Archive for November, 2009

Will Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan get some good protection against Washington and Albert Haynesworth, the $100 million man? (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).

THE BRANCH — The one thread that runs through the last three performances by Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is that the opposition  — Chicago, Dallas and New Orleans – brought the noise up front.

Coach Mike Smith said the one thing about Ryan’s seven interceptions is that he was being competitive and trying to make plays.

You can bet that offensive line coach Paul Boudreau is taking a closer look at the protections.

In the Chicago game, Alex Brown was a threat even though the Bears didn’t get any sacks or quarterback hits.

DeMarcus Ware had two sacks and made things rough on Matt Ryan. (V

In the Dallas game, Jay Ratliff and DeMarcus Ware put on Pro Bowl performances. The Cowboys had four sacks and three quarterback hits.

In the New Orleans game, defensive end Will Smith got jiggy with it. They had three sacks and seven …

Continue reading Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan” »

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 …

Continue reading 5 things we learned from the Saints game »