Falcons already entering a season-defining stretch
Mike Smith didn't like a lot of what he saw against New England, other than the effort. (AP photo).
FLOWERY BRANCH – NFL teams generally are defined in December. That’s when the stakes tend to be the highest, the injuries tend to be the most debilitating and the coaches either look like nuclear physicists or are completely dumbfounded as to why the New England defense in Week 13 didn’t bite on the same play-action as the Oakland defense did in Week 2.
That said, we are about to find out something about the Falcons.
It’s not December. But if this football team doesn’t come through this upcoming stretch of games relatively unscathed, December may not matter so much.
The Falcons are coming off a road loss and a bye. Having the bye week so early means they’ll now play 13 straight games without a rest. They travel to San Francisco Sunday and are in a stretch that finds them playing six out of eight games on the road.
How does it get worse? Like this: Four of the next seven opponents (Chicago, Dallas, Washington, New York Giants) will be coming off bye weeks. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, teams coming off bye weeks in the past three seasons won nearly 60 percent of the time (57-38-1, .599).
“It’s going to be a test for this football team, especially with a lot of games on the road,” Michael Turner said. “I guess we’ll see what we’re made of.”
It’s never easy to get a feel for these things. The Falcons are 2-1 and coming off a loss to New England. That’s about where most of us figured they would be. The lack of clarity has to do with the fact those two victories — over Miami and Carolina — don’t look nearly as impressive today as they did at the time. The Dolphins and Panthers are a combined 1-6.
In short, the Patriots have been the Falcons’ biggest test and the team was fairly run over (26-10).
Tight end Tony Gonzalez senses fans and media already are doubting the team. “It seems like people are all of sudden poking holes in us,” he said.
It’s at least safe to say assumptions are in short supply. The Falcons are young, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Inexperience and the potential “awe-factor” tend to come into play more in stressful situations. Like road games.
Defensive end John Abraham looked at game tape and came away convinced, “I think a couple of people got blinded by the lights. It was New England, a championship team. They really wanted to have a great game against them. But if we’d played our game, we’d have been all right.
“I was disappointed when I was at the game. Then when you watch the film, you feel worse because you feel like you could’ve played better. We didn’t give New England our best effort. We played terrible. It wasn’t like they were killing us. It was just stuff we did or we let them do to us.”
This is when a team either grows up or struggles. The Falcons have enough talent, certainly on the offensive side of the ball, to win games. But intangibles like resolve and effort decide the rest. Last season, this team grew up quickly. After losing games at Tampa Bay and Carolina by lopsided scores of 24-9, they won four of their final six on the road, before dropping the playoff game in Arizona.
As you would expect, Mike Smith spent much of the off week looking at tape. “You want to evaluate your team from top to bottom,” he said. “But with the bye week coming so early, you’re not able to do in the analytical [statistical] analysis that you normally would do. There’s not enough statistics to see any trends.”
So what stands out?
“Guys are playing hard,” he said.
The rest, we’re about to find out.
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97 comments Add your comment
robert
October 6th, 2009
3:03 pm
1st
Sarcastic Blogger
October 6th, 2009
3:12 pm
I spell fickle – “S – C – H – U – L – T – Z”
No one ever corrects me.
The Real f
October 6th, 2009
3:14 pm
Make or break week on the road of a long season.
Marcus
October 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
time to get back to work. Up next, SF. I think we have somethin to prove the next 4 weeks. All of the teams are basically even with us or better in the standings. so by Nov. 8th, we will know something.
Hollywould
October 6th, 2009
3:25 pm
You are dead on Jeff. Does not even include 2 games with Saints. Have to take care of 49ers. I have to think the 49er offense will make our D look better. If not, these 4 games could be killers. By the way if you need a blogger from Dallas I will be at the game. ROAD TRIP/ Go Falcons
Ed-Covington
October 6th, 2009
3:27 pm
After an amazingly successful first year, TD’s second draft can now be confirmed as a complete bust. The reason Jerry & Moore were available was because of their histories of injury. Owens cannot beat out Grimes for nickle, Middleton was released. Sidbury & Walker, “the steals of the draft”, do not play for a team desperate for a pass rush & run defense. The lower round draftees are what they are: subs & ST players.
The “process” cannot continue if the team receives little or no contribution from the draft each year. If KC hadn’t given up on Gonzales, and Jax on Mike Peterson & Brian Williams; where would the Falcons be?
STL Falcon
October 6th, 2009
3:27 pm
What a difference a game makes. Where are the fans! Fans, short for fanatics, defined as “a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm.”
We need to get a little irrational. We can break down every iota of possibility for negativity, and you know what, we’ll always find it.
When is it our turn?
When do we decide that other teams need to look out for us?
When do we let it known that the Falcons coming to your town isn’t just another home game, it’s going to be a battle.
Quit rooting scared.
San Fran should be scared. Who has annoited them? Why are we the “up and comer in this equation?”
This weekend there will be a plane flight and a walk through and then a game – we’re going to punch them in the mouth, they’re going to punch us in the mouth, and if you’re a 49ers fan in St. Louis and voice something stupid where I’m watching the game, I’m punching you in the mouth.
This is football – and I don’t care how irrational it might be,
GO FALCONS!
Hollywould
October 6th, 2009
3:32 pm
Ed, Come on ( a complete bust) after 3 games. Try some positive pills.
Paul H
October 6th, 2009
3:33 pm
With this schedule, we have to beat teams like the 49ers. Even the 49ers aren’t bad, we can’t afford not win this one.
cajdawg
October 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
We don’t have a physical defensive line, I am so sick of this franchise’s love affair with 290lb defensive tackles. I thought that Smith and Dimitrov were going to fix this, but they go out and draft 6′1″ 290lb Peria Jerry and look at Babineaux- Vince Wilfork’s left leg weighs more than Babineaux.
wxwax
October 6th, 2009
3:44 pm
In evaluating the team, the best that can be said right now is that it’s a good thing they lost going into the bye week.
The loss gives the coaches concrete things to fix. And it gets the players’ attention. If anyone on the Falcons was feeling comfy before, I doubt they are now.
As for calling the defensive draft a complete bust…. well, I should think it’s obvious that that’s being a little hysterical, not to mention premature.
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
3:45 pm
Just like we had 2 make adjustments last tear, we have a young defense and an offense trying to figure out where gonzales stands in our offense. The experiment is over after that loss and the unleashing starts now. Wake-up call, 49ers are the unproven team here and we lost to superbowl favorites in a game we could’ve, should’ve, would’ve won! So all you partial falcon fans get off the wagon because you guys are a jinx! This is going to be a terrific season. None of the teams we have to play for the rest of the season can beat the patriots on a consistent basis! Falcons win sunday 37-14 and the season ends at 12-4 at the worst. Our defense will grow up just like Matt Ryan grew up last season!
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 6th, 2009
3:48 pm
I’m so old I remember when the biggest defensive tackles in the league were about 270.
Heath
October 6th, 2009
3:49 pm
This week’s game is huge. If we can go into the last 6 games 6-4, we’re probably in as a wild card at least. Lose this one and confidence goes down the tube with that monster stretch ahead.
Having said that, SF doesn’t have anyone like Brady that you will get a flag for breathing on, so I expect the defense will have a better game.
Jeff, any insight as to why the Falcons are not using the no huddle much this year? If was devastating last year, and you’d think it would be more effective this year as Ryan progresses, but it seems to be out of the playbook.
Coop
October 6th, 2009
3:51 pm
Ed – I’m as negative as they come. Me from the Fire Mark Richt camp, but even I think you’re a bit overboard. You may be completely right. But let’s give it at least two years to call an entire draft a bust. I thought Nicholas was a bust, but he looks decent with potential this year. Jerry got hurt. It sucks, but it doesn’t mean he’ll always be hurt. They used to say that JA55 couldn’t stay healthy.
Bat Masterson
October 6th, 2009
4:02 pm
I’m looking forward to the game. The Niner’s have a good looking defense,so far, it should be a good test of the Falcon’s offense. I would like to see what L. Sidbury can do.
Ryno
October 6th, 2009
4:03 pm
The Falcons can assume an additional 4 wins on the season (two against Tampa, on the road against Carolina and home against Washington). That’s 6. Need three more and where are they coming from?
@San Fran? Buffalo? Philly? Chicago? @Dallas? I don’t think I’m reaching to assume a loss @ NYG and NYJ and NoLa hasn’t been slowed down yet.
Jeff Schultz
October 6th, 2009
4:19 pm
Hollywould – Agree. Niners are playing hard for Singletary but I think the Falcons win this game.
Ed Covington – Kinda early to declare a draft a bust, isn’t it?
Paul H – Agreed, this is one of those games you put down in the “W” column before the season. Lose this and you a dig a hole.
Hillbilly – I’m right there with you. I remember when 300 pound offensive linemen were viewed as circus freaks. Try to find one under 300 now.
Heath – I’m sure you’ll see it. I think at this point they’re still trying to figure out how/when to use all of their pieces and, more importantly, get their running game untracked. But I doubt it’s going to be a major part of the offense, just something to keep defenses off guard.
Ryno — I’d assume loss at Giants but not Jets. NYJ still has a lot to prove (as they showed last week.)
midnite
October 6th, 2009
4:27 pm
@Ed-C [After an amazingly successful first year, TD’s second draft can now be confirmed as a complete bust].
You are kidding right? Complete bust after 3 games. Try Viagra.
ray
October 6th, 2009
4:43 pm
I am trying to keep my spirits up after the loss to new england but as all long suffering falcons fans know we have been let down a lot with this team.Hopefully we get the running game on track at the 49ers and have a big win.A little confidence will go a long way for the young guys on the defense during this stretch.GO FALCONS.
SimpleDawg
October 6th, 2009
4:47 pm
The Falcon DBs need to improve radiply or we’ll be in deep doo-doo against the good passing teams.
The easiest way to make the DBs job easier is to put pressure on the opponent’s QB. Move Jamaal ( I forget where that extra A goes ) to DT, rotate Sidbury & Davis at one end, and Bierman & Abraham at the other end. Blitz a LB once in a while and put the opposing QB on his @ss.
The offense needs to move the chains.
Has anyone seen Money Bags White lately?
Derek Griffin
October 6th, 2009
4:49 pm
Enter your comments here The running game will be the key this weekend. If Turner and Norwood get 25 to 30 carries combined for 100+ yards we should be ok. Keep our “D” off the field and shorten the game, the way the Pats did to us. Running the ball takes the crowd out of the game and hopefully opens up the deep pass that we have been sorely missing. I think we need to throw a few deep balls just to keep them honest and you never know, we might catch one.
Arno
October 6th, 2009
4:51 pm
Last year, the very first game the Falcons played made the “statement” for the year. This year, we are still waiting and wondering…. I think they’ll put it together against the 49ers.
Coop
October 6th, 2009
4:52 pm
Ryno – I’ll agree with assuming loss at NYG and 2 at NoLa. that’s 4 losses we can count on.
I think Buffalo, SF, 2 x TB, Car, NYJ, and WAS are must wins which would bring us to 9 wins.
So 9-4 with 3 left means we need one out of the Dal, Chi, Phil to get to 10 wins. I’m not sure 9 will get the wild card.
I think we can beat any of those 3 (Dal, Phil, or Chi). The disturbing part to me is that SF, NYJ, and sweeping TB and Car are MUST WINS.
Ted Striker
October 6th, 2009
5:03 pm
Jeffie: Was unaware — till I read your commentary — of the sheer number of upcoming opponents who play the Birds after a bye week. Brutal. Thanks for saving me a kneecap with my bookie, cause I prolly would’ve made some different investment decisions without that info.
Your loyal constituent,
Theodore “Thornton Melon” Striker
Bullish-on-the-Falcons
October 6th, 2009
5:10 pm
Biggest matchup to watch –
Patrick Willis vs. Michael Turner – With no power run game our season will be long. I hope Turner runs Willis over. Again and again.
Roddy, pay like you’re getting paid. Please. It looks like you robbed the Falcons in the offseason based on the mediocrity you’ve shown thus far.
Defense needs to pony up, especially vs. the run. Glen Coffee is a great stand-in for Gore.
Must-win game!
Alan
October 6th, 2009
5:13 pm
I wish all of you naysayers would crawl in a hole and not come up for air , better yet I’d like to slap you upside your head but I’m sure my hand would hurt for weeks recovering from with contact with idiot rocks.
I wish that you had the capacity to appreciate last year and look forward to another good year as a winner and quit casting stones at a good team, good coaching staff and good ownership with a quality GM.
You really are getting to sound like others in this country, all you want to do is bailouts and not appreciate good hard work, for gods sake go to Oakland and stay there.
LJ
October 6th, 2009
5:15 pm
@Ryno (and all):
In my non-scientific approach to predicting the season, I go based on the notion that the NFL is all about the QB. Therefore, I look at the games under 3 scenarios: 1) Where Matt Ryan is clearly the better QB; 2) Where the opposing QB is clearly better than Ryan; and 3) where it’s a toss-up (it’s not clear either way):
Where Ryan is Better:
vs. Miami (Pennington) — won game
vs. Carolina (twice) (Delhomme) — won first game
vs. SF (Shaun Hill)
vs. TB (twice)(Josh J or Josh F)
vs. WASH (Campbell)
vs. BUF (Edwards)
vs. NYJ (Sanchez)
Where Opposing QB is clearly better than Ryan
vs. NE (Brady) — lost game
vs. NO (twice) (Brees) –
vs. PHI (McNabb if healthy), if Kolb then move to first scenario
vs. NYG (E. Manning)
Where there is no clear difference:
vs. DAL (Romo)
vs. CHI (Cutler)
Based on this non-scientific, clearly opinion-only analysis, there are 9 games the Falcons SHOULD win if you subscribe to the notion that it’s all about the QB. There are also 5 games they SHOULD lose, and 2 toss-ups.
I doubt it will all go according to plan, but so far I’m batting 1.000 (smile). But will say this…I think ATL will sneak up and win a couple of those games where Ryan is not the better QB, they’ll win at least one of the games where the QBs are about equal, but I suspect there will be a loss to a team with an inferior QB. With that, my prediction is 10-6 for this team.
What do you think, Mr. Schultz? Everyone else?
Alan
October 6th, 2009
5:21 pm
LJ, good sound reasoning, hopefully some of the naysayers will get your drift. GO FALCONS-GO SOUTHERN RUSH
Cutty
October 6th, 2009
5:22 pm
GO BEARS!!! I’ll be in the Dome that Sunday night to watch your playoff hopes dwindle the that of UGA’s National Championship aspirations this year.
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:24 pm
Yay, we do have some real falcons fans in here somewhere! We haven’t had big plays on offense and not enough on defense. If decoud and lofton make those three interceptions, we look a whole lot better on defense. If Mike Turner stops killing drives with his woeful fumbles, we look a whole lot better. If New England games ever are called fairly, we are 3-0 most likely! The 49ers will be like carolina and miami for us, don’t let the record confuse you. After all, they are in a division where an 8-8 is playoff bound! They have yet to beat a contender!
Ed-Covington
October 6th, 2009
5:30 pm
midnite:
Viagra? Sorry, never needed it. Obviously you do.
To clarify, I am a huge Birds fan; have been since 1966. I cheered through all the “geniuses” from Van Brocklin to LeBaron & Bennett to Glanville & Jones to McKay & Mora to TD & Mike Smith. I hope the Falcons win every game. I simply tire of the media crowning “genius” after one year of success.
Many have stated that TD drafted only for depth this year. If so, he was wrong in doing so. This team needed immediate help on defense and got none from the draft; while we were able to get Ryan, Baker, Lofton, Douglas, Jackson et al last year.
Yes, we are 2-1; but the W over the Panthers doesn’t look as meaningful as it once did; and we didn’t exactly run over them.
I thought the offense would be able to carry the defense until it was able to gel, but the NE game showed that the offense can be stopped. I think we all thought that this team would improve simply from another year’s experience for the coaching staff and young players. The addition of Gonzales was a gift from KC that I thought would solidify the offense. But the previous strengths of the running game and long passing game have disappeared. This is what bothers me, despite the record.
I would be happy to be wrong and that Jerry and Moore become perrenial All-Pros. What concerns any fan is that if we concentrate on defense in the 2010 draft, which we did THIS year, how will the results be any different?
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:32 pm
Watch that falcon defense grow right before your eyes! The additions of Tye Hill and Brian Williams will prove to be just what we needed. And yes, we do need to send a linebacker in to blitz because those weak corner blitzes send corners in who can’t tackle, that is not good! Mix it up a little!
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
October 6th, 2009
5:39 pm
LJ…I like the way you broke that down..good post…but the intangible that scares me is the 4 games that the Falcons have against teams coming off bye weeks….that sux…the stats don’t lie…I like to take games 1 at a time…we NEED to beat San Fran…last year we swept Oakland and SD out there…hopefully that trend continues…I’m glad Aikman and Buck aren’t calling the game….(bad karma there…) but they’ll be back when we play New Orleans…
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:39 pm
Ed Covington: I feel what you are saying. I believe it was all just an experiment those first 3 games and when that experiment failed against New England, that we will go back to last year’s formula except with a younger defense and better offense will start to show the rest of the season. I hope after that loss Mike Smith unleashes all the falcons weapons!
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:45 pm
Good comments LJ! I think the deeper the season gets, the better the falcons get. I mean, we did lose to the superbowl and referee favorites. As did the ravens.
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:47 pm
I see an explosion coming soon! Hopefully, it’s on Sunday against the niners.
Growing Pains
October 6th, 2009
5:50 pm
I also so saw last night, the vikings aren’t that good, the packers offensive line is just that bad!
LJ
October 6th, 2009
5:50 pm
@Ed-Covington,
You’ll have to show me some clippings of where “many” have stated that “TD drafted only for depth” I don’t even see how you could argue that given that they released half (okay, exaggerating) of the defense. How was Jerry in first round a “depth” move? William Moore was also drafted to become a starter. Look at how Dallas drafted this year — now THOSE picks were purely for depth.
Also, I think your initial disappointment about this year’s picks is largely due to you being spoiled by last year’s picks…but keep in mind, that’s a very biased perspective because you witnessed 17 games worth of evidence (season + 1 playoff game). At the very least, give these guys the same lenght of time before they are considered busts.
I can assure you that William (Willie-Mo) Moore is gonna be a spark to the defense. He probably could have played sooner, but I think it was prudent for the team to let him heal up fully after the bye.
As for Jerry, let’s give him an incomplete. But at the same time, you see how there was a clear drop-off in the defense vs. NE when he was not there, so what does that tell you?
Look, I’m not trying to start an argument here (blogs tend to get nasty), but I don’t think you are giving this draft a fair shake.
As for the other picks, Sidbury was a speed rusher in college, so he needs to develop some other skills to be an every-down lineman. If they rush him out there, every team will know to run the ball right at him. If you need evidence on what he can be like, did you see how Jared Allen lit it up vs. the Packers last night? He too, was a mid-round pick out of a small program. He had time to develop, now he’s a beast.
Christopher Owens needs time to develop as well. You can’t expect 3rd and 4th round picks to provide “immediate” help. If William Moore is a flop, then I’ll give it to you, but give him some games first.
That’s my $0.02 on the matter! But it’s all good!
LJ
October 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
@Bob Horner,
You and I must be on the same wave-length. I hate when Aikman/Buck call the Falcons! But at the same time, I complain when we get Fox’s C or D team with Brian Billick or some other no-name LOL!!
Krafty
October 6th, 2009
5:58 pm
I finally spotted Michael Turner move with a purpose. They had just put out fresh biscuits and gravy at Piccadilly. I was hoping he would show up last week but he didnt. I agree with you Ryno we need pressure on the QB. Without that it makes the job a lot tougher on our young/ borderline pigmy secondary. I did like how Brent Grimes outjumped Finneran on the Hail Mary to end the play against the Panthers.
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
October 6th, 2009
6:04 pm
Krafty…as a Piccadily fan I know it’s not “all you can eat”…he had to pay for each biscuit….I love their food…but I never leave full…..LOL
RealityandFrank
October 6th, 2009
6:23 pm
All of last year, Matt Ryan was better than Joe Flacco. At this time, Joe Flacco is the better quarterback and is progressing faster. The offense is not playing at the level it did last year. The coaching staff must do what is necessary to let the offense play at a higher level. Let Matt Ryan loose!!!!!
Grady Jackson Fan Club (Atlanta Chapter)
October 6th, 2009
6:26 pm
The Atlanta defensive line really misses Big Grady taking up all that space.—– We miss ya Grady.
jeff shultz is still mighty smart
October 6th, 2009
6:38 pm
What the hell,Jeff, you’re talking Falcons here, remember 8-8 will continue the 43 (44?) year tradition of not having back to back winning seasons. I’m waiting for Ryan and Turner to be injured and out for the season. I mean we’re talking Falcons footbal, right? The faithful waiting for the disaster to happen, again
You guys are crazy
October 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
Enter your comments here You’re jumping to too many conclusions way too quickly….we have a top 5 offense, which has been kept conservative to date. We have missed a number of scoring opportunities so far, but that’s about to change….Jerious is back, so new dimension there, and I think with 2 weeks to review, you’ll see us stretch the field now, which will set Turner up nicely…we have too many weapns to be held down much longer. The D is young, but upside is great. Just stay patient…by week 10 you’ll see what I mean…
Reality Check
October 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
They are done, take the bread out of the oven and bring on the eggs!!!
If you only score 10 points against the Patriots pathetic defense, just what chances do you have against a defense like San Francisco that is ranked number 4 against the run and number 12 against the pass.
NOODLE ARM can’t stretch the field and Turner will get shut down – you do the math.
There is no way NOODLE ARM can win without Turner bailing him out. With 6 “QUALITY” opponents coming up on the road and New Orleans kicking butt, 2010 draft watch is going to start early.
Dimitroff is an idiot and that’s why New England didn’t care when he left. He thought he could do what Belichick did – give me a break.
MAYBE NEXT YEAR GUYS
Reality Check
October 6th, 2009
7:13 pm
COOP
You are high! There is no way this sorry team beats San Fran. They will be lucky to score 7 points.
Reality Check
October 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
Mike (niners)Singletary==========interviewed………DENIED
Lovey (Bears) Smith———interviewed………DENIED
The next two weeks, Artie will get it stuck to him for not hiring the “MOST QUALIFIED” head coaches, instead of hiring one that looks like him.
Let the beatings continue
You guys are crazy
October 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
Reality check is the guy who is high….they’ll have 7 points 5 minutes into this game…Shaun Hill is about to get his butt kicked by Mr. Abraham, and just because SF beat a pitiful team this weekend does not make them great…you should really stop ingesting those funny mushrooms Reality, it’s clouding your vision terribly
Reality Check
October 6th, 2009
7:25 pm
You guys are crazy
I do recall two weeks ago, the same San Francisco team was 7 seconds from beating the 4-0 Minnesota Vikes and Brett Favre & Adrian Peterson.
The Falcons will not even get within “Hail Mary” distance.
Extremus
October 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
Quick question, as I am just curious: if December is logically when NFL teams are the most tired and beaten-up, then why not stagger the bye weeks toward the END of the season rather than the beginning? It only makes sense, at least to me, as it can ensure that teams are on the most equal footing possible when playing those crucial final games. Any reason the NFL chooses to schedule bye weeks so early, anyone?
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
October 6th, 2009
7:54 pm
Extremus…..2 letters……TV
boog
October 6th, 2009
8:13 pm
what’s going on Jeff? An article about something other than the demise of UGA football and the rise of the Jackets? Guess everyone needs a day off. But I’m sure you will be back at it on Wed.
Reality Check Check
October 6th, 2009
8:44 pm
Reality Check playing the race card is really, really old. Give it a rest and concentrate on football. Contrary to popular belief, most of us white folks really don’t care what color folks are. We really don’t. Oh sure there are some racist whites just like there are racist blacks, but come on. Enough already.
Ian
October 6th, 2009
9:31 pm
Dave, you were born a Moran and will always be a Moran.
Paul's Johnson
October 6th, 2009
9:45 pm
Ian:
“Dave, you were born a Moran and will always be a Moran.”
Ian, it’s “you’re a moron and will always be a moron” moron.
Paul's Johnson
October 6th, 2009
9:48 pm
Jeff Shultz;
Your post on Rush Limbaugh is great! Way to get the sheep circling the pen.
Keep on keepin’ on!
Reid Adair
October 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
13 in a row is a stretch, and six of the next eight on the road isn’t easy. I am willing to believe that they learned from the New England game and will put that to good use. In some ways, I think an early bye week may have helped, especially with all of the young players on defense.
matt r
October 6th, 2009
10:03 pm
Bottom line, there are 7 bad teams in the NFC and 8 good ones (9 including ATL). The next 4 are amongst the 8. Tie-breakers!!!!
Arno
October 6th, 2009
10:04 pm
The Moran family is an infamous Melbourne-based criminal family of Irish decent, notable for their involvement in the Melbourne gangland killings.
Go Falcons.
Brendan
October 6th, 2009
10:55 pm
If only Rush would buy the Thrashers. *Sigh*. It is ‘crunch time’ for the Falcons. They’ve got a serious test in the 49ers, their old division rival. Truthfully, every FALCONS FAN should salivate at the prospect of b1tchslapping the 49ers. Would anything be better?
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 6th, 2009
11:36 pm
And members of the Bugs Moran gang were targets of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Bugs himself wasn’t present though.
bad brad
October 6th, 2009
11:40 pm
Jeff,
Thanks, a little more meat than usual, and you brought out a good point and gave us something to ponder and hey no hand grenade. Not too shabby.
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October 7th, 2009
12:13 am
I see now why Reality Check likes talking so much smack on this blog: prefers being around men. I heard DC passed a law today that’ll be right up your alley.
Singletary won’t allow this team to come in and just blow them away, so Atlanta needs to play more aggresively on offense. If they see that Turner isn’t able to get consistent yards early in the game, attack their safeties. I expect Gonzalez to have a bounce back game and Atlanta to gang up on Glen Coffee to force Shaun Hill to beat them.
Atlanta comes out of this on 24-16.
Lesa
October 7th, 2009
12:15 am
STL Falcon, I love your post!!! The sky is not falling, people. I predict the Falcons will step it up big-time against the 49ers this weekend. Go Falcons!!!!
TechBuzz.
October 7th, 2009
12:34 am
The only REAL issues I have with the Falcons right now, is the “Tip-Toe” run game, or lack there of, and the play of our corners!
One the issue of the “Tip-Toe” run game, Turner isn’t hitting the holes like he did last year, thus far. Sure, the O-Line may not be creating the holes right now; however, Turner is not getting to the outside like he did last year either. Last year, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry by running to the outside, and right now, it’s like he doesn’t know where the outside is.
As for our sorry corners; here again, I don’t know what the hell the coaching staff sees in Chris Houston???? With the exception of the so-so game he had against Carolina, he hasn’t done squat this year, nor has he improved or elevated his game in this being his third year. He is NOT a starting CB. As for Grimes, I respect his physical play and willingness to get after the ball, but he cannot compete with receivers that are 6′ 2″ or taller, he just can’t. He is the Falcons version of “Rudy” pretty much.
I thought we brought in Ty Hill to give competition to Houston, so where is he at? He can’t be any WORSE than Houston, so why not play him? This position is the main Achilles for the Falcons. We don’t have serious shut down corners.
The last two GOOD SOLID cb’s we had were Deion Sanders and Scott Case. Deion and Scott haven’t been on the team since 1994. So we’ve gone 15 years without a SERIOUS shut down corner. Please don’t say, “What about ‘Big Play’ Ray from 1998!” He was a flash in the pan corner for one year and that was it!
jerry
October 7th, 2009
7:10 am
What disturbs me the most was the punt on 4th and short from inside the NE 40 late in the game and the Falcons trailing. I would much rather have seen them not make a 1st down than not go for it. Ultra conservative coaching won’t cut it in the NFL.
pALADIN)
October 7th, 2009
7:39 am
Enter your comments here
Barker
October 7th, 2009
7:46 am
You are so right jerry, that was a sign of SURRENDER.. That punt made me sick, especially after the Patriots did’nt punt from their own 23 yard line earlier in the game. -Go For It Falcons !
gman
October 7th, 2009
7:50 am
Enter your comments here
gman
October 7th, 2009
8:04 am
3 4 DEFENSE
ABRAHAM, DAVIS-DE
LEWIS-NT
BEIRMAN, SIDBURY-OLB
LOFTON, PETERSON-ILB
whats the deal i thought that this was
the drafts purpose. lets go TD
SirReal
October 7th, 2009
8:14 am
I have a couple questions for everyone. Is it the coaching staff not having confidence in our D to blitz or is Brian Van Gorder overrated? Or is Mike Smith really the one at the defensive helm and scared to blitz….what’s the holdup on Sidbury, Dont you guys also think its time to see what he can do…we cant do much worse. Having only Abe to pass rush is like canoeing with one arm…..not gonna get very far…
da roosta
October 7th, 2009
8:21 am
Enter your comments here
Jamaal Anderson over Patrick Willis in the 2007 draft? Thanks Petrino! Are you kidding me? Take Jamaal back to Arkansas with you to run your scout team. Better yet, take Jamaal and Chris Houston. By the way, I won’t be offended if they leave a note in the middle of the night. Those two guys need to step up or get out.
Falcon50
October 7th, 2009
8:50 am
Untracked? Don’t you mean get their running game “on track”?
Jeff Schultz
October 7th, 2009
8:55 am
Striker – Thanks for checking in. Now go have a Pop-Tart and seize the day!
LJ – QB obviously isn’t the only factor but I’m OK if that’s what you want to go with it. I’ve always liked the coach-QB combination.
JeffShultzIsStill – They’ve already lost Jerry. Let’s hope that’s not start of a trend.
ReailityCheck – Indeed, Lovie Smith and Mike Singletary are two coaches the Falcons could have had and both have proven to be great coaches (Lovie has a little longer track record). That said, I think Mike Smith’s pretty good.
Boog – Thursday (online), actually.
Paul’s Johnson – They’re a little sensitive, huh?
Bad Brad – I am here to please you.
Jeff Schultz
October 7th, 2009
8:57 am
Da Roosta –Jamaal Anderson. Oy. Never seen a DE be so incredibly invisible in games.
Samuel
October 7th, 2009
9:01 am
Let’s go to the west coast and get a win, After that we’ll have a clearer picture in terms of where we go from there. I like to see Snelling involved more in the offense. And do we have to give turner the ball all the time down in the redzone? The key to beating the fortyniners will be to pass the ball to setup the run. and where is babinauex and Chauncey Davis their going to have to make plays in this game , in order for us to get a victory!!!
Holtzman
October 7th, 2009
9:08 am
Who in the heck set up the Falcons schedule anyway? 6 road games out of eight with the next 4 out of 7 coming off a bye week? Hello! Is anybody home! It seems to me the defense did a fairly good job in the NE game. The score could have been much much worse.
AlternateReality
October 7th, 2009
9:22 am
Jeff, any word on whether Hill or Moore will play this week?
dawgfan19
October 7th, 2009
10:11 am
Guys RELAX!!! It’s game #3. It’s urgent that we win this game but calm down! There is a lot of season left to play. I still say that 10-6 puts the birds in the play off hunt. Teams are going to beat up each other. The offense will get in gear, I still think that the offensive play calling is a bit conservative. More no huddle and let Matt Ryan throw the football. I think the Falcons are rtying ti establish the run so much to the point that they run when the box is loaded which usually means negative yards. the defense is young but will get better.
AlternateReality
October 7th, 2009
10:29 am
dawgfan19, we’ll cut you some slack and assume that your comment about this being game #3 is an honest mistake, not a product of how math is taught in the Georgia educational system.
Apologies if you are referring to the NE game as game #3, not the SF game, and I agree with your other comments about the offense.
Tech sucks
October 7th, 2009
10:50 am
Get ready to be surprised by the Niners defense. They are one of the top units in the league this year. This is going to be a very tough game for the Falcons.
I think it’s going to be something like 24-17 49ers.
willie
October 7th, 2009
11:02 am
I couldn’t agree more. We will find out what this team is made of very soon. The effor in N.E. was embarrassing. How could we ever score 10 points with this offense. It is time they cut Ryan loose a bit (like Baltimore has done with Flacco) to open things up for the running game.
Al Smith
October 7th, 2009
11:11 am
Yep Jerry was a complete bust
Vick dont understand the world!!!:)
October 7th, 2009
12:04 pm
The falcons are going to pick 49ers apart.
i hope that mcnabb is hurt for the eagle game so falcons can prove once and for all why they happy vick messed up.He is a joke who can throw the ball 70 yards but cant hit wide open receivers. when he runs the ball half the time he fumbles. feel sorry for the dogs but i am glad he did it to get is sorry thug a$$ out of atl. to all you fans i saw that had on vick jeresys at the last home game. Forget about vick,he is a thug with a brain comparable to a monkey.if you support him i say the same thing about you. MATTY ICE BABY!!!!:)
Jame
October 7th, 2009
12:35 pm
These next 4 game are critical for the falcons because their next 4 opponents will be making their on playoffs push.49ers look like they are going to make it some how.Dallas got to get things turn around for them.Bears will have to fight like the falcons to have a change at a playoff birth.Saints will make the playoffs unless they get the injuries bug.I know the season is earlier and this is the season you try to start off fast so your team can get confidence and stay focus on the bigger picture.The falcons just got to worry about who they are playing that week and play hard instead of worrying about their next opponents.Falcons got to take some deep shots against the 49ers to keep them honest because if they don’t then turner will be a non-factors.49ers will stack the line and every other teams will play the falcons the same way.This weekend falcons got to take some shoots and see what their quarterback can do.
dd
October 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
que come estas bien gracias en de niede que llemas es Kyle
Brave the Barbarian
October 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
Guys just give me the division if we can at least split games with the saints we are playoff bound
DC Falcons
October 7th, 2009
1:07 pm
Glad to finally post. I’ve read some good comments. This is existing to be apart of and I’m hoping that we have finally got a team that we can be proud of and not keep waiting and wishing that next year will be better.
Steve C
October 7th, 2009
1:14 pm
Hey Cutty,
Were you at the Bears game last year when your team was celebrating on their sideline until Matt, Michael, and Jason took the wind out of your sails? See you at the Dome that Sunday night.
Vick=Dog killing thug
October 7th, 2009
1:57 pm
Are you kidding me? The falcons are playing great compared to just a couple of years ago when it was rare for them to even get the right 11 guys on the field. I love these new falcons. We’re a young team with a young coaching staff. Of course we have some needs and holes to fill.
I can’t wait for Sunday !!!
All I'm Saying Is...
October 7th, 2009
5:07 pm
And now we arrive at that point (a bit early but we’re there) where reality sets in among all the people previously blowing smoke up the skirt of Dimitroff and Mike Smith and how they are not only award winning professionals at their respective positions and never make any false moves but will do what’s never been done, conquer the impossible, and take this franchise somewhere it has never been. No, you knuckleheads, I’m not talking about to the Super Bowl—been there and lost that. I’m talking about BACK TO BACK WINNING SEASONS!
A funny thing happened along the way to that second consecutive winning season: the Falcons ran up against the NFL (remember it stands for No Fun League) rule that says your schedule becomes tougher following a winning season. So this year we get some real class A teams outside of the always competitive NFL South. Gone are Detroit and Kansas City replaced with New England and the NY Giants to name two. Plus, the rest of the league finally woke up and realized that Michael Turner is the real thing and that, despite a solid rookie year and the addition of Tony Gonzalez, the key to stopping the Falcons is to make 2nd year pro (remember he’s only in his second year) Matt Ryan beat you with his arm.
So that’s where we are people. We must get back to what made us successful last year and that’s getting the running game going consistently and using it to set up the passing attack. And we must do so without the chance of sneaking up on anybody and with a tougher schedule.
In other words, its time to man-up and face the reality of taking on the responsibility of not only being prepared but also playing your best each and every game as that’s what the Not For Long league requires if you want to be a consistent winner.
LET’S GO FALCONS!
Barry
October 7th, 2009
5:34 pm
Hey Y’all:
It is too, too early to start whining about our having a losing team. THAT IS UNFAIR TO THE TEAM AND THE FANS, ALIKE. Our Falcons are currently 2-1. They have a lot of “new players” who are adjusting to the “new style” of play here in Atlanta and they will catch one. With a little “TWEEK”" here and there on the defense and I believe the Falcons will be more than winners throughout this season. The “TWEEKS” on defense are noticeable and Coach Snith and his staff are addressing them. The “TWEEKS” on offense, in my opinion, is the “PLAYCALLING” and the “TYPE OF PLAYS” I see being run so far. I believe we should get a lot more “innovative” in the type of plays we use to attack the defense (i.e., reverses, traps, misdirections, etc.). Our passing plays need to be a little more innovative also. “WE MUST ATTACK THE DEFENSE!!” I also believe the offensive needs to “PICK UP THE PACE” of the game a little more. So far they appear to be real sluggish and slow walking up to the line and getting into a play and recovering from a play. I HOPE THEY ARE IN RUNNING SHAPE FOR THE SEASON. It appears as if they want to “SLOW THE GAME DOWN.” IF THEY DO, THEN THIS SHOULD STOP!! AND STOP NOW!!! I believe a fast pace offense fits this team or any team. That keeps the defense working to tire them down wherein we can make plays. Slowing the game down gives the defense time to set up and rest which can be to our detriment. WE HAVE TO ATTACK ON OFFENCE AND NOT PLAY CONSERVATIVE. WE HAVE TO ATTACK!! LET THAT BE THE CHARACTER OF OUR TEAM. I do not care if the defense is playing what we want to do, go after them and force the defense to make plays against all of your offensive players. STOP PLAYING SCARED. YOU PLAY YO WIN THE GAME!! YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!! And that is the type of plays and play calling should do. LET”S FIX THIS AND FIX IT NOW!!!!!!!!!!! LET”S FIX THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
GO FALCONS!! LET’S PLAY “NASTY” AND KICK SOME BUTT!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
………………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!………………..
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