Forget loss — defense proves Falcons ready for playoffs

I’m ready for Sunday – the road to the Super Bowl STILL goes thru ATL

• Link
• Report this comment

If the Falcons somehow lose on Sunday (and if history has taught us anything, it’s that Atlanta professional sports teams always fold in must-win games – Game 6 of the 95 WS is the only exception), they will almost certainly be one and done in the playoffs. Clearly they understood the importance of that game last night, and they made numerous blunders and mistakes, costing themselves a chance to rest key players. This season is quickly unraveling.

• Link
• Report this comment

We was always ready to take the next step.

• Link
• Report this comment

Your right, Schultz our defense was great last night however, I’m still not over the loss, watching 48 Hours instead of NFL Network or ESPN.

• Link
• Report this comment

ATL sports franchises have always choked on the big game and will continue to do so. ATL just does not know how to WIN.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Monday’s game was extremely winnable. Two Falcons fumbles led to one New Orleans touchdown and prevented an Atlanta TD. Michael Jenkins dropped a touchdown pass (albeit, drawing a pass interference penalty in process). There’s a 21-point swing right there in a three-point game.”

And at least 4 games this season were extremely loseable.

You win some, you lose some… especially when you are a methodical, grind-it-out team like the Falcons and every game is close.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Paul Snyder and others. Paul Snyder said: Agreed. RT @JeffSchultzAJC: Forget loss — defense proves Falcons ready for playoffs http://bit.ly/eoXhoK [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

Ted, how is Robinson like D Hall in attitude?

• Link
• Report this comment

Another good one Mr. Jeff Schultz…LMAO

So you and your fan base think the Saints are “dead even” …I really can’t stop laughing.

The Falcon’s defense pressured Drew Brees pretty much the entire game. Yet he still manage to complete 71% of his passes for 300+ yards.

Matty Ice, who was pressured very little by the Saints Defense only managed to complete 51% of his passes for 148 yards and 1 touchdown.

Turner the burner…LOL…held to 48 rushing yards…You next best rusher Matty Ice rushed for 26 yards.

The Saints who we all know don’t have much of a running game gave the ball to PT who out rushed your burner with 63 yards.

Drew Brees throws not one, but two interceptions (back to back) one of which turned into a 7 point gift to the Falcons turned around and drove his offense down the field 90 yards completing 7 of 7 passes for the game winning TD.

The Falcons benefited from 8 penalties called agaist the Saints for 92 yards and still couldn’t score no more than 7 of their own points.

You, Mr. Schultz and your fans can spin it anyway you like, but at their worse the Saints are a far superior team than the Falcons.

Falcons…one and done in the playoffs…take it to the bank!

• Link
• Report this comment

Okay, now that I’m through sulking I offer this: I believe the Falcons will be more than okay. Three or four missed sacks notwithstanding, that defense impressed the @#$% out of me. That was “playoff” defense for sure and I’ve NEVER (well maybe back in the ‘04 season with that Patrick Kerney led D) seen them guys amp it up quite as good as they did last night. They play like that and the Iceman and the Burner get it back going and we’re definitely going places, most likely Dallas, Texas. They were due a bad game and now I think they got the refocusing gut punch they needed before there heads and mouth (this means YOU Roddy) got too big for their britches. Now all that is needed is to tune up and take out their frustrations on the Panthers, take a week off, and get ready to blast them Aints when it really matters- in the playoffs. GO FALCONS!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I will say this, it was an ok performance for the defense, not really big plays. Couple of stops early in the game, but unable to to Brees, later on. So no, i don’t believe they are playoff-ready as you say. Still was unable to consistently mount a pass rush to disrupt Brees timing in second half. I think it was offensive play-clalling that caused the loss. Nobody is scarced of our defense, we have to control the clock, its’ a new ball game when we are ahead, and now everyone knows that. Our defense is not that strong.

• Link
• Report this comment

ATL FAN
December 28th, 2010 6:47 pm
Ted, how is Robinson like D Hall in attitude?

ATL FAN – “Sans” means without – I think it’s Latin

• Link
• Report this comment

Najah D: “And at least 4 games this season were extremely loseable”… you are dead right, and i guess that is the way the league works. that is the difference between 10-6 and 13-3/14-2. even the patriots have several 3 point wins this year.

and that is why nobody builds on anything in the NFL. you win when you can, because the next year you are going to have a tougher schedule and you might not be so lucky with injuries.

but i agree the defense is getting better and that is a good thing entering the playoffs. but i think the offense has to be able to take a step forward when the running game gets shut down. there’s a fine line between staying with your game plan and becoming entrenched in something that isn’t working. you only get so many shots a game. i think smith deserves to be criticized for the end of the game last night. the falcons didn’t have to win the game, so the world wouldn’t have ended if they had played FOR THE WIN instead of playing percentages that were’nt going in their favor last night.
i don’t understand why ryan couldn’t find gonzalez or white more than he did. or get finneran in there. they are overrating michael jenkins and harry douglas. they are as apt to fail as to succeed.

• Link
• Report this comment

Tech’s loss was a heck of a lot more telling than the Falcon’s.

• Link
• Report this comment

Oh, and watching Brees operate reminded me of a certain QB that wears number 18. He is a surgeon!

• Link
• Report this comment

Saints pull off a close one at our place… and all of a sudden all of the who dat trashtalkers are coming out of the woodwork. Give us a break. We’ll see you guys at our place in three weeks.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think this team responded very good from the McClure blunder and the Turner goof at the 1 yd line. A lot of teams would have let that get into their heads, but not the Falcons!

• Link
• Report this comment

WHEN WE SEE THE SAINTS OR ANY OTHER TEAM IN THE PLAYOFF’S,THE OFFENSE WILL PERFORM!I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN COACH SMITH AND THE STAFF AS WELL AS ALL OF OUR PLAYER’S. DON’T FORGET WE HAVE ALREADY HAD 4 BIG TIME PLAYOFF TYPE GAMES,1ST NO. GAME ,RAVENS,AND GREEN BAY. GO FALCONS

• Link
• Report this comment

Hitting the New Years cheer early?

They won’t be carrying them if they don’t keep them off the field and rested!
Said it at Pittsburgh and mocked, they must win the time of possession wars because they are not going to win the explosive plays index against high quality offenses…

@ Ted Striker…
“Ted, how is Robinson like D Hall in attitude?” You gotta start using crayons for these folks….

• Link
• Report this comment

Thanks for the article, I feel better, GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

Clearly, the difference in the game was Drew Brees, an extremely confident and veteran QB with more experience than anyone in the league. In contrast, Matt Ryan is only 25 years old, in his 3rd year and will eventually surpass Brees, In spite of this huge disparity the Saints were able to win this game by only 3 points.

Not taking anything away from N.O. They played a great game. ATL, not so much

• Link
• Report this comment

Most impressive outing by the defense this year- aggressive, good game plan (missed lots of opportunities, but…) tackled well after catch most of the time, pressure all night. I am encouraged! Losses can humble you and refocus you. I think that defense answered some of my concerns last night. Bring the rematch on! It will take place in the Georgia Dome. No way Falcons take step back this week- too professional- from GM to Coach to players. They will do to Carolina what needs to be done and then wait a week for an opponent and I feel better about their chances after defensive I saw last night

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] 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 [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

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!

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Coach Mike Smith is good.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wake Up Falcon Fans! They are calling your team the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL.
” I gets no Respect”!

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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…

• Link
• Report this comment

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!!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ 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…

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

“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…

• Link
• Report this comment

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 ?!

• Link
• Report this comment

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

• Link
• Report this comment

“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.

• Link
• Report this comment

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.

• Link
• Report this comment

Enter your comments here

• Link
• Report this comment

FACTS—Wasn’t Dunte supposed to be our “big free-agent” acquisition this year. The whole defense has out performed Dunte including Grimes. And for Hall, we all know why he is gone and it wasnt because he was a big free-agent that wouldnt play in Atlanta. Maybe if Hall would have put that jock strap in his mouth he would still be here.

• Link
• Report this comment

LMAO @ Jeff….

I’ll admit I’m a little bit of a bozo….

I’ll also admit I love reading your blogs…they make me laugh. You are a master at taking lemons and making lemonade….Isn’t that what cheerleaders do?

• Link
• Report this comment

The defense did indeed play very well, but they were also on the field FAR too much. My concern is that they probably can’t sustain that level of intensity for that many minutes; this team NEEDS to control the clock to win. And that falls on the offense; if Turner isn’t getting the job done, then at least mix up the looks or get an extra back behind Ryan add trick plays and keep defenses off-balance.

There does at times seem to be a clear discrepancy between the defensive improvements we’re seeing week after week and the offense, which never really has found its stride. At least some of that comes down to the offensive playcalling; having Turner or anyone else run a draw play into the stacks the Saints constantly had waiting in the middle is useless, and it yielded the game’s biggest turnover (and likely the deciding play of the game) at the goal line. And I’ve NEVER liked those quick passes to receivers still standing behind the line of scrimmage; they almost never turn out for positive yards. It’s clear that while White, Gonzalez, and Jenkins are all capable receivers, they’re just not enough by themselves to be able to expect too many deep plays; the Falcons are short at least one good wide receiver opposite White to spread out opposing defenses. Ryan is establishing himself as one of the better QBs in the NFL, but simply put Rome wasn’t built in a day; he still needs more weapons to go to.

The Falcons as constituted remind me of the Braves of the early ’90s (pre-Maddux): good enough to contend for a title, but by no means a shoe-in to dominate anybody. Hopefully they’ll still be good enough to win the Superbowl this year, but if not it will be interesting to see if they can put in the final pieces for that dominant team we’re still waiting for before Gonzalez and others start leaving or retiring.

• Link
• Report this comment

I’m happy for all the Falcons selected to the Pro Bowl, but especially Ovie. I think he’s the most underrated player on their team. As for Grimey, i watched the Pro Bowl analysis on NFLTV, and they listed him as being one of the players they were most surprised to see not named. That’s a long way from preseason, when many fans may have been surprised to see him make the Falcons.

I also think there is something to the Falcons having a vanilla offensive game plan last night knowing they might see the Saints again in a few weeks.

Finally, I know a lot of Saints fans lke to talk junk on our boards, but I was shocked last night to be approached by some Saints fans after the game saying that it was a tough loss, the Falcons have a great team, we’ll see you again in the playoffs, and remember that our team lost three at the end of the year on the way to winning the Superbowl.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t feel better after the loss, I’m still feeling the pain. But I was impressed with the defense last night. They did their job. From my perspective, Malarky got out schemed by the NO defensive coordinator last night. Saints took what the Falcon’s D gave them, which was the short and mid range passes. The Falcons should have taken the same from the Saints instead of continuing to try to run Turner when the run game was not there. But hey, just take care of the Panthers next week and all is good.

• Link
• Report this comment

you guys keep saying the saints have to come back to the Georgia Dome you mite see MV7 Before you see the saints you don’t want to face the saints are MV7

• Link
• Report this comment

Yeah, the double pass interference was a terrible call and a big one against the Falcons.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons are a good team. But not a great team like the Saints. The Saints lost aganst weaker teams, every team lays it all on the line to beat the Superbowl CHAMPS! The Falcon had the ball bounce their way in a couple of games( Saints, Bengals, 49ers, Packers) When you get home field you better finish. remember its THE SUPERBOWL CHAMPION SAINTS. not the Saints. CYA in the play off!!

• Link
• Report this comment

“JSS all I remember is people talking about how small Grimes is. Was that the trash talking?”
If you go back into the Falcons Blog during the ‘09 off-season. Very unkind things were directed at Grimes, the more unsightly ones were removed by Ledbetter… They weren’t just talking about his height… Here’s one that was mild enough not be deleted…
“Rico March 9th, 2009 10:12 am I’m not too sold on the likes of Brent Grimes”
Say what you like about the old GM and his regime, the mistake they made with Jimmy Williams has been nullified by the diamond they found in Grimes and how they actually used NFL Europe to actually develop a player. Heaven knows I wish Dominque Franks had that kind of outlet…

• Link
• Report this comment

To paraphrase Rick James: “Nyquil is a hell of a drug!” I take no credit for the misspelled words, wrong use of phrase tonight… So bang away if you like!

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS—I am on the Ambien run tonight.

• Link
• Report this comment

I rarely partake in medication, but I have concert to see tomorrow night, and I’m not missing it!

• Link
• Report this comment

No worries. My wife is already passed out. I am not far behind her. Made the run to the bathroom a minute ago and lost my balance. Now that is one hell of a drug!

• Link
• Report this comment

@whodat70816 &Saints#1_Fan – It was the Saints that benefitted from the (only) 8 penalties. No offsides, are you kidding me?

The looks on the Saints fan’s faces after that one was priceless.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Extremus…
“but if not it will be interesting to see if they can put in the final pieces for that dominant team we’re still waiting for before Gonzalez and others start leaving or retiring.”
Man, if they have a lockout, all bets are off! That 82 Strike was the death knelll of the Falcons of the early 80’s…

• Link
• Report this comment

the falcons defense does not put fear in the hearts of any team. they r average, not really good, average. why do u think they blitzed so much last night ? to cover the secondary , mike smith knew brees and wide reciever core would burn the secondary if he didnt put serious pressure on him, secondary has been a issue and may cost falcons a trip to the superbowl.

• Link
• Report this comment

Based on my observations of the game, and the terrible offensive play calling, i got the impression that Atlanta didn’t really care about winning the game. The defense was OUTSTANDING to say the least, but NO’s receivers were causing matchup problems considering our safeties were playing alot of man coverage on them. In regards to offense, that was some of the worst offensive play calling i have ever seen! The falcons were so predictable on first down that NO would put 8 and 9 in the box over and over again…i was sick of it after the first quarter, yet the falcons made no adjustments and continued to accept small gains….how could it be any more obvious that they needed to pass when you have receivers uncovered down the field????? Had it not been for the defensive touchdown and their great play….it would have been a blowout….Hey offensive coordinator!! get it together or go home!!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Jason…
Matt Ryan can change the play! He doesn’t have to wait for the hurry-up… He’s got to get you out of a bad play…

• Link
• Report this comment

The Philadelphia Mike Vick has turned into the Atlanta Mike Vick. Suddenly he can’t recognize blitzes or read coverages

• Link
• Report this comment

Man that ball is slick

• Link
• Report this comment

You actually want Philly as a 2 seed, the later you see them the better…

• Link
• Report this comment

Mr. Charlie you may have a point

• Link
• Report this comment

Actually, from what I have seen from the Eagles lately….I want to play them as soon as we can. Sure they pulled it out against the Giants, but we saw what the Giants were yesterday. Now they are getting schooled by the Vikes with a Rookie QB, not exactly like getting beat by the defending superbowl champs.

• Link
• Report this comment

You’re right Charlie,, these Eagles dont scare me….

• Link
• Report this comment

Not sure the Eagles win another game this season they way they are playing. The Giants gave them a gift, and we saw what the Giants were yesterday. Now they look horrible a bad team with a rookie QB. I am guessing since Vick felt he should win the MVP, he must be back with Homies.

• Link
• Report this comment

Where’s “Choke” and all the other Vick supporters who do nothing but talk sh*t about how great Vick is and how Matt Ryan is a choker….

Your boy is stinking up the joint at home vs. a horrible team.
He should have 3 interceptions and 2 fumbles… and looks like the MV of old with the Falcons.

bwaaaaaaahhhhh haaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

• Link
• Report this comment

Another pick dropped.

• Link
• Report this comment

that is at least 4

• Link
• Report this comment

Exactly!!! A Kris G…

• Link
• Report this comment

You need to sue Arthur Blank…

• Link
• Report this comment

Ha ha, Jeff Schultz don’t have a stroke!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

chipper was to smart to say he was not putting out, and just tired of the Vick jock sniffer come on here and doging matt rayn

• Link
• Report this comment

I wonder what Obama is going to say if Vick screws up again….

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS he looks sharp tonight

• Link
• Report this comment

So what if does, you guys did the same with equal ferocity… It took Chipper till last summer to finally admit he’s been doggin’ too! I hope shoots better than he rehads an oblique! Or a knee!

• Link
• Report this comment

Wow, I will give the Vikes some Credit, did not expect them to take it down and score that easy.

• Link
• Report this comment

To be honest, Vick paid his price, he paid more than his price, way more. And it is a an example of somebody working hard to overcome their mistakes. It is a great story, but in the end, things worked out better for the Falcons had he never left.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wabb was selected 199, same as Brady.

• Link
• Report this comment

So for any of you not being snarky, the NFC North is the division that has a game plan and the front 7s to approach being able to play with Reid’s version of the Walsh offense…Philly is 1 and maybe 3 against them

• Link
• Report this comment

That’s why Collingsworth called it “The Brady Pick”

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS they know they have to see it twice a year and Vick has had problems with fast defenses

• Link
• Report this comment

MV7 is the Joke—CHOKE we knew he was.

• Link
• Report this comment

As Dandy Don says “Turn out the lights”.

• Link
• Report this comment

Question: How many fans here criticizing the Falcons had them at 12-3 with a very good chance of them ending up 13-3 . .. . .no NFL game is a gimme . . . . so how many would have complained if they end up 12-4 at the beginning of the year. How many actually had us sweeping the Saints? I’d bet many assumed the opposite . .. .so two very good games and a split is nothing to sneer at. I remember M Bradley’s article predicting 12-4 . . .. I remember many thinking it too optimistic and thinking 10-6 was more like it – never mind those “hoping” for 8-8 or worse. This team is just fine and although the O didn’t produce as expected – I do see a tough playoff team emerging from yesterday’s game.

• Link
• Report this comment

MV7 is running for 1st downs like he was trying to hide his DOPE in the water bottle getting on AIR TRAN.

• Link
• Report this comment

We a somewhat meaningless lose by 3 to the defending SB champs and you would think we are the worst team with the worst QB in football…..The Eagles lose to a rookie QB against a team with a losing record, and it is as quiet as can be. I wonder why?

• Link
• Report this comment

Thank YOU OBAMA for making the call to MV7. You proved he is the SAME JOKE you are.

• Link
• Report this comment

#3 Seed !! Good work Vikings !

• Link
• Report this comment

D..n My AKITA wants MV7 to come to the ATL for JUST A TASTE of Ghetto Trash Meat. Isn’t a Va. Tech Hookie a FAT CHICKEN?

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, Well, Well, MVP huh ?!?

• Link
• Report this comment

Karma is a BITCH !!

• Link
• Report this comment

How much is MV7 a SLAVE to his DEBTORS for? That is being OWNED. like the movie “BLOOD DIAMOND” says TIA. MV7 This Isn’t Africa. You SUCK.

• Link
• Report this comment

Bettis Lives in Roswell. Well, the Baby Moma Lives in Roswell. I did a lot of work on their home, Address available upon request.

• Link
• Report this comment

Well Well Well, so the Eagles go down against a hapless team with a rookie QB, can’t close out the by week. I like New Orleans or the Falcons for the SB, although the Bear might be tough.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons D was very impressive. If they continue to play at that level they will give themselves a real chance in Jan..Falcons fans need to keep things in perspective. The Eagles have just been beaten 24 to 14 by Minnesota. Folks, it’s not so bad losing to the defending Champs by three points. The Falcons can play with and beat anyone in this conference.

• Link
• Report this comment

Because Vick refuses to run out of bounds or slide and avoid hits and hard contact…
his body breaks down toward the end of the season and his numbers plummet because of it.

The reason he played so well for most of the season is because he was healthy after not playing for several years. Just like in Atlanta, the more he plays his stupidity of not avoiding contact will do him in.

• Link
• Report this comment

Mark he took a pounding in the pocket tonight…

• Link
• Report this comment

What are you gonna say now Bayless? That the Eagles are a fraud? That Vick has melted?

• Link
• Report this comment

Peach please, you know that snarky silliness is a two way street…

• Link
• Report this comment

Charlie, where are you getting that seeding?

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS, Saints are 5 seed, they play the 4 seed, the Rams.

(6) GB-(3) Eagles 1st round. Then I think we play winner Rams-Saints 1st round.

• Link
• Report this comment

crickets chirping………..

• Link
• Report this comment

Eagles typical MV7 team, just never know what you are gonna get, might score 6 TD, or have 6 Turnovers. Have we not seen it all before?

• Link
• Report this comment

I LOVE my DOG

• Link
• Report this comment

So NO plays Rams…GB-Eagles…Correct?

• Link
• Report this comment

A name stealer, so cute (monkeys and dogs are cute)

• Link
• Report this comment

Michael Sick not NFL MVP after all! Eagles upset by Vikings. Vikings! Snicker. Hee hee. I love it. Maybe Kenyan bestard traitor Hussein Obama will give him a kiss to cheer him up. Sorry pieces of trash. Andy Reid looked so unhappy. Glad fat ignoramus had no challenges on first down spot. Now the jackass knows how Mike Smith felt during that ream job seasons ago. Hate those Eagle whiners! If justice had been served MV7 would have fried in electric chair. Lying thug hoodlum bestard! If Falcons want to defeat Panthers they better blitz, blitz then blitz some more. May have to score. Have no confidence in Falcon offense any more! Let all down big time against Saints. If Falcons lose to Panthers then mark down first game playoff exit. Do not say that is impossible. THESE ARE THE FALCONS! STENDEK

• Link
• Report this comment

Everyone has seen each other this year except the Falcons and the Bears… Guys, this not good for anyone except the Rams…

• Link
• Report this comment

Falcons played Vanilla offense last night, did not play no huddle, nor did we use Gonzo.

• Link
• Report this comment

Would love to see the Rams beat the Aints.

• Link
• Report this comment

It is funny, the Falcons and Bears were probably the most disrespected teams and get the 1 2 seed.

• Link
• Report this comment

See, you guys say how much you hate him; but the first chance you get to be snarky; you start trying to pick fights with him… Pick a side of the rail and stay on it!

• Link
• Report this comment

I doubt we lose to Carolina, lame duck coach, playing for #1 pick. would be hard to see us lose, but anything is possible.

• Link
• Report this comment

They already played this year, Spags has no answer right now for Colston, Moore, and Henderson..

• Link
• Report this comment

I know Rams played NO, but as we saw with the Ravens and Falcons, the answer is bing the house. For the Rams to win, Long makes some big plays….

• Link
• Report this comment

They brought the house in the 1st meeting, it wasn’t pretty

• Link
• Report this comment

JSS . .. .What I “kind of” miss is Matt “Choke” Ryan’s rambling monologues that usually could be found at the end of the posting string last year . . .on Sunday’s after losses. I actually did find myself LOLing as I read his discussions with himself . .as everyone else either had bailed immediately after the loss or could no longer take his attacks. The ramblings at that point usually had nothing to do with football at all.

• Link
• Report this comment

Not saying they will win, I actually think NO is the most dangerous team out there. As we saw the past two week, the Eagles are overrated. Vick is getting beat up and not in rhythm.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Saints and the Patriots are the only two teams that can really attack the middle of the field from a two tight set…

• Link
• Report this comment

There is a lot of options.

• Link
• Report this comment

If Eagles are 3 seed, we cannot see them until the final game. They will have to get through GB and Chicago. Not likely. Urlacher has always had Vicks number.

• Link
• Report this comment

MCR makes points, I know you guys despise him… Heck, like most hate me; but if I were him, I’d stick to the script too!

@ORR…
You know where I stand on this whole thing… I just try to stay out of it…

• Link
• Report this comment

Well, Except for the Willie Martinez blogger… But I digress!

• Link
• Report this comment

Mr. NFL/MVP vs Joe Blow from whatever college he came from making his 1st NFL start.

This should have been a no brainer huh?

AVERAGE JOE WINS!!

• Link
• Report this comment

That is what makes pro football so much more interesting than college football… The 6 weeks of playoffs are a variety of elements… The college game has atmosphere and little else…

• Link
• Report this comment

Chokster ?, Back at cha !

• Link
• Report this comment

I moved to SE Florida in 8/2000. I remember Mularkey’s name . . . . .but can’t remember when he was coaching there.

• Link
• Report this comment

And I know Mularkey drives a lot of folks crazy . . . .but hasn’t he been with Falcons since Smith got here??? I saw a stat showing Smith is the winningest NFC head coach since he’s been with Altanta. They . . .. including the Offense have to be doing something right. They know their players strengths and stick with it . . . . .even if it drives many fans nuts.

• Link
• Report this comment

Hypothetical speaking, Let’s say Green Bay in and they win the first round and Seattle or the Rams also win in the first round. The Falcons would still play Green Bay even if their record is better than the division winners Rams or Seattle ?

• Link
• Report this comment

A fumble at the goal line on the way into the endzone. A offensive game plan with Harry Douglas as the go to guy and All World TE Tony must have been on IR because he was not part of the plan. On NO 90 yard drive we never rushed at all. It was disapointing because the whole world was watching and we just let it get away. I will say Breese gets away from sacks like nobody else. I am still confident in our team, just a little bit less. GO FALCONS!

• Link
• Report this comment

Not fair !, But thank you.

• Link
• Report this comment

You guys just like talking… Douglass was not the “go-to-guy.” This is not the first time that teams have taken Tony Gonzalez away… And it won’t be the last time either…

• Link
• Report this comment

Wow, someone is stuck in the 70’s! Groovy man!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

I had no problem seeing them shutting down the Falcons running game, Turner and Snelling generally will their way to a lot of yards late in games… Baltimore did to them what the Falcons generally do…

• Link
• Report this comment

crickets still chirping…………..

• Link
• Report this comment

Jeff Schultz – Do you think it possible that the Falcons, realizing that they pretty much had the #1 seed locked up and are likely to play the Saints in the divisional round, kind of closed the playbook offensively, so as to not give anything away for round 3?

• Link
• Report this comment

I keep hearing people thinking that the Falcons have some new stuff up their sleeve… You are what you! The last time I saw a team actually do that was the 84 49ers who introduced the jumbo in the backfield… Or the 90 Giants when they threw the playbook away against the Bills…

• Link
• Report this comment

Had a Ford Falcon way back. Notlanta team has about the same power and the same number of SB wins. 0.

• Link
• Report this comment

Eagles got, *See my name !

• Link
• Report this comment

Guess ?!

• Link
• Report this comment

This is a WELCOMED loss. It is extremely difficult to win more than 8 games in a row, ask the Patriots who ran the table until the Big Game. Math is not on your side with a 10 game winning streak going into the playoffs, because the loser goes home. The Falcons will win the Super Bowl!!! They have the best coaching staff next to AND I HATE TO SAY THIS the Patriots! I hate everything out of Boston. . .Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, Harvard, Tufts, even Boston College except for one player!

• Link
• Report this comment

J.Schultz u can say forget about it all you want. Although you praise the efforts of the defense it gave up a six at a critical moment in the game when rookie tight end J.Graham caught an easy touchdown. There’s no such thing as a good loss. While praising the Falcon defense and declaring them “playoff ready” take a look at what the Saints defense did holding M.Turner to 48 yards on 17 carries. Matty Ice had only 148 yds on 29 attempts and 1 t.d. M.Smith punted on a critical 4 and 6 because the Saints defense had been effective all night. The “play off ready” Atlanta Falcon defense then allowed the Saints to run out the clock converting 2 critical 3 downs. All this in the Georgia where they were previously undefeated needing a win to secure home field in the playoffs. I would called this “play off ready”. Who Dat Baby???

• Link
• Report this comment

Funny to see all the Vick haters come here and rejoice after his first bad game of the season. Brady had his bad game against Cleveland, Peyton Manning had his bad game against Dallas, and Vick had his bad game tonight. Vick was clearly off all game — you could see that he was throwing with his body instead of his wrist. The good thing about this loss for him is that he gets to chill next Sunday and let the nagging injuries heal before playing the Packers or Giants in the opening round of the playoffs. The bad thing, of course, is that the Eagles now have to go to Soldier Field in Round 2.

It’s fair to say now, though, that Vick’s shot at the MVP went out the window. Good thing for him is that the Super Bowl MVP is still there for the taking.

• Link
• Report this comment

I think our DEFENSE was awesome. The DC finally realized the capabilities of our defense when he cuts them lose. Brian Williams do not forget back to the basic breakdown and make the tackle. Could have stopped that 90 yard drive.

??? I think Norwood was missed in this game for change of pace. On some of Turner runs he could not get the corner, but a speed back could have made the corner for maybe 2 to 5 extra yards. Which wouls have made our play action effective. I think the Falcons should look at giving Houston a 6 or 7th round pick for Steve Slaton if he is still under contract and do not resign Norwood. I would like some feedback.

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons will parade into GA dome on Sunday all excited to take care of business that should have been resolved Monday night. I will not be there to watch. Why would I get excited about beating a lowly Carolina team when they couldn’t beat the team they might face in playoffs?

• Link
• Report this comment

This game against the Panthers will tell me what I need to know about this team.

• Link
• Report this comment

@ Davenpoop…
“The good thing about this loss for him is that he gets to chill next Sunday and let the nagging injuries heal before playing the Packers or Giants in the opening round of the playoffs.”
Do they (Reid and Mornhinweg) rest him or do they try to get those protection issues worked out? I mean that a real issue they have, maybe 3 to 4 drives or a half?

• Link
• Report this comment

“Conspiracy theory: Mularkey went vanilla knowing he’ll meet them again in a few weeks.”
Damn, he’s been hiding it for three years then!

• Link
• Report this comment

Has Mike Mularkey and Mike Bobo the same person?

Seriously, when I watch the Falcons trying to run up the middle against 9 and even 10-man fronts, I think of UGA’s OC.

When I see the Falcons, even with the opposing D putting up a good pass rush, never try even 1 screen, I think of Bobo.

When I saw the Falcons Monday with first and goal from the 1 yd line, I said out loud, “they will run up the middle on first and second downs, no matter what.”

If I could call those plays, how simple was it for the Saints DC to load the box? No imagination. No trust in his star-caliber QB. Sounds so familiar.

Switch Mularkey to UGA and Bobo to the Falcons, and nobody would know the difference . . .

• Link
• Report this comment

I raise my glass to two things: (1) Wishing the Saints fans on this blog could be “one and done” (with their posts) just like their Saints are gonna be (in the playoffs). (2) The SEVEN Falcons players selected to the Pro Bowl. Too bad our boys won’t see any action cause they will be eating rattlesnake under the shade of 10-gallon hats.

Falcons remain the Class of the NFC.

• Link
• Report this comment

Absolutely right JSS. How can you not let Ryan change the play when he obviously walked up to the line on 1st and goal, and saw the whole D digging in, three deep, two plays in a row?

We just can’t blame Mularkey, though. Smith has a headset on, just like Richt does on Saturdays. The play called is the one the head coach wants also.

Ryan, White, Jenkins, Gonzo, Finneran, Douglas – what a waste of talent.

• Link
• Report this comment

Good article Shultz and that is the feeling I took away from this game. Our defense is much improved and that is what wins championships. I have full faith that this offense will be ready for the first playoff game at home. I expect them to unleash hell this Sunday on Carolina and show their playoff foes the Saints game only made them stronger. To all you haters out there who support other teams coming in here soon, don’t get top cocky. Just ask the Eagle fans about getting to cocky with a home game. The Vikequeens?

• Link
• Report this comment

Bill @6:21am. I’m with you on that. I don’t think the Falcs wanted to broadcast their play book to Sean Peyton in a mathematicaly meaningless game. I think they let the D loose but held their cards close on offense. If they won they won. BIG PICTURE- DALLAS!. SB4 you’re still a big french bag of vinegar and water.

• Link
• Report this comment

Damage Inc,

I’m pretty sure the Falcons could have clinched the South and home field advantage Monday night with a win. They then could have sat all of the starters Sunday.

The game was not meaningless.

• Link
• Report this comment

Defense wins championships gentlemen and I have faith that our offense will be ready. I do agree that they are not fully opening up the offense as to not disclose the full playbook before the playoffs. Take care of Carolina Sunday and then start the engine. Hey, home field advantage is what most of you wanted all year and without a collapse Sunday we will have it.
GO FALCONS!

• Link
• Report this comment

@ JDawg…
Not trying to be mean with DING, but you folks at UGA have got to get over that Bobo thing… SEC offenses are not very imaginative… If you execute and limit mistakes in the college game, you can go a long way… GA and heaven knows Tech kill themselves. They just think they can roll that G or GT helmet out there and some sense of fear is suppose to cover the sky… Richt needs to go with Bobo and decide what his team is going to be, spend 4 weeks with OC and actually breakdown if what their idea of offensive football is going to be… If they fail after that, jettison them…

• Link
• Report this comment

the falcants are built in the mold of nfl circa pre 80’s. run hard. play action. no penalties. good defense. time of possession. in the modern era only the ravens have won a superbowl w that formula, ask jim mora. while i love D, the formula not only doesn’t work, atlanta doesn’t even have the personnel to get it done. you wind up getting a lotta wins *more like preventing a lot of losses* but that’s regular season only.

a bruiser back w limited speed and therefor a weak receiver. his backup in the exact same mold. scatback was rarely used. an Oline that is OK in pass protection but just awright in run blocking. the secondary is uneven. the linebackers are lightweight jokes. the conservative playcalling blew. Ryan couldn’t figure out where to go when NO only rushed 3 and went into coverage mode. while i don’t think ryan will lose a game as an excellent game manager, he’s not special. and if your RB isn’t special either, forget getting thru the playoffs and/or winning the superbowl.

quit being homers and offer analysis. class of the nfc? whoopie. that just means another patriots superbowl ring.

• Link
• Report this comment

Whodat0816 — Safe to say there were breaks on both sides. Bottom line, teams split two games and tied 41-41 in points. What more do you want?

Homester….I want you to recognize that the Saints are Super Bowl Champs…..not by the Grace of God and and numb nut WR says…..but by the Grace of Drew Brees….Sean Payton….etc.

Boom…..If you ain’t got no ring …it don’t mean a thing…..

• Link
• Report this comment

The only ring the saints will have this year will be in their ears after they come back to the house!

• Link
• Report this comment

Dang, JSS, all SEC defenses are not created equal! Watch Arkansas, UF, Auburn, and even KY in their bowl games, and you’ll see offensive imagination. Men in motion, different sets, wildcat, 5 wideouts, etc.

• Link
• Report this comment

Wear your Vick jersey, chant for Vick, sit on your hands on 3rd down, you got to bring it in the playoffs. The look on the Falcon Fans faces after the Game was priceless! LOL!

• Link
• Report this comment

Losing to the champs by 3 and having a 12-3 record ain’t nothing to sneeze at, but this game told us many things, I agree.

The one issue that stands out to me was that we played conservative on offense and special teams.

I was very disappointed in punt returning, where it seemed like Wheems ran away from the ball every time. It must have been 5-6 times he ran away, waving his arms while the ball rolled another 20 yards towards our goal line.

Where was the fire, the guts and the drive to return the ball and give us better field position?

Then, clearly we could not run the ball, so where was the mulitple receiver sets, trying to free up Roddy? Two drives they through to Jenkins, which was a good move, but other than that they seemed to insist upon playing their game plan when it was not there for them to use.

The Saints’ defense was excellent and I do agree we were conservative and a little stubborn on offense. It seemed to me that we went into the game with the mindset of being safe on offense and special teams.

Geez, mix it up a little, fake a punt if you have to, especially on the 4th & 6 play in 4th quarter.

Finally, the last Saints’ drive it appeared we went into prevent, which is again conservative, safe play calling and that is not what has gotten us this far.

The Falcons’ defense was excellent and blitzed all night until the end of the game. They were not conservative, mostly.

Wheems embarrassed me, and the offense must be able to adjust when Turner is taken out of the game.

We win Sunday, no doubt but we have to be aggressive and force issues and take chances in the playoffs. I hope they don’t tell Wheems to run away from balls!

Go get that ball when we need it. Darn it, lose trying if nothing else.

Coach Smith; don’t go soft on us now!

• Link
• Report this comment

All year long we have had good success, no need to second guess us know.We need a game like that, our offense scored and how many times burner will fumble a ball like that, he is not adrian peterson. We are going to dallas and taking home the lombardi. GO FALCONS

• Link
• Report this comment

“Falcons coaches take note– do to philly what minny vike did on tuesday”
With whose D-line and linebackers do you plan to execute that brilliant game plan with? You’ve shown no inclination to show that DeCoud and Moore can guard over the top to do that…

• Link
• Report this comment

Looks like the convick got beat by a third string QB, and got his A$$ whooped in the process, ah too bad.

• Link
• Report this comment

Have you noticed that when Matt Ryan changes a play at the line of scrimmage yelling “Kill,” “Kill,” that the “new” play is a run to the offensive right (defensive left) side of the field. I have been watching that for the past five weeks, and it is always the same play, and it happens every time. During the Saints/Falcons game on Monday night, when Matty yelled “kill,” the entire defense slid to their left at the snap of the ball, and I mean the entire defense!! Maybe the OC ought to think about changing that “automatic” to some other run!! If the Falcons had run to the offensive left side whoever was carrying the ball could have walked for a huge gain!!

• Link
• Report this comment

“I’m not saying we are going to win it all”

• Link
• Report this comment

VICK = 6 SACKS, 1 FUMBLE/TOUCHDOWN, 1 INTERCEPTION, 22.5 QB RATING, EAGLES LOSE.

• Link
• Report this comment

P Rose,

Now those are some elite numbers!

Looks like Vick will be starting in the Probowl after all.

• Link
• Report this comment

Brent Grimes should be in the Pro Bowl! Everyone
will know who Brent Grimes is during the playoffs.

• Link
• Report this comment

Never seen fans(falcon) root for the same team then argue fuss and fight on a blog.Yall are confused.Wouldn’t want to go to war with this fan base.

• Link
• Report this comment

I don’t know, Elvis. You seem pretty worked up over this. Have a doughnut.

• Link
• Report this comment

Elvisinthehouse, I think the Falcons will win at least one playoff game. If they have to play Philly, they will have problems. Besides Philly, I don’t see any opponent in the NFC who could put them out. Yes, the Saints beat them, but I don’t think they’ll do it again. The Packers have no running game. And the Bears offense isn’t that impressive. Their d’s scary good though.

• Link
• Report this comment

“Wouldn’t want to go to war with this fan base.”
I would, I’d know who to stick in the front to take the brunt of the casualties

• Link
• Report this comment

Packers concern me more than any other team in NFC Jeff. Another win over these guys will not be easy. Whether at Georgia Dome, Wisconsin or in vacant lot down the street. Anyone but Packers! STENDEK

• Link
• Report this comment

Please, powers that be, Please, all that is omnipotent, let us see these ‘aints again in the playoffs so that we can hand them a proper ass whooping in our house and their ingracious no-job-having-looting-bullet-dodging fans will silence themselves by taking a long walk off of a short bridge right into the maw of a new hurricane. Amen.

If they lose in the first round that will be ok too. Amen.

• Link
• Report this comment

True fans point out problems with team because they want said team to excel. I contended Thrashers would go into a prolonged slump after an unacceptable loss to an inferior team. Losing streak now at four! True fans can spot troubling tendencies. Is it wrong to point them out? Falcon offense sucked against Saints. PERIOD! Falcon defense was excellent against Saints. For all but one drive. Unfortunately it was the deciding drive! Is that not a fair assessment? :0 STENDEK

• Link
• Report this comment

By Rawhide JSS. Oh well. Life goes on. Chris still being gentlemanly. Will always speak my mind. Happy New Year. STENDEK

• Link
• Report this comment

Spot on Jeff.

• Link
• Report this comment

Dear Jeff;

I know that we as a people want to promote an open and vigorous dialogue in the interest of a thriving and vital democracy. However, I think that censorship is occasionally warranted: stopping Fox from making the dumb dumber, counterpointing WSJ from making the rich richer on the backs of the middle class and disallowing subhuman anonymous rejects from the wretched bowels of New Orleans from spewing their effluvium on our beloved Falcons board.

Please take this under advisement for the betterment of mankind…and my blood pressure. Thank You.

• Link
• Report this comment

Fugitive Poet, your mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives.

• Link
• Report this comment

BLAZING SADDLES! STENDEK

• Link
• Report this comment

Jeff Schultz

December 29th, 2010
11:33 am
Gatorman — Actually, in reality, Vick probably didn’t go to jail for any of those things. He went to jail for lying to the government about doing those things.
——
Schultzy. I thought journalists were well read. Dude this is wrong, the fact that to this day you have no idea why MV7 went to jail is shocking and warrants your immediate resignation.

Mike Vick did time for conspiracy (title 18 section 371 of u.s. code) to defraud the U.S. government

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/pdf/070824/vickplea.pdf

• Link
• Report this comment

FugitivePoet

December 29th, 2010
12:22 pm
Dear Jeff;

I know that we as a people want to promote an open and vigorous dialogue in the interest of a thriving and vital democracy. However, I think that censorship is occasionally warranted: stopping Fox from making the dumb dumber, counterpointing WSJ from making the rich richer on the backs of the middle class and disallowing subhuman anonymous rejects from the wretched bowels of New Orleans from spewing their effluvium on our beloved Falcons board.

Please take this under advisement for the betterment of mankind…and my blood pressure. Thank You.
—-
STFU. You are bitter because y’all got your arses handed to you on MNF.

• Link
• Report this comment

Just wondering if anyone else thinks that Turner seems a little tentative? Durability aside, we miss Norwood and his big play/change of pace capabilities.

• Link
• Report this comment

About Jeff Schultz
This AJC sports blogger takes things seriously when he has to, but he really would rather not

I guess when you wrote this article you didn’t take anything serious!!! What a joke!!! Do you really believe what you wrote??

When it was time for this defense to step up what did they do? Jeff

Does allowing a 90 yard drive ( not 80, 70, 60 but 90) when the offense has its back against the wall to take the lead in the forth quarter. Or with the team counting on you to get a stop you allow the offense to get not one but two first downs and run out the clock.

Playoff ready defense simply don’t do this!!!

The tittle of the articlle should be

“defense proves Falcons ready for playoffs but don’t take me seriously”

Thanks Jeff you are really a true Homer and I don’t me Simpson!!!

• Link
• Report this comment

The Falcons Are 12-3 But They Can’t Draw As Many Fans Without Mike Vick

Adam Fusfeld | Dec. 29, 2010, 10:18 AM | 99 |

The Atlanta Falcons haven’t suffered a local TV blackout in an NFL season full of them, so that alone qualifies as a success at the gate.

But considering their 12-3 record, the Falcons rank a paltry 18th in attendance and have plummeted in value over the last 16 months. Owner Arthur Blank has to be discouraged with his team’s problems at the box office, and on the balance sheet, despite its on-field success. What more can he do?

Over at Forbes, Mike Ozanian has an answer – bring back Mike Vick. He doesn’t actually call for a trade, but does point out that even though the Falcons were worse in the standings during Vick’s tenure, they sold more tickets.

During Vick’s six years the team went 38-28 and filled the Georgia Dome to 96 percent of its capacity. Matt Ryan is 32-15 in two-plus years but Atlanta has filled just 94 percent of the seats. Those unsold seats cost millions of dollars in ticket, parking, concession, and merchandise revenue, according to the story.

But Forbes fails to mention that in between the Falcons’ quarterback transition NFL attendance took a major hit. Leaguewide attendance dropped 2 percent between 2007 and 2010 (projections), from 68,702 to 67,313. That, of course, is a much better explanation for why the Falcons have filled 2 percent less of their stadium, than any disdain for Matt Ryan.

Compared to leaguewide numbers, the Falcons attendance has remained steady. Sure, Matt Ryan isn’t as exciting as Mike Vick, but Atlanta can embrace a winner just as well as it once embraced a highlight-reel quarterback.

• Link
• Report this comment

@Matt “Choke” Ryan: Are you a girl (serious question)? For real, man! I’m just wondering. Cause if you aren’t, you are clearly gay for Mike Vick. I mean, sure, he IS pretty and all (I just LOVE the way he licks his lips before he says anything), but come on, dude. This man-crush you have on the guy is really embarrassing.

• Link
• Report this comment

I am not an Atalnta by any strech but dude you immedately lose the any argument that starts with:

“CHRIS COLLINSWORTH QUOTE OF THE NIGHT”

To make my point here is some of his stupidity;

I’m not gonna deny it, I walk around with hundred dollar bills hanging out of my pocket…I like girls that aren’t too bright because you can trick ‘em a little bit…high school girls love me. Fourteen to eighteen, I’m a big star with them. As soon as they mature, after they turn 18 years old, they start to figure it out.

Collinsworth: Is that a ‘cool’ thing to say, in this day and age? That you love your country, and that you’re fighting for the red, white and blue? It seems sort of like a day gone by.

Kobe: No, it’s a cool thing for me to say. I feel great about it, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I mean, this is a tremendous honor. Cris w/ Kobe;

“Marvin is a father figure to Chad and calms him down,”
Marvin is going to lose his job because of this egotisical malcontent

You can’t tell me the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn’t have loved to cut Terrell Owens. They can’t cut him. He’s too talented. They don’t have people to replace him. You learn to tolerate stars and their antics.”

“Oh, a Gregg Williams defense will blitz you.”

Tom Brady at the Super Bowl was talking about it last year with us privately before the game and he was nervous about it. You could clearly tell that he was worried about going into this season without Charlie Weis.”

and finally he actually said this “when it was my turn to talk.”

So now you say this based on CRIS:

With Joe Webb, Mike Vick and Tim Tebow, looks like the league may be trending to a whole new style of quarterbacks.

Even Aaron Rodgers is a running mobile quarterback, the slow one dimensional pocket quarterback will be a thing of the past

Just look at the major college programs and you will see the Vick type of quarterbacks, well at least the highly successful programs, I.E. Auburn, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. But cheer up one dimensional qb fans, it was a good run

I have been saying the very same thing for the past few years.

FIRST OF ALL NONE!!! I SAID NONE OF THE GUYS THAT YOU’VE STATED ABOVE HAS WON A SINGLE SUPER BOWL!!!!

PLAYOFF DEFENSE HAVE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR THESE TYPES OF QB’S COME PLAYOFF TIME JUST ASK YOUR BOY ROGERS WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM IN THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR.

AND I KNOW YOU DON’T LET FACTS GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR STATEMENTS BUT PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR ADDING SOME FACTS TO COMBAT YOUR INTELLIGENT STATEMENTS

LAST TEN SUPER BOWL WINNING QBS

Brees
Roethlisberger
Eli Manning
Peyton Manning
Roethlisberger
Brady
Brady
Brad Johnson
Brady
Trent Dilfer

DO SEE THE MAD SCRAMBLING SKILLS ALL THESE GUYS HAD “CHOKE” ?

If you’ve been saying this for the past few years I see you point look at all the great running QB’s in the past 10 years. Those Manning boys and that Brady guys sure have some quicks!!! The NFL really need great forward thinkers like you!!! I wonder why none of them have hired you yet??? Moron.

• Link
• Report this comment

[...] more on this topic you can read: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/12/28/forget-loss-defense-proves-falcons-ready-for-playo... Prince William County Heating Repair Posted in European [...]

• Link
• Report this comment

@ 4:16…
I’m not MCR; but to clarify a point…
“DO SEE THE MAD SCRAMBLING SKILLS ALL THESE GUYS HAD ”
Actually Rotehlisberger is a tremendous scrambler, it is what got him free to make his game winning to Holmes in their SB victory… But he is a Culpepper scrambler, meaning he is so strong…

• Link
• Report this comment