‘Explosive’ Falcons just opened season with a dud
What do they say about a picture telling a story? This one of Matt Ryan explains Falcons' day.
CHICAGO – When the Falcons said they wanted to get more explosive this season, did they mean like Wile E. Coyote explosive?
They said the intent was to open up the offense. Stretch defenses. They said they wanted to get more aggressive on defense. Pressure opposing quarterbacks. Let it fly, baby. Light the fuse. Problem is, when you don’t follow your own directions, it’s easy to inadvertently wire your big toe to the ACME dynamite kit. Then when you push the plunger on the season opener . . .
Boom!
The Falcons opened the season Sunday. Three hours later, all the remained was a pile of ashes.
Chicago Bears 30, Falcons 12. How’s that for your potential Super Bowl team? Instead of giving you a reason to forget their 48-21 playoff loss to Green Bay last January, the Falcons succeeded only in extending the hangover. They have been outscored in their last two games by 45 points.
And about that 0-4 record in the preseason. Maybe it’s not so meaningless after all.
“Stunned is an understatement,” linebacker Mike Peterson said.
“This isn’t what we planned on — it was awful,” Roddy White said.
It was worse than that. It was inexcusable.
Was all that talk about explosiveness just lip service? This was a season opener. This game followed months of hearing coaches, players and the front office talking about the need for wows and pyrotechnics on both sides of the ball. The Falcons traded a blur of draft picks so they could move up to draft wide receiver Julio Jones. They snagged defensive end Ray Edwards in free agency. They talked a big game.
But when the gates open, they pressed the trigger and a flag saying, “Bang!” popped out. The Bears didn’t play dead.
Many Falcons players chose to credit Chicago’s defense for playing a strong game and taking away the deep threat. But quarterback Matt Ryan and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey seldom left the impression they were in attack mode. Ryan never threw deep. Never. He says he thought about it several times but there was nothing there. Ryan also committed two horrific mistakes — an interception by Brian Urlacher, which led to a second-quarter touchdown when the game was still 3-3, and fumbling in the third quarter, leading to an Urlacher return for another score.
Ryan also was hoping to leave his Green Bay playoff performance behind him. This didn’t help. He has five turnovers and one touchdown pass in his last two games.
The Falcons didn’t just look bad. They self-destructed. They did things that good teams, let alone Super Bowl contenders, never should do. The defense missed tackles, took bad angles on plays and blew coverages. They turned Jay Cutler (312 yards, two touchdowns) into Sid Luckman. They introduced Roy Williams, who got drop-kicked out of Dallas, to relevancy.
They were beat physically. Chicago defense may be good but it’s hardly Monsters, redux. This isn’t 1941 or 1985.
Offensively, the Falcons looked and played timid. They lined up White on one side, Jones on the other, and Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas between the two, as advertised. Then they cowered. Chicago often dropped eight players into coverage and taking away the deep ball. But don’t great players and great coaches adjust? They make plays. Instead, we were subjected to four quarters of check-downs.
Coach Mike Smith acknowledged the poor performance but he tried to temper concerns with, “Let’s not say the sky is falling.”
Gonzalez also sought to calm the masses.
“People outside the organization are going to push the panic button,” he said. “They’re going to think, ‘Oh my God. Overhyped. Over this. Over that. You know what? They’re full of it. If you want to think that, go ahead. Maybe it sells papers. Maybe it gives people something to talk about. But it’s one game. We’ve got the players to do something special. We just have to go out next week and play better. And we will next week, I guarantee it.”
Nobody should doubt the Falcons can still be a great team. But opening performances like this tend to alter perspectives, especially with Michael Vick and Philadelphia coming to the Georgia Dome next week.
Overhyped? It’s probably too early for such proclamations. But it would at least be nice to see the Falcons attempt what they advertised.
By Jeff Schultz
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750 comments Add your comment
J_ATL
September 11th, 2011
9:42 pm
I have never watched the NFL before… I agree with everything that you said. BUT Pitt. lost in an unusual fashion and will prob not lose another game like that in a long time. What bothers me is, if you look at the last few losses most of them being big games and even a few that we squeaked by and won, we play horrible all around. Maybe you know something that I don’t but I don’t see many of the top tier teams losing like this as often as we do. And that’s what concerns me
I have never watched the NFL before
September 11th, 2011
9:43 pm
JSS, but Knapp was not the OC of Philly last year, and Vick went 0ffer against 10 win teams to add to the miserable record he already had against 10 win teams….
My agenda?
Since you guy insist on saying Ryan is a choker, but VIck is some sort of big game winner, I figured I would bring up the facts and expose you for the idiots you are, and that just because you type and wish something a million times, it never makes it true. Now, what is your agenda?
Mgibby
September 11th, 2011
9:44 pm
Oh yea, GET RID OF BOSHER. I have yet to see that dude kick mid-way into the endzone! If the league ever moves the kickoff back again, average fielding position will be the damn 10 yard line.
Mora less Petrino
September 11th, 2011
9:45 pm
Despite the loss, the Birds are tied for first in the NFC South!
Jim Moron
September 11th, 2011
9:45 pm
Bingo John! Nailed it..
Based on stereo typing jr was able to gain the White House with 2 DUI’s, 2 bankruptcies and other failures i wont mention..Imagined if the guy in the drivers seat Today had the same track record or 911 happened under his watch? Sheeple……
I have never watched the NFL before
September 11th, 2011
9:45 pm
J_ATL, we got spanked by Green Bay, so did the Steelers….We lost today, we looked bad. But, we dropped 2 picks, and did not recover 2 Chicago fumbles in the 1st half. The sky is not falling, it is a long season.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 11th, 2011
9:48 pm
MR. CHARLIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
HA HA HA
Jimmy
September 11th, 2011
9:49 pm
Mgibby and OHIODirtyBird:
What you guys say is too real for these blogs.
It is too reasonable.
Here…morons traffic in ridiculous rhetoric (though most don’t what that means) and use the same tired complaints about Ryan they can’t support with facts.
They know more about rating QB’s than the people who make a living at it.
They know more about Ryan’s arm strength and leadership than the players and coaches of the league.
This is an insane asylum where the inmates are in charge.
Thanks for making sense.
Big time
September 11th, 2011
9:49 pm
Mat stats are miss leading…..he got the yards after the game was out of reach…He has knot shown real touch on the ball..those quick outs everyone can through them…Every team in the NFL has post routes,etc to get down field …maybe we need a receiver coach as well…He seem to be worried about his overall stats…His 1st yr was the bomb….Got to be a little of a gun-slinger to get to the next level as a elite qb….He thinks to much…..he played better reacting to the players on the field oppose to playing the team he watches on film..
kaz
September 11th, 2011
9:50 pm
Quite frankly, I wish Ryan had more interceptions. To me that would mean that he truly wanted to win this game. He looked scared and tried to manage a game that need to be taken over by our franchise player. Well, if he tries to be a game manager against the Eagles instead of a game changer, we will have to watch another former Falcon claim that this is “HIS HOUSE” as he stomps all over our team.
JSS
September 11th, 2011
9:50 pm
it is not about race, I like Aaron Rodgers… I liked Tom Brady… I can’t stand Jay Cutler… I think Rex Grossman is one biscuit short of a dozen, just like Jeff George. I knew D.j. Shockley would never be a good QB because of who tutored him before he got the League. I’ve never been Claussen fan… You are telling me after watching that fiasco last year that you’d rather have him instead of Newton under center? Talk facts with me… Tell me the 11 above .500 teams that the Falcons lost to, then you’ll line the sorry under coach line-up that Falcons rolled out there and you’ll understand why…
Here’s a stat for you, 1-3.. Whose record is that over the last 4 games(including the playoffs)?
Queensbridge
September 11th, 2011
9:51 pm
I honestly agree with Navenpoop, Ryan may be the worst QB in the division. He has regressed everyone of his 3 years after his rookie season and doesnt have a strong enough arw which is probably why he never attempts any deep balls. Additionally, the offensive scheme is horrendous and the defense is equally pitiful. Bring back Glanville, at least he had balls, something this coaching staff lacks.
Ditka
September 11th, 2011
9:51 pm
Yuse guys shouldn’t be so hard on yourselves. Yuse guys were simply beat up on by a superior team. There is no shame if you get smacked around and the one doing the smacking is bigger faster stronger and smarter than you . Buck up little birds , yuse got Philly the the Pack to practice for. I know I’ll be sorry next week too cause I really don’t think we can beat the Saints but it will be fun trying!
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
September 11th, 2011
9:51 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen introducing to you….The illigitamet son of STB4 and Hiram===Jim Mororn..I know I know…U gonna bring up old posts’…..but it all good, we gonna shut ya up next week….GO FALCONS!!!
I have never watched the NFL before
September 11th, 2011
9:52 pm
You know, I just have to say it again. People on here will tell you how bad Ryan is against good teams, and somehow, that Vick is some pressure game clutch player.
Yet, Ryan is 7-8 against 10 win teams, Vick is 4-11. I am accused of having an agenda, my agenda is the truth, it appears the ones blowing Smoke about Vicks greatness, when he is a miserable 4-11 (including 0-2 last season) against 10 win team have an agenda.
You guys are a joke, either you have an agenda, or you are too lazy and stupid to find facts, and mindlessly just parrot what you hear…personally, I do not think you are smart enough to have an agenda.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 11th, 2011
9:52 pm
THE EAGLES ARE COMING
THE EAGLES ARE COMING
HA HA HA HA HA
John
September 11th, 2011
9:52 pm
I think Matty Ice is a decent QB, and I think the coordinator doesn’t allow him to do things his arm isn’t capable of…and there’s nothing wrong with that. The Falcons will make the playoff, but not yet built for the SB. The experts have been picking Dallas for years and they haven’t made the playoffs since T.O. left.
Drunk on Kool Aid
September 11th, 2011
9:53 pm
You are never as good as your best game or as bad as your worst but……… damn that was embarrassing!
Jim Moron
September 11th, 2011
9:54 pm
Hey Stat guy has Ryan ever come from behind to win one? Help us remember…..
Jimmy
September 11th, 2011
9:54 pm
It is much too early to judge Cam Newton in this league.
He had a great game and I think he has the potential to be a great player.
It is just too early to say he will be a star or a bust.
I do like his potential.
I have never watched the NFL before
September 11th, 2011
9:55 pm
JSS, I like Vick. But, I remember a guy who led us to 8-8, 7-9 seasons and made one bone headed play after another. I just tell the truth, some people just can’t handle it.
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
September 11th, 2011
9:55 pm
Jim- Go back to last year against Baltimore!!
Jim Moron
September 11th, 2011
9:56 pm
Mr Blank do you really think you can win a SB with a decent QB?
Didn’t think so…
Jimmy
September 11th, 2011
9:57 pm
Moron:
Yes…he has brought the team from behind to win. You do the research because you obviously do not watch the games.
The "next year" Falcons
September 11th, 2011
9:57 pm
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2011.
I won’t take the time or effort to list all the awards he’s won.
———————–
Please don’t because awards don’t win playoff games.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 11th, 2011
9:57 pm
Vick to Jackson
Vick to Maclin
Vick to Avant
Vick to Smith
Vick to Celek
Vick to McCoy
ALLLLLLLLLLLL DAYYYYYYYYYYYY LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
September 11th, 2011
9:58 pm
Hey Jim Moron go to sleep ya got school in the mourning!!!
Stat Man
September 11th, 2011
9:58 pm
Jim Moron, I recall a game playing against the Bears (of all teams) in 2008 where Ryan made a pretty good comeback.
Hetch Hetchy
September 11th, 2011
9:58 pm
Ryan is an average qb. Maybe slightly above. That’s it. He can not “take over” a game, like the upper echelon qbs can. I never bought into the hype concerning him.
I consistently see fear in his eyes. Trade him. (They never will).
dmcnya
September 11th, 2011
9:58 pm
come on people the bears dont get alot of credit there a good defensive team they change the game wit opposing teams your not going to just drop back as a qb and just past wit alot of time the falcons are overrated the nfc north is much better than the south dont jump already falcons fans damn
Jim Moron
September 11th, 2011
9:58 pm
Thanku..
Eagles 48 Falcants 16
Medicine Man
September 11th, 2011
9:59 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan …You’re making me nervous. Please stop.
kaz
September 11th, 2011
9:59 pm
And I do believe Matt is a good quarterback, he just needs to stop hiding behind the team and say the burden of winning is on him. He is our leader, right? These are the same criticisms that Vick had to deal with, right? We expect our highly paid quarterback to get his team to rise to the occasion, right?
Go Falcons!!
John
September 11th, 2011
10:00 pm
Matty Ice will need to be a gunslinger next Sunday, because Vick will try to light up the scoreboard. Problem is, Matty will have to throw downfield against 3 Pro Bowler CB’s next week…its gonna get ugly if Matty starts checking-down for those 5 yarders. He doesn’t have the arm to mount a come-back.
Big Wally
September 11th, 2011
10:01 pm
How does an opposing defense rattle Matt Ryan? They look at him and say ‘boo’. Sean Weatherspoon’s nickname should be ‘rubber’ as everythng bounces off of him. Most people didn’t realize that Decoud in French means ‘one who couldn’t catch a cold if he was standing naked in a blizzard in Greenland”.
Hetch Hetchy
September 11th, 2011
10:01 pm
You think Arizona would trade Kolb for Ryan straight up? Heck no they wouldn’t.
Hetch Hetchy
September 11th, 2011
10:02 pm
Falcons are going to get stomped again next week. Take that to bank.
Jimmy
September 11th, 2011
10:02 pm
Next Year:
What do you have to say about his stats? You don’t have stats like those on a RUN FIRST team without having some skill.
A LOT of QB’s have struggled to win playoff games.
But you are such a moron that you think he alone is going to “win” a game.
Seems to me his first playoff game had Keith “Behind the Play” Brooking giving up the winning TD.
It was not Matt Ryan who was shredded on defense by Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay.
Do you know how stupid you sound?
Rodney Johnson
September 11th, 2011
10:02 pm
I don’t understand why they moved up to draft a speedy, downfield WR threat when the Falcons don’t have a QB who can throw it downfield.
Ryan’s got a noodle arm, Falcons fans. Prepare yourselves for an 8-8 (at best) year.
Stat Man
September 11th, 2011
10:03 pm
Fact:
Ryan 7-8 against 10 win teams
Vick 4-11 against 10 win teams
Will the real choker please stand up?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 11th, 2011
10:04 pm
If you spend 5 seasons at Boston College and can’t win a lousy A.C.C. Title what makes you think you will win a playoff game in the NFL?
Only the Falcons would draft that NOODLE ARM Loser. Miami passed on him for a lineman that has made the pro bowl every single season.
The Rams passed on him and looking what they have now behind center.
“With the 3rd pick in the 2008 draft, the dumb azz Falcons choose”
OHIOdirtybird!!!!
September 11th, 2011
10:04 pm
Philly is all kinds of beatable……how they stop our run??, how they keep Vick healthy w/ ABE, Edwards, Beerduff, and the D-line gunning for em!!!
Stat Man
September 11th, 2011
10:04 pm
Fact, Vicks last season as a Falcon QB was a 7-9 season, we were 8-8 before that.
Jim Moron
September 11th, 2011
10:05 pm
Vick 2 playoff wins
Ice Melt ZERO…..
Cairo
September 11th, 2011
10:05 pm
Cam Newton looked better than the four year Pro Matty Melt! Looks like I will be wearing the Philly #7 next week…. SMDH
John
September 11th, 2011
10:05 pm
Hetch Hetchy…they will get stomped, but all Atlantans care about is they have a “character team”….
Who gives a d$#% what these players do in their private lives, can you catch, run, tackle and block? Obviously the Falcons are failing in those areas.
Hetch Hetchy
September 11th, 2011
10:06 pm
I don’t understand why they moved up to draft a speedy, downfield WR threat when the Falcons don’t have a QB who can throw it downfield.
Ryan’s got a noodle arm, Falcons fans. Prepare yourselves for an 8-8 (at best) year.
We are on the same page.
G
September 11th, 2011
10:06 pm
Yet, Ryan is 7-8 against 10 win teams, Vick is 4-11. I am accused of having an agenda, my agenda is the truth, it appears the ones blowing Smoke about Vicks greatness, when he is a miserable 4-11 (including 0-2 last season) against 10 win team have an agenda.
————————————-
How many playoff wins does Ryan have? Zero. Vick had 3 in his first 4 seasons. You can keep you regular season stats. Falcons fans want to see playoff wins not regular season awards. Going 13-3 last year in the regular season turned out to mean NOTHING.
JSS
September 11th, 2011
10:06 pm
He lost to the Bears and the Packers, those were the two teams that play in the NFC Championship game! What about does not sink in to you? And for all of the pounding that he took in that Bears game they were still in the game until the final turnover salted it away. The same goes for the Packers playoff game. The Falcons under Ryan have looked absolutely clueless in their last three games that they lost to the NFCs elite. They have not been been in one of those since the Saints put them away in the final meeting between them.
By the way, If you stopped trying to cute with your user name people might take you seriously. Otherwise, you’re just spitting watermelon seeds in the dark.
Stat Man
September 11th, 2011
10:07 pm
Had we stood pat in the 2001 draft, we coulda drafted Drew Brees, a real big game winner, not a 4-11 against 10 win team guy.