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
Nickster79
November 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
First! (?)
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 28th, 2010
7:01 pm
Wow Vick got picked off today and the Eagles have kicked 3 field goals and only 1 TD
Nickster79
November 28th, 2010
7:02 pm
Nice!
As far as the game goes, nice to see the Falcons closing out games like this. It makes a huge difference having a field goal kicker that is money at the end of the game every time. We’ve come a long way from the Jason Elam days.
Jake
November 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
Haha cheeseheads. You lost. No playoffs for you. Wait til new england rips you one too.
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
Falcons are Great. Long Road Trip ahead. 3 away games so Keep Kicking butt Falcons and Matt Ryan.
To Hell with VICK and his fans on this Blog.
To Hell with The Saints and Saints fans on this Blog.
Bill
November 28th, 2010
7:05 pm
Our pass rush is weak. That is going to hurt us come playoff time.
Fitten
November 28th, 2010
7:15 pm
Falcons are most frustrating team in NFL
for opponents.
We convert 3rd downs. Our drives last forever. Our D gives up yards & yards but not points. We keep every opponent in the game until the end. We let them think they have a chance, bit win in the end.
Frustrating Falcons!!!
Headley Lamar
November 28th, 2010
7:16 pm
These arent your paw paw’s Falcons thats for sure.
Longest extended period of winning in franchise history.
Regardless or not if they win it this year the ship is headed in the right direction.
WOOOO FALCONS WOOOOO
November 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
Bears just defeated Mike Vick. WOO HOOO
C
November 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
Let’s go Falcons!
Huffdawg
November 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
The reason the doaws are crap and the Falcons are great… Jeff Van Gorder. We haven’t had a defense since he left.
Huffdawg
November 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
“dawgs”
Matt
November 28th, 2010
7:23 pm
The Iggles are terrible, who is their QB again? One TD all day? Not very clutch.
Matt Ryan is clutch and the D had their moments when it counted today.
(BTW Mr. Schultz, I hope you do a column on the Thrashers incredible play of late.)
Supes
November 28th, 2010
7:27 pm
It’s great to be a FALCONS fan right now!
Bucs and Eagles lose…to top off the great day.
Steve
November 28th, 2010
7:33 pm
42 – 34 : )
The Grinch
November 28th, 2010
7:34 pm
The win coupled with the Eagles and Bucs loss is huge. Now if the Saints will start doing some losing we’ll be ion good shape. I like our playoff chances against anyone in the NFC as long as we’re at home.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
Flacons probably should of loss this game. Donta Robinson realy made a bad play….again. The bigest free agent rip off since…..ever!
Mr Blanks, how can U do this 2 us? Get rid of this guy now!
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
Let’s go falcons keep up the great work! I expect this team to make a deep playoff run and maybe the superbowl. We really need to beat up on the eagles come playoff time. Other than that falcons are #1 baby!
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
Also where was Perrier Jerry?
I notice Mat Ryan wear a nee brace. He is injrued? Why come he play with a hurt nee?
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
This team looks liek they will back in to paly ofs.
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
@ joe- i think its for extra safety on the knee. Matty ice takes a ton of slides on that ga dome turf he doesn’t want to skid or bruise his knee while sliding.
braves #1 fan
November 28th, 2010
7:41 pm
maybe the falcons get some respect on 1st and 10 now?!?!
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:42 pm
Rodgers took some big hits during this game. Im impressed by the falcons pass protection just stellar this season. Falcons have talent but we have big hearts and dedication which are the main reasons why were have had a marvelous season.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
Awwww he ascared he bruse his nee? U never saw Vick ascared of that.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
Awwww he ascared he bruse his nee? U never saw Vick ascared of that.
Reid Adair
November 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
What a great finish. It was an overall team performance.
Just curious, Jeff. When you wrote, “Rodgers bought time on fourth-and-1 from the Falcons’ 21 …:”, were you referring to the fact that the Packers got away with a delay of game on that play? Thankfully, that didn’t affect the result. In fact, it took a crazy flip of the ball from Rodgers to get a completion and keep their drive going.
Mike
November 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
“Also where was Perrier Jerry?
I notice Mat Ryan wear a nee brace. He is injrued? Why come he play with a hurt nee?”
what the hell did you just say?
braves #1 fan
November 28th, 2010
7:44 pm
23rd!!!!! who gives a s#@$!
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:45 pm
ESPN plays only 2 min of falcons highlights. Again more compliments on rodgers drive to tie the game up… Theyll probably show more bears highlights than ours. Ah good ol’ ESPN northeastern bias. Yankees, Red Sox, Chi Bears, Packers, Eagles, etc…
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
7:45 pm
Joe,
STFU, and please don’t bring up Vick,
Third winning season in a row
November 28th, 2010
7:46 pm
This win secures third streight winning season, and we’ve been expecting this. Unless, Ryan gets arrested for dog fighting operation, we are pretty sure next season would be a winning season as well!
Great to be a falcons fan!
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
Matty ice is smart. Vick has no QB brain he just takes off if no one’s open. If a player is a smart Qb he’d throw it away and not risk a fumble or strip. Vick has had a stellar year but he’s not nearly as smart as matty ice. Vick is a 30 something and it was his own fault he got his ribs cracked. Lucky for him the eagles did not choke during that 3 week stretch.
braves #1 fan
November 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
Hey joe, Vick is gone, and you should get an education.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Hay no need 2 inslut me. U wanna talk footbal, then tlaks football. U wanna insult me then we can meet some where and we can straiten this out.
No one anserd where Perrier Jerrys was in this game.
Supes
November 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Yay!
Berman and crew just gave the Falcons and Matt Ryan major props on their NFL Sunday Night show.
Maybe SportsCenter (which is yankee bias for sure) but not the folks who know football.
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Peyton manning has smarts like ryan and look at how many rings he has? Many to say the least… How many will vick have in the remainder of his career? We will find out come playoff time whether he’s a smart qb or if he’ll just crack his ribs 1 more time?
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
I love it how some fans here still think vick is a better option than matt ryan. Falcons 9-2, Eagles 7-4. Nuff said…
Third winning season in a row
November 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
Peyton has just one ring… Vick says he didn’t give his all as a Falcon. I don’t want ANYONE like that leading my team.
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
Your not talking much football just typing like and idiot
braves #1 fan
November 28th, 2010
7:55 pm
All im saying is Vick flipped off the GA dome when things got tough. Ryan just seems to win when things get tough.
A27
November 28th, 2010
7:57 pm
HAHAHA…….. Take that you stupid cheeseheads!!!! I loved seeing you go down!!!!!! 9-2 read it and weep all you Falcon haters/chumps. Oh and GO THRASHERS keep shutting everyone up to> What great sports weekend for the ATL!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
7:57 pm
Still no word on Perrier Jerry?
Matt
November 28th, 2010
7:58 pm
Joe, obviously you did not graduate from Grade School. Go back to your “holler” outside “Filthadelphia” Pennsylvania and leave the thinking to the rest of the world.
Box
November 28th, 2010
7:59 pm
Stupid announcers were so pro green bay in this game. They love their little arron rogers.
Love a loser. haha
Tweets that mention Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
November 28th, 2010
7:59 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ReidAdair, GamblingIQ (Dirty) and BJ McKinney, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing http://bit.ly/g44rn6 [...]
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 28th, 2010
7:59 pm
Good thing the NFL didn’t hand out that MVP trophy just yet. It seems Vick had a Human experience on the football field today. Vick was the first team of Pros to lose on the TV show Pros vs Joes. Vick ain’t nothing special as a person or as a player. I think it will take a few more years of being a HUMAN and a Pro Player that studies his craft before he can be Special.
Box
November 28th, 2010
8:00 pm
And how about that moron trent dilfer who has said all season we are a fake. That we aren’t a good team. yeah ok trent you doofus.
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 28th, 2010
8:02 pm
Watching Matt Ryan you see a player that wants to be his best not special. If Special happens so be it, but Matt wants his Team to be Special and works hard for that to happen.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
8:02 pm
Matt I am hear to discuss football. U R not. U go somewhere is U dont want to paly nice.
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
8:03 pm
2012- Whats there to talk about u know we are better than philly and saints. If u wanna talk football talk about today’s game and matt ryan’s leadership qualities…
Football: Falcons 9-2, Saints 8-3, Eagles 7-4 i checked nfl.com complete standings. If u wanna check click this link:
http://www.nfl.com/standings
The Nature Boy
November 28th, 2010
8:03 pm
calm down 5150…..The Falcons are a solid team and I love em…but I can still see Vick beating us in Jan. at the Ga Dome……I know I’m not alone…..
AllTheWay
November 28th, 2010
8:04 pm
Vick’s 333 yards were in a prevent defense and a soft middle. Eagles lost, Falcons won, nuff said
Phil Dean
November 28th, 2010
8:05 pm
Packer fan here. Congrats to the Falcons. Good all around effort by your team today. I was impressed with your quarterback. Pretty cool customer. You exposed the weaknesses in GB this year….no real running game and inconsistent if not weak special teams play. I didn’t care for McCarthy trying to ice your kicker at the end of the game either. I think it’s gamesmanship, and was dissappointed my own team tried it. Hope to see you in the playoffs, but if things stay as they are….it will be tough to beat you in the dome.
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
8:07 pm
why are some of yall here on ajc.com if u ain’t talking about the falcons? Go to philly news blogs they got plenty of trashy vick fans and eagle fans like you guys.
The Nature Boy
November 28th, 2010
8:07 pm
I am not a Vick lover or hater…but today was a trap game for Philly…come on..at Chicago the weather was windy…..if Vick played Atlanta at the Ga Dome he could possibly “shine”…..Vick has that “it” factor…JMHO
Don Gato
November 28th, 2010
8:07 pm
Why waste time with the Mick Vick debate? As a season ticket holder I enjoyed watching him play when he was here. HATED the damage he did to the Team but it was HIS FU and he paid a very very high price. Glad to see him have success ELSEWHERE cause he is The PAST. Matt Ryan is The PRESENT and The FUTURE. Once saw him almost singlehandedly beat GT in Atlanta; he was cerebral then and even more so…. NOW. The game today (with MANY Packer fans in the house) had a Special Feel… This MAY be a Special TEAM…. GO FALCONS
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
8:08 pm
@ Phil- you my friend are a man of logic and u have tons of class i love seeing classy fans on this blog talking about quality football. Packers have a great squad much like the falcons and they can easily crush philly and beat the saints.
chipperdawg
November 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
Great team win today!
This win could be HUGE towards home field in the playoffs!
There were times I was frustrated with the defensive play calling, like when we only rushed three during their last drive.
I felt like we were giving Rodgers WAY to much time.
We rattled him some earlier with 4 and 5 man rush.
I’m sure proud of this team, though… been a LONG time coming!!
Three consecutive winning seasons and better things to come!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
Yay!,
That comment was towards Joe, I hate it when Vick has to come up, i cant understand why people cant just be happy with Matt or the Falcons
The Nature Boy
November 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
Vick is the elephant in the room….and he can’t be ignored….face it…deal with it..accept it
BobDog
November 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
Mike, Joe Tess is clear as a bell to me. What is your problem. And I wonder too where Peria Jerry was. I think he is still working to overcome his knee injury from last year.
MightyQuinn
November 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
Matt Ryan: 19 wins 1 loss at home. That’s a .950 winning percentage no matter how you slice it!
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
we are but some fans think vick is like the messiah or something of football. He’s not great lets all accept it.
Rock Preston
November 28th, 2010
8:11 pm
Great win. Can we please wear the black jersey black helmet on white pants ala Baltimore down the stretch please??? Red is for pansies!!
The Nature Boy
November 28th, 2010
8:13 pm
@ Yay! did you watch the Eagles vs Skins game..?? Vick can take over a game…I’m not trying to pick a fight…(I’m a fat white guy) but I’m not blind
Sports Review
November 28th, 2010
8:15 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
St. Clarkston
November 28th, 2010
8:16 pm
Mike Smith should have had the defense let up and allow the Packers to score, leaving more time
For a game winning drive. Apparently that kind of coaching decision passes as genius to some writers at the AJC.
NoodleArm Ryan
November 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
Rodgers rushed 12 times for 51 yds, & you fools think that Atlanta defense will stop Vick & McCoy if they play in Jan WTF ? Career 19-1 home record with no playoff win to show for it,nuff said.
Nighttrain # 99
November 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
These Falcons caught the “we’re here to win and we’ll find a way to do it” virus. It’s a special thing to watch each weekend.
2012 FEAR THE END
November 28th, 2010
8:18 pm
St. Clarkston;
That made me laugh!!
Third winning season in a row
November 28th, 2010
8:19 pm
Why this talk of someone else’s QB? Get over it. He SCREWED it up here, and he’ll never be welcome here.
NoodleDic Vick
November 28th, 2010
8:20 pm
If i only had a brain…..
PMC
November 28th, 2010
8:22 pm
And your hands go UP…… and they stay there!!!
We’ve got 2… and that means if there’s time on the clock we’ve got a shot.
This team doesn’t give a crap about anything that doesn’t effect their winning a ball game. It’s what all consistent winning teams do.
This team is much greater than the sum of it’s parts. The rumors of Michael Turners demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Nice job offensive line. Beautifully called game Mike Mularkey
big o
November 28th, 2010
8:22 pm
Was that Fabio playing linebacker for the Packers. Oh my bad that was Matthews, Great win for the Birds. Go Falcons !!!! But that idiot on the NFL Network Tom Waddle had the nerve to say the Packers were a better team even after we beat them.
A27
November 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
Vick……Vick last I checked dosen’t play for the Falcons. I could give two S&$TS what Vick does. Last I checked THE FALCONS WERE THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM THAT CANT BE IGNORED!!! I sure love TEAM FOOTBALL. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!
26belly
November 28th, 2010
8:24 pm
“Third winning season in a row”, your name is my point! Only true Falcon fans can appreciate the fact that goal #1 has been achieved for a third consecutive year, a winning season! Now on to goal #2, secure a playoff birth and win one game at time from then on!
“Just win baby!”
PMC
November 28th, 2010
8:24 pm
If Green Bay is healthy they have many more playmakers than we do. Green Bay has a hell of a team. We are lucky Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley weren’t playing.
Todd
November 28th, 2010
8:25 pm
St clarkson
You obviously don’t have a clue about football. It was a smart decision. Even your coach said he was outcoached on that decision. It’s a no brainer. Something you obviously don’t have.
PMC
November 28th, 2010
8:26 pm
It’s pretty awesome when you have the mission statement “build me a consistent playoff contender that can win the superbowl” and the GM and Coach and Team goes out and carries out the mission with a vengance.
PMC
November 28th, 2010
8:28 pm
Guys anyone being negative today isn’t a fan of the Atlanta Falcons. From a fans perspective, 9-2 and in the drivers seat…. there is absolutely nothing to be negative about. nothing. Just ignore the negativity and enjoy the ride. This is FUN!!!!
Frank Wilson
November 28th, 2010
8:29 pm
I noticed that someone has brought up again the Michael Vick “flippin off” the Atlanta crowd story again.
I have been a Falcons fan for 44 years. I was at the game when the “incident” occurred. Michael Vick was leaving the field by one of the tunnels and a group of fans were at the top of the tunnel screaming every filthy insult you could imagine at Vick. He DID NOT “flip off” the entire Falcons crowd. He flipped off the specific obnoxious fans and they deserved it. I was probably 35 feet away.
I loved Michael Vick when he was here. He did some stupid things and paid for them just as we all have. I wish him the best where he is now. He has turned his life around and I for one am very proud of him. Philly and Donovan McNabb showed me a ton of class giving him a chance.
We now have what I think is the best team in the entire league and the best quarterback.
Let’s show a little grace where Michael is concerned……. this is football……. not life and death!
NoodleArm Ryan
November 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
Flacco & Dennis Dickson have more playoff victories than your folk hero 19-1 Matt Ryan. LoL
PMC
November 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
speaking of awesome, did anyone notice how well the defense tackled today???
WOW. The open field tackles were ridiculous!
NoodleArm Ryan
November 28th, 2010
8:31 pm
Dennis Dixon that is.
Phil Dean
November 28th, 2010
8:34 pm
Yay! – thanks for the words………I like to give props where they are due, because I to appreciate quality football and hard fought games like the one today. Life’s too short to spend time insulting each other, especially on blog sites. As much as I love football at all levels, it is after all a game. Good luck the rest of the way.
JC
November 28th, 2010
8:34 pm
Everybody has to deal with injuries, Green Bay didn’t PMC
MWC
November 28th, 2010
8:34 pm
Noodle, If you can’t deal with it, just go away…9 and 2 slick…wooooo!
26belly
November 28th, 2010
8:35 pm
@ Frank Wilson…
Nuff said!
Third winning season in a row
November 28th, 2010
8:35 pm
NoodleArm Ryan: are you saying the falcons should’ve drafted Flacco instead of Ryan? Are you out of your mind?
Oh, sorry. You obviously are.
Yay!
November 28th, 2010
8:37 pm
NoodleArm Ryan- Go preach about vick while we win a superbowl this year.
By the way your name is a fail. Ryan has a WAY stronger arm then vick. Ur an idiot.
Ricky Muse
November 28th, 2010
8:39 pm
I am a Huge Atlanta Falcons Fan and I am very proud of the way this team has been playing!! Nice win Falcons, keep it up!!!
Ed
November 28th, 2010
8:39 pm
Great win for the Falcons Matt Ryan is Peyton-esque with the way he moves the offense down the field. This tema is very capable of winning a Super Bowl with the way they are balanced on offense and they play so well as a team. The combo of Smitty, Mularkey and Van Gorder are perfect and will keep this team grounded the next few weeks. Goooo!! Falcons
Chop Buster
November 28th, 2010
8:41 pm
The Falcons are winning so there isn’t too much to complain about. I’d just like to see our front four get after guys and not put as much pressure on our DBs. We’re winning with an average defense at best. Go Falcons! Let’s get some Bucs in their house next week!!!
NoodleArm Ryan
November 28th, 2010
8:42 pm
No I’m saying the obvious your QB is overrated, I really don’t care who they would have drafted ahead of that bubblegum arm. He may be 9-2 & 19-1 at home, what has he won, nothing. He couldn’t even get you into the playoffs last year with that Pop Warner arm, HA HA, oh yeah don’t blame it on Turner,cause Snelling play well.
A27
November 28th, 2010
8:43 pm
Hey NoodleArmRyan you got one thing right. Ryan is our HERO!!! 9-2 READ IT AND WEEP LOSERS!!!! HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blake
November 28th, 2010
8:44 pm
Where’s all those smack talkin’ Packer fans?
Ivan
November 28th, 2010
8:44 pm
Great win Falcons! Keep’em comin!
9-2, baby!
GTPhenom
November 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
Just throwing it out there, I’m a Falcons fan, but I’m a Steelers fan first. I love my Falcons and Steelers, but a lot of you people are the same people who were absolutely running this team into the ground after that first game. And, don’t get your hopes up. Even if you make it to Dallas, Pittsburgh will be sure to send Atlanta home empty handed once again. Go Steelers, and to a slightly lesser level, Go Falcons!
Sam
November 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
I’m a huge Mike Vick fan, always have been….always will be. But seriously, why are we still talking about him? Matt Ryan is a franchise QB that says, and always does the right thing. The Mike Vick thing may have turned out to be a blessing……We’d still be running the same offense, with a crappy coach and a over the hill GM. Now, we have a young GM that is very intelligent in the draft- we have a smart coach that will be around for a long time to come, and all the young pieces to be in contention every year. Think about it.
Judy
November 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
So proud of the Falcons!
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
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:23 pm
I dont understand
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:25 pm
That pretty well sums it up Joe.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:26 pm
A lot of loosers here having to call me names. Some of U are real interwebs tough guys.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:26 pm
Some of us can spell too.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:27 pm
BTW gotta gush on my Alma mater…Auburn University is once again #1 in the BCS
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:27 pm
Fish House said “I dont understand”
That’s the first true thing you’ve said all day.
Atlanta Peach
November 28th, 2010
9:27 pm
Everybody Clap your Hands ! Clap Clap ! Clap ! Clap ! Clap Clap !……….
Najeh Davenpoop
November 28th, 2010
9:30 pm
The Falcons are the best coached team in the league. It’s hard to find teams that make mistakes as rarely as the Falcons do, and it’s hard to find coaching staffs who maximize their players’ strengths and minimize their weaknesses as well as Mike Smith and company.
The Falcons haven’t been getting national media respect because they don’t have the game-changing playmakers that some other teams do. The nice thing about big play guys is that they can erase mistakes. But when you never make mistakes, you don’t need game changing plays, and that’s where the Falcons are right now. I have a feeling that after this week’s win, there will be a lot more talk about the Falcons. They have passed every test so far.
With that said, I think it’s funny that the Falcons just won a huge game to cement themselves as the NFC’s best and 3/4 of the comments here are about MV7. Did y’all really expect him to go the entire season without throwing a pick? The Eagles made a lot of mistakes today, mostly due to the defense overpursuing, and needed Vick’s playmaking ability to get them back in the game — which he did, but ran out of time. Again, when you don’t make mistakes as a team, you don’t need playmakers to make big plays.
He’s still 5-1 in games he started and finished, still leads the league in passer rating, is still a front runner for the MVP award, still has the league’s best TD/INT ratio… and deny it if you want, but if there is one guy who can come to the ATL in the playoffs and withstand the dome field advantage, it’s MV7. I’ll chalk today up to the SI cover curse.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:30 pm
Come on Joe! Give us another brown nugget of wisdom!!
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:32 pm
Note to Dimitroff…Nick Fairley…mid 1st round if he is still there…assuming we will be picking 31st or 32nd(ahem..hopeful!!!!) maybe trade up
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
Brown nugget? U calling me a terorist?
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
Najeh, do you think MV reverts to his old self if he gets the big contract and adulation? Has he really changed, or is he just doing an act to save his career?
Man's Best Friend
November 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
“Let’s show a little grace where Michael is concerned……. this is football……. not life and death!”
Unless you’re one of his pets.
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
@Fish House – Talk about web tough guy, your the a$$hole that said “Hay no need 2 inslut me. U wanna talk footbal, then tlaks football. U wanna insult me then we can meet some where and we can straiten this out.”
I offered to take you up on it put you just climbed back into bed with your mom rather than telling me where to meet you.
Josh Smith For 3
November 28th, 2010
9:34 pm
“As bad as we played, we lost by five and they know we’re a better team” — Eagles left tackle Jason Peters after Philadelphia’s 31-26 loss to Chicago
He could be a great Philly troll on these blogs
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:34 pm
No way we draft a thug from Aubrun. We cant afford to pay him liek they do at Auburn and we cant have thugs on our team.
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:34 pm
Tess, after that comment I have ahard time thinking you’re for real. Well played. Now go “terrorize” some other team’s blogs for a while.
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2010
9:35 pm
Pick a place and time pal
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:35 pm
the terrorist comment not the “Aubrun” one
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:37 pm
Why would the falcons want a dirty player like fairley?
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:37 pm
“Let’s show a little grace where Michael is concerned……. this is football……. not life and death!”
I do hate him..and it is not about football..there are tons of ex falcons playing in the NFL I do not hate…
I love animals and he tortured abused and slaughtered them…you can’t turn that on and off you can only say and do what is scripted for you..I don;t believe he has changed inside anymore than a pedophile can change inside..they are always who they are deep down. I do wish him the best with his contract negotiations, because he left creditors holding millions in debt when he went to prison and they deserve to get paid off with his new earnings.
my 2 cents
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:37 pm
Joe, who? Me, DK or the other fifty bloggers you insult on a regular basis with your drivel?
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:38 pm
Man’s Best Friend
November 28th, 2010
9:33 pm
“Let’s show a little grace where Michael is concerned……. this is football……. not life and death!”
Unless you’re one of his pets.
He did his time..paid a heavy heavy price and is trying to rebuild his life. I applaud him for becoming a better person and starting over for himself and his children.
ATLol
November 28th, 2010
9:39 pm
TrishaDishaWarEagle..what about drafting Cam as the wildcat QB & H-back? In an 18 game season starting QBs may need more platooning.
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:41 pm
Trisha…you don’t know what vick changed inside….and there are players in the nfl still playing who have abused, raped, even killed human beings…what about that?
Ok
November 28th, 2010
9:42 pm
Hey Poop, so what and who cares.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:42 pm
ATL, I would LOVE that but regardless of what the so called draft experts say, I do not see cam being passed over by a lot of early picking teams(they missed the boat on Tebow also)..he may be the next QB of Carolina(god forbid).
truth
November 28th, 2010
9:45 pm
Note to all Eagles fans……..your team will not be going to the playoffs this year. The teams are starting to figure Vick out again and he will be a none factor from this point on. Sorry, just telling the truth. When he got figured out in Atlanta he was done. Your day is coming. I remember and will for a while Vick’s last two seasons here was a joke. Just go check his last two year stats in Atlanta and you will find out what you have to look forward to.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:45 pm
katherine, touche’…I can;t prove or disprove my feelings about him, but I do not believe people really change..you are what you are for the most part…I do believe people learn to hide who they are when before he was ok with being known as a ghetto thug pot head..now he has a PR machine..but bolstering my feelings are the fact someone got shot at his birthday party, post prison.
Anyone ever been shot at any of your b-day parties? mine neither..
DK
November 28th, 2010
9:46 pm
@Fish House – Time and place. Sure. Just go to 770 Hi-Hope Road, Lawrenceville. Tell me up front that you want to speak to Officer Kelly because you’ve got something you want to straiten out.
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:48 pm
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:45 pm
katherine, touche’…I can;t prove or disprove my feelings about him, but I do not believe people really change..you are what you are for the most part…I do believe people learn to hide who they are when before he was ok with being known as a ghetto thug pot head..now he has a PR machine..but bolstering my feelings are the fact someone got shot at his birthday party, post prison.
Anyone ever been shot at any of your b-day parties? mine neither
Soooo let me get this straight…you have a “feeling” that he didn’t change and since someone got shot at his birthday party…which had nothing to to with him..that makes you think he hasn’t changed even more? Really? ok then…I guess you are entitled to you opinion. What is your “feeling” about ray lewis?
Najeh Davenpoop
November 28th, 2010
9:50 pm
“Najeh, do you think MV reverts to his old self if he gets the big contract and adulation? Has he really changed, or is he just doing an act to save his career?”
I don’t know him so I have no idea, but if I had to guess I would say it’s a little bit of both. I don’t think you can lose as much as he did in life and not change as a person, but I do think he’s learned how to work the media and say what people want to hear.
With that said, I really only care about what these players do on the field, and on the field he is ballin’.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:51 pm
If I owned a limo company, Ray Lewis would be on my “no Ride” list.
LakeDawg
November 28th, 2010
9:51 pm
Yeah, let’s leave the dog torturer out of this. We have a real QB now.
Katherine
November 28th, 2010
9:54 pm
What about Rothlesberger? The guy is scum.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:56 pm
If i was commissioner, Rapelesberger would not be playing either..
Nighttrain # 99
November 28th, 2010
9:56 pm
If I owned a professional football team, fairley would be on my “no hire” list because he is a cheap shot loser in college ball.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
9:57 pm
Which all reminds me how happy I am with the good guys we have on the falcons ..mean on the field, non felons off the field..
drmondo
November 28th, 2010
9:58 pm
Got some Falcons love on NBC at half…”The road to the Superbowl runs through Atlanta”…
TrishaDishaWarEagle
November 28th, 2010
10:04 pm
@drmondo..it is amazing watching a colts game and they are talking about the Falcons..total role reversal:) I like it..I like it a lot!
WTG FALCONS…on to Tampa Bay!!
Auf Weidersehen!
Man's Best Friend
November 28th, 2010
10:04 pm
Katherine:
Michael Vick is a talented football player, one of the best. Maybe I should be more sympathetic.
But I love animals, especially dogs. What that man did to his dogs does not evoke my sympathy or compassion. He beat and electrocuted his dogs for losing a dog fight, but Mr. Vick will not be beaten or electrocuted for losing tonight’s game to Chicago. He “did his time” according to the law. He paid a heavy price. If I thought Mr. Vick’s ordeal had taught him morals, I’d show him a little grace.
PMC
November 28th, 2010
10:12 pm
Peria Jerry had a touchdown saving tackle of Aaron Rodgers on the first goal line stand.
Younger Than That Now
November 28th, 2010
10:12 pm
I’ve been to the Falcons/Ravens game and the Falcons/Packers game and both times I’ve witnessed a last minute drive to win the game and to send all Falcons fans home happy! These Falcons are definitely something special and there is a winning vibe at th Dome that I’ve not felt in a long time… too long… but this time it’s a confident and satisfying vibe, and it feels good.
suwaneefalcon
November 28th, 2010
10:13 pm
All I can say is how great it is to have Matt Ryan as the face of the Atlanta Falcons. And before anyone accuses me of knocking Vick, I am damn glad of his success ih Philly, he paid his price. If Rothlisberger can still be in the league then why not Vick? Still, damn glad to have Matty Ice behind center.
GO FALCONS!!!
PMC
November 28th, 2010
10:13 pm
Najeh, I love reading your takes… all the time. Appreciate it.
LuckyDawg
November 28th, 2010
10:16 pm
He’s the new Booby Cox, the second luckiest sunavabeatch in sports, that moron VanDumbass did his best again to blow the game at the end and damn if the special teams and Ryan didn’t bail his butt out again in the final minute. Game after game his incredibly stupid playcalling allows the opponent drive to down the field in the final minutes, and they either self destruct (Tampa and St. Louis), or they score and blow it themselves in the final seconds (Baltimore and Green Bay).
That idiot may be living a charmed life for now, but one of these days his luck is going to run out, most likely in a huge game when it will hurt the most (like he did when he was at UGA) and make all the good work of Ryan and the rest be all for nought. And yet somehow he’ll escape any blame or criticism, like when he was at UGA and after blowing the Arizona playoff game two years ago.
Just wait and see…
Neshoba
November 28th, 2010
10:17 pm
Poor deluded Falcant fans…you know deep down that NFC title game will be hosted by Drew et al.
suwaneefalcon
November 28th, 2010
10:17 pm
Yo lucky dawg, get over it. They won last night. Youy are a freaking idiot who knows squat about the game.
suwaneefalcon
November 28th, 2010
10:19 pm
Don’t think so neshoba but, you keep talking that trash. And that is what it is, talk. Back it up on December 17th or shut up.
dcfalconsfan
November 28th, 2010
10:19 pm
Shades of ‘98?? Maybe. Michael Turner runs like Jamaal Anderson. Mike Smith is coaching as well as Dan Reeves. Matt Ryan is throwing better than Chris Chandler ever dreamed of. You gotta love the chances for another Super Bowl.
Neshoba
November 28th, 2010
10:21 pm
Maybe…another SB loss
Nighttrain # 99
November 28th, 2010
10:21 pm
Not many of folks reference the Falcons offensive line but the core group is very good and has been together for multiple seasons. The D line is rock solid. Games are mostly won in the trenches and I like our down-n-dirty guys.
Supes
November 28th, 2010
10:22 pm
Najeh, good stuff as usual. I don’t always agree with you but I appreciate the football comments you have to post.
As far as Nick Fairley…the 2 things he’s really good at in college (cheap shots and driving QB’s into the ground) are both 15 yard penalties followed by calls from the Commish’s office…it’s not gonna fly in the NFL like it does in college where there is little consequence for being a thug on the field. So no…i don’t think the Falcons should or could draft him, he wouldn’t fit well here!
CHEF MONTUER
November 28th, 2010
10:22 pm
gO sAiNtS!!!!!?
Red-N-Black
November 28th, 2010
10:27 pm
“DK
November 28th, 2010
9:46 pm
@Fish House – Time and place. Sure. Just go to 770 Hi-Hope Road, Lawrenceville. Tell me up front that you want to speak to Officer Kelly because you’ve got something you want to straiten out.”
I just spit out my coffee laughing at that! LOLOL – notice Fish Douche hasn’t posted.
Ueeediot
November 28th, 2010
10:42 pm
National media storyline broke down today….
Falcons, 9-2, Vick lost….NYG look pedestrian….Cowboys didnt play…cant talk about GB without talking about the Falcons….
um…did you hear about Cutler?
You guys are digging deep now.
Next up…TB
Ted Striker
November 28th, 2010
10:54 pm
Excellent game. Good column. No complaints, save one. I’ll buy you a dozen cases of beer if you get this done for your readership. The AJC online site needs an “ignore” button like some other news websites have. Even the Athens Banner Herald has one.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, it’s when a reader comes to the site and is logged it, the reader has the option of permanently placing another blogger on ignore. It effectively knocks a 10 to 200 line rant or diatribe or ramble down to ““this user is being ignored.” Sweet.
A dozen cases of beer. Put that in your accounting ledger on a Friday night and crunch the blissful benefits.
GaCracker
November 28th, 2010
10:56 pm
They don’t beat themselves and seem to play clutch on everything but 3rd and long on defense. I’m not sure how good they really are, but without turnovers and a lot of penalties, they remain competitive.
Falconfanatic
November 28th, 2010
11:15 pm
TheFalcons are the most exciting team we have ever had and I am loveing every minute of it . I don`t think there is any limit to where they can go.
extremus
November 28th, 2010
11:46 pm
It’s great to get the win and still be at the top of the NFC, but those wins aren’t coming easily; this has been a very rough stretch of games and the Falcons have thus far weathered the storm. As good as things are right now though, the way this season has gone for other “Superbowl-bound favorites” I’d honestly rather the Birds continue to fly under the radar rather than have a target on their backs.
Obviously that won’t happen now; everyone around the NFL knows that this Atlanta team is going for it all this year. Can they do it? Yes, possibly. But they still have some glaring issues on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary is still prone to giving up the big play at very inopportune times, and at times the team seems to forget fundamentals (like repeatedly trying to arm-tackle the Packers today along with plain stupid penalties like Dahl’s that turned a potential TD drive into a field goal). Their pass rush can be great but other times (like today) it can be nonexistent; a force at defensive end opposite John Abraham would be nightmarish for opposing offenses. All these things mean the Falcons are still vulnerable…but they haven’t broken yet, fortunately.
Those are obviously concerns that should (and probably will) be addressed during the coming offseason. Scary thing is, when it happens the Atlanta Falcons will potentially be even better and stronger than they are now.
But now is THIS year, and our Atlanta Falcons are going for it right now, because they (and we) know this opportunity may never come around again (just ask the Braves; just “getting there” isn’t enough, not even close). Here’s hoping the wins keep coming and that the last one comes in February at Dallas.
GO FALCONS!!!!
RTW
November 28th, 2010
11:48 pm
9 and F’ing 2! Haters, shut your mouths!
Von
November 29th, 2010
12:19 am
Hey, I’m all Saints Black n Gold but I know a very good team when I see one. The Falcons are good. Real good. Matt Ryan is awesome and all they do is win. To me, it doesn’t matter how. A win is a win. C’mon my Saints fans, give them the credit they deserve. Competition is good. The Superbowl goes through Atlanta. Let’s get ready for the playoffs baby. It’s on!
drmondo
November 29th, 2010
12:20 am
head on over to http://www.nfl.com/probowl/ballot and vote for our team guys!!
Kane337
November 29th, 2010
12:29 am
Clabo owned the long haired blonde boy. Matthews was a non factor.
C from Marietta
November 29th, 2010
1:44 am
Falcons are an all around team. They don’t have any flashy ‘me’ players. They play like a team. CVG is not done building this defense. They are doing things the right way. They have little to no turnovers or penalties every game. Roddy White is now the best receiver in pro football. He is like Hines Ward. He hustles on every play. Even, if the ball is not coming to him. The defense is a work in progress, but is solid. Best team in the league at red zone stops. The Atlanta Falcons have heart and character. They may or may not win the Super Bowl this year. However, they ARE a contender. So, enjoy the ride and hope for a 3 game sweep on the road. Oh yeah, all those folks talking about the Eagles. Watch out for the Saints. They are good and will be a tough test for our home team.
JASon
November 29th, 2010
2:07 am
Jeff, how could you not say anything about home field advantage? That is the reason this falcons team could make the super bowl. Lets be honest, put them on the road against a good team and they will get outcoached. But the beauty of it is: we won’t have to worry about that! With our remaining record, go ahead and pencil this team in for home field advantage.
Eric C.
November 29th, 2010
3:22 am
Magic # – win against the Saints on MNF and homefield is locked up
Falcons are virtually guaranteed 11 wins with 2 games left against Carolina…just win against the Saints on MNF and the division and #1 seed would be all but wrapped up as the Saints could win no more than 12 games assuming a loss to the Falcons.
Samuel
November 29th, 2010
5:15 am
C,mon guys let’s be happy the Falcons are winning, we don’t have to be mean spirited and talk about Vick. He’s not part of the equation. The only thing we need to do is shore up our secondary. Dunta Robinson and Decoud don’t make enough plays. Has Robinson had one interception all year. The money that was given to this guy and looking at his work production makes my stomach churn.
Larry
November 29th, 2010
5:19 am
Game on the line, 4th and goal at the 10, and you rush only 3 men against an all pro QB giving him 8-10 seconds to find a receiver…utter, unabashed stupidity!
The two Matt’s have been “Money” at pulling out games on the last drive but this cannot always be expected to work. Somewhere down the line we’ll need our defense to prevent the opponent from scoring on their last drive and in these situations BVG has been as dumb as a box of rocks!
WingMan
November 29th, 2010
5:44 am
When Mike Smith and TD took over the team, many on this blog were saying that the Falcons wouldn’t do anything for 3 to 5 years. Obviously they were wrong. Those of you who are finding faults with the defense, A. Must remember where we came from and B. that we are still in the developmental process. Our D is very young but is learning quickly and they have a great attitude. I expect that as they continue to learn and gain experience that they will continue to develop into a formidable defense. By the way, Go Saints, BACK TO NO!
FalconsGO
November 29th, 2010
7:01 am
The “Big” thing to look at with the Atlanta Falcons defense is where they rank in the league in “points” against them. See below that they rank 7th in the league. They rank 6th in defending the rush. Yes the pass defense is poor to say the least, BUT you take away the run, you take away time of possession and allow minimal points, you have what it takes to get you deep into the playoffs.
PTS
19.0
(7th)
Also, is there a better unheralded QB in the league than Matt Ryan. All the talk of Rogers, the Mannings, Vick and there stands Matt Ryan with the 19-1 home record, a 29-12 record in 2 3/4 years (he didn’t play in two losses last year) and the cool nature that QB’s like Elway and Montana had in consistent play and come back ability. No, he doesn’t put up Rivers and Brees type passing numbers because he doesn’t need to. The Falcons are balanced with the run. That is what makes this team contenders for the Super Bowl. See Ryans stats below. Also only 5 int, and a 65% completion rate. Not too shabby.
2010 STATS
RAT 94.4
YDS 2,715
TD 19
Ross
November 29th, 2010
7:04 am
Larry, you’re wrong. On that play Abe had a clear shot at Rodgers earlier in the play but pulled up lame – looked like the groin thing – and could not get up. That’s why Rodgers had all day. In fact the pressure was good all day – Rodgers is just a real play maker. Without him GB is a slightly better than average team.
Ross
November 29th, 2010
7:08 am
Eric C, the Panthers get better each week and will be no pushover, particularly at home in Charlotte where the Falcons tend to sink into a funk every year. This was just one of those years for the Ps, no QB and lots of injuries. Steve Smith on Grimes makes me wince.
Ross
November 29th, 2010
7:12 am
This road trip will tell the Falcons’ 2010 story. I’ll be more than happy with 2 of 3 as long as one is next week. I don’t have a good feeling about either Carolina or Seattle. Hard not to look past the Panthers. Traditionally the Falcons are not great anywhere on the west coast. Let’s hope to see them back in the GDome with Ryan going for the rookie home record (tied now with Danny White at 19-1).
Getaway
November 29th, 2010
7:31 am
“Clabo owned the long haired blonde boy. Matthews was a non factor.”
Kane, this is the key thing that the media continues to miss. 2 great defenses in GB and Baltimore, and the Falcons moved the ball at will and not in gimmicky ways, even with them knowing what the ‘birds were going to do, they couldn’t stop it.
Getaway
November 29th, 2010
7:32 am
Enter your comments here
Old Falcon Fan
November 29th, 2010
7:53 am
Is anyone as frustrated with the Fox announcers as I am, they did everything they could to get the Packers to throw the challenge flag on the Gonzalez catch. I am also sick of Billick comparing every game to a heavyweight fight.
FalconsGO
November 29th, 2010
7:55 am
Ross, Since 2008 the Falcons are 3-0 on the West Coast. Beating Oakland and San Diego in 2008 and San Fran in 2009. I feel OK with the Seattle game. Week to week I say “this week will tell if the Falcons are for real.” With that being said they beat New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Green Bay. I really believe this team is head over heels better now than 6 weeks ago with the game in Philly. After 5 straight wins, now I am saying, OK they really need to beat Tampa Bay this week.
I feel I am turning into a “they should win this week”, instead of hoping they win. The next 5 games will tell the tale. They SHOULD win at least 4 of them and set up for an exciting finish against the Aints.
FalconsGO
November 29th, 2010
7:59 am
Billick is so overplaying every play. It seems he doesn’t want to believe the Falcons are a very GOOD team. The whole thing with Gonzalez catch was ridiculous. Then on top of everything else his trying to explain why GB wasn’t given a penalty for delay of game saying the referee wouldn’t be able to see the snap and the clock expiring in time to pull the flag. Maybe challenges should be put in place for that as well. Even if Atlanta was offside the penalties would have offset and GB wouldn’t have made the miraculous first down.
Gripe
November 29th, 2010
8:09 am
I am sorry, but is anyone as sick as I am of hearing MVP candidate Michael Vick? Give me a break. Great story for a comeback player of the year, but MVP? Really? ESPN and NFL Network kept saying Michael Vick’s first interception in 4 years? Did the two years count he was in prison? Did last year count when he attempted all of 13 passes?
This is just a gripe, I forgive Vick for screwing the Falcons, but really did he screw us? Looking at what we got in return with Coach Smith (I wonder if Petrino would have stayed if Vick had been here) and Matt Ryan, I think we got the better of the deal.
Needless to say, the Washington game for Vick was huge, but he has come back down to Earth the past two weeks and Philly should have lost the game against the Giants as well.
Who should be considered for NFC MVP, you need to include Ryan in the mix. No one runs a team as well.
E
November 29th, 2010
8:29 am
Championships aren’t won in November… You’ve never had a title and you never will, Falcons’ fans.
Sid
November 29th, 2010
8:30 am
Great team win. Kudos Matt Bryant, still kickin’ like a madman………!!
Hey, Jinx, don’t you ever drop the friggin first pass of the first play of a game ever again, that’s a tempo setter and you dropped a ball my great great great Aunt Ethel could have caught.
Sid
November 29th, 2010
8:33 am
E
November 29th, 2010
8:29 am
Championships aren’t won in November… .
*****************************************************
another troll yet this one readily admits he’s a moron
L.R. Glass, Sr.
November 29th, 2010
8:38 am
TOP 5 QUARTERBACKS FOR THE WEEK(IMHO)
1. Matty Ice- As always, forever unflappable. (Who would’ve thought, way back in 2008, when the then rookie play caller snatched improbable victory out of certain jaws of defeat that a legend was being created?)
2. Tom Brady – 9-2. What else needs be said?
3. Mark Sanchez – Ditto.
4.Aaron Rodgers – Valiant even in defeat.
5. Michael Vick- I’m Sorry, I just like the way he plays. (By the way, that was one hell of a touchdown pass to Celek). If he continues on the path that he has decided to travel, both on and off the field, he will be OK regardless of what the haters say.
Sid
November 29th, 2010
8:41 am
Conference seedings
1. Falcons 9-2
2. Bears 8-3
3. Eagles 7-4
4. Rams 5-6
5. Saints 8-3
6. Giants 7-4
7. Bucs 7-4
8. Packers 7-4
Tweets that mention Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
November 29th, 2010
8:44 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Fantasy Tackles, Fantasy Tackles. Fantasy Tackles said: #IDP Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing http://bit.ly/hTj6Nl #FantasyFootball [...]
Sid
November 29th, 2010
8:57 am
Remaining schedules
FALCONS
At Bucs (7-4)
At Panthers (1-10)
At Seahawks (5-6)
Saints (8-3)
Panthers (1-10)
Opponents’ record: 22-33
SAINTS
At Bengals (2-9)
Rams (5-6)
At Ravens (8-3)
At Falcons (9-2)
Bucs (7-4)
Opponents’ record: 31-24
juice sourcer
November 29th, 2010
9:05 am
The Falcons can’t possibly keep pulling victory from the jaws of defeat. The %’s will catch up with them. Always do. Mark it down.
Soctt
November 29th, 2010
9:28 am
Another hard fought win for the Birds . But i am still concern with the pass defense that looked very vulnerable to anything Green Bay wanted to do. Green bay dosen’t have a real running game they are one dimensional the falcons should have faired better against them .But all in all it was a great game .
Ms. Grammar
November 29th, 2010
9:31 am
Why use proper grammar and capitalization?
With proper capitalization- “He helped his Uncle Jack off a horse”.
Without proper capitalization-”He helped his uncle jack off a horse”.
FrontRow
November 29th, 2010
10:06 am
Your uncle is 2 letters away from being a pervert.
PMC
November 29th, 2010
10:12 am
Guys…this odds crap… it doesn’t fly. It’s like the board at a roulette game showing you the past. This…they can’t keep doing this…Yes they can. The past has no effect on the future. This team is built to win close games. Their style of play is created in order to win games EXACTLY like this. “Money” Matt Bryant is killing it this year. Certainly, it would be nice to have a better pass rush and win by two touchdowns… sure… but it doesn’t matter HOW you win the game just that you win. This defense has only allowed 1 rushing TD in the red zone all year. That’s INCREDIBLE. It’s really hard to run on the Falcons defense.
This is a remarkably efficient football team. They don’t have a ton of playmakers, but they do have enough, and the young players are really ramping their games up. They are greater than the sum of their parts.
falconfan 24-7
November 29th, 2010
10:24 am
Great team win. The Pack played their hearts out but were overmatched.On to the next one. The Bucs will be ready for revenge. But, we win by a field goal. Just win baby!
Count Bertram - Not to be Confused with THE COUNT
November 29th, 2010
10:25 am
Falcons keep winning even though the way keeps changing. That’s another way of saying that the Falcons can beat you in multiple ways. And that is a good thing.
falconfan 24-7
November 29th, 2010
10:27 am
@ haters
The only thing that matters in the NFL is wins and lossess. For those of you that over analyze everything, get a life. Go Falcons.
Sid
November 29th, 2010
10:28 am
juice sourcer
November 29th, 2010
9:05 am
******************************
LOL, and you just stay on that juice there good buddy…………..ROFLMAO
mac
November 29th, 2010
10:29 am
Yeahhh..Falcons win..BUT..barely!!
Seem’s like they just want to do enough to get by!
“Matty Ice” still Can’t find the open receiver..down field!
On The tying touchdown..Rogers had ALL DAY to find open receiver in corner of the end zone..WHY????
JeanE
November 29th, 2010
10:35 am
Yes, exciting win but it was ugly. What the heck was Mularkey’s offensive game plan, ’cause I sure couldn’t figure it out. It was TERRIBLE! Harry Douglas is a rotten blocking WR, why didn’t they use Finn more this week? He is a much better blocker and honestly, he has better hands than Harry, too! It ticked me off, what did Finn do to get in Mularkey’s doghouse? Back to being totally predictible and stagnant on offense. We need to throw more on 1st down. Yes, I know we won but it was another very tight game that could’ve gone the other way. Defense has gotten much much better although I still think Dunta is way overpaid. Kicking and Punting continue to be a source of strength and no spec teams coverage breakdowns this week. Could we please go back to using Finn and dump Harry back on the sideline where he belongs? Another tough game against Tampa on the road, gotta keep plugging along. Also, Matt Ryan is just a beast!! Go Birds!!
Fan in Missouri
November 29th, 2010
10:37 am
The Falcons and Packers are two different teams. The Falcons have a poor defense which they cover up with a good running game and efficient passing. The Packers have a very good defense and no running game. Their defense allows them to take more chances in their passing game.
Submariner683
November 29th, 2010
10:37 am
Is NoodleArm Ryan the new tag for the good old MattChokeRyan? Seems to be the same theme and same diction in his posts.
So Matt Ryan is overrated since he hasn’t won the one playoff game he played in? That is the only indicator of playoff success? Really? One game in his rookie year where he played well, go thank Keith Brooking for that loss. By your pre-school aged logic, Flacco is twice as bad because he’s 1-2. Peyton Manning is overrated too since he lost his first three playoff games. And Trent Dilfer and Matt Hostetler are the best QBs ever because they won a Superbowl. Do I have it right?
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 29th, 2010
10:38 am
Jeff Schultz
I guess he is sleeping in today. He had a long and late weekend.
Jeff I guess you deserved to take a lil break since you were working a lot over the holiday. Maybe you need to do a THRASHER article. I don’t know how many hits you will get, but you might want to Jump on that Bandwagon before the bottom falls out like it did already for the Hawks.
With the loss by VICK maybe we can get something on the DOG KILLER that always gets hits.
5150 P.O.A.D.
November 29th, 2010
10:40 am
Jeff
Maybe write something about how Great Derek Dooley did this year getting the VOLS to 6-6 just like the DAWGS. The Vols had LSU beat and UGA didn’t play a top well all year and have to have Tech give UGA the game.
Submariner683
November 29th, 2010
10:44 am
oh, Aaron Rogers is 0-1 in the playoffs. So he’s overrated too, right?
Count Bertram - Not to be Confused with THE COUNT
November 29th, 2010
10:45 am
Ball control on offense with no turnovers and tenacious (and improving) D seems to be the Falcons strategy. That means we likely won’t blow any of the good teams off the field but it will put us in a position to win – and we continue to do that. Solid strategy for a solid team.
John H.
November 29th, 2010
10:49 am
Mr. Schultz, you are the man! Nice analysis on the soon-to-be SB Champs! See you next time you’re in Athens
NFL Ref Association
November 29th, 2010
11:05 am
Dear Arthur:
Please make that check payable in money wire.
Thanks for your business.
Katherine
November 29th, 2010
11:23 am
It’s amazing to me that on first take they are still bashing the falcons…none of them believe in them. I sure hope the falcons make them eat their words….
schultz is an idiot
November 29th, 2010
11:30 am
“Still no word on Perrier Jerry?” Hey fish head, Perrier played and made tackle at the gold line.
Eric
November 29th, 2010
11:33 am
That idiot Skip Bayless just takes the cake! So having a goalline stand where you stop a QB sneak from the 1 yard line TWICE while causing and recovering a fumble in the endzone is LUCKY??? Oh and did you guys catch the part where he said that Atlanta is “just not that good”??? We beat his number one team in their house! We beat NO, BAL, GB, and TB on the way to a 9-2 record which is best in the whole league, yet we’re “just not that good”! What a flaming retard. I can’t understand why Skip Bayless is even allowed to spew his stupidity all over the national airwaves….
Katherine
November 29th, 2010
11:35 am
Agreed eric….he will never give atlanta any credit until/unless they win the superbowl.
Saints LSU
November 29th, 2010
11:38 am
The two best teams in the NFC Saints Falcons on 12/ 27 the team that win this game gonna go to the superbowl
D Orlando Bedwetter
November 29th, 2010
11:48 am
I love bow ties.
plattanz
November 29th, 2010
12:18 pm
Listen I love the Falcons but truth be told their defense and lack thereof scares me. They allowed Rogers all day to find the open receiver on that last touchdown (3 or was it even a 2 man rush?). They give up huge plays on critical downs and at critical times in the games. Sooner or later their luck is going to run out I fear. Having said that, they have the best balanced offense in the NFL which will always give them a chance to win. Go Falcons!!!
FanofFalcons
November 29th, 2010
12:40 pm
Falcons rank 6th in the league for points allowed. They can pass all day, but if they don’t score, what does it matter. Their run defense is ranked 5th, so the teams are going to pass all day, that’s why QB’s are passing 40-50 times against the Falcons.
Drinking the Koolaid
November 29th, 2010
1:28 pm
Jeff: I loved your referrence to the Falcons alternate universe. I think I may have entered it yesterday. As a long time fan, yesterday was the first time I didn’t “expect the worst” when the Packers tied it up late. Seemed like plenty of time to get down in field goal range and win it. Strange feeling, very strange.
Eric
November 29th, 2010
1:37 pm
Agreed Fan. Atlanta’s defense did a great job yesterday in my opinion. They held the red hot Packers offense to 17 points, had a brilliant goalline stand and forced Rodgers to make an incredible 4th and 10 play to tie at the end. Lets not forget GB got away with a 4th down delay-of-game no-call just prior to that game-tying score.
I wish our front four could pressure better like NY and Chicago’s but our secondary is much improved. Did you notice how much time Rodgers was getting yet he was still indecisive because the downfield coverage was excellent. As long as we continue to take away the run on defense, we will be fine.
I see the Falcons as not only the best team in the NFC but possibly the best in the NFL. They just have that feel this year, kind of like NO had last year, where everything is going right. We have the most balanced offense of any team and a defense that gets stingy when it counts. Throw in a couple of 14-play 7-minute drives per game and I don’t see anybody beating us, especially in the Dome. If we get home field throughout the playoffs we are going to the Super Bowl. Mark it down.
pauldav1d
November 29th, 2010
1:45 pm
Just a Saints fan dropping a line to pay proper respect to a damn good football team.
I was pulling for the Packers, of course. But it’s impossible to ignore the talent and the team.
WHO DAT?!
Ben Wright
November 29th, 2010
3:33 pm
Another lucky win by the Falqueens. Wait until the Saints come to town and kick your a$$!!!
Enkinan
November 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
This thing isn’t over yet, unfortunately the Cowboys handed the Saints a game that could have given us some breathing room. That said, the Falcons keep playing fundamental football and doing what it takes to win games. That was a huge win for us. Of course the Birds are still getting very little respect in the press, but who cares? Keep the spotlight on other teams while ours goes to work and gets the job done.
Good luck next week in Tampa, GO FALCONS!
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
4:20 pm
Jeff:
“Aaron Rodgers, struggled at times to deal with the Falcons’ speed on defense.”
What game were you watching? When did Aaron Rodgers struggle with the defense’s speed? Great win for the Falcons but don’t forget that Green Bay played without both of their starting safeties. That will and did have an impact. You made a great point that the Falcons do not beat themselves. They are reminding me of the Carolina Panthers, of past. In regards to them being the best, their record would say so, but I would disagree. Look at the games played this year. Take away the turnovers, and that is an average at best team. Yesterday, without the fumble on the goalline by Rodgers, the Pack scores and goes on to win. In the New Orleans game, Brees threw 2 interceptions, fumbled once, missed a field goal and lost by 3 points.
You are what your record says. Too bad the season is not over, because the team will show that they aren’t as good as their record suggests.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
4:23 pm
Enkinan:
Dallas gave the Saints the game? That’s hard to believe when you saw the Saints player run up the field and steal the ball away from the wideout. A few plays earlier, Dallas scored a TD, with a blatant mugging of that same safety, as he was held by Whitten as Miles Austin ran for a 60 yard TD. Sad part was the hold was right in front of the referee.
Enkinan
November 29th, 2010
4:50 pm
Saints1Fan:
Williams is an idiot for not falling on the ground. It was a terrific play (Reminded me of the Roddy White strip against SF for the Falcons), but just like we should have lost to SF, you should have lost to Dallas. I guess that makes us even.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
4:51 pm
Eric:
To compare the Falcons to the Saints of last year, everyone keeps forgetting that the Saints won most of their games by double digits. Maybe 7-8 games total, including the playoffs, were less than 10 points. 3 of them were losses. That means that 11-12 of their games were blowouts. That includes the Eagles, Patriots, Cardinals, Colts. The Falcons this year are not blowing out teams. Most of their wins have been decided by 6 points or less.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
4:55 pm
Enkinan:
We were up by 17 points prior to that momentum changing “hold” play. Under no circumstances should the cowGirls even been in that game. That is all I’m saying.
Enkinan
November 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
I’ll agree that the Falcons are not like the Saints last year. This is a methodical offense that grinds up time and puts together long, defense tiring drives. The Saints were and still are more explosive. You don’t have to be flashy to win, but you have to play more fundamentally sound, which is what is winning games for the Falcons. Winning time of possession and turnovers are going to put you in position to win more games than you lose.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
5:07 pm
Erkinan:
You are right about that. I still like my Saints to win it all. If they fall along the way, I would pull for the Falcons as they are representing the NFC South. I think the next 3 weeks will tell alot. I see Tampa Bay surprising the Falcons this week. I also see Seattle beating them in Seattle for several reasons: Seattle is also playing well at home, they have a very good quarterback in Hasselbeck, pretty good running game, and a pretty good defense. More than all of those reasons is the 4 hour flight time and late start to the game. Then the next week they play New Orleans.
We also still have 3 tough games, even though records may not show it. Cincinnatti is still a talented team, and St. Louis Rams are a good team. Then we go to Baltimore before we play Atlanta and finish with Tampa.
FalconFan
November 29th, 2010
5:28 pm
Yeah, Seattle plays so well at home they got a butt whipping yesterday by Kansas City at home and lost to the Giants by 34 three weeks ago. The Falcons are the most balanced team in football. If Matt Ryan wanted to throw the ball 50 times a game like Brees, do you really not think he would pass for 400 a game? NO has no running game and last year during their Super Bowl season their defense ranked 20th in points against. Where do the Falcons rank this year, 7th in points against. You can throw all day but when you cannot get into the end zone it doesn’t matter.
If you think for one minute the Falcons will lose to Seattle and Tampa Bay (2 losses) I have some stock you can buy in a VHS manufacturing company.
FalconFan
November 29th, 2010
5:32 pm
Saint1fan,
The Saints beat the Matt Ryan less Falcons by 3 points last year in your Super Bowl run. If Farve wasn’t a dumb ass, you wouldn’t have even made it to the Super Bowl. Plus look at the points scored against the Saints last year. Go through the Falcons schedule and see the points in games this year against them, even against your Saints and see the comparison.
Dave
November 29th, 2010
5:54 pm
I am about to commit heresy: The 2010 Falcons are REALLY not too different than the 2009 Falcons!
If you analyze the games from last year’s 9-7 team, they could have finished 12-4 with a consistent kicker, a completely healthy Matt Ryan and a healthy (and NOT over-weight) Mike Turner.
This year’s 9-2 team has won only ONE game decisively and lost only ONE game decisively. The rest were all very close, often decided by one or two plays. Had those plays turned out differently, we could be looking at a hard-luck 4-5, 3-6 or even 2-7 Falcons team, with the fan base screaming for the coach’s head!
This team lives and dies with Matt Ryan and Mike Turner, and, to a lesser extent, Matt Bryant. If either or both are injured, they would still make the playoffs (because even the second teamers would beat Carolina twice, and may even beat Seattle and Tampa Bay), but the Super Bowl would be a pipe dream!
Let’s hope that the next two games can be decided early, with the Falcons going into the 3rd quarter with comfortable 20+ point leads, to allow Turner and/or Ryan the chance to rest and AVOID INJURY.
The Injury Bug has made the Indianapolis Colts and the NY Giants average teams at best, and the same thing can happen to the Falcons (knock on wood!).
I think a 3-2 finish is almost a sure bet, while a 4-1 finish is VERY feasible, and 5-0 is not beyond the realm of possibility. The 4-1 finish gives the Falcons a first week bye, and home field in both NFC games. If that hapens, a trip to Dallas in February could very well be in the cards!
GO FALCONS!
Bravissimo
November 29th, 2010
6:51 pm
As a long time Falcs fan, I find it funny were discussing either the Falcs or Saints being in superbowl. Look at their track records.
But Ill take it 1 game at a time. Go Birds!!
PDK
November 29th, 2010
7:09 pm
The Falcons and the Saints are the top two teams in the NFC, and possibly the entire NFL. Which one is better? Well, the records and the Falcons’ victory in NO earlier this year say Atlanta has the slight edge . . . “slight” being the operative word. In the end, I think the Falcons will prove to be the better team, but again, not by too much. They’re playing more consistent, balanced football, while the Saints have been more erratic. Of course it’s all conjecture at this point, but it’s sure been fun to watch.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
10:23 pm
FalconFan:
Everyone always brings up the Matt Ryan less Falcons when it comes to the loss, in my opinion Chris Redman is a better quarterback and could be starting somewhere else. I thought the same thing of Kyle Orton. They are very good quarterbacks who manage the game well and get rid of the ball quickly with very few mistakes. You mentioned about scoring defense. Who is ranked ahead of the Falcons at number 4. You guessed it, DA SAINTS. LOL. I’ll pass on the VHS stock because I have stock in BETA. LMBO.
PDK:
You are right. The one difference between the Saints offense this year and last year is the turnovers. Brees has already thrown 15 ints and last year he threw a total of 11 with none thrown in the playoffs. They put a cap on the turnovers and they blow teams out of the water. Go back and look at the first game the Falcons played against the Saints. The Saints stopped the Falcons defense, with 3 and outs, on 3 of the first 5 drives. Take away the turnovers, especially the two in Falcons’ territory, and it is 28-0, 28-6 at worst. These teams are not on the same level, even though the record may say otherwise. If the Falcons win every game and lose to the Saints and the Saints win every game, Atlanta still wins the South because of the common games tiebreaker. The Saints loss to Arizona and Cleveland, Atlanta loss to Pittsburgh only, so if the Falcons lose again before the Saints game, the Saints can win the NFC South and get homefield. Regardless, we don’t mind coming to the GA Dome, also known as the Superdome East, during the playoffs. We will take two from the Falcons.
Saints1Fan
November 29th, 2010
10:27 pm
Dave:
The Falcons have been very fortunate on the injury front. The Saints haven’t been so far this year and are getting healthy now. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush have missed a total of 8 games each, Shockey has missed 2, Sharper 8 games, Malcolm Jenkins 2, Randall Gay is on IR, and the list goes on and on. The Saints led the NFL with players on IR last year, and the year before. The Saints beat the Steelers with their 5th string cornerback starting, and their starting safety playing the other cornerback position. How many other teams could you see doing that? Not many.
rilaly
November 29th, 2010
11:40 pm
Things work our some of the times. The genius, Bill Parcells picks Jake Long over Matt Ryan. Yikes! He also picked Julius Jones over Stephen Jackson. Yikes! Some of the times, even geniuses over think things. They were idiots not to pick Glenn Dorsey. Yikes. The Falcons were idiots to let Matt Schaub go. Even with his “incident” the Falcons were idiots to let Mike Vick go. I’d even take Ryan’s present over Vick’s present, not to mention Ryan’s future. Things work out some of the times.
Eric
November 30th, 2010
12:09 am
I love how saintsfan has to live in an alternate reality to justify himself and his team. If only this had happened or if only that had happened…. Whatever. The games played out how they did and the results are all that count. Get over it. Brees DID throw those INT’s against us, Hartley DID miss the FG and we DID win in YOUR house. Period. All these “what if’s” are meaningless and are nothing but the desperate attempt by a fan to justify a loss. So the Flacons don’t blow people out. Who cares? Where does the “opponents blown out” stat show up when choosing playoof teams? It doesn’t.
The Saints are explosive and could do very well down the stretch but if Atlanta gets home field throughout its going to be over for all of the other teams in the NFC. The Falcons DO NOT lose at the Dome. As for our next games, TB in Tampa will be tough. Seattle though, you gotta be kidding yourself if you think we lose that game. Only if we self-destruct like we tried to against SF. I think we beat NO at home and finish with one of those blowouts you keep talking about against Carolina.
That leaves the Atlanta Falcons 13-3, winners of the NFC South, number 1 seed in the NFC and a virtual lock for the Super Bowl (where we probably play the Pats)…..
Saints1Fan
November 30th, 2010
7:24 am
Eric:
You are right. I’ve turned into one of those “what-if” guys like the Falcon fans were last year. “If we made a play here, we would have beat the Saints”, and “if Ryan played, we would’ve done this”. I apologize. It won’t happen again. LOL.
The blowouts show up in the factor that you are much more likely to win the game rather than going to the final drive. The final drive magic runs out. Its one thing to drive up the field in 50+ seconds when you are down by 3. Let’s see what happens when they are down by 4+. A different type of stress level will enter the picture.
Maybe I’m wrong, but where did the Falcons play Arizona in the playoffs two years ago? I thought it was in Atlanta. Was it? If so, they are capable of losing at home. If it wasn’t, they are still capable of losing. You want to compare yourselves to the Saints last year? They won all of their games and then lost 2 home games and an away game.
Eric
November 30th, 2010
10:48 am
For the record the Falcons lost AT Arizona in the 2008 playoffs. Since Matt Ryan started that season he has lost just one out of nineteen games at home. They don’t lose at home. If they get home field throughout the playoffs they will not lose. Sorry but its a fact…
Eric
November 30th, 2010
10:51 am
I’m sorry, he’s actually only lost one out TWENTY games at home. Thats a .950 winning percentage at home which is better than any QB in the NFL. But don’t worry, the Saints will find that out when they come here in a couple weeks….
Saints1Fan
November 30th, 2010
11:38 am
Eric:
LOL. Something will be found out in December and you better believe you will find an “L” on your doorstep. Sit back and enjoy the ride. When you go back and talk about the 20 game win streak, also factor in the weak schedule of your opponents. Yes, you won two big games this year against Baltimore and Green Bay. The Baltimore game was won with referee assistance. 1) Pass interference w/ Tony Gonzalez, 2) No catch by Jenkins, 3) No PI call on Roddy White for pushing off on the curl route, 4) No PI call on Roddy White pushing off on the TD pass. If you are going to call it tight(as with Gonzalez), keep calling it tight(as with Roddy).
In the GB game, replay shows that Gonzalez did not catch the ball on 4th and 3. Did you forget, you scored on that drive. Yes luck occurs and its a part of the game, but it seems like you are getting a little more than luck these days. I see a lot of “homecooking”. That is why you should blow teams out and keep the referees out of deciding the games.
Eric
November 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
Oh wow, more whining about refs and fingertips and replays and blah, blah, blah. So I guess it is your contention that the refs have decided they are going to support the Falcons this year huh? Yep, before every Falcons game the refs get together in a huddle and remind themselves not to rule anything against Atlanta! Oh, except the 4 personal fouls they called on us against GB. And the missed delay of game that allowed Rodgers to even score the game-tying TD. But I don’t make stupid excuses like that. The results are all that counts and we won.
Btw, how many non-calls and lucky breaks were there last year for the Golden Boy Brees and the mighty Saints? Plenty I am sure, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are the World Champs does it?
Josh in VA
November 30th, 2010
6:29 pm
Saints at Falcons on 12/27 will be THE game of the year.