Texans slow down Falcons’ playoff push, 17-10
Atlanta recovered the ball after a Falcons defensive tackle Vance Walker (99) grabbed the arm of Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (13), causing a fumble, in first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in Houston. AP
HOUSTON — The Falcons’ march to the NFL playoffs suffered a setback on Sunday.
Enlarge photo Dave Einsel, AP Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is grabbed by Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) in the second quarter.
T.J. Yates, who played his high school football at Pope High in Marietta, led the Texans to a 17-10 victory over the Falcons before 71,545 fans at Reliant Stadium.
Yates, who made his first NFL start, received ample help from a stout defense and running back Arian Foster. The Falcons chipped in with some overthrown passes, dropped footballs and untimely penalties that helped erase two touchdowns.
“That was not the kind of performance that we want to have, especially at this point in the season,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
Yates, a 24-year old rookie, out-played Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who was under duress from Houston’s blitzing 3-4 defense. Yates completed 12 of 25 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown. He had a passer rating of 86.8.
Ryan, who overthrew three long passes and was intercepted twice, has had much better days. He completed 20 of 47 passes for 267 yards and one touchdown. He had a passer rating of 50.6 points.
The Texans improved to 9-3. The Falcons dropped to 7-5, and could find themselves two games behind the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South if the Saints handled the Detroit Lions in the late Sunday night game.
With four games to play, the Falcons will need the Saints to partially collapse in order to defend their NFC South title. Realistically, the Falcons are in a battle for one of the two wildcard slots with Dallas, the New York Giants, Chicago, Detroit and Seattle.
The loss was difficult for the Falcons to accept.
“We feel like this was a game that we should have dominated,” cornerback Dunta Robinson said. “I can honestly say that the only team that beat us this year was the Chicago Bears. The rest of the games, we shot ourselves in the foot, on both sides of the ball.
“If we want to be a dominant football team, we can’t beat ourselves. We are too good of a team to make some of these mistakes.”
With the score tied 10-10, Robinson was one of the culprits.
Linebacker Mike Peterson had intercepted Yates and had an apparent 32-yard touchdown. But, on the other side of the field, Robinson was in a fierce battle for inside position with Houston wide receiver Kevin Walter. Robinson was called for a holding penalty to erase the touchdown.
With a new set of downs, the Texans put together a 19-play drive. Foster capped it with a 1-yard touchdown to put the Texans ahead with just over six minutes to play.
Instead of taking a 17-10 lead on Peterson’s “touchdown” the Falcons were down.
Earlier in the game, on third and 8 from the Falcons 15, Yates was hit by defensive tackle Vance Walker. Safety James Sanders picked up the fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Even though no whistle was blown, players from both teams thought it was an incomplete pass and wandered onto the field, anticipating a Texans’ field goal attempt.
“The ruling on the field was the ball was dislodged from his hand before his hand went forward, so the fumble was ruled,” referee Bill Levy said. None of the players who wandered onto the field interfered with the play. “It was what we call a double foul after a change. What we decided to do is offset those penalties at the spot where the Atlanta player came on the field.”
Defensive end Ray Edwards was announced at the Falcons player who came onto the field, but Levy later announced there were multiple players from each side on the field.
The play was called back and instead of a touchdown, the Falcons were given the ball on their 35. Ryan was intercepted three plays later.
The Falcons started off misfiring.
Ryan missed on deep passes to Roddy White and Julio Jones on their first and third plays from scrimmage. He also was intercepted later on a flea flicker when the Falcons tried to catch the Texans’ safeties creeping up to help in the run game.
Ryan was not pleased with his game. The Texans basically dared him to beat them with some deep passes and he didn’t pull it off.
Smith said the offense played in spurts.
“We had opportunities, specifically early,” Ryan said. “We had some shots designed that were really good. I just missed on them.”
The Texans came up to stop running back Michael Turner and then tried to blitz Ryan into throwing quickly. Turner was held to 44 yards on 14 carries.
White, who had two back-to-back 100-yard games, caught four passes for 51 yards and a touchdowns.
“Our rationale coming into the game was let’s try and hit some of those balls down the field,” Ryan said. “We designed them to get one-on-one matchups with our guys and kind of pushed those safeties off. We just didn’t make enough plays. We didn’t make the plays when we needed to.”
Instead of keeping pace with the Saints and moving to the head of the playoff class, the Falcons find themselves back in the middle of the NFC pack.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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336 comments Add your comment
North ave. faithful
December 4th, 2011
7:41 pm
Now we are going to blame poor performance on hair, good grief. Seen plenty of games worse than this one, just part of being a fan. If you want a tam like the packers, pack your crap and move your as to cheese town. Me, ill stick with my birds.
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
7:45 pm
Where in the HXX do all you retards come from out there ? Some of ya just XSYGFD yhhfed !
Figure it out because I cant type it on a blog ! lol
CGD..
December 4th, 2011
7:45 pm
Tough to watch Melt misfire time again..And because his timing is off his teammates feed off that negative ish and start dropping balls when they get there once in a while…..
Ryan you are 40-20 since you started Quarter Backing here! Pretty good?
But 0-3 in the playoffs with lopsided embarrassing losses erases the stat above by a long shot!!!
BTW your 2-6 last eight against the contenders= P-R-E-T-E-N-D-E-R-S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew Luck! Heck I’ll take TJ Yates from Marietta over Melt all day of the week..Cause this due aint the one. He does not have it like Tebow!
Up next Cam Neutron on the road..Git ready to stick a fork in this franchise…
Tough weekend for Georgia Football? Ya think? @#$$%%^&*()………………………
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
7:46 pm
Aww, that was a heck of a defense out there in Texas and half these morons have not said a word about that tough defense the Falcons faced today. Falcons will bounce back…..come on man !
Falcon
December 4th, 2011
7:47 pm
North ave. faithful
Stick to your birds and fly to HS football to see if you can beat up on 15-year-old kid.
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
7:48 pm
Saints better have a good one tonight or it be another shocker in the making !
Not a Falcon fan
December 4th, 2011
7:53 pm
Last year fans were saying this is the world’s greatest team. Mike Smith was the greatest head coach. Falcon fans were everywhere. Now fans are talking bad about the Falcons. You knew the Falcons would go south. This is there history. I’m sitting back laughing. Fair weather fans. What happened to “Rise Up” ????? The Falcons are a BIG JOKE !!!!!! It’s the same old Falcons. Maybe next year.
why me lord
December 4th, 2011
7:55 pm
Dunta since your boss hasnt the guts to fire you.. let me do it….YOUR FIRED!!!!!! Your a embarrasment to the sport, to the game and ot the Falcons… get your stuff and get out!!!!
Quincy
December 4th, 2011
7:57 pm
So disappointing! Makes me want to give up my season tickets. Only good news was Chicago lost as well.
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
8:00 pm
About time for the Aints to take their medicine and take a butt kickin too !
Vince
December 4th, 2011
8:03 pm
Inept,…inept,…..INEPT!
DC
December 4th, 2011
8:04 pm
Maybe Mike Smith & Matt Ryan have gone as far as they can together. Perhaps one,or both,should go after this season. The Peter Principle at work again.
Mike J
December 4th, 2011
8:08 pm
Yes, lamac66, I am concerned about Ryan’s three overthrown balls to wide open receivers. I go back to the first game last year in Pittsburg. HD was wide open for a touchdown in OT, but the ball went over his head and we lose that game. For the past two years the team supposedly was working on improving its downfield passing in training camp. C’mon man, the downfield passing game has been and continues to be terrible.
I’d like to see some improvement. I’d like to read that Jones, White, Douglas and Ryan are working after practice on their passing/receiving like Montana and Rice.
And by the way, it seems obvious to everyone posting comments on this blog that Jason Snelling runs harder than Michael Turner, yet the coaching staff still starts Turner. What the heck do they see that we are missing?
Jordan
December 4th, 2011
8:16 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/12/04/falcons-fall-to-texans/
78
December 4th, 2011
8:16 pm
The Falcons failed to seize opportunities throughout the entire game. Ryan overthrew downfield receivers early. Penalties overturned two defensive touchdowns. Smith went for it on fourth down twice (in field goal range) and the O failed both times. Wide receivers frequently dropped the ball. Overall, I think the defense did OK. Holding the Texans to 17 points, the Falcons should have won. Make field goals on the two fourth down tries, it’s 17-16, and the Falcons are driving at the end of the game to make a field goal for a win, not a touchdown for a tie. The whole team needs to get refocused. Sure, the playoffs are possible, but the Falcons need to win three of their next four games to even have a chance.
really?
December 4th, 2011
8:21 pm
How about those couple of camera shots of JJ’s facial expressions towards the end of the game? Dude…Chin up, grow up, and get back in the game.
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
8:29 pm
Alot of fallout from the Bulldogs lost last night seems to be stressed on this blog towards the Falcons today but some of it is deserved but really how many of you actually thought this was going to be an easy game for Atlanta ?
Face it, they blowed a golden opportunity today and a lot of it is due to penalties in key situations .
RB
December 4th, 2011
8:34 pm
Yates looked like Montana against the Falcons. Cam And Brees are gonna torch this secondary. Two more loses and the Falcons are done. Oh-by-the-way, What the heck was that time consuming mess Ryan kept doing at the line of scrimmage. Hope we don’t see any more of that (He’s not Peyton Manning).
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
8:37 pm
Mike J,
They have a good running corps. The problem is they give up on the run too soon and try to be a shoot out offense without downfield passing game. Julio Jones can break off a play. He can get downfield but the ball is not likely to get to him.
To be fair to the coaching staff, they are somewhat limited on creativity they can use due to the overrated skills most think the falcons have especially on defense. No matter what Smith does and it doesn’t work, the fans go off. I applaud him for going for it on 4th down. If he doesn’t, folks call him too conservative. If it fails they say he should have played for the tie. Falcon fans for ya
joemamma
December 4th, 2011
8:45 pm
Roddy White and Julio Jones are big talkers. They need to start catching the balls that are drilled in their pigeon chests. The offensive line is just that………..offensive. We really are not a very solid football team and two of our receivers are egomaniac jokes.
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
8:46 pm
Michael M,
It looks like UGA fans and Falcon fans are synonomous to me. They usually think both teams are better than they really are. Then get dejected when reality rears its head. Especially with Payton Manning, Jr. err I meant Matt Ryan.
Jerome
December 4th, 2011
8:46 pm
We will be fine. Back to back playoff appearances is a good season. At least we are not the Eagles.
falcon8211
December 4th, 2011
8:55 pm
i am a diehard fan but i think all of the receivers should give their weekly paychecks back to mr. blank . way too many drops . better hit the juggs after practice this week.
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
8:57 pm
And another 1st round loss i’d bet.
mothers concerned
December 4th, 2011
8:59 pm
Boring Game and a Stupid Game !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our Quarterback is Boring nobody wanted to catch a ball, The coach and his stupid play calling why we never put pressure on a quarterback. Ryan got beat by a 3rd string quarterback. How embarrassing is that.:(
mothers concerned
December 4th, 2011
9:01 pm
We wondered why fans get disappointed a lot and don’t want to back them, they thought this was going to be a easy win because of the Texans quarterback situations NOT!!!!!!. They play well for awhile and go back to the same old mess.
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
9:03 pm
And the QB needs to stay after practice and practice hitting receivers in stride DOWNFIELD.
Michael M.
December 4th, 2011
9:04 pm
You can just about say today was like a playoff game atmosphere in Texas with a number one defense and crowd noise on the road against the Birds…at least I was thinking that watching the game and you can just about figure today’s game will be like a real playoff game will be like for Atlanta this year.
Face it… they won’t get it done and biggest reason is dropping passes and getting those stupid penalties again like we saw in today’s match-up.
Skeptic
December 4th, 2011
9:04 pm
First……We will never advance with Matt Ryan at QB….He cant throw anything deep because his arm is too weak…so every deep pass looks like a rainbow…no zip….noodle arm….inaccurate…..Second….I’ll bet Smitty wishes he had those draft picks now instead of somebody who can’t catch anything……
Sunset Lee
December 4th, 2011
9:06 pm
lamac66 you can’t teach arm strength, that’s something you just have to have. He can’t practice that strength into his arm.
yeswecam
December 4th, 2011
9:13 pm
Look forward to the game next week when Cam goes off like today.I agree with doublezeroeight. Falcons will finish 9 -7 and miss playoffs. Really good pickup in Julio Jones. LOL
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
9:47 pm
Sunset Lee,
Oh well……I guess you gotta setlle for slants and wasted talent of a downfield WR.
#1SaintsFan
December 4th, 2011
9:59 pm
HOW BOUT DEM SAINTS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ghost of Christmas present
December 4th, 2011
10:05 pm
The Falcons were bested by a Texans team that was starting its 3rd string QB. The third string QB is T.J. Yates, he was known as “T.J. Yikes” at North Carolina because he was not very good. He accomplished nothing in college, but in his first NFL start he beat the Falcons. Congrats T.J. Yikes…
Falcon
December 4th, 2011
10:21 pm
Mike Smith is a nice guy and Matt Ryan is a nice kid but neither of them has the ability to take to Falcons to promised land. BTW Arthur Blank is one of the greatest owner. It’s just too bad and sad.
Falcon
December 4th, 2011
10:22 pm
Mike Smith is a nice guy and Matt Ryan is a nice kid but neither of them has the ability to take to Falcons to promised land. BTW Arthur Blank is one of the greatest owners. It’s just too bad and sad.
Freddie G
December 4th, 2011
10:38 pm
We all need to rise up and demand better Football from Arthur Blank or stop supporting this pathetic team he puts out on the field. As a fan I am embarassed that we lost to a rookie who was not very good in the ACC.
It is time they stop that stupid promotion, I hate that Falcons Rise up, I prefer if they play smarter and harder.
He's No Drew Brees
December 4th, 2011
10:39 pm
Rise up! When’s it coming?
Tom E. Gunn
December 4th, 2011
10:46 pm
The Falcons are a joke franchise; they always have been. Just what Atlanta “fans” deserve.
Matty Melt
December 4th, 2011
10:55 pm
Atlanta Falcons = NFL Version of the Modern Day Fighting Irish
Nice guys who aren’t going to get arrested much but won’t win when it matters either.
Freddie G
December 4th, 2011
10:56 pm
To those who say the team is not good while i will not disagree with you, please remember this team was put together by TD and Smitty. For them to believe they were a wideout away from elite status and traded all those picks was a huge gamble which borders on crazy. I like JULIO AND THINK HE WILL BE VERY GOOD, but I doubt he could produce so much more than Jenkins would to warrant that trade. The problem at Left tackle and DB still remains and must be addressed next draft or in FA.
I think it is time to give up on Sam Baker, I doubt he is in it 100%, and it seems his short arms that Mel Kiper spoke about is true and may be a reason for his ineffectiveness.
lamac66
December 4th, 2011
11:22 pm
A pop warner kid could produce more than Jenkins. Jenkins was another example of falcons keeping guys around too long. Jenkins was not even a #4 receiver on most teams.
Jackie
December 5th, 2011
3:50 am
Because you were playing one of the BEST teams in the NFL. Nobody ever gives the Texans a chance, and I understand, they haven’t deserved it so far. However, now is the time. My Texans will be the number one team in the AFC South. And have a chance at great sucess!! Watch out, the Cowboys are going dowm!!!!!
Jackie
December 5th, 2011
3:54 am
And also, the Falcons are a good team, however the Saints are better. Sorry, but they are!! I was born in Louisiana, but I am a Houston girl now!!! GO Texans, I love you !!!! Woot Woot!!!:)
rudy
December 5th, 2011
6:02 am
very bad lost falcons, but thank god for small favors, lions,bears, giants and even dallas……
Riiizzee Upppp? How about FALL DOWN?
December 5th, 2011
7:09 am
Ha, ha ha, ha ha ha…
Happy Holidays!
Who Dat Nation
Cue Katrina jokes from the ghetto dwellers in 3..2..1..
CrisD
December 5th, 2011
7:11 am
Please please please – fire the offensive coordinator. If Mike Smith wont do it then he can go too…
Riiizzee Upppp? How about FALL DOWN?
December 5th, 2011
7:12 am
Oh yeah, forgot the rest of the Holiday greeting fom the Who Dat Nation..
Saints > Failcants
Enjoy watching the Saints win SB #2
Still ringless, Dirty Birds?
CrisD
December 5th, 2011
7:25 am
And by the way, the terrible game plan cost us the NO game last year and contributed to the blowout against GB in the playoffs. If there is ANY accountability, White, Julio, Turner and Robinson should be benched for the next game. I’d rather lose with the other guys than win with those guys. And foget about the playoffs. Playoffs are for teams that have a chance to make a run for the SB. Does ANYONE think the Falcons have a chance against NO or GB? I dont. Sorry but thats a hard reality…
hey ya'll from down TEXAS way!
December 5th, 2011
7:33 am
Hey Falcons fans welcome The TEXANS world for the past 10 years……last year for example: the top 5 finishes as per ESPN had 4 TEXANS games……all four were losses for the TEXANS!!!! add in all the times we seemed to have Payton and Colts beat only to lose yet again!!!! Also per ESPN Falcons have
the best offensive line and the TEXANS have not played a team as good as Atlanta in the past 6 games, only reason TEXANS defense is number one in the NFL! – 44 yards rushing for Turner! FOSTER
over 100 yards rushing…first time in 15 games RB has gone for over 100 yards against the Falcons!!! don’t matter how its done a win is a win!!!!!!! wish i could feel sorry for ya’ll but i just can’t ! add the Oilers in to the past ten years and its a freakin’ nightmare for HOUSTON fans!! (THIIRD STRING ROOKIE QB, MARIO WILLIAMS OUT, ANDRE JOHNSON OUT) Texans are a darn good team!!!!