Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan leads victory over Lions for NFC’s top seed
DETROIT—Any opponent coming to the Georgia Dome in the playoffs will have to deal with the Falcons and their sizzling quarterback.
Matt Ryan staggered the Lions early and finished them off late for a 31-18 Falcons victory Saturday night at Ford Field. The Falcons (13-2) will be the NFC’s top seed with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.
Now the Falcons will try to parlay the NFC’s top seed into postseason success. They couldn’t do it in 2010, when they also posted the NFC’s best record only to lose 48-21 to the Packers in the divisional playoffs round.
“It’s in the back of our minds,” Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud said of that game. “But we know we are a different team than we were two years ago with the passion we play with and the play-making ability is much higher than we had two years ago.”
Atlanta’s victory over Detroit rendered moot the result of next Sunday’s regular-season finale against Tampa Bay at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons now will sit back and watch the rest of the NFC’s playoff contenders fight it out for the five other seeds.
The Lions (4-11) lost their seventh consecutive game and could only take solace in wide receiver Calvin Johnson breaking Jerry Rice’s season-single record for receiving yards (1,848). Johnson, the former Sandy Creek High and Georgia Tech standout, needed 182 yards for the mark and finished with 11 catches for 225 yards.
The Falcons will ride into the playoffs with Ryan and the passing game back to their early-season forms. After Ryan carved up the Giants in a 34-0 victory on Sunday, he was 25 for 32 for 279 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions.
Ryan was 15 of 16 for 184 yards with three touchdowns in the first half as the Falcons raced out to a 21-6 lead. When the Lions rallied to within 21-16 early in the final quarter to energize their fans, Ryan quieted them by leading Atlanta on a 10-play touchdown drive.
Ryan completed six straight passes during drive, including a 15-yard pass to Roddy White to convert a third down. Ryan also had 16-yard scramble on second-and-17 and finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Michael Palmer.
“Matt made some big-time throws for us in that drive,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “That’s what Matt has done for us all season long.”
Ryan’s fourth touchdown pass gave him 31 for the season. That ties the franchise single-season record set by Steve Bartkowski in 1980.
Ryan started the game by completing his first 12 pass attempts for 156 yards, including touchdown passes of 44 and 39 yards to White. Ryan’s next pass fell incomplete to leave him two short of the NFL record for consecutive completions—he’d connected on his final 10 attempts against the Giants.
That ended up being Ryan’s only missed pass in the first half. He was 15 for 16 with 184 yards and added a 16-yard touchdown toss to Jones after the two-minute warning.
But Detroit kicked a field goal to trim the lead to 21-6 before halftime and Atlanta’s offense bogged down to start the second half. After the Falcons went three-and-out on their opening possession, the Lions answered with a 10-play, 60-yard drive capped by Mikel Leshoure’s touchdown run.
The Falcons managed just 18 yards on their second possession of the half. The Lions drove to a first-and-goal at Atlanta’s six-yard line to open the fourth quarter but the Falcons held them to a field goal that made it 21-16.
Ultimately the Lions lost because they were the latest opponent that couldn’t stop Atlanta’s passing game even though the Falcons didn’t run the ball effectively.
In the days before the game, Lions coach Jim Schwartz said the Falcons no longer are the power-running team from years past. Now the Falcons air it out with Ryan, Jones, White, tight end Tony Gonzalez and new coordinator Dirk Koetter.
White had eight catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns and Jones had seven receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. Gonzalez’s had just one catch but the nine-yard reception converted a third down on the touchdown drive that put the Falcons up 28-16.
“In our offense, I feel like it can be any one of those three guys to step up and make the plays week in and week out,” Ryan said. “Roddy in the first half had some unbelievable plays for us, some explosives. I’m fortunate to have all of those guys around me.”
Falcons players are off until Wednesday. They’ll have a relatively relaxed two weeks as the rest of the NFC playoff picture shakes out and then the wild card teams open the playoffs in two weeks.
The lowest-seeded team to advance from the wild card round will play the Falcons at the Georgia Dome on Jan. 12 or 13. As things stand now, Atlanta’s first playoff game most likely will be against either the Seahawks or the eventual winner of the NFC East from among the Redskins, Cowboys or Giants.
But a lot still can change because the 49ers and Packers are the only other NFC teams that have clinched a playoff spot. The 49ers (10-3-1) are the NFC’s No. 2 team at the moment but the Packers (10-4) still can catch them and earn a first-round bye and a home game in the divisional round.
The Falcons no longer have to worry about playoff positioning.
“We are right where we wanted to be,” Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson said. “When we started talking about it in training camp, we wanted to be a good team by the end of the year and control our own destiny. So far things are working out. We have just go out and finish the deal.”
The Falcons will seek to end a three-game losing streak in the playoffs.
In 2008 they lost 30-24 at Arizona in the wild-card round. After losing to Green Bay in the 2010 playoffs, they fell 24-2 to the Giants in the wild-card round last season.
“I think we are definitely a different football team than we’ve been the past couple of years,” Ryan said. “Right now I think our confidence is high and our experience in the past, both good and bad, have helped us get to the point we’re at. I think the key is to continue to keep the focus where it’s been.”
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137 comments Add your comment
32ozMattyIce
December 22nd, 2012
11:50 pm
Nobody who watched this game can say that Matt Ryan is not an elite quarterback. He was under constant pressure all night and still managed to throw for 4 TDs and 0 INTs. Gotta get the run game going, but the important thing is that the road to the Super Bowl runs through the Georgia Dome, baby!
HPDawg
December 22nd, 2012
11:53 pm
Ya Baby! Matty Ice and Roddy!!
HPDawg
December 22nd, 2012
11:54 pm
And hats off to MegaTron, he is a beast!
CongratsFlacons
December 22nd, 2012
11:55 pm
Well done Falcons! Atlanta is proud! Keep it rolling to the SuperBowl. Congrats to Calvin too.
Russmon
December 22nd, 2012
11:57 pm
Wow WTG Falcons!!! Man, this feels good. Enjoy Atlanta fans. The Falcons are getting better and better every year.
NCDawg
December 22nd, 2012
11:57 pm
Proud of the team. They are going to have to rin the ball better in the Playoffs though. We darn sure have a good QB at the helm. Go Falcons!!!
wisconsinfalcons fan
December 22nd, 2012
11:59 pm
ok we still got to tackle better it is play off time knock some body head off next game this is the NFL other wise we played a good game congrats to Calvin Johnson but thats that, stay focus next week Tampon Bay, 14-1 then rest ,yes JUST WIN BABY
NCDawg
December 22nd, 2012
11:59 pm
Oh yea, I almost forgot, Congrats Megatron. A Falcons win make his yards a lot easier to swallow. whew, I can see Julio Jones being that good soon!!!
vesaversa
December 23rd, 2012
12:06 am
The lions play the Falcons tough tonight and they prevail. Hats off to Calvin Johnson he is a Georgia boy and a outstanding player i have watch him play football since high school so i am a fan . But Matt Ryan have really become a elite QB this year .Ryan Julio Jones Roddy White could very well go to the Super bowl this year. The defense kind of worry me i don’know if it was the defensive coordinator fault or the players but they didn’t get a hand on Matthew Stafford not once .The Falcons will have to rush the QB better than they have .Dirtybirds !
Merry Christmas guys
kd
December 23rd, 2012
12:09 am
Told y’all, we close now, lets rest our starters and them do our thing, indoors for the test of the season !!
Elvis is Alive
December 23rd, 2012
12:11 am
Good win. Some interesting and new offensive twists. Sadly, “Stonewall” Michael Turner cannot burst or rip away from the defensive players. MR2 is tough. AS22 Is tough. Konz was a warrior with possibly the best defensive player in the game.Offensive line had some good moments. McClain and Hope were in the zone. It’s NOW or NEXT year. Take a day off. Ok Take two…Tampa Bay at Home…and then its time to drill down for the big prize.
Rise up ..ANGRY bIRDS…Rise up
Devin
December 23rd, 2012
12:13 am
Falcons fan but, going no where with that running game. It’s a joke!
Get Back Jojo
December 23rd, 2012
12:13 am
Great job Falcons, and on ESPN stage. How ya like us now?
Don’t let up….Lets keep rolling
GO FALCONS!!!
eddie willers
December 23rd, 2012
12:18 am
When did Calvin Johnson get such a silly nickname?
TWO GOOD DOGS
December 23rd, 2012
12:21 am
TURNER, THE RALLY KILLER AND THE COACH WHO CALLS HIS NUMBER, WILL BE ATLANTA’S DOWNFALL IN THE END. EVERYONE HAS PREACHED AND PREACHED, BEGGED AND BEGGED TO STOP USING THAT GUY. HIS INABILITY CAUSES THE TEAM TO ALTER IT’S PLAY CALLING. FORCES INTO RISKY PLAYS TO KEEP POSSESSION. AS GOOD AS WE WERE TONITE, WE WERE ONLY A QUICK PASS INTO GETTING TIED IN THE 3RD QUARTER. IT WAS AN UGLY WIN. I;LL TAKE IT, BUT ANOTHER UGLY WIN.
Bird droppings
December 23rd, 2012
12:27 am
The only thing missing tonight was maybe a little bit of Gonzales and Jaquizz. So many options on offense for Matt Ryan. Gruden was on his game tonight too.
Stock picker
December 23rd, 2012
12:29 am
Your dates are wrong. Game will be jan 12 or 13
Tonyv-atl
December 23rd, 2012
12:29 am
we still need a fullback that can block
the game will be on the 12th or 13th
Peachtree John
December 23rd, 2012
12:34 am
And how about the Atlanta running game scoring 2 points for the Lyons on that Safety. I try hard, but can’t understand why they insist on trying to run 33 time aftter time. His days are done. He did a good job, but, he can’t cut it any longer. Too bad the coaching staff does not, or won’t see it.
Congratulations to the team on home field advantage.
dave
December 23rd, 2012
12:35 am
playing hard. I hope William moore is waiting on playoffs. we need him in that secondary. matt ryan is a top qb in this league. jac rogers needs more carry’s.
Eastpoint
December 23rd, 2012
12:43 am
nothing to get excited about…it was the lowly lions, until Falcons win a playoff game..I can’t take these guys seriously, winning homefield is no guarantee falcons will win a playoff game…
Never First, Just the Best.
December 23rd, 2012
12:43 am
Enter your comments here
Michael M.
December 23rd, 2012
12:44 am
Not gonna debate it…………………………………Atlanta will be playing in the NFC championship game for sure this year!
Never First, Just the Best.
December 23rd, 2012
12:48 am
Sorry about the “Enter your comments here” post, My fingers dont do what I want all the time anymore. The Falcons will have to hope the cowbabies or the Redskins make it and knock the Giaints out. Cause you know if Manning gets another shot at us he will want blood. And for the few that want a Falcon Bronco rematch in the SB, don’t think you can get by Peyton twice with the same tricks.
Good win, Need more no-huddle.
Dwayne C
December 23rd, 2012
12:52 am
Agree with “Eastpoint”. Defense gave up a lot of yards in the air, tackling looked shaky quite a bit and RB Michael Turner continues to look as though he’s running with cement blocks attached to his shoes. I hope the Falcons can win a playoff game this year at the very least. Thy better celean some things up or they won’t.
TM
December 23rd, 2012
12:52 am
Turner is not running hard, he is waiting for contact to come to him instead of initiating it, which is what made him successful in his early years with the Falcons. Also, why pitch the ball and expect him to make the edge when he is much too slow for that. The pitch play has been much more successful with Jaquizz Rodgers this year.
Dawg
December 23rd, 2012
12:57 am
two good dogs, go away; you are an idiot ……………….Falcons won with ease w/o help from Gonsales or Turner …….. if we can win w/o them just think how we will kick ass with them ………… Congratz Coons, have a merry Christmas
dj
December 23rd, 2012
12:57 am
damn Im just proud of my team.
kd
December 23rd, 2012
12:58 am
3 forced turnovers, 4 passing touchdowns
kd
December 23rd, 2012
12:59 am
And they focus on a Damm meaningless record
kd
December 23rd, 2012
1:00 am
The media
kd
December 23rd, 2012
1:01 am
Is r-I-d-I-c-u-L-o-u-s
kd
December 23rd, 2012
1:02 am
D led stop blocking so many phrases
bullrusher1
December 23rd, 2012
1:06 am
Congrats CJ. Great job Falcons. Not as good as against the Giants, but great showing overall. Keep t up and the Lombardi Trophy will be coming to the Dome.
falconfreak
December 23rd, 2012
1:16 am
us falcon freaks are used to being a run first team. just cant grasp this pass first team thing . but look where run first got us.lets see where this takes us. good win falcons!
Michael
December 23rd, 2012
1:27 am
I’m concern about our running game for the playoffs.
Mark
December 23rd, 2012
1:48 am
I’m a Falcons fan from long back. Recently moved from Houston to Chicago and also am a Texans fan. I love the Falcons, but they scare me on defense and the running game is just not complimentary to the passing game. Turner just seems to float out of the backfield with no head of steam. He is definitely not an east-west runner. Without the running game and a good defense, I fear that we still won’t go far in the playoffs but I am still rooting for them. Falcons-Texasn Superbowl would be “priceless” for me as I would win either way.
Fats G
December 23rd, 2012
1:50 am
Houston vs Atlanta in Super Bowl…..That’s what I love to see. Never know
Strange Murphy
December 23rd, 2012
2:04 am
Where’s that “MattChokeRyan” loser?
Strange Murphy
December 23rd, 2012
2:06 am
Oh I see! He’s posting as “TWO GOOD DOGS” now.
we can make a real run
December 23rd, 2012
2:57 am
we got #1 seed. Haters can talk about history, real fans talk about now and the future. I think our team this year is the best falcons team ever assembled (yes even better than the 98-99) falcons. Forget the past and we will play this out this year. The SB is in new orleans this year and that is just the story book of our season. This year has a different feel to it and I know in my heart of hearts If we win that first playoff game we will go all the way. Would be nice to knock out GB & SF on the way to the bowl just to silence all the critics. I see a rematch of the last time we went to the SB and that will be the story of that game. Only this time the falcons win it all.
The Mayans Were Wrong, So Are You
December 23rd, 2012
3:03 am
They keep running the ball because it sets up the play-action which we were 7 for 7, 109yards and 3TDs. Turner’s done, but he serves a function still. Sometimes a good running game is one that sets up a great passing game. So everyone get out of your bunkers and ride on the bandwagon that’s still nationally dismissed.
Aficionado67
December 23rd, 2012
3:56 am
Congrats on the win, that’s the stat that counts! Plenty of stuff to get better on heading into the playoffs. Glad to see Roddy White finish the game and no serious injuries for the whole squad, time for some rest and recovery. I don’t know if Turner has always tipped up to the line like he does now, waiting for a crease to open but he surely doesn’t “bust it up in there” or make people miss like Rogers does. Fantastic play calling and execution on offense, seemed a little passive on defense. Time to take it to another level!
Big Daddy
December 23rd, 2012
5:48 am
Great game from the Birds tonight on the road. Detroit tried to make a game of it in the 3rd quarter but our overall talent stop their rally and put the game away in the 4th. I hope our wide receivers are not too banged up. They may only play a few possessions in the Tampa Bay game, which I still hope we win and the Falcons use that game to try a few schemes.
Lots of Kudos to go around to the players and coaches. Jon Gruden’s explanation of some of the OC’s play calling certainly gave everyone a better understanding of the teams offensive and defensive sets. I hope this is really the Falcons year to win it all. I don’t know statistically what number of times the 1st seed has gone on to the Super Bowl and won but, I am hoping our Falcons can do it this year. GO FALCONS!!!
Samuel
December 23rd, 2012
6:06 am
In the moment of Calvin Megatron Johnson’s breaking of Jerry Rice’s record, Roddy White had one hell of game. Matt Ryan played outstanding and the secondary were ball hawks as usual coupled with Kroy Bierman and John Abraham’s forced fumble. I think Suh will give Konz something to work on in practice. Because he got pushed around against the lineman. All in all Dirk Koetter did and outstanding job and the offence executed well. Run game did ok, but I like to see a better run game going into the playoffs. Maybe they can focus on that against Tampa Bay.
oldmike
December 23rd, 2012
7:08 am
watched MR2’s head on pass to JJ in corner of end zone. JJ was third read and throw was perfect. these guys are pretty special. this tram is just growing up and the playoff thing will take care of itself.
playermac
December 23rd, 2012
7:12 am
Please no more end around play calling. The line is missing to many blocks when this play is called. I look up and see more defensive players in the play than offensive blockers.
felix the cat
December 23rd, 2012
7:24 am
Falcons never have to leave the comfort of the dome!! Go Falcons! Win the Super Bowl!
bravesgrl4life on the Falcons train in 2012
December 23rd, 2012
7:29 am
Way to go, Falcons! Keep it going! I was born a Bucs girl (in the Tampa Bay area) and lived through the really bad 70s and 80s for that team (moved to Atlanta in 1992), and normally, I have a hard time rooting for anybody during a Bucs/Falcons game. But next Sunday, I’ll be in Tampa Bay for New Years, and I will be wearing my red & black! The game doesn’t really mean anything, but I’ll still be hoping the Falcons win and go what, 14-2? Sorry, Bucs, but gotta pull for my adopted hometown team now! Oh, and please, I really want the Falcons and Giants knocked out early. I’m tired of those guys.
Falcon fan
December 23rd, 2012
7:52 am
Great Win …!! Everyone stay healthy. Remember guys this team is still a work in progress. Great showing in the 2nd half. That last touch down drive was a statement. Things to work on still. Gettin there though… Go Falcons..!!!!
Stay home #7 suporters .........
December 23rd, 2012
7:56 am
Enter your comments here
Stay home #7 suporters .........
December 23rd, 2012
8:01 am
This team should mark the end of fools wearing #7 jerseys to the dome……..
Matty “The Man” Ryan will be remembered as a TRUE winner in Falcons lore, not the convicted dog murderer..
Any one wearing a #7 jersey should be badgered and showered with a beer until he removes a worthless piece of laundry from a horrific past.
Let’s give credit where credit is due. Stay the h e l l home and wear your garb.
Falcon fan
December 23rd, 2012
8:07 am
I think with alot of these fans its more about flying the Falcon colors than rooting for #7. A jersey…is a jersey…is a jersey….
imho…
GOooooooooooooooooooo Falcons…!!!!
papadawg
December 23rd, 2012
8:07 am
Ol 33 just stop running and cost the Birds a saftey. Time to get younger at RB
booger
December 23rd, 2012
8:17 am
Totally agree with ‘Stay home #7 supporters’.
Quit show ignorance by living in the past. This is probably the best team since 1998 Birds, 1980 Bartkowski/Andrews bunch which should of won it all . They were better than the Eagles that year, that loss was devistating to Dallas, thanks to the ‘prevent defense’.
Go Coons !!!!!
booger
December 23rd, 2012
8:18 am
(Quit showing)
A Wise Falcon's Fan
December 23rd, 2012
8:19 am
On you FALCONS to the SUPERBOWL Championship. I hereby mandate victory. Coach Smith if you need me I am available as a running back or offensive lineman. However, my wife is against it since I will be 71 in February hopefully.
Big Al
December 23rd, 2012
8:27 am
Bring Dah Packers back to town. They will cool down the Frigging Falcons. Have done it before.
Loyal Falcon
December 23rd, 2012
8:35 am
As long as the defense don’t give up touchdowns I don’t care if the other team gets a 1000 yards. We are top five with points allowed . I will take that any day.
old man
December 23rd, 2012
8:36 am
Coach, let’s keep our skill starters sharp for one half, then let’s see Antone Smith and the first string O-line for one quarter. We need to see what this guy can do.
We may need someone in the playoffs. What if Quizz gets hurt? Rely completely on Turner?
old man
December 23rd, 2012
8:37 am
Ryan made some unbelievable throws in this game. He was in complete control, despite some pretty tough pressure. He did not have “Tom Brady” time in the pocket to throw.
Loyal Falcon
December 23rd, 2012
8:38 am
Some people where those #7 jerseys because they don’t want to buy a new one. I guess as long as it says falcons they are ok.
Jackson
December 23rd, 2012
8:39 am
I still think Konz’s best role will be the future center. Fits his physical make up better than guard though he does hold his own for the most part. I would like to see Holmes pan out and maybe Baker goes to right guard. But, OL coach has done a good job with this group. They seem to have gelled through the season. They have faced several good DL’s the past few weeks and kept MR upright. Just think what we could do if OL became a strength!
Jackson
December 23rd, 2012
8:41 am
And speaking of Baker, great game, especially that downfield block that sprung Roddy for that TD!
North GA Mtn Man
December 23rd, 2012
8:50 am
What about the Detroit guy that took a knee on the punt after the safety. The Detroit HC looked like he was seeing things. I think that was a sign of Detroit’s whole season.
Jackson
December 23rd, 2012
8:53 am
Yes No Ga Mtn man, that was hilarious.
GT
December 23rd, 2012
9:05 am
Congrats to Mr. GT Calvin Johnson!. Class act on and off the football field. But if the Falcons can’t figure the run game out we could be in a world of hurt in the playoffs.
GT
December 23rd, 2012
9:06 am
Kudos to Matty Ice! He is an elite QB. So glad that other guy is gone! Can’t even remember his name anymore. Only that he was a loser!
Still Gritz Blitz'n
December 23rd, 2012
9:07 am
Man, must have a transplant here bein’ trifle, let ‘em go back up to the rotunda w/all the cheeseheads, these birds are a different breed compared to the last 5 yrs. because we have the coordinators who scheme way beyond the old coordinators of the past 5 yrs. Bring on the cheeseheads, aaron rodgers& company, we got em’ in our sights for some Get Back that’s past due, wen want em’ man, bring em’ on, we love us some cheese, my fav’ is da’ pepperjack, coated w/ Red N’ Black Baby!
TBALL
December 23rd, 2012
9:08 am
Congrats FALCONS!!!!!! Mike Smith has this team right where they need to be. Can’t ask more of a coach are Team. RISE UP!!!!!!!
Bill
December 23rd, 2012
9:08 am
Ok, I am not expert, but it looks to me like Michael Turner gets very tentative when he is about to be hit. At first, I just thought he was looking for a hole. But often it is obvious there is no hole. Instead of squaring up and powering forward, he seems to wait to be hit.
Tarryuga
December 23rd, 2012
9:16 am
We know ATL is in, BUT it only takes ONE loss. CANNOT AFFORD THAT.
Just click at every facet of the game!!!!
O line: PLEASE BLOCK!
D: bend, don’t break!
GO FALCONS!!! SUPERBIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maddawg
December 23rd, 2012
9:22 am
Defend the Dome!
Bushwhacker
December 23rd, 2012
9:25 am
The Falcons took care of business. Winning on the road in the NFL is difficult no matter the opponent. I would like to see more of Snelling next week. The D got very little pressure on Stafford. Expect to see a vanilla game next week. Everyone who is dinged up will have 3 weeks to rest.
Tarryuga
December 23rd, 2012
9:29 am
Waiting to see how Seattle does against SF, they might be the next match-up. Doubt they score 50 today!
GO FALCONS!!
loel
December 23rd, 2012
9:30 am
Just why didn’t the falcons just run three quarterback sneaks at the end from the two yard line?????. There was only 1:41 seconds left. They could have run the clock out with no chance of being tacked in the endzone. The lions could have stopped the clock once. Instead, we hand off to Turner five yards deep in the endzone and “what a surprise, he gets tackled in the endzone and only a couple of seconds run off the clock and we punt”.
ricocarty21
December 23rd, 2012
9:34 am
Great win!! Still concerned a little about the running game. D looked pretty good!! The game should have never got to close but Falcons pulled away when it mattered. Got to like what you see for the most part right now!! Go Falcons!!
fantotheend
December 23rd, 2012
9:35 am
Great game, now we use the Tampa game to work on the running game, win not required. Run the ball using Snelling Rogers, finnish second half Turner
MONK ATL
December 23rd, 2012
9:37 am
Stay HEALTHY, Stay FOCUSED, Stay HOME in the GA. DOME… GO to the SUPER BOWL> WIN.
GT
December 23rd, 2012
9:39 am
When you are the first seed and you played the team that ends up winning the whole thing in the first round what are the odds of that? A little more of a warm up game would be nice this time. The world acts like we never win a playoff game playing average teams first round. We had to play the Giants in NY last year. What looked like a bad loss both years were loses every other team in the league either had or would have had.
MONK ATL
December 23rd, 2012
9:41 am
RISE UP ATLANTA, SUPPORT YOUR FALCONS!!! FLY to the LOMBARDI TROPHY, BIRDS , and bring it BACK to the ATL!
Bushwhacker
December 23rd, 2012
9:43 am
The only team that scares me is Green Bay. AR can carve up any defense including ours. Don’t expect to get any love until we exercise those demons.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
December 23rd, 2012
9:50 am
Mr.Blank & Sir Thomas, Sirs, asked once before, ask again, please take care of our new coordinators Coach Koetter & Coach Nolan after the season, I realize they have head coaching experience, & other teams would come calling, it’s part of the deal, but if you reward them quite hansomely, that would weigh in their decisions to go or stay, which we hope they choose the lighter, you & mr. Dimitroff have brought 2 that as far as many of the bird nation sees, they’ve brought us to much greater status than what the ATL hasn’t seen in quite some time. They’ve utilized the talent that the past coordinators could not even bring out productively. The scheming & game planning has been beyond measure, whether we win the superbowl or not, it’s brought the Atl fan base to believing again, even though those looking in from the outside may not see it yet, but they are realizing these birds are of a different breed because of the difference Coach Koetter & Coach Nolan have brought here. The play calling hasn’t been as predictable as the past, both offensively & Defensively. Sirs, Do what you can to keep the staff intact. & Coach Smiths leadership is relentless, so this is one Atl Bird fan that is very passionate about this team & the course ya’ll set forth looks strong & undaunted. Looks like the statement & the path of these Birds are rising up! for the highest perch for a long time here on out. The Chemistry, the confidence, the focus, is what these birds possess. A profound statement to keep as a reminder, “Everything Rises And Falls On Leadership. Keep this machine intact & Running. Keep adding the pieces that is the framework of a championship organization. We(who believe) are very excited & proud to be a Falcon Fan! One request, I’d love to see those Red Helmets back even on the road, if considered, Love those Red Helmets. Bring back the more traditional uni’s if considered, they can be made tight to todays standards if considered, but hey, Ya’ll have brought a Great excitement this cities been hungry for a long time, we say THANK YOU! & Keep it going.
The Real Dirty Bird!
December 23rd, 2012
10:03 am
We must win in the second Season!
The next game would be a great time to get QB- DD in the game and leave all the running to Rogers, Snelling and yea get Smith in the mix as well! You could find your sleeper.
Rise Up
December 23rd, 2012
10:05 am
Live Atlanta, Cheer Atlanta!!
Joe
December 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
Great win Falcons! Doo they tich spilling and gremmer in Georgia schuls.?
TUG MAN
December 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
great win guys.we or the beast from the east.and we love the dome.A T L!!!!!!!!!is our home.fly high big birds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ah
JD
December 23rd, 2012
10:26 am
Great win for the Falcons away from home. Congrats to Calvin Johnson. The great Ga Tech receiver has now become a Hall of Fame NFL player. Hardest working and nicest guy. Not a trash talker or primadonna. Unusual when everyone (including Matty Ice) who plays against him, says how nice a guy he is. A testament to his Mom and Dad.
FalconFan
December 23rd, 2012
10:32 am
Great win and great season for the Falcons. I really think this is the year we make a run. Credit to our coaching staff, especially the coordinators. Before the season Matt Ryan was listed by most at around 10th best QB in NFL. I think he has shown that he is better than that.
Don’t fret our run game. We run it okay but we are now a passing team like all of the great teams are now. Hard to even name the top RBs in the last few Super Bowls. I’d love a back like Adrian Peterson or Frank Gore but those teams would love a receiver like White or Jones.
Anyway Go Falcons
The Real Dirty Bird!
December 23rd, 2012
10:40 am
Great Job Calvin Johnson!
Newnan Ga. is proud of you!
NFL Fan
December 23rd, 2012
10:46 am
What a great game!
Ryan could not have thrown the ball any better and the receivers, White and Jones, caught everything thrown their way. Konz did a good job keeping Suh in check. We all know he is a beast on the field.
Hats off to Megatron. That’s a great record to break.
Good luck to the Falcons in the play-offs.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
December 23rd, 2012
10:49 am
Congrats to Georgia’s own CJ; All of Ga. much Love for ya man! HOF future brother, Falcon Nation is very proud of ya! VERY PROUD!
Macongo
December 23rd, 2012
10:51 am
Great offense birds but with the defense tackling like girls you were lucky.
Falcon Old Timer
December 23rd, 2012
10:55 am
Congratulations Falcons on another win and securing HFA throughout the play offs!! However, I still have major concerns that this team is for real. They played well in the first half and then sleepwalked through the third and first part of the fourth quarters – only managing 1 first down while the Lions were tearing us apart on both sides of the line. Poor offensive line blocking schemes, a virturally non existant pass defense and rushing defense along with huge gaps up the middle for them to run their ground game and poor tackling across the board are NOT hallmarks of a team with GREATNESS written across it’s chest. Unless and until these areas are addressed and the team play shows consistancy for a complete four quarters rather than taking a breather half way through the game – then and only then will they be able to take the field as having attained te level of greatness that is bestowed on the elite teams of pro football. Until then – I, along with most others who are not only fans of the Falcons but those who are impartially evaluating the rise of the Falcons, will watch with that ever looming question bouncing around in our heads – “Are these Falcons just lucky or are they on the brink of greatness”?
RMikel58
December 23rd, 2012
10:55 am
Seems like everytime we play somebody they end up breaking records on us. Whether its their QB/RB/TE/WR teams use us like step childs.
Frankly i cant see us going beyond the 2nd round because our running game is awful. Our defense cant stop the run and we cant put any pressure on the QB.
Trade that sorry number# 33. What a joke he is. Go after that RB from the Vikings. Theres your missing link! Also the way our DB’s tackle is like Pop Warner football.
You guys think you can tackle without wrapping up a player? ask our 3 great LB’s how to properly administer a tackle. I’d love to be a RB and get thru to the secondary to face you guys.
I hope Mike Smith doesnt give you time off between playoffs so you can go home and get cozy and relaxed and rusty and become unfocused, as you wait to see who youll play in the 2nd round.
You can rest after you lose or win it all because looks to me youre not a 13-2 team out there and the secxondary needs to quit taking estrogen pills and go back to learning the fundamentals of football.
Where are the Ronnie Lotts of football anymore?
Falco-Mania
December 23rd, 2012
11:02 am
Can you imagine how good our offense would be with a legit running back. Turner is way to slow, and comes down way to easily. Snelling should be the starter hands down. He runs much harder and definitly faster than Turner. On the safety Turner should have cut left, but instead ran right into the teeth of the D. Had a lane to the left to atleast avoid a safety. He’s washed up but Smith just doesn’t want to admit it. How about Ryan’s pass to Palmer for the TD. That shows how much he’s matured as a NFL QB. Yrs. past no way does he make that pass. He played at an All Pro level last night. What a great game and big win. GOOOOOOOOOO FALCONS.
JB7659
December 23rd, 2012
11:16 am
Another impressive performance by the Falcons, no excuses this year as this team has the explosive offense and ball hawking defense to go to the Super Bowl. Our D gives up yards, but they make the big plays when they need to, we are 4th in scoring defense in the league at 18 pts/game and that is what counts. Tony G disappeared in this game for some reason, maybe they were focusing their defense on him, but he will be the key guy in the playoffs when we need a big first down or TD.
Oh and about Calvin Johnson’s nickname, MegaTron. He gave than name to himself, somebody asked him why he picked Megatron, he said because it’s AWESOME. Can’t argue about that, the guy is a machine.
booger
December 23rd, 2012
11:24 am
Final Warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT EVER- I MEAN EVER WEAR A #7 JERSEY TO THE DOME .
unless someone GREAT is wearing it ……….
H E L L Y E S, I’M SERIOUS …………..
GB's Hamburgers
December 23rd, 2012
11:50 am
Ryan looked like the last Falcon quarterback to get us to the Super Bowl … Chris Chandler. Chris always worked and moved the team while under great pressure … Matt did that last night. He’s turned into a great quarterback.
Vince Doodley
December 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
As fun as this Falcons team has been to watch this year, they are in desperate need of a feature running back. Hope we are able to pick one up in the draft or by free agency in the off season. I’d love to see a Steven Jackson at ATL next year!!!
Canton Dawg
December 23rd, 2012
12:03 pm
After watching this team for more than 40 years, allow me to congratulate the team, pull for them in the playoffs and hope for the best! All you youngsters and transplants that missed some pretty bad football back in the day and are so critical of this team, please, take a breath. Just let us long-time fans enjoy it. If they win in the playoffs, it’s just gravy, my friends. Go Birds!
SawThat1nce
December 23rd, 2012
12:10 pm
@11:02am………Weakest part of the team is not Turner, it’s the OLine.
If the GM had of built a better OLine to go with all of the weapons he has on offense, this team would be dang near unstoppable.
meanwhile the Taints are 6-8, or something like that.
ZAvs
December 23rd, 2012
12:19 pm
As a Tech alumni and Atl resident for 6 years, I am happy to see the Falcons do well. Megatron is A BEAST. Love to see a kick butt WR not have and ego problem. It is highly possible my Broncos will see you in NO. Ryan is an elite QB, but Peyton is MVP material right now and we could see the deputy vs the sheriff. Good luck Falconites, love seeing you do well!
Buzz man
December 23rd, 2012
12:23 pm
Has anyone talked with coach smith about who will be playing next week against Tampa? Is he resting the starters? He should, they need to be 100 per cent for the playoffs.
Mikey
December 23rd, 2012
12:30 pm
Congratulations Falcons! SO nice to watch! Another nice win. That passing game is maturing. Talk about pick your poision… opponents just don’t have a chance anymore. Good to see #72 getting out there on those screens… it makes a difference with good screen blocking. Our Falcons have had difficulty in the playoffs because they always draw the Superbowl contenders. This year THEY are the Superbowl contenders and they will ruin someone else’s day. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
Tap Out
December 23rd, 2012
12:40 pm
Congrats Falcons…well done. Turner needs to go back to attacking the line when he gets the ball. All this tip toeing and looking for holes is giving the opposing defense time to gather strength.
BigDawg
December 23rd, 2012
12:44 pm
Here we go again, let’s get past the 1st playoff game before crowning the over rateds. No props for regular season glory!
With top seed locked up, playoffs loom for Falcons | Sport Snapback Hats Sport Snapback Hats
December 23rd, 2012
1:12 pm
[...] “It’s in the back of our minds,” DeCoud said after Saturday night’s win, regarding January 2011?s loss. “But we know we are a different team than we were two years ago with the passion we play with and the play-making ability is much higher than we had two years ago.” [...]
Still Gritz Blitz'n
December 23rd, 2012
1:32 pm
While everybody on the outside lookin’ In keep say’n, the ATL, just been Lucky, go ahead n’ keep say’n it, If Luck is on our side, hey we’ll take that too, so far whatevwer ya’ll been say’n just been refueling the Falcon MOJO, so ya’ll pundits, trolls, outsiders here’s a Rage’n BOOOOOOYYYYYYAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!SMACKDOWN on ya! ATL birds Fly’n High & lett’n loose of the Bird Pooop All Over All of Ya’s.
Still Gritz Blitz'n
December 23rd, 2012
1:35 pm
Good teams get lucky & Good, then Awesomely Good!
Starship 1
December 23rd, 2012
1:41 pm
There would be no safety if the Falcons ran a play using Jaquizz instead of M. Turner: That was I dumb call with the wrong back.
Jborodawg
December 23rd, 2012
1:51 pm
Congrats to The Birds…great win…and great season.
I agree with some of the negative comments about Turner. I suppose he’s capable of ‘bustin one’ every now and then. But so are most RBs in the NFL. I cringe when it seems he stops…to look for a hole or crease or whatever. D players in the NFL are way too quick for a RB to be actually stopping, then starting again. I believe that just allows the D players to converge and gang tackle. I wish he’d just run north and south and stop this this tip-toe bidness. Pound it up in there already.
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
2:19 pm
Great job boy’s! With this high powered passing game I don’t see anyone stopping us from a SB win! Yea I wish we had a lil better running game but look at the Pats… I do feel like Turner will bring it during the playoff’s though. And we also need to get Rogers more carries or even some short passes out in open field. Ryan is a stud and he is seeing the field with big eye’s, I guess it helps when ya have White, Jones, Gonzalez and Douglas to throw to!
This team is special and like a lot of Falcons fans I have been waiting a very long time for a SB win, 41 years for me! Falcons-Broncos in SB, but this isn’t our 98 Falcons we are better…
Michael M.
December 23rd, 2012
2:19 pm
Nobody mentioned it but you got to give it up for Roddy White, those two touchdowns he made were huge in that game last night…………………….Game Ball to Mr. White ! ! ! ! ! ! !
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
2:36 pm
Canton Dawg, I remember going to home games in Fulton Co. stadium back in the 70’s and 80’s and by the 3rd qtr you could watch the game in row 1 at the 50. I played QB from youth through HS and even after he was long retired I would pretend as though I was Steve Bartkowski. So yea it’s been a long wait for us ole timers to have a shot like we do. I mean even 1998 seems like a very long time ago!
Go Falcons, Go Dawgs, Go Braves, Go Hawks
The Boss
December 23rd, 2012
2:51 pm
sflanagan21 & Canton Dawg-
I’m with you guys. Started going to games with my dad back in 1974. Been a Falcons fan all thru the sorriest of times. Lived in Fla during college and had to deal with all the Northeastern fans bashing my allegiance. Lived in Cali for 4 years and bought a 10FT Dish ( yes youngsters thats how dishes used to be) just so I could get those feeds on Sunday mornings ( 10 a.m) to watch my Falcons.
Now I have a college age son and I take him to games at the Dome! Last week vs. Giants was the most special game ever to have him in town, sitting with him, and watching us dismantle those guys! My son can go back to school in a few weeks and wear his Falcons hats/shirts proudly! That’s how generational fan bases are built.
As you both know this season is simply special. There is a different feel to it when I watch this team. Are they perfect? Of course not. Beauty of todays NFL is ALL teams have flaws. But this is FUN and this is OUR season! Enjoy it. It’s seasons like this and the past few years of success since this new regime took over, that BUILDS a fan base of NEW youngsters that will follow in our footsteps and stay true to heart. Falcon Fans for life!
Atlanta Falcons: Plan is to ‘play to win’ final regular-season game | Atlanta Falcons
December 23rd, 2012
3:06 pm
[...] (13-2) wrapped up the NFC’s top seed with the victory over the Lions and will enjoy a bye week and home-field advantage throughout the [...]
phil
December 23rd, 2012
3:26 pm
we can make a real run
December 23rd, 2012
2:57 am
we got #1 seed. Haters can talk about history, real fans talk about now and the future. I think our team this year is the best falcons team ever assembled (yes even better than the 98-99) falcons. Forget the past and we will play this out this year. The SB is in new orleans this year and that is just the story book of our season. This year has a different feel to it and I know in my heart of hearts If we win that first playoff game we will go all the way. Would be nice to knock out GB & SF on the way to the bowl just to silence all the critics. I see a rematch of the last time we went to the SB and that will be the story of that game. Only this time the falcons win it all.
**********
and idiots can ignore history.
phil
December 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
The Boss…..
Your poor son thinks we can win it all with no pass rush and no running game?
Try a different college.
Atlanta Falcons: Plan is to ‘play to win’ final regular-season game |
December 23rd, 2012
3:51 pm
[...] (13-2) wrapped up the NFC’s top seed with the victory over the Lions and will enjoy a bye week and home-field advantage throughout the [...]
Laddester L. Conyers
December 23rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Well done Matt and Falcons also Calvin.In the play off don`t any prissoners and play like wild men.Don`t dissappoint us.GO FALCONS GO
Laddester L. Conyers
December 23rd, 2012
4:00 pm
I`m sorry and apologize to Mr.Roddy White you were great to man!Julio was good but needs to learn how to catch what ever comes his way.In the play off don`t take no prisoners and play like wild men.GO, GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
4:21 pm
The Boss, I’ve been in Mammoth Lakes, Ca for the past 12 years at tough being a “Lone Wolf” out here. I’m a Dawgs, Falcons, Braves and Hawks fan for life no matter what’d I live! My family and I come back home to Georgia twice a year to visit, once in the spring to go to a couple of Braves games and once during the fall (twice this year and last year for the SEC ship) and we catch a Dawgs and Falcons game.
Both of my kids (19 & 21) have lived in Cali longer then they did Ga but they are both huge fans of the Falcons, Dawgs, Braves and Hawks. My son cried himself to sleep in 98 when the Broncos bet us up in the SB, it was his first year playing football so I think thats why he took it so tough. I remember telling him how I cried when Dallas beat us in the playoffs back in 80 but it didn’t help him much cause he was devastated! But that SB game solidified another life long Falcons fan and he is hoping we get the Broncos in the SB (assuming both teams make it that far).
phil
December 23rd, 2012
5:37 pm
No matter what’d I live…..
Don’t make anymore trips east. Please.
The Boss
December 23rd, 2012
6:22 pm
@Phil
If that is your take on my post above, then it appears you need to go back to school yourself.
Your reading comprehension skills? Zero!
sflanagan21- Lucky man! Mammoth Lakes. Wow. GREAT area. Great Skiing and life in general. On a not as exciting note, we lived in LA in early 90’s. During the Braves run and KO of the Dodgers back then made that pretty sweet for us. I’m pretty sure I was the only one in 1991-1994 with a Braves Tomahawk chopping in my car window as I drove the 5 Freeway each day!
Broncos / Falcons rematch would be sweet. As I said we surely have flaws, but enjoying this ride and will stay onboard no matter what forever!
Happy Holidays to you!
JUST WONDERING
December 23rd, 2012
6:33 pm
WHY THE HECK WE KEEP RUNNING 33. HE IS WASHED UP OR EITHER DOESN’T WANT IT. I UNDERSTAND IF THERE IS NO HOLE THE RUN ISN’T GONNA BE THERE BUT I FEEL LIKE ON THOSE PLAYS WHERE TURNER ACTUALLY GETS 3 OR 4 YDS SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE GOTTEN 10.HE CERTAINLY ISNT BREAKING ANY TACKLES SO WHY NOT USE THE MORE SHIFTY FASTER BACK.SIT 33 ‘S BUTT ON THE BENCH TILL HE GETS PISSED OFF AND THEN BRING HIM IN. CONGRATS TO THE TEAM AND YOU GUYS ARE A CLASS ACT.SPOON YOU ARE A BEAST. TONG G PLEASE DON’T GO
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
7:37 pm
Phil-It was typo chick…
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
7:47 pm
The Boss-Yea I can’t complain my man, Mammoth is a very special place and most of the world doesn’t even know it’s existence. As I speak we are getting a storm that’s going to leave us with over 5 feet of the fluffy white stuff! Summers are amazing here also!
Lol at the Tomahawk chopping in your car window! I fly all of my flags (Dawgs, Braves, Falcons) during their season. I’ve actually converted several of the kids on our Pop Warner and Little League associations to Falcons, Braves and Dawgs fans. Our HS QB which I’ve known and worked with since he was 7 is a hard core Dawgs fan, his Dad is a huge Chargers and Padres fan so I lost those battles.
Merry Christmas to ya too TB
sflanagan21
December 23rd, 2012
7:53 pm
TB-Our future (Falcons) looks bright…
SawThat1nce
December 23rd, 2012
11:35 pm
don’t mind phil, he is just a harmless jerk
Atlanta Falcons: Plan is to ‘play to win’ final regular-season game FEATURED FALCONS ARTICLE | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
December 24th, 2012
4:29 am
[...] (13-2) wrapped up the NFC’s top seed with the victory over the Lions and will enjoy a bye week and home-field advantage throughout the [...]
Jborodawg
December 24th, 2012
8:47 am
How ’bout playing McCown at least the whole 2nd half against Tampa? Maybe even pull A Samuel for the 2nd half and make sure his shoulder’s good to go?
DR. FALCON
December 24th, 2012
1:05 pm
AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY CHILD HOOD IDOL, STEVE BARTKOWSKI, MATT RYAN IS THE BEST QB THE FRANCHISE HAS EVER HAD! THE STATS BEAR THAT OUT! IN BART’S DEFENSE, MARION CAMPBELL, LEEMAN BENNETT, AND DAN HENNING, DID LITTLE TO SURROUND HIM WITH AN OL, AND TRUE PLAYMAKERS TO HELP! BUT, HAVING SAID THAT, MATT RYAN’S WHOLE BODY OF WORK, INCLUDING 4TH QTR COMEBACKS, SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!
sflanagan21
December 24th, 2012
1:46 pm
Dr Falcon-Can’t argue that fact…
Denise Bray
December 26th, 2012
11:23 am
I heard rumors that there my be substitues in Sunday’s games againt Tampa. Come on ” Smitie” please don’t do that! The fans pay to see our
main players and they have 5 wks before playoffs. Lets end the regular
season with the team that got us this far.So we can show our gratitude
for their efforts. Rise-Up!!
GAMEDAY CENTRAL: Buccaneers (6-9) vs. Falcons (13-2) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome | Atlanta Falcons
December 29th, 2012
5:09 pm
[...] Matt Ryan leads victory over Lions for NFC’s top seed [...]
Atlanta Falcons: Thomas DeCoud wins Good Guy Award | Atlanta Falcons
December 29th, 2012
5:20 pm
[...] Matt Ryan leads victory over Lions for NFC’s top seed [...]