GAME DAY CENTRAL: Falcons vs. Chargers

QB corner: Matt Ryan discusses the Chargers

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan fondly remembers his last trip to San Diego.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

As a rookie, he led the Falcons to a 22-16 victory over the Chargers on Nov. 30, 2008, at Qualcomm Stadium.

He tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Harry Douglas to put the Falcons up 22-13 with 14:56 left to play in the fourth quarter. He completed 17 of 23 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns and finished with a quarterback rating of 130.2.

Here’s a brief Q&A involving Ryan and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Q: What concerns you about San Diego’s defense?

A: Their front seven is very good. They’ve got two defensive ends in their 3-4 scheme. Jarret Johnson and Shaun Phillips are really good players. They have some talented guys on the back end like [Eric] Weedle. I think he led the league in interceptions last year. They have two corners that can play in [Antoine] Cason and [Quentin] Jammer. They are a talented bunch.

Q: How is Takeo Spikes playing in the middle of their defense?

A: He’s a veteran guy. He’s physical and is very good at coming down and snuffing out the run. He’s really smart, and it looks like he gets all of those guys on the same page on film. He’s one of those salty veteran guys that is just very good at what he does.

Q: What will be the key to run the ball on that stingy defense?

A: I think, first and foremost, identifying what they do up front correctly. They give you a lot of different looks. They bring a lot of different guys in their fire-zone packages. Identifying what they are doing and getting into the right plays will be important.

The X factor: Falcons safety William Moore

Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore intercepts a Peyton Manning pass intended for tight end Jacob Tamme on Denver's opening drive during first quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012.  CURTIS COMPTON/CCOMPTON@AJC.COM

Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore intercepts a Peyton Manning pass intended for tight end Jacob Tamme on Denver's opening drive during first quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Monday, Sept. 17, 2012. CURTIS COMPTON/CCOMPTON@AJC.COM

One of the trademarks of San Diego coach Norv Turner’s offenses — dating to his days in Dallas with Jay Novacek in the early 1990s — is that the tight end is heavily involved.

Last week in a 38-10 rout of Tennessee, tight end Dante Rosario caught three touchdowns passes for the Chargers, who carry four tight ends on their roster. In addition to Rosario, they have Antonio Gates, Randy McMichael and rookie Ladarius Green.

While wide receiver Malcolm Floyd is quarterback Philip Rivers’ top target, the tight end remains key, and that makes Falcons safety William Moore the X-factor for this game.

“In that offense, they use their tight ends a lot,” Moore said. “Then at the same time, they’ve got gifted tight ends. They are fast, and they are strong. They run great routes. Gates, I never played him before, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about his game.”

Rosario has mainly been a backup with Carolina (2007-10), Miami (2011) and Denver (2011). Before last week, he had five career touchdown catches.

“He’s running great routes,” Moore said. “He doing a great job. He’s matured from his days with Carolina. He’s looking like a great tight end.”

Gates, when healthy, is a great tight end. He returned to practice from a rib injury and could be available Sunday.

“He’s a go-to guy,” Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said of Gates. “When you see defenses go against him, they put two guys on him like he’s a gunner on the punt-coverage team because that’s how good he is. That’s what he demands. If you give him one-on-one coverage, or if you think you cannot account for him, he’s going to kill you.”

The hot seat: Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones

Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie has told receiver Julio Jones that he must think that when

110801 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones signs autographs for fans following morning practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011.     Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com

110801 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Julio Jones signs autographs for fans following morning practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com

the football is in the air that it’s like $1 million, and he has to come down with it.

Jones, the second-year sensation, had a chance to help put the Falcons up by two touchdowns early against the Broncos on Monday night, but he let the $1 million hit the turf.

“I still have to step up and make those plays when they present themselves because everybody is counting on me,” said Jones, who’s on the hot seat to stop his dropped passes. “I just have to step up in that situation and make that play.”

Jones has 10 catches for 124 yards and two touchdowns. He has three drops, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

After catching six passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs in the season opener, Jones saw double coverage from Denver.

“They stayed with a [two-man] shell,” Jones said. “It’s kind of hard to have a big game against [two-man] shell and everything. Roddy [White] stepped up and did a great job for us, and Tony [Gonzalez] did as well.”

While Denver locked up Jones, White and Gonzalez combined for 15 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Jones doesn’t know what to expect from the Chargers.

“When we play people, we have to go out there and adjust,” Jones said. “A lot of people don’t have three receivers, including Tony, that they have to match up against. We have to go out there and continue to keep playing.”

Connections: Nolan, Norv Turner are coaching BFFs

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (right) talks with head coach Mike Smith during a recent practice. He has not had much success against Peyton Manning in past.  JASON GETZ / JGETZ@AJC.COM

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (right) talks with head coach Mike Smith during a recent practice. He has not had much success against Peyton Manning in past. JASON GETZ / JGETZ@AJC.COM

Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and Chargers coach Norv Turner have been coaching BFFs.

They worked together in 2006, with Turner serving as Nolan’s offensive coordinator when he was San Francisco’s head coach.

Nolan served as Turner’s defensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins from 1997-99 when Turner was the head coach.

“Mike’s been in the league a long time, as well as coach Turner, so they’ve probably had a number of battles where they’ve been against each other and they’ve been on the same side and sat in staff rooms,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “There’s going to be some familiarity in terms of what Mike knows and what coach Turner knows.”

Other connections include:

  • Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson served two stints with the Falcons, from 1991-96 and from 2002-07.
  • Chargers linebacker Demorrio Williams played for the Falcons from 2004-07.
  • Falcons running back Michael Turner was drafted by the Chargers and played for them from 2004-07.
  • Chargers running back Ronnie Brown (Auburn) is from Cartersville.
  • Chargers tight end Randy McMichael (Georgia) is from Fort Valley.
  • Chargers backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) is from Alpharetta.
  • Chargers linebacker Takeo Spikes (Auburn) is from Sandersville.
  • Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel played with Chargers safety Atari Bigby at Central Florida for three seasons.

Stat corner: Chargers have the league’s top run defense

San Diego’s run defense is stout.

Oakland Raiders' Marcel Reece (45) runs as San Diego Chargers defensive back Atari Bigby (26) dives for him and linebacker Takeo Spikes (51) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Oakland Raiders' Marcel Reece (45) runs as San Diego Chargers defensive back Atari Bigby (26) dives for him and linebacker Takeo Spikes (51) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin sets the tone by demanding double-team blocks. In the Chargers’ 3-4 scheme, Franklin then frees up inside linebackers Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler to run to the ball carriers.

They held Oakland’s Darren McFadden to 32 yards on 15 carries and Tennessee’s Chris Johnson to 17 yards on eight carries.

The Falcons have struggled to run this season and don’t appear to have a good matchup against San Diego’s defense, which has allowed only 41 rushing yards per game, best in the NFL. The Falcons have rushed for 75.5 yards per game, 26th in the league.

“We’re going to keep handing it off,” right tackle Tyson Clabo said. “We are going to keep running the ball. I think that we have the personnel to have a good running game.”

The Falcons spent a great deal of time working on their passing attack this offseason. Some contend they forget about their vaunted rushing attack, which has had a 1,300-yard rusher [Michael Turner] in three of the past four years.

“We didn’t have a lack of focus on it at all,” Clabo said. “I can’t put my finger on anything specific, but I think we can run the football, and we’re going to continue to try.”

THE LATEST NEWS

Falcons improve to 2-0 with 27-21 win over Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos

Falcons running back Michael Turner charged with DUI

Cornerback Christopher Owens is in the concussion protocol

VIDEO: Matt Ryan discusses win over Denver

Secondary puts Peyton Manning back on his heels

OTHER RECENT POSTS

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Matt Bryant: The Alligator Whisperer

Brent Grimes out for the season

Video: What loss of Grimes means

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Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.

105 comments Add your comment

Elvis is alive

September 21st, 2012
5:33 am

Elvis is alive

September 21st, 2012
5:41 am

This game will be decided by special teams play. Falcons 24-Chargers 30.Our team is banged up and our bench is suspect. We are weak at stopping the long return. I believe in the Falcons. Rise Up…..

falcfvr

September 21st, 2012
5:56 am

Elvis, you must not believe to much. What’s up with that score prediction. Come on man! Falcons are playing the way they are needing to play The D will step up and put Rivers where he belongs. Go birds. Falcons – 37 Where’s Diego – 17
Question. How’s SeeNThisBefore doing? LMAO

Jimmy

September 21st, 2012
6:06 am

I’ll take a 2-0 start anyday, but the facts are that the Falcons have 14 games remaining to find a running game, or they aren’t going to do anything in the playoffs. It doesn’t look good this week against a stout Chargers front seven, but then again that’s why they play the game.

#RiseUp

Jimmy

September 21st, 2012
6:08 am

Also, can someone explain to me the rule concerning TD receptions??? In the field of play, if you catch the ball and it becomes dislodged because you hit the ground, it’s considered a catch, correct?? As in the ground can’t cause a fumble??

Yet the same doesn’t hold true in the end zone??? Julio Jones caught that pass and only AFTER he hit the ground did the ball come loose. This “maintaining possession of the ball” is absolutely garbage. That was a TD. I’ve seen a number of players robbed of TD receptions because of that stupid rule. They need to change it during the offseason, IMHO.

Falcon James

September 21st, 2012
7:31 am

The Falcon will be ready for the challenge Sunday. I have a lot of confidence that Turner will try to make a statement and will make the most of his opportunities to run and catch the ball. The Charger will have they hands full with trying to cover our receivers. I have no concerns about Julio. He will make an example out of someone. If I had one concern, it would be our defensive backfield. Dunta is underperforming as usual and we are weak on opposite side. We will need a pass rush. This game will come down to turnovers, but the Falcon have the edge and will bring home a victory.

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
7:48 am

I love the way Ryan always has good things – sincerely stated – about opponents. That’s class.

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
7:49 am

BTW I wonder if anyone remembered my post before Monday’s game about William Moore being the key guy, along with Nicholas and Abraham? I’ll stay with that song. :) Our Missouri kids can play!

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
7:50 am

Look for a big game from Magic Mike! He’ll be more popular than ever down to the club!

Mikey

September 21st, 2012
8:25 am

I second you on that PB… Ryan is a class act. We have a lot of class on this team and I am so happy to have them as role models for our kids here in Atlanta and around the country as their class play permeates the nation. We can be proud of all of them.

San Diego will be tough but they haven’t faced a team of the Falcons’ caliber yet. Every NFL team has really great players and they are all professionals so there aren’t many easy ones out there. Our Falcons will have to focus and do their best the whole day. Matty and the receivers are going to be a load for any team and I expect to see the run evolve as the season progresses. Regardless of Norv Turner’s familiarity with Nolan’s defense… if they play like they did in quarters 1-3 last week, they will be a challenge for any offense in the NFL. Can’t wait for Sunday! GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
8:27 am

@Jimmy: You don’t get any points on the field of play if you catch the ball and the ground causes it to become dislodged. The rule in the endzone is different so as to remove any doubt. You have to maintain possession through the end of the play, including landing on the ground, cause six points are at stake. On the normal field of play, the reciever gets the benefit of the doubt, in the endzone, he has to earn it.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
8:29 am

Is speeding on the road while intoxicated a class act? Cause that’s what the nation was exposed to this week.

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
8:35 am

Look! It’s Dog the Bounty Hunter!

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
8:36 am

Jimmy – if you have possession and you fall and the ball pops loose, that’s not a loss of possession. The play ends when the player is down. If you never have possession, and you hit the ground and the ball goes out, that’s still no possession.

Stupid

September 21st, 2012
8:37 am

Turner was not a class act on his DUI. He put people’s lives at risk while driving drunk, but even if he would have killed someone then there would be a lot of people coming to his defense and he most likely would have received very light punishment for his act. He needs to pay for his act and that will be up to the Court to decide. If he wants to stay sober and be a productive citizen then that will be up to him.

pritdapit

September 21st, 2012
8:39 am

That all you have seen? Really? O yeah, the aints are 0-2 and bottom dwellers again!! What could you say football wise?? hahaha Go Falcons!!!!

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
8:40 am

Stupid – yes! And just think, he might have become an arch-criminal like the Joker and then we’d need Batman to save us! Run for the hills!

He screwed up. Everyone is fine. Relax.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
8:42 am

Yeah, but he was leaving a strip club! In Georgia, aren’t you allowed to speed at 95mph, while drunk, when leaving a strip club? At least that’s how the rest of the nation sees that “class”.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
8:45 am

pridapit:

Don’t be so fatuous.

Football wise, I already explained why there is a different rule for maintaining possession of the ball in the endzone. What have you added? BTW, I also say that there’s still 14 games to be played.

JSS

September 21st, 2012
8:50 am

Ledbetter…
Tell Ollie Wilson “Hi,” he’s greatly missed!

Big Crimson 75

September 21st, 2012
8:53 am

Seen — it’s setting up beautifully again this year!!
Bama -LSU 3.
We’re gonna stomp the living sh!t outta you over-matched bayou thrash.
Poor Jordon Jefferson, we ruined his life. Once the star of that cess-pool state, now he can’t even get free Gumbo anywhere.
Perhaps the Hatter can coach em to mid-field this year.

As for the bigger boys, 0 & 2. Y’all wont cover 9 against the Chiefs.
We miss Lofton. I particularly enjoyed those highlights of his fat tail chasing/grasping for Cam last week. We saw how amazing Cam is against a real team last night.
Somebody had to pay Lofton, thank God for you idiots.

Dzor22

September 21st, 2012
8:58 am

Im not sure we can beat anybody. I’m here in Charlotte and after the Panties got plastered by the NYG B team…they’re calling in to the radio station and saying…”at least we get to recover against the sorry Falcons”! Huh..Interesting. I didnt think we were sorry at all. BEAT SAN DIEGO!!!

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
8:59 am

@Big Crismson: You didn’t screw up Jefferson’s life, he did that all by himself.

Big Crimson 75

September 21st, 2012
9:04 am

Poor Lofton, he took the wrong player on Carolina’s option EVERY-TIME!!!

P B Orr

September 21st, 2012
9:04 am

Dzor22 – anyone can have a bad game, but Newton’s attitude in the press conference was positively girly. I wanted to hand him a towel to blubber into. Not good. He needs to grow up a little and hang out with his teammates instead of hunkering down under his laundry.

Big Crimson 75

September 21st, 2012
9:12 am

Cam’s a big baby.
Proven again last night.
Terrible team-mate.
Drink more Cam-aid, for those who said Carolina was winning this division.
I’ll take Matt Ryan over Cam any day & so would any NFL Coach that wants to Win.

D man

September 21st, 2012
10:13 am

Seen, how many Falcon wins and Saint losses will it take for you to come on over from the dark side?

D man

September 21st, 2012
10:17 am

On second thought Seen, I don’t want you to convert because I like your daily comedy.

Pappy

September 21st, 2012
10:27 am

Good info, O. Appreciate it!

Dirty Bird since 71`

September 21st, 2012
10:46 am

0-2 Aints….. Nuff said..

SeenThisBFalcon

September 21st, 2012
10:49 am

Michael Turner is a human being..we all make mistakes and he will learn from it and move on…DUI not that big of a deal its a MISDEAMEANOR…..TURNER will have 16 Carries….134 yds this week and 3 receptions for 58 yards will be player of the week!

[...] GAME DAY CENTRAL: Falcons vs. Chargers As a rookie, he led the Falcons to a 22-16 victory over the Chargers on Nov. 30, 2008, at Qualcomm Stadium. He tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Harry Douglas to put the Falcons up 22-13 with 14:56 left to play in the fourth quarter. Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
10:55 am

I.. I love you guys :’(

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
10:57 am

Carolina fans have to be feeling really good about life.
Did you hear Cam Newton’s interview after the game last night? That guy threw the entire city under the bus and all his team mates at the same time. He actually said that the fans of Carolina should be hanging their heads in shame. In fact, what he said was “IF I was a fan of the Carolina Panthers I would be hanging my head in shame” Fortunately, Cam is not a fan of the Panthers.

I cant wait for this Panthers team to come in to the GA Dome and get blown out.

TB fans, got a rough season ahead of you. At least youll be able to get a good QB in the draft next year.

Taints fans….just cut smaller eye holes in those paper bags you all wear. (You know like the REAL taints fans) Ill bring some to the game for you in case you need to use yours for a sick bag.

DazzyG

September 21st, 2012
11:01 am

LOL! Lofton’s performance with the aints thus far. Man I’m glad he accepted their offer! Not a 3 down player at all!

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:02 am

D man: Doncha worry now, I will be a steadfast Saints fan till the day I die.

I say Turner won’t get even 16 yards this week, though, I do admit, he may get 16 carries….

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:03 am

Carolina destroys the Saints, New York dismantles Carolina,……. hmmmmm what does this tell us?

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:05 am

@ the imposter at 10:55am, you’re a living example of why this is such a snot rag of a blog.

Danny

September 21st, 2012
11:08 am

Neutral -
That the Saints are dreadfully aweful ???

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:09 am

@ Neuteral: It tells us that you’re no neutral onlooker if you’re looking for inferences between two different games.

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
11:10 am

DUI is not that big of a deal? Seriously?
10,000 people a year killed by DUI drivers…not a big deal?

Show me someone who thinks DUI is not a big deal and Ill show you someone who will be getting a DUI

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:10 am

Just an observtion fella

North FLA Falcon

September 21st, 2012
11:11 am

Big test on the road but I like our team right now. If the run doesn’t work, make adjustments! Play solid and we can win this one. GO FALCONS

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:13 am

Enter your comments here

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
11:13 am

@North FLA
That is the #1 difference in this team over the past 4 years. This team and coaching staff will actually make adjustments!
Hopefully they will adjust the running game to a 100+yd day

Post-It

September 21st, 2012
11:13 am

Then you should leave, Seen. Though with your team tanking along with all of your preseason boasts and predictions, it is somewhat entertaining that you’re still trying to dish it out.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:15 am

An observation! Oh, well then, why didn’t you say so in the beginning. Here’s an observation: The falcan’ts have played well during the season for the last four years but always go 1 and done in the playoffs….hmmmm what does that tell us for this year?

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:16 am

I like the Falcons so so, if I had to pick a pro team, not a big NFL fan but just watching games recently, Saints are sort of slipping

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:18 am

Hey guy, are like this all the time ?? I take it your a Saints fan ?

PMC

September 21st, 2012
11:18 am

I was really impressed with the secondary especially the safeties last weekend. Not only were they in position to make plays, they made plays, over and over again.

I’m getting more comfortable with them out there than I have been. I think we will see more of Akeem Dent this week.

Post-It

September 21st, 2012
11:20 am

@Seen: And as for your jabs at Turner and his DUI, that’s funny. Coming from a guy who lives in a city with drive-through daquiri shops and cheers for a team with a head coach who steals Vicodin from the training room.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:21 am

@Neutral: Nawh, sometimes I am more caustic. I take it you’re a bandwagoner, huh?! Welcome. I am sure more like you will start to chip in.

PMC

September 21st, 2012
11:21 am

I liked Cam’s speech. I thought he was too negative, but as a fan. The dejected feeling of a loss is something we almost never get especially from QB’s. I like that he wears his emotions like that. Lets his fans know that he cares. Carolina has a long way to go as far as building the team still.

Th

September 21st, 2012
11:23 am

This whole back and forth about running the football shows how stuck in the past people can be. Ray Rice said in an interview that he considered the short passes to him to be “long hand-offs.” I want the ball in Turner’s hands but there is no reason to give it to him and make him run through four 300 pound D-linemen when Ryan can flip the ball to him. Don’t get stuck in the past when we have seen Brees and Manning live off the little flip to a back that gains 10 yards.

The way to neutralize Franklin is to make him turn and chase a back running up the field with the ball about 10 times.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:25 am

@Post-it: What exactly is my connection with the drive through daquiri shops and Payton’s raiding of the vicodin cabinet? Must be the same as you cheering for a guy who’s driving 95mph, stoned drunk or out killing dogs that won’t win a fight.

Post-It

September 21st, 2012
11:26 am

Now it’s all about the bandwagon?! Your team’s fans – the few there were – used to wear bags over their heads. They briefly became a feel good story because of what Katrina did to NO. But after last years scandal, they’re are a tainted team with an asterisk by their SP win. So if you want to talk about bandwagons, let’s talk about the one everyone is jumping off right now.

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:26 am

Just happen to see this blog, no bandwagon here, NCAA. More Caustic, you sure seem pretty mad at something, you should check your attitude my friend… but anyways, good luck with that.

Post-It

September 21st, 2012
11:28 am

And what’s my… or any Atlanta fans connection with a drunk, speeding running back? You were the one that lobbed that one out there. Must be because you can’t find anything to criticize our team about these days!

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:30 am

@Neutral: My attidude? Or your perception of my attitude? You should check your bias at the door, but…aw heck, I don’t care about your bias or your opinion. You like your team, I like mine, end of story.

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
11:33 am

@Post-It: I lobbied it because of other fans marvelling and gushing over the class act that they thought Ryan displayed, which he did, but then they made it universal to your whole team, which it isn’t, is it?!Enter your comments here

Post-It

September 21st, 2012
11:38 am

@Seen: It’s a Falcons… read that again… FALCONS site. The team is undefeated and playing really well. Fans are going to gush about it. I’m sure that is painful for you right now. In your situation.

Neutral Onlooker

September 21st, 2012
11:39 am

My perception ?, Na, you told me “@Neutral: Nawh, sometimes I am more caustic” doesn’t matter, you fellas have a good day, if thats possible.

Falcon fan 24-7

September 21st, 2012
11:39 am

According to Fox Sports, Matt Ryan’s 45 wins since 2008 are the most of any starting QB during that stretch. His 233 consecutive passes without throwing an interception also tops the current list. With those numbers it is hard to call this a breakout year, but that is what it will be if he can win his first playoff game.Go Falcons!

SawThat1nce

September 21st, 2012
11:48 am

SeenThisBsB4………What are you doing, hanging around here?

M. Turner

September 21st, 2012
11:52 am

I’m gonna run it down there throats.. just watch the game

Falcon James

September 21st, 2012
11:53 am

Please give Seen the last word so he will STFU. It’s really not worth it. He verbal vomit is like a endless rewind clip. He will never add anything new and he does this to get a rise out of people. It is truly pathetic, but there is always one on every blog.

True Falcon Fan

September 21st, 2012
12:19 pm

This game could be a trap game if we show-up as “ZOMBIE-FIED” i.e., “Jet-Lagged” and tired – we’ll be done toast for sure…. Me being the “HOMER” i am — This will be a defensive battle for sure —- My bet is don’t bet the over, Falcons barely cover the spread: Falcons 20 — Chargers 17 – in a 4th quarter shoot-out…..

Go Falcons!!!! 3-0

Seen This B4

September 21st, 2012
12:20 pm

I have a tiny penis. A little help here, guys?

old falc

September 21st, 2012
12:28 pm

i hope A. Dent desides to play this week

[...] William Moore is the X-factor in Sunday’s game against the Chargers, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]

Dirtybird of Prey

September 21st, 2012
12:39 pm

The Falcons will win this game…nuff said…..oh yeah…Go DirtyBirdz…cuz we 2 legit 2 quit.

johnm

September 21st, 2012
12:53 pm

thats enough about turners dui, he blew a .10 which was the legal limit 15-20 years ago and i wouldnt call drunk. and anyone whos familiar with atlanta traffic 97 mph isnt all that fast really. Dont get me wrong he was stupid but the fact is he probably wasnt really impaired and at 4 in the morning on a tuesday i doubt theres many people on the road. if he had just waited one more hour he would have been legal so giving him the level of crap people are giving him is stupid

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
12:55 pm

The Falcons have been consistently excellent on west coast trips under Mike Smith.
Beat the Chargers last time we were there….beat the 49ers…laid a massive whooping on the Raiders a while ago (and wow that was a 45-10 beat down and the score wasnt nearly that close)
I expect a quality game from the Falcons and win or lose it wont be because they are tired from a short week or jet lagged.

Joe Tess Fish House

September 21st, 2012
1:20 pm

The olny way the Falcons win this game is if the refs make the same misteaks they did agains the Bronos. Falcons got reel lucky last week.

True Falcon Fan

September 21st, 2012
1:26 pm

12:55 — I agree with you on most points. This is 2012 — we have our share of injuries this season already, that being said we for sure have the team this year to handle those Chargers. Also i like HC plan to travel today to get that extra day re 3 hour difference in time zones and get their body clocks turned. If the coaches have this team ready, they will show-up and hopefully put a “KINGSIZE” whoppin on Rivers & his gang.?.?….

Go Falcons

True Falcon Fan

September 21st, 2012
1:28 pm

FISH — What game did you watch, REALLY, REALLY,REALLY

Go back and clean somemore fish “You idiot”

Go Falcons!!!

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
1:41 pm

show me a drunk who doesnt think that .1 and above is impaired and I’ll show you a drunk

ohhhhYEAH

September 21st, 2012
1:57 pm

@ Seen

No, driving drunk is certainly not class, but getting in front of a camera and admitting you were wrong, accepting whatever consequence he does have coming his way like a man without whining, IS class.

Ueeediot

September 21st, 2012
2:15 pm

Oh, seems like other people noticed Cam Newton has thin skin and are upset with his childish behavior.
Cam Newton meet Vince Young

http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/top-news/panthers-wr-steve-smith-unhappy-with-qb-cam-newton/nSHKD/

FalconFANatic

September 21st, 2012
2:41 pm

Hey Seen-In New Orleans, is being 0-2 classy? Is the idea of a bounty classy? This is the first time anything like this has come out of the Falcons organization. You are just butt hurt because Drew Sneeze is getting old and is losing a step. Falcons will light the Saints up this year and you you know it. I can tell by how much you are posting on our blog….ALL I GOT FOR YA IS MATTY ICE, JULIO JONE, RODDY WHITE, TONY GONZALEZ, HARRY DOUGLAS AND THAT SWARMING LIGHTS OUT DEFENSE! GO FALCONS ITS OUR TIME!!!!

Otis

September 21st, 2012
5:27 pm

Has anyone noticed that Akeem Dent has only one tackle in two games, what’s up with that?

Big Ray

September 21st, 2012
6:46 pm

Teddy KGB

September 21st, 2012
6:48 pm

@Otis

Akeem has seen limited snaps as the Falcons are playing 5 Defensive Backs and 2 linebackers a majority of the time. This is why Lofton was expendable.

Big Ray

September 21st, 2012
6:48 pm

I see the usual Saints fan is back to hanging around…can’t blame him…not fun hanging around Saints blogs right about now. 0-2….

Big Ray

September 21st, 2012
6:49 pm

Akeem has seen limited snaps as the Falcons are playing 5 Defensive Backs and 2 linebackers a majority of the time. This is why Lofton was expendable.

Exactly…

Big Ray

September 21st, 2012
6:51 pm

That’s how you know you’re 0-2….when you’re main subject of conversation is about another team’s player with a DUI.

Though that was stupid of Turner. Speeding? By the way he runs these days, you wouldn’t know that he new anything ABOUT speed….

JSS

September 21st, 2012
10:59 pm

“Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie has told receiver Julio Jones that he must think that when the football is in the air that it’s like $1 million, and he has to come down with it.”

Well there is the problem right there… That is pocket change at Bama… Give him a better carrot Coach, that folding money ain’t gonna get it done!

rushing attack

September 22nd, 2012
1:56 am

The Burner will be burnin’ come Sunday.

rushing attack

September 22nd, 2012
1:58 am

Everything is all right

2-0 leading the NFC South.

Shipdit

September 22nd, 2012
8:03 am

I hate the phrase “I need to step up.” I don’t know where it originated from but it is the equivalent of saying, “I’ll do my best.” You need to do one thing Julio… catch the ball. Period. No rising up, no stepping up, no manning up. Just CATCH THE FREAKIN’ BALL. Stop believing the press (the jury is not in on you yet) and get back to the fundamentals of catching and holding on to the football. You won’t be great until you play great. Go Falcons!

Angelo

September 22nd, 2012
10:28 am

Can The Falcons stop the running game?

Esquire

September 22nd, 2012
1:51 pm

Seen This B4 is trying to comment on what constitutes class? Seen and the Caints try to carry on the legacy of Earl Long……..! So we can now confirm 2 things this dunce hat idiot knows nothing about.

Esquire

September 22nd, 2012
1:58 pm

Falcons 24 San Diego 20

5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH

Esquire

September 22nd, 2012
2:13 pm

Note to SuxThisBZERO:

NFL Rule 8 Section 1 Article 3 Item 3

“The requirements for a catch in the end zone are the same as the requirements for a catch in the field of play.”

Just thought I would bring this to your attention…………..Dunce Hat.

jaz

September 22nd, 2012
3:51 pm

Hey DLed, I just got thru reading the weekend edition of USA Today Sports, and they have no respect for the Birds. The cover story is all about Flacco: ” Flacco has suddenly become the epitome of the new wave of NFL quarterback, a deep-strike passer with a no-huddle-offense. After two games, Flacco and the Ravens are averaging 33.5 points a game, tied with the Atlanta Falcons for second best in the NFL.” Not one word of mention of Matt Ryan! That was page one. Then they start talking about Peyton Manning, and instead of crediting the Falcon defense, they say the ITs were all due to his “wobble’ passes. What does is take to get a little national respect?

Cambell Soup

September 23rd, 2012
9:04 am

The “No Huddle” will dominate. Falcons 41 San Diego 28.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

September 23rd, 2012
10:59 am

JSS — I will be sure to speak to Coach Ollie for your. He’s super !!!

D. Orlando Ledbetter

September 23rd, 2012
11:00 am

Pappy — Thank you kindly.

D. Orlando Ledbetter

September 23rd, 2012
11:03 am

jaz – It’s along season. They’ll have to keep winning to get more “media” respect.

rushing attack

September 23rd, 2012
11:48 am

Jo Jo

September 23rd, 2012
12:22 pm

Michael Turner is not that good, now. He goes down on 1st contact, and cannot run laterally to save his life. I think he’s handed the ball so the O Line gets a break every now and then from pass blocking.

Big Crimson 75

September 23rd, 2012
1:54 pm

We’ll face some adversity today — which is not always a bad thing.
That said, the Falcons are better than San Diego.
Look for a bounce back game from Julio.
I’ve seen every game the guys played in College & the pros, he’s always followed marginal games with good to great performances!!
I think we get our ground game cranked up today.
I echo the sentiments from some of the other posts, Matt Ryan is what its all about. I don’t care what his playoff record is right now, I’ll take Matty Ice over any QB in the NFL.

Btw, Curtis Lofton looks horrible with the Saints.
#50 was much better as a Falcon.

LOL at the Aints

September 23rd, 2012
2:26 pm

The Chefs are hangin in there against the Aints,, interesting,, LOL,, and Curtis Loften is soft as baby doo,, glad he’s gone,,,

Big Ray

September 23rd, 2012
5:11 pm

Ah yes, those horrible, injury depleted Chiefs….get their first win of the season against the unstoppable Taints….LOL…

Don’t worry Taint fans….there are plenty of paper bags available.

Cejay

September 23rd, 2012
5:13 pm

AH HA HA HA. AINTS BLEAUX IT !!!!!!!!!