Archive for January, 2013

Sporting News Coach of the Year

Mike Smith is the greatest coach in Atlanta Falcons franchise history in terms of winning, consistency, and overall performance. In his five short years as head coach, he’s the all-time winningest coach in the history of the franchise (a testament to Smith, but also a reflection of the Falcons poor historical record). Smith’s not going anywhere, but many wonder if he’ll ever get another shot as good as the one the Falcons just had: #1 seed in playoffs, home-field advantage, up 17-0 at home in the 1st quarter. Obviously, no one can predict the future, but next season will be infinitely harder with a much more challenging schedule, a roster in flux, and a team in major need of infusions of talent, albeit with limited cap space. A look at the pros and cons of Head Coach Mike Smith………

Paramount Success

Who are these guys? (AJC)

As mentioned above, Mike Smith has had imminent success the past five seasons as Falcons head coach. The Falcons are …

Continue reading Can Atlanta Falcons Coach Mike Smith Make Needed Changes? »

Second Half Collapse Finally Dooms

Cool Cage Poster by Arno!

***Super Cool Cage Poster that Fellow Cage Member Arno Created!***

Sure, it was a good year and it will be an even tougher road back for many fans after this one had the feeling that it could finally be “the year,” but alas it was not in the cards yet again. It was a good year that saw the Falcons starting to take a step further and they did finally rid themselves of the playoff albatross (although no one really cares about that now). Even though it may seem as though it’s the end of the world, it really isn’t. There are a ton of teams that would gladly trade places with our current franchise in being competitive every year and giving themselves a chance every season. It should be acknowledged that this regime has reached heights never before seen in it’s history (they only had back-to-back winning seasons back in 2008 and 2009). But it should be a wakeup call to everyone involved, including Arthur Blank, …

Continue reading Atlanta Falcons Fall Short in Super Bowl Bid »

Falcons Heavy Underdogs vs. 49ers

No Caption Needed! (AJC)

Our cardiac Falcons couldn’t make it easy on themselves or their fans could they? What a game, a thrilling finish, and the amazing death of the “playoff curse,” or whatever you want to call it. The Falcons came roaring out of the gates behind a huge crowd who were in their seats and loud from the first moment. The first half was a thing of beauty that saw the Falcons surge to a 20-0 lead, and even responding with their own touchdown on their first possession after the Seahawks took the opening drive down for a TD. Then, the wheels came completely off. Maybe a better analogy would be that they absolutely shut down in all phases of the game, seeing the Seahawks score 21 unanswered points. However, the Falcons found a way to win the game, needing only 31 seconds to do it. Kudos to the entire organization, from the players and coaches to Thomas Dimitroff and Arthur Blank and all the way to the support staff. It was …

Continue reading Atlanta Falcons: Birds Win! One Away from Super Bowl »

The Time Has Come

Time to Get it Done!!!!! (AJC)

New thread up to talk Falcons vs. Seahawks in one of the biggest games in franchise history. The matchups have been analyzed to pieces and the storylines have been beaten to a pulp. It all comes down to who wants it more. The Falcons must win this game for so many reasons, the least of which is to move on in the playoffs. Will be back with more analysis and breakdown very soon, but this one has taken its toll on the Atlanta Falcon Faithful. NO MORE EXCUSES, IT’S TIME TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!!!!!…………

Continue reading Atlanta Falcons: No Excuses! »

Time for the Falcons to Get it Done

Time to Get it Done #2 (AJC)

It’s what we’ve all been waiting for: the playoffs. Falcons players, fans, and everyone associated with the organization have heard it all the way back to last January when they were embarrassed for the second year in a row in the playoffs, losing three out of four. The chorus from the media elite and talking heads has only grown louder every time the Birds won another game. There are literally almost no articles that have been written this season regarding the Falcons, in any capacity, that have not mentioned the “can’t win in the playoffs,” or “0-3 in the playoffs,” meme. Even articles that have been favorable or complimentary always have that backhand tucked in there somewhere. Yes, it’s true the Falcons have fallen short the past three tries in the playoffs under Coach Smith, but the incessant and ridiculous inclusion of that attack line has been preposterous. How could the Falcons change …

Continue reading Atlanta Falcons: Birds Face Playoff Questions »