Atlanta Falcons: Birds Lock Up Home Field
Our Birds wrapped it up and they did what they had to do tonight. We dominated early and often and it’’s time to make waves in the off-season! Much more to come very soon……….
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366 comments Add your comment
falcon21
December 28th, 2012
3:57 pm
Thanks Big Ray and Wings!
Big Ray
December 28th, 2012
3:58 pm
Wings –
How eloquent….LOL
Big Ray
December 28th, 2012
4:00 pm
SP ,
Agreed. I’d rather not do anymore reaching on OL guys…go in later rounds if the talent difference is that miniscule.
SPS
December 28th, 2012
4:29 pm
If Tony G really does retire (hope not) and we don’t want to spend a high round draft pick on a replacement TE next spring, let’s sign Dallas Clark. He only signed a 1 year deal with Tampa and will be available. I’ll bet he can’t wait to get out of there after their late season meltdown and with Petrino II coaching. He’d be a nice fit here and a serviceable stop gap for a couple years while we draft for more pressing immediate needs.
Slant Pattern
December 28th, 2012
6:24 pm
“Agreed. I’d rather not do anymore reaching on OL guys…go in later rounds if the talent difference is that miniscule.” – BR
Appreciate the vote of confidence, I don’t want us reaching for anyone at any position. I remember why I don’t do the draft stuff this early, without all the proper info making good judgements is just not possible. I looked up that Steen guy and he is listed as a Jr, Sr, and redshirt Jr at various places
. He might not be getting attention because he hasn’t declared for the draft yet, hard to say when no one even seems to know what year he is.
PoolerSpirit
December 28th, 2012
6:48 pm
In defense of P81, I don’t recall the AJC making any notes at the beginning of The Cage, such as… “A fan’s blog”… would be nice if they would give D3 some acknowledgement besides a byline… a very, very brief bio would be appropriate on a blog like this… Can’t blame new people like P81 who somehow manage to find the Cage despite the AJC hiding it in the bowels of the Falcons section of the Sports page…
So, about that running back we need to draft… I agree with the Stanford kid… Stepfan… Just don’t like how he spells his name, but love his running style…
Unca' Bob
December 28th, 2012
7:01 pm
PoolerSpirit,
All the disclaimers are at the top of this page. As well as D3’s Bio… Just a thought
John Waynesworld
December 28th, 2012
7:39 pm
I don’t know why but I have a hunch the Seahawks are going to get busted for cheating in some way down the road. I think they somehow artificially magnify or simply add to their home crowd noise, similar to what was being done at Peyton’s place years ago. I guarantee you Seattle folks aren’t any louder than Southerners, or northerners for that matter, and I cannot figure out why some of the curious haven’t tried to figure it out. After all, how could an open air stadium possibly be louder than a completely enclosed Dome? Some may say it is the “special design”. I say the extra crowd noise is being piped in from somewhere harder to find than the air vents at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Back to the game…
This Sunday my ideal scenario is for us to win the game using our starters for exactly one half and one series. Just enough to start off the 3rd Quarter. Then, IDEALLY, I would like to see D Davis get a few snaps, although most likely the second half will be used for giving Luke some live reps. For sure we will see our future Left Tackle Mr. Holmes and hopefully Big Mr. Manley will get in there.
Paddy O
December 28th, 2012
8:00 pm
JWW: very interesting. it is attributed to stadium design, but that does not appear to be the case from an optical analysis. at this point, we should be exceptionally content with the work TD has done in bringing together a dynamic offense and a good, conniving, defense. hopefully, Smitty will use them better than he has previously.
JJ
December 28th, 2012
8:01 pm
Damn, missed the fireworks…
Birdman
December 28th, 2012
8:44 pm
No matter where you go are what you here ‘if you here anything ‘ The Falcons are not talked about are recognized . Even our own Channel 2 news say that they have not only got to win in the playoffs but they have got to go to the big dance before they will get what they deserve from the Football nation.
Smitty you hear that !!! Come – on – Falcons . This is your year . Some of these guys are getting old and have been on the team for a while now . They should know how to play Football when it counts and they should be up for the task at hand.
Time To Rise Up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JB Falcon
December 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
BM, I feel your anxiety but the only thing we can do is wait, believe and hope. I am copying your post but changing one word.
“This is your year . Some of these guys are getting old and have been on the team for a while now . They should know how to play Football when it counts and they WILL be up for the task at hand.”
They will also make thousands of fans think they are in dreamworld and they will be estactic! The fans will act like crazy people for the next ten years! They will instill a winning attitude into the team and the entire fan base! They will spread this madness all over the United States and foreign countries because that is how large the Falcon fanbase is.
My optimism is higher for this team, this year, than it has ever been. I flat refuse to believe anything other than we will bring home the prize, THIS YEAR.
John Waynesworld
December 28th, 2012
9:31 pm
A little light read…
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/nfl-rapidreports/21464854/buccaneers-game-preview-vs-falcons-analysis-prediction-tv-info
John Waynesworld
December 28th, 2012
10:13 pm
A nice compliment to the Falcon Way and some interesting NFL stuff…
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000118203/article/as-black-monday-nears-teams-must-make-careful-choices
Birdman
December 29th, 2012
12:02 am
JB
I hear ya and I agree but WILL is in the eyes and strength of the team not us brother.We can only hope that things go the way we want them to. Not that they can’t because we know the team we have can. Point blank it’s up to them and the coaching to do it.
JW
Great articles
Birdman
December 29th, 2012
12:26 am
My point is I am tired of herring this crap about our Birds only beating 4 teams with wining records this season . That seems to be the only thing they have to go on . That and the fact they ALMOST lost to teams that are not good this year and lost to the Panthers .
Like I said its up to our men to prove them wrong and we as fans know they can . SO
RISE UP FALCONS !!!!!!!
Bluto
December 29th, 2012
12:54 am
So what happened to “Much more to come very soon”? Tell me this guy isn’t getting paid for this gig?
Birdman
December 29th, 2012
1:16 am
Bluto
You are not fooling anyone here
You Could only wish that you would be the Man we have as our Leader and friend here . Nothing else need be said .
God bless …..And Thanks D3
Wings
December 29th, 2012
7:00 am
Off topic a little: I saw this article about Dan Roundfield and remembered the times I saw him play when I had Atlanta Hawks season tickets. I did not know he had drowned. It gives a look into the hearts of two men.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/dominique-wilkins-remembers-drowned-teammate-dan-roundfield-surprising-013746692–nba.html
Wings
December 29th, 2012
7:05 am
Birdman – “My point is I am tired of herring this crap about our Birds only beating 4 teams with wining records this season.”
And, they have the audacity to rank one of those teams ahead of the Falcons in the various Power Rankings. I started to say balls instead of audacity but we all know they don’t have balls.
D3
December 29th, 2012
9:49 am
Piestas and Bluto — Thanks for your concern on our little blog about not getting more up very soon. Well, I really didn’t plan on sharing this since it’s a deeply personal matter, but since you want to bring it up, my grandmother had a heartattack at the beginning of the holiday season, passed away a few days ago, and we are putting her to rest tomorrow in Rome. If you would like to see the obituary, I’m sure I can find a way to snag one.
What’s amazingly infuriating is your petulant response to one column that didn’t come up, over the Holiday season nonetheless where I had in-laws in town, family in town and shared a special Christmas with my own family including my 3.5 year old and 1.5 year old. What makes me the most angry is the fact that you didn’t look at the almost 300 posts over the past 3 years that, on average, include anywhere from 2000 to 3000 words, full of detail, and a FAN’S PERSPECTIVE.
I’m sure you may not exactly feel like doing a blog about football when you have a very close, amazing part of your family pass away. Normally, I’m pretty tolerant of others taking shots at me, but I have zero right now. You’re both welcome to the Cage and wait for the next post coming up tomorrow or maybe even tonight sometime, act like a normal human being with civility.
Sorry all, just had to get that off my chest. There will be a new post coming up sometimes tomorrow.
Birdman
December 29th, 2012
10:01 am
D3
I am sorry for your loss Brother. You and your Family are in all our Prayers here in the Cage
Nobody here that knows you is ever in a hurry for a new post. Please take all the time you need and be with the Number one thing in your life Your Family
God Bless You Dawson
Unca' Bob
December 29th, 2012
10:02 am
D3,
Some on this blog were aware of your lose but kept it as a private matter. I’m sorry for your loss my friend. You and your family will be in all our thoughts and prayers.
Arno
December 29th, 2012
10:13 am
D3– Deepest sympathy for your loss. Not knowing the details of what you were going through, we all knew that if you could not put up a new post, there were very good reasons for it. We appreciate your work and your passion, and we look forward to the next contribution– but we are also happy to get by on our own when you have more important things to do.
Wings
December 29th, 2012
10:13 am
God Bless D3.
Big Ray
December 29th, 2012
10:43 am
D3 ,
I’m so very sorry to hear about your grandmother. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
I completely understand. I’ve had in-laws over for the holidays.
On top of that, my grandmother had something akin to a stroke and passed out. Twice on the way to the hospital, she regained consciousness and passed out twice more.
She has swelling of some arteries in the brain. Something tells me I’ll be joining you in mourning very soon.
Be strong, my brother. Be strong.
Zoomie
December 29th, 2012
10:44 am
Hoping for peace, blessings and comfort you and your family, D3.
As for Piestas and Bluto: reread D3’s 9:49. Says all that needs to be said to you.
John Waynesworld
December 29th, 2012
10:59 am
Prayers, D3.
trademark
December 29th, 2012
11:49 am
All thoughts and prayers to you and yours, D3.
JB Falcon
December 29th, 2012
12:49 pm
D3, may God be with you and yours during this time of sorrow. Funny how the only two complaining are not regular readers, just insensitive assholes.
JB Falcon
December 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
D3, may the Good Lord be with you and yours during this time of your life, and always.
Chris
December 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
Exactly, this blog is a home for us Falcons Fans. It is provided at free of charge by a man who does not get paid. I repeat, he does not get paid! His posts are informative and objective in that they pose questions that we as fans answer to ourselves and each other. Never have I met a writer to admit their shortcomings as quickly as D3. He does not make excuses and provides a service that many of us would go crazy without all of this while being a teacher to our children here in Clayton Co. which is one of the most frustrating places in this state to teach. To take time away from family especially in such a state of loss to put up a post regardless of length is a testiment to his absolute LOVE for this team and it’s fans. Words don’t express our gratitude for your years of service D3, Thank you and God Bless.
Chris
December 29th, 2012
1:11 pm
As far as the team goes, They just pass the eye ball test. They have looked really great lately and look to continue to do the same in the playoffs. I believe Ryan is there, our receivers are there, the defense is doing well. Our defense is in the top 5 in the only categories i count. PPG allowed, Red Zone Def, and Turnovers. I dont care megatron got the record, no TD’s. Stafford set an NFL record too, most yds passing in a game with no TD’s, NFL record! I think we will go as far as our O-line will take us. Ryan, offense, & defense are at a point where I really trust them, the O-line not that much.
falcon21
December 29th, 2012
1:50 pm
D3, thinking about your family and you my friend, don’t worry about this blog, we will keep it going.
D3
December 29th, 2012
2:08 pm
Thanks to all of you for your warm and sincere well-wishes. It really means a lot. I always refer to us and you all as our “Bird Cage Family” and I’m being as heartfelt as I can be. Even though I’ve met only a handful of Cagers in person, I genuinely feel like this is a family and I’ve always said as such.
I’ll be back to normal in a few days and get us a new, regular post as well. Just needed a little time to pause, reflect, and take a break. Thanks again for all your prayers and wishes.
Slant Pattern
December 29th, 2012
2:52 pm
“I’ll be back to normal in a few days and get us a new, regular post as well. Just needed a little time to pause, reflect, and take a break. Thanks again for all your prayers and wishes.” – D3
Condolences on your loss and sending prayers your family’s way. Take what you need, we will be ok in the meantime.
JB Falcon
December 29th, 2012
3:00 pm
don’t worry about this blog, we will keep it going.- 21
we will be ok in the meantime – SP
Ya’ll got that right. Put a bunch of preachers and ministers together and you know what they’re gonna talk about. Put a bunch of hardcore Falcon fans together and you know we will keep the discussion going about “how much we love the Saints”!
Birdman
December 29th, 2012
3:04 pm
JB…LOL
Big Lou
December 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
Apologies for the loss, D3. Prayers to you broham.
John Waynesworld
December 29th, 2012
3:55 pm
Here’s an out of town’s prospective. Notice the very insightful comment at the bottom…
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/12/29/3160052/falcons-taking-business-as-usual.html
JB Falcon
December 29th, 2012
4:24 pm
JWW, good find. What I liked?
there’s no ‘mentum like momentum
falcon21
December 29th, 2012
4:24 pm
Nice read JWW, good stuff!
DHunt
December 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
D3 peace be upon you. You know the Cage will hold it down until you get back, so don’t even spend a second thinking about anything over here. We know you have and will continue to give your all, and it’s more than enough. We’ll even handle the fools that drop by occasionally.
I’ll be at the game tomorrow until the end, if only to see what the bench players are able to do when given the opportunity. Wonder if the Dome will be half full and lifeless? Perhaps we will get more national attention when we start being consistent with the local attention?
I’ll also be at the first playoff game with bells on! Time to show the world what the ATL is really all about!
Arno
December 29th, 2012
6:17 pm
Spoon credits McClure for coming up with “there’s no mentum like mo’ mentum.” Great rallying cry. I looked around and saw that “no-mentum” was used to describe the Romney campaign, but maybe Todd gave it that hilarious new twist. So many leaders on this team popping up with great attitude– DeCoud, Spoon, Asante, Roddy, Gonzo, Abe, on and on. This game gets the mo’ mentum punch. Snag that 4-2 record in our division. Keep up the traction from the Giants game into the playoffs > > and beyond.
JB Falcon
December 29th, 2012
7:01 pm
Arno. I looked up winning attitude in Webster’s.
Winning Attitude: Something the Falcons haven’t had in 46 years.
Sportaree
December 29th, 2012
7:07 pm
D3, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago. Ezra 5:11
Unca' Bob
December 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
Well, per the506.com tomorrow is an away game for me. More beer and wings. It could be an early exit if the Mo’ don’t show.
falcon21
December 29th, 2012
8:05 pm
Unca’ Bob, the mo will show. We will be up by 17 when the starters are taken out.
Greg Mendel
December 29th, 2012
8:14 pm
Condolences, D3. No worries about the Cage. Put it on autopilot. All blogs run on perpetual motion. Commenters/commentators love yammering to others almost as much as to themselves. This is true of all blogs, and comforting in a way.
Unca' Bob
December 29th, 2012
8:21 pm
falcon21,
I hope you’re right about the score. My Mo’ is motivation, not momentum, that tends to ebb and flow throuhgout any given game. My Mo’ is hustle and hit football full blown. Both sides of the ball. That’s what I look for on any given game day.