Who Dat? Secondary playing well for Saints
Last season the Saints went for the jugular on the first play of the game, throwing deep to the speedy Devery Henderson. But Falcons safety Erik Coleman was over the top for the interception. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
THE BRANCH – The Falcons and Saints were in the same predicament this offseason.
They were making changes in the secondary and were looking for cornerbacks and safeties.
The Saints elected to sign ball-hawking safety Darren Sharper and cornerback Jabari Greer during free agency.
Both moves have paid off for the Saints. Sharper has six interceptions and returned three for touchdowns. Greer, the former University of Tennessee standout, is off to a good start.
With the secondary holding up, New Orleans’ new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has implemented his more
The Thomas Wade Landry statue outside to Cowboys Stadium.
aggressive approach.
Now, the Saints appear to have a defense to match their high-scoring offense and are the only undefeated team in the NFC at 6-0.
Instead of going the free agency route, the Falcons addressed their secondary needs through the draft.
Second round pick William Moore, who was expected to contend for the starting strong safety spot, was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday. Cornerback Christopher Owens, a third rounder, is playing on special teams. Cornerback William Middleton, a fifth rounder, was released, but has caught on with Jacksonville.
The Falcons elected to pass on talented cornerback Vontae Davis in the first round. He went to Miami on the very next pick. Davis’ off-the-field issues at Illinois certainly were a red flag for the Falcons.
The Falcons added Brian Williams after he was cut by Jacksonville, but he’s out for the season with a knee injury.
So now, the Falcons head into the first game against pass-happy New Orleans, and the secondary is still unsettled.
Was on the AirTran Falcons plane to Dallas.
There doesn’t appear to be any options other than to keep “coaching up” Chris Houston and Brent Grimes.
It would be unfair to throw Owens out there against Brees for his first NFL start.
“I feel comfortable on both sides, so it really doesn’t matter,” Owens said. “I just have to focus more on the field. I figure if you eliminate the mental mistakes, you have a better chance of making plays on the field.”
Former first round pick Tye Hill, acquired from the St. Louis Rams for a 7th round pick, appears to be on deck if the cornerbacks continue to struggle.
HEBERT ACTS A FOOL IN THE PRESS BOX: Hey, Bobby Hebert, no cheering in the press box! This was after the Saints win over the New York Jets.
THE BREW CREW: Before Barry Alvarez turned the University of Wisconsin into a respectable Big Ten program in the 1990s, it was rare to find a NFL player from the state.
With the signing of Aaron Stecker, the Falcons now have three players from Wisconsin. Stecker, the pride of Ashwaubenon High, went on to star at the University of Wisconsin and transferred to Western Illinois after Ron Dayne started to gobble up all of the carries on his way to the Heisman Trophy. Ashwaubenon is a small city right next to Green Bay.
Falcons long-snapper Michael Schneck is from the Milwaukee suburbs and played at Wisconsin. Offensive lineman Jose Valdez is from St. Francis, Wisconsin (a Milwaukee suburb). He’s on the practice squad and played at Arkansas.
OPENING DRIVE CHART: Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey’s opening game scripts were red-hot last season when the Falcons were 8-0 when they scored on the opening drive of the game.
This season, they have scored two times on the opening drive and are 0-2 in those games.
OPENING DRIVES IN 2008
Detroit – TD – Win
Tampa Bay – Interception — Loss
Kansas City – Punt – Win
Carolina – Punt – Loss
Green Bay – TD – Win
Chicago – FG – Win
Philadelphia – Punt – Loss
Oakland – TD – Win
New Orleans – Punt – Win
Denver – Punt –Loss
Carolina – FG – Win
San Diego – FG – Win
New Orleans – Interception – Loss
Tampa Bay – Punt – Win
Minnesota – TD – Win
St. Louis – FG – Win
OPENING DRIVES IN 2009
Miami – Missed FG – Win
Carolina – Punt – Win
New England – FG – Loss
San Francisco – Punt – Win
Chicago – Punt – Win
Dallas – TD – Loss
Coach Mike Smith is preaching “Team Defense.” But in the scheme of that “Team Defense” everbody has an assignment. He wants everyone to get better at their assignments, but don’t the cornerbacks have the most room for improvement in the “Team Defense” scheme? The unit is likely set to give up it’s third straight 300-yard passing game. Will the Saints even bother to show of their improve rushing attack with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell? Which one of the receivers — Marques Colston, Henderson, Reggie Bush, or Jeremy Shockey — can the Falcons take away from Brees?
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115 comments Add your comment
LJ
October 28th, 2009
8:42 am
Hey DOL,
The Falcons went 11-5 last year, not 13-3. In your graphic, you have them winning Game 4 vs. Carolina and the game vs. Denver. They lost both.
Divination
October 28th, 2009
8:49 am
Should be an exciting opening for this game; the falcons should be able to keep it competitive until at least half way through the first quarter. Saints win in a laugher, Saints 48 – falcons 10.
FalconUGAFan
October 28th, 2009
8:55 am
Divination, I assume you are a Saints fan, so welcome. I do have to say as a Falcons fan, I truly believe you are wrong. Smitty kicks some tail, Turner gets his groove back and my beloved Falcons win 31-28.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2009
9:02 am
LJ: Thanks. Updated.
gdg73
October 28th, 2009
9:10 am
Seems like we have passed on Darren Sharper twice. Once when he went to Minnesota in 2005 and now in 2009. Both times, we were in need of a safety big-time. I guess we don’t like ball-hawking safeties that can take it too the house. But I digress. On the CB situation, we should have replaced Brent Grimes about 4 games ago with Owens. I agree that Monday night is not the time to start him. But he and Tye Hill should get plenty of action. This team needs to spend some major $$$ and address the CB position in free agency next year. You cannot go cheap on a good CB, sorry.
An Observation
October 28th, 2009
9:14 am
DOL – great analysis of what has happened this year with the Falcons’ secondary. However, with that said, it would be crazy for the Saints to not throw the ball down field all night long Monday night.
Houston and Grimes have shown they are not capable of consistently shutting down good NFL WRs. Hopefully this will be first thing that TD addresses during the off season. Those two have been exposed as weaknesses on the defense this year especially after Williams went down for the season and I don’t believe they can be coached up any more than they already have at this point.
Divination
October 28th, 2009
9:23 am
FalconUGAfan: I’m a Saints fan, correct. Not disrespecting the falcons, just think that that falcons aren’t where they were last year, lots of injuries and plenty of new personnel at root of their problems. Seems like Saints can score at the drop of a hat and in spurts, with the help of their defense, seems like they can score three touchdowns inside of three minutes and with this always being a high emotion, big rivalry type of game, at home, ….. Of course, Reggie Bush is going to be on the cover of SI, we might be $crewed.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2009
9:26 am
An Observation: Thanks for your kind words. Not much choice, but to keep coaching ‘em up.
Trainwreck
October 28th, 2009
9:41 am
I have to think that if Tye Hill isn’t on the field it has to be because he is not ready in the coaches eyes. I trust the coaches and if they don’t think he wouldn’t be an uprade over our current corners, I sure don’t want to see him on the field.
North FLA Falcon
October 28th, 2009
9:43 am
Hey DOL: wasn’t Miami in 2009 a “win”?
Birdwatcher
October 28th, 2009
9:55 am
Yeah, I believe the Birds only have 2 losses and we beat Miami. However, on Monday night…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2009
10:13 am
North FLA Falcon: Yes, Miami was win. Updated.
real fan
October 28th, 2009
10:23 am
Tough match-up this Monday. I have to say I think the Saints are a year ahead of us in terms of re-building . I still hope we win . But my hats off to the Saints ,this is a very good football team .
Samuel
October 28th, 2009
10:31 am
Coach Mike Smith is talking about changes after losing to the Dallas Cowboys. But I think he could do better at making changes as the game progresses. For Instance- If Turner is in the game an he seems to sputter, and Jason Snelling comes in an get’s more yardage. Then use the hot hand, then go back to Turner later in the game. I know nobody is high on Chris Houston and Brent Grimes, but you had to know what you had after the preseason. These guys are professional athletes, our coaching staff has to do a better job at coaching these guys up. Aaron Stecker has played in the league for nine years, Is this guy capable of getting to the outside like Jerious Norwood or a Ricky Williams. We need a speed back not someone with the same style as Snelling and Turner. Every team in the league has Injuries, but you have to find a way to win. GO FALCONS…….
NCFalconFan
October 28th, 2009
10:37 am
You are sooooo right D. I think the Falcons should be more aggressive in free agency and trades. You don’t get someone like Tony Gonzales and do expect to compete now.
Do you have any idea why the Falcons have faith in Brent Grimes? He seems like a great kid and hard worker, but at 5′9″ how much can he contribute. If he lost the starting position last year, why give it to him again this year?
Row3
October 28th, 2009
11:32 am
Remember..This team has not lost back to back games, this year or last. It sounds like we have already lost this game. The Falcons I know will make the trip to New Orleans, they will be better prepared, they will play hard, and they will bloody some noses. The Saints could very well be the best team in the NFL this year, but the game will be decided after 60 min of hard fought football.
Xs&Os
October 28th, 2009
11:44 am
The bottom line is the Falcons are not ready to face a team that’s averaging 40 points a game….The Falcons have only had one win where they scored more than 40 points..the secondary is definitely the weak link on this team and lately no pass rush either…Drew Brees is gonna have a field day against this defense
Wildebeast
October 28th, 2009
12:32 pm
The Falcons were a special teams tackle and a just barely missed sack by John Abraham from making the Dallas game much closer.
And Fred Kalil still bites.
Jonathan
October 28th, 2009
12:38 pm
do I need to peep talk my falcons and put the saints into deep thought of thier first loss? cause look at the 2007 SB. the Giants were the worst team to ever enter the bowl and they played a 18-0 N.E. (and also cheating) and they whopped that butt.
we have a great O. look at the niners game (they were ranked good with D and we put them out). now we are playing a team whose D is like ours? we should put up as many points as they have.
mashburn82
October 28th, 2009
12:40 pm
with the deffence looking like they will be doing some changes. it can work out for the better or worse. but sorry to say but the falcons can’t go much worse. so let Hill go out, just see what he can do.
Supes
October 28th, 2009
1:24 pm
The bottom line is the Falcons are not ready to face a team that’s averaging 40 points a game
**********************************************
Oh no you didn’t? Is anyone (aside from the way the New England Patriots who are RED HOT right now) ready to take on an UNDEFEATED team putting up 40 points?
Of course THEY ARE NOT READY, just damn people.
Our defense is patchwork, and we’ve done a great job to be where we are record wise considering the issues with the lack of talent in the secondary and D-Line.
If the Falcons can make the Saints game a competitive one, it’ll be a bonus.
Saints are primed for a NFC championship run…Falcons are 1-2 years away (esp on Defense).
LJ
October 28th, 2009
1:41 pm
DOL,
After both losses — to NE and DAL — members of the defense came out and said (or at least suggested) that they had been caught off guard. Remember, after the NE loss, one player said they had been gearing up for the pass, and as a result, they made Fred Taylor look like Jim Brown.
After the Dallas game, a player said that they had geared up to stop Dallas’ vaunted rushing attack. As a result, Romo had a monster game.
What do you make of a) these seemingly misfired strategies and b) the fact that the players are almost admitting that they weren’t adequately prepared?
Or am I just reading too much into it?
Big Mac
October 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
The Falcons Are 4-0 Against The Below Average Teams Of The NFL Whose Combined Record Is
10 Wins Against 14 Loses..That’s Right, The 4 Wins They Have Are Against Teams That Don’t Measure Up To AVERAGE!! The 2 Loses Are Against Teams Who Are ABOVE Average With A Combined Score Of 9-5..Guess What All This Means Against New Orleans On Monday Night Football?? TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT!! They Will LOSE By 5 Touchdowns!! This Team Is A YOUNG Group Of Guys In The Learning Process And IF They Can Stick Together Over The Next 2 Years, They MIGHT Have A Chance To Compete
At The Higher Level!
Who Dat? Secondary playing well for Saints | Atlanta Falcons with … | NFL Tickets News
October 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
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bob saints fan
October 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
saint winning 100-0 saints baby
Supes
October 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
Falcons defense is about 2 years away from catching up with the offense.
bob saints fan
October 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
more like never their defense will catch up
JeanE
October 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Just how much more “stuggling” do Grimes and Houston have to do before they try Tye Hill? How bad must Hill look in practice that they’re not even willing to give him a try or start or play AT ALL? This team isn’t going anywhere fast if they keep these corners. I’ll say it AGAIN–we should’ve paid Foxworth what he wanted, it would’ve been worth it. I don’t have any confidence in us drafting any more corners when the last 2 we’ve selected aren’t doing anything for this team! I pray Abe shows up in this game, he is the disappearing man, you’ve got to overcome those double teams and stop getting knocked on your butt. Use the no huddle but include Finn for god’s sakes, use his height & his flypaper hands. Go Birds!
Embarrassment of The Nfl
October 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
I remember all of you guys making Dimitroff the President of Brilliance.
He got lucky last season, not because he was a smart guy, but because the Falcons were so pathetic, he could only look smart because anything was an upgrade. Let’s take a closer look at this brilliance:
RELEASED:
Brooking
Milloy
Foxworth
Boley
Big Grady
DRAFTED:
Jerry……………..Damaged Goods
Moore…………….Damaged Goods
TRANSACTIONS:
Gonzalez (age 34 and will retire in 2 seasons)
Gave up a NUMBER 2 pick
The defense is horrible
The quarterback can’t win against ELITE teams
The quarterback can’t stretch the field
The coaching has BURNED OUT Turner
At least the Reeves & Mora eras brought home playoff wins.
Terrell
October 28th, 2009
2:40 pm
Embarrassment of The Nfl,
As always there is somebody reaching to try to make their statement true:
Brooking: Overrated and wanted to be paid like a Pro Bowler even though he is past his prime
Milloy: Last I checked the FS and SS haven’t done too poorly
Foxworth: $16 million guranteed and he hasn’t been what the Ravens hoped him to be.
Boley: What has he done since being on the Giants
Big Grady: Big but not as effective as he used to be. We are actually getting more penetration up the middle with JA98.
DRAFTED:
Jerry……………..Damaged Goods: Can’t judge on just this year lets wait
Moore…………….Damaged Goods:Can’t judge on just this year lets wait
TRANSACTIONS:
Gonzalez (age 34 and will retire in 2 seasons): More catches this year than our whole TE group last year. He has played very well.
Gave up a NUMBER 2 pick: If we didn’t get him we would’ve gotten a TE next year probably so it doesn’t matter
The defense is horrible: Top 10 in scoring defense and that’s the on;y stat that matters
The quarterback can’t win against ELITE teams: That is a bunch of BS. Cowboys aren’t elite and they had 2 weeks to prepare for us.
The quarterback can’t stretch the field:Only Rookie QB to throw for 3,0000 yards other than Peyton Manning
The coaching has BURNED OUT Turner: Turner has burned out Turner
At least the Reeves & Mora eras brought home playoff wins: Mora made it to the playoffs once and he couldn’t keep up the success and Dan got us there only twice. This team seems poised to be more competitive on a consistent bases.
Birdwatcher
October 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Is Norwood still on the mend? We are missing him big time.
Bill Heller
October 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
I’ve been a Falcons fan for 33 years and I’ve never seen the team ranked in the top 5 for passing defense. So there…
Bill Heller
October 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Actually the Falcons had a great pass defense in 1977 when they allowed 129 points in a 14 game season. But that’s it. So double there…
Eddie Williams
October 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
Why has everyone jumped off of the Turner band wagon, of course his yardage is down because his carries are down he carried the ball more than any other running back in the league last year. Now the Falcons are a pass first offense, he can not put up the same numbers if he doesnt touch the ball. The Falcons pass on 1st down, run on 2nd dwn, and pass on first down. They take out Turner when they pass the ball even though he’s an excellent pass blocker and only put him in during running plays. Its not too hard to predict when they are gonna run the ball. Any running back would have the same production as Turner in this offense. Snelling and Norwood get great yeardage only because the Defense thinks that we are passing because Turner isn’t in the game.
WHO DAT!!
October 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
It’s a shame that the Falcon’s are gonna get embarrassed on national television like this!!
Saints 40-24, over those dirty birds! U saw what the Cowboys did to yall. Now, how about the #1
scoring offense in the league! GAME OVA ATL!!!!!! Yall defense is suspect at best, ATL doesn’t stand a chance- WHO DAT BABY!!!!
Steve T
October 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Send Turner to the colts and watch us win another Super Bowl. Teams are loading up the box to stop the run because your QB can’t throw pass 30 yards. Give Redmon a chance because he can throw the ball down the field.
Gamer
October 28th, 2009
10:27 pm
For the Falcons to upset the Saints Monday Night, The Falcons Front Four might as well pin their ears back 70% of the downs to play the Saints passing offense to knock Brees around and off his passing lanes.
Rely on their linebackers to halt the run, even if it means given up 5 to 6 yards runs sometimes. It will be better than being scorched all night for TD’S from Brees.
Chances for Falcons’ win are slim at Saints, but if the Falcons have some surprise looks with the running game using Turner and Snelling. Mixing up run plays with screen plays, then I think the Falcons can pull out a streaking win.
Otherwise if no Falcons’ running game, then the Saints win by BIG NUMBERS!
Floor D. Lee
October 28th, 2009
11:20 pm
This is by far the most respectful and intelligent blog I’ve been on. That being said, the SAINTS will win…and Reggie should hush. Good night.
gmon
October 29th, 2009
12:28 am
Jonathan said:
now we are playing a team whose D is like ours? we should put up as many points as they have.
———————————-
ummm. have you even watched a saints game? our D is far superior to yours… a lot of those pts scored against the saints D were due to special teams mistakes giving opponents short fields… a lot of the yardage given up was during “junk” time when the lead was out of hand.
the Saints D is tops in turnover ratio and overall top 10 and very deep. the Falcons are not deep at all. comparing the 2 D’s is insulting.
Singletary
October 29th, 2009
12:36 am
My only hope is we are putting out enough “disinformation” that our players cannot cover anything taller than 5;6′ when they really can. Seems to be we should have some quick outs as well as no huddles than can always be the fall back pattern.
But, hey,I may not be D mastermind. (What say you, Glenn Dorsey!) I just know how much I flinched when both my daughters covered their eyes during Pats and Cowpaddies nop up plays.
Yes, I’d love to go to the Super Bowl, but can we please just have the rest of the season without at least one play each quarter making me want to go ostrich? Here’s a further hope that Smitty is smart enough and canny enough to play a trap game on NOLA.
TB
October 29th, 2009
2:59 am
It seems the thing todo is just keep heaping criticism on the secondary (sure they deserve some), but we would not have beaten the Panthers without a timely interception by Chris Houston. I really like Grimes. I notice him running guys out of bounds before they can catch often. That said, sure they get burned sometimes. As for Tye Hill and Chris Owens, if they are good enough to be back-ups, they must have some degree of talent or else they wouldn’t be on the roster. Truth to tell, if the secondary was the only group responsible for last Sunday’s loss, that would be one thing. If that were true, we would have won the game. We lost the game because every position played poorly on all 3 phases. Can’t win with solid WRs gingerly reaching for a ball that gets ripped away before or after you catch it. Turner never got started (we all know that). Our offensive line looked like Swiss cheese for the first time this year. Matt Ryan didn’t handle pressure well (he was used to not having any pressure), Our D-Line got outmaneuvered by Romo often, the secondary made too many tackles (meaning LBs missed people too), special teams defense collapsed with a run by a guy that was benched the game before. I loved the win against Chicago, but it was the hardest hitting game I’ve seen. I thought, either the team will be tired or toughened up for the next game. They were obviously tired. The other big problem was the game plan. Coach Smith explained that the game plan resolved around stopping the Dallas run game, which they did. Romo had struggled for 3 straight games, so no one expected Romo to have a career passing game. When he did, our game plan was no longer relevant.
It is unfortunate that the Saints look to be that NFL team that can go undefeated, and they happen to be in our division. It will take a miracle to win Monday night. The good news is this bad stretch can be pushed aside quickly when the Redskins come into town (just what the doctor ordered). We will be competing most of the year with the Packers and one of the 3 best NFC East teams for a Wildcard birth. I like our chances. But 9 or 10 wins will not win this division with the Saints in it.
JT
October 29th, 2009
9:53 am
DOL. Not making any excuses for the losses, but I wonder if you have noticed how often John Abraham is being held by the offensive linemen and they do not call it. I have watched evry game this year and focused on Abraham and it seems to me (just my opinion) that he is being held alot. If that is the case that would explain why he has not been able to get as many sacks as last year. Also, last year our team was injury free all year, this year we have had a high anount of injuries. In the NFL the team that stays healthy throughgout the year usually makes the playoffs if they have decent players. What is your opinion?
T.C
October 29th, 2009
10:02 am
I think the falcons loose this game in N.O but win in the ATL.The birds are hard to beat at the dome.Lets see if anyone agree with me on this thought.In the future,put grimes at free saftey and let him learn the position.When you watch grimes play,he’s around the ball everytime its thrown his way but is too short to make plays on bigger recievers.Place him at free saftey and he will see the field more making plays with his ball hawking energy.It kind of put you in mind of bob sanders of indy 5″8.Not saying he is a sanders but i personally think he would dwell better at that position by him being a fighsty energetic player.
Standing up every 2nd and 3rd down on defense in sec 340
October 29th, 2009
10:27 am
The Saints are the best team in football. However, there is a reason they play the games. I hope the Saints are over confident and think “Dat” there shiat don’t stink. We then smash them in the face with a resurrected Turner.
Did I really read someone suggest start Redman? Matt Ryan is legit. The people who want to bash him need to realize he is the future of the team and if you are a real Falcon fan, then you need to back your boy up.
Hey Mr Dimitroff please get a cornerback over 6′0 please sometime in the future.
Matt Ryan is the Truth
In Dimitroff and Smith We Trust
A biased season ticket holder
Go Falcons
42-35 Falcons get the offense going
Andrew
October 29th, 2009
11:02 am
Interesting comments. As a Saints Fan, i can say this without problem, Monday Night Falcons are in trouble. That being said, I dont underestimate the Fight that will take place. Falcon – Saints games are ALLWAYS close. Seems that we usually split the season. Falcons will probably make playoffs (Beating out Cowgirls) as a wildcard. The road to the Superbowl will more than likely have to go through New Orleans. I REALLY want to see Falcons KILL Cowgirls in wildcard round.
Humble Fan
October 29th, 2009
11:06 am
The best defence is a controlled offence with a pounding running game to keep NO offence off of the field.Go get’um Turner the burner.
Humble Fan
October 29th, 2009
11:17 am
Andrew you sure do sound confident.I would not get to fiesty about the saints being 6-0 after the falcons get through with them. it just mite be the saints playing the cowgirls in the wild card game.you never know it a long 10 games left anything can and will happen.
Andrew
October 29th, 2009
11:24 am
My intenet was not arrogance. It was simply to give Falcons some credit. I think the Falcons are alot better team than anyone is giving them credit for( did i just say that? lol) I am a season ticket holder and KNOW what the dome will be like monday. Remember the game when the dome reopened? Well multiply that by about 2 or 3. The city has Saints fever like i have NEVER seen it before. As it stands the dome will be a very very difficult environment for any opposing team.
Rdhdkid
October 29th, 2009
1:06 pm
I swear to Moses some of you people are watching a different Grimes than I am. *ON A FOOTBALL FIELD* he is as useless as teats on a boar hog and needs to go away. And he needs to take Houson with him.
EVOLONE
October 29th, 2009
1:33 pm
The saints are good, Snelling needs to be utilzed with Burner and hopefully we can put up a good enough run game to keep the ball out of Breezys hands and if Abe is getting doubled, somebody should be getting to the quarterback for what its worth JA98 is doing a better job in the inside. If we can to the quarterback that should help out the “little ones” in the secondary. If the Saints are playing in their territory then Houston needs to get a pass interference everytime he is covering somebody because he is definetly a “poster child” They need to beat a legit team, I thought the Bears were legit but after the beating they took last week…………………. The birds can win, will they win? probably &*%
WHO DAT!!
October 29th, 2009
2:29 pm
Y are still talking bout these loser’s? The Falcon’s had their run last year, now it’s the Saints turn. The Falcon’s will see true dominance come Monday Nite!! 40-24 SAINTS in a laugher-
kmaze1204
October 29th, 2009
2:40 pm
The difference between the Saints and Falcons were so prevalant last week. Both teams went on the road into hostile enviroments, both teams faced deficits, and it was the Saints that triumphed from a 3 td deficit. Both Matt Ryan and Drew Brees had really bad games, but Brees still led his team any which way he can. The Saints coaching staff made the adjustments needed to tame the Dolphins offense and defense. The Saints had barely over a 100 yards by halftime, but at the end of the game they had over 400 yards total. It was the halftime adjustment made by the Saints coaching staff and the leadership on both sides of the ball that catapulted this team to a win. Nevertheless I do think the Cowboys are a much better team and the Dolphins, but they’re not that dofferent. This is still the NFL where every player takes pride in their performance. I remember before the game alot of the Dolphins players were talking trash especially their defense. So all we did was hang 46 on them. I won’t predict the Saints winning by 10 or more, but if the Falcons don’t score over 35, they stand no chance.
kmaze1204
October 29th, 2009
2:43 pm
I’m looking forward to this but whooping the Falcons are about to get. I want to see Tom Benson doing the second line during the 4th quarter when it’s a blowout.
Embarrassment of The Nfl
October 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
Bench Ryan and let him make some more razor commercials!
Mixxo
October 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
Snelling’s hurt now?
We’re in trouble folks…..BIG trouble! I was halfway kidding with my preseason 5-11 record prediction. Now it’s suddenly become realistic. We have the 4th toughest schedule in the league and are playing our worst football in years.
This isn’t good.
Mixxo
October 29th, 2009
4:32 pm
Saints 48 – Us 10 ???
Embarrassment of The Nfl
October 29th, 2009
4:55 pm
Mixxo
You are high!!
Saints 55 – 7
Mixxo
October 29th, 2009
5:02 pm
Embarrassment of The Nfl
That’s probably more realistic if we don’t get it together quick.
SNOOP DAWG
October 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
Falcons 38-14 over the Aint’s, you seen it here first. Saint’s are falling apart as usual.
kmaze1204
October 29th, 2009
6:01 pm
Snoop Dawg, you need to get off that chronic to make a prediction like that.
Shamus Thacker
October 29th, 2009
6:29 pm
Wonder if Woody Thompson is still available? Loved watching him run, but, as often as not (it seemed) by the end of a run he was carrying air. Kinda like Eddie Ray.
Mixxo
October 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
LJ of the Chiefs might be on the blocks come Nov. 9th. I dunno……jus sayin’
MARTIN
October 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
The saints defense, is not the defense of old. They can play the run pretty good, and let’s not talk about the secondary. When your secondary can play anybody one on one, it allows you the chance to bring the safeties up to stop the run. The falcons secondary is suspect. Devery henderson has the speed, Marcus colston can run and catch, shockey is well this year. All I can say is it makes for a good monday night game for drew brees. Now I know the falcons and the saints play each other hard. But with a chance to take a (3) game lead in the division, I say the saints win this one going away. Remember the saints have won every game by double digits. I predict the score to be about 35-10 saints.
Eric C.
October 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
So what happened to the great conditioning program that was supposed to prevent injuries???
Eric C.
October 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
35-10? Nah…more like 42-14
phillip
October 30th, 2009
1:50 am
snoopdog: quite smoking dat funny stuff!!!!
slow roller
October 30th, 2009
2:03 am
Some guy thinks Redman should get a start over Ryan!
http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2009/10/26/1101248/the-future-must-be-now
David
October 30th, 2009
7:16 am
Falcons weakness is a very poor secondary and no pass rush at all.
Saints strengths are a great, and I mean great passing game and protecting their quarterback.
This could get very ugly, but I will always support my Falcons.
Don’t know if I can watch the whole game, especially if it gets out of hand, especially to the Saints which is my least favorite team.
My guess is that the score is going to be Saints 53 Falcons 24, and you know that the Saints coach is going to run up the score, man, I can’t stand him, with that ugly grin and all.
Divination
October 30th, 2009
9:51 am
This discussion has been no fun when the majority of falcons fans and writers are conceding the game to the Saints. I liked it better when the dirty bird fans put up more of a fight. Seems to me that even the dolphins fans were more supportive of their team, than bird fans have been, which is surprising since the birds had already beaten the phins.
David: Payton doesn’t run up the score, he’ll take a knee to run out the game clock, but he won’t take a knee at halftime, even if he’s up by 20, he’ll try to score a TD for the coup de grace. That’s not poor sportsmanship, that’s just being business like. But he won’t try to make it 59-0 toward the end of the game, like some up North would do. Speaking of which, there was once a MNF game between the Saints and falcons many years ago that ended something like 63-3 in falcons favor or something obscene like that….
O'Brien
October 30th, 2009
10:28 am
Am I the only one here who thinks Mike Smith needs to be a little more aggressive?
For example, against the Cowboys, 4th and 2, and he decides to punt (which the Cowboys ran back for a TD). I know that we were on our side of the field, but I had no confidence that our defense could get a 3 and out from the Dallas offense (we hadn’t stooped Romo most of the game anyway). And if I’m going down, I would rather go down with my offense failing (offense is supposed to be our strength).
There was another game last year (maybe someone can remind me), where it was the 4th quarter, and we were down 1 score. On 4th down, once again, Mike Smith punts, hoping our defense would get us the ball back. And once again, our defense did not. And the other team ran out the clock.
In my opinion, offense is our strength, and with Turner and Gonzalez, I like our chances of picking up a few yards. Plus it sends a message to our offense that we belive in you guys.
I just think Mike Smith plays it too safe sometimes. What do you guys think?
Big Dog
October 30th, 2009
10:37 am
What’s with this new “buzz phrase”, “With that being said”?…With that being said, the Falcons ends The Saints win streak.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 30th, 2009
11:33 am
Dear Arthur:
The “New Face” of the franchise project has been exposed and has failed.
You bought into the “non-paying” crazies and let the “True Franchise” player slip through your fingers because you thought this “CHOKE” could replace the Atlanta legend.
Give me a break. I have heard all of the complaints:
He is too short
He doesn’t read defenses
He is not intelligent
He is not a traditional quarterback (hidden code for…)
Well the “CHOKE” really has been reading the defense very well the past two games, with his amazing 68 & 66 QB RATINGS.
You have spent 72-million dollars just to be embarrassed, I thought you were a business man – Joey Harrington could have embarrassed the City for 2-million tops.
In 2002 this franchise was pulled from the ashes and place on the map. There was actually a waiting list for season ticket holders – after this game the only tickets you will be selling will be the blue light specials at Home Depot.
There has only been 2 playoff wins in this whole decade, which expires after this season and they are both by an unintelligent guy who can’t read a defense and is too short.
So this logic seemed to work better than the one being hosed up by the more qualified quarterback – qualified only in the eyes of the crowd that shares the same demographic.
The bottom line is he is the same LOSER that he was at Boston College, choking & being Virginia Tech’s BIATCH.
Jamaaliver
October 30th, 2009
2:30 pm
Choke–What are you talking about? He already has the all time best win % of any Falcons QB and was Rookie of the Year.
black-n-gold
October 30th, 2009
5:05 pm
Falcon fans,
I guarantee you the Saints aren’t overlooking this game. This will not be a trap. While some of my goofy fellow Saints fans are yelling Super Bowl at the top of their lungs, the Saints players are taking it one game at a time. Seriously. Payton preaches it in the locker room and on the practice field, Bush’s out-of-context quote to Sporting News notwithstanding.
Y’all have a good team, and Matty Ice is going to be a hell of a player in this league for a long time.
But a lot of us Saints fans have the gut feeling that, finally, this is our year. Save for Lions fans, we’ve suffered longer than any fan base in the NFL.
Don’t be mad if we hang 48 on y’all Monday … we’re just feeling our oats.
Sautee
October 30th, 2009
5:40 pm
“In 2002 this franchise was pulled from the ashes and place on the map. There was actually a waiting list for season ticket holders – after this game the only tickets you will be selling will be the blue light specials at Home Depot.”
“There has only been 2 playoff wins in this whole decade, which expires after this season and they are both by an unintelligent guy who can’t read a defense and is too short.”
“So this logic seemed to work better than the one being hosed up by the more qualified quarterback – qualified only in the eyes of the crowd that shares the same demographic.”
Awww, poor baby. Sounds like whining to me. As does all the Ryan B.S.
Whining because Vick let you down. He let ME down too but I don’t have to whine about it or attack anybody else because of it. Of course, I’m an adult.
Grow a pair and grow up! You blame Ryan like he stole your girlfriend. He didn’t ASK to be drafted here. Your misplaced hate is not only absurd but undercuts ANY credibility you might hope to have. Like this:
“The bottom line is he is the same LOSER that he was at Boston College, choking & being Virginia Tech’s BIATCH.”
Umm…….. As I recall Ryan threw for 2 late TDs in the last few moments of his last game (IN BLACKSBURG, NO LESS) and knocked VT out of the national championship race AND the ACC crown. Is that the kind of choking you mean?
I’m as big of a Vick fan as you, but I don’t pi$$ and moan about his being gone.
Again, stop whining, grow up and grow a pair. If you have it within you, that is.
Dumbfound
October 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
Enter your comments here
D Hall
October 31st, 2009
5:31 pm
Rdhdkid, please don’t swear, but I would like to be able to write to your job and tell them how I feel about your production, that is if you have a job. Did you ever think that Grimes and Houston are doing what the coaches tell them to do. The best corner’s get beat. You need to find something constructive to do. These players get enough grief from the coaches everyday. Maybe you should start evaluating the coaches because that is who does the play calling.
Ken Strickland
October 31st, 2009
9:02 pm
TO ALL SAINTS FANS(wasn’t it the AINTS last yr). Weren’t you talking some of this same crap the last time the Saints and Falcons met, and how did that gm turnout? I can understand why you Saints fans would feel the need to talk so much trash. After all, you haven’t had very much to be proud of over the last few yrs. Other than PG CPaul, a extremely high crime rate and this yrs Saints, what do you have? HEH, HEH, HEH!!!
"Charles", The Original
October 31st, 2009
10:13 pm
Last year, the National Football League, NFL, was like a man stunned after the Atlanta Falcons consistently showed that they could win football games despite turning the football over four times. This year it is incumbent upon each opponent of the Falcons to show they have what it takes to master the “adversity test”, four turnovers or more, and win. So far, four opponents have taken the test and one abstained. The Miami Dolphins flunked, 19-7. The Carolina Panthers failed, 28-20. The San Francisco 49ers flunked out, 45-10. The New England Patriots withdrew from class and abstained until a later date, February 7, 2010, Land Shark Stadium, Super Bowl XLIV. And the Chicago Bears were retained, 21-14.
Last week, the Dallas Cowboys took notes from the New England Patriots and abstained until a later date. In hindsight, Cowboys aren’t good test takers. We shouldn’t have offered the adversity test from the beginning. We knew they would abstain, opt out. But all is not lost. We shall meet again at some point in the playoffs. And this time, we’ll make an exception to the rule. The adversity test won’t be proffered thereby depriving them of the opportunity to opt out and turn the tables on us. We predicted the Cowboys would suffer four turnovers and lose to the Falcons 35-21. But the tables were turned. And the Falcons suffered four turnovers and lost 37-21. Who played that trick on me! Now we’re really focused. Let’s double the trouble for the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Instead of administering the adversity test consisting primarily of four turnovers, let’s double the portion to eight.
Whooooa-oh-oh, who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching.
Now I’m just an average man, with an average life. I work from nine to five, hey, hell, I pay the price. All I want is to be left alone in my average home. But why do I always feel like I’m in the twilight zone.
I always feel like, somebody’s watching me. And I have no privacy, whooooa-oh-oh. I always feel like, somebody’s watching me. Tell me it’s just a dream.
When I come home at night, I bolt the doors real tight. People call me on the phone that I’m trying to avoid. But can the people on TV see me or am I just paranoid.
I always feel like, somebody’s watching me. And I have no privacy, whooooa-oh-oh. I always feel like, somebody’s watching me. Who played that trick on me?
Reports are that the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys was the most watched NFL game since the Super Bowl. At least 46 million eight hundred thousand eyes were watching when QB Matt Ryan and the offense received the opening kick-off and took it eighty yards for a touchdown. QB Matt Ryan hit WR Roddy White in the right side of the end zone to conclude the drive. That’s the quality of football the Falcons will sustain from the beginning to the end of the game. As for the Saints, their trouble will come double. Should the Falcons score 32 points, the Saints will score 16. Should the Falcons score 20 points, the Saints will score 10. But I see the Falcons scoring 50 points and the Saints 25 on Monday Night Football.
Whooooa-oh-oh, who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching. Who’s watching, tell me who’s watching.
Let's go Hawnits!
November 1st, 2009
4:30 am
Thanks for drafting Marvin Williams. We’re happy having Drew Brees and Chris Paul — two of their respective league’s most respected players.
Who cares about the Falcons
November 1st, 2009
1:46 pm
Cricket, chirp chirp chirp
MarkATL
November 1st, 2009
4:46 pm
The good news for Atlanta is that they can stop the run. No team has had any luck running against that defense. My understanding is that the Saints use the pass to set up the run. If that is the case, the Saints will passing the ball, and they will pass often. The bad news for Atlanta is that the secondary has been hurt with injuries. Looks like Dallas let the cat out of the bag. I hope Smith can come up with a good game plan. It could be a long day for Atlanta if the birds can’t run the ball and control the clock.
Cricket
November 1st, 2009
4:49 pm
Chirp Chirp Chirp
Cricket
November 1st, 2009
4:51 pm
Seriously, don’t forget Cutler passed for 300 yds and Brady had a huge game as well.
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
November 1st, 2009
5:26 pm
Denver got spanked!
Joe Cool sure can win the big games – even with the 19th ranked defense
2010 Forecast
November 1st, 2009
5:27 pm
Falcons miss playoffs
Drafts Tim Tebow
Bench Ryan
Wins a playoff game
Bird Fan For Awhile Now
November 1st, 2009
7:32 pm
I’ve been a Falcon’s fan all my life and I really can’t recall them ever having a great secondary. I recall some great DL’s, and LB’s, but not any notable DB’s. Oh, except for Deion and Scott Case.
Bad News
November 1st, 2009
8:34 pm
Denver got spanked!
Joe Cool sure can win the big games – even with the 19th ranked defense
Yeah, big-time Flacco sure killed ‘em with his rocket-armed 175 yards passing and his one touchdown. Better thank the kicker and the defense!
Bad News
November 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
You bought into the “non-paying” crazies and let the “True Franchise” player slip through your fingers because you thought this “CHOKE” could replace the Atlanta legend.
Meanwhile the “true franchise” player is busy getting no pass attempts because he can’t pass (never could to anybody but Alge Crumpler) and apparently can’t run anymore. THIS WEEK’S STAGGERING NUMBERS ARE TWO RUSHES FOR THREE YARDS. Wow, I am so blown away. oh wait I forgot, Andy Reid is using him as a secret weapon that will remain anonymous and not actually do anything until the Falcons play the Eagles. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
What a great explanation for the fact that the man just isn’t what he used to be. Never seen a franchise player be so uninvolved in his teams success. The Eagles good because of McNabb. MV7 ain’t jack sh!t anymore. What a laugh.
Hates Falcons but can't stay away
November 1st, 2009
8:43 pm
I HAVE NO LIFE. I DON’T EVEN HAVE A DECENT JOB. I EXIST SOLELY TO COME ONTO FALCONS BLOGS DESPITE THE FACT THAT I HATE THE FALCONS AND THEIR FANS. MY REAL NAME IS BAD NEWS, THOUGH I USED TO GO BY THE MONIKER (SHORTENED) OF VS2. THERE AIN’T A BIGGER LOSER IN THE WORLD THAN ME.
POSTS as Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 1st, 2009
8:48 pm
AND ALSO “Unimpressed”, “Stat Checker”, ETC.
I got kicked out of the AA meetings because I told life experiences about what I used to do to the farm animals back home. How was I supposed to know AA stood for alcoholics anonymous, and not Animal A$$-rapers?
Lil Larry
November 1st, 2009
9:40 pm
A few things about this unstoppable Saints team:
1) They have beaten the Lions, an Eagles team with No McNabb, the Buffalo Bills, NY Jets with a rookie QB, the NY Giants whose secondary is as bad as the Falcons, and the Dolphins who were beating them and gave the game away (and people talk about our secondary)
2) They do not run a 3-4 defense; which has given us trouble this year
3) We will run the ball on them
4) We will get after Brees. They don’t have a huge OL like the Cowboys and we still got to Romo a few times
5) Ryan has beaten the blitz all year from 4-3 teams and they won’t be any different; which means we are throwing the ball on them as well
6) We will NOT lose two consecutive games
I just don’t see this big blow out that everyone is talking about. I believe we will be prepared for the Saints and shock them in the Big Easy.
Timbo
November 1st, 2009
10:02 pm
Gotta love how the AJC is quick to pull for the Aints (remember those Aints “flags” they sold previously), and post about how great the Aints are. Can we trade the Aints Journal Constitution for a real paper?
Rdhdkid
November 2nd, 2009
9:47 am
D Hall – Swearing? Me? You haven’t “seen” any swearing out of me. Tell you what, I’m retired, but if I were doing my job in front of a national audience the way Grimes and Houston do theirs, it wouldn’t be long before I was fired for killing a lot (maybe even most?) of my patients and James Sokolove would be suing me for malpractice. Finally, you can’t seem to get it through your thick skull that I am not denigrating either of them as persons – I want my Falcons to win and they CANNOT do it with those two lil’ fellas failing to make plays 90++ percent of the time.
TMoney
November 2nd, 2009
10:34 am
I’d just like to bring a little stat to the attention of Saints fans talking about the Falcons only beating bad teams. The teams the Falcons have beat are a combined 13-15, winning 46.43% of their games. Overall, the teams they have played are 23-19, winning 54.76% of their games.
The Saints entire schedule so far this season has consisted of teams that are 21-24, winning 46.67% of their games. Also, the only team the Saints have played coming off a bye so far, Miami put up 34 on their defense. That same Miami team in week 1 managed only 7 against the Falcons.
Basically, don’t think that the Saints have been running over only good teams. The fact is, they’ve only played two winning teams so far and, while they did demolish both the Eagles and the Giants, the season is a long way from over.
As for the game tonight, I do think the Saints are going to win. I usually don’t like to predict scores but I’m going to say the Saints win tonight 45-31.
Eddie Williams
November 2nd, 2009
10:51 am
This blog looks like it should belong in New Orleans, am I the only one that thinks this saints team is OVERATED! Let’s go Falcons. I’m not putting up a score predicition because all I care is that we win it could be by 1 point or 100 points. Its all the same a “W”!
Cricket
November 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm
Eddie…the
Eddie
November 2nd, 2009
12:16 pm
Eddie…the Saints could be overrated, but the Falcons have so many injuries right now, I don’t know if they can hang in there for one quarter before getting knocked out.
I’d like to know what happened to this great conditioning program??? Ever since the story came out…the players have been dropping like flies.
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
November 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm
They know how to beat the falcons > Hit that punk QB in the mouth and he becomes instance punk. Pressure will bust a pipe! weal arm oh yea!!
tboneforever
November 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Came here to do a little trash talking, but I see that the Falcons fans already have accepted their fate.
Falcons 17
Saints 52
JASon
November 2nd, 2009
12:39 pm
Will someone tell me why the front page story is about Saints fans showing up strong in Atlanta? Thanks for representing Atlanta so well, ajc. You guys are the greatest.
FMNF
November 2nd, 2009
1:51 pm
The Falcons have a 5o% chance to win this game but I’m 100% sure they won’t.
Fanman
November 2nd, 2009
3:42 pm
So is the game tonight going to broadcast on any of the local channels for all of the non-cable folks?
Fanman
November 2nd, 2009
3:57 pm
found my answer – yes – it will be broadcast live on CBS – WGCL.
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/tvlistings/index.html
F-105 Thunderchief
November 2nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Hate to say it, but the Falcons are going to wilt before the Saints like a Bulldog before a Gator. Hope I’m wrong. Play with some pride, passion and smarts, Falcons. Keep a cool head, Red Ryan.
FMNF
November 2nd, 2009
5:15 pm
I hate games going in knowing your team is not going to win. This is gonna be a total butt whooping. I hate the truth sometimes.
Ronald Millsaps
November 2nd, 2009
5:39 pm
If I were in Mike Smith’s shoes, I’d play man-to-man coverage in the first quarter and blitz a lot. I think Atlanta will be able to get to Brees a lot more easily than we got to Tony Romo.
Secondly, I’d mix up the looks Brees got throughout the game and would shift to zone in the second quarter and would implement a corner blitz 2-3 times in the period.
In the third quarter, I’d implement a mix of blitzes and fake blitzes, a la Bill Belichick.
In the fourth quarter, I’d present a mixture of all of the above.
If the defensive line were to play well tonight, things would be a whole lot easier for Atlanta. Mark Bradley and others applauded the move, but we should’ve kept Grady Jackson. We clearly missed him last week and likely will again tonight.
I’d run the heck out of Jason Snelling, and IF Jerious Norwood’s good to go, I’d run him outside the tackles like there’s no tomorrow. One reason why Michael Turner hasn’t run so well is because Norwood’s speed threat hasn’t there like it was last season. I’d also try some downfield throws early this game in an attempt to open up Matt Ryan’s passing lanes to Tony Gonzalez.
I’m still not convinced that the Saints are as good as advertised. Brees is phenomenal and has been for years, but I still have question marks about their overall physicality and defense, though they’ve improved a lot in both areas. I continue to have questions about Sean Payton, who isn’t doing as much for his team as Gregg Williams is.
Speaking of running, the Phillies need to return to running also. They haven’t done enough of it this series, and their lack of it has hurt them. Charlie Manuel is doing one of the very things I’ve criticized Bobby for, which is to wait overly patiently for the long ball. Many might look at Philadelphia’s stats and think the chances of a home-run ball intrinsically are as good as the numbers on paper, overlooking in the process the fact that those numbers are the result of hitting AND running and keeping a pitcher off-balanced.
I loved the Vikings game yesterday. Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, and, yep, Brett Favre are (still) incredible. If Atlanta doesn’t win it all, I wouldn’t mind at all if they did, them or the Patriots, who, by the way, contrary to flat-record implications, actually are a LOT better than they were two years ago at this time. I’d be fascinated to see Bill Belichick’s secondary schemes against the Saints’ passing attack. I won’t have to wait long (November 30).
stendec
November 3rd, 2009
8:11 am
SOMEONE TELL:
Matt “Another Incerception” Ryan that he choked just as badly as Chris Miller/Jeff George/Joey Harrington. Untalented Yankee filth! Jason “Wide Left” Elam that Falcon placekicking tryouts commence immediately. Please contact Morten Anderson! Roddy “Butterfingers” White that premiere receivers do not drop certain touchdown passes in critical situations. Overpaid son of a betch! Midgets in Falcon secondary that they are unable to cover an elderly one legged woman in a wheelchair let alone tackle one. Heartless and gutless bestards! Coach Mike Petrino not to settle for field goal attempts against Saints. Especially without a damn field goal kicker! Powers that be to ban Falcons from Monday Night Football forevermore. Do nothing but embarrass families, themselves and entire state every time they appear! Alfred “Another Drop” Jenkins to turn in his uniform. Scum could not catch sniffles in Antartica! Arthur Blank to stay the Hell off sidelines. His presence there totally unnecessary! Falcons that they should be completely ashamed to be a full three games behind division leaders after only seven contests. Quitting commode residue!
The KMA Awards go to:
Melted Ice for making no attempt to stop Saint from reaching end zone after interception. Unacceptable! Falcons for going bellyup to prove everyone in sports world correct in NOT picking them in upset. Falcons picked Saints too! Former Bronco who has contracted marshmallow leg disease. Guy is paid big bucks to do one f#cking thing!
My sympathy to Michael Turner, the Falcon defensive front and linebackers (except for chokes against Saints in red zone), punter, kickoff guy and onside kick squad. Displayed heart and toughness absent in teammates!
Are Ryan and Elam directly responsible for defeat in most important showdown in Falcon franchise history? The two of them cost the team 13 points (interception for score plus two missed field goals) with screwups. Final margin eight points. Do the f#cking math!
Losers forevermore. Not confident they can whip Redskins. To Hell with the quitters! BOYCOTT REDSKIN GAME. Send message that fans will no longer tolerate this type of uncaring bullshet! ++STENDEC++
stendec
November 3rd, 2009
8:14 am
Thank you Orlando for being only columist with courage enough to publish my post. I worked hard on blasted thing. Was so upset after latest Falcon fiasco that I could not sleep. Thanks again. Best. ++STENDEC++
submariner
November 3rd, 2009
8:27 am
Why didn’t they pound the ball in with Turner and eat up the clock after they recovered the fumble? The running game was working! The bad play calling there and Elam’s 2 missed field goals hosed ‘em. Not to mention 14 points off turnovers for the Saints. The beat themselves and gave that one away.
Ronald Millsaps
November 3rd, 2009
5:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Ronald Millsaps
November 3rd, 2009
5:11 pm
“stendec”– None of the guys you mentioned deserevs the tirade you provided, and your comments against Chris Miller show just how little you paid attention when he was the quarterback here. Honestly, he was a lot better than a Troy Aikman but just didn’t have the offensive line, the defense, etc.. (That Miller-Rison, Miller-Haynes attack is one of the top ten passing offenses in history.)
Matt Ryan disappoints me. I expected a sophomore slump for him, but he has made even-worse-than-expected throws and has done so occasionally at awful times, like last night.
Very encouraging to see Michael Turner play as well as he did.
The Saints are very good but not as good as advertised. I’m going to try to attend the game in Atlanta.
Ironic to see a reference to Miller. I listened to the game on the New Orleans Saints’ radio network and heard Bobby Hebert at halftime.
As for Daniel Snyder–the worst owner in professional sports by far–if fans aren’t saying anything obscene (don’t tell me that word lacks a concrete definition; it certainly does) or libelous, then I hope each one who has had a sign confiscated files a suit against the team. I’m totally serious, and the man’s completely obnoxious and completely clueless about football. In the ultimate team sport, he goes out and signs random individual talent and individually think a signed contract equates a problem-solver. If I were a head coach, there’s no way I’d want to work for him, and if I were a Redskins fan, I’d be frustrated with his foolish ownership.
Phillies in seven.
Ronald Millsaps
November 3rd, 2009
5:12 pm
deserves*
Ronald Millsaps
November 3rd, 2009
5:19 pm
it certainly does not* or it certainly has one*
Ronald Millsaps
November 3rd, 2009
5:21 pm
ignorantly thinks*
AGH!!!!!!!!!!! What’s with all the typos??
I’d be typing better if Atlanta had won last night.
Chase Utley’s home-run swing is one of the best in history.