Atlanta Falcons: Birds Take on Bucs as Playoffs Await
Falcons vs. Bucs in Season Finale
Sit or Play? (Rick Ostentoski/AP)
How Much Do Starters Play?
That’s the big question as today’s game looms. It’s a very tough call in many regards. Do the Falcons keep their starters in for most of the game in hoping to keep the momentum going that they’ve built up the past few games as they head into an almost two week wait for the playoffs? Or do they pull their starters early on to prevent injuries and let many of the players completely heal? It’s a tough catch-22, but this much is known: Head Coach Mike Smith has got to find some way to have this team better prepared than the last time he achieved a first round bye. The Debacle in the Dome is still fairly fresh in fans mind and it all starts with Smith to have this team more prepared, more focused, and ready to play on a much higher level than 2010.
What was Smith’s Plan?
Yep, this is About Right (AJC)
As fellow Cage Member Arno said, if you say that you’re going to play to win, than you better be prepared to play lights out. To be fair, it was an extremely difficult game to manage. The Falcons had already locked up home-field advantage and the game literally meant nothing. Normal thought would have said to rest the starters, put the backups in, and try to win the game. But at the same time, perhaps remembering the Debacle from 2 years ago, Smith wanted to keep the momentum that had been built up the past two weeks blowing out the defending champs and beating the Lions pretty soundly on the road.
However, it became painfully apparent that the players weren’t focused and gameplan was pitifully weak. Add to that the fact that on consecutive plays, two of the Falcons defensive starters suffered injuries, both Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel, and it didn’t seem to make sense why the starters were still in the game well into the 4th quarter. Matt Ryan was taking shots left and right and even John Abraham got injured and had to be carted off the field. Using 20/20 hindsight vision, it’s a little unfair to say that Smith had the wrong strategy all along, but it seemed as though Smith wanted the best of both worlds: get momentum while also not putting in 100% effort and focus. It also seems that Smith really didn’t have a backup plan in case things didn’t go as planned (see injuries to key starters). Hopefully, the injuries aren’t serious and the Falcons can use this as motivation to remember how well they need to prepare to get this first playoff win.
Will Over-reliance on Turner Cost in Playoffs?
First of all, the normal complaint about Turner getting way more carries than any other running back doesn’t hold weight. Turner got 6 carries, Rodgers got 5 carries, and Snelling got 3 carries. That breaks down very good percentage wise in terms of what most fans hope to see: Turner (43%), Rodgers (36%), and Snelling (21%). Both Turner and Rodgers had long runs of almost exactly the same, with Turner netting a 17 yard run and Rodgers getting a 16 yard run. Both of the long runs heavily inflated both players yards per carry: Rodgers – 5.6 and Turner – 3. If you dig down a little further, however, the production is still out of whack.
If you take out each of their long runs, Rodgers ypc goes down to 3 yards per carry, but Turner’s goes down to 0.2 yards per carry. Yes, 2 tenths, not 2 yards. It’s hard to use this game as a good indicator, but it’s a microcosm of the entire season. Rodgers, and it could be argued even Snelling, simply fit better and are more productive in the Falcons new offense. What should make fans think that anything will change once the playoffs hit when over a 16 game span not much has really changed at all. The fear is that the coaches, namely Mike Smith, will over rely on Turner yet again and it will cost the Falcons at the very worst time.
Injury Watch
Awful Injury (AJC)
Hopefully, none of the injuries are too serious, but fans wanted to scream when they started seeing not one, not two, but three defensive starters go down with injuries. First it was Dunta Robinson being taken to the locker room. Then it was Asante Samuel re-injuring his shoulder that’s been popping up all year. And to top it off, arguably the most important cog to the defense, John Abraham, goes down with an ankle injury and has to be carted off the field.
If for some reason these injuries play a role in the playoffs, Smith will get plenty of criticism in a meaningless game. Even though he wasn’t injured, Matt Ryan took his fair share of brutal hits when the OL decided to mentally stay at home on the couch. If nothing else, the two weeks should allow time for the Falcons to be the healthiest they’ve had all year. Hopefully, the players nicked up in the Bucs game will be back to good and William Moore, who’s missed the last 4 games, will be ready to go as well.
Have Lessons Been Learned?
The coaching staff has to be busy at work getting as much game-planning and research on the three teams they know they’ll face between the Seahawks, Vikings, and Redskins. The coaching staff and players basically have a bye week and they need to use it accordingly. It may be tough to do extensive research on 3 teams, but they can be doing some. The biggest thing that this playoff game boils down to is whether or not Head Coach Mike Smith has learned the lessons from his first 3 trips to the playoffs, all ending in losses. Ironically enough, the Falcons best outing was the first one where he and Matt Ryan were rookies.
He’s had every experience imaginable including two wild card games on the road and one home-field advantage #1 seed with a bye week. There was a thought among many fans that Smith played it way too lackadaisical and even soft. There were clips of the players with shorts and t-shirts and laughing and having a good time at practice. Maybe that’s unfair using 20/20 hindsight form the Debacle in the Dome, but it surely didn’t help.
Falcons Better Shore Up their Run Defense
HD One Bright Spot (AJC)
The Falcons are set to play either the Vikings, Seahawks, or Redskins in less than 2 weeks. All of them have excellent running backs and a playmaker at quarterback who is extremely mobile. In fact, all of the teams remaining in the playoffs have mobile QBs and all except the Packers also have a good running game to complement as well. They have bowed their necks when they’ve needed to, shutting down Doug Martin the first time, holding Alred Morris to no touchdowns, holding Ryan Matthews and Lesean McCoy in check.
However, they’ve also seen times where they’ve given up a ton of yards as well, namely Cam Newton, the Panthers, the Saints first game, among several others. They actually did a good job of shutting down Robert Griffin III the first time, but he’s had a lot more seasoning since then. Then of course there’s the best running back in the game in Adrian Peterson and Pro Bowler Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, and Christian Ponder are all out there as well. Ironically, the Falcons are one of the worst remaining rushing teams left in the NFC. The defensive line, linebackers, and all the secondary better be working hard on tackling and stopping the run, because otherwise, it will be another short off-season.
Enjoy and Go Falcons!!!!
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620 comments Add your comment
Hamad Meander
December 30th, 2012
11:10 pm
I will say that I didn’t watch the game very closely. I was too frustrated seeing our guys out there being beat up in a meaningless game that I didn’t want to see anymore. I simply don’t understand the gameplan. It seemed like this would have been a great game to see what our backups could do when they were in a live game. I don’t believe any Falcon got anything productive out of this game – how are they more prepared for the playoffs today? If anything, they are in worse shape now than they were before the game. Their confidence is broken, their bodies are hurt, and their ‘momentum’ (which I don’t believe in) is gone.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
11:10 pm
Chris Collinsworth all over the Cowboy’s balls…
And then Romo throws an INT. I love it!
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
11:12 pm
Yeah…
You’re overreacting Hamad. Lol
I need to avoid the sky is falling mantra this week. Wish y’all the best.
PS.
Mike Smith sucks!
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
11:16 pm
JJ, In a way i can’t believe the Falcons are 13 -3, i did my home work on time of possession and first down for most of the season our opponent dominate in both category majority of the season.
CHECK IT OUT FOR YOUR SELF.
This bend on don’t break defense will not work come playoffs.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Time is NOW
December 31st, 2012
12:10 am
Better start working on the run D. We’ll be playing against either Peterson, Lynch or the rookie Morris in two weeks. We always knew this team and coach would be judged by how they did in the playoffs. Now would be a real good time to go on a three game winning streak. In the meantime, us fans get to wait…
Wings
December 31st, 2012
6:31 am
Time is Now I see you are back. I noticed you had been away for several days.
D3
December 31st, 2012
8:58 am
Somehow this exact same meme is a compliment for one team, but when we do it throughout the year it’s viewed as a criticism that you can’t always blow out teams.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/86976/what-makes-seahawks-tough-out-in-playoffs
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again………..
If Mike Smith can’t beat any of these NFC teams this year in the Dome with this talent, he should be judged accordingly. I can’t say that he will get the axe, but I will say that I can’t imagine going through another year and hearing 0-4, can’t win in the playoffs for another 365 days………and I’m just a fan, not an owner who’s trying to get fans to spend more money on a new stadium that’s not needed.
I assume Smitty will get another year if we go 0-4, but think about how awful it will be next year?
Packers – good offense, terrible defense
Niners – good defense (even though got lit up for 40+ points by Seahawks), rookie QB, weak O
Seahawks – everyone’s darling, will be coming in mighty arrogant and cocky, rookie QB, still don’t believe the hype (where’s that vaunted momentum in playing the lowly Rams at your house that’s supposedly “the hardest place to play in the NFL?”).
Redskins – RG3, stud. Remember what Spoon did to him? Also, their defense is weak, and so are their receivers.
Vikings – Adrian Peterson, absolute stud and………..what else? Oh yeah, Christian Ponder. Sorry, their defense scares me none.
So there you have it folks, ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSES FOR MIKE SMITH!!!!!!!!!! We should win the next two games against any of these fools and be playing in the Super Bowl….period.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
December 31st, 2012
9:08 am
Funny thing about the NFL,tends to be a copy cat leauge. When teams scheme, come up with formulas to beat you…other teams take notice, especially divisional opponents.
The Saints were the first team to target our strength and weakness, both happen to be on offense. Saints began to chip-away at our stellar 3rd down efficiency…and they found where we were leaking the most on the offensive line (McClure, Center) and exploited it with pass rushes straight up the middle.
What the Panthers did to us was simply, IMO, the same game plan (scheme) the Saints used, but they (Panthers) perfected it, fed it steroids…smoothed the template on how to beat us. Take away our bread & butter (Roddy, Gonzales) on third downs…apply so much pass rush up the middle, Ryan will not have the time to hook-up with JJ on the routes designed for him. Julio is a great receiver…but he’s not, yet, that possesion receiver that keeps the chains moving.
If you football guru’s saw some glaring simularities in the game against the Panthers and Buc’s, simply, IMO, they schemed almost identical to stop us.
Most of you (me included) thought the team came out flat, had no urgency in the games we lost against the Panthers, Buc’s…but, when a team schemes you, much like the aforementioned teams did, it will have that effect. when a team prepares much like the Buc’s and Panthers…and our coaching staff don’t make the necessary adjustments, you get what you saw in the game on yesterday.
Better believe the teams we meet in the playoffs will try the same approach. Smith has shown he has a helluva checkers game (winning in the regular season) but, he has shown he’s out of sorts on the chess board (ie. making adjustments to counter schemes, winning in the playoffs). IMHO.
Paddy O
December 31st, 2012
9:47 am
well, who here thought we went into the game with a GOOD offensive game plan? 3 points AGAIN in the 1st half, and I witnessed NO no huddle. although we eventually used the screen to offset the pass rush, it was a little late. also, we got no throws down field – hard to believe. Konz is not RG material – he now gets bull rushed on his butt pretty consistently. anybody feel confident going into the playoffs? I certainly DO NOT.
Greg Mendel
December 31st, 2012
9:49 am
Somebody: Very well stated! IMO, teams can’t scheme as successfully against our defense as against our offense. Rapidly getting in Ryan’s face has reduced his passing effectiveness. Stopping Turner became a no-brainer long ago.
I keep on saying it — if Ryan had the same protection enjoyed by other big-name QBs (or even Freeman), we’d be undefeated, with a string of blowouts.
We’re taking the same baggage into the playoffs. By “baggage” I mean negative facets of the team that drag down its positives. On the bright side, the 2012 Birds have often found ways to win, and I think they’ll play the next game like rabid kamikazes and win it. They may not win the one after that, but I’m convinced they won’t be one-and-gone.
Paddy O
December 31st, 2012
9:49 am
another profoundly inept end to a first half – anybody also notice: Matt Ryan does NOT seem to have the authority to call a time out? Is our coaching staff going into zombie mode?
Arno
December 31st, 2012
9:52 am
Either say the game is unimportant and play your backups, or say the game is important and play lights out. The Falcons said the game was important. Empty words, apparently. The Bucs, for crying out loud, played with more motivation than the Falcons. What was the Bucs’ motivation? To end a five game losing streak. The Falcons’? To prepare for the playoffs. You tell me which team should have the stronger impetus. Whatever. The Falcons should be ticked today– not dismissive. We’ll see what Smith has to say at the PC.
Paddy O
December 31st, 2012
9:57 am
YOu could make a very good argument that DeCoud with his failed shoulder tackles cost the Falcons the game. but then again, there is that dead on arrival offensive effort.
D3
December 31st, 2012
10:04 am
Either say the game is unimportant and play your backups, or say the game is important and play lights out. The Falcons said the game was important. Empty words, apparently. — Arno
You got that right! It seems as though Smith wanted the best of both worlds, and once we started looking so terrible, then he felt he needed to have them end on a good note and salvage the win. Once Dunta got hurt, which was really early, he should have pulled all his guys and put the backups in. It would have done wonders for them, and we’d probably have the same result. Why not put in D.Davis and let him run around and give our opponent another aspect to worry about? Stupid, stupid coaching.
The Time is NOW
December 31st, 2012
10:11 am
Wings – thanks for the shout out! The holidays and family obligations kept me away last week. It is nice to be missed.
I was not pleased with our effort yesterday. MR was off, he did not play well. If this continues in the playoffs, it does not bode well for our team. However, in spite of the poor showing, our Birds were still in a position to have a shot at a game winning drive in the end. MR actually made good throws on the final 3rd and 4th downs, but HD and TG got beat one on one. It happens. On that last 4th down, I’ll take my chances on TG beating one on one coverage more often than not (and Matty Ice put the ball in his hands). Hats off to good D by TB at the end.
I would feel more confident if we had gone into the playoffs on a winning streak, but the regular season is over. We have home field in the playoffs. I do not see ANY teams in the field that cannot be beaten. This is put up or shut up time for our Birds (including their coach and QB) as presently constituted. Win or go home!
Greg Mendel
December 31st, 2012
10:18 am
Paddy O:
I agree regarding yesterday’s no-performance, and I wonder if it was a result of general confusion. I don’t think the Falcons had a BAD plan. I’m not sure they had ANY plan at all, and that’s on the coaches.
I don’t think they knew what they wanted to do (and they should have known). Win the game? Go through the motions? Experiment? Put in the backups? I didn’t see a plan, didn’t see cohesion.
As I wrote above, I have confidence going into the first playoff game, but yesterday made no sense to me. A big first-round playoff win could be followed by a game like yesterday’s, if avoiding 1-and-done is the only goal with a plan.
The Time is NOW
December 31st, 2012
10:19 am
One of the most disturbing aspects of this season going forward, despite finishing with the best record in the NFL (albeit with a relatively easy schedule as it turns out), is the fact that we split the games in our division. Each division team beat us once this season. That gives them hope that they are not very far behind us and that they all have a shot to steal our crown next year. C’est la guerre…
LRD
December 31st, 2012
10:20 am
I fully expect to finally revisit Nolans ameba defense against who ever we face.
Biggest concern has to be stopping the running backs.
Our Secondary should be healthy and fully manned by then with Dunta over his head injury, more time for Asante’s should to heal and Willie Mo back and fully ready to re-establish himself.
On the O-side, Roddy has time to get his leg back in shape ( and hopefully keep his mouth shut), Julio’s knee heals up
Finally, Turner gets LipoSuction to get ready of that extra 30 lbs he is carrying and comes out in Beast Mode.. (HAHA)
BobbyDawg
December 31st, 2012
10:26 am
Mason Foster had 11 tackles yesterday. Damn one man wrecking crew.
The Time is NOW
December 31st, 2012
10:26 am
Greg Mendel – I still believe that the sky is the limit IF we win the first playoff game. To do that will be tough, not only because of the significant mental hurdle, but because we will have to stop a team with a good running attack. Stopping the run has been the Achilles heel of our defense. Furthermore, to have real hope, MR will have to make more plays on 3rd down and at the end of each half. He has done that before. Better protection would help MR, but at this point better protection is probably wishful thinking. Recent history indicates that whoever wins our first playoff game will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Still hoping it is us.
Arno
December 31st, 2012
10:39 am
Time– Yes, there were positives. Gonzo comes down with that 4th down pass– maybe we pull it out. But I don’t think so. How many dropped passes did the Bucs have that should have extended their drives? The score was closer than the game looked. The only real positive I saw was HD on punt returns.
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
10:42 am
Somebody
I’m sorry man… you’re reaching. Don’t you think the Giants and Lions(who have better defensive lines) schemed the same way?
Let me break it down for you the reason why the Falcons lost:
1. They play down to their competition(which they did all year). Explains the lack of execution across the board. DeCoud, Matt, offensive line, receivers getting separation…
2. Coaches came out with a vanilla gameplan and slept walked on Tampa(hence the horrid 3rd down conversions and stops).
3. This game meant nothing.
You guys are reading too much into this game! We have seen the best from ATL. Wait till the playoffs till you judge. Wabe has been the only reasonable voice so far.
Yes. We have the same issues we had before: Mike Smith, Turner, offensive line. Yet, these issues were exponentially exploited due to lack of focus and gameplan.
This team will not be the same in the playoffs with this talent.
Only person standing in their way is Mike Smith and turtle Turner.
Greg Mendel
December 31st, 2012
10:43 am
LRD:
There should be a special exception in NFL rules exclusively allowing Atlanta Falcons RB* Michael Turner to ingest unlimited amounts of amphetamines two (2) hours prior to kickoff.
If said exception is unacceptable to the league,Turner should be force-fed eight (8) gallons of Cuban esspresso four (4) hours prior to kickoff.
If both proposals are disallowed, Turner should be equipped with the following:
1. a GPS programed with coordinates of the1st Down marker
2. a compass (in case of GPS failure)
3. a seeing-eye service dog (capable of blocking)
* RB = Reclining Back
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
10:49 am
Arno
How about Decoud’s missed tackles that lead to the go ahead touchdown?
Call a spade a spade. The Falcons came out flat and tried to save face by trying in the second half. Problem is… they gave Tampa momentum, where they had to play perfect football to come back. A couple bad tackles and dropped passes away from a victory…
Zoomie
December 31st, 2012
10:56 am
Filled up my DVR with the Falcons’ games and had to purge. Before doing so, I watched the Taints and Detroit games in their entirety, focusing on O-line play. I’m glad others are noticing: Konz ain’t getting it done.
He made two or three good plays in the Taints game, all in run support, but beyond that, went about 50% in getting beat the rest of the game. In the game against the Lions, he was OWNED! He got beat about 75% of the time.
It drives me crazy. He’s like a saloon door in the old westerns; keeps making the same mistake over and over in run support. He’s in such an all-fired hurry to get on a linebacker that he completely whiffs when trying to chip the D-lineman, resulting in a free defender in Atlanta’s back field. He’s simply getting beat, mostly by speed, in one-on-one match-ups in pass protection. Seems to be little effective teamwork with Clabo except on the occasional run assignment.
It’s pretty amazing. We’ve hardly heard Baker’s name this year, which is a good thing. The left side seems to be shored up quite a bit from last year. From center out to right tackle, the O-line sucks!
Maybe we should bring back Boudreau to coach the right side of the line and leave Pat Hill on the left . . .
Not really much on which to comment regarding the Bucs game. Guess the Pirates borrowed some of that flea dip from the Carolina kitties. The Birds better be finished shedding the dead fleas. It’s playoff football now.
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
11:02 am
Greg! Lmao!
Good one.
Don’t forget a Cop on the sidelines with a LiDAR gun so he can move faster.
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
11:05 am
Konz should be replaced by Hawley, IMHO.
But he’s a rookie, so I don’t really know. Or at least chip help with the RB, like they did with the Giants.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
December 31st, 2012
11:06 am
Big Lou,
Let me break it down for you. I understand where you’re going…but, IMO, you’re analyzing the tale, instead of the head. IMO, the Bucs schemed us almost identical as the Panthers. Go back, watch both games, get back to me. Therefore, the end result was very simular to the one against the Panthers.
…and a little homework for you. Check 3rd down efficiency for both of those games, check how many times Ryan was pressured…and check where the pressure came from mostly in the two perspective games.
Big Lou, with all due respect, teams don’t set out to play flat…the other team usually has something to do with it. IMHO
Arno
December 31st, 2012
11:08 am
Big Lou– I was disappointed with DeCoud. Starting to emerge as a voice and a leader, but then he sets a bad example yesterday. At least he admitted it… I hear you that it was poor focus and game planning– but those things are essential, and I would like to think the Falcons are gaining more maturity there.
Arno
December 31st, 2012
11:16 am
SN4T– I thought at one point, “Bucs? Shouldn’t those guys be wearing Panther unis?”
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
11:27 am
Arno
Even the most disciplined teams come out with lack of focus and play down to their opponents. Patriots against the Jags, 49ers against the Rams, Green Bay versus the Vikings. It’s hard to motivate players to preform in a game that doesn’t matter. It explains the poor blocking, bad execution, vanilla game plan, and horrid desperation by the receivers. When you got nothing to play for… it’s hard to preform.
Somebody
You dodged my question, and proved my point. I watched all the games and the Giants/Lions did the same things the Panthers/Bucs did. Difference? Falcons actually executed and game planned those games well, where they slept walked on the lower feeder teams. Falcons have beaten the winning teams this season. That’s what matters.
Lions and Giants have better defensive lines… yet the Falcons destroyed them with screen passes, draw plays, and execution.
Reading. Too. Much. Into. This. Game.
Paddy O
December 31st, 2012
11:30 am
greg – you evaluation is correct. we saw a team that did NOT know what it wanted to do. I thought the Defense played fairly well; considering how 3 and out the O was. As others have said, Carolina provided tape on how to disrupt our team – get pressure on Ryan – preferably from the outside and inside simultaneously. I think tape of Konz shows he either takes plays off, or occasionally plays too upright – resulting in him getting pancaked. THAT CANT happen. I was thinkiing: what if we move Baker to RG, Holmes to LT and Konz to C? Would that give us a stouter line? Again, what the bleep were we thinking at the end of both halves? At the end of the 2nd half, we let the clock run out without calling a time out – the CS essentially quit on the game – which if that was the attitude, why keep our guys out there? Plus, our young DE’s NEED fing game time. Which we could have given the Octopus and Massaqua in the 2nd half. This game is the epitomy of Smith: screw ups at crunch time. Ineptitude in pressure situations. I have severe worries. The Jekyll and Hyde 2012 Falcons are alive and well.
Geo
December 31st, 2012
11:36 am
The game was eerily similar to the Carolina game. Ryan is going to have to stand up and ask for that extra 30 again — from the players and the coaches. He’s going to have to set the tone and lead the troops, because it sure doesn’t look like Mike Smith was able to last week.
Paddy O
December 31st, 2012
11:38 am
Jekyll and Hyde – Giants or Carolina/Raiders/TB? We whooped the Giants. Honestly, we knocked the Giants out of the playoffs – payback for me was pretty sweet – and, it proved what this team COULD do. I pray we avoid SMITTY BALL, or we will have problems. Spoon played pretty well yesterday – and, as the announcers repeated – the Falcons are exceptionally well coached – rarely do we commit penalties and unforced errors – the Falcons wait for other teams to lose the game; and Big Lou is also correct – we play to our competition’s level – that is a hallmark of Smitty teams. Compare us to NE – they kicked the crap out of Miami. Our CS just does not have the kick the crap out of the opposition mentality. I really do worry about Ryan not having the authority to call a timeout- as was indicated at the end of the 1st half – or, both the QB and HC had a major brain cramp (zombie coaching).
D3
December 31st, 2012
11:45 am
Big Lou — I think you make a great point on not reading too much into this game. It was obvious that Smith wanted the best of both worlds and evidently had no backup plan. Once Dunta got hurt, which was very early, he should have just pulled the ripcord and gone with Plan B. I guess he felt like he had to save face. Honestly, I don’t know what the hell he was thinking. On the other hand, you have to at least empathize with those who are worried to pieces about this clunker right before the playoffs. Maybe it’s good we got this clunker out of the way before the real games start.
Geo
December 31st, 2012
11:49 am
Hey Paddy O, re: the @ss kicking of the Giants and our sore backsides from the week before. I think in both cases, the winning team made that game their superbowl. I think there are games like that for every team at different junctures throughout the year. They key is to make every game in the playoffs your “superbowl.” We haven’t found that key yet, but we have shown more promise this year of finding it than any year previous. I think we will bounce back and win (or at least perform) this year in the playoffs, IF they can mitigate the heavy pass rush we know is coming. A big if.
Wings
December 31st, 2012
12:02 pm
The KEY to the first playoff win as BL noted:
Only person standing in their way is Mike Smith and turtle Turner.
It should not come down to the above but it will. I wish AB and TD would send HC Smith on an 11 day vacation to Maui as a reward for his regular season record and for relaxation before the game. If he got back on the red eye Sunday morning of the game, he would not have time to meddle.
I think all of us are coming up with these funny scenarios because we are concerned about the Falcons playing their best game on offense Sunday week. We have begun to recognize the patterns of play and causes.
Big Lou
December 31st, 2012
12:10 pm
Paddy O
The same team that almost lost to the Jags and lost to the Cardinals? Great teams play down to their competition. The only reason why NE showed up against Miami was because they were fighting for a first round bye. The Falcons had nothing to play for. It happens…
Wings
You’re absolutely right. We have the TEAM to beat anyone. We just need MS out of the way do we can utilize it properly. Turner should be used sparingly.
…….,
Guys. This game was no clunker. The game was just an unmotivated effort that they tried to save face for the fans. That’s all it was.
Greg Mendel
December 31st, 2012
12:21 pm
As I posted earlier (I think), yesterday’s unbecoming loss will turn out to be a plus (as long as injuries heal). Players have to be embarrassed. They’ll have to endure two weeks of intensified media criticism that a Falcons playoff flop is as certain as death and taxes. The “story” BEFORE our first post-season game will be all about our first opponent’s NEXT game after ritually knocking out the Falcons.
I hope Aretha Franklin sings the National Anthem.
Matty Bicep
December 31st, 2012
12:23 pm
In the past, we played like this against the best teams, and beat up the poorer teams, this season, it looks like it might be the other was around this season.
Geo
December 31st, 2012
12:43 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-playbook/0ap2000000114360/Playbook-Falcons-vs-Lions
Check out the NFL network playbook vid. Shows what we can do with a good game plan. We simply cannot let pressure rattle Ryan early. It can, and often does, throw his whole game off.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
December 31st, 2012
1:05 pm
I just don’t see it. Most of you are saying the game yesterday didn’t mean much in the whole scheme of things. I respect yalls opinions, I just don’t necessarily agree with them.
I challenge you to look at the play of all the NFC teams that made the playoffs, all of them are playing verygood football. Might make some of you uncomfortable with what I’m about to say.
To tell the TRUTH, All the teams that made the playoffs in the NFC, are playing better football than we are.
I’ve read some comments in here within the last 24 hours that we play better( inspired) football after a lost…and we’ve never lost back2back games in the Smith era, thats all good, but, if it takes losing to get this team focused (MOTIVATED), I’m sorry, but something is short-circuited somewhere…and we dont have the luxury of losing in the playoffs, to acquire motivation for the next game (its called one and done) if you don’t have your sh!t together. Teams like the Broncos, Redskins, Seahawks, Vikings are on substantial winning streaks, wonder what keeps them motivated each week? It sure aint losing.
Nookah
December 31st, 2012
1:07 pm
Greetings Cagers!!
I have enjoyed these posts and it’s quite entertaining reading the different views. However, I have to side with Big Lou. It’s nothing to worry about, but I can relate to those that have concerns because we are haunted by our history and the ghost of One & Done appears to be re-appearing. But it is a mere illusion, a mirage!
Fret not Falcon fans, it will be SBXXXIII part deu. This time there ain’t no Eugene!! We will be SB champs inspite of Smitty Ball!!
Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t leave y’all with some Bob!!
Don’t worry about a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin’: “Don’t worry about a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!”
Rise up this mornin’,
Smiled with the risin’ sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin’, (”This is my message to you-ou-ou:”)
Singin’: “Don’t worry ’bout a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.”
Singin’: “Don’t worry (don’t worry) ’bout a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!”
Go Falcons!!
LRD
December 31st, 2012
1:09 pm
Geo.. look at the Skins game last night.. they blitzed pratically every down, making Romo throw picks and could have blitz him outta job..
LRD
December 31st, 2012
1:12 pm
Wish we could bring that kinda pressure on opposing QB’s. We need, NEED to pressure the QB, and we need NOlan to step that aspect up come the 13th
Nookah
December 31st, 2012
1:13 pm
Should be part “deux”.
Nookah
December 31st, 2012
1:15 pm
LRD, consider it done!!
One thing is sure, by now Smitty knows you can’t be in the “regular season” mode. That has not worked in three years so I will give him the benefit of the doubt and say he’ll throw in many wrinkles.
Geo
December 31st, 2012
1:16 pm
LRD, in that Dallas-Washington game, I saw the ATL Falcons in the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, very similar defensive game plan to what teams use successfully on us. At least we’re better than Dallas!
Chop Buster
December 31st, 2012
1:26 pm
Whisenhunt just fired by the Cardinals. Bring em home Dimitroff. Guy has proven he can win the Superbowl as an OC (Steelers) and take a team to the Superbowl as HC (Cardinals).
Big Ray
December 31st, 2012
1:26 pm
Big Lou,
Reading too much into that game, yet the only thing standing between the Falcons and success is Smith and Turner? You do realize those two will be quite prominent in the playoffs, right?
LOL….