5 things we learned from the Saints game
This is not the goal post that Jason Elam missed twice. That one was at the other end of the Superdome. (D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER/AJC)
LUCYS RETIRED SURFER’S BAR – Lucy’s is the best bar in America.
Lucy's, a safe haven for retired surfers and sports writers.
Only the Slippery Noodle in Indianapolis is on par.
After the game –- because newspaper folks don’t charter out with the team like some of our TV/sponsor friends –- that’s where I retreated.
I did see Jeremy Shockey drop his Cadillac at the hotel and ask how much valet was for the night ($50). He hopped into the back seat of a cop car and rode off to his little celebration. I’m thinking the cop was his body guard for the night.
But here are the five things I came up with at Lucy’s with the benefit of watching the ESPN replays while B52s and Rock Lobster were blaring in the background.
1. Vilma’s tip: If Jonathan Vilma doesn’t tip that pass, the Falcons win. Tony Gonzalez was open and set to gather in the go ahead touchdown pass. The Falcons would have gone ahead 31-28 with 8:30 to play. But the tipped ball ended up in the hands of Tracy Porter for an interception.
Will Smith (not that Will Smith) spent too much time in the Falcons backfield. (CHUCK COOK/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE)
2. Vilma’s pass interference wasn’t call: The Falcons would not have been down 28-14 at halftime if the officials would have called pass interference on Vilma for hitting Roddy White, way more than 5 yards down the field. Vilma’s hit was blatant. The one the called later on Mike Peterson was a “touch” foul. With White off track for his route, Jabari Greer stepped in and intercepted the pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown.
3. Who’s the left cornerback?: Tye Hill started at left cornerback, but gave way to Brent Grimes after suffering a really bad case of cramps. Hill was solid, but gave up a touchdown pass to Marques Colston. Grimes came in and had that awesome interception. Do we have a cornerback controversy? It is the position that was manned by DeAngelo Hall, who’ll be visiting the Georgia Dome with the Washington Redskins this week.
4. DB Jamaal “Cover Corner” Anderson: Why exactly was Jamaal Anderson is pass coverage – oh about 20 yards down field with my hotel mate Shockey? Who drew up that scheme?
5. Wire is a ball hawk: Coy Wire came up with two fumble recoveries, including the onsides kick. He also ripped the ball away from Pierre Thomas to help keep the Falcons’ hope alive.
Just a couple of other things: Lenny Kravitz was in the house. Are we going to see Matt Ryan in the pre-game hype huddle getting the team fired up like Drew Brees does with the Saints? If the QB is out there getting pumped like that, what’s the backup defensive tackle going to do?
Pierre Thomas flips into the endzone on the Falcons. (MATT BUSH/HATTIESBURG AMERICAN)
(Made my 6 a.m. flight along with Mark Bradley, radio personality Elle Duncan and retired left tackle Todd Weiner).
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
184 comments Add your comment
hiramsaint
November 3rd, 2009
3:21 pm
toccoadog— you are right about the coach. the team didn’t give up but smitty sure did…..on turner.
toccoadawg
November 3rd, 2009
3:21 pm
D’Led can you give Bradley a few pointers on being a reporter? He needs all the help he can get.
Brad
November 3rd, 2009
3:23 pm
The Falcons learned the same thing the Dolphins learned last week….no matter how much you rush the ball..if you don’t have defensive backs that can stop the pass…..you won’t win…you can score 30-40 pts and the Saints will score more..!!!
toccoadawg
November 3rd, 2009
3:25 pm
hiram smitty isnt the only one starting to give up on burner turner this year. lets face it this hasnt been Turners year, yet.
Falcon's Fan
November 3rd, 2009
3:27 pm
Saints Fan,
You gottas look at the past. I said that to say don’t get to far ahead of yourselves. Remain humble and act like you know how it feels to win.
Mr Saint
November 3rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Hey Falcons Fan:
Number 1: History has been changed quite a few times this year for the Saints. — NOTHING HAS ChANGED UNTIL YOU FINISH THE YEAR STRONG AND MAKE THE PLAYOFFS!
Number 2: You are right, the Saints played just like you said, shi**y, and still beat your butts. —-4 INTS, 2 MISSED FGs, TWO TIMES INSIDE THE THREE AND NO TOUCHDOWNS ISNT PLAYING OUR BUTTS OFF.
Number 3: Don’t talk about last year, this is this year, and things ARE better.—I SAID THAT BECAUSE LAST YEAR, YOU DID START FAST. WE’VE PLAYED ONLY HALF A SEASON. FINISH STRONG AND THEN TALK. LAST YEAR YOU WERE THE LAUGHINGSTOCK OF THE DIVISION. I GUESS FATE HAS TO BALANCE ITSELF OUT THIS YEAR, HUH?
Number 4: We are 7-0 —- YES YOU ARE. CONGRATS!!! YOU HAVE A GREAT TEAM. I NEVER SAID THAT. I SIMPLY WANT YOU TO REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO FINISH THE YEAR OUT. SEE YOU IN ThE PLAYOFFS!
Number 5: Right again, we haven’t done this before, thats why its our turn—–THE VERDICT IS STILL OUT. HOW MANY GAMES DO WE PLAY?
Number 6: Get over who is injured on your team, all teams have injured players tha could affect the outcome, we had players out. ——THAT WASN”T AN EXCUSE. I WAS SIMPLY STATING THAT OUR 2nd and 3rd RB were INACTIVE. IF YOU WATCH FALCINS FOOTBALL, YOU WILL KNOW HOW IMPORTANT J NORWOOD IS TO OUR OFFENSE. HOWEVER, YOU’RE RIGHT…NO EXCUSES
Number 7: You didn’t prove JACK last nite, except that you lost—–WE PROVED THAT YOU ARE NOT AS GOOD OF A TEAM AS YOU THOUGHT. YALL BETTER TAKE THAT LEsSON FROM YOUR WIN OR ELSE IT WILL HURT YOU IN ThE FUTURE. Oh, YOU SAID “ALL WE HAVE IS RIGHT NOW”… SORRY!!!
Number 8: Last nite was not how the Saints got to 7-0, That was our bad game.——THAT WAS NOT YOUR BAD GAME. IF SO, WHAT WAS LAST WEEK’S GAME. D BREES THREW 3 INTs. THAT WAS YOUR BAD GAME. YOU ACTUALLY PLAYED PRETTY WELL. YOU JUST FACED A TOUGHER OPPONENT. THE BEST TEAM DOESNT ALWAYS WIN. ASK THE PATRIOTS WHO WERE BEAT BY THE GIANTS…
Number 9: Pray we don’t have a good night on Dec 13th
and lastly, be afraid, be very very afraid!!——–WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN OUR HOUSE. TRUST ME, THE RESULTS WILL BE MUCH DIFFERENT.
GREAT GAME THOUGH.
JUST SHOW SOME CLASS SAINTS FANS.
THAT’S ALL WE ARE SAYING
DarkStar
November 3rd, 2009
3:28 pm
I was very impressed with the Falcon’s effort last night. Keep playing like that and you’ll beat last years record!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 3rd, 2009
3:28 pm
Coach is running behind schedule. Presser hasn’t started yet.
Falcon's Fan
November 3rd, 2009
3:32 pm
WE ARE NOT MAKING EXCUSES…
I’m tired of you saints fans acting like you really buried us, when it came down to the last play of the game. You luckily got out of your dome with the “W”.
Let’s get real!!!!
We take the Loss, but know you are not as good as I thought ou were coming into this game.
GO FALCONS!!!!
EDDIEDAWG
November 3rd, 2009
3:40 pm
I am jealous of New Orleans-not of their football team, but of their fans. No matter WHO is their QB, they support the team. This town (ATL) is a joke compared to NO. When the Falcons lose, or the QB has a bad game, these idiot haters get on the blog to knock the team or QB.
I love this team because I always have-and I always will-no matter who or what color the QB is-or any other player for that matter. You idiot haters-get off the blogs-or support the team. I was proud of their effort last night-and brighter days are coming.
GO FALCONS.
nanunanu
November 3rd, 2009
3:40 pm
over it,
classless but expected from a loser.
FMNF
November 3rd, 2009
3:45 pm
Mark this down…..the Falcons will win this division and have a bye week for the playoffs. Saints wildcard is not in your future you will not make the playoffs. Brees will be taken out of football for the rest of the year in your next game and with Brunell at the helm you guys will be crying about what might have been.
It’s gonna happen can’t stop. Alot of you Saint fans will remember this post sunday evening. So come back we will let you cry on our shoulders.
Wibble
November 3rd, 2009
3:47 pm
I would love to see more spread offense. Teams will not be use to seeing that from us.
PMC
November 3rd, 2009
3:48 pm
Deangelo Hall eh? SO there will be 9 routes a plenty Sunday. Count on that.
PMC
November 3rd, 2009
3:50 pm
I wish they had run Turner much more late in the game. The Saints couldn’t stop him and they kept going back to Ryan throwing. They should have run the ball on the pass that Vilma tipped.
No Fa SHo 504
November 3rd, 2009
3:50 pm
Mark this down…..the Falcons will win this division and have a bye week for the playoffs. Saints wildcard is not in your future you will not make the playoffs. Brees will be taken out of football for the rest of the year in your next game and with Brunell at the helm you guys will be crying about what might have been.
It’s gonna happen can’t stop. Alot of you Saint fans will remember this post sunday evening. So come back we will let you cry on our shoulders
Yall still have the panthers again giants and eagles. The Saints going to be at leat 13-3 Cons at best 10-6.. Your defense stinks and cant get off the field and Turner has to keep running like that if not yall in trouble
No Fa SHo 504
November 3rd, 2009
3:53 pm
6-1 against Cons the past four years. Cons have never had consectutive winning years. And the Cons fans are whining right now. The better team won!! Saints have a 3 game lead we’ll be fine Cons hope for the wild card
KJB
November 3rd, 2009
4:00 pm
Saints aren’t going to make the playoffs and Falcons will win the division…let’s see the Falcons are now 4-3 and the Saints are 7-0. IF the Falcons run the table they get to 13-3, which would mean the Saints would only have to go 6-3. What do you think is more likely, the Falcons winning 9 in a row or the Saints winning 6 of the next 9?
What a bunch of sore losers.
Iceman
November 3rd, 2009
4:00 pm
Forget about Vilma’s non-call….that one play wouldn’t have made a whole lot of difference anyway. Roddy White was all over Poter on the TD catch that wasn’t called. Reverse those players and it’s called on the defense. The Falcons did play as best they’ve shown and with a lot of heart…but they’re best game is still no match for the Saints worst. The Saints are simply a much better team. It will take an “ERROR FREE” game to beat them. Against the Saints BEST effort, Falcons don’t have much of a chance. And yes, this was a must win for the Falcons. Wildcard at best and that will also be a tough road.
JayDubu
November 3rd, 2009
4:05 pm
I can understand excepting the loss and moving on as fans, but moral victories have no value to the # of wins at the end of the season. It’s good that the game wasn’t a blowout, because it made it entertaining to watch. But other than that, it was still a loss. Just because some of the fans had there (low) expectations met by the Falcons not being blown out, doesn’t mean that the team had these same expectations.
As Herm would say, “You play to win the game”, not just to keep it entertaining.
Falcons have heart, and have a foundation in place upon which to build. This is just year two of a four year plan. World Champs in 2011!!!
Cannonball Butler
November 3rd, 2009
4:09 pm
You haven’t seen the Falcons best yet, my friend.
Cannonball Butler
November 3rd, 2009
4:12 pm
This one could have easily gone the other way. It was encouraging to find that the Saints are nowhere near as good as advertised. No way they go undefeated.
gkash
November 3rd, 2009
4:18 pm
Congrats to the Saints for winning the game. That being said, the Saints are about the only thing New Orleans has to offer these days. I have to admit, I’m a little sick of hearing about the “love story” between the Saints and their fans.
Eddie Williams
November 3rd, 2009
4:19 pm
French Quarter Guy, Turner’s game last night was not a fluke that’s what happens when they give him the ball consecutively instead of putting the ball in Ryan’s hands for the night. When NO comes to the dome believe me they will get drilled. Yesterday was a great game for the Falcons because they showed HEART. When we make it to the playoffs we will be battle tested because of the strength of our schedule. I cant say the same for the Saints. See you again Decemeber 13th and whenever we meet in the playoffs.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 3rd, 2009
4:21 pm
I asked Coach Smitty if WR Michael Jenkins was in a slump, you know with the drops and all.
COACH SMITH SAID: “We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes. That’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple of weeks. We are not sustaining our level of play throughout the game. . . This is not just on the offensive side of the ball. This is in all three phases.”
Charlie
November 3rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Choke, to answer your question, can a passer rating go below 46?
Vick stats:
Year Passer Rating Opponent
01 46 S. Louis
02 42.7 Stl
03 19 Ind
05 13.9 Kan
05 29.1 Tam
05 46.9 Arizona
06 16.3 Jets
06 39.1 Carolina
06 25.8 Chicago
07 43.4 Cle
07 22.7 Carolina
And, his 2009 rating or the year is 42.2. So to answer your question, yes, you can go below a 46 QB rating. We once had a QB who routinely was able to break that seemingly low. As a matter of fact, Vick was unable to break a 46 QB rating 18% of the games he started.
JayDubu
November 3rd, 2009
4:24 pm
The Flacons are not done yet:
You figure that they should beat Tampa Bay (2), Redskins, Buffalo, split with the Saints, beat one of the New York teams (Jets or Giants)and beat Philly or Carolina.
That’s 11 wins.
GSU Eagle 91
November 3rd, 2009
4:39 pm
I have to say I am proud of the Falcons after last night. We ran the ball well, and hassled Brees enough to stay in the game to the end. A couple of bad breaks did us in, but that is way all games are won or lost.
We come home to face a lousy Redskin team that we should dominate. 5-3 at the half way point is just fine. I always seem to remember the 0-5 starts after playoff appearance years that have kept the Falcons grounded, and no momentum to build on. We have it now…Dimitroff and Smith will get us there….
hiramsaint
November 3rd, 2009
4:40 pm
none against either n.y . team and a big no to philly. stop dreaming and wait ’till 2011
Elton
November 3rd, 2009
4:45 pm
Cry baby cry. ya’ll sound like little school kids playing in the sandbox and someone just put sand in your eye’s. Face facts you got beat by a better team…Blown calls were all around, the Ref’ had to be on drugs allowing Falcons LT to ride W.Smith all night.Yes R.White pushed off on Greer for his TD, yes bad call on the R.Bush deal they were on both sides. You ask 99% of the people not from ATL who they thought won the game, and it wouldn’t be close just deal with it, that’s all.
RRisener
November 3rd, 2009
4:54 pm
Have to disagree with TMoney about the Roddy White play. I saw the play live in the dome and replay on the big screen. Roddy White did not push off. White and the DB were running down the sideline, Ryan threw the ball to White’s outside shoulder. The DB looked back for the ball and altered his route toward the sideline, presumably to play the ball. The DB ran into White. White did not put his hands on the DB or extend his arms. White simply had better position on the ball. White bounced off the collision and caught the ball. Since the DB was looking back and playing the ball the contact was legal, but there is no rule that says the receiver must move out of the way of the DB and let him intercept the pass. A good “no call” by the official.
Mary
November 3rd, 2009
5:18 pm
I agree that the tipped pass was the ultimate play of the game – something that Matt Ryan could not totally avoid. I think he is still Ice- stupid name and that Mark Bradley whom I used to like back in the Terence Moore days just wanted a story. Both “interceptions” were due to outside factors and not to his mistakes. He is still my quarterback. And apparently Mark didn’t pay any attention to missed field goals- I guess those points don’t really count.
pilgrim
November 3rd, 2009
5:36 pm
On the three road losses – Pats, Dallas, and Saints games came at critical points in their seasons. Falcons faced play-off atmosphere each time and finally showed improvement last night. Good prep for going on the road when the Falcons get to the tournament.
Humble Fan
November 3rd, 2009
5:50 pm
Who dat say they gona beat dim saints,The Atlanta Falcons thats who.
Humble Fan
November 3rd, 2009
5:57 pm
You Falcons fans don’t be counting your chickens before they hatch.Watch out for the mighty Redskins.Falcons primed for upset.
WHO DAT!!
November 3rd, 2009
6:07 pm
I hate to be the one and say I told you so, but I TOLD YALL A@$$!!! Saints all the way baby, next victims– the Carolina Panthers! WHO DAT!!!
Bowl Cut
November 3rd, 2009
6:09 pm
Saints Fans..24 Hrs of fun on our Blog, move on to the Carolina blogs.
leschex
November 3rd, 2009
6:12 pm
every year I really enjoy reading these fan blogs after out two teams play ….every time the Falcons lose its the same excuse all of the blown calls on the refs part…..cant you guys just ever accept that maybe the better team won ,instead of making excuses!
willie
November 3rd, 2009
6:13 pm
How about if all the Saints fans stay on the Saints blogs and all the Falcons fans stay on the Falcons blogs? I guess that makes too much sense. Stat of the day: The Saints have won a grand total of 2 playoff games since their inception in 1967….is that even possible? They certainly are due!
hiramsaint
November 3rd, 2009
6:14 pm
willie willie wah wah!
Lil Larry
November 3rd, 2009
6:17 pm
D.OL, the next time you do an interview with the Falcons, please ask them…why have you decided to drop your D-linemen in coverage when they obviously should be going after the QB? This will always be a mismatch in the other teams’ favor and makes absolutely no sense for Jamal Anderson and John Abraham to cover a TE. If they’re experimenting, it’s a failed experiment.
htownbravesfan
November 3rd, 2009
6:25 pm
Alot of you Falcon fans keep talking about revenge the next time you play the Saints. It sounds great, but the odds are the game won’t mean alot in the overall scheme of things for the Saints. If you look at the Saints schedule, there are two against Carolina, two against Tampa Bay, and one each against the Redskins and Rams. We can fall asleep and win 5 out of 6, so at least 12 wins (barring significant injuries) are in the bag with at least a split against against one of those, Dallas, New England, and Atlanta. 14 wins and home field advantage is more than likely.
Stat Checker
November 3rd, 2009
7:03 pm
FALCONS OFFENSIVE LEADERS (Courtesy of ESPN):
RUNNING BACKS:
Turner – 8th
RECEIVING:
White – 12th
PASSING:
Ryan – 18th
I think it’s obvious who is not holding their own.
Stat Checker
November 3rd, 2009
7:06 pm
FMNF
November 3rd, 2009
3:45 pm
Mark this down…..the Falcons will win this division
In order for the Falcons to win the division, the Saints would need to finish 3-6 & the Falcons 7-2.
Figure the odds.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 3rd, 2009
7:13 pm
Charlie
November 3rd, 2009
4:23 pm
Choke, to answer your question, can a passer rating go below 46?
Thanks Charlie – can you help me with a few more stats:
Which seasons did Ryan and Vick win playoff games, make the Pro Bowl, finish 2nd in MVP, make it to the Championship game, rush for more than 600 yards in a season.
Thanks for helping me out buddy
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 3rd, 2009
7:16 pm
JayDubu
November 3rd, 2009
4:24 pm
The Flacons are not done yet:
You figure that they should beat Tampa Bay (2), Redskins, Buffalo, split with the Saints, beat one of the New York teams (Jets or Giants)and beat Philly or Carolina.
Only in your wet dreams will they come close to beating either the Eagles, Giants or Jets and with Carolina getting their mojo back, on the road, they will be lucky to finish with 8 wins.
They are toast guy – maybe next decade
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 3rd, 2009
7:17 pm
SIGNS THAT TELL YOU WHEN YOU ARE MEDIOCRE:
When the fans praise a moral victory
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 3rd, 2009
7:20 pm
pilgrim
November 3rd, 2009
5:36 pm
On the three road losses – Pats, Dallas, and Saints games came at critical points in their seasons. Falcons faced play-off atmosphere each time and finally showed improvement last night. Good prep for going on the road when the Falcons get to the tournament.
Tournament as in the NCAA men’s basketball bracket? That’s the only tournament they will be attending
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 3rd, 2009
7:23 pm
As bad as the CHOKE has played the last 3 games, his toughest test is this week against the 2nd overall defense in the NFL.
MARTIN
November 3rd, 2009
7:23 pm
(falcon Fan) when your turdy birds act like they’ve been there before then I guess we will. I’ve never in my life thought that I would here a bunch of fans crying about this and crying about that. GET OVER IT, TAKE THAT ASS WHIPPING LIKE A MAN. The saints are who you thought they were a good team, one that can make tons of mistakes and still WIN. That’s a mark of a good team. The falcons gave their best shot, they were respectable in their attempt to win, they came up short. As a matter of fact the record the last six games is 6-1 with us on top. So I think we have been there before, we know how to act, and come dec 13, we will act like we’ve been there again. Now will you please stop crying me a river of tears (SISSY).
The Anti-Vick
November 3rd, 2009
7:51 pm
MATT RYAN. THE PRESENT. THE FUTURE. DEAL WITH IT.