The more I think about it, the more I feel like this team is a sinking ship

[TeamPlayer1]

Rats always leave a sinking ship. As for me, I'm still on board.

[Falconsfan567]

3 hours ago, E. T. said:

A lot of you guys just don't see the magic of the NFL. Just as quickly as any team goes on a decline, any team can bounce back the following season....That's whats so great about the business side of the NFL. Free agency, the draft, salary caps give any team the ability to be a contender again. Just have to make sound decisions. 

We are going into our 2nd year with a new coaching staff that I believe will build this team better than any Mike Smith coaching staff would have. I believe the HC and GM connection is way better than ever before...and honestly I believe TD's philosophy and ways have changed due to the arrival of DQ. Yes the offense took a dump the second half of last season, but I saw some major improvements on defense...Defense kept us in many games.

The jury is still out on DQ and friends, but I truly believe we are heading in the right direction.

Exactly. There are plenty of examples of teams going from nothing to Super Bowl champs in just 1 year.

• 1981 49ers went to Super Bowl champs from 6-10 the previous year.
• 1982 Redskins went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 1999 Rams went to Super Bowl champs from 4-12 the previous year.
• 2000 Ravens went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 2001 Patriots went to Super Bowl champs from 5-11 the previous year.
• 2007 Giants went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 2009 Saints went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.

[Leggggggo]

1 minute ago, Falconsfan567 said:

Exactly. There are plenty of examples of teams going from nothing to Super Bowl champs in just 1 year.

• 1981 49ers went to Super Bowl champs from 6-10 the previous year.
• 1982 Redskins went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 1999 Rams went to Super Bowl champs from 4-12 the previous year.
• 2000 Ravens went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 2001 Patriots went to Super Bowl champs from 5-11 the previous year.
• 2007 Giants went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.
• 2009 Saints went to Super Bowl champs from 8-8 the previous year.

Blasphemy! That's just the NFL playing supreme ruler and spreading the winning around to every team cause the league is rigged!

[mountain_jim3]

I feel the defense is heading in right direction. I am real concerned the offense may be going to crap, because I have no faith in the decision making ability, honor, and experience of the OC. I am also concerned that Quinn may be too hand's off of the OC decision making until it's too late.

[Falconsfan567]

2 hours ago, DoYouSeeWhatHappensLarry said:

Maybe its because I've been fortunate enough to cheer for teams that have won championships in other sports. But having experienced that, its really not that great. But maybe it would be if you were the type of fan who **** talks fans of other teams and talks about how players for other teams suck just because they arent on your team. 

Like you said here, I am a fan of the SPORT. I also love the Falcons. But when the Falcons are on a bye week, I still watch 3 games 5 games a week, if not more. 

Exactly. I had this same discussion immediately following the loss to the Saints.

[Artys Arryn]

While I'm not a regular poster around here, I think I personally fall somewhere in between Larry and bdog. I've never been the type to think a season was a complete failure if we don't win a Super Bowl; IMO 2012 was a fantastic season regardless of the fact that we lost the NFCCG. However, I am heavily invested in this team emotionally. When we lose, it hurts, and when we win I get a rush. When I found out Roddy had been cut, it literally made me feel sick. I understand the frustration of wanting a Lombardi and not getting it. However, I still stay optimistic. As soon as a season finishes, I begin watching tape of draft prospects to find who I think could most help my team. By the beginning of each season, I'm super hyped. Not just because we have another chance at a Super Bowl but because I'm going to get to watch a new Falcons team.

What I'm trying to say, is that as a fan I have highs and lows. Some losses leave me devastated, some wins leave me on cloud nine. But at the end of the day, I enjoy being a Falcons fan. I have fun watching them play. And I couldn't imagine constantly being upset due my fandom. If being a Falcons fan brought me as much unhappiness as it appears to do to some posters here, I have no idea what I would do.

[Moist Words]

I can't say I agree with you but I can say your timing is impeccable as you made this thread before the other news today broke.

[Brewcrew]

6 hours ago, Leggggggo said:

I

Unless you're a masochist, then by all means continue...

I think all of us who have been here more than a few years have to be at least in some part a masochist.

[JD dirtybird21]

My response to the OP is this, you'll get nowhere in life with having nothing but pure negativity in your approach to situations. And do not call yourself a realist or objective, your entire post was simply looking at the Falcons in only a negative way. If you want to analyze a situation, you need to point out all aspects and variables. Instead, you just mentioned how crappy everything is. Look at your approach to Trufant, dude led the league in targets allowed in his direction. You claimed he got exposed in one game thus claiming him to be an overrated player. EVERY corner gives up passes. Josh Norman was widely considered the best corner in the league this year, Beckham owned him in the game against the Giants. Was he exposed because of this? There is no such thing as perfection bro

Edited March 5, 2016 by JD dirtybird21

[B_Lo_Touchdowns]

For the most part you're correct, there's a few more things you'll see come to pass but your eyes are open. Welcome To Enlightenment 

[falconidae]

Sinking ship? Got to give Quinn at least another season to put his system in place. Get a solid center and a  solid LB or DL in FA, get a front 7 playmaker on D first pick and this team looks much better next year.

[Falconsfan567]

29 minutes ago, falconidae said:

Sinking ship? Got to give Quinn at least another season to put his system in place. Get a solid center and a  solid LB or DL in FA, get a front 7 playmaker on D first pick and this team looks much better next year.

You'll have to forgive the irrational for they know not what they do.

[Jesus]

The team might be sinking but none of our players are going down...

 

 

 

...on other guys.

[putnam6]

8 hours ago, Leggggggo said:

Pandora's box for my brain! So many things to reply to!

Honestly, I believe in today's world, it's all or nothing for most people... Which is why SO many seem unhappy.. Sports fandom being no different. Few people are content and enjoy the process, all they care about is the outcome. It's like the old adage, the ride is more enjoyable than the destination and you only realize that once you arrive.

I also think there is a "stigma" placed upon sports fandom, and unless you're  in 100%, you aren't a real fan. So for those that only enjoy the win, they feel a need to continue to be associated but do so in the Debbie Downer manner which is a reflection of their mood on the subject. To that I say Hog Wash! If you enjoy winning, then so be it, come around when we are winning. I'll gladly take a Happy Falcons fan by my side any day. Even if they are only there on fair weather days.

Good post..

It takes all kinds optimists pessimists realists idealists. Even though I escape to the boards virtually everyday for scraps of info news and discussions doesn't make me more of a fan than my 74 year old Mom who only watches the games during the season, and only knows a few players but will walk outside when there is a late game crucial moment because for those few hours she has become invested too,LOL. 

[bdog 29]

Wow this thread went off the rails. I really wanted to talk about the direction of this team but it seems the conversation's turned into a philosophical discussion on how important football (and other things you can't control) should be in your life. For the record, my life is fine. I'm a young dude with a great new job trying to make moves out here. The Falcons winning or losing doesn't affect me tremendously. I'm probably pissed for a day or two (not to the extent where it affects anyone around me) and I avoid Sportscenter like the plague (actually I do that regularly anyway). I'm way better than when I was a new fan and used to have my entire mood for the week affected by the Falcons. I'll never forget being mad for an entire week because Roddy White dropped the TD that would have broken the "no consecutive winning seasons streak" streak against the Bucs in 2005. Game went to double OT and we eventually lost. I think it was the infamous Jim Mora cell phone game too.

I'm just saying that right now with where this team is and what the FO has shown they can do over the past few years, I think we're trending downwards. I just wanted to see people's thoughts on this.

[etherdome]

16 hours ago, TeamPlayer1 said:

Rats always leave a sinking ship. As for me, I'm still on board.

This is not a sinking ship.  This is a ship with some holes in it.  A real captain assessing the situation and works the solution.  That is what Artie and his newly appointed president should do.  

[JD dirtybird21]

1 hour ago, bdog 29 said:

Wow this thread went off the rails. I really wanted to talk about the direction of this team but it seems the conversation's turned into a philosophical discussion on how important football (and other things you can't control) should be in your life. For the record, my life is fine. I'm a young dude with a great new job trying to make moves out here. The Falcons winning or losing doesn't affect me tremendously. I'm probably pissed for a day or two (not to the extent where it affects anyone around me) and I avoid Sportscenter like the plague (actually I do that regularly anyway). I'm way better than when I was a new fan and used to have my entire mood for the week affected by the Falcons. I'll never forget being mad for an entire week because Roddy White dropped the TD that would have broken the "no consecutive winning seasons streak" streak against the Bucs in 2005. Game went to double OT and we eventually lost. I think it was the infamous Jim Mora cell phone game too.

I'm just saying that right now with where this team is and what the FO has shown they can do over the past few years, I think we're trending downwards. I just wanted to see people's thoughts on this.

We went from 4-12, to 6-10, to 8-8. Baby steps 

[Spts1]

I NEVER liked the Quinn hire from the get go.  The REASON was his pick of Shanahan as offensive coordinator. I knew right then and there that the Falcons were gonna be looking for a new head coach after the mandatory 3 year window Quinn will get.  All these latest moves with personnel and the coaching staff is just icing on the cake. Some guys are just meant to be coordinators, like the Josh McDaniels up in New England. I feel Quinn is the same.

[Flying Falcon]

3 hours ago, slickgadawg said:

I NEVER liked the Quinn hire from the get go.  The REASON was his pick of Shanahan as offensive coordinator. I knew right then and there that the Falcons were gonna be looking for a new head coach after the mandatory 3 year window Quinn will get.  All these latest moves with personnel and the coaching staff is just icing on the cake. Some guys are just meant to be coordinators, like the Josh McDaniels up in New England. I feel Quinn is the same.

I respect that.

[Falconsfan567]

5 hours ago, bdog 29 said:

Wow this thread went off the rails. I really wanted to talk about the direction of this team but it seems the conversation's turned into a philosophical discussion on how important football (and other things you can't control) should be in your life. For the record, my life is fine. I'm a young dude with a great new job trying to make moves out here. The Falcons winning or losing doesn't affect me tremendously. I'm probably pissed for a day or two (not to the extent where it affects anyone around me) and I avoid Sportscenter like the plague (actually I do that regularly anyway). I'm way better than when I was a new fan and used to have my entire mood for the week affected by the Falcons. I'll never forget being mad for an entire week because Roddy White dropped the TD that would have broken the "no consecutive winning seasons streak" streak against the Bucs in 2005. Game went to double OT and we eventually lost. I think it was the infamous Jim Mora cell phone game too.

I'm just saying that right now with where this team is and what the FO has shown they can do over the past few years, I think we're trending downwards. I just wanted to see people's thoughts on this.

WOW!!! You had to go there! That game against the Bucs in 2005. If I remember right that game was played on a Saturday because the next day was Christmas. Falcons ended up losing 27-24. But yeah that big Roddy drop on a deep pass that would have won the game.

[Falconsfan567]

3 hours ago, slickgadawg said:

I NEVER liked the Quinn hire from the get go.  The REASON was his pick of Shanahan as offensive coordinator. I knew right then and there that the Falcons were gonna be looking for a new head coach after the mandatory 3 year window Quinn will get.  All these latest moves with personnel and the coaching staff is just icing on the cake. Some guys are just meant to be coordinators, like the Josh McDaniels up in New England. I feel Quinn is the same.

I still don't think Shanahan is that bad. Does he have flaws? Yep. You name me a coach that doesn't have flaws and I'll call you a lair. I think a lot of the Shanahan hate is completely unwarranted because Shanahan has no control over Matt Ryan throwing interceptions, the center not being able to snap, our running backs not being able to hang onto the ball, our receivers dropping passes, our team committing a boatload of dumb penalties. How that is all Shanahan's fault I guess I'll never understand.

[Spts1]

3 hours ago, Falconsfan567 said:

I still don't think Shanahan is that bad. Does he have flaws? Yep. You name me a coach that doesn't have flaws and I'll call you a lair. I think a lot of the Shanahan hate is completely unwarranted because Shanahan has no control over Matt Ryan throwing interceptions, the center not being able to snap, our running backs not being able to hang onto the ball, our receivers dropping passes, our team committing a boatload of dumb penalties. How that is all Shanahan's fault I guess I'll never understand.

Shanahan is JUST like his dad. They will not build around the talents they have, they force players into THEIR system. Thats on the coaches. They also are notorious for playing favorites with some players, and dog housing others. I honestly feel that Shanahan came into the Falcons not liking Roddy White for whatever reason. He proved that by bringing in " his receiver", Hankerson. 

Everything about the Shanahan's is slimy, front the blocking schemes they use ( its borderline blocking players in the back and cutback blocking), to everything else they do. Mike Shanahan got his start by backstabbing Dan Reeves waay back in Denver. They both just bad news. Deion Sanders said it best. Why you think Kyle keep bouncing from organization to organization? Yeah, Matt Ryan has turnover issues, but Shanahan ruined him just like he did RG3. It is what it is.

Edited March 5, 2016 by slickgadawg

[Dr Long Shot]

There have been very few signs of encouragement so far in the Dan Quinn / Shannahan era. Crossing my fingers next year they can turn it around. 

[Falconsfan567]

49 minutes ago, slickgadawg said:

Shanahan is JUST like his dad. They will not build around the talents they have, they force players into THEIR system. Thats on the coaches. They also are notorious for playing favorites with some players, and dog housing others. I honestly feel that Shanahan came into the Falcons not likely Roddy White for whatever reason. He proved that by bringing in " his receiver", Hankerson. 

Everything about the Shanahan's is slimy, front the blocking schemes they use ( its borderline blocking players in the back and cutback blocking), to everything else they do. Mike Shanahan got his start by backstabbing Dan Reeves waay back in Denver. They both just bad news. Deion Sanders said it best. Why you think Kyle keep bouncing from organization to organization? Yeah, Matt Ryan has turnover issues, but Shanahan ruined him just like he did RG3. It is what it is.

How did Mike Shanahan backstab Dan Reeves? Shanahan was Broncos OC from 84-87 before getting the Raiders head coaching gig in 1988. After being fired just 4 games into the 89 season who was it that gave Shanahan another coaching job? Reeves. Shanahan became the 49ers OC in 92, Reeves was still the Broncos HC in 92 and was fired after that year. Shanahan didn't get the Broncos HC gig until 95. So please do explain because I'm eager to hear about this.

If anyone backstabbed Dan Reeves in Denver it was John Elway. Elway and Reeves were like oil and water. It's a borderline miracle they lasted together as long as they did.

Kyle Shanahan did not ruin RGIII. RGIII had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history in 2012. What ruined RGIII was Mike playing him on a bum knee. Not Kyle.

[Gold4425]

I'm a big fan and only want the best for the Falcons, my home team. But sometimes when people make good concrete assessments, which is their opinions and they have the right some slam them? We are not a sinking ship but we are questionable. I'm okay with DQ but he has never been a H C in college or Pro's and I think in his desire to get the job he gave the O C to K S without really thinking it through. K S has a reputation of being blunt and non conforming. It was no way a person like Roddy who will speak his mind was going to play for K S. His Ol Coach, WR Coach, QB Coach all came with Shanny and this is why we may end up like the Browns and Redskins where KS came from. I just wish TD or DQ  would man up and have a long talk with K S. I'm not putting it all on Shanny but our defense improved and our offense has shipped out player after player since K S got here I actually feel if DQ would have made another O C hire we would be in the playoffs for years.