Unlike 49ers, the Falcons don’t have a signature win
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) passes as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel (99) tries to block the pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 19, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
I woke up this morning with a football revelation.
I said to self, “Self, the 49ers are legitimate NFC title contenders.”
Self said to me, “Go blog about that. Tell the World.”
Well World, the 49ers are legitimate NFC title contenders along with Green Bay and New Orleans. They earned their signature win last night and are thus anointed “legitimate NFC title contenders.”
Jim Harbaugh has done a nice job building on the manhood that Mike Singletary instilled in those players when they were younger.
Rookie defensive end Aldon Smith was awesome. San Francisco safety Donte Whitner came up and laid some nice hits on the Pittsburgh receivers. And just think the 49ers didn’t have linebacker Patrick Willis.
The Falcons have been too inconsistent and don’t have that signature win yet. They could get theirs on Monday night. But they can’t just squeak by with a field goal at the end. A signature win entails beating down a good team.
Falcons linebacker (56) Sean Weatherspoon comes up with the fumble by the Jaguars' Jarett Dillard on a kick return, setting up a touchdown run by Michael Turner for a 17-0 Falcons lead during 1st half action. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
The Falcons only have one win over a team that currently has a winning record. Their signature win was a 23-16 slugfest with the Detroit Lions (9-5) on Oct. 23. Their other “impressive” victories were over Seattle (7-7) and Tennessee (7-7).
Even without their signaturw win, the Falcons chances of repeating as NFC South champions are alive.
The Falcons will need to beat the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and finish 11-5 overall, 4-2 in the NFC South.
They would also need the Saints to lose at home to the Carolina Panthers in their regular-season finale. The Saints would finish 11-5, 3-3 in the division.
Since the Falcons and Saints would be tied in head-to-head (1-1) games, the tie would be broken on the second tie-breaker rule: best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Under this scenario, the Falcons would finish with division losses to Tampa Bay and New Orleans. The Saints would finish with division losses to Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Carolina.
“Again, we control what we can control,” Smith said. “It’s obvious that our guys are familiar with the scenarios that we are in. I think this, not just talking about our ball game; it’s going to be a very interesting two weeks for a lot of teams.
“The way that the schedule is put together with all of the division teams playing one another, it makes for a great finish to the regular season. I know that our guys are aware of it.”
NFL Tiebreaking Procedures
The six postseason participants from each conference are seeded as follows:
1.The division champion with the best record.
Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert (11) has been sacked 4th-most in the NFL this season. Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com
2.The division champion with the second-best record.
3.The division champion with the third-best record.
4.The division champion with the fourth-best record.
5.The Wild Card club with the best record.
6.The Wild Card club with the second-best record.
The following procedures will be used to break standings ties for postseason playoffs and to determine regular-season schedules.
NOTE: Tie games count as one-half win and one-half loss for both clubs.
TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.
Two Clubs
1.Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
2.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3.Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5.Strength of victory.
6.Strength of schedule.
7.Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8.Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Roddy White wide receiver catches a Matt Ryan pass in front of Jaguars cornerback Ashton Youboty during 1st half action. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
9.Best net points in common games.
10.Best net points in all games.
11.Best net touchdowns in all games.
12.Coin toss
Three or More Clubs
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated during any step, tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format).
1.Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
2.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
3.Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
4.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
5.Strength of victory.
6.Strength of schedule.
7.Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8.Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9.Best net points in common games.
10.Best net points in all games.
11.Best net touchdowns in all games.
12.Coin toss
TO BREAK A TIE FOR THE WILD-CARD TEAM
If it is necessary to break ties to determine the two Wild-Card clubs from each conference, the following steps will be taken.
1.If the tied clubs are from the same division, apply division tie breaker.
2.If the tied clubs are from different divisions, apply the following steps.
Two Clubs
1.Head-to-head, if applicable.
2.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
3.Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
4.Strength of victory.
5.Strength of schedule.
6.Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
7.Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
8.Best net points in conference games.
9.Best net points in all games.
10.Best net touchdowns in all games.
11.Coin toss.
Three or More Clubs
(Note: If two clubs remain tied after third or other clubs are eliminated, tie breaker reverts to step 1 of applicable two-club format.)
1.Apply division tie breaker to eliminate all but the highest ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. The original seeding within a division upon application of the division tie breaker remains the same for all subsequent applications of the procedure that are necessary to identify the two Wild-Card participants.
2.Head-to-head sweep. (Applicable only if one club has defeated each of the others or if one club has lost to each of the others.)
3.Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
4.Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games, minimum of four.
5.Strength of victory.
6.Strength of schedule.
7.Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
8.Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
9.Best net points in conference games.
10.Best net points in all games.
11.Best net touchdowns in all games.
12.Coin toss
When the first Wild-Card team has been identified, the procedure is repeated to name the second Wild-Card, i.e., eliminate all but the highest-ranked club in each division prior to proceeding to step 2. In situations where three or more teams from the same division are involved in the procedure, the original seeding of the teams remains the same for subsequent applications of the tie breaker if the top-ranked team in that division qualifies for a Wild-Card berth.
OTHER TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURES
1.Only one club advances to the playoffs in any tie-breaking step. Remaining tied clubs revert to the first step of the applicable division or Wild Card tie-breakers. As an example, if two clubs remain tied in any tie-breaker step after all other clubs have been eliminated, the procedure reverts to Step 1 of the two-club format to determine the winner. When one club wins the tiebreaker, all other clubs revert to Step 1 of the applicable two-club or three-club format.
2.In comparing records against common opponents among tied teams, the best won-lost-tied percentage is the deciding factor, since teams may have played an unequal number of games.
3.To determine home-field priority among division-titlists, apply Wild Card tie-breakers.
4.To determine home-field priority for Wild Card qualifiers, apply division tie-breakers (if teams are from the same division) or Wild Card tiebreakers (if teams are from different divisions).
5.To determine the best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed, add a team’s position in the two categories, and the lowest score wins. For example, if Team A is first in points scored and second in points allowed, its combined ranking is “3.” If Team B is third in points scored and first in points allowed, its combined ranking is “4.” Team A then wins the tiebreaker. If two teams are tied for a position, both teams are awarded the ranking as if they held it solely. For example, if Team A and Team B are tied for first in points scored, each team is assigned a ranking of “1″ in that category, and if Team C is third, its ranking will still be “3.”
TIE-BREAKING PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION MEETING
1.Clubs not participating in the playoffs shall select in the first through 20th positions in reverse standings order.
2.The Super Bowl winner is last and Super Bowl loser is next-to-last.
3.The losers of the Conference Championship games shall select 29th and 30th based on won-lost-tied percentage.
4.The losers of the Divisional playoff games shall select 25th through 28th based on won-lost-tied percentage.
5.The losers of the Wild Card games shall select 21st through 24th based on won-lost-tied percentage.
If ties exist in any grouping except (2) above, such ties shall be broken by strength-of-schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength-of-schedule, the divisional or conference tie-breakers, if applicable, shall be applied. Any ties that still exist shall be broken by a coin flip.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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297 comments Add your comment
forensic_falcon
December 20th, 2011
9:36 am
Big Al…
do you remember last week when, going into the 4th quarter, the TITANS were beating you 9-10?
do you realize that those same TITANS just lost to the COLTS?
You lost to the RAMS, dude. with a backup quarterback.
I can appreciate confidence. but your overconfidence is a little humorous.
i think this is going to be a good game. real good.
forensic_falcon
December 20th, 2011
9:39 am
Samuel L. Jackson,
You analysis is as entertaining as your portrayal of a Jedi knight. I am LOL.
blame the prevent defense. never heard that before. call your coach and tell him not to use it anymore, if you think that’s the problem. He’s probably never thought of that…
Supes
December 20th, 2011
9:40 am
Please, give me a fraking break with this “signature win crap”…a win is a win. I don’t remember giving out playoff wins and superbowls for “signature REGULAR season wins”. I guess just something to “write about” huh Mr. Ledbetter?
Lets put on more pressure on the FALCONS through the local media by blowing the ’signature win horn’ which means nothing in the long run.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:41 am
forensic_falcon,
The Rams loss was inexcusable, that was the wake up call that put the Saints on this current 6 game winning streak. I would like to remind you that same Titans team you are putting down had plenty of Falcons fans sweating in the 4th qtr here at the GA Dome. It’s not like you guys trucked the Titans, the Falcons almost blew that one.
Larry
December 20th, 2011
9:42 am
Samuel,
You failed to mention Roddy dropping the game winning pass.
Selective memory is indeed fun, isn’t it?
Say what
December 20th, 2011
9:42 am
D-Led: ” I thought Tony was trying to get to the ball that was intended for Roddy. I’ll ask him and/or Ryan for you.”
No need to do that. If you watched the post-game interview on NFL network with Roddy and Ryan, they asked that very question, and Ryan said that Roddy had the only interception of the game. In other words, it was intended for Tony.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 20th, 2011
9:43 am
True Falcon Fan — I have to disagree with you. They beat them down from 60 minutes. Love how the safeties were coming up to smash the receivers after they caught passes.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:43 am
forensic_falcon,
The point I was making was stop with the “we beat ourselves” crap from the 1st matchup. If anything the Saints poor play at the end was the only thing that got the Falcons back in the game.
Again, if you want to talk about shooting one’s self in the foot then please see dropped INT by Harper in the endzone on the final drive in regulation that would have sealed the win right then and there.
MG3
December 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Samuel L. – you think the Falcons maybe had anything to do with that poor play by the Saints at the end of the last game.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:45 am
Larry,
that’s because Roddy’s drop was preceded by Harper’s, this if Harper makes the easy catch there is no chance for Roddy to drop it in the endzone.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:48 am
MG3,
yes they did… Note to coaches, don’t put Scott Shanle or any LB for that matter on a WR.
If you think I am full of it, watch what happens if the Saints go to that 3-3-5 alignment. Douglas torched the Saints those last 2 drives due to poor alignment and coaching. Not knocking Douglas, just saying if you have watched the Saints this season that defense has gotten them burned for big plays all season but for some reason they keep going back to it.
falconsnut
December 20th, 2011
9:49 am
Aint’s play same schedule as Birds execept for 2 games. We beat our west team Seattle (7-7) and Aint’s lost to St. Louis (2-12), We beat our east team Philly (6-8) they beat NYG (7-7). Both lost to Tampa (4-10) both lost to GB (13-1). So the only teams they have beat is Chicago
(7-7) and Houston (10-4). So I guess Houston is their “signature win”. It would have been ours except for Ryans awful throws and all the dropped passes. Even with all that, we are 1 botched overtime call away from being tied for the division lead, so no, Aint’s don’t impress me much. Falcons 27 Aint’s 21.
Getaway
December 20th, 2011
9:50 am
I remember playing Green Bay last year in the regular season. We beat them. Come to think of it, the Pack didn’t have a signature win until they got in the playoffs. And that was against Philadelphia.
And Brees just might set that passing record, he’s going to have to just to keep up with the Falcons.
MG3
December 20th, 2011
9:50 am
Agree with your points, and coaching hurt us in that game too….for example (last play call by Falcons offense). I’m a realistic Falcons fan who knows this will be a tough test, but expect a good close game come Monday night.
LKW4
December 20th, 2011
9:51 am
If we would get rid of Ryan and Lard A** Turner we may have signature wins. Look at other teams QB and then look at Falcons! Plus maybe the whole team should go see a sports psychologist so they can finally beat Saints!
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
9:51 am
Breeze will probably drop a few balls come MNF, right into the hands of the Falcons Samuel ….ha !
trademark
December 20th, 2011
9:52 am
Anyone noticed how just about ALL of the Falcons/Saints games come down to one or two made or missed plays? Last 4 meetings decided by 3. Last 8 meetings decided by an average of 4.75 pts. Falcons have been making more than missing plays lately. The Saints have been “Peaking” for about 6 games now, the Falcons for 2. Truth is…despite the big talk and the screaming and yelling, this one is going to be a war. It will take some serious lapses for this one to get out of either teams’ hands. If they both function as they should, no flukes, this one is going to the wire. Buckle up.
MG3
December 20th, 2011
9:52 am
LKW4 – that’s possibly the worst analysis I’ve ever seen on this blog. Ryan and Turner are probably the two best things to ever happen to this team!
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:52 am
The “Ain’ts” may not impress you much, but the Saints sure as hell keep on beating you
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
9:55 am
Samuel..this MNF Game will be more like a playoff game than being in the playoffs themselves.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:56 am
MG3,
I agree with you that it will be close. I still think that the Saints passing offense is too much for the Falcons secondary. Its been a strange year because for all the talk about “domefield advantage” for the Saints, they have been pretty even in terms of home/road record in the regular season. For some reason, that has been drastically different this season. The Saints have been dominant at home this year and look like a completely different team in the Superdome.
I think the Saints don’t blow the lead in this game like they did earlier this year, but I still expect plenty of fireworks thus my pick Saints win 34-24
Larry
December 20th, 2011
9:59 am
As a Falcon fan and STH, let me just say what all the emotionally detached experts believe about the Falcons and Saints. Both are solid teams capable of beating the other anytime and certainly capable of getting on a run to win the Super Bowl like 4-6 other teams: Packers, 49ers, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots and maybe even Detroit or the Jets.
May the best team win on Monday and enjoy what is a secured playoff run for the Saints and an expected playoff run for our Falcons. I remember the days when neither team was ever considered a playoff team, so…enjoy it while we can!
Big Al
December 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Forensic_Falcon!!! Keep on dreaming. The Falcons will look like they are flying with two broken wings by halftime.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
9:59 am
Ya know Michael M.,
I may just agree with you this time, hahahaha. It will be like a playoff game, fortunately for me and the Saints…. They don’t lose playoff games in the Superdome
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
10:00 am
Grimes and Hayden get playing time it will go down to the end, never know it could wind up in OT and end in a tie !
MG3
December 20th, 2011
10:03 am
I think butts belonging to each set of fans will remain at the edge of their seats until this one is over! Not confidnent enough in the Falcons yet, given their up/down season, to proclaim victory; however, if they come out with the kind of fire they’ve had the last two weeks then the Saints will get all they can handle.
Larry
December 20th, 2011
10:03 am
Samuel,
The Falcons once beat the Saints in a playoff game in the Super Dome, remember?
Larry
December 20th, 2011
10:10 am
The team that commits the least mistakes and gets to the opponent’s QB the most will win this game. They are too evenly matched for one’s domination in a perfectly played game.
falconsnut
December 20th, 2011
10:12 am
Hey Sammy, check out the all time record vs Falcons. Falcons hold a 46-39 lead, so who BEATS who? Falcons also enjoy 1-0 post season lead over Saints (1991) and Falcons enjoy longest win streak (10) vs Saints whose longest vs Falcons is 6.
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
10:13 am
Breeze will be too pass-happy trying to break the record and throw some picks committing costly turnovers with the Falcons capitalizing on them !
MG3
December 20th, 2011
10:17 am
Hoping Ryan is sharp early and connects on some passes to open things up a bit, then let Turner pound the ball and keep it out of Brees hands. Our secondary needs to bring their A game Monday night!
SeenThisB4
December 20th, 2011
10:18 am
Brees and Saints offense > falcan’t defense.
Payton > MSmith
Saints STs > falcan’t STs
Saints win decisively.
Samuel L. Jackson
December 20th, 2011
10:18 am
Larry,
That was literally 20 yrs ago… not really a factor for these current teams. Drew Brees is 3-0 in playoff games at the Superdome. Thanks for playing!
Hey Falconsnut,
The Saints finally have competent ownership now that old man Benson isn’t running the team anymore. This isn’t the Saints of the 60’s, 70’s or hell even the 90’s. Since Breesus has come to the promised land the Falcons are 2-9 against the Saints.
I’ll give you the first 40 years of the rivalry, I am only 31 yrs old lol. All I know what I see now is the Saints a consistent winner and championship threat, and the Saints beat the Falcons alot more than they lose!
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
10:19 am
Saints fans have a habit of forgetting the old days too when the Falcons use to beat them around like an old worn out rug on the porch …was 49ers,Falcons,Rams and the Saints at the bottom in the West.
JONESBORO SLIM
December 20th, 2011
10:22 am
If the D-Line gets pressure on Brees making him hurrying his passes then it’s trouble in the Dome….and look for the “Corners” to play a little press coverage….
trademark
December 20th, 2011
10:30 am
Simplest way to beat the Saints is look at what other teams did to beat them. Rams ran it down their throats and pressured Brees. Tampa ran it a lot, also passed for over 300, and the pressure on Brees forced him into 3 picks. Green Bay, Run, pass, pressured Brees (3 sacks). Notice a pattern? Even keel on running and passing, pressure Brees, and you can beat them. Falcons racked up over 400 yds. in the last game, more pressure on Brees and that would have done it.
Michael M.
December 20th, 2011
10:32 am
cool piece I just found on Ryan
http://espn.go.com/nfl/preview11/story/_/id/6917826/atlanta-falcons-quarterback-matt-ryan-focused-playoffs
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 20th, 2011
10:33 am
Saints have a big advantage offensively & with Special Teams…..Defensively, the Falcons have a slight edge.
Saints win this one comfortably. The game earlier this year should have never made it to overtime, and never gotten to that foolish 4th and 1 decision from Coach Smith.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 20th, 2011
10:34 am
trademark, that’s the same way the Bears beat the Falcons…..& the same way the Chiefs beat Greenbay….LOL.
MG3
December 20th, 2011
10:43 am
I don’t think a comfortable victory is going to happen…last 6 games decided by less than 10 points…last 4 decided by 3 points.
trademark
December 20th, 2011
10:43 am
“LOL” What’s the joke, exactly? They do this, they can win. Last laugh goes to us. Yay us.
Dusty Rhodes
December 20th, 2011
10:44 am
Orlando you look so handsome in your bowtie. I would love to show you around my part of town sometime. Take the connector southbound to the tunnel. You are such a cutie pie.
Mister.Earl
December 20th, 2011
10:45 am
Drew Brees is much better than Matt Ryan.
Here Endeth The Lesson
D man
December 20th, 2011
10:46 am
Enter your comments here
True Falcon Fan
December 20th, 2011
10:46 am
Hey D-led that’s true – however i think you got my point – Big Ben he couldn’t move, he was off balance all night. The Steeler were minus Harrison – i think you would agree he would have made some difference on defense. Granted SF defense played extremely good ball. I just don’t think that was SF’s signature game.
I would like to see the Falcons play niners in the first round, don’t think that’s possible. If the Falcons go to Dallas on the first round, i’m geetche on that match-up. The Falcons should be able to handle either the Cowboys or the Niners. If we go to Dallas, our defense better be ready to play and Matt better be on his game.
Merry Christmas D-led
Go Falcons – Aints next
Mister.Earl
December 20th, 2011
10:47 am
Breezy
“Drew Brees currently leads the league in passing yards (4,368) and completion percentage (70.9). He is third in the league in touchdowns (32) and quarterback rating (105.9). Brees has had an amazing 2011 season so far, but in the months of November and December he has been absolutely lights out.”
Sunday was another monster, record-setting passing day for Brees as the Saints mauled Minnesota 42-20 at Mall of America Field. He completed 32 of 40 passes for 412 yards and five touchdowns. For the fifth consecutive game, he didn’t throw an interception.
It’s the first time in NFL history a quarterback has completed 80 percent of his passes while throwing for 400 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. In other words, no passer has ever been so efficient AND so prolific in the same game.
Lights Out.
D man
December 20th, 2011
10:50 am
I think the Niners are a lot like last years Falcons. I still think they will exit early in the playoffs. The Falcons are peaking now and should finish strong. I look for a win in NO on Monday night.
Big Al
December 20th, 2011
11:01 am
D man, don’t strain your eyes looking for that win in New Orleans next Monday night.
D man
December 20th, 2011
11:02 am
Ooouuuuhhhhhhhh, Brees is soooo great. I don’t remember him being so great the last time he played in the ATL. Falcons blew that game. Should have won. Ooooouuuuhhhhh, Brees has a high rating. Matt Ryan also has a QB rating over 100 his last 9 games with a 7&2 record. He is also in the top ten this season and has the best winning record for any QB in history first four years which is BETTER THAN BREES… Falcons beat saints next monday…
JCW
December 20th, 2011
11:04 am
Can we get a new beat writer! These articles are just sad!!!