racosun
09-23-2008, 09:48 PM
Yes, this team still has a cloud over it's head with the whole Michael Vick thing. And with Vick due to be released next summer, there is still more headlines to be had concerning the disgraced QB and his old team. Coming into this season, there were many critics who said (and still believe) that this year's Falcons squad was a truly awful team, possibly the worst in the league.
That said, the 2008 Falcons are beginning to turn head's and possibly turn the page on an odd chapter in franchise history. With Vick basically destroying the 2007 season with his dog-fighting scandal (after the team had already traded up-and-coming back-up QB Matt Schaub), the team was rewarded with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, and they used it on Boston College QB Matt Ryan. Ditching RB Warrick Dunn and bringing in highly-touted San Diego back-up Michael Turner, the Falcons quickly had a young and talented one-two punch to build around.
In order to continue the giant steps they have taken so far this season, they'll need former first-rounders Michael Jenkins and Roddy White (two receivers drafted to help out Vick) to step up and do what they were drafted to do. They are also very young on the offensive line, young but large and talented. Along with Ryan, the Falcons used another first-round pick on tackle Sam Baker of USC, an oft-injured but mucho-talented lineman expected to excel if he can remain healthy. Aside from starting center Todd McClure, nobody on the O-line is over 27 years of age.
I really have no other reason to post this thread except to say that this is one franchise that I am keeping my eye on for the future. Seeing as how I'm a die-hard life-long Lions fan, I often wish to see a winner, and to see a once-lowly franchise dust itself off and climb back up the ladder. I believe that team is Atlanta, and I'll be rooting for them from here on out (unless they're playing my Lions, in which case I'll wince and wait for it to be over).
A 2-1 start shows that this team is capable of more than the critics and many others gave them credit for. A big week 4 match-up at division rival Carolina will give the upstart Falcons their biggest test yet. Regardless of the outcome of the game and the rest of the season, the franchise seems to be going in the right direction, and there are definitely stars on the horizon. Enjoy, Falcons fans, the future is bright for your team.
Fire Millen. :dismay:
That said, the 2008 Falcons are beginning to turn head's and possibly turn the page on an odd chapter in franchise history. With Vick basically destroying the 2007 season with his dog-fighting scandal (after the team had already traded up-and-coming back-up QB Matt Schaub), the team was rewarded with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, and they used it on Boston College QB Matt Ryan. Ditching RB Warrick Dunn and bringing in highly-touted San Diego back-up Michael Turner, the Falcons quickly had a young and talented one-two punch to build around.
In order to continue the giant steps they have taken so far this season, they'll need former first-rounders Michael Jenkins and Roddy White (two receivers drafted to help out Vick) to step up and do what they were drafted to do. They are also very young on the offensive line, young but large and talented. Along with Ryan, the Falcons used another first-round pick on tackle Sam Baker of USC, an oft-injured but mucho-talented lineman expected to excel if he can remain healthy. Aside from starting center Todd McClure, nobody on the O-line is over 27 years of age.
I really have no other reason to post this thread except to say that this is one franchise that I am keeping my eye on for the future. Seeing as how I'm a die-hard life-long Lions fan, I often wish to see a winner, and to see a once-lowly franchise dust itself off and climb back up the ladder. I believe that team is Atlanta, and I'll be rooting for them from here on out (unless they're playing my Lions, in which case I'll wince and wait for it to be over).
A 2-1 start shows that this team is capable of more than the critics and many others gave them credit for. A big week 4 match-up at division rival Carolina will give the upstart Falcons their biggest test yet. Regardless of the outcome of the game and the rest of the season, the franchise seems to be going in the right direction, and there are definitely stars on the horizon. Enjoy, Falcons fans, the future is bright for your team.
Fire Millen. :dismay: