First troll…..lol

Well done, birds!

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Finally, a good and objective article on our Falcons. Took some serious searching……..

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/20738395/falcons-address-deficiencies-prove-they-are-the-nfls-best

The potential narrative on the Falcons is that the Eagles are reeling, Michael Vick and Andy Reid’s jobs are both in turmoil, and Philadelphia’s newly installed defensive coordinator didn’t know what hit him. But that’s not it.

The Falcons are good. In fact, they’re the standard and by this point, people should start accepting it.

Almost identical to what I just wrote.

phil — I think we all agree with that, but there’s not a d@mn thing we can do about that right now except what we’re doing……….winning. I never really understand the obsession with “winning in the playoffs” crap anyway if you don’t win the whole thing. Mark Sanchez won a lot in the playoffs. Joe Flacco has won a lot in the playoffs. Hell, even Tebow and Tony Romo won in the playoffs. How’s that working out for them right about now?

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#7, it’s too early to tell, I did pick up on a few mistakes he made yesterday but he is a rook. Overall he had a good game. I think he is a keeper but we will see. I do like him a hell of a lot better than I do Franks.

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Yes, Biermann should play every snap. Replace Dent with him. Dent appears to be too easily blocked and seldom at the center of the action. DLED, tell us why Sidbury is no longer playing. Is he out of favor with Nolan. Sidbury has lots of athleticism and he has LB/Safety speed. I think Nolan should experiment with him and see how he looks at other positions like they’re doing with Biermann.

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And D3, not surprised to see it was another cbssports article that you’ve posted. Their contributors have actually given us some love today. I’ve seen 2 to 3 articles now about the Falcons being legit.

BSPN on the other hand…that’s a different story.

I heard Colin Cowherd today say that the Falcons aren’t even a top 5 team in his eyes LMAO! Shock value sells I guess.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this article. so true!

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Great read D3!

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Fantastic Article Go Falcons!!

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Can we not talk about the playoffs, until playoff time? We cant win a playoff game in Oct, whats the point of talking about it? And if we had won any one of the playoff games that we lost and got out the the next round, would things be different right now?

What good are playoff wins if you dont get a ring? The 90s Bills won many playoff games, are they thumping their chest now? nope. Its all about the rings people. Winning playoff games dont mean a damn thing, unless you get rings.

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[...] News here – Atlanta Falcons: Bird Cage ← Best place for pet supplies Cancel [...]

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In the early morning I’m going to say this.

With what we have going on I’m not going to assume Superbowl yet, but so far into this season we should be at least coming home with playoff victories in all seriousness.

When the season began I doubted Nolan, and Koetter very bad. In fact I remember being upset when we didn’t get Mario Williams, but after this 7-0 start I now know my place.

Cause we all try to be armchair managers, but yet never fully knows what ails this team. Still though 7-0 for the first time ever has to feel great at some point damn it lol.

What will make this even sweeter than beating Vick and the Eagles is being Tony Homo and the Cowgirls here at home lol.

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Quick thought…

I actually wanna give Koetter props on his gameplan. It’s obvious in our self-scouting week, Smitty/Koetter realized the vast difference in production for Ryan and this offense when the O-Line protects vs. doesn’t. The first 3 weeks, Ryan stayed relatively clean, he was at like 11 TD’s vs. 2 INT’s. The following weeks, teams got to him. And as a result, the INT’s went up, and production of the offense in general slid a bit.

So, what does Koetter do? Well, we had plenty of screens designed to get the Iggles to think twice about sending heat and even to get their D-line thinking bout it. And these screens actually looked pretty creative in design. Fake a screen to the RB one way and set up Julio on a WR screen. I like the design of that. I really do hope they continue to find intricate ways to keep the screen game relevant, and continue to work on some wrinkles with it. Will say though, it would be nice to work on the execution of our screens to the RB’s. Those were somewhat effective, but not all that effective. The timing/blocking just didn’t seem to be there.

But, overall, gotta credit Koetter here for seeing the need to adjust, and actually adjusting somewhat. I know it may also have had something to do with the firing of Castillo and the thought that Bowles might get after us. But, in general, it was a good gameplan to have after watching the abuse Ryan’s been taking over the past 2-3 weeks.

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1) Simple quick draw: how big was this win?
Pretty big.
Offense was great, simple as that.
defense was very good, especially keeping mccoy in check and vick out of his comfort zone

2) Is the offense back to normal……for good?
I don’t think they’re back to normal “for good”.
The way I see it, we’ll see more ugly games with perhaps some ugly losses, but I do not care at all.
There should be no way we lose our division to any other team, so playoffs are in reach. I do not care whether we’re 1st or 6th seed, but I do care whether we’ve got some playcalling magic up our sleeve, for come playoff time.
My proposition is: keep calling the plays with the looks from the previous games, that’ll win you enough games, although it will make us look uglier than we are as the opponents can prep for that.

3) How did you like the RB split? Should it change more?
I don’t think it changed much from past weeks. The only thing is, opposed to previous weeks, quizz hitted the hole when he could, rushing the football for one very big gain.

4) Happy with the offensive line? Thoughts on Konz?
Yes, happy with the line and happy that Konz got his chance. I think he had a solid game, but will need more tape to evaluate him better.

5) Matt Ryan can’t throw the deep ball, right?
Yes he can this year, like he showed in earlier games.

6) Should Biermann play an even more prominent role?
No, I even think some things are overdone (such as putting him in deep coverages on several looks). That does not take away he’s a very good mixup on our defense, keeping the offense guessing to what’s coming.

7) Does Robert McClain have a future as a starter?
I like him a lot. Especially his open field formtackle on Cam Newton was a piece of art. does that make him a starter? Yes for this year, not for next year, unless Grimey stays put and doesn’t understand he can’t have all that money, then McClain should start.

8.) Thoughts on the 3 DT front?
I think it can only work if the OLB covers up the outside on the “strong” DT side, so inside holes should be covered well, but it did show a lot of promise.

9) Has Drew Davis cemented a role even when HD comes back?
Not cemented, but he can give additional looks against defenses that aren’t deep at DB.

10) Should the Falcons bring back Walker to a multi-year deal?Y
Yes, absolutely.

11) How do you like the Media-Talking-Head-Elite’s “Excuse Rolodex?” Gotta hate those Falcons, right?
Let them be, we’ll talk again once they turn the Bias page.
Hello CBS

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[...] Atlanta Falcons: Birds Dominate Eagles The Falcons (Atlanta) dominated the Eagles, a great thusurce of anguish the last few years, on the road in Philly. The Birds excelled from the opening whistle & only let up a touch when the game was essentially out of reach. Matt Ryan & the offense got … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]

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I loved the (3) DT front as well. It’s so refreshing to see innovation on both sides of the ball. I even like it when they try something weird and it doesn’t work (i.e. Hawley as a TE). This team is really exciting and tickets will be harder and harder to get this season.

Grey cloud in the silver lining – if this team wins the Superbowl, how fast does that new stadium get pushed through? Seat licenses anyone?

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“Let’s have some fun out here! This game’s fun, OK? Fun goddamnit.” — Crash Davis, Bull Durham

Earlier in the year, in one of the Falcons’ State Farm Film Session videos, Todd McClure said in an offhand manner, “this year’s going to be fun.”

That’s not cockiness, that’s confidence. The team knows they have something special. They’ve been a very good regular season team for a number of years, but they know they have to take it up one more level.

And this is where the fun part comes in — they know they *can* take it up a notch. Why?

New coordinators. Both offense and defense were hamstrung by the same vanilla schemes and playcalling week after week, year after year. It was getting frustrating and boring, if not demoralizing, knowing your coaches don’t have an answer. The only time things got interesting for the offense was when Ryan was calling the plays. And that saved quite a few games.

Ryan. The Falcons’ QB has raised his game. The new offensive braintrust no doubt came in and thought, “why does the offense go through Turner? You’ve got an elite franchise QB. Act like it!” Yes, you have to run the ball, but the pass can set up the run. And if you give Ryan time, the pass can stab your opponent through the heart.

More skill on defense than we thought. New defensive coordinator comes in, Thomas Decoud has a pro bowl season. These things are related. Dunta is playing better. Moore was always a force. But again, it’s like they’ve been give permission to play.

Young players looking sharp. How many times have you watched a SF or Green Bay and been envious of the rookies and relative rookies playing and looking impressive? Why can’t our Falcons do that? Oh wait, it’s the 2012 season. Konz, McClain, Drew Davis, Quizz, superior play from all of them last Sunday.

Locker room chemistry. I don’t think this is new to this season. It seems like the Falcons have been a team-first type of crew for several seasons, but it’s at a different level now. Now they are *playing* the game instead of struggling with a stale approach, and that just brings them closer as they realize everyone is going to get their chance to contribute and put in a position to succeed.

Nobody wants a boring job, and no fan wants to watch a boring team, at least when it gets outcoached and outplayed. But the Falcons have turned the page. It’s the 2012 season. Good times.

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D3, I concur on the platitudes and gratitudes for this latest entry. One of your best, which is only fitting because the Falcons turned in one of their best this week.

You asked, so…
1) I’m going to pull a Smitty and say this win was no bigger than any other. We are in uncharted waters now ladies and gents. Almost every win, especially undefeated wins, will be some sort of Falcons record, milemarker, superlative, etc. Trying not to get too high, so we won’t have to go back to getting too low, if/when we don’t have a dominant game or we drop a game.

2) The offense was never “not Normal”. There’s different adversity you have to deal with each week. How we deal with it is all that matters. Thus far we’ve dealt with it to the tune of outscoring our opponents on 7 consecutive occasions. I’ll take that all day. I’m of the opinion that this offense is capable of far more than we saw against Philly, and I don’t think the Falcons are ready to settle for what they did Sunday. I think they feel that hunger to be better each week, and I think we have a lot of great moments ahead of us.

3) Wonderful, masterful job by Dirk Koetter with the scheme and the personnel. He deserves at least one week free of Monday morning coordinating. I honestly don’t know if there’s is anything at all to bitch about regarding this win.

4) The O-line got credited with 2 sacks. Both of them were CLEARLY not the fault of the O-line. Konz did the next man up thing as well as could have been done. Again, I honestly don’t know if there is anything at all to bitch about regarding this weeks O-line play. I will be perfectly content with this level of play for the rest of the year.

5)I’ve been saying for over a year, that once MR2 learns to let that ball go the moment his receiver is even with the defender, and throw it in bounds so the receiver can make a play, we will have lightning in a bottle anytime someone has the nerve to single cover Julio or Roddy on a go route. It’s never been about anything other than that. It’s actually open far more than we throw it, but I give credit to Ryan for not being greedy and playing a very smart game of grinding down defenses. I don’t need the flash each and every play. That would put the defense in the position of having to stay on the field.

6) Possibly Bierman’s best game of his career. Should have had 3 sacks but MV7 is some kind of magician when it comes to getting back to the line of scrimmage. Bierman’s key attribute is his high motor. Now why would we want to put him in the game even more, and run the risk of him getting too tired to capitalize on his best attribute? Further, there are a lot of good/very good/great players on our defensive roster, and they all have something to contribute. As was the case with Koetter, Mike Nolan’s game plan was FLAWLESS and the team executed it to near perfection. No need to Monday Morning Coordinate him either.

7) I’m loving some Robert McClain right about now. Weren’t there some major concerns about our GM and coaching staff’s ability to locate and develop talent? Is that another thing we can finally lay to rest? The depth at what was considered our weakest link last year is truly amazing. And even Chris Owens is playing well, which may mean that it wasn’t ever a personnel issue to begin with. Nolan has these guys performing at a high level.

8.) Let’s give Nolan AND Smitty a lot of credit for that 3 DT front. In fact, let’s also give some credit to Thomas Dimitroff for putting the personnel in place to make that a viable possibility. It’s been said repeatedly that this new wrinkle was instrumental in stopping the Eagles run game, and it may have had some effect, but the bigger thing was tackling. I actually like that rotation for pass rush as well because we have some very athletic Defensive Tackles. This kind of flexibility in personnel can only be a good thing as we progress through the season.

9) I think we are going to continue to see a progression of offensive plays and personnel packages as we go through the remainder of this season. Keep in mind Koetter hasn’t has a full year to implement all of the things he could possible do with all of the talent he has at his disposal. What we saw yesterday was a creative coaching mind, and I think no matter who was in the position Davis occupied yesterday, the results would have been the same. Davis gets credit for saving MR2 from a slightly overthrown back of the endzone pass with some nifty hand and footwork. His performance yesterday will definitely go a long way in giving the coaches confidence in putting him on the field and Matt confidence in looking for him and giving him chances to make plays.

10) Walker’s multi-year deal, Grimes continued employment, and possibly several other key personnel decisions are coming up. One thing is for sure, this is the Not For Long, and there will be players who get a chance to go elsewhere for more money. But I get the impression that it’s damn good to be an Atlanta Falcon right about now. Players want to be a part of something special, and on more than one occasion we’ve heard about guys wanting to come play in Atlanta. I bet Lofton is kicking himself every night about that decision he made to jump ship. Suffice it to say that in TD we trust. The Falcons front office has also earned a little decision making leeway, and I’m confident they will put the best possible team on the field.

11) I can’t stop laughing every time I think of how the Falcons are KILLING Keyshawn Johnson’s record on the BSPN weekly pickem challenge! Every week he is taking that L!! When will he learn that picking against the Birds is a bad proposition for him? Well we can be pretty sure that it won’t be this week. I’ll almost guarantee he picks the Cowboys to “upset” the Falcons. As for the rest, I’m seeing more reluctance to bad mouth the Birds, and more of the talking heads just pretending we don’t exist, so they don’t look like fools for continuing to doubt us. The story this week will be whatever will the Falcons do if our best defender isn’t on the field? If Spoon isn’t 100%, I say sit him. Next man up has been working really well for us and I have confidence that the team can and will compensate for a temporary loss, even one that critical. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and the talking heads will eventually catch on the fact that this ain’t your granddaddy’s Falcons. It’s not even last year’s Falcons.

Can you say 8-0?!?!

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If you watched the game intently, you saw Biertruck just miss two excellent tackles – he had the right form – tackling the guy on the leg as he was pulling away, but the elusive runner slipped out of his grasp – both would have been nice plays. Ken S should be pounding on the “i told you so” about mitigating a rush with screen passes and spreading the defense out – amazing how different the Eagles D line played this year, compared to the pounding when we beat them last year. Also, there was MUCH discussion of a transition from 4-3 to 3-4 – Nolan kind of slipped the whole transition in – telling folks he would really use a 3-3-5 alignment – but with Babs at DE – guess what? We are playing a 3-4 – and, last year – we talked about Babs as a DE pretty substantially – plus, as others have posted – Bierman is a force as a roamer/hybrid DE/LB. In NOLAN I TRUST!

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It appears to me that Nolan adjusts his D considering the opposition – a tough opponent, he uses unique wrinkles NOT previously seen on film – that causes the opposition game plan serious angst. This was an excellent game. And remember – we all were griping about Bosher – but he’s turned out to be an excellent late round pick up. With BVG & MM gone, I’m starting to see Smitty Ball disappear – except when we sit on leads – which is still prone to creating anxiety. I agree with another poster – the coaches looked at the first 3 games -with great QB protection, as opposed to the second 3 where we appeared to try to rush block and ended up doing neither very good – we are NOT good running between the tackles – but, how often do we ever call a draw? I still hope to see our base package as being Snelling and Quizz. Why not run both Davis and HD, plus Tony G and JJ / RW 84 packages? I see NO WAY that is defensible – but, if we can keep winning without it – hoo, ah – lightfighter.

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One more thing I see these bastards doing now, asking which game will be the Falcons first loss. I don’t ever remember them asking these questions when the Patriots or Green Bay was running the table. The Falcons have the talent and coaching now to beat all our remaining teams if they continue to play smart football. Game by game that old Falcons doubting seems to be wearing off. This team has and is proving themselves that they are the best in the league right now. The media continues to talk about us as though Mularkey and BVG are our coordinators. Let em keep thinking we’re the same team.

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Great read but I’m with Todd. Let the Falcons fly under the radar for as long as possible. They’re not sexy nor is there any controversy. As long as the birds take one W at a time and remain focused, we’re fine with that. We don’t need a circus to entertain us. Been there; done that.
What a difference coordinators make!

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Not to say your past write ups weren’t on point. LOL

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Blog monster ate my post. It’s almost like being accepted into the club.

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Colin Cowpile is now the face of haterade at BSPN. Has the Falcons ranked 6 or 7 and the Giants ranked #1. Had the nerve to pretend like the Giants scoring 23 points off SIX(6) TURNOVERS was somehow a good thing?! Maybe that’s something to be proud of if you’re playing the top ranked defense in the league, which the Cowboys aren’t. If you take away the 7 points on the pick 6, the Giants only scored 16 points off 5 turnovers. That’s only getting a field goal. So how are you going to look at that stat and then proceed to slobber all over Eli’s gonads? The Giants offense was pretty putrid, and they only won the game because of a misplaced pinkie. Yet the Falcons are garbage because Oakland came into our house, after a bye week, and played their best game of the season, and the Falcons still managed to win.

I could rant all day, but the simple fact is that slowly but surely everyone is starting to realize that The Falcons coaching changes are paying huge dividends. Koetter got most of the credit this week, but Nolan’s squad has come out and played well every week. Yeah we gave up a big run every week, but those rarely turned into touchdowns, and that was an issue with several ways to fix it, which we saw on display this week.

Any one of the top 10 tens in the league is capable of beating any of the others on any given Sunday. It’s nitpicking to even try to say who is “the best”. But there is only one UNDEFEATED team in the league. To pretend like that doesn’t matter in today’s NFL is nothing but pure haterism and unabashed bias towards the northeast teams that feed the monster that is sports media.

“I never really understand the obsession with “winning in the playoffs” crap anyway if you don’t win the whole thing. Mark Sanchez won a lot in the playoffs. Joe Flacco has won a lot in the playoffs. Hell, even Tebow and Tony Romo won in the playoffs. How’s that working out for them right about now?” – D3

PREACH ON IT D3!!! Who in here will be happy with one playoff win? Who in here wouldn’t think that we squandered a golden opportunity if we don’t go all the way? That’s the standard. Period. You get props for winning the Big One. Anything else would be… Uncivilized. And any coach will tell you that you can’t come back out the next year and think you are bulletproof just because you won the big one last year. That’s not how it works.

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PREACH ON IT D3!!! Who in here will be happy with one playoff win? Who in here wouldn’t think that we squandered a golden opportunity if we don’t go all the way? That’s the standard. Period. You get props for winning the Big One. Anything else would be… Uncivilized. And any coach will tell you that you can’t come back out the next year and think you are bulletproof just because you won the big one last year. That’s not how it works. – DHunt

Amen! It is Super Bowl or not good enough anymore. 5 years into the process is time to put banners on the walls and rings on fingers. These windows are too short to assume we’ll be 7-0 next year. And as Stone Cold Steve Austin once said, if you aint in this business to be the World Champion, you got no business being here. This is my problem with Richt, he’s about a good bowl or MAKING it to the SEC title game. I want National Titles!

I believe this team has it’s goals set on a Super Bowl. They sure as hell better, cause anything less is not acceptable. And I’m not calling names or trying to put anyone down, but if you’ll be satisfied with a playoff win and wait for next year, I suggest there is something wrong with that attitude! Demand excellence! Demand championships! Rebuke mediocrity!

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Anyone notice that Chicago, the only 1 loss team in the NFC had to manufacture a game winning drive, and last second FG to beat lowly Carolina?

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SP, great point and informative post.

I think as you mentioned, Koetter has already demonstrated to be more creative and an upgrade over Mularkey. As you point out though, there’s still more to be seen.

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MB – For once we agree. I give Smitty a ton of grief, but there is a noticeable difference this year and he deserves the credit. On a slightly side note, he best not take his foot of the gas Sunday like he did against the Eagles. The boys have comeback potential.

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If I could have destoyed the Falcons by giving it 10% and being a gangsta, I would have. I’ve moved on to kill Andy Reid instead.

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It’s time for Atlanta fans to get to the Dome on time and rock that bi+ch like never before. They have earned the love and adoration by winning 4 on the road. RiseUp Falcon Nation!!!!!!

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Sorry Wabe. I knew something felt wrong agreeing with MB.

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“Dallas need only look at its next opponent to see what a real contender looks like.”

I stole the above from an article on Yahoo about the Cowboys. Hard to find positive thoughs about the Falcons.

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Great write up d3, you did an excellent job as usual. I’m so glad others have noticed the blatant disregard for the falcon’s success on the major sports networks. Whoever made the point about the Bears suddenly being contenders, despite a schedule softer than ours and a sad showing on Sunday, that’s probably the most compelling proof of the bias. It’s a damn shame. But don’t be too hasty to blame it on a “northeast” bias, there are falcons fans outside of Georgia (This one hails from Jersey).

Delighted by this win, and over the eagles especially, but I am most happy about the inclusion of guys like Snelling Konz and Davis. I was doubting some of the latest additions would get off the bench at all. Could this be evidence that the falcons will keep adding twists as the season progresses? Its

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*It’s a great way to keep opponents guessing.

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Oh….I just saw those substitutions were largely necessitated by injuries. Bummer. Well, still nice to see the potential in future players, and at least they got some game experience, regardless of the reason.

Anyone hear anything about Spoon’s injury? MS is ever so informative with his “he left the game” comment. I’m thinking it might be best to let him take a week to recover, even if it’s not serious. Gotta have your men at 100%! A little recuperation time seems to have given Clabo a boost.

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“I never really understand the obsession with “winning in the playoffs” crap anyway if you don’t win the whole thing. Mark Sanchez won a lot in the playoffs. Joe Flacco has won a lot in the playoffs. Hell, even Tebow and Tony Romo won in the playoffs. How’s that working out for them right about now?” – D3

The entire argument is created by Vick supporters to find fact to support their argument. Is going 7-9, and winning a wild card round and losing in round 2 like Seattle did ‘better” than going 13-3 and losing in the 2nd round off the bye?

Hardly. That is why I never paid attention to it. Glad to see folks coming around.

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Big Lou.. i see your point.. and I expect to see a similar game plan to the ones we used against the eagles. Use the Dallas’s D aggressiveness against them…
But worried what our coverage will be with no Spoon ?
Again, if we can come out and kick them in the teeth and set the tone we are in for a win.
I expect to see more of Gonzo on Sunday night too. Let Ryan dink and dunk it to move the chains…and soften them up for Roddy deep.
And a nice out pattern to Gonzo on the sideline and he just so happens to pop the pillsbury dough boy (ryan) as he goes out of bounds… well.. stuff happens..

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Answer me this guys………

HOW THE F— ARE THE FALCONS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE “NO PLAYOFF WINS BS” DURING THE SEASON?

I just get so sick and tired of that F’n garbage anytime runs out of bad sh!t to say about us. Furthermore, WHO CARES IF YOU JUST “WIN” IN THE PLAYOFFS WITHOUT WINNING THE SUPER BOWL?

I mean really, Tebow, Sanchez, Romo, Flacco, Alex Smith, have all won playoff games, but does that mean a flying F— right about now? No. All of them have the same thing in common = ZERO RINGS!

But hey, they “won in the playoffs baby!”

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D3 – Great article as usual. I’ve come to always expect you to produce thought provoking articles that provide a lot of insight.

I would love to see the Falcons give the younger players, e.g., Davis (that touchdown catch was a thing of beauty!!!), Antone. Smith, Konz, Cone, etc. an opportunity to what they can do in game situations. Other teams seem to find ways to successfully utilize their bench. I too believe this will continue to be a special year for the Falcons. Dallas is definitely beatable especially in the Dome.

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Sick
that’s a good idea and I believe the youngsters will get more PT as the season winds on. ..especially if we clinch homefield advantage. HCMS made it clear that he has his guys on a snap count–not just on Sundays, but for the entire season. We don’t want starters getting worn down by the long grind and have nothing much in the tank come playoff time…so, we have the luxury of bringing the rookies along at a slower pace, easing them in here and there so that they’re ready when it’s “next man up” time….

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ps
I’m reading more and more how Romo (who’s over 30) might be on the trade block after this season and that Jerry may be looking hard at taking Matt Barkley in rd 1. There are enough QB-needy teams out there that Romo would be a very attractive option for a team that has a decent O-line to keep him upright.

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http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/10/30/falcons-used-big-tackle-three-to-stop-eagles-run-game/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

Time to give Smitty and his staff major credit for doing what good coaching staffs do.

And don’t tell me that his new Coordinators didn’t make a difference. Never saw results of brainstorming like this in the last 4 years…

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D3 ,

Nice work…here are my two pennies on the questions….

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1) Big enough. The key to this win was how we played. Falcons dominated this game, made the Eagles quit. It was not a struggle, not a miracle, not another come-from-behind win. That’s the point here.

2) There may still be times where the offense struggles. The best offensive teams have these moments. But I believe they’ll be fewer and further between. One key has been Smitty’s commitment to taking things one game at a time. With his Coordinators, they are coming up with a game plan for each opponent.

That really is the difference. Before, it was always the definition of insanity. There was no actual gameplanning, fine tuning, changing things up. There was the same game plan for each opponent, and either it would work or it would not.You really have to gameplan for each opponent…that’s what you do in the playoffs, is it not? You have to prepare for teams you may have never played during the regular season. It should be clear that if your same gameplan works only against some teams and not others…that it’s a flawed plan.

3) The RB split worked better against the Eagles than it has in the recent past. I think it’s a decent split. I think it’s been more important to let Matty Ice throw more instead of running Turner a guaranteed 20+ times per game.

Quizz and Snelling add a pass-catching element to the game that Turner lacks, plus running either guy here and there keeps Turner fresh. A fresh Turner can pound the crap out of a defense well into the 4th quarter. Turner is currently getting 15 or so carries per game. Good balance.

4) The OL was pretty decent. I thought Konz acquitted himself well. He needs to get stronger, but I am certain that he will. Right now, he’s getting some much-needed seasoning.

A note on the RG position…Clabo absolutely MUST have a good RG next to him. If not, his play suffers dramatically because he can barely hold his own. He sure as hell can’t help anybody.

5) Even some of the idiot trolls on the other AJC blogs can’t hang onto that tired old BS.

6) Right now, I don’t think we have the proper personnel to do more with Biermann than we are. It will depend on matchups from game to game. Biermann is still a bit too light to be playing full time DE, yet we need him to line up at that spot from time to time. His versatility is helping us, even if the stats don’t show all of what he’s doing. But he’s VERY important to this defense and Nolan has found ways to use him that some folks (we won’t say who) couldn’t have thought of.

7) Considering that I thought franchising Grimes was a mistake to begin with…and his being injured during the same year as his franchise tag came….I’d say yes. McClain looks better than Owens or Franks…and we drafted both of those guys. Crazy, ain’t it? Again, I will take another poke at a guy who used to work for the team – this is something that should have been discovered and dealt with a couple years ago. In which case we might not have had to make the moves we did in our secondary.

McClain is a smart “keep.” Dunta and Asante are good, but they’re also both getting older. Guys playing well until they’re 36 (Rhonde Barber) are the exception rather than the rule.

Besides, the guy goes after people like they stole his last dollar. I love it. Starter potential written all over him.

8 ) The 3 DT front was brilliant. Again, the hallmark of a true stud at DC. I’ve been hoping like hell for a 3-4 defense. We might have just seen the first real sign of it. Or, it might be wishful thinking on my part, with a dash of conspiracy theory (but a positive one) thrown in. Either way, this is what I’m talking about – gameplanning to beat the team you’re playing…as opposed to coming up with a single game plan and trying to make it fit every game.

9) No. Drew Davis would have to have a Victor Cruz-like debut to take HD’s job from him. Smitty doesn’t change things at the drop of a hat, nor should he. I think HD will go right back to being the 3rd WR, but then again…how many games will he be out? If Davis continues to contribute to the offense in a meaningful way while HD is out, he may get the snaps.

Kinda depends on how long HD is out, and how well he plays when he gets back. Hope he gets those drops fixed along with whatever is wrong with him. Cone is another one. If he can’t stay healthy, there are other guys around. We found that out with Drew Davis. But I do think that unless Davis puts up some more “nice” stats, HD gets his job back if he can play and produce.

10) Walker has the size, strength, and production to be a rotation guy for us. Bring him back with a multi-year deal. Despite playing far fewer snaps, Walkers production (12 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble) compares very favorably with our best-producing DT this season in Babineaux (15 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble). The math ain’t hard.

That, and if the CS decides to stick with a 4-3 defense….and even if we draft a big DT…imagine a DT rotation that features 6′4″ 304 lb Travian Robertson (who should check in next season at 315), 6′2″ 304 lb Walker, and 6′3″ 305 lb Corey Peters. Not a bad start, even if I prefer a couple of 315-320 lb guys in the mix. Travian can be molded into one…

11) I personally think Colin Cowherd would hold one in his mouth until the swelling goes down. So there’s that.

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Some positive thinks re Ryan from by Jason Whitlock of FOX Sports:
Your NFL Truths for Week 9:
5. There are three candidates for league MVP right now: 1. Matt Ryan; 2. J.J. Watt; 3. Peyton Manning.

Ryan has to be the frontrunner as long as the Falcons remain undefeated. His performance in the wind at Philly was important. He’s not a “dome” QB tossing up stats away from the elements. Ryan was spectacular in tough conditions.

Watt leads the league in sacks, has recovered two fumbles and has broken up 10 passes. He’s halfway to the most dominant defensive season since Ray Lewis owned the 2000 season. No offense to Marshall Faulk, but considering Ray’s Super Bowl performance that season, Ray should’ve been the MVP of the league in 2000. If Watt continues his marvelous play, I hope MVP voters don’t automatically vote for the QB with the best stats and regular-season record.

I’m blown away by how good Manning has been this season. And I know I’m repeating myself from earlier this season, but I’m equally shocked that Peter King predicted Manning would be this good. If Ryan and the Falcons falter and lose two or three games, Manning is going to be the favorite to win this award. I won’t object, even if Watt finishes the season strong.
http://t.foxsports.msn.com/which-coaches-should-be-canned

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Big Ray it looks as though you are reaching Full Strength after your surgery. Keep at it!

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Never was it more clear than when I watched Kroy Biermann chase Vick all day to good effect.

Or when I watched LeSean McCoy get trucked by Akeem Dent. McCoy is one of the quickest and shiftiest RBs in the world. Literally. Couldn’t break but one good run against us. And that was after we let Darren McFadden have his way with us.

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Big Ray – I can’t arue with any of that. Before the season, I speculated that it was Smitty pulling the strings and forcing MM and BVG to scheme certain ways. I thought it was his stubborness to change that had us stagnant. I was wrong one way or the other. Either Smitty can change or it was just the coordinators all along. I’m gonna vote for the former… otherwise, Smitty would have forced the coordinators to change sooner.

Regardless, I am enjoying the outcome this year and Smitty gets the credit he deserves from me. I doubted his ability to adjust and he is proving me wrong. I also doubt his ability to take us to the next level. I hope he proves me wrong again.

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Coop ,

Agreed on all accounts. I felt much the same way. But considering that Smity is still a relatively “young” HC…and considering his coaching background (he worked under Jack Del Rio for crying out loud…he doesn’t have the Pedigree of Andy Reid who worked for the Packers for a decade before taking over with the Eagles), and considering how much an unproven (or even a proven) HC needs to rely on his coordinators….there’s some room for why he was failing to get past certain things.

Don’t get me wrong…I think he’s stubborn still, at least to a point. But no longer stupidly so. Some of the changes that he’s never made before in his tenure here allude to that. At least he’s a guy who takes responsibility. Mularkey NEVER did. And I think BVG was too dumb to even keep up with the conversation.

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I’ll say it one more time, because I think it bears repeating:

Colin Cowherd strikes me as the type who will hold one in his mouth ’til the swelling goes down.

That’s what I think of him and his “expert opinion.”

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A agree that you could see a fracture last year, and although I am respectful of what MM and BVD did (taking a team from the ashes and instilled confidence and a winning formula), it was time for them to move on, and obviously they agreed.

Anyway, I don’t judge coaches when they zig when I think they shoulda zagged. I listen to what they say, and I watch how the players play.

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And no, I am not Phil, I saw him on the unwashed blogs bashing….Seems like a Vick fan.

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BR & MB, just listening in about the changes we have made and both of you touched on it. I read while catching up where someone summed it up perfectly. In contrast to last year, look at the highlight photos of this year and notice all of the smiles on the players. Our entire team is playing a game and they are having FUN! In contrast to last year.

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D3, thanks for the article, good write up. I’d just like to say I could care less about the national media, or the aforementioned “trolls” which I guess I’m not in “the know” about what that even means. Who freakin cares, my Falcons are 7-0 baby, and any real Atlanta fan knows this is the best and most dominant team we have ever fielded in the NFL.
In week three I wrote a text to a close friend, basically a brother, who has been a Green Bay fan his whole life. He’s from Atlanta and I’ve known and played baseball, football, and basketball with him since I was six years old. That’s 32 years for those keeping track. My text read that I wish my Dad was alive to see this team, my dad was a lifelong Falcon fan but we lost him 2 years ago to brain cancer, because this is the team that’s gonna win the super bowl.
I felt that way in week 3, and I feel that way in week 8 .

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This may sound funny but Drew Davis made the offense much better while he played.

My game ball go to Drew Davis, he seem much better and more explosive than HD, Drew always got open on the field making it more difficult for defense to defend the field with all of the weapons they have.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Totally agree Darrell.

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DePlane, have you noticed that even the most critical posts in the cage always end up with, “but we’re 7-0! ?? Our team is having fun doing what they like to do and we are having fun trying to fine tune a beast!

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“’til the swelling goes down”
an instant classic! kudos Big Ray…..
ps
Drew Davis DID get the offensive game ball this past weekend…..

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waynester ,

I knew somebody had to appreciate that one! LOL

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Interesting thing about Harry Douglas, since he was mentioned.

Seems like he’s still kinda the “forgotten one” even though he had 5 catches against Oakland. That stat by itself is misleading. Those 5 catches went for 37 yards.

Comparing Douglas to JaQuizz Rodogers is also interesting.

Rodgers: targeted 23 times, catches the ball 20 times.

Douglas: targeted 23 times, catches the ball 16 times.

Not a huge difference, I know…and both guys have 6 catches that went for first downs.

NOW…here’s where things get really interesting….HD has 61 yards-after-the-catch.

How many does Quizz have? How about 131 yards-after-the-catch……

Hmmmmm.

Look at the stats and do the math. HD’s longest catch was 20 yards, Quizz’s was 15. So it’s not like the stats are skewed by one guy having one really long play, and the other guy being more consistent. It also tells you where a guy is getting the ball in relation to the line of scrimmage vs. what he does with it after that. Quizz has the lower per-catch rate at 6.9 yards per catch to HD’s 9.3 yards per. That means longer passes are thrown through the air to HD than they are to Quizz…quite natural since HD is a receiver and Quizz is a RB. One will be coming from the backfield, the other will be coming from the line of scrimmage. One will most likely have blocking assignments prior to releasing out for a pass (even if it’s just a chip block), the other will not.

Bottom Line: one guy is doing significantly more once he gets the ball, than the other guy. The question is….why….?

And here is where I bow to Slant Pattern …..

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we are still not fully utilizing HD. The play draw up where Davis caught the TD pass was slick; ignore the rook – he is just there as a distraction – watch for JJ – don’t let him burn you dang, where is that rookie now? If our O line is genuinely stout – next 5 games should tell us – then we can really start running 4 WR AND Tony G. That would neutralize blitz schemes pretty well – I don’t think LB’s alone can cover Tony G; and both HD and Davis are quick. The Process, Part 2 appears to be gaining momentum as we near light speed . . . . .

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BR, that was some interesting research on HD & JR. I believe the CS is beginning to realize the same thing, ergo, using Quizz more and more. Like you said earlier, do the math, it ain’t hard.

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“endless improvemnet”, I like that. Never heard it put that way.

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I mentioned putting Quizz in the slot about a week ago, seems like he can be a Wes Welker, just a quick guy dam near impossible to cover in tight space. But obviously I liked what I saw out of Davis too, and I think Quizz on that wheel screen is going to be a staple once we get it “grooved” and we can execute it in our sleep. It is one of those plays where the more you run it, but better you get at it.

I also openly questioned people high opinion of HD, he has shown flashes, but I wonder about his chemistry in Ryan. I know people question our scheme, how he is used, but I think Ryan would find him regardless if they had that mind meld.

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MB – I’m high on HD, but I admit, Davis outperformed him for a week. Don’t like Quizz in the slot though.

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Quizz in the slot was just throwing it out there. I like the way his role is evolving, I think he is going to come on strong over the 2nd half. I am not down on HD, but Davis did make the most of his opportunity and earned some playing time be it a 4 WR set, or getting some of HDs snaps.

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Agreed. I like how the Saints and Packers use 4 and 5 WRs. I think we could do that. How do you defend it?

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Exactly, name 6 or 7 DBs on any team? Eventually, HD, TG, or DD is one on one with a LB or the 5th CB.

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[...] Miami 15. The Dolphins …No problems for Atlanta in NFC, right? Not so fastCBSSports.com (blog)Atlanta Falcons: Birds Dominate EaglesAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 394 news [...]

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SP ,

…and that is precisely why I deferred to you, LOL

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Of course there are areas to improve, and things I might do differently.

Starting at the top, he who gets the most credit also takes the most heat. MR2 took two completely unnecessary sacks on Sunday. On one of them he only had one receiver in the pattern, and he knew that going into the play. Once that guy was covered, he stood there like things were going to magically change, until someone finally sacked him. Throw the ball away Matt. Or better yet, glance over to your right, where Tony G has peeled off and is wide open. Know the situation and know where your receivers are at all times. That’s what made Peyton, Brady, and Brees great at what they do. Matt Ryan is still a young QB. I expect his maturation process to show continuous improvement for the next several years. He underthrew a couple of balls on Sunday as well, both of which were almost intercepted.

Counters and cutbacks are required when your O-Line isn’t blowing people off the ball. The great running backs make something out of tiny holes that close fast, or improvisational cutbacks where holes don’t exist. We don’t have a great RB on staff. So we need to get the defense moving one way, and sneak out backs out the other way. We’ve seen flashes of it, but the cure for what ails our run game is to make it so the designed cutback or counter is always on the defenses mind. Keep those LB’s from crashing straight upfield once they see the direction we are flowing (which is usually right where they will find MT33), or make them pay for doing it by running somewhere else.

Can we please get Julio the ball on the move?!?! As we have seen, time and time again, if you get Julio Jones the ball while he is at or close to full speed, GREAT things happen. For that matter, the great game HD had last year involved him getting the ball on the move quite a bit. Kevin Cone, Drew Davis, Quizz… all these guys are capable of making things happen when you get them the ball on the move. I recognize this sometimes requires more time to pass the ball, so I understand some reluctance to do it too often. We’ve got the weapons, everyone knows that. Let’s try to use them to their best potential, more often than not.

FYI, it was a bit of a stretch to find much to critique with this offense.

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JB ,

Always good to start the day with some nice thoughts!

Dhunt ,

Good post.

Particularly good points about getting guys the ball while they’re on the move. I may sound like I’m being too patient, but I don’t expect to see that happen smoothly and consistently until next season.

I’d be ecstatic if the Falcons can do it THIS season, but I know it takes some time. For this to be smooth on the regular, it has to be a habit of our offense. Right now, we’re trying to develop good habits while breaking some old, bad ones. None is more obvious with that than Ryan.

Again, like to see us develop that habit this season (getting the ball to guys on the move), but not expecting it to be as consistent as we’d like this season. This offense has so much room to grow, hard to remember that at times.

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Dhunt

One of the Sacks Ryan took when he fell on the ground was on purpose, to burn time. Mike Smith stated it in one of his interviews.

I do agree that he has some dumb interceptions, though. You know who also does? Eli Manning.

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Nice article, D3!

Absolutely agree on everything you said, especially Robert McClain. When I was checking his stats I found this quote from Robert about getting to the NFL before he landed in Atlanta…

“I’m praying to God it happens so I can continue playing football and work hard. Hopefully I get invited somewhere. If it works out, it works out, great. If it doesn’t, it’s the military. I’m going to the Marines. I’ve got to have a plan in case football doesn’t work out.”

What a find. TD and Smitty have character guys coming out of their ears!

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http://www.scoresreport.com/category/nfl/

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JB Falcon

The point of the comment was saying that Matt Ryan and Eli are very similar QBs. They went into the playoffs last year with almost identical stats. Completion percentage, yards, ect.

I was just defending Ryan on the post, because some criticisms were ill informed.

As for the talk of Eli this year, I think he deserves some praise. He has had great 4th quarter comebacks. He is the defending champ. He is proven.

After Matt gets some playoff wins, Super Bowl, he will be talked about all the time. Believe it or not, the media didn’t really talk about Eli much last year. It was all about Tebow and Aaron Rodgers.

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Well, Reynolds, Spoon and Cone didn’t practice today so now MS says maybe we’ll know more tomorrow.

“Matt Ryan and Eli are very similar QBs.” Big Lou
I totally agree. As far as the last quarter miracles, I think Matt posses that same ability. We’ll see after this year is over.

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DP, I certainly will agree that if you are really good with timing and accuracy, not to mention getting immediate separation, the quick slant can be a quick pick 6. I was thinking more of crossing patterns and deep posts to get the receivers the ball in positions to run. But like Big Ray said, can’t try to do too much too soon. And as long as nobody can stop what you’re doing, no need to force new things into the program too fast.

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Well help pack ol Ray!!!
Take ur gift from AB and retire!!!

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DHunt, definitely agree…stick with whats working and add the new stuff slowly. Heck I’ve waited this long I don’t mind if any new stuff comes when they are ready and know they can execute it.

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Regarding the comparison between Eli and Ryan, Eli’s a great QB and everything, but I don’t think anybody can say to you with a straight face that Eli would have 2 Superbowl rings without the likes of Strahan, Umenyiora, Tuck, and JPP on that line in his Superbowl runs. Those D-Lines deserve as much credit as Eli does. Yeah, Eli made plays and everything, but, I laugh when folks shrug off Matt Ryan as a great QB because of his postseason failures. Truth is, guys like Eli and Big Ben benefited from playing behind great defenses to help make their Superbowl runs the success they were. Brees had the help of takeaway defense in 09, and it’s noted how Rodgers played behind a defense that came on towards midseason to end of the season when they made their Superbowl run.

Ryan hasn’t played well in the playoffs, that’s known. But, the team as a whole hasn’t exactly had the basis covered to really be in the conversation as a Superbowl contender. The talent has been here, but the schemes just didn’t match the type of talent we had. This year is different, because we have coordinators that understand where our talent is and they’re tapping into it.

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Great post, Wabe. Absofreakinlutely. If we do two things — play decent defense and protect Ryan — we will kick anybody’s ass.

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Wabe

If you say so. Defense can’t make Eli manning throw comeback touchdowns against the Patriots twice. I do agree about the better defense getting you a chance, though. If Ryan had went to the Ravens, he would have won a Super Bowl by now because he would have more chances to make mistakes.

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From the Bradley AJC column:
“Sunday’s performance under ominous skies in a city that has never been kind to the Falcons was the most impressive regular-season road victory I’ve witnessed by this franchise since Nov. 8, 1998. Forecast: Those Falcons won at New England 41-10; they would finish 14-2 and reach the Super Bowl. Just sayin’.”

There is a really important embedded POINT in Bradley’s statement and it points to the one “weakness” of the Falcons offense.

The 2012 Falcons need to “BLOW the DOORS” off a respected opponent. Sunday night would RIGHT many wrongs from past Falcons-Cowboys games especially the Jan. 4, 1981 playoff game here in Atlanta when the Cowboys came back in the fourth quarter to defeat the Falcons. Leeman Bennitt was coach and he sat on the ball. I was at this game and I will not forget conservative play late in playoff games looses.

By that, I mean DON’T turn down the offense in the third and fourth quarters as was the case in Philly. Don’t take the ball out of the hands of Matt Ryan and the receivers. Don’t settle for those short and negative runs by Michael Turner on first down and then punt. At least include Quizz and Snelling in some creative plays when running the ball late in the game. Agressive play will be required late in playoff games so it might as well start now. In Philly, the Falcons gave up the ball on downs twice and had a punt blocked late in the game.

For the record 1978 season:
Dec. 30, 1978 – NFC Divisional – Dallas 27, Atlanta 20
After the Falcons led 20-13 at halftime, the Cowboys scored 14 unanswered points in the second half.

Dec. 24, 1978 – NFC Wild Card – Atlanta 14, Philadelphia 13
This was Atlanta’s first playoff game. The Eagles had one last shot to win the game as they reached the Atlanta 16-yard line with 13 seconds remaining, but missed a 34-yard field goal attempt. I was at this game.

For the record 1980 Season:
Jan. 4, 1981 – NFC Divisional – Dallas 30, Atlanta 27
The Cowboys scored 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter to come from behind and defeat the Falcons 30-27.

COACH MIKE SMITH: DON’T TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS!!!!
LEARN HOW TO FINISH THEM OFF NOW!!!
BLOW THE DOORS OFF THE COWBOYS!!

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It is interesting – quite a few folks stated that Ray was a benefitter from #69; and at that time it appeared to me to be a stretch – but here, he is not getting to the QB. So, some do have better vision.

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My biggest concern if we keep winning is staying sharp and motivated as the playoffs approach, we might have a playoff spot sealed up by week 11. Recent history has not been kind to teams that have a long “layoff” going into the playoffs going against teams that have been playing win or go home football over the past 3-4 weeks. Maybe week 15 will supply the type of motivation to provide for a sharp game.

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Crazy thing too, only one team left on their schedule has a winning record right now. What is also funny is of the 7 teams we played, only one has a winning record as of right now, but if we were 0-7, 4 of the teams would have winning records. Philly, Oakland, and San Diego are all are 3-4.

So, if we win, we might only have beaten 2 teams with winning records, but if we lose to Detroit, Dallas, TB, and Arizona, we greatly increase our odds to losing to teams with winning records since they are all at .500 or a game below. Just be prepared for the topic of our opponents record to start coming up, but remember it means absolutely nothing. We truly have to go one game at a time.

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I think those Tampa games will be tougher than folks in the media may think…

Media heads seem to think the Falcons have a ‘cupcake schedule’ from here on out. But, it’s very possible to be playing a Tampa team that’s trying to make its own run to get into the playoffs. As of late, they’ve been playin’ better football, and I expect them to be a team around or above .500 when we play them. Another interesting point, if we’ve already got things locked up come time to play the Giants in week 15, do we really play that game as tough as we would earlier in the season? There’s a possibility that we see them a few weeks down the road from there, so do we show anything to them and tip our hand?

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Big Lou, excellent link!

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I agree on the TB team challenge. However, if we remain undefeated and disrespected by the national media, I think that should keep our team tenacious.

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No Spoon. A challenge for Nolan, Dent and the rest of the D. Have a good feeling they won’t let Romo wriggle off the hook.

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can we contain Jason Whiten? How much pressure can we mount? How complex/shifty will our d alignment be? should be a highly entertaining game.

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BL: That was a very good article. We needed to get rid of MM & BVG. We handled that tough assignment with meticulous class. However, I prefer that we don’t lose this season.

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D3, Great write up…one of your best, which is saying something after what …100+ free post for the fish wrapper?

You bitchh,

Grabbed both my ww pickups this am. Great pickups my friend, thought you gave up after sleeping on the wire last week. We can still make the playoffs and then its anyones game. Just look at coop, started strong but falling into a bliss, dought hell even make the playoffs.

JWW, BT and a few others are not even trying to improve their team thru the waiver wire or trades. SW has been quiet but thats understandable…

Last thing, we want the SB no dought. We also want to win every game, but the next game is the only game that matters. However, were 7-0…why not try to put this team in the record books and go for the undefeated season? Glad were sitting spoon but not to worried with Nolan behind the scheme!

Sucks about spoon but Im not to worried because of our new proffesional DC!

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Do we see Biermann playing more LB this week with Spoon out?

The Cowboys running game really hinges on Demarco Murray’s ability to be healthy. If he’s healthy, then I’m sure they’ll definitely try to incorporate a strong running game against what most are calling a ‘pourous Falcons run defense’. I’m sure Mike Peterson will get his share of snaps. And Dent will most likely contribute in some way as well. But, with the QB of the defense out, whose callin’ the shots this week? Who QB’s that defense? What’s yalls take?

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From DOL: Dent will start in the nickel package, which the Falcons used on a majority of their defensive snap under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. When they used their 4-3 base defense, Peterson will play Weatherspoon’s outside linebacker spot.

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I listen to ESPN radio throughout the day, if I happen to be on patrol at work or just going somewhere in my truck.

The amusement continues…now the ESPN radio heads are talking up and down about whether Peyton Manning is the NFL MVP. Last I looked, his team is 4-3. Whatever….because if it’s not one Manning, it will be the other…

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This game will be a test to see how good we are. Nolan will come up with what he has to .

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The Dallas game is equally winnable and lose-able all at the same time.

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I’m more worried about our offense to best honest. Dallas is no slouch. Rob Ryan is a dang good coach. I expect Tony to have a big games, since they lost their starting MLB/and his backup. We should get more… Slant Patterns.

Without a running game, Dallas will rely on the throw, which plays right into Mike Nolan’s hands. Expect zone blitz, with a lot of 4-6.

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Yea, you get a sense that Nolan has a pretty good pulse on this D. Should be an interesting game.

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MB, they call me JB. Welcome to the cage.

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In the QBR rating, it is Manning-Brady-Ryan….Passer Rating is Manning-Rogers-Ryan. Not bad company halfway through the season. ESPN has Ryan was 5th in the MVP, what nonsense.

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Matty, for you to say the regular season means nothing you sure do give good reasons that it means something. Anyway, we will lose a game, maybe 2 or 3 but thats cool with me as long as we are on a roll before post season, kinda like GB was the year they destroyed us. I hope by games 13 to 16 that this team has everything together and playing at their best.

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It’s called gray.

Well, the gray does not “Mean” anything until you get the results and go back and apply it to your meaning.

If we win the superbowl, then they gray areas showed meddle and character, if we go one and done, then it showed our vulnerability.

Ask MB, we shouldn’t make any changes or recognize and try to address any deficiencies…There you go putting words in my mouth, I just trust that Smitty will recognize and address deficiencies. You don’t get very far in the NFL if you don’t. That is just flat out silly to assume that.

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We can’t tell the nuances on a TV. Last week they ran a 3 tackle set, and not one single person on the blog noticed it, it was not even mentioned until it was written about on Monday. My point, we know about 5% of that is going on, to judge coaches, and draw conclusion by what we think we see is just sorta silly. The Chess game, it is just hard to know what all it going.

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21, regular season is the means to get to the playoff, and how you get seeded, nothing more. Other than that, playoffs is a new season, a tournament. If you went 16-0, or 7-9, it does not matter. Sure, how you played might be an indicator of how you will play, but since the 9-7 WC teams won the last 2 SBs, I think my opinion is valid. Do disrespect intended.

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“JWW, BT and a few others are not even trying to improve their team thru the waiver wire or trades.”

Heck JJ, I’ve been juggling TEs, LBs and DBs all season. I also headed your advice earlier about the dwindling FA pool and grabbed a backup RB. No matter, I’m still getting snakebit with lousy production by my high draft picks. I’m feeling a rebound though.

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MB. I take it back. You seem to have a personality exactly like my ex. You are very knowledgable about football but do not any concept about having a conversation.

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I haven’t tried any trades in this league yet.

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That last post was in response to BL’s post on the last page…my bad.

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Big Lou, I finally read the article that you posted yesterday from NFL.com. It was a great read. There was something wrong with the site when I tried yesterday.

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From ESPN Insider (sorry for length):

“After watching film of both teams, Scouts Inc. breaks down key elements of the Week 9 Cowboys-Falcons matchup.

• Get Turner on track early: Michael Turner is a workhorse back who thrives on getting a lot of carries. He has only one 100-yard game this season and seems due for a big game. A strong run game will help Atlanta loosen things up on the back end for the passing game and control the clock.

• Protect the football: This is going to be a crucial component. The Falcons are one of the best when it comes to a net difference in turnovers, while the Cowboys are one of the most turnover-prone teams in the NFL. Dallas can’t afford to continue to give its opponent, especially one like Atlanta that can convert on mistakes, a short field with which to work.

• Play smart football: The Cowboys have twice as many penalties as the Falcons. Some penalties are forgivable, like holding in order to prevent your quarterback from being sacked, but dead-ball fouls are simply a matter of a lack of concentration. Dallas has been flagged for false starts 16 times, as opposed to just four for the Falcons, and has been flagged for defensive offside seven times, as opposed to three times for Atlanta. Going from third-and-3 to third-and-8, or giving your opponent a free pass to a first down by jumping offside in a short-yardage situation, can make a huge difference. Right now the Cowboys are playing with a serious lack of focus.

• Home QB: Matt Ryan has prototypical dimensions for the position and has done a great job of progressing each year he has been in the league. He is doing a great job of distributing the ball as he has six receivers with 10 or more catches. He has just one game in which he has thrown more than one interception. So not only has he become a difference-maker, but he protects the football, as well.

• Away QB: Tony Romo is a dynamic game-changer who can be electric when he is on his game. He can also look very ordinary when under consistent pressure. He is very athletic and is one of the best at improvising and making plays on the perimeter, and has the foot speed and athleticism to move the chains with his feet. He consistently gives his team a chance to win, especially when he has a solid ground game to work with. However, mistakes continue to be an issue (four INTs in Week 8).

• Key positional battle — Falcons receivers vs. Cowboys DBs: Ryan has an extremely talented corps of receivers at his disposal. They all possess rare size, speed and receiving skills, and Ryan is doing a great job of putting the ball in a location where only his receivers have a chance to catch the ball. Dallas’ secondary will have a serious height disadvantage against this group. The Cowboys will need to do everything possible to throw Atlanta’s receivers off their game; that could include physical play at the line of scrimmage and different looks in coverage.

• Case for the underdog: The running game could give Dallas an opportunity. The Falcons are giving up more than 5 yards a carry, the second-worst mark in the league. Plus, they may be missing their leading tackler in Sean Weatherspoon, who suffered a sprained ankle in Week 8. A strong ground game would not only take some pressure off Romo and the passing game, but would keep the ball out of the hands of Atlanta’s explosive playmakers on offense.

• Film room nuggets: Romo has not been great when it comes to protecting the football. He is forcing the issue as he tries to compensate for a weak ground game and taking too many chances. … Cowboys tight end Jason Witten is about as sure-handed as you can get. He routinely makes acrobatic catches and holds on to the ball when hit just after the catch. He is pretty much a sure thing when Romo needs a first down, but needs to be more involved in the red zone.

Prediction

Atlanta 26
Dallas 20

Ryan is better than Romo at generating points in the red zone, and the Falcons will come out ahead as a result.”

Just sayin!

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Thanks for the article, JJ.

I will say what I’ve always said about Turner: the idea that he needs 26 carries a game just to rack up a significant number of yards is ridiculous. Even if you ignore the run blocking issues and Turner’s mobility, defenses are going to be keyed in on him anyway, just like last season. They KNOW we’re going to go to him. Frankly, he ought to be getting the least carries between the three RBs.

But that’s not even what I’m worried about for Sunday. I will be looking for the pass rush to get to Romo all night, especially with Spoon out. Getting it started early will be a good sign.

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I’m gonna depart from The Cage conventional wisdom here and predict that the ‘Boys are going to force a running game whether Murray plays or not. Stats show Atlanta as very soft against the run, especially in the middle, and with Spoon out, Dallas will work hard to exploit a perceived weakness. A good running attack will open play-action and put Romo in a position to use underneath, controlled passing to complement the run.

Everyone who’s watched the NFL for the last several years knows bad things happen for the Cowboys when Romo is forced into a shootout. This year, the problem seems to be even more pronounced, so Dallas will work hard to beat up the Falcons with the run and remain within striking distance in the 4th quarter without having to resort to Romo’s head and arm.

Dallas has some great cover corners and a great pass rush. They’re going to focus these two strengths against Atlanta. RW84 and JJ11 will see a lot of man coverage while the rest of the backfield spies Atlanta’s other seemingly endless train of offensive weapons. Dallas will come into the game sold on a four-man rush against what they’ll perceive as a a relatively weak Atlanta offensive line. They have the tape on the Eagles game, though, so they’ll be thinking twice about being uber-aggressive considering Atlanta’s propensity to go nuts (and effectively so) with screens.

Ultimately, I believe in Nolan’s ability to get the right players into the right spots, regardless of injuries. I believe we’ll see Dent get a whiff or two and see Peterson be flat-out beat some, but I think the defense will hold up.

As long as MR2 has a solid game, Altanta’s just got too many offensive weapons, even for a good defense like Dallas.

I think Atlanta goes to 8-0 this weekend (but I’d trade a L to Dallas for two wins against the Taints this year).

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Paddy — I had no idea for ever either. SMH – shaking my head. SMDH and SMGDH, I’m sure you can probably guess about.

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Heard Chris Dimino on NFL Network this morning talking about the Weatherspoon injury and he mentined that Akeem Dent will be taking over Spoon’s role an QB’n the defense…

I just find that really hard to believe.

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MB – “…..and even BVD and MM for helping turn us into a consistent regular season winner, for any Falcon fan knows, is not exactly an easy proposition.”

The Falcons turned into a consistent regular season winner in spite of those incompetent coordinators.

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this is mb in a nutshell – he has a irrational desire to control what other say. regardless of how hypocritical is blatantly paints him. as stated previously, don’t try to control the conversation – either conspicuously or via passive/aggressiveness. It does not work, and simply loses you crediblity. as indicated, you simply make people stop taking you seriously.

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mb – the vast majority of what you say does not pass the logic test. but, you push the BS you believe in.

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What is not logical?

What is not logical is saying incompetent coordinators and a seeming incompetent coach took a 4-12, laughing stock of the league with a rookie QB and rolled off a 44-19 record over the next 4 years….

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Anyway, it has been too quiet in here lately and we have all been in agreement that we are happy with the team….and that is kinda scary, so I figured I would stir things up and get everyone thinking again. SMH

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without Spoon*

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Thankyou for this post, I am a big big fan of this web site would like to go on updated.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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(Typing Too Fast to Retort)…..victim of my own disease…

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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.

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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.

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They say Vick is a coach killer.

Newton has done him one better – GM killer. His coach will meet the reaper next…

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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

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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.

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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.

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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/

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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.

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Yes, SW is definitely in our prayers while Sarah B remains in our hearts.

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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.

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Thanks for the bulletin board material, fatty.

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Big Lou, that’s like sweet and sour sauce. I tend to agree withTony G. To parapharase, “I’d like to win them both.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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WR

Agreed. I want them to win now. And with stuff like that, you know the Falcons are gonna be pumped.

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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.

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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!

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http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/03/atlanta-falcons-nolan-is-playing-chess-with-defensive-pieces/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Big Lou, as you noticed I figured there would be a flop game, given the state of the “Boys” and their talent, even if not used, I thought well maybe this game. But then as a “Ryan”, without the 1st name Matt, does, the quote “we will win this game just stood out”. Nothing against the “Boys” but a blowout against them considering their assumption would be really true reward to this excellent season so far for the Falcons.

Falcons21, yes its crazy to remember the DLed days leading to this blog, but it has truly been persons like yourself that has helped D3 formulate, and grow what is the cage today. Great Post

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F21….crazy game with the 4 turnovers in a minute, but I felt like the Dawg’s would prevail and they did handily. Now the Birds give us a win and it’ll be a perfect weekend for me!

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DEAD Cowboys Walking!!!

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WR, Congrats on finding your better half. Women all over the ATL and Gainesville are rejoicing that the great playa has finally retired. Very happy for you and especially WRjr!

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***FFL***

D3

Good luck to me this weekend. I’ll need it. LOL.

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Morning Cage

Hope everyone is having a Blessed Sunday.

I hope the Birds will come out swinging today. 27 -17 win Falcons 8 & 0
Have a good day and I’ll be back in the noon

Be Blessed !!

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D3-Excellent article as always, especially the part about fans questioning MRyan’s arm strength and ability to throw the long pass. Can you tell me what has happened to those fans who said we’d win no more than 8 or 9gms unless we made drastic changes to our OL, or those who said we made a really big mistake by hiring DKoetter as our OC based on what his Jaguar OFF did last yr, or that we’d have trouble winning due to ou rmuch tougher schedule?

Have all of these fans suddenly disappreared, or have they jumped on the Falcon bandwagon and are blending in? Every yr, no matter what, we have negative minded fans who make the schedule an issue. We even have some who make MRyan an issue, but they have become as scarce as AINTS/TAINTS fans on our blogs.

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4 and 0 outside of a dome, that says a lot about what our Birds are made of!

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/02/falcons-roddy-white-julio-jones-dynamic-duo/1678267/

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http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/matt-ryan-to-carolina-panthers-get-the-fck-off-our-field/

I want Matt Ryan saying this tonight.

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Okay, so our posts are showing up one hour later than they are posted. Oh well.

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http://www.theonion.com/articles/espn-sports-science-segment-reveals-physics-of-ton,30210/

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Falcons win 30-27. With the score 30-20 late in the game, Cowboys score but fail on the onside kick. How’s that for reaching?

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http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/11/02/dirk-koetter-a-big-reason-for-falcons-early-success/

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I’ve long suspected that Mularkey was one of those subordinates who thought his boss didn’t recognize his genius. Those types aren’t dumb, but they tend to be so convinced of their own brilliance, they can’t adjust. They find ways to force their same brilliant plan into every situation. “Their” plan never fails. Other people just don’t execute it properly.

The new coordinators are smart enough to have figured out the success of any plan has much to do with those “other people.” Result: 7-0.

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JJ, I too did not understand Fox’s choice of games. GB is about 1500 mi from here and AZ is around 1000. And Carolina is 110?

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DP, loved that USA today piece.

One (hopefully final) thought on the “playoff win” bugaboo. We went to the playoffs in the rookie campaign of Smith/Ryan/Dimitroff, and played a decent game against a hall of fame QB. NOBODY expected that to happen after the 2007 fiasco. But for a terrible play by an aging LB, we likely win that game. And Roddy seems to be the only one in the organization, or for that matter in the whole wide world outside of the Cage, willing to call a spade a spade and lay the offensive epic failures in the the last two postseason games at the feet of an OC dinosaur whose game plan was extinct for weeks prior to those losses, but who refused to evolve. I can’t see how anyone with any kind of football IQ could continue to equate this team to those last two playoff teams.

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I see Sean Payton is now a free agent.

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Did I set my clock back right? It IS almost 4 pm, isn’t it?

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LOL….thanks snacktastic …..thought I was losing it for a second there…

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I can’t believe Arizona looked like a trap game early in the season. Even with a bye week, they won’t be a match for the Falcons.

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here is a poke at the intrepid MB: really does look like J’ville has gotten a LOT better under MM. A bitter pill to swallow, his leaving!

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I guess I’ll be the MC of the cage, but it has been forced on me since everyone else is waiting for the real game. Switched back to the NFL (after about 5 mins of Nascar) and got caught up in the Steeler Gaints game. Sure seems to me that the refs are trying to treat the Giants like they did NO after Katrina. That’s just my opinion but I’m pulling for the Steelers since they are closer to the NFCS than NY, plus Pitt is in the AFC, and I just don’t think Eli is all that and a bag of chips.

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JB, agree…do the refs think its the aints out there?

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I dont want to take ALL the credit but I have had “labels out” on all of Bryants kicks this yr!

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Come on 8.20

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Game over! You can’t slow down the clock. NYG lose another one!

SB, can’t wait to see what Nolan has in store for the Boys.

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JJ,
I think that I will pull the label off and stick it on my forehead, and keep my fingers and toes crossed!

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Sportaree, you must understand JJ more than me, what does the label say?

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JB , budlight commercial my friend.

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Who is MB?

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Has anyone seen MM’s post game interview today? lol, instant classic bullying once again from that arrogant prikk!!!

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JJ/Sportaree if Busch Lite don’t work I’m F’ked. This is why I don’t like late games. I’ve already expended all of my cheering on the NFL South and anything not NFCS. Now,l I am getting ready to spend what I have left with the Falcons and will turn whatever label I have anyway you like. I’m saying/hoping for a Falcon win, maybe just by ONE point just to keep me awake, but a blowout would be better.

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BL, yes he did! So glad we got rid of both of them. Just gives me a headache thinkin what could have happend if we had professional NFL coordinators in here the last few yrs with the level of talent we have. We won inspite of them, NOT because of them. 3rd qt statistics provided by D3 pretty much proves that. Oh well, thats in the past and I prefer to look fwd and upward!

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TRAP. GAME.

Not a good start, but let defense get their licks in and let’s settle down.

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Great penetration by Babs….

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Not the best start. Holding them to a field goal will be a minature win.

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A bit too hyped, maybe. Need to calm down and keep the drops from being a problem.

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Man…

Catch the ball.

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Hell yeah!!!

Julio…IN SPITE of the pass intereference!

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Great concentration Julio

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Bryant misses? Not good.

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Would rather miss them early than late!

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Terrible playcalling already. I thought MM was in Jax, looks like Kotter showed up tonight. I smell bad things cooking tonight.

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ok, WHO didnt have their labels out,…come on people!!!

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Penalty helps…

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And there goes our defense….nice pressure. Very nice. We have Romo hopping all over the place. Let’s keep that up!

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My GOD…..wtf….how did TWO of our DBs f@ck that up!!!

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Good coverage by Dent, who makes the WR drop the ball.

Good pressure, but Romo keeps escaping. We have to get ahold of him.

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Time to wake up Offense!

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Not the position I’d like us to be in, but it could be worse. Offense will get rolling soon enough.

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It’s plain as day, the cowboys can in with a game plan targeted at Dunta.

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SP

Matt audible that play on third down. Not on Dirk.

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Nice…

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I like the 4 WR set….but if that was al we could get out of it, then something has to change.

Screw the script. Run the no huddle until we have scored three times…then get back into the script.

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Matt Audibled on that play too…

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OK, can we stop trying turner up the middle…its not working so quit wasting plays on it…just spike the ball instead!!!

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“SP

Matt audible that play on third down. Not on Dirk.” – BL

Kotter called the power running formation which limited the audible to a bad pass play and a bad running play. It’s on Kotter for putting M. Ryan in a lose-lose choice position.

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I would have called play action, personally. Blitz or not.

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HELL YEAH! But what the hell is up with the flag?

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Asante…you HAVE to catch that

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Dunta finally makes a GOOD play…and almost F’ed that one up too.

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I think the offense is starting to get cohesiveness. TD here.

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SAM, sam…calling sam…

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You call that cohesive?

Ryan’s gonna think he was in a car wreck tomorrow morning.

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Big Ray

A mistake happened, but Falcons have been getting down the field well.

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Looks like they overloaded one side and we didnt have enough blockers…not really sams fault. MR should have changed the blocking scheme at the line…

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Be falsely optimistic all you want as the only person I want to beat silly with a 2×4 is this C. Collingsworth D-bag…but don’t use cohesive when we can’t even put a blocker on D Ware. We came to lose with a vintage MM gameplan and it is working to perfection.

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No cohesion without effective O-line play.

I don’t think Koetter can out-gameplan horrible OL play. Cowboys are getting after Ryan, we gotta adjust.

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You know what? I’m just gonna call it a night in here. I’m not gonna deal with the crap tonight. Hopefully I will come back tonight with us winning.

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Big Lou ,

I hear you but Score > Yards.

We are not scoring. Not even FGs….just one of those. And we don’t get the ball back to start the second half. Our thing is a quick lead.

Meanwhile a blown tackle gives Dallas a first down…

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Big Lou ,

Alright dude, whatever….simple discussion…I guess not agreeing is the issue?

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I thought that we worked on tackling on the bye. Forget already?

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Not talking about you Big Ray.

I just don’t like how SP is with his wordings.

All I know is that the Falcons are only down by 3. Let’s hope they can get things sorted out.

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Gonna need those halftime adjustments.

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William Moore, 5 tackles missed…and counting…

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I don’t disagree that we are looking sloppy out there, but I believe adjustment will be made.

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Now THAT was a defensive stand. Great stuff!

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Or maybe I should say Aaron Murray time after that show he put on yesterday.

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Willy Mo’s problems are that he is trying to make plays instead of tackles…

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Yeah, we need to score going into the half. Definitely.

2 minute offense…in just over a minute, LOL.

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Funny how this offense always moves so well when in pure desperation mode.

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6-6? I’m not used to these low-scoring affairs.

At least we have a coaching staff that will make adjustments at the half.

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If Bryant made the earlier kick, it would be 9-6.

What I expected. A low scoring game. But, the question is, who will screw up first?

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Box

You are strongly underestimating how good the Dallas D is.

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BL,

We just moved down the field on the Dallas D to get three in less than 90 seconds. Our offense can beat them. We just need to keep MR2 upright. Go Team.

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Question for you experts: Does the NFL play “touch football?” At 6 to 6, I shouldn’t complain about our defense, but DANG!

I hope Koetter adjusts. Turner is still on his BarcoLounger, Quizz is still small, and the O-line isn’t giving Ryan time to throw to Julio.

I won’t even type “pass rush?”

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I think, bad tackles aside, ATL D needs some props. They have been pretty good.

Box

I hope you’re right.

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Do you get a “sudden death” feeling with this game?

Like first one to score a TD takes the game?

Maybe it’s just me…

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SP,
Rio won’t work, they have extradition treaty with US.

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Slant Pattern ,

Wherever it is, it will have to house the three of us….what, you didn’t think I’d be in on the nastiness?

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Gotta have faith cagers, we WILL win!!!

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Defense has been getting pretty good pressure all game…finally ends in a sack. Gotta love that.

WHAT I DON’T GOTTA LOVE IS THESE DUMBASS GEICO COMMERCIALS WITH THE TWO (INSERT DEROGATIVE AND POLITICALLY INCORRECT WORD) PLAYING A FIDDLE AND TINY ASS GUITAR.

Enough already…

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Julio’s cuts are getting sharper and sharper.

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OL collapsing/failing again…Ryan still making plays….

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Chris Collinsworth and Colin Cowherd probably have a secret bromance…

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So I guess we’ll take the lead with a FG? I hope…

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Bryant cost the falcons 6 points so far.

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That’s why you don’t count on FG’s Big Lou. They’ve gotta capitalize on redzone opportunities.

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Wonderful play by Nicholas.

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Wabe

True

But they haven’t gotten to the red zone.

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This is like LSU-Alabama, 2011 edition…except instead of it being #1 vs #2, it’s #1 vs #12, or something.

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Stephen Nicholas making one damn good play after another.

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Man we need another freakin’ punt returner. Franks is just boneheaded with it…

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Why the hell is Franks still on this team?

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Really think Antone Smith could be worse than Turner/Rogers?!?!

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That’s why you keep running the football.

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Got my answer Guys…

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Agree Truth!

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The Falcons are now set up for the play action.

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Put the pressure on Romo. Hope the offense can score here.

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There we go! Mike Turner (and finally a series with some blocking).

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Now step on the gas and don’t look back. Don’t go into MM mode.

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I hope they don’t go conservative here defensively. Play it like we’re still tied up.

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