Not so fast, my friend!

• Link
• Report this comment

Nice post as always, D3.
Yes. Falcons will make to Super bowl someway shomehow.
We have great coordinator in offense & defense. It’s not easy, but we are talent enough to win Sunday as long as 100% effort from players.
GO FALCONS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Great Post D3! Thanks for the SHOUT- OUT!

Media have pried their lips from Russell Willson azz, and planted them firmly on Kaepernicks. Just don’t understand the love fest? Kaepernick is a superb youg talent, the media make him out to be supernatural (cyborg), if it bleeds, we can….

I like the mention in your post of replacing one of the LB’s with a safety ( William Moore) D3. I would like to suggest speed being part of our defensive scheme (game plan). IMO, Dent should sit this one out, start Chris Owens (Spy), let him roam the secondary, boudaries of line of scrimmage. Chris will provide much needed speed to match Kaepernicks…if he chooses to take flight.

Chris will also aid in coverage of the 9 er’s agil, athletic and speedy Tightends.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anytime u close your eyes when u hug someone U IN LOVE

• Link
• Report this comment

Truth @ 5:26, darn good idea, Owens has the speed but will he be ready to go?

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks 21. Your guess, as good as mine? I will be looking for the injury updates coming out here shortly.

• Link
• Report this comment

I would love to see Babineaux, Walker, and Jerry have a huge game. I think if they can prevent the lines through the middle of the line that can contain Kaeprenick. Not as easy as it sounds vs San Fran’s line. Excellent idea of lining W Moore up as a lb… I think he would help contain Kaeprenick, and also match up with V Davis.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] News here – Atlanta Falcons: Bird Cage ← Atlanta’s homeless registry starts tomorrow Cancel [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t really know what all the fuss about? We’re playing an inexperienced QB, with hellacious wheels, can’t read a defense…and stares his receivers down like nobody’s business.

We win by 10.

• Link
• Report this comment

TRUTH – i really hope you are correct. IN some ways, we got lucky with 2 rookie QB’s. Plus, all the fawning over by the national sports “journalists” should put more pressure on them to whoop us.

• Link
• Report this comment

I watched some highlights of him and, oddly, his favorite target in college was number 15, too. I hope we shut Crabtree down and put lots of pressure on him the qb. I don’t think he’s as slippery as Wilson but I also hope we have a plan to stop the read option.

• Link
• Report this comment

Kaepernick does stare at his one receiver. Not sure about our chances jumping routes with his flat trajectory, high-velocity throws. To my eye, he doesn’t rely on timing. He paddles around for a while until he can find a way to jam one to Crabtree. If not, he’ll take off running. How does a guy like that get to the Super Bowl?! We got to put a stop to it.

• Link
• Report this comment

D3 great article and did you attend the game on Sunday?

• Link
• Report this comment

Based on what I’ve seen of Kaepernick [and my brother's a SF fan so I've seen a few games this season], dude seems to struggle going through his progressions. He tends to look at this first read, and if it ain’t there, he’s already looking to escape. I’m curious to see how they attack them. Send a lot of heat or stick to the 3 to 4 man rushes and keep everything in front of us?

• Link
• Report this comment

Ck on the cover of SI. Not that it means anything, but if the SI curse has ever proven anything, it is that just when you think guys at the top of their game are unstoppable, they prove to be quite human.

• Link
• Report this comment

I would be so confident that we were going to win by 17, if I hadn’t see what I saw last week. Dear God let us survive Smitty. There is no reason to lose to these @ssclowns!

• Link
• Report this comment

KS- I was there Sunday, and no kidding there was a point in the 4th qtr I asked the guy beside me if we had brought BVG back. The umbrella coverage that they were using giving the middle of the field (guess the intent was to burn time) was driving me crazy. I guess it would have worked ok if they were conceding 5-8 yards a play, but they were yielding 15-20.

• Link
• Report this comment

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap1000000127431/Sound-FX-Seahawks-vs-Falcons

• Link
• Report this comment

I wonder why Roddy was pouting so much during the Seahawks game.

• Link
• Report this comment

Actually MB, the hit didn’t lead to the INT, it was miscommunication with Tony. Matt thought Tony was going to run to his left, and he stopped. He was hit AFTER the throw.

• Link
• Report this comment

BL, sure, but it was the ONLY time they touched Ryan, the blitzer was untouched. The final result was a pick. Coincidence? maybe, but when they ran it on the last play, we made the adjustment…That is good coaching, no ands, ifs or buts.

• Link
• Report this comment

Not trying to argue the adjustment. Just pointing out the hit was after the pass and the INT was because of miscommunication.

• Link
• Report this comment

They are replaying it on NBCSP, channel 44 for me….They will show it again in a few minutes. Just watch it, it is pretty cool.

• Link
• Report this comment

Falcons are getting it done, but Matt Ryan is still good throwing pansy boy. How are you only averaging 25 points with all those weapons? Matt hit the weigh room, eat more, & juice up!

• Link
• Report this comment

Can we stick with Falcons instead of “birds”. We are in the brand building business here in Atlanta

• Link
• Report this comment

Interesting, on the blitz, Seattle brings the Safety and the CB from the right side, they then drop the LB to cover TG. First time they did it, the hit Ryan the only time in the day, and the result was a pick. The 2nd time, we pick it up, and TG schools the LB for maybe the best under pressure play in Falcon history.

• Link
• Report this comment

D3 – Oooohhh!! You know, in my game analysis I was considering running the football at them might be the best answer, because that’s what the teams that beat them this year did, but honestly, Seattle’s approach was the only one that really skunked them and it worked mainly because of the rushing threat of Russel Wilson….so…..

Your call of the Baltimore – Atlanta game 2010 is a pure frikkin’ diamond. Talk about Deja-Vu, the Baltimore D back then matches San Frans like a clone. No-Huddle practically the entire game and keep them rocking? You know, that could work like a charm. Ryan in that game average about 6 yards a completion, and most of it was to Roddy White (hitches and such). That gets the ball out quick and puts the corners in a pretty no-win situation. Atlanta racked up 26 points in that game, which is pretty good against Baltimore, and IF our D can keep San Fran under wraps, it might be enough to win if we can duplicate that. Let me add on here. That was that “Ball-control No-Huddle” that the Falcons used in that one. We had the ball 35 minutes (and change) to Baltimore’s 24 (and change). Good strategy as well. Keep them on the field. San Frans D is going to be there, but they are pretty sore and banged-up (check out there injury report…). Running around without being able to sub all day might wear them down something awful, and open up the run game for the 4th quarter (IF we have a decent lead).

Love it, love it, love it!! I would pick that approach as an offensive strategy. IF Smith still wants to pound it though, maybe try that first, but switch to the No-Huddle FAST before the game gets out of hand IF it doesn’t work. Don’t be too stubborn!!

GO FALCONS!!

• Link
• Report this comment

A “mere formality”. BULLSH*T. I hope 49ers are thinking that when they come into the Dome on Sunday, by the time they wake up it will be too late. Go Falcons.

• Link
• Report this comment

Cage

Has any one heard from S W .?

D3 have you talked to him ? Tell him we would love to here his input here in the Cage and we miss him being here .

• Link
• Report this comment

“I wonder why Roddy was pouting so much during the Seahawks game.” — BR

Almost certain it was due to the successfully-defended pass in the end zone. Sherman knocked the ball away from Roddy for an incompletion, preventing another touchdown that could’ve really knocked the wind out of the Seahawks.

After that play, Robiskie accosted Roddy when he came off the field. About what, I’m not sure, but possibly because Roddy was fading toward the back of the end zone, giving Sherman a path to undercut the throw, instead of cutting crisply and blocking out the defender. In any event, whatever Robiskie said, Roddy took great offense, and there was a pretty tense moment between the two.

I have to defend Roddy on this one. He was wide open and MR2 blatantly hesitated on the throw, giving Sherman time to adjust to the route. (That’s one of Ryan’s weaknesses: sometimes he hesitates. He’s much better at letting it fly this year, but that double-clutch still comes back to bite from time-to-time.)

I’m betting that’s why Roddy had a burr in his girdle for the rest of the day. I’m sure everybody kissed and made up, and they’re happily putting together a plan for their next foe.

• Link
• Report this comment

yeah, roddy was miffed about the delayed pass- MR2 was too focused on the bunch on the left side of the endznone. shame on that pass. Another cage posted it – I think Chase Coffman can be a Tony G clone – I hope we run double tight end formations, with RW & JJ. That should cause some confusion. Coffman made a terrific catch in the SF game. So, he has the hands.

• Link
• Report this comment

Heath Evans on NFL .com video “Do Your Job” : “Ryan…one weakness in his game is pre-snap diagnosis….” He is talking completely out of his A$$. It’s a loud, stupid talking point with no basis in reality whatsoever. Ryan runs one of the most devastating no-huddle attacks in the NFL, do you REALLY THINK HE CAN DO THAT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO READ A DEFENSE???!! Nah, wait…it really, really doesn’t matter what you think. Pretend expert. This is what happens when the media dipsh!ts are forced to talk about the Falcons, and they ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about them, because all they’ve been doing is regurgitating the same lazy story about them all year.

Experts! Go ahead, pick the 49ers, we all KNOW you ain’t been watching, it’s SHOWING IN DUMB-A$$ COMMENTS like that. When that Black Ice spins you out, you can just chalk it up as ANOTHER year you missed the boat, like with Arizona. And Green Bay. And New York. Well, it’s Atlanta now. And YOU GUYS are the ones that are predictable.

• Link
• Report this comment

trademark – all week the talking heads/pundits were claiming our offense was going to be shut down by Seattle’s powerful CB’s. We destroyed that notion in the 1st half. Do they give us credit? no. the negative southern bias is blatant.

• Link
• Report this comment

MIKE-I started saying it 2yrs ago, WHEN IS MSMITH GOING TO GET IT THROUGH HIS THICK HEAD THAT WE CAN’T AFFORD TO CONTINUE SITTING ON 1ST HALF LEADS. We dominated them for an entire half and a small portion on the 3rd qtr. Then we went into ultra conservative mode on OFF and DEF.

To my way of thinking, it’s just downright stupid and irresponsible to try and control the clock for an entire half by going away from your strengths(passing & attacking)to relying almost totally on your weaknesses(rushing & being conservative).

As predictable and conservative as Mularkey’s OFF was, even with an inconsist and ineffective rushing attack and Smitty’s insistence on sitting on 1st half leads, we still managed to average 25.2PPG. And here we are in the playoffs reverting back to the same 2nd half OFF/DEF philosophy that MSmith has used throughout his tenure here.

• Link
• Report this comment

Blog monster.. what the …

• Link
• Report this comment

“Amen, sir. I just watched the replay on that throw and he was avoiding pressure after pump-faking the screen. The throw was good, but Sherman has a long wing span. Its a TD on any other corner in the league.” – BL

TY kind sir, maybe I am not as old and senile as I feel on the miserable cloudy days. I think Ryan’s leg gets hit or his jersey grabbed, I remember his throw being “duckish” but it might be another play. The trenches always need manning in the propaganda war it seems, it is a shame to have to stick up for someone who has done so much for us. The troll board isn’t all bad, this article ( http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/content/captain-comeback-matt-ryan-passes-tom-brady-as-nfls-best-qb-the-clutch/18391/ ) is linked in this thread ( http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3969086-matt-ryan-the-best-comeback-qb-in-nfl-history/ ) , which of course was quickly buried. Yet another stat where Ryan is the best of all time but we shouldn’t talk about such things. It is so much more fun to tear the guy down and tonsil massage Krapernicks sack over one win.

• Link
• Report this comment

I thought during the game and still do that Ryan was late with the pass.

• Link
• Report this comment

It looked to me that Roddy was his third read. MR2 rolled right and saw nothing but a crowded mess there, with pressure closing in. He slid left and stepped up to hit Roddy. It was an OK throw in a dangerous direction back across the field, and though accurate, didn’t have much zip on it, and allowed the DB to close. Nobody’s fault, and no real harm done other than not getting the TD.

• Link
• Report this comment

“but I haven’t seen a more arrogant fan following about an upcoming game in a long time, their local writers included. ” – D3

I’m trying to keep our end up . The Whiners fans are terrible, almost as bad as our trolls and the Taints fans. Sadly the “other side” will not be with us this upcoming game. Smitty and too many of the fans failed to appreciate the magic from the Seatttle game so now we are on our own. Pissing off the bearded ones is never a good idea but we will still have a good shot anyways…if Smitty is kidnapped at least.

• Link
• Report this comment

Poor is guys running unblocked to the QB, or guys getting beat and hitting the QB. Ryan did not even get touched on the play even though he held the ball longer than what was designed.

• Link
• Report this comment

I got a ticket to the game!!!!!! Nevermind that it is about as far from the field as you can get without being outside the Georgia Dome. Doesn’t matter.

One thing I like about the 49ers (while I hate them) is the way their offensive linemen move, pull, and block wayyyyyy down field. Alex Smith’s run in the playoffs last year in the playoffs vs. the saints was one of the most beautiful football plays I’ve ever seen. Every player on the field (watch #74) did what they needed to do to make that play work. #74 (Joe Staley?) was 18 yards downfield for the scoring block on the saints safety. Good fundamental football.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3szXpKYCVo

• Link
• Report this comment

What bothers me about Ryan’s 4th qtr interception is that Roddy leaves his feet for no apparent reason. Don’t think the ball was catchable in any case, but he may have been able to disrupt the INT. I can think of a couple of other times during the season when Roddy has misjudged balls or just didn’t keep the pace of his route at the end (particularly at the end of the first Saints game on a long one near the goal line), although neither resulted in an INT.

• Link
• Report this comment

So much good, than he reminds us exactly where he is……..

Despite going 13-3 in the regular season and having the home-field advantage, the Falcons are 4.5-point underdogs to San Francisco. The Falcons and their fans have been a little sensitive all season about a perceived lack of respect. Might be a good idea to use the slight in the betting line as motivation.

Amazing little gag they got going here. Be the one who is perpetrating the disrespect, backhanded compliments, jabs, punches, and slights and than criticize us for being pissed about it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Does anyone in the Cage know the 49ers fullback Bruce Miller? He played for Woodstock High. My nephews who went to Woodstock High pointed him out to me.

• Link
• Report this comment

Man there is nobody giving our Birds any respect . They want even talk about them on TV .Alln tthey eill talk about is the 49ers the Ravens. the Patriots even the Sea Hawks . If they do say anything about the Falcons it’s how they will lose Sunday .

Is this team that bad . According to most of them they don’t even have a chance Sunday. I want them to win so they will be in the Super Bowl but I mostly want them to win so they will shut some months up. I have never seen a team go this far and just be pushed aside are put on the back burner like our Falcons have . As if they are not even in the playoffs .

• Link
• Report this comment

“if a QB uses the excuse that he had to sidestep a rusher, or take an extra step to find a clear lane to who as an excuse for not executing, he won’t be in the league long.” – MB

Lol, Ryan has been here and will be in the league much longer. Might burn ya up but there it is. If I’m not mistaken Smitty proclaimed that sacks are overrated” and that the Falcons want to affect the quarterback ( http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/29/gameday-central-saints-vs-falcons-at-820-p-m-tonight/ ). So if your hero Smitty is right that moving the QB off his spot is as important as sacks then who is right? Are you wrong yet again or is Smitty? Have fun with that troll.

• Link
• Report this comment

Birdman, lol! Great minds and all that!

• Link
• Report this comment

John Kincaide on 680 the fan was a real prick today; he was talking negative on the Falcons. He was saying SF is sooooo much better on all levels. He can kizz my arse.

• Link
• Report this comment

Zoomie, Slant Pattern, et al– Wes Durham/Dave Archer called that throw by Ryan, “one count late.” Could be they changed their minds after review.

• Link
• Report this comment

It was one count late, and I am note sure of the reason, my original inclination was that there were too many fakes / mis-directions, then ryan seemed to take one step too many for wherever reason, maybe play design, maybe somebody had their hand up, maybe Ryan saw something. I really don’t remember him being under any pressure. Plus, the guy did make a nice play to knock it down. I hardly walk away thinking our O line blew anything….And unless you have tape to review of everything that happened on the field on that play, you don’t know either.

• Link
• Report this comment

Look of discussion about the minute details of the Seattle game, interesting on every viewpoint. I have only one undisputed opinion/fact. We won the game. The next game is going to be like SSDD with nitros. It’s going to be a more exciting win for sure.

• Link
• Report this comment

There’s also this from Ryan: “Todd has been huge for my career. In all honesty, my first two years here, in terms of pass protection, Todd carried me. He set every protection, got us on the right page and kept me clean.”

Informed of Ryan’s comments, McClure said, “He was exaggerating,” but allowed, “I helped.”

Dayum, I love this Team.

Perhaps there are some on here that should/could put their own egos aside and just pull for our Falcons. If the shoe fits…

• Link
• Report this comment

Love the Quizz. In a locker room interview, someone asks:

“Is this San Francisco defense, as physical a defense as you’re gonna see, maybe the most physical defense you’ve seen all year?”

Quizz just smiles and says “that’s the same question we got last week. This is the NFL. Everybody’s physical.” LOL.

Dude has reason to smile, after he and Turner put on quite a “physical” show. And absolutely, the week before the Seattle game all I heard was about how physical Seattle was, from the media and the hilariously over-hyped and overconfident Hawk fans on the AJC boards. It’s gotta be one of the silliest ideas I’ve ever heard. They’re all paid to hit each other, and if they’re shy about that, they aren’t going to win games, let alone be in the playoffs. This week, same story, which makes me happy, because I know they’re going to go out there with that same chip on their shoulder and put the beat down on them like Quizz did on Earl Thomas.

• Link
• Report this comment

JB Falcon and Unca’ Bob, Amen to both of you.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m also sorry to say this but it appeared McClain has a pretty weak game – appeared to be off his coverage man and out of position much of the time. but, overall has been a good guy. with owens out, our CB depth is a little light.

• Link
• Report this comment

SP – don’t know why you are being hard on zoomie – I remember the play from the stands as being a bunch formation on the LEFT side of the playing field (facing MR2’s way). I don’t remember to much pressure. I remember Ryan looking left, pumping, looking again, then twisting and seeing RW open and throwing the ball – but, the CB made a VERY nice play. I suspect RW was open for some time prior.

• Link
• Report this comment

Unca’ Bob – I appreciate your wisdom.

Truth – Good point. Pre-draft the INT’s in college were what worried me about Matty Ice. I am so glad the Falcons drafted him. I agree with JB Falcon that he will be resigned before his contract runs out.

JB Falcon – Good point about the Aints artificially inflating the cost of doing business. I trust TD and others to make the best of that situation. No doubt you do, as well.

• Link
• Report this comment

bigslow – mine were quite a bit more than that, but some of those were available.

• Link
• Report this comment

I got priced out quite awhile back. Couldn’t justify the entertainment expense when I could watch it on the TV. C’est la vie.

• Link
• Report this comment

“SP – don’t know why you are being hard on zoomie” – Paddy O

Somebody Needs to Tell the Truth has it right, and it is a dead issue unless brought up again. Zoomie added in some stuff about that wasn’t true and didn’t need to be said to defend Roddy..I called him out, he bashed me back. Just another fun drama moment, not the end of the world. It sucks we didn’t score the TD but as said, ish happens…Seattle got pressure and made a great play on the ball. No need to crucify or throw any team members under the bus. Heck Smitty didn’t even mess up on that play .

• Link
• Report this comment

Matt Ryan

AKA: Brett Farve.

Lmao!

• Link
• Report this comment

*paycut

• Link
• Report this comment

Might wanna watch the replay before making asinine allegations. Ryan was under duress in the pocket from poor blocking and had to move to avoid a sack before he threw. You shouldn’t let the troll board mold your thoughts so much, looks bad.

I’m someone beat me to it, seeing as how I’ve already been accused (bysome parties) of not finding any fault in Ryan. Replay says it all, as Big Lou attested to.

I did find the exchange mildly amusing…especially the name-calling. Fail to see how that’s superior to “belligerence”, but what do I know….

• Link
• Report this comment

“I’m someone beat me to it, seeing as how I’ve already been accused (bysome parties) of not finding any fault in Ryan.” – BR

If your still awake you can insult me for questioning Prisco if you like. I would like to know if he is really that ignorant, was going for drama, or just was under the deadline gun and threw something to together tho. If we lose we can go to the Niners boards and pretend to be Alex Smith homers and call for Harbaugh’s head…they would love that.

• Link
• Report this comment

Y’all fellas blow off as much steam as you need to keep that blood pressure at a manageable level. Zoomie it’s hard on some of the old timers in here because we’ve lived through a lot of red and black disappointment, and they typical response to that is to belligerently defend the team, or belligerently set ourselves up to handle the loss. Sometimes in the same paragraph.

As I am in no position to pay for medical care, I am prepping to maintain my cool no matter what comes Sunday. I’m starting by laughing at all the naysayers, because they have been naying all year long, and yet the Falcons keep on keeping on. We weren’t supposed to beat any decent team we played this year, but we beat them all. The 49er’s are going to be shell shocked when they come into the dome this Sunday. The decibel level is going to be through the roof. The home team is even practicing to deal with how loud it’s going to be. That kaepernick guy is going to come back to earth in a major way. He may make some plays, because he’s got some talent, but to think he’s going to replicate last weeks romp against a team that acted like they didn’t know he was a running QB is almost laughable. No running QB has dominated the Falcons this year, and CK won’t be the first. San Fran is going down and so we should all get ready for two weeks of nay saying about how badly they played to let the Falcons make it to the Super Bowl.

And that Matty Ice guy? He is the real deal. Five years of winning under his belt. No longer can anyone say he hasn’t won in the playoffs, and anyone who thinks he can’t carry a team to victory simply hasn’t been paying attention. Wonder which poison the Niners are going to pick? Seems like Seattle decided not to let Julio beat them, so everyone else did. Doesn’t really matter because there is no way to defense all the options the Falcons have, especially now that we have an offensive coordinator who isn’t afraid to use them. Maybe the Niners get a little pass rush going? That supposedly suspect Falcons offensive line has been pretty stout when it mattered over the past few games. Anyone notice we didn’t use the running backs in the passing game at all last week? If the Niners front seven wants to play bum rush the QB, I bet we see a lot of Quizz juking safeties and corners on screens.

One thing we don’t want to see, but I think we will anyway, is the Falcons getting out to a decent lead and doing everything they can to hold on to it against a team that is throwing desperation punches. And as much as we might dislike it, that’s probably the best way to play it. When you have a two or more possession lead, you play to keep the clock running, keep everything in front of you, keep the other team out of the endzone. That’s smart coaching, and smart football, even though it’s giving us all acute stomach problems. Don’t be surprised if it happens again this week; just hope the Falcons do a better job of playing prevent. Just like I don’t expect a repeat of super kaepernick, I also don’t expect a repeat of a complete system shutdown by everyone wearing red and black in the 4th quarter again this week. Barring that, the Falcons will see their best shot at winning a Super Bowl happen this year in Nawlins.

• Link
• Report this comment

D3, People keep saying ball control, please stop with Mike Mularkey OFFENSE, blow them off the field and attack and don’t play conservative.

1.Throw bombs.

2.Do reverse

3. Run scream plays

4. Just play aggressive like last week and Falcons will win.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlWvQVxvyQs

FALCONS RISE UP.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Here is one of the best articles from PatY and ESPN.

“I was very lucky to get drafted into the situation I came into,’’ Jones said. “I could have gone somewhere where other guys would resent me because they want the ball. But Roddy and Tony took me under their wings right from the start.’’

http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/44385/why-julio-jones-is-perfect-fit-for-falcons

I think Harry Douglas fits too. I believe we will see these guys play “lights out” Sunday.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Please stop playing this bend don’t break defense, it almost cause us the game last week, very disappointed in coach Mike Smith and Mike Nolan last week for this 4th quarter break down.” — darrell starks

Same here, darrell, although I think it’s funny that so many around the country ignore that and just think Seattle “woke up” and showed they were actually the better team. Our defense played great in the first half. Make adjustments according to the game situation, sure, but don’t go into prevent with more than 15 minutes on the clock. On one of those “SoundFX” shows, you can hear Smith say to Nolan over his headset to not give up anything long and they will be fine. Bull! The strategy of containing Wilson’s runs by allowing the LBs to stay close (looked like they were all spies) and taking away a deep ball by playing the DBs deep was NOT working. Practically cost us the game. That and the offense losing steam due to the big lead. Falcons need to play ball for 60, instead of half playing ball and half playing percentages. If this one stays close throughout, I will feel better about our chances.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons lack of getting a push up front might actually help them get more sacks against the niners. Think about it… They used to bring Kaepernick to run their wildcat offense. Meaning he needed to run-handoff-pass. We will blitz Mike Nolan/Biermann style might be there and it might not. Do you really want to try Decoud and Moore on the back end? We have the speed to keep Gore in check. Key is that Kaepernick wont be turning his runs up-field because the line will be stout in front of him. He wont know if Biermann is a safety linebacker DT or DE. Our defense is going to be a nightmare for him just to get passes off because he will not be able to step into the pocket.

I think he’ll struggle against the Amoeba defense.
Falcons 16 9ers 10

• Link
• Report this comment

Throw back.. anyone else remember this from The Simpsons in 98? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCFwBcFcwxg

• Link
• Report this comment

Unca Bob ,

Well said, sir.

The attitudes of the Falcons players are definitely better than those on the blog here recently, mine included (I may be a lot of things but a hypocrite is one I try to avoid)…

• Link
• Report this comment

personally, I did not think our team play inspired against Seattle – we simply methodically executed our game plan and piece by piece dismantles the fictional “seattle powerhouse”. I am hoping – with our 1 game away from the SB energy which must flow throught the entire team – and, at this point we have a veteran group of guys who have been together for 5 years or so – that we play inspired ball on Sunday. If we play well, we should win. GO FALCONS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

House Money
I don’t want you all to misinterpret this, because I want to win and will be pretty crushed if we don’t take that next to last step. However, that first win was the monkey off our back and I will be pissed if we don’t beat these arrogant, cocky-@ss s–theels, but at the same time, it doesn’t even come close for me as last weeks game did. In other words, I feel as though we’re playing with house money. But before I finish, I have stated several times on here as well to many friends and family that if we’re going to hoist the Lombardi, this is going to be the year with the way everything’s setup and fallen in place, and moreso looking to the future with key vets either leaving or on rapid decline. All that being said, though, we’re playing with house money, because NO ONE IS EVEN GIVING US A SHOT IN THIS GAME. Most pundits and it appears many to most Niners fans just think it’s a “formality.” Our own sports talk are guarded at best (Chuck, Chernoff) or just like the rest (Kincaide). That’s about the best setup we could ask for. At home, completely discarded and disrespected and no one giving us a chance. In other words, no expectations for us. Imagine if we were like 15-1 or 14-2 and hosting a 9-7 team or something. We have nothing to lose and SF has everything to lose to go along with being arrogant and cocky as hell.

• Link
• Report this comment

I still say that the Earl Thomas INT should’ve been pass interference, Trufant stopped and put his arm out in front of Roddy soley to stop his progress to the ball, Trufant wasn’t trying to get to the ball, so I cannot see how it wasn’t a penalty you can’t hold or make that kind of intentional contact to stop a receiver from going for the ball. I doubt Roddy would’ve caught it, but I guarantee Earl Thomas wouldn’t have either.

• Link
• Report this comment

Why SHOULDN’T We Believe?

What makes any of us fans believe that we won’t see this team show up ready to play, fight like hell, and likely win? Our Falcons have had some serious clunkers to be sure, but they almost always were against inferior teams. Sure, that’s not very excusable, but the point in competitive sports is to win the game, not look really pretty in a loss. We looked poorly vs. the Cards, Raiders, and others where we barely scraped by. But we did win, and they were terrible teams. However, let’s look at this in two parts……..

Part 1 — The Losses

Saints #1 — Was one play away from winning that game on the road.

Panthers #2 — Our worst game by far. We just wrapped up the division, had the Giants the next week, and got our @sses handed to us. However, we had every chance to actually win that game in the 4th quarter after falling behind by 3 scores in the first half.

Bucs #2 — We got beat. We had nothing to play for and really, this was just a Smitty error. Losing wasn’t the problem after we locked up home-field advantage and it really only looks halfway bad due to Smitty playing his starters at all, especially with Abe’s injury. Yet again, had a chance to win the game with the awful concept and game we played at the very end of the game.

Part 2 — The Big Wins
All we’ve heard this week and last week is how we benefited from the easiest schedule in the NFL history and played no one and therefore we’re terrible. A look at the big wins of the season…….

Chargers — OK, so of course in hindsight, this looks like a terrible game. But at the time (3rd game of season), it was a good win. Not only that, but we came out and dominated from the first to last snap.

Broncos — All we heard was Peyton and him being back. 3 INTs later and on MNF, we show up ready to go, full of energy, and win.

Giants — 34-0, only time in NFL history a defending Super Bowl Champ was shutout.

Saints #2 — The Saints were back! They were on their way to the playoffs after a terrible start. On TNF, not our best game on O, but we showed up, got that monkey off our back, punched them in the mouth, essentially won the division, and oh yeah, we broke that effin’ TD streak for Breesus.

Eagles — OK, this is probably a reach. But, at the time, it was a HUGE game. Eagles were already underachieving a little, but they also had beaten the Ravens and it was a must win game for them. Throw in the fact that we completely dominated that game, and yeah, we showed up.

Cowboys — OK, a reach also, but at the time, it was on SNF, and we faced yet another “must-win” form our opponent. Not our best game, but we showed up and found a way to win, even with Romo not throwing any picks.

In other words, our boys show up to play in EVERY BIG GAME. Can the same be said of the Niners? (Beat Packers and Patriots, but also lost to Giants 26-3 and to Seahawks 42-13)

• Link
• Report this comment

As I have said numerous times, we started with nothing, and one my one, we have steadily climbed level by level. A team takes on the personality of our coach, and like Smitty, we just keep climbing steady.

First we broke the consecutive winning season curse. However, the criticism was that we feast on inferior teams, and lost to better teams….So, this year, we did the opposite, we had some letdowns in relatively meaningless games, yet we won all the big games. Then it was we could not win in the playoffs, then, we did.

It just seems ever level we climb, the naysayers say “we can’t” get to the next level, but slowly, steadily, we keep reaching, the next level, and we keep reaching a little higher, and getting there. That is what I call Smittyball.

• Link
• Report this comment

Oline has to have another great game. I hope when it’s over, we’re saying, Matt Ryan had a great game, he was on fire. The game plan was brilliant, and he used all his weapons. The defense did just enough and we just outpaced them, 34-31. (know this, though: the 49er defensive gameplan is going to be to get after Ryan, big time. We’re gonna need that run game.).

• Link
• Report this comment

Good stuff today, Cage. I am surprised that I am calmly confident about the NFC championship game. However, the reality is that the Falcons will never get the respect they deserve until they win the Super Bowl. If we win this week, we’ll get a few nuggets of praise, but the main storyline will be how the 49er’s allowed a lesser team to escape with a win.

One other note: if memory serves correctly Marino did take the Dolphins to the Super Bowl as a true rookie in the 80’s. I have not verified this, but such is my recollection.

• Link
• Report this comment

Screen Game
Seems like this game would be a perfect time to break out one of Koetter’s favorite schemes in the screen game. Koetter has done wonders for the offense with the screen, something like #2 in the NFL if I can remember correctly. Especially in the past when our running game isn’t working and they’re starting to get good heat on our QB. However, the screen game didn’t work worth a durn against the Seahawks because they weren’t getting good pressure on Ryan. As we all painfully know well, he tried to force the screen game in the 4th quarter and it had not only no effect, but actually a negative effect with us losing yards.

The Niners are different. They blitz a lot and bring heat well. Of course we want the run game to work as well as it did vs. the Seahawks but, just like CK will likely not have a record performance two weeks in a row, likely neither will our run game. Hope it does, just not counting on it to be dominant. That’s where the screen game could really make some hay with Roddy, Julio, HD, Quizz, and Snelling.

• Link
• Report this comment

JB — I agree. The Ravens are getting smashed just as we are. No one thinks either of us have a chance. Ours is worse because we’re at home and we are the #1 seed, they are the #3 seed, I believe and they’re on the road. I agree on Super Bowl. That’s what I’m pulling for, sick of the Patriots going and losing. They had their due. The Niners had enough success in the 80’s and 90’s to last a lifetime. Time to get some new blood in there.

• Link
• Report this comment

Everything that has happened in the positive for the Falcons is due to one man, and one man alone. Mike Smith. Mike Smith is the best coach in the NFL. His way is the right way. If you see something good happening in a game, think of Mike Smith because that is why that good thing happened.

If Matthew Ryan throws a good pass, believe that it was Smith who taught him to throw that pass and even designed the play. If Michael Turner has a good game, understand that this was Smith’s plan from the start. This team is all about Mike Smith. The new stadium should be named the SmittyDome or Smithfield.

If you have trouble understanding this, it is because you are a heretic, an unbeliever, a pagan, and basically an imbecile. Now please pardon me while I go and find some duct tape. I keep falling off of my fake cross and prefer not to use nails because they actually hurt.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ryan in blitz situations is statistically very good. He seems to have lost his “happy feet” that plagued him earlier in his career.
It will also mean more screen passes, and more slant rants…
Roddy is going to have a big game this sunday…

• Link
• Report this comment

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2012/story/_/id/8854007/nfl-playoffs-time-give-matt-ryan-due

Nice Article on Matty Ice.

• Link
• Report this comment

Is it just me or did this week drag on forever; even worse than last week? Tomorrow is honey-do day…gonna knock it out so me and the bride can relax on Sunday, grill it up and watch Falcons kick some 49er tail! Go Falcons!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

No, 45-1. forgot about last week.

• Link
• Report this comment

“I mean, we would not want stats to get in the way of our perception…..” – MB

I’m in a good mood so I’ll play your game a bit. Soooo, vague useless macro stats is all you can defend Smitty with? Ok, here are my stats in reply;

0-2 0.00 win percentage of M. Smith w/o M. Ryan starting

2-3 .400 win % of M. Smith w/o M. Turner starting

Hrmm, Smitty can’t win at all without Ryan and is below .500 without Turner. Clearly Smitty’s coaching alone is not winning us games. I love stats.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ooopps…wrong name on the last two posts.

• Link
• Report this comment

Screen, I would image you know stats. you have to have sample size….geeez, and Ryan is our starting QB, most coaches don’t fair very well without their starting QB, unless they have a good backup, which Chris Redmon was not.

But really, if the goals is to win games, how much better than 44-1 do you think Smitty would be if he had a different philosophy?

• Link
• Report this comment

8 and 1 in the dome this season, a rookie QB coming to the dome to face all that noise and we are given no chance. My only worry is what kinda of game plan Mr. Smith will bring in for this huge game. Being stubborn and conservative could lead to a loss. Hopefully the team and HC will be ready.

• Link
• Report this comment

“his failures make others shine”.

SP, did you see the correction that was made in the blocking scheme on that last play when Seattle brought the same blitz and hit Ryan on the 1st interception play? I guess that was Koetter shining, Quizz, and Clabo Shining….Actually, the best managers make the guys under them shine….my opinion.

Look, I know if we lose Sunday, you will blame Smitty, if we win, it will be in spite of Smitty, regardless of what happens on the field, no matter what play is called, or how it goes down, no matter what happens… I get that, but don’t confuse your dislike for Smitty style with that of true thoughtful analysis.

You cannot objectively analyze something that has not happened, and I know, if we lose, you think you already know why…..that is not analysis. That is all, I guess, after 16 games, that is my point, are we here to bitch about Smitty, or give true quality analysis of that happens in a game.

• Link
• Report this comment

To beat the 49ers we need courage.

Defensively, we need courage that 49er WRs are not as good as ours, and we can cover them even if we add a delayed blitzer to the “contain” rush we used against Seattle.

Offensively, we need courage that our WRs and TEs (Chase Coffman?) have the physicality and height to create a big passing day, and stay away from the false euphoria of our rushing game against Seattle. Use play action, and use pass to set up the run. SF saw our run game, they may fear it on Sunday, and they will prep for it, and assume it is coming. But have faith in our receiving corps.

For me, the entire game hinges on the superiority of our receivers versus theirs. Especially looking at their short CBs.

• Link
• Report this comment

Matty Bicep:

Agree 100%, the volume of “on the fly” changes that go on during a game must be tremendous. Has anyone ever recorded the audio from OC and DC to HC and QB? It must be completely nuts.

I had a business partner once who said that having a plan was about 90% of the fight. You have to have a clear, distinct plan from the beginning, then you can adjust. Having the wrong plan is better than no plan at all. At least you have something to work from. Our plan with Seattle was to let Wilson throw, and to run the ball early, to set up the pass. To some extent, the plan began to backfire, but at least it was a plan. I think our flaw was in not adjusting quickly enough.

I could see our plan very early last week. I think our plan on Sunday will be obvious after about 7 or 8 minutes.

• Link
• Report this comment

On offense, we need to do a 180. Open with pass, to open the run.

• Link
• Report this comment

Our “plan” changed to prevent in the second half and it almost caused us to lose the game, and we would have if not for Ryan’s ability to pull out wins. Period. Comma. Exclamation point.

• Link
• Report this comment

Did anyone else notice that when Marshawn Lynch fumbled, a Falcon had him by the crotch? Couldn’t tell if it was Moore or the LB involved…. hilarious really, diverting his attention that way. Glad to see the D playing with “gusto.”

• Link
• Report this comment

Smitty is not perfect, I think the team did tighten up, more so the defense, as D3 said, the pick was the catalyst. But in the playoffs, everyone is prone to feeling the pressure, I saw a lot of coaches, some with rings, do some bone headed things in the past few weeks.

But for all you guys who say Smitty’s “playbook” should have been tossed, the play to HD with 25 seconds left was the EXACT play that we ran against Chicago when we beat them with 11 seconds left. Sure Ryan pulled us out, but he did not do it alone.

• Link
• Report this comment

21,so true!

• Link
• Report this comment

The defensive scheme we ran against Seattle broke down in the second half, but it sure as heck worked against a running offense with a running QB for quite a long time. I’m hoping we tweak it, not abandon it.

On offense, I’m licking my chops with their short CBs.

By game time, I’ll be able to cut a steel cable with my sphincter.

• Link
• Report this comment

Old Man, old men think a like.

• Link
• Report this comment

Isn’t great to be a Falcon fan. Rise up

• Link
• Report this comment

Even though we (Falcons Fans) didn’t have a heart attack Sunday (whew) We know they can do it this Year! We are superbowl bound! THIS is the YEAR of the Falcon! We are going to win the superbowl in the NEW ORLEANS Superdome!

• Link
• Report this comment

“VP: So what do you think we should do about the store manager?

AB: Wow! A raise? Promotion? What do you suggest, VP?

VP: I think we should fire him.” – GM

Funny but you left off the ending;

AB; Oh, and why is that? Sounds like he has things under control and running smoothly.

VP: Well, on the surface it looks that way but after closer research and going over the books I found some very serious problems. First, that store has very talented and helpful employess who used personal intiative and their own “magic” sales personalities to improve conditions..these were above and beyond their normal duties. The special employees in question offered “ice” cold drinks to the shoppers and then instituted a special program that rewarded repeat and “come back” business. The manager did not instigate these special programs, the best we heard was he didn’t interfere.
Lastly and most inportantly the books show record losses from retail “shrinkage” that overcame any good from the record sales. It seems the manager is old and remembers times when people used the honor system. The manager refuses to lock the doors at night resulting in almost anyone “coming back” in the store late at night. We have investigated and not found that the manager is working in conjunction with the thieves…he is just a good natured idiot that has not caught up to modern times.

AB; Nice work. My associates have already confirmed your story saving us the trouble of permanently terminating you along with Mr. Nice Guy. Tell Mr. Nice Guy his services are no longer needed, the “clean up crew” will assist in recovering the lost assets.

Patty!!… get me a scotch and the number to that manager on the West Coast, I like his style,very aggressive.

• Link
• Report this comment

AB: But how did this store do before this new guy game here?

VP: It was the laughing stock of the company.

AB: So, where did all these great employees come from?

VP: The store manager hired them.

AB: ALL of them?

VP: Well, not all of them, some were left over.

AB: From the laughing stock store?

VP: Yea,

AB: So, guys who were part of the laughing stock store were able to be turned into productive, efficient, valued employees by this leader?

VP: Gulp, yea?

AB: And you called him an idiot?

VP: Well, not really and idiot….

AB: YOUR FIRED.

• Link
• Report this comment

30 seconds left, we run the same play we ran that beat Chicago with 11 seconds left, well before Koetter ever got here.

On the next play, we made adjustments, and stopped a safety/CB blitz that let to a pick, and an unblocked hit on Ryan, AND took advantage of the LB matchup on TG that was caused by this blitz.

How can you say that Smitty is not the chess master? Like I said, let Smitty relax and start winning playoff games like he wins regular season games…..This could go down as one of the best systems in history…..in spite of Smitty.

• Link
• Report this comment

Unreal, later Cage.

• Link
• Report this comment

Our defense actually played lights out – Nolan has a fantastic scheme going on – with alittle help from Carroll and the rookie who blew at least 3 points at the end of the first half. the 3rd quarter they adjusted, we kept our scheme – they scored, we scored. However, about half way through the 3rd quarter – we started trying to run it – get that TOP and burn the clock. I was standing in the dome at that point and sat down – bemoaning our offenses transfer to premature Smitty Ball. It would NOT work for that long. Shortly there after, my friend with me said “if we have a turn over, we could be in trouble”. Very quickly after that, there goes MR2 with an interception – that forced our D back onto the field too quickly – and, they marched right down. Plus, Bosher has 2 lousy punts. Easy field position. Our D was tiring – but, kept the run stopping mentality in place. Then, as stated, we did have a quick 3 and out on passing. I believe bad punt – and you have what you have. But, there was a ton of missed penalties against Seattle on our D line. Finally, MR2 came in from the 27 yard line – 2 quick nice receptions, Matt Bryant trots out and bangs it home. BUT, Bosher still needs a mulligan on that last kick off. That COULD have been the VERY worst call in NFL history. But, as we stated on the way home: We first snatched defeat from the jaws of victory; before we then snatched victory from the jaws of defeat; we almost did one final wrong snatch. A bad snatch will ruin you for a lifetime. BUT, we won!!!!! Overcame a gigantic MR2 error – very tough to do generally – and overcame team paralysis pretty much the entire 4th quarter. OUR players MUST win this game. If Ryan is not hammered to the ground – we should win! GO FALCONS!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I have to give a standing ovation to everyone who participated in the store manager pipe dream. Effin’ brilliant by all parties involved. If I didn’t know better, I would swear you guys were sitting around smoking a bong together to have come up with that much classic repartee on the fly like that. Kudos gentlemen…kudos.

That’s why I come to the Cage to read myself to sleep every night.

Rise Up.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think Mike Smith makes a lot of fans pull their hair out – but, it appears the players respect him and enjoy playing for him. Smith has them beleiving they are one big happy family working the family farm, and if we all pull together, we’ll make a million on those soy beans. Could very well happen. We have a TON OF TALENT. And, Mike Smith is loyal to a fault – one characteristic of his that I prefer over “toss ‘em over the side” Belicheck.

• Link
• Report this comment

dhunt – the store manager thing – almost all versions – was pretty funny – not as funny as the shotgun marriage one, but mighty funny. it also demonstrated individuals mindsets. very interesting. I really hope we win. dang, I’d be so effffing happy.

• Link
• Report this comment

Some of the best reading this morning ever. You have to love Home Depot.

Some good stuff from AJC article:
http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/football/big-trade-jones-has-falcons-brink-super-bowl/nT2WM/
“Julio is all business,” Fox NFL analyst Howie Long said. “Julio might as well be in a suit with a briefcase because he is all business. Roddy is a great compliment to him because he’s so tough, so physical and so animated.”

All of a sudden, I have more confidence that we will win on Sunday.

• Link
• Report this comment

Sp, do I need to give you Stats lessons on sample sizes? But to cut to the chase.

Speaking of sample sizes…one must be careful. A sample size of 16 regular season games revealed that the Falcons were one of the worst teams at running the ball, and the Seahawks were one of the best at stopping the run.

Surely that would have indicated that Atlanta would NOT have had a snowball’s chance in hell at running on Seattle last week. Yet, that is not what happened. Instead, Atlanta put up more running yards in one game than they had all season long.

So much for sample size….

• Link
• Report this comment

Falcons certainly have a chance. Seahawks blew out 49′ers in their 2nd meeting and lost to them by seven in the first game. Key is for Falcons to score first.

• Link
• Report this comment

Paddy, as I have no dog in that fight, I’m feeling like the objective outside observer. MB is everything you said, but he’s also just the other side of the Fire Smitty coin. Things can get a bit caustic coming from that side of the room too. There are valid points to be made on both sides of the Smitty argument

Finally, the game is tomorrow. Seems like some folks have been driving themselves into a frenzy, agonizing over the “what ifs” in this game. I’m stuck on the what if the Falcons play a complete game this week. What if the protection holds up and our receivers do what we know they can do? What if the Running backs have even a halfway decent day running the ball, and chip in with a few timely catches as well. What if the defense comes out with another effort like they brought to the Giants, Saints, or Broncos game? I heard Mortenson say he didn’t know if the niners could be beat if they played their best game, and it occurred to me that I have not once heard any national media person say that about the Falcons ALL YEAR LONG, much less in the lead up to either playoff game. You would think the Falcons haven’t played a good game all year, the way no one seems to think they are even capable of one. We KNOW the Falcons are more than capable of playing a complete game on offense and defense. So if all the prognostication is based on what Kaepernick did last week, then the Falcons history is far more compelling than the Niners history.

After tomorrow, the media will have to spend two weeks trying to pretend the Falcons still can’t beat the so-called great teams. I’m going to enjoy hearing all that backpedalling and backtracking.

• Link
• Report this comment

Flo-Ri-Duh ,

I’m all for roughing up Crabtree, but the guy I really think we should hit A LOT is Colin Kaepernick. That young fella needs to be humbled, and quickly.

I’m looking for Sean Weatherspoon to be the man on this.

We’ve had trouble finishing strong, not leading at the half.

I don’t think we’ll forget about Gore, but we may want to do two things as far as pressure and attacking the running game. First, use Babineaux at DE (at least some of the time) and incorporate Dent into the game as much as we did against Seattle. He was effective…

• Link
• Report this comment

Prediction: Kaepernik gets less than 50 yards rushing and has TWO passes intercepted. One by DeCoud and one by Samuel. Gore has close to but less than 100 yards rushing. Falcons score first and lead at the half by three. Ryan throws THREE TD passes – two to Roddy White and one to Jones. FALCONS win by SEVEN.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dhunt ,

Well said. Whether I agree with it or not, though….the trend around the League doesn’t run towards quick firings of head coaches that enjoy success in regular season. It’s the guys who get to the postseason repeatedly, but do nothing when they get there.

On the one hand, that cannot be said of Smitty anymore. On the other hand, 1-3 with one miss at making the playoffs is not a lot to hang your hat on when you consider a guy like Lovie Smith was fired with a 3-3 playoff record (and yes, his regular season record is less than Smith’s, but once must also consider what kind of QB he’s been working with, particularly prior to Cutler, along with major injuries in what seems like every year).

Smitty has another day, tomorrow, to either add to his record or detract from it. We shall see.

That one playoff win is probably enough to extend him some goodwill from the one man whose opinion matters. Then again, how tomorrow’s game plays out might or might not determine that yet.

Stay competitive, win or lose, and Smitty goes back to work the next day and next season beyond that.

Get blown out, and all bets may indeed be off.

Win it all, and he’s untouchable…you don’t win SBs in spite of the head coach, I do know that…

• Link
• Report this comment

“you don’t win SBs in spite of the head coach, I do know that…” – Big Ray

That is going to be a very interesting conversation, and after we win the Super Bowl, I will be looking very closely to see how the Fire Smitty crowd reacts. Because even when the Falcons win the Super Bowl, many of the criticisms of the Falcons head coach will still be valid.

• Link
• Report this comment

Big Ray you are on it today!!!!!

I have to wear the same clothes to my young (22) nephew’s house tomorrow as I did last Sunday. He has requested it of all attendees. He is the one in my family who takes the Falcons’ fight into the future. I have had the Super Bowl quest for too long since the beginning. I noticed there are several honorary captains tomorrow from previous teams. Steve Bartowski, Warrick Dunn, Tommy Nobis, Jeff Van Note and Jessie Tuggle will represent the Falcons as honorary captains on Sunday

• Link
• Report this comment

Mike Smith and his coaches are the BEST the Falcons have ever had – PERIOD. Been watching and waiting for the Falcons to win a Super Bowl since 1966 – their 1st year of existence. To bad they whiffed on Edwards deal but they have successful most of the time with their draft and their acquisitions. Falcon fans need to get JET DECIBEL LOUD when 49′ers have the ball. Kaepernicks never played a playoff game on the ROAD.

• Link
• Report this comment

PaddyO@ 1:40 AM. My reference to the West Coast coach was playing off SPs reference a few post above it…no reason to call me names, apology accepted….and it is not me who takes it too serious.

• Link
• Report this comment

Reminder for all of us:

When you’re arguing with an idiot, make sure the person you are speaking to isn’t doing the same thing.

• Link
• Report this comment

Big Ray & DHunt:

Good points. Regarding “loyalty,” I think the word “patience” is a better fit sometimes. Some players written off by fans last year have performed well this season. There may be a number of reasons — injuries, new coordinators, new schemes, etc. — but Smith stuck with them. Maybe he thinks their potential is worth it, even if his fingers are crossed. In Edwards’ case, I think Smith saw a lost cause and present danger, and acted quickly.

I give Smitty the credit he’s due. I think he’s the best Falcons HC ever. But, honestly, I’m not going to say he’s the best HC we COULD have. We all want a team that’s as consistent (and consistently feared) as the Patriots. I don’t know if Smitty is the man who can build and lead the Falcons to become such a team. Right now, though, I can’t think of a replacement guaranteed to be better.

• Link
• Report this comment

In the words of the famous wrasttler Ric Flair ” to be the best you got to beat the best”. The season’s end is working out ideally for the Falcons and the Rise Up Nation. You couldn’t write a better dramatic ending for the Falcons. Underdogs in the conference finals and undoubtly the Superbowl also, the team no one thought had a chance wins the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans. Beating the best to be the best so bring on the 49′ers and Brady and lets get ready to rumble. Rise Up

• Link
• Report this comment

But the interesting thing about M McCarthy, he is 6-4 in the playoffs, 4-0 one year, and 2-4 the other 6 years in the league…..And it was not like he inherited a laughing stock of a franchise, he inherited Brett Farve.

• Link
• Report this comment

And not sure what’s up with the Smitty debate…

I know it’s been a lively debate all season long.

But, I guess I’ll just reserve judgement until after the season’s over.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yea, I thought there was noting worse than a blowout loss like the debacle in the dome, until we blow a 20 point lead….I am just glad we did not have to call last week the Asphyxiation in Atlanta.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bill Walsh, whom I consider the best coach in NFL history, went to the playoffs 7 times, he won 3 titles, and was sent home a loser 4 times, including 3 one and done’s.

• Link
• Report this comment

Arthur Blank, Fidel Castro, and the Dali Lama walk into a bar, and the bartender says, “What is this, so kind of a joke?”

• Link
• Report this comment

“There are valid points to be made on both sides of the Smitty argument ” – DHunt

Good point you got there too, in fact you have come on strong and been posting quite well lately. The whole;

“Fire Smitty Now”

thing is an old reference that most of the new Cagers should have no idea about unless they have been doing archive work. It was my way of giving a shout out to someone here who like myself caught a ton of flack for their views in the past. It seems nothing has changed as the same things are happening now, the funny irony being the only major thing I have been wrong about in my time here was DEFENDING SMITTY. The people having a cow now would have lost their damn minds to the thing that happened in the past lol.
All that being said, Smitty still deserves to be fired for his week 17 foul up and other things. This will relieve the whole debate and the pressure on him for being fired. It can be made public or a private joke in Blanks office but something has to be done as Smitty has lost his mind at times this year, seemingly pressure related to having to have success. Firing Smitty doesn’t mean he can’t be hired right back to a fresh start as a non first time coach anymore. I don’t think he will be fired anytime soon even tho I do believe the HC position could be upgraded, Smitty is by no means perfect nor irreplaceable.
In the end it is moot as it is almost game day, I won’t feed the troll anymore until after we kick San Frans arse. If we lose by Smitty “turtle balling” then all bets are off and a verbal nuclear holocaust will ensue for sure.

• Link
• Report this comment

Like I said, to some people, what happens on the field is inconsequential, it does not matter, you won’t do true analysis, you have made up your mind what the problem anything even happened…..That is fine. Good Day.

• Link
• Report this comment

This whole deal with Manti Teo is beyond retarded. Enough already.

• Link
• Report this comment

And if I hear anymore about Armstrong, I will rip his testiculars off!

• Link
• Report this comment

Because even when the Falcons win the Super Bowl, many of the criticisms of the Falcons head coach will still be valid.

Yes, they would. Just as criticisms concerning Belichick or Coughlin would.

I agree, all the same. I just don’t see how a team can win a SuperBowl in spite of a head coach, unless the head coach leaves everything up to the Coordinators and the QB. Even then, is that not “management?” Anyway, I think the philosophy and semantics become nothing worth delving into.

Smitty’s flaws are more likely to be something that prevents a SB win, as opposed to lending towards one. But we shall see. Everybody has a chance to prove that they can overcome their flaws…or even that some flaws aren’t actually flaws in every situation (even if they are flaws in most situations).

For instance, a flaw of Smitty is relentlessly running Turner up the middle or even on sweeps. Didn’t work all season. Worked last sunday. On that day, it wasn’t a flaw.

Or is the flaw really “running Turner relentlessly…even when it doesn’t work”?

Ah, and now we’ve gotten to the heart of at least one matter.

It’s not always what you do, specifically. It’s when you do it.

• Link
• Report this comment

My question on Crabtree is if the assault happened on Sunday, and he was interviewed early in the week, why did the SF police wait until the 9ers got out of town before they broke the story to the media? Could the SF police dept have been sitting on this in order to minimize the impact to the team? Something stinks.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am not a pollyanna, I am objective.

I fail to see how having a very much one-sided opinion is objective….

I continually find it amusing that you claim to deal in facts, have no emotions, etc. Your passion is for one man.

The head coach is judged by everything, who he surrounds himself, with how his players execute his plan, how they respond to adversity, and about a million other things, including game plan and scheme.

Agreed. Which is why it is strange that you argued so vigorously against the effect that our two new Coordinators had. Oh yes, I do recall quite clearly that you said they didn’t have near the effect that people here on the Cage thought. Since then, you’ve been smart enough at least to not make this about “The Cage” as you made the monumental mistake of doing in the beginning. It got you labeled as a troll, and the shoe pinched your toes…

Back on topic – Smitty changed both Coordinators…sure they found other jobs, but is this a coincidence? Is it also a coincidence that the Falcons have improved various facets of their game and now have a playoff victory to add to their collective resume? Surely it is no coincidence, or you are forced to say that Smitty’s decision to surround himself with the two new Coordinators he has is irrelevant…a point I think you’d hardly like to make, eh?

Lovie Smith? his downfall was he could never find an OC, or an O line coach…..As a manager, hiring good people is #1, if you cannot master that, yours screwed. A 3-3 playoff record is not worth dirt if you can’t get to the playoffs anymore.

Ah, but some would argue that the Bears have had an awful O-Line for a couple of years now. I also notice that my point about their pre-Jay Cutler QB situation was ignored or otherwise bypassed.

Hiring good people is indeed VERY important. Which is precisely why Smitty went in decidedly different directions when hiring two new Coordinators. He could have hired guys exactly like Van Gorder and Mularkey, but he did not. Why? He recognized flaws. He didn’t want to make the same mistake. Those are my guesses, of course. But since they are comments on the positive for Smitty, I’m betting you’ll see them as objective, no?

Finally, I get the oddest of feelings that if Mike Smith was 3-3 in postseason play, you would be lauding him more fervently than now (if that is indeed possible) and saying how he bucked the trend because…” when you consistently go to the playoffs, you lose most of the time.” …right? Or did I misquote you from your 11:36 a.m. post?

I mean, by that statement, Lovie Smith has done better than most (sample size notwithstanding, of course), no? He’s at least broken even. And that is with the “objective facts” that he is no good at hiring position coaches. So how is it that Mike Smith, being a far superior HC, has a worse playoff record (again, sample size notwithstanding)?

Try not to make yourself dizzy while spinning that one. Oh, and to be sure we got this straight, playoff wins aren’t worth dirt if you can’t get to the playoffs anymore, correct? What is the statute of limitations on that? Is it that after 2 years of futility, regardless of circumstances, that you are deemed “not worth dirt”? Careful…do your homework before going that route…

And for the record – I have no love for Lovie Smith. Don’t want him here. We have two as good or better defensive minds here already. And we have no need for further offensive issues.

Finally, comparing playoff records is silly, for winning wild card games will pump up the Ws over a better all around coach who gets his teams a bye. Really, it is not how many wins you get in the playoffs, but how far you get.

Heh, heh, heh….this is true. And yet, you must win one game, and then the next, and then the next to go anywhere. Until last Sunday, Smitty never could win that first game, meaning he couldn’t advance. What if we lose tomorrow? Will you still be talking about “how far you go” is what matters? It’s a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it will allow you an alibi for Smitty in regard to his playoff record…on the other hand, it condemns him most viciously…..

But the interesting thing about M McCarthy, he is 6-4 in the playoffs, 4-0 one year, and 2-4 the other 6 years in the league…..And it was not like he inherited a laughing stock of a franchise, he inherited Brett Farve.

Indeed. And yet, as I said before…if this was Mike Smith you’d be talking it up something fierce, instead of saying “it’s interesting.” You cannot deny it. If Smitty was 6-4 in the playoffs, you’d add that to your much beloved regular season stat, would you not? No? I daresay you would.

So McCarthy inherited Favre. And Lovie Smith inherited what? Rex Grossman?

By the way, the year that McCarthy went 4-0 in the playoffs….Favre had nothing to do with it. The QB was Aaron Rodgers. The regular season record was 10-6.

That is all for now.

• Link
• Report this comment

NFL Network is featuring the story this evening, too. Here’s hoping the added tension will be just enough to distract the “9ers.
Arno
Some SF fans are obviously deluded but we DO need every little advantage we can get–especially if it harms their concentration. Same thing with our crowd getting vocal at the right times…it DOES matter….

• Link
• Report this comment

Unca Bob ,

Thank you and agreed on Armstrong…although I’m torn about which one I’m more irritated with right now…the cyclist or the curious case of the allegedly naive Notre Dame defensive star.

Both disgust me.

• Link
• Report this comment

BR, damn…lol, smackdown!

My biggest concern tomm. is one Dunta Robinson. Ive watched every second of every game (as all cagers have) and you know SF has too. Wether its going for the hit and not the tackle, my concern is his coverage abilities. He is the WEAKEST link on our D in my opinion.

SP, keep it coming my friend. Although were all fanatical about our falcons, only a few are smiths’ nut huggers!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Big Ray,

Rec’

• Link
• Report this comment

Ninerssuckbirds, so we are not a good team, we as you shall see tomorrow. Tick Tock!

• Link
• Report this comment

21,
Whoop! Der it is!

• Link
• Report this comment

When somebody says something stupid, somebody said something stupid. When a million people say something stupid it’s called common knowledge. The truth is that millions of people are stupid. the Falcons have been a very good regular season team for several years now. Last week they showed signs that they’ve figured out the playoff thing. Anybody that thinks Colin is a better Quarterback than Cam is delusional. Cam can actually throw a little, and actually has a national championship on his resume. If the Packers had played Cam and Josh Four Times this Year, they wouldn’t have been so shocked and amazed by the magical running quarterback.

By this time tomorrow, America is going to meet the real Atlanta Falcons. Bet on The 49ers if you wish, but be advised that wall street is the place to go when you want to throw away serious money.

• Link
• Report this comment

The fastest people on earth can run close to thirty miles an hour. They can’t do it much longer than a hundred meters, but they can do it. Matt can throw a football more than twice that fast, and he can do it all day long. My point is that Colin Kaepernick is a pretty fast lady, but does she throw so good. Can she Really out throw Matty Ice? How Many come from behind victories has she managed to produce in her half a season career?

• Link
• Report this comment

Biggest game of the year so far tomorrow and no SW. SW, where are you? Atleast give us a sign that you are alright!

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ,

Well, it was a stream of consciousness. My only quibble is the unequivocal one-sidedness of an opinion that is peddled as objectivity. Perhaps “peddle” is too strong or a word. Perhaps it is too weak.

• Link
• Report this comment

BR, “peddle” is much too weak. Have you ever had a knat continiously fly between you and the computer screen. Aggrivating as hell but you can’t seem to squash it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anyway, battling over such things grows stale.

Colin Kaepernick…he’s the flavor of the moment. Russell Wilson is a better overall QB.

Kaepernick is probably less accurate than Cam Newton, but he is about to fall prey to something that Newton himself must overcome before he is to enjoy true success (winning): Ego.

Everybody is telling Kaepernick that he is great. He has not proven greatness. Vick exploded on the scene with more fireworks because he played night in and night out, whereas Kaepernick is really part of another man’s mystique – Jim Harbaugh.

Harbaugh is the brains behind this engine, the driving force behind this so-called storm. Kaepernick is another thing to make Harbaugh look good..because Harbaugh is what proven guys like Belichick aren’t – daring, bold, flashy, against the majority grain.

Truth is, Cam Newton already has his brand (though it needs work). Kaepernick has no brand just yet. Right now, the team is hot, the excitement is high. What of tomorrow? Kaepernick doesn’t know this yet…but he could conceivably win tomorrow, then go on to the SB and win that as well. If this happens, will he have a brand and a legacy? Nope. Why?

Because…you win once and guess what you are judged by? By how you follow it up. If you’re really that good, you have to get back to where you were. Or, you at least have to show you can keep doing what you were doing when you got to the Big One.

Cases in point:

1) Drew Brees. Won a SB in 2009. Hasn’t gone back since, but has had record-setting seasons. Got knocked out in 2010 in the first round by an upstart Seattle team, got beat in 2011 by the 9ers. Still, his team didn’t fail because of him. His production was steady, consistent.

2) Eli Manning. His first SB was a shocker. Most didn’t see it coming. He would be thought of as a one-hit wonder if not for getting back there last season and winning it all again. Remember, Eli had a 25 interception season in between Super Bowls…but winning the 2nd one cemented his “Elite” status.

3) Trent Dilfer. Never was an elite QB. His brand was always one of being a game manager. Won a SB with a performance that included 12 completions, 153 yards, and a single TD. After that year, he never came anywhere close again.

4) Brad Johnson. Another guy who won a SB. Went downhill after that. Never sniffed another good job, in fact…or a particularly good season.

So in reality, Kaepernick is a flash in the pan right now. While his running style is electric, he’s more of a media darling than Joe Flacco (because Flacco has ZERO style, really). But between the two, Flacco has more unearned playoff wins.

We have no idea if Kaepernick is a hard worker, likes to study tape, hones his craft, whatever.

What I do know is that if he’s not careful, he’ll wake up one day and find that he’s no longer the flavor of the moment. Especially if the read option begins to dry up and he has to do his work in the pocket.

Defenses always catch up…just ask Vick.

• Link
• Report this comment

JB,

• Link
• Report this comment

F21, Ive emailed SW (Mr. Roddy Nixon) several times in the last 2 weeks to no avail. Just a tad nervous about our friend, the great mel cocca jr!
Same goes out to WR, but hes popped in occasionaly and just got married so he may not be allowed to post, lol.

• Link
• Report this comment

I believe this will be a historic day!

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks JJ, keep trying my friend.

• Link
• Report this comment

matty – hate to break it to you you, but you are not objective. you are STRONGLY in the pollyanna sector of the cage. I understand management and the risks of change – with the success smith has, he has been given a long rope. However, our penchant for playing to the competittion, failing to put teams away, and a general lack of a killer instinct is well established. However, i think Baker has fulfilled the faith Smitty had in him (although ONLY Smitty knew how injured he was until after the fact). If we had fulfilled the first half promise of slaughtering the Seahawks – say the score was 35-14, nobody would still have that gnawing doubt in the back of their head – will the Dr. Jekyll or Mr Hyde team show up? The Giants win gave me a ton of hope. the TB loss left me scratching my head – what the bleep are we doing? it is that inconsistency which prompts trepidation. I’ve advocated for Smitty getting canned in a number scenarios. One of the key ones was getting embarassed again in the playoff for the 3rd consecutive season. THAT did not happen – THAT is a terrific reflection on the benefits of switching out coordinators. Our offense was better and our defense implemented the game plan – which was terrific until the offenses’ wheels fell off in the 4th quarter (Smitty Ball). At this point, Smitty has him another year or two. IF we win tomorrow, he has at least another 5 years – provided Koetter continues to show improvement and a dynamic offense. NOLAN has already provided us with a dynamic defense – it adjusts depending upon the opponent. We stifled BOTH Mannings – a very nice accomplishment. As state, if Smitty wins the SB – he is here the rest of his career. Regarding best coaches – I’d give it to Noll or Landry. Long term success. Landry had success in 3 different decades. GO FALCONS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Matty – I was in the effing dome. It was about midway through the 3rd quarter were we tried to run the ball consecutively to eat up clock. I sat down in my chair, looked up, and it was about half way through the 3rd quarter. believe it or not, if YOU run the ball well, you can eat up the clock and score. that was what made Smitty Ball successful the first 3 years under MM.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m thinking the owner is little too huggy. Don’t know If i’m up for that much hugging with folks not blood related to me. Just an observation.

• Link
• Report this comment

DLed’s piece on Dimitroff’s successes and failures in team building shows how fortunate we have been in our choice of GM. Every year, he’s had guys from his staff leaving for bigger and better jobs, and advancing guys from within. Other up and comers in scouting/coaching see that and have to put Atlanta among the most desirable destinations in the league. TD should have his pick of applicants to fill out the ranks of our scouting dept. Winning on the field starts with the front office having their act together and Dimitroff seems to operating at a high level…now we need to take the next step up to the SB and solidify the franchise as legitimate contenders consistently. I trust TD to make the decision on retention of our HC carefully if, as Paddy suggests, he determines change is needed. Given his history, he’d probably advance one of our coordinators to the top spot for continuity’s sake. Hopefully, Smitty will lead well in the next 2 games and put that talk to rest with a SB win….

• Link
• Report this comment

49er’s think they have this one in the bag. Their hometown rags all but dismiss this game as a mere formality on the way to NOLA. I think our Falcons will Rise Up and give them a wake up call today.

As for the blogging banter in here, I’ve been here since the Cage was started and seen a lot of folks come and go. My advice, don’t waste your keystrokes…eventually the smoke will clear and the cooler heads will prevail. No need to call out…just ignore.

• Link
• Report this comment

trademark…ditto!

• Link
• Report this comment

Matty Bicep strikes me as a person who will continually make a right turn every time he comes to a red light, simply because he doesn’t want to face reality and actually STOP.

Must have been a hell of a dodgeball player in grade school, as evidenced by the ability to change the subject presented by me and attempt a straw argument on another specified subject altogether.

I think I’ll listen to Falcon 21 and resume letting him talk to himself.

If anybody sees a guy wandering around the Dome today muttering “Smitty, Smitty, Smitty” to himself like Rain Man, we’ll know who it is.

• Link
• Report this comment

“A lot of the talk all week has been about how to stop Kaepernick. I’m hoping that the Falcons defense doesn’t key in on him so much that they allow everybody else to just run free and wild.”

Right on….

Time to take a break and do something else. My nerves are shot anyway…too much excitement….

• Link
• Report this comment

Anyone get a good nights sleep last night? lol! Not me….

• Link
• Report this comment

From Mark Bradley’s article, first paragraph………..

The Atlanta Falcons, safety Thomas DeCoud said this week, “have been underestimated and called overrated” all year, and when you think about it, that’s a tough daily double. Overrated AND underestimated? Whoa, Nellie.

Could we be ready to see an explosion of all that built-up anger and hostility throughout the year from virtually every media source?

http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/mark-bradley/2013/jan/19/heres-why-falcons-will-win-10-points/

• Link
• Report this comment

And yet another gem from Bradley……….

According to Pregame.com, the Falcons are the biggest underdog any No. 1 seed has ever been at any point in any postseason, and they’re the biggest home underdog in a conference championship game since the playoffs expanded to 10 teams in 1978.

In all honesty, I’m really glad we’re not in the position that the Niners are in. As one of my betting boys would say, “this has trap written all over it,” concerning the huge point spread.

• Link
• Report this comment

ITS GAMEDAY!!!!!!. Don’t have tickets but going to the dome from 11-1:00 just to be in the atmosphere for a few. Come back to the house get in front of my 80 inch with some hen and coke and its gonna be ON.

• Link
• Report this comment

pooh — Wrong blog, buddy.

• Link
• Report this comment

Time to run. Gotten burn this nervous energy! Rise Up Atlanta! No more excuses!

Just eFFing win!

• Link
• Report this comment

Game Day

If you’re at the done today, be loud and stay loud no matter what! Team feeds off the crowd. Don’t be fair weather!

• Link
• Report this comment

Had a chance to read D-Led’s blog about the 5 best and 5 worst moves that built this Falcons team. Gotta give credit where it’s due and say that there have been far more good picks than bad ones from this regime. So good that Spoon didn’t even make the top five best moves list. OK maybe we could have gotten Clay Matthews, but DT was a much bigger need at the time, and who knows how Matthews would have fared in BVG’s vanilla defensive scheme?

• Link
• Report this comment

GAME DAY.

Is it 3:00 yet?

• Link
• Report this comment

I see most all of the Cage’s mainstays are checking in . Nothing left now but to watch the battle on the field! It’s been a great year…all comes down to win or go home. Next stop NO! Go Falcons!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Just found out that LRD is selling me an extra ticket and I’m getting ready to head down there very soon. This will be justice, two Bird Cage members watching this historic win in style!

May have a chance to pop back in, but pull us through boys……………..

GO DAMN FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Both teams have had plenty of film to watch, and both will have good game plans. I figure it will come down to adjustments and execution. SF is a good team. It’ll probably be a close game, and if so,we know the Falcons can win it. Matt and Tony will find a way.

This is not just the NFC championship game. It’s the Rodney Dangerfield Bowl. The experts wrote the Falcons off weeks ago. To paraphrase Marie Antoinette, “let them eat crow.”

Atlanta wants the Lombardi Trophy. JB Falcon wants his Super Bowl cap. I want the people of New Orleans wearing double bags on Mardi Gras.

• Link
• Report this comment

D3. cant wait
Lou: Mistake free today means NOLA…
Quizz go beast mode again
D needs to force turn overs
Dome needs to invade Kaepernicks mind…
And I am sure Asante will have nothin to say to crabtree and a certain investigation.

• Link
• Report this comment

Can’t believe the NFL network brought in Russell Wilson to discuss whether/why the Falcons are overlooked. And they still have the nerve to continue to say it’s because the Falcons haven’t won in the playoffs. Got to give PrimeTime Sanders some props for calling bullsh!t on the brainless arguements that aer still being put out there.

So we don’t have a dominant defense? Guess we didn’t shut-out the Giants. I suppose we didn’t hold Drew Brees to Zero passing touchdowns, something no other team has been able to do in the past 4 years. It must not matter that we have a top 5 scoring defense.

Matt Ryan is still unproven? Can’t really dispute the simple fact that he hasn’t won a Super Bowl. But why is it that Kaepernick gets all that love and he hasn’t even had a full winning season in the NFL. Is there any other QB who absolutely gets no love until he wins a Super Bowl. Guess the highest home winning percentage of any QB doesn’t matter either.

Keep the disrespect coming national media. I hope the Falcons are cutting the clips and piping this noise into the locker room. I’m ready for some Angry Bird Football!

RISE UP!

• Link
• Report this comment

Morning all. I bitch and call out the troll board often, not really their fault the mods won’t clear out the trolls and some do nice work over there. If the talking heads and clueless d-bags like Sapp are ruining your pre-game build up then try these instead;

The Quiz 012 lights – ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgH51Ijtzrg&feature=player_embedded )

For our own anti-Ryan agenda troll, Ryan’s 012 hlights ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46WNPYa8DJM )

The Ryan one is in HD and Torris did a great job with it…shout out and props to you, your work hasn’t gone unnoticed over here. For the Ryan haters, that vid is now my answer to any and all of your stupid questions and comments…the rest I hope you enjoy.

• Link
• Report this comment

RISE UP BOYS!!!! Lets getter done and be world beaters!!! GO FALCONS!!! LETS DO THIS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Don’t look back! Don’t back down! FINISH!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ,

Play like a Champion today!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Shout out to SarahB, biggest falcon fanatic Ive EVER known and know shes watching as well as many friends and families who are watching with her!

COME ON FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m really enjoying this pre-game show. It’s titled “Let’s hype up the 9ers.”

• Link
• Report this comment

Heart rate is rising, blood pressure is rising, but what the heck RISE UP AND GO FALCONS!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m so thankful to have Terry, Jimmie, etc, to tell us how to play our game and point out our weakness’s last week. I’m sure MC and Co haven’t a clue.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ready for the talkin’ to be over, and for the football to start…

• Link
• Report this comment

I’ve never in my football life, waited with so much anticipation.

• Link
• Report this comment

Zac Brown band member wearing a Falcons jersey to sing the anthem. Just became a fan.

• Link
• Report this comment

And so it begins…

• Link
• Report this comment

I can’t hear any of the on field common taters. That’s a good thing.

• Link
• Report this comment

Didn’t like that throw, coverage was way tight.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hope they let our defensive backs play that physical.

• Link
• Report this comment

Phuck yeahhhhhh!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!! JULIOOOOOO! ALL DAY LONG!

• Link
• Report this comment

Gotta believe!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Now we get to see what the D has in store…

• Link
• Report this comment

Oh hell yeah….Decoud had that one.

• Link
• Report this comment

Nice play n series defense!

• Link
• Report this comment

D……Fence

• Link
• Report this comment

Atleast Douglas tried to return it, Franks would have let it roll to the one.

• Link
• Report this comment

SF CANNOT cover Julio!

• Link
• Report this comment

If the o-line will continue to do their job, we can throw all day.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hell yeah, Julio with some GREAT hands and a VERY accurate throw by Ryan.

• Link
• Report this comment

That’s alright. Two score lead.

• Link
• Report this comment

If Ryan just puts that ball up over the top Quizz has an easy TD. We’ll take the field goal, and we know the Falcons playmakers will continue to be in a good position to make plays.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wasn’t a BAD throw, but wasn’t good enough to make the play.

Then again, can’t say too much about “lofting” the ball…resulted in a pick last time, right?

• Link
• Report this comment

THAT’S OURS! THAT’S OURS!

• Link
• Report this comment

First BS call of the day. That was a damn fumble!

• Link
• Report this comment

Almost got a HUGE break by them running the ball out.

• Link
• Report this comment

This is what I’m talking about.

Kaepernick is not a great QB. He’s a great runner.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hell YEAHHHHHH!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

DOWN GOES KAEPERNICK, DOWN GOES KAEPERNICK!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

We’ll take the 1st quarter. Thank you very much.

• Link
• Report this comment

keep the pedal down smitty!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Great, Great audible by Ryan.

• Link
• Report this comment

Classic pass to run offense. It’s what we do.

• Link
• Report this comment

And it set up the nice slant.

• Link
• Report this comment

Take it all the way into the endzone now guys…

• Link
• Report this comment

Falcons D keeps palying at its current level…don’t rule out Harbaugh going to Alex Smith.

• Link
• Report this comment

oh hell yea!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Thats a td!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

JULLLIIIOOOOOOOO!!!!!

AGAIN, I say….y’all miss those draft picks?

• Link
• Report this comment

Yea Baby !!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

WTF! Can’t post on this pos..sorry guys glad were winning

• Link
• Report this comment

PERFECT throw by Ryan.

PERFECT catch by Julio.

You can’t ask for better. You just can’t.

• Link
• Report this comment

Anyone still nervous after seachicks last week?
I am…someone plz hog tie smitty during halftime…preferably one of BR lt’s!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Dont worry JJ, D3 is in the Dome.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t know who is more shocked…the commentators or the 49ers.

• Link
• Report this comment

Matthews is down. Hope it’s not bad.

• Link
• Report this comment

JJ – you sayin’ D3 ain’t quick enuf?

• Link
• Report this comment

wow,Dunta does actually have arms!

• Link
• Report this comment

Hell yes…delay of game. 12th man in effect, not to mention the changeup of the defense, confusing a young QB.

• Link
• Report this comment

Chalk that one up to the crowd.

• Link
• Report this comment

Got to cover that tight end.

• Link
• Report this comment

Damn. Effective play that time…plenty of blocking.

• Link
• Report this comment

Poor execution by the defense. They crept up too much on the QB.

• Link
• Report this comment

Stupid M. Ryan. That interception last game lead to that Niner’s score.

• Link
• Report this comment

What a play on both ends!

• Link
• Report this comment

Magic City pushing the hell out of that pile!

• Link
• Report this comment

They read that one.

• Link
• Report this comment

Eeerily similar to last week…need a turnover!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Damn right JJ but our o-line has held up well until that last series.

• Link
• Report this comment

The D needs to step up here.

• Link
• Report this comment

Good call. Vance Walker has a sack if the Guard isn’t holding him like a drunken prom date.

• Link
• Report this comment

Spoon & Moore. Love it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dammit!

Decoud and his stupid missed tackles!

• Link
• Report this comment

F!cking DeCoud.

Always.

• Link
• Report this comment

BR – you were right on the holding call.

• Link
• Report this comment

That is another bullcrap penalty against Nicholas.

• Link
• Report this comment

Need adjustments, pronto.

Vernon Davis is killing us.

• Link
• Report this comment

Where is our Corners

• Link
• Report this comment

Like I said, offense is going to have to win the game.

• Link
• Report this comment

The D game plan was good. We need adjustmets befoe halftime.

• Link
• Report this comment

Need to score here. No slowing around, no running time off the clock.

49ers will get the ball at the half.

• Link
• Report this comment

New game. Time to Rise Up!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Need to double adjust.

49ers will expect us to start accounting for Davis. Because we need to. Need to disguise that we’re covering him, or something. Because if we start covering him, Kaepernick will start running, you can bet on it.

• Link
• Report this comment

Coaching is not the problem here.

Too many people on D trying to be heroes instead of doing their f!cking job.

Bad discipline.

• Link
• Report this comment

Ageless wonder gonzo!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Darn right….knew the 49ers would be messing up on coverage.

Good call.

• Link
• Report this comment

Offense is moving nicely. Need to get 7 points out of this.

No mistakes!

• Link
• Report this comment

Wow, there CB’s are midgets, throw it deep for jump ball to roddy or julio!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Apologies to all midgets dont know the correct pc term nore do I care right now, but my apology regrdless.

• Link
• Report this comment

YES!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Now that’s playing Football come right back with 7

• Link
• Report this comment

Matt Ryan is RED HOT.

His first NFC Championship and he’s thrown 3 TDs in the first half.

• Link
• Report this comment

Yes! Smitty with his THIRD TD pass in the first half. Stupid M. Ryan’s interception from last week has cost us 14 points. If M. Ryan didn’t ssuck so bad this would be a blow out. Hopefully, Smitty can keep passing all over the Niner’s best ranked D, he’s so special.

• Link
• Report this comment

MR will struggle at some point in the 3rd qtr (not necessarily at the start of it). But if it’s close at the end, we’ve got Matty Ice and the big 3.