Selling hope: Bruised Falcons embark on NFL marketing 101

X's and O's that map strategy on the football field go only so far in the gameplan to revive the Atlanta Falcons. X's and O's that map strategy on the football field go only so far in the gameplan to revive the Atlanta Falcons. Billboards, radio ads and TV commercials are also keys to the playbook. RYAN THE HOPE? Next in line after Vick NFC QUESTIONS: Training camp previews The Falcons — stung by a disastrous 2007 that saw marquee quarterback Michael Vick exposed for criminal dogfighting, first-year coach Bobby Petrino bolt for a new job and a last-place finish in the NFC South — open camp Friday on the heels of a massive marketing blitz designed to restore the franchise's credibility as much as woo ticket-buyers. This is not an easy sell in a huge market that has dumbfounded experts by its inconsistent support for... [read full story]