Falcons survive Bucs, several questions linger
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan get his foot examined. (CURTIS COMPTON/ccompton@ajc.com)
THE BRANCH — The Falcons came out of Sunday’s 20-17 victory over Tampa Bay with more questions than answers.
Here’s the list?
1. Why was running back Michael Turner even playing?
He clearly didn’t appear to be 100 percent and couldn’t finish runs in his normally strong fashion.
“I don’t know what’s going on with those guys,” wide receiver Roddy White said. “We’ll see throughout the week. That’s all I know.”
2. What exactly is Matt Ryan’s toe injury?
If it’s turf toe, let’s call it turf toe. Those things are nasty and can linger. Remember, old Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert retired with turf toe.
Matt Ryan looks on as quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave confers with Chris Redman on the sidelines during 2nd half action. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
3. How will the offense operate without Turner and Ryan?
“It was tough,” White said. “Especially because those guys are our franchise players. Mike is a big part of this offense. When he’s in there we can run the ball and the play calling is different. We just have to roll with it and get ready to go.”
4. How healthy will right guard Harvey Dahl and left tackle Sam Baker be going doing the stretch?
The Falcons gave up six sacks, which gives them 20 for the season.
“We made some changes in our protections,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We started allowing more guys to stay in before they went out. We were down two offensive linemen as well. We hung tough and that’s what it’s all about.”
5. Can Chris Redman carry the torch down the stretch if Ryan’s out for an extended period?
“I thought he ran the offense very effectively,” Smith said. “He did not turn the ball over. As s backup in this league it’s a very difficult position. Chris, when called upon, made the most of his opportunity. . . I thought Bill Musgrave, our quarterbacks coach, did a good job with him on the sideline.”
Tight end Tony Gonzalez was impressed with Redman.
“He was tunnel vision out there,” Gonzalez said. “There was no need to go out there and try to pump him up. He’s been around a long time. He’s a veteran quarterback. He’s been in this situation before. I think he showed that he knows what needs to be done.”
6. What to do with Jason Elam and the kicking “operation?”
It sounded like Smith was absolving Elam for his missed field goal on Sunday.
“Jason kicked the ball right down the middle on two of his opportunities when the operation was clean,” Smith said.
When pressed about the miss, Smith said, “It’s an operation and I’m not going to comment on one individual.”
The Falcons brought in four kickers for tryouts last week and Elam at least thought in his mind that he had one more miss. He’s now missed seven field goal attempts this season.
Falcons kicker Jason Elam was 2 of 3 making this one in the first half. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
“It’s been frustrating,” Elam said. “It really has been. I’m just trying everything I can. All these little mechanical things to make sure that I get the ball going straight and it didn’t happen again. . . . Again, it’s all about consistency and I’ve got to figure out a way to be more consistent, bottom line.”
7. How’s the playoff picture looking?
If the playoffs started today Dallas (8-3), New Orleans (10-0), Minnesota (10-1) and Arizona (7-4) would be your NFC division winners. Philadelphia (7-4) and Green Bay (7-4) are sitting in the wildcards spots followed by the Falcons (6-5), New York Giants (6-5) and San Francisco (5-6).
The Giants have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Falcons. The Falcons have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the 49ers. The Falcons need to beat Philadelphia on Sunday to pull up a game and get the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Eagles.
“I don’t know if we saved the season,” said Gonzalez after the thriller over Tampa Bay at the Georgia Dome. “We’ve got five games left. Anything can happen.”
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115 comments Add your comment
Rock Preston
November 30th, 2009
8:38 am
Good question. Why was Turner playing?? You have to protect players from themselves sumtimes!!!
John Cosner
November 30th, 2009
8:53 am
Good Point!! What are the coaches thinking
CTim
November 30th, 2009
8:54 am
All good questions. Here’s the most important answer…Elam should be gone, off the team by Tue. Any kicker would be better. He’s a liability, totally unreliable down the stretch, and especially if this team should somehow luckily make the playoffs. You think he would still be kicking for Parcells or Bellicheck after 7 misses? Come on Coach Smith, move on and do what’s obvious. He’s killing this team almost singlehandedly.
gdg73
November 30th, 2009
9:21 am
Not much difference between Ryan and Redman, except Redman protects the ball better and looks to go down field more with his passes. Injuries are killing this team. Where is our pass rush? I expect to see Tye Hill and Jason Elam both cut today.
Trainwreck
November 30th, 2009
9:30 am
I keep telling myself I don’t believe in curses… but wow… if Turner and Ryan are out bye bye to a 2nd winning season
TCB
November 30th, 2009
9:33 am
The only problem that I see with Redman is that he does not put much zip on the ball. This will translate to INTs after Philly watches this film.
Blue Fender
November 30th, 2009
9:43 am
On defense, it’s not personel but the scheme. We keep running those zone defenses and anyone can find a hole in the zone given time. If the defensive line doesn’t get pressure on the QB, then the receivers just need to run to space and wait. EITHER RUN MORE BLITZES OR STOP RUNNING ZONE COVERAGE! IT DOES NOT WORK!
Mike is Back
November 30th, 2009
9:50 am
It was ugly…but it would have been even worst…if we had lost. I’M PROUD OF THE WAY THEY PERSEVERED TO THE END…GREAT WIN!!!
I felt like when we got those four plays…we would win that game. THIS should be the infusion of energy this team needs to get rolling…I like what Roddy said…you can’t worry about injuries…you gotta roll with what you got…they gotta BEAT PHILLY…as especially the THE SAINST. lol
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fat Ryan
November 30th, 2009
10:06 am
Great teams find ways to win…now some guys just need to step up
Dr. Spank
November 30th, 2009
10:11 am
The CDC is reporting a Herpes epidemic will break out in Atlanta this week with the return of Mike “Ron Mexico” Vick.
Lock up your daughters, Citizens.
(Heck, after Vick’s prison “experiences,” you might want to lock up your sons, too.)
Soap on a Rope, anyone?
Gamer
November 30th, 2009
10:18 am
Who would have thought that the coaches plays Turner against the lowly Bucs, when the Eagles is coming to town!!
Is Coach Smith suffering with BRAIN FARTS!!! Totally illogical!!
Save Turner the Burner for Eagles, Saints and Jets!!
Finally, we get a good game of complete route running and solid catches from Jenkins. He absorbed hits after the catch.
Hopefully, Redman got some rocket fuel stash somewhere. While his decision making and accuracy is good, he will need to put zip on his passes.
Maybe Ryan will be back before Sunday game.
The secondary need to stand tall and play big the final five games.
Falcons can still go 10-6, control your own destiny!!!!
ATLeon
November 30th, 2009
10:30 am
@Blue Fender
I’ve been yelling this all year but people just want to bash our corners. I know intra-divisional trades are normally frowned upon, but I think we should try to swap Gregg Williams for BVG.
pilgrim
November 30th, 2009
10:33 am
1) Turner played because the Falcons had more respect for TB than the rest of us.
2) Ryan looked like he wanted to get back out there, but Redman kept things going.
3) Impressed witn Redman’s focus and determination despite the sacks and hits.
4) Pat Yasinskas said Baker left the game with “multiple injuries.” Sounds like a traffic accident.
5) He seemed to be reliable within his abilities. And that’s what the team is struggling with right now – confidence.
6) They tried out some folks, didn’t they?
7) Keep the W’s coming at home, and get that winning season.
midnite
November 30th, 2009
10:41 am
DOL do you think Ryan was hurt before the game? I thought the timeout was very unusual for Ryan to call on the second play of the first possession. Ryan came close to throwing a pick 6 on that first pass play.
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
November 30th, 2009
10:46 am
Good article D-Led, especially the point about Turner. Why did he play? That was just stupid…period. Other thoughts:
1) #55 is clearly distracted by something else…he is not hurt (as usual), so what is it? Missed several tackles, and got NO push up the field.
2) #8 is SOLID, for being a back-up who has not played this season. No interceptions on emergency duty…he gets the game ball. He just needs to get the ball out of his hands quicker. This is Ryan’s problem too…is it because the WRs are not getting open?
3) D-Led, was #21 solid? Did not see him give up a completion…is this true? He certainly did not make a fool of himself like #24 Hill did during the two plays that he appeared. You notice how the Bucs went deep immediately after he came in? I think the secret is out on this guy…soft in coverage. But my question is deeper: How do you expect to win games in the NFL with these guys playing CB? Its not Grimes, Hill, or #23’s fault…they are doing what they can. The blame here lies with Dimitroff. Should have brought in several veteran corners after the preseason game against the Chargers. Has had chances to sign guys to help out…its about EGO now.
4) I think Ryan will be back…unless the toe is broken. Turner probably won’t be back next week (when we really needed him). Turn back to ole dependable Snelling (made his first mistake as a Falcon with the fumble) and use #32 to switch the pace. Move on and let Turner rest…we will need him when we go down to TB, which will decide our playoff fate.
5)On the positive…our run defense is NASTY. I really like what we do on first and second downs against the run. But as good as we are on fourth down on Offensive…we are just that bad on 3rd down on Defense. It just seems like our defensive players are not in position to make plays on the ball. Yes, the Corner/LB mesh is off, but isn’t that about coaching? We have to scheme for the next four games to force defended passes and interceptions. VanGorder, listen up: you are dialing blitzes, good. Now, think about placing players in specific locations across the field, like say…the SLANT, CURL or DRAG routes. It doesn’t take a Defensive Coordinator to see that teams KNOW that your guys can’t cover intermediate routes. Switch it up for four games…come with a nice package that INCLUDES players squatting on routes. What else do you have to lose?
We can still make it, if Ryan returns. Beat Philly at home, you have a good shot against NO at home, the Jets lost their QB (you can beat them), beat the BILLS at home…showdown at TB (who could really beat us…they matchup better with the Falcons than these other teams save NO).
GET HEALTHY RYAN!!
FBD
Gin Blossoms
November 30th, 2009
10:48 am
A better question is “Does Chris Redman give the Falcons a better chance to win RIGHT NOW than Matt Ryan?”
If he limits turnovers, he’ll be an improvement.
Falconian
November 30th, 2009
11:18 am
Samantha Baker hurt again. That is a huge shocker!!
Has anyone seen John Abraham?? Lawrence Sidbury has as many sacks as Abraham since the 3rd game…NONE. Why not give Sidbury a shot?
planb
November 30th, 2009
11:36 am
@gdg73
I agree with all your statements. Redmon, with a weeks practice should be OK. I would start Snelling. I’m a little worried about the O line tho. Get rid of Elam & Hill today, thank goodness Jenkins woke up. Which one of him will show up for next weeks game.
If we don’t give up, we still have a good chance for the playoffs. There are some beatable teams coming up.
We need some pass rush to help the corners. Some different schemes as someone mentioned earlier. Run defense looks good.
We have had so many injuries, but I like the depth we have better than any time in many years. With all our problems we still field a pretty good team. Cut some of the dead weight, get healthy, get some corners and I see good possibilities for years. I had rather trade a #1 pick and something extra if necessary, for a proven corner than try to develop a draftpick
F-105 Thunderchief
November 30th, 2009
11:59 am
Cut Elam and sign Brandon Coutu pronto. With all these injuries and the schedule, I don’t expect the Falcons to make the playoffs. Last year was a miracle. This is, in reality, Year Two of the rebuilding process. All I want is to nail down that ninth win to burst the curse.
falconfan
November 30th, 2009
12:09 pm
Jason Elam get outta town!! Bring back Chris Mortensen!!!
Into Metrics & Probabilities
November 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
I’m not giving up on the Falcons yet like many of you. From week to week any NFL team’s situation can change due to injuries to key players. With that said and with five games remaining, anything is possible and it doesn’t all have to be negative. GO FALCONS!!!!
I agree that Jason Elam MUST GO NOW!!!!
The margins for the Falcons to win and too close to have a placekicker that is not consistently kicking field goals. Hell…I believe he’s also missed an extra point this year too.
Arthur Blank
November 30th, 2009
12:25 pm
Let’s sit back and see how this thing plays out. Before Tom Brady was Tom Brady, he got his chance after being a backup and filling in for a injured player. Go Redman.
e.b.
November 30th, 2009
12:30 pm
As bad as all this sounds, I live near Philly- and have seen all the Eagles games this year. They are not a good team at all. Matter-of-fact, they’re more like a 5-6 team then a 7-4 team. They have eeked out wins over a bad Chicago team and a bad (but tough) Redskins team. They have also lost to the Raiders, gotten blown out by the Saints, and beaten down by the Chargers. Most of their wins are against lower tier teams, other than the win over the Giants. Yes, Falcons are banged up…so too are the Eagles. They are missing Westbrook, DeSean Jackson has a concussion, and their TE Celek has ligament damage in his thumb. Falcons have to find some heart Sunday, somehow….some way…they have to find a way to win. Certainly it would be great to have Ryan & Turner out there, but you gotta roll with what you got.
Are you serious, We are in big Trouble agains Philly.
November 30th, 2009
12:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Pete
November 30th, 2009
12:36 pm
The Falcons have sooooooo many problems you’d have to hire an accountant to keep track of them.
It’s now beyond pathetic.
dawgfacedboy
November 30th, 2009
12:37 pm
I would say the playoffs aren’t in the future. The Falcons aren’t a very good team, too inconsistent, too many holes on D. However, they should be able to complete the main goal which should be to put together back to back winning seasons.
MiltonDawg
November 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
is turf toe the same thing as ligament damage? i thought i heard the reporters mention that during the game. We’ll know more by Wednesday i guess but this is not a good way to go through this final stretch.
IJustDon'tGetIt
November 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
Our winning yesterday had so little to do with us because we played like do-do yesterday. While the run defense held its own, our win is credited to the inexperience of the young Freeman (short armed or overthrew a bunch) who we still managed to make look pretty good a whole lot and Piscatelli’s being called for defensive holding, giving Falcons an automatic 1st down on 5-yard line with 0:36 left. IT WAS THE TAMPA BAY BUCS FOR PETE’S SAKE! THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A CONTEST!! No pass rush at all, little or no confidence in our secondary again this week! The O-line beat up. Elam – no words! What happened to Norwood after the touchdown? Redmon played great given the circumstances, but we got helluva work to do on both sides of the line. If the team plays like it did on yesterday against Philly, defending the Dome will be a thing of the past!
Beautiful Monte
November 30th, 2009
12:49 pm
Didn’t gdg73 room with Vick in da big house?
Randal the Vandal
November 30th, 2009
1:06 pm
What a nail biter. I think I drew blood. Nice job Redman, Jenkins and Gonzo. The thing that has bothered me is the ability of our offense to establish a rhythm in the past several games and control the field. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HURRY UP OFFENSE???!!! When we were running this we kept the defense on their heels, controlling the field and winning games.
michwill36
November 30th, 2009
1:18 pm
vick will be signing nikes in the endzone sunday. at 11.30
DMac
November 30th, 2009
1:24 pm
I’ve admired the Coaching staff so far for what they have been doing since they started, however, I can’t let Coach Smith off this time. The Burner should never have been out there. Your saying we need him to beat Tampa. Please….. How long will he be out now. We needed him for the Eagles and Jets. I don’t know what they were thinking. High Ankle Sprain 3-6 wks. Snelling was tremendous last week. He is a big runner. Norwood is our changeup guy and should remain that. Give Snelling the rock and get Norwood to the edge. This Team is at Critical Mass right now. Playoffs start next week.
IJustDon'tGetIt
November 30th, 2009
1:25 pm
And another few things… Real talk – if Piscatelli isn’t called for defensive holding, we lose – Just realized Redman had actually thrown six incomplete passes before the final TD!! And defensively we generated NO TURNOVERS!!! Tampa Bay managed to block a punt on special teams, caused a fumble… US – NOTHING! ARRRGGGHHHH!!
Tim McKyer
November 30th, 2009
1:30 pm
Jason Elam, Tye Hill, Chris Houston, and Brent Grimes all should be cut! I’d rather just give Owens and Chevis Jackson a chance. They can’t do any worse.
johnblaze007
November 30th, 2009
1:38 pm
Something about Atlanta teams and the edge of the seat phenomena.I would love to watch a game where we at least get the quarter back sacked.John Abraham missed free shot to sack Freeman pun intended really think about it.We obviously do not have a disciplined football team.However, I am glad they perservered and won reminded me of the 1998 Conference Championship game against the Vikings.Well, I am MV& Fan will always be loyal since he always kept Atlanta Falcons in the post season granted Dan Reeves had not been fired maybe more.How many coaches and schemes etc did we go through.The team needs balance and the secondary gets exposed every game.Back to Back winning seasons only time will tell.Haters be forewarned MV7 is under your skin and this Sunday prepare for a new rivalry may the best team win.OUr team do not scare anyone unlike when MV7 was here just YOutube his highlights in fact we could have utilized him yesterday since Matt Ryan toe injury will cost the franchise in the long run.I am so glad Atlanta Falcons were in the 1999 Superbowl because we will need more new weapons to return in the near future.Secondary better be addressed in Free Agency,Kicker,some bigger lineman on both sides.Peace!
DJ
November 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
What you saw yesterday was league “parity”. When one team is clearly better than the other, the men in stripes control the game.
The Buc’s game plan was to grab and hold on both sides of the ball until the refs put a stop to it. Fortunately, the men in stripes finally pulled out the flag on the final drive.
If the refs pull those types of flags out in the first quarter, the Falcons win going away.
Just ask JA #55 – all you TV watchers missed Mr. Abraham showing his half torn off jersey to the ref who, ironically, on the next play called holding on the same player for the same infraction.
I am certain Mr. Smith’s weekly report will remind the league that receiver contact after 5 yards is a penalty and tackling a pass rusher is also a penalty.
6 - 10
November 30th, 2009
2:11 pm
I like our chances even more for a playoff berth with Ryan out.
At least Chris can throw a football down the field and doesn’t panic in the pocket. Worried about Turner though.
DrJ
November 30th, 2009
2:22 pm
Why do get that same feeling that I am watching the same Falcons of years gone by?
I have always liked Redman, and he did really great, especially coming off the bench not expecting to play. As someone else noted, I also think he needs to get his body into his throws, more zip, or he will have a lot of ints. It would be nice to see some long balls, but our OL can’t protect him long enough for the receivers to run their routes, so he’s going to be throwing short until that happens. I too was surprised that Turner was back in, and not surprised that he was re-injured. Norwood looks good as a pass receiver and on the shovel-pass, plays that get him beyong the line of scrimmage before he touches the ball. Abraham was easily side-stepped by the QB when he had him zeroed in for a sure sack; can’t figure that one out. I think Elam has developed a weak leg. He had a hamstring earlier. I don’t remember which leg, but either one will through off the kick. His kicks are straight for PATs, but beyond that they are wide-left, which I believe are caused by his trying harder to get the distance. If he is going to remain employed he better start aiming at the Right post. Too bad Sam Baker has so many injuries, but that was his history (hope TD remembers this next draft).
I’m guessing Ryan’s toe injury is a normally 3 weeks rest, and even then he won’t be fluid: but coach will just give him one week off, deja vu Turner!
e.b.
November 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
Ryan’s toe is a sprain, listed day-to-day. He’ll probably play next Sunday. Again, Eagles aren’t as good as advertised.
Brownie
November 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Hey Falcon Fan (12:09)…Bring back Chris Mortensen??!!?? You can hear him on either ESPN or local sports talk radio about every day…………Now, bringing back MORTEN ANDERSON might be a better suggestion.
When you hear Mike Smith talk about the kicking “operation”, he’s referring to the fact that the Falcons have a new new long snapper for the last 3 games or so…and the timing is a little off. I’ve noticed Elam “false-starting” a few times recently. But his confidence is definitely shot right now.
There’s little doubt that we’ll see a different kicker next year, with no change right now. Keep in mind, if it doesn’t get better, Koenen can handle it probably about as well.
I Now Pronounce You "Barack & Larry."
November 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Hopefully, Michael Vick will be able to make it through this weekend without any Herpes outbreaks or fathering additional illegitimate children who will also wind up in prison without a solid father figure like Matt Ryan.
Bill
November 30th, 2009
2:51 pm
Too bad about the injuries to Ryan and Turner, but those are not the biggest problems. While not as explosive, Snelling has done an admirable job in place of Turner, and other than a little understandable confusion, I did not see any drop-off when Redmon came in for Ryan.
Folks have been criticizing the D’backs all season, with some justification. But, the bigger problem is that Atlanta can’t seem to get any pressure on the quarterback (over several games), and can’t seem to protect ours.
As for Jason Elam. He is one of the best all time. He could be done, or it could just be a timing thing, but you would think they could sort that out by now.
DJ
November 30th, 2009
2:52 pm
Elam may be hurt but you don’t hear him complaining. I seem to remember a kicker that made every kick all season except his last one and that miss put the Falcons in the Super Bowl.
Did you all think all of the games were gonna be 45-10? The crowd yesterday was more pathetic than the Falcons; when are you ppl gonna get with the program? At 10-0 the crowd was upset the score wasn’t 17-0. Even the 25,000 or so empty seats were booing the home team.
Let me point out a fact here…the Falcons won. Further, they have only one loss at home in 2 years. It’s about time you all quit whining, get a ticket, and get behind your team. With 25,000 empty seats, you are all very close to not getting your team on TV.
C from Marietta
November 30th, 2009
2:55 pm
Matt gets hurt and now there is speculation. His career is over? Why even bring Jack Lambert? No one except the coaching staff, Matt Ryan and the trainer know how bad he is hurt. Why speculate even futher.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 30th, 2009
2:56 pm
TWO WORDS:
Matt Stafford……….
He played with a SEPARATED SHOULDER and led his team to victory.
CHOKE regulated himself to CHEERLEADER while the BACKUP led the team to victory.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 30th, 2009
2:59 pm
I Now Pronounce You “Barack & Larry.”
November 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Hopefully, Michael Vick will be able to make it through this weekend without any Herpes outbreaks or fathering additional illegitimate children who will also wind up in prison without a solid father figure like Matt Ryan.
“So basically you are saying” the CHOKE has no excuse for being a LOSER. Good point.
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
LaShondra B.
November 30th, 2009
3:00 pm
All yall racists are hating on Mike Vick. He gonna come back to Atlanta and beet the Falcons by his self. Blank stab him in the back and now he going to pay with the Eagles beeting the Falcons. Mike Vick play in the Super Bowl. Yall know I am right so shut up. Mike Vick is black Super Man.
Shamus Thacker
November 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
Is George Blanda dead?
TCB
November 30th, 2009
3:05 pm
Mediocre football team. Below average defense. Been drafting corners since Dan Reeves was coach and still can’t find any good ones. Candy a** players hurt all the time. No playoffs for this bunch, in fact what’s the over under on them even breaking the curse and having a winning record?
Jayb
November 30th, 2009
3:12 pm
BOTTOM LINE: CONSISTENCY…Too many injuries for the Falcons…which translate to inconsistencies on the field! If Turner wasn’t 100%, then why are we putting him on the field to be re-injured for a longer period. We need our running game back….passing the ball, while good at times, has led to too many game-changing turnovers this season! As far as Elam: he may be a great guy but NFL demands consistency, there is no room for error when your trying to post up a field goal….especially 7 misses! I will always be a Falcon’s fan but I have been disappointed lately….I’m tired of playing teams so close (when we have no business playing that close). I am tired of waiting til the final seconds of the ball game to try and pull off a win, and I am tired of playing a strong game and then deciding to stop playing in the 3rd quarter. Smith has got to go back to getting better each week, lately I am not sure that has been happening. IT IS ALL ABOUT CONSISTENCY!!!!
Rich
November 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
Yes, Jason Elam has struggled mightily this season. However, I simply cannot agree with placing so much blame on a KICKER for the teams struggles any more than giving him more credit than he deserves for the good season he and the team both enjoyed last year. Yesterday, his missed field goal had no impact on the outcome of the game and without his fist two he made, the Falcons would have been in no position to win the game anyway. Everyone seems to want to focus on his one miss instead of the two he made.
Allow the future hall of fame kicker to kick his way out of this slump with the experience and knowledge his 3 pro bowls and 2 super bowl rings bring you. Forget this nonsense about signing an inexperienced kicker with no big game resume. Loyalty to Elam will benefit this team in the long run. The Falcons have MUCH bigger problems on defense right now than to worry about Jason Elam.
Bestoink Dooley
November 30th, 2009
3:22 pm
LaShondra, Thank you for blessing us with your infinite wisdom.
Bill
November 30th, 2009
3:26 pm
Shamus,
Even if he were dead, I’d put my money on Blanda.
Bill
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Rich, you are right. It is also unclear a this point, whether the problem is with the snapper, the holder or the kicker, or some combination. It is probably unfair to put all of this on Elam.
BugKiller
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
JACK LAMBERT, the TOUGHEST man in NFL history RETIRED because of turf toe.
Choke, I would love to see you go up to Pittsburgh and call Jack Lambert a chump.
Then again, you are mentally challenged.
Take some notes from Vick Supporter and lay off the crazy.
lloyd
November 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
I think Reman should get alot more credit he won the game without a running game I dont think Making Alot of Terrible Throws (MATT) could’ve done it.If you remember most of you were crying about Turner not be able to run, he was washed up so on and so on well he wasn’t in the game and Atlanta won. GO REDMAN GO FALCONS
tyger
November 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
My Five:
1. Falcoons gave Elam big K and don’t want to take the cap hit.
2. Chris Owens is a different player than in pre-season, keep playing him.
3. The D-line is underwhelming – a good unit – but no stars. Tough decisions to made there.
4. Redman did a great job – wish we still had Shockley – one hit from being outta playoffs.
5. Dimitroffs strategy of drafting injury-prone players has hurt this season.
midnite
November 30th, 2009
3:55 pm
Choke
I will be at the game Sunday like I am at every home game. I would like to meet you face to face and talk. Since you love Vick I’m guessing you will be there. I would really like to see how you would act in public. This is not a threat or a trick, I just would like to see if you can man-up and have a logical conversation.
I’ll bet your sadistic, beady eyes have rolled back in your head because of Ryan’s injury, so you won’t have to worry about him.
What do you say? You can even choose the spot in the Dome. My tickets give me access to all areas of the Ga. Dome. Let me know.
lloyd
November 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
Good news Making Alot of Terrible Throws (MATT) wont play Sunday. Coach Smith lets work on some passing plays beyond twenty yards you now have QB that can get it there.
Bruce
November 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
I agree with some on here….and others think they are out-of-work coaches. hehehehe…….
Wise up. Our opinions do not count. What they “should” and “should not” do is totally up to the guys who have the coaches/GM titles. Relax and watch the games. We have ZERO influence on player personnel or play calling.
Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Jason Elam has had more opportunities than mercy allows and has botched each one. If Roddy doesn’t make that catch, that would have been 3 games lost because of Elam’s inability to do his job. If he makes his kicks (as he’s paid to do) we’re 8-3 (NY Giants, Carolina). Let’s get Lou Sakoda, 2008 All American consensus kicker from Utah (that embarassed Alabama in the Sugar Bowl). The kid is automatic. He kicks, punts, kickoffs, and probably juliane fries. Currently freezing to death in the CFL.
Once "Recent" Reader
November 30th, 2009
4:09 pm
Stafford played with a “Separated Shoulder” and lead his team to win?? OK . . .on 2nd to last play of Cleveland Game Stafford is hit and a pass inteference is called on Hail Mary in endzone. Culpepper comes out – bu Mangini/Browns call timeout. Tough Stafford does come out to throw 1 yard TD pass for win. Great job. After game . . . negative results on collarbone injury. Next week agains Green Bay – Turkey Day. Stafford plays with a “Sore Non-Throwing Shoulder”. Goes 20 -43, 213 yards, 1 TD and 4 Ints. Sorry Choke – but you keep writing his Shoulder was Separated. Where did you get that from? And as I said yesterday . . . . .Lions probably would have better off not playing him. Sometimes what is called Tough = Unwise. Plus, take a look back at Ryan’s BC career . . . . once he became starter in his Sophomore Year – he played every game from that point. And he was hurt plenty of times. You can lame Ryan – but this sounds like a Coaching /Medical Team decision.
6 - 10
November 30th, 2009
4:12 pm
lloyd
November 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
Good news Making Alot of Terrible Throws (MATT) wont play Sunday. Coach Smith lets work on some passing plays beyond twenty yards you now have QB that can get it there.
Yup, what lloyd said. While I certainly don’t wish an injury on anyone, the “ice” is melting…..and fast too. Always liked Redman more than “smoke & mirrors” matty anyway. Need to get that other kid….Col. John Parker Wilson or whatever his alabama name is…. some reps in practice. Be ready son.
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
November 30th, 2009
4:15 pm
rich is Elam’s agent.
Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
PS – Elam also missed the kick that would have made last year’s Chicago game a non-event. His misses are killing our record or forcing Ryan and Redmond to work miracles. I’d rather have the sure wins than the nail biters. Our team works too hard to lose this way. Almost like losing games to bad calls. No one comes to see refs make calls or watch kickers. Especially ones that do a Texas two step before each flub.
Headmofo
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Chris Redman is short but at least he didn’t have happy feet like Matt Ryan… Matt has been trying to run more in the last 4 or 5 games and that is not his game. The O line has to do a better job of protection and Matt needs to get the ball out quicker and stop looking to hit TG#88 on every down. We still have a chance to beat the Eagles and get everyone well for the Saints game. All is not lost. We can build with what we have for years to come. Another Defensive End, Corner, and Linebacker is all we need.
tigerp1014b
November 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
Re LaShondra…
Thanks for the laugh. I know your funny spellings and failure to use proper tense are merely an effort to bait the “racist” readers. Couldn’t “beet” your jokes with a sledgehammer. Ha!
Vick and his ilk are scum. It does not matter whether they are black, white, green, or purple. Simple as that.
Brooking kicked your booty
November 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
Favre played with broken finger on throwing hand but Ryan can’t play with turf toe. Give me a break. That right there shows you the difference between a winner and a wannabe.
The truth
November 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
we will not win with redman starting. this game is done before it started. pray for a quick return for matt ryan.
Eagles Message Board
November 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
“From dogkiller to potential drive killer.”
ashman
November 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
I think the falcons are a good team when healthy and mediocre when the key pieces are not at full strength.I also just want to break the curse and just hope to have a very good draft and key free agent signings-dbs please!
Will "DeathFromAbove" Mullis
November 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
Couldn’t believe Mularkey just ran Turner up the middle as usual.
With Norwood back and Snelling having filled in decently WHY???
JustWinbaby
November 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hate to say it, but Redman is better than Matt Ryan. Look for equal distribution among recievers this Sunday as he doesn’t lock in to only Gonzalez and won’t hesitate to go deep. Svitek is better than Sam Baker. Baker is a major bust. Tye Hill is a major bust, Elam needs to retire, and the loss of Turner is a major blow. That’s my 50 cents….
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 30th, 2009
5:39 pm
BugKiller
November 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
JACK LAMBERT, the TOUGHEST man in NFL history RETIRED because of turf toe.
Choke, I would love to see you go up to Pittsburgh and call Jack Lambert a chump.
Then again, you are mentally challenged.
Take some notes from Vick Supporter and lay off the crazy.
“SpermKiller” did you see that guy Flacco playing last night with his ankle wrapped, because he had a high ankle sprain and they interviewed him asked if the problem was with his ankle.
Like the TRUE teammate he said “That would be an excuse, has nothing to do with my injury”
That is a TRUE LEADER!
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
Terrell
November 30th, 2009
5:43 pm
It’s easier to play with a seperated shoulder when you consider it’s his non-throwing shoulder. As a QB you can thrown the ball with a broken finger, but when you have turf toe you are applying a lot of pressure to one part of the body as you throw. Believe it or not I don’t care how strong your arm is, if your feet aren’t set you won’t be able to get a lot on the ball as you would hope. The big toe takes a lot of pressure when you are setting your feet to pass the ball, but I’m going to assume that the majority of online “DOCTORS” here don’t have a clue to what they are talking about.
LaShondra? What are you talking about?
David
November 30th, 2009
5:44 pm
Eagles will prepare for Redman who is a good quality backup quarterback. Let me repeat myself “BACKUP” quarterback. Eagles will pick him off at least 2 or more times, especially if the birds are without Turner. Just remember that the Bucs did not prepare for Redman, they prepared for Ryan.
Eagles like to throw the homerun ball, and with the Falcon’s secondary and the fact they cannot get any pressure on the opposing quarterback, the Eagles will have a field day throwing the ball around.
Look for the score to be somewhere around 42 to 10 Eagles.
What was THAT?
November 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
1. WHY start a banged up Turner against a team 29th against the run?
2. WHY can we not block well enough to rush for 100 against said team, and oh by the way give up 6 sacks?
3. WHY can the vaunted Falcons offense barely muster 20 points against a team giving up avearge 31?
4. WHERE is a pass rush from this group? Freeman had all day, all day.
5. WHERE are your 2009 draft picks, Dimitroff?
Clearly, we ain’t who we thought we were. You know what I feel not real good about right now? THE PROCESS.
Once "Recent" Reader
November 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Still trying to figure out where the “Separated Shoulder” diagnosis was determined for Stafford??? Was it just poetic license to make a point Choke . . . .or did you actually read that somewhere? I did my research for the day and won’t go looking to see if Favre’s broken finger was actually a hang-nail:) That’s no knock on Favre either . . that guy is down and out tough . . . just beginning to question what is written. And as a BC guy, I’m telling you Ryan played many games with a pretty bad ankle in college and ended up with the most wins for a QB there. (OK it’s BC is not FL . . . so 9 / 10 win seasons are pretty good there!)
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
RYAN RULED OUT FOR SUNDAY’S GAME:
This is a bunch of garbage!
This was pre-planned. Smitty was looking for an exit strategy for the CHOKE’s bad play this season. By faking an injury, it would look like Smith was not benching the CHOKE but just because of injury.
It’s quite a coincident that the CHOKE would walk off the field by himself and Smith, who would list Norwood as questionable for the past 4-6 weeks and traditionally not release injuries until Thursday or game day, but he is listing the CHOKE on a Monday afternoon?
Come on guys, this is so obvious!
Remember last week, he would not reveal Turner’s injury, because he did not want the opposing team to have an unfair advantage during the week’s practice sessions and film reviewing.
So now he is being courteous by letting the opposing team know their starting qb is ruled out already?
Yeah give me a break!
This is a coverup, so that the CHOKE would not look like the LOSER that he is and they can play Redman, without it looking like a benching.
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
Once "Recent" Reader
November 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
Hee Hee . . . now you are a-rolling Choke. I’m watching something on the JFK assassination right now . . . . .any comments there??
qdogrules
November 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
Matty plays scared, redmon did very well to have not played in a while. I think with him being no.1 he will get more reps with the team and I think we will be just fine without matty.
qdogrules
November 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
honestly the eagles are not a great team. It really comes down to ball control and if atlanta dont turn the ball over we will be alright. however the secondary has to bring there (A game) and we cant allow Mcnabb to sit in the pocket. we need to get him rattled early!
Frank
November 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
Truth is……….. that is to say………. what we have here is……..the usual cast of fairweather fan suspects doing what they always do…… jumping ship.
This team will be just fine.
Chris Redman broke most of Johnny Unitas’s records at Louisville and Unitas awarded him his “Golden Arm” award as the best college quarterback in the nation that year.
Unitas was instrumental in Baltimore drafting Redman and were it not for two years of injuries……. he would probably be their starter.
We don’t just have a fill-in replacement for Ryan……… we have an exceptional passer who can really play.
Too many people who know nothing about football spout off after one or two mistakes. We will beat Philly Sunday and make the playoffs. Hide and watch.
Atl Hawk
November 30th, 2009
6:25 pm
I will be at the game Sunday and I can assure you that the Falcons better play to win. I agree with you Choke, this is a set up and pre-planned to not start Ryan. Maybe they dont want to see him do bad against our former qb. Way to go Falcons by throwing in the towel. I realy believe they dont want to win and make it to the playoffs. After doing research of my own, teams actually lose revenue when they make the playoffs. Go Falcons u r on ur way to doing that.
David
November 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
To all those Falcon dreamers, I really “REALLY” hope you are correct. But, come on, just like the real world, nobody has any common sense anymore.
“HAVE YOU SEEN THE FALCONS DEFENSE PLAY THIS YEAR”? I have seen every game and they have not improved at all on defense. They have actually decline, regressed. They should be improving with all the young talent they have but they are not.
I have also seen a lot of Eagles games and they “LOVE TO THROW DEEP” put those two things together and you have a blow out, Eagles win 42 – 10.
I really hope though I am wrong because I am a big Falcons fan but I do have common sense.
Atl Hawk
November 30th, 2009
6:28 pm
And whoever said that back to back winning seasons is more important than winning a superbowl is nuts. Who cares about back to back winning seasons. I want a superbowl for the team i love. F back to back winning seasons, it doesnt mean a hill of beans.
Atl Hawk
November 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
I can’t remember the greatest show on turf having a back to back winning season before they won the big game. They came out of the blue and that’s what we need to do. To hell with back to back.
Atl Hawk
November 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
Die hard Falcons fan, but if the Sneagles make the playoffs….Go Vick. Just to shut the haters up. Karma is a B and I know her.
Frank
November 30th, 2009
7:05 pm
P.S.
“Google” Chris Redman and check out Wickapedia……… some kind of record. This guy is just waiting for a chance to show who he is.
300+ yard game……… Falcons 34 Eagles 17
An Observation
November 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
I just want all you bandwagon fans that are currently jumping off to PLEASE STAY OFF FOR GOOD when the Falcons win 4 out of the next 5 games. We don’t need nor want your negativity!!! Keep that #$%# to yourself.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
A.B.
November 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
At firt I thought Choke was a just a moron and an idiot.
Dude, you are just plain crazy.
Oh, I like the way you dodged midnite.
Choke is also a coward.
Felix the Cat
November 30th, 2009
8:27 pm
Falcons win by 10 sunday….
Once "Recent" Reader
November 30th, 2009
8:48 pm
If folks on this Football blog have to Google Wikipedia to learn that Chris Redman was a monster of a QB at Louisville . . ..well it doesn’t really say much for their football acumen. And on a lot of these Falc blogs, I don’t believe football knowledge is a prerequisite . ..unfortunately.
Falcon 8211
November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
we need to run the ball and shore up our defense. that means abe and that d line needs to get some sacks. i will say babs has played his heart out . he is the only d lineman that has showed up every game this year. that said watch the pass dbacks play the ball not the wr . play your buns off
Falcon 8211
November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
got to have this one
cdog
November 30th, 2009
11:32 pm
the falcons will claw the eagles 31-21.we must get the kicking game straight if we are to go far into theplayoffs.we should be 9-2 if not for the kicking game with elam.this need to straighten out before philly comes to town.also, the secondary coach should work the stew out the secondary plus we got to get to mcnabb and hit him as often as possible.blocking and tackling must be done to perfection against the eagles to asure victory
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
12:09 am
Then after Philly, they have the Saints coming to town, fresh off of WHIPPING the Patriots that WHIPPED the Falcons……….
Back-to-back B-L-O-W-O-U-T-S
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
12:40 pm
CHOKE’s Injury is a CONSPIRACY:
Don’t let the AJC and the team fool you!
Isn’t it a big coincident that with the return of Michael Vick & Smith ruling out a player before the deadline?
Coincident?
I say Conspiracy!
Don’t let them try and fool you. This would be HUGE if by some way Andy Reid allows Vick more touches than he has in previous games and he EMBARRASSES the Falcons and the CHOKE continues to throw PICKS especially with that great secondary, led by Asante Samuel.
This so obvious it’s a CONSPIRACY.
Nice try Blank
Nice try Falcons
Nice try AJC
YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TMoney
December 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
Choke, I can see now that you’re right, it is all just a conspiracy. Same as the lunar landing, JFK assassination, alien landing in Roswell, global warming…
Falcon in a down spin with Ryan (Patty Melt) ICE NOT
December 1st, 2009
1:52 pm
There is no band wagon ( pipe dream) until they(Falcons) get a top 5 defense. keep spending all your money on offense (Matt Ryan) when we need defense. The defense In the 30″S this team ON DEFENSE out of 32 teams . Matt Ryan ,Sam baker, all are bust. we need head hunter. Management never get it. They keep looking to the hope I just hope they win!!! will they win back to back no until we have defense. when you score 27 point you should win most games. Where is Matt passer rating? where is his win rating. look at the defense sacks? 3Th downs? The Falcon are committed to the Hope not winning. Falcon Gm is not all that he was very luckly!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
3:58 pm
Train Wreckkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Laughing at Blank “Wishing he was Benson”
Laughing at Dimitroff “Wanna be Belechick”
Laughing at Smith “I hit players because I can’t coach”
Laughing at the CHOKE “Faking injury to save my tiny ego”
Laughing at the AJC “Minor league journalism”
Laughing at “YOU” people “Believing you can win without Vick”
Damn I just love laughing at you CLOWNS
Row 3
December 1st, 2009
4:01 pm
ESPN News reports, Elam cut!
Row 3
December 1st, 2009
4:22 pm
Signed Matt Bryant!
emack06
December 1st, 2009
4:42 pm
Redman been in the league a while. He has more experience. If he plays well, then a new QB controversy will be born.
The truth
December 1st, 2009
5:18 pm
Hey stupid CHOKE’n on Vick’s wick…….the Falcons didn’t win with Vick in 05 and 06. So what’s your point idiot. As a matter of fact they really didn’t do anything worth writting in a book about with Vick. So please stop your dreaming or joking or whatever it is you call it because you really do look like a fool with your pointless posts.
Man you are one DUMBA**!!!
tidog
December 1st, 2009
5:19 pm
I won’t bow down and kiss the saints ring. oops they don’t have one. as a matter of fact they haven’t been to the bigg dance. 2 teams have lost to the saints with a margin of less than 10 points, the rams and guess who ? you got it the dirty birds. the saints ain’t done squat. take your perfect record and win the bowl, then i’ll bow down. GOOOOOOOOOOOO Falcons
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
5:45 pm
Train Wreckkkkkkkkkkkkkk
“Oh I hurt my little toe”
Laughing at “YOU” clowns
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
6:04 pm
HA HA HA
They knew DJ was the best qb on the roster and Blank just had a meeting with Dimitroff & Smith…………
Blank said “I WANT TO END THIS CRAP – Bring back Shockley”!
I told you it was a big CONSPIRACY for the FAKE injury to the CHOKE.
This was all in the planning before the Tampa game.
- 1st they had to find a subtle way to bench the CHOKE
- Next they didn’t want the Vick & Eagles show them up
- They rule CHOKE out on Monday when they never have before
- They cut Elam, so they can bring DJ in under the radar
Blank wants this TRAIN WRECK to end and he is really pissed that he didn’t keep Vick or Shockley on the roster. He tried to listen to the blog fans who never buy tickets, buy building up a 5 year senior who tossed 22 PICKS.
Blanks is tired of being the laughing stock and losing all that money at the gates.
Good try Art but any fool knows the CHOKE is FAKING being injured, and the only injury he has sustained is over working that NOODLE for an arm.
Blank has finally done what I have been telling “YOU” people since last year’s draft……………
“DUMP THE CHUMP”
Go D.J.!
Row 3
December 1st, 2009
6:18 pm
Were one play away from having JP Wilson, and DJ Shockley as our Quarterbacks. Get well soon, Matt.
Ga Dawg in Dallas, Tx
December 1st, 2009
9:23 pm
This is why I root for the Dallas Cowboys !!!!!!! Have been a fan since the 3rd grade. Mike Vick (Wonder Loser) didn’t beat us, nor could he. He averages about 6 plays a game and has had no major impact on the NFL or the Eagles. He is a joke, and I hope the Falcons beat Philly, for our sake. I like the Falcons, they will just never be the kind of team that consistently competes for championships. But good luck because Arthur Blank and company do have the teams best interest at heart.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
10:09 pm
Ga Dawg in Dallas, Tx
December 1st, 2009
9:23 pm
This is why I root for the Dallas Cowboys !!!!!!! Have been a fan since the 3rd grade. Mike Vick (Wonder Loser) didn’t beat us, nor could he. He averages about 6 plays a game and has had no major impact on the NFL or the Eagles. He is a joke, and I hope the Falcons beat Philly, for our sake. I like the Falcons, they will just never be the kind of team that consistently competes for championships. But good luck because Arthur Blank and company do have the teams best interest at heart.
“A cowgirl”
You guys do realize the season doesn’t end in November right 
Another CHOKE special is coming 
PJ.
December 2nd, 2009
12:39 am
One thing I will ask of all those questioning #55 ( Abraham )and that is to look at the games when the Falcons are on defence. It seems to me that to question ABe’s effort is apparent that you are not watching or else you would have seen that he is getting double teamed most of the snaps, because teams know that he is their problem. Therefore it is upon the other guys on the D-Line, but only Babs and Bierman has made use of that.
PJ.
December 2nd, 2009
12:46 am
Anyone who has watched the Falcons this season knows that we need to draft at least two corners in the next draft, and maybe pick up a free agent corner, but don’t be surprise if our first pick is a left tackle, one that is more reliable than Baker has been, and who will provide more protection for the franchise QB. I see our picks been LT, DB.DB, LB, DT, OL maybe a center or right Guard.
The truth
December 2nd, 2009
8:16 am
I see CHOKE is choke’n on Vick’s geez again.
#1 Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2009
3:07 pm
Well Elam got cut as expected, i think it’s 2 games too late he should have been cut. if we lose to Philly and drop to 6-6, we are in trouble. We need to get to 10 wins to make the last wildcard spot…that means going 4-1 to end the season. It’s possible..we are 5-0 at home and have 3 home games left, which means we need to take care of business at home and then win 1 road game….If we miss the playoffs..the two games to look back on is the Giants game (Elam missed a FG) and the Panthers game (Elam missed a FG)…..those two will come back to haunt us. And the thing that’s most frustrating is..the Panthers have not won another game since they beat us!!!!!!!