Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing
Matt Ryan and the Falcons have been ascending for weeks.
All they do is win. Sometimes it’s Michael Turner running. Sometimes it’s Roddy White flying. Sometimes they just stretch it out and let their balding 35-year-old kicker end the suspense on the last play because, well, it’s good for ratings and keeps us all guessing.
“We’re just tying to give people their money’s worth,” linebacker Mike Peterson said.
They’re building a fat bank account. The NFL season is moving into December and the Falcons already are sitting on nine wins. They’re 9-2, a record that only the New England Patriots and New York Jets can match.
Winning has become so commonplace that they just clinched their third straight winning season and it was barely mentioned.
“It’s an afterthought,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “Last season at this time we weren’t having a positive season and the conversation was we still hadn’t put together back-to-back winning seasons. It’s a nice feeling to have that behind us.”
They played Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. They won. They played Baltimore amid doubts that they belonged among the league’s elite. They won.
On Sunday they played Green Bay, which had won its last three games by a composite score of 85-10 and was the most recent leader in the oh-they’re-going-to-the-Super-Bowl derby. While it came down to a Matt Bryant field goal with nine seconds left to secure a 20-17 win – the fact remains that it was the Packers who were scrambling to find ways to beat this team.
The Falcons are good enough to win a Super Bowl. Here are a few reasons why:
♦ On a day when the Packers often doubled White and made sure he was a non-factor, quarterback Matt Ryan still completed 24 of 28 passes to nine different receivers against one of the league’s top defenses and engineered two14-play, 80-yard and seven-and-a-half-minute touchdown drives, the kind that can demoralize an opponent.
♦ They don’t beat themselves. They did not have a turnover for the fourth straight game and won the turnover battle for the eighth time in 11 games (all wins).
♦ The defense. Yes, the defense.
Aaron Rodgers lies on the turf after getting drilled by the Falcons' Brian Williams. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
There have been times you’ve wondered about it and maybe covered your eyes. But did you watch the Packers on Sunday? One of the NFL’s premier teams, led by Aaron Rodgers, struggled at times to deal with the Falcons’ speed on defense. How rare is that in recent history?
Green Bay totaled more than 400 yards in offense. But it often was able to extend drives only because Rodgers managed to scramble away from the pass rush. (He led the Packers in rushing with 51 yards, including three first downs.)
Rodgers was sacked once and smacked a few other times, most notably by Brian Williams in the fourth quarter. He also was clocked by Curtis Lofton and fumbled at the Falcons’ one-yard-line in the second quarter (Peterson recovering).
In the third quarter, having been held to a field goal, the Packers resorted to trying a flea-flicker. (It worked, with Rodgers taking a pitch and completing a 34-yard pass to Greg Jennings). In the fourth, with the Falcons leading 17-10, Rodgers bought time on fourth-and-1 from the Falcons’ 21 and threw a desperation shovel pass to James Jones for 18 yards. Later, on fourth and goal from the 10, he bought time and eventually found Jordy Nelson for a tying touchdown with 56 seconds remaining.
Quoth Peterson: “We left our offense just enough time to win it.” Again.
Eric Weems returned a kickoff 40 yards and survived despite a facemask penalty on Matt Wilhelm that looked like a cartoon from Hell. Ryan, starting from the Packers’ 49, completed four straight passes to move the ball to the 29. Bryant took it from there, just as he did against New Orleans and San Francisco.
The Falcons celebrated afterward but it wasn’t at nearly at the champagne-spraying level. They’ve come to expect this.
“We’re ascending right now,” linebacker Curtis Lofton said.
“We think we’re developing something special,” cornerback Thomas DeCoud said.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Peterson. “We win, but when we come back to work next week it’s like everybody forgot all about Sunday.”
Another winning season becomes an afterthought. Welcome to the Falcons’ alternate universe.
♦
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291 comments Add your comment
Blake
November 28th, 2010
8:47 pm
Where’s SeenthisB4? Only time Falcon nation Seen this B4 was In 98′.Hey Seen…No need for any more of your smack either because I know you aint’ seenthisB4!
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 28th, 2010
8:48 pm
GTPhen
I am going to put Nair in Troy P’s Head & Sholders so he will go bald and lose all his strength. AHHAHAAH
Tea Party Meber
November 28th, 2010
8:51 pm
So where was Perrier Jerry today? Can U say fist round bust?
Blake
November 28th, 2010
8:54 pm
Hey NoodleArm Ryan…You gotta be kidding me.We just beat the Packers and we’re 9-2 and you come on here talkin’ smack about Matt Ryan being a noodle arm.Don’t know who your team Is, but while your talkin’ your noodleArm smack we’ll be running the rock down your team’s throat!
Tea Party Meber
November 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
Well u must admit Rogers had beter numbers then Ryan.
bigworm
November 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
if snelling misses time how about the ufl mvp cory ross as a replacement
NoodleArm Ryan
November 28th, 2010
8:57 pm
To all you dumb Falcon fans out there use your crystal ball, go back to 2009 playoffs the reason you could not win against that lousy Arizona defense. Mr. Dink & Dunk could not move the ball, so when the playoffs start this year, these NFC defenses will scheme against the run & are going to have a field day once they shut down those obvious gut runs. Over and out, I’m watching 2 real QBs play ball & neither has a running game to speak of HaHaHa.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
8:58 pm
Noodle Arm, Joe Tess, SeenB4 or whatever you are calling yourself this second, you are a D__che-nozzle with no real opinions. You just get on here to be a d_ck. All your predictions have been proven false. You have nothing to add so why don’t you crawl back into your basement and cry yourself to sleep while having a wet dream about Vick.
Ryan and the Falcons are playoff bound and you are still a loser.
Teams Beat Individuals
November 28th, 2010
8:59 pm
The Nature Boy. What you don’t understand is that TEAMS beat individuals. This 2010 Falcons team has chemistry. No dog fighting. Watching extra tape. Staying late to practice to ensure each player know his role. Big TEAM little me. No birds flying to the Falcons fans. 88 catches another. 84 catches another. 33 runs for another 5. Finn catches another. Douglas does his thing.
TOTALLY UNSELFISH. I love how Vick has come “full circle” but these are my Dirty Birds. Not yours.
Jeff Schultz
November 28th, 2010
9:00 pm
Matt — I’ve noticed but have only had time to squeeze in one hockey column with the football. More openings will be coming up soon.
The Dutchman
November 28th, 2010
9:00 pm
Noodle Brains was embarrassed out of the other blog. He came here to lick his wounds.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:00 pm
Well said Teams Beat Individuals
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:01 pm
@Fish House – You’re not here to talk football, you’re here to talk s#!t, ignorant s#!t at that. Any idiot that thinks a team that has beat four of the best teams in the NFL and has the best record in the NFL is backing into the playoffs is a moronic jerk-off. The funny thing is that it is obvious that the Falcons winning is burning your a$$. Enjoy d!c because you’re going to continue to feel the burn for the rest of the season. BTW, If you want to meet me because I insulted you, just name the time and place and I’ll give you the chance to do something about it.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:02 pm
Jeff, any insight on Sidbury? Why’s he inactive if he’s supposed to take over for Abe in 2011-2012?
layinlow
November 28th, 2010
9:03 pm
The fact that it was our third straight winning season wasn’t lost on me today. I thought about the beauty of being 9-2 and being on top in the NFC for about a second before thinking wow thats three straight winning seasons. After 40 plus years of not having back to back winning seasons we are now becoming a perennial winner and model NFL franchise. Who would have thunk it?
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:04 pm
Amen, layinlow. It’s great to have a team we can be proud of.
Blake
November 28th, 2010
9:05 pm
NoodleArm Ryan Different Team…Different year bozo! I know go choke on a Philly cheese steak and I got a score for ya!
Bears 31
Eagles 26
The Dutchman
November 28th, 2010
9:06 pm
The Falcons are finally a real franchise. Thank you Arthur Blank.
Blaze
November 28th, 2010
9:07 pm
Get rid of Mark Richt now. This phony Christian recruits nothing but illiterate gangbangers, then ignores their illegal crap.
Nighttrain # 99
November 28th, 2010
9:07 pm
NoodleSoft – do you have a team of preference or are you just a troll begging for attention on this Falcons blog? Which AFC team for which do you claim allegiance?
Tea Party Meber
November 28th, 2010
9:08 pm
Let look at statz:
Green Bay C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT RATING
Rodgers 26/35 344 9.8 1 0 114.5
Atlanta C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT RATING
Ryan 24/28 197 7.0 1 0 107.9
So whos the beter QB?
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:09 pm
4 games without a single turnover…
Matt Ryan…24 of 28
Turner…Burner..ing?
Smith..Coaching them up!
Blank….writing the checks!!
This is now a top 5 NFL Franchise….
I’m giddy!!!!!!
bigdave
November 28th, 2010
9:09 pm
My earlier prediction of the DIRTY BIRDS playing the Eagles in the post season at Atlanta which will either be a standout game for Vick or” RETRIBUTION FOR BROKENHEARTS AND A STAB IN THE BACK DAY”. The Falcons so far have been GOOD but also LUCKY, because what do you hear every announcer or replay guy say about the opposing quarterback? “He has all day to find a receiver”! NO PASS RUSH/BLITZ= NO SUPERBOWL. DISGUISED BLITZES! END OF STORY. By the way, WAY TO GO FALCONS!!! 100% COMMITMENT BY EVERYONE IS WHAT MAKES THEM UNBEATABLE…UP TO NOW. BE A HERO, ANYONE CAN DO IT!!!
Atlanta Peach
November 28th, 2010
9:09 pm
I knew Noodle was on another site LOSER ! But my team was a winner ! Clap ! Clap !
Tea Party Meber
November 28th, 2010
9:10 pm
And we still dont has an answer where Perrier Jerry was today.
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
9:11 pm
Blaze
Where is your long post about UGA at you still have time to post it
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:11 pm
maybe because his name is Peria Jerry…
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:12 pm
@Tea Party Meber – I’ve got a couple of stats for you
Atlanta 20
Green Bay 17
Atlanta 9-2
Green Bay 7-4
Question 4 Perrier Jerry
November 28th, 2010
9:14 pm
I want 2 no, where U been at?
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:15 pm
Nowhere, Perrier doesn’t exist, Shortbus.
The Dutchman
November 28th, 2010
9:15 pm
Tea Party Meber (whats a meber?) I am an Aaron Rodgers fan, but Matt won this one. There will be other battles.
Peter
November 28th, 2010
9:15 pm
The Falcon’s and Matt show improvement each week…….that is wonderful to see.
They look like real contenders. The Defense looked very solid against a talented Green Bay team that had lit up their previous opponents.
It will be an exciting match up in Tampa Bay….. they have won there before I have been to Tampa Bay to see it myself !
Very Exciting team currently.
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:15 pm
To the morons who keep asking about where Perra Jerry was today. He had a tackle in the Falcons winning effort. You guys had a hard time seeing him because you had your heads shoved up your a$$.
bigdave
November 28th, 2010
9:16 pm
The sports shows sure seem to spend a great deal of time on LOSERS like FAVRE and McNabb, and the Giants and Steelers , and ignore the WINNERS?! Are they going LIB on us now?! Oh yeah. best QB today? UH, WHO WON? I can’t wait to see Tony G win a playoff game and maybe go to the SuperBowl. If anyone deserves it, its him!! 88!!!
Tea Party Meber
November 28th, 2010
9:17 pm
I support the tea party movement. It time we taek R country back!
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:17 pm
Gonzo deserves a SB ring.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
How about you take your spelling test back, “meber”
Packer Backer
November 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
Good win Falcons. I know that I talked a bit of trash earlier this week, but you guys beat us fair and square. However, I do like our chances if we meet up in the playoffs. Again, good win. I wish that we had a guy like Turner- then maybe we could have converted a few 3rd and 1s.
Joe
November 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
Enter your comments here
Blake
November 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
If the Eagles come to the Georgia Dome In the playoffs It will be a dream come true for this team and they will be like a pack of hungry wolves on the day of retribution! Smack Em’ In the mouth Falcons!
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:19 pm
Thanks for being classy, Packer Backer. Good luck with the rest of the season.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:19 pm
deep bombs and passing yards is not a great indication of who’s the better QB.. Matthew Stafford and Matt Schaub throw for 300 every week and look at their winning %..below 500..
Our offense makes use of smart high % passes and the occasional deep pass when ITS THERE…thats why we haven’t thrown a pick in 5 games..we also won all 5 of those games.. This isn’t Xbox for god sake..
Like that horrible movie with wesley snipes and Woody harrelson said, It’s better to win and look dull than look good(flashy) and lose….
(although I LOVE long drives.. its awesome to eat clock lots of clock and score)
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:19 pm
1 tackle? Hes a fist round pick and he only made 1 tackle? Can U say bust?
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:20 pm
Can you say, “I’d fail my GED if it was a tue/false test” Joe Tess?
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:21 pm
and I’ll give myself crap for tue instead of true…$%$#^#^#
gary32
November 28th, 2010
9:22 pm
I have been watching the falcons since 66 and this team is like no other team the falcons have ever fielded….including the 80 and 98 team. Something is different about this team when they win they don’t go overboard they are almost business like in there approach. This team acts like a professional team from the owner down to the ball boy…something I have never seen from the falcons in all those years!!!!
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
9:22 pm
Joe
I dislike you because you are stupid
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:22 pm
Blaze
November 28th, 2010
9:07 pm
Get rid of Mark Richt now. This phony Christian recruits nothing but illiterate gangbangers, then ignores their illegal crap.
Stop being a douche
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:22 pm
@Fish House – Roddy White looked pretty bad his first couple of years and look at him now. This is Jerry’s first real year because of his injury last year. He might be a bust. Time will tell, but this team sure isn’t. As I said earlier, feel the burn loser.
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:23 pm
Congrats Falcons! A very well played game