Atlanta Falcons: ‘Very fortunate’ to be 6-0 at the bye
The Falcons enter their bye week as the only undefeated team in the NFL with a two-victory lead over the rest of the NFC.
They don’t talk like a 6-0 squad, though, because they have hardly looked the part of a juggernaut.
That’s probably why, following Atlanta’s 23-20 victory over Oakland on Sunday, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan cited the team’s undefeated record on the one hand and acknowledged troublesome trends on the other.
“We’ve been good enough to win and at the end of the day, that’s what you need to do,” Ryan said. “I think it’s going to be important for us, this bye week, to try and find ways for us to play our best and to look critically at ourselves and try and improve.”
Style doesn’t count in the standings, but the quality of Atlanta’s play is regressing even as the victories keep coming.
Atlanta’s problems both running the ball and stopping the run are still apparent and the secondary’s knack for making big plays has masked problems with pass coverage and tackling. Atlanta’s offensive line play has been inconsistent and the limitations of a pass-heavy offense reliant on Ryan are starting to show.
The Falcons have some time to sort things out. Their next game is Oct. 28 at Philadelphia.
“Our goal is try to be better tomorrow than today,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said Monday. “There are times that we take steps forward and times we take steps back.”
While earning another another victory Sunday, Atlanta took another step back after opening the season with convincing victories against the Chiefs, Broncos and Chargers. The Falcons got past Oakland (1-4) only when Matt Bryant kicked a 55-yard field goal with one second left in the game.
It was the third time in three games Atlanta had to rally to win in the fourth quarter.
“This game took a lot out of us as a defense (so) this off week, in those respects, is right on time,” Falcons defensive back Dunta Robinson said. “We’ve still got a long season ahead of us. We are not where we want to be. We are 6-0 going into the bye (but) we know we are going to get everybody’s best shot so we’ve got to take it to another level.”
The Raiders found themselves stride for stride with the Falcons with a suddenly rejuvenated offense and some ball-hawking defense. Smith said close games between seemingly mismatched opponents and upset losses in the NFL reinforce the notion that “each week is a hard battle.”
Still, the Falcons have yet to play a contender. The combined record of their six opponents, discounting their losses to Atlanta: 11-15.
Smith and his staff have plenty to work on during the off week.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter prefers a balanced attack but last week said the best approach was to put the game in Ryan’s hands because the quarterback’s play had been superlative. That strategy didn’t pay dividends against Oakland; Ryan wasn’t as sharp while tossing three interceptions.
Ryan faced a heavy pass rush and Atlanta had virtually no running game to relieve the pressure. Ryan’s 15-yard scramble was its longest run of the game. The Falcons totaled 45 yards on 15 attempts after gaining 83 yards on 28 attempts at Washington the week before.
Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, stressing that winning is the bottom line, acknowledges that his unit’s struggles to stop the run could eventually cost the Falcons. That nearly happened against the Raiders, who churned out 149 yards on 32 attempts. Shoddy tackling has become another issue.
The Falcons will address those weaknesses and others.
“I think the really good thing about this football team is they are not satisfied,” Smith said. “There is a desire in there to play better football. We’ve been very fortunate.”
LATEST NEWS
Q&A: Falcons coach Mike Smith on first practice after the bye week
Tight end Michael Palmer (shoulder injury) returned to practice on Monday
Defensive tackle Corey Peters (stress fracture left foot) returned to practice on Monday
OTHER RECENT STORIES
Nicholas held out of practice with ankle injury
5-0 start boosts Falcons’ TV ratings
Tony Dungy tells Mike Smith, ‘Get Michael Turner back involved’
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238 comments Add your comment
Just Sayin.....
October 18th, 2012
8:52 am
@Esquire
3 weeks ago Ryan led the league in qb ratings.
Just Sayin…..
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
9:38 am
Just Sayin…..
October 18th, 2012
8:48 am
@Esquire
Try doing a little research………….
*************************************************
Where do you think I got the stats I posted @ 8:09am, the Lingerie League?. Can you say National Football League dunce hat……..?
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
9:51 am
Just Sayin…..
October 18th, 2012
8:52 am
@Esquire
3 weeks ago Ryan led the league in qb ratings.
Just Sayin…..
**************************************************
…………………………and?
Inspector Flapalot
October 18th, 2012
10:19 am
It all comes down to 2 seconds. 2 little seconds. That ’s the difference between playoff victories and losses. That’s the extra time our O-Line has to give Ryan if the Falcon’s are going to advance in the playoffs. Of Ryan’s 3 picks on Sunday only one was his fault…the first one. He was in the process of getting hit on the other two because he didn’t get the extra 2 seconds. Even Ryan, famous for taking the blame even if everybody knows it was NOT his fault, let it slip out at his presser that the “first interception was on me” before he caught himself and said “well, they were all on me” and took the blame away from the porous O-Line. That’s another reason to really appreciate Ryan, he does not point fingers at anybody else and protects his teammates. Problem is They need to do a better job of protecting him. Just find a way to give him 2 more seconds in the pocket without getting crushed and the Falcons are in the Superbowl.
Remarkable
October 18th, 2012
10:26 am
The true record of the Falcon’s opponents is 11 and 21. That’s only a .333 % winning average. We haven’t played anyone who be placed in the top tier of teams. We can’t get any respect until we play and beat a top tier team. We don’t play anyone with a winning record until 11/18 when we play Arizona. It’s not the Falcon’s fault that the schedule is skewed this way but the facts are the facts. We haven’t played or beaten anyone with a pedigree or a winning record yet, and we haven’t beaten teams we should have as decisively as a 6-0 team should.
single white dove
October 18th, 2012
10:36 am
They need to improve on in the bye week not get worst… The offense and defense need to work on some things..
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
11:00 am
Remarkable
October 18th, 2012
10:26 am
The true record of the Falcon’s opponents is 11 and 21. That’s only a .333 % winning average. We haven’t played anyone who be placed in the top tier of teams.
***************************************************
I don’t argue your assessment but I will argue your math. The total combined wins of the teams the Falcons have played is 12. The total combined losses of these teams is 22. Take out the losses to the Falcons and their combined record is 12-17. It doesn’t make sense to count the Falcons own victories over these teams in figuring a w-l percentage. .414%, not .333% which is wrong anyway. Using your figures that number would be .344%.
single white dove
October 18th, 2012
12:09 pm
The true record of the Falcon’s opponents is 11 and 21. That’s only a .333 % winning average. We haven’t played anyone who be placed in the top tier of teams.
single white dove
October 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
If you are combining the teams for a mean average, sir you are in correct. Some teams have a winning record…
Starship 1
October 18th, 2012
12:36 pm
Attitude is everything. The Falcons personnel players and coaches aren’t jumping up and down celebrating their 6-0 start, and say “we’re a tough team to beat”. No; they are saying it’s a good start and that’s all there is too it, period. Yes, they’re thankful for their record; who would’nt be? Wanting your home team to improve in areas you can clearly see-which I must say: Atlanta fans are very football sophisticated knowledgeable and have very accurate opinions as to where this Falcons team needs to improve. The Falcons fans that amazes me are the ones who think that we are headed straight line to the Superbowl, without doing their homework (research) and will strike down anyone who thinks there is room for improvement.
LKW4
October 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Falcons have won but not because of Ryan. Get rid of Ryan and our game will improve. Ryan still looks like he should be playing in the high school league. We have so many good players and the one player that gets the credit for winning is the worst player on the team. He should not be getting the credit for the wins, he should not be the person interviewed at the end of each game. He should not be a team captain.
eric
October 18th, 2012
1:58 pm
They definitely need work but a lot of these errors I believe are mental. They continue to play down to their opponents and don’t seem to get really jacked up unless its against better teams. The effort you saw against Oakland will NOT happen against New Orleans. I guarantee that!
eric
October 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
Not really sure what LKW4 is smoking there? Ryan still has to be considered a front runner for MVP at this point. You know absolutely nothing about football, that much is clear…
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
2:09 pm
single white dove
October 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
If you are combining the teams for a mean average, sir you are in correct. Some teams have a winning record…
*****************************************************
Carolina Panthers 1-4-0
Denver Broncos 3-3-0
KC Chiefs 1-5-0
San Diego 3-3-0
Oakland 1-4-0
Washington 3-3-0
That’s 12 wins between the Falcons opponents so far……………..don’t know where you get 11. The losses total 22. Oh wait, it’s New Math. Anyway, which team has a winning record?
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
2:13 pm
LKW4
October 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Falcons have won but not because of Ryan. Get rid of Ryan and our game will improve.
*********************************************************
Ok, which troll is this? Most of you wear your dunce hat here anyway but at least respect yourself.
Ken
October 18th, 2012
2:20 pm
Falcons know they are fortunate to be 6-0 but you are what your record says you are as one coach used to say. The Falcons can only play their schedule!! How many other teams would rather have the 6-0 record?? All of them!! Atlanta Falcons playoff bound baby!! FALCONS RISE UP!!!!!!!!
Ken
October 18th, 2012
2:24 pm
@LKW4 you should go back and watch the game winning drives against the last 3 opponents Matt Ryan executed perfectly leading the Falcons to victory!! Seriously!!
Esquire
October 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
http://www.the506.com/temp11.html
1pm
CBS Baltimore @ Houston
Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
FOX Washington @ NY Giants
Thom Brennaman, Troy Aikman
4pm
CBS NY Jets @ New England
Jim Nantz, Phil Simms
UPDATES:
Tampa, Orlando: WSH-NYG to NO-TB (Bucs lift blackout)
Sacramento: AZ-MIN to GB-STL
Knoxville TN: DAL-CAR to WSH-NYG
Reno NV: WSH-NYG to AZ-MIN
Macon GA: DAL-CAR to WSH-NYG
Albany GA: NO-TB to WSH-NYG
Sunday Night
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ SF 49′ERS
Answer This
October 18th, 2012
3:29 pm
Correct me if I am wrong……….Falcons 6-0 right?
We have not played the Sisters of Mary the last six weeks…….correct?
These MEN get PAID to be in the NFL…….correct?
Am I missing something? I thought this was a pro leauge? Professionals? Paid. Everyone is on the same level, no one has an edge? The edge comes in Coaching and executing…….correct? Even when we got out executed we still won…….correct? I dont know but something tells me this team is undefeated……….6-0……..have these stat guys been making typos? Not the Falcons fault they have beat everyteam in front of them……..did not know you had to win by a certain margin to be 6-0……..or win looking good to be 6-0? Someone help me please!!!!???? Help me understand this game.
Just Sayin.....
October 18th, 2012
5:21 pm
LKW4
October 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Falcons have won but not because of Ryan. Get rid of Ryan and our game will improve. Ryan still looks like he should be playing in the high school league. We have so many good players and the one player that gets the credit for winning is the worst player on the team. He should not be getting the credit for the wins, he should not be the person interviewed at the end of each game. He should not be a team captain
——
Great post.
Just Sayin…..
Just Sayin.....
October 18th, 2012
5:24 pm
eric
October 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
Not really sure what LKW4 is smoking there? Ryan still has to be considered a front runner for MVP at this point
——
6 Picks in last 4 games, and 3 in last game vs 1-4 team.
Just Sayin…..
Just Sayin.....
October 18th, 2012
5:26 pm
Ken
October 18th, 2012
2:20 pm
Falcons know they are fortunate to be 6-0 but you are what your record says you are as one coach used to say.
—–
So is 0-3 in the playoffs. Pick your poison.
Just Sayin…..
Saints R.E.A.M.
October 18th, 2012
8:12 pm
Should be a fun season……the best of Falcons football is behind them!
Ken
October 18th, 2012
8:35 pm
Just Sayin
No one is saying the Falcons are not 0-3 in the past three playoffs they have been in. Whats your point?? You are what the record says you are point blank. Really whats your point?? Oh you just want to antagonize people and be a troll ok have fun!!
Just Sayin.....
October 18th, 2012
8:39 pm
@Ken
Didn’t you say “you are what your record is”? Isn’t 0-3 their record in the playoffs? Perhaps you only want that quote to reflect the positive records? If you do that, then you can’t use that quote because 0-3 is their playoff record.
Just Sayin…..
Ken
October 18th, 2012
9:52 pm
Just Sayin obviously you have a comprehension problem read my previous statement acknowleding the 0-3 playoff record of the last 3 playoffs of the Falcons. Gee whiz IJS!!! OK I have wasted enough time on someone who refuses to read or is incapable of comprehending goodnight.
okeetee
October 18th, 2012
11:02 pm
“Not really sure what LKW4 is smoking there? Ryan still has to be considered a front runner for MVP at this point. You know absolutely nothing about football, that much is clear…”
Well, it’s obvious, even to the most casual observer, that LKW4 is either a racist, blind, dumb, stupid or all 4! Ryan is a top notch NFL quarterback, not so much because of his arm, which is plenty strong and good, but because he knows how to manage a football game, and generally doesn’t throw the ball up for grabs or force passes into double coverage! But without a running game he’s going to be limited in what he can do with the passing talent the team possesses. I suspect the Falcons are going to work on that with their bye week….and come out running the ball against the Eagles. They need to utilize the screen pass better, too! The Eagles are flawed, but so are we. It will be interesting to see who exploits the other teams flaws the most!
LOL at the Aints
October 18th, 2012
11:33 pm
LKW4 is a poor old Aints fan,, LOL
LOL at the Aints
October 18th, 2012
11:34 pm
Thanks,, I’ll be here all year, LOL
DR. FALCON
October 19th, 2012
12:43 am
ALL I KNOW IS, WE’RE ONE DAY CLOSER TO PLAYING THE DALLAS “COWGIRLS”! EVERYTHING ELSE, IS IRRELEVANT!
C from Marietta
October 19th, 2012
2:54 am
Is it just me or was there a bunch of folks on this blog before the season. Saying the Panthers would finish above the Falcons because of Cam Newton?
Esquire
October 19th, 2012
6:58 am
C from Marietta
October 19th, 2012
2:54 am
Is it just me or was there a bunch of folks on this blog before the season. Saying the Panthers would finish above the Falcons because of Cam Newton?
********************************************************
All along I was saying the NFC South picture was this:
Falcons
Carolina
Caints
Bucs
NFC South Team (as she stands today)
Atlanta Falcons 6 0 0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 3 0
Carolina Panthers 1 4 0
New Orleans Saints 1 4 0
Just Sayin.....
October 19th, 2012
8:39 am
NFC South & AFC West are the weakest division in NFL. Is a coincident that the Falcons have played the entire AFC West?
Just Sayin…..
Jazz
October 19th, 2012
9:07 am
FALCONS ARE 6-0!!!!! FALCONS know how to ^RISE UP^
Esquire
October 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
Just Sayin…..
October 19th, 2012
8:39 am
NFC South & AFC West are the weakest division in NFL. Is a coincident that the Falcons have played the entire AFC West?
*********************************************
yep, it’s a coincident……………uh huh. No doubt we got us a coincident.
Answer This
October 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
@Just sayin…….
So it all of a sudden became weak cause we 6-0?
LOL clownmunches on here. So I imagine you are a Aint fan? Or go ahead tell us who you route for? hehehehehe.
@Saints R.E.A.M.
October 18th, 2012
8:12 pm
Should be a fun season……the best of Falcons football is behind them!
So where does that leave the Aints? HEHEHEHEHEHEHE! The best of Aint football was three years ago that you clownmunches keep harping on……..stick to the present and get your paper bag!
POP QUIZ!!!!
1. Who’s the only undefeated team in the NFL?
2. Who teams website do trolls, troll around on to bash the team?
3. What A$$Munch does this? (see above question to answer and see troll names bloggers).
4. Who has a bye week this week?
5. Who has won the last three games all on comebacks?
6. What team has a 36 year old TE that cant be checked right now?
7. What is the slogan for the Atlanta Football Team?
8. Who wants to Rise Up this weekend even though we dont have a game?
9. What defense sits in the top three in the NFL in turnovers? (psst they are #2).
10. What team has a second year receiver from Alabama that no one can cover? They cant cover Roddy White either but hey!
BONUS QUESTION……..
How many TROLLS are angry that the Atlanta Falcons are 6-0?
Please keep in mind I grade on a curve. NO CHEATING!
RISE UP NATION!!!!!
Esquire
October 19th, 2012
2:43 pm
NFL Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
BRIAN BILLICK’S NFL Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
CBSSports.com Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Sun Examiner Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
Washington Post NFL Power Rankings Week 7
#1 Atlanta Falcons
………………..just to name a few
Esquire
October 19th, 2012
2:45 pm
Just Sayin…..
October 19th, 2012
8:39 am
Is a coincident that the Falcons have played the entire AFC West?
Just Sayin…..
************************************************
They call it a SCHEDULE ol’ Rapid Roy………………..!!!
ItsMe
October 19th, 2012
2:59 pm
LKW4
October 18th, 2012
1:55 pm
Falcons have won but not because of Ryan. Get rid of Ryan and our game will improve. Ryan still looks like he should be playing in the high school league. We have so many good players and the one player that gets the credit for winning is the worst player on the team. He should not be getting the credit for the wins, he should not be the person interviewed at the end of each game. He should not be a team captain.
Wow…even it being 2012, there still is a dumba** born every day.
ItsMe
October 19th, 2012
3:06 pm
Here’s what is good about being 6-0 at this point. The Falcons only have to play .500 football the rest of the season and still most likely get home field advantage through out the playoffs. I’ll take 11-5 any year. However, and I know on any giving Sunday, according to the schedule, who believes the Falcons will finish the year at.500. I see 2-3 defeats from here on out. One to the aints, one to Tampa Bay, and maybe the Giants.
Answer This
October 19th, 2012
3:53 pm
We aint losing to Tampa!
Mike Bell 790
October 19th, 2012
5:21 pm
First?
Starship 1
October 19th, 2012
9:27 pm
Somebody-please close this post!!! Oh, the Falcons aren’t letting you AJC writers in eh?
DawgNole
October 19th, 2012
9:39 pm
Mark
October 17th, 2012
7:21 pm
They’ll ALWAYS doubt us until we get our first win in the post season.
________________________
We already have wins in the postseason. What we don’t have is a championship–after 46 years of existence. And “they” SHOULD doubt us until we get our first championship. It’s been way past long enough for that.
DawgNole
October 19th, 2012
9:49 pm
Esquire
October 19th, 2012
2:13 pm
Just Sayin…..
October 19th, 2012
8:39 am
NFC South & AFC West are the weakest division in NFL. Is a coincident that the Falcons have played the entire AFC West?
*********************************************
yep, it’s a coincident……………uh huh. No doubt we got us a coincident.
______________________
He won’t get it, Esquire. His kind never do.
okeetee
October 19th, 2012
10:20 pm
9. What defense sits in the top three in the NFL in turnovers? (psst they are #2).
…..yeah, but what defense is giving up over 150 yards a game on the ground….and leaves zone gaps in the secondary the size of the state of Georgia? US! Turnovers are nice, and we are getting our share for a change, but those turnovers can disappear in a heartbeat! If we don’t make some improvement in stopping the run….and having more than 2 out of the 5 guys in the secondary know where they are suppose to be and who to cover when the defensive huddle breaks….we could lose more games than we win down the stretch!
10. What team has a second year receiver from Alabama that no one can cover? They cant cover Roddy White either but hey!
……yeah, and who have two top notch receivers that have a propensity for dropping easy passes that my 85 year old mother who’s been dead for 3 years could have caught? No question our two receivers are good, fast and smart. But they are imperfect and will drop the very catchable pass sometimes, agreed? We need to RUN the ball more successfully than we have the past 6 games if we want our passing game to stay top notch and dominating!
Saints R.E.A.M.
October 20th, 2012
7:37 am
The 6 win start will mask the head coaching problems that will surface come playoff time. Arthur will keep Smitty for a year or two longer than he should…..and the winning window will close….this streak does you more harm in the long run…..enjoy.
Saints R.E.A.M.
October 20th, 2012
7:43 am
Why have you been coming from behind the last 3 games?? Dominant teams don’t make a steady diet of close call wins. Trust that your best football is behind you.
Any DUI’s this week??
Esquire
October 20th, 2012
8:24 am
ItsMe
October 19th, 2012
3:06 pm
Here’s what is good about being 6-0 at this point. The Falcons only have to play .500 football the rest of the season and still most likely get home field advantage through out the playoffs. I’ll take 11-5 any year. However, and I know on any giving Sunday, according to the schedule, who believes the Falcons will finish the year at.500. I see 2-3 defeats from here on out. One to the aints, one to Tampa Bay, and maybe the Giants.
************************************************
Barring injuries I don’t see us losing to the Caints. Sure, they can put some points on the board but they can’t stop anybody, ground or air assault. Tampa………..? I dunno, the NFC South Rivalry games are always tough, I don’t like to look ahead but I haven’t looked at Tampa’s stats yet this year and I see their main claim to fame is stopping the run…..3rd in Run Defense. At home they aren’t selling out. Josh Freeman has an 84.2 passer rating. Their sack leader is Michael Bennett with 4. Their FG kicker, Connor Barth, is very accurate even from long range 3-4 from 50 plus. And in the who cares dept punter Michael Koenen is averaging 5 yards more in an outdoor stadium. You’ll remember him from his Falcon days, the Falcons franchise tag player in 09′. The Caints have immortalized Koenen in granite at the Mercedez-Benz Dome, don’t have a clue why they would worship a punter, what a waste of good granite. You might recall Steve Gleason, the other subject of the statue collaborated with filmmaker Sean Pamphilon to document his life with ALS. This included a clip of a Saints locker room talk by Gregg Williams which exhorted his players to injure opposing players. That tape became public shortly after Williams had been suspended for his role in Bountygate. Gleason criticized Pamphilon after the tape became public, saying that the filmmaker did not have rights to release the tape. Obviously Pamphilon did the right thing.
Tampa
Offense
PTS 24.0 (15th) YDS 313.4 (27th) PASS YDS 211.6 (25th) RUSH YDS 101.8 (17th)
Defense
PTS 20.2 (12th) YDS 387.2 (25th) PASS YDS 312.2 (31st) RUSH YDS 75.0 (3rd)
Like I wrote, I don’t like to look ahead but it’s a BYE week.
Esquire
October 20th, 2012
9:01 am
Saints R.E.A.M.
October 20th, 2012
7:43 am
Why have you been coming from behind the last 3 games?? Dominant teams don’t make a steady diet of close call wins. Trust that your best football is behind you.
Any DUI’s this week??
***************************************************
Why have you been coming from behind the last 3 games?? uh, to seal the VICTORY??
What a dunce hat comment to make when your own team has only managed to win 1 game.
Not only that they lost to:
Washington 3-3
Carolina 1-4
KC 1-4
Green Bay 3-3
Caints only win coming against San Diego, 3-3, whom the MIGHTY FALCONS handled easily 27-3.
Any DUI’s this week? Lol, any payments to players this week for trying to maim and injure?