Falcons throttle Chargers 27-3 to remain undefeated
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passes against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in San Diego Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned in one of the greatest days of his five-year NFL career on Sunday against the Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams.
With Ryan operating at near peak performance and the defense confounding San Diego’s offense, the Falcons defeated the Chargers 27-3, before 61,297 fans, to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2004.
“I really liked the way all three phases of the team played today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “They performed extremely well.”
The Falcons used their passing attack to build a lead and then turned the game over to running back Michael Turner, who had a tumultuous week that included being arrested for driving under the influence, to close out the game.
Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 275 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
“I feel as confident as I ever have for sure and a lot of that has to do with experience. …having good experiences and bad experiences,” said Ryan, who improved his record as a starter in the NFL to 46-19. “ I’m now realizing that I can do it. I can make the plays we need to make in order to win.”
Free safety Thomas DeCoud is also gaining more confidence from his experiences. He was at the center two key turnovers that fueled the victory.
DeCoud recovered a fumble that set up a back-breaking 17-play, 96-yard touchdown drive. He also came up with an interception that helped the Falcons build a 20-0 halftime lead.
“I think it’s a combination of the scheme, skill and confidence all coming together,” DeCoud said. “We are a defense that is offensive minded and we want to get the ball back for our offense. I think we’ve really taken that to heart.”
Ryan and the offense opened the game with a solid touchdown drive.
With Ryan passing on 8 of 10 plays, the Falcons marched down the field before he tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Holder Matt Bosher scooped up an errant Josh Harris snap, but was tackled while trying to run for the extra point.
With the Falcons up 6-0, the game stalled until early in the second quarter.
The Chargers were on the move and drove inside the Falcons’ 10 yard line when DeCoud held up San Diego running back Ryan Mathews and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon whacked him from the back to force a fumble.
DeCoud recovered Mathews’ 11th fumble in 27 career NFL games.
“I was pushing for more yards and when I was going down to get a little extra, the ball came out in front of me,” Mathews said. “Stuff like that happens and I just have to learn to go down instead of trying to get the extra yard.”
The Falcons promptly drove 96 yards in 17 plays before Ryan tossed a laser shot to tight end Tony Gonzalez, who hauled it in for a 7-yard touchdown. It was the 98th career touchdown for Gonzalez.
During the drive, their longest of the season, the offense converted on five third downs to keep the chains moving.
“We got into a rhythm,” Ryan said. “The one that stands out to me is Jason Snelling catching the check down and being able to run for nine or 10 yards, converting on a third-and-long situation.”
With the Chargers on the ropes, quarterback Philip Rivers tossed an ill-advised pass out to tight end Antonio Gates and DeCoud made a spectacular interception along the sideline at San Diego’s 29 with 1:53 left in the second quarter.
The Falcons struck quickly, with Ryan tossing a 9-yard touchdown pass on a fade route to Julio Jones on the fourth play of the drive. Rodgers picked up a blitzer to allow Ryan time to get off the touchdown pass that made it 20-0.
“That was a big-time catch over there on our sideline in the end zone,” Smith said. “On the very first play, he was injured. To what extent, I don’t know. He was able to return to play and made a big play for us when we needed it. There were a bunch of guys in that locker room that made big plays. I’m very proud of them.”
San Diego received a 41-yard field goal from Nate Kaeding on their first drive of the second half.
About the only thing Ryan did wrong was throw a third quarter interception. He hadn’t thrown an interception in a franchise-record 272 attempts before San Diego cornerback Antoine Cason’s interception.
The Falcons will attempt to improve to 4-0 when they face the well-rested Carolina Panthers (1-2), who played Thursday night, at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
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
TV, Radio: Broncos vs. Falcons, 8:30 p.m. on MNF
INJURY REPORT: Weatherspoon, Clabo are questionable; Kuper out for Denver
Matt Bryant: The Alligator Whisperer
Brent Grimes out for the season
Video: What loss of Grimes means
Falcons offense makes it look easy
Still room for improvement in run game
Matt Ryan, Dirk Koetter form bond on and off the field
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187 comments Add your comment
fly_falcon_fly
September 23rd, 2012
7:05 pm
Awesome game ! I wish Matt did not have the int though.
Yeah Buddy
September 23rd, 2012
7:09 pm
Falcons Win!! Aints Lose!!! It’s a good Sunday!! LOL oh……… First
Yeah Buddy
September 23rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Well I thought I was first…. LOL
Jeremiah
September 23rd, 2012
7:13 pm
Go Falcons! Another great game from Matty Ice! Are we watching the start of a very special year? I hope so!!!!
Explanation
September 23rd, 2012
7:14 pm
Can anyone explain what the deal was with R. White being talked to by receivers coach?
Dirty Bird
September 23rd, 2012
7:15 pm
Great game, loved the offense and how we can hit alot of different targets.
The defense looked great again as well, this time, it was the other safety getting his name in the books.
Dirty Bird
September 23rd, 2012
7:16 pm
I think Roddy was upset that Ryan missed him there, coach was trying to calm him down.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
September 23rd, 2012
7:16 pm
Wow i saw a post yesterday that said san diego would easily beat atlanta i told himhe was stupid but very nice play as for the int no biggie everbody will make mistakes give matty credit for keepin his cool and keepin the game under control great game on both sides of the ball even a nice game for turner good job guys
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 23rd, 2012
7:17 pm
This has been a nice NFL Sunday! Falcons win, the embarrassment of the NFC South, (Cain’ts), got the Chiefs in the win column, and the Eagles got whipped! TB & Carolina are week 3 losers too.
suggs
September 23rd, 2012
7:18 pm
OMG! Saints 0-3. Oh crap, Packers next week. Looks like 0-4.
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
7:19 pm
ha ! ha !
Strange Murphy
September 23rd, 2012
7:19 pm
Dawgs win! Falcons win! Braves win! Tech loses! IT’S A GREAT WEEKEND FOR AMERICA!!!!
Kd
September 23rd, 2012
7:20 pm
Yooooo!!! Go falcons, first time on blog but been reading for years! And yup this our year mane falcons rise up, saints guess you found out what wee known for years!
Daniel Lyons
September 23rd, 2012
7:21 pm
I was here at the game in San Diego. I could not believe all the falcon fans that were here at the stadium. About 7,000 thats what the san diego Charger anouncers were saying. I live here in orange county so I only get to see the falcons play when they go west coast. They really look good Atlanta people. Phillip Rivers in the post locker room said I had no idea what was coming at me, Best defense ive seen since i played new England 3 years ago. Keep up the great work Falcons we love you here in sunny Southern California!!!
Randy Lee
September 23rd, 2012
7:22 pm
I think the Saint`s need to reintroduce their bounty program.
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
7:22 pm
I watched that Caints game both teams were terrible………………..Atlanta will whip the Caints big time when they meet……………………..
Jamaaliver
September 23rd, 2012
7:24 pm
Matt Choke?
You out there buddy?
We are in the midst of an Atlanta Sports Renaissance….
enjoy it fellas.
Partspuller
September 23rd, 2012
7:31 pm
What a great start go falcon 3-0 start the dawgs 3-0 start go baby go i,m smilling big time.
David
September 23rd, 2012
7:32 pm
you beat me to the punch (line) Jamaaliver!
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:34 pm
Oh my! How does it feel to be 0-3?? I CAN tell you it feels GREAT to be 3-0!!!
Michael
September 23rd, 2012
7:36 pm
Great now the bandwagon fans are coming out the closet again.
The Falcon Project
September 23rd, 2012
7:37 pm
http://thefalconproject.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/falcons-dominate-chargers-win-27-3/
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:38 pm
Always been here, always will. Nice to see your new disguise!! LOL! How about 0-4??
Big Daddy
September 23rd, 2012
7:38 pm
Falcons looked great. The defense was outstanding, harrassing Rivers all day and play hard against their receivers. No red zone worries today. Ryan played a great game and tough break on the INT but it was just one. GO FALCONS!!!!
Mr. Mustard
September 23rd, 2012
7:39 pm
Got to acknowledge the “long game” philosophy of Thomas Dimitroff. It looks like we have a solid, versatile complete football team.
With Ryan entering what should be the prime of his career, the risky move to get Julio Jones, insisting versatility on defense and offensive line, this is a franchise on the rise and near the top of the curve.
Keep it up guys, fun, good stuff.
Congratulations and stay focused. Panthers in the Dome, we will be 4-0 next Sunday.
Add in the other teams in our division falling near perfectly for us, this could be one special year.
Of course, if we make the playoffs, will we be the smart aggressive team we are now, or the tentative, soft team that plays it safe?
With Nolan and Koertier (sp?) I say we advance
Go Falcons.
backatcha
September 23rd, 2012
7:40 pm
3-0! I sense this might be our year! Still ALOT of football to be played. Stay hungry!!! TOO EARLY to get excited!
GregKennesaw
September 23rd, 2012
7:40 pm
Hey Choke,
Choke on 3-0 baby!
DawginNY
September 23rd, 2012
7:40 pm
Falcons win; the rest of the NFC South loses. Braves win; Nats lose. Dawgs win; Jackets lose. What a great day.
Kd
September 23rd, 2012
7:40 pm
Oh, and I wasn’t feeling decoud untill this season, lets see if him and the hammer can keep it up untill our February New Orleans trip
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:41 pm
Michael – And what about your draft pick for next year……NOT!!!! LOL
dbird1
September 23rd, 2012
7:44 pm
Seen…(crickets chirping)…are you there? Tess fish, Moore and Decoud bust right?? Saints 0-3.bwaahaaa haaaa haaa
Post-It
September 23rd, 2012
7:44 pm
Only a few of the supposed “experts” picked the Falcons to win this game. It will be interesting to see where we end up in the various power rankings with the 49ers losing. Not that it really matters until the end of the season. I’ll enjoy seeing the Saints down near the bottom almost more than us being at the top!
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
7:45 pm
My how the shoe seems to be on the other foot lately. Falcons can’t seem to lose and the Saints can’t seem to win…..Who Dat? We Dat…..Go Falcons!!!!
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:47 pm
Let’s have a moment of silence for the Aints. Someone send them some brown paper bags!
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
7:48 pm
Looks like the Falcons basically win the AFC West having beaten 3 of the 4 teams this far. Any thought that Oakland could hang with the Birdz is ludicrous. Now we need to start taking care of business in the NFC South by handling Carolina next week.
DHD
September 23rd, 2012
7:48 pm
Where are the Ain’ts fans?
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
7:49 pm
Bet those Ciant fans so darn mad they can’t hardly stand it no more………………………….I wonder if Atlanta will get any praise on nfl.com, fox sprors blah blah etc etc now………………
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:50 pm
(Never) SeenThisB4 – If this is REALLY you, I can’t believe you said that!
Nativebird
September 23rd, 2012
7:50 pm
Matt Ryan will win the Superbowl…..with what team is the question. He’s the best thing this franchise has ever owned…..including the current HC and GM.
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
7:51 pm
….oh yeah, and the media favorite 49ers got handled by the Vikings too! It is a good sports weekend.
Fan Since 1966
September 23rd, 2012
7:52 pm
“The Saints Are On The Clock!!! LMAO
UPGRAYEDD
September 23rd, 2012
7:53 pm
Well, it looks like it may have been Mularkey and Van Gorder and their unimaginative schemes that were holding us back all this time. We’ve got the players, the coaches, and the front office to push this team through the playoffs. We certainly don’t have a lot of competition in our division.
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
7:53 pm
@Boo – said what?
rm
September 23rd, 2012
7:55 pm
Big win on the road with the short week! Nice job birds!!
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:55 pm
@SeenThisB4
For a moment, I thought you were a TRUE sorts fan.
The Real Rick
September 23rd, 2012
7:56 pm
That was the best game of the Smith/Ryan era…got the lead…defense held and the running game came alive to keep the clock moving…they were clicking on all three phases today…awesome awesome performance….
Ryan should be NFC player of the week and de coud should be defensive player….
Who dat? Uh….the redskins, the bucs and the chiefs …..
The Real Rick
September 23rd, 2012
7:56 pm
That was the best game of the Smith/Ryan era…got the lead…defense held and the running game came alive to keep the clock moving…they were clicking on all three phases today…awesome awesome performance….
Ryan should be NFC player of the week and de coud should be defensive player….
Who dat? Uh….the redskins, the bucs and the chiefs …..
Paddy
September 23rd, 2012
7:57 pm
Seen & Choke won’t be coming on board today. It sort of shows that they are smarter than we all gave them credit for!
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
7:57 pm
@Boo – I am a TRUE sports fan. Falcons are the class of the league right now and the Saints are obviously in disarray.
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
7:57 pm
SeenThisB4 – Sorry, SPORTS fan!
Old Man Peabody
September 23rd, 2012
7:58 pm
NFC South is looking weak besides ATL
Fan Since 1966
September 23rd, 2012
7:59 pm
There is something that feels special about this team. In the past they would sit on there lead and use the “bend don’t break defense”. This year, it’s ATTACK, ATTACK and ATTACK some more!!!
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:03 pm
Falcons, Texans and Cardinals are all 3 – 0 after today
next week……………
Panthers – Falcons
Cards – Dolphins
Texans – Titans
Who will be undefeated after week four ?
Boo
September 23rd, 2012
8:07 pm
SeenThisB4 – I respect you for that, but I can never forget you and your teams classless disrespect for the Falcons organization. I hope we beat you BAD!!!
Jim Smith
September 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm
The whole team did a stand-up job in the muggy heatt. Ryan and his receivers were unusually dialed into each other. But for sheer motivational effect, I w ould have to give the game ball to Decoud, who had a key role in stopping three drives, two of which could have been touchdowns for the Chargers.The article doesn’t mention his bat-down of a pass headed straight to a SD receiver already in the end zone on the first drive of the second half. Great job, Birds!
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:14 pm
By the Wayyyyyyy…………………………where is this Seen this B 4 ??????????????????
………………….lmao off at you STBzip…………………………………………………………
bg
September 23rd, 2012
8:16 pm
let’s give the coaching staff a lot of credit as well, especially the co-ordinators.
McGarrett
September 23rd, 2012
8:18 pm
These birds will have good year then the playoff meltdown as per usual.
Doyle Hargraves
September 23rd, 2012
8:18 pm
Both Moore and DeCoud have been credited with the fumble recovery on various news outlets. Pretty sure I saw DeCoud recover it. Funny how 6 months or so ago, when Nolan first came in, DeCoud was listed as a marginal, may get cut player. He’s looking like a baller now. The success the Falcons are having is a little bittersweet – it’s so obvious things could have been much better the last few years without Van Gorder and Mularkey running the show. I love Coach Smith, but it is concerning he stuck with those bums for that long. LLYFF
(Never) SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
8:19 pm
Yeah, where is Seen….can’t wait to see what excuses he has about how bad the Aints are and how good the Falcons are.
Boo – you got me confused with the knucklehead troll SeenThisB4. I’m the alter ego in reality world vs. the disillusioned world he lives in.
JONESBORO SLIM
September 23rd, 2012
8:20 pm
@Jim Smith….good call Jim but the Falcons are use to heat…summer practice….
DawgNole
September 23rd, 2012
8:20 pm
Jamaaliver
September 23rd, 2012
7:24 pm
Matt Choke?
You out there buddy?
_________________
You should know the pattern by now. Like most spineless, hate-filled losers, he makes himself scarce when he’s proven wrong once again.
DawgNole
September 23rd, 2012
8:23 pm
Jim Smith
September 23rd, 2012
8:13 pm
The whole team did a stand-up job in the muggy heatt.
_____________________
No such thing as muggy “heatt” in SD. They don’t have a clue what humidity is–or heat index.
Peachtree Bart
September 23rd, 2012
8:23 pm
Who dat….can’t wait to play the Taints, lol.
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:24 pm
Matt choke Ryan was on that other blog today but then went with a undercover name to continue his blog comments…………………….but he couldn’t seem to think of much because the Birds just too dam good and when you good , aint nobody that can touch ya…………………………………
Falconeer
September 23rd, 2012
8:25 pm
Today Matt Ryan looked like he ranks right up there with the priemeir quarterbacks of the past.
mark
September 23rd, 2012
8:27 pm
Great team win def is really aggressive under Nolan which is so much fun to watch. We will get beat sometimes by other offenses but at least they will have to earn it, no more read and react!. Same with offense staying aggressive at every point. We have not won anything yet but at least we know the approach to each game will be different and we will be on the attack.
Coach T
September 23rd, 2012
8:27 pm
good win…depth on d line paid off tonight…along with coaching prep for time zone changes.
great job!
]
JONESBORO SLIM
September 23rd, 2012
8:28 pm
I know one thing Las Vegas LOST their A$$ off on the Falcons game today…..
TROTTINGHOME
September 23rd, 2012
8:28 pm
I want dem packers
mark
September 23rd, 2012
8:32 pm
good w all around! D is really buying nolan style man and this is scary!!! lets handle carolina next week, lets focus on our own division
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:34 pm
Ryan completed 30 of 40 passes for 275 yards, with his first interception of the season, and a passer rating of 107.8.He threw touchdown passes of 8 yards to Jacquizz Rodgers, 7 to Tony Gonzalez and 9 to Julio Jones.
They forgot to add ” after all that, Matt Ryan never looked back “………………………………….
Falcon James
September 23rd, 2012
8:36 pm
Well, one would have to admit that the Falcon look like the best team in the NFL right now. They have been absolutly impressive. Our Defensive backfield are playing great football. The line brought pressure all day. On offense, Ryan and the recieving corps look unstoppable. Ryan looks as confident in the pocket as he has ever looked. Even Magic Mike ran the ball good today. Who can stop this team? (certainly not the Saints!!)
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:39 pm
quarterback Philip Rivers tossed an ill-advised pass out to tight end Antonio Gates and DeCoud made a spectacular interception along the sideline at San Diego’s 29
yup, they gonna say Rivers has a weak arm too now………………ha ! ha ! ha !
Falcon James
September 23rd, 2012
8:44 pm
The problem with Rivers is that he throws up too many “prayers” when he is under pressure. The Falcon did not let up on him day.
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
8:46 pm
Think the Falcons will still be under the radar now Falcon James ?
JBurd
September 23rd, 2012
8:48 pm
Give the O line a lot of credit. What a day for the Falcons! They beat a good team on the road to go 3-0. The Saints lose to go 0-3. Panthers and Bucs lose. Even their ex-QB’s team and their ex-coach’s (Petrino) ex-team lose!!
Aint ItGreat!
September 23rd, 2012
8:52 pm
Falcons have a clear path to the NFC South Title! Even after spending all the money to keep all their talent and keep Brees, the AINTS can’t even win a game…even over crappy teams…at home! Bwahahahaahah…Bye-Bye, AINTS!!!!
steven a smith
September 23rd, 2012
8:53 pm
Where are all the New Orlean Saints fans 2-night??? HIRAM SAINT? SeenThisBefore or SCRUBThisBefore???
Falcon James
September 23rd, 2012
8:54 pm
Michael M, I don’t think so. Even the announcers today was giving them credit, especially Ryan. They just looked incredible today.
Got to give Nolan some credit too. He is going to be very hard to game plan against.
SeenThisB4
September 23rd, 2012
8:54 pm
Sorry I’m not posting much these days. I’ve been busy outside the Superdome getting throttled once again this week. It’s been a tough first 3 weeks of the season for me. My knees are bloody from the gravel out in the parking lot of the Superdome and my jaws are killing me right now. Thank goodness we have an away game next week against the Packers. Maybe I can get some solid food in next Sunday. No telling what I’ll be doing after the game if we lose to Green Bay but then again they are the Packers so…. Anybody got any knee pads I can borrow? I can’t stop burping for some reason and my hair and nails are really starting to grow since the season started. Oops one of the Saints players is coming now, gotta go. Duty calls.
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 23rd, 2012
8:55 pm
Half the winless teams in the entire NFL play in the NFC South! In the Cain’ts long history, we have Seen This B4.
Next week Femaville plays at Green Bay then host the Chargers the following week. 0-5 is looking very possible. Sweet!
Falcon James
September 23rd, 2012
8:55 pm
My prediction for the Saint to go winless this season is still in tact. Bring out the paper sacks. LMAO
Vulture
September 23rd, 2012
8:56 pm
Just heard that there is a run on brown paper bags in No Wins.
Falcon James
September 23rd, 2012
8:58 pm
The Saint is getting closer and closer to clinching the number 1 draft pick in 2013!
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
9:00 pm
hilarious post……………………………..
yeah, the Falcons are the real deal this year…………..I needed to see a good start out of them so we got one………………this team could seriously win many many games this year……………..Cam is coming up next …………at home in the Dome, fired up Falcon Fans, be 4 – 0 next week…………………………………and I am out
Aoldtimer
September 23rd, 2012
9:01 pm
Where the hell is choke ryan?? What happened?? Did everybody catch the FLU??..Oh sorry that was the Aints.
I am very proud of our team. Let’s keep it going!!!
SirReal
September 23rd, 2012
9:02 pm
Great game today. Even greater to see the Taints lose and drop to the doldrums of our division. Next week is another big game for us. We make a DIVISIONAL statement this time. Crybaby Newton should have plenty to cry about when we’re done. Only thing I wanna see us do better is against the run. The kitties have two good backs and if we can make them one dimensional….the game is ours. Looks like we have a clear path to the division title.
Falcon Fan 24-7
September 23rd, 2012
9:02 pm
Coaching is the difference. The New OC and new DC (Mike Nolan) is paying huge dividends. They brought a new attitude, a swagger and aggressiveness to our team on both sides of the ball. Falcons on top, Falcons going win.
Tman
September 23rd, 2012
9:05 pm
Where is Seen This B4? Must be choking on some dirty rice. Where is that big mouth refugee? Can he not handle the obvious?
Nowwehaveasecondary!
September 23rd, 2012
9:05 pm
The name of my blog says it all on defense.
who datS
September 23rd, 2012
9:07 pm
IT’S VERY FUNNY THAT FALCANT’
S FANS POSING AS SEENTHISB4,LOL VERY GOOD NOW WIN A PLAYOFF GAME,BETTER YET A SUPERBOWL.NOT SO FUNNY NOW LOL.
Who Me?
September 23rd, 2012
9:18 pm
How nice is it NOT to have the Saints clowns messin’ up our blog….Seen this B4 and Matt CHOKE Ryan, eat it! Great to not be an ‘aints fan these days – who DAT?
johnm
September 23rd, 2012
9:21 pm
everybody was hatn on decoud ALL offseason and i kept saying how good he was, well I TOLD YOU SO A$$HOLES.
Tman
September 23rd, 2012
9:26 pm
We dat! Aints are Oh-3. Live in the now! You had your five minutes!
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 23rd, 2012
9:29 pm
@who datS: The Femaville Cain’ts joined the NFL in 1967, and have never won a playoff game on the road! 45 years and counting. Just saying…
dr
September 23rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Did dent get a tackle/
Magic City
September 23rd, 2012
9:44 pm
Pam Oliver is soft.
OtistheDrunk
September 23rd, 2012
9:45 pm
Just spent a minute looking at the Falcons remaining schedule…SOMEBODY tell me where a loss is gonna come from….barring injuries I honestly can’t see one game where I’m feeling the least bit, shall I say “nervous”? NOT even the GIANTS allow me to maybe put it in the LOSS column..cuz it’s here at da DOME and we have some payback bizness that day to handle! WHAT SAY YOU? Pick one?????????
Vulture
September 23rd, 2012
9:49 pm
Can’t tell who dat with a bag over your head.
SeenThisB4 & "Matt Choke Ryan"
September 23rd, 2012
9:59 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8E_zMLCRNg
44counter
September 23rd, 2012
10:00 pm
When Grimes went down, I felt alittle uneasy……so far so good. I believe we have a legit defense.
The first 10 or 12 games in the NFL are just to enjoy the games. So, experience and maturity have taught me to not get too excited this early in the season.
Falcons Fan
September 23rd, 2012
10:14 pm
Falcons 3-0, Aints 0-3. Seen This B4. LMAO!
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 23rd, 2012
10:18 pm
@SeenThisB4 & “Matt Choke Ryan”: That is LOL funny!
phil
September 23rd, 2012
10:23 pm
We’ll never win anything until we fire Smith….
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:25 pm
Falcons looking great – coaching must have something to do with it. Love the Saints 0-3 – another loss in next two games and they are out of it.
Need to take care of panthers and start 4-0
What is word on Julio’s hand injury???
phil
September 23rd, 2012
10:26 pm
Julio faked the hand injury for sympathy….
He’s jealous of Roddy.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:33 pm
Naw – heard it was really banged up — the guy is the real deal – if Roddy doubled, then Julio gets ball and vice versa. so there is no report obviously?
Red
September 23rd, 2012
10:37 pm
Way to go Falcons, Way to go! Clap, Clap.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:40 pm
it was a kick butt show – Rivers, like most NFL QB’s, average at best under pressure. The D is just playing lights out. The O line is blocking and Matt is having break out year – so far.
East Atlanta Ron
September 23rd, 2012
10:43 pm
Teams with a combined record of 4 wins and 5 losses won’t be the Falcons’ opponents in the playoffs. 3-0 is good, but being ready for the good teams in the playoffs is better. The AFC West is admittedly the worst conference in the NFL. I’ll believe in this team when I see how they respond to a good team hitting them in the mouth.
Mikey
September 23rd, 2012
10:44 pm
Can you say DEFENSE? Isn’t it easy to win when the explosive offense of your opponent can only score 3 points? I have the utmost respect for T. Dimitroff but will never forget his comment that “You will never prevent these top teams from scoring so offense is much more importantant than defense, you have to be able to outscore them.” I’m sure Mr. Dimitroff is learning that a great defense can not only stop a top notch offense but it can score a couple dozen points in the process. If this defense continues to progress, there will be no playoff losses. If we were to use our top three picks on defense next year, we might be talking dynasty. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP! Oh, and nice job offense too.
Rufus1
September 23rd, 2012
10:50 pm
I have 1 question….
WHAT THE HELL WAS VAN GORDER DOING?.. This is the same team minus a “STUD” linebacker.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:51 pm
east ATL – you are right, but let’s just be optimistic – everybody was saying how well chargers were playing and it would be test. Falcons dominated. The D scheme looks different to me. I am used to receivers running 10 yards in the open – not happening this year so far.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:52 pm
exactly Rufus – WTF???
Drew "Choke" Brees
September 23rd, 2012
10:53 pm
I’m glad we got MLB #50 this year.
air of mendacity
September 23rd, 2012
10:56 pm
don’t miss Lofton – Dent is faster and has as good of nose for ball.
Dr. Roctopus
September 23rd, 2012
11:13 pm
@East Atlanta Ron – That reasoning is somewhat silly when three of those five losses are courtesy of the Falcons. And one of the other two is to the 3-0 Texans. You’re a fan, enjoy the wins. Stop trying to find reasons to complain.
You “fans” are incredible. First Baker had to go, Baker has been solid. Reynolds is terrible, turns out he’s okay. Koetter was terrible with the Jags, doing fine with the Falcons. DeCoud needs to be cut, instead DeCoud’s making plays on the back-end. Turner is finished! He looked fine to me today. Stop dreaming up reasons that the Falcons will lose. Just enjoy the wins.
Jerome
September 23rd, 2012
11:14 pm
The Falcons are 3-0 and looking at the schedule, It sets up nicely before the bye week as long as we take care of business!!! Hey ATL, Get to the dome early next Sunday and let’s send Cam and the Panthers home with a loss. RISE UP BABY!!!!!
Mike
September 23rd, 2012
11:18 pm
I hope that Curtis Lofton is enjoying his new team.Eat it Saints!
Where's choke??
September 23rd, 2012
11:40 pm
That’s what I thought.
DiamondDaveincali
September 23rd, 2012
11:53 pm
Wow wouldnt be cool to win a Super Bowl in the caints Dome?
Bob from Cobb
September 24th, 2012
1:25 am
Michael WHO? Looks like he got manhandled toward the end of the game today. You can tell the Saints are missing Sean Payton BIG TIME! Off to an 0 and 3 start. Who would have thunk it? I am CAUTIOUSLY optimistic for this season. Been a Falcons Fan since they drafted Tommy Nobis out of the University of Texas in 1966!
Big Ray
September 24th, 2012
1:48 am
Falcons are 3-0, Saints are 0-3….probably never “Seen This B4″ but we dang sure are seein’ it NOW!
johngoey
September 24th, 2012
1:54 am
Falcons look great so far. Thing that bugs me is the continued negativity toward the team done indirectly by saying the teams we beat are no good. Almost regardless of how things turn out we beat 2 teams (denver and sd) that lots of analysts said we wouldn’t. We won a big game on monday night against one of the best qbs ever. We’ve got what it takes. If it turns out those two teams have terrible losing records it’ll be one thing. But I somehow doubt that’ll happen (though look at the saints now so who knows). I think the Falcons have what it takes to go 12-4 easy. I really just want a playoff game win to shut a bunch of naysayers up. Super bowl this year? maybe depending on how good we look against some really great teams like NYG or maybe ARI. But our schedule is very favorable (CARx2, NOx2, TBx2, WSH, PHI, DET should be wins if we play well) and we should be in great shape for the playoffs.
Jasmin
September 24th, 2012
2:47 am
As a FALCON FAN For ovrr 20 years it feels good to see my boys on top! With that said, let’s stay humble ya’ll. Enjoy our wins, but take it one game at a time. There is still a lot of football to be played. Go Falcons!
Sargent Carter
September 24th, 2012
3:16 am
Basically, Falcons boys, not yet men, all people are saying, show us the money, we still don’t believe
e love
September 24th, 2012
5:42 am
great win for the FALCONS. Dome needs to be rocking next Sunday.
camjerseys
September 24th, 2012
6:09 am
will be everywhere next week! Spoon really needs to pop this kid like he has never been hit before. Get to him early & we got this with no problem. I only see Cards & NYG maybe giving this team any trouble…You heard it here first!
Honey boy
September 24th, 2012
6:10 am
Matt Choke? Where for art thou, you Loser!! Funny how he runs his mouth and when he gets shown up he vanishes in his mothers basement, hiding behind the water heater…
True definition of a cyber jerkoff…
longtimefan
September 24th, 2012
6:30 am
Matt Choke could come on and post his usual drivel about 0 playoff wins with his silly smiley face, but even he knows that the way the Falcons have been playing with Matt Ryan leading in QBR he would look like a fool. He will reemerge after the inevitable first loss. Multiple playoff wins with SB title will banish him forever. Where is the naysayer JSS?
East Atlanta Ron
September 24th, 2012
7:16 am
I would prefer to be 3-0 than 0-3, but let’s let the season play out before anointing this team anything….I will remind you that ATL had a 13-3 record and home field advantage just 2 years ago…it’s a long season….
Samuel
September 24th, 2012
7:18 am
Explaination, I think Roddy was frusrated because Ryan missed him wide open. Coach Robisky told him not to show up his quaterback. All in all the Falcons played well on the road. Matt Ryan still hasn’t reach his stride yet. There were still a few errant throws, he can get better. I don’t know if Dent and Edwards were invovled because of being in a three four or four three scheme. But you rarely hear their names called. The coaching staff won’t admit it, but Ray Edwards is a borderline bust . He simply is not a bonafide pass rusher, I think in Minnesota he strived, because their were so many pass rushers on that team.
e love
September 24th, 2012
7:18 am
GREAT WIN FALCONS !!!!! Let’s rock the DOME next week and go 4-0
Geaux Falcons
September 24th, 2012
7:32 am
Where are all the Saints fans that like to run their mouth on this thread???!
Edd
September 24th, 2012
7:37 am
I told ya,ll. Saints will not be the same without the coach. Just sayin
Edd
September 24th, 2012
7:38 am
Bag time in New Orleans
southernfjord
September 24th, 2012
7:51 am
Another Falcons win and another Saints loss…we have definitely SEEN THIS B4…and we gonna see more!
southernfjord
September 24th, 2012
7:54 am
BTW…where’s Matt Choke and the rest of Dog Killa’s crew? Heard he had a banner day out in Arizona yesterday, LOL
D man
September 24th, 2012
8:03 am
Great day Falcons. We can’t get too excited or we will do what the Niners did yesterday against the Vikings next week. We need to stay the course and keep playing great defense. Wow, our D has looked great since the second half of the Chiefs game. Go FALCONS!!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:04 am
GO FALCONS!!!…RISE UP!!…WE IN THIS B#%&H!!!….Shot out to Claude Humphries!!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:06 am
All the haters need to do one thing………KILL YA SELF!!!
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
8:07 am
What a run by Turner in the 4th quarter:
2-3-SD 25 (9:43) 33-M.Turner left end to SD 7 for 18 yards (32-E.Weddle).
Haven’t seen him move like that in years!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
September 24th, 2012
8:12 am
Shot out to the old ross flea market and blue store on cleveland ave. Who remeber the old buddys at the corner of cleveland and browns mill…..STAND UP A-TOWN!!!!!!
Mike is Back
September 24th, 2012
8:12 am
DLed, HOW BOUT THEM DANG BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RISE UP BIRDS…LET’S GO…LET’S GO…WE GOTTA KEEP IT GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dazzy G
September 24th, 2012
8:14 am
DazzyG: Hello officer, I’d like to file a missing persons report.
Officer: OK, name?
DazzyG: Mat “choke” Ryan
Officer: Uh, strange name but OK…
DazzyG: Yes I know.
Officer: Anyhow, do you know his last whereabouts or where he might be?
DazzyG: Well officer he is a troll and to the best of my knowledge trolls live under bridges. Additionally, he always talks about “deep balls” as well. So my guess would be under a bridge at Piedmont Park? I think he also likes pit bulls, if that helps.
Office: OK I will post the report
DazzyG: Thank you officer I’m really worried.
DazzyG: I will also need to file another one later, Hiram Saint…
Officer: Let’s start with this one.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
ParanoidAndroid
September 24th, 2012
8:31 am
I am actually glad Ryan threw that INT. Let him throw it during a rout and then let him learn from it.
I am gladly eating my crow for doubting DeCoud, Baker, and Bosher. I hope to be able to say the same thing next week about Edwards.
Next up Carolina. Go Falcons
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
8:57 am
East Atlanta Ron
September 23rd, 2012
10:43 pm
Teams with a combined record of 4 wins and 5 losses won’t be the Falcons’ opponents in the playoffs. 3-0 is good, but being ready for the good teams in the playoffs is better. The AFC West is admittedly the worst conference in the NFL. I’ll believe in this team when I see how they respond to a good team hitting them in the mouth.
******************************************************************
The AFC North and South ain’t exactly distancing themselves from their AFC West brethren. But let’s say you are admittedly correct. Keep in mind that 3 of those 5 losss came against the undeafeted NFC South Atlanta Falcons.
WTF
September 24th, 2012
9:21 am
Nice game Birds…Keep it up.
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
9:28 am
Michael M.
September 23rd, 2012
7:22 pm
I watched that Caints game both teams were terrible………………..Atlanta will whip the Caints big time when they meet……………………..
***********************************************
Man, give some love to those Chiefs, they were down 24 – 6 at halftime. Nice comeback for the W….!!
miked
September 24th, 2012
9:32 am
Even though we are rolling I still have a warrant out for Ray Jackson arrest. He is stealing money. I haven’t heard his name called once this season. He is a bust. When Corey comes in he gets pressure. Let him start and cut Jackson please.
Brent
September 24th, 2012
9:48 am
Matt Ryan 8 TDs 1 INT ….Higest QB Rating in NFL ….MVP thus far
Falcons defense 7 Interceptions in 3 games = 1st NFL
Falcons 3-0 …1 of 3 remaining 3-0 teams. Support your Falcons Atlanta!! Go Falcons!!
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
9:49 am
Sargent Carter
September 24th, 2012
3:16 am
Basically, Falcons boys, not yet men, all people are saying, show us the money, we still don’t believe
********************************************
Not yet men? All people? Show us the money? We still don’t believe?
Sounds like a troll who wants to post but not willing to use his real handle.
Hey Falcons D
September 24th, 2012
9:51 am
Somebody knock Mr. Newton into next week come Sunday. ATL baby, We all in!
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
9:57 am
miked
September 24th, 2012
9:32 am
Even though we are rolling I still have a warrant out for Ray Jackson arrest. He is stealing money. I haven’t heard his name called once this season. He is a bust. When Corey comes in he gets pressure. Let him start and cut Jackson please.
**************************************************************
Consider him cut. There isn’t a Ray Jackson on the Falcons roster.
kd
September 24th, 2012
10:07 am
whats with all the negativity? yea its early but every game counts, and we setting the pace for the rest of the nfl earning respect in the process. confidence is key (ask the giants), lets ride this thang on out! rise up
Esquire
September 24th, 2012
10:12 am
Last year in week 3 we lost to Tampa Bay after a big win over Philadelphia. In week 4 we barely beat Seattle with a 30-28 win and 2-2 record. Though it would be easy to let down against Carolina they are coming to OUR HOUSE for a butt whuppin!!
D man
September 24th, 2012
10:23 am
Matt Ryan still leads the NFL in QB rating at 114. Looks like the early leader for the MVP…
Falcon Fan
September 24th, 2012
10:24 am
OMG what a fantastic performance by the ‘Birds of Prey’…The defense is flying around the ball. MT gets 80 yards. The receiving Corp is drowning the opposition. Go Matt.
Hats off to KC. They ‘Hen Pecked’ their way back into the game and served a bitter defeat to NO in their own Home…..how sweet it is
GO FALCONS..!!!
PaulWinchester
September 24th, 2012
10:33 am
The Falcons look GREAT the first 3 weeks of the season, but not to be negative, I see a trend that makes me uncomfortable watching them in the second halfs of games this year. IT APPEARS WHEN THEY GET OUT TO THEIR BIG 20 POINT LEADS AT HALFTIME–THEY SIMPLY SIT ON THOSE LEADS AND STOP EXECUTING LIKE THEY DID IN THE FIRST HALFS. Im i the only one seeing this. It looks to me that they are just coming to play one good half of football and thank god its the first half that builds a lead. Against the more talented, more explosive teams like the Patriots, Steelers, Eagles, Saints, Ravens and Packers, this formula wont work because those teams keep pouring on the offense and they dont stop until they have scored 30-50 points. The Falcons seem to stop on 20 and it just beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos and could have been disastrous had the chargers not thrown those picks and were more aggresive on offense. I see a Falcons team that needs to learn how to keep scoring throughout the game. THE GAME IS NOT FINISHED AT HALFTIME!
bfred
September 24th, 2012
10:46 am
I didn’t get to see any of the game this week, but
JamesMason
September 24th, 2012
10:47 am
Matt Ryan still leads the NFL in QB rating at 114. Looks like the early leader for the MVP. Wonderful
Roddy Whte and Julio Jones are leading the NFL in receptions for tandem wideouts. Fantastic
Michael Turner is leading the NFL in rushing. Super
Those things mean absolutely nothing if we dont win the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year after winning the superbowl. Superbowl titles mean something. Personal stats mean absolutely nothing. Get it!
bfred
September 24th, 2012
10:50 am
Not sure what happened there…
anyway, I didn’t get to see any of the game this week but watching the defensive schemes against the Broncos I don’t know how an offense prepares for the Falcons. As an announcer in that game rightly noted, not only can you not tell what coverage they’re using prior to the snap, the way they line up you can’t even tell what position a player is covering. This may be the best defense against a no-huddle offense that tries to spy on formations and keep defenses on their heels. Turns the table a little, and clearly worked against two top quarterbacks.
Football Runners » Falcons throttle Chargers 27-3 to remain undefeated
September 24th, 2012
11:21 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution Click here for full article [...]
North FLA Falcon
September 24th, 2012
11:34 am
This game belonged to our Oline. Those guys were out there in 110 degree heat. As the SD defense rotated guys in and out, our hogs were protecting Ryan and opening holes for the running game, on several long drives no less. They were basically on the field for the entire first half! And our guys wore them out in the 2nd half! I enjoyed watching Mike Johnson road-grading on Turner’s TD run. GO FALCONS
Enkinan
September 24th, 2012
11:42 am
Man, this team looks as good as I’ve ever seen. Let’s hope they can play at this level for the whole season. These new coordinators have made a world of difference. It’s hard to believe this is basically the same defense as last year minus Grimes and Lofton.
The Aint's go marching out...
September 24th, 2012
11:42 am
Do you want to see how the Aint’s diehards really feel about their team? They’ve completely given up. I guess we really aren’t the worst fans after all. Check out their fan forum and read the laughable comments. http://saintsreport.com/forums/f2/
LongTimeFan
September 24th, 2012
11:46 am
It’s a long season folks…a little humility goes a long way.
DazzyG
September 24th, 2012
12:06 pm
@The Aint’s go marching out…
LOL thanks for the link. Here is a good one from that site…
______________________________________________________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by v3kt0r View Post
“Losing 42-7 to Atlanta would be my rock bottom. Put me on suicide watch if that ever happens.”
It can get worse, Atlanta could go on to win the Superbowl in the dome. That would be rock bottom.
__________________
Us Against The World
warfalcon
September 24th, 2012
2:07 pm
WAY TO GO FALCONS.NEXT UP `CAM THE CRY BABY NEWTON` at least his mother will be at the game to give him a bottle. LETS GO FALCONS on game at a time and we can run the table.WATCH.
Reuben
September 24th, 2012
3:00 pm
I’m from Atlanta and have been here in San Diego and attended the game yesterday. I too was surprised to see all my Falcons fans in attendance. When we scored the 1st touchdown I was making my way to my seat when I heard the stadium erupt in cheers. I thought the chargers scored that’s how loud it was. Good game(for us anyways) and those Chargers fans aren’t too classy nor are they loyal. Rise Up baby 3-0 leh go!
jaz
September 24th, 2012
3:39 pm
The Birds are getting it into gear, and next in line are the Panthers and this time I see Cam Newton’s eyes lighting up with that deer-in-the-headlight look when he sees Nolan’s D. Shouldn’t take too long before he’s on the bench talking to himself again. Can’t wait.
Falconfanriseup
September 24th, 2012
3:56 pm
For all the haters that was hating on DeCoud last year i told you he was really good. I hate to say it but i told you so
JONESBORO SLIM
September 24th, 2012
3:59 pm
I see many fans are “counting the chickens before they hatch” we got to take one game at a time… Cam Newton doesn’t take losing to well…I believe Nolan’s defense will be a Chinese cross word puzzle…to the Saints fans PEEPING in on this blog 0-4 next week (Green Bay @Green Bay)
JONESBORO SLIM
September 24th, 2012
4:06 pm
JAZ…
Didn’t mean to take your thunder about Nolan’s D…. but you’re right
Falcons throttle Chargers 27-3 to remain undefeated | football-feed.com
September 24th, 2012
4:24 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
phil
September 24th, 2012
8:57 pm
Fire Mike Smith!!
Blake
September 24th, 2012
10:43 pm
Hello 3-0…..
JamesMason
September 25th, 2012
9:36 am
Somebody wrote “man this team looks good”. Remember the year the Falcons went 13-3 and got smashed by green bay. And also last year when we faced the giants and failed to score an offensive play the entire game. THE ENTIRE OUTPUT FOR THE FALCONS LAST YEAR IN THE PLAYOFFS AGAINST THE GIANTS WAS TWO POINTS—A DEFENSIVE SAFETY. That is an embarrassment to the Falcons organization and shows me they havent made any progress since 1966.
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