D3, been under the weather here too, anyway no worries, keep up the good work my friend. You are still da man.

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…Birds. I’m pretty sure Bird is retired.

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Hope you are well soon Dawson. Flu’s been going around so be cautious.

I am impressed by Nike Nolan. Mike Smith owes him big time for bailing this team out. I was very anxious to see how well Nolan would scheme having played a team once before. We’ve all seen what he could do in making halftime adjustments. He definitely answered the question of how he makes adjustments after having an entire game under his belt.

As for William Moore, he showed that he can very well be a big time player. He was all over the field…in coverage, coming up in run support to make huge hits, and in making big plays. McClain also turned in yet another great game. And to think Mike Smith cut this guy to start the season. I think its safe to say the team will save some money on the salary cap next year by not re-signing Brent Grimes.

Don’t know why the team abandoned the run game that was going so well. Was it Smith or Koetter? I see this as the main concern going forward (though I know many will disagree and say the O-line is THE biggest). As I’ve stated before, Mike Smith is not a transformational coach, he is a transactional one. Transformational leaders motivate, inspire, and challenge their players to reach above their capabilities or to play at the highest level at all times. Transactional leaders look at and play percentages, nothing more. This method will win you more than you lose, but it doesn’t get you over the proverbial “hump.” I do hope I’m wrong but after listening to his entire press conferences after games each week, he can always throw out a lot of numbers and stats, but I worry about him being able to reach the hearts of men and speak to that when needed.

Congratulations Falcons. You won the division. Now two more wins and we get home field throughout the playoffs!!!

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I think it was a victory that assured them a playoff spot. Now that the Bucs lost they got the NFC South title for 2012

The Saints game showed our defense can realty play hard even when our offence goes flat after a very good run game performance. Turner looked better in this game than he has all year maybe because of the blocking or maybe because the Saints D is no good at stopping the run

Matt Ryan looks as if he could use a break and catch up on some rest . I think it would be good to rest him and White as well as others if they were to clinch the home field in the next 2 or 3 games.

Moor ‘ Spoon and Abe played great in this game they deserve the top 3 best spots over all .

Falcons 2012 NFC South Champs …Gotta love it !!

Cage ya’ll have a good night and God Bless you all and this country

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I here you on that 21 and agree
. But I think a few weeks off would make a lot of them play better and have the fire reborn that we saw in the first 2 games of the year

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Z-Atlanta

looks pretty good on the espn standings page

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Would not be surprised if you saw nothing but vanilla from Atlanta’s offense for the rest of the regular season. We can win 2 of 4 with that, and that’s all we need for homefield throughout playoffs. So why pull out anything you may want to save for the playoffs at this point. There is plenty of circumstantial evidence that GB and NYG were very prepared for what the Falcons had to offer the past two playoff appearances. Now everyone is going A-Gap, and trying to figure out which Falcon’s receiver to leave open. May be a good idea to keep them wondering. Keep the starters in, keep them playing, but keep it fundamental.

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“Birdman, no disrespect buddy but Ryan don’t need rest, he needs a good o-line.” – falcon21

QFT. I try to just ignore certain things but every now and again even I get impressed with the bizarre stuff people come up with. Case in point, a Baker homer (yes apparently he does have one at least) was complaining about the announcers calling him out for getting beat like a drum and Ryan smahed. His post was along the line of “I don’t understand why people are so hard on Baker, I mean Ryan got the ball away”. Ryan has gotten pummeled far too often this year and it is amazing alot of our fanbase doesn’t see or care.
I don’t know what to say about resting up yet. I would like to see us go all out against NY Vagiants to take stock of where we are at. After that I wouldn’t mind seeing Dom Davis get the nod after a first series in the last two. Getting him some exposure will possibly raise his trade value up to a nice point if he does well. I don’t think Ryan is the resting type tho. I see alot of posts about “hiding” stuff but we have heard that song before. I don’t buy it for one second. The things we need to work on have to be battle tested and not just practice field perfection. We have seen the results from that too and most often they were not good.

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SP

I agree. I hope the SF 49ers start winning so the Falcons keep trying. I want the best effort versus the Giants. I want to see if our Oline can hold up against the best pass rush in the league and if the screen game will work. I am still looking for that dominant game like the Chargers where we had starters resting in the 3rd quarter. I want the defense like the Cowbous/Saints game and the offense like the Chiefs/Eagles game clicking at the same time!

Enough of this conservative, fail execution, excuse making BS. Pull out all the stops and blow out some teams!

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Get well soon, D3.

The Falcons could’ve effectively run against the Aints the entire game. A few short gains, and TFLs, but most of the runs were effective. The Falcons just abandoned the run for some reason.

Screens were taking too much time to develop, too obvious, and ill-timed. I was a little perplexed with the play-calling during this game. Hence, my earlier question about Koetter: I’m starting to wonder if he’s the guy that should have the keys to this high-powered, high-octane offense. WHERE THE HELL IS THE NO-HUDDLE?

(Is it just me, or are the Falcons exhibiting the disturbing trend of attacking the other team’s defensive STRENGTHS?)

Much of the Falcons’ offensive failure was due to good defense from the Aints. Beyond that, I pin the dull offensive performance mostly on the O-line. McClure and Konz got handled most of the game. Baker started fading to the inside to shore up the middle and the pocket started getting squeezed from the left side as well. Clabo had another decent showing in this game.

Not alarmed yet. Fatigue, especially by the rookie and the Old Man of the Line, could reasonably be expected on a short week. I’ll wait to see if they improve moving forward.

(I know the soft middle has been an issue in earlier games, but Konz is still pretty new to the mix. The Falcons are winning, so he has the latitude to grow and improve.)

Of the broken pass plays, there were three obvious WR drops that should’ve been catches. There were five bad throws by Deuce (but he didn’t have much of a pocket). The rest of the broken pass plays were primarily due to good defense by the Aints.

On the crosses and slants, the Falcons’ WRs are tailing downfield at the peak of their routes. This has been the cause of two of Ryan’s picks this year, and the cause of a few of the broken pass plays. A lack of fundamentals/discipline on the part of the WR corps. Slants and crosses must be run crisply and, if anything, cheating back toward the QB. Fading downfield allows the defender to undercut the route too easily. HD83 and RW84, I’m talking to you. (Something for you to watch too, JJ11.)

I’m not going to write a single critique on the Falcons’ defense. They earned a Fan B*tch Pass with this game!

Seems we all want to see the Falcons beat down some other team, as has been done to them too many times. That would be good, but with all their faults, this team just keeps winning. Maybe as others have said, they’re holding back now, waiting to let it all hang out in the playoffs. As it is, the Falcons are a pretty damn good football team and, I believe, will only get better. Onward and upward!

(Here, kitty – kitty . . .)

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Congratulations Falcons!!! Now the play ahead will require more!!

Michael – “..but I worry about him (Smitty) being able to reach the hearts of men and speak to that when needed.”

It needs repeating because it is the best communication and will be required to win a Super Bow.

Big Lou – “Enough of this conservative, fail execution, excuse making BS. Pull out all the stops and blow out some teams!”

New York Jets win 7-6 over Arizona Cardinals. HC Smith’s dream score. More points please!!

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NFC South Champs – Check
Homefield Advantage throughout
NFC Champions -
Superbowl -

One game at a time. Let’s play tough, disciplined, attacking football to keep our opponents down. Time to steamroll some teams and stop the sportsman like play (sitting on leads).

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By the way…

Remember how I clamored for Russel Wilson in the draft?

I knew the kid will be a stud. Seahawks look like they will make the playoffs.

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Looks like a stress free December ahead for a change. It would be nice to lock up home field advantage in 2 weeks and play the final 2 like preseason games – starters only playing a couple of series. Stay sharp, but stay healthy.

I’m pulling for the Rams to get a wild card slot so they can knock off the 49ers again. What’s going on with that? And Peter King still has the 49ers ranked ahead of us. Then again he predicted the Panthers to win our division in 2010. He only missed that one by about 13 games.

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Wings and JB Falcon

I do hope I’m wrong about Smith but again, just from listening to him speak the last five years, he is a data driven manager, not a transformative figure and in the end, that may very well hurt their long range chances. As a case study, observe Tom Couglin. Early in his head coaching tenure in Jacksonville and even in New York, he was a numbers person. He had his players winning games, but not championships. It wasn’t until AFTER his Giants team almost revolted on him and some seasoning did he become a more transformative leader, speaking to the motivation of men and not just addressing metrics. If Smith cannot do this, I fear for my heart because it sure can’t take much more disappointment and another off-season of hoping yet again, Rise Up!!!

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Greetings Cage Family! — Over halfway done with new post. Not back to 100%, but am feeling better.

2012 NFC SOUTH CHAMPS!………..but I doubt anyone in Flowery Branch is celebrating that. But we can.

See you later…….

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Michael, I have compared Smitty to Coughlin often. They are both very similar, number crunchers who require discipline and near perfection, guys who understand the field position, clock management, penalty chess match that is today’s NFL.

But the changes in Coughlin are not dramatic, for if they were, no way he insists on running the ball all year after finishing the regular season with the worse YPC in the NFL. But I think he was able to crack the code to understand and speak to the stress his style puts on his players. to get them to play loose….I think Ryan’s mindset it key to our playoff success. If he is loose and throwing it around, we will be OK, hopefully he learned something from the NO win.

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D3 – get well. But thanks for the new blog space!

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Offensive thoughts:

1) Turner can still be useful. He looks sometimes like his runs are inspired…sometimes like they are not. But we should not throw to him. At least not by design. There will be plays, no doubt, where there are no choices or certainly worse ones. I’d say there is a trick to when to use Turner, but the fact is we just don’t know when the OL is actually going to open a hole.

2) Rodgers has a good deal more of an ability to gash a defense. Therefore, he should be the first guy to get carries. Plus, he can make guys miss. Furthermore, he is better at turning a short pass into something than Turner could ever hope to be.

3) Some of these passing routes really stink. As somebody else already said, they allow DBs to make a break on the ball while not having to change direction. I’ll say it again – most of the INTs Ryan is throwing involves DBs not having to change direction or even cross the field to make a play. Now you can look at that two ways – you can fault Ryan alone for this (and he does deserve some fault either way) or you can entertain the idea that there is some flaw in play design.

4) I don’t know what to say about the OL other than consistency would be nice. Folks don’t often “rise to the occasion” as much as they are reduced to their level of talent and training. Not a nice thing to say, but facts are facts. Against playoff teams, the running game will depend partially on how well the OL can open up holes. More importantly, since we go as far as Ryan takes us, that means also as well as the OL protects. Given time, Ryan can usually find the open guy or at least the guy who can make the play. Most teams can’t cover all of our guys as long as we don’t go all vanilla with Turner in the backfield as a blocker, rather than a threat.

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If you think about it, the defense only had two bad games this season. The one against Carolina at home, and the one against Drew Brees with no Sean W.

Defense will make a huge difference this year going into the playoffs. I just hope the offense gets it together.

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Big Lou,

Good points on Nolan and the defense.

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Heading to the playoffs.. is ATL really hot? Or just consistent? I say we are consistent and I am waiting for the clutch to be pushed down and we go into 5th gear. We have seen glimpses of it this year, but again, as a Team, I have yet to see a complete game.
I actually think this bodes well for us.. and expect the 5th gear to be seen against the Giants, as that is when we need the urgency and for the team to get “hot”. We need that payback against the Giants oh so bad… break yet another mental chain.

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I have lost a lot of what little faith I had in Welcome Back. He does not come up with very innovative game plans. Nor does he make quick – say, after a single 3 & out possession – adjustments – especially when the O line is getting smashed around. I’m really wanting MORE, a LOT more no-huddle. Especially if we go consecutive 3 & outs.

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Paddy O I don’t think we can say it is Koetter yet. He was give a set of plays, a running back forced on him, and the guy with the shotgun.

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Wings (2:07)- “He was give a set of plays, a running back forced on him, and the guy with the shotgun.” LOL…you’re right. All we can go is guess what may be going on offensively. I just wish I could be a fly on the wall for one game planning session.

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I would play it vanilla as can be against the Giants…

There’s a very good chance that the Falcons could wind up playing the Giants in their opening playoff game a month or so from their meeting 2 weeks from now. Makes little sense to play it with maximum effort showing anything on either side of the ball. I’d rather them play it lightly, seeing that there will be little on the line a couple weeks from now.

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The pressure up the middle has hindered Ryan’s ability to find his guys. Koetter has yet to show he knows how to exploit these A-gap blitzes and calm any pass rush down.

Ryan has to get out of the pocket, when he sees extra men coming up that way, he has to slide immediately. If they bring 3 on 3, odds are one of their guys is going to slip past one of our guys, sure it would be nice to have a brick wall up there, but you can’t count on your interior holding up 1 on 1.

Ryan has to see that and get outside and find a throwing lane. He does not have to sprint, but he does have to slide and be decisive. He can’t stand there and go through progressions, he has to find a lane and get to the hot receiver.

I will say this, in the NO game, you could see the stress on Mattys face on the sidelines. He was sacked once and hit 5 other times, that is not a lot, and although he was under duress, so was DB.

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Wabe – “The pressure up the middle has hindered Ryan’s ability to find his guys. Koetter has yet to show he knows how to exploit these A-gap blitzes and calm any pass rush down.”

This is what concerns me most. Even though Koetter was not her last year we struggled protecting the A gap and we’re having trouble with it again this year. I swear it feels like we carry the majority of issues from season to season with no solution. The DL and OL have had the same pressure and protection issues since Smitty and TD’s arrival. I wonder if they will ever get the trenches fixed. It causes issues on both sides of the ball as we’ve witnessed.

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MB – “Ryan has to see that and get outside and find a throwing lane. He does not have to sprint, but he does have to slide and be decisive. He can’t stand there and go through progressions, he has to find a lane and get to the hot receiver.”

How is Ryan going to slide when defenders are blowing through both A gaps up the middle? He has pressure on top of him before he can complete his drop back completely. We probably need to keep Ryan in shotgun the majority of time for extra time to get rid of the ball.

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POST IS FINISHED! —

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-fans/2012/12/02/atlanta-falcons-birds-win-huge-game-vs-saints/#comments

or just hit refresh and head to the top. Thank you all for your patience!

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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“How is Ryan going to slide when defenders are blowing through both A gaps up the middle? He has pressure on top of him before he can complete his drop back completely. We probably need to keep Ryan in shotgun the majority of time for extra time to get rid of the ball. ”

Ding ding ding. Hence why my name was shotgun. Only time Ryan should be under center is if we are going for a play action pass or fatty Turner for a power run play. 80 percent of the other plays should be out of the shotgun. To negate the pass rushers, you do delayed handoffs(sort of read option), or counter with screens. That’s how Peyton usually runs his offense and would work better for a cerebral/non athletic QB like Ryan.

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12) How good does it feel to be 2012 NFC South Champs? Darn Good! I just ordered 4 shirts and two hats but am saving my money for some better ones. Hint, hint.

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Sacks and hits only tell half the story. If you cannot step up in the pocket half the game, you’re gonna have issues finding open receivers. They should run some bootleg options, though. Ryan is usually very accurate when those plays are called up.

That’s the truth.

Planned bootlegs are fine with Ryan. He does have to watch out for the ambitious LB or DB however, as they follow his eyes. But expecting him to slide out of the pocket on every other play or however many are necessary is asking for trouble.

If it was such a good idea, then I wonder why Belichick doesn’t have Tom Brady doing it…or John Fox with Peyton Manning? There’s a reason…

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PADDYO-I don’t know why you would lose any faith in Koetter. If you think back to the time shortly after he was hired, it was said about 80% of last yrs play book would be retained. That means he could only include about 20% of what he wanted to run. I say he’s done one helluva job of taking 80% of what basically failed last yr and making it work.

The only thing that’s held this OFF back this yr has been the inconsistency of our OL.

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Big Ray

It’s not an option you run all the time. I prefer shotgun. It’s just a wildcard move they could use when they are running the power I under center. I totally agree that Ryan is not meant to be a RG3.

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Ken – here we’ll have to disagree. I don’t think the old playbook had much in it for mitigating pass protection failures between the guards – at least we never really did much for it during the MM era; so, it would be nice if Welcome Back has some plays designed for when the guard to guard segment of the line is playing “ole” ala spanish bullfighter (Reynolds did a great job of this last year). Heck, take Mike Johnson and Hawley and play them as our RB’s if that is what it takes to stop up the leaky middle of the line. I’ve seen plenty of “stupid cute” plays from Welcome Back – if he has the inclination and time to throw those wasted efforts in, he has plenty of time to game plan – how long ago was the first Carolina game, where these tendencies/failure began to be exploited? I was NOT high on Welcome Back when we hired him – his track record good? NO. So, for me, we hired a guy with a sketchy resume, and we are now reaping the results. This is at least 3 games (of 12 that would be?) where our game planning was so lousy our offense was self-castrated. Nothing to be proud or to pad a resume desperate for that padding. And remember, NO defense stinks AND we had just seen them. Nolan can create whole new defensive looks for an unsuspecting offense. Welcome Back seems to be resting on his limited laurels – or, is it lack of innovation and creativity?

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Good points, D3.

1) Overall thoughts on beating the hated Saints on Thursday Night Football? Sweet and sour. It’s good to beat the Saints and shut down Brees but we should have been up a lot more than 17-0 and we gave them hope, which made the game harder than it should have been.

2) Is that one of the best Falcons defensive performances in franchise history? It’s probably one of the best this year, but I would put our effort against the Raiders a few years ago as better. To be truthful, Brees made some pretty poor throws.

3) Will the defense carry the torch in the playoffs, instead of the offense? I think you are right on this one, D3. Our offense doesn’t really look any more potent, except for an occasional throw deep to Julio, than it was last year or in 2010. There is just a less conservative play caller and giving Matt more no-huddle control.

4) What in Hades happened to the offense? The offensive line is who we thought they were. I think they shot their collective wads on the opening drive. They are not a rush O line.

5) Emerging trend (getting figured out) or just one bad night? Trend all the way. We are a pass-first offense that uses the run to mix it up. This offensive line is not geared to make a yard, but it can make 7 yards, no problem. Our line seems better built for a fast-paced passing attack.

6) Thoughts on the running game vs. the Saints…Non-existent after the first series. Occasional spurts, but very disappointing.

7) Will this team ever fully click this season or postseason? In January I think this team will start out fast, score a touchdown or two, play defense like maniacs, and hang on, as usual, to give us our first playoff win in a long time. From there I think our confidence will explode.

8.) Anything left to say about offensive line? Where’s the beef?

9) Is Ryan a rhythmic passer? All I know is every time he gets back to pass, Ryan counts to 5 and knows he’s out of time in the pocket.

10) Thoughts on Chris Owens superb performance? 1) Chris had a career game and helped his team win that game. 2) It was sheer luck that no ref threw a flag on that pass to Moore.

11) Will the Falcons ever find a killer instinct in 2012? Not until our offensive line can push the LOS one yard when it’s supposed to.

12) How good does it feel to be 2012 NFC South Champs? It feels GREAT!

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BR (4:22) – “If it was such a good idea, then I wonder why Belichick doesn’t have Tom Brady doing it…or John Fox with Peyton Manning? There’s a reason…”

This goes back to our original issue…we’ve put band-aids on the OL and didn’t build the way we should have. It’s time to get a monster in the middle and an athletic LT with a little nastiness to him. Brady has success throwing because his line gives him the time. Remember when the Patriots had issues with its OL and Brady was getting tagged left and right. They’ve made it a priority to get it fixed.

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I’m gonna give a nod here to a message I believe Big Ray has tried to convey: it’s difficult for an offense to transition in one season from a conservative, possession-type offense, to an aggressive, run-n-gun-type offense. There’s gotta be some serious growing pains involved.

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We are 6th in the NFL including defensive scores in scoring, thats a little over 26 points per game. A little lower than I thought we would be averaging. We are giving up a little over 19 points per game on average on defense, thats is about what I expected. All in all not bad but if we had a decent o-line we would be averaging 30+.

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I totally agree that Ryan is not meant to be a RG3.

That is why they are coming up the middle. He just has to recognize that, and exploit it. He does not have to sprint out, hell, trapping 4-5 in the middle of the field is beautiful, Ryan just hat to have the play to check into, and do it.

Crashing the A gap and playing tampa 2 is how Rex Ryan beat Brady in the playoffs a few years back, he took advantage of Bradys immobility. Ryan can roll out, he just has to recognize it, and go to the slot.

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PADDY O-I guess we have to agree to disagree. I’m certain you can see that MTurner has been using the same basic plays that were used in the past. I’m also certain you can see how our 3rd down efficiency and passing efficiency, as well as YAC, has vastly improved under Koetter.

If you were expecting Koetter to work miracles using last yrs OL, approximately 80% of the same plays, with the same HC sticking his GRUBBY HANDS IN THE MIX, then I see why you’re disappointed. I choose to be more realistic and will give him credit for improving our overall OFF, considering what he’s been given to work with in just one OFF season.

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Hello cage, as usual its been awhile, I miss being able to post as I use to but when I can I will try to take advantage of it. D3, probably late, but hope you get well soon if you have not already done so. As for the Falcons, and this probably will sound crazy, but I like where they are at as far as their play not their record ( of course I like the record). But as far as the play, I have the same concerns as many, but those concerns may be a good think. to continue

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Flashback to 2 years ago, a 13-3 Falcons team enters the playoffs as the number one seed only to get blown out at home by the Packers. What happened, as many should recall, that team had been playing its best ball, then got beat by the Saints leading into the playoffs, they showed little focus in that lost because it appeared they had they mind set they could just turn it on again in the playoffs, which didn’t quite happen.

This team has dealt with up and down play all year, they have learned to dig down deep when they have needed to which will help come playoff time. Also, this team is know where near peaking or playing its best ball, there has been flashes but they haven’t put it all together and they know it. I’m sure some will disagree but 2 years ago, that team maximized all its talent in the regular season to go 13-3, that team had to show everything to do so. This team on the other hand has only shown glimpses of whats its truly capable of. So the concern is will they be able to turn it on in the dance, I my opinion they have beat quality opponents, even when the media says they have not, and they have beat them with subpar play. If the new coordinators and Smitty can help them really turn it on in the playoffs, I think we as Falcons fans will be pleased with the results. In 2 weeks the Falcons will play probably the most notorious NFL team there is at turning it on around playoff time, they will learn win or lose from playing the Giants, and they will be the better for it.

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I think WR hit the nail on the head. Sure we have not seen the no huddle, but we have not seen much of the amoeba D we saw against the Broncos. Why? because we have not need to, just that simple. At some point you just got to respect 11-1 and realize we did it by not digging too deep in the playbook.

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1) Simple Egg Toss – overall thoughts on beating the hated Saints on Thursday Night Football?
It’s a good day when we beat the Saints by 1, 10, or 50. It’s an even better day when you do it by shutting down Breesus.

2) Is that one of the best Falcons defensive performances in franchise history?
Make no doubt about it, the Falcons defense did that to Brees. Didn’t rack up a lot of sacks but got enough pressure. And most impressively, the coverage was great all night. Brees is used to having wide open receivers and he saw Falcons jerseys in his gunsights all night on Thursday. When the Falcons play defense like that, they can stop anyone.

3) Will the defense carry the torch in the playoffs, instead of the offense?
It’s borderline hilarious that a defense that most (even the diehards in here) thought would be the weakest link, has been by far the most consistent aspect of the Falcons winning efforts this year. This defense is playing at a high level, and I don’t expect that to change.

4) What in Hades happened to the offense?
The offense shot itself in the foot repeatedly. No better way to describe it. When the blocking was decent the passes were off. When the passes were on the balls were dropped. When the running got good, the running disappeared. Trying to pin that performance on any one factor is an exercise in futility, much like the offense for most of the night. But there’s a lot of pride on that side of the ball, and I’d be willing to bet, they don’t come out flat like that again anytime soon.

5) Emerging trend (getting figured out) or just one bad night?
One bad night, that seemed to swallow the whole offense. I saw Roddy, Julio, and Tony drop passes almost in succession. I saw Ryan with happy feet hopping around and almost getting himself sacked. The O-Line seemed confused at times. Great game for a wake up call.

6) Thoughts on the running game vs. the Saints
Watching that first series, I saw what I’ve been hoping for all season. Pulling guards and tackles, counter plays, cutback lanes. Running backs waiting for the play to develop and then hitting it hard. That’s the running game we should have every week. Who needs a power running game? Especially one as powerless as the Falcons have been all season. Still not going to get one yard up the middle when it counts, but I’d lay odds on getting Quizz to the edge whenever it was needed.

7) Will this team ever fully click this season or postseason?
Green Bay and NYG were literally fighting for their playoff lives, having to play the best ball they could possibly play to get into the post season, and the Falcons (along with several other teams) were unlucky enough to catch that on the chin. The Falcons have played well enough to win every game, and have shown a never say die attitude for an entire season. That’s got to count for something.

8.) Anything left to say about offensive line?
Nope. And I won’t have anything to say for the rest of the season, as long as they keep playing well enough to not cause us to lose a game. Just don’t have a repeat of that Carolina game, and I will consider that a job well done.

9) Is Ryan a rhythmic passer?
Don’t exactly know what that is. Ryan has had some head scratching bad games, and then come back out at the end to go 6 for 7 for a game winning drive. Where’s all that rhythm coming from? It’s almost as if he needs the pressure to perform. Hopefully the pressure of the playoffs will bring out the best in him, because his best is more than good enough.

10) Thoughts on Chris Owens superb performance?
About time. Now let’s see him sustain it for two more games while Asante’s shoulder reconnects to his backbone.

11) Will the Falcons ever find a killer instinct in 2012?
They have found the killer instinct 11 out of 12 games. That cannot be overstated. When you see how hard teams battle back from adversity, it should be a tribute to the Falcons that they have always found that way to win. Will they start blowing teams out? Ask yourself this. Didn’t everyone expect the Falcons to average 30 points a game this season? Wasn’t that because everyone saw all the talent and potential that this offense brings to the table? What’s changed? In my humble opinion, nothing much. This team still has the potential to run up a 30 spot on anyone in the league.

12) How good does it feel to be 2012 NFC South Champs?
Outstanding! But it would feel so much better to hoist that Lombardi Trophy this year. And all the talk coming out of the Falcons camp is that they are on a mission to do just that.

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The teams we will face

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If playoffs were today, the Seahawks go to Pack and Bears go to Giants. I think I’d have to take Pack and Giants… Meaning we host the Giants and Niners host the Pack…

So I’ll be real curious to see how we play in two weeks against NYG.

I’d prefer the Bears out of all the match ups, but don’t see it.

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D3, I am about to go read another one of your wonderful posts. Just wanted to say hi to my fellow Cagers. So happy with my Falcons this year; they win; ESPN talks about the Jets; I smile.

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Playoff picture’s getting mightyyy interesting…

The media heads won’t ever own up to it, but the Giants are by no means a lock to get into the postseason.

The Giants have to play the Saints next week and then have Atlanta the week after that. They’re being pushed right now by both the Cowboys and Skins. That division race is up for grabs despite the Giants having a one-game lead.

Say whatever you want about me, but I’m rooting for the Saints next week. I’d love to see those Giants miss the playoffs.

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HCMS knows that this final quarter of the season is of paramount importance. Everything HAS to start clicking together approaching a hoped-for playoff run or it’ll fizzle. CAR got after us in that first game and we need to return the favor. They’re going to be under a lot of pressure with their coach likely to be unemployed within the month and having just been beaten by KC in a real emotional game. I’ve got to believe that our guys are taking this one very seriously starting off the final quarter with a big win and improved execution….

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Coop, if you look at the ESPN playoff machine, there’s a decent chance the Giants won’t even make it to the postseason. Redskins have a much easier schedule to close it out. If you use the power rankings as the assumption for the winner of the next four weeks, the Skins take the East, and that’s with the Ravens beating the Skins at Washington, which I find hard to believe now that Suggs is back on the injured reserve.

And all this bull crap about the Falcons wins being lucky has got to cease! I guess the Giants would win, but they aren’t lucky? I guess the Texans didn’t get lucky and beat the Lions on Thanksgiving? You can say almost any game every Sunday boiled down to luck (I know that Indy game yesterday certainly did in more ways than one). If it wasn’t for luck (the bad kind) Detroit might have a winning record. BUT THEY DON’T!!!!

And therein lies the idiocy and cognitive dissonance that rears it’s ugly head whenever some people are confronted with the Falcons record. It’s only “luck” when it applies to the Falcons? Get the f*ck out of here with that.

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A man running around gets in trouble. Leave MR2 in the pocket where he belongs. He has been pretty much injury free up untill now and running around back there invites injuries. We need to fix the oline so Ryan can do his job. GO FALCONS

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“it” would solidify us

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The Time is Now, no it wasn’t me that said it. Even though I’d like to hope we don’t go into the playoffs with the same mindset as the regular season (that was Mularkey). Smitty said they want to keep the pedal to the metal, keep scoring, and not lose any of our remaining games. This came from his Mike Smith show on 790 the Zone yesterday. I’ll take the Missouri view on Smitty’s comments–Show Me!!!

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You can pretend luck is not in existence, but Brees playing like crapola was lucky. Plus, our offense was horrible. When the Saints kicker muffed that kick a couple years ago, that was some super luck.

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The thing about luck is it evens out. You say it is “luck” when Brees plays bad, but it is just “bad luck” when MR2 plays bad?

Really, the larger the sample (16 games) luck evens out, in shorter series (playoffs), luck carries a much larger impact….You think the Giants 07 SB helmet catch was not luck?

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From Thomas Casale at FantasySharks:

“From The Feeding Frenzy – Week 14 Trade Bait
Dec 4, 2012

Sell

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Atlanta – OK, I’m finally giving up on Rodgers. It took until Week 14 but it’s over. Mike Smith won. I lost.
I honestly thought at some point Rodgers would start getting more touches, and we got to a point where Rodgers and Michael Turner were splitting touches, but Smith is just one of those coaches who thinks he has to run the ball to win. That’s why the Falcons will lose their first playoff game again this year. I don’t care what their record is – you can go and mark that down right now. I still think Rodgers can be a bigger part of the Falcons offense but it’s just not going to happen while Turner is around.”

Dont agree with his playoff prediction of course, just wanted to show that other non falcon fans have seen the same from Smitty.

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Now that my “Falcons 2012 NFC South Champions” commemorative plaque, that I bought to nail to my brother-in-law’s face, has arrived, I’m ready to start putting the Falcons-Aints game aside and start looking forward to our next opponent.

Cam had a solid game in their loss to the Chiefs. It appears to me, he’s playing better football. The Carolina Kittens would love nothing more than to share the contents of their 2012 litterbox and hand the Falcons another loss. They believe they can do it, too.

In the last game, thy seemed to know every route the Falcons’ WRs run, and they choked ‘em off. As a result, MR2 pretty much froze in the pocket and got nailed — repeatedly. The kitties played the Birds tough last time and the Falcons really lucked into a win. How do you think the Falcons O will play differently this time?

I don’t know if I even want to speculate on the Falcons’ defense. If I was the Panthers’ OC game-planning for the Falcons, I’d be quaking in my boots knowing Mike Nolan has 12 games of tape on me, and — oh yeah — we already played them once this year. He saw the NFC South Division carnage that was unleashed in the Georgia Dome Thursday night. Plus, Nolan has three extra days to game plan for the Central Carolina Calicos. Could get ugly!

Gotta watch that Steve Smith guy, though . . .

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D3, IMHO, it all comes down to OL, particularly in pass blocking. Im very happy with 13-1 and the turnaround TD/CS has made with this franchise. Love my falcons more than anything but just dont think we have the personnel on the OL to go very deep in the post season. It’s the major flaw TD has made with this team.

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D3 – agreed. The offense worries me. The defense does not.

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RG3 is improving with every breath he takes – but, I saw him again take a vicious legal hit. If he keeps sticking his nose out there like that, eventually somebody will take it off permanently. But, Skins look very good on both sides of the ball – our comeback against them is looking better and better. We do have a habit of making improving teams look bad while playing us. I hope this trend continues.

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RE: Offense

I’m not in panic mode just yet, but I’m getting their regarding the offense. We just have not looked in sync for a whole game in a long while on offense. I know that Ryan has had career days here and there and some drives have been a thing of beauty, but this offense hasn’t looked spectacular since we traveled up to Philly and utterly dominated that game. We stumbled against the Cowboys (a little understandable vs. a good D), played good against the Saints but that final series sticks in my mind, looked terrible vs. the Cardinals, did OK vs. the Bucs, and looked pitiful against the Saints. Once again, before you jump off the top rope at me, Ryan has had some career days in there, but the point totals haven’t been out of this world either (except for the first Saints game, which we lost).

Maybe it really is simple as just a weak OL and everything goes from there. We all said that if our OL looked the exact same than we’re in trouble and sure enough………..there you go. Since we’ve been talking about the OL forever now, I’ve changed my mind and saying we should just go with the best available G or T. Honestly, I think taking a guard and plugging him in next to Konz at C and either Clabo or Sam Baker at RT should significantly upgrade our OL. Still believe that Holmes should be our starting LT next year and let Clabo and Baker battle it out for RT starting spot.

As our buddy SP has let us know with great analysis, much of this is on Koetter himself. He may not be Malarkey, but he’s no wunderkind either. It baffles me how an offense with so much talent can so easily get bottled up and look downright pitiful. JJ, Roddy, TG, HD, Quizz, Snelling, etc. etc. I do understand the conversion thing and I truly do think we’re still missing a dynamic back and we’re still giving Turner plenty of his carries, but I digress. Some of it may be Ryan. All I know is that we’ve seen glimpses of greatness, but no consistency. And the least productive on offense has been lately. Gotta get that fixed.

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Mike Mularkey ought to send the Falcons offense a gigantic Christmas Bonus for making him look like a good coach, and helping him land the J’ville job. IMHO, we excelled inspite of his self-imposed shortcomings. BVG just stunk.

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Good evening Cage

D3

That is exactly what I was saying in my post the other day. When I said I hope they go ahead and get the no 1 seed and home field adv . This offence just does not have the fire they had at the beginning of the season . A couple of weeks off for some of them to go back and focus on what is wrong .

Yes this means not play the last game . Hit the books and films and practice . I know some of you don’t think its wise to get out of the roll . But I do . I myself have played Sports in my younger and older years . And it worked for me. It has also worked for some of the Kids I have coached in the past. Maybe not Football . But I think its all the same as an athlete. Anyway that,s how I feel

GO FALCONS !!!!

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Maybe we are all thinking its going back to Smitty Ball . Maybe they are not Showing us all there tricks just yet. I will say this tho until its all said and done none of us really know . 11 and 1 is pretty good if you ask me.. I am concerned for the playoffs tho The Birds have not blown a team out the way we may want them to. But no team has blown out the Falcons ether

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Our O line is mediocre, we don’t have a pile pushing RB, our playcalling can be lackluster at times, and Ryan has some cracks in his armor. It is whack a mole, that is life in the NFL.

On the plus side, we have an opportunistic D, and we also our special teams are pretty good (was I the only one holding my breath every time Sproles fielded a punt), and that alone can propel a little 3 game winning streak.

But really, the Giants crushed the 49ers and Packers, they got beat by the Redskins, whom we handled with ease. So, Lombardi here we come!

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can anybody see us going after a guy like Jake Long?

Really, our OL issues can be traced back to the JJ trade, not that it was a bad trade, but it is not without consequence. JL would be good, but are there any mauling guards available? LTs like Jake are gonna cost a lot. Our tackle play has been meh, but if Holmes is half of what the cage has built him up to be, we should be OK at tackle I would think.

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I remember that JB . But this is not the same team we had then ether ?

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Really, if we had Nolan as our DC, chances are we beat the Cards, and who knows. I also doubt the debacle at the Dome ever happens.

I think the moment I thought this team was really built different is when we played NO the 1st time, and NO had the ball up 28-17 and I thought DB was gonna put us away. But we held and should have won that game too….But NO got lucky.

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UB, I never thought I’d say it but, I too, miss Weems. He was far better than “statue boy” and did serve the purpose of a receiver every now and then.

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blog monster—blows as always…

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JJ,

I’m sure it was about FFL and how you were going to do mean and ugly things to me and mine. I gave you one, the time is now. Bawby.

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lol, wrong my friend. Youll see if D3 releases it, quite the opposite but I do love to smack but after leading the league in pts for AND AGAINST…Im a tad apprehensive my friend. Was just going to say good luck to the both of us!!!

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JJ,

I’m good with good luck.

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UB, yeah, but those TD returns were exciting!! Franks needs to grow a pair.

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UB, If I lose to anyone, it would be my honor for you to win it all!
\
Unfortunatley wont happen…your a speedbumb my friend,,,yowzza!!!

Still luv ya buddy but this is the SarahB trophy were talkin about!!!

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BM, ain’t no way I am doubting your “optimism”. That’s my middle name! We were simply talking about Weems. This is a new team and we are better than we were, and Brooking was no loss. There are a ot of players I wish we still had but I think Claude Humphrey is getting a little long on the tooth, just like a lot of us fans.
I truly think that this team is absolutely the best team that the Falcons have ever presented for the playoffs.

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JB, I just hope we play well on both sides of the ball Sunday so maybe we won’t have to depend on another Cam fumble to keep us in the game.

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rather an ugly win than a pretty loss Oline is geting better and no i’m not drinking some things are not always as they seem.

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JB
I .know brother I totally agree.You have a blessed night man . I got to get up at 4. Headed to Acworth in the morning . Long day ahead. God bless every one here. Good night

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I’m reading all of this talk about us not being innovative enough or us running the same plays. Hell, the Giants and Packers, our last 2 Superbowl winners, have been running the same doggone plays for yrs, and I haven’t seen anything so innovative about what they’ve been doing. The only thing they’ve done differently over the yrs that we haven’t is CONSISTENTLY EXCUTE.

The only innovation needed for our OFF is for our OL to start consistently and effectively excuting when pass and run blocking, period. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t give a damn how much innovation or how advanced or varied our play calling might be, IT AINT GONNA WORK.

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http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-2013-opponents-confirmed/5b9b7804-3d85-41f6-9c4d-5ba7eea3b801

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Thanks Unca’ Bob.

Not too bad. So we get the NFC West & the AFC East, two divisions where the good are pretty good and the bad are really bad. Adding the NFC division winners from the East and North will be difficult but at least we get one at home.

That schedule looks do-able if we are going to REPEAT!

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There’s been a lot of talk here about the possibility of the Falcons “playinging their cards close,” or holding something back for a playoffs run. I don’t really think that’s the case, I believe the offensive problems boil down to two things: O-line execution and first-year growing pains with a new OC with a different offensive mindset.

We have to hope for the best as far as the O-line goes, because I don’t see a change forthcoming (or really, possible). However, I’m optimistic that the right mesh of run-n-gun, ground-n-pound, and possession football will be groomed in the final quarter of the season, and we’ll start to see this offense perform more to its potential.

If you want to see a team that’s bogarting for the playoffs, look no further than SF: we all know about the great unveiling of Kapaernick. I just read where the 49ers are getting ready to activate LaMichael James. I wonder how many more “fresh” players Harbaugh will activate over the next four weeks?

Whoever faces SF in the playoffs may be facing a team whose key play-makers have less than half the wear-and-tear of the opposition, and who’ll have half the film. Interesting strategy. With a strong, running QB like Kapaernick whose avoided the nicks and dings of a full season, a fresh backfield, and a vicious defense, the 49ers would be well-positioned for a run at the SB.

You know, D3 may be right about Harbaugh . . .

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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

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Zoomie- I think the 9ers are frauds. Alex Smith is their best chance to win it all. I’m not knocking Harbaugh and Kaepernick or anything. its just that, they had a preseason, they have been practicing for months now. There was no quarterback controversy until Smith had a concussion. We can talk about how Kaepernick stretches the field with his arm and legs all day long. But when the going gets tough, he’ll revert to his inexperienced self. The one that we saw in the preseason that couldnt snatch the job from Alex Smith. It nothing against his Kaeperniks work ethic. I just dont think he is ready to carry a team to the superbowl. Alex Smith didn’t loose that game in the playoffs. Muffed punts and drops did.

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I want to see us win that first playoff game.. Then Im talking.. And if they win the Superbowl, as a long time Falcon fan…… Im probably gonna cry like a little ole baby girl. Then get on the phone with my people in NO and get to cuss’n.

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D3, I tend to agree with you and will bring some hot sauce. I think all Falcon fans have the same taste in their mouth and, based on our past playoff flops, it is deserved. On the bright side, we have pulled out some remarkable 4th qtr wins just like we are growing accustomed to. MR can play his worst game but seems to turn into unbeatable in the fourth qtr. That’s not much to base your hopes on, and I’d rather not to have to win that way, but our record shows that we can do it, if need be.
I’d “rather” go into the fourth qtr with a big enough lead to sit on. I will, however, take a squeaker.

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I have a neighbor who works with all sorts of machinery. He has a mix of tractors, dozers, and trucks. Many afternoons I can see him out there devotedly doing maintenance work, just keeping the things in good working order for when the right job happens to come up. From time to time, he will get a new piece, but mainly he works with what he has. To me, that’s Koetter– keep everything in play. Sometimes something will sputter, but you can’t fix it unless you keep running it.

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JB Falcon (3:49) – While it frustrates me when MR plays that way, I am reminded that a QB named Montana built his reputation as a champion on 4th qtr. comebacks in big games. Maybe Matty Ice is our cariac kid…

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OK, that was wierd (disappearing post). Blog monster I guess.

JB Falcon – While it frustrates me when MR plays that way, I remember a QB named Montana who built is reputation as a champion with 4th qtr. comebacks in big games. Maybe Matty Ice is our cardiac kid…

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Anyone heard the nonsense coming from Greg Hardy in Charlotte? Guy thinks their 3-9 team is better than the NFC South Champions. He sounds about as crazy as Ryan “SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS” Kalil.

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L.A. you may be right about Smith and I believe you are but I think Ryan would try to put up 60 points if he was allowed to.

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I”m not talking about trick plays – although an occasional “exotic” as Tom Landry called ‘em – might give our players something to be giddy about. I’m talking about a dynamic play scheme where no matter how the blocking goes on a specific play – if the middle colapses – Ryan has a quick out to avoid a sack; on the plays where the blocking holds up, Ryan has multiple options to pass to. Koetter is much better than MM, but he is nothing special thus far – at least to my eyes. His possession to possession adjustments frequently appear to be negative impacts. Some of this is Smitty Ball – trying to force Turner to be successful. However, the 2nd NO games proves at least to me that we still don’t have enough playbook to bring out wrinkles not seen in the previous game. this typically bites us – if the 2nd game is in the playoffs like the GB game, it gets embarassing.

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Evening Cage

I hope everyone has had a good day . Mine just ended . Been up since 3.45am .

21 sorry I did not see your post sooner it would have been nice to have met you brother . Maybe next time I am up that way. Back to Hilton Head next week but will be around home the rest of this one.

Unca’Bob and D3 thanks for the Schedule . looks like a good season up and coming . I just hope we address the O line and another RB in the off season this up and coming year.

Cage ya’ll keep it coming and have a blessed night . A little reading in the word and then its off to bed for me

GO FALCONS !!!!

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PO, I get what you’re saying about “exotic” plays but have to believe in what I’ve heard for years. There are a limited number of ways to move the football, within the rules. I think the key to offense coaching/playing is the ability to know the tendency of the other team and use the appropriate play to take advantage of it. That, and the ability to execute the play properly.

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http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2012_14early.php

It’s in the KC/CLE writeup section.

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Atlanta Falcons (11-1) – Previously: #5 – Congratulations to the Falcons, for prevailing in their must-win game. Yes, Atlanta had a must-win situation on the line despite owning a 10-1 record. That’s what Michael Irvin opined prior to the Thursday night contest.

Color me unimpressed, by the way. The Falcons needed the worst performance in Drew Brees’ career to barely beat a pedestrian 5-7 squad. They still can’t stop the run or protect the quarterback. Guys like Tony Gonzalez want their team to get respect, but we’ve seen Atlanta have success in the regular season before. Maybe it’s not totally fair, but the Falcons need to prove themselves in the playoffs. Nothing they do until then really matters.

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The Falcons needed the worst performance in Drew Brees’ career to barely beat a pedestrian 5-7 squad. They still can’t stop the run or protect the quarterback.

It is funny, we get no credit at all for harassing Brees into the picks. We also shut down the Hamster, so our run D is just fine. Our QB was sacked 1 time against the Saints. It is funny the perceptions people have sometimes.

SP, you mention that our pass patterns are slow developing, I don’t have a feel for that because I can’t see on TV, but I do think we have a problem with our slot. I don’t know if it is route design, HD, or Ryan, but when we have to get rid of the ball quick by pressure coming up the middle, it just seems like the slot guy outta be busy.

What are your thoughts?

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Really, our OL issues can be traced back to the JJ trade, not that it was a bad trade, but it is not without consequence.

I’d be more willing to believe that if I didn’t have the evidence of past drafts and the use of OL draft picks to make me feel borderline at best about that theory.

The only thing we can guarantee is that IF there WERE more high level OL picks that TD would have made in that same draft, they could have as easily been lost to injury issues (which affect development) their first year (like Baker and Holmes) or fastened to the bench in favor of an incumbent (like Hawley), or worse – stuck to the bench in favor of an incumbent at a less favored position (like Konz).

Seeing all that, I have to wonder what kind of OL pick would make the starting squad. It’s not like our starting OL is chock full of Pro Bowlers and/or bonafide studs who would be would be hard to wrest a job from.

Just sayin’….

When I see the same

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The JJ trade cost us, but we did get a potential HOFer. I submit that the Spoon selection was more damaging. He’s a good to borderline pro-bowl LB. but they are rarely game changers. Urlacher, Matthews, and a couple others. That pick would have been better suited on a big DT which would make existing LBs better or OL.

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Falcon21 I saw you mentioned Cartersville.

Do you ever go to Ross’s Diner for breakfast? Just a counter all around and great biscuits! It opened in 1945.

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Pete Prisco on Sham Newton.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/21274642/unpopular-newton-received-rough-treatment-from-other-players-during-pro-bowl

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I think the Carolina game should have been our one loss and the first Saints game should have been a win. But overall, we’ve played winning football and deserve our 11-1 record. We are that good. We may not look impressive, but we are very hard to beat. I’ll take that any day. I may be in the minority, but I’m not looking for a complete game or a blowout win, although they are fine and we’ve enjoyed a few this year. (all a complete game means to me is that the other team didn’t belong on the field or just phoned it in, and that’s not the character of the NFL 90 percent of the time. A complete game is what teams invision when they go through drills without meeting the resistance of an opposition).

Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do crank it up. I think Coach Smith has done a good job of keeping them focused on the big picture — the long season broken up into four quarters, the goals of the post season — while also getting them to focus on every game. Heck, Smith even takes it down to focus on each play. They seem like a much more confident bunch than in years past. No more talk of being “relevant.” Smith has set the bar higher this season.

This Sunday will be interesting. Apparently, Carolina has an enormous chip on their shoulder due to Ryan’s “get the bleep off our field” comment from the sidelines that was picked up by the Fox cameras. The O line needs to have one goal and execute it: protect Matt. Can’t let him get hurt against this joke of a team that has little else to play for.

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Coop ,

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not touting the JJ trade as a perfect move. It wasn’t.

And you’re right – this is an indictment of the process. I think everything you mentioned as a possibility for why the OL and DL aren’t up to snuff has a part in it.

Drafting – failed there so far, though Konz and Holmes may yet change that premise, and maybe Travian Robertson will too (one hopes). Corey Peters has been the lone proven pleasant surprise, though we’ve lacked consecutive season proof of this due to injury. Kroy Biermann gets a nod, but with the advent of Mike Nolan, we are finding that perhaps he is a LB more than he is a D-Lineman. Peria Jerry – fail.

Free Agency – Fail. John Abraham is the best thing that we’ve had in free agency and Dimitroff can’t take credit for him because that acquisition was 2 years before he even became GM of this team. The Blalock re-signing – solid but kinda vanilla. The Clabo re-signing – fail. Letting Harvey Dahl go – fail. Vince Manuwai – injury fail. Ray Edwards – Epic Fail.

Development – Valdez and Bryce Harris cherry-picked from our PS. Mike Johnson was a pre-mid round pick. Got nothing out of it. He sometimes gets to play as an eligible Tackle or an extra Tackle. Beyond that, you never see him. Baker – adequate when healthy, but will never justify a first round pick. Svitek – solid signing. Joe Hawley – fail. Peter Konz – nearly a fail. Garrett Reynolds – fail. Lamar Holmes – no idea because a broken toe guaranteed the shackles of the apprenticeship program. Incidentally, the apprenticeship program has Reynolds and Johnson playing positions they did NOT play in college.

Cliff Matthews – this guy should probably have been on the field already. But maybe he’s like Biermann – really an NFL LB, not a DE. Still…with John Abraham size, why is he not on the field? Lawrence Sidbury – fail after promising performances the prior year. Can’t begin to guess at or explain this one – dude must be in witness protection or something. Jonathon Massaquoi – I can only think it’s the apprenticeship program. Is what it is.

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BR – Nice breakdown. Some of us argued for all 5 drafts under Dimitroff and TD that we needed to develop the lines. Now, I looked stupid cause I wanted Dorsey and Flacco over Ran. Ryan is clearly the better QB. But as much as I love JJ and Spoon, and even Rodgers. You can get the ball to your playmakers if the OL can’t block or open holes. And your LBs and DBs are little help if they’re trying to shed blocks from OL because our DL can’t anchor the line.

Don’t get me wrong, we have improved in some areas. But the philosophy has been to build the team from the outside in. Clearly, we are having success. But it seems like a more dangerous to live. If Ryan goes down, we are EPICALLY effed!

I do like that they drafted Konz and Holmes. But if Holmes can’t supplant Clabo or Baker next season, then I have to say, WTH? It’s like we keep drafting these guys Johnson, Jackson, Reynolds, Holmes, Sidbury, Matthews, Massaquoi and they can’t develop enough to beat out the average to sub par players.

So we can blame drafting, player development, or FA signings. Hell, through play design in there. The bottom line is that we are nearing the end of year 5 and TD and Smitty have not made our two lines significantly better than they were 5 years ago. That’s an indictment of their process.

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For the remainder of the season.. do whatever you can to keep Ryan healthy. Hold if you have to , trip if you have too, just keep him from being tagged… ie what happened in the last Carolina game. And if the Cats are out for some “blood” they will be trying for Ryan.

Pedal to the metal eh.. I want to see them working every game to correct the issues that have plagued us thus far.. they have corrected the defense against the running attack. our backups on our DB;s have and continue to surprise so keep building on that (with Moore having a hamstring injury now, Hope may have his chance to prove he is ready too).
But we need our O-line to be worked now.. the D side seems to be in decent shape overall and ready for post season, but our O needs to score TDs and not just FG’s when we are in the red zone.
Our D has provided turn overs lately and not enough of them have been turned into points.
Our O needs the tuning now to be prepared.
( and yes, I am the master of the obvious….)
Agent signings.. dont forget Lofa…

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Greetings Cagers!!!

I’m already hearing the commissioner…with the 32nd pick in the 2013 nfl draft the ATL Falcons select ….OLine….

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So the Kitty Cats need some extra motivation as they are already getting ready to clean out their lockers and get ready for the off season.

That’s OK, whatever works for them.

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I also concur about Dahl, I watched a good bit of the St Louis/9ers game the other day and watched Dahl battling ever play.

They held J Smith to 1 sack in 2 games,….A Smith beat them a few times, but overall, I thought St Louis OL held their own.

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“It’s going to be fun for the coaches. Football in December, it can’t get any better.” — Mike Smith

fun for the coaches,,,, very interesting….

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That should be “analogy”.

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Arno,

Well said. My only reservation is that we did not see it in all the playoff games so far. However, I won’t sit here and say an old dog can’t learn new tricks but I am hoping a more experienced coach will realize the same plays you called in the first season (regular), cannot be the same ones called in the second (post-season). If you do not add some wrinkles you’ll be in the offseason before you planned it, plain and simple. Therein lies why I admire Sean Payton; he is the mad scientist, always willing to take a risk. Our well respected HC is the other end of the spectrum.

Don’t get me wrong there is a place for that but not in the post season.

Anyway with that said I am optimistic this year. I am hoping that the same way this team has had to learn to win, it’s the same way our HC will learn how to call plays in the post season.

Oh by the way MR2 goes for 300+ and 3 touches and no TO’s; Julio will have a huge game and our D will be stellar as Nolan has proven that when he sees you especially for the second time, he makes you always remember him.

Go Falcons!!

Go Falcons!!

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Thursday Greetings Cage Family! — I see we’ve brought back the JJ trade with our OL discussion. Nothing like an OL discussion to give a little boost to the Cage. Some great points, and I’ll surely be putting my $0.02 in here very soon.

Just a little quick run…….

I know it’s common knowledge to say that TD was wrong in letting Dahl walk and keep Clabo, but I have to admit that I thought it was the most solid move……..at the time. If you remember, we had Blalock, Clabo, and Dahl up for free agency that year. It’s my belief now that I didn’t think we could or should keep all 3 due to the age issue. Dahl will be 32 next year and Clabo’s right behind. I know now that when TD wants to keep someone, he finds a way.

I also thought (foolishly) that someone, ANYONE could take over at RG after being developed there. I am just thoroughly wrong and heavily disappointed with Mike Johnson. I truly felt that it was a good pick since he had started that many games for Nick Saban at Alabama and had such a dominant run offense in the SEC. Hell, he broke the record for most starts by an Alabama player EVER! But I have to concede at this point that he’s a never been. If you can’t beat out Garrett Reynolds two years in a row, than your destiny has been cemented.

I’ll have a ton more to come in a little bit, and I still think that we should go best available OL in the first round and we’d be set. Holmes – LT, Blalock – LG, Konz – C, 1st rd draft pick – RG, Baker or Clabo – RT. Yeah, I’d roll with that.

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week, damn keyboard.

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JJ Not I.. I left go of Carson a few weeks ago.. not letting go of my other one.. but would love to get a decent back up RB.. as who knows if Lynch will make it thru the remainder of the year…

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LRD, Detroit is gonna allow all that yardage? Say it ain’t Suh!! (hehehe)

I’m not sure what the over/under is but the odds on Smith going off on Sham is like odds on!!

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Coop, trade deadline was 3 weeks ago.
Those 8 in the playoffs are vying for the championship.
Those 4 not in it are vying for the top 4 picks in next yr draft.
Its no biggie and wasnt going to call you out. It just doesnt look good IMO, but it may not affect the championship anyway!

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JJ,

Am I doing in FFL what the Giants did in playoffs last year, i.e. getting hot at the right time? Time will tell.

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OK, so TG feels moved to comment on Greg Hardy’s outburst.

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/12/06/atlanta-falcons-tony-gonzalez-on-hardys-trash-talk-what-else-is-he-going-to-say-at-this-point-they-havent-won/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

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TG88 on Hardy: “What else is he going to say at this point? They haven’t won that many games,”

This game is gonna be either really ugly, or beautiful. Or maybe, like a beloved mutt, so ugly it’s beautiful.

Can’t wait!

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Sorry for spelling, keys keep sticking…

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LRD, bet you didnt expect to be a -15pt underdog as the #1 seed vs #8 seed Nookah.!

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JJ – I understand your point about 8 guys scrambling for the championship. I disagree that the rest of us are scrambling for draft positions. I’m not, I want to win. I’ve wanted to win every game. Otherwise, I’d drop all my players to FA and score zero points. I’m showing the integrity to play hard till the end.

Final two points. The players I took have been sitting there all day. I didn’t claim them days ago and block anyone. So any of the 8 of you could have out a claim in on them and they’d not have been there when I opened up FFL for the first tim ethis week.

And… if Jake Locker or Carson Palmer are the guys oyu need to win the trophy, then how the hell did you make the playoffs and I didn’t.

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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!!!

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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

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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…

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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.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1430322-the-hungriest-nfl-backups-who-should-be-starting/page/3

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

Brian Manzique

Wow, thank goodness someone else sees it besides us “homers.”

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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Later Cagers.

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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.

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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”!

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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.

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When I say, “you are far from incompetent”, I mean Smitty, not a cage member.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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“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. – SP

Abstract opinions from two of our most esteem cage members. Both comments sums up Smiths tenure as the Falcons Head Coach. 99.99% of Smiths post game interviews (win or lose) he will say, just like clockwork…he needs to fix things. Hell, 3/4’s of this season has passed…and he’s still talking about fixing things.

I’d like to use a racing analogy, I hope most you can follow. I’m sure JB can relate with his racing background.

I compare Smitty’s comments on fixing things at this juncture in the season, to the Daytona 500.

Car owner takes his team down to Daytona, puts up the fastest laps in practice, sits on the pole…and the odds on favorite to win the race. Here we are, race day, time to put up, or shut up. All the crews stage their cars on the starting grid with an hour before the race begins. The fastest, pole setting car gets a final once over by its crew chief, to his unpleasant surprise, he finds an oil leak, too late to change engine, gotta run what you brought, too late to FIX the leak. Everyone knows the fastest car will not win…and the engine will probably expire sooner than later.

I’m just an admiring fan of the Falcons like most of you, but it concerns me to hear Smith saying things need to be fixed at this stage in the race. I used that analogy to compare the Falcons to the fastest car on the grid, with the 11-1 season thus far. I’m a sports fan, I like everything from nascar to back mitten…I’ve been around sports long enough to know, the most consistant, probably wins out in the end. I believe, like most, we have a verygood team, but are we the most consistant?

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heck, if smitty ends up being compared to bobby cox- – that is fine with me – the Braves – although they did have 3 cy young award winners never had a really great offense – and, they won a WS. If Smitty can get us to the championship game 50% of the time the next decade and only wins 1 SB – I’m good with that. Very, very good.

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Paddy O – My list is a bit longer:

2008

TB 24-9
CAR 24-9

2009

NE 26-10
DAL 37-21
PHI 34-7

2010

PHI 31-17
GB 48-21

2011

CHI 30-12
NO 45-16
NYG 24-2

2012

None

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Being outclassed is certainly subjective. You could argue Smitty wasn’t outclassed in every game I listed above. All those games were lost by at least 14 points, but some we were in until the final couple of minutes. You could also argue that Smitty has been outclassed in some of our wins (OAK, ARI, or CAR this year).

I’ve rarely made the arguement that Smitty was completely outclassed as a coach. He almost always has the team prepared and playing disciplined football. My issue is when that isn’t working or the other team is playing out of it’s mind, Smitty rarely responds.

so when all the percentages and risk averse game management isn’t working, what are you willing to do to WIN THE GAME? When it counts the most, what is he willing to do?

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JB @ 9:59p, thanks man.

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I think CMS’s apparent coaching style is reflective of a relatively mature team. To me, it seems he communicates his expectations and relies on the group of professional adults under his authority to get the job done. Of course, when his charges disregard his expectations and free-lance to the detriment of the team (i.e. DR23 and AS22), he’s quick to correct them in a no-nonsense way. Other than that, he seems to treat his players like adults: work hard, get with the program, become part of the team, perform, or be replaced by someone who will.

Just my observation of the human-factors element of his coaching style. That aside, there’s the numbers-crunching, statistical analysis, and techno-nerd aspect which is also pretty apparent.

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Absolutely falcon21. I am truly baffled at times. It’s especially troubling to see Matt’s numbers decline. My theory — can’t prove it — is that Ryan and Smith have come to some kind of mutual agreement about tactics, the merits of which elude us fans.

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I maintain we have not seen the no huddle simply because we have not needed it. Now I know a lot of you would like to see it to bury teams when we have the lead, and so would I to be honest, but that ain’t Smittys style. We we get the lead, Smitty likes to milk the clock, rest his D, and play the clock field position game, a game he is damn good at.

Again, I don’t think he is intentionally “saving” anything for the playoff, but it never hurts to pull out un-scouted looks in a pinch.

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Arno, I got what you said but if Ryan really has a big voice in how the offense is run, it really leaves me scratching my head.

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Hoping the mini-bye has recharged MR for the stretch run.

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Paddy-O

I would also be happy with a Bobby Cox type career for MS. Just don’t wanna be the Buffalo Bills. (Oh, the difference a mid range field goal can make.)

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it is a football historical oddity. the bills should be considered one of the finest dynasty’s the NFL has produced – 4 straight trips to the SB with a great QB and a killer defense. but, failing to win one of those games has killed them. if the Braves had not won once – they would be in the same boat – but, you win, and you pretty much walk on water – the Giants are a very good example. Look clueless through long stretched of the regular season, but to be the cinderella team twice in a 5 year period? they made their own luck – and, got lucky – playing the Patriots in the last game of the regular season in 2007 and coming very close to winning. there is such a thing as momentum and 2nd chances. Smitty needs to up his game against teams he is playing for the 2nd time of the season – in those instances, the opposition appears to do a better job game planning and tendency detecting. the 2nd Carolina & TB game will be telling.

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I think nothing speak to our locker room unity than Abe taking a pay cut and less cash to stay with the Falcons. He is a guy who played in a losing organization, he knows.

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Paddy O- I think you’ll see less no huddle from Ryan in the future. There’s no problem with the passing game. I actually think that they’re not using the no huddle because they don’t have a justifiable reason to do so.

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God, I love the smell of Smittyphrenia in the evening!!!!

Seriously, all I can say is that I’ll worry about Smitty when we start losing.

(Smittzophrenia, maybe… )

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This is semi Falcon related and there’s not a darn thing that can be done about it. Didn’t mind paying twice the price for my 2010 NFC Champ hat made by Rebok. Got my 2012 NFC Champ hat today that was made in China by some company I’ve never heard of and half the quality.
Eff the fan even though if it weren’t for them there wouldn’t be an NFL.
Thanks, I feel better.

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Arno ,

Excellent posts. Agreed with much of what you said.

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Well said, Big Ray.

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From this point on we should be attacking teams on both sides of the ball for four quarters–not two and a half or three. Also the no huddle should be used as a strategy to wear down attacking defenses early. If they can get off the field and switch out players you keep going at them and don’t give them a minute to catch their breath. Too many times we see things work only to never see it again or rarely ever used again.

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From the Charlotte Observer:

Cornerback Josh Norman, who had underneath coverage on Nakamura’s side on the long, last-minute pass to White, said the Panthers were expecting Ryan to throw a shorter, sideline route to try to pick up yards and stop the clock. “That was one of those plays that you’ve got to tip your hat to them for calling it, executing it and Roddy going to get it.”

Interesting to hear the enemy commend Falcons’ unexpected play calling. Not that I have any wishful thinking that a playoff team will be as easily snookered.

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http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/12/08/atlanta-falcons-jacquizz-rodgers-ready-for-his-share-of-the-load/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

More, more, more, more, more. Give me more!

I thought the Turner comment was kinda funny. But then, we should expect to hear such things from a former feature back. “A little spark” my ass….

Best thing was what Ryan said – “there’s no letdown”

‘Nuff said.

Give us more.

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DePlane ,

There are no accidents, so we agree there. Smitty is a calculating man. I think you have to be such a guy (or have an expert Coordinator you trust in that area) to be successful as a HC. Arguably, this is just one facet of successful head coaching, just as gaining (and maintaining) the respect and trust of your players is another.

We shall see. I also recognize a few things:

1) Calculations can be wrong. And if you stick with a formula that continues not to solve a particular problem it was designed to solve…that would generally be an indication.

2) Calculations cannot ever take the place of execution, although they can be used as a contingency plan in the event of a close game when execution has repeatedly failed.

3) Calculations cannot overcome lack of talent. Think OL….

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Good comment Arno! Ou season will be decided on the play of the O-line

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Thanks, Big Ray. “Smittyphrenia” was just a joke based on various comments on Smitty. Personally, I hesitate to criticize Smitty because:

1. I’m an amateur, he’s a pro.
2. He has a good record.
3. His good points outweigh his bad (as I see them).
4. The NFL genius du jour seems to vary from jour to jour.

What I DON’T like is the term “Smittyball.”

I prefer “Smittball.” It’s shorter, more aggressive, and kind of flies off the tongue — instead of rolling off the tongue and falling down behind the line of scrimmage.

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From ESPN Insider:

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Falcons-Panthers: What to watch

Panthers’ run game can’t be all Newton

By Doug Kretz

Atlanta at Carolina

When: 1:00 PM ET
Watch: FOX
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 14

Scouts Inc. Position Advantage

QB

RB

WR

OL

DL

LB

DB

ST

Coach

After watching film of both teams, Scouts Inc. breaks down key elements of the Week 14 Falcons-Panthers matchup.

• Devote maximum numbers to coverage: The Falcons managed to intercept Saints QB Drew Brees five times last week. They use a lot of nickel and dime packages while getting a solid rush from their base front four. Look for more of the same as they try to show Cam Newton a lot of different looks with different sub packages and zone schemes. Although defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is not averse to the occasional stunt, he is more likely going to want to flood the secondary with maximum numbers in coverage.

• Panthers’ RBs must produce: Through 12 games, the Panthers are led on the ground by quarterback Cam Newton, who has 524 yards rushing. That is 165 yards more than their second-leading rusher, DeAngelo Williams, with eight fewer attempts. Although it is nice to have that added dimension, the Panthers need a healthy Cam Newton and quarterbacks simply don’t have the padding or protection that other athletes play with.

• Bring back the strong ground game: The Falcons used to be one of the most dominating running teams in the NFL, but they have regressed in that department over the past few years. If they hope to get anywhere in the playoffs this year, the Falcons need to be able to run the ball effectively, especially late in games. This week should be a good opportunity to work on the ground game as the Panthers are not a particularly strong defense when it comes to stoping the run.

• Home QB: Newton is an extremely talented quarterback with rare physical dimensions and a strong arm. He is a dual threat who can move the chains with his feet as well as his arm. Since reducing his reads a couple of weeks ago, Newton has become more decisive in his approach to the game and gets the ball out more quickly.

• Away QB:Matt Ryan is a difference-maker for the Falcons but still needs to show that he can take his team past the first level of the playoffs. He is playing with a lot of confidence, and even though he might struggle during periods of games, he consistently finds a way to regroup and finish games strong. He is making good reads and is an accurate passer when he has time to set his feet and square up to his throw.

• Key positional battle — Falcons’ WRs vs. Panthers’ secondary: Atlanta is pretty much a pass-driven team at this point with their receivers accounting for 22 of their 33 touchdowns. Ryan has a big, athletic group of receivers who are good route runners and very strong to the ball when in a crowd. With just one starting defensive back topping 6 feet, the Panthers provide Atlanta with several favorable matchups in single-coverage situations.

• Featured player: Perennial All-Pro TE Tony Gonzalez is enjoying another great season as he leads the Falcons in receptions with 73. He has a great connection with Ryan and has caught the ball a remarkable 75 percent of the time he has been targeted. He is the first guy Ryan looks for when the Falcons get into the red zone or when they need the clutch catch for a first down. Gonzalez has a great sense for what yardage is needed or where the goal line is.

• Film room nuggets: Atlanta’s front four lacks power when trying to play the run. The group is not doing a very good job of maintaining gap control or squeezing the blocks down. It needs to show more discipline and better hand use to contain the run going forward. … Carolina’s secondary has become very sloppy with its open-field tackling. In last week’s loss to the Chiefs, Carolina’s DBs allowed way too many yards after first contact. … Falcons RB Michael Turner needs to run north and south more than laterally. He has been spending too much time running east and west as of late, looking for holes to develop, and that gives defenses time to pursue and make plays.

Prediction

Atlanta 26
Carolina 20

Atlanta keeps on doing just enough to win and Carolina’s secondary does not match up well with the Falcons’ receiving corps. If they can’t get their ground game going, the Panthers could be in for a long game.

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f21, As we all know “with good o-line play” IS our sum of all fears. They have a month, figuring a 1st rd bye, to fix it or the least conceal it. You and coop have been preaching help for the o-line for yrs now and it will come down to those guys in the playoffs. But spinning like a politician, GB and a few other playoff bound teams have o-line troubles as well. So heres to thinking positive…with all fingers and toes crossed!!!

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Problem is, the last time I recall them firing on all cylinders was a yr or 2 ago against the ravens. Theyve had some qtrs, one or two halves but nothing close to a full game or even 3/4 of firing on all cylinders.
Dont mean to be pessimissy but just hope we can get better before playoffs…theres still time!!!

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I don’t care if we win sloppy or even lose a game or two, as long as we get in the playoffs and the losing stops. Totally stops. Sloppy or lucky is okay to get to the big game. That’s when I want the long sought after game to arrive. That’s when you don’t care if the engine blows all to he77, just as long as you cross the finish line FIRST!

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JB, f21, We will be branded as traitors for not acknowledging the 11-1 record and falcons supremacy. On the contrary, I believe all of us fanatacis love the record and know we could easily have a much different record.
We have all the talent and coaches to at least make it to the superbowl;however,
We do not have the o-line to get us there …yet.

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Bingo JJ!

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We do not have the o-line to get us there …yet. – JJ

That is true but you cannot put a measure on desire. Our OL is our weakest link and we all know that but this is a team effort. We can’t make our OL into something that it isn’t so we will have to trust the rest of the team to take up the slack. I am not willing to concede to the possibility that we will not win the Super Bowl. Lest we forget, we had the same basic OL line when we stomped the Ravens in that game you mentioned. We may have had Dahl in that game but I don’t remember.

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JB, I do not disagree with that comment. Many on here think this is the best team we have ever had, in my mind I think they may be equal to the 98 team but not even close to the 80 team. The 80 team had a better D and better O-line but had a conservative coach that lost it for us. The weapons we have on offense may be a little better than the 80 team but the killer is we still have a very conservative coach. That will hurt us along with the O-line.

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21
I don;t know much about the 80 team. I was more into chasing girls and life in the fast lane then.Thank God that has changed. Around 98 is when I first started to get into this game and our Falcons but I don’t think that team was near as good as this one and I know the owner wasn’t.

Thats the main reason I mostly listen to you guys and read your comments .I am still green to the sport but yet give a lot of time to it now.

I will say this I have watched a lot of teams play this year ‘ the good ones ‘ and I just have not seen any of them have any better season and problems that the Birds have are do. Maybe not the same ones but problems none the less and I think the Falcons can play with the best of them and beat them if they are playing well .But on the other hand they could also lose to them or\
lesser teams as well when they are not running on all 8 .

Love the team and I love the sport !!!!! GO FALCONS !!!!

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No really, we had a coach who won in 80, won in 82 during a strike year that was nutty, and they FIRED him, because you know, the Smiths wanted superbowls, championships, because that is the kinda guys they were…..and it was 10 years before we even got to the playoffs again, but we did win….A wildcard game….so, we got to round 2, where a bye gets you….But we outta be think about FIRING smitty, because anyone can win playoff games and get to the playoffs.

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Atlanta at Carolina: I’m starting to read a lot of comparisons being made between the 2001 Patriots and the 2012 Atlanta Falcons. That New England team, similar to this Atlanta one, did not win with much flair or glamour. There were few blowouts, no huge statistical performances, and the defense was far more “bend but don’t break” than “shut every team out and win by 30.” Is Matt Ryan the next Tom Brady? Did Thomas Dimitroff finally find a way to seep what he learned in New England down the org chart in Atlanta? Is Mike Smith capable of winning a football game in January? I don’t know. But I’ll say this — if a 9-7 Giants team were to play the 15-1 Falcons in the Divisional Round this January in Atlanta, I’d probably still pick New York to win that game. I suspect I’m not alone.

The Pick: Falcons 34, Panthers 28

I hate Peter Schrager. Always throwing in a jab. Not one word about the actual matchup with the Panthers. Just a reference to last year’s playoff loss to the Giants (in a back-handed, veiled sort of way).

Thanks Pete. You suck almost enough to work for ESPN. No wait, you suck worse which is why you are where you are now…

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Morning Cage.

I could eat these words But I think the Falcons will win today and next week against the Giants.The Giants are one of those teams I was talking about in my last night post. Just my thoughts and like I said I could be wrong

As for as Smith goes even if the Birds don’t win there first round in the playoffs I think Smith will still have a job here next year. At least for one more year

Cagers ya’ll be Blessed on the good lords day of woship

Falcons 31 Panthers 17

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GAME DAY!!!!! RISE UP

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GAME DAY.

Falcons probably won’t stand a chance against the Super Bowl XLVII Champions. Oh, wait…that was just a newspaper ad? My bad. I thought that 3-9 record looked a bit funny…

Birds roll, and that will be that. Sit down, haters.

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Great Gameday Cage Family! — Busy weekend doing holiday stuff, but ready for the Falcons to start hitting that crucial gear today vs. the Panthers. I can’t lie and say I’m not nervous about this one because this game screams trap. You the know the Panthers will come out firing, but if we can get ahead of them, they’ll give up like they usually do. Got a few things to take care of, but will be back for game time.

GO D@MN FALCONS!!!!!!!!!

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Samuel is active, apparently. Bit of a head-scratcher.

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That one makes no sense to me. We need Samuel as close to full speed as possible for the playoffs. I hope he gets limited action today, but what do I know?

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Okay Falcons and Head Coach Mike Smith, here is some advice better than “Rise UP:

Well I grew up in one of them old farm towns
Where they hit it hard till the sun goes down
Nobody really seemed to care that we were living in the middle of nowhere
We just figured that’s how it was
And everyone else was just like us
Soaking in the rain baking in the sun
Don’t quit till the job gets done

That’s the only way I know
Don’t stop till everything’s gone
Straight ahead never turn round
Don’t back up don’t back down
Full throttle wide open
You get tired you don’t show it
Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more

That’s the only way I know
That old red dirt the first thing you learn
You don’t get nothing that you don’t earn
Humble pride that I grew up on
You find out just how bad you want it
Sun in our eyes backs to the fences
Didn’t know the odds were against us
Hit the wall smoking and spinning
Still wasn’t thinking ’bout nothing but winning

That’s the only way I know
Don’t stop till everything’s gone
Straight ahead never turn round
Don’t back up don’t back down
Full throttle wide open
You get tired you don’t show it
Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more

That’s the only way I know
Maybe there’s another path that will get you there a little bit faster
But I’m sticking with the one inside of me.
That’s the only way I know

Don’t stop till everything’s gone
Straight ahead never turn round
Don’t back up don’t back down
Full throttle wide open
You get tired you don’t show it
Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more
That’s the only way I know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB_hEk4of9o
A powerful video by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church

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Unca’ Bob, Tks and good luck to your raptors, going to come down to MNF!

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All I can say is…

Thanks for the bulletin board material, Panthers.

I wouldn’t call the Falcons overrated.

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Morn all. Grabbing coffee and hoping we grab early lead. I look forward to one of those b&tch smack games like Jax last year. Might not happen but that Hardy guys comments deserve to have the bombs fall.

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if

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Panthers winning the coin toss is an omen? Okay. Sure.

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Bad blitz by the Falcons. They ran right into the offensive line.

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Well, that didn’t take long. Right down the d@mn field.

So much for that mini-bye helping out.

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Not a good start, Panthers made that drive look pretty easy. But, let’s see how the offense looks.

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DeCoud got torched on that TD pass. Weak blitzes for sure.

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Turner up the middle into the wall on first play. Ryan sacked on third play as McClure gets beat like a drum.

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Oh boy.

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Almost fainted a smith

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Pathetic. Like seeing A. Smith finally in a game tho.

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Running out of the shotgun. A concept in Carolina, but not further south….

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Respectfully disagree BL, Ryan overthrew him.

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Another quick slip draw play out of the shotgun….wow….it really, really works.

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Nice tackle by Dent.

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Snacktastic – I hope not…but it looks that way already.

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Big Lou – yep…and not good tackling on Tolbert, either. At least initially.

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You can disagree all you want. RB is suppose to read the QB’s position. Matt had to side arm the throw to avoid the Dline from knocking it down. He should have caught that ball.

Maybe if he had more playing time, he would make the play or be more instinctive.

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Panthers look like the 2010 Falcons: long scoring drives, 3rd and 4th down conversions.

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they look lifeless out there today…

and not surprised one bit to see the same squad that sacked us 7 times the first game get after us again on our 1st drive..

.

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Can you say trap game?

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Asante cheers on McClain.

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BL, might as well come to grips with reality, the OL held up reasonable well on the first possesion. Ryan took a sack, held on too long…should have thrown the ball away…and he overthrew Antoine. I don’t know if he’s slumping, but he’s not playing well at all.

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lmao wow

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Continue to say that our main problems stem from weak DTs.

Jerry = Bust and Never Was

Peters = Not 100%

Babs = Playing End and on decline

Walker = Rotational at best

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Mike Nolan is going to rip some heads off in half time.

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Weatherspoon getting hyped out there. Need more of that.

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I’m sick to my stomach right now.

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Ass-clowns out there today. Yet again the team comes in clueless, lifeless and unprepared. Carolina came to win, we spent the extra time doing nothing of value it seems.

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Well, at least the defense held.

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Good pressure both times, defense saves a TD on this drive.

Aside from the clearly less than 100% Peters….only Biermann and Abe look like DL keepers…and Abe is getting old (though he’s looked good this season yet again).

I won’t let Peters get away from that missed sack, though. He had a hand on Cam and no OL guy even touching him. NO EXCUSE.

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It’s not over yet!

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Wabe

I agree. But, it better be a close game. I will not except blowouts by the other team!

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Really?

That’s it?

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Disgusting. Truly disgusting. And no confidence to go for it = we KNOW we’re going to get beat.

Ooops, I’m sorry. The stastical law of averages chart said we had an extremely low percentage chance of making a play, much less getting a first down. Let’s save all the risk taking for the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter because we’re going to roper-dope ‘em Ali style for the first 3+ quarters.

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yeah, that’s it.

this offense is a problem.

they were a problem last week against the worst defense in the league, and they continue to be a problem.

knowing that your defense has been on the field the entire f’n game, you know you can’t go 3 and out, yet they come out and go 3 and out…

just boggles one’s mind.

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So far, Smitty being completely out classed. Team looks apathetic.

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How wasn’t that a hold?

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look at this throw and catch at will lol

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“Is this effin’ announcer (S)Cam’s homeboy or something? I mean dang dude, at least PRETEND to be objective” – D3

Did you hear that sick bromance “Cam is a dashing Hulk like figure” rambling earlier? I keep expecting to hear the fapping soon, prolly need a towel boy to keep cleaning the mic. Where does the NFL find these guys, by the dumpster of the Heretic?

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Playing football would be a good adjustment to make.

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Is the Carolina OL better than ours? I would say no so why can’t ours play?

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Put in the backup D-lineman, hell they could not be any worse!

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here comes 17 to 0

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Vance Walker does what the guys in front of him could not.

Let’s get Travian in there as well.

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“Put in the backup D-lineman, hell they could not be any worse!” – falcon21

Put all the back-ups n so Smitty can at least save face and say he is resting starters and giving the rooks a look. This is an embarrassment.

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McClain looking good.

Our team does not look ready to play, but the defense looks 4 notches better than the offense.

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Defense MAY be adjusting. Not much we can do with our O-line.

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the biggest concern from a ‘grand scheme of things’ point of view…

the offense.

make whatever argument you want.
in my eyes, no way you can say they’ve really improved all that much from a season ago with Mularkey.

yeah, they’re better at some things – the deep ball – but it hasn’t meant more points and more consistency.

they’re still an inconsistent unit. extremely inconsistent.

too many times, this 11-1 ‘elite team’ gets outplayed throughout courses of games.

from week to week, you see it. they’ll have moments of good to great football, only to follow it up with chunks upon chunks of time where they’re outplayed.

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I’m telling you – upgrade the defensive line at DT and you will see an even better defense, even if we didn’t move to the 3-4 base. A more effective interior D-line lets the DEs and LBs make more plays, which translates also to the secondary.

I think it’s clear – especially the way our defense has adjusted since the first series.

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I only keep harping on the defense for one reason – because I think we can dominate on that side of the ball and are aa lot closer to doing that than we are on offense. I have no answers on the offense other than get better protection and better push on runs.

Beyond that, there is too much to fix. WR routes, check-downs, RB personnel and usage, the list goes on. We haven’t even seen the ball go towards Julio or Roddy. Crazy.

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Rodgers shows exactly why he should be the RB you start the game with (and give the most touches to).

Ryan-to-Julio timing is still off.

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Starting to understand why SP called Koetter Welcome Back. Didn’t Malarkey get a head coaching job or something, or was that a myth?

Please keep Turner’s Molasses @ss on the bench.

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look another 3 and out

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Another insanely stupid, retardedly choreographed play.

I’m tired of this already.

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seriously man, someone chart each and every f’n offensive drive.

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Matt Ryan just doesn’t look good lately. Crappy OL taking hold?

Why in the F— are you throwing a 1 yard pass when it’s 3rd and 10.

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Yup. I’m done. Not watching this anymore.

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Newton doing what he does. Good blocking by Panthers + bad contain by Falcons = Cam doing his first down celebration thing…again…..

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I think Smith has a problem preparing this team sometimes. Evidently they didn’t do crap for 10 days but bake cakes.

Pathetic. All the doubters who say we’re frauds have merit.

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Two-minute Drooling.

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The Smith beats Owens.

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Birdman – same to you…hope we can mess with you later about you not being around to pull it out…but I have my doubts on that one.

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