WOW

[Ric Roc]

Nothing really stands out about us we just win games that's it. What makes us stand out to the other contenders?

This is what I've said a few times on here... we just don't have the "cachet" of some of the other contenders.

Not much flash, just Steady-Eddie wins. But hey, it certainly beats the alternative.

[SoLuvinMyFalcons]

It's really stunning. Matt has played to perfection since the bye. Roddy already broke 1000, and Turner is having a great season. We are stuffing the run, and have our issues in the Secondary, but no worse that Green Bay, Giants, or Baltimore have had. It's absolutely absurd how the media is overlooking us. I like being under the radar, but it's frustating to watch NFLN or ESPN, or go to the major sport sites and get no coverage when we have the best record in the league.

Shhhhhhhhh, You know that us being able to stop the run is a secreat. According the media we still having a problem with stopping the run. :unsure:

[Atl/0]

This is what I've said a few times on here... we just don't have the "cachet" of some of the other contenders.

Not much flash, just Steady-Eddie wins. But hey, it certainly beats the alternative.

I know right.

We should have a dual: Kuma vs. Afro

[Ric Roc]

After reading this thread, it made me think. Everyone knows that Dallas, Eagles, Patriots, Giants, etc. are large market teams. They get the majority of the coverage, even when they are doing poorly.

Now I am not saying the Falcons are a small market team, I think we are in the middle of the pack from the statistics I saw on this board. However, how are the Falcons and other teams that aren't the large market teams supposed to grow if they get no media coverage when they are doing good? I mean that is how a teams market grows by getting national games, media coverage, etc. It just seems like the large market teams keep getting stronger with all the coverage, while the smaller market teams can't even get any coverage when they are winning. How can their markets grow without coverage?

Now I agree with everyone, that I like flying under the radar. But this thought just came up when I was reading this thread.

Atlanta has the 10th-largest television market in the country.. hardly small or middle-of-the-pack. With all the Favre and Dallas drama; Vick's resurgence in the favorable NFC East; the Jets and Giants playing well in the nation's LARGEST market; and the standard Brady and Manning coverage, there just isn't much left to go around.

Honestly, if I were a Saints' fan I'd really be pizzed cuz they are the defending champs and they've hardly been talked about at all.

[Ric Roc]

I know right.

We should have a dual: Kuma vs. Afro

Haha! I'm ready when you are!

I knew there was a reason I enjoyed your posts.

[Ric Roc]

Another thing I don't understand is why so many people come on here and say "I like flying under the radar... let them ignore us all the way to the SB." :blink:

Really? That is such a load of bull... nobody likes flying under the radar b/c it means no one is paying you any attention. It means they don't believe you are for real.

Being ignored takes the fun out of winning. I can understand saying you may not care, but I'm not buying the people saying that's what they prefer.

It's like someone stealing your cookies and you saying "It's ok... I didn't want them anyway."

[Robb4242]

I mentioned this in another thread...I think we're getting plenty of love. You guys are just focusing on the negative. So what if everyone is not on the bandwagon.

Totally agree. People like to listen and find someone doubting us each week. They tend to ignore guys like cowherd who has been on the bandwagon almost 3 years now. It opinions, they shouldn't all be the same.

[=abrahamburger=]

I've seen plenty of "no respect/coverage" threads.

I've seen plenty of "who cares" responses.

I haven't seen many "this is why I/we care" responses. So here's one.

It's because I am fanatical about this team. I can't get enough analysis, discussion, games, player interviews, tailgating, wins, etc. When I hit sports websites (during football season) I scan for Falcons articles first, then NFC/NFCSouth articles. I watch DVR'd games multiple times. I spend too much time on websites when I'm at work (see threadcount).

Yet I'm an employed, happy, responsible adult. So the "get a life" suggestion doesn't really apply to me. I'm just a FAN of the team. I can't get enough of the Falcons.

But I digress; as much as I praise our strengths, I acknowledge our weaknesses. Our offense is amongst the best in the NFL, but our pass D is suspect. Our special teams was colander-like but with Kroy on them, I see improvement.

I digress again; there's an argument for us NOT being the best team in the NFL, but there is an argument on the other side as well. That, to me, is discussion-worthy.

Our team should be talked about; no team has more wins. Subjective review aside, we are the #1 team in the NFC and tied for #1 in the NFL. Give us our due.

See I remember the 1998 season. It was Vikings Vikings Vikings Vikings, Broncos/Elway, Broncos/Elway, 49ers, 49ers, 49ers. It took a silly dance called the Dirty Bird to get us noticed. Nevermind that we were destroying teams like the Patriots and grinding out win after win, we were a novelty act. We were "flying under the radar."

Playing the 49ers at home in the playoffs, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for Steve Young press.

Playing Minnesota in the NFCCG, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for the highest scoring offense of all-time.

Playing in the Super Bowl, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for Elway repeat/Hall of Fame discussion with a side of Shannahan/Reeves drama.

Look further back: 1980. We lose to Dallas in a heartbreaking NFCCG and miss Atlanta's (I'm talking the whole city) first trip to a championship game in any sport. "Loserville, USA" article is printed by SI.

Even further back. 1978: Arguably the best defense EVER. We didn't make the playoffs that year, despite allowing the fewest points ever by a defense. Think the Ravens D of 2000, Steelers of the 70's, purple people eaters, or the 85 Bears go unnoticed? Nah.

When is "flying under the radar" enough?

It's when we actually win; I've come to terms with that. And even when we do win, our market is low so it won't mean much. Actually, that's not true either. It's the teams the media chooses/deems worthy of discussion. Why do I say that? The Atlanta Braves are the third biggest television market in baseball. No, I am not lying. TBS + Only baseball team in the southeast for 30 years = big market. Now ask yourself: do they get the third most national games? Even during the playoff run? Absolutely not.

/Rant

[kschreck]

I understand "why you care" but I am just sick and tired of hearing a bunch whining and complaining. Do I want people to respect and fear the Falcons, yes. Complaining will not never, nor will it ever change whether they get it or not. It's time for this team to take respect on the field.

[foreverfalcon]

HEY AFMB Members...

Be thankful we are not all Browns or Bills fans... how would you like to be awful EVERY YEAR???

Go Falcons!!

[sandtrap]

Why do you guys care so much? So a bunch of idiots aren't talking about us. Great. Let's keep it that way, all the way to the Super Bowl.

[Theyhateme : )]

Why do you guys care so much? So a bunch of idiots aren't talking about us. Great. Let's keep it that way, all the way to the Super Bowl.

It's more than that, because if we were losing....WE'D BE THE TOPIC OF ALL DISCUSSION...

Not angry at you...just the fact that we should be recognized just like any other team that has an 8-2 record at this point.

[Finally]

I understand "why you care" but I am just sick and tired of hearing a bunch whining and complaining. Do I want people to respect and fear the Falcons, yes. Complaining will not never, nor will it ever change whether they get it or not. It's time for this team to take respect on the field.

This. It is nothing new. I don't like that we don't get some attention because it hurts the franchise and the people who count on the Falcons being popular to see the games outside of Atlanta.

The thing is being 8-2 is not newsworthy on its own because there is no drama associated with it. We aren't the Bucs who have caught people by surprise this year. We aren't really surprising anyone who has paid attention.

ESPN is worthless. Watch the NFL network shows like playbook and around the league and you will see us get more coverage. If you want to see us on ESPN around the clock petition TD to fire Smitty because that would do the trick.

[Robb4242]

HEY AFMB Members...

Be thankful we are not all Browns or Bills fans... how would you like to be awful EVERY YEAR???

Go Falcons!!

Those of us who have been here a while have empathy for Browns & Bills fans. We've been where they are now, actually we've been in a worse spot. For most teams there are cycles, they are good for a while, then down for a while. The Bills & Browns are in a down cycle, but they will come out of it. But for the Falcons, our "up" cycles have been 1 season, followed immediately by down again. That, IMO, is why the Falcons don't seem to have unanimous media "love". Everybody expects the Falcons to fall on their faces and most don't want to be sticking their necks out for this team. There are a few exceptions here & there, but given our history, who can really blame the national media for not buying in yet? We should be a feel good story, but I suppose there is only room for a one of those on a team-wide scale (and it hasn't completely faded from nawlins yet). It's going to take us a little longer and more sustained winning to get the respect that people on here want, but you know what, it will make it that much more worth it when we do get it. Not like the fake respect the taints get because the NFL played such a major role in ensuring the taints finally were given a title. We are doing it the right way, and we should enjoy every minute of it on the journey.

[bigatlfan2]

The bottom line is, if we can beat Green Bay this week, they will be talking about us being the best or one of the best in the league. So I guess we'll see.

Then it doesn't get any easier as we have to go to Tampa and beat the Bucs. If we can pull that off, too, then we are truly deserving of #1 status!

RISE UP, FALCONS!!!

[Atl/0]

HEY AFMB Members...

Be thankful we are not all Browns or Bills fans... how would you like to be awful EVERY YEAR???

Go Falcons!!

The bills and browns have been at the top at one point unlike us. You can fly under the radar if you want to and we still will only have one national game a year!!!

[ATLfanintheROC]

well as a Falcon fan living in rochester ny, I h8 it, but if were winning I don't care. I can understand tho, as not every1 lives in the ATL and were forced to have the jets and boys stuffed down our throats.

[slamee101]

I've seen plenty of "no respect/coverage" threads.

I've seen plenty of "who cares" responses.

I haven't seen many "this is why I/we care" responses. So here's one.

It's because I am fanatical about this team. I can't get enough analysis, discussion, games, player interviews, tailgating, wins, etc. When I hit sports websites (during football season) I scan for Falcons articles first, then NFC/NFCSouth articles. I watch DVR'd games multiple times. I spend too much time on websites when I'm at work (see threadcount).

Yet I'm an employed, happy, responsible adult. So the "get a life" suggestion doesn't really apply to me. I'm just a FAN of the team. I can't get enough of the Falcons.

But I digress; as much as I praise our strengths, I acknowledge our weaknesses. Our offense is amongst the best in the NFL, but our pass D is suspect. Our special teams was colander-like but with Kroy on them, I see improvement.

I digress again; there's an argument for us NOT being the best team in the NFL, but there is an argument on the other side as well. That, to me, is discussion-worthy.

Our team should be talked about; no team has more wins. Subjective review aside, we are the #1 team in the NFC and tied for #1 in the NFL. Give us our due.

See I remember the 1998 season. It was Vikings Vikings Vikings Vikings, Broncos/Elway, Broncos/Elway, 49ers, 49ers, 49ers. It took a silly dance called the Dirty Bird to get us noticed. Nevermind that we were destroying teams like the Patriots and grinding out win after win, we were a novelty act. We were "flying under the radar."

Playing the 49ers at home in the playoffs, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for Steve Young press.

Playing Minnesota in the NFCCG, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for the highest scoring offense of all-time.

Playing in the Super Bowl, we were "flying under the radar" to make room for Elway repeat/Hall of Fame discussion with a side of Shannahan/Reeves drama.

Look further back: 1980. We lose to Dallas in a heartbreaking NFCCG and miss Atlanta's (I'm talking the whole city) first trip to a championship game in any sport. "Loserville, USA" article is printed by SI.

Even further back. 1978: Arguably the best defense EVER. We didn't make the playoffs that year, despite allowing the fewest points ever by a defense. Think the Ravens D of 2000, Steelers of the 70's, purple people eaters, or the 85 Bears go unnoticed? Nah.

When is "flying under the radar" enough?

It's when we actually win; I've come to terms with that. And even when we do win, our market is low so it won't mean much. Actually, that's not true either. It's the teams the media chooses/deems worthy of discussion. Why do I say that? The Atlanta Braves are the third biggest television market in baseball. No, I am not lying. TBS + Only baseball team in the southeast for 30 years = big market. Now ask yourself: do they get the third most national games? Even during the playoff run? Absolutely not.

/Rant

I totally get that, and not living in the Atlanta market I always love to see us get more coverage from the national outlets. That said, I think that SOME posters get way too caught up when one of these national personalities picks us to lose or thinks another team is better. Especially when it's all gonna be settled on the field at some point.

Do I laugh at the naysayers of our team? All the time. I mean, I couldn't get over all the "The Giants are clearly the best team in the NFC" talk a couple of weeks ago b/c I just didn't see it. These guys are entitled to their opinions though...even if I disagree. I only get bothered with guys like Lombardi and the like that clearly have something against our squad.

[Finally]

The bottom line is, if we can beat Green Bay this week, they will be talking about us being the best or one of the best in the league. So I guess we'll see.

Then it doesn't get any easier as we have to go to Tampa and beat the Bucs. If we can pull that off, too, then we are truly deserving of #1 status!

RISE UP, FALCONS!!!

There is no such thing as a number 1 team. You would have to beat every other team in the league to earn that distinction. Even a SB winner has only proven they can win enough games on their schedule to go the distance. We only have to be the better of two teams when it counts.

[mcsupersport]

The bottom line is, if we can beat Green Bay this week, they will be talking about us being the best or one of the best in the league. So I guess we'll see.

Then it doesn't get any easier as we have to go to Tampa and beat the Bucs. If we can pull that off, too, then we are truly deserving of #1 status!

RISE UP, FALCONS!!!

Everyone said before the Baltimore game, if the Falcons win, it proves they are legit and deserve attention. When we beat Baltimore the story became..."Is Baltimore's defense still Elite?" Yep, that is right, Baltimore went from having a good defense to crap just because they lost to the Falcons. It is a bias against the Falcons, due to many reasons, but it is there and only winning the SB will have a chance of changing that. The fact we are on our way to our third consecutive winning season ever, and our team is stocked with young talent playing at a high level and coached well doesn't seem to make any impact on what the media thinks of our team.

Maybe one day this will change but don't hold your breath this year.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/baltimore-ravens/09000d5d81c11af5/Are-the-Ravens-still-an-elite-defense

[Robb4242]

The bottom line is, if we can beat Green Bay this week, they will be talking about us being the best or one of the best in the league. So I guess we'll see.

Then it doesn't get any easier as we have to go to Tampa and beat the Bucs. If we can pull that off, too, then we are truly deserving of #1 status!

RISE UP, FALCONS!!!

Green Bay was decimated by injuries and the Falcons took advantage of that. They are not a better team than Green Bay if Green Bay were at full strength. Kudos to Atlanta for taking advantage of the situation, but they are not the best team in the NFC.

Just giving you the ESPN, Sunday night explanation of our victory.

[Photofalcon]

I am convinced that if the falcons were to play the Agnes Scott College powder puff football team, Chris Collinsworth, Rod Woodson, and the rest of our detractors would pick Agnes Scott by 21 points.

[Goal Line D]

All of these threads about no attention from the media drive me crazier than the lack of media attention itself. Who cares? Earn respect, just win.

Bigtime c/s!

[DD: Objective Elite]

Why can't we just enjoy our team this season week by week. In case you have not been paying attention, it's been a Very exciting year. We don't need the talking heads to reaffirm what we already know, the Atlanta Falcons are a **** fine football team.

[Arkansas Falcon]

Doesn't really matter, we're not really a flashy team and people aren't too interested in us. New York Jets are in New York so they're going to get attention and Patriots are proven winners so they're going to get attention. Let's just keep winning and eventually they won't have a choice but to talk about the Falcons.

I totally agree. 100%.