From Section 312: Five Thoughts on the 2008 Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are taking this Sunday off, courtesy of the NFL. I would like to thank them for that. I needed a break.

You see, as a lifelong Falcons fan, my expectations this season were not very high.

I was confident that this team could win five or six games. Most of the “experts” did not agree. One confident “insider” predicted a one-win season for the Falcons.

A new head coach, a rookie quarterback, and a couple of free-agent signings had me believing that Arthur Blank once again had the Falcons on the right track.

But this year would be all about putting in a new system, getting the rookie quarterback some much needed experience, determining if Michael Turner was worth all that money.

Right?

So give me five or six wins, and a few exciting close calls, and I can live
with it.

But, after six games, the Falcons appear to be slightly ahead of schedule. Sitting tied atop the NFC South at 4-2, the Falcons have Atlanta buzzing with excitement for the first time since Michael Vick decided to go into the Pit Bull business.

So I’d like to take a few minutes of your time and tell you what I have noticed from Section 312 in the Georgia Dome. Here are my thoughts on what has made this a special season so far.


The Chemistry

Arthur Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay, and Mike Smith have done a great
job putting this team together.

They all deserve credit. The free-agent signings of Michael Turner and Jason Elam have turned into significant moves. Both moves were questioned by the experts...once again those experts were wrong.

The drafting of Matt Ryan, Sam Baker, and Curtis Lofton could end up making this one of the best draft classes in the history of the franchise.

The two significant free agents (Turner and Elam) have played major roles in the early success.

When you watch this team, one thing you notice is that they all really seem to enjoy playing together. It appears that they have jelled. Obviously, the fast start plays a part in that. But the chemistry here is obvious.

Mike Smith

I have to admit, I was a fan of Jim Mora. I hated to see him leave. His
departure has been well documented (Daniel Cox wrote a great piece about
Mora here on b/r).

The Bobby Petrino “era” was a sad time for the Falcons. I did feel sorry
for Petrino when the Vick news hit the air waves. He obviously did not sign
on for what his first season became...Thanks again Michael Vick.

But his exit was one of the most selfish acts I have ever witnessed in
professional sports. I will never root for a team he coaches.

The search for a head coach that followed had its moments as well. The Bill Parcels jilting was interesting, to say the least. I was hoping for a big name. I did not get one.

Mike Smith was not what I had in mind.

It’s early, but the returns look good. I love his passion, and his sideline demeanor. The team respects him, which in itself is an improvement from the Petrino fiasco.

Mike Smith and his coaching staff seem to know exactly what Ryan can handle, which for the most part has been whatever they throw at him. Mike Mularkey and Brian Van Gorder have done great jobs making the most of their first year personnel.

Thanks Coach.

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