Something in Falcons’ season has gone horribly wrong
The look on Matt Ryan's face speaks volumes about his toe injury -- and the Falcons' season. (AP photo)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Mike Smith admits he doesn’t play poker. So when the Falcons’ coach said Monday, “You have to deal with the hand that you’re dealt,” he chose not to expand on that thought with, “Do I have to ante twice for new cards, or is this where I bluff?”
The Falcons went 11-5 last season. What went wrong? They added Tony Gonzalez and Mike Peterson and Peria Jerry to a team that went to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback who only figured to get better in season two. What happened? Are twos, fours and sixes wild? Because if so, they’ll be fine.
The Philadelphia Eagles and a well-known second-string quarterback come to the Georgia Dome Sunday. This game conceivably could determine the Falcons’ playoff fate. But they will be missing their starting quarterback (Matt Ryan) and almost certainly their starting running back (Michael Turner) and maybe a few others, because that’s how this season has unraveled.
Referring to Chris Redman, Ryan’s replacement, Smith said, “I don’t anticipate there’s going to be a significant dropoff in the effectiveness of our offense.”
And then he rode off on his Unicorn.
There are two ways to spin the Falcons’ season: 1) They’re 6-5 with five games left, three against losing teams, and therefore still in the thick of the NFC wild card race; or 2) They required a last-second touchdown to defeat arguably the worst team in football, the 1-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they played their first home game in three weeks Sunday before over 15,000 empty seats in the Georgia Dome.
In other words, they’re average, they’re desperate and the bandwagon still has plenty of room to stretch out and recline.
Were we so wrong about the possibilities with this team? Or did injuries simply wreck the season before things could get going?
Harry Douglas, the No. 3 receiver, punt returner and speed burner, suffered a torn knee ligament in the first week of training camp. There also have been season-ending injuries to the No. 1 pick (defensive tackle Peria Jerry), the No. 2 pick (safety William Moore) and the replacement veteran cornerback (Brian Williams). Running backs Turner (one and a half games) and Jerious Norwood (six games) also have missed time, making Jason Snelling relevant, which was neither the plan nor the desire.
John Abraham is invisible. Jason Elam may soon be.
This season was supposed to be special. It’s not. The Falcons’ playoff fortunes now rest on the arm of a guy who was selling insurance three years ago and the legs of the 244th pick in the NFL draft. Not Matt Ryan, who is out at least this week with turf toe. Not Michael Turner, who aggravated a high ankle sprain. Neither chose quick-healing injuries.
Last season, nobody expected much. But after a 4-3 start, the Falcons won consecutive games against Oakland and New Orleans and blasted off. They went 7-2 down the stretch and made the playoffs. It was a needed, post-Michael Vick, post-Bobby Petrino franchise cleansing.
But they’ve never really gotten into a rhythm this season. Even the 4-1 start included hiccups by Ryan and Turner, and certainly the defense. Then came the beat down in Dallas and the loss in New Orleans. The Falcons could’ve survived that. But losing to a mediocre team at Carolina two weeks later left little room for error.
Big problem: They have errors.
When asked about the way things have unfolded, Smith said only: “The big thing is you have to be able to improvise and adjust because the dynamics are changing all the time in this league.”
Dynamics: I believe they call that a euphemism. This hand is dangerously close to over.
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233 comments Add your comment
Matt Ryan's Vag
November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
Im stinky.
Eric C.
November 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
Jay…I have to agree with you…the poor defense and ball control offense can make this a pretty blah team to watch.
Chris "Choke" Redman
November 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
All you Vick and Ryan groupies make me SICK!
FINALLY, the Falcons have a REAL QUARTERBACK!!
Falcons = NFC Champs: BANK ON IT!!!
woodie
November 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
It’s the same old Falcons- worst franchise in history. I love em but they suck!
woodie
November 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
Redman is definitely an upgrade over Ryan. He has really disappointed me this year. Dimitroff is suddenly not looking like a genius.
tell it like it is
November 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
I said before season started falcons would end up 7-9. been watching this team for over 40 years you get to know them after that long.some things never change.
Eric C.
November 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
Yep…I thought Redman showed a lot of poise. The defense is definitely the biggest concern right now as long as Elam can hit at least 2 of 3 FGs a game.
Jason "Choke" Elam
November 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
I’m still getting a paycheck?
Guess the recession isn’t so bad after all.
Suckers.
IlliniDawg
November 30th, 2009
10:33 pm
The asinine comments here and in other blogs re. injuries and accusations of players “faking it” or “not toughing it out” are perhaps the most uninformed load of BS. How many of the folks offering this drivel have ever suffered these injuries.
A sprained knee (Sam Baker): I’ve had three (MCL, MCL, ACL), and even if it’s only a Grade 1 it is really hard to plant and pivot.
Turf toe (Matt Ryan): my son had this in soccer and it literally kept him from putting even minimal weight on it.
Broken ribs (McNabb): I broke two last summer in a horrific mtn bike accident and I couldn’t hardly breathe, much less throw a football, without pain.
High ankle sprain (Turner): both my son and I have suffered this in soccer and you can’t do anything outside of running in a straight line – which does you no good if you are a RB.
Bottom line here – unless you have actually suffered these injuries, you have no idea how much they affect your ability to play. And “toughing it out” by playing through such serious injuries isn’t tough a tall – it’s flat out stupid. Which is basically what most of these dumba$$ comments are.
tell it like it is
November 30th, 2009
10:33 pm
Dump the chump when the Eagles come to town.we all know who the real chump is.
The Boss
November 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Hey “Choke”. Going back several posts. I think that fish you smell is coming from the fryer man. Don’t forget to remove it from the oil when you hear the beeps.Glad you were given another opportunity in the fast chain food world…frying fish at Long John Silvers. You are quite the success story man!
Giuseppe
November 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
I agree with posters 1 and 2 in this thread.
Now, Matt “Choke” Ryan, what happens if Mr. Smith is playing a game with the Eagles and Ryan walks onto the field on Sunday? How stupid would you feel then? I bet as stupid as you always are, week after week, on these Falcons threads. Your IP needs to be banned here so we can all enjoy intelligent discussion, something you are clearly incapable of…
scottbravesfan
November 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
The secondary is terrible on defense that’s the main problem. The offense has been fine. This week is going to be tough with no Ryan or Turner.
IlliniDawg
November 30th, 2009
10:42 pm
OMG – Is “Choke” really “Saint Simmons”? Holy $***! Makes total sense. He is probably also “Robert” on the Braves blog who goes on and on and on and on about “the Donk” aka Bobby Cox. The same MO.
If so, then in the words of Sean Connery (played by Darryl Hammond) on SNL’s Celebrity Jeopardy, to Robin Williams (being played by Jimmy Fallon): “boy, I believe you may be certifiably retarded!”
HeckyHech
November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
how many qbs get turftoe?
The Boss
November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
“Vick Supporter”- Its more likely that Vick will “break” into the Human Society looking for more dogs to murder, then it is a big play as you stated…”guaranteed!” Glad your coming to the game though man. Be sure to wear your Eagles Vick jersey so you can show your intelligence to the world.
HeckyHech
November 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
HeckyHech
November 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
Ryan needs to hang 2 dogs, call Vick, twirl around counterclockwise, howl at a full moon, then lift some heavier weights.
reality
November 30th, 2009
10:52 pm
Vick is more likely to become a member of MENSA then a super bowl QB…..
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
HeckyHech
November 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
Ryan needs to hang 2 dogs, call Vick, twirl around counterclockwise, howl at a full moon, then lift some heavier weights.
“He can’t choke anything right now” he has a turf (hang nail) toe
SO cash
November 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
Cool story, bro.
HeckyHech
November 30th, 2009
11:00 pm
turftoe ?
David
November 30th, 2009
11:00 pm
This team is not dead!!!!! People need to stop losing faith! Chris Redman will get the job done and you want a wildcard well ill give u a wildcard and its Jerious Norwood! Norwood is back and he needs to explode this weekend against the Eagles and i believe he will!!! This team will finish 11-5!!!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
I BELIEVE IN REDMAN AND NORWOOD!!!!!!!!
HeckyHetch
November 30th, 2009
11:01 pm
turf toe
reality
November 30th, 2009
11:02 pm
I will say this though, I’d rather have #7 as the POTUS right now….
Noodle Feet Rules
November 30th, 2009
11:10 pm
Hey Choke, Choke this
hetch hetchy
November 30th, 2009
11:14 pm
brees is unreal. who would have thought it when his shoulder got destroyed.
choke, don’t be on my side. Ever.
Noodle Feet Rules
November 30th, 2009
11:17 pm
Hey Choke,, lets look at the stats.
lets see
your first post of the day comes at about what 12 pm,, so i’m thinking you either have no job or you have some kick ass hours at work. If you do work. Then lets say for the sh=ts and giggles you do have a job. Wow,, thes guys are getting their moneys worth,, a loser on the pc all day trashing the Falcons Qb,,, , tough job but somebodys gotta do it i guess, what time do you sign off, bout,, 3 am,, nice.
assh-le
Keep it real
November 30th, 2009
11:19 pm
How can the saints pickup mccallister and mckenzie two days ago and we still havent picked up a corner to come in and help our secondary?
Bill
November 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Have no Fear, Redman is here………….Jeff what your E-Mail address ? If not private.
Noodle Feet Rules
November 30th, 2009
11:21 pm
Keep it Real,, because their within a nats as- of getting to the superbowl and we arent
JSS
November 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
Dang!!! I thought I was messed up when I broke my right ankle in 18 places in 1994. Still, IlliniDawg, you are some HMO’s worst nightmare! What are your premiums like?
Derek
November 30th, 2009
11:28 pm
COME ON GUYS! This is our team were talknig about here. If u have no faith in ur team then get the heck outa here because our season is not over. Chris Redman has always been the man behind the scenes for matt ryan. Now its his turn to prove to everyone that he can play. Quit complaining and start having faith in our Falcons!
Noodle Feet Rules
November 30th, 2009
11:28 pm
Just for the record, I never understood why we drafted a QB anyho,, Redmon is pretty good
Noodle Feet Rules
November 30th, 2009
11:31 pm
One more thing,, I like our chances this Sunday,, Go Redmon,, a true Pro.
Vick Supporter
November 30th, 2009
11:34 pm
Choke…I have to give it to you……you rule this blog….after me
IlliniDawg
November 30th, 2009
11:42 pm
JSS: that’s not even half of it. Between me and my wife and my now college-age kids, we’ve had fractured metatarsals (foot), fractured wrist, fractured tibia, fractured femur (god that one reaaally hurt!), two sprained wrists, many ankle sprains, torn meniscus, bruised kidney, bruised hip, shoulder tendonitis, sacroiliac inflammation, and somewhere around 100 plus stitches. All from sports/athletic injuries. We have become very good friends with all of the Sports Med folks at our local hospital!
NERDS!!!
November 30th, 2009
11:45 pm
tech still sucks!!
Matt the Brave
November 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
Ryan’s injury makes me wonder if he’s been dealing with this for about four weeks or so (i.e.: when he started throwing all the interceptions). Wouldn’t surprise me. Been saying all season, all I want is 9-7 and I’d be happy. Only have to win three more to get it, and I would expect that we’ll be better against Tampa next time. Can we go 3-2? We’ll see!
bravehawkfalcon
November 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
Considiring how bad this pass D is…If Jason Elam makes field goals against Panthers and Giants falcons are 8-3
Taylor
November 30th, 2009
11:53 pm
I think our chances are not terrible sunday. After all, the eagles probably won’t have desean jackson or westbrook. We seem to be a great home team too and as for VIck Supporter and Matt “Choke” Ryan I stopped reading anything they posted weeks ago, I don’t know why anyone would respond to someone that just says the same crap over and over. If you stop responding they might just go away
benchwarmer
December 1st, 2009
12:04 am
Hillbilly, I reakon you are right. And nuff said.
Greg Norton is HOT!!!
December 1st, 2009
12:06 am
Send Van Gorder back to the Dawgs, hire a new defensive coordinator for the Falcons, and everyone is happy!!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 1st, 2009
12:13 am
Then after Philly, they have the Saints coming to town, fresh off of WHIPPING the Patriots that WHIPPED the Falcons……….
Back-to-back B-L-O-W-O-U-T-S
PlusSizeModel
December 1st, 2009
12:14 am
I think it’s cool no one with the team seems to be whining about injuries. Injuries happen, they’ll be back next year with Vick’s salary room for an additional stud or two. This is obviously the Saints year anyway. Deal with it and move on living in one of the best cities in the world!
Jeff Schultz
December 1st, 2009
12:44 am
Bill — My email is not private: jschultz@ajc.com
tom
December 1st, 2009
12:47 am
I don’t see a playoff slot happening. If it did, they would lose in the first round. Next season!
yo mama
December 1st, 2009
12:50 am
bradley, you yourself said the falcons would struggle to 9-7 or 10-6. they are playing a tougher schedule, they have uprooted the defense, went with young’uns, have a kicker who has blown 3 games, and won against a much tougher tampa team than you lead on to be. TB, has played many tough, once they got their qb situation resolved. we are who we thought we are. a tough team that runs well. well, thats still the falcons, right now. elam doesnt choke, and we are 9-2. thats your difference maker right there!
yo mama
December 1st, 2009
1:25 am
oops, meant schultz
Falcon's History
December 1st, 2009
1:53 am
The falcons are and have long been a mediocre team and organization. One playoff year, with a first round loss, and everyone assumes that the team has “turned a corner” and will make the playoffs every year, just because matt ryan had a good season in 2008. Sorry—-it doesn’t work that way. The falcons personnel is average at a lot of positions and they have no quality depth at RB, DL or QB. It will be another sub-.500 season, but the team will still jack up prices for tickets, parking and concessions—got to keep Arthur rich!!!!