Falcons rough up Vick, Eagles to improve to 7-0
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones scored on a 63-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. (Associated Press)
PHILADELPHIA — During their bye week, the Falcons heard all the chatter: Their 6-0 record was accumulated against the meeker souls of the NFL.
On Sunday, those same Falcons demonstrated that the league’s last undefeated team is strong enough to dismantle the dangerous Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, winning 30-17 at rain-swept Lincoln Financial Field.
“We don’t care,” right tackle Tyson Clabo said of the perceived lack of national respect. “Everyone in here looks each other in the eye and we know that we believe in each other. We think we have something special.”
While it’s far too early to start talking about challenging Miami’s 17-0 perfect mark, the victory did allow Falcons coach Mike Smith to become the winningest coach in franchise history (50-21) on day when quarterback Matt Ryan was nearly flawless.
With Ryan’s pinpoint passing, some timely contributions from the ground game and better tackling, the Falcons shredded the Eagles, posting a 24-7 halftime lead and never looking back.
The Falcons, the NFL’s last remaining undefeated team, improved to 7-0. The Eagles dropped to 3-4.
Ryan completed 22 of 29 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns, including a 63-yard bomb to Julio Jones in the second quarter. With their quarterback operating at a high level, the Falcons scored on their first six possessions. Punter Matt Bosher was called on only twice all day.
“Our offensive line did a great job in that (opening 80-yard) drive and, really throughout the entire day, of keeping a great pocket,” Ryan said. “We ran the ball really effectively, too.”
The defense, which has had having trouble stopping the run, made Vick look ordinary, taking better angles to the ball and wrapping up with force. Vick rushed for 42 yards on seven tries but was sacked three times.
The Eagles, who were averaging 379 yards per game, were held to 270 yards, their rushing attack limited to 92 yards on 24 carries.
Facing the Eagles’ revered defensive front, Atlanta stuck with their ground game and the plan eventually paid dividends. Running backs Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers combined for 118 yards rushing on 32 carries, Rodgers finally breaking loose for a 43-yard gain in the third quarter.
The offensive line, which featured rookie Peter Konz in his first NFL start, stayed after the Eagles all game.
“Our line coach Pat Hill said it was like an 80-round fight,” Clabo said. “There are 80 plays in a game, 80 rounds, and we had to answer the bell every time. I think we did. We just kept getting in the huddle, coming out and we were just fighting.”
While the offense was consistently putting up points, the defense was stifling Vick, who completed 21 of 35 passes for 191 yards.
“We knew that we could not allow their quarterback to extend plays,” Smith said. “He’s most dangerous when he extends plays. We knew that we couldn’t allow him to throw it over our head because he’s got a very strong arm. He’s got a 60-yard-plus arm.”
To counter the run, the Falcons used three defensive tackles on some downs, with Jonathan Babineaux shifting to defensive end.
“It’s just something that we’ve been working on,” said defensive tackle Corey Peters, who saw his first action of the season. “Maybe we’ll see more of it in the future. It just depends on what the offense is trying to do to us.”
With the defense tackling better, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was held to 45 yards rushing on 16 carries.
“We tackled them when we had a chance to tackle them,” defensive end John Abraham said. “There weren’t many missed tackles. A lot of the big runs in weeks prior came from missed tackles. We did a good job of wrapping up.”
The Falcons came off of their bye week ready to play. The offense put together two long initial touchdown drives and the defense held the Eagles to a three-and-out as the Falcons jumped out to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead.
The Falcons led 24-7 at halftime.
The Eagles’ defense, under the direction of new coordinator Todd Bowles, didn’t seem to have any answers. The Eagles left wide receiver Drew Davis open for a 15-yard touchdown reception. The Eagles fired former defensive coordinator Juan Castillo on Oct. 16.
Davis’s grab capped a splendid opening 16-play drive that took 8:44 off the clock.
In his most extended duty, Konz appeared to hold up well in the trenches.
“He did a great job,” center Todd McClure said. “I told him that I was proud of him.”
The Falcons can take their case to the nation Sunday when they face Dallas in a nationally televised game at the Georgia Dome.
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117 comments Add your comment
Mike Franklin
October 28th, 2012
5:34 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan – You’re always welcome here. Just bring a parachute because somebody is gonna chunk you off the CNN tower before its over, lol.
And the train kept rolling all night long...
October 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
This is NOT your grandfather’s Falcon unit. Just need to find more running game. Snelling/Quiz need more touches.
Angry Birds!
Mike Franklin
October 28th, 2012
5:37 pm
I gots a cold Guinness Extra Stout for any Falcons fan in the Auburn, Alabama area… need someone to make a fuss with, lol!!!
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
5:38 pm
In 98 I knew Minnesota Vikings were the better team. Will never forget that cold rainy day celebrating outside with everybody else yelling and celebrating. To go to Minnesota and win that game was unreal. Then playing Denver was another game that the Falcons were underdogs to win and when we woke up and Eugene Robinson was all the talk….We knew right then the Falcons were going lose. This year is different because the Falcons have no competition that are as good as they are. They are the team to beat this year. This team has a real legit chance this year. It’s the Falcons Super Bowl to lose not to win.
MarkATL
October 28th, 2012
5:39 pm
The only way Dallas wins next week is if Aikman, Irvin, and Emmitt all come back!! (That’s not happening.) LOL!!!!
Hey "CHOKE", I can see it now...
October 28th, 2012
5:42 pm
…the Birds go 15-1, 14-2, or even 16-0, but then they have to play the dreaded NFC second round game here in Atlanta, and, surprise, BIrds lose, as usual in the playof game…and Smith and Ryan both say “we have just go to play better…
Answer This
October 28th, 2012
5:43 pm
He needs to be defened Choke! He choked on that L today!
dirtybirdJ
October 28th, 2012
5:52 pm
CAN SOMEONE PLZ INLIGHT ME ON WHATS GOING ON WITH SPOON.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
All these Chokes, boy they just keep com’n on here choke’n on there on vomit, & have to be mopped up w/ “seen” this floor w/ soak’n up the flehm w/ who dat’ bristles, these ‘aints forgot a bucket, oh well, these n’orlens choke artists never learn.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
5:57 pm
Different Breed of Birds, new results, new focus, all these crawldad trolls r runn’n out of material.
MarkATL
October 28th, 2012
5:58 pm
Spoon has an ankle sprain.. I think he will be OK for next week.
JacksonD
October 28th, 2012
6:01 pm
Mark, where are you hearing that at?
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
6:04 pm
@ mike Franklin@TNF60; yeah that minnesota was my superbowl, still got the’98 VHS tape recording, also got the 1978 1st playoff win @ fulco. @ the eagles here, & 1980 heartbreaking playoff game against da’ cowboys, how ironic, but old school at it’s best, still amazed by the old commercials, James Garner & his wife doing the old polaroid commercial, man, it takes me back. I could reminise w/ u guys.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 28th, 2012
6:04 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
6:05 pm
Dallas has no clue what they are getting into next Sun. night. Falcons will be winning 17-0 before they can blink. I hope the Falcons don’t let up after that. I think they learned from the Denver game earlier this year that you have to play 4qtrs. of football. It is hard to keep that drive of showing up to play to win every week. Coach Smith has done a great job making sure the team is ready to play every week. Now how do you motivate a team when all they are going to hear in the press is how great they are? They still need to go out there and feel like they have something to prove. Some of us are still trying to get over the Braves this yr. and a win against Dallas with the Dome rocking will put all thoughts of the Braves a distant memory. All this talk about the playoffs loses don’t really stick to the Falcons like it can be said about the Braves. This team hit all cylinders this year. Falcons will go into the playoffs this year with a team that is ready to handle any situation you throw at them.
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
6:13 pm
Roddy White put that screen block to break free Julio Jones was beautiful. All these great play makers on offense and none of them are selfish. The team’s chemistry is so good.
44counter
October 28th, 2012
6:16 pm
When you can see a team’s confidence by just watching the tv, they’re going to be hard to beat.
That first drive was a work of art,,,,,,,,SO FAR, SO GOOD!!
E LOVE
October 28th, 2012
6:18 pm
We don’t need any new Band Wagon riders trying to jump on this DIRTY BIRD TRAIN. Stay with your team and QB and move on. FALCONS we Fly High
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
TommyNobisfan60(ATL “LEGEND”) they are click’n at all cylinders, like a well oiled machine, an old “THUNDERBIRD” if u will, everybody on the same page,”Playing For Each Other”, no me firsts, or only me’s around here, these birds going to war as a unit, a batallion w/ purpose in mind. “Fighting for each other today, Gotta Love it, Fired up fellas, Fired Up! They’s purpose Driven.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
6:26 pm
Very good point 44counter; I didn’t notice any blink’n goin’ on, cause these Birds came w/ clear focus, noth’n else but the task at hand, CLEAR PLAN, CLEAR FOCUS!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
6:32 pm
Much respects to E Love; yeah, these Birds are fly’n high. Theres a new Breed of Bird Fly’n High in the ATL; & them Dawgs ate ‘em some Gator jerky down in Tallahasee last night, Lov’n the Shock ‘n Awe that others from the outside are hate’n right now. This feels good! Enjoy’n the momment w/ my teams & NOT taken it for Granted.
Falcons Rule.
October 28th, 2012
6:33 pm
I TOLD YOU NON-BELIEVING AZZCLOWNS THAT THE BIRDS ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP. Falcons will win go undefeated and win the superbowl……..FACT. Matt Ryan will win the MVP……FACT. WHERE ARE THOSE CLOWNS KNOCKING BAKER AND THE OFFENSIVE LINE NOW???? Oh how many sacks did they give up against that vaunted Eagles D?????
Jazz
October 28th, 2012
6:37 pm
WOW FALCONS 7-0!!!!! That is how you RISE UP!!!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
October 28th, 2012
6:40 pm
44Counter; u said key word, “confidence”, for years, & probably still hear the detractors say wait & see, & I can’t blame ‘em, (but) w/ that said, I’m charged w/ this euphoria that’s real, ’cause, this team is “For Real”, the coaches ain’t makin’ it vanilla & predictable, like they’ve been for a while, new coordinators, both offence & defense have made them unpredictable, in the trenches, the backfields, the slots, Lov’n this new found pound’n football baby!
Falcon James
October 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
Great win today by the Falcon. We put together a solid plan and executed near flawlessly. I am starting to think the only way to improve will be to just abandoned the running game all together and let Ryan beats the rest of the team with his arm. It obvious that Turner will not gain over 2 yard per carry. We watch him lose yardage all day and won the game inspire of no rushing attack. It was no more evident than in the last 5 minute of the game that we can’t run the clock out on the ground. Other than that, the Falcon look unstoppable.
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
7:06 pm
I would like to see Quizz get the ball more. I feel like he could run the clock out. He is 5 foot nothing but makes up for it with a huge heart. I bet he could run the clock out down the stretch. Turner did not have much room to work with because they bunched the line because they knew the Falcons were going run it up the middle. It was a great game for the Falcons. they went into hostile territory and made it a safe zone within the first 8 min. of the game. That is how good the Falcons are this year.
MarkATL
October 28th, 2012
7:07 pm
The Falcons played 60 minutes of total football and dominated in ALL 3 PHASES of the game – offense, defense, and special teams. Next up.. The Big D!
around town
October 28th, 2012
7:14 pm
Falcons played really well today, completely dominating from the start. IMO opinion, though, the running game has to improve in order for them to move into a truly elite status. M. Turner just doesn’t seem up to the job, or maybe the O line needs to run block better, or both.
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
7:23 pm
IMO THE FALCONS ARE THE ELITE STATUS TEAM OF THE NFL
KQuark
October 28th, 2012
7:28 pm
This was the most complete win this year. The O ran more than it passed and got almost 400 yards of total offense. They held the Eagles to under 300 yards total offense at home including under 100 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. Matty Ice was almost flawless in the first half and still made no mistakes when the weather became more of a factor. The only big mistake was the blocked punt.
I think it really helped having Peters back and Konz starting.
So kudos to the players and coaches they were ready to play in every aspect of the game.
DR. FALCON
October 28th, 2012
7:29 pm
“ROAD WARRIORS”! THE EAGLES, ARE WEAK! BRING ON THE DALLAS “COWGIRLS”! IT’S FINALLY HERE! THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING THE “DOME”, NEXT WEEK!
Michael M .
October 28th, 2012
7:44 pm
Falcons OWN the NFC South ……………..want to see Manning chop up the Caints here in a few and give them some reality………………………….
Sav FAN
October 28th, 2012
7:51 pm
Bring on the Boyz-losers again
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
Looking ahead —– — I missed that. Trying to get of Philly before Sandy arrives.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2012
7:58 pm
Falcon fan — read the entire headline.
Undefeated
October 28th, 2012
7:58 pm
Where is Mr NFL and the negative comments?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2012
8:01 pm
Realfalconfan – REad the entire headline — FALCON ROUGH UP VICK (and) EAGLES TO IMPROVE TO 7-0
Charleston Jacket
October 28th, 2012
8:02 pm
Great win. Gotta keep focus – historically we struggle against Dallas. In fact I am not sure if we have ever beat them – gonna be a tough game.
THWG
Falcony
October 28th, 2012
8:02 pm
Way to go Angry Birds!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 28th, 2012
8:03 pm
DIRTYBIRDj — Spoon had an ankle injury. Was in good spirits after the game. Didn’t have on a boot. Smith didn’t give an official update.
Ed
October 28th, 2012
8:05 pm
Outstanding performance by the Falcons coming out of the bye week. Matt Ryan is so comfortable in this offense. That long pass to Julio for the touchdown was a thing of beauty.
" ICE "
October 28th, 2012
8:20 pm
is good.
TommyNobisfan60
October 28th, 2012
8:26 pm
Davis”s footwork on the TD catch was another thing of beauty.
meme
October 28th, 2012
8:34 pm
rodney dangerfields of the nfl just fuels the fire. i dont usually say stuff like this but i think the man can take it with grain mr2 is a football god n can take us to the promised land(superbowl)!
Al Bruce
October 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
Ya’ll better have the Dome rocking next Sunday Night. The rest of the NFC needs a preview of what kind of environment awaits them come playoff time if the Falcons hold off the Bears/Giants for the #1 seed.
RB
October 28th, 2012
8:45 pm
Great win Falcons! Nuff said!
Go Deep
October 28th, 2012
9:03 pm
Like taking Candy From a Baby !! Yahoooooo!!
Great Win !!
Tom(Independent Viet Vet-USAF)
October 28th, 2012
9:03 pm
That 1st half was the best I’ve ever seen with the Falcons offense! The D played a very solid complete game, with only a few missed tackles, but the Eagles had something to do with that also!
Okay Now
October 28th, 2012
9:07 pm
I was not completley sold on the Falcons until today. The looked UNSTOPPABLE. The played great on every side of the ball. And they did all this in Philly (very hostile enviorment). Literally, NO ONE picked them to win but they dominated from start to finish.
The score was 30-10 until late in the 4th. At the end of the game the Falcons were in the redzone and could have scored instead they chose to just run the clock out.
Falcons could have easily ran the score up but instead just tried to run the clock out. If they really tried in the 4th to KEEP scoring this would’ve been worse……
Joe
October 28th, 2012
9:17 pm
Keep you head down, eyes up, and keep chopping wood.