Falcons still have chance to hit their stride at right time
Could Sean Weatherspoon and Falcons be flying high going into playoffs? (Jason Getz/AJC)
At this point of the season a year ago, the Falcons had won eight straight games, were 12-2 and tied with New England for the NFL’s best record, had beaten New Orleans, Baltimore and Green Bay and generally looked like anything but a team that could lose its first playoff game by 27 points — which, of course, they did.
There’s an obvious byproduct to having a season suddenly going down like Pompeii. People stop assuming what comes next.
Which brings us to the 2011 Falcons. More people probably project them as a first-round playoff exit than a Super Bowl contender. But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Athletes feed off external doubt, and the “Green Bay did it, so can we” thing is slowly evolving into this group’s rallying cry. (The Packers entered the playoffs last year as a NFC’s sixth seed and proceeded to obliterate all in their path, beginning with the Falcons.)
“All of our goals are still in front of us,” running back Michael Turner said following Thursday’s 41-14 dismembering of Jacksonville. “All we can ask for is to get in the tournament, and then we’ll take it from there. We saw what happened last year with Green Bay.”
The Falcons are 9-5. They will get into the playoffs. They’ve had more than a few hiccups this season but have rebounded nicely. After losing to Houston and getting humiliated for one half at Carolina (combined six-quarter slouch: opponents 40, Falcons 17), they rallied to beat the Panthers and bury Jacksonville (combined six-quarter bounce-back: Falcons 65, opponents 14).
Falcons have lessened Mike Smith's stress. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
A stronger sense of how real this awakening is will come next Monday night, when the Falcons play at New Orleans. But there’s certainly no reason to think this team can’t go on a special run. It was a talented group with a veteran core before this season started, and it remains that.
“We like the [playoff] position we’re in because we feel like we can take our show on the road and win,” wide receiver Roddy White said. “We’re built to run the ball and play-action pass and get the ball to [the receivers] on the outside. We don’t break. We know we just have be consistent to win games. Carolina definitely was a wake-up call for us. It took two quarters to wake up, but we learned. You never want to be down 23-7 but it’s good to see what your team can do when that happens. That gave us a lot of confidence.”
The Falcons have clinched their fourth straight winning season Thursday. It speaks to general expectations that that was an afterthought. They know they need some measure of postseason success because one-and-dones get old real quick with a jaded fan base.
But there are positive signs. Matt Ryan is on target again. Receivers aren’t dropping passes. The defense is starting to get more pressure. There are fewer missed tackles. Sean Weatherspoon is an emerging star. The team hasn’t had a turnover in the last two weeks.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff was concerned about his team for several weeks, but he’s starting to see light now.
“Mike has echoed this, and we’ve been very clear: We expect much more consistency given the talent of this football team and the talent of this coaching staff,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that we had some moments of inconsistency. But we really believe now we’re starting to get our feet underneath us and we’re starting to play some fundamentally sound football.
“I’m seeing accomplished assignments. I’m seeing focus. I’m seeing finish.”
A little swagger also may be coming back. When asked his thoughts on the New Orleans game, White smiled and said, “We’re going to win.”
So he’s guaranteeing that?
“I don’t guarantee victories,” he said. “But we’re going to win.”
That certainly would alter perceptions.
By Jeff Schultz
Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSchultzAJC). Friend me on Facebook (Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC).
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
400 comments Add your comment
Just Sayin'
December 17th, 2011
11:37 pm
Atlanta ….. loserville USA, always has been, always will be.
FlySober
December 18th, 2011
12:16 am
What will Thomas do if the Birds are One and Done again? After giving up all of those picks for JJ? I am an optimist but also a realist ~ the teams they have beaten have less than stellar records. Beating the Saints is not a “nice to do” ~ but a must or bust! This “ball club” has to be consistent winners for any of the Management to be taken seriously given the level of talent. I’m a fan for sure ~ but thankfully, my job is NOT in jeopardy if they fail… three letters for Arthur … R-O-I Go Falcons!
Eric C.
December 18th, 2011
5:07 am
@JSS
“And I spent nearly a month without you cretins (Oct. 17-Nov. 7)… Most of you are so stupid, that you never realized I was gone (even though I announced it for a week prior to my departure… You jackoffs, spent 3 weeks talking crap to someone who wasn’t even around… Don’t worry, I made sure to give it all back to ya! Hey, take solace, the end of January will be here soon and then you morons can talk trash to someone who is not around again… Idiots!
I’ve avoided responding to your garbage since Thanksgiving Day, but I couldn’t wait until Christmas to tell you what a bad seed you are. In one paragraph, you referred to your adversaries as stupid, cretins, jackoffs, morons, and idiots. That is just poor sportsmanship fellow, and I will “burn your internet house down” for it…LOL. And, comparing this blog to the killer clown??? My goodness, don’t tell me you know him personally as well? Hmmm, for you…Jack the Ripper with IED sounds about right.
MWC
December 18th, 2011
7:29 am
JSS is nothing but a broke d#*k tool. I discovered this fact 2 years ago. No life. Let him go ….To everyone else, have a great day !
Yunel Asscobar
December 18th, 2011
8:44 am
These guys need to focus and stop comparing themselves to last year’s Packers. They are NOT Green Bay, as we saw in the playoffs. Simply having similar records at a point in the season does not mean the team is filled with the same level of passion, intensity, and focus as Green Bay. These guys are light years away from the Pack and the truly elite in the NFL.
JSS
December 18th, 2011
10:53 am
@ 5:07 and 7:29AM
How does it feel to spit into the wind? Go clean your face now…
phil
December 18th, 2011
11:08 am
Release Santa…
phil
December 18th, 2011
11:10 am
And fire FG so we can have a merry xmas!
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
11:26 am
Who is FG?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
11:59 am
“In Commentary”
What started out as a Dream, a Hope, a Savior, was just a smoke screen. When we want a hero, we leave ourselves in a truly vulnerable state. We leave our hearts open and our brains shut. When we let our hatred dictate the emotions of our hearts, we are subjected to being left alone in a dark gaping hole, where their is no hope of a clear solution.
That hatred was when Art Blank did the unthinkable – He did something that the Mr. Charlie’s of Atlanta dreaded. He drafted a braid wearing player number one in the NFL. If this was Deion Sanders, there would not have been so much hatred, but when he had nerve to spend that number 1 overall draft pick on a braid wearing quarterback, oh that took the Mr. Charlies to a place where fear, insecurity, added with reality & change, and you have a recipe for hatred.
A smart person does not make irrational decisions when they are angry. When you do so, then you draft a quarterback that played 5 seasons of college football, yet all he had to show for it was 22 picks in his 5th season.
I would have had a little more compassion for his failures if it was in a division where defenses ruled, but it was in the A.C.C. A division if not for Miami or Virginia Tech, would be the minor leagues for major conferences.
In this hatred, rage, disgust by Blank’s gall, they rushed to judgment. They fired the once coaching staff that took the team to the championship game in their 1st season, and made questionable decisions. Once they made these decisions, there was no turning back, because they knew that the Vick loyal followers would say “HA HA”.
Therefore, they tried to build CHOKE as an elite quarterback by surrounding him with pro bowlers, hall of famers, number 1 drafted offensive linemen and still the results remained the same – no playoff wins.
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:01 pm
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED?
“In Commentary”
What started out as a Dream, a Hope, a Savior, was just a smoke screen. When we want a hero, we leave ourselves in a truly vulnerable state. We leave our hearts open and our brains shut. When we let our hatred dictate the emotions of our hearts, we are subjected to being left alone in a dark gaping hole, where their is no hope of a clear solution.
That hatred was when Art Blank did the unthinkable – He did something that the Mr. Charlie’s of Atlanta dreaded. He drafted a braid wearing player number one in the NFL. If this was Deion Sanders, there would not have been so much hatred, but when he had nerve to spend that number 1 overall draft pick on a braid wearing quarterback, oh that took the Mr. Charlies to a place where fear, insecurity, added with reality & change, and you have a recipe for hatred.
A smart person does not make irrational decisions when they are angry. When you do so, then you draft a quarterback that played 5 seasons of college football, yet all he had to show for it was 22 picks in his 5th season.
I would have had a little more compassion for his failures if it was in a division where defenses ruled, but it was in the A.C.C. A division if not for Miami or Virginia Tech, would be the minor leagues for major conferences.
In this hatred, rage, disgust by Blank’s gall, they rushed to judgment. They fired the once coaching staff that took the team to the championship game in their 1st season, and made questionable decisions. Once they made these decisions, there was no turning back, because they knew that the Vick loyal followers would say “HA HA”.
Therefore, they tried to build CHOKE as an elite quarterback by surrounding him with pro bowlers, hall of famers, number 1 drafted offensive linemen and still the results remained the same – no playoff wins.
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:02 pm
What started out as a Dream, a Hope, a Savior, was just a smoke screen. When we want a hero, we leave ourselves in a truly vulnerable state. We leave our hearts open and our brains shut. When we let our hatred dictate the emotions of our hearts, we are subjected to being left alone in a dark gaping hole, where their is no hope of a clear solution.
That hatred was when Art Blank did the unthinkable – He did something that the Mr. Charlie’s of Atlanta dreaded. He drafted a braid wearing player number one in the NFL. If this was Deion Sanders, there would not have been so much hatred, but when he had nerve to spend that number 1 overall draft pick on a braid wearing quarterback, oh that took the Mr. Charlies to a place where fear, insecurity, added with reality & change, and you have a recipe for hatred.
A smart person does not make irrational decisions when they are angry. When you do so, then you draft a quarterback that played 5 seasons of college football, yet all he had to show for it was 22 picks in his 5th season.
I would have had a little more compassion for his failures if it was in a division where defenses ruled, but it was in the A.C.C. A division if not for Miami or Virginia Tech, would be the minor leagues for major conferences.
In this hatred, rage, disgust by Blank’s gall, they rushed to judgment. They fired the once coaching staff that took the team to the championship game in their 1st season, and made questionable decisions. Once they made these decisions, there was no turning back, because they knew that the Vick loyal followers would say “HA HA”.
Therefore, they tried to build CHOKE as an elite quarterback by surrounding him with pro bowlers, hall of famers, number 1 drafted offensive linemen and still the results remained the same – no playoff wins.
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:04 pm
Facts don’t lie……………….
What started out as a Dream, a Hope, a Savior, was just a smoke screen. When we want a hero, we leave ourselves in a truly vulnerable state. We leave our hearts open and our brains shut. When we let our hatred dictate the emotions of our hearts, we are subjected to being left alone in a dark gaping hole, where their is no hope of a clear solution.
That hatred was when Art Blank did the unthinkable – He did something that the Mr. Charlie’s of Atlanta dreaded. He drafted a braid wearing player number one in the NFL. If this was Deion Sanders, there would not have been so much hatred, but when he had nerve to spend that number 1 overall draft pick on a braid wearing quarterback, oh that took the Mr. Charlies to a place where fear, insecurity, added with reality & change, and you have a recipe for hatred.
A smart person does not make irrational decisions when they are angry. When you do so, then you draft a quarterback that played 5 seasons of college football, yet all he had to show for it was 22 picks in his 5th season.
I would have had a little more compassion for his failures if it was in a division where defenses ruled, but it was in the A.C.C. A division if not for Miami or Virginia Tech, would be the minor leagues for major conferences.
In this hatred, rage, disgust by Blank’s gall, they rushed to judgment. They fired the once coaching staff that took the team to the championship game in their 1st season, and made questionable decisions. Once they made these decisions, there was no turning back, because they knew that the Vick loyal followers would say “HA HA”.
Therefore, they tried to build CHOKE as an elite quarterback by surrounding him with pro bowlers, hall of famers, number 1 drafted offensive linemen and still the results remained the same – no playoff wins.
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:04 pm
“In Commentary”
What started out as a Dream, a Hope, a Savior, was just a smoke screen. When we want a hero, we leave ourselves in a truly vulnerable state. We leave our hearts open and our brains shut. When we let our hatred dictate the emotions of our hearts, we are subjected to being left alone in a dark gaping hole, where their is no hope of a clear solution.
That hatred was when Art Blank did the unthinkable – He did something that the Mr. Charlie’s of Atlanta dreaded. He drafted a braid wearing player number one in the NFL. If this was Deion Sanders, there would not have been so much hatred, but when he had nerve to spend that number 1 overall draft pick on a braid wearing quarterback, oh that took the Mr. Charlies to a place where fear, insecurity, added with reality & change, and you have a recipe for hatred.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:05 pm
A smart person does not make irrational decisions when they are angry. When you do so, then you draft a quarterback that played 5 seasons of college football, yet all he had to show for it was 22 picks in his 5th season.
I would have had a little more compassion for his failures if it was in a division where defenses ruled, but it was in the A.C.C. A division if not for Miami or Virginia Tech, would be the minor leagues for major conferences.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:06 pm
In this hatred, rage, disgust by Blank’s gall, they rushed to judgment. They fired the once coaching staff that took the team to the championship game in their 1st season, and made questionable decisions. Once they made these decisions, there was no turning back, because they knew that the Vick loyal followers would say “HA HA”.
Therefore, they tried to build CHOKE as an elite quarterback by surrounding him with pro bowlers, hall of famers, number 1 drafted offensive linemen and still the results remained the same – no playoff wins.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:07 pm
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:07 pm
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:08 pm
I know what you are thinking, maybe it takes time. I say to those bias thinkers – how much more time do you need? Why is in that same time period the Ravens took the same path with a rookie coach and rookie quarterback, and have racked up 4 playoff wins on the road, in 3 different seasons?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:08 pm
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
Is this the hope you had in mind?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
12:09 pm
How much time do you need to realize that your so called keys to to Porche, was really a lemon in disguise? Well, unless they miraculously go on a superbowl run in a season where they are clinging onto a suspected wild card, thanks to 4 straight games of playing against rookie quarterbacks.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
12:29 pm
Need a great idea for Nice Christmas Gifts? Have a look at something Unique and personal.
Sports Fan Focused.
An Advertisement for your company.
Personal.
http://www.atlantahaulitallinc.com/Bird_Houses.php
Noodle Arm
December 18th, 2011
12:40 pm
I like the Vikings today,, this is just the kind of game that comes up and bites the Aints in the A$$.
Noodle Arm
December 18th, 2011
12:58 pm
If i see a MCR, JSS post I just keep on scrolling,,, same ole boring stuff. Now I do find SeenThis entertaining, But I have to admit I’m a huge JoeTessFishHouse Fan,,, the man is a genious,,, Some one needs to compile a best of JoeTess blog,,,
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:07 pm
Choke, I had no dread of MV7 being drafted, although I would have preferred Drew Brees and I said it at the time. I was accused of exactly what you accuse me of, however, unlike you, I do not see color, race, or become blinded my by my bigotry, that is how I was able to evaluate football talent and projected Drew Brees to be the better pro…and what turns into the inconvenient truth to you, I was 100% RIGHT.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
1:08 pm
Aints Fans nice TurnOver.
Noodle RICHARD you have lil taste if you like those posts by Joe.
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:09 pm
Yea, Joe’s post are great.
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:17 pm
Funny choke, in 2001 I did want us to keep or draft position and take Brees. BUT, people like you, who do not know how to evaluate QB talent, insisted my position was race related just as you stated above. You cast your own prejudice and bigotry onto me, and were blinded by your hate to spot obvious NFL QB material. But I know how hard it is for you to understand, but I don’t think that way. ..Turn out I was right, and that’s gotta hurt….How much time does Ice need? IDK, it took about 6-7 years for so I am patient man, and Matty Ice will show you how wrong you are, just like Drew Brees did.
A person SMART enough to know......
December 18th, 2011
1:26 pm
love the HOLDING call.
5150 UOAD
December 18th, 2011
1:28 pm
Damn a Screen. Something the falcons or the dawgs don’t do.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:29 pm
Loss vs Saints = Season over…HA HA.
5150 UOAD
December 18th, 2011
1:33 pm
and aFREAKn QB = jail time in the future.
5150 UOAD
December 18th, 2011
1:34 pm
“Choke” is still sucking NoLa Gutter swill and is Drunk on it.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:38 pm
Dream team beats Cowboys
Dream team beats Giants
Giants beat Cowboys
Redskins beat Giants (Today)
Dream Team beats Cowboys (Next Week)
Giants will beat Cowboys (Week 17)
This is hilarious……… ha ha ha.
The Dream Team lost 5 straight games, yet they are still alive for the playoffs just like the Falcants…..ha ha ha.
Cowboys finish 8-8
Giants finish 8-8
Dream Team finish 8-8
Dream Team wins the division.
Dream Team hosts Falcants (If they make the playoffs)…….ha ha ha
The Dream Team has played like crap the whole season & still alive like the Falcants….ha ha.
That would be HILARIOUS……. ha ha
This is hilarious………… ha ha ha.
Cowboys 8-6
Giants will be 7-7
Dream Team will be 6-8
5150 UOAD
December 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
Choke………..dream team is a HUGE JOKE but you love that ghetto trash QB just too much to see the TRUTH.
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
Choke… I was on record for wanting to draft Drew Brees over MV7, but it had nothing to do with race, color, hair style, or any of the things that consume your every thought. It was based on pure analysis of the skill set necessary to play QB at the highest level in the NFL. I know you cannot comprehend that, but the results over time more than proves and justifies my position.
How much time do we need? It took me about 6-7 years to be right proven right beyond any shadow of a doubt about Brees V Vick, so I am a patient man, we are in the spring of Ryans one day HOF career.
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:41 pm
Choke… I was on record for wanting to draft Drew Brees over MV7, but it had nothing to do with race, color, hair style, or any of the things that consume your every thought. It was based on pure analysis of the skill set necessary to play QB at the highest level in the NFL. I know you cannot comprehend that, but the results over time more than proves and justifies my position.
How much time do we need? It took me about 6-7 years to be right proven right beyond any shadow of a doubt about Brees V Vick, so I am a patient man, we are in the spring of Ryans one day HOF career.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:44 pm
Redskins 10 Giants 0
Dream Team
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:48 pm
Bears wins
Detroit wins
Saints beat Falcants
Detroit moves to 5th seed
Chicago moves to 6th seed
BYE BYE Falcants
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:50 pm
Eagles lose to Jets….Eagles can’t even get to 8-8.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:50 pm
Redskins pick off Eli
Dream Team
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:51 pm
Go Saints!
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:52 pm
I love watching Choke hope for the Cream Team….Just to watch him get crushed one more time…..Pining his hopes on Rex Grossman.
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
1:53 pm
Watch Skins hold on and win…Then watch Eagles lose to Jets, just to add one more indignity to the Eagles fans.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:58 pm
Saints next week….ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:59 pm
Why can’t the Falcants win a playoff game without Vick? Oh God whyyyyyyy?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
1:59 pm
Redskins 17 Giants 0
Dream Team
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2011
2:00 pm
HA HA HA Chiefs beating Packers
Packers own Falcants……………. ha ha ha
Mr Charlie
December 18th, 2011
2:04 pm
Choke, Choke, Choke, did you not learn your lesson about getting all excited in first half last week in Carolina?