Falcons get another shot at Saints, looking to affirm direction
Are Matt Ryan and the Falcons headed forward? We'll find out Monday night in New Orleans. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
NEW ORLEANS — There have been enough times over the 40-plus seasons of Falcons-Saints games when we knew it really told us nothing about the future, other than maybe who would be happier once their hangover wore off.
One team stunk. Both teams stunk. Neither fan base was deluded into believing their team was that great, just better than the other one. It was the closest thing the NFL got to a college rivalry.
But the meeting in New Orleans Monday night will be different. This game likely will tell us something about the future for the Falcons. They’re almost certainly headed to the playoffs, and it’s possible their first-round game will be in the Superdome.
We know about the Saints: They’ve won six straight. Drew Brees, coach Mike Smith said, “is operating at a level we probably haven’t seen,” having thrown 16 touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last five games. Because of Brees, New Orleans is a Super Bowl threat.
We don’t really about the Falcons: They’ve played their best six quarters of the season consecutively. But that has come against Carolina (6-9) and Jacksonville (4-11), so they’re not quite feeling a group hug yet.
Their 9-5 record breaks down this way: 7-1 against teams currently with losing records, 2-4 against teams with winning or .500 records (including Chicago, which was 7-7 going into its game at Green Bay game Sunday night.).
The Falcons were viewed as a title contender at this time a year ago, and we know where that got them. They’re viewed as something less than that now. They’ll tell you they’re fine with that because they have the wild card/Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers as a reference point. But this is when the Packers stepped on the gas a year ago (winning their last two before the playoffs, including 45-17 over the Giants in game 15).
This is when the Falcons can begin to define direction and alter perceptions.
“It’s an important game because we’re going down the stretch and this is a big test for us,” wide receiver Roddy White said. “This could be a really big statement game for us, especially if we have to go back down there to play these guys again in two weeks.”
The Saints haven’t clinched the NFC South yet. But for the Falcons to win the division and clinch a home playoff game, they would have to win in the Superdome and again next week over Tampa Bay, then hope New Orleans loses its finale against Carolina. In that scenario, the Falcons would be the NFC’s No. 3 seed and host a first-round game against Detroit. As a wild card, the Falcons would travel to either the NFC East winner (Dallas or New York) if they’re the fifth seed, or New Orleans or San Francisco if they’re the the sixth seed (which ever opponent had the lesser record).
The scenarios would be different if the Falcons hadn’t, in their view, given away a game to New Orleans six weeks ago. The Saints won in overtime 26-23. You might recall something about a fourth-and-1 decision by coach Mike Smith in overtime that backfired. But Atlanta also had three red zone possessions that resulted in only field goals. Matt Bryant missed a field goal. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw an interception that led to three Saints’ points.
If any of those things fall the Falcons’ way, the teams probably are tied at 10-4 today instead of separated by two games. That game still stings.
“Guys have had this game circled,” Smith said.
“This is the one that we want,” White said.
“When we lost, we knew this game would be here later on in the season,” center Todd McClure said. “We want to go back and get a little revenge.”
This is their chance. The Falcons’ playoff lives aren’t on the line. But how they play against one of the league’s better teams should tell us something more about where they’re going.
By Jeff Schultz
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424 comments Add your comment
GT
December 26th, 2011
8:32 am
Our offensive line found itself, Jones is in the game and they have had a equivalent to a bye week. The only downside is they are playing in NO against the second best team in football. A far cry from anything we have had in the past, this time of year. Congratulations and keep getting better Falcons, I love it.
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
8:36 am
How strange is this.
No other team plays the Saints as well as the Falcons in terms of keeping them in relative check. The last few games decided by a field goal. So despite whatever takes place tonight, its a very strong possibility that the Falcons will play the Saints a 3rd time this year. (Two times in 2 weeks beginning tonight and possible next week if we fall to the 5the seed).
Gorilla Biscuit
December 26th, 2011
8:40 am
Have loved this game since the 1973 62-7 drubbing the Falcons put on the saints. I could deal with that again.
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
8:40 am
There is the chance that we beat the Saints tonight and the Carolina Panthers beating them next week. At the very least, if we beat the Saints tonight, the Saints will have to play ALL their starters to avoid losing to Cam Newton and the Panthers, while the Falcons will have the chance to rest starters and STILL beat the Buccaneers! ! !
Love it. Love it Love it.
Beat the Saints tonight, and all bets are off.
Falcons Sloppy Secondsdary
December 26th, 2011
8:41 am
Is Grimes playing? If not Brees has a huge night and we all remember Mike Smith’s decision to go for it on 4th in OT. AJC press will tell us how great we’ll be next year but won’t tell it like it is on our horrible offensive game plan. Turner up the gut on 3rd and long, anyone?
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
8:44 am
Saints better PRAY they not lose their last 2 games – That would bring the playoffs to the Ga Dome and I like our chances vs Lions in the first round in the DOME.
A Saints loss tonight would force them to play their their starters next week against the surging Panthers next week to avoid losing the division.
Can’t Wait! !
soon tobe 0-3in the playoffs
December 26th, 2011
8:57 am
The Falcons don’t win big games. Matt Ryan doesn’t win big games. Tonight wont any different.
coloradofalconsfan
December 26th, 2011
8:57 am
Falcons 34 Saints 27.
soon to be 0-3 in the playoffs
December 26th, 2011
9:01 am
The excuses for Ryan tonight: the defense, the o-line, the receivers. It’s never his fault in the eyes of Ryan worshipers.
Big Al
December 26th, 2011
9:05 am
HaHaHaHa!!! Now the game don’t matter. Falcons in playoff as a result of Green Bay win over Chicago. Falcons may even rest starters according to some Falcon fans. I smell a blowout coming in the Big Easy. A. Blank can get ready for some more heavy frustration.
Jason
December 26th, 2011
9:12 am
I am concerned that the Falcons will play poorly on National TV. It has happened too often when the defensive ends rush in the middle and give up contain and Brees beat them with the boot. Guys must stay in their lanes if we are to win against the run.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
December 26th, 2011
9:17 am
Talk is cheap…It must be a JawJaw thing.
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
9:21 am
I sure hope the Falcons don’t embarrass themselves on National TV tonight? They have done that far to many times in their 40 plus year history!
MG3
December 26th, 2011
9:29 am
Wonder how embarrassed the Falcons were when they beat the Saints in NO last year on National TV.
blazerdawg
December 26th, 2011
9:30 am
Birds are rested….secondary is back…a little worried about the PK, but this team hates the Saints as much as Falcon fans do…Birds win 33 – 24. (oh yes, Brees finally tackled for a loss – in the EZ)
Go Falcons!
RMikel58
December 26th, 2011
9:42 am
Uh im not sure on this one. I hear what theyre saying but the Saints are on a roll but in the end im afraid the only success Atlanta will have is to come out on all cylinders and hope for the best. Hard to stop a roll and sometimes all you do is slow it down a bit.
Other than Green Bay, the Saints are the 2nd hottest team. Im sure New Orleans will come to the game ready to play but not so much to PLAY FOR.
They have a 6 game streak and a 2 game lead. I stenciled this in as a loss because Atlanta couldnt really produce yards on the ground and they were more non productive than productive at Home. I take Atlantas Defense over New Orleans but the deciding factor is QB’;s where i give the nod to Drew Brees.
Mentally tougher and Physically able to take punishment whereas Matty cant. In close games i’d have to take Brees over Ryan. Just a better type QB you’d want on your team to be successful. Ryan hears footsteps then he bows to the pressure and falls down or gets tackled when flushed out.
In the Dome the atmosphere is different, they are very loud and no matter what the score is, they keep cheering the Saints on.
I’d really wish Smith would use another running back more often than not, getting tired of seeing our overpaid RB Turner hit clogged holes, lose yardage because he’s too slow and just gives up.
Good luck Falcons i’ll be watching n hoping but i think it wont be that close actually. 37-20
Seek Affirmation and it will NOT BE FOUND IN NOLA
December 26th, 2011
9:43 am
This is only a rivalry game to the Falclowns…when we have owned you 9 of the last 11 games, you are nothing but a nuisance on our way to a second Lombardi…you will be dispatched with ease….I will be in the Dome tonight to witness the Saints win the NFC South title and watch the failed franchise of the Falclowns fly back to their ghetto and trailer parks in the ATL hood…stay classy, south Fulton and Dekalb bottom feeders…
phil
December 26th, 2011
9:43 am
Fire Mike Smith after we lose tonight!
We need MV7!!
Mister.Earl
December 26th, 2011
9:43 am
Two Words
Jimmy Graham
phil
December 26th, 2011
9:46 am
Seek affirmation – good stuff from such a sad, pathetic loser.
phil
December 26th, 2011
9:47 am
Mister earl – two words
Idi ot
Mister.Earl
December 26th, 2011
9:48 am
Theme Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKZ8ob_G5uc
Mister.Earl
December 26th, 2011
9:49 am
phil – name calling won’t get you anywhere but laughed at.
Is that all you got?
Falcons Better play some “over-your-head-lights-out” pass defense.
Insults are for kids.
ATLBIRDS!
December 26th, 2011
9:51 am
I will be in the dome tonight to watch Drew Brees blow his knee out and watch the Dirty Birds beat the brakes off of the Aints. Go Dirty Birds.
IMHO
December 26th, 2011
9:52 am
Jeff makes points out the Falcons record against winning vs losing teams. Where is the break down of the Saints record? How can it be that much different. The Falcons played the schedule given to them by the NFL and it was designed to be more difficult than the Saints because of last years results.
Watch the holding by the Saints secondary all game. Then expect a flag on the Falcons for holding late in the game….
NFL has a lot invested in the sewer called New Orleans. Why do you think they suddenly were good right after Katrina? Who is actually paying Brees salary? The redneck owner of the Saints? Get real clowns….
Mister.Earl
December 26th, 2011
9:52 am
FACT
The Falcons defensive backfield is outclassed and outnumbered by Saints receivers. Advantage – Cafe DuMonde beignets
The Saints Jon Vilma is still not 100 per cent and Tony Gonzalez is hungry for a championship game appearance. Advantage So So Def Records
Drew Brees saw Katrina as an opportunity, could marry my sister, has a Super Bowl under his belt, stars on spots for NyQuill, the NFL mobile app and ESPN. Matt Ryan had one spot for Air Tran. Advantage – Jazz Fess
The MB Superdome is a classier joint than the Georgia Dome. Advantage – Real Housewives of Atlanta
New Orleans has Louis Armstrong, The Zion Harmonizers, Treme, Brad Pitt, The Neville Brothers and Harry Connick Jr. Atlanta has Outkast and Left Eye, who torched Andre Rison’s crib. Advantage – Tyler Perry’s over-amplified and bufoonish storyline. You cannot make this stuff up
Head Coach Mike Smith vs Coach Sean Payton. Advantage – the fourth down marker.
Saints 31 Falcons 27
phil
December 26th, 2011
9:53 am
Miss Earl – two words
Merry christmas!
wins-by-a-link
December 26th, 2011
9:55 am
Falcons are playing much better since they lost to NO, For some reason it has taken several games for the Birds to get it together, Rayan looks much better and Jones and White are performing well and catching passes again, It may well be up to the defense to contain Brees in order for Falcons to get the win.
phil
December 26th, 2011
9:56 am
Sadly, JJ will pull another hamstring tonight.
We’re doomed.
soon to be 0-3 in the playoffs
December 26th, 2011
9:59 am
I see “IMHO” is already making excuses and the game hasn’t even started yet. Wow.
Pete
December 26th, 2011
10:00 am
MNF, national limelight, entire country watching…………………….another guaranteed flop.
Just add this to the endless similar senarios over the past 40 years.
Another Atlanta team crumbles under pressure of the spotlight.
Saints 27 – Falcons 17
phil
December 26th, 2011
10:01 am
Release Tony Gonzalez!!
this dawg want hunt!!
December 26th, 2011
10:02 am
Ryan is just like Murray, great stats against inferior competition, but in big games he is pitiful. He is like a deer in headlights. Makes bad throws and stupid decisions. Falcons like UGA will never win big game with Melting Ice Ryan. How in the hell did he get the name Matty ICE? Must have liked snowcones when he was little!!
phil
December 26th, 2011
10:05 am
The ice nickname is right up there with the all time stupid ones.
Makes no sense.
Fire Dimitrov!!
soon to be 0-3 in the playoffs
December 26th, 2011
10:13 am
I wish we could trade Matt Ryan but since that will never happen we have to upgrade our defense. The only way we’ll compete for a title is with a top 3 D. Matty “dink&dunk” is not a playmaker. And after next year when Turner’s skills have really diminished due to age, Ryan will not have a solid running game to hide his glaring deficiencies as a passer.
SawThat1nce
December 26th, 2011
10:18 am
The saints and their trained zebras are hard to beat.
But, it can be done.
Ask the Seahawks, they did it.
Matt "CH0KE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:29 am
I’m sorry you guys, I can’t take this anymore. Matt Ryan stole my girlfriend in the third grade, I have no life so I just troll his message boards throwing out ridiculous stats over and over and over again, just hoping, nay, PRAYING, someone will respond and give me just an ounce of respect. You see, there’s nothing better to do down here in New Orleans except go party and spend the next day curled up in a ball reading Atlanta’s No. 1 hometown newspaper (since it’s far superior to ours) and trying to get all the Falcons fans’ goats. You see, it’s not that I necessarily HATE Atlanta, it’s more a sense of deep, deep jealousy that fuels my fire. I wish, oh wish so so so bad, that like Chris Paul I could demand a trade from New Orleans, but alas, I cannot; I am stuck here in NOLA, more specifically my couch, resigned to trolling Falcons articles, leaving negative comments, randomly CAPITALIZING WORDS I THINK ARE IMPORTANT and using awkward spacing in my comments.
So until I finally move to Atlanta, I guess, go Saints or whatever ;(
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:37 am
Soon. How do you say Matty is not a play maker when in 2 plus seasons, he already shows up on the all time 4th quarter comebacks list? How does he have a better 4 season regular start than ANY QB in the history of the NFL.
Before we throw dirt on him, why don’t we just be thankful they are not writing articles like this about is:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/eagles-blew-many-chances-1274060.html
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:39 am
And so the Eulogy is written, JUST LIKE I SAID IT WOULD. Can I get a “Dam Charlie, you hit that nail on the head. You DA man Charlie!!!” Can I at least get an amen?
http://www.ajc.com/sports/eagles-blew-many-chances-1274060.html
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:40 am
Good morning DELUSIONAL Falcants fans.
Jeff (Your hometown columnist) reported the facts:
7-1 vs BELOW .500 teams
2-4 vs ABOVE .500 teams
3-1 vs Rookie qbs the last 4 weeks
Guess what LOSERS?
You get to play “REAL” grownup qbs tonight & the 1st round of the playoffs.
That should bring CHOKE to 2-6 and another 1 & done…..HA HA HA.
You CLOWNS say the same crap every season and in the 1st week of January your
faces are so S-A-D
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:42 am
Play the Saints tough?
Isn’t Drew Brees like 12-2 or something vs the Falcants?
Yeah that’s really playing tough
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:43 am
There are 3 guarantees in life:
1. Death
2. Taxes
3. CHOKE Choking in the playoffs
HA HA HA
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:45 am
Is Drew Brees really 12-2? I know he is 5-2 against ice, then you have the 2-0 “lost” season. Soo, that brings us to a 5-0 record against our old Felon QB, you know, the one that has not won a playoff game in 8 years?
Smokey
December 26th, 2011
10:46 am
Time to unveil the Angry Birds defense. Go Birds!
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
10:46 am
That Eagle loss to the Falcons after dominating them for 2.5 quarters was huge….
The Falcons playoff run will be short lived..Bout 2 quarters…..lol
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:46 am
You forgot the 4th guarantee…That what ever team MV7 is apart of, will look like clowns running the circus, and will NOT EVEN MAKE the playoffs.
Joe
December 26th, 2011
10:46 am
Hey Matt “CHOKE” Ryan …. I use to be an alcoholic too. Get some help.
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
10:47 am
At Matt “Choke” Ryan” Here are 3 more guarantees in life”
1. You are still a LOSER.
2. Vick is NOT coming Back to Atlanta.
3. You will ALWAYS be a LOSER. Period.
(If you respond to this response to your post…you’ve just proven my point #1 and #3
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
10:48 am
Tonight is a must win for the Falcons….
Please Ice dont melt tonight……
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:48 am
HA HA HA – America laughs at the Falcants ever January
CHOKE is soon to be 27 and ZERO Playoff wins.
Vick as bad as you LOSERS say he is/was, he won more playoff games by age 24 than CHOKE
will his whole career
2012 Art Blank will clean house again
New Franchise QB
New Head Coach
New GM
Afterall he gave Mora 3 seasons & that included a championship game in year 1.
Smitty and CHOKE are in year 4 with ZERO anything after the regular season
HA HA HA