Atlanta Falcons: Birds Dominate Eagles
Falcons Crush Eagles in Philly
BOOM! (Michael Perez)
Everyone in the world has seemingly questioned their record and asked whether they are “for real” or not. Any unbiased and logical person has their answer from Sunday in Philadelphia. The Atlanta Falcons dominated the Eagles, a great source of anguish the last few years, on the road in Philly. The Birds excelled from the opening whistle and only let up a touch when the game was essentially out of reach. Matt Ryan and the offense got back to their old ways and lit up the scoreboard, not even needing Matt Bosher’s punting until the fourth quarter. The defense shut down a “hungry” Eagles offense ready to explode with all their talent. Special teams took care of their business in a hostile environment with less-than-ideal conditions. Simply put, yes this team is for real and anyone who says they aren’t after Sunday shows their true biased opinion. This is not to say that the Falcons won’t have their bad days, but they are every bit deserving of their undefeated record. A look at the huge win……….
Ryan, Offense Back to Awesome
Ryan and Co. Rolling Again (Mel Evans)
After the blowing the doors off their opponents offensively the first three weeks, the Falcons looked rather pedestrian the following three. With a particularly weak performance against the Oakland Raiders at home. Many hoped the bye week would provide some help and answers. It certainly did. Matt Ryan was back to his surgical self at QB, slicing and dicing the Eagles defense, completing 22 of 29 passes for 262 yards and 3 touchdowns. All the while, Ryan spread the ball around to 7 different receivers in the process. Major kudos to Dirk Koetter for calling an excellent game, complete with many screens that kept the Eagles pass rush in check. Julio Jones had a huge day. Michael Turner, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Jason Snelling piled on 146 yards rushing and the offensive line looked as good as it has all season. Here’s to hoping the Falcons offense keeps on rolling along.
Running Game Split Looked Great
Michael Turner may not be the happiest player in the world now that he’s had his touches and carries cut back, but the Falcons rushing attack finally had a big day. Turner still got almost 50% of the carries, but the Birds gave both Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling plenty of touches in the game and it paid off. A trend in the NFL has developed to using a two back, or even three back, system that doesn’t depend solely on one feature back to carry the entire load. A question was posed back in the off-season on what kind of split would be best for the Falcons in 2012 and the games against the Eagles may have provided the best blueprint to date.
Credit to the Offensive Line, Konz
No position has been beat up more than the Falcons offensive line. Some thought an imminent collapse was coming with the Falcons and their problems on the OL. Well, they put some doubters to rest in Philadelphia on Sunday. They were much better in run blocking, protected Matt Ryan as good as they have all season, and overall had an excellent game. Many had been clamoring for the Falcons to inject something new into the OL in order to give it a much needed boost. Peter Konz shouldn’t get all the credit the improved play, but he looked pretty darn good in his first start in the NFL. He got overpowered one time that led to Ryan’s only sack, but otherwise he added a nice boost to the offensive line, perhaps in visual imagery alone. Tyson Clabo and Sam Baker both held up well against the Eagles talented pass rushers and Justin Blalock was his normal solid self. Todd McClure gets much of the credit for leading this OL through dark times and, hopefully, to brighter days. It was only one game, but it sure was a sight for sore Falcons fans eyes. An improved rushing attack coupled with many screens also helped out the OL.
Can’t Throw the Deep Ball, eh?
Here Comes the Bier Truck! (Mel Evans)
Noodle arm. Weak arm. Can’t throw the deep ball. Has no deep game. These have been many trolls favorite garbage excuses when trying to denigrate Matt Ryan. It’s true he didn’t have a cannon like Jeff George or Matthew Stafford, but he could always throw the ball plenty far enough. Can those ridiculous attack lines finally be put to rest already? He’s thrown plenty of deep balls throughout his career, but after putting in a ton of work over the off-season, Ryan has a new comfort in the deep game and it shows. Look no further than his last minute bomb to Roddy White against the Carolina Panthers, from his own endzone nonetheless. But the cherry on top was the beautifully thrown ball to Julio Jones on a 63 yard touchdown strike zooming by supposedly one of the very best cornerbacks in the NFL, Nnamdi Asomugha.
Biermann Shouldn’t Come Off the Field
Some scoffed at the price the Falcons paid Kroy Biermann to come back to Atlanta, saying it was way too much to pay a “backup.” Some thought that Biermann may very well be the biggest beneficiary of Mike Nolan’s new defense, and sure enough, he’s right up there. His stats won’t blow you away (30 total tackles, 2 sacks), but he’s been all over the field the entire season. Biermann has played with his hand in the dirt rushing the QB, but he’s also been playing as a standup LB where he has plenty of freedom to roam around the outside or move to the inside. His hustle and tenacity was on full display against the Eagles. With Philadelphia in desperation mode towards the end of the game, Biermann turned one of the best plays of the game. He rushed Vick from the outside and beat not one, but two-to-three defenders and chased him down for a sack. With all due respect to Ray Edwards, Biermann should be on the field all the time. His toughness and versatility is one of the Falcons best strengths.
Robert McClain’s a Keeper
OL Looked Fantastic (Mel Evans)
It was one of the bigger surprises when roster cut day came down. Robert McClain, a rarely known cornerback from Connecticut who had bounced around the NFL for several years, had won one of the coveted 53 man roster spots. Not too many gave much thought to it since the Falcons boasted Asante Samuel, Brent Grimes, and Dunta Robinson. But when Brent Grimes was lost for the season in the opener and Chris Owens suffered a concussion against the Broncos, McClain was forced into action as the nickel back. His first play only resulted in a Peyton Manning interception. McClain has taken advantage ever since. McClain is quick, tough, and always seems to be in the right position. He had good coverage and some nice hits, with his most important one coming when he forced Michael Vick out of bounds right before the 1st down marker. He already has 3 passes defensed on the year. McClain is moving out of “roster backup” territory and into possibly having a future as a potential starter. For a team searching so long for youthful talent at cornerback, the Falcons may have finally found one.
Love that 3 DT Front
Not only was it fantastic to see Corey Peters back in action, it was also great to see Mike Nolan mix it up on a defensive front. Instead of having the traditional 2 defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends, Nolan put a 3 defensive tackle front on the line, mostly with Peters, Jonathan Babineaux, and Vance Walker. It paid dividends and held one of the league’s most dynamic backs, Lesean McCoy, pretty well in check. Many wondered early on whether or not Babineaux was athletic enough to hold the end in a 3-4 type look and the early returns are promising. Above all, it was nice to see Nolan mixing it up on defense after having 4 years of standard deployment week in and week out.
Drew Davis Takes Advantage
Drew Davis Earning a Role (Michael Perez)
Like McClain, Drew Davis has earned his chance the hard way. A former Oregon standout, Davis worked on the Falcons practice squad all year last season. He was thought to be in a two way battle with Kevin Cone for the 5th and final spot. At the time, most thought spots 1 through 4 were taken, with Kerry Meier being penciled in at the #4 wide receiver position. Funny thing was that Meier ended up getting cut, Kevin Cone made the roster, but late signee Tim Toone grabbed the 5th and final spot. Davis was relegated to practice squad duty again only to get called up soon after with Toone getting injured. To make a long story short, Davis put in his time, finally got his chance when Harry Douglas was injured, and made the absolute most of it. He only caught two passes, but one of them was a thing of beauty hauling in a touchdown and tapping the sidelines. The Falcons have always been set at receiver with Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Harry Douglas, but it turns out it may be even more talented than some thought.
Falcons Need to Lock Up Vance Walker
Perhaps the most underrated Falcon on the roster outside of Justin Blalock, Vance Walker is steadily turning into one of the most solid players on the defense and the overall team. A 7th round draft pick out of Georgia Tech, Walker has always been excellent role player, but he may be growing out of that role and into a more prominent one. He already has 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble on the season. He’s listed as 6’2, 304, but he certainly looks bigger than that. In his last year of a restricted free agent contract, the former Yellow Jacket will be set to hit the free agent market in 2013. Walker seems like a perfect candidate to bring back and develop alongside Corey Peters, Peria Jerry, and maybe Travian Robertson. The Falcons may not have that enormous beast at nose tackle that some defenses do, but collectively, it’s looking like a very strong group and Walker is one of the main reasons.
The Media-Talking-Heads-Elite “Excuse Rolodex”
Snelling's Got it Right Regarding the "Media Elite" (Mel Evans)
For the most part, Falcons fans have accepted and come to peace with the Media-Talking-Heads-Elite seeming bias against Atlanta both in the past and this current edition. It seems to be moving goalpost or that they have an “excuse rolodex” where the Falcons shoot down one of their biased opinions, they simply insert another one. First it was a soft schedule the Falcons played. Then it was Peyton Manning throwing those interceptions all on his own. Then it was the Falcons can’t run the ball. Then it was the Falcons can’t stop the run. Then it was the Falcons should be ashamed for having to come back to beat the lowly Panthers. Then it was Robert Griffin III getting injured and then the Falcons eeking out wins and possibly being the worst early undefeated team in history. With a great road test against a quality opponent, the Falcons dominated in every aspect of the game. And what was the story line after the game? The Eagles “collapsing, Vick possibly getting benched, and Andy Reid’s job security.” Did the Falcons even play in that game?
Of course when all else fails, just go to the fail-safe “they haven’t won in the playoffs” standard attack line. Or if that’s not your cup of tea, just ignore, ignore, ignore. The day after the game (Monday) a check of NFL.com had not one snippett, headline, buzz feed, article, opinion, nothing on the Falcons, but had all you can eat of the drama with the Jets, Cowboys, and Eagles. Maybe wins don’t matter that much anymore, but rather soap-opera style stories. Perhaps the NFL can merge their network with SoapNet and it would be a fantastic coup for everyone. Fact is, most Falcons fans find it humourous and don’t really get that bothered by it anymore. As Todd McClure said referring to the “media elite”: “I hope it stays that way,” McClure said. “I’m sure it will come to a point where they’ll start talking about us. The only time we really want them talking about us is in February.” Hopefully, it’s at least providing the players some motivation this season.
The Bird Cage Brethren’s Turn
1) Simple quick draw: how big was this win?
2) Is the offense back to normal……for good?
3) How did you like the RB split? Should it change more?
4) Happy with the offensive line? Thoughts on Konz?
5) Matt Ryan can’t throw the deep ball, right?
6) Should Biermann play an even more prominent role?
7) Does Robert McClain have a future as a starter?
8.) Thoughts on the 3 DT front?
9) Has Drew Davis cemented a role even when HD comes back?
10) Should the Falcons bring back Walker to a multi-year deal?Y
11) How do you like the Media-Talking-Head-Elite’s “Excuse Rolodex?” Gotta hate those Falcons, right?
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747 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
2:58 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/02/atlanta-falcons-kroy-biermann-is-being-sent-on-special-missions/?cp=1#comment-183940
Gotta love our boy Biermann. Especially now that we have a DC who knows how to make use of him.
I love Tony Romo’s assertion – they have some things that will neutralize our coverages, huh? Yeah, this from the guy who leads the League in INTs. I predict that we pick him off twice….if not three times. And that’s not being arrogant.
Just a different defense than they’ve seen from us in the past, and a MUCH more savvy DC.
Birdman
November 2nd, 2012
2:58 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1393325-the-complete-bettors-guide-to-nfl-week-9/page/5
This is a thought.?
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
3:01 pm
shm means shaking my head.
SMH means “shaking my head”.
shm means dyslexia, we’re getting our mords wixed up…or we’re just TTFTR (Tying Too Fast To Retort).
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
3:06 pm
Would love to see Dent make a play. He has caught some grief, and from what I could tell, he looked pretty bad when I could isolated on him, but his stats show some hope…I am starting to get a little curious, his teammates seem to have hope, and I get the sense there might be come good chemistry, everyone seems to like him and is pulling for him, he might just be the little engine that could.
Harshest criticism (that matters, anyway) came from Nolan who said he had an “average game” after recoring 8 tackles against Oakland in his first full-time start. Nolan’s right…8 tackles is decent, but nothing to write home about.
Biggest vote of confidence came from Sean Weatherspoon who also said that Dent corrected him on a play or two.
Two different perspectives (in a way) from two different kinds of sources. I think Dent has a future here, but I also think it would be helped by us going to a 3-4.
The way Nolan runs it now, rarely are there more than two pure LBs on the field. Dent isn’t as good right now as Nicholas or Spoon. Spoon will probably always be better, Nicholas seems to have a bit more speed…but we’ll see…a 3-4 gets Dent on the field more, otherwise he has to either take the job from Nicholas or prepare to be his heir. Maybe that’s not so far-fetched as Nicholas will be 30 next May.
Of course, I don’t recall how much/how long we re-signed him for…
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
3:07 pm
(Typing Too Fast to Retort)…..victim of my own disease…
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
3:19 pm
Actually, the Nolan/Spoon quotes is what I was thinking when i said there might be good chemistry. Seems the other backers have taken him under wing, and a Nolan “average” is a way of saying if he listens, works, studies, and keeps his nose clean, and really really wants it, and works a little harder, that he might one day be slightly above average, or maybe even good. Would love to see him make a big play this week.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
3:24 pm
MB ,
Agreed. I just think the opportunities are greater in a 3-4 defense than they are in current conditions. But then, I have a personal agenda with that defensive base anyway, as everybody knows.
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
3:47 pm
I like the 3-4, but we don’t have that anchor NG, but we do have a bunch of tackles. Plus, we don’t exactly have a roster full of inside backers to man those positions. I think Nolan works with what he has. He is using his safetys as the chess pieces.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
4:04 pm
We don’t have those pieces…. yet . I’m not advocating a switch to the 3-4 this season. These things do not happen overnight, as I’ve said ad nauseum. But then, I forget that you haven’t been around long enough to recall my ravings about the 3-4 defense….lol.
Nolan has been downright masterful at working with what he has.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
4:08 pm
I actuall don’t feel that we have the proper pieces to run a correct/highly effective 4-3 defense. We lack the edge rushing speed/power. Abe is our best guy at that, Biermann is really a LB playing a DE position (would be very little difference if you made Clay Matthews, Ryan Kerrigan, or Aldon Smith do the same thing…all would struggle in some way)….and that’s because our DTs don’t push the pocket or tie up all the interior OL players.
Peria Jerry never panned out, Babs is good but in decline, Peters may be our most talented DT when its all said and done but he’s not fully healthy, Vance is a decent clog guy but not enough weight/brute strength to dominate, and Travian’s not ready.
Yet they do a decent-to-good job being what and who they are. Just not a strength of the defense.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
4:51 pm
They say Vick is a coach killer.
Newton has done him one better – GM killer. His coach will meet the reaper next…
Paddy O
November 2nd, 2012
5:01 pm
unless Cam decides to take responsibility for his teams play. Last year, Cam was a whole lot better than expected – this year, he has flat lined – even last year, he turned the ball over WAY too much. I thought he had some Vince Young, but the fumbles remind me of Mike Vick – still fumbling after almost 10 years in the league – some folks just don’t have a learning curve. Cam is young, but his learning curve appears invisible – and, he has some playmakers.
LRD
November 2nd, 2012
5:06 pm
Happy Friday Cage.. One stat that is interesting is Romo being 19-2 in November(if I remember it correctly) . Well, I can see him now adding another loss to that column.
Sybil (Newton) seems to be going the path of Vince Young… Carolina needs to find a veteran to help him.. and dont think Derek Anderson is the one. I am actually somewhat suprised that franchise hasnt tried to find a veteran to add to the depth charts to mentor Newton
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
5:58 pm
As I said, if I am RR, I bench Cam and tell him unless he supports his team like the other reserves, he is not getting on the field again as long as I coach. At least if I go out, I go out with an ounce of self respect…..Cam has to learn how to win late, then he might one day develop into an NFL QB. But you cant teach anyhing to someone who knows everything.
Like the thinking on the 4-3 BR…I can project Beerman as a rush OLB, but I don’t know if he can tackle in space.
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
6:01 pm
When NFL qbs throw picks, they go to the bench and look at pictures, Cam goes and pouts. He is a non-hacker, and every player on that team knows it, and RR is a clown for not taking control and treating him like a FB coach treats a non-hacker. He moves on and lets him pout and lets the guy who take responsibility, play.
JJ
November 2nd, 2012
6:33 pm
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
5:58 pm
” But you cant teach anyhing to someone who knows everything.”
MB, Im a little embarrassed of how youve been treated from some cage regulars but I can understand. Your first few weeks in the cage :talking down to everyone like you and you alone knew all the answers: has changed to a more friendly vibe (kinda but needs a little more work) .
I dont always agree with you or your style but you are a true falcon at heart. For the rest of my cage family, give it a REST AND ACT CIVAL!!!
Pick on me, I DGAS, dont give a shiz!!!
MB, whats impressed me the most is that you continue to post even tho youve been subject to ridicule from many regulars on this great blog. This I commend and will let you know that none of the OBCM have participated in this.
This cage by D3 welcomes ALL falcon fans…you just butted heads on your way in…were all family here…which I would remind some others!!!
Be cool and civil cagers!!!
JB Falcon
November 2nd, 2012
7:20 pm
JJ, most of us have seen new cage members, including myself, who are now regulars, have a few misunderstandings before things settle down. I know I did. I’m proud that, I think, I have been accepted and try to offer something to the cage. I waited a while for things to settle down with MB, and MB, I hope you read this, before I welcomed MB to the blog. He seemed to have settled down. As soon as I did that, another sh!t fight started.
I think your post said it very well, better than my attempt, and I agree. We have seen some just give up and leave but MB has proven that he is, indeed, a true fan and he’s still here. We, as a group are just going to have to learn MB’s nature and he’s going to have to learn that any fan can fit in if he/she puts forth a little effort.
JJ
November 2nd, 2012
7:25 pm
JB, Tres bien my friend! Thats a start, lets get some more, we are falcon family strong!!!
D3
November 2nd, 2012
7:28 pm
This cage welcomes ALL falcon fans…you just butted heads on your way in…were all family here…which I would remind some others!!!
Be cool and civil cagers!!! — JJ
Maybe it’s the MTV Sports culture we’ve grown accustomed to, or maybe it’s the fact that we’re so used to fighting all the time, non-stop about our franchise being so crappy (not since 2008), but we should take a second and appreciate one another as Falcons fans and appreciate what all of you bring to the table as intelligent, respectful, and amazing Falcons and football fans.
Ya’ll make think I’m blowing smoke and being full of sh!t, but I really mean it when I say that The Cage (and I mean all you guys and gals insights, opinions, debates, discussions, and viewpoints) are all I need for my football fix. I literally don’t listen to, watch, hear, or discuss Falcons or football with pretty much anyone else. And I sure as the F— don’t EVER watch Entertainment-NFL Tonight to hear about how terrible our team is.
In sum, I just want to say that our differences and diversity of opinions make us strong, but our respect for one another as people and civility for another as a FAMILY (I don’t say that term as some made-up catchphrase, but really mean it), has made this one of the most special things I’ve been a part of, and that’s straight-up no BS. I guess what I’m saying is, “Get heated, get pissed, and get passionate……………, but let’s all be respectful of one another.”
I think our Beloved Angel of the Bird Cage would agree.
For some of our newer Cage Family Members, take a sec and check out one of the coolest people and biggest Falcons fans EVER! http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-fans/2011/02/22/in-memoriam-%E2%80%93-sarah-brainerd/
JJ
November 2nd, 2012
7:35 pm
Amen D3, well said.
Also like to remind cagers to pray for SW and his family
D3
November 2nd, 2012
7:38 pm
This is the first paragraph I typed for Sarah B and her memoriam………………
We’re taking a break from Falcons and Football to discuss something more serious. If you haven’t been a frequent visitor to The Bird Cage or are a newcomer, you may want to return in a few days when a new post about our Beloved Birds is up. This blog started a few years ago on D. Orlando Ledbetter’s blog and many of us got to know one another and developed a great rapport with each other discussing all things Falcons, football, and sometimes whatever we desired. Thus The Bird Cage was later born of many collective efforts that involved respect, dignity, compassion, and humanity. The Atlanta Falcons of course was the center point, but it evolved into so much more, thinking of each other’s well-being and genuinely wishing the best for each other and being there for comfort when some of us had tough times, even though we’d never once met in person. You could call it a “Spirit of The Bird Cage,” if you will. No one represented this more than one of our absolute favorite members Sarah Brainerd.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
7:42 pm
I think we’ve all butted heads in here, still do.
At least we’re doing so from intellectual backgrounds and not just slinging rancid mud at each other with no football input. All Cage members contribute some view of the game, some knowledge. Therein lies the difference. On the other blogs, finding actual football content beyond the primitive types is difficult….
So while we still have our “brewing just below the surface” stuff here and there, it beats the hell out of what you find elsewhere. So let’s just keep it civil.
Big Ray
November 2nd, 2012
7:43 pm
Yes, SW is definitely in our prayers while Sarah B remains in our hearts.
JJ
November 2nd, 2012
8:10 pm
Amen smaller “Big” Ray!
Congrats my little friend!
Paddy O
November 2nd, 2012
8:41 pm
JB & JJ – there is not a whole lot of atta boys for sh1t stirrers, and if you read MB’s posts, that was his direct intent – at least earlier today. I’ve tried to be civil with the guy, but some of the innanity (best made up word since irregardless!) is too conspicuous to ignore. I’d prefer to read his comments, but his attitude/purpose makes that a losing proposition in the long run, IMHO.
Big Lou
November 2nd, 2012
9:43 pm
http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/8584885/rob-ryan-says-dallas-cowboys-beat-atlanta-falcons-sunday
LMAO
Big Lou
November 2nd, 2012
9:55 pm
Thanks for the bulletin board material, fatty.
falcon21
November 2nd, 2012
9:56 pm
We all know the talking heads are hoping we lose to the Cowboys in our house so they can start with the BS “I told you the Falcons were not that good”. I think we will take care of business and break their hearts Sunday night.
JB Falcon
November 2nd, 2012
10:01 pm
Big Lou, that’s like sweet and sour sauce. I tend to agree withTony G. To parapharase, “I’d like to win them both.”
falcon21
November 2nd, 2012
10:10 pm
I’ll bet Buddy is proud of his boys, they all can talk crap but they can never back it up!
Coop
November 2nd, 2012
10:39 pm
JJ – I’ll take it that your olive branch to MB is a rebuke of me mainly. I’ll agree that I’ve been less than civil. I’ve butted heads before, but this is less than disagreeing and more refusing to be bullied. However, in light of your and D3’s comments, I’ll end all discussion with MB. I’m not convinced he’s a true falcon fan and may be trolling for fights. But since I’m not an OBCM, I’ll cede to their wishes.
WR
November 2nd, 2012
10:57 pm
Another quick check in with the cage, D3, the post about what the cage is about sums us all true cagers up, great post. It also serves as a reminder, while many of us here have grown close together, there are so many other things going on in our individuals lives, sometimes we share them in need of support, sometimes we don’t when we probably should. I was in the cage before there was a cage, loved the convo’s in DLeds blog that led to this blog. Meant many while not in person, that led to great relations. While definitely not being able to get in here as much as I would like, I have kept up on the post, and for true Falcons fans, the cage has grown and become much stronger, and that’s in thanks to D3. Will be adding a Mrs. WR within the next week, as a matter of fact she’s enjoying her bachelorette party tonight, mine is yet to come, to show how close this cage is, just let me know and whomever wants to come is invited.
P.S. JJ your part of the planning team even though you don’t know it, you do now, I need some info, like yesterday.
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
11:10 pm
NP, I know I come across a opinionated, but I am a falcon fan since Bob Lee pulled the Monday night upset of Fran and the Vikes around 1973 or so. That is why I take nothing for granted. But like Charlie Brown, I will always think that football is for us to kick through the goal post, I refuse to stop believing or thinking positive. I know I am abrasive, and will question conventional thought even if I am way off base, and I will be belligerent, cantankerous, and downright rude and a homer. But I am willing to give this staff every benefit of a doubt, I really think they are gonna get there. If not, dammit, we will try again next year. I know my football, and I know the Falcons….And I think most on this blog to too. tis all good, lets get to 8-0. I will try and tone it down, but I will also be myself.
WR
November 2nd, 2012
11:18 pm
Now, back to the Falcons, I figured they would lose eventually, an upset to the “boys ” at home seemed like a good place, then Rob Ryan comes out and pretty much guarantee’s a victory, i don’t expect the Falcons to go undefeated, not really caring if they do or don’t as long as they win a SB, but taking out the boys considering there demeanor just jump to the top of the priority list.
Matty Bicep
November 2nd, 2012
11:22 pm
And Coop, olive branch is appreciated. I am a true fan, I have never said anything negative about our team. I can tell out about the Bart years, the Alfred Js, Junior, Fralic, Andrews, Riggs, H backs, Gritz Blitz Glanville, the run and shoot Glanville, Swampy 1 AND 2, the 98 falcons, the 99 falcons, and of course, all the MV7 years. Anyway, Peace.
falcon21
November 2nd, 2012
11:27 pm
Congratulations WR, I do remember when we were all on DOL’s blog, it was never boring. D3’s blog is head and shoulders above that blog and it is all because of D3. We all learned a lot about each other on DOL’s blog and I think that has helped this blog grow. All the new members are making it even better.
Big Lou
November 3rd, 2012
12:09 am
WR
Agreed. I want them to win now. And with stuff like that, you know the Falcons are gonna be pumped.
Wings
November 3rd, 2012
7:20 am
MB – “And Coop, olive branch is appreciated. I am a true fan, I have never said anything negative about our team. ”
Improvement doesn’t happen without criticism. Here is my last statement on the situation.
MB it is not about what you say regarding our team, and a negative to you may not be seen as a negative by others. The team is an entity. Our dander arises when your comments become condescending and pointed toward the personal opinions of individual cagers, groups of cagers, and sometimes all of the cagers. These are PEOPLE who have come together to enjoy group discussion about the Falcons. What is said about the team, individual players, and coaches is probably never read by them. What is said or insinuated about other Cage members is seen by about everyone who reads the blog.
We defend trolls when they attack D3 regarding the content or his writing skills. We defend “our” Cage members when attacked by other posters. So the question seems to be whether you want to be one of the group or one who is at odds with the members of the group many times. I have learned through “dust ups” with other members, and the outcome of “dust ups” is usually better relationships.
Regarding Sarah B: When I first read the blog, I remember seeing some of her discussions with other Cagers. I enjoyed their comments. Then I went several months without reading the blog. Upon my return to reading the blog, the first post I saw was someone asking the question “if other Cagers knew Sarah B has died”. I saw in those discussions the nature of the people who are Cage members. I have never stopped reading.
An olive branch to you and peace MB.
D3
November 3rd, 2012
7:39 am
Coop — You are an OBCM my friend. It’s all good brother. We just gotta beat those d@mn Cowgirls so you don’t have to hear their ignorant tails running their mouths to you. I’m nervous as always, but if we can go beat the tar out of a “desperate and hungry” Philly team in Philadelphia, we can beat a sorry, whiny @ss Cowboy team that just oozes arrogance and pompous riding off of what they did almost two decades ago. Gotta beat Ole Miss too. Talk about a trap game.
Greg Mendel
November 3rd, 2012
11:54 am
Having read through the Cage this morning, I concluded feathers have been ruffled, smoothed, re-ruffled, plucked, treated with Rogaine, combed, and smoothed again. And I don’t understand any of it! Doesn’t matter to me, though. I always enjoy the Cage.
Football ignorance can sometimes be bliss. That’s why I don’t worry too much about getting to the playoffs or the Super Bowl. I enjoy the regular season, savoring every game — especially games with the Saints or Eagles (mini-SBs, for me). The season is like a gourmet 16-course dinner, and I don’t want to wolf down every course just to get to the dessert.
I have two thick ribeyes and a matching pair of Cabernets reserved for Sunday Night Football dinner. I expect the Falcons to dine on Texas trail mix. 8-0!
DePlane
November 3rd, 2012
12:27 pm
Greg…that sounds like a feast in the making. Have fun grilling those ribeyes! Appropriate fare for watching the Falcons administering the come uppance the cowgirls have coming!
Big Lou
November 3rd, 2012
12:33 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-playbook/0ap2000000089196/Playbook-Cowboys-vs-Falcons
Big Lou
November 3rd, 2012
12:41 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/03/atlanta-falcons-nolan-is-playing-chess-with-defensive-pieces/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog
DePlane
November 3rd, 2012
12:42 pm
I have never had a dust up on the cage. As an OBCM I’ve watched trolls come and go. The folks that stick may have a difference of opinion from time to time but always show respect for other peoples opinion. We have had some mighty fine folks here in the cage who have shared some personal tragedies together, all the while sharing Falcons football at the same time. See, when something strikes at the heart of our lives, we have this wonderful game that brings us together. The long time cage members have given support to each other through health issues and the loss of life, especially Sarah B. But also the loss of those closer to us…our grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters and other family members. Pretty incredible community if you ask me.
The emotions we have for the Atlanta Falcons…a staple in most of our lives for a very long time…run deep. When a health problem or loss of life has occurred, it transcends football and drives home the reality that while it is just a game. But it has brought us together and allowed us a place to share our grief in sad times and our happiness in the good times.
I don’t get it when people want to pick a bone. Spirited debate is always appreciated and entertaining, and some folks are really, really, knowledgeable about the game, the Falcons, players and the league and when it comes down to it, should not be trifled with. Newcomers to the Cage eventually discover who these people are and come to respect their opinions as much as I have.
Paddy O
November 3rd, 2012
3:35 pm
I’ll be disappointed if we don’t win by 3 TD’s. Tony R is the epitome of loser. We shall see. Falcons 38, Cowboys 17.
falcon21
November 3rd, 2012
4:11 pm
My Dawgs are not looking good early. Gurley gets a 17 yard run on the first play and we quickly start trying to throw the ball and give up 3 sacks. Nice play calling Bobo!
JB Falcon
November 3rd, 2012
5:45 pm
21, I just got caught up with your 4:11 on the blog, hit refresh, and hear. “There’s Murray with yet another TD pass.!” Thatsa 21!
falcon21
November 3rd, 2012
8:04 pm
LOL JB, my Dawgs finally got their act together, I was starting to worry. I just had to vent a little!
DHunt
November 3rd, 2012
9:46 pm
And I’m back for more. If you guys didn’t have each other to snipe at occasionally there would be far more road rage. Continue to take it out on your keyboards ladies and gentlemen. I need the diversion.
On Falcons v Cowboys.
Murray either isn’t playing or isn’t nearly up to 100%, and for that matter neither is Felix Jones. That means no Dallas run game. Can our defense make them pay for being one dimensional? I think so, but then I’m the ultimate homer.
Dent came in for Spoon at the end of the Philly game and immediately (or almost immediately) made a tackle for loss. I don’t think that young man has given us any reason to be so down on him. He is developing and maybe he won’t be the best guy on the field, but I think he will continue to improve. I also think we have enough around him, and a good enough DC to help him be effective, or at least keep him from being the Achilles heel.
Schultzie, and pretty much everyone else who cares to speak positively about the Falcons, has pointed to the new OC as an instrumental part of the Falcons improvement. My personal feeling on that is that the defense has improved more than the offense, and they had a longer way to go and less to work with. Be that as it may, I’m not expecting a 9-6 game tomorrow. I think we can stop them and they have far less chance of stopping us.
On winning in the regular season vs. winning in the post season.
As MB pointed out earlier, the Falcons have one of the best regular season records in the league over the last 4 years. Obviously that hasn’t led to the kind of results that we’d like to be getting, but it’s also nothing to sneer at. Consider that the franchises that get the most respect, have developed a winning culture, and that culture was developed over a number of winning season that did not all culminate in championships. The Falcons culture, before AB, was one of abject dysfunction. When we were good we ended badly, and when we were bad (which was far more often) we were terrible. So give a little credit for the fact that we have turned that culture thing upside down with sustained respectability in the regular season, and look forward to the near future when that translates to success in the post season. As badly as we’d love to hoist the Lombardi, nobody wants to be a flash in the pan team, with one standout year, and then revert to mediocrity or worse soon thereafter.
Paddy O
November 3rd, 2012
9:50 pm
i’m hoping we play a similar defense to the one we threw at Peyton Manning – I’d like to confuse Tony Romo into 3 even 5 interceptions and a couple fumbles. If we could put 40 up, that would make my day – and of course, keep the boys under 20.