FALCONS: 5 things we learned from the San Fran Beatdown
In the final seconds, the 49ers were already beatdown. The fans had retreated to the Candlestick parking lots. (D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER/AJC)
DOCK OF THE BAY – The Falcons left their home in Flowery Branch, Georgia, headed for the Frisco Bay on Friday.
They were just sitting on the dock of the bay, ready to make this place their home.
They got off to a 14-0 start, but when it looked like the 49ers were going to storm back, the offense threw down a 21-point barrage.
After losing to New England, the Falcons felt they had nothing to live for. It was looking like, with the running game sidetracked, that nothing was going to come their way.
But instead of just sitting on the dock of the bay at Candlestick Park, the Falcons dealt out a 45-10 whipping, unknowingly paying tribute to Macon native Otis Redding and his classic hit.
Here are five things we learned in that victory that pushed them to 3-1.
1. Roddy White is not a possession receiver!: After holding out for nine days in training camp, White came into the game averaging 7.9 yards a catch (15 catches for 119 yards). He caught eight passes for 210 yards, including touchdown catches for 31 and 90 yards. He’s now averaging 14.3 yards a catch, which is more in line with the 15.4 yards per catch he was averaging coming into this season and the 15.7 he averaged last season, when he made his first Pro Bowl trip.
2. Michael Turner can still break the big run: The Burn Unit (the offensive line) helped to spring the Burner for a big 33-yard gainer. He didn’t eclipse the 100-yard mark for the second time this season, but he did average a hearty 4.4 yards a carry. He finished with 97 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. The burst appeared to back.
3. Matt Ryan can beat you throwing the ball: Ice, Ice baby. Ryan threw for a career high 329 yards and continued his torrid completion rate. He connected on 22 of 32 passes. Teams have stacked the box, daring Ryan to beat them. He’s 3-1 against that strategy. He’s 1-0 in blowouts when he has a solid rushing attack to support him.
4. Shaun Hill is not invincible: The 49ers quarterback was 7-0 at home. He’s now 7-1. The 49ers can’t win with him throwing the ball 38 times. The Falcons also had three sacks from Kroy Biermann, John Abraham and Thomas Johnson.
5. Jamaal Anderson might be a defensive tackle: He started the game at defensive tackle with Biermann playing left defensive end. Anderson had two assisted tackles and two quarterback hurries.
BONUS THING WE LEARNED:
6. “Doctor” Dre Bly is not Deion Sanders. He’s not even Dr. Dre the Rap star and producer. His name is probably Andrew (Looked it up, it’s Donald Andre): This has to be the bone-headed play of the year. Bly put his hand on his helmet and was about to go into high-stepping mode when White tackled and stripped him. Center Todd McClure recovered the fumble to keep the Falcons’ drive alive that ended in a field goal and a 38-10 lead. He also had a stupid facemask penalty earlier. Now, I know why Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff kept deflecting questions about signing Bly over the offseason. They Falcons needed cornerback help. But not this kind of help. TD kept saying something about the locker room, but he really must have meant “I’m not signing a ‘me first’ player.’ ” Mind you, the 49ers were down 35-10 when Bly decided that hand-to-the-helmet and high-stepping was in order.
(WITH MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO BRAVES
BEAT WRITER DAVE O’BRIEN, LYRICS ARE IN
ORDER HERE)
SITTING ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY
My man Otis Redding. This is my favorite Karoke song, too.
Written by: Otis Redding & Steve Cropper
Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun,
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ come.
Watching the ships roll in,
Then I’ll watch ‘em roll away again.
Yeah, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay,
Watching the tide roll away.
Ooh, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the day,
Wastin’ time.
I left my home in Georgia,
Headed for the Frisco bay.
I have nothing to live for,
Look like nothin’s gonna come my way.
So I’m just gonna sit on the dock of the bay,
Watching the tide roll away.
Ooh, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the day,
Wastin’ time.
Look like nothing’s gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can’t do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I’ll remain the same.
Just sittin’ here resting my bones,
And this loneliness won’t leave me alone.
Two thousand miles I roam,
Just to make this dock my home.
Now I’m just gonna sit at the dock of the bay,
Watchin’ the tide roll away.
Ooh, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay,
Wastin’ time.
Next Up: Da Bears! New quarterback Jay Cutler has them off to a 3-1 start. They are coming off a bye week and will be ticked. They had the Falcons beat last season before Matt Ryan’s heroics in the final 12 seconds. Also, teams coming off the bye week have won 59.9 percent of the games (57-38-1) over the last three seasons, according to Elias Sports Bureau (Give Jeff Schultz some love for digging out this stat!). This is the first of four games the Falcons will have facing a fresh team coming off a bye week. Dallas, Washington and the New York Giants will also have byes before facing the Falcons.
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183 comments Add your comment
zino
October 12th, 2009
6:39 am
All Hail the Birds!
Ernest
October 12th, 2009
6:46 am
This game reminded me of they way SF did this to us during their golden years. We looked solid in all areas of the game. It was especially good seeing that the defense did not want to give up a meaningless touchdown at the end of the game. Seeing them blitz on every down proved that.
Jamal Anderson looked pretty good and seemed to get a good push up the middle. True this is one game but maybe DOL has a point.
BlackTalon
October 12th, 2009
6:50 am
That was a great song and a very good win.
Ken
October 12th, 2009
7:12 am
This one was great fun-49ER’s way overrated and so are da Bears-Go Falcons
oldbird
October 12th, 2009
7:28 am
Great way to come out following a too early bye week. Nice to see Norwood back. I swear I thought I saw Jamal Anderson with his hands on Hill several times, only to see him slip away or toss the ball away (or was it the beer?)
Jay Cutler ain’t no Shawn Hill…defense / offense will need another solid performance to grab a win from Da Bears…
BravesFan79
October 12th, 2009
7:28 am
Funny how just last week on “Mike and Mike” they labeled the Falcons and 49ers as “maybe teams”… but not on the level of the Giants, Vikings, Philly etc… So now that we STOMPED the other “maybe” team… will we get the credit we deserve!??
And how terrible were those Fox announcers? And Dre Bly just lost any respect i ever had for him as a athlete!
Alan
October 12th, 2009
7:29 am
This game and the teams performance as a unit and some outstanding individual play showed just what this team is made of. A TEAM!!!
Alan
October 12th, 2009
7:30 am
GO FALCONS-GO SOUTHERN RUSH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oldbird
October 12th, 2009
7:36 am
One other thing. Moose and Kenny Albert…what’s up with those a-hole apologists? They spent the whole damn game talking about “what was wrong with the niners”, how the niner’s defense was “off”, how the niner’s would be controlling the game with Gore, etc.
I mean..how about simply stating that the birds were the far superior team and gave the niners an ass whuppin right on their home turf? I wanted to toss the romote through the screen. Only Tony G had the cajones to tell people that the niners had played a weak schedule and maybe weren’t the magical team everyone thought they were!
oldbird
October 12th, 2009
7:37 am
err….Goose
LJ
October 12th, 2009
7:56 am
I can’t wait to hear from the dude who keeps referring to Ryan as “Noolde Arm”
I got your noodle, buddy!
Steve
October 12th, 2009
8:00 am
Could someone PLEASE shut up that fat guy in the end zone??? Tony Serogusa (probably mis spelled) is a jerk who knows very little about footbal and even less about analysis of a game. He should be relegated to AFC games!
SirReal
October 12th, 2009
8:10 am
I really believe that game was one of the better ines we’ve had so far. We have to win against less superior talent. I think the Bear’s D is not as high caliber as it was. So what if they are coming off a bye. Screw the stats. Here’s a stat for ya: SF had a top 10 D before yesterday…..check the stats now. Numbers mean nothing, only winning….and thats exactly what I expect us to do again Sunday! Good job Birds, let’s make it 2 in a row!
Bubba
October 12th, 2009
8:12 am
Sure was nice for this old-timer to see a lop-sided score in Candlestick tilt in The Birds favor for a change. Still can’t decide if the Falcons looked that good or the 49ers looked that bad. Doesn’t really matter, does it? The Birds did what winning teams do. Does the 43 yr. streak end? Finally?
t larry
October 12th, 2009
8:14 am
Great game,Go birds. Bring back FALCONS SORRY, I miss his racist comments.
Bring on Da Bears!!!!!!!!
Matt
October 12th, 2009
8:15 am
Vick Supporter????Noodle Arm???????Falcons Sorry?????? Oh, man come on guys we’re worried about you. Let us know that your still OK! (Gutless punks)How did Flacco and that vaunted Ravens OFFense do yesterday?? Why they managed to produce ONE touchdown and Flabby Arm had less than 200 years total passing. Ohhhhhh, the humanity.
All I'm Saying Is...
October 12th, 2009
8:16 am
Great win by the Falcons as they had opportunities, took advantage of their opportunities by scoring touchdowns, and put the 49ers away by displaying a killer instinct and stepping on their throats when they had the chance by not only going up 28 to 10 thanks to the fumble recovery on the kick-off more importantly marching down the field for another 7 points and taking the score to 35-10 when they got the ball back with almost 5 minutes left in the half. That score broke the 49ers will.
Now, we should also recognize that the 49ers were without their star running back and their offense relies on the run to set up the pass. So we did not see their true offense. Still, its a major step forward when a team comes out and beats another one when their down.
We need to stay focused because the Bears will be coming of a bye and will want revenge from last season’s victory by Falcons snatched from the jaws of defeat.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
BamaBirDawg
October 12th, 2009
8:20 am
Yeah, those Fax Sports booth apes really irked my butt. They spent the first quarter hooting up the 49ers D and all of the second half denying that they had even mentioned it.
Saragoosa really blows. He needs to be working hockey games in Canada.
Dandy D
October 12th, 2009
8:20 am
Steve, Siragusa used to play pro football with the Ravens. He’s forgotten more football than you or I will ever know. This was a statement game. The Falcons are squarely in the hunt. They outplayed SF in every aspect. Hope the momentum continues at home vs. Da Bears!
War Jacket
October 12th, 2009
8:21 am
Gotta love this. After all those lean years when we were in the West, going out to SF and getting shellacked. I know times are different know, but regardless, this was a little sweet revenge.
Way to go Birds.
WHAT UP!!!
October 12th, 2009
8:29 am
No Gore was not playing but our offense still put 45 points on the board against their defense. Even if Gore played still would have been a Falcon win.
O’noodle arm was near perfect today. Good win!!!
Lesa
October 12th, 2009
8:31 am
Beatdown is the word for yesterday’s game. I had a feeling the Falcons would play with intensity yesterday, but they surpassed my expectations. Yesterday’s game was the first one this season where I felt like I was watching the exciting team from last year. The big play was back, the running game was back — the Falcons are back!! Can’t wait till next Sunday. Go Falcons!!!
mooret05
October 12th, 2009
8:44 am
Someone said it right…the analysts spent the whole damn game talking about the 49ers…what they have done right, what they were doing wrong, what they needed to do. Nothing much at all about how good the Falcons looked or how good they were prepared or how they were just kicking the s*#t out of the 49ers! I guess it’s gonna take a Superbowl win for the Falcons to ever get any love in the world of the NFL. That being said, i do think maybe they need to put Norwood or someone more explosive back there on kickoffs. I’m sorry, but Weems is just not a KR or PR. WE need to get better field position on kick returns because we will definitely need it down the stretch against those tougher opponents coming up! GREAT GAME!
msfolly
October 12th, 2009
8:50 am
The Fox coverage was incredibly pro 49ers for well over the first half.
The Falcons were not getting it right – the 49ers were getting it wrong, according to Loose and Goose?
(Terrible nicknames)
It was great to see the team shut them up – although for those cement heads – it took 3 quarters.
The cameras also spent an incredible amount of time on the mug of M Singeltary and his halpless team on the sideline.
Shouldn’t they at least pretend to be impartial?
Rdhdkid
October 12th, 2009
9:04 am
Will wonders never cease! Grimes actually hit somebody. I supect that Niner dodged into him and he couldn’t help it.
Whatever, he still needs to go. He is mostly as useless as teats on a boar hog.
mooret05
October 12th, 2009
9:09 am
Another thing…it will be key down the stretch that Turner gets more carries. He needs at least 25 to 30 carries a game. That will give him the opportunity to break a couple big runs during a game. Norwood is a good change of pace but they have got to get him the ball more somehow..(ie screens). Why do we not run any screens? You get some blockers out in front of Norwood or Turner and they will be gone. That will also help slow down other teams pass rushes and it will help the run game.
Dan
October 12th, 2009
9:24 am
Do I hear a baby crying, ‘All I’m saying”…. ? Injuries are part of the game. We lost Jerious Norwood for a while and he gives us break away speed in the backfield. What did the Falcons do? They made adjustments. They used a rotation of many backs and got the job done. Singletary lost control of his players and the game by acting like a kid who got punched on the playground. I’m so glad the Falcons didn’t get him.
Fan since '66
October 12th, 2009
9:32 am
What a game! The Birds played like they expect to beat any team on any day! Complete effort! Especially proud of the two times the 49′ers were tackled from behind after the interception and the long pass. We never gave in. Probably the best overall team the Falcons have had since 66. No showboating after great plays, well…except for the one attempt by Roddy to imitate Carl Edwards! If they do celebrate, they do it as a team! No one ever mentions that. Gotta be Mike Smith’s influence. What a class guy! The booth pukes were nauseating. I thought “Goose” was gonna cry at one point. He just couldn’t understand how the great 49′ers were getting pounded by this upstart team. Gotta love it! Is there someone we could write to at Fox to make them give us decent announcers?
Can’t wait till next Sunday!!!
midnite
October 12th, 2009
9:33 am
Great game on both sides of the ball. I will be in the house this coming Sunday. Singletary should just go on the motivational talk circuitfull time. He was too emotional, really showed his a$$, and lost his players early.
An Observation
October 12th, 2009
9:40 am
First off….it was great to see Norwood back on the field. All facets of the team (offense, defense, special teams) played great in the win against the 49ers.
The “REAL” Falcons’ fans need to show up this coming Sunday night and ROCK THE DOME!!!!! It should be sooooo loud in there that I’ll need to take ear plugs. GO FALCONS!!!!
Larry S.
October 12th, 2009
9:45 am
The ” beer man” (Kroy) has arrived in Atlanta. Did anyone notice that the FOX announcers repeatedely referred to Kroy Beirman as the “Beer Man” during 49ers game ? I feel sorry for the Miller Lite Beer Man having to take a back seat to the Atlanta Falcon’s new Beer Man .
Falconsforlife
October 12th, 2009
9:53 am
I love the people who are saying “Oh they didn’t have Gore” It’s fine keep making excuses for every time we win. The real fans know that this team is f’in stacked, and the team believes in themselves, their QB, and their coach. Last I checked Gore didn’t play D, and our O absolutely destroyed that vaunted D.
What is the excuse going to be next week?
Gritz Blitz
October 12th, 2009
9:56 am
Turning the tables is sweet. Putting 45 on SF on their own field, is a little payback for all those embarrassing divinsional losses we had to them at the hands of Montana, Rice and Steve Young. Go Falcons!
bluto
October 12th, 2009
9:57 am
“dock of the bay” metaphors. dude, you’re the primary beat writer for a large metro daily. act like it and spare os the corny “i work for a weekly and thought this was clever” writing. most of us here are adults who could use some adult commentary on the events that transpired. a little more maturity — here and in much of your typical “light” jargon — would be refreshing.
LRD
October 12th, 2009
9:57 am
One thing noticeable in this game, the overall non stop hustle… everyone will highlight White stripping Bly, or Jenkins running cover for Whites long TD run.. but did you all notice Dahl, Clabo down field blocking after pass receptions.. and on the DE side,so many team tackles and Jamaal may have found his new home( Maybe..fingers crossed).
I think the team that showed up Sunday was the team we were expecting all year.,..
Submariner683
October 12th, 2009
10:08 am
That was about as satisfying a victory for me to watch as any in memory. It was satisfying because it seemed like every sports prognosticator and their mother picked the 49ers. The play-by-play commentators were even routing for the 49ers and with everything the Falcons did right, they would say, “what is wrong with San Fran?” I was actually yelling at the TV that maybe it’s because we aren’t Arizona, Seattle, or St. Louis!
It was also satisfying because I remember all those beatdowns Atlanta got from the 9ers back when the NFL was geography ignorant.
This week will be another test, but I’m hopeful that they will rise to the challenge. Many have posted that they “stole” a victory against Chicago last year. In my opinion, they simply took back a victory that they squandered. They got a kick-off return from Norwood to like the Bears’ 20-yard line, played it safe with 3 running plays, and Chicago called three time-outs, leaving around 2 minutes left on the clock. They were playing for the field goal, instead of the guaranteed victory of a first down. The Bears loaded literally all 11 in the box and the falcons ran three times for minus 1 yard. The Falcons went for the field goal and Elam misses the chip shot. If he makes it, Chicago has to score that TD and get the ball back with 12 seconds left or however long it took them score. If Atlanta gets one first down, they run out the clock by taking a knee. Atlanta made a great play at the end to make a long field goal to “steal” the victory, but it should never have come to that. As happy as I was with the victory against San Fran yesterday, I was equally frustrated and angry with that victory. The only time I can remember still being angry after a Falcons’ win.
I’m glad to see that others noticed how biased the Fox sports coverage was towards San Fran. I don’t like that Atlanta will have a disproportional amount of games coming up against teams coming off of bye weeks, but if Atlanta is going to have a winning season and make a playoff push, they have to beat all comers at all times.
IceFan
October 12th, 2009
10:28 am
What a great game! Falcons football is exciting, they look like a true team that plays for each other, and the sky is the limit. Strengths over-shadow weaknesses and overall they were hitting on all cylinders.
The offense was amazing. Enough said. But someone pointed it out earlier and for me the highlight of the game was the refusal to give up the garbage touchdown toward the end of the game. That says so much.
I put on my jersey every week and hope for huge offensive numbers and enough D to get the win. But the hustle and urgency of the Defense is what’s going to put this team over the top. Awesome win and can’t wait until Sunday night!
It’s also great when the Ryan haters have absolutely no material to work with. 110 passer rating vs a solid D and over 100 for the year by the way. We should be able to read these blogs this week without losing any IQ points for having read their mindless crap.
Ron
October 12th, 2009
10:33 am
Let’s pray they keep jamaal anderson at DT and the beer man at end.
MO Zack
October 12th, 2009
10:35 am
As an native Atlantan, I realize that the ATL sports franchises will never get the “respect” from certain announcers. Why should we care what the announcers think? Our team doesn’t. It only affects our team when the referee makes blatantly erroneous calls. Otherwise, great game for the Falcons. Way too many penalties. We need to keep those down. GO TURNER WHITE RYAN! TWRNG (Turner, White, Ryan, Norwood, Gonzalez) were defenses are laid to rest.
JoJo
October 12th, 2009
10:39 am
TBizzle, Daniel, bluto…Amen!! My sentiments exactly. I wrote about this weak beat writer last week only to have my response removed from this blog. I’m glad other true sports fans feel the same way. Last week he excused these errors because he had a “Mandatory” meeting and couldn’t edit this junk. Stay tuned for this week’s excuse and more 5th grade level analysis.
Jake
October 12th, 2009
10:43 am
Hats off to Matt, Roddy and Michael, but lets not overlook the continued great work of our franchise punter and kicker. He continues to give the Falcons great field position.
Al Smith
October 12th, 2009
10:47 am
Okay I’m back on the bandwagon now, that was really impressive.
WOW – Falcons Destroy Niners! | The Bird Cage
October 12th, 2009
10:48 am
[...] got their problems corrected on the bye week, and I think the final product speaks for itself. (Check out DOL’s new blog on the Niners win). A look at the [...]
Diehard ATL Fan
October 12th, 2009
10:50 am
SF GAME: It was an “A” performance but I’m concerned with some of Murlarkey’s playcalling. The recurring play where Norwood and Snelling go out wide for a WR screen has gained -8 yards and yesterday led to a turnover. Scrap that play or use it as a decoy. And I’m not hounding MM on one play. Not feeding Turner enough. Abandoning the run too early. Not enough RB screens. ALSO, we have to stop shooting ourselves in the foot on offensive penalties that create long drives.
CHI GAME: The Bears almost “stole” one from us last year. WE outplayed them from start to finish. Cutler scares me but losing Urlacher negates that gain. We simply have a better squad plus we’re at home. We should take care of our business. 4-1 and tied for 1st after Sunday.
Dr. Warren
October 12th, 2009
10:54 am
Lots of enthusiasm for the Birds in this article, but little enthusiasm for copy editing. Karoke? And that first sentence–what does it mean?
Michael White
October 12th, 2009
10:57 am
great game defense made a giant leap forward- i am on roddy white’s fan club- ryan is cool-go falcons
Mike
October 12th, 2009
11:08 am
I couldn’t get over how impressive Mike Singletary’s first timeout was, and niether could Darryl Johnston. Just a great, great, great time-out. Who cares if Roddy caught a 30 yard TD on the very next play or the 49ers couldn’t challenge the fumble because they had no TO’s left? That was a phenomenal time out, best one all season.
Al Smith
October 12th, 2009
11:10 am
Yeah the announcers were cheering SF on big time. You’d think we were watching the game on a SF network.
J Cole
October 12th, 2009
11:14 am
Hey “Captain Obvious”, tell us something we don’t know. We can read the stats on any website. How about some insight? You were at the game. Otis Redding was weak and reaching. Proof you work already. Every week.
Falconsforlife
October 12th, 2009
11:18 am
The Ryan to White TD after the timeout, after the announcers basically spent the next few minutes talking about how amazing he is and how amazing that timeout was, was a wonderful moment. Then Dre Bly show boating after the int, down 35-10, ON YOUR OWN 35 YARD LINE, was absolutely hilarious.
I am so pumped for Sunday night.
WE NEED ALL REAL FALCONS FANS IN THEIR SEATS FOR KICKOFF. YOU KNOW THERE ARE GOING TO BE A BUNCH OF OBNOXIOUS BEARS FANS FILLING THE DOME. LETS DROWN THEM OUT, BE LOUDER THAN WE EVER HAVE BEFORE. SUPPORT THIS AMAZING TEAM.
GO FALCONS! BEAT THE BEARS!
jd
October 12th, 2009
11:21 am
I do like how the camera men focused on the 49er cheerleaders just after the commercial breaks.
Man, they’ve got some fine cheerleaders!
lexluther
October 12th, 2009
11:31 am
The Falcons got after it from start to finish. Their execution in all phases of the game was terrific. The coaching staff did an excellent job perparing them during the bye week and it showed. I still think The Burner hits the holes to slow and I would love for them to use Norwood more as a running back. Also, Roddie White continues to prove that he’s one of the elite wide recievers in this league and Jenkins compliments him very well.
BTW, did it look like our recievers were way faster than their corners? Jenkins and White made them look as if they were in slow motion. And Did you hear what Deion Sanders said about Dre’ Bly? lololololol!!!
Let’s get after them Bears next sunday. Atlanta Falcons..birds of “PREY”!!!
Keepin it 100
October 12th, 2009
11:33 am
A WIN IS A WIN!! ION CARE HOW U LOOK @ IT….AS LONG AS WE GET THE WIN
Take Good With Bad
October 12th, 2009
11:36 am
I said it in the pre -season and I’m saying it now most of You are WAGON JUMPERS GET THE H–L OFF WHO CARES ABOUT THOSE 49ER CHEERLEADERS THAT WORKS FOR FOX THEY WAS TOO STUPID TO ANNALIZE THAT THE FALCONS IS ONE OF THE NFL TOP 5 TEAM.GET OOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFF GET THE H–L OFF.
Professor
October 12th, 2009
11:36 am
Jamaal Anderson looked great at DT. I hate to say it, but he might have a future with this team at that position. Bierman is ready to start, you can see it more and more each week. The guy is special. I wish Falcon fans wouldn’t turn their backs on the team with a loss and predict Super Bowl victories with a win. Just let them grow. We are building this team the old fashioned way and when we get to that elite status we will be there for a number of years, not just a flash in the pan like some of these other teams. We are getting better each week. Everyone said our defense will get better as the season goes on and you can kind of see that happening too. I am proud to be a Falcons fan right now!
JoJo
October 12th, 2009
11:37 am
Did anyone know that Harvey Dahl and Singletary had words during the game? http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291011025. DOL was at the game and didn’t report this anywhere in the blog. He must of been “sittin’ on the dock of the Bay…wasting time”. AJC, repost this position..please!
No silly name here
October 12th, 2009
11:38 am
We now have a professional football team….when can we get professional sportswriters…damn..this article was pathetic.
lexluther
October 12th, 2009
11:39 am
DOL, they ripping you a new a-hole with their comments about your work or lack of it. Keep the too little hat in the closet and get back to the bacis of reporting quality material.
Just a suggestion………..PEACE!!
lexluther
October 12th, 2009
11:45 am
Enter your comments here
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2009
11:55 am
I think the obviously slanted announcing wasn’t intended as a slap againt the Falcons. I think it was more a show of utmost respect for 49er HC Mike Singletary. As fellow players, they were embarrassed for him and disgusted at the way his team appeared to lay down on him. Everyone knows Singletary would never accept DBly’s showboating ignorance or a WR slowing down short of the endzone and allowing yourself to be caught at the 3yd line.
While none of that would have likely changed the gms outcome, it certainly would have made the outcome less embarrassing for them. Man, JAnderson really disrupted the inside pocket and got after the QB while playing DT. I see why the coaches are so high on BGrimes. WR’s don’t seem to be able to shake him, as he always seems to be on the WR’s hip. WR’s are able to use their superior size and height to beat him, but they haven’t been able to shake him like they do with our other CB’s. He always seems to be in position to challenge them for the ball.
We still have DL problems, but our superior LB play has made it less obvious. I’m starting to wonder if DT JBabinaux isn’t the culprit because most of the damage is being done to his side. The extensive play of JAnderson at DT yesterday might be another indication.
No silly name here
October 12th, 2009
12:06 pm
What has Mike Singletary done to warrant this type of sympathy from the announcers? As a player yes, but as a coach. The fact the Marv, DJ, and Tony were kissing the butt of Mike Singletary the entire game made one sick. His team was poorly coached and the management of time outs on the sideline was terrible. If he was such a great leader then this would not have happened. He lost control of his team or worse, never had control. The announcers were biased and saddened that the Falcons could run over this team.
No silly name here
October 12th, 2009
12:10 pm
Atlanta made one mistake in the game. When Norwood fumbled and Atlanta challenged the call. They challenged whether Norwood had made the catch, not whether the ball was recovered inbounds. The officials never reviewed the recovery, only the catch. It was a good catch but the player was out of bound before he took control of the game.
No silly name here
October 12th, 2009
12:11 pm
sorry, “before he controlled the ball.”
DownGoesFrazier
October 12th, 2009
12:16 pm
I guess that moron “REALITY CHECK” is licking himself right now. WHERE ARE YOU?
standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in section 340
October 12th, 2009
12:26 pm
domination. I love it. That why I drafted you on my fantasy team Turner and White. Good question, where are the trolls. big easy, vick supporter, truth, fellow losers. The team look great.
Matt Ryan is the Truth
In Dimitroff and Smith We trust
A biased season ticket holder
Go Falcons
monty
October 12th, 2009
12:29 pm
Great win , but in listening to the game some on the radio yesterday the Falcon announcers kept talking about Turner’s “lack of speed hitting the hole”. They even wondered outloud if he was “all right.” Any comments?
Topp Dogg
October 12th, 2009
12:34 pm
Harvey Dahl is what this team is about, mean nasty and down right mad,gotta love it.
willdave
October 12th, 2009
12:45 pm
I agree with you guys who remember those years when the Falcons would go out to the West Coast and embarrass themselves against the Rams, who were then in LA, and the 49ers. Remembering those sad times makes Sunday’s blowout just that much sweeter for us.
Way to go, Falcons. Just six more wins to achieve back-to-back winning seasons for the first time ever. Keep it up.
Vick Supporter
October 12th, 2009
12:47 pm
Great game by Matt Ryan. I give props when they’re due. He actually had some zip on his passes, i’m sure its from the bye week where he had a chance to “rest” his arm.
BigSherm7
October 12th, 2009
12:51 pm
I’ll believe that the Birds are playoff hardened when they beat the Saints in N’all lins . . . on MNF . . . now, about my Bills . . .
BigSherm7
October 12th, 2009
12:52 pm
BTW . . . has anybody here seen my old friend Michael Vick??? Can you tell me where he’s gone? . . .
Tech alum
October 12th, 2009
1:20 pm
I agree Topp Dog- guys like Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo are fun to watch. They’re nasty and have contributed to the Falcons turanround as much as guys like Ryan and Turner. Its nice to see the heart and passion they play with every week.
David Smith
October 12th, 2009
1:37 pm
We needed someone to take all of our frustrations on after losing to New England. This was the most complete team effort to date but, we can’t get to high with the Bears coming to the dome this Sunday night. I wasn’t really surprised with the biased commentary because Alberts is a terrible imitation of his father and Johnston and Siragusa are homers of their old teams (whom they make endless references to each other as well as Siragusa’s weight). I hope to see this same type of effort against the Bears this Sunday night!!
tanker
October 12th, 2009
1:41 pm
what if Mike Singletary was Atlanta’s head coach now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom K
October 12th, 2009
1:52 pm
I am SOOOOO glad that I’ll be at the game on Sunday night so that I won’t have to listen to the weasel Collinsworth provide color commentary in the NBC booth.
Daniel
October 12th, 2009
1:55 pm
Jamaal Anderson- what? who? how? He had a SACK!!! He was around the ball. I don’t drink or do drugs, but I must have been high!
Can we expect more from him like this?
I hope so.
Sheree Whitfield
October 12th, 2009
1:55 pm
If I ever see Dre Bly, I’m gonna axe him why he was hotdogging. I’m serious. I will totally aks him that.
EW
October 12th, 2009
2:03 pm
Dre Bly embarassed his team and himself. That was one of the most absurd shows of pure selfishness and stupidity I have seen in a long time. At least Leon Lett sniffed the endzone before celebrating and getting stripped. This idiot was 80 yds from the endzone. I can only wish I was a fly on the wall when he had to answer to Singletary about that one.
DownGoesFrazier
October 12th, 2009
2:12 pm
I envy you Tom K. I can’t stand Collinsworth either.
EW
October 12th, 2009
2:13 pm
And for the love, DOL , we get it..you’re making an Otis Redding reference. We got it when you opened with “Dock of the Bay” in bold rather than the normal “Enter City Here” leading into the article. You used “dock of the bay” three times in the first paragraph and also managed to squeeze in a “Frisco Bay” there too. You either don’t know the art of understating or you are insulting your readers’ ability to read between the lines. Either way stop beating the horse…he’s dead.
Ryno
October 12th, 2009
2:19 pm
Time to come after Jay Cutler. J-Cut, the Birds are coming for you!
DownGoesFrazier
October 12th, 2009
2:25 pm
Totally off topic: Rate the networks NFL programs:
1) Fox. Their pregame shows are always a hoot because those guys are naturally funny.
2) ESPN. Not as much fun as they used to be, but informative.
3) NFL. OK. It is after all the NFL Network.
4) NBC. ZZZZZ. Deduct major points for Collinsworth.
5) CBS. Always looks contrived. I rather play for the Raiders than watch a whole episode.
Nativebird
October 12th, 2009
2:35 pm
the bye-week advantage is real and the NFL simply must start scheduling better and incorporate this aspect. No team should play two consecutives weeks against another team coming off a bye. spread’em out.
Jimv
October 12th, 2009
2:36 pm
No question, Moose & Goose & the REAL Albert’s son added up to the worst job of announcing ever on Fox TV. Are they all native SFers, or do they just not know where Atlanta is located? Totally unprofessional for the entire game!
Edward
October 12th, 2009
2:42 pm
Absolutely loved the performance by the Falcons yesterday in San Fran, the 36 yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Roddy White right after the 49ers had taken a time out was priceless. I really liked the way that we capitalized off of San Francisco’s mistakes and turnovers. Defensively we really got a lot of pressure on Shaun Hill and kept him frustrated. I can’t wait til Sunday night when the Bears come to the Georgia Dome where we are a comfy 9-1 since Smitty took over. Go Falcons lets keep it rolling.
D Hall
October 12th, 2009
2:43 pm
To RdHdKid: You need to get a life and leave Grimes alone. Do you know him personally and just want to dislike him. What is the reason behind your unnecessary comments. Pick on someone in your family, I’m sure you have some not so perfect people you love that you can blast every chance you get. If you don’t want to do it give me their names. I get a kick out of you, just keep up the good work.
Wesley Wallace
October 12th, 2009
2:52 pm
Are we so intimidating that the 49ers had a melt-down…Take the rare gift… “O” played so well, that the “D” got a much needed rest. It looks like Jamal Anderson is more comfortable as a DT than DE. It looked like he had more fun at that position as well. White’s tackle, creating a fumble is my favorite play I have ever seen him perform…Outstanding blocking from Gonzalez. Noodle Arm is my hero.
Ryan
October 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
Turner had over a 100 yards against Carolina.
Edward
October 12th, 2009
2:55 pm
One of the biggest reasons to be optimistic as the Chicago Bears come to town this week is the fact that we outplayed them last year from start to finish in that game. They got the lead very late in the game and left Matty Ice, Michael Jenkins, and Jason Elam 11 seconds and we all know how that one ended. I am so proud of this team and the way they play offensively and defensively.
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2009
3:04 pm
It’s obvious the 49er players overestimated themselves and underestermated the Falcons. That was evidenced by the way they responded to the quick way we jumped their butts. Our OFF manhandled their DEF and our DEF out hit and out hustled them all over the field. That was something that didn’t show up in any of their gm film of our play this yr and they were helpless to do anything about it. So, they tried to symbolically show their disdane for what we were doing to them. It was like a punch drunk boxer who knows he’s going to lose the fight and trys to mock his opponent by allowing himself to be hit just to prove he can take his best punch.
We all have to take our hats off to our coaching staff for doing such an outstanding job of preparing the team and addressing all of the OFF & DEF issues that’s plagued the team the past 2gms. Wouldn’t it be extremely ironic if the player so many of you have labeled a complete bust turns out to be the answer we’ve been looking for at DT. JAnderson’s performance Sunday certainly demonstrates there’s a possibility of that happening. He did an excellent job of flushing the SF QB out of the pocket and forcing him to throw eratically.
I want to know what all of you bandwagon jumpers and Falcon haters have to say now that we’re 3-1 after the first 4 gms. Our rushing and passing DEF still ranks near the bottom of the league and our rushing OFF has performed way below last yrs level, yet we’re still 3-1. I said before the season started our season would depend on how well we perform coming out of our bye week. Going 2-1 while going through the growing pains of having to adjust to so many new DEF starters has made it much easier psychologically to get off to such a strong start after the bye wk. It’s not inconceivable that Chicago might suffer a simular fate as the 49ers. Their DEF wasn’t that great, especially by Bears standards, even before losing MLB BUrlacher, their DEF anchor.
Al Smith
October 12th, 2009
3:08 pm
Turnover fumbled again, that’s my only concern really
Sautee
October 12th, 2009
3:08 pm
Much better this time, DOL. I was going to ask you to correct your opening sentence and you did it before I could post. Good Job.
And thanks for the Big O reference. I was in a horn band in my teens (mid to late sixties) and we did a 6 song Otis medley. I saw him play 4 different times, and loved every moment. The thing I LOVED about him was that he (like his buddy Sam Cooke) wrote his own material at a time when that was pretty much unheard of. Good memories.
"Mr. Falcon"
October 12th, 2009
3:08 pm
The Falcons did not look that good; the 49er’s just looked terrible. The 49ers are who I thought they were. The Falcons still have a lot of work to do. I glad to see them winning. Whats with all this we stuff.
What happened to all of the Flacco wacos (oh he’s sooooOOOO great), I think they fell back down to Earth Sunday…………..
"Mr. Falcon"
October 12th, 2009
3:15 pm
The Falcons have not beaten a good team yet.
MV77777
October 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
HEY(BIGSHERM7) YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE PKG NETWORK BUT MR.MICHAEL VICK PLAYED SUNDAY 17YARDS, (2)1ST DOWNS. DOING HIS THING YOU KNOW, SUPERMAN LOL…
BY THE WAY (FYI)PHILADELPHIA WILL WIN THE BIG GAME THIS YEAR AND MICHAEL VICK WILL GET A RING..LOL..
P.S
IT WONT BE THE FALCONS……………………………….
DownGoesFrazier
October 12th, 2009
3:35 pm
I don’t know MV77777, Vick would be more like the Flash, because he does his thing on the ground while Superman does his through the air. Know what I’m sayin’? Regardless, the Falcons D will be peaking early December. Just in time to make Philly (and your boy VD7) look foolish. CAN’T WAIT!
Russ
October 12th, 2009
3:44 pm
Vick is 1 for 5 for 1 yd. and has 5 rushes for 17 yds. He is absolutely tearing up the league.
Rdhdkid
October 12th, 2009
3:48 pm
Hey D Hall – Read this real slow so you can digest it: I’m not talking about Brent Grimes the person. I’m talking about Brent Grimes the NON-football player who misses more plays than he makes. I have said more than once he plays with all his heart, but heart doesn’t win football games. MAKING PLAYS wins football games and more often than not, he doesn’t make them. He made two yesterday that I saw and missed a ton more…. two in a row of which would have gone for TD’s had the SF QB not thrown bad passes.
Go Birds
October 12th, 2009
3:50 pm
I’m glad so many other people viewed this as a revenge win! I just wish Terrance Moore was here so he could write one of those “Bashing By The Bay” articles, except this time it was the Falcons doing the bashing!
Reid Adair
October 12th, 2009
3:56 pm
If folks didn’t change their names with every post, I’d really like to see how many who were saying the Falcons didn’t need Roddy White, White was being selfish, etc., etc., on these forums back in August are now singing his praises.
And Dre Bly? Thanks for that bonehead play. You certainly are NOT Deion Sanders.