Atlanta Falcons: Birds Win Huge Game vs. Saints
Falcons Take Another Step
Huge Night by Abe, Defense (AJC)
The offense was anemic after the first drive and it was yet another nail-biter, but the Falcons removed another monkey off their back by beating their fiercest rival Saints on Thursday Night Football. After getting up early 17-0 and giving fans a hope of a blowout, the Falcons offense hit a stonewall and leaned heavily on one of the best defensive efforts likely in it’s history to beat the Saints. Not only did they win a big game, but the defense also nabbed a new career high 5 interceptions from Drew Brees along with snapping his 54 game streak with a touchdown pass. As of Sunday, the Falcons also clinched their 2nd NFC South division title in 3 years with the Tampa Bay Bucs losing to Denver.
Falcons Clinch 2nd NFC South Title in 3 Years
With the Tampa Bay Bucs losing in Denver on Sunday, the Falcons clinched their 2nd NFC South Division Title with 4 games remaining on the season. It’s hasn’t always been pretty and spectacular, but the fact remains that the Falcons still are tied for the best record in the NFL at 11-1 and, besides the Houston Texans, most other teams are finding their own struggles and actually losing games. No one is likely celebrating in Flowery Branch on the news of winning another NFC South Title, but rather on what they need to get fixed in the next month before the playoffs start. However, Coach Smith, all the coaches, the Falcons players, Thomas Dimitroff, Arthur Blank, and everyone else involved with the Atlanta Falcons franchise deserves amazing credit for giving Atlanta and it’s fans something to be proud of, which is a team that is consistently good to great every single year and has a chance at getting the whole thing someday.
Amazing Defensive Effort
D's Big Night (AJC)
Really all that needs to be said is the stat line: Drew Brees intercepted 5 times, which has never happened before and the Falcons defense breaks his long-standing TD streak at 54 games. It simply was a beautiful thing to behold, a defense that has had fits trying anything to shut down Brees and one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL the last 5 years. Even though John Abraham came away with only one sack on the night, the entire defense hurried, harangued, and hit Brees all night long to get him out of his comfort zone. The linebackers were all over the place batting balls, making plays, and giving tight coverage. The defensive backfield really stepped up with William Moore looking every bit the Pro Bowler with 2 awesome picks. Thomas DeCoud set the tone with his pick in the endzone in the beginning of the game. Along with Dunta Robinson, Robert McClain continued his excellent year with Christopher Owens having one of the best games of his career. And finally of course, much of the credit goes to one Mike Nolan for finally taking this defense to the next level in less than a year. In fact, if the offense never gets their consistency down, the Falcons defense may have to lead the way in the postseason.
1 for 11 on 3rd Downs. Really?
Let’s all just hope it was a really bad night on offense and not a disturbing trend. Matched up against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Falcons offense hit a cement stonewall after their awe-inspiring and dominating first drive. It was a thing of beauty to witness the Falcons shoving the run game down the Saints throats, but after that they evidently checked out. Ryan was off-target, the running game got cute and had some more of those infamous wasted plays, the receivers were dropping the ball and disappearing, and they couldn’t gain a first down to save their lives, normally a very good area (coming into the game as #2 in NFL in 3rd down conversions). Roddy White said they got complacent. Let’s all just hope that it was one of those bad nights, but it’s still unfathomable to understand how an offense loaded with so much talent can get completely shut down. They better get some things fixed and start getting it together very soon because the calendar is running out and they don’t want to head into the playoffs limping on offense. Especially when the defense is playing at such a high level.
Running Game Gets Going………..Early
This Must've Been Later in Game (AJC)
It was the best that Michael Turner has run in a long while. The first offensive drive was a sight to see. Turner was pounding the rock, running hard between the tackles and Jacquizz Rodgers was adding in the quick and shifty runs as a perfect complement. This was exactly what Falcons fans had been waiting to see: a sort of “thunder and lightning” combination. It sure was nice to see, but for whatever reason, the running game and the offense as a whole just fell off a cliff. It was a shame to see the running game going so well early on and the passing game be so terribly off. Which leads directly into the next point.
Will This Team Ever Fully Click?
You surely can’t blame the defense at this point, but this will be an ongoing question either until this team comes together in all three phases or they it will be a case of untapped potential. Yes, they’re still winning, but the teams that find a way to get to the Big Dance and hoist that Lombardi Trophy are the ones that find a way to come together and play great in all three parts. At times it’s been the offense and others it’s been the defense. Others, the special teams has bailed the team out. Fans keep waiting. Offense are you listening?
Woeful Offensive Line
A Yucky Offensive Performance (AJC)
There’s nothing else to say that already hasn’t been beaten to a pulp going all the way back to preseason and even last year. There’s certainly no immediate help and, just like the team itself, it seems as though the entire line can’t all perform on a high level at the same time. In the past the problem has been pressure from the outside, particularly from Clabo’s end. Sam Baker has done pretty well overall. During the Saints game, the tackles seem to hold their ground only to see the middle get blown up all game long. Rookie Peter Konz was getting handled, 35 year old Todd McClure had his hands full, and even the usual steady Justin Blalock was shaky. The Falcons don’t have a whole lot of reinforcements available this deep into the season and really didn’t change anything from last year’s underwhelming OL. At this point, it’s up to OL coach Pat Hill and Dirk Koetter to find ways to either improve the OL, minimize the deficiencies, and play to their strengths. Let’s all hope they find a way to fix it the best they can down the homestretch.
Is Ryan a Rhythmic Passer?
There definitely have been times when Matt Ryan has gotten off to a bad start and come back to play well. And surely, to an extent, all quarterbacks need to get some type of rhythm. However, it seems particularly acute with the Falcons quarterback. When Ryan gets off to a good start, he usually finishes with a fantastic day. Look no further than some of the games this year, the first Saints game comes to mind. Maybe it’s unfair to say that Ryan must start good to finish good, but the opposite does seem to be true: when Ryan gets off to a rocky start with constant pressure, he usually struggles the entire game. With this porous offensive line even the best quarterback would have a hard time, but when Ryan has a few bad series to get the game started, it appears to be an uphill battle from that point on. Three games in particular stick out this season in that regard: the Raiders, Cardinals, and the Saints most recent game. Thursday night’s game would seem to be a dream for Ryan with the running game dominating early on, but the passing game was non-existent and managed only one TD after the first drive even though the defense nabbed 5 interceptions. Once again, this may not be all his fault because the offensive line was dreadful and receivers had plenty of drops, but if Ryan needs a good, quick start to get going than that should be an emphasis in game-planning.
Owens Redemption
Owens Good Game (AJC)
It didn’t come in a playoff game, but Christopher Owens had a night to remember. Long known (unfairly) as the main scapegoat to the Debacle in the Dome destruction vs. the Packers in the 2010/11 playoffs, Owens had a big night subbing in for Asante Samuel after the first play of the game. Owens had several nice passes defensed, including an especially athletic one in the endzone that would have otherwise gone for a TD. It was great to finally see Owens play up to his potential that most fans remember back when he took over at the end of 2009. Seeing Owens and Robert McClain doing so well under Mike Nolan’s defense has alleviated some worries at cornerback going forward the next several years.
Will Falcons Ever Find Killer Instinct?
It certainly doesn’t seem so. Stop if you’ve heard this one before. The Falcons get off to a great start, even going up 17-0 in the first half with a foe (the biggest rival in this case) they seem to have on the ropes and on the verge of burying them. And then……….the Falcons let them right back in the game and have to find a way to win at the very end of the game. Yes, it’s going to happen from time to time, especially when playing a good opponent with a high-powered offense. But this is a common occurrence with the Mike Smith led Falcons. It can’t all be put on Smith for getting conservative when getting a big lead (in fact they started throwing the ball after being dominant in the run game on the first series), but do the Falcons always have to put themselves in this position? The score was 17-0 and the defense was playing lights out, only to see the offense hit a brick wall and go 1 for 11 on third down conversions. One of the biggest complaints from fans in the off-season was the Falcons inability to develop any kind of killer instinct. Obviously all wins can’t be blowouts, but whenever the Falcons have a chance to put a game on ice, they simply can not find a way to do it, whatever the reason.
Bird Cage Egg Tosser’s Turn
1) Simple Egg Toss – overall thoughts on beating the hated Saints on Thursday Night Football?
2) Is that one of the best Falcons defensive performances in franchise history?
3) Will the defense carry the torch in the playoffs, instead of the offense?
4) What in Hades happened to the offense?
5) Emerging trend (getting figured out) or just one bad night?
6) Thoughts on the running game vs. the Saints
7) Will this team ever fully click this season or postseason?
8.) Anything left to say about offensive line?
9) Is Ryan a rhythmic passer?
10) Thoughts on Chris Owens superb performance?
11) Will the Falcons ever find a killer instinct in 2012?
12) How good does it feel to be 2012 NFC South Champs?
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750 comments Add your comment
falcon21
December 6th, 2012
4:34 pm
Wings @ 7:07a, I eat at Ross’s often, love their breakfast. I also like 4-Way lunch on Main st. It is heartburn city but it is darn good.
Michael
December 6th, 2012
4:46 pm
Arno
I’m saying that Smith is not the kind of person who leads through motivation via understanding the variegated personalities of his players. For example, last week against New England (and in years past) there are multiple times during games when one can observe Belichick on the sidelines coaching his players while they are on the bench. I am not saying Smith has never done that, but I can’t recall one instance where he has. He is a numbers person, recording data and making notes for the Monday film sessions. Let some intern record numbers while you (Smith) get in your players faces (those who need a swift kick every now and then) and encourage and/or pump up others when needed (who can’t take the direct approach). Its about knowing which players need a hug to perform better and which need a kick to perform better. He is a good, quality coach because he does place an emphasis on metrics like penalties and other measurements that help a team succeed. But, is that not something position coaches and coordinators can best handle and micro manage, leaving Smith free to actually “coach up” his players during the games? My fear is that this is what keeps him from being a great coach, and in games where the team is either evenly matched or outmatched in terms of talent, I think he will lose every time because he is not that king of personality. This is what Coughlin had to learn and that is my point. Hope this helps. Rise up!!!
Paddy O
December 6th, 2012
4:49 pm
well, i’d be pretty disappointed if asante plays in this upcoming game. gotta say, this week flew by.
Coop
December 6th, 2012
4:53 pm
Michael – Sorry, but can’t agree. I’m not super high on Smitty becoming a great coach, but I have seen him doing what you cite above on numerous occassions. First game against the Saints comes to mind when we got a 15yard unsportsmanlike after intercepting Brees. He was on the sideline all over DRob and Asante. I saw him scold RW for doing a flip into the endzone, encourage MR2 after a bad pick, and more.
Maybe he doesn’t do it as much as Belicheck or maybe it isn’t as good, but I don’t think that’s the reason he can’t be great.
It’s because he can’t deviate from the script
JJ
December 6th, 2012
4:59 pm
Coop, Ive always liked you and 99% of your post, we disagree on Spoon. Never my intent to call you out, you did that. Also stated twice that it was no big deal, just interesting. But you responded so let me clarify my opinion, and its just an opinion.
You have 4 qbs on your team (1 starter, 3 on bench) to strengthen your bench points in case of a tie. Weve had 2/72 games end in ties, .0277 probability of a tie. So theres over a 97% that it will not end in a tie and picking up backup RB/WR and TE’s would help you greater than 4 qs.
I never said I wanted any of the qbs(I dont, riding rg3) you picked up, I said it is highly unusual in ffl for someone not in the playoffs to pick up 2 more and have 4 going in.
Dont know how long youve been playing ffl but ask anyone, anyone if they think its a little strange, fishy. Like I said, love your post but I speak my mind (unfortunatley for you guys) and carrying 4 qbs into the playoffs is wack my friend!
Arno
December 6th, 2012
5:00 pm
Michael– I’ll post this again, in case you didn’t see it.
What McClure thinks of MS motivational skills:
“Smitty knows this locker room,” McClure said. “He’s down here a bunch. He knows how everybody’s feeling physically. He knows when we need rest. He knows when we need to turn it on and when we need to go harder and keep the pads on in practice. He’s got a great vibe of the locker room, and I think that’s what’s making him successful as a head coach.”
http://pro32.ap.org/content/falcons-not-too-impressed-nfc-south-title
In any case, thanks for your explanation. I’ll be interested to look at this further…
Paddy O
December 6th, 2012
5:03 pm
I still can’t believe that the OC does not have about 2 dozen plays under headings such as” O line getting dominated, need to mitigate” or “our O line is dominating, time to mix it up to prevent predictability” etc. At least in years past, you could see our stubborness fairly easily – “keep running turner until the opponents D line gets tired”. Luckily, we don’t do stuff that singlemindedly anymore. So, we should be more successful. But, as folks have also seen, not only do 2nd games make it look like our playbook is thin, but on long layoffs – bye or typical playoff delay – we don’t seem to utilize that extra time to either do extra game planning against the opponent, or add 10 or 15 plays into the playbook – such as an exotic play or 2. another oddity with our Falcons, when was the last time we blocked a punt? You’d think even off of luck, we’d block 1 each season.
Paddy O
December 6th, 2012
5:06 pm
however you slice it, Smitty is a stabilizing force. We just need a more experience OC on the same level as Nolan on the defensive side. Welcome Back is better than MM, but that is not high praise.
Paddy O
December 6th, 2012
5:08 pm
execution of play vs. actual play scheme. Which is more likely to cause in-game problems? If we had 3rd rate players, execution is a good explanation all day long. Since we don’t, and they seem to have a VERY long period of extended excellence and come back capability, it appears execution is a weak explanation. Our key talent problem is Mike Turner and his profound lack of lateral agility, and general slowness of foot until he gets the diesel rolling down hill. I’d be disappointed if we lose any of the games other than the Giants game.
Birdman
December 6th, 2012
6:27 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1430322-the-hungriest-nfl-backups-who-should-be-starting/page/3
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
6:39 pm
We just need to win a football game in the playoffs, then another, than another; Smitty has the outside possibility of going down as the best coach the NFL has ever seen. Winning at a 70% clip cannot be pooh pooh aside. You don’t do that by not being able to relate to the players not being able to recognize talent, or not understanding “todays NFL”, or are unable to grow.
Really, there have been several coaches who have gotten hot and won Superbowls whom I would never classify as great, Very few can match his overall record. I think he gets there.
Big Lou
December 6th, 2012
6:40 pm
“Is Matt Ryan slumping? I don’t think so. Just needs a little bit better protection.
And, according to Pete Prisco, some of the problem last Thursday night was receivers not winning their route, and a good game plan by Spagnuolo:
“Film study
1. What went wrong with the Atlanta Falcons’ high-flying pass offense last week against the Saints? Matt Ryan struggled to throw the football, but there were reasons.” The rest http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/21288067/after-further-review-rookies-wilson-luck-impress-in-late-drives”
I try to explain many times that it’s the execution. I don’t know how many times I have seen HD get beat on his routes, or how the other receivers can’t seem to get open. The offensive line play is nothing new.
Could the players be fatigued from playing two tough games back to back? Could be. We should see some better numbers from the receivers and Matt Ryan on Sunday.
Big Lou
December 6th, 2012
6:42 pm
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/67930/resilient-falcons-have-chance-to-soar
Pat Y. with a positive article?! OH NO! We are gonna lose Sunday! ><
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
6:43 pm
Now that said, I do believe that Smitty has to figure out how to loosen up his players, especially MR2, in big games. Really, you look at Billick, even Gruden, they won SBs only have teams fall apart. Winning, going to the playoff year in year out takes more skill than winning a SB and disappearing. Anyway, that is my opinion.
Big Lou
December 6th, 2012
6:46 pm
Adding onto that article Geo Linked:
Why the heck didn’t the Falcons keep running the ball on the two safety look?!
Also, if they are disguising coverages… why don’t they have any hard counts or use the no huddle? Sometimes the incompetence baffles me.
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
6:51 pm
But Pat Y is right. In 5 years, the Falcons have won 21 times in the 4th quarter, and have NEVER blown as much as a 7 point lead. That is not accident, it ain’t luck. It is a mentally tough team that executes at money time…..
I would like to see the Falcons record when they score 1st in a game….I bet it is absurd.
Paddy O
December 6th, 2012
7:41 pm
I’d call money time the playoffs. Once we win a few games, the pretender/choker reputation will vanish. I hope it is this year.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
7:56 pm
What McClure thinks of MS motivational skills:
“Smitty knows this locker room,” McClure said. “He’s down here a bunch. He knows how everybody’s feeling physically. He knows when we need rest. He knows when we need to turn it on and when we need to go harder and keep the pads on in practice. He’s got a great vibe of the locker room, and I think that’s what’s making him successful as a head coach.”
Sounds very much like an absolute vote of confidence, which is great.
Also sounds like a player who is well past his prime, still gets a contract, and still gets to start.
And I know I sound cynical as hell. Sorry.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
7:57 pm
I would like to see the Falcons record when they score 1st in a game….I bet it is absurd.
It is, but I can’t remember what it is exactly, or here I read/heard it.
You’d think we might want to apply that idea/stat to every game, especially postseason ones.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
8:00 pm
Zoomie ,
It’s gonna be FUGLY against Carolina if we don’t protect Ryan, I know that .
They act like it’s a grudge match. Tampa just acts like they threw the game away. Tampa is still fighting for a playoff spot, Carolina is more dangerous because they know they can get to Ryan and they are pissed off about the video feed (which I thought was great) of Ryan kickin’ ‘em to the curb.
Protection.
That, and I want Mike Turner to blow up somebody the way he did Ray Lewis last year against Baltimore (right after Turner said he’d do exactly that, he DID exactly that).
I want somebody to rip Charles Johnson’s head off. Fuh Real.
Arno
December 6th, 2012
8:08 pm
Big Ray– I had the same feeling. Wanted a quote from some other player. For what it’s worth, here’s a quote from the enemy: Falcons head coach Mike Smith is 8-0 this season and 51-21 as Atlanta’s coach, and he appears to have earned the respect of players around the NFL, too. In a Sporting News poll of NFL players, Smith tied with Houston’s Gary Kubiak for the honor of most underrated head coach in the league.“Nobody gives them enough credit, but they’re always well prepared. He always has his guys ready to play. You can tell they’re very disciplined—not a lot of cheap stuff or anything like that.” — Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans said of Smith.The Sporting News polled 103 players from 27 teams and players were not allowed to name their teammates or head coach for any of their answers. Rex Ryan of the Jets was voted as the most overrated coach in the Sporting News poll
falcon21
December 6th, 2012
8:10 pm
I remember Ovie ringing Rays bell. Big Ray, good point on that stat. Didn’t we have the led in all of Smiths playoff games?
The Time is NOW
December 6th, 2012
8:24 pm
Under MS, the Falons are 40 -10 when they score first.
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2012/11/28/falcons-need-to-find-selves-against-rival-saints
D3
December 6th, 2012
8:25 pm
From the Article that Birdman posted…………
Rodgers is only 5′6″, but he’s built like a fire hydrant. He’s only had 68 carries this season, but he’s rushed for 274 yards and a touchdown.
He obviously doesn’t look like the ideal starting running back, but if you compare him to Michael Turner at the present moment, Rodgers is the better back.
In the last three games, Rodgers has rushed for 108 yards on just 23 carries. Turner has picked up 156 yards on 40 carries. Clearly, Rodgers is doing more with less.
The roles need to be rearranged in Atlanta’s backfield. Rodgers should be the primary back; Turner should be the short-yardage back. “Burner” is too heavy for any other duty at this point. One of his thighs is the size of Rodgers’ torso.
It’s not a good look.
Brian Manzique
Wow, thank goodness someone else sees it besides us “homers.”
The Time is NOW
December 6th, 2012
8:28 pm
Arno – good stuff. Thanks!
While I was looking for the record above, I found this bio on MS. Looks interesting, but haven’t read it yet.
http://prod.www.falcons.clubs.nfl.com/team/coaches/Mike-Smith/a22e3d7e-3e0b-4143-93b8-42f545b0b0c7
The Time is NOW
December 6th, 2012
8:35 pm
Just learned that going into this season, under MS the Falcons are 36-2 when leading at halftime and 33-1 when leading at the beginning of the 4th qtr.
Slant Pattern
December 6th, 2012
9:04 pm
“Wow, thank goodness someone else sees it besides us “homers.” – D3
All one has to do is look here ( http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/rb ) to get the idea that someone elses’ homers are the delusional ones. Why a HC or OC would keep plugging in fail is beyond me but as those homers love to point out, what do we know?
Slant Pattern
December 6th, 2012
9:14 pm
“Didn’t we have the lead in all of Smiths playoff games?” – falcon21
Last two I believe so, not sure on Arizona game. The stats people keep bringing up leave out an important little detail in that we did not hold the lead in all those games. I don’t feel like doing the leg work but someones 22 come from behind wins make up a large portion of those stats the homers want to attribute to someone else playing turtle ball. Someone making the clutch money shots thru the goalposts should be getting his fair share of credit too. Really don’t care anymore as people will see want they want to see. If Smittyball wins a Lombardi I won’t be complaining.
falcon21
December 6th, 2012
9:40 pm
Same here SP, no complaining will come from me if that happens, hell, I will be the happiest man in Georgia if it happens. If I say what I want to say I will be told to get that f–ing crap out of here, so I will leave it at that.
The Time is NOW
December 6th, 2012
9:41 pm
This season the Falcons have gone 6-0 when leading at the half and 7-0 when leading after the 3rd qtr. Under MS the team record in those circumstances is 42-2 and 40-1. Gotta like the odds if we’re leading at those junctures.
falcon21
December 6th, 2012
9:51 pm
Some good stuff Time NOW, but it is the post season odds that worry me. We don’t have a whole lot to get excited about.
falcon21
December 6th, 2012
9:53 pm
Later Cagers.
JB Falcon
December 6th, 2012
9:59 pm
TTIN, that’s some darn good research. Should change some attitudes or expectations.
21, anyone who doesn’t appreciate your comments on this blog has to be full of sh!t. I haven’t notice whatever you have but if they are man enough to call you out I’ll have your back.
Coop
December 6th, 2012
11:18 pm
SP – we did lead in all 3 playoff games. It highlights a thread of debate I had with MB early on. He touted the number of come form behind wins by MR2. I asked him to analyze how many of those were due to us losing the lead. He didn’t want to acknowledge that part. But if you look at it, we have lead is almost ALL our games. Even the ones we’ve lost. How many times have we been beat wire to wire in the last 5 years.
Coop
December 6th, 2012
11:23 pm
JJ – I appreciate and respect all your posts except when you chastise me for going after MB. I disagree with your take on my FFL moves. I got killed this year, but I’m still fighting. There is nothing fishy. No one but you complained about missing on Palmer or Locker. Then you say you don’t want them. So since it was no big deal… You made a fairly big deal about it.
I have broken no rules. I have done nothing to question the integrity of the game (like dropping my best players so you could pick them up). So call it fishy if you want, but if you don’t want the players I selected, then let it go.
Coop
December 6th, 2012
11:29 pm
The Falcons have blown leads… Even those more than 7 points. Coming back to win doesn’t erase the Lon lead. That’s the one problem with winning, it hides your true faults and says, “you don’t need to fix that”!
Michael
December 6th, 2012
11:36 pm
Arno,
No I had not seen that particular article for whatever reason I overlooked it. But, as I read it , one other Atlanta figure immediately came to mind…Bobby Cox. He was well liked by his players and certainly had the pulse of the locker room. Unfortunately, something just didn’t translate on the field. Yes, he managed a World Series win…but how many more should they have had?
So I think it goes with Smitty. I like him and think he clearly is organized and is good at sweating the small stuff (of course I also like Dan Reeves and still think its a mistake they fired him). I just worry about Smith’s ability to “coach up” players in game situations. I hope I am very wrong. As for what you saw that I obviously missed in some games, it would have been nice to see him challenging/pushing Ryan a bit after throwing 5 Int’s against the Cards and again last week when he went 1-11 on 3rd downs.
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
11:37 pm
I asked him to analyze how many of those were due to us losing the lead. He didn’t want to acknowledge that part.
I don’t not “not” want to acknowledge it, I just do not know the answer, nor do I think it is terribly relevant. See-Saw games are common in the NFL, but the winner in the 4th quarter is what it is all about…my opinion….
But I want to be clear, all the stats I put up do not mean we will not take a dump in the playoffs again this year, and if we do, I know there will be no shortage theories. But countless coaches have won in the playoffs, and probably about 35 have a ring. But the fraternity of guys who won 70% of the games in their first 5 years is very small. So, it is almost like Smitty has done the “hard” part about being a great team, but if he cracks the playoff code, we might be witnessing something special….
I don’t know the future, but I know if you can ace the NFL chess game of winning in the 4th quarter, you gotta be pretty good, and a pretty good prospect of being a guy who can figure it out, and crack the playoff code….you are far from incompetent…..Please take no offense, again, just my opinion….I have the same frustrations, but overall, I love what I see, and I like winning week in, week out.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
11:37 pm
If Smittyball wins a Lombardi I won’t be complaining.
Same here. And I will eat my fair share of crow. What I will NOT do is listen to any moron who claims to have known it was all good, all along. THAT I will not do.
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
11:39 pm
When I say, “you are far from incompetent”, I mean Smitty, not a cage member.
Big Ray
December 6th, 2012
11:41 pm
Coop ,
One thing I like about Smitty is he is always looking to work on something, to fix something. Can’t ever fault him for that.
That said, the “how” of fixing has pretty much been the subject of discussion…
Matty Bicep
December 6th, 2012
11:45 pm
Cmon BR, I don’t get some credit? I won’t say I “knew” it would happen, but I knew we had a chance.
I guess I think more like a gambler than a coach, that is where I am different and sometimes misunderstood.
I just know that if we put every team under a microscope like we do the Falcons, I can find why everyone will lose. BUT, if there is a game to be played, I think either team has a chance. Not an equal chance, but a significant chance, even moreso in the Playoffs than the regular season. Todays NFL is quite unpredictable, and that is about the ONLY thing I am pretty certain of.
Matty Bicep
December 7th, 2012
12:00 am
But I do agree, we have some O line issues, question marks at RB, questionable play calling, D line, Peoria Jerry is a Bust, yada yada. But I like Nolan, and I think if we had Nolan all along, we might have won a playoff game or two. I think THAT is where we are different.
Slant Pattern
December 7th, 2012
12:02 am
“one other Atlanta figure immediately came to mind…Bobby Cox. He was well liked by his players and certainly had the pulse of the locker room. Unfortunately, something just didn’t translate on the field. Yes, he managed a World Series win…but how many more should they have had?” – Michael
I think thats a good analogy and the thought has crossed my mind many times. Being liked and being a good strategist are not one and the same. There are multiple aspects to being a good manager, HC, leader, general, etc. I think being “likeable”, charismatic, or whatever term one prefers is definitely an important aspect but firing your “soldiers” up just to lead them into an ambush because you didn’t study your opponent or were way to predictable isn’t exactly gonna get you compared to Mannstein or Patton.
Slant Pattern
December 7th, 2012
12:07 am
“One thing I like about Smitty is he is always looking to work on something, to fix something. Can’t ever fault him for that. ” – BR
I hear him always TALKING about fixing things. If I could see more evidence of actual fixing going on then I would feel better.
Matty Bicep
December 7th, 2012
12:18 am
Also, watched Manning tonight, I have never been more convinced that arm strength is overrated, but it looks like his arm has gotten worse, he threw lollypops all night.
Matty Bicep
December 7th, 2012
12:26 am
I hear him always TALKING about fixing things. If I could see more evidence of actual fixing going on then I would feel better.
Your pretty hard on the guy. He has fixed our Defense. Yea, I know it is Nolan, but it seems poor Smitty is damned if he does, damned if he don’t. Again, not looking for a pissing match, but sometimes hiring the right guy and getting out of the way is a good sign of a growing coach.
Matty Bicep
December 7th, 2012
12:45 am
Anyway Cagers, we got a chance, and as much as we all want a “sure thing”, it don’t exist. If anyone has ever bet on a football game….Can I get and Amen?
Wings
December 7th, 2012
6:40 am
Big Ray – “And I know I sound cynical as hell. Sorry.”
There is nothing wrong with being cynical from time to time. Those statistics are not taking the field on playoff game days and they can’t be coached up.
Big Ray
December 7th, 2012
9:01 am
Cmon BR, I don’t get some credit? I won’t say I “knew” it would happen, but I knew we had a chance.
I guess I think more like a gambler than a coach, that is where I am different and sometimes misunderstood.
Saying we have a chance and saying that you knew we would win the SB all along are two different things. Therefore, what I said does not apply to you.