Atlanta Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in team history
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi (96) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) during the second half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
LANDOVER, Md. — Most of the current Falcons aren’t really into historical relevance.
But center Todd McClure, who’s been with the team since 1999, can appreciate how far the franchise has come.
With a less-than-stellar 24-17 victory over the Washington Redskins on a rainy Sunday, the Falcons reached the 5-0 mark to open the season for the first time since they began play in 1966.
“This,” McClure said, “is pretty special.”
It was just a road win in October, but somewhere old Norb Hecker and other ghosts of Falcons’ hard-luck past were smiling.
“The best thing about it is that we are not playing our best football and we’re 5-0,” McClure said. “This team is much better than what we’ve played thus far. It’s easy to make corrections when you’re 5-0. We have a lot of room for improvement.”
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who leaned heavily on tight end Tony Gonzalez all day, sees a season with an industrious start but also with 11 games yet to play.
“It is great start for us. It really is,” Ryan said, who threw for 345 yards (34-of-52) but had an interception returned for a touchdown. “At this point you can’t really worry about what is going on in the history of our organization, but we have put ourselves right where we need to be five games into it.”
The Falcons previously had 4-0 starts in 2004 and 1986. In 2004, the team went on to play in the NFC title game. In 1986, they struggled and finished 7-8-1.
For the second straight Sunday, the Falcons needed a fourth-quarter rally to pull out the victory. The Redskins, who dropped to 2-3, may have lost their star rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III to the league’s concussion protocol program, courtesy of a big thump in the third quarter from Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.
The Falcons trailed 10-7 entering the fourth quarter but wide receiver Julio Jones put them ahead after hauling down an 18-yard touchdown pass.
But the defense quickly squandered the lead. On a third-and-12, rookie quarterback Kirk Cousins, Griffin’s back-up, tossed a 77-yard touchdown pass to Santana Moss to put the Redskins back ahead, 17-14.
Smith said the coverage by the secondary “was absolutely blown.”
The Falcons’ ensuing drive stalled, but kicker Matt Bryant, who switched to longer spikes for the wet field, made a 53-yard field goal to tie the game with 7:42 left.
After the defense held the Redskins to a three-and-out, Ryan drove the offense down for the winning score, a 13-yard touchdown run by Michael Turner culminating a six-play drive with 2:46 to play.
The defense closed out the game with two interceptions by Dunta Robinson and Thomas DeCoud.
Griffin was taken to the locker room after Weatherspoon knocked him out of the game with a fierce shot along the sideline during Washington’s second possession of the second half. Griffin’s head appear to snap back into defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux’s back.
“He wasn’t sure what quarter it was,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “At that time, when he wasn’t really sure what the score was or what quarter it was, we knew he had a mild concussion.”
Griffin retired to the Redskins’ locker room under his own power.
Washington slowed the Falcons by playing a lot of zone coverage, which provided deep help on receivers Roddy White and Jones.
That left the middle of the field to Gonzalez. He accumulated 13 catches for 123 yards and a key touchdown in the second quarter.
He finished one pass shy of his career high. He caught 14 passes against San Diego when he was with Kansas City on Jan. 2, 2005.
“When you have guys like Roddy and Julio outside, you saw anytime that we threw the ball deep, there were two or three guys around them,” Gonzalez said. “That means I’m getting man-to-man coverage underneath. I’ve said that for most of my career, if I can get man-to-man coverage, I should be able to get open most of the time.”
For most of this dreary day, he was open. The former Cal-Berkeley basketball player looked like he was posting up in the paint on a couple of his grabs.
“I’ve done this before,” Gonzalez said. “It’s part of the game as far as I’m concerned. I’m just glad I could help out.”
Washington became the latest team forced to make a defensive choice on the Falcons’ potent offense. Last week, Carolina elected to double-cover Jones and Gonzalez, allowing White to break loose for eight catches, 169 yards and two touchdowns.
The biggest issue is providing Ryan enough time to find the right person. After being sacked seven times by Carolina last week, Ryan was sacked only once Sunday.
“This is what we envisioned as an offense,” Gonzalez said. “You never know who is going to get it week in and week out, with those type of receivers outside, myself in the middle and Michael Turner in the backfield and Harry Douglas. There are a lot of weapons coming at you.
“It creates matchup problems for the defense.”
Gonzalez, who’s in his 16th year, has said he’s pretty sure he’ll retire after this season. But from this game, it’s clear that his skills have not diminished.
“I’ve been thinking about retiring for the last three years,” Gonzalez said. “That’s not the question. I know I can play another two years at a pretty good level. But the window is closing. I’m having a blast. I’m not thinking about it.”
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157 comments Add your comment
kcdc
October 7th, 2012
4:12 pm
Go Micheal Turner…”can’t stop the ‘hocks”
Drew
October 7th, 2012
4:16 pm
ohhhhh yes – go ATL! After what happened to our Braves and Dawgs this is a great way to cap the weekend.
Yo Vince
October 7th, 2012
4:19 pm
My Falcons!!!!!
Ole Ball Coach
October 7th, 2012
4:20 pm
What do you mean OUR DAWGS??
Falcons 5-0 : The Latest Fuzz
October 7th, 2012
4:22 pm
[...] Atlanta Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in team history – Atlanta Journal Constitution (… [...]
Papa Smurf
October 7th, 2012
4:23 pm
Thank you Falcons!
GTJeff
October 7th, 2012
4:25 pm
Glad my Falcons are keeping my spirits up! 5-0 baby! Could care less about the braves.
BigTimeBirdFan
October 7th, 2012
4:27 pm
Feels great to be 5-0, at least one Georgia team knows how to get it done…6-0 is right around the corner..
Trevor
October 7th, 2012
4:37 pm
Just win baby!
Not so Fast
October 7th, 2012
4:38 pm
Patience is a good thing. Falcons were steady and didn’t panic.
Ray Edwards
October 7th, 2012
4:40 pm
Props to my teammates. Sorry I couldn’t make it to the game today.
Madmax
October 7th, 2012
4:43 pm
DaveFM (92.9) is going to all sports talk, the oldies station is now all talk news, the project 96-1 has switched to another pop station, journey 97.9 has done the same and 98.9 the bone is so weak in transmission only about 30% of metro atlanta can get it. ATL radio stinx
Ford
October 7th, 2012
4:44 pm
Thank Goodness for Gonzalez,old reliable moves the chain.
falCANS
October 7th, 2012
4:45 pm
Lol who was nervous?? Hopefully nobody….. We’re good even on our bad days. Has ANYONE seen #52
Matty Ice no more!! 2MinuteMatt << Master of 2 minute drill
Goodgod
October 7th, 2012
4:45 pm
The General Matt Ryan overcame some misfires in the first half to dash the redkins hopes. He threw to nine diffrent playes who the defense coudn’t stop. Micheal Turner is running like his feet are on fire and bull running over defenders. This offense has two many weapons and determination to be stopped by anyone out there. Defensive coordinators can’t stop this mighty army, they can only hope there team can score and keep them off the field. This is indeed the season to remember.
Esquire
October 7th, 2012
4:46 pm
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
Boo
October 7th, 2012
4:48 pm
GO BIRDS!!!!
Leeman Bennett
October 7th, 2012
4:49 pm
It may not have been pretty, but that’s ok. We may not have dominated on both sides, but that’s ok. You get to the playoffs on your won-loss record, and right now ours is perfect.
Voice of Reason
October 7th, 2012
4:50 pm
CHOKE??? WHERE ARE YOU, JOKE???? {sound of crickets: Cheep, cheep, cheep …} It’s all about heart. These FALCONS are for real!!!
Atlanta Falcons update: Atlanta Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in team history... - NFL Team News
October 7th, 2012
4:51 pm
[...] Atlanta Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in team history LANDOVER, Md. – Falcons running back Michael Turner slammed into the end zone from 13 yards out to propel the Falcons to a 24-17 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday at FedEx Field. The Falcons improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Jasmin
October 7th, 2012
4:52 pm
Shout out to the Falcons once again for 5-0 status today. I was NEVER nervous. I knew that they would prevail. You better check my twitter…I always call it right. @MsJasmineATL. Falcons to the Superbowl. I said that too!
Pandora
October 7th, 2012
4:53 pm
The only way the Can’ts won is because the Redskins quarter back was NOT in the game. It’s not how you start, it’s how you fininsh. Ask the New York Giants! They started off really bad and they won the superbowl. The Cants’ are NOT Superbowl material. You all will not go this or any other season to play in any superbowl. Shoot you won’t even get past the first round n the play offs providing you actually go.
David Puddy
October 7th, 2012
4:55 pm
“CHOKE??? WHERE ARE YOU, JOKE???? {sound of crickets: Cheep, cheep, cheep …} It’s all about heart. These FALCONS are for real!!!”
But I’m thinking we’d be better off, still, with Mike V.
Elvis is Alive
October 7th, 2012
4:55 pm
We continue to be susceptible to middle of the field long passes. Ray Edwards crushed the replacement QB on the last interception. Did not see the stunting of the linebackers as much today as in previous games. Have to think we were looking for RG III to run more. Good win. On to next week. The other teams are now paying attention to the “Angry Birds”….RISE UP ATLANTA
Jackets
October 7th, 2012
4:56 pm
Dawgs lost because that is what happens when they play a REAL team!!!!
DEP
October 7th, 2012
4:57 pm
Another one for the W column, heck, that’s all that matters
SCFalcon
October 7th, 2012
4:57 pm
AJC Atlanta Falcons site. Officially now a troll free zone!
uoynossip
October 7th, 2012
4:57 pm
Falcons could go 15-1 and deep into the playoffs.
DEP
October 7th, 2012
4:59 pm
Jackets…go hang out with GTbob and the rest of the cry babies at the Tech blog…this is for the Falcons not UGA and certainly not Tech weenies
Voice of Reason
October 7th, 2012
5:00 pm
@David Puddy — really? Were you a fan back then? I loved Mike, and never missed a single home game where he played, but we had only one good season with Mora, the next two were painful. And then he hosed us beyond reason with the dog fighting. Matty and Smitty have the highest winning percentage in the NFL since they showed up. It’s only time ’till we break the postseason bubble. Look at Peyton. Fairly similar.
Rise Up!
October 7th, 2012
5:02 pm
WHERE ARE ALL THE n.o. TROLLS? ….
GregKennesaw
October 7th, 2012
5:03 pm
5-0 congrats Falcons, ugly win though
Venezuelans Vote in a Landmark Election – New York Times
October 7th, 2012
5:03 pm
[...] PressFalcons Beat Redskins: Atlanta Knocks Out RG3, Wins 24-17 To Stay UndefeatedHuffington PostAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -Washington Times -NFL Newsall 1,112 news [...]
Proud of the Falcons
October 7th, 2012
5:04 pm
Thank you, Falcons, for giving Georgia something to be proud of. Richt must go. He’s too mediocre.
UGA ECONOMICS MAJOR
October 7th, 2012
5:04 pm
so,so,so PROUD OF MY ATLANTA FALCONS!!!!!!!POISED,COOL,AND PLAYIN ANGRY AND HUNGRY!!!!!!!!ATLANTA FALCONS MY RED AND BLACK HATS OFF TO YA!!!!!!!!!SO VERY PROUD!!GONZALEZ!!!DO YOUR THING!!STEADY,CONSTANT AND CLASSY GUY….ITS THE FALCONS TIME THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!
DawgNole
October 7th, 2012
5:09 pm
SCFalcon
October 7th, 2012
4:57 pm
AJC Atlanta Falcons site. Officially now a troll free zone!
__________________
I’ll believe it when I see it.
MarkATL
October 7th, 2012
5:13 pm
Pandora – So how will your Aints do against SD tonight???
I smell a CHARGERS victory cooking!!!
Supes
October 7th, 2012
5:15 pm
The N.O Trolls are hiding in fear of going 0-5 and the Falcons our Birds of Prey being 5-0…and “Choke” is somewhere crying that his idol’s team got beat in Pittsburgh
Ron Dickerson
October 7th, 2012
5:16 pm
Where are the screen plays? Love these BIRDS!!!Keep it going. Rise-up
Now_that_Mularky_is_Gone
October 7th, 2012
5:17 pm
Bless you Tony G!
And a shout out to Spoon for creaming Griffin. QBs aint supposed to run and its the job of the defense to whack them if they do.
tjhook
October 7th, 2012
5:20 pm
I would like to give props to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for being inventive when the Redskins were teeing off on us early. Good play calls during the game. I do hope the Coach runs Turner on more wide plays because he seems to run better when he builds acceleration (like a bowling ball)
sausage king of Chicago
October 7th, 2012
5:22 pm
Uhh, yeah, I know, I watched the game on my couch..
Bullseye
October 7th, 2012
5:28 pm
Where all of the off season haters of Decoud, Turner and Baker now?
THE Falcon fans can enjoy this.
Fred Garvin
October 7th, 2012
5:29 pm
Way to go Birds, play of the game was when Spoon put the hurt on RG3, that was beautiful.
Realism
October 7th, 2012
5:29 pm
All of the winning, just to choke up in the playoffs and set home packing. Hopefully they will not choke
up in the first round. Nottttt
44counter
October 7th, 2012
5:34 pm
Pregame, Keshon on ESPN, oh I need to watch and see how the Falcons do against the Redskins, they shudda lost to the Panthers. Post game, Strahan on FOX, I need to see how they do against a physical team like the 49ers.
So why don’t we just assemble an allstar team to just play the Falcons. Dam, show some credibility!!
moeLpz222
October 7th, 2012
5:36 pm
FalCons all daYy oh YeAa
amagan
October 7th, 2012
5:45 pm
Falcons rose up and flew high! What a season! Can’t wait for next week and the 6 and 0! I’ll be there to see the Falcons fly and win! Go my Birds!
Lince Vombardi
October 7th, 2012
5:46 pm
Falcons havethe easiest schedule in the NFL they should be 5-0
Five & O Falcons
October 7th, 2012
5:49 pm
…… shanahan that …….
Answer This
October 7th, 2012
5:50 pm
@ lince vombarsi
Hate to break it to you, but this the NFL man….no easy games…..every game is a chance to get beat! We 5-0 because we have earned it! And on three we all shall Rise Up!
warfalcon
October 7th, 2012
5:51 pm
No DOUBT ONE GAME AT A TIME.LATES GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Next up the Oakland Raiders
Five & O Falcons
October 7th, 2012
5:51 pm
Enter your comments here
warfalcon
October 7th, 2012
5:56 pm
Lince Vombardi
Everyone schedule is easy once you win the game and look at the next team if you do not like the team that is winning,LIKE THE FALCONS.ONE GAME AT A TIME AND THE SCHEDULE WILL BE EASY.We do not look a head,next up O.R.
ummm
October 7th, 2012
5:58 pm
Please stay out of jail tonight
tottenhamspur
October 7th, 2012
5:59 pm
Ya’ll should be loving on Matt Ryan coach Smith and our defense. Best Falcon everything since ole Arthur bought the team. Be happy
Brandonlee49
October 7th, 2012
6:00 pm
Julio Jones Continues to Prove He is The Premier Receiver in the NFL, and Dunta Robinson, Thomas DeCoud Premier Defenders as well, assembled together with a Gutsy Performance by Matt Ryan, some unbelieveable Throws. Sure the one lost fumble was a downside to an otherwise Awesome Game against a very good Redskins Team… It’s a tough Schedule ahead so lets keep our Birds Flying High !!!!!! What a Nice Timely deterrant to the nasty way the Braves Gave-Away their only Play-Off Hope… Looking Forward to Next Year, Bravos !!!!!
ijonathan
October 7th, 2012
6:02 pm
Everybody is correct.
First, this isn’t college…there are no truly “easy” games in the NFL, especially on the road.
However, I would also agree that the Falcons haven’t necessarily played a dominating team on either side of the ball yet, like the Giants offense or the 49ers defense (apparently.)
Fred Garvin
October 7th, 2012
6:03 pm
After party at Matt Ryans house, he’ll be serving Tea and Crumpets
Really?
October 7th, 2012
6:04 pm
I guess the Braves and the Bulldogs were enough of a sacrifice to keep those bloodthirsty sports gods happy. It was very gratifying to see Atlanta not play sharp for a second week in a row and still win. Matt Ryan again figures oth who is hot and uses that player or players to win. Let’s not forget the other Matt who is right there with Ryan for consistency and clutch play.
neanderthal
October 7th, 2012
6:09 pm
better get some more horses if any more of you jump on this bandwagon. half of you dont know a free safety from touchback. let em lose two and the old wagon will lighten up real fast.
gray
October 7th, 2012
6:09 pm
Does any Falcon Fan still think #7 is the best QB for us, REALLY!!!!!!!
Really?
October 7th, 2012
6:10 pm
Y’all take it easy on D’Led. Just because he is dating one of the 80 year old ladies who own the ajc is no reason to assume that is why he got this choice beat. That snazzy bow tie is part of it as well.
Just kidding D’Led. Don’t ban me.
Tree
October 7th, 2012
6:14 pm
Oakland Raiders: you’re next.
Ken
October 7th, 2012
6:21 pm
FALCONS KNOW HOW TO RISE UP!!!!!
Charleston Jacket
October 7th, 2012
6:22 pm
Great way to end the weekend.
THWG
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
October 7th, 2012
6:24 pm
For those of us fans that have been supporting the Falcons for years (back to the Fulton County Stadium days), the 5 – 0 start is a great accomplishment!!!!!! This year is shaping up to be very special.
GO FALCONS!!!!!
LOL at the Aints
October 7th, 2012
6:24 pm
Great Win Falcons!! The Nay Sayers will keep Saying Nay until this team does something in the playoffs. I’m getting a different Vibe from this team than the teams of the last few years.. Of course I said the same thing about the Braves, LOL… Hey STB4. What time is kick off. LOL! Go Bolts!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 7th, 2012
6:32 pm
Let’s see, Redskins, Broncos, chargers,panthers, etc., & the Bucs, not too shabby.
Aoldtimer
October 7th, 2012
6:34 pm
Pandora? isnt Pandora a free SAT radio station that only plays old loverboy tunes?? Why dont you go back to putting bags over your heads…Aints fan!!
scoot1105
October 7th, 2012
6:37 pm
Wasn’t pretty, but most wins that a team gets on the road aren’t gonna be pretty, and I’LL TAKE IT!! 5-0!! THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE DIRTY BIRD!!! KEEP IT GOIN FALCONS!!!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 7th, 2012
6:37 pm
Coach koetter has kept defenses off balance, We’ll take em’ any way we can get em’.
Mikey
October 7th, 2012
6:38 pm
Way to go Falcons! Nice win. As expected, the Skins showed some tough offense. The defense held them though and showed speed, good tackling and perserverance to the end. The D-Line is starting to be more dominating and that is a GOOD thing. The offense demonstrated exceptional depth in big game weapons. The defense just had a hard time covering everybody. Lots of dropped passes caused some hickups during the game but overall a top notch effort ! GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
Roman Banker
October 7th, 2012
6:39 pm
I am happy for the Atlanta Falcons but this happens every year. They do exceptional in the regular season, getting everyone’s hopes up, then falter in the playoffs. This team needs to be peaking in late December. Don’t get me wrong I am happy for them and their great start. They FIND and EXPECT to win in the regular season, I would like to see that carry over to the extended season. It profits this team nothing to win all their regular season games and lose in the Play offs.
2008 LOSS Arizonia Cardinals 30 – 24
2010 LOSS Green Bay Packers 48-21
2011 LOSS New York Giants 24 – 2
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 7th, 2012
6:39 pm
@ Really? Good point, the Kicker has been a constant.
Big Ray
October 7th, 2012
6:43 pm
The only way the Can’ts won is because the Redskins quarter back was NOT in the game.
Heh…it was the Falcons that put him OUT of the game. Considering you’re a Saints fan hiding your usual handle, I can’t believe that you don’t recognize such a strategy
inkspot
October 7th, 2012
6:43 pm
Winning in the regular season is sweet. This team looks more dangerous in winning than they have in seasons past. Changing Oc and DC has made a huge difference thus far.
Sausage King of Chicago
October 7th, 2012
6:44 pm
Yeah, I know, I watched the game…
At Least......
October 7th, 2012
6:44 pm
At least the Atlanta Falcons are one team that did not EMBARRASS the State of Georgia this weekend…..The Braves Flopped – Chipper’s error cost the game and the DAWGS – they would have been better off if they had stayed in Athens – they didn’t even show up to play….what a losing weekend.
Big Ray
October 7th, 2012
6:48 pm
Matt Ryan once again with a multiple TD and 300+ yard game….
Meanwhile, how about hose superstar QBs in Philly and Carolina?
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 7th, 2012
6:49 pm
Roman Banker, I hear ya, well hopefully, Coach koetter will bring a different brand of offense, that won’t be so predictable, like mularky was the last few years, & coach Nolan will keep the defense a new brand approach than what(? forgot the defensive coordinator, he’s at Auburn now) use to be at Ga., but so far so good, the team seems to be playing w/greater purpose, greater anticipation, the new blend of offensive,defensive coordinators could possibly make them forget the old predictable falcons, different smell in the air, seems like a confident winning smell.
GregKennesaw
October 7th, 2012
6:57 pm
and Scam Newton fumbles again…………….SeaHawks win!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 7th, 2012
6:59 pm
Well to bad that spoon lit up on RG, legally, not try’n to put him out of commision, he left himself open for a good pop, just pure solid football. The Aint’s waller’in up in their own mess, they lost to RG earlier this year, bless their hearts. Each week, the Bird’s defeated the teams that defeated them, Hmmmmmm, ‘How about that,
Never Seen This B4
October 7th, 2012
7:00 pm
Wow these falcons could be something special…..
Gamer
October 7th, 2012
7:01 pm
Falcons D is for REAL, huh?
WHAT GOTTEN INTO DUNTAY……DUDE IS HITTING RUNNING BACKS WITH MONSTER SHOTS..
Next on Falcons radar are the Raiders inside the Dome….Home Sweet Georgia’s Dome……
Falcons on three, DOMINATE!!!
DawgNole
October 7th, 2012
7:10 pm
Roman Banker
October 7th, 2012
6:39 pm
I am happy for the Atlanta Falcons but this happens every year. They do exceptional in the regular season, getting everyone’s hopes up, then falter in the playoffs.
____________________
Actually, they don’t “do exceptional” in the regular season every year at all. In fact, only recently have they put together consecutive winning seasons–for the first time ever.
On the other hand, they do indeed falter in the playoffs EVERY year. Hopefully this season will be different. Long way to go, though–obviously.
Bandwagon Falcon fan
October 7th, 2012
7:14 pm
Reading all of these comments, the Super Bowl must have played today. I missed it. Being a Bandwagon fan, I wanted to watch it. ATLANTA FALCONS SUPER BOWL CHAMPS. Rise up !!!!!!!! Super Bowl was played early this year. When is the parade ? I don’t want to miss it. RISE UP FALCONS CHAMPS !!!!!!
okeetee
October 7th, 2012
7:19 pm
I thought the replacement refs were back in business when they disallowed Gonzales touchdown when he was CLEARLY way over the line and in the end zone! And other than the MAJOR breakdown in the secondary on the Moss touchdown, the Falcons didn’t play that bad of a game! Of course, it helped that the Skins coaching staff were dumb enough to keep throwing the ball instead of running it against our defense! When they gouged us for big yards on those back to back runs it was like the Skins said: “Hey this running the ball is working great for us……so……let’s do something different!” They tried to pass got sacked and then two in-completions and the Falcons were back in business! Now we have back to back bye weeks! We’re going to kill the Raiders and then our regular bye week! Fantastic!
dawg52
October 7th, 2012
7:21 pm
Way to go Falcons……least we got one team to hang a hat on………
Burger brian
October 7th, 2012
7:30 pm
Man ~ TJ Hook is right! For sooo many years ~ we had to suffer through losing those games (the past two contests). These guys will lose one or two along the way ~ perhaps ~ but look at the NFC ~ we should end up as the one seed and GUARANTEED ~ This team is READY to go deep!!! We are getting every Teams BEST each week and it is making us better. Win Pretty ~ win ugly ~ no matter ~ a win is a win and we learn every week as these talented coaches and players throw the preverbial “kitchen sink” at us. I feel really good!!!
Samuel
October 7th, 2012
7:39 pm
Inspite of all the drop passes, penalties and bad throws early on by Matt Ryan, the Falcons showed resilency in getting the victory over the Redskins. Dirk Koetter is relentless, guys on the team made plays. Kudos to Tony Gonzales and Dunta Robinson they both played one hell of a game.
Falcons Rule.
October 7th, 2012
7:42 pm
I told you damn azz clowns the birds would take out RGIII. Only a matter of time ’till the angry birds are hoisting the Lombardi….undefeated season baby. Mattie Ice MVP………….Wake up folks……..Mattie Ice is ELITE. Oh yeah….F the Aints….0-5…haha.
falcondawg
October 7th, 2012
7:51 pm
Pandora, for your information, the Skins offense didn’t score a single point when RGIII was in the game. So you are rather ignorant to suggest that had he stayed in, we would have lost. Don’t do drugs. They kill brain cells.
Jasonsmith
October 7th, 2012
7:51 pm
Thank God one team in Georgia showed up this weekend. Falcons looked out of sync most of the day but they kept plugging away and came through. It wasn’t pretty but they got the job done.
Colin says
October 7th, 2012
7:54 pm
Hats off to babineaux, his hustle near the goal-line ended up giving us the chance to take this game.
Whadda Ya Know?
October 7th, 2012
8:07 pm
I was at the game today and man was it fun. They looked sloppy initially but got it together and moved the ball to score. We put RG3 to sleep today so I knew the game was in the bag once he was out. RG3 gets rid of the ball before the defense has a chance to react. How do you defend that? Dude is going to be a beast to deal with in the future–needs to stop running though. Also, I couldn’t believe the amount of Falcon fans representing in DC. We’re deep up here.
Singletary
October 7th, 2012
8:28 pm
Ahhhh. This is what it feels like when you have coordinators who can IMPROVISE at half time. Someone once told me that most teams do that. What a concept.
tommy the rooster
October 7th, 2012
8:30 pm
way to go birds!!! make a longtime Atlanta fan proud!! Glad I got up at 4 to get work out of way before kickoff, was well worth it!!
Dirty Birds Bringin' It!
October 7th, 2012
8:57 pm
I can second what Whadda Ya Know? stated, I was at the Charger/Falcons game earlier this year in SD. I was floored by the number of Falcon fans in SoCal. Usually I see the usual suspects all over the place – Steelers, Packers, and Cowboys fans.
Dirty Bird Nation Lives!!!!! Great job today from the Red and Black!
okeetee
October 7th, 2012
8:59 pm
“We are getting every Teams BEST each week and it is making us better.”
Let’s not get carried away, bubba! Actually, I don’t think we’ve beaten a team with a winning record yet! But our secondary is much improved….and our passing game is top notch! Need to pick up the running game and could use more pressure from our pass rush. Other than that, I like our team and I like our schedule!
DawgNole
October 7th, 2012
9:32 pm
Dirty Birds Bringin’ It!
October 7th, 2012
8:57 pm
Dirty Bird Nation Lives!!!!! Great job today from the Red and Black!
____________________
And that ain’t the UGA Red and Black he’s talkin’ about!!!
Falcons Knock Out RG3, Defeat Redskins 24-17 « The Falcon Project
October 7th, 2012
10:18 pm
[...] the first time in franchise history, the Atlanta Falcons are [...]
Coach T
October 7th, 2012
10:19 pm
You’re looking live at Atlanta Fulton County Stadium where the undefeated Atlanta FALcons…..
Falcon James
October 7th, 2012
11:08 pm
Could somebody ask STB4 to come tell us about the Super Bowl again? Maybe he can remind us what the Saint record is this season.
meme
October 7th, 2012
11:26 pm
RGIII GOT SPOONED!!!!
bigbobbles
October 7th, 2012
11:37 pm
Great win for the Falcons. Let us hope that Frank Wren takes Cluster and makes him Assistant GM with me. Dimi gets a pass for awhile! By the way, are Richt and Chizik brothers? The best recruits with disappointing results. At least Tech is playing almost as well as they are expected. Go dawgs………lol!
Alan
October 7th, 2012
11:45 pm
44counter, it has seemed to me for some time the national networks, Fox, ESPN, etc., have always had AT LEAST 1 or more “analysts” hesitant to give ATL/GA teams props, whether college or pro. Right now, we’re one of only two UNDEFEATED NFL teams. . . bottom line!
Tony S.
October 7th, 2012
11:54 pm
Please don’t retire, Tony G. The Falcons could have a mini-dynasty, at least offensively, if you stick around a couple of more years.
DR. FALCON
October 7th, 2012
11:55 pm
IT’S A CREDIT TO THIS CURRENT REGIME, TO HIRE CREDIBLE COORDINATORS, WHO KNOW HOW TO COACH TALENT! 5-0, BABY! SOME OF US, REMEMBER THE REALLY BAD YEARS! LETS ENJOY IT! THE POST SEASON WILL COME. TO GET TO THE POSTSEASON, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A FAST START! THESE TALKING HEADS, KEEP BRINGING UP OUR 0-3, POSTSEASON RECORD! WHATEVER! 5-0, IS 5-0! 4 GAMES UP IN THE DIVISION!
slobberknocker
October 7th, 2012
11:59 pm
Yeah, the only reason the Falcons won was because the Skins rookie qb got knocked out of the game. If you believe that dog squeeze I have a bridge to sell you. Grow up, Ryan has the Falcons playing their best football since 1998, so get over it.
Ueeediot
October 8th, 2012
12:07 am
I hope to see Matt shred the Raiders for a fortyburger
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 8th, 2012
12:08 am
At the buzzer, I drop some basic notes. The real story comes later. I guess I need to explain that better and keep it real.
Tony S.
October 8th, 2012
12:17 am
DawgNole – The Falcons ALWAYS falter in the playoffs? Really? I guess that Super Bowl appearance and that NFC Championship game (which Atlanta reached by beating Green Bay @ Green Bay for their first ever home playoff loss) were mirages. 20 NFL teams a year don’t reach the playoffs at all. At least the Falcons have been making it that far pretty consistently under Coach Smith. I’d give props to the core group of players, but they’re too numerous. I guess I just see the glass as half full, not half empty.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
October 8th, 2012
12:58 am
Easiest schedule wow lame excuse for your jealousy of our atlanta falcons bro get a life atlantas schedule is much harder than the texans or hell even the aints have an easier schedule. Lmao just wow
todd
October 8th, 2012
1:17 am
@ Lince Dumbardi- it’s the NFL. 5-0 is 5-0 idiot.. Schedule has not been the toughest or the weakest.
That being said, people on this site need to temper expectations. This team has plenty of weaknesses so please stop talking so much crap..
shelia
October 8th, 2012
1:32 am
Easy schedule thats’ an insult to the NFC East. You need to get your facts straight………..GO FALCONS…………………………
Samuel
October 8th, 2012
6:00 am
If you shore up that run defense and the offensive line improves the sky is the limit. Harry Douglas should be a big weapon in the second half of the season. also Jaquizz Rodgers needs to step his game up. Ashante Samuels should start to get some interceptions soon. Now we need Dent and Ray Edwards to play at a high level. The point is to play well all year long, but going into the playoffs- now that’s when you want to have your peak performances. Go Birds!! Best performance Dunta Robinson and Tony Gonzales.
Samuel
October 8th, 2012
6:06 am
Todd it doesn’ matter about the schedule it matters to win the game. Keep in mine that on any given Sunday you can be beaten. If you look at the history of the game all the teams that are successful have had weak and strong schedules.
Atlanta Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in team history – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) « recent tv news
October 8th, 2012
6:39 am
[...] for first time in franchise historyThe Desert Sunthescore.comall 1,543 news articles » Go to Source Notice: Undefined variable: contador in /home/content/92/8628892/html/rssmega/wp_tags.php on line [...]
Bobby Butler
October 8th, 2012
7:42 am
Choke changed his name to “Smack ButtKiss”. Anyway it proves that you have to execute a better plan to be successful in the NFL. We have mostly the same team from last year. They seem either better prepared or greatly benefit from the schemes that Koetter and Nolan deploy. I am looking forward to the Aints hitting the dome. Smack ButtKiss be afraid, very afraid.
Loyal Falcon
October 8th, 2012
8:15 am
Enter your comments here
Loyal Falcon
October 8th, 2012
8:21 am
Lame’s like Pandora need to just keep it moving. The falcons are playing good football. We have been tested the last few games and that’s actually a plus. If we some how end up with home field in the playoffs I promise the outcome will be totally different. I’m tired of hearing these creeps come onto our blog talking about the crappy Aints. Most of them are bandwagon jumpers anyway. There’s a new breed here in Atlanta and things are changing. The foundation that Smitty and Thomas are setting is gonna have us relevant for a long time. It’s only a matter of time before we’re holding that Lombardy Trophy here in the ATL!
You FalCANTS fans....
October 8th, 2012
8:38 am
MarkATL….where are you? Hello???? The Saints did a remarkable job! The ONLY reason why your sorry Cants’ won that game is because of the Red Skins QB was OUT of the game. You all are soooo funny! Someone even had the nerve to say the the Cants’ will win 15 games and loose 1…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Too funny! It’s NOT how you start a season, but it’s how you finish. Trust me when I say that the Cants’ will not go to the Superbowl this or any other year in the near future (20 years) min. Too funny. You all are bragging because you won 5 games. 3 of those wins were when they had those fake referees…too funny. You all only won by 7 points and the Red Skins were using their 2nd string QB. What does that REALLY say about the Cants’…it says how sorry they really are….enjoy it while you can…You will start losing really soon. Hahahahahahahaha! I’m laughing because the NFL does NOT respect your sorry team. They don’t respect them now and never will. Hahahahahahahaha! Can’ts are loosers..
You FalCANTS fans....
October 8th, 2012
8:43 am
Wow…a Cants’ ‘fearweather’ fan is still referring to a Superbowl Champion team as the aint’s..how sorry and sad is that? hahahahahahahaha! That Lombardy trophy will NEVER be in Atlanta. You are asking me why? Well let me tell you…the reason is because in order to get that trophy you actually have to go to the playoffs and actually win a game and then you would have to go to the suprerbowl and win. Now you, I and the entire NFL know that the Cants’ will NEVER go to the superbowl again because they are a sorry team that just got lucky…Matt Ryan is overrated… Soon enough you sorry fans will be seating at the top of the new stadium because your sorry CANTS’ will not fight for you all because they could care less about their team selling those expensive seats. You know the decent ones..hahahahahahahahahahaha! The cants’ in the superbowl? Now THAT’s funny! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Smitty's the Man!
October 8th, 2012
8:45 am
Nice picture, and nice story, but the picture caption gives credit to Jonathan Massaquoi (96) for the hit, instead of Sean Weatherspoon (56). I like the way the new O and D coordinators have raised the level of play. We are more balanced on both sides of the ball. I know it’s early, and nobody knows how far this team will go, but IMO, it’s the best looking team the Falcons have ever had.
Jeff
October 8th, 2012
8:53 am
Bryant has icewater in the veins – Nice coaching brings out Julio Jones’ talent. This team is really well rounded
sam
October 8th, 2012
9:26 am
I’m thinking RGIII will learn to run out of bounds next time. Welcome to the NFL.
Falcons adopt businesslike approach to 5-0 start | E. OVERSTREET SPORTS MANAGEMENT
October 8th, 2012
9:27 am
[...] best thing about it is that we are not playing our best football and we’re 5-0,” veteran center Todd McClure said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. [...]
DB
October 8th, 2012
9:49 am
After the dui, turner has been playing much better. Guess he needed something to motivate him and redeem himself.
Five & O Falcons
October 8th, 2012
10:08 am
Falcons 5-0
Bucs 1-3
Panthers 1-4
sAints 1-4
Sis-Boom-Bah Humbug
October 8th, 2012
10:13 am
Regarding the picture caption, anyone paying attention to the game knows Weatherspoon made the big hit – Massaquoi was not even active for the game.
Hope Griffin comes out of the trauma ok – he seems to be an authentic talent, a real competitor & a solid individual.
When is comes to competitors in general though, hats off to the Falcons – they are still jelling for 2012, but nevertheless finding ways to win.
DonofAcworth
October 8th, 2012
10:20 am
Shades of a bad “Georgia” weekend as the Braves prove they are not — led by their all star Chipper Jones who once again led from behind. His bad throwing error opened the gates as 2 more errors happened at the wrong time (as usual) and that took the happless
late season Braves into the bad place. As for Tech and the Georgia Dogs… they were hapless and looked very bad especially for a nationally 5th ranked team. But, saving the day for Georgia were the 5-0 Falcoln’s who proved that good teams can overcome even a very bad start and truly did come back as a professional team can. So, goodby Chipper and hello Falcoln’s…. let’s see how far you can go and please make the Saints the ain’ts!
Report card: Falcons’ grades for win over Redskins | Atlanta Falcons
October 8th, 2012
10:30 am
[...] Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in franchise history [...]
GATiger
October 8th, 2012
10:56 am
Mr. Gonzales, I’m going to read between the lines of your statement and conclude that you’re open to reconsidering your decision to retire. So, if the Falcons can get a quality O lineman in the draft or free agency and/or another quality RB, the running game improves. How do you stop all that?
MacDaddy
October 8th, 2012
11:10 am
Can someone please tell me what’s going on with Cory Peters. We really need him in the middle.
Spagnuolo Changed Blitz Schemes to Get Saints Win No. 1, and More NFC South News | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
October 8th, 2012
11:36 am
[...] The Falcons are 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] [...]
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 8th, 2012
12:11 pm
You FalCANTS fans….
“Fearweather??” [sic]
Dude, as a Saints fan, you should understand that people who have rooted for a losing franchise for 46 years are the antithesis of “fair weather” fans. Fair weather fans would be those who root for the Steelers, Packers or Cowboys but grew up elsewhere.
You had your great run. Good for you. But this is our time. Deal with it.
PlanB
October 8th, 2012
12:15 pm
MacDaddy – I don’t like the rules that it’s ok to keep the fans in the dark on injuries either.
We need help in the run game. Dent getting taken out most of the time. Quizz not running well. About 2 ypc. Turner running better but can’t catch. All that bad stuff said, this team is looking good. Matt is finding the gut not being dbl teamed. Snelling runs hard the few times he gets the ball. Defense is holding on.
Hope Tony stays another year. Remember, when we draft, the best TE’s today have basketball experience. Tony G., Gates, Graham. Include that in your thinking.
Can’ts got a break and 14 point swing. Game was over with a pick 6 until ref sympathizers called a head to head on the Chargers to take it away.
BYC
October 8th, 2012
12:17 pm
Couldn’t get the caption right for the guy who delivered the legal game-changing hit on RG3? Sad. SPOOOOONNNN!
Spagnuolo Changed Blitz Schemes to Get Saints Win No. 1, and More NFC South News | Scripting4You Blog
October 8th, 2012
12:30 pm
[...] The Falcons are 5-0 for the first time in franchise history. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] [...]
DJ Sniper
October 8th, 2012
12:43 pm
Can somebody please explain to me why Saints fans are in here talking smack when they currently reside at the bottom of the NFC South? Saints fans are a trip sometimes. There’s an article on NFL.com talking about how the Saints still have issues despite their win last night. You should see the reaction from some of their fans.
D
October 8th, 2012
12:49 pm
Well DJ, the aints finally won a game and this might be their only time this year to talk smack.
Barry
October 8th, 2012
1:02 pm
Hey Y”all
ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!”. Our Falcons played with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!. That’s all I have to say. They played TOGETHER. They played STRONG. They played MAD. And they played NASTY. Now they are playing CONSISTANT. That is what is developing in the “PROCESS” of our Atlanta Falcons getting to the SUPER BOWL. We have had the first in many things since Coach Smith and Dimitroff have come to Atlanta: The first back to back winning seasons. The first 4-0 record. And now the first 5-0 record in Atlanta Falcon history. The “PROCESS” is continuing GROWING into our being the first Atlanta FALCON team to win the SUPER BOWL. We are “ONE”.
I am loving the “PROCESS”. I see the players that they drafted growing and showing their skills at a high level. I see the veterans they signed playing at a HIGHER LEVEL. I see the coaches the coaches “COORDINATING” and enjoying the talent they have with they “SCHEMES” they are using to “DEFEAT” teams. I see the OWNERS and the GM”s “LOVING ” what they “ENVISION” of how they want an Atlanta “SUPER BOWL” team to look like. The “CHEMISTRY” on this team is “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” And we the FANS, THE COMMUNITY, AND THE LOCAL MEDIA ARE PART OF IT. Every game the team is getting better and better in understanding the new coaches system that Coach Smith believes is going to get us to the next level on a consistant basis. They
are putting a “GREAT PRODUCT” on the field. The players appeared to have bought into the system and, AS A TEAM, are excelling individually, and AS A “TEAM”. Every game is exciting this season, No “BORING” stuff. I can feel the CONFIDENCE, NASTINESS, AND SWAG that this team is becoming. By season end, there will be Christmas gifts for all off us comming into the New Year. It will be a “POWERFUL” team continuing its drive to take care of “UNFINSHED BUSINESS” on its quest to the SUPER BOWL. Tony Gonzaalez said it best, “ONE GAME AT A TIME”. Yeah, “ONE GAME AT A TIME IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. Its time to hit these NFL teams in the mouth with a “THUMP!!”. Can you hear it “THUMP!!”. IT”S GETTING LOUDER!!!! THUMP!!! THUMP!!!! “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!”
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES TO THE SUPER BOWL. THUMP!!
“FALCONS, RISE UP!!!!” WE “RISE UP!!” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!
………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!………………..
DJ Sniper
October 8th, 2012
1:09 pm
Good point D. The next time they lose, they will go right back into hiding.
Whadda Ya Know?
October 8th, 2012
1:35 pm
You FalCANTS fans…said, “You FalCANTS fans….Hahahahahahahaha! I’m laughing because the NFL does NOT respect your sorry team. They don’t respect them now and never will. Hahahahahahahaha! Can’ts are loosers”.
We must really be good for you to take time out to come on a blog of a team–that you’re evidently not a fan of–and try and criticize them like you’re 10 years old. Really? Really? Son grow up and “act” like a man little boy.
Mike Franklin
October 8th, 2012
2:08 pm
Really can’t get enough of this. I watch the vids at ESPN and falcons.com 20 times each.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself… 5-0.
But then I come here and the hate-trolls make it even better. Nobody hates you when you lose so… I know we’re kicking ass.
Mike Franklin
October 8th, 2012
2:12 pm
DJ Sniper – The saints fans have always hated Atlanta… mainly because when both teams were losing, we always got at least two wins a year playing them. They even handed out tee shirts in the late ’70s that had ‘I hate the Falcons’ printed on the front.
They really do hate Atlanta, the Falcons and their fans. That’s just their mentality.
Seen This B4
October 8th, 2012
2:13 pm
OK….Here I am.
Just so you know that was a cheap shot on RGIII by Witherspoon. I bet he gets fined by the NFL. If not for that cheap shot, Falcants would have lost.
You know it.
RiM
October 8th, 2012
2:54 pm
so seen this…how much bounty money was that worth? haha….you know i love intellegent banter as much as the next guy…your good with the banter…low on the intellegence…..
Falcon Since 1966
October 8th, 2012
4:31 pm
POeted under the picture:
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is hit by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi (96) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (95) during the second half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
When did we sign Massaquoi?
Mike Franklin
October 8th, 2012
6:30 pm
Falcon Since 1966 – He’s on the DL
DJ Sniper
October 8th, 2012
6:34 pm
Seen, that was not a cheap shot. Spoon hit RG3 with his shoulder. The announcers said it was a clean hit as well. Keep dreaming.
I think I know why that picture says Jonathan Massaquoi. He wears number 96, and whoever posted that pic thought that’s what the jersey number was instead of Spoon’s number 56.
Mike Franklin
October 8th, 2012
8:47 pm
Sure wish there was a thread for Texans @ Jets… those boys from Houston remind me of the Falcs… fast and hungry. Wish we had road unis like theirs… something other than white.
Injury report: Falcons to watch Nicholas’ ankle closely | Atlanta Falcons
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10:31 pm
[...] Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in franchise history [...]
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October 8th, 2012
11:16 pm
[...] Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in franchise history [...]
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October 9th, 2012
12:33 pm
[...] Falcons improve to 5-0 for first time in franchise history [...]
Everette
October 11th, 2012
5:34 pm
On this blog some posts are really good