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
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:49 am
I really like how once the pressure was lifted, the Eagles started playing near their talent level. So, it appears all the pressure got to them…..Now exactly who is the Choker? I believe MV7 can add that new title to his resume to go with quitter.
MV7 choking REGULAR SEASON GAMES with the most talented team football has to offer. Classic.
Smokey
December 26th, 2011
10:50 am
Matt ‘CHOKE’ Ryan is an angry little troll spewing trash talk. He hasn’t seen the sun in a long time and the next time he does he will turn to stone. LOL
painter
December 26th, 2011
10:50 am
Ryan’s gonna win tonight and the Saints glory days are over.
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
10:50 am
I wonder if Ryan will ever get to play in an NFC Championship?
May be easier to win the lottery jack pot? lol
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:51 am
3 Reasons why CHOKE……Chokes
1. He is not Intelligent enough to be a starter.
2. He SUCKS
3. HE SUCKS
HA HA HA
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
10:52 am
Choke, sure MV7 won 2 whole playoff games, but since he has only been to the playoffs once since, it appears Art dumped his Azzz at exactly the right time, well, two seasons too late, but better late then never.
And why do you keep talking about next year? Somebody needs to make a new name: Mike “Wait until next year” Vick.
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
10:54 am
Hey Matt “CHOKE” Ryan —
Here are three playoff scenarios for the first round:
1.) Saints -vs – Lions
2.) Falcons -vs- Giants/Dallas
3.) Eagles (Vic) -vs – Wait Til Next Year …(ha ha ha).
Nothing you can say will change the fact that you and your sorry team WILL be watching the FALCONS play in the playoffs.
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
10:54 am
If Ryan fails again in the playoff this year, who should Mr Blank fire first?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:54 am
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FALCANTS:
27-2 When Turner rushes more than 20 times.
4-11 When CHOKE throws for more than 40 times.
ANALYSIS:
CHOKE couldn’t blow his nose without Turner………….
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:56 am
This year was a fluke. Eagles will be back. Just you wait an see.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:57 am
BY THE NUMBERS SINCE 2008:
Flacco/Harbaugh 4 playoff wins & a championship game
CHOKE/Smitty 0-2 & Turds in the playoffs
HA HA HA
This CLOWN is too STUPID & U-N-I-N-T-E-L-L-I-G-E-N-T
Deal with it LOSERS
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
10:59 am
I’m actually happy when CHOKE starts.
After Martin reruns are hard to find anymore, he is the best comedy act on t.v.
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
10:59 am
Tonight will be like a playoff game on the road. Uh Oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:01 am
“Philly was crushed by the weight of expectations”
are you REALLY calling MC2 a choker? REALLY? REALLY? REALLY, c’mon, REALLY? Do you REALLY even want to go there?
I mean, there is losing a game in the playoffs, it happens every year. But there will only be one “Dream Team” “who was crushed by the weight of expectations”. in 50 years, there was one, and in 50 more, there will still only be one…..HJAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
5150 UOAD
December 26th, 2011
11:02 am
Has anybody seen CHOKE and HiRam Taint today? I guess they are still all snugged up together in their waterbed in the double wide with the luxury garden tub bathroom.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:03 am
Has anyone noticed that no matter if the weather is warm or cold, CHOKE wears long sleeves?
Know why?
He is insecure about this string bean arm, which would remind his dumb fans just why he has a
noodle arm and can’t make throws down the field with NFL caliber consistency.
If he plays up there in that Winter New York stiff wind, that ball with look like a nerf ball
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:03 am
I mean, what happened it Philly is so funny, I laughed off the freaking page…Maybe there will be a NFL films “Dream Team Season”, and that will be way way way funnier than Martin.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:03 am
Choke: Why do you care so much about the Falcons? Your comments speaks volumes about your deep love for the Falcons. Deep down, you REALLY do love this team. Nothing else can explain why you are so passionate about posting the stuff you do.
You sound like a jilted lover. Before Ryan came to the Falcons and Vick was here, you was all in love with the Falcons. Grow up dude. Get over it. MV7 is not coming back (Thank goodness).
Matt may not be the best, but he is OUR DAMN QB and that’s the way it is. Deal with it. Bro.
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
11:03 am
Mr Blank, who do you fire first??
old man
December 26th, 2011
11:04 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan:
You’re an Eagles fan?
I thought “choke” was your QBs nickname.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:06 am
@Mrs. Charlie
This is a Falcons blog, why are you talking about other teams quarterbacks?
Don’t divert the LOSING problems to another team’s quarterback.
I do understand however, because CHOKE SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:06 am
NFL films presents “The Dream Team”. “We were crushed under the weight of expectations” “The greatest collection of talent ever amassed on and NFL roster” “We panicked” “Once the pressure was off, we played up to our level”
Can even make this stuff up..ut uh? I think I am gonna laaaugghh oofff thheee pppaaaggeee aaaaaggggaaaaIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
11:07 am
Hey Choke, interesting stats posted on the blog today..The stats dont lie, they show a pattern……
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:08 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:03 am
Choke: Why do you care so much about the Falcons? Your comments speaks volumes about your deep love for the Falcons. Deep down, you REALLY do love this team. Nothing else can explain why you are so passionate about posting the stuff you do.
You sound like a jilted lover. Before Ryan came to the Falcons and Vick was here, you was all in love with the Falcons. Grow up dude. Get over it. MV7 is not coming back (Thank goodness).
Matt may not be the best, but he is OUR DAMN QB and that’s the way it is. Deal with it. Bro.
_________________________________________________
Looks like the poser is too STUPID to realize what handle he was using……
Ha ha ha
falconsrus
December 26th, 2011
11:09 am
Not only will we beat the saints we will destroy “choke”"Chicken lips “to you merry x mas JS
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:09 am
@CGD
Would you please tell me what those stats show?
I think CHOKE kissers didn’t get the memo
Ueeediot
December 26th, 2011
11:10 am
5150 load and is same sex overtones.. This guy needs to seek Dr Phil’s help pronto!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:10 am
CHOKE beating Brees is like CHOKE kissers putting down their crack pipes
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:12 am
Blown out by Tampa…………… HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 26th, 2011
11:12 am
Lost to Yates…………….. HA HA HA
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:12 am
Choke, I bring up MV7 because you brought him up first about 4 years ago. just because I was right, that HE IS HOW I THOUGHT HE WAS, does not mean we need to stop talking about him now.
And you notice nobody bites on your Matty unintelligent comments? It is like saying MV7 has no athletic ability. Some things are just so patently absurd, it does not warrant a response.
Turk
December 26th, 2011
11:13 am
Hey Matt Choke Ryan. Did u know that it took Payton Manning 6 seasons to win a play off game? It also took Brees about the same amount. FALCONS 35-33 Aints!!!
Ueeediot
December 26th, 2011
11:13 am
Crack is wack! Guess you didnt get the memo? ^^^^^^ lmao…..
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:14 am
Yea, nothing like MV7 fans interpreting stats and numbers…..Somebody might lose and eye.
Ueeediot
December 26th, 2011
11:15 am
That QB from Marietta is pretty good. He could probably win a playoff game with the Falcons? Ya think….
CGD..
December 26th, 2011
11:16 am
Hey Choke those numbers you posted are truly amazing Sir!
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
11:24 am
When the Saints lose tonight, they will be forced to win next week versus Cam Newton and the surging Panthers. It will be very interesting. It will force the Saints to play all their starters next week just to keep in first place and 1st round playoffs at the Mercedes Benz Stupid Dome.
When we win tonight, We will have a choice of resting our players next week against the hapless Bucs next week, while the Saints get desperate not to lose their final game.
I think we have a great chance of still winning the division.
For Crying Out Loud
December 26th, 2011
11:24 am
For crying out loud, in the history of the Aints, they have never been very revelant either! Who do you think you are, Aints Fans? You’re Aints! So shut up on this blog and go to your own. Oh, forgot, you don’t even have a newspaper in NO for blogging…beside they neither read nor write there it wouldn’t matter if they did. Go Falcons…put it to rest!
Blake
December 26th, 2011
11:28 am
I want that fist pumping coach of theirs to sit on the ground and cry……
BIG-D
December 26th, 2011
11:33 am
Get over it choke,vick aint coming back!Dam man you need serious mental help!
5150 UOAD
December 26th, 2011
11:36 am
I am betting CHOKE will be changing his name after tonight!
After the collapse of MV7 and Ryan & the Falcons winning tonight I would think he has to change his name.
MG3
December 26th, 2011
11:39 am
Amazing @ how all the Vick fans still hold such a grudge. You have no one to be angry with but Vick himself. He’d still be here if not for HIS own actions. As for our current QB and team, three trips to the playoffs in 4 WINNING seasons. Playoff losses, yes. But the first to a HOF QB in MR2’s rookie year and the second to the best team on the planet. The current Falcons regime is our best ever and will give the Saints all they can handle tonight. Division is still up for grabs and everyone remembers what happened last year in NO.
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:39 am
I think Choke has about a half dozen names already.
Falcons4Eva
December 26th, 2011
11:40 am
Amen MG3
Well said!
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:46 am
MG3, exaclty. I guess MR2 has about 12 or so more years left in the NFL. IF he goes to the playoffs 75% of the time, that means he might have 9 more trips to the playoffs. My guess is he will win a playoff game or two before it is all said and done.
I really think the pivotal point of this season was in the Chicago game, the game was our or reach, Ryan was getting killed and he was yelling and screaming at his teammates to finish.
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
11:53 am
When the Chicago game was out of reach and, and Ryan was getting hit on every play, I expected Smitty to pull him, keep him healthy, and live to fight another day. But Ryan finished the game, kept getting knocked down, kept getting up telling his teammates to finish the game. That showed me more than anything. He took his last sack with .28 seconds left, it was probably stupid on Smittys standpoint, but MR2 was not about to come out of that game.
Sid
December 26th, 2011
11:59 am
From Urban Dictionary…………….
Geaux:
A sound made to distinguish an awkward or inappropriate comment/moment.
A more extreme version of “yikes”.
Originates from the season 4 episode “Fast Times at Buddy Cianci Jr. High” of Family Guy.
Example 1:
Fish 1: You know what I hate? A guy in a blue suit.
Fish 2: Geaux!
Fish 3: Ssssss, there’s one right behind me, isn’t there?
Example 2:
Guy: I’m not sure, but I think I might be gay.
Others: Geaux!
Mr Charlie
December 26th, 2011
12:00 pm
Remember this Ice moment?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmJRVcFrDmE
falco
December 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
No one has said it, so i guess i will, choke is nothing but a RACIST pig. He sounds like the blogger, the first year Matt Ryan was the gb,who said the ATL could not win with a WHITE gb, so now that they are winninig he has to come up with his CHOKE theory, so sit back and enjoy the rest of our WINNING season!!
zbulldawg
December 26th, 2011
12:11 pm
WHAT EVER !! DROP the get next time attitude DUDE & do it NOW !