Atlanta Falcons clinch NFC South title, get closer to top playoff seed
November 29, 2012 - Atlanta, Ga: The Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (28) jumps on the back of safety William Moore after Moore's first of two interceptions in their 23-13 win over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome Thursday night in Atlanta, Ga., November 29, 2012. JASON GETZ / JGETZ@AJC.COM
The calendar turned to December since the Falcons last played.
It’s the time of year when big football plans start to materialize.
“It’ll be fun for the teams involved,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “It ought to be fun for the fans and it’s going to be fun for the coaches. Football in December, it can’t get any better.”
The Falcons (11-1) wrapped up the NFC South title on Sunday. Denver’s 31-23 win over Tampa Bay (6-6) gave the Falcons a five-game lead with four games to play. New Orleans (5-7) is on playoff-life support and Carolina (3-9) is getting ready for next season.
The Falcons also picked up games on San Francisco (8-3-1) and Chicago (8-4) in the race for one of the top two playoffs seeds in the NFC, which come with a bye and a spot in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Falcons earned at least one home playoff game.
The playoff picture started to take shape after Sunday’s action.
In the AFC, Denver clinched the AFC West title, New England clinched the AFC East title and Houston clinched a playoff berth.
The Falcons will close out the regular season with games at Carolina at 1 p.m. Sunday, New York Giants on Dec. 16 at the Georgia Dome, at Detroit on Dec. 22 and Tampa Bay on Dec. 30 at the Georgia Dome.
If the Falcons sweep, they would have a franchise-best 15-1 mark. The 1998 Falcons, the franchise’s lone Super Bowl team, finished 14-2 under coach Dan Reeves.
The Falcons are the sixth team to start 11-1 since the NFL adopted a 16-game schedule with the 1978 season. Only one of them – the 1991 Washington Redskins – went on to win the Super Bowl.
The 1984 Miami Dolphins, who started 11-1, lost in Super Bowl XIX. The 1990 San Francisco 49ers lost in the NFC championship game. The 2003 Kansas City Chiefs and the 2008 Tennessee Titans lost in the division round.
The Falcons, after replacing their coordinators this offseason, have stormed to their second division title in the last three seasons. The Falcons went 13-3 in 2010, won the division title and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Dirk Koetter took over from Mike Mularkey, who was named the head coach in Jacksonville. Mike Nolan, who coached with Smith back in their Baltimore days, replaced Brian VanGorder as the defensive coordinator.
They have won with basically the same personnel executing new schemes.
“It makes me realize that we have a very good football team and we have had a good football team since we’ve gotten here,” Smith said. “It’s a maturation process that you go through as you put a team together and you build.”
Smith also points to the team’s veterans for setting the tone as some of the younger players, like safeties Thomas DeCoud and William Moore, have blossomed.
Moore had a monster game against the Saints with 11 tackles and two interceptions. He played the marauding style of football that the Falcons envisioned when they selected him with a second-round pick in 2009.
DeCoud has a career high five interceptions.
Moore and DeCoud have combined for 10 turnovers – nine interceptions and one forced fumble – which have resulted in 30 points. They are responsible for nearly half of Atlanta’s 24 takeways this season.
“We’ve got some really good leaders,” Smith said. “You reflect back on the 12 games that we’ve played and one of the things you realize is that we’re a resilient team. We don’t blink. We focus on the next play. When you do that, you’re going to have a chance to be successful.”
LATEST NEWS
Falcons avenge their only loss to improve to 11-1
Turner becomes franchise’s all-time leading touchdown leader
Falcons quoteboard: What they were saying after the game
Defense ends Drew Brees streak of 54 games with a touchdown pass
Video: Ledbetter discusses 23-13 win over the Saints
OTHER RECENT NEWS
With Sean Weatherspoon back, run defense flexes its muscle on the Muscle Hamster
Falcons quote board after 24-23 win over Tampa Bay
Turner, Rodgers challenge top rushing defense in the league
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
146 comments Add your comment
Its true though
December 2nd, 2012
9:33 pm
Deep down Matt Ryan probably didn’t want to come to Atlanta, like Favre, but he’s been a true pro and winner. Only 5 years in the league so far. He’s going to be a great one.
Traffic Headache
December 2nd, 2012
9:34 pm
Hey, Drew Brees…whose division is it now?
Man...
December 2nd, 2012
9:36 pm
GO Birds!!!
phil
December 2nd, 2012
9:40 pm
Congratulations, Birds!!
Of course we’re now just that much closer to playoff humiliation in January…..sigh.
meme
December 2nd, 2012
10:08 pm
I cant wait for the Detroit game I’d love to see Blaylock put Sukadong Sue on his butt & then put a beatdown on him when he throws a tantrum he’s a FN CREEP! and needs a fixing
meme
December 2nd, 2012
10:15 pm
Oh yeah! congratulations NFC SOUTH CHAMPS!!
shesoleo
December 2nd, 2012
10:36 pm
Hey Drew Sleazy if you didn’t get the message on Thursday night maybe your head is a little clearer today. THIS IS OUR DIVISION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FALCONS ALL DAY. Sorry your little brothers had to show you how its done. Congratulations to the MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!!!!!!! NFC SOUTH CHAMPIONS.
Kane337
December 2nd, 2012
10:59 pm
Congrats to the Falcons organization and to all their fans. Let’s enjoy the ride. RiseUp!
Mike
December 2nd, 2012
10:59 pm
Will be so sweet when this soft falcon team gets beat in the playoffs. Same ol falcons. But go ahead and talk all this junk. The weakest schedule in all of football will be exposed in January. LMAO, NO RING FOR YOU!!!!!!!
SoCalD
December 2nd, 2012
11:11 pm
Maybe they can actually play some REAL competition in the playoffs…We all know they will choke, as always, when the playoffs come around….Rise Up…. LOL
Michael M.
December 2nd, 2012
11:33 pm
Sunday night football is boring tonight…………………two losers that the Falcons beat and left in the dust…………….ha, if you want to watch excitement……………you have to watch the Atlanta Falcons play…………………..Superman is next one the list,onwards and upwards,one game at a time fellas !
TrishaDishawareagle
December 3rd, 2012
12:01 am
haha what passes as local tv news led off with “Did chuck oliver go to far in asking Mark Richt a question”..
Reporters are SUPPOSED to ask tough questions and come off sometimes sounding like a douche , that’s their JOB..I know it doesn’t seem like it , the way the media coddles hussein, but it is actually what reporters are SUPPOSED to do..
Braves #17 Fan
December 3rd, 2012
12:10 am
Those that are screaming about a light strength of schedule for the Falcons should note this. The four teams with the easiest schedules this season are as follows:
Packers
Patriots
Bears
Texans
Michael M.
December 3rd, 2012
12:10 am
Hey Trish……………Mark Richt seemed to be irate over that……..I saw it on 11……..hehehe …….almost as funny as Drew Sleeze on the side lines the other night…………..I am out
Esquire
December 3rd, 2012
12:23 am
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!
44counter
December 3rd, 2012
1:00 am
It’s not time to get all conservative because you clinched early. LET’S PLAY TO WIN EVERY GAME!!…… BIRDS RISE UP !!
FalconJim
December 3rd, 2012
1:19 am
Great job, FALCONS!!!!! Keep up the good work, and we’ll be playing in New Orleans in the Super Bowl with Drew Sleeze and his Aints watching from the stands. LOL!!! It couldn’t get no bettern’ that!!!
I mean, if you could write a script for the ultimate revenge, that would be it…
Eric C.
December 3rd, 2012
4:34 am
Just two more wins to guarantee #1 seed
dean
December 3rd, 2012
6:10 am
I’m happy but it seems anti-climatic.
Oh we’ll. Congratulations Falcons!
True Falcon Fan
December 3rd, 2012
6:17 am
Dean O —- The celebration is the Super Bowl “WINNER” — this ain’t baseball!
Go Falcons — Now HC – Smitty it’s time to prepare.
GregKennesaw
December 3rd, 2012
6:19 am
Falcons own the NFC South! Home field for playoffs is next.
Whadda Ya Know?
December 3rd, 2012
6:46 am
Congrats on locking up the NFC South Championship! Let’s take it one game at a time and play all of our remaining opponents with the same intensity as we did against the Aints.
Whadda Ya Know?
December 3rd, 2012
6:48 am
Mike, what flavor of hater-aid are you drinking? I hope it tastes good.
Gary 32
December 3rd, 2012
7:38 am
Congratulations Falcons…but….we have a weak armed qb….a defensive line that can’t rush the qb….an offensive line that can’t run block…a conservative coach that can’t win..(scratch that one)…a owner that won’t get off the sidelines…a general manager who signed Ray Edwards…we have lost in the opening round of the playoffs the last 3 years…we have no chance against the Niners..Bears…Packers…etc etc etc (sarcasm off)
Dick M
December 3rd, 2012
7:39 am
Record doesn’t mean a thing if they lose in the first round again…………….
Not watching !
December 3rd, 2012
7:51 am
I am going to do the Falcons a favor and not watch any of their playoff games. Everytime, I
watch an entire Falcon football game – they lose. So, I am going to break my tradition and
stay away from the television during the playoffs. I will be content reading the AJC playoff
results and hopefully the team will win it all.
harleyman
December 3rd, 2012
7:51 am
I guess the pundits will be saying the Falcons backed into the division title this morning.
Getaway
December 3rd, 2012
7:55 am
Before the game, Brees could be heard telling his teammates, “This is our division. We know it and they know it.” Somebody forgot to tell the Falcons. – Ryan Wilson CBS Sports
That just doesn’t get old…
dean
December 3rd, 2012
8:10 am
How bout them 49ers! Harbaugh the genius=Not!
Only 2 teams worry me in the playoffs: NYG and GB.
Once Recent Reader
December 3rd, 2012
8:20 am
I read a lot of posters spending time moaning about sportscasters and NFL analysts “not respecting” the Falcs. It’s a waste of time to worry about that. Plus, you don’t even have to go outside of many AJC blogs to get that same viewpoint from Falcon fans. It is what it is. Only wins, particularly in playoffs will change that.
Mikey
December 3rd, 2012
8:25 am
Congratulations Falcons! This is a tremendous accomplishment regardless of anyone’s negative comments.i have enjoyed this season more than any other in history. Winning the Division is a factual demonstration that this team has achieved a level of play higher than any other team in their division. It has also served as a training ground where this organization could try and evaluate various players, plays, tactics and teams. They are maturing on all fronts and they are improving continuously. Most fans will learn that history has no bearing on this team and their future. Each game is different and good players and coaches get better with hard work and practice. I have no doubt, based on the character of this team, that they will continue to improve and prepare. They are a force now and will do nothing but get even better. WATCH OUT NFL! THE FALCONS ARE SOARING! GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
Midway
December 3rd, 2012
8:29 am
The Falcons can finish 2-2 in their last 4 games and still win the top seed.
Bobby
December 3rd, 2012
8:33 am
The Falcons are great.
IowaFalcon
December 3rd, 2012
8:49 am
Isn’t it pathetic that people like “MIKE” come on here and bad mouth the Falcons because their
IowaFalcon
December 3rd, 2012
8:58 am
Wow…must have used a bad word and got blocked. Meant to say when somebodys team like “Mike’s” team is doing bad, they hate on the Falcon fans.
SawThat1nce
December 3rd, 2012
9:06 am
Mike is one of STB4’s names. Maybe Hiramtaint’s.
Neither one of them or the A-hole Choke, have the guts to come on these blogs, since the Taints have showed that they cannot have a winning season, even with the NFL zebra’s help, this year.
flatsdawg1
December 3rd, 2012
9:09 am
Matty Ice picked the Tide, that’s a little disappointing, but if he wins the Super Bowl, I’ll forgive him, hell if he just wins a playoff game I’ll forgive him !! lol GO DIRTY BIRDS!!!
SawThat1nce
December 3rd, 2012
9:09 am
One win by the Falcons, and one loss by the 49ers, will clinch the homefield through to the NFC Championship Game for Atlanta.
Falcons Rule.
December 3rd, 2012
9:18 am
THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! 18-1 and Lombardi coming up…..get off the wagon doubting azzclowns….you too Michael M…..fool.
Sir Isaac Newton
December 3rd, 2012
9:19 am
What comes up, must come down. The higher you climb, the harder you fall.
warfalcon
December 3rd, 2012
9:20 am
NFC Champs,now it is still ONE GAME AT A TIME with 4 games left.LETS GO FALCON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
okeetee
December 3rd, 2012
9:24 am
No question that probably the biggest improvement in this years team is the play of the secondary. Ours use to be so pathetically flawed that I didn’t think ANY of the 4 guys in the secondary knew where they were suppose to be when the defensive huddle broke! Now, I think it’s only 1 guy that doesn’t know! Plus, they stay closer to their man instead of having them wide open when they do catch a pass! The other big plus for us is a revved up passing attack! There is basically NO team in this years NFC that we can’t beat, especially if we play them at our place! We frankly, have yet to put 4 good quarters together, and with a break here and a break there, we could end up in the Super Bowl! SF is not as strong as previously thought, and the Giants secondary is a sieve! We might have trouble with GB but they will have to beat us in our place again to take us out.
Esquire
December 3rd, 2012
9:25 am
Kim Bassinger
December 2nd, 2012
7:32 pm
Matty Ice needs to redeem himself for picking Alabama and saying “Role Tide” on ESPN Game Day in front of a national audience. Winning a Super Bowl would do it.
*********************************************
Get over it. Julio was on the Bama sideline………..so what. The dude is allowed to pull for whomever he pleases. When asked he said he had an allegiance to his teammate. Nothing wrong with that. But I’d be most appreciative if he would help the Falcons bring home that Lombardi.
Loyal Falcon
December 3rd, 2012
9:28 am
I’m not sure what Falcon games some of you are watching. Because through 12 games I’ve seen a QB that’s tough and can through the deep ball and a defense that doesn’t give up many points. A team can have all the yards they want as long as they don’t score. We will be alright this time around in the playoffs. I trust Mike and Dirk way more than I trusted Mularkey and Van Gorder
Lombardi
December 3rd, 2012
9:32 am
I like dreaming……’cuz dreaming can make you mine…….I like dreaming…………..
NoleRick
December 3rd, 2012
9:37 am
We pretty much have the #1 seed locked up. Let’s beat Superman and payback Eli for last year and then start resting our guys for a Superbowl Run.
Norm Van B.
December 3rd, 2012
9:39 am
They still won’t get the respect they deserve from Bradshaw and crew. Who cares.. This year will be different in the playoffs.
What about the dawgs?
What are the bowl selection people smoking?Drop to 6th..Crazy !They evidently didn’t see the same game I saw on Saturday. Then they are offered the Capital Bowl against an 16th ranked team. Give me a break.
I wish Richt would turn it down. as a matter of disrespect to his team. But I know its all about money the schooll would lose if he did..Go Dawgs
GregKennesaw
December 3rd, 2012
9:41 am
best record in NFL, NFC South champs in week 13, that’s not dreaming, that’s a fact all you haters can’t ignore
GregKennesaw
December 3rd, 2012
9:42 am
2 more wins and we get home field in playoffs.
Esquire
December 3rd, 2012
9:44 am
We won the NFC South CONGRATS!!
……………..time to move on, we have a game on Sunday, last place or not, they are a NFC rival and we should think in terms of pummel, pound, and punish.
Falcons Offense
PTS 26.4 (8th) YDS 377.3 (9th) PASS YDS 286.1 (4th) RUSH YDS 91.2 (28th)
Panthers Defense
PTS 24.3 (20th) YDS 347.8 (14th) PASS YDS 218.9 (8th) RUSH YDS 128.8 (25th)
Panthers Offense
PTS 19.6 (23rd) YDS 343.6 (18th) PASS YDS 230.8 (16th) RUSH YDS 112.8 (16th)
Falcons Defense
PTS 19.1 (5th) YDS 352.5 (18th) PASS YDS 231.2 (15th) RUSH YDS 121.3 (21st)
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS…………..!!!!