come... Well Not Yet.

As a Falcons fan how could you not be excited about what you saw on the field on Sunday!   Let's go over the good and not so good. 

GOOD

• Michael Turner looked great.  Reminded me of a certain other Atlanta Falcon that used to run right over people.  At one point there were Lions players bouncing off of them.  
• Matt Ryan looked poised.  Nothing special in terms of what he did, but throwing your first ever official NFL pass for a TD was great.  Again, he didn't "Wow" me from any standpoint other than the leadership aspect. 
• The O-line looked very good.
• John Abraham is still a beast.
• Milloy looks to have another GREAT season.  He played a heck of a game.
• Lofton looks like a great addition. 

BAD

There's not a lot considering we won! 

• Defense looking pretty weak right now.  Some great plays, but nothing special.  Looks like the Lions did a lot of that stuff to themselves.
• Don't get too excited, the Lions Defense looks like the worst in the NFL.  I doubt Turner will run over EVERYONE.
• Will people stop calling him "BURNER."  Michael Turner is not fast, he's not going to outrun anyone.  He may run OVER most people, he broke several tackles, but the dude is not winning any SPEED competition.
• Jerious Norwood looks better with a bad o-line. 

The biggest thing that I was excited about is that the Falcons finally have a COACH! Two regimes of dimwitted or cowardly coaching and we finally have a TEAM.  Half time adjustments were made, and there was direction and purpose to the calls.  I didn't see any bone head calls.  

One down, 15 more to go.  Go Falcons! 

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Yahoo Take on the Falcons

Look at the falcons:

Strengths: RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood provide big-play potential. WR Roddy White enjoyed breakout season in 2007 despite turnover at quarterback. DE John Abraham and LB Michael Boley are solid if healthy.

Weaknesses: Big questions at almost every spot on offensive line. No receiving threat at tight end.

Players to watch: QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, DT Grady Jackson, LB Curtis Lofton, LT Sam Baker.

Biggest change: With Ryan the starter as rookie, offense goes back to run-first philosophy of Dan Reeves and Jim Mora eras.

Schedule key: Team plays five of its first eight on road and finally plays first home game against division rival on Nov. 9 against New Orleans.

You can read the rest here.

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The Ryan Era Begins...

as the Falcons name Matt Ryan the starter.

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Apparently Jaws: The Revenge is better than Ryan

Our local TV station WATL 36 has decided in its infinite wisdom that the acclaimed Jaws:The Revenge is a better ratings pull than say, oh, I don't know... Matt Ryan's first start in the Georgia Dome. Stupid layman rational says that Blank, should be able to put his team on primetime, but then again, if I'm not paying full price for a pre-season ticket, I guess I have no excuse. Pass the popcorn, I guess I'm staying up late.

Programming Notes

Thursday, August 21 8:00pm: My Thursday Night Movie: Jaws 3 starring Dennis Quaid. followed by 11Alive News at Ten.

Friday, August 22 8:00pm My Friday Night Movie: Jaws: the Revenge. Friday, August 22 10:00PM Atlanta Falcons Preseason Football: Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans.

Sunday, August 23 12:00noon (Encore) Atlanta Falcons Preseason Football: Falcons vs. Tennessee Titans

Monday, August 25 Decision House @ 8:00pm & 9:00pm followed by 11Alive News at Ten.

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Matt Ryan to Start Friday and...

Matt Ryan is starting on Friday and sources say he'll be playing well into the third quarter. Although, nothing is official, I think we'll be previewing the season to come unless something unlikely occurs.

As a side note, It'll be interesting if DJ Shockley gets any snaps on the fourth game.

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Saturday Night Recap: Falcons vs Colts

This was a sloppy defensive "struggle" or rather displayed two offenses that couldn't close the deal. Here's some observations:

• Jamaal Anderson - Did he play? I mean, I saw him in the lineup and out on the field but, really? (*cough*BUST*cough)
• Joey Harrington really reminded me of... .well Joey Harrington. He can do the job when given time, but he's not going to pull the game out for anyone. He's going to make a great backup QB one day.... oh, wait...
• Matt Ryan - Still looks like the leader of this team. The INT was a silly mistake and he knows it, which is the good thing.
  
• Chris Redman - Actually reminds me of Matt Ryan. He looks ok, but he's not going to get me excited about the Falcons.
• DJ Shockley - Playing with 3rd stringers is bad enough, but his play on Saturday did nothing to excite me.
  
• Brent Grimes - Where'd he come from? Kripton?
• Adam Jennings - Why is this guy taking up space? Aren't we trying to go "green." That'd be one less jersey to be washed.
  
• Michael Turner - Looked like the real deal there.
  

The Falcons failed to build on the great foundation that was put in Jacksonville.

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Joey Sunshine to start this Saturday - QB Conundrum

With Joey Sunshine starting this weekend one has to wonder if this is just Coach Smith keeping his word or are the Falcons seriously considering their options. I think it's a foregone conclusion that Redman will start a few games and depending on the season, Ryan will step in for him later on. Joey will back up and DJ will be sent to practice squad.

I think I'm with every fan that would love to see something a little different go down, possible trades comes to mind to get some value out of Redman, possibly one of the lone bright spots of last season. Sure the Bears could use someone like that....

I say let Ryan start, DJ backup and Joey be there for an emergency.

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Apparently I'm not the only one that thinks...

that Rookie contracts are out of control.

And More...

• Yahoo! (Points Out that Ryan is 3rd Highest Paid Player)
• Sports Agent Blog - Gives Kudos and asks questions about the deal.
  

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Matt Ryan Got Paid! - Vick vs Ryan Signings

Ryan is guaranteed $34.75 million. His guaranteed money is $4.75 million more than that given to Jake Long, the No. 1 overall choice who also is represented by Condon.

Matt Ryan received a 6 year, 72 Million dollar deal. One has to wonder here, the guaranteed money is not much less than what a certain someone received.

The Falcons' star [Michael Vick] quarterback signed a 10-year; $130 million contract extension that guarantees him an NFL-record $37 million in bonuses, and he wants to prove he's worth every penny.

I'm not saying Matt Ryan is anything like Vick. I like them them both. However, I'm surprised to see the guaranteed money be so large right after what happened. It's almost like the Falcons are trying to prove to themselves that they have moved on.

In comparison though, Ryan's deal is closer to Vick's extension than his original contract:

Vick is guaranteed $15.3 million through the first three years, including a signing bonus of $3 million.

Ryan only signed for 10 Million more, with twice as much guaranteed money. (Michael Vick signed for $62 Million in 2001).

So while I'm glad that Ryan is in the fold and getting paid, he deserves it. It makes me shudder to think that these NFL teams have so much invested into unproven talent.

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