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08:07 AM ET 09.02 | For headline purposes alone, avian franchises should focus on the passing game. The hunch here is that we'll also see the Falcons letting it fly, figuratively and literally. ... About that first half in Pittsburgh: Matt Ryan threw 42 passes. In his first three seasons as a pro, Ryan threw that many passes in only eight for-real games. "Surprised you, huh?" said [Thomas Dimitroff], speaking before Thursday's concluding exhibition, referring to Ryan's workload against the Steelers. And the way Dimitroff said it made this correspondent think nobody should be so surprised next time. Let's face it: The Falcons didn't move up 21 spots -- a leap Dimitroff calls "unprecedented in the modern era of the draft" -- to draft Julio Jones so he could be a decoy.

Matt Ryan, Getty Images

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September 2, 2011 09:01 AM ET

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I like to give "avian franchises" the bird.

Debbie Does

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September 2, 2011 09:04 AM ET

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Let's see the Falcons improve on that playoff performance from last season before passing judgement.

Otis B. Driftwood

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September 2, 2011 09:26 AM ET

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QUOTE:

Originally posted by

uh oh

Wuh oh? Spill your coffee?

Debbie Does

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September 2, 2011 09:33 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:04 AM ET 09.02 by Otis B. Driftwood

Let's see the Falcons improve on that playoff performance from last season before passing judgement.

I think they are poised to. This is the "bird" team to beat in the NFC in my opinion.

I Must Break You

Harrisonburg , VA

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September 2, 2011 10:05 AM ET

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I think they will be a fine team.. 11-5... 12-4 at the most... definitely going to the playoffs... but sure hope they don't lay another egg in the playoffs like they did to GreenBay in their friggin house!

Lil Dur

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September 2, 2011 10:25 AM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:04 AM ET 09.02 by Otis B. Driftwood

Let's see the Falcons improve on that playoff performance from last season before passing judgement.

Right...Julio doesnt play CB last time I checked...the made moves on the wrong side of the ball

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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September 2, 2011 10:45 AM ET

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Is "let fly" another euphemism like "cut the cheese?"

Debbie Does

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September 2, 2011 11:39 AM ET

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Look out NFL, Falcons ready to let fly.

I just did! :)

COUNT DOOKU

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September 2, 2011 12:43 PM ET

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QUOTE(#9):

Originally posted 11:39 AM ET 09.02 by COUNT DOOKU

Look out NFL, Falcons ready to let fly. I just did! :)

Fortunately for those in the Northeast still coping with the damage from Hurricane Irene, your contribution to the atmosphere will likely fall on Buffalo.

Debbie Does

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September 2, 2011 02:06 PM ET

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Win an NFL playoff game and we'll chat. Until then,

zzzzzzz.

BeyondMax

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September 2, 2011 03:18 PM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 10:45 AM ET 09.02 by Debbie Does

Is "let fly" another euphemism like "cut the cheese?"

When I was looking to the sky
A little bird-turd fell in my eye
Now I'm a big boy, and I don't cry
But I'm some glad that cows don't fly

(its 4:20 here)