Atlanta Falcons: Give Your Bye Week Fixes
Falcons Must Get Better
Can the OL EVER Get it Together (Evan Vucci)
Even though it’s technically game week as the Falcons prepare to face the hated Philadelphia Eagles, the Birds are coming off their bye week and, even though they’re 6-0, they better get some things fixed and fast if they want to stay that way. If the the bye week had come after the San Diego game, everyone’s confidence would be really high, but after 3 straight weeks of lackluster performances that needed a last minute comeback, most Falcons fans have to be one of the least confident of any 6-0 team in NFL history. So as our Atlanta Falcons get ready for the enormous game in Philly, give your fixes the Falcons must make………..
Improve the OL By Any Means Necessary
Newsflash: The Atlanta Falcons have a problem with their offensive line! It’s impossible to fathom that the Birds have issues with their offensive line, but they do. In all seriousness, this has been an issue, basically forever. Fans and the media elite alike have been harping and carping on this area for years, but especially this off-season. Some of the blame of course falls with Dimitroff for not bringing in quality offensive lineman, but he at least tried to correct the error a little by using his first two draft picks (2nd round on Peter Konz, 3rd round on Lamar Holmes) on offensive linemen. We’re not likely to see any changes after the bye week, at least in personnel due the Falcons being undefeated. But does that mean we shouldn’t?
Same OL Group as Last Year (AJC)
Maybe it’s that whole deal of “the backup quarterback is always everyone’s favorite player,” but how many times can you continue to trot out the same lineup and expect different results? Perhaps the coaching staff feels as though the musical chairs rotation at right guard and left tackle last year led to inconsistency and ultimately poor play. Despite some decent performances to start the year, the OL continues to be the Falcons Achilles Heel. If the Falcons don’t get it fixed, fans are expecting some tough days ahead.
Tackling, Tackling, Tackling
ProFootballFocus came out with some stats the other day detailing how many tackles the Falcons defense is missing. It went on to say something to the effect that it would shatter any missed tackles record for the Falcons in the Mike Smith Era. The Falcons have been playing pretty good defense through the first 6 games, but they’re certainly showing some cracks, especially in the run and the fundamentals of tackling. One of the reasons the Falcons have been gashed by runs is the inability to bring their opponents down on first hit. They’re making some big hits, but not wrapping up. Nothing to be too concerned about, but something that should be cleaned up during the bye week.
Break the Offensive Slump
After the first three weeks, the Atlanta Falcons offense was seeming to finally become the juggernaut that so many had expected for so long. Matt Ryan was being tossed in the MVP conversation and the offense could do little wrong. Everyone was getting the ball and the offense was rolling along. Then the Falcons played the Panthers and it slowed down a touch, where they bogged down plenty of times in the game. They went on the road against the Redskins and had issues pretty much the entire game until the 4th quarter, when they had to get it done. The the offensive collapse happened against the lowly Raiders. After sweeping the problems under the rug, it became impossible to do so against Oakland at home. Hitting the offensive wall reminded so many fans of the previous years where it could fall apart in a flash and seem completely inept. Poor blocking, bad reads and throws by Matt Ryan, tons of drops by the running backs and receivers, and a very weak running game pulled an explosive offense crashing back to reality. Maybe the no-huddle attack can help or quicker and better designed route combinations or even better run play-calls. Dirk Koetter, Matt Ryan, and Co. have to find a way, any way, to get back their mojo from the beginning of the season.
Mix It Up in the Backfield
Time to Split the RB Load Up More? (AJC)
Michael Turner and the offensive line are the easy scapegoats for a really weak running game, but it’s more than just their faults. The Falcons have to dislodge their running game some way and somehow. Michael Turner shouldn’t necessarily be relegated to never playing, but fans sure would like to see Jacquizz Rodgers (in the right playcalls), Jason Snelling, and even speedster Antone Smith get some touches in the backfield. Much like the offensive line, when fans keep seeing the same old, same old, it gets frustrating the max degree. The OL hasn’t done a very good job blocking and creating holes, but the running backs (Turner in particular) don’t seem to be hitting the hole very hard. If other NFL teams can see rookie running back after rookie running back (sometimes undrafted) find success, can’t the Falcons coaches at least mix it up?
Help John Abraham Out for Goodness Sake
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Just like the offensive line woes, the failure to generate a good pass rush not named John Abraham is a problem yet again. Many thought that Abraham may have played his last down in Atlanta and be seeking a max contract to finish out his career. Luckily for the Falcons and all their fans, he decided to finish a Falcon. His play has not dropped a bit and is having a great year. Problem is, the Falcons continue to not give Abraham the help he needs. Sean Weatherspoon is second most with 3 sacks, Jonathan Babineaux has 2.5, Vance Walker has 2, and William Moore along with Kroy Biermann each have one a piece.
Those aren’t outright terrible numbers, and do go in line with Mike Nolan’s desire for a bunch of sacks from different players, but the Falcons don’t seem to have any players ready to pick up Abraham’s slack when he finally does start to taper off. Biermann seems better suited for linebacker, Ray Edwards is evidently starting to enter the B-word territory, Lawrence Sidbury is pulling his disappearing act again, and rookie Jonathan Massaquoi along with second year man Cliff Matthews are always on the inactive list. Regardless of who or where it comes from, the Falcons must find a way to help Abraham rush the passer.
Don’t Fear the No-Huddle
Bet Roddy Likes the No-Huddle (AJC)
It’s understandable that most coaches don’t want to use the no-huddle attack as their main offensive base since it speeds up games, can increase the chances for errors and/or turnovers, and doesn’t give the defense hardly any time to catch their breath on the sideline. However, if it works and your quarterback thrives in it, why not? Ryan seems to operate best in the no-huddle attack, calling plays based on the defense, keeping the opposition on their heels, and most importantly, driving the ball down the field. Even the running game seems to flourish more in the no-huddle. Should the no-huddle attack only be used to unstick an offense that’s bogging down, instead of perhaps putting great pressure on the defense?
Improve the Run D
Akeem Dent has been many fans favorite player to pile on the first 6 weeks. The second year man out of Georgia has struggled taking hold of the middle linebacker spot vacated by Curtis Lofton. Every once and awhile he’s shown a few glimpses, but overall he’s had issues at MLB. He’s been over-running plays, missing tackles, getting blocked with ease, and had an overall tough time against the run and in coverage. The Oakland game wasn’t all his fault since he was being asked to play both MLB and outside linebacker with Stephen Nicholas being hurt. Dent is far from the only one to take blame. The defensive tackles have done well getting penetration, but they’ve had issues anchoring the line and keeping linebackers and the secondary clean from getting free-release blocks from the OL. As mentioned above, much of it is just tackling better. This is a big one to get fixed with the tough part of the schedule coming up.
Any Chance for New Faces?
While this likely is just hoping for something for hope’s sake, many fans would love to see some players get some chances on offense, defense, and special teams. Would it be that terrible to see Peter Konz or Lamar Holmes get some snaps on the OL? Kevin Cone has showed his game-breaking speed in pre-season, not to mention getting HD more involved. Then there’s running back with Snelling getting lost in the shuffle and and a backfield dying for speed not even giving speed merchant Antone Smith a chance.
Defense Needs that Early Year Spark (AJC)
On defense, Lawrence Sidbury’s speed is never used and rookie Jonathan Massaquoi along with Cliff Matthews never even make the active roster. Could rookie DT Travian Robertson help out in at defensive tackle, not to mention Vance Walker likely earning a starting spot over Peria Jerry so far in the season. Could they just try Kroy Biermann at linebacker to appease many of us Cage fans? Again, these players likely don’t hold the answers that fans are looking for, but it sure would be nice to see for ourselves instead of always thinking, “what if?”
Bird Cage Patriots Turn
1) Simple Quick Draw – what’s the biggest thing the Falcons need to fix?
2) Rank your list of areas that need fixing, highest priority to least?
3) Should the Falcons mess with the OL or give it a few more chances?
4) Can better tackling alone cure an ailing defense?
5) How best can Koetter, Ryan, and Co. break their offensive slump?
6) What kind of running back split would you like to see going forward?
7) Any new looks or players to help out Abe on the pass rush?
8.) How often should the Falcons use the no-huddle? Should it be a potential base offensive set?
9) What’s the best way the Birds can fix the run D?
10) Any personnel changes you would make to starting lineup in all 3 phases?
11) Should the Falcons give some new guys a chance? Which ones?
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964 comments Add your comment
Chop Buster
October 26th, 2012
2:28 pm
LRD, I was hoping to see Cone out there as well. He had a couple of drops in preseason, but that explosive catch and run for a TD seemed to have just been a glimpse of what this guy can do.
JB Falcon
October 26th, 2012
3:06 pm
CS & LRD, Also hope Peters gets a little action. Stopping McCoy is going to take all the help we can get. We can win this game.
JB Falcon
October 26th, 2012
3:07 pm
Make that CB.
Chop Buster
October 26th, 2012
3:17 pm
JB I think he will. The Falcons have had him practicing and working him out individually from what I saw on some footage. I think they’re trying to not show Philly their hand.
Big Lou
October 26th, 2012
4:01 pm
Paddy O
I like Gruden, a lot.
JWW
I think everyone here wants Smith to succeed. But, at the end of the day, the regular season does not mean jack apples. Win in the playoffs. Get to the Superbowl. That’s what this city wants. Somebody to cheer for, not notorious choke artists(which ATL teams are known for).
Matty Bicep
October 26th, 2012
4:14 pm
I doubt Gruden ever coaches again, I think he is the next Madden. I just get the feeling he likes what he does, and every year he is out the chances of coming back diminish. I think Cowher it done too, poor guy lost his wife, and I think he wants to be around for his girls. Nolan, lol, ask him how easy it is to win in the regular season. Like I said, I know that young, up and coming guy who uses this H back.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
7:04 pm
I don’t agree with everything this guys says, but he has a nice breakdown of a few plays with photos that show some of the issues we have had stopping the run.
http://blogs.mcall.com/eagles/2012/10/enemy-film-breakdown-the-falcons-struggle-with-stopping-the-run.html
Chop Buster
October 26th, 2012
7:32 pm
I’m happy to hear our guys are tuning out the noise and keeping their confidence high in the locker room. Link: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Tuning-Out-The-Talk/c7d20c44-e03c-4671-86dd-ea4b11505790
JB Falcon
October 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
DePlane, good find on that link, I have never heard of it, so I saved it. It’s always good to see what the competition is looking at. The key to your post was “have had.” Do you think for one minute that MS and Nolan have not looked at those same films? I’m sure they are well aware of our past weaknesses and their job is to correct the mistakes they have been making, just I am sure the Reid saw the same tapes and has figured out that he will use McCoy to cram it down our throat. I have confidence that we will be prepared with our best and it’s definitely going to be a good game. The ever so knowedgable “media” seems to give the edge to the Eagles because Andy is 13-0 after bye weeks. The reason they call them streaks is because streaks always come to an end.
As far as Asante’s tackling, I guess the Falcons saw the tapes of his history before they pursued him and, as far as I have seen, he’s been laying some pretty good hits since he’s been here.
I’m sure any anti-Eagle fan could create a matching blog, with pictures, showing the Philly weaknesses. They, however, are not 6-0. We’ll see, come Sunday.
Big Lou
October 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
HD is out with an injury.
Corey Peters is activated.
Time for some Kone breakage. I think his ceiling is higher than HD. Let’s go Falcons.
Sportaree
October 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
From what I hear the Eagles may have a rookie at right guard Sunday.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:42 pm
JB Falcon, agree. We’ve had our own bye and our guys should be well rested and ready to rumble!
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:43 pm
I’d like to see Cone in the slot vs. Davis.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
Sportaree! Hope all is well! Yep the Iggles have some issues on the o-line. Should bode well for Abe!
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:45 pm
Reynolds back is ailing….might we see Konz with some extended playing time?
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:57 pm
This guy is full of !hit!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000085089/article/week-8-predictions-falcons-lose-first-game-cowboys-top-giants
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
8:58 pm
Bryant is money…
Sportaree
October 26th, 2012
8:59 pm
Deplane thanks and same to you. Hope Peters can play.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:00 pm
And another naysayer….
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000084811/article/giantscowboys-falconseagles-saintsbroncos-head-week-8?icampaign=ATL_newsdriver
Can’t wait until they have to eat this….
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:02 pm
Me too Sportaree, but I hope he’s ready…and they don’t rush him back…
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/20694956/peek-at-the-week-soaring-falcons-flightless-eagles-rg3-tests-mettle-in-pittsburgh
Thought this was particularly interesting:
The back story: Over the past four seasons no defense has been better closing out opponents in the final two minutes of a half than Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed just 17 points in 61 possessions by opponents. In fact, in 2011 they allowed just one field goal inside two minutes of either half. Conversely, over the past two seasons no one on offense has been better than Philadelphia in the final two minutes of a half. The Eagles have scored a league-leading 24 touchdowns and 113 points (good for second) during the final two minutes of each half.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
Here’s somebody who got it right:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/features/writers/prisco/picks/week8
JB Falcon
October 26th, 2012
9:13 pm
DePlane, I read that BS earlier, only problem is Bryant does NOT miss. 30-29 Falcons.
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:14 pm
I’m done with my link barrage, lol!
Chop Buster, It’s great to hear they are focused on what they have to do rather than pay attention to the blithering babble of the hordes!
DePlane
October 26th, 2012
9:19 pm
JB, even though Bryant has been a rock, this clown chooses him as the reason we lose! What an idjit.
Falcons 27-17.
JB Falcon
October 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
DePlane, they say the Falcons like flying under the radar and, according to the “media”, we’re just a wreck waiting on a place to happen. If we can, and we will, re-group and get back to basics, like we did in our first three games, kick the Eagles azz, then, maybe, we will have no choice but to fly up into the radar and be a force to be reconded with.
snacktastic
October 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
The pundits are a joke, and so are the Eagles.
Know what’s not a joke? 6-0.
The only reason I read Falcons “picks” by the “experts” is so I can make fun of them when they get it wrong. Falcons get #7 on Sunday.
Chop Buster
October 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
DePlane it just lets us know these boys are focused. They know what’s at hand and I’m sure they’re ready to prove their 6-0 record is no fluke. I have a feeling Nolan will have these boys ready to confuse the easily confused Vick. Can’t read defenses so how in the h3ll is he gonna know what we’re doing? BVG made it easy sitting in that d@mn zone all the time. It’s funny how Bowles used the word “unpredictable” in how he wants to describe his philosophy on defense. That’s exactly what Nolan said when he came here. Student trying to copy the teacher? Hmmmm
Birdman
October 26th, 2012
11:07 pm
Hello friends in the Cage
This may just be what the Falcons needed to get back into form.A week off not only to prepare for this game and the rest of the season but also to reflect on things as a group.
I liked what I saw the first 3 games this year even if they were against teams that are so called ( look who they won against ) teams.
They had a look of great desire and remember the Monday night game against the Manning Horses. The way our guys looked.
Guys if our Birds look like they did then. Game on; and no holds bared . And I got a feeling they will.
So I’m gonna say a 24 to 17 win Sunday for the Falcons.
May God be with you all
Go Falcons !!!!!
Whiznot
October 26th, 2012
11:16 pm
Fans want to see more of Jacquizz Rogers. Really??? Are you talking about Eagles fans? Instead of a football Ryan should hand Jacquizz Rogers a pillow because on every run he seems intent on quickly finding a comfortable spot to lie down!
Big Lou
October 26th, 2012
11:27 pm
Anyone focusing on this hurricane situation?
This is going to be one ugly game. I hope the Falcons bring their run offense.
Wabe
October 27th, 2012
12:19 am
So I hear Garrett Reynolds is listed at questionable. Possibility that Konz may actually get the go this Sunday?
DHunt
October 27th, 2012
12:54 am
Context? Fire Smitty? Only context where that makes sense is a colossal collapse that sees us end up 6-10 and the team literally fighting each other on the field. In that alternate universe I’m on the fire Smitty bandwagon. Otherwise it’s just crazy talk. In less than five years the man is the winningest coach in Falcons franchise history. That cannot be understated. He came in winning, and he’s kept on winning, and we have one of the best franchises in the league now. The playoff wins will come. Right now it’s the regular season, so right now, the only wins that matter are regular season wins. Keep looking ahead to the playoffs. I’m looking ahead to 7-0.
Was listening to David Archer on 790 today, probably the only Atlanta sports radio personality with any inkling of how to really evaluate a football team. He made the point that evaluating individual players is about far more than individual stats. HD hasn’t lit it up with receptions, but he has done his job by making defenses commit to covering him, thus creating opportunities for other offensive weapons. Davis or Cone may not draw the same type of coverage, and hopefully MR2 will find them and make the Iggles pay for ignoring them. Ray Edwards hasn’t lit up the sack meter. But Abe isn’t facing double teams which means the other team can’t afford to ignore Ray, which opens up opportunities for better team defense.
I’m looking for the Falcons to play up to their competition this week. No way they are sitting around believing any hype about being undefeated, because there simply hasn’t been ANY hype about that from any source, whatsoever. I haven’t seen a single piece of commentary that gives them any credit for winning 6 out of 6 games. I almost hope they aren’t tuning it all out, and come out with a big old chip on their shoulders and looking to make somebody pay for the rampant disrespect. This team is built for the bright lights and the big games. This is one of those weeks. No turnovers, and very few (if any) missed tackles and you may see the blowout everyone seems to expect every week. I’m putting the offense squarely on MR2, no matter what the weather conditions, we are going to have to put the ball in the air. If Philly gets pressure, then Matt has to make them pay for it. If they load up to stop the run, then Matt has to make them pay for that too. Time for him to start earning that wallet busting 2nd contract that AB is ready to give him.
Big Ray
October 27th, 2012
12:59 am
So HD is out of this week’s game, huh…knee and ankle injury. Hmmm. May not bode well for him.
I guess we’ll get a look at Drew Davis…maybe.
Good to see Corey Peters back. Might be good to work him in slowly. Nice to know, however, that Mike Nolan is excited about Peters coming back. Good things…
DHunt
October 27th, 2012
1:13 am
Pretty sure Lamar Holmes, Dominique Davis, and Travion Robertson won’t be dressing this week. Who will be the other two inactives? C. Peters should make the D-Line stronger up the gut, but this is a game that may be decided on the edges. Shady McCoy and Vick aren’t going to over power anyone, but they can run around damn near everyone.
Birdman
October 27th, 2012
1:37 am
Falcons Need this game and I think they will win .I think Nolan has a surprise for us.Lets just see what its gonna be.
Good night Cage
Big Ray
October 27th, 2012
10:00 am
Dhunt,
Terence Johnson was waived. As for Travian, considering how bad we get gashed up the middle on runs….I’d give him a shot and see how he does.
Ehhh…what am I saying, I know better than that…
DePlane
October 27th, 2012
10:05 am
Yeah C’mon BR, you know better than that! I’d like to see it too though…..
D3
October 27th, 2012
10:05 am
Great and Beautiful Saturday Cage Family! — Hope all of you are doing well and ready for a gorgeous weekend of football. While I’ve lost all faith in my Dawgs, (and still nervous with our Birds), I am starting to shake that sense of fear and nervousness. I took some alka seltzer as DHunt suggested. Still worried, but Smith usually has this team ready to play up to their competition with only a few exceptions in 5 years (Philly x 2, NO last year, two playoff appearances, and a handful more). That’s not too bad in well over 70 games. Check this out…….
So I met this super nice guy yesterday. He’s from New York originally and very nice and a great guy, but you’re typical NY fan, Giants follower, but he’s lived here since 1978. He starts into his standard NY tirade (respectful and in all good fun) about how the Falcons are weak, haven’t played anybody, etc. etc. We went back and forth for awhile, but I finally had him admit that he won’t respect the Falcons until they win in the playoffs and win a Super Bowl. I then talked about how it’s different down here and mentioned that our franchise hasn’t been around nearly as long as the NFL teams up north and how they have to compete against the SEC and college football and that the north is a joke in terms of college football. His retort was “well, we got Syracuse……and St. John’s has a football team.” That made me laugh really hard. I said that the SEC is king down here, and he said that’s because they’re the only ones that win. It really was a very good conversation and we were enjoying ourselves, no malice whatsoever.
I then asked him about Eli Manning and what he thought about him before he made the run to his first Super Bowl title and he admitted that he was ready to send his @ss out on a rail. He also admitted that he stopped following the Giants for a long time until Bill Parcells came. So I guess my entire point is that hypocrisy reigns with these northeastern “sports” elitists and the second thing is that they simply don’t understand the different dynamics in the South and how much of a challenge it’s been down here for the Falcons to prosper. They simply can’t understand it and know it like we do. All they do and know is that we’ve “always been bad,” and have no tolerance or understanding for the challenge vs. the SEC and College Football and how our ownership has been terrible, basically until Arthur Blank took over. It takes time, that’s just how it goes. Go look at Pittsburgh Steelers history and look how good they were before Chuck Noll got there. You can essentially say the same thing about every franchise until a certain owner or head coach got there with few exceptions.
Basically, what I’m saying is that, like many good coaches / managers / leaders, they find a way to galvanize their team and use the “us against them” belief. If you get frustrated with the media elite and their constant need to demean and denigrate our franchise, fans, and region, than just take comfort in that we just have to keep our heads down, ignore all the BS, and have faith in our owner, GM, and head coach that we’ve already done a 180 with this franchise and will eventually get there, but it takes time. Just like a d@mn bully, they feel the need to put down others to make themselves feel better. A day will come when we “Rise Up” and punch that d@mn bully in the mouth. I literally have tuned out all NFL “experts / media elite / talking heads” for about 2.5 years and it’s done wonders for my overall happiness and psyche. If it’s actual NFL news, I’ll read it, but if it involves any type of opinion, I shut it the F— out. Thank the good Lord for The Cage and all of you, because it’s about all the football talk, banter, conversation, and OPINION I need.
OK, enough of my speech, back to our Falcons vs. those hated Eagles………………
D3
October 27th, 2012
10:09 am
Wabe — Posts are out brother.
DePlane
October 27th, 2012
11:02 am
D3, that is a d@mn on the money post! So true. I be remiss if I didn’t point out the total positive perspective you are laying out there too. We are the Falcon Faithful!!!!! On Sunday the Falcons can make a statement by ignoring the negative media and go out there a punch Phillly in the mouth!
Greg Mendel
October 27th, 2012
11:40 am
“You can essentially say the same thing about every franchise until a certain owner or head coach got there with few exceptions.” — D3
Excellent point, D3! In my opinion, Aurthur Blank’s purchase of the team is the most important event in Falcons history. He gets repeated criticism from some fans, but those fans criticize everything — demanding replacement of the entire team every week, if not every quarter.
Fact is, Blank (unlike the Smiths) has his mind, ambition and pride invested in the team. At the same time, he has the organizational smarts to develop it. The NFL isn’t Home Depot, so Blank has had some rough spots in his learning curve, but he’s learning and adapting. His goals and vision for the team are high, yet he has enough sense and patience to give staff decisions time to run their course.
That’s why I have patience with the Falcons, and why I haven’t complained about post-season results so far. It really is a “process.” Builders and architects like Blank understand that it takes a long time and much trial-and-error to construct a consistent winner. It’s been a gradual climb — too slow for some — but since 2008, the team has not gone backwards.
I’m really nervous about Sunday’s game in Philadelphia. Not about the result, but about the fact that I have to attend a wedding downtown at 5:30PM. I want to watch every second!!! I honestly think the Falcons will win this one. I’ll even go on record (why not!) as predicting it will be the first Falcons blowout of the season. I figure it’ll be mushy and iffy and awkward at first, but then, the Falcons will smell blood. MV7 will find out how a fawn feels when a hungry wolfpack shows up for Sunday dinner.
Metaphor Check: Architecture, captains of industry, snarling canines, Bambi… yeah, good enough.
LRD
October 27th, 2012
12:03 pm
Perfect storm to hit the NE… and falcons out before the storm keeping their perfect record in place…
Hope to see Peters out there. Do like that kid.
Matty Bicep
October 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
We will never los the rep as playoff chokers until we win in the playoff. If we go 16-0 and beat very team by 20 pts, and go one and done, it will be that much worse. This game is just an ordinary week 7 game with a 3 game division lead, it is one more stepping stone to the playoff…..Except for the MV7 factor, that does up the ante and this gave does become personal, but until we get that playoff W, we are just going to have to ignore the abuse.
But regardless, we are 6-0, so we just set another Falcon 1st, it is all part of the process.
Matty Bicep
October 27th, 2012
12:31 pm
Sorry for all the typos, just put my glasses on.
Matty Bicep
October 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
Not expecting much for UGA today, but an inspired W would be nice.
Big Lou
October 27th, 2012
12:39 pm
No offense, Dhunt. I am probably one of the most stern defenders of coach Mike Smith in here. Yet, if we go another one and done in the playoffs… he needs to be demoted or let go. I do not care about winning in the regular season. That doesn’t matter. We have the talent to do the job, period.
Last thing ATL needs is another Bobby Cox, or Norv Turner. I rather be inconsistent during the regular season and get a Superbowl, then be consistent and lose first game of the playoffs.
I am glass half full on this debate, though. I feel they are taking more chances this year, which is what great teams do to win. They aren’t playing conservative like last year, on both sides of the ball.
okeetee
October 27th, 2012
1:00 pm
Well, if the Falcons can beat these Eagles on the road coming off a bye week then I’ll start believing we might have something special going on with this team…..especially if we run the ball and stop there run!
DHunt
October 27th, 2012
2:54 pm
“I rather be inconsistent during the regular season and get a Superbowl, then be consistent and lose first game of the playoffs.” BL
It’s always been a mystery to me how easy it is for some to postulate that a coach or team that isn’t capable of consistent success in the regular season will somehow be better at winning in the post season. That just seems at best counter-intuitive, and at worst plain downright illogical. Peyton manning will go down as one of the best to ever play the game. he has one Superbowl win in his career, and doesn’t really seem that likely to get another. Ben Rothleisburger(sp) has two rings already, and will never be the QB that Peyton was. Ultimately championships are defining points for sports. But it’s ridiculous to discount the Braves epic run of consistent play just because they only got one World Series win out of it. How many teams didn’t get at Division championship, or a League championship in all that time that the Braves were racking up wins but falling a little short of the grand prize.
I understand that there can be a point where you determine that a coach or a system doesn’t seem capable of taking it to the next level. I just don’t get how you jump from 5 straight winning seasons to absolutely cannot win in the playoffs; especially with a first time head coach, first time GM, and a rookie QB as the cornerstones to rebuild franchise that was literally in flames and ruin the previous season.
D3 is absolutely correct in that the Arthur Blank regime is the very first time that the Falcons franchise has been anything other than a joke. If not for a couple of injuries, a little bad luck, and the dumbest decision ever made by a starting QB to be involved in a dogfighting ring, the first few years of the Blank era could have been far more successful. Such is life. Blank only has about 10 years of ownership under his belt, and has built a perennial laughingstock of a franchise into a force to be reckoned with. Anyone who suffered through the decades of debacle fostered by the Smith family should be simply ecstatic about the direction that this franchise is going.
Wabe
October 27th, 2012
3:06 pm
Big Lou,
Surprised to see you say that about Smitty. Don’t hold it against you. For me, it’s not just the fact that we’re 0-3 in the playoffs, it has more to do with the fact that we’ve played our worst football in the playoffs. Our games against the Packers and Giants were hands-down the worst of the respective seasons. I can live with hard fought losses. I can’t live with the type of performances we’ve had the past two postseasons where it looks as though we don’t even deserve to be there.
When Tebow’s Broncos or the Sanchez-led Jets can win playoff games, I find it hard to believe we can’t even make them competitive.