I know there is a lot of disagreement over taking Ryan, but the “face of the franchise” deal is what it is all about. During yesterday’s press conference, A. Blank pretty much begged fans to come back to the Georgia Dome.
“Last year created some unique opportunities for us, and I just want to remind you as we face this season that we’ve cut prices on about 30,000 seats this year and the rest of the seats were held. We have season tickets starting at $250, and if this sounds like an appeal, it is an appeal.” [Source AP]
While the Vick mess upsets some fans, it creates opportunities for others such as myself who are now able to grab some seats. I figure that I will get them while they are cheap (and while the Falcons suck), and when they get better, there will be some quality football on the field. Others will be begging for seats, but the waiting list will be a mile long. Everyone loves a winner. Or Vick. It’s a divided city. On to Mel’s grade …
“Atlanta Falcons: GRADE: B
I thought they would take DT Glenn Dorsey, but the Falcons needed a face for the franchise, and had to take QB Matt Ryan. He should be a great starting point; a new era of Falcons football begins. USC OT Sam Baker wasn’t healthy in 2007, he struggled in Senior Bowl practices and he has short arms for a left tackle. I like Baker, but I thought it was a bit of a reach moving up to get him. Linebacker Curtis Lofton is a decent second-round pick, but I really like what Atlanta did in the third round, taking WR Harry Douglas, CB Chevis Jackson and safety Thomas DeCoud. Kroy Biermann is a good pass-rusher. Wilrey Fontenot played opposite Antoine Cason at Arizona, although he’ll be more of a dime back. RB Thomas Brown is not real big, and he’s going to be battling Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood for playing time in the backfield.”
I agree with on the three third round picks – DeCoud, Douglas, and Jackson will contribute this year. I read that Ryan and Baker share the same agent. The Falcons should do what it takes to get both players signed by their May 10 mini-camp.
It will be interesting to see which rookie free agents the Falcons can land. Hopefully they can find a hidden gem or two.
So attendance is a problem down there?
Was that just because of the Vick situation or has it been that way for several seasons?
I guess the Braves didn’t draw as well as they deserved to.
Isn’t the city’s population growing from the migration from northern states?
wco81 – sorry, missed your comment. Yes, attendance is a huge problem. The rise and fall of Vick. The waiting list for Falcons games was a mile long, but with Vick gone, coupled with last season’s terrible year, there are plenty of season tickets to be had. A. Blank is practically begging fans to buy tickets.
The “problem” with Atlanta is two-fold. First, most folks in Atlanta are not from Atlanta, resulting is a smaller fan base that is disproportionate to the size of the city. Second, fans here love a winner. For the most part, when the teams are winning they are well supported. Braves final playoff runs were an exception – it came to be expected, and everyone knew they would not go far.
Two other problems with Atlanta. There is a huge college fan base – college football is king. You have Tech (yuck) downtown, and UGA a few mins away. Second, traffic downtown sucks.
I could write all day. Lucky for me, I live about 90 mins from downtown. Close enough to go to games, but far enough away to no longer have to live in the mess.
I could not be happier that I have 4 season tickets for $250/each. Great deal for 10 games (2 preseason and 8 regular season). Yes, they are bleeder seats, but that is besides the point. If better season are still available, I may go ahead and move up. The Falcons will get better, and I want to be along for the ride.