Silencing the Critics
This is one of the happiest days of my life. Not only for myself, but also for the Falcons owner, the head coach, my teammates, and the city of Atlanta, we needed this win so bad. I've had a lot of nervous energy leading up to today, knowing how much rides on this. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. We spent the pre-season talking about how we were a new team, new head coach, new quarterback, new outlook. But we didn't just want to talk the talk; we knew we had to walk the walk. I wanted more than anything to silence all the critics that didn't believe in us. The Lions are a great team, but if you can't beat them at home, there isn't much hope for the rest of the season. Prior to the game, all the naysayers kept throwing out the Lions' preseason stats, talking about how Matt Ryan was too young and inexperienced, and just giving any reason they could for why we couldn't beat Detroit. With so many non-believers out there, the importance of this game couldn't have been stressed enough. To not only win, but to really go out there and put on a show, meant so much to all of us. For me personally, it was amazing to actually be in the game this year, since last year I was on the bench cheerleading. For our first touchdown of the 2008 season, I made a key block and looked on like a proud father as Matt Ryan got his first NFL touchdown pass. That feeling made it all worth it. I couldn't be more happy that my family came out to support me today. We just got back from our post-game team dinner, where my parents had a chance to meet my coaches, who spoke very highly of me. I don't know if they were just being nice and saying the things you're supposed to say when you meet someone's family, but it meant a lot to me to hear them say how happy they were to have me on the team. I can't even explain how important it is to me that I made a difference in this game. After the game, I was joking around with Michael Turner and telling him that if he goes to the Pro Bowl, he's flying us all out there with him. Then I thought, "Actually, if he's going, then I'm going." My goal this year is to get Mike 1,000 rushing yards, and I expect for you all to see both of us in Hawaii in February. Now it's time to go celebrate with all of my friends and family. Tonight's going to be a great night, but then it's back to work, so we can put on another show in Tampa.
Flight9 said September 08, 2008
Pinkpanthrrr said September 08, 2008
Pinkpanthrrr replied September 11, 2008
norcross77 said September 08, 2008
FIVERINGS said September 08, 2008
BrockSamson said September 08, 2008
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taskeinc said September 08, 2008
Dewey replied September 10, 2008
eagles4ever05 replied September 11, 2008
AlanaG said September 08, 2008
webkid30 said September 08, 2008
wjbrown3 said September 08, 2008
BlueWorkhorse said September 08, 2008
Going on the road to Tampa Bay will be a tough challenge next week, but if you guys can perform like you did yesterday, I've no doubt we'll win (especially if they are without Garcia and Brooks).
lewii5 said September 08, 2008
GSWgirl said September 08, 2008
Resa01 said September 08, 2008
webkid30 replied September 09, 2008
Dewey said September 08, 2008
britneyrose said September 09, 2008
It was a good game.
Great job!
kgoon1590 said September 09, 2008
But if you all ever come back to B-More, it's on, man.
eagles4ever05 said September 09, 2008
DaHibachi said September 09, 2008
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pelechati said September 10, 2008
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KillaBMF said September 12, 2008