Tebow Time / Matty (Melted) Ice

Most people thought "Tebow Time" would come to an embarrassing end against the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers.  People based their thoughts on Tebow's (and the team's) poor performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, but apparently, neither the Broncos nor Tim Tebow got this message.  The much criticized star put forth an amazing effort to lead the Horses to a 29-23 overtime victory over the Steelers.  Tebow finished 10 of 21 for 316 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 50 yards and 1 touchdown.

I will be the first to admit that I have not always liked Tebow, but you have to respect the fact that the guy knows how to win the big games.  In addition, he knows how to close a game out and make the big play when everything is on the line.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons could learn some things from Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.  First, when it is one-and-done, you leave everything on the field.  You open up the playbook and you trust your quarterback to make big plays.  The Steelers dared Tebow to beat them with his arm, and the Horses pulled out all the stops and allowed Tebow to throw the ball.  On the contrary, the Giants posed the same challenge to the Falcons, and the Birds refused to even try.  Instead, they opted to continue to run it up the middle.

Second, "superstars" play big in the biggest games and inspire their teammates to do the same.  Tebow was motivating his teammates on the sideline.  Moreover, he made the throws, wobbly passes and all, that he was asked to make.  On the contrary, Matt Ryan (and Michael Turner) no-showed for the second year in a row.  While Tebow was making plays, Ryan will be remembered for his slip behind the line of scrimmage in the open field on third-down when the Birds needed a big conversion.

I would have never thought that Tebow would have better playoff stats and more playoff wins that Ryan.  Tebow time continues!   

Falcons Rule the Nest

Congratulations on the Atlanta Falcons on their come from behind victory over Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles.  I will be the first to admit that I have been critical of the Birds because they always seem to lose the big prime time games.  Yesterday, they silenced critics and Vick supporters like me.  Maybe I can jump on the Matt Ryan Experience.

Why We Cheer

Every since the NFL released the Atlanta Falcons’ 2011-2012 schedule, people have talked about the September 18^th game against the Philadelphia Eagles and the return of Michael Vick.  As soon as tickets went on sale the game against the Eagles, they sold out.  I looked at tickets, but I refused to pay $80.00 for nosebleed seats.

I am the first to admit that I am a Michael Vick fan.  His electrifying play made me a Falcons fan, made their games appointment television, and made them a relevant team.  Many fans of the Birds share this same narrative and that is why they still cheer Vick and want to see him succeed although he is not with Atlanta.  He sparked my interest and sparked their interest in the NFL.

The media may criticize us for cheering for Vick and challenging our loyalty to the Birds, but we do not deserve this criticism because Vick played an important part in Atlanta’s football history.  He led us to the playoffs, won playoff games, and made us a regular on Sportscenter highlights.  Add in the fact that except for the 1998 season (and some of the Deion Sanders years), the Falcons were irrelevant before Vick and irrelevant until Matt Ryan arrived.

Prime Time in Prime Time

It's only fitting that the Atlanta Falcons would induct Deion "Prime Time" Sanders into the Atlanta Falcons' Ring of Honor during tonight's prime time Thursday night game against the Baltimore Ravens. As a Dirty Bird from 1989 through 1993, teams simply didn't throw to his side of the field. He had 24 interceptions and averaged more than 20 yards each season as a kickoff returner.

Deion was my favorite Falcon player as a kid because he was a shutdown corner and he was simply entertaining to watch - from his signature high step after an interception to his Nike Air Diamond Turf shoes (pictured above).

I really hated to see the Birds let Deion go in 1993, but in some respects it worked out for the better as "Neon Deion" was able to win Super Bowls with San Francisco and Dallas. Hopefully tonight's ceremony will be precursor to a 2011 Hall of Fame induction.

White Saves Game, Bradley Wins Game

For a 0-3 team, the 49ers seemed to dominate the Falcons, but somehow the Dirty Birds were in position for the win with less than 3 minutes left in the game. Atlanta was moving down the field with ease until Matt Ryan threw an interception that appeared to be a pick-6 until Roddy White made an impressive hustle play and striped the ball away from the 49er defender. I give Ryan and the offense credit because they weren't bothered by the interception because Ryan connected with White, Douglas, and Gonzales as he moved the team from their own 10 yard line into field goal range. Kicker Matt Bradley sealed the deal and the win.

Who Dat Falcons!

Every season there are a couple defining games, and today's win against the New Orleans Saints in the Super Dome is one of those. The Dirty Birds kept fighting, playing hard nose defense and smash mouth offense. Matt Ryan played to his potential, going 19 of 30 for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns. Michael Turner rushed for 114 yards and 1 touchdown and Jason Snelling contributed 62 yards, many of them in the fourth quarter. For a 14 year veteran, Tony Gonzalez is still a beast, finishing with 110 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

Over the last couple of seasons the Falcons would lose a game like this, but today they showed that this team is ready to take the next step and hopefully compete with up level NFL teams. The only issue I had was Mike Smith's decision to go for the 4 and 6; he should have punted and let his defense secure the win, as oppose to trying and failing, and giving the Saints a short field. I guess it really doesn't matter, since they won.

On the Road to Redemption

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles named Michael Vick their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. Although Vick's road to redemption is far from being complete, he is definitely moving in the right direction. Since Vick has been back, he's not only said the right things, he's actually done the right things and stayed out of trouble. Vick's shown humility and has displayed a work ethic previously unseen during his time with the Atlanta Falcons.

The fruits of changed demeanor and work ethic have paid off, as he's played lights out during the first two games of the season. Vick has thrown for 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, 459 passing yards, and 140 rushing yards. He has shown patience in the pocket and he has shown touch on his laser passes; traits Vick often lacked in Atlanta.

As a Vick fan, I'm elated to see him back in the league as a starting quarterback. His style of play is so exciting because every offensive play has the potential to be a highlight. My only disappointment is he's not playing for the Falcons anymore.

Happy Trials Bulldog Alums

Not only did the Bulldogs lose today, but former Georgia football alums D.J. Shockley and Thomas Brown lost individually as the Atlanta Falcons released both players prior to the start of the season. I was pulling for my local Georgia guys, especially Shockley because of his outstanding play as a Bulldog. As a senior, Shockley competed 153 of 277 passes for 2,311 yards and 21 touchdowns and led the Bulldogs to a SEC Championship in 2005. Shockley is eligible for the Atlanta practicing squad, so there is an outside possibility that he’ll be picked up. If not, Shockley will probably try his luck with another NFL team. Good luck Shock!

Vick is Free to Move

Late last week the Atlanta Falcons released former quarterback Michael Vick. As a result, the Birds take a $7.1 million salary cap hit but forever free them from the Michael Vick experience. The release allows both Vick and the Falcons an opportunity to move on with their respective lives. Vick can now seek reemployment elsewhere, while Atlanta is free from any and all controversy surrounding Michael Vick. The team did the right thing in cutting him because it was pretty evident that he’d never play for the team again and as long as he’s suspended, no NFL team wants to gamble on a trade for him, especially considering his high salary and baggage.

Vick benefits from the release because now he’s not under contract, so if he wants to play in the Canadian Football League, join the upstart United States Football League, or play the waiting game for an opportunity at NFL reinstatement, he can do so without worrying that the Falcons would prohibit his actions.

Journey to Redemption

Late last night Atlanta Falcons’ player Michael Vick was released from federal prison after serving nineteen (19) months. Earlier today Vick returned home to Hampton, Virginia were he’ll spend two (2) under house arrest. Now that Vick is released he will start his long journey to redemption. His journey will be difficult due to the horrific nature of his offense and the fact that his victims were animals.

Vick’s first goal should be to surround himself with quality people who are committed to seeing him succeed in life on and off the football field. More importantly, Vick has to make sure that he disassociates with all family and friends that are or may be involved in criminal activity because any mishap could land him back in jail and quash any and all hopes at football redemption.

Vick should immerse himself in all things football. Before contacting any teams he needs to already be in playing condition. The body is wonderful thing, so I believe that someone with his athletic ability will bounce back within a month’s time. Once in shape, he needs to hire a reputable “quarterback coach” that will work with him on his playing mechanics – footwork, throwing motion, and release. I believe that if he improves his mechanics, then he’ll improve his accuracy and touch. If Vick’s not physically training, then he should be studying game film to acclimate to current team trends. This will help him improve his defensive reads and help him see the different offenses teams run.

Once Vick’s improved his physical fitness, practiced his mechanics, and analyzed game film, he’ll need to start the long and difficult process of being reinstated to the NFL. He’ll have to schedule a meeting with the league commissioner and plead his case and maybe reinstatement will be sooner than later. Hopefully, the NFL won’t crack under outside pressure from PETA and others. Next Vick will need to contact Arthur Blank and simply say, “I’m sorry for the trouble I cause – either pay me to stay home or release me.” Blank will no the later.

After being released, Vick will need to find a team willing to take him and his baggage. The team that takes him needs to have a strong owner and coach who is willing to take the initial media backlash because there will be pushback. Vick should resist the temptation to jump at the first team that offers a contract. Rather, he should see if he can find a team that suits his talents and put him in the best position to be successful.

As a Vick fan I hope his journey to redemption is successful.

Santoro Rejects Vick's Proposal

For the past two days former Atlanta Falcon quarterback Michael Vick has laid out a plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The gist of Vick’s plan is contingent of him being reinstated by the NFL and then applying any and all income over $750,000 to creditors. Unfortunately, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro rejected Vick’s proposal as being too speculative as the NFL has not commented on whether it plans to reinstate Vick. Based on Judge Santoro’s decision, Vick’s representatives will return to the drawing board.

During the two day hearing Vick offered extensive testimony about the led up to imprisonment and life in prison. Vick stated “I can’t live like the old Mike Vick” because “I put a lot of strain on myself. It was a big burden.” Vick admitted that he “committed a heinous act” that “was very irresponsible”. Moreover, Vick continued to admit that what he did “was wrong”.

Vick’s been given the opportunity say he’s changed, now the big question is whether he’ll be given an opportunity to actually do the right thing. As it stands, it appears that the NFL and unreasonable groups like PETA may not be willing to turn the page and let Vick get his life in check. What PETA and other groups need to realize is if Vick is serious, then a redeemed Vick is worth more to promoting animal rights than a broke and failed former athlete.

Vick and Falcons Settles

The Atlanta Falcons settled its claim against former quarterback Michael Vick. According to bankruptcy reports Vick will either pay the Dirty Birds $6.5 million or $7.5 million depending on the ruling of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. If the court rules in the Birds’ favor, then Vick will pay the $7.5 million, and if the court rejects the Falcons’ claim, Vick will pay the $6.5 million.

Vick is scheduled to be released to home confinement on May 20, 2009, and scheduled for full release on July 20, 2009. While released, Vick will be on electronic monitoring and only allowed to leave home for activities approved by his probation officer. For Vick’s sack, I hope NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstates him as soon as possible so he can start making money and start gaining control of his increasing debt.

Terrell Owens - Buffalo's Big Free Agent Splash

Media outlets report that high-maintenance wide receiver Terrell Owens signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. My only question is why? T.O has had rocky relationships with winning quarterbacks and good passers like Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, and Tony Romo. Now he travels to the Buffalo and hopes to catch passes from second year starter Trent Edwards, an unknown talent who led his team to a rank of 25th in yards gained. I hate to sound negative, but I hope Edwards can get T.O. the ball, or it’s going to be a long season up north as Owens has proven in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Dallas that he’s very much a divo when the ball’s not thrown to him.

Unfortunately, Owens has shown a great propensity for disrupting NFL locker rooms and causing team chemistry problems. He seems to be a selfish player and I believe his disruptive act has finally caught up with him and probably reduced the number of teams interested in signing him. As a Falcons fan, it would’ve been cool seeing Matt Ryan throw him the ball, but I don’t blame the Falcons or any other organization for not pursuing his services because of his attitude.

Jam in a Jam

Being accused of allegedly sniffing cocaine is bad enough, but being accused of allegedly sniffing cocaine in the men’s restroom of a Buckhead bar in a stall with other male is as bad as it gets. According to the AJC, an off-duty police officer witnessed Anderson along with Daniel Hudson snorting cocaine in a bathroom stall. After a search of Anderson, the police found a one-inch square bag of cocaine and marijuana cigarette inside Anderson’s pocket. Anderson was released on $6,000.00 bond on Sunday night.

One Year, Lots of Change

It’s hard to believe, but the Atlanta Falcons are headed to the playoffs and with a win over the St. Louis Rams on Saturday, they’ll be the number 2 seed in the NFL playoffs. At the beginning of the season, I along with all the sports pundits predicted that the Birds would finish in last place and if they were lucky, they’d finish with 4 wins and a high lottery pick. The doom and gloom analysis was expected, especially considering the tragedy of last season – Coach Bobby Petrino quitting with 3 games left in the season; franchise quarterback Michael Vick pleading guilty to federal dog-fighting charges, and the purging of veteran players like Alge Crumpler, Warrick Dunn, DeAngelo Hall, and Patrick Kerney. As a result of rough season, I along with a majority of the Falcons’ fans became jaded because it seemed as if the Birds were destined to permanent rebuilding status.

The off-season started slow, with potential franchise saviors like Bill Parcels and Bill Cowher saying thanks but no thanks to the Falcons. At this point, it appeared that even NFL royalty didn’t want to be tied to our struggling franchise. Eventually and with such an anticlimax, team owner Arthur Blank and team president Rich McKay hired former New England Patriot scout Thomas Dimitroff as general manager and former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator as the head coach.

With an unknown general manager and coach, the Falcons started the off-season and made several moves that were second guessed by fans and me. First, the team threw the bank at running back Michael Turner, best known for being LaDainian Tomlinson’s backup in San Diego; next the team drafted Matt Ryan with #3 overall draft pick. This wouldn’t have been controversial, except for the fact that almost everyone (including myself) felt Ryan lacked the physical attributes to be a successful and immediate impact quarterback in the NFL; lastly, the team signed a group of no-name players like Harry Douglas, Sam Baker, Justin Peelle, and Kindal Moorehead.

The one special thing about this year’s Falcons is the fact that they are a TEAM that appears to enjoy playing with each other, and appear to hold each other accountable for making big play after big play. Past years installments lacked these qualities and seemed to defer to Michael Vick more than not. Although I doubted at the beginning of the season, I believe that this is the beginning of a successful and consistent run as a top franchise in the NFL.

Falcons Tame Panthers

Today I finally had an opportunity to watch an entire Falcons game and I can honestly say I was impressed with the entire team’s performance. The Birds management should be commended for assembling an entertaining and competitive team. They stepped up against division foe Carolina and now find themselves one game away from taking the division lead. Quarterback Matt Ryan went 17 of 27 for 259 yards, while running back Michael Turner had a great game, rushing f0r 117 yards and a franchise high 4 rushing touchdowns.

Broncos Buck Falcons

The Birds controlled, but the Ponies pulled a rabbit out the hat and handed the Falcons their first home lost all season. Even in the lost, quarterback Matt Ryan continued to make a case for rookie of the year, going 20 of 33 for 250 yards and 1 interception. Tailback Michael Turner rushed for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns and wide receivers Roddy White and Michael Jenkins respectively finished with 102 yards and 55 yards.

Total Team Win

This has been a season of missed opportunities for me as I’ve missed all of the Dirty Bird’s grandest moments. The big 22-20 win over the Chicago Bears at the Georgia Dome. This year’s Falcons have two things past teams have lacked – chemistry and heart. The guys really seem to get along on the field and appear to be having fun on the sideline. More importantly, this year’s team, as opposed to one player (Michael Vick), knows how to step up and make the big play when the game’s on the line. For example, in the win against Chicago, the special teams unit blocked so Jerious Norwood could have a long kick return, the offensive line protected Matt Ryan so he could make the pass, Michael Jenkins caught the ball, and Jason Elam kicked the 40+ field goal as time expired.

Regardless of how the second half the season ends, these Falcons have already exceeded expectation and will upset a few more teams before the end of the season. Opponents beware - don't sleep on the Dirty Birds!

Dirty Birds Eat Cheese Heads

Today’s Atlanta Falcons game against the Green Bay Packers had added significance because it put my favorite team against the team I grew to love last season as I spent the year in Wisconsin with Dr. Smiles. I enjoyed getting to know the Packers last season, but this year I’m back in Atlanta and when my Birds are playing, I have to cheer for my favorite team. The Falcons grabbed their first road win of the season with a solid 27 – 24 victory. Rookie quarterback Matt Ryan continues to play solid football, 16 of 26 for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. I’m impressed with Ryan’s ability to run the no huddle offense and ability to call the play at the line of scrimmage. In order for him to do this effectively, he has to be able to read defenses and communicate it to the rest of the offense. Ryan may be a rookie, but he’s living up to the hype in regards to his poise and intelligence. Tailback Michael Turner continued to run over teams, finishing with 121 yards and 1 touchdown. Wide receiver “Rowdy” Roddy White had 132 yards and 1 touchdown. Jason Elam continued to be perfect with two field goals. The Falcons defense played consistent, with hard tackling by John Abraham, Lawyer Malloy, and Grady Jackson.

Return of the Dirty Birds

Unfortunately, my Atlanta Falcons coverage has been spotty at best. First, I completely missed the Birds’ outstanding season opener – no Michael Turner 200+ rush yards for me and no Matt Ryan first pass equals touchdown for me. When I finally got to see the Birds for the first time, it was week two and Tampa Bay blasted the Birds. Finally, I got to see the Falcons’ 38-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

I realize the season’s young, but this team is showing glimpses of the Dirty Birds of old. The offense is smash mouth, with Michael Turner rushing for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jerious Norwood added 75 yards. Matt Ryan continued to show growth, finishing 12 of 18 for 192 yards and 1 touchdown, and “Rowdy” Roddy White is finally living up to his first round draft pick, finishing with 119 receiving yards.

The Dirty Birds’ defense played great. They didn’t allow a first down until the second quarter. The team had three interceptions, with cornerback Chris Houston returning one back for a touchdown. Lawyer Malloy and John Abraham added tons of tackles and pressures. As a fan, it felt so good seeing the team dominate.