Ryan shows rust in return but leads victory in the end
Matt Ryan completed only 16 of 34 passes for 152 yards in his return, but went 6 for 9 in the Falcons' winning drive. (AP photo)
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After a week punctuated by more news of players and their mind-altering substances, the forecast of a blizzard for their upcoming road trip and then life-support finally being pulled on their playoff hopes, the Falcons didn’t project for a real uplifting finish to this season.
Fortunately, they had two things going for them Sunday: 1) They were playing the New York Jets, opponent of opportunity (they botched three field goals); 2) Matt Ryan kind of has something to prove.
Ryan was not good for most of Sunday. One reason was the wind, which often turned passes into knuckleballs. The other reason was nearly three weeks of inactivity, which helped turn an already struggling quarterback into a pedestrian one. (Ryan’s numbers before the Falcons’ final possession: 10 for 25, 115 yards.)
But you can tell a lot about a guy by how he finishes when misery is all around him — and what we see from the Falcons and Ryan in these final three games will go a long way toward what we think about the team and their franchise centerpiece going into the offseason.
Ryan provided a memory Sunday. How long had it been?
He completed five of his first six passes in the final drive and later drilled a fourth-down, six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez with 1:38 left in the game, giving the Falcons a 10-7 win over the Jets in the Meadowlands.
Is it cause for a parade? No.
Does it make up for the losses at Carolina or Dallas or the Giants, or certainly that comatose showing at home against Philadelphia? Hardly.
But how much would you be wondering about Ryan and the Falcons right now if they looked as anemic on that last drive as they did for most of Sunday?
Tony Gonzalez was ecstatic after the Jets' defense left him some room in the end zone for the winning touchdown. (AP photo)
“You can tell a lot from a game like today about a guy’s character,” center Todd McClure said. “When you’re not playing for the playoffs, it’s easy to just mail it in. Nobody did that today.”
That wasn’t an option, not for the Falcons (who at 7-7 still have a shot at a second straight winning season) and certainly not Ryan. He missed the last two games with turf toe. He took only 25 percent of the snaps in practice last week. Factor in the lingering effects of the injury (he wore a walking boot again after the game), the weather and the Jets’ defense (ranked No. 1 in yardage and points allowed), and Ryan at times Sunday was giving Falcons’ fans Joey Harrington-flashbacks.
But he wasn’t Harrington in the end. On fourth-and-goal from the six, Ryan ignored a thrown snowball that fell just to his left and fired a laser to the open Gonzalez. The Jets inexplicably were in soft zone coverage near the goal line, giving the Falcons’ obvious No. 1 receiving option way too much cushion.
Gonzalez’s reaction to the defensive call: “Oh my God.”
It’s the ending Ryan wanted, and needed.
Coach Mike Smith decided after warm-ups that Ryan would start. “You could tell Matt was pumped,” McClure said. “He started head-butting everybody.”
Ryan said, “It’s tough when you’re out for a couple of weeks. There’s nothing like playing a game.”
Smith said he thought his quarterback looked “rusty.” But he expected that.
Ryan didn’t use that word. “Not too bad,” he said of his performance. “There were some throws I would’ve liked to have made better. But that’s every game. My rhythm felt good. My timing felt good.”
Actually, timing on the field looked like it could have been better, although the wind played havoc in the passing game. The timing in the big picture was perfect. The Falcons had lost four out of their last five to drop to 6-7. Jonathan Babineaux’s embarrassing arrest report for felony marijuana possession, and Eric Weems’ DUI arrest report, both became public during the week. Then Dallas upset New Orleans Saturday night, ending a long-shot playoff scenario.
McClure: “The one time we need the Saints to win, they lose.”
And how’s this for a drought? Ryan hadn’t started and finished a win since Nov. 8 against Washington. No wonder it seemed like a while.
Ryan and the Falcons finish up with Buffalo and Tampa Bay. The shot at a 9-7 record and at least some sense of accomplishment is real. It’s not nearly at the level anybody expected. But things looked a whole lot worse before that last pass.
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235 comments Add your comment
Jimmy
December 21st, 2009
1:28 am
Mr. Charlie wrote: Jimmy, so being a starter, being able to beat out all comers, to be able to man your postion good enough to have your defense be among the better in the league, does not speak of ones ability?
If by ability you mean being in the top of the league at his position…no.
If by ability you mean being a starter…no.
Being in the NFL speaks to one’s ability.
It does not mean you are better than the second stringer on another team.
Every team must fill holes as best they can.
Sometimes that means they have to start a guy who should be a second stringer.
Charlie wrote: I don’t care how good the players around him are, if he cannot pull his weight, he would not be there. Now you argument is, he does not have to be the player he once was for what he is asked to do, well, that only speaks of what his ability was.
Again, the fact that he is starting for an NFL team only indicates he has the ability to play in the NFL.
It is only an indication of subjective conclusions in specific context.
On his team, someone made the subjective conclusion he was better than at least the worst guy vying for his position on the team.
His skill is not necessarily the reason he starts. Experience could be the reason.
That does not mean he would start for another team. He could be riding the pine with another team.
What would you conclude about his “ability” in that context?
By your argument, if some coach decided to make him second string, it would suggest his lack of ability.
You can’t judge his ability by the fact he is a starter.
I was a Brooking fan. Never did attack him when many others did.
But you are blind if you cannot see that his game, even in run support, has deteriorated.
He is not an every down player anymore, even if he does start.
He is now a marginal player near the end of his career.
That is really the point.
I’m going to call a spade a spade.
Regardless, Brooking is still alive for the playoffs, the Falcons are not. And in the NFL, that is all that matters.
Mr. Charlie,
Being in the NFL speaks to his ability.
It does not mean he is worthy of starting.
It does not mean he “beat all comers” either.
Falcons Minority Owner
December 21st, 2009
5:56 am
I bought into a team that’s just striving for a 9-7 season?? What a loser mentality. PLAYOFFS OR BUST!
NCBravesFan
December 21st, 2009
6:08 am
FMO: Yeap, because when you’re 6-7 and eliminated from the playoff hunt, 9-7 is all you got to strive for.
Given the changes on defense this year, the tougher schedule and the injuries – 9-7 would really not be a bad outcome. Bigger and better things lie ahead.
James
December 21st, 2009
6:16 am
I see Jim Mora Jr is up to old tricks…”Team(Seahawks)Killer”.
Cowboy Bob
December 21st, 2009
6:31 am
Cowboys beat the best team in the NFL and are headed to a deep playoff run—-mark it down!! Wade Phillips has the ‘boys peaking at the right time!!! Atlanta—another dismal year after making the playoffs. Maybe next year falcon fans. It’s hard to be humble as a Cowboys fan!!!
Falcons Minority Owner
December 21st, 2009
6:42 am
NCBraves….no playoffs and getting Michael Turner re-injured in the process is just useless. Now the person that REALLY carries this team is down for good and his ankle is worse off than it was…and for what? So the Falcons can have a feel good moment over a 9-7 season? Pathetic.
The Good Word
December 21st, 2009
6:51 am
Joe Flacco??? Look up his playoff QB rating. It’s obvious why the Ravens were in the playoffs last year. Flacco had about as much to do with it as the Ravens longsnapper. Maybe “Choke” is absent because he remembered how #7 mailed it in a few years ago in cold weather in Chicago.
NCBravesFan
December 21st, 2009
6:54 am
FMO: OK, so should the Falcons try to go 9-7, or 7-9 … because in reading your last two posts, I’m confused as to what you think they should be doing.
jt23
December 21st, 2009
7:25 am
Choke. MV7 hurt his little thigh. He should not have left the game. He let his team down.
Samuel
December 21st, 2009
7:29 am
Say what you will about Matty Ice, I still like him under center better than Chris Redman. He didn’t play that well, but you knew he was in charge. Two more games to go I like our chance!!
Nativebird
December 21st, 2009
7:44 am
The Kid just is a winner. You simply cannot ever count the kid out. Even when he and/or the team is playing badly, with #2 at the helm, you always have a chance. He has that “IT” factor that Vick never had and will never have.
robertussen
December 21st, 2009
7:48 am
looks like the face of the franchise saved the day with a 4th qt td against the best D in football with an injury that some people would retire from. Wow, id say we go us one hell of a QB there. Meanwhile, our former criminal of a QB can’t handle limited playing time and wussed out faking an injury so no one will notice hes become slow and lazy. That’s just what every NFL team looks for in a starter, a lazy, slow. “running QB” with an inaccurate arm!
F-105 Thunderchief
December 21st, 2009
7:51 am
Could it be that Dick Stockton has dementia? There was the Falcons are out of field goal range remark when they were inside the 10. He referred to the Jets as the Eagles. And, after the Falcons’ touchdown, he said the extra point would tie it. I thought, surely he, or the producers will correct it, but they went into the commercial break with Stockton saying the score was tied at 10-10. Seriously, they need to get him to a doctor.
Fred
December 21st, 2009
8:06 am
Falcons fans celebrating a 9-7 season with no post season hopes…LMAO! Oh well, I guess this “winning” season will give them the warm and fuzzy feeling they need when they’re watching the playoffs! LMAO
Vick in 2010!
December 21st, 2009
8:12 am
Vick will be available for only a few mil in 2010—Blank needs to get out of his private box, call Vick and get him back to Atlanta—that’s the only hope for the franchise long term—an exciting QB who can make big plays. Scoring 10 points against the lowly jets is not going to win titles. Pay vick whatever he wants–he’ll be worth it!
Just The Facts
December 21st, 2009
8:14 am
the truth……is Should’ve,could’ve and would’ve DOESN’T COUNT!We should’ve drafted this guy..we could’ve drafted that guy and we would’ve if we knew what we should’ve known what we know now we could’ve had that player.
Manny
December 21st, 2009
8:15 am
Saw the game last night, because I was watching a game that had playoff implications on NFL Sunday Ticket when the Falcons played live. Here are my thoughts on the game:
1. The Jets shut down Roddy White. Their defense was strong enough to shut him down and made Matt Ryan look for just one player. That was evident because Peele was open in the end zone a few times and Matt Ryan didn’t even look his way. He had tunnel vision for Gonzalez.
2. The Falcons played good defense (for a change.) It was nice seeing John Abraham getting a sack. It was nice seeing Brent Grimes get an interception. Oh, and speaking of Brent Grimes- he played a whale of a game! I always thought he showed flashes of what he can do, but he put it together yesterday (helped by the fact that Sanchez telegraphed a few passes. Brent Grimes just watched his eyes and anticipated the pass.) Even though the pass rush wasn’t stellar, the secondary was terrific, for a change.
3. Matt Ryan won the game. It was funny. I watched the replay of this game with my two sons- ages 9 and 11. When the Falcons lined up for that 4th down, they were both saying that Matt Ryan was going to Gonzalez. They were like “Ryan needs to find another outlet because they are going to swallow Gonzalez. There’s no way the Jets will allow Gonzalez to be open!” Lo and behold… Gonzalez was open, Ryan watched Gonzalez from scrimmage and just laid a nice pass to an open TE.
Nice play, but if my 9 year-old was the defensive coordinator for the Jets, Gonzalez wouldn’t have gotten the ball. But a win is a win.
4. That game was an ugly game. Dropped balls. Errant passes. Both offenses couldn’t move the ball. They kinda looked like the same team… offense- bad, defense-good. And the Jets aren’t a good team. It was 7-3 for 3 and 4/5th quarters. Ugly, ugly, game.
5. The win makes the Falcons a .500 team. They gotta win against teams that they should beat handily in order to have a “winning” season. (To me, the only “winning” season is a season that includes a postseason run, but I digress.) Watch out for the Bucs, though. They are getting better and better as time passes. If the Falcons beat the Bucs, there will be dancing in the streets in the ATL! Back-to-Back Winning Seasons, Baby! Take THAT, playoff-bound Michael Vick!!!!
Just The Facts
December 21st, 2009
8:20 am
oh and Vick in 2010……Vick never was a “real quarterback” and never took the Falcons anywhere but to the doghouse!Maybe your Boss SHOULD FIRE YOU AND REHIRE THAT LAST SACK-O-SH…that he fired last….that would be IRONIC wouldn’t it?????????????????
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
8:23 am
How bout that placekicker!! You da bomb dude………….!!
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
8:29 am
Are you people really serious about Vick playing for Atlanta again? Two things: 1) It will never happen 2) It will never ever NEVER happen
geno
December 21st, 2009
8:30 am
now for a dose of reality……this team will go 6 – 10 next year…jamal anderson(bust), paria jerre( injury prone bust), ovie muhaley( highest paid FULLBACK in NFL history…..???for what, why??/&%!!…anyway, bust….tony gonzales( everybody knows all-pro TEs dont win championships…..(see recent NFL history)….. jerious norwood…(most talented offensive weapon…speed, great hands….relugated to spot play, thanks coach……OHHH gonzales just caught another pass, 10 yards, whhhooopee!!! john abraham(not affective anymore)…mike jenkins( career bust mostly)….basically, the last four/five years have been full of bad decisions thats gonna take about three years to fix.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
8:32 am
Fred:
Just curious, you’re part of what fan base?
Manny
December 21st, 2009
9:00 am
That’s a great discussion: What are your predictions for the Falcons next year? Since this season will be over in 2 weeks, we can go ahead and talk about it. Here are my thoughts:
I think the Falcons will be very good next season. I believe that this season served a good dose of reality that the Falcons will take into account in order to build upon. As a result, I believe that we will draft well and the pieces missing due to injury will come back strong.
For instance, I think that the Falcons know that Matt Ryan isn’t a superstar QB that can take over a game. He’s no Peyton Manning or Tom Brady or Drew Brees. The best that Ryan can be is a Tony Romo. That’s a good thing, because the Falcons will make sure that they put the face of the franchise in positions where he shines, and not in bad positions. Therefore I believe that the Falcons will get another WR threat downfield. And they will continue to teach Ryan how to use all of the weapons in clutch situations.
Here’s another thing that I think will happen. The Falcons will spend money and get them a shut-down corner. And Brent Grimes will improve.
They will draft D-linemen and O-linemen primarily.
The will integrate Jerious Norwood into the offense more.
Brian Finneran is done. (Even though he’s one of my favorite Falcons.)
Brian VanGorder will put more blitz packages into the defense.
All in all, the Falcons will make the playoffs winning about 11 or 12 games next year. The system will hold and Matt Ryan will even win a playoff game next year. (After that, they will lose in the next game.)
The bottom line? This year is significant because this is a learning year. The Falcons is a run-first team and they need to continue to build on it. They know that they need a playmaker on the other side of Roddy White, and either Harry Douglas will come back and fill that void, or they will get someone else to do so. (Michael Jenkins works best coming off the bench in 3rd and long situations.) And Matt Ryan is most comfortable when he isn’t asked to “win the game.” He works best when he can work methodically and not have to improvise outside the system.
And on defense, they will draft D-linemen and hire a good secondary. But they must continue to integrate the youngsters into the secondary because they are gettting better.
But all in all, things looks good for the Falcons in 2010.
P.S. For you Mike Vick fans, he’s going to a bad team next year, but won’t start until midseason. He may even go to a bad, dome team- like St. Louis. (St. Louis needs a new QB. Plus, they need to fill that Dome. And the draft is very light on QBs. Make sense, with the exception that the fan base might revolt. But if not St. Louis, the 49ers. Mike Singletary will have Vick calling him Daddy.
midnite
December 21st, 2009
9:24 am
Early in the week Rex Ryan said the “Falcons better strap it up because this is gonna be a tough, physical game”. Well big boy, “we did”. Where all those “drive by bloggers” that said the Jets would manhandle the Falcons?
TMoney
December 21st, 2009
9:26 am
I agree, looking at 2010 seems like a good idea right now. Here are some points on what I think we can expect to see.
1) Harry Douglas will come back and take over the #2 receiver spot. Jenkins has been around for a while, but never really developed into a good #2 man. I think next year, we can expect to see him relegated to being a third down receiver.
2) Jerious Norwood will no longer be a Falcon. He has been too snake bitten recently to be effective, and we’ll need a dynamic change of pace back that can stay healthy and play.
3) The defense will be much improved. The returns of Peria Jerry, William Moore, and Brian Williams will be very helpful, plus the draft this year is very deep on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, the Falcons don’t have a second round pick (right now), but the will get compensatory picks for Brooking, Foxworth, Boley, Milloy, and Jackson.
4) The schedule will not kill the Falcons. Save a complete collapse in the last two games and an improbable run by the Panthers, the Falcons will finish the season #2 in the NFC South. Unless the NFL adds more games, the Falcons schedule is pretty much set. They will host Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Arizona, St. Louis, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and (most likely) Green Bay. They will travel to Carolina, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and whoever finishes 2nd the the NFC East. While dates and times are not yet set, it is hard to believe the NFL would give the Falcons 4 teams coming off of byes again, so expect a more middle of the road schedule.
With those points in mind, and barring any major injuries (Which this year has proven can cripple a team), I think the Falcons can win anywhere from 11 to 13 games next season. I also think New Orleans will fall back down to earth a bit (They will have a similar schedule to ours, except switch the home and road games and sub in Minnesota for Green Bay and the NFC East #1 for the NFC East #2). Carolina might improve, depending on there coach, GM, and QB situations, and Tampa Bay will probably be a middle of the road team. So in 2010, the NFC South and the playoffs should be within sight for the birds.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
9:26 am
Geno:
You said “basically, the last four/five years have been full of bad decisions”. Quite the contrary, the decisions that encompass that time frame will prove to be the most prolific in the history of the franchise. Keep in mind that the Petrino debacle was superseded by the Vick self inflicted exile but Petrino was brought in specifically to coach up Vick. Since ‘02 we have had an owner that knows how to run an organization and after some re-tooling has the right people in place. I see this franchise becoming a perennial powerhouse, a dynasty. Your pessimism is 2nd only to your lack of spelling acumen, but I sense the sincereity of a long suffering Falcons Fan.
This season tested us on so many fronts. One of the most difficult schedules period. But throw in a third of our games against teams coming off of a bye week, how does that happen anyway? Last year we were scheduled against each team in our own division coming off of their bye week. I even wrote Roger Goodell a letter about it, guess I pissed him off. We got hit with injuries to several key players. No matter if we finish 8-8 or 9-7 I think our players and coaches had a championship season given all of the obastacles we’ve had to overcome.
The season is not over. We have 2 more games to win and I look forward to supporting these Birds of Prey that will finish with pride and fierce tenacity.
midnite
December 21st, 2009
9:29 am
Too bad about Mike Vick’s quad injury. Did four of his prison boyfriends get out and play to rough with him? Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving guy.
MiltonDawg
December 21st, 2009
9:30 am
good game to win, now finish the drill and win out- at least end this season with pride. yes playoffs are out of the picture but let’s break the curse.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
9:39 am
Manny:
“And Brent Grimes will improve”?
Brent Grimes can only improve if he grows another 6 inches taller. This guy gives 110% every second of every play. If he weren’t so height challenged you would be looking at a Champ Bailey or Charles Woodson.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
9:50 am
midnite:
Comments like those are inflammatory and totally unnecessary. If it were just Vick you dislike you probably would not even comment. Can’t we just get along.
MiltonDawg:
There is no curse. Just a franchise with nearly 40 years of unfortunate ownership. We are on the right track now, thank you Arthur Blank.
Falcon Phil
December 21st, 2009
10:06 am
The falcons had injuries and bad breaks all year. Matt Ryan will get it together next year and take Atlanta to the division title—bet on it!! He’s the best young QB in the league and the falcon management better give him a big raise and bonus to keep him happy, or he will start looking around soon.
midnite
December 21st, 2009
10:10 am
Ricky
Thank you and…uh…Happy Holidays to you also.
james
December 21st, 2009
10:11 am
I agree with Jimmy O. Let us not forget 2005 and 2006 were two of the most disappointing, underachieving seasons in recent memory. You can blame Mike Vick for both seasons, but plenty of blame can be placed with Jim Mora and the Offensive Coordinator. Now if Dan Reeves could have remained as MV’s head coach, I think there is a strong possibility the Falcons could have reached the NFC Championship game more than once after 2003.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 21st, 2009
10:12 am
BY THE NUMBERS:
CHOKE:
ATTEMPTS: 381
COMPLETIONS: 222
YARDS: 2443
COMPLETIONS: 58.3
TOUCHDOWNS: 17
PICKS: 12
QB RATING: 79.1
JOE FLACCO:
ATTEMPTS: 455
COMPLETIONS: 291
YARDS: 3345
COMPLETIONS: 64.0
TOUCHDOWNS: 19
PICKS: 11
QB RATING: 89.9
RECORDS:
Falcons: 7-7
Ravens: 8-6
PLAYOFF RACE:
Falcons: OUT
Ravens: 5th SEED
QB RATINGS ABOVE 100:
CHOKE: 2
Flacco: 6
QB RATINGS IN THE 90s:
CHOKE: 1
Flacco: 3
QB RATINGS IN LAST 2 CRUNCH TIME GAMES:
CHOKE: 78.5 & 69.7
Flacco: 128.8 & 135.6
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:12 am
Falcon Phil……………..lol, are you really Matty Ice?
Did you forget the 6 year $72 million contract you signed last year.
midnite
December 21st, 2009
10:19 am
Choke
Aren’t you supposed to be rubbing Vick’s quad injury?
Matt "Choke" Ryan
December 21st, 2009
10:22 am
Vick in 2010!
December 21st, 2009
8:12 am
Vick will be available for only a few mil in 2010—Blank needs to get out of his private box, call Vick and get him back to Atlanta—that’s the only hope for the franchise long term—an exciting QB who can make big plays. Scoring 10 points against the lowly jets is not going to win titles. Pay vick whatever he wants–he’ll be worth it!
“Well” according to the post interview on ESPN after the Eagles slaughter of the Falcons, it was said that Blank had invited Vick to his Mansion over the Summer – So you use your imagination about what they will talk about…. HA HA HA
Manny
December 21st, 2009
10:29 am
Enter your comments here
Sporty Black
December 21st, 2009
10:31 am
Jeff you said a mouthful: “…an already struggling quarterback into a pedestrian one.” Ryan was not paid $70 million to have a rating of 69. Ryan is NOT geting it done. The Falcons defense won this game. My 8 year old son could of led the Falcons to victory if the defense only allows 7 points. Yesterday, Ryan was just as instrumental in the win as the team wearing white jerseys… Unfortunately, most of our fanbase are clueless.
How about the Run D??
December 21st, 2009
10:31 am
I started Thomas Jones on FF roster yesterday (he’s been killin’ it all year) against the Falcons beat up D. Sure fire 20 or 30 points right??? No… 5 points. Good thing I had Manning, Miles Austin, and Andre Johnson to squeak out a win.
Falcons run D was SOLID yesterday and is the ONLY reason they won that game. Good job fellas!
Why wouldn’t you mention that in your article Jeffy?? Defense is key in football, even you should know that, give credit where credit due.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:31 am
That is the most idiotic blog entry I have ever seen. Seriously, EVER.
The Baltimore Ravens 2009 NFL strength of schedule was ranked 28th.
The Atlanta Falcons 2009 NFL strength of schedule was ranked 4th.
You went to a lot of trouble there fella to make a Non-Point. All but 4 AFC teams are essentially playing .500 ball. Whoop te do, big deal stats. If the Falcons were in the AFC they would be in the playoffs too.
Manny
December 21st, 2009
10:34 am
Oh goodness, there’s my “Enter your comments here” post. Sorry.
But Ricky, I can agree with you up to a point regarding Brent Grimes. He does give 100% all the time. His only issues will be defensive positioning in order to compensate for his lack of height. But he plays better than what he gets credit for, though.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:37 am
Excellent point “How about the Run D”
Falcons D held the Jets to under 100 yards rushing. The Jets lead the NFL in rushing.
Sporty Black
December 21st, 2009
10:38 am
@ Choke: I don’t have a problem with you. Of course I want Ryan (and more importantly the Falcons) to do well, but the numbers are the numbers. I laugh everytime I see or hear someone say Ryan “led the Falcons to victory” over the Jets.
Sam
December 21st, 2009
10:40 am
What was wrong with the B team announcers? Was Matt Ryan the place kicker? One of them even lost track of the score when the Falcons scored their go ahead touchdown.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:40 am
Sporty Black:
Let’s get your boy a contract…………….!!!
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:44 am
Sam, I heard the same thing…………..the announcer said the Falcons extra point would tie the game………..lol………!!!
Sporty Black
December 21st, 2009
10:45 am
@ Manny: You are on point. Do you remember that terrible pass interference call in the Saints game against him. In the Dallas game Saturday night, the Dallas CB (Jenkins I think) made the same play, no call.
Keep Grimes (and Decoup). Grimes is the perfect nickel. With his atheleticism, I would like to see the Falcons try him at punt returner.
Ricky
December 21st, 2009
10:47 am
Sporty Black:
Laugh now,
Ryan “led the Falcons to victory” over the Jets.
Atl Resident
December 21st, 2009
10:47 am
Matt Ryan rusty this game? He’s been rusty the whole year. I would like to see back to back winning seasons, but to keep it real who really cares about that? Bottom line we had potential to get to playoffs and we should be there, that’s what the fans really want anyway. Blank needs to do some serious cleaning up.