Falcons have a chance to show who’s really best in NFC
Falcons coach Mike Smith generally is more animated on the sideline than he is in press conferences. (AP photo)
Three years ago when Thomas Dimitroff faced the task of picking his first head coach, he had certain criteria in mind.
He wanted a coach who obviously knew what he was doing. He wanted someone who could work in concert with the Falcons’ general manager on personnel decisions. Also, he didn’t want an idiot who would shout from the rooftop, “I’m king of the world! Eat my shorts, Packers!” Seemed reasonable enough.
“Understand, I’m coming from a situation where we were hypersensitive to comments,” Dimitroff said, referencing New England days. “Our head coach [Bill Belichick] was very guarded about how he presented his thoughts. Mike Smith approaches the game competitively, but his aim is not to incite.”
Raheem Morris has a different approach. He prefers a blow torch.
This week, the Falcons play the best team in the NFC, or so we have been told. Morris coaches Tampa Bay. He exclaimed last week, “We’re the best team in the NFC. Yeah, I said it.”
The first sentence led everybody to think he was loony. The second sentence confirmed it.
Football coaches generally don’t make grand proclamations. They’re too paranoid. The fact Morris’s words came following the modest feat of an 18-17 win over the St. Louis Rams, and six games into a season, and following a 3-13 season — well, that’s kind of goofy.
Maybe he was just firing up his players. Maybe he really believes it. Maybe it’s just the new wave of smack-talk coaches — Morris, Josh McDaniels, Rex Ryan — who approach press conferences the way Chad Ochocinco approaches Twitter: So much in the cranium, so little time.
This much is certain: The Falcons are entering a stretch where we’re going to find out just how good they are. They are 5-2 – and possibly the best team in the NFC. They have the NFC South showdown with Tampa Bay, then a meeting with Baltimore only four days later on Thursday night. Games against Green Bay and the Bucs again soon follow.
Take cover: Raheem Morris is behind a microphone again.
They’re not without blemishes. They blew a three-touchdown lead against Cincinnati last week but recovered. They won unimpressively against two unimpressive teams: San Francisco and Cleveland. They were smacked in Philadelphia.
They are coming off a bye. This is when problems need to be straightened out.
As for motivation: It wasn’t a problem before Morris spoke, so it’s even less of a problem now. Most players just smiled when asked about his comments but declined to rebut. Linebacker Mike Peterson was an exception.
“Very unusual,” he said. “Coaches don’t play a down. They don’t play one down.”
He was at home when a news clip of Morris’ press conference came on the TV screen. Then came the whiplash.
“I was like, whoa,” Peterson said. “All of this technology now, you can back it up. [I thought], ‘Let me back that up.’ I was sitting with a couple of my friends and I was like, ‘Did he really say that?’ So I should thank him. We definitely have another motivating factor.”
Wide receiver Roddy White said, “We’re playing the best team in the NFC this week. Lucky us.” Then he laughed and walked away.
Center Todd McClure: “I tell you what: We’ll see in December and January if they’re the best team in the NFC.”
You’ll not hear such talk from Smith this week. When cameras go on, he turns vanilla. Dimitroff likes it that way.
“He’s not beating his chest. He not out there on a pedestal, raving about the success of his team.”
Asked about Morris’ comments, Dimitroff chose his words carefully: “I was schooled quite well not to provide bulletin board material. Those kind of quotes are counter-intuitive to me.”
Then this: “We are looking forward to playing ostensibly the best team in the NFC.”
Just a slight tweak.
♦
Last few posts (no charge)
♦ Hawks got it right this time by locking up Al Horford
♦ Did Grantham give Florida kicker the choke sign? (Updated: Yes)
♦ Georgia’s bowl life could come down to Tech game
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120 comments Add your comment
birdpreyof
November 2nd, 2010
12:37 pm
time to sign randy moss.
birdpreyof
November 2nd, 2010
12:37 pm
oh, and first….haha
Jamaaliver
November 2nd, 2010
12:44 pm
Falcons are the best NFC team…when they play at home. But the Saints are coming. And the Giants are waiting.
It’s gonna be a great stretch run to the end of the season.
Jamaaliver
November 2nd, 2010
12:45 pm
If we have to go to New Orleans or Green Bay or New York in the playoffs…our chances decrease greatly.
Herschel Talker
November 2nd, 2010
12:50 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mountain_jim
November 2nd, 2010
12:58 pm
Go Roddy go! 200+ yards, 3 TDs!
Danny
November 2nd, 2010
1:01 pm
Shults…I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. YOU’RE A MORON!!!
GMAN
November 2nd, 2010
1:01 pm
i just hope that MM and BVG dont choke on this one, times like this when we get a lead we need to step on their throat. all out blow out, but thats my problem with the falcons, killer instinct, we just have not had it.
SPS
November 2nd, 2010
1:03 pm
Here is a quote from SI’s Peter King made exactly 8 weeks ago today:
“I think Carolina’s my surprise team of the year and will play in January … because I love that running game and like Matt Moore to morph into a top 15 quarterback.”
Maybe Raheem Morris’ quote will seem just as comical 8 weeks from today.
picassokat
November 2nd, 2010
1:04 pm
I’ll hold off judgment on Birds for now. There was this same talk about Braves @ halfway mark this season. Both teams ran into teams from Philly and both teams lost.
white man
November 2nd, 2010
1:05 pm
Yes I would say right now the Falcons are the best team in the NFC. Thank you for Mike Smith and Arthur Blank for a great season thus far.
GMAN
November 2nd, 2010
1:05 pm
ill say this to the coaches, let Matt Ryan and this offense off their leashes. and let them fly
white man
November 2nd, 2010
1:06 pm
picassokat……good point but look at the injuries the Braves suffered down the stretch.
GMAN
November 2nd, 2010
1:09 pm
Enter your comments here
Honky Talkin'
November 2nd, 2010
1:09 pm
Danny – why are you picking on Schultz? You must be a defeated UGA fan, and ignorance is all you know.
MalibuGT
November 2nd, 2010
1:10 pm
thank you for a blog that isn’t about mark richt!
jfreak13713
November 2nd, 2010
1:14 pm
In my opinion the Falcons are at best third in NFC. Giants and Packers still seem pretty good, but Tampa Bay? No way! They have improved but they are 3rd in their own division. Falcons if they stay healthy are pretty close to being the best and can certainly beat anyone in the NFC when they are running the ball well.
SimpleDawg
November 2nd, 2010
1:14 pm
We’ll see what we’ll see.
So far the wins have been unspectacular, some even lucky. One of the losses was an embarrassment.
There’s still an awful lot to prove. Tampa will be a good test. Then come the Ravens. We’ll know much more in 3 weeks.
Barkin'Dog
November 2nd, 2010
1:18 pm
And the Braves played San Fran tougher than Philly and the Rangers… with a half-injured team of 2nd and 3rd stringers. Dang… I hope the manager gets that kind of production out of his new team.
And, yes, I believe the Falcons are the best in the NFC. But that bears proving out.
Barkin'Dog
November 2nd, 2010
1:19 pm
I once thought the Dawgs were the best in the SEC East
NATIVEBIRD
November 2nd, 2010
1:19 pm
I like Randy Moss here 2. We messed up and didn’t get Terrell who is having a good year on a mediocre team.
Just like the Hawks messed up by not signing Shaq.
I agree, get Randy for another downfield threat, and you will see Mike Turner run better and Roddy have more open chances. Jenkins (although he’s my frat brother) doesn’t scare anyone. He doesn’t draw a double-team that often if ever. Randy would.
Just think about it. Dimitroff knows Randy from NE also, so maybe he can make it work….
mmmmmmmmm
SirReal
November 2nd, 2010
1:22 pm
we’ll see how good we are after Sunday and Thursday. If we can go 2-0 it’ll help us a LOT. We cant sleep on these Bucs even with the tomfoolery the coach uttered. They always present issues and play hard. I still say we send them home soundly. Baltimore will be a beast of a game too….I think if we continue to buil don the way we ran the offense against CIN, we should (key word is SHOULD) be fine. No more first Half Falcons….time to evolve into Full game/season Falcons.
droopydawg
November 2nd, 2010
1:22 pm
Schultzie, your outrage meter seems to be set a little high this week. First the Grantham thing (who….cares…..) and now you’re acting like Morris punched out a reporter. Morris was trying to make a statement that the Bucs weren’t a fluke team. They really are a lot better than a year ago (mostly because their last two-three drafts have produced more legit current starters than the Falcons last ten), but I don’t think he really thinks they are the class of the NFC (despite the 5-2 record), but that they’ve got something to work from, which is a big improvement
droopydawg
November 2nd, 2010
1:22 pm
Randy Moss should be a Falcon, line him up opposite Roddy and suddenly the Falcons offense would look threatening.
UGABugKiller
November 2nd, 2010
1:27 pm
Why do I get the feeling that the same morons who think Randy Moss should be a Falcon are the same people who love and worship at the feet of the DogKilla.
Idiots.
All you people care about is STYLE and no SUBSTANCE.
And not that Moss has shown a damn thing. Except that he gives up on catchable passes. Or that he curses at and treats hardworking caterers like garbage.
Get a frakking clue, people.
white man
November 2nd, 2010
1:29 pm
DO NOT BRING RANDY MOSS….It would be M. VIck part 2.
Dawgfan
November 2nd, 2010
1:31 pm
Read atricle at the risk of losing a few IG points. Schultz is trash. Go back to LA trash!
(Un-) Fair weather fan
November 2nd, 2010
1:32 pm
Falcons best team in the NFC?
Sorry but I don’t see how you can call a team that has still yet to prove that it can show up against a team while playing on the road in the Northeast (okay the sort of did ok in Pittsburgh)? Put this team on the field in Philadelphia – or against the AFC powerhouse Patriots for that matter – and the Falcons get humbled every time. Every single time.
So until that changes, how can you even entertain calling the birds the best in NFC? Or am I missing something here?
John
November 2nd, 2010
1:32 pm
Atlanta doesn’t need Moss, the quarterback needs to be able to throw longer than 20 yards to get him the ball. The Saints are the best in the NFC, and I’m a Atlanta fan.
I’m just a realist…
droopydawg
November 2nd, 2010
1:33 pm
UGABugKiller: Blatant caterer trolling. I think Moss would be a great fit becasue outside Roddy the Falcon receiving corps is terrible and Moss is only two years removed from a 23 TD season. You may think that is no substance, but that would make you an idiot.
Supes
November 2nd, 2010
1:34 pm
The Falcons are gonna put it on Tampa Bay this weekend. Doesn’t mean either team is “the best in the NFC”…
Colonel Kurtz
November 2nd, 2010
1:35 pm
I heard the Bucs say they are the best in the NFC..I laughed…..
And then I realized they were stronger than we, because they could stand that these were not monsters, these were men… trained cadres. These men who fought with their hearts, who had families, who had children, who were filled with love… but they had the strength… the strength… to do that. If I had ten divisions of those men, our troubles here would be over very quickly. You have to have men who are moral… and at the same time who are able to utilize their primordial instincts to kill without feeling… without passion… without judgment… without judgment! Because it’s judgment that defeats us.
And these are the same dirty Bucs that will watch the playoffs in January. (Quoted from Apocalypse Now)
crackbaby
November 2nd, 2010
1:38 pm
Yadda Yadda Yadda…. yawn….
We will find out on Sunday who the first place team in our Division is. Nothing more.
FrontRow
November 2nd, 2010
1:39 pm
Jeff looks like you made the UGA fans angry (again). What did you do make the bulldogs lousy?
Raheem and his band of pirates are a bunch of punks. I’m not saying that because I’m a Falcons fan; the Bucs came in here last year and tried to start a street fight at a football game.
I don’t expect any more from them this weekend….they play like a team in the NBA playoffs with alot of fouls to give.
Colonel Kurtz
November 2nd, 2010
1:39 pm
This Morris guy? He’s wacko, man! He’s worse than crazy. He’s evil. It’s pagan idolatry. Look around you. He’s loco… I ain’t afraid of all them skulls and boats and pirates. I used to think if I died in an evil place, then my soul wouldn’t be able to make it to Heaven. But now? I mean, I don’t care where it goes, as long as it ain’t Tampa. So whaddya wanna do?
Share this quote
The Truth
November 2nd, 2010
1:41 pm
To anyone who thinks that the Falcons would even consider signing Randy Moss….check out the first sentence of the third paragraph of this article. Moss just got drummed out of Minnesota for running his mouth too much.
shawn
November 2nd, 2010
1:42 pm
succeneers almost two close games…In order to make such a stupid statement, they need to be dominating in every aspect of the game and they are not. Falcons will beat them and I can not wait what Rahim Morris will say…Let me guess: “succeneers are the second best team in NFC” right?
timthebrave
November 2nd, 2010
1:44 pm
I feel good about the Falcons but to say they are the best in the NFC when we haven’t won a playoff game since 2004 is a little quick. If we get home field advantage we have a chance but I wouldn’t like our chances on the road against anyone that is even decent. The win at New Orleans was a gift otherwise we aren’t even first in our division…I hope you are right but this team still has a long way to go. Go Falcons
juice sourcer
November 2nd, 2010
1:45 pm
Danny…you are the moron…high school education?
extremus
November 2nd, 2010
1:48 pm
I hadn’t heard the quote by Morris, but it sounds about as convincing as Jim Mora asking “What did they ever win?” regarding Falcons greats like Jeff Van Note and others following his own (initial and short-lived) success.
If you read SI.com’s Power Rankings this week, you’ll hear that ANOTHER team is the best in the NFC…the New York Giants. All fine and dandy; those rankings only serve to paint a big fat target on the backs of the teams at the top. Nobody’s really talking about the Atlanta Falcons even now despite their 5-2 record and share of the NFC South lead. Granted, they’ve had some definite issues exposed in some of their previous games, but good teams with competent management and coaching can often gel over the course of a season to become GREAT teams, even Superbowl champions.
Hopefully the Falcons will follow that model and let their actions speak for them on the field; it’s fine by me if they fly under the media radar and nobody sees them coming until it’s too late. But after Raheem Morris’ comments this week, I guess a short diversion to make a profound and unmistakable statement against Tampa Bay is certainly in order.
GO FALCONS!!!!
BuzztheKiller
November 2nd, 2010
1:53 pm
Raheem who? Where is this clown from? I have never heard of him. Tampa will be lucky to finish .500 this year. Falcons should be 12-4 and playing for home field. Predicted finishes for local teams:
Falcons 12-4
Tech 8-4 (will lose one to either VT or UM)
UGA 5-7 (can’t help but chuckle seeing that in print)
mike
November 2nd, 2010
1:57 pm
Well it is time for the falconettes to step up. Sometimes being the best does not matter when you are playing the game. Any team can beat aonther team at any time. So let’s wait and see one wins the remaing games before talking who the best. Usually the best no matter what conference wins the Superbowel.
Cajun Crap Talker
November 2nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Bucs are a joke. The Falcons will handle them easily.
Can’t wait for Dec. 27.
MLH
November 2nd, 2010
2:12 pm
For all the people on here wanting Randy Moss, you do know that even if the Falcons did want Moss, that he has to pass through waivers first? So that means more than likely the Falcons would not even get the chance to sign him, although I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t want to anyway.
Miss Manners
November 2nd, 2010
2:15 pm
Superbowel? Yuck.
Lo
November 2nd, 2010
2:27 pm
We already beat the Saints in New Orleans so ur point isnt as valid as you thought Jamaaliver
Tweets that mention Who's really NFC's best? Falcons have chance to show it | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
November 2nd, 2010
2:28 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Fantasy Tackles, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Who’s really NFC’s best? Falcons have chance to show it http://bit.ly/aRhGF7 [...]
Cpat16
November 2nd, 2010
2:40 pm
FYI…I know its not related to the topic but I thought I’d share it….
Atlanta Falcons
The city of Atlanta, Georgia is not renowned for falcons. So, how was the team named after the regal bird? A teacher named Julia Elliot won a name-the-team contest for the new NFL team. Elliot noted that various adjectives accurately described the falcon:
courage
deadly
dignified
proud
sporting
Thus, the new Atlanta NFL team would take off as the Falcons.
Tucker T
November 2nd, 2010
2:52 pm
Seems as though Dawgfan is having a bad day.
Tucker T
November 2nd, 2010
2:54 pm
The best thing about this is that we will know who the best team is after Sunday’s game. We won’t have long to wonder. I like the Falcons coming off the bye week at home.
RoadDAWG
November 2nd, 2010
3:02 pm
Do any of you “Get Randy Moss” dummies know HOW the NFL waiver system works?!?!? The Birds have ZERO shot at getting him…
PreyDawg
November 2nd, 2010
3:02 pm
IMHO this is great fun. At least we are good enough to take offense at Raheem’s statement and comment on it a bit from the locker room. I liked Roddy and Tom D.’s comments the best. Now lets make them pay on the field.
I hope I am not the only one in my section at kickoff like I was last game. Old Falcons team would have joined in much talk and then gotten beaten badly. This team is different. Falcons by 14.
ATLien
November 2nd, 2010
3:12 pm
Falcons wl roll over the ‘best team in the NFC’…another bump in the road on the way 2 Dallas
old dawg
November 2nd, 2010
3:13 pm
Herschel Talker: your a fool. I have been a falcons and a dawg fan for over 30 years. All things Ebbe and flow. Go falcons
Tweets that mention Who's really NFC's best? Falcons have chance to show it | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
November 2nd, 2010
3:21 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Myron Abernathy, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: AJC columnist Jeff Schultz checks in: Who’s really NFC’s best? Falcons have chance to show it http://t.co/0iNb0Nu [...]
falconfanriseup
November 2nd, 2010
3:40 pm
The Bucs coach wrote a check that his team can’t cash they will get smashed in the DOME. did he not hear that we don’t lose in the GA DOME!
RISE UP ATLANTA FALCONS AND FANS. FALCONS 35 BUCS 10
TIRED OF WAITING FOR NEXT YEAR
November 2nd, 2010
3:42 pm
Well said Herschel
TIRED OF WAITING FOR NEXT YEAR
November 2nd, 2010
3:42 pm
DEFEND THE DOME!!!!!!!
Jesse Stone
November 2nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Bucs are 5-2 but have been outscored by about 30 points on the year.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
3:57 pm
Birdpreyof: Randy Moss is fun topic to debate but I can assure you 100 percent that it is not happening here.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
3:58 pm
Jamaaliver — I would agree with that but I don’t think Green Bay is going to host, and New Orleans may not either.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
3:59 pm
Danny — I don’t know who Shults is but if I find him I’ll pass along your sentiments.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
3:59 pm
SPS — Oops. I like Peter. But wow.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
4:00 pm
Droopydawg — Big difference between saying you’re not a fluke team and saying you’re the best team in the NFC.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
4:02 pm
Dawgfan — IG points? Is that like IQ points? … You’re making this too easy for me.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
4:03 pm
Front Row — Apologies. You’re right. It’s my fault they lost to Colorado.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
4:03 pm
Colonel Kurtz — Funny stuff.
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
4:05 pm
Extremus — Ah yes, one of Mora’s many fine press conference moments. Rip some of the few legends the franchise has had. What an idiot.
dean
November 2nd, 2010
4:17 pm
We haven’t proven squat yet. We got beat in Pittsburgh and Philly. I love our team but the reality is we don’t know what we’ve REALLY got. As a previous poster stated, in 3 weeks we’ll know a lot more.
When Coaches Morris, Shanahan, and Childress start talking and doing some of the odd things they have done lately, it makes me appreciate a whole lot more what we now have in ATL.
dean
November 2nd, 2010
4:20 pm
I no sooner wrote the above and I hear the Redskins are working out, ahem, JaMARCUS RUSSELL!
See what I mean?
Ga 95
November 2nd, 2010
4:26 pm
Did u have fun voting for your dems today Jeff?
Jesse Stone
November 2nd, 2010
4:47 pm
How funny is it that the ‘Skins worked out Russell considering they just pulled McNabb at a critical time because Shanahan said essentially that he was out of shape?
Barry
November 2nd, 2010
5:05 pm
Hey Y’all:
All I got to say is that “THEY ARE COMING INTO “OUR HOUSE” AND DISRECPECTING OUR HOUSE!!!”. IT IS TIME TO “RISE” FALCONS. IT IS TIME TO “RISE” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!!! “WE PLAY ONE GAME AT A TIME.” WE PLAY IT TOGETHER. WE PLAY IT NASTY!!!!! AND WE PLAY WITH ‘ONE HEARTBEAT!! AND WE WILL DO THIS THIS SUNDAY AGAINST THE TAMPA BAY “SUCKERNEERS!!!” WHO ARE THEY FOOLING. THE GAME IS PLAYED ON THE FIELD. AND THAT IS WHERE WE WILL PLAY IT. AND WE WILL PLAY IT IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!” DO YOU HEAR ME!!! THUMP!!!! I CAN’T HEAR YOU??!!THUMP!!THUMP!!!THUMP!!!!!!!! ONE GAME AT A TIME. THUMP!!! THUMP!!!
LET’s DO THIS. LET’s DO THIS THING IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”WE RISE!!” “WE RISE1″ IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!
…………………….”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!!…………..
Jeff Schultz
November 2nd, 2010
5:28 pm
Ga 95 — There’s an old saying: Better to have people think you’re a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Think about it.
robertussen
November 2nd, 2010
6:55 pm
if the bucs are the best team in the nfc then the afc can start celebrating another superbowl victory now
robertussen
November 2nd, 2010
6:58 pm
ga 95 if you think there is a real difference in politics between the two major parties then youre….. just as stupid as any of those dems or repubs
SawThat1nce
November 2nd, 2010
7:16 pm
I thought this was a blog about the NFL.
robertussen
November 2nd, 2010
7:25 pm
you right my bad, couldnt resist
Brian F.
November 2nd, 2010
8:47 pm
Way too early for anyone to be talking about “best teams” . There is no best team right now. let’s get another 5 or 6 weeks in and then we will all have a better feel for who really is the “best team in the NFC.” If I had to guess who that would be I would have to objectively say the Giants. Hope it’s Falcons though. Lots of time for many teams to get hot.
FORCE52
November 2nd, 2010
9:13 pm
ATTENTION:THE GEORGIA FORCE ARE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SPREAD THE WORD AND BUY SEASON TICKETS VIST http://WWW.GEORGIAFORCE.COM FOR MORE
Joe Tess Fish House
November 2nd, 2010
9:17 pm
Flacons sigh Moss and maybe there R the best in the south. My gut tell me Mr Blanks will blo this….again
Ueeediot
November 2nd, 2010
9:59 pm
Cpat16 is Cliff Claven?
Ueeediot
November 2nd, 2010
10:05 pm
IMO, the big picture to keep in mind here is that the schedule makers have been very nice to the Falcons. Beginning last week @ home against the Bengals the Falcons have 5 games in 6 weeks and 4 of them are home games. The Falcons must win 4 out of 5. (1 down 3 to go) It does not matter which one you lose…but losing to the Bucs gives you a steep hill to climb. Falcons had better watch out for that Rams team too.
When you are home for a full month in the NFL you must make the best of it.
Come out of this stretch at 8-3 with 3 straight road games in front of you @ Tampa Carolina and Seattle.
Need 2 out of 3 and now we are 10 and 4 on Monday Dec 27th…..
Lets go Falcons, play hard.
MWC
November 2nd, 2010
10:09 pm
I’m guesing Joe Fish Breath is blowing Moss…
My goodness Joe, PLEASE, learn how to spell and grow a brain..
yo mama
November 2nd, 2010
10:18 pm
hey Jeff, guess what Mike Smith did last year after the bye week? He got suspended like $50,000 for bumping his chest at Deangelo Hall. So much for keeping your thoughts to yourself. so the comparison to Belicheck is sort of moot. dont ya think?
The ATL
November 2nd, 2010
11:06 pm
Falcons are now and always have been pretenders, just like the college teams in this state. Wild card at best…..NFC South …… no way.
Obama
November 2nd, 2010
11:07 pm
I need a hug tonight, Jeff
Queen Nancy
November 2nd, 2010
11:08 pm
Jeff would you be willing to fly me back and forth to Haight. I can get you some really good hash.
drmondo
November 2nd, 2010
11:39 pm
Yo Mama, there’s a big difference between talking smack and standing up for your players. One is talk and the other action. I think that incident helped the team limp to a 9-7 record. The players still respected Smitty despite their troubles and his willingness to not back down from MeAngelo played a big part of that.
BC in fayetteville
November 2nd, 2010
11:45 pm
I just moved back from Tampa this year…the local radio heads from the sportstalk shows refer to Morris as RADIO
Najeh Davenpoop
November 3rd, 2010
1:34 am
The Georgia Dome is a tough place for opponents to win, and the Bucs are probably a year away.
Just don’t sleep on Josh Freeman if the Bucs are down by a TD late in the 4th quarter.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 3rd, 2010
1:44 am
And for those of you complaining about teams not ranking the Falcons as the best in the NFC, plenty of people were doing just that prior to the Falcons’ loss in Week 6 to the Eagles and their second-best quarterback. Until that game, the Falcons looked legit, especially in light of other teams in the conference struggling with ineffectiveness or injury.
Now, with the Giants’ defense and running game looking rejuvenated, the Packers coming off a road shutout of the Jets, the Eagles getting back the NFC’s top rated passer, the Saints coming off a prime time victory over what was looking like the NFL’s best team to this point, and the Bucs nipping at the Falcons’ heels, there is a lot more competition for the NFC’s top spot. The conference as a whole looks a lot stronger now than it did as recently as two weeks ago.
These next four games, all against teams whose records rank them among the playoff contenders in the NFC, will go a long way towards determining how deserving the Falcons are of an elite ranking.
Brian
November 3rd, 2010
2:36 am
“They won unimpressively against two unimpressive teams: San Francisco and Cleveland.”
Jeff – Maybe you will disagree, but Cleveland is an offense away from being a valid threat…that Rob Ryan led defense was impressive against us and demolished New Orleans.
Our secondary continues to give up big plays. Our offense, setting aside the Arizona and Cincinnati games, has been sluggish and predictable. This stretch could get scary if we do not improve against the pass and gel as an offense. I am a lifelong Falcons fan. I am excited about what this squad CAN BE, but, like you, I am concerned about a lot of what I saw out of the first eight games.
kaminari
November 3rd, 2010
4:31 am
Yeah we won’t know till the conclusion of the NFC Championship game who the best team in the NFC is. I was speculating the Falcons were the best team and then the Eagles happened. Anybody watching that game would be hard pressed to proclaim the Falcons are anything better than just good enough to make the playoffs. But that’s all that matters: making the playoffs. The team that’s less banged up & with lady luck on their side will be representing the NFC on 2/6/11. Geaux Falcons!!
Architek79
November 3rd, 2010
4:38 am
What has the Falcons ever won! To hear Petersona and White make silly comments as if they are great and have a legacy…Tampa has a Super Bowl and a history of great players. I remember ATL for partying and Jamal Anderson. Comeback when you all win a meaningful game, until then teams like the Bucs will continue to be more prominent than you. To go from 3-13 to 5-2 and this was suppose to your division to lose tells me you all are definitely feeling the heat to deal with the young talented Bucs. I should laugh at Roddy White (who is he anyway????)
Falcons Chic
November 3rd, 2010
7:01 am
Jeff — one of your absolute best! I had to grab a blanket to cover my mouth to keep from waking the rest of the family.
*So much in the cranium, so little time.* (This is where you’ve “stuck the landing,” and even the East Gerrnan judge has to give you a 9.9.)
To the 53, we need this one in case we are too beaten up late in the season, hoping to be in the 1 or 2 slot for a week of rest …
Jesse Stone
November 3rd, 2010
7:33 am
After watching an interview on SportsCenter this morning, I have figured out the identity of Joe Tess Fish House. It is former Kentucky rental and #1 overall NBA pick John Wall.
Old White Haired Man
November 3rd, 2010
7:34 am
All these blogs are digressing to Randy Moss. WTF. Who needs him …
Benjamin
November 3rd, 2010
8:24 am
Shults, I agree with Danny. lol jk
Re: the newfound swagger of the Bucs, my best friend is a huge Tampa fan from central Florida, and I got a text from him a few days ago bragging on the “battle for first” that was going to take place this weekend. I’m not used to feelings of fan superiority [especially when it comes to the Falcons -- perhaps Joey Harrington is still a little fresh], but I have to admit that my first thought was, “Didn’t your boys finish 3-13 last year?”
Should be a good game in the Dome. Falcons win, 24-14.
Raheem Morris
November 3rd, 2010
8:33 am
Im sorry everyone !!!!!!!!!!
BirdDog
November 3rd, 2010
8:49 am
I don’t think the Falcons are the best of the NFC but I do think they are pretty darn good. This should be a good game to see how good both teams really are. Go Falcons!
I'm Gumby, Dammit!!
November 3rd, 2010
9:03 am
I can’t believe anyone in their right mind would want to take on Randy Moss, and all of the baggage that would come with him. He’s a pouter and a whiner, he’s not half the blocker that Jenkins is, and when he’s not the primary target, he takes plays off. And then there’s the issue of his sterling locker room presence.
Now, back on topic. I can’t wait to hear Raheem’s post-game press conference this Sunday. Maybe he’d like something to drink, so as to wash down that crow stuck in his throat.
SawThat1nce
November 3rd, 2010
9:20 am
I think that the Bucs are a young and improving team. But past glory doesn’t make you great, in the present.
They played a injury riddled Falcons team a pretty good game, in their last meeting in 2009.
But with the Falcons coming off of a bye-week, I think that the Birds are going to demolish the Bucs.
I sincerely hope that someone will take Barber’s head off, early in the 1st quarter.
I think that Tampa is not nearly as good as their record, and is basically, a second tier team.
James L. Crack
November 3rd, 2010
9:36 am
I don’t think there is one team right now that is the best in the NFC South, but I think the NFC South is one of the best conferences in the NFL (5-2, 5-2, 5-3, other).
Jesse Stone
November 3rd, 2010
9:41 am
Don’t look for Raheem Morris to admit after the game that the Bucs aren’t the best team in the NFC. I heard him on ESPN Radio last week. When asked about the Bucs 2 BLOWOUT losses this year, he didn’t say what the Steelers and Saints did but he talked about what the Bucs didn’t do (”We got away from our gameplan, etc”). Raheem Morris reminds me of a coach we had in Atlanta four years ago.
JB
November 3rd, 2010
10:35 am
@John you’re not a realist…….you’re an idiot. If you think the Saints are a better team than the Falcons, Giants, or Eagles you must be crazy. Just because they are the defending champs (which I said was a fluke) doesn’t automatically make them the best team in the NFC.
Looking for ACC in BCS rankings? Go way down the list | Jeff Schultz
November 3rd, 2010
10:56 am
[...] ♦ Who’s really NFC’s best? Falcons have chance to show it [...]
Tell it like it is
November 3rd, 2010
11:09 am
JB…Why don’t we waite till about the 12th game to crown an NfC champ.Nobody knows who’s the best right now! Four are five teams could win this thing.give it some time to play out,and i’m sure the saints will be there at the end,they are the team to beat,remember!
SawThat1nce
November 3rd, 2010
12:06 pm
The saints have played one good game, against one good opponent.
B-Man
November 3rd, 2010
1:13 pm
Enough with the Randy Moss Talk! PEOPLE….Randy must clear waivers, this means you take all the teams in the league and rank them based upon their record. Then the team with the worst record gets the first option to pick Randy up, then the team with the next worst, and so on and so on. The Falcon’s luckily have a great record and would not have the option to pick him up until everyone else except the Pats and Steelers and maybe a couple more great teams has turned him down. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN… Some idiotic team will pick him up well before we get to the Falcons on the list. GET OVER IT!
austin
November 3rd, 2010
2:10 pm
im a tampa fan ,and i know tampa aint the best team but they have beaten decent teams and its not a crazy statement ,its not only motivating to the falcons but it is to the bucs to.hearing ur coach say something like that really gets players going.Its gunna be a good game and the better team will win thats all im gunna say
Stevie B
November 3rd, 2010
2:14 pm
I have heard just about enough of the Moss talk. He is a cancer to the NFL and not worth the breath. I actually had to look up the work “ostensibly” that TD used. Good choice of words. Sunday is going to be a battle. Tampa has a good team and has been playing 4 quarters of football. We need to hit them hard early in early and keep pounding until the final whistle blows.
Falcon James
November 3rd, 2010
2:34 pm
FALCON WONT BE NOTHING UNTIL WE GETS US VICK BACK. I DONT SEE ANYBODY SAYING THAT MOSS IS BETTER THAN VICK. WE CAN START BY GETTING MOSS. THEN WE WORK ON MR TERRELL AND THEN WE WORK ON VICK. THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY RIGHT NOW
Elvisinthehouse
November 3rd, 2010
2:47 pm
Mike peterson you aint all that.Betcha your coach aint bold enough to make such remarks which says a lot about your team.Peterson,the difference from your team and other teams is your team shut up and hope.
Falcon James
November 3rd, 2010
3:07 pm
Elvis- the falcon need someone like peterson who not afraid to stand up and speak his mind. that that the problem with the falcon. vick, to, and moss are stand up men who call a duck a duck. they dont run around the problem they say it like it is. we need to back him up. our only hope is the falcon do the right thing in the off season. if we win some more game our record will be better. but if we lose some more game our record will be worse. who to say?
Billy B
November 3rd, 2010
3:58 pm
As a Saint fan, and seeing the Saints play both teams, it was obvious that the Falcons are much better then the Bucs. As of now, it looks like the Falcons are the cream of the crop in the NFC. Can’t wait for Saints Falcons, Dec. 27th. Should be for the NFC south crown. Hopefully, they play a 3rd time in the NFC championship game. Now that would be wild, no matter where its played. Finally, hope the Falcons embarrass Tampa. I can’t stand bragging coaches.
snow falcon
November 3rd, 2010
7:35 pm
being the best tam in the nfc can’t be proven in one game. Its a progression through the season. to win SB you need to peak at the right time….that being jan and feb.
indianman
November 3rd, 2010
9:36 pm
atlanta falcons are the best team in nfc by far
Shelby
November 5th, 2010
8:42 am
Jamaaliver… we DID go to New Orleans….and we won….just in case u forgot…the Saints were last season…its our turn now…
Thomas
November 6th, 2010
3:36 pm
I love the Birds and hope they will win, but it will be difficult. I have been impressed with The Bucs young Quarterback from he was in college, and what he showed me in person last year only elevated his status in my book.
I still think the Saints are the cream at the top of the Souuth.