Forget loss — defense proves Falcons ready for playoffs
John Abraham has 13 sacks (and added an interception Monday) to lead Falcons' defense.
FLOWERY BRANCH – For the first time in more than 10 weeks, it was the day after a Falcons’ loss Tuesday.
Cleansing breath.
Who knew this season would bring about such an adjustment period?
As you look to get grounded again, here’s your focal point: A three-point loss to the defending Super Bowl champions who probably were just a little more desperate for a victory probably doesn’t constitute a collapse. Nor does it alter the power structure in the NFL’s playoff field. As coach Mike Smith said again Tuesday, the day after a 17-14 loss to New Orleans: “There’s 15 other teams [in the NFC] who would love to trade places with us,” and I think we can assume that includes the next opponent, Carolina (2-13).
Truth is, we know now pretty much what we knew before Monday’s loss. The Falcons and Saints are dead even. It’s not bad to be dead even with the defending champions. Also, Philadelphia, Chicago, Green Bay are all conference threats to get to the Super Bowl — not a revelation. And in games when Michael Turner (2.8 yards per carry) can’t run, the Falcons’ offense tends to shut down.
But the loss to the Saints wasn’t a horrible sign for the future. The Falcons can still achieve all of their regular-season goals — NFC South title, first-round bye, No. 1 seed — just by beating Carolina, and that game plan usually entails little more than having a pulse.
In fact, notwithstanding Smith’s position that “nothing good ever comes from losing,” there were some fairly significant positives. Some of the areas that we questioned about this team might have been answered, particularly on defense. Offense was a problem Monday, but occasional criticism of offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey notwithstanding, scoring generally hasn’t been the problem this season (the Falcons are fifth in points: 25.5).
Sounds strange. But I feel better about this team now than I did before the New Orleans game.
Consider:
– Despite the Saints’ 90-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes Monday, the Falcons’ secondary has been strong. They make plays. Pass defense figured to be an issue this season. But with the meteoric rise of Brent Grimes and the short learning curve of safety William Moore, it’s now a strength. Surprisingly, the biggest question mark is $57 million cornerback Dunta Robinson. Here’s your stat of the year: Four linemen — John Abraham, Chauncey Davis, Jonathan Babineaux, Kroy Biermann — each have more interceptions (1) than Robinson (0). (Smith said Robinson is “coming along” after missing training camp with a hamstring strain. Can you still be “coming along” in Week 16?)
– The pass rush pressured New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees all game (though he was sacked only once because of eight missed opportunities, when pass rushers overran him). Abraham and Babineaux in particular have been strong. Abraham has 13 sacks, the second-highest total of his career. There is no better sign for the Falcons’ postseason fortunes than Abraham.
– Monday’s game was extremely winnable. Two Falcons fumbles led to one New Orleans touchdown and prevented an Atlanta touchdown. Michael Jenkins dropped a touchdown pass (albeit, drawing a pass-interference penalty in process).
Finally, there was the decision of coach Mike Smith to punt on fourth-and-six with 2:52 left, leading to the Saints running out the clock. Smith didn’t second-guess himself on that Tuesday, though he acknowledged that the Falcons’ defense (which allowed the Saints to get two first downs and run out the clock) might have been fatigued in that 90-yard drive: “We ended up playing 75 snaps on defense, and that’s a lot of snaps. In the average game, you’re playing 60.”
Some skeptics believed the Saints would expose the Falcons. They didn’t. Monday’s loss changes nothing. This team looks ready to take the next step.
Just don’t lose to Carolina.
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408 comments Add your comment
Double Zero Eight
December 28th, 2010
7:56 pm
The Falcons will have to be aggressive throughout the playoffs. I fear the following:
The Eagles come to the dome during the playoffs and we have what appears
to be a comfortable lead. We get conservative and become complacent with
scoring field goals instead of going for touchdowns. The next thing we know,
we are losing as a result of Vick’s heroics.
10 INCH
December 28th, 2010
7:58 pm
Falcons tell your loud mouth so called WR Mr White he isn,t a prime time receiver to be out there talking smack as of yet.2 Mr Rowdy White need to take note from Mr Marcus(quietstorm)Colston an let his play on the feild speak for him like Colston no noise from Colston but look at his stats.
whodat70816
December 28th, 2010
7:59 pm
Ah Jeff, I didn’t realize you were a cheerleader. I thought you were some kind of serious sports blogger.
Now it makes sense why you would think that Saints and Falcons are dead even….LOL…we lose by three to them and they lose by three to us.
When how they got there doesn’t matter then I guess you could say they are even!
Sports Review
December 28th, 2010
8:00 pm
[...] Forget loss — defense proves Falcons ready for playoffsAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Some of the areas that we questioned about this team might have been answered, particularly on defense. Offense was a problem Monday, but occasional …Saints Notebook: Credit defense for win over FalconsFS Southwest [...]
BravesFan79
December 28th, 2010
8:01 pm
Amen! What would of been much worse for the Falcons is if they had won the game, yet someone like Ryan or White had gotten hurt.
whodat70816
December 28th, 2010
8:05 pm
Just remember Falcon Fans the Road to the Super Bowl only runs through Atlanta if you win the divisional round….
Otherwise, its just a detour!
Gator in CA
December 28th, 2010
8:09 pm
I know most folks are upset on the play calling especially from the offensive side. But the reality is that we will be playing the Saints again in the playoffs and my hope is that we would not show them anything or give away the farm by giving them our plays. We ran the ball straight up the middle and our passes were short and sweet. No info given away, no harm done down the road.
sean
December 28th, 2010
8:12 pm
brad, we are 12-3 and just lost by 3 to the world champs. Also our d only gave up 17 to one of the best offences in the nfl, would have been 10 if not for the short field on the first td. If we beat the panthers we will have a first round bye where we will be able to rest key players. dude, chill you cant win them all, I believe last night made us a stronger team.
The Grinch
December 28th, 2010
8:16 pm
The biggest problem I see is the stubborn refusal to adjust when the running game isn’t working. In ‘08, Turner was able to bust through the line pretty much at will, and Smitty and Mularkey decided “That’s our identity.” Well other teams have caught on and Turner’s not the same back, the combination of which screams for adjustment against quality defenses. The weapons are there, but It’s not happening except when Ryan calls the plays. This is pretty obvious to everyone else; not sure why it isn’t to the coaching staff. It smacks of hubris.
However, in every other respect I really like the way this team is coming together, including most other things the coaching staff has been able to accomplish. We’ll learn as we go along, and I like our chances. The only thing bad about this loss is listening to ignorant Saints fans chirp; we’re still in control.
However,
Covers Dixie like the Dew
December 28th, 2010
8:17 pm
Coach Mike Smith is good.
Mike "CON" Vick
December 28th, 2010
8:18 pm
WhoDat Nation, just worry about YOUR road play-off game cuz We’ll still be the NFC South champs and you’re gonna be 5th seed at best.
Jeff Schultz
December 28th, 2010
8:21 pm
Whodat0816 — Cheerleader? Haha. Thanks, I needed a good laugh. Anybody else want to respond to this bozo for me?
Bobby
December 28th, 2010
8:21 pm
Should the Falcons win their first playoff game the Saints look forward to playing in the Georgia Dome again. Winning 2 out of 3 from Atlanta in one season is great. Defeating the Falcons twice in one season in the Georgia Dome – priceless. It’s such a short drive from my Tucker residence to the Georgia Dome. GEAUX SAINTS GEAUX.
Jeff Schultz
December 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
Thanks Reid.
nola1105
December 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
Who Dat said they’re gonna beat them saints. Never mind. We already know. hehehe
Mike "CON" Vick
December 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
If you want your team considered way better than the falcons, go ahead.
After yesterday’s thorough and complete domination, you deserve that!! LOL
When Brees completes 71% of the passes, and M. Turner has sub-par performance, and win by whopping THREE points – that just show how dominant your team is.
See ya in the playoffs.
Fear the Falcon
December 28th, 2010
8:24 pm
I’m not discouraged with the loss to the Saints.
I do have 3 concerns.
1. Dunta “overpayed” Robinson. How many times did a wide receiver get a 5-10 yard reception on him?
2. If we blitz like we did more often, please teach Williams to aim at the Quarterback’s chest. How many missed opportunities did he have?
3. Why couldn’t our wide receivers create some gaps in the coverage?
Jeff Schultz
December 28th, 2010
8:26 pm
For those who haven’t seen NFC Pro Bowl picks, here they are:
Quarterback * Michael Vick, Philadelphia
Matt Ryan, Atlanta
Drew Brees, New Orleans
Running back * Michael Turner, Atlanta
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota
Steven Jackson, St. Louis
Fullback * Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta
Wide receiver * Roddy White, Atlanta
* Calvin Johnson, Detroit
DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia
Greg Jennings, Green Bay
Tight end * Jason Witten, Dallas
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta
Tackle * Jason Peters, Philadelphia
* Jordan Gross, Carolina
Chad Clifton, Green Bay
Guard * Jahri Evans, New Orleans
*Chris Snee, N.Y. Giants
Carl Nicks, New Orleans
Center * Andre Gurode, Dallas
Shaun O’Hara, N.Y. Giants
Defense
Position Player(s)
Defensive end * Julius Peppers, Chicago
* John Abraham, Atlanta
Justin Tuck, N.Y. Giants
Interior linemen * Ndamukong Suh, Detroit
* Jay Ratliff, Dallas
Justin Smith, San Francisco
Outside linebacker * Clay Matthews, Green Bay
* DeMarcus Ware, Dallas
Lance Briggs, Chicago
Inside/midde linebacker * Patrick Willis, San Francisco
Brian Urlacher, Chicago
Cornerback * Asante Samuel, Philadelphia
* Charles Woodson, Green Bay
DeAngelo Hall, Washington
Free safety * Nick Collins, Green Bay
Antrel Rolle, N.Y. Giants
Strong safety * Adrian Wilson, Arizona
Special teams
Position Player(s)
Punter Mat McBriar, Dallas
Placekicker David Akers, Philadelphia
Kick returner Devin Hester, Chicago
Special teamer Eric Weems, Atlanta
SAL PAOLANTONIO
December 28th, 2010
8:28 pm
`
WorkHorse Michael Turner has 1,394 yards with 317 carries.
The bruiser averages 4.1 yards per carry and has11 touchdowns.
nola1105
December 28th, 2010
8:29 pm
Look what your fans write on our site
atlfalconno1 December 28, 2010 at 3:49PM
Follow
aints you have nothing to be proud of your classless and a lot of folks here in the news are talking about your teams classless act after the game:you call yourself champs but it took you 16 weeks to clinch a playoff spot:your one and out in the playoffs trust me all you did was even up the series against the falcons and nothing more the falcons beat themselves cause be realistic you played like crap you just happen to have won the game and your quaterback is questionable 21 interceptions..if you come back to the dome due to your disrespectful act falcons will remmember..keep georgia on your mind..meanwhile enjoy you cesspool smelling ghetto dominated city…whewwwwww new orleans stinnnnnkk
nola1105
December 28th, 2010
8:30 pm
http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/12/new_orleans_saints_clinch_play/2256/comments-newest-2.html
playmeortrademe
December 28th, 2010
8:34 pm
It was hilarious listening to the sports-talk “experts” saying the Falcons are “inexperienced” and “not ready for prime time”…Jeeze, they lost a 3-point game to a 10-4 team with the league MVP at QB and a litany of mistakes. It’s the media doing what the media does, creating a story. If the Falcons had won 21-10 or 28-10 the radio gurus would have been pondering if the Falcons could beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Bottom line, you have to like the odds of beating the Panthers, beating the Saints/Seahawks/Rams/Packers/Giants at home after two weeks to rest and prepare, and then beating the Bears/Eagles/Saints/Seahawks in an NFC championship game, especially if the visiting team has played two straight games in brutal weather and is worn down.
BigLou
December 28th, 2010
8:36 pm
Jeff, best article I have read from you. Great points. As for the Falcon “Fans” who are crying that the sky is falling… Give me a break… We only lost by three points against the defending Superbowl champs… Yes, we made mistakes but it is better to lose now, then to lose in the playoffs. Would the victory been sweet? Yes, but it was a heck of a game. Who cares if we get national respect. This loss helps the team stay humble, and hungry… I could care less what the other people say. Why? Because that is what makes you a TRUE fan. To believe in your team, no matter if everyone else does not. I am in a job with a bunch of bandwagon Philly fans who came out of nowhere because of Vick… so I have to deal with their mouths everyday. It is ok though, because at the end of the day… the only games that matter are in the playoffs. PERIOD. Alright Falcons, take care of the Carolina Panthers and bring a south title to ATL this year!
GO FALCONS!~~~~!!!
Harry
December 28th, 2010
8:36 pm
Has anyone considered the possibility that the vanilla playbook by Mularkey et al. was intentional? Look, we all know who is going to be coming to the Dome in 3 weeks. Something tells me that Smitty slept just fine last night.
FACTS
December 28th, 2010
8:38 pm
The Falcons are missing a young TE who can stretch the field or make plays, Gonzalez is very serviceable but he does not get separation like these young guys in the league.Parker killed the Falcons with matchup problems. Tom Brady is having a field day with those young TE’s ummm……I mean a MVP type season
Stevie B
December 28th, 2010
8:42 pm
Jeff, thanks for articles. You breath Falcons. I wonder why Grimes didnt make the Pro Bowl? He has to be the most athletic player I have ever seen. ESPN could make an hour long Grimes highlight reel.
JSS
December 28th, 2010
8:42 pm
What? No Sam Baker or Harvey Dahl to Hawaii? What’s wrong with those voters?
FACTS
December 28th, 2010
8:45 pm
Wake Up Falcon Fans! They are calling your team the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL.
” I gets no Respect”!
FACTS
December 28th, 2010
8:48 pm
Mike Tomlin & Belichick never make excuses about 3 point losses, thats the difference getting it done & just glad to be there.
Falcon Fan in VA
December 28th, 2010
8:48 pm
Although the Falcons lost a very winnable game last night by way of a couple of costly turnovers, all in all I thought the Bird’s defensive performance was outstanding. I was very impressed with the pass rush and getting after the football. The offense was out of sync but I kinda have theory about that. Despite what Meshawn Johnson said in the pregame……This was NOT a must win game for Atlanta and the Aints needed it much worse. The Falcons realize that it is a very real possibility that NO could end up right back in the GA dome come the playoffs and had no intentions of fully opening up the playbook. These two squads know each other very well and Atlanta WILL BE READY when Brees and company come back.
Stevie B
December 28th, 2010
8:49 pm
OMG… Did I rread that Mr. DeAngello made the probowl. What???? How did that happen??? Is he really the best DB in the NFC. I have to call Bull….. on this on.
Jeff Schultz
December 28th, 2010
8:50 pm
Big Lou — Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
December 28th, 2010
8:51 pm
Stevie B – Thanks. I doubt many outside of Atlanta know the season Brent Grimes has had.
JSS
December 28th, 2010
8:52 pm
I do want to congratulate Eric Weems… He has been a consistent force on a portion of the team with was highly suspect. The kid hits…
biloxibob
December 28th, 2010
8:52 pm
sans is french
Stevie B
December 28th, 2010
8:54 pm
Jeff. You are probably right. He will get some National attention in a few weeks. I would think he will do well when his contract is up for renewal. Just want to reitterate Big Lou… You write the best articles. I follow you all year long. You deserve a raise too!!
atlfan
December 28th, 2010
9:00 pm
Is it me, or does any one else think that the Falcon’s expect to see the Saints in the playoffs and maybe wanted to not show the whole playbook this week? While they could have clinched home field throughout, doesn’t it make more sense to do this next week against a team that you will not see in the playoffs?
JSS
December 28th, 2010
9:02 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
They know about Grimes… Woodson and Samuels have been more than spectacular this season. And people have still gone over the top on Grimes on occasion. It is not his fault, hello Moore and DeCoud… But, I’m happy for him after the way he was talked about like a piece of trash during his initial portions of career, especially on a certain blog on AJC…
Jack in Macon
December 28th, 2010
9:03 pm
It seemed like every time a completion was made in Dunta Robinson’s territory he was at least 8 to 10 yards away from the receiver. He is a problem.
Stevie B
December 28th, 2010
9:08 pm
atlfan– I believe the Falcons would have loved to win this game. I question your theory though. Why would we blitz almost everydown if we didn’t want to show our hand. I think the game plan was to run the ball with Turner and pressure Breeze. I think the same game plan will be used if play them again. The only thing I saw that would support the theory is the ultra conservative play calling on Offense. It was also disappointing that the D was so lacksodaisical getting to the line. How many snaps were made when we were not even set. With that being said, the Falcons have some good film on the saints. I don’t think they closed their playbook. The one play I would like to see the falcons D work on is that quick slant. Got to defend that play.
Typical whiners
December 28th, 2010
9:09 pm
Love the Falcons fans who can dish it out before the game but don’t want to take it after they lose. Your D was flying around, but it will be tough to repeat that when we have our top running back for the rubber match. You needed 3 turnovers and a missed 29 yd FG in OT to slip by us in Game 1; a “gift” of a TD to Davis, plus several penalties to keep it close in this one. We”ll see if the Falcons have what it takes to play like Champions in January. We know the Saints do….
JSS
December 28th, 2010
9:12 pm
“OMG… Did I rread that Mr. DeAngello made the probowl. What???? How did that happen???”
Because he’s (Hall) actually tackled and covered people this year. People stopped throwing on his side of the field after week 10. He’s also among the League leaders in tackles by D-Backs… That is how it happened…
Stevie B
December 28th, 2010
9:14 pm
JSS all I remember is people talking about how small Grimes is. Was that the trash talking? He is incredible. I questions why we are seeing Mr. DeAngello on that list though. One thing I do remember is all the hype about Robinson. Now I see where people excuse it that he is not getting passes thrown to his side. I wonder what percentage of passes are completed to his side and what the yardage gain is. I think Robinson was a bust. A 57 Million Dollar bust.
Katrina says...........
December 28th, 2010
9:16 pm
Did anyone hear that Saints Coaches and players calling the Head Coach of Carolina telling him they have an incentive for him if he beats the Falcons Sunday ?!? Like, a job on their staff if he is release from Carolina ! Oh Really ?!? They Really, Really, Really think the Falcon’s are going to lose to them ?! And offer people jobs if they come through ?!
Archie
December 28th, 2010
9:16 pm
People need to tap the brakes on the praise for Drew Brees today. He led a great TD drive to win the game, but his performance for the entire game was not very good at all. You can’t just say he had a great game because of his yardage totals. Sure he threw for 302 yards, but it took his second highest number of attempts this season to do it. 302 yards on 49 attempts is good for 6.1 yards per pass, that’s good for about 25th in the league. He did have one great TD drive, but he had two horrible interceptions that could very well have cost his team the game. Overall, this was his second lowest passer rating of the season behind the loss to Arizona.
The truth is, the game was a defensive slugfest, won by the only team who could muster up a touchdown drive. Credit Brees as much as possible for putting together the only true scoring drive of the game, but you gotta realize the two defenses owned the game.
FACTS
December 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
The Falcons loss is the last MNF game of the year there are only so many attaboys you can give a team. Superbowl bound teams don’t give games away. When you are the headliner of the season the performance should be worth watching
jojatek
December 28th, 2010
9:18 pm
Agree completely – the Falcons’ defense was absolutely awesome last night. Glanville on his BEST day could not have delivered that kind of defensive performance over an entire football game. Hats off (again) to Smitty, Van Gorder and the boyz. Next week?? Stay focused and put the Panthers away in the first half, score one more in the 3rd, then pull the starters and get ready for the playoffs. One game at a time… methodical and patient. Steve Young’s post-game comments last night was perfect: This franchise is here to stay regardless of what happens this season… Dimitroff is clearly building with the same philosophy that Schuerholtz and the Braves had in mind back in 1991…
And as for my Jackets in the Indepencence Bowl? We’re about to find out what Paul Johnson is made of…
JSS
December 28th, 2010
9:19 pm
“It seemed like every time a completion was made in Dunta Robinson’s territory he was at least 8 to 10 yards away from the receiver. He is a problem”
The Falcons run more zone to protect their safeties than people realize… Robinson’s strength in Houston was his power at the line, then he’d shadow WRs. He has rarely done that here.
FACTS
December 28th, 2010
9:21 pm
Thats why no big free-agents will play in the ATL! Grimes can’t carry Hall’s jockstrap
Facts is Facts
December 28th, 2010
9:22 pm
Jeff judging from the article, you are obviously trying to sell papers. You can’t truly believe this defense is good enough to go to Dallas? I know other teams have weaknesses but a majority of this teams weaknesses are on D. I can appreciate you wanting to keep the fans thinking all is well but come on man, really? Atlanta is ranked 23rd in team pass defense in the league and 13th against the rush. Quit selling these people a pipe dream.