NFC playoff picture: Falcons are in the driver’s seat
The Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders perform between the 1st and 2nd quarter at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – For the 9-2 Falcons, the playoff picture is pretty clear: win-out and earn the No.1 seed in the NFC.
The Falcons, who are about to set out on a three-game road swing, have the best record in the NFC and hold a one game lead in the NFC South over the New Orleans Saints with five games to play.
A Green Bay Packers fan isn't happy with the 20-17 Falcons victory at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
“It’s great to get winning season,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “But our expectations and our goals are a lot higher than that. We want to keep them internally, but we are progressing on our journey to where we want to be as a football team.
“In December that’s when the games become very important.”
If the playoffs started today, the Chicago Bears (8-3) would represent the NFC North. The Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) would win the NFC East and the St. Louis Rams (5-6) would win the meek NFC West.
New Orleands (8-3) and the New York Giants (7-4) would wrap up the wildcard spots. Tampa Bay (7-4) and Green Bay (7-4) would be on the outside looking in.
NFC PLAYOFF RACE
Conference seedings
1. Falcons 9-2
A Green Bay Packers fan isn't happy with the 20-17 Falcons victory at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
2. Bears 8-3
3. Eagles 7-4
4. Rams 5-6
5. Saints 8-3
6. Giants 7-4
7. Bucs 7-4
8. Packers 7-4
Remaining schedules
FALCONS
At Bucs (7-4)
At Panthers (1-10)
At Seahawks (5-6)
Saints (8-3)
Panthers (1-10)
Opponents’ record: 22-33
SAINTS
At Bengals (2-9)
Rams (5-6)
At Ravens (8-3)
At Falcons (9-2)
Bucs (7-4)
Opponents’ record: 31-24
101128 Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons cornerback Brent Grimes levels Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings as he catches a pass from Aaron Rodgers during 2nd half action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
BUCS
Falcons (9-2)
At Redskins (5-6)
Lions (2-9)
Seahawks (5-6)
At Saints (8-3)
Opponents’ record: 29-26
BEARS
At Lions (2-9)
Patriots (9-2)
At Vikings (4-7)
Jets (9-2)
At Packers (7-4)
Opponents’ record: 31-24
PACKERS
49ers (3-7)
At Lions (2-9)
At Patriots (9-2)
Giants (7-4)
Bears (8-3)
Opponents’ record: 29-25
EAGLES
Texans (5-6
At Cowboys (3-8)
At Giants (7-4)
101128 Atlanta - Santa Claus Michael Castellana, Covington, celebrates a 20-17 Falcons victory over the Packers as Matt Ryan is now 19-1 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
Vikings (4-7)
Cowboys (3-8)
Opponents’ record: 22-33
GIANTS
Redskins (5-6)
At Vikings (4-7)
Eagles (7-4)
At Packers (7-4)
At Redskins (5-6)
Opponents’ record: 28-27
RAMS
At Cardinals (3-7)
At Saints (8-3)
Chiefs (7-4)
49ers (3-7)
at Seahawks (5-6)
Opponents’ record: 26-27
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132 comments Add your comment
mountain_jim
November 29th, 2010
11:28 am
Just win baby!
mountain_jim
November 29th, 2010
11:29 am
and nice picture to start out the week
Marcus
November 29th, 2010
11:44 am
3rd !! (Falcons are 1st ……
)
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh………..the gratuitous D.Led cheerleading/babe shot.
Marcus
November 29th, 2010
11:47 am
wow. ….. I wish Roy Williams had held onto that long pass so DAL could have run out the clock vs. NO and we would have a 2-game lead. Looking at the Saints remaining sched. vs. ours … they are gonna be on our heels through New Years Day ….
take care of bizness, guys.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 29th, 2010
11:48 am
Marcus: It’s a staple of the blog. The Cheerleaders practice, too.
Samuel
November 29th, 2010
11:48 am
Got to go down to Raymond James stadium and kick some butt.We have to dominate this team for sixty mintues. Let’s hope our db’s are up for the task. Go Falcons!!!!
North FLA Falcon
November 29th, 2010
11:52 am
Going to Tampa and also to Seattle will be tough. Beware of Carolina, we can’t go to sleep on these division games.
Packing the Fudge
November 29th, 2010
11:54 am
The cheesehead hat is embarrassing enough, but when coupled with tears after a Packers loss, it makes that dude look like an even bigger pansy.
North FLA Falcon
November 29th, 2010
11:59 am
The Cheeseheads were in full effect yesterday. It’s scary how opposing teams can try to take over Atlanta sports events. A friend went to the Thrashers game Saturday night and said it was full of vocal Montreal fans, cheering in French. Atlanta truly needs a “sports identity” and hopefully the Falcons will create that.
FEAR THE TALON
November 29th, 2010
12:00 pm
WHAT A GAME!!! AFTER TAILGATING BEFORE & AFTER THE GAME I COULDN’T HELP MYSELF LAST NIGHT. I HAD A “GRILLED CHEESE” SANDWICH BEFORE I WENT TO BED!!!!!! WHAT A DAY!!!
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
November 29th, 2010
12:02 pm
DOL and crew,
Good information…looks like the Birds still have to play ball. Tampa will be waiting and remembering their visit to the Dome. A few observations:
(1) Matt Ryan is engaged…to both his fiance and this season’s campaign. Dude is playing LIGHTS OUT. This is what we expected after season one. His ball protection was excellent on yesterday. Packers too away the deep ball so he dumped it off all day to move the ball. Nothing seemed forced at all. His command is becoming apparent.
(2) Weems #14 had a very good day. If not for the facemask he was going to the house. Big time play by a guy that really is coached to catch the ball and cover up. He gets a game ball for that effort and for going down to tackle the Packers return guy during their last gasp.
(3) Clabo shut Clay Matthews down. Repeat: Clabo shut Clay Matthews down. The big guy has been playing this year…pay him and keep him. Keep this unit together.
(4) Douglas and Jenkins are starting to step up…#83 had big catches on that last drive. He fell off this year, but hopefully the catches on yesterday will get him going. Tony G. made up for his previous drops with some really big time receptions.
(5) We still have problems on defense, especially in the secondary. #20 Grimes has been beat by tall receivers, short receivers, on the right side, on the left side…on short routes and on long routes. There is a 60% chance that if the Falcons give up a score…Grimes would have been targeted. Birds should mix #29 in to give them some physicality…especially on 3rd and long. DeCoud got ALL turned around on that 4th and goal. With 9 in coverage, the BIRDS failed miserably. Inexcusable.
While this was a big win…we find out more about this squad in Tampa. I would like to see a win to stamp their superiority.
FBD
SirReal
November 29th, 2010
12:06 pm
Very good win yesterday though we still have a ways to go to get where we wanna be. This week’s game will be tough against TB at home. Seattle could be one of those games like STL so we just need to go in there and smash them. N.O. will also be tough and probably will be the division title game. TB has too many good teams left. they end up 7-9 or 8-8. Have 2 against the kitties we cant sleep on. We need BOTH of those games. CAR has a good D believe it or not. These last five weeks will be interesting…but I think we end up on top and all roads go through ATL.
Tweets that mention NFC playoff picture: Falcons are in the driver’s seat | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
November 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Daniel Walker, Hal Moore, Eric Dye, Cheryl Phipps, ATLHOMER and others. ATLHOMER said: Atlanta Falcons – RT NFC playoff picture: Falcons are in the driver’s seat: The Atlanta Falcons cheerlead… http://bit.ly/eVVcCZ #AJC [...]
ClassicFalcons
November 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
This Years Playoffs Will Be About Match Ups. With That Being Said, As Long As We Get Home Field Advantage We Should Be On Our Way To The Bowl. The Eagle and the Saints Will Be Our Test In The Playoffs. The Eagles Are The Only Team We Do Not Match Up With, So Lets Hope The Saints Or The Bears Take Care Of Them and We Meet One Of Them Squads In The NFC Title Game, In The Dome. Falcons Will Finish 14-2 or 13-3 and Will Have Home Field! SUPER BOWL Here We Come!!
North FLA Falcon
November 29th, 2010
12:28 pm
Nice to see you back here SeenB4. Good win Thurs night in a hostile environment. December is going to be FUN in the NFC Dirty South, yall!
chalkdawg4
November 29th, 2010
12:30 pm
If I’m Matt Ryan i’m throwing Sarah Marshall under the bus and starting with the blond at the top of this page.
GoFalcons
November 29th, 2010
12:32 pm
Amazing how the loser saints fans always show up on the Falcons blogs! Haha, we already beat you sissy boys in your house. Just wait, tick tick tick tick, you’re coming to our house for a second helping!
North FLA Falcon
November 29th, 2010
12:38 pm
So Ryan is engaged. It’s just a matter of time B4 Kroy Biermann marries Kim Z from “Real Housewives” … don’t be tardy for that party!
Blake
November 29th, 2010
12:47 pm
Tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick.tick…
That’s the time running out on the aints winning the NFC South Division!
GO FALCONS…OUR TIME…RISE UP!
OH AND BTW…IF AINTS GOTTA COME TO OUR HOUSE WITH THE DIVISION POSSIBLY ON THE LINE…I DON’T THINK SO SEENTHISB4!
PMC
November 29th, 2010
12:48 pm
Even our Cheerleaders are unappreciated…. Wow.
Nice pick DOL.
Growler
November 29th, 2010
1:04 pm
D. Orlando:
The story is not entirely accurate. There’s even better news for the Falcons:
They do NOT need to win out to clinch the #1 seed. If the Falcons defeat Tampa Bay, Seattle and Carolina twice, they’d clinch the NFC’s top seed even if they lose to the Saints here in Atlanta… and even if the Saints win out and both teams finish 13-3.
The reason:
The Falcons would win the division based on the “common opponents” tiebreaker. (The first two division tiebreakers— head-to-head and division record, would be even.)
The Falcons also would clinch #1 seed over a 13-3 Bears team based on a better conference record.
So the if the Falcons take care of business against those other teams, the Saints game may ultimately be rendered meaningless! Now it may mean they’d have to play their starters on January 2nd to beat the Panthers, but no one would be complaining if they did and won!
SirReal
November 29th, 2010
1:08 pm
I’m so sick of the national media STILL not giving our Birds respect but I’m fine with continuing to fly under the radar. After the game, one of the neanderthals on NFL network was asked if Atlanta was now the best team in the NFC. He replies ‘ I wanna say Green Bay but Atlanta just beat them.” Its cool. Cant wait to serve him and the rest some crow after we go deep into the playoffs.
collegeballfan
November 29th, 2010
1:14 pm
The Falcons have two losses. Both on the road. So we are concerned about 3 straight on the road. Tampa Bay will be tough.
No injuries and stay healthy!
Falcons Decatur
November 29th, 2010
1:20 pm
I am looking at the Playoff Picture like this, defense wins Championship. It is all about matchups, and who is going to out coach who in the road to the playoffs. The Falcons have to win out, and try to be at least 13-3 when it is all over. Phil is something to think about, they almost can back against the Bears on Sunday. Drew Brees and the Saints are trying to get healthy and the Bucs don’t care. The Falcons have to play smach mouth football, and hold that football as long as we can. Matt Ryan isn’t a long ball quarterback, but he is smart and he knows how to manage the game. The Falcons need to work on their pass coverage on defense and open that playbook, hopefully Harry Douglas will wake up and start scoring touchdowns again. Just take one game at a time, and they get healthy and work on the passing game on defense and will be ready. GO FALCONS!!!!
Falcon Man
November 29th, 2010
1:22 pm
Growler you are correct. The Aint’s loss to Cleveland will cause them to lose the tiebreaker. Aint’s lost to Atl, Ariz, & Clev. Falcons have lost to Pitt & Philly, and in tis scenario the Aint’s. Pitt loss wiped out by Aint’s loss to Ariz, since Falcons beat Ariz. Aint’s don’t play Philly. Falcons beat Cleveland, hince the tiebreaker winner if needed.
Just win out and we won’t need a tiebreaker. Also, Aint’s still have to travel to Baltimore on 12/19, hopefully really cold, maybe even some snow.
Greg
November 29th, 2010
1:30 pm
I agree with everything Falcons Decatur said, so all I’ll add is that I didn’t at all like the three-man rush at the end of the game yesterday. What was Van Gorder thinking? The genie asks Aaron Rodgers what one defense he wants to see at that point in the game. Answer: “I want to see the three-man rush.” When you have a cool and supremely accurate QB like that, you simply CANNOT give him 10-15 seconds to find a receiver, especially if you have really quick wide-outs (and GB has them). Finally, what the heck was D. Robinson doing at CB yesterday? That’s two games in a row that he has looked, ah, pretty bad. I’m not talking about his having to cover when there was no pass-rush; I’m talking about his coverage on hitches and short outs. And his atrocious tackling.
Growler
November 29th, 2010
1:40 pm
Hey Falcon Man, just to clarify to you (and anyone else who cares) the Saints loss to Cleveland is not what would affect the common opponents tiebreaker.
Currently, all division teams have 14 common opponents and only 2 non-common ones. So the thing to do is to look at the the two non-common games. If one team, say, swept those 2 games and the other didn’t, then that first team would have to have a worse record in *common* games.
Well that alreay has happened.
The Saints defeated Minnesota and Dallas. 2-0.
The Falcons defeated Green Bay but LOST to Philadelphia. 1-1.
So the Falcons record vs. COMMON opponents is better.
Therefore if they both finish 13-3, even if the Saints defeat the Falcons, the Saints would lose the tie-breaker because of the results of those games above.
mj
November 29th, 2010
1:53 pm
Brett Grimes gets picked on every week. Go back and look at every third and long and its Grimes whom gives up the big play. Guy is always chasing the receiver. I can’t be the only one who see’s it. Hopefully the rest of the defense can carry him but we must upgrade that spot in the off season.
Authur Blank
November 29th, 2010
1:55 pm
please don’t pinch me till the super bowl…
FrontRow
November 29th, 2010
2:07 pm
D’led any information on playoff tickets? When will they give dates and prices?
BayouMudBug91
November 29th, 2010
2:19 pm
If the little dirty birds do (like believing in santa) go to the SuperBowl, I wonder who will get arrested before the game this year? (hint-Eugene (where is the hookers) Robinson.)
WHO DAT!
How you like me now?
November 29th, 2010
2:19 pm
another flat ase white gurl Ledbetter you still chasing white gurls? Its ok to like black women ….
go V I m v 7 CK
FrontRow
November 29th, 2010
2:43 pm
Never mind. Playoff invoices posted and mailed December 6. Tickets must be purchased by December 21. I’m guessing they go on sale to the public some time after the 21st.
MV8
November 29th, 2010
3:30 pm
The only sure wins are both Carolina games, road games with Tampa, Seattle, & Saints @ home are all possible losses, so nothing is secured yet, the only SURE thing is when the Birds leave the very friendly confines of the Dome losing is a strong probability, which is sad but true when you have a fair weather team just like the real birds!!!! Unless they get home field #1 seed throughout the playoffs the Super Bowl is just wishful thinking!!!
Joycee Banicheck
November 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
Did Dunta give up another TD yesterday?
Joycee Banicheck
November 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
MV8, the Birds beat the Saints and Cleveland (who went on to beat Saints and N.E.) on the road. Yes I did just throw Cleveland into the discussion, these aint your daddy’s Browns…
Also went to OT against one of the best D’s in the NFL in week 1 although Dixon played in place of Ben Rapelisburger. This is still a very good team with the only REAL blemish thus far coming in Philly. What an awful game that was.
Tricia Thomas
November 29th, 2010
4:03 pm
Congratulations Falcons, I think this will come down to the wire. Looking forward to a very good game between the Saints and Falcons
Blake
November 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
SeenThisB4…Seems to me you guys gotta beat the Ravens and Falcons on the road to win the Division.It aint’ gonna happen for ya…I’m sorry…Tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick,tick…till Falcons take their rightful place on top of the NFC South!
Wake up VanGorder
November 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
Why didn’t we bring pressure on the 4th down play, I’m not saying bring the house but 3 guys rushing will never stop Rodgers or any of these other decent QBs out there. I still say always bring a fourh guy on the long yardage downs. Maybe a fith is living on the edge, but we really have not been able to stop late scores with a 3 man pass rush.
William
November 29th, 2010
4:26 pm
This Atlanta Falcons team is absolutely awesome!!! Love the way they play the game. Love the way they dominate the line of scrimmage. Love the business-like attitudes and the smiles on their faces. That’s the way you want to play the game. Love the way you know… YOU KNOW… they will get the win at the end. This is a great Atlanta Falcons team and, can you believe it, a GREAT ORGANIZATION!!!
real12real
November 29th, 2010
4:31 pm
SeenThisB4, you must have no life if all you do is stay on the ajc blogs. Come on now, you don’t even cheer for the Falcons, this is my first time commenting on any ajc blog, but SeenThisB4 just seems like he has no life. Haha.
a bandwagon fan is still a fan
November 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
NFL Playoffs: Falcons in driver’s seat. bet you never thought you’d utter those words. I could care less, but the team is playing well, so kudos from top to bottom. As “Smitty” points out, there is still work to be done and teams that fail to remember December have a less than happy new year.
whodatsay
November 29th, 2010
4:39 pm
Let me be the one to clarify something. If Falcons lose aganst Bucs and the Saints beat the Falcons (even if Saints lose to Ravens) the Saints will win the Division and most likely be number one seed (assuming Falcons and Saints win their other games). Couple of other stats to think about to counter the Falcons great home record:
Saints are 12-1 in their last 13 road games
Drew Brees is 4-1 lifetime in the Ga. Dome
Should be a fun finish!
Authur Blank
November 29th, 2010
4:43 pm
“Saints are 12-1 in their last 13 road games”= BOO DAT STAT of the DAY!
the guy banging that cheerleader @ the top of the page
November 29th, 2010
4:45 pm
yeah I’m banging dat! go FALCON CHEERLEADERS
Ed
November 29th, 2010
4:50 pm
I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season pans out, personally I think the Falcons are going to win out and get home field advantage in the playoffs. As for the team in general I think Matt Ryan is becoming more and more like Brady in Manning especially when it comes to film study and his coolness under pressure. With a powerful running game with Turner and Snelling and a passing game that is very balanced, where the ball gets distributed so many ways, I think this team can win a Super Bowl. While the Falcons might not have the star power individually they are something special as an overall team and that is what sports is all about, or should be about.
whodatsay
November 29th, 2010
4:53 pm
Admit it, losing to the Saints on MNF which will result in Falcons losing division and #1 seed is your worst nightmare. Falcons won’t have the luxury of a missed 29 yard field goal, a facemask on a kick off, R. White shoving a D Back to the ground, stopping Saints on 4th and 1 inside the five or having a defensive player fumble an interception that would have iced the game. Falcons are a mirage and the house of cards are about to crumble down!
MV8
November 29th, 2010
5:00 pm
Joycee, they only “won” the Saints game cause of a fluke missed 30 yard chip shot field goal, should have lost to the sorry 49ers dont even try to sugar coat that game, & I would never brag about beating the Browns!!! If they have to go to Green Bay, Philly, or NY the Birds will freeze over & get their wings clipped, bet on it!!! No Home field, No Super Bowl!!1 Believe that!!!!!
Enkinan
November 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
This is all speculation, one week at a time people. GO FALCONS!
…and Bengals
chipontheroad birdsrus
November 29th, 2010
6:08 pm
oh hell yes falcons grilled cheese is good
Dave
November 29th, 2010
6:12 pm
I am transferring this from the other blog, because it relevent:
I am about to commit heresy: The 2010 Falcons are REALLY not too different than the 2009 Falcons!
If you analyze the games from last year’s 9-7 team, they could have finished 12-4 with a consistent kicker, a completely healthy Matt Ryan and a healthy (and NOT over-weight) Mike Turner.
This year’s 9-2 team has won only ONE game decisively and lost only ONE game decisively. The rest were all very close, often decided by one or two plays. Had those plays turned out differently, we could be looking at a hard-luck 4-5, 3-6 or even 2-7 Falcons team, with the fan base screaming for the coach’s head! Oh, BTW, there were a number of 2009 Saints’ games that were JUST AS CLOSE!
This team lives and dies with Matt Ryan and Mike Turner, and, to a lesser extent, Matt Bryant. If either or both are injured, they would still make the playoffs (because even the second teamers would beat Carolina twice, and may even beat Seattle and Tampa Bay), but the Super Bowl would be a pipe dream!
Let’s hope that the next two games can be decided early, with the Falcons going into the 3rd quarter with comfortable 20+ point leads, to allow Turner and/or Ryan the chance to rest and AVOID INJURY.
The Injury Bug has made the Indianapolis Colts and the NY Giants average teams at best, and the same thing can happen to the Falcons (knock on wood!).
I think a 3-2 finish is almost a sure bet, while a 4-1 finish is VERY feasible, and 5-0 is not beyond the realm of possibility. The 4-1 finish gives the Falcons a first week bye, and home field in both NFC games. If that happens, a trip to Dallas in February could very well be in the cards!
GO FALCONS!
marcus
November 29th, 2010
6:31 pm
go falcons i love it but in order for the falcons to get the respect they want around the league that everybody wants and the falcons want they have to shore up the pass D 26 in the league isn’t good enough i like the safetys but its something thats holding them back on that end unless we take the morris approach and say stats or for lossers i would like to see robinson with a int or two by the end of the season because as of right now he and grimes should trade checks at least in my eyes but we should be set with the win over the packers go falcons
PackersSuperbowl2011
November 29th, 2010
6:35 pm
Good game Atlanta. Even though you all recognize you got a gift thanks to the Packers boneheaded coach. He challenges the pass ruled complete but actually dropped and the Packers win. Hope we see y’all in the playoffs for different results.
FrontRow
November 29th, 2010
7:52 pm
I think the Falcons have all the respect they want. It’s the fans that are clamoring about the respect thing.
The only opinion I want to hear about who is the best team is the opinion the day after the Super Bowl. Then, you can easily tell who is correct and who is an idiot.
Falcon Jim
November 29th, 2010
8:12 pm
You got that right FrontRow. I HOPE the talking heads just keep up their disrespect until it is obvious they don’t know anything.
Tom
November 29th, 2010
9:08 pm
Since the Falcons coaches refuse to eliminate their only real weakness (Grimes) I would recommend that all the teams remaining on the Falcon’s schedule target Grimes on as many pass plays as possible. Why not. The odds are that Grimes will get beat time and time again. Great effort and attitude are not enough. Too small, can’t cover the much taller receivers.
Once "Recent" Reader
November 29th, 2010
9:11 pm
Amen FrontRow. This talk about what ESPN or what SI says or doesn’t say is kind of boring. Almost makes me want to go back to the days when a large amount of posters were criticizing the Matt Ryan draft choice, and what seemed to be the smaller proportion of us were defending it. Now, there still are the detractors that complain about the alleged Noodle Arm, or the alleged tendency to throw Ints, or the dinking and dunking . . .rare passes of 40 yards or more. But now those just seem like reaches to criticize a QB that has been doing a great job leading Offense/Team to victories.
truth
November 29th, 2010
9:37 pm
Shoot……this team could win without a defense on the field.
take it from me.
November 29th, 2010
9:59 pm
It takes defence to win in the playoffs,anybody listening!
SaintsNOT
November 29th, 2010
10:26 pm
Whodatsay sure blows a lot of hot air. The aints have one winning season and you would think they are a mighty powerhouse. A powerhouse would not be in second place looking up at the Falcons. So, bring it on aints…..you’re one and done!
FrontRow
November 29th, 2010
10:32 pm
@Tom I’m with you…keep targeting Grimes. QBs and receivers make alot of plays over the course of a game. It only takes one big play by #20 to turn a game around….the more they throw at Grimes the more chances he gets to take one away.
Falcon Jim
November 29th, 2010
10:45 pm
Cool. Now he’s conversing with himself.
clay
November 29th, 2010
10:59 pm
to all saints fans. you are real quick to bring up how the falcons won every single game which means you follow them and are a fan at heart. lol. so your telling me that every single one of the saints win has come down to nothing but skill and nothing else. All calls have gone against you and you still find a way to beat the refs. Come on guys the records are what they are because each team has earned it. Saints fan will come up with any excuse because they hate seeing us at the top. Every freakin week they are real quick to bring up how we win. “Lucky” come on even the real football fan knows that you create your own breaks they arent givin to you. You saints fans are really pathetic. You probably think we still owe you a favor from katrina still too right?
Ledbetter
November 29th, 2010
11:11 pm
I didnt touch no white woman I was just looking.
George Bush
November 29th, 2010
11:12 pm
I lick aretha
President Barock H. Obama
November 29th, 2010
11:12 pm
As half honky and half negra, I say all this racist talk has to stop.
George Bush
November 29th, 2010
11:13 pm
I mean like, dick….
Cheney., dick cheney
clay
November 29th, 2010
11:26 pm
yeah your right dee. the nfl is giving the falcons all the call this year to build them back up. come on man are you serious? that is def the dumbest thing I have ever heard. the teams that get the calls are ne, ny teams, philly, pitt. come on man. that is pathetic.
mo
November 30th, 2010
2:07 am
we have more aints he , it show that u guy are worring bout this team that you should, Time is running out. how many of them gamee in the GA dome with MATT ICe one…. that was a lose to how . and avg team beat you in your house .your next game can be a lose you KNOW that its cold up here now .
mo
November 30th, 2010
2:10 am
IF you lose this week give thanks to skip on 1st take , he #1 pick of the week loses the past 4 weeks
Dario from Italy
November 30th, 2010
5:35 am
D.Orlando:
I’ve been very impressed with the play we’re having this season, but i don’t think we’ll be able to win-out.
The next game at Tampa will be the most important: if you win it, you can starting to think about #1 seed in the conference, if you lose it, you have to worry about earning a playoff berth.
Obviously both game against the Panthers MUST be wins (even if is a divisional rival you can’t figure to lose those games if you’re a playoff contender), but assuming we’ll beat also Seattle, if you’ll lose to Tampa AND New Orleans is almost certain that seating at 12-4 you don’t win the division, and have to travel for most of the playoffs (BIG, BIG difference for us from going on the road and being at the Dome).
I think what is yet missing is earnig some respect on road games: even if we won at New Orleans, that was a dome game (also in Sanint Louis), but outside a dome we barely won at cleveland and lose at Pittsburgh and Philly (this one by far our worst performance of all year).
When i’ll see the Falcons win (and win big) in a road game on grass i’ll be truly confidence in the team.
So, like i said before, the next game will be THE game for us.
Thanks to read and response and greetings from Italy.
GO FALCONS!
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2010
7:40 am
D. Orlando Ledbetter………..Can you identify the person that entered all of the ignorant nonsense onto your blog last night, if so, have you ever considered blocking that person from participating on your blog?
GuitarEdd
November 30th, 2010
7:47 am
Boy there are an awful lot of bellyaching Saint and Greenbay fans out there ! It’s always what if, and shouldof couldof wouldof. What’s the bottom line crybaby’s? Ya’ll lost, Falcons are # 1. Good teams find ways to win, losers find ways to lose , which ya’ll did. Cry me a river , please.
Sid
November 30th, 2010
8:07 am
D’Led, why do you let 1 or 2 people run and ruin your blog, it’s total nonsense and asinine. Seriously, why can’t you have registered users. It’s your blog but you can still have registered users and have your blog open to everyone as you say, they then can only use one identity instead of all this schizoid stuff.
Or maybe D.Led is the multiple personality entries………………hmmmmm……….!!
Sid
November 30th, 2010
8:11 am
MR2 for MVP
Samuel
November 30th, 2010
8:38 am
Yeah Grimes does get beat, but at least he makes plays. Dunta Robinson makes a lot more money than Grimes and so far he’s a bust. This guy Robinson has no interceptions it’s totally inexcusable. We have to have corners down the stretch that can break on the ball. Vangorder and Tim Lewis have to be telling these guys that they have to play better. Heck even Dion Sanders called Robinson out.
Flibertyjibbet
November 30th, 2010
9:12 am
The Falcon,s eill have had two, three game road trips. Is this normal? Do all NFL teams have two, three game road trips? Have the Aint’s had two, three game road trips? I’ll look and see…..
Flibertyjibbet
November 30th, 2010
9:16 am
No the Saint do not have two, three game road trips. They have two, two game road trips. GRRRRRRRR
truth
November 30th, 2010
9:18 am
If the ball is not coming your way very often, how can a CB increase his int percentage? I think some fans on this board should call up Blank and tell him that his coaches are stupid and they could do a better job because they can spew meaningless garbage on an AJC blog.
truth
November 30th, 2010
9:21 am
Our secondary on defense just held a ton of 5 WR’s sets to 17 points, a WR set mind you was lighting up the scored board before comeing to Atlanta, and some of you just DON’T GET IT!
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
10:26 am
Hedy Jim, did get any information on status of Snelling injury??
Great game – sent those Cheeseheads/blockheads Packing – 10-4 “GOOD BUDDY”
GO FALCONS
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
10:38 am
True,
All that’s being said is it’s a hamstring. That could mean anything from playing this week to hobbling all season.
Jay
November 30th, 2010
11:01 am
I would like to see the Atlanta at Tampa Bay game in Chicago, will it have national coverage?
Gamer
November 30th, 2010
11:22 am
Falcons’ physical play at the line of attack fed into their sustainable drives. THAT’S FALCONS FOOTBALL!!!!
STILL NO RESPECT FROM NFL ANALYSTS!!! MAYBE WHEN THE FALCONS REACH SUPERBOWL THEY’LL GET SOME RESPECT…
WELL, IT’S NOT THAT IMPORTANT WHAT NFL ANALYST THINK..
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO KEEP COALESCING AS A TEAM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL AND TO KEEP WINNING..
The respect will come…Great running by Turner & Snelling. Great passing by Ryan. Great catching by his receivers. Solid game by defense..Good enough coaching on both sides of the ball to pull out win..
OF COURSE, WE CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE WINNING DRIVES BY FALCONS OFFENSE.. NO MORE THAN WE CAN SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MATT BRYANT POISE TO KICK WINNING FIELD GOALS. WHAT A GAME SAVER BRYANT HAVE BECOME?
NEXT UP BUCS..A TOUGH TEAM TO PLAY ON THE ROAD. IT WILL BE A KNOCK DOWN DRAG OUT GAME BUT THE FALCONS CAN WIN IN RAYMOND FIELD..
GO FALCONS AND TAKE THIS GAME BY FORCE AND SMART PLAY DEFENSIVELY AND OFFENSIVELY.
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
11:25 am
Right-on, gamer ! ! !
clay
November 30th, 2010
12:57 pm
Dee Truth
November 29th, 2010
11:50 pm
Falcons are an average team with an average quarterback and a good runner and a decent receiver. Not much else.
What? Dude you have to be kidding me. An average team at 9-2 tied for the best record in the NFL and best record in the NFC, an average quarterback who already has 18 game winning or tieing drives in just his third year including 5 this year. Oh yeah and he went 24-28 with 2 balls that were thrown away for 200 yds and a td. Yeah your right he is just average. Turner a great runner that no one wants to tackle. And just a decent reciever who leads the NFL in just about every recieving category there is. Yeah decent. Come on man, gotta give credit where credit was due. Everyone seen this coming with the falcons as there were building up and now were here to stay. HAHAHAHAHAHA RISE UP ATLANTA. WHAT DO FALCONS DO? FALCONS RISE UP.
Skip Bayless
November 30th, 2010
1:08 pm
I am not sold on the Falcons!
Ross
November 30th, 2010
1:28 pm
Jay, it depends on Chicago CBS but yes, that’s a national game, it got “flexed” to a 4:00 PM Eastern start. Hey good luck with da Bears, I love Chicago
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
1:41 pm
Just who IS Scott Bayless? Man, I think that name was a kid from my high school.
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
1:42 pm
Sorry, posting as Skip, not Scott. (My eyes are tired.)
K
November 30th, 2010
1:43 pm
Boo that! Didn’t the saints get blown out by the browns at home. Didn’t they lose to Arizona? And didn’t they barely beat a horrible cowboys team? The nerve to point the finger at the falcons. Haters. One game at a time falcons. You have the cities(and the states) support.
Go falcons.
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
Skip Bayless at one point did a stint in Dallas, Tx area chasing the Cowboys Super Bowl days, “he is a fair critic looking for recognition” – He’s a little squeaky – was not liked/respected very well by Cowboy players. They all looked at “Skippy” as a real dork!
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
2:19 pm
Jim, Thanks on Snelling info – yes your right-on about Hamstring issues – hope he works it out, he is very important to the team with him rotating with #33
It never rains in S. Cal
November 30th, 2010
2:32 pm
Being stationed out here in San Diego we never get a lot of the Falcons games on, except the big games like Sunday. Gotta say as a GA native they make me proud. Our running game is fierce, but whats the deal with letting teams back in it. I don’t know why we didn’t bring pressure on that 4th & goal play, stop them there & a 17-10 victory would have really shut up these haters on ESPN.
FrontRow
November 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
@Jay – it could be. The Atlanta vs. Tampa game was flexed to 4:15 presumably to get a national audience.
If you get it remember it is OK to holler at your TV.
Falcon
November 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
Beat Tampa!
Ken Strickland
November 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
The way the Falcons OL has been playing, especially RT TClabo, it makes you wonder which of our 3 pending FA OLinemen will we try to resign. I believe TE TGonzalez will return for at least one more yr. If our pass rush improves and becomes more consistent, our secondary play will be outstanding. Our pass rush will improve as our DT’s get more experience. We’re starting a rookie in CPeters, and backing he and JBabineaux up with 2nd yr DT’s PJerry & VWalker. And remember, PJerry could very well be considered a rookie, since he missed almost all of last yr.
All 3 will get better as they gain more experience, and develop/improve their pass rushing skills.
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
Semper Fi-Delis URRRALLS@Rains – Falcons just finished 3 pretty testing games – 4th redounds by those opponents should be expected. Let’s hope we get by TB & NO
“THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO”!!!!!
GO FALCONS
Joycee Banicheck
November 30th, 2010
3:39 pm
MV8, there’s no room for “if”s in football. You either win or you lose. If the tuck rule hadn’t be created for Brady, NE never would have went to the super bowl in place of Oakland. If Norwood would have hit a FG or two Buffalo would have rings. See how this works dude…
Wins and losses, Falcons are 9-2. Dispute that fact.
Eat this Aints
November 30th, 2010
3:42 pm
The Saints expect to beat Matty Ice at home….yet let Dallas look like one of the best teams in the league…and if it wasn’t for Roy Williams being such an idiot y’all wouldn’t even be in the playoff mix!!!
It never rains in S. Cal
November 30th, 2010
3:45 pm
Thanks @True—Semper Fi ! Do or Die ! OORAH ! GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eat this Aints
November 30th, 2010
3:51 pm
The two Falcons losses were against the Steelers in Pitt…..and the Eagles in Philly….Now the Aints lost to Us at NO…Now you expect to win against a 19-1 QB in Atl?!? Whatever y’all are smokin in Nawlins please share the wealth cause it’s gotta be good if you believe that isht!!! I’m not even gonna talk about the lost to Cleveland…CLEVELAND!!!!!! The Aints will not beat the Ravens in Balt. nor will they touch Atl at home…in fact I think they might even lose to Cincinatti and Tampa Bay…..thus not making the playoffs!!!! Laissez les bon temps rouler!!! And the Aints tears flow!!!
FALCONS RISE UP!!!! A-TOWN!!!!
G
November 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
Don’t forget the Aints also barely beat the niners and vikings.
G
November 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
And Carolina
F Troop
November 30th, 2010
4:40 pm
Some thoughts:
My take is that a fire burns within when your rival takes home the prize you JUST KNOW you could’ve just as easily have won. That’s why I like this team. They seem so hungry it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. Seems like the Most Valuable Player on this team IS the team.
The pundits are stumped for reasons why Atlanta is playing so well. The best they can come up with is “balanced”. Ha-ha. In this era of rampant individualism, sexy superstars, and high profile players, the Falcons seem so pedestrian by comparison to the loftier teams like NE, IND, GB, NYJ and the perennially anointed NYG and Philly. They told us we were still two years away. Now, they’re paying attention.
I still chuckle at the critics who didn’t see Matt Ryan coming even though he was right in their faces. They overlooked another stud in Roddy White. And even Michael Turner wasn’t on anybody’s “elite” RB list.
The O-line is getting it done. No sacks. The D just held a gunslinging, high scoring GB to 17 points. Are you kidding me? How does that happen unless you gotta serious defense? The LBs not only hammer you down, they seem as fast as real live falcons sometimes. The D-line and secondary have still not played their best games yet. But this record shows what can happen if real good players play hard, play together, and stand their ground.
People talking about Dimitroff, shoot, I’d LOVE tol inherit the SB winning mantle from NE. Wouldn’t mind it at all. And not overlooking NO either. Playing the Saints twice is actually a good thing. They’re still the champs, gotta respect that. But they swept us in two close ones last year. Would LOVE to return the favor. We’ll definitely know then what we’ve got. Don’t wanna jinx it by claiming and sizing up SB rings, but we can certainly look in the store window now.
manboobsjohnson
November 30th, 2010
4:55 pm
As a 51 year old native Atlantan who has seen this movie before, The Falcons will screw it up like they have done every year except for 1998 and what 2004 or 05. They will break our hearts, lose the next 3 games and not even sniff the playoffs. Another miserable Falcons year! If you disagree, come with some facts!!!!!
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
5:15 pm
Yall do realize that the New Orleans game doesnt mean anything if you win the other 4…
Think about this: 13-3, tied with New Orleans….gives the Falcons the NFC South.
“Even if the Saints win the rest of their games and beat the Falcons in Week 16, they would still need Atlanta to lose one more game. If both teams finish 12-4 or 11-5, with the Saints beating the Falcons, the Saints would need to finish with a better division record to finish ahead. If both teams finish with the same overall record and the same division record, Atlanta will win a common opponent tiebreaker.
It’s entirely possible that the Saints will win 12 or 13 games and still have to hit the road in the first round of the playoffs against an NFC West champion with a losing record.”
So even if the Aints win on MNF….(good luck)… we just need to TCB with Tampa, 2 with Carolina, and Seattle.
Now, seriously, @manboobs…..you think we are going to lose to Carolina….TWICE? We are going to lose to a pathetic Seattle team, even in Seattle where we historically do poorly, i think not.
Just come into that game with New Orleans @ 12-2 and everything will be alright.
"Ride, Sally Ride"
November 30th, 2010
5:19 pm
Where’s all the Packerheads this week? Too many of you said the Packers would whip us. Bleeds Green, where are you? You said the power polls change every week. I told you the Falcons would hold the #1 position for the 3rd week in a row, and they have, hmm, what say you now? Kinda hiding? Peckerheads!
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
6:03 pm
This TELEGRAM just in. The Atlanta Optimist Club has just rescinded “manboobjohnson’s” membership. They stated the reason was for his extreme pessimism (and that his name was stupid.) They said this expulsion would be in-perpetuity. Further, they approached the mayor to “band” him from all things Falcons.
Falcon Jim
November 30th, 2010
6:05 pm
……………..(ignore)……………………….
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
6:13 pm
Surely i didn’t start this crap, where did this goof-ball come in from
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
6:15 pm
Somewhere between Pluto & Saturn
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:18 pm
playoff odds….98.9%
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NFL/NFC/South/Falcons.html
note: 5-0, 4-1 = 100% chance of 1st seed.
excellent “coach speak” with Mike Smith (1st segment) and then in another segment Sean Peyton (hey, who cuts your hair?).
http://msn.foxsports.com/video/shows/coach-speak?vid=f03d7767-4f81-414a-84be-8026eec991a2&from=foxsports/home/home_gallery
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
6:21 pm
B4 – are you out there?
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:21 pm
wait….why is *my* comment awaiting moderation…..
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:22 pm
Is it this part:
playoff odds….98.9%
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NFL/NFC/South/Falcons.html
note: 5-0, 4-1 = 100% chance of 1st seed.
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:22 pm
or this part:
excellent “coach speak” with Mike Smith (1st segment) and then in another segment Sean Peyton (hey, who cuts your hair?).
http://msn.foxsports.com/video/shows/coach-speak?vid=f03d7767-4f81-414a-84be-8026eec991a2&from=foxsports/home/home_gallery
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:23 pm
Hmmmm, post together = flagged for moderator…
post separately = no problem.
“That’s whacky, wild stuff”
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
6:24 pm
Hey B4 that dog won’t hunt “son” – show some guts
Ueeediot
November 30th, 2010
6:27 pm
True Falcon Fan….
Dont call me Shirley.
True Falcon Fan
November 30th, 2010
6:51 pm
hELLO B4
D. Orlando Ledbetter
November 30th, 2010
8:29 pm
I deleted almost 70 comments. Folks were being real nasty and acting crazy. I had to ban 7 folks. Trying to keep the trash out of blog. Want to stay CLASSY not trashy.
ATL Observer
November 30th, 2010
8:39 pm
>>>>Admit it, losing to the Saints on MNF which will result in Falcons losing division
No it won’t. As pointed out above, more than that will be necessary given that if both teams won out the rest of the games, the Falcons would still hold the tiebreaker regardless.
>>>>Falcons won’t have the luxury of a missed 29 yard field goal
Who’s to say we won’t? Saints still have the same kicker!
>>>>a facemask on a kick off,
Great! Without that facemask, Weems goes all the way to the end zone for a TD. I look forward to it.
>>>>R. White shoving a D Back to the ground,
Who in the Saints secondary will he need to shove, exactly?
>>>>stopping Saints on 4th and 1 inside the five
Hilarious that you speak of this instance as though it speaks to a Falcons’ weakness when it clearly speaks to their strengths. “hahahahah, you Falcons and your strong redzone defense! Strong redzone defense is for chumps!” Ummm…..OK….whatever.
>>>>or having a defensive player fumble an interception that would have iced the game.
Umm….correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t the Saints just benefit from a WR fumbling after a reception that would have led to a field goal (at least) that would have ICED THE GAME for the Cowboys? Oh right, it’s only a fluke when it happens to the other guys.
>>>>Falcons are a mirage and the house of cards are about to crumble down!
Says the man believing in the team that got WAXED by the Cleveland Browns (I mean, the Browns are tougher than usual but it’s one thing to lose to them, another to get COMPLETELY DOMINATED by them).
In all seriousness, I don’t take the Saints lightly, but the Falcons are for real right now. Take two out of the next three on the road and it’s going to be tough to usurp them as the top seed.
Blake
December 1st, 2010
1:27 am
Thanks DLED…I saw all those crazy comments on here and hoped that you would push your delete and ban button…Go Falcons…Rise Up!
SawThat1nce
December 1st, 2010
1:28 am
thanks
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 1st, 2010
9:52 am
Thanks Blake! Most know the rules: We talk Falcons football here. If you’re off topic, you will get deleted. If you’re being a jerk, y’all get banned.
GregKennesaw
December 1st, 2010
10:20 am
MV8, they beat the saints on the road….. there is no fluke column, just one for W’s and one for L’s and right now the W’s are 9 and the L’s are 2 and you can’t stand it! best record in the NFC, and that’s no fluke……………..
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 1st, 2010
10:49 am
GregKennesaw — Good point about the “fluke” column.
The Dogkiller Returns
December 1st, 2010
3:06 pm
Sunday’s game, especially since it’s in the 4pm slot, could make or break the team’s image in the national media. I’m sure some people still won’t be convinced, even when we beat the Sucs in their place, but I’ll take 10-2 anytime (especially coupled with an Aints loss).
I’m worried about the ‘Hawks (our Hawks too, for that matter), but their match-up with Carolina could shine some light on how bad Seattle really is. Still not looking forward to playing them at their miserably cold and wet house.
The Saints won’t win in our house, and they sure as hell won’t win at Baltimore.
RISE UP
Grace
December 1st, 2010
6:14 pm
You all really should not down the Packers with their legacy. Just try to get your 1st superbowl before you put down fans that were voted #1 among any sport. It was embarrassing how the cheeseheads damn near took over the dome. Every time they scored by the sound of my tv you would have thought it was the Falcons that scored. THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN IN GREEN BAY. Win or lose Packer fans are there in their house. How did Packer fans get all those seats in the dome??? Georgia Tech & Bull dogs have better fans.
Saints1Fan
December 2nd, 2010
3:50 pm
Who Dat Say:
The Saints will need Atlanta to lose one more game, besides the one they will lose to us on Monday night. Without that, they beat us out on the tie-breaker for home-field advantage because of “common games”. We lost to Cleveland and Arizona. The Falcons beat them. We beat Pittsburgh, the Falcons lost to them. They need another loss. If not this weekend, it will happen in Seattle. Maybe even both.
Saints1Fan
December 2nd, 2010
3:58 pm
Ueeeediot:
Why would you think that your team can’t lose to the Panthers? They play the same style of football. Ball control, field position, few mistakes. 3 weeks ago, their defense was a leader in sacks and number 4 overall in points allowed wth 14. Don’t forget they played games without their starting two running backs and without Steve Smith. Its not like Atlanta will just put their foot on the gas and score at will. That’s not Mike Smith ball.
The Seattle game will also be a concern with a 4 hour flight, game starting at 4:00 Atlanta time, but 1:00 in Seattle, outdoor stadium which can rain at anytime and possibly have snow. That also won’t be a cake walk.
The Tampa Bay game this week is probably the second best chance at a loss behind Seattle before you lose to the Saints on Monday Night.