Victory gives Falcons, Smith a historical cleansing
The significance of Sunday's win over Tampa Bay was not lost on coach Mike Smith and owner Arthur Blank. (AP photo).
TAMPA – Mike Smith can take down the newspaper clip now.
After a year of trying to publicly to distance himself from the bull’s-eye of Falcons’ inglorious history — and the modest goals that logically follow — Smith finally admitted something Sunday. Yes, this whole back-to-back thing bothered him. It motivated him. And it was only for him to know.
“I gained an appreciation of it the day after the season last year,” the Falcons’ coach said. “I came into the office and saw a full page spread of the previous teams that had winning seasons and what happened to them I haven’t told many people this. But that article is taped up on my closet door in my office. I wanted it up there so I could see it every day. But it’s not something I ever spoke to the team about.”
It’s how you wanted this to play out. Once the Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention, the idea should have been to make finishing with a winning record the primary objective, without making it a rallying cry.
It was an unusual balancing act. But the Falcons pulled it off. They won for the third straight otherwise meaningless Sunday, defeating Tampa Bay, 20-10. They finished 9-7. That’s two games worst than last year but one game better than 8-8, which would have extended the most implausible and embarrassing record in team sports.
At least, consecutive winning seasons. A historical cleansing.
It was not a well-played game. It lacked drama and flow and at times coordination. It wasn’t particularly well-attended (Tampa residents consider temperatures in the 40s like a Manitoba winter, so only those who own sweaters showed up).
But will anybody remember that? Smith will have to think of something else to tape to his closet this offseason.
“Congratulations,” owner Arthur Blank said as he walked off the field. “After 44 years, it’s about time.”
Roddy White's tight-rope act on the sideline led to the winning touchdown against the Buccaneers. (AP photo)
When most franchises scream, “Back to back!” they’re referencing championships. These guys aren’t quite there yet. But it’s not without meaning. Smith awarded a game ball to Blank. The owner gave a speech in the locker room about this accomplishment being for all of the franchise’s past players who never had a chance to experience it.
Embrace what you can. Forget what you’re able to.
“Any time you’re the first person to do something, it’s important,” Roddy White said.
There are so many questions about this team. Matt Ryan struggled at times this season, including Sunday. Some problems might’ve been injury related, but not all. In year one, we saw greatness. In year two, we saw the learning curve. Ryan threw two interceptions against the Bucs. But he also provided the difference with 7:18 left, breaking a 10-10 tie when he tossed a 12-yard touchdown pass to White, who tight-roped his way down the sideline into the end zone.
There are other deficiencies on the team, ones greater than maybe we all realized after last year’s mind-numbing 11-5 run. But considering the injuries, considering the schedule and all of the year’s hiccups, finishing 9-7 isn’t bad at all.
Almost on cue, the Falcons teased us before winning. With a 10-3 lead in the third quarter, Ryan threw an interception and Matt Bryant had a field attempt blocked on consecutive possessions. Then, with Tampa driving at midfield but facing a second-and-12, an official got in the way of Trey Lewis sacking quarterback Josh Freeman. With the official being used as a relative moving screen – Lewis eventually ran him over – Freeman completed a 14-yard pass to Jerramy Stevens for a first down. Tampa scored on that drive to tie it.
“Me? I wasn’t nervous,” White said later, smiling, rolling his eyes.
But to rally from that and win another game, even over a 3-13 team, says something about resilience. It also allowed general manager Thomas Dimitroff to exhale.
“Honestly, I could not imagine going into next season knowing we would have to win two more seasons to accomplish something that should have been accomplished a while ago,” Dimitroff said.
Smith said when he and Dimitroff first huddled two years ago, “We talked about the team being relevant. That means sustaining something every year. That means winning. You can’t always be in the playoffs, but you can always be in the discussion. You can be relevant.”
The Falcons didn’t make the playoffs. But they altered history Sunday. They changed the discussion.
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531 comments Add your comment
Green Man
January 3rd, 2010
6:38 pm
Amen
Real American
January 3rd, 2010
6:40 pm
I cant wait for the parade tomorrow!
Thanks FAlcons
January 3rd, 2010
6:41 pm
for not quitting and finishing the season with pride and ending THE CURSE
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
6:42 pm
Well said.
Steve
January 3rd, 2010
6:43 pm
As a Falcons fan that is almost the same age as the franchise Ill always remember this day.
mike28212
January 3rd, 2010
6:43 pm
Nicely done.
TCCB
January 3rd, 2010
6:44 pm
A PARADE ? FOR WHAT ? FOR WHO ? HONEY IT’S TO COLD!!!!!!!!!
james
January 3rd, 2010
6:44 pm
I have a feeling the discussion is about to change from back to back winning seasons to back to back postseason wins. Next season looks very promising. It will be fun to see Matt Ryan’s return to Philly, the Green Bay Packers in town and Baltimore, Cincinnati and Arizona inside the Dome! Can’t wait til August!
Reid Adair
January 3rd, 2010
6:45 pm
This accomplishment is something for fans who have been supporting this organization for the last 15 years or more. It is also good for Thomas Dimitroff, Mike Smith and company to get rid of the “streak” that the national media loved to bring up for so long.
While it was disappointing that the Falcons did not make the playoffs this year, I still believe most can see that the organization as a whole is headed in the right direction. When Arthur Blank went out and hired Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith, he found two people who are capable of taking this organization forward.
Watching Jason Snelling, Brent Grimes, Chris Owens and all of the Falcons make plays when they had to today was impressive. The injuries have hurt, but the base is there. Everyone knew the defense would be young and would take its lumps, but I believe they improved as the season went along. I’m also convinced that Grimes and Owens, despite criticism for their height, will be just fine.
Well done today, Falcons, from someone who has suffered through the “streak” for nearly 30 years.
Vicks Flea Collar
January 3rd, 2010
6:46 pm
1. Falcons will be back strong next year.
2. Saints end up only being the 2008 Tennessee Titans.
3. Now we are only left with watching the Hawks knocked out in second round of playoffs and Braves finishing third. Woo Hoo!!
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
6:46 pm
Thank you Smitty, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, and TD.
NJ Dawg
January 3rd, 2010
6:46 pm
Congrats to the Falcons. They didn’t achieve all of their pre-season goals–and let’s face it, bad luck and injuries had something to do with that–but they finished over .500 and will hopefully improve on the record next year. Let’s hope there are some top-notch defenders and hidden gems in this year’s draft.
Real American
January 3rd, 2010
6:47 pm
Perhaps there will be T-shirts and caps for sale in honor of this great accomplishment! That waiting list just jumped to 20,000 for sure!
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
6:50 pm
You just don’t go from bottom rung to dynasty, ask Miami. The Falcons seem to be building something, much to the chargrin to all the haters out there.
Joe B.
January 3rd, 2010
6:52 pm
This was fantastic for the Falcons. As a lifelong fan, I really appreciate the effort they put forth over the last month. This is the mark of a legitimate NFL franchise.
Grimes and Chris Owens improved drastically over the last month. Sidbury and Biermann might be what Jamal Anderson never was. Dimitroff is going to have a tough time picking which back to keep-Snelling or Norwoood.
Hopefully, Harry Douglas comes back strong, the Falcons solidify the OT position and this year’s first and 2nd round picks are healthy.
We have seen lots of flukes in Atlanta through the years. This season proves that Dimitroff, Smith and Ryan are providing a real, solid foundation for the organization. Kudos.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
6:53 pm
How about Grimes? Another pick to day, our entire defense has played well these past 3 games, a credit to BVG,
Jeff Schultz
January 3rd, 2010
6:54 pm
Real American — just a parade in our minds, not down Peachtree.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
6:55 pm
Joe B, you are exactly right….I think you have to keep Snelling, he has the ability to wear down a defense.
NoleRick
January 3rd, 2010
6:55 pm
Only Johnny come latelys will not appreciate this win. Been a Falcons fan for over 20 years, and today I am very pleased!!
gman
January 3rd, 2010
6:58 pm
Thank you guys!!! For playing the entire season, not giving up when the playoffs were gone and turning this franchise into winners.
Well Jeff
January 3rd, 2010
6:58 pm
here come the party poopers. This blog will quickly degenerate into those who are excited about where this team is headed and those who are living in the past, and who want to denigrate any accomplishments of the current team. It is OK to be happy about back to back winning seasons, while looking forward to bigger and better things to come. Would we have been happier with making the playoffs? You betcha. True Falcons fans don’t want a parade, just continuing improvement in the team for next year, a 3rd winning year and back to the playoffs.
In the meantime GO FALCONS
james
January 3rd, 2010
6:58 pm
Jeff, Let’s assume we let Jerius Norwood go thru free agency and we DEFINITELY keep Snelling. Can you see the Falcons drafting another RB. I doubt Spiller will still be around
Falcon66
January 3rd, 2010
6:58 pm
Thanks FAlcons
As a fan since 1966, I certainly agree. I’ve seen a lot of bad football over the years. These guys didn’t quit. With Smith they have competed in every game except the Eagle game this year. For that I appreciate this team very much. Thanks Falcons!
Joe B.
January 3rd, 2010
6:59 pm
But, Mr. Charlie, Norwood puts the fear of god in defenses every time he touches the ball. Snelling is sort of Turner-lite. Norwood is a totally different animal. But, can he stay healthy?
Falcon66
January 3rd, 2010
7:03 pm
Jeff,
Is there any news on how Jerry’s rehab is coming?
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
7:04 pm
Joe B, I agree, Norwood has value, but as a backup for Turner, Snelling is a better choice. Norwood is a change of pace guy, but he can’t move the pile like Snelling can. He can’t carry the ball 25 times a game. Turner is faster than Snelling, and has the home run ability, but even he does not move the pile like Snelling does.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
January 3rd, 2010
7:05 pm
This was a good win and a great way to end the season. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ENTIRE TEAM!!!
Hopefully the draft and free agency will be kind to the Falcons during the off season. Although the Falcons did not make the playoffs, I too believe that the team is now headed in the right direction for the future.
Football Bat
January 3rd, 2010
7:05 pm
Been a great last three weeks, and as I predicted, alot of you Doomsdayers and naysayers had your holidays ruined!!!
And for all you Eagles-via-Vick trolls, Atlanta Falcons put up a better fight against both the Cowboys and the Eagles than the Eagles did today in their stellar shutout. Kiss them goodbye in the first round, and you hosers can get miserable with Philly fans next year. WE WON’T MISS YOU.
Go Falcons!!!
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
7:06 pm
I think somebody is going to try and steal Snelling to be a starter.
JSS
January 3rd, 2010
7:07 pm
Only thing sadder than this is the fact that no American man has won a Olympic medal between 5000 and 10,000 meters since 1964… The only thing is, this event is the equivalent of the Falcons have only qualified for race finals once in 44 attempts! That is not to be celebrated, it is to be looked upon with sadness… Like when the American men finally qualified for the World Cup back in 1990, should have never taken that long!
Daniel Bell
January 3rd, 2010
7:07 pm
Given the tough schedule and the number of injuries, 9-7 is good with me. Hell, in the AFC they might be in the playoffs with that record. Either way, the curse is over.
Thanks Falcons
January 3rd, 2010
7:08 pm
Falcon66
Me too. As a matter of fact, I was playing basketball at Peachtree Hills Rec center at 14 years old and in walked this huge man. He was a friend of our Recreation director. He came by often that summer and played with the kids who hung out at the center. His name was Tommy Nobis, the Falcons first draft pick. I will never forget that summer. I have followed the Falcons since that time and have seen too many teams who did not “finish the drill” and let THE CURSE continue. This team did not quit and won the last 3 games when other teams only had to win 3 out of the last 8 but could not do it.
GO FALCONS
Ricky
January 3rd, 2010
7:08 pm
“At least, consecutive winning seasons. An historical cleansing.”
At last…………………at long last………..!!!
Joe B.
January 3rd, 2010
7:11 pm
Mr. Charlie, I think that Snelling will go somewhere as a starter as well. If I thought that Turner would be hurt for half of next season, I would also prefer Snelling, but assuming Turner is healthy and available for 25 totes a game next year, Norwood fits better because he is a total change in style.
I think it is a good problem to have.
Sid
January 3rd, 2010
7:11 pm
JSS
January 3rd, 2010
7:07 pm
“Huh?”
Brett
January 3rd, 2010
7:11 pm
the process moves forward. huge monkey off the franchise’s back.
gman
January 3rd, 2010
7:13 pm
Why not keep all 3 backs likew we have for the last 3 years. As a matter of fact I wouldn’t be against getting a great draft pick for Turner.
Add a Haden or Dawkings at CB along with Brian Williams, Owens and Grimes, get the pass rush shored up and we’re there.
Real American
January 3rd, 2010
7:13 pm
No parade? No confetti? No T-shirts with “We’re #14″?? Well gee…..this isn’t as fulfilling as it was made out to be.
BT
January 3rd, 2010
7:14 pm
The Falcons glass is more than half full and rising.
From a long time Falcon fan.
Thanks you, Mr.Blank Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith.
The move of going for high character guys is starting to pay off.
Real American
January 3rd, 2010
7:14 pm
JSS…it is indeed…surreal. LOL
JSS
January 3rd, 2010
7:14 pm
What i don’t get is these fans who wanted to jettison Grimes 5 mere weeks ago now patting him on the back? You wanted him cut before the plane took off?
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
7:15 pm
Joe, I am with ya, but my guess is they let Norwood go, and try and draft a change of pace/lightening speed kind of guy.
Fair and Balanced
January 3rd, 2010
7:15 pm
Yeah BT, Babineaux and Weems are indicative of just that.
Jeff Schultz
January 3rd, 2010
7:16 pm
James– yes, absolutely. It’s worth noting the Falcon will have several compensatory draft picks, as well as their own. I don’t see a high draft pick (1st or 2nd) being used on an RB but possibly after. But there’s a lot of holes elsewhere too. This draft is particularly strong on DL early.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2010
7:16 pm
I always like Grimes, he just plays with heart. He could have 15 picks in the last two years if he could hang onto the ball. Looks like he is learning.
Jeff Schultz
January 3rd, 2010
7:16 pm
Falcon66 — Peria Jerry will be fine for next season, no question.
Drago
January 3rd, 2010
7:18 pm
Mr. Charlie, actually it’s Norwood who’ll be headed elsewhere next season. He’s a free agent and Jason Snelling just solidified himself as Michael Turner’s back-up. Too bad – I like Norwood plus he has good hands. Just can’t stay healthy and will not be worth the price another team will offer.
Joe B.
January 3rd, 2010
7:18 pm
If Bulaga or Charles Davis fall to us, I would love to take a LT. I like Baker, but he is so injury prone. He may be better off on the right side.
John Abraham was a non-factor after the first game of the season. Maybe Derrick Morgan will fall to us?
godless heathen
January 3rd, 2010
7:19 pm
Ifs and buts were candy and nuts, every day would be Christmas – but if only Elam hadn’t missed a couple of kicks, and if the Birds had won the coin toss in the final New Orleans game, and the NFL hadn’t given almost every team the week off before playing the Falcons, this team could have easily been 11-5 or better.
dean
January 3rd, 2010
7:21 pm
9-7 is better than 2-14, 6-10, etc.
Playing hard when the game means nothing, means something.
Looking forward to next year.