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.

Matt Ryan

Are you sure this kid is a rookie?

The stats are impressive. Ryan has completed 58 percent of his passes. He has thrown for five TDs and only three interceptions. He has thrown for over 1,100 yards and has a quarterback rating of 82.9.

I read this week were NFL analyst Brian Baldinger compared Ryan as a rookie to Peyton Manning.

I couldn’t imagine that Ryan would be compared to Manning. But when you look at the numbers, there are many similarities.

Manning and the Colts were 1-5 after six games in 1998. Manning had completed 54 percent of his passes. He threw for six TDs and 14 interceptions in those six games.

Please understand...I’m not trying to say that Ryan is the next Peyton
Manning.

But one thing is certain; Matt Ryan is a leader on the field.

He displays poise and a calm that are very similar to what you see from Peyton.

One stat really jumped out at me. When the Falcons are ahead, Ryan has completed 65 percent of his passes.

His teammates know that he is a leader. He commands their attention in the huddle. For the most part, he doesn’t make rookie mistakes, although there have certainly been a few.

The win at Green Bay was a great step forward. To follow that up with a home win over the Bears was impressive.

Division wins are next.

The young Falcons must show that they can beat the Panthers, the Bucs, and
the Saints.

Roddy White and Michael Turner

Last season was a huge step forward for Roddy White. He showed signs of
becoming the No. 1 receiver that the Falcons thought he would be.

With Matt Ryan as his quarterback, he may be on his way to the Pro Bowl come
February.

Through six games, White leads the Falcons with 35 receptions for 566 yards. He is averaging 16.2 yards per catch, and has three TDs. Roddy White is now a player that opposing coaches must account for in their defensive schemes.

Michael Turner came to the Falcons this past offseason to fill the role of Warrick Dunn. Turner has more than filled that role.

Turner’s downhill running style has allowed the Falcons to be patient with Ryan. They know that Turner can handle the load. “The Burner” has already carried the ball 128 times and amassed 597 yards. He is averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and has six TDs as well.

The Falcons are also using Jerious Norwood as an excellent change-of-pace back. Norwood is averaging 6.8 yards per carry and has run for 280 yards.

The Falcons are putting some serious talent on the field.


The Fans

Finally, I need to vent. I speak now directly to Falcon fans.

For some reason, many fans that come to the games at the Georgia Dome don’t seem to know what time the game starts.

I try to be in my seat at least 30 minutes before kick off. We leave our tailgate (feel free to share your favorite recipe) in time to make that happen.

Too many fans are outside the Dome when the kickoff takes place. This is unacceptable.

We need to support this team. We need to be in our seats and screaming at the top of our lungs. The Dome can be a loud place if we do our part.

This past Sunday, when the Bears were in town, Bear fans appeared to outnumber Falcon fans when the opening kickoff took place. That, to me, is sad!

We can do better Falcon fans. This is an exciting team. We need to do our
part.



So, after six games, did you really expect the Falcons to be 4-2?  I know I
sure didn’t.

The future looks bright for the Falcons once again.

Those gray clouds and overcast skies have cleared. The sun is shinning.

Pass me those shades.