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Atlanta Falcons: Finishing regular season ‘the right way’

9:10 am December 27, 2012, by Michael Cunningham

FLOWERY BRANCH–The Falcons already have wrapped up the NFC’s No. 1 seed but they don’t plan to take their foot off the gas against the Buccaneers on Sunday.

The Falcons want to stay sharp heading into their bye week. They think the best way to do that is for the starters to play and try to win the regular-season finale even if it doesn’t affect their playoff standing.

“We are not going to change the way we approach this game,” safety Thomas DeCoud said. “We are going to attack it like it’s week three. We’re all expecting to play and all expecting to play well. We have to put our best foot forward before the postseason.”

The Falcons turned in strong efforts in victories against the Giants and Lions. They think easing off now would set a bad precedent.

“We are trying to keep the momentum going,” center Todd McClure said. “I feel like offensively we’ve played well the past few games. And the more we can go out there and put on tape, whoever we have to prepare for the harder it makes it for them. And we are getting paid next Sunday, so we’ve got to go out and play.”

Falcons coach Mike Smith said he and his staff are game-planning this week just like any other. He said the Falcons won’t be “vanilla” with their schemes out of fear of giving their potential playoff opponents more film to scout.

“We want to go through the process the same as we always do,” Smith said. “I think it’s very important for us to finish regular season off in the right way.”

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72 comments Add your comment

jerry

December 27th, 2012
6:00 pm

There has been many a Super Bowl won by a team that lost its last game of the regular season and many a one and done by teams entering the playoffs on winning streaks and vice versa in both examples. So who knows? Play to win a meaningless game and get your qb hurt, how would that go over with the momentum crowd?

December 27th, 2012
7:17 pm

Good call Smitty. 2 years ago you took your foot off the peddle and we saw what GB did. This year, lets run right over TB, keep the momentum and prepare smartly for the playoffs.

wisconsinfalcons fan

December 27th, 2012
8:21 pm

so it is the falcons fault that they played a weak scheduled, and thats why they are 13-2, so let me gets this straight, if the packer, giants, patriots, 49′ers an all of the so call elite teams had the falcons record they would have a powerhouse for a team an would love to be an expected to be 13-2, there is no weak team thats why it is call the NFL, you play the team you are suppose to play an beat them is your objective, the hell what anybody say the falcons done that and will continue to do the same in the play off, too many haters, JUST WIN BABY.. THE DIRTY BIRDS IS RISING HIGH

falconfreak

December 27th, 2012
9:36 pm

Is Atl. 4 and 0 aginst winning teams? And didn’t Matt have 7 td and 1 int. in those games ? and didnt the D. get 7 picks in those games too? Could someone check that for me Rise up & out, Skeezix, 1 & Done, Norris Chuck or Philli?

Larry

December 27th, 2012
10:24 pm

T.o all of you predicting failure in the first playoff game based on the past, what utterly miserable, negative, pessimistic people you are. How thankful I am not to be your spouse, co-worker, employer, neighbor or simple acquaintance.

And you probably wonder why no one likes you or wants to be around your miserable self!

okeetee

December 27th, 2012
11:31 pm

“Good call Smitty. 2 years ago you took your foot off the peddle and we saw what GB did.”

….we got beat two years ago by Green Bay because WE HAD NO PASS DEFENSE! Our secondary was a sieve! That’s changed this year by a factor of 10! Plus, offensively, we are in a much better position to win a “shootout” if it comes to that! Whether we win or lose this game Sunday, it changes nothing to our chances of winning the first playoff game…unless, of course, we get a few serious injuries Sunday against the Bucs….by playing starters that need not be in the game in the first place…..kapesh!

T S

December 29th, 2012
7:07 am

Treat this game like a pre-season game and play the starters the first quarter.

December 29th, 2012
8:29 am

This is why they can’t win a playoff game???? Why would you play your starters???? Especially again’st a division team???? One injury to a key player or on the offensive/defensive line will really hurt the falcons chances in the playoffs.
Advice for Smitty: DO NOT PLAY YOUR STARTERS, THERE IS NOTHING TO GAIN!!!!!!!

Priceless

December 29th, 2012
10:21 am

Ooooh= Just read about the bad news for the Failcons on NOLA.com. Better make the most of this year cause it ain’t lookin good for next season

Falcons rewind: Reeves reflects on march to the Super Bowl | Atlanta Falcons

December 29th, 2012
11:49 am