Mike Smith should’ve given Matt Ryan, offense a chance
Matt Ryan lost for only the second time in 21 home starts.
This season has been about comebacks.
This season has been about the Falcons making plays at the end of games to win.
This season has been about Matt Ryan engineering winning drives against New Orleans, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Green Bay and Tampa Bay.
Whether that magic carries over into the playoffs remains to be seen. But it ran out Monday night. One reason: a bad decision by coach Mike Smith.
With the Saints leading the Falcons 17-14 at the Georgia Dome and less than three minutes remaining, Smith pulled Ryan and the offense off the field. The team faced a fourth-and-6 from the Falcons’ 43 and the head coach went the conservative route.
Smith’s mindset: A good punt could pin New Orleans deep in its zone, the defense looked strong most of the evening and the Falcons could get the ball back in good position.
But that same defense had just allowed Drew Brees and the Saints a go-ahead, 90-yard touchdown drive.
Strategy: Epic fail.
The Saints got the ball back with 2:44 left. They made two first downs and ran out the clock.
Smith has made a lot of good decisions over the past three seasons. This was a bad one.
How do you pull Ryan off the field? The quarterback has been nothing but clutch. He excels in the two-minute offense. He excels in no-huddle. Actually, a case could be made that Ryan often is better in pressure situations and in the fourth quarter than in other situations.
Also worth noting: The Falcons went into the game with the NFL’s best fourth-down percentage (84.6 percent, 11 for 13).
Granted, Ryan wasn’t necessarily at his best Monday night. He completed only 15 of 29 for 148 yards and a touchdown.
But do you know what he didn’t do? He didn’t melt down. Even his counterpart, Brees, did that early in the fourth quarter.
With the Saints leading 10-7, it was Brees who threw a foolish shovel pass as he was being sacked by Jonathan Babineaux in the fourth quarter. The pass was intercepted by Chauncey Davis and returned 26 yards for a touchdown and a 14-10 lead Falcons lead. It was Brees who, on the ensuing New Orleans drive, was pressured and ultimately intercepted by John Abraham.
But in the end, it also was Brees who led the Saints to a 13-play, 90-yard touchdown drive, capped by a six-yard pass to Jimmy Graham.
The Falcons trailed 10-0. But that wasn’t all about Ryan. The Saints’ touchdown was set up by a bad snap by center Todd McClure — the ball never making it to Ryan’s hands. To open the second half, Ryan drove the offense down the field to the New Orleans’ one-yard-line, completing four of five attempts and throwing two passes that led to a pass interference penalty. But Michael Turner was stopped on first down and fumbled on second down.
Two turnovers — a 14-point swing.
Ryan’s seven-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White in the second quarter had closed the score to 10-7. Then came the Turner fumble drive in the third.
In September, Ryan led a comeback win at New Orleans. With the Falcons trailing 21-17 in the fourth quarter, Ryan took them on a nine-play, 85-yard touchdown drive, finishing with a 22-yard score to Roddy White to give Atlanta a 24-21 lead. The Saints rallied for a game-tying field goal, but the Falcons won the game with a field goal in overtime. It was a run-dominated, field goal drive but it was Ryan who set the tone with his calmness.
He wasn’t given that chance Monday night.
If the Falcons win next week over Carolina, their regular season goals will be achieved. They can clinch the NFC South Division, a first-round bye and the top seed in the conference. The memory of this loss will fade quickly.
The Falcons have proven themselves this season. They’re 12-3, still the best record in the NFC. But we know teams and quarterbacks are defined by the playoffs, not regular seasons. That’s not meant at a knock on Ryan. Fact is, everything about him — from his talent to his makeup and his leadership — suggests he will succeed in the playoffs. But consider it the unchecked box on his resume.
Thus far, Ryan has had only one chance. Two years ago as a rookie, he led the Falcons to an 11-5 regular season record but looked average in a playoff loss at Arizona, losing 30-24. Ryan threw two touchdown passes but was intercepted twice, sacked three times and fumbled once during an attempted handoff (leading to a 27-yard return for a touchdown by the Cardinals’ Antrel Rolle).
I remember thinking during and after the game that Ryan didn’t look the same and something must be wrong with him physically. I asked a couple of team officials about him, but the response I got was: Ryan was healthy. It’s just that the playoffs are a step up and the rookie quarterback wasn’t ready for that moment.
This season, Ryan has outdueled four of the league’s top quarterbacks: Brees (New Orleans), Carson Palmer (Cincinnati), Joe Flacco (Baltimore) and Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay). He has the best touchdown-interception ratio (26-9) of his career. He looks ready for the postseason.
It just would’ve been nice to see him get one more chance Monday.
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685 comments Add your comment
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:49 am
Jimmy
December 28th, 2010
12:44 am
Choke:
We all get sick of you (in all your aliases) spewing the same stupid stuff all the time.
You are boring and moronic.
_________________________________________________-
Oh James, I can understand your frustrations – would you like some more WHINE with that cheese
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:49 am
San Fran played the same type game against the Falcons can you say ” The Blueprint ” if you shut the running game down Ryan is a joke or maybe choke.
Jimmy
December 28th, 2010
12:50 am
Blue:
I think Weems is told to let the ball hit and roll.
Our coaches don’t won’t to risk a fumble down there.
Its part of their conservative approach.
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:50 am
The Falcons stink!
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
12:51 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:47 am
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
12:43 am
Mike Vick brought his team back from 21 points down, that is a true leader. Matty Duck can’t even lead his team to a field goal, Vick will always rule Atlanta
___________________________________________
Come on now, don’t be too hard on ole Noodle Arm
Sometimes the TRUTH hurts, he Choked again on national TV. Where are all the Ryan supporters????? Its kinda quiet on here tonight
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:52 am
@ Jimmy you maybe right but tonight it cost us at least 60 yards
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:52 am
Conservative?????? WTF heading into the playoffs who the h*ll is conservative? Dumb response Falcon Fool!
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:53 am
I support Ryan
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:53 am
Vick is the MVP!
Brother John
December 28th, 2010
12:53 am
I agree with you about Weems. He could have caught one bad punt at the fifty — never attempted to field it, and it hit and rolled to the 28. There was another similar one in the same game. He’s probably coached to do that. Again, just play it safe, non-agressive, panty waist football. If Sean Peyton coached the Falcons — they would be unbeatable!!!!!!!!!
Lesa
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
Come on, people!! We lost a heartbreaker to a very good football team that we beat earlier in the year. Stop blaming the coach, the players, etc. The winning streak was bound to end sometime. I’d rather it end now than in the playoffs. Get a grip!! The Falcons played a great game tonight, particularly on defense. They just came up a few plays too short. Look at it this way: it is rare that a team can beat a good opponent 3 times in one season. If we had to lose a game to the Saints, better now than in the playoffs. The Falcons will wrap up the division and home field advantage on Sunday. No way will we lose to the pathetic Panthers. The Falcons are going to the Super Bowl!!!!
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
No Vick is a peace of $hit human
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
@MV7 for MVP
Because they are cowards! They have no spine and know CHOKE is a loser.
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
Vick would have scored more points Falcon Suckers!
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
you show how stupid you are MVP over Brady really
Vick Supporter
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
Ryan just flat out CHOKED
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
No Vick is a peace of $hit human
Eagles 31 Falcons 17
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
No Vick is a peace of $hit human
_____________________________________________
Blue you sound Blue
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
Yep….real quiet. This was the time for Ryan and the Falcons to show their championship mettle. On a National stage to finally show the media that they have been wrong about the Fraudulent Falcons. To show the nation that they haven’t been lucky in all those comebacks…that the Saints didn’t just lose because of a fluke missed 29 yard FG. But they proved that they are the Fortunate Falcons…..and just like I said before….the clock has struck 12 and cinderella Falcons slipper is now broken. 1 and done in the Playoffs……Pigeons!!!!!!
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
@MV7 for MVP
Because they are cowards! They have no spine and know CHOKE is a loser.
Yes that is true, they are probaly thinking of more excuses right now
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Vick did not play
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
BLUE I guess every black athlete that doesn’t live up to your standards is not HUMAN ! Racist
Jimmy
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Blue:
I agree with you. I felt Weems should have been up there fielding the ball.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:58 am
@Vick Supporter
There sure are a lot of crickets tonight
When they lose they always blame Turner and/or White and blame the refs.
They never blame CHOKE and his 14 for 29 148 yards
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
12:59 am
Can’t win when it counts = CHOKE
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
1:00 am
No it has doing to do with race I have a problem with Roslenberger also and I am black Dumbass
Vick Supporter
December 28th, 2010
1:00 am
Eagles 31 Falcons 17
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
148 yds passing in a MNF game LOL you can’t make this stuff up!
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
No way would the Falcons lose to the Panthers…… What did Charger fans say last week? They said….No way would the Chargers lose to the Bengals….
Panthers game will be fun to watch.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:03 am
Delusional Falcons fans, if you tune in to NBC tomorrow night there will be an elite MVP siting
Jimmy
December 28th, 2010
1:03 am
The Ryan supporters know there can be no real conversation with Choke (in all his aliases) on here taking up space.
Ryan haters will always hate.
Last year they whined about him not leading any comebacks.
Wow…he’s done that repeatedly this year, but that is not good enough.
He’s had monster games and that’s not good enough.
You complained he couldn’t throw the deep ball. He proved he could but still you guys whine.
You guys are idiots and really…not too interesting.
Your arguments do not hold merit.
That is why most Ryan supporters sign off…
It is why the AJC should ban you jerks.
You are killing the blogs and everyone else’s brain cells.
Goodnight.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 28th, 2010
1:03 am
When the center botched the snap, Matty Ice didn’t try to dive on the ball….he just Froze. Guess that’s how he got the nickname!!!
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:03 am
Well if your black, talk about them rapist’s instead of being a racist!
JD
December 28th, 2010
1:04 am
2 can’t cut it when the heats turned up, he’s proving that every week. His first year was by far his best year even though we were 11 and 5. Not sure if its his game prep or his coaching but he is NOT getting it done. Honestly he looks scared out there and it is starting to show up in a lack of confidence that’s hard to define until it matters most.
and TD – you might want to shop for a real running back that can get it done against better than .500 teams. Michael – Dude has the size but not the foot skills to run the ball to daylight, plus he goes down WAY to easy for a very big man. Somebody needs to show him some film of AP running downhill. Run that thing North/South my friend, instead of trying to do so much dancing when trying to find a hole. Get your head up and see the field instead of putting your head down and running into your linemen. Your first year here from San Diego was your best – you had a very large chip on your shoulder and you KILLED it when you ran the ball, just KILLED it. Now, look at the way you run…..it’s a shame Michael, a crying shame….
Vick Supporter
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
You’re right. Not a peep of blame
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Hello Matt Ryan has fewer completions in the 20 to 40 + yds area than any QB in the league that includes McNabb. 148 yds passing C’mon Man
BLUE
December 28th, 2010
1:07 am
tthe only Falcons that showed up are 55 and 12
san diego dawg
December 28th, 2010
1:08 am
MV7 fans http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBZdjc4RfQA
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:09 am
This is supposed to be deadly on offense 148 yds passing SLOL!
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:11 am
Mark Bradley will write a very dumb article about the Falcon chances tomorrow
Jimmy
December 28th, 2010
1:11 am
JD:
What are you talking about?
Have you been watching reruns of Matt’s second season?
Your comments about Ryan are way off.
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
1:12 am
TO ALL MATT RYAN FANS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFd-HyqseXI
MV7 for MVP
December 28th, 2010
1:14 am
TO ALL MATT RYAN Fans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1DzNzE0MFM&playnext=1&list=PL72C01B1BAFE71D0D&index=64
Chuck
December 28th, 2010
1:14 am
So much more fun to talk AFTER your team has won, Falcons fans. Roddy should have plenty of tweet material now. “Non factor” sounds about right. “Nice rings, Saints. Wish I had one.” That one sounds even better.
So typical… Way to buy into your own hype. You’re as bad as the sorry Jets!
Nice predictions, Jeff. Care to revise your story? Falcons have zero championship mettle. Fools gold
birddawgbill
December 28th, 2010
1:14 am
Missed false start, missed pass int 3 times, missed facemask, Roddy called for PI when he was held all the way down the field. Be proud aint fans once again the refs helped you all they could. It was a horribly called game. Oh and I forgot the running into the kicker call instead of roughing. With that said Ryan wasnt to blame, fumbles and dropped passes were. Plus Bush fumbled a punt that the Falcons fell on but without even looking the ref gave the ball to the aints. I do think perhaps they were scolded by someone at the half as they at least called it better in the 2nd half.
san diego dawg
December 28th, 2010
1:14 am
MV7 fans http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/popup?id=3394113
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 28th, 2010
1:15 am
HMMM….at the end of the day Trent Dilfer wasn’t too offbase about the Fortunate Falcons….huh????
whodat70816
December 28th, 2010
1:15 am
Jeff, you’re always always good for a laugh…Drew had a meltdown???? LMAO…
Drew Brees was presured all night by the falcons defense…they blitzed every dang play…and yes he threw 2 back to back picks and then came right back and engineered a 90 yard scoring drive….LMAO…and you call that a melt down!
Matty Ice is no Drew Brees…Get it through your head Jeff! Sure Ryan is good, but without Turner…he melted.
WHO DAT!
NoodleArm Ryan
December 28th, 2010
1:16 am
Dude can’t throw the ball 40 yds down the field, total Bum
san diego dawg
December 28th, 2010
1:16 am
MV7 fans : Among the more disgusting aspects of Vick’s behavior that has come to light is this: Losing dogs either died in the pit or were electrocuted, drowned, hanged or shot.