Falcons get their reality check, and it’s not what they expected
Falcons could do nothing to stop Drew Brees and the Saints. (AP photo)
(UPDATED: 1:03 a.m.)
NEW ORLEANS — So much for the mystery.
There’s no need to wonder how heavily to weigh six consecutive dominating quarters against Carolina and Jacksonville. As it turns out, it means only that the Falcons are better than Carolina and Jacksonville — neither of whom they’ll be facing in the playoffs.
They’re not as good as New Orleans. They’re certainly not as good as Green Bay. It remains to be seen if they’re as good as anybody in the playoff field (although they did beat Detroit. But the Falcons won’t be playing them, either.)
Pecking order was firmly established Monday night. The Falcons got boat-raced by New Orleans 45-16 at the Superdome. At least, that was the score the last time anybody looked up.
“I think it’s an aberration,” coach Mike Smith said when asked what this says about the state of his team.
He had better hope so. The Falcons just suffered their worst loss ever under Smith. The 29-point deficit was even bigger than last season’s playoff loss to Green Bay (48-21).
Some might have been upset that the Saints poured it on at the end. (Drew Brees threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game with 2:51 left, prompting Saints coach Sean Payton to later alibi that he was just trying to get Brees the single-season passing yardage record on that drive.)
But when a team gets body-slammed like this, it has nothing to whine about.
The Falcons didn’t merely get beat by a seemingly faster and more talented team. They got punched in the mouth. They lost both lines of scrimmage. They had receivers laid out in the New Orleans secondary, and their own defense didn’t reciprocate. They got outcoached. They didn’t have an answer for a New Orleans offense that went over 300 yards by halftime or for quarterback Drew Brees, who just made them look silly most of the night.
They gave up a 92-yard kickoff return and allowed a touchdown on a 30-yard fumble return after Julio Jones found himself with an excess of thumbs. So they spread the agony around.
This all happened with quite a bit on the line, not the least of which was a slim chance to rally and win the NFC South.
“It’s pretty embarrassing the way we played,” linebacker Curtis Lofton said.
“I don’t even know what this means — I don’t have a clue,” wide receiver Roddy White said.
This doesn’t mean the Falcons are incapable of winning a first-round playoff game over Dallas, New York or San Francisco. But they have beaten only two teams all season that currently have winning records (Detroit and Tennessee), and this performance by players and coaches leaves nobody with any sense of comfort.
There’s also this: If things fall just right (or wrong), the Falcons will be coming back to New Orleans in two weeks for the playoffs. Sleep well, Brian VanGorder.
After consecutive wins over Carolina and Jacksonville, the Falcons had started to believe they could go on an improbable playoff run from a wild-card position this season, just like the Green Bay Packers did last season. But this game provided no reassurance of that.
Smith again: “I felt like we had a good week of preparation. I didn’t see this coming. We didn’t play Atlanta Falcons football and the scoreboard indicates that.”
What the scoreboard indicated was that this defense still can’t handle offenses with an elite quarterback. The only thing the first half gave the Falcons were bad flashbacks of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense, ripping them apart in January.
The Saints led 21-10 at halftime. They would’ve had four touchdowns in four possessions, but one would-be score went off Jimmy Graham’s hands in the end zone, was volleyballed by William Moore and fell like manna from heaven into the hands of Falcons defensive back Dominique Franks for an interception. So much for the Falcons’ first-half defensive highlights.
When Brees stepped back to pass, the Falcons’ secondary looked like somebody had kicked an ant hill. The Falcons rarely pressured Brees, rarely blitzed and, when they did, they got burned. Brees threw for 230 yards on only four possessions and New Orleans totaled 306 yards in offense.
There is your reality check about the Falcons’ defense in game No. 15.
Moving the ball wasn’t an issue early. The Falcons’ drove to a field goal and a touchdown on their first two possessions. But when they stalled, New Orleans kept going. As much as the Falcons fashion themselves as an explosive offense, they’re not nearly at the level of New Orleans or Green Bay.
The defense’s only hope against opponents at this level is to punch them in the mouth. But the Falcons were throwing hooks at air Monday night. In the first half, Brees moved the Saints 84 yards in 3 minutes and 28 seconds, 81 yards in 3:59 and 80 yards in 1:55.
You could almost hear defenders yell in unison, “Which way did he go?”
When New Orleans took a 28-10 lead in the third quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brees to Robert Meachem, chants of “MVP, MVP,” went up in the Superdome crowd.
Nobody in white jerseys would cast a dissenting vote.
The Falcons were looking for a sign that they could do something special in the postseason. Instead, they got smacked with a reality check. Barring an unexpected mutation, they’re nowhere nearly good enough for that.
By Jeff Schultz
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751 comments Add your comment
DocDawg
December 27th, 2011
12:50 am
When Ryan gets fired by Philly he would make a heckuva D coordinator here.
clyve
December 27th, 2011
12:50 am
The cover 2 scheme does not work against these great Qbs. it’s obvious a scheme change is needed
5150 UOAD
December 27th, 2011
12:51 am
The NFL Hall of Fame players don’t want to allow any players that played WUSSBALL (2004-present) to be members of their CLUB.
Bob
December 27th, 2011
12:51 am
Enter your comments here
Georgia Tide Fan
December 27th, 2011
12:52 am
“allowed a touchdown on a 30-yard fumble return after Julio Jones found himself with an excess of thumbs.”
Did you just make that up because you do not like Julio. Julio was the only thing we had going for us tonight and they didn’t use him enough. Yes, he did fumble the ball. Did you actually see why? He caught the ball, was hit, maintained his balance and was stripped from behind trying to get more yardage.
I can’t believe they actually pay you to write this stuff.
MarkG
December 27th, 2011
12:52 am
Absolute humiliation!!! Horrific loss by the Falcons. Falcons should get the #5 seed and beat either Dallas or NY, but don’t look for them to go very far. The hell with that Murlarkey play calling. Get so tired of seeing the same $hit from the coaches.
Loserville USA
December 27th, 2011
12:53 am
MULARKEYED AGAIN. This guy is thought of so highly….WHY? We run, we win. 20 times to be exact. But no, throw the ball over 40 times. Losing record when we pass more than 40 times. 1-5 to be exact.
MIKE MULARKEY MUST GO. He has killed the season in the name of “explosiveness.” I’m glad everyone has got to ride along on his 15-game job interview on the 4 networks. Mike Smith is nothing more than his puppet. What an obtuse philosophy to change the team without OTAs. Really, really stupid. And we’re heading for the exits in 2 weeks.
OBSERVE….
@ CHI (L) 31 of 47, 319 yards
vs. PHI (W) 17 of 28, 195 yards
@ TB (L) 26 of 47, 330 yards
@ SEA (W) 28 of 42, 291 yards,
vs.GB( L) 18 of 31, 167 yards
vs. CAR (W) 14 of 22, 163 yards
@ DET (W) 20 of 34, 218 yards
@ IND (W) 14 of 24, 275 yards
vs NO (L) 29 of 52, 351 yards
vs TEN (W) 22 of 32, 316 yards
vs MIN (W) 27 of 34, 262 yards
@ HOU(L), 20 of 47, 267 yards
@ CAR (W) 22 of 38, 320 yards
vs JAC (W) 19 of 26, 224 yards
@ NO (L), 34 of 52, 373 yards
WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS COACHING STAFF????
clyve
December 27th, 2011
12:53 am
Robinson is not a zone corner. He is in the wrong scheme.. but he still sucks
Maine Falcons Fan
December 27th, 2011
12:55 am
If not already, Mike Smith will end his Falcon tenure as the best head coach in team history. Even with Reeve’s ‘98 team his overall tenure was a downer. These four years have been awesome and unprecendented…Tonight was a downer, but it’s tough to win 3x in a season vs. a quality NFL team. If the Lions manage to get the 5th seed, the Falcons will be ready for a rematch in the dome.
Lamar
December 27th, 2011
12:56 am
BY THE WAY, WHO EVER SAYS THE BLAME IS VANGORDER DOES NOT KNOW FOOTBALL!! ALL HE CAN DO IS GETR THEM IN THE RIGHT DEFENSE AND ITS UP TO THE PATHETIC CORNERS AND SAFETIES TO COVER THEIR MAN!! THEY DO NOT HAVE GUYS THAT ARE CAPABLE OF THIS!! ALSO, WHAT TERRIBLE CALLS BY THE REFS!! JUMPED OFF SIDES 3 TIMES AND NEVER GOT CALLED!! THEY EVEN HUGGED BREES WHEN HE BROKE THE RECORD!!
Pete
December 27th, 2011
12:56 am
Hey Jeff, what do you predict the margin of victory for Falcons will be in 1st round of playoffs? LOL
“With all thy getting, get understanding”
GTBob
December 27th, 2011
12:56 am
Like I said at the time, maybe trading our whole draft for a WR wasn’t the best idea. Julio is good but I can’t really say our team has improved at all with him in there. Meanwhile, our defense keeps getting worse.
ssgt_usmc
December 27th, 2011
12:59 am
@hayseed,
And so it is with the NFL. Last year we won based on the level of competition put in front of us. If you recall, if you have been following this team for more than a year, we went 9-7 the year prior. Therefore, we were the recipients of a softer schedule. Since we went 13-3 last year, guess what? We get a tougher schedule this year.
But, here’s my deal to all of you bailing on this team. I’ll pay pay top dollar for season tickets to anybody wanting to bail. But, I don’t think I’ll have to pay much because I’ll bet a years salary that 99 percent of you whiney snots that most of you claiming that you’ll never buy tickets again probably have never even set foot in the dome.
Louisiana > Georgia
December 27th, 2011
1:02 am
LSU 42 Georgia 10
New Orleans 45 Atlanta 16
Tiredoflosing
December 27th, 2011
1:02 am
Why can’t this GM find good players in the late rounds of the draft like the steelers, packers, and saints. If a teams depends on free agents to build a team they will never win. You must know how to scout and develop players. Its very obvious that the falcons cannot do either.
once recent reader
December 27th, 2011
1:02 am
ssgt_usmc, I don’t know. That was a pretty tough schedule last year . . .I thought. Had the Steelers, Ravens, Packers and also NFC South. Beat the Saints once, Ravens, and Packers . . .it was not an easy schedule, can’t claim it was the toughest. They were just a bit more consistent and balanced.
Beau Bock
December 27th, 2011
1:04 am
Where’d you park your squad car Dick Tracy? We don’t need an idiot like you to tell us the Saints are a better team. The game was on TV. It was disgusting that the Saints up 22 with 3:00 to go was still throwing the ball but even more disgusting that the Falcons defense laid down and let them score again. They should have hurt someone.
stizz
December 27th, 2011
1:05 am
If anybody here is going to the TB game, harrass the hell out of Smitty. Let him know this s*** is unacceptable.
People Stop Saying The Falcons Need To Fix Defense
December 27th, 2011
1:06 am
We say this crap every year. The Falcons need to fix the defense; as a matter of fact, we’ve been saying it since we lost Malloy/Brooking…4 years and running. Yet we are still in the same place.
Need another corner
Need another DE/Lineman
Need a Safety
News FLASH!!!!!
Thomas Dimitroff does NOT know how to evaluate talent. He’s the weak link in this organization. He had how many picks when Ryan came out of college. What did he do with it? Plus he gave up a million picks for Julio and what has that gotten the team? NOWHERE.
It doesn’t matter how many picks or talented free agents available, if your GM does not know how to evaluate talent then its going to show up when it counts the most.
If AB has the balls, which I doubt, to cut ties with TD then this organization can get a quality GM and move in a positive direction.
Loserville USA
December 27th, 2011
1:08 am
DUNTA MARLEY and RAY “WHO THE HELL IS HE?” EDWARDS are 2 of the worst free-agent signings in the NFL over the past decade.
Pete
December 27th, 2011
1:08 am
Jeff, whats your prediction for margin of victory for Falcons in 1st round playoffs? LOL
JSS
December 27th, 2011
1:09 am
Man, Hiram, MCR, Najeh, and all that have been warning you for weeks that this was coming if you did not play to your strengths are just shaking our collective heads… You got the “mucus” slapped out of you!!!
JSS
December 27th, 2011
1:10 am
Sorry CGD, I forgot you…
Loserville USA
December 27th, 2011
1:11 am
What is it with Atlanta and brutal coaching?
TCCB
December 27th, 2011
1:11 am
The Falcons gave up too much for Julio Jones , they really need those first round draft picks.
From Afhanistan
December 27th, 2011
1:13 am
Can’t believe I got up early to watch that game here in Kabul. Falcons need some coaching changes and playmakers on defense. Ryan is a good quarterback but not a great one to carry a team. Expect them to win next week and another winning season, but after 4 years, who cares. Team has to get that first signature win in a playoff game. I don’t see that happening if they have to play the Saints again, but anything is possible. Saints did get beat by the Seahawks last year but it was on the road. I hope Mr. Blank notice the team has plateued and won’t go anywhere without some fundamental changes.
ssgt_usmc
December 27th, 2011
1:14 am
@ Once recent,
NFC south was soft last year except for the Saints. We had Arizona, Seattle, San Fran(pre Harbaugh), Browns, and Rams. We snuck up on the Ravens and Packers. Like I said, the schedule was softer than it was this year because of the year prior.
One thing that everybody forgets about is the fact that we gave up Harvey Dahl due to salary concerns. That was a bigger hit to us than alot of people acknowledge. The weaker line has kept Ryan and Turner in check this year.
But if we listened to have these kids on these boards, we’d have a new coaching staff, GM, and owner next year.
William
December 27th, 2011
1:14 am
My season tickets are not going to be renewed. Our coaches are all dumbasses, way over their heads!
richardd hardy
December 27th, 2011
1:16 am
And the Falcons wonder why SEASON TICKET HOLDERS don’t give Author Blank “FREE MONEY” for 8 months and hope for a chance at a home playoff game. What a joke!! I will hold on to my money and take my chances at getting a ticket when they get a home game!
Joseph
December 27th, 2011
1:17 am
Not trying to lay it all on the refs, but the questionable calls contributed to the onslaught and unfortunately it affected the players on both teams. It sent the message to the Falcons that the game was over early and it emboldened the Saints because it was confirmed to them they could do no wrong. Even the announcers thought the personal foul on Lofton was the wrong call, but then when they laid a hit on our TE theirs was ok. Both hits were legal. Of course Abe was not only held, he was tackled, remember the holding call on Jaquizz, but the flag was waived off as it was a screen pass. Except it wasn’t a pass, the QB ran with it. I am disappointed that they actually promote these contests as games, if that goes unaddressed. Otherwise, it is wrestling in pads!
Maine Falcons Fan
December 27th, 2011
1:17 am
Saints being 8 for 8 on 3rd down conversions in the first half was frustrating. If you told me before the game that Brees would have 2 interceptions and fewer yards than Ryan, I would have predicted an easy Falcons win. Time to move on to TB next week.
FALCOONS
December 27th, 2011
1:18 am
Until Ryan learns to stay in the pocket without happy feet then the Falcons will always be an “almost” team. Dude gets so scared if anyone gets near him. I want a QB that is not afraid to take a hit.
FALCOONS
December 27th, 2011
1:19 am
I also think Smith has taken this team as far as he can.
ssgt_usmc
December 27th, 2011
1:19 am
Hey William and richardd hardy, tell me where you sit. If you actually have season tickets and are at the first game next season, I’ll personally buy you all the beer (or wine that would seem to suit you better) that you can drink!!!!
MTSeats
December 27th, 2011
1:20 am
Again, for the grace of God, write the check to Cowher now and let’s move forward. Baker, Edwards (is he on the team), Robinson, this is a standard to work toward?
TCCB
December 27th, 2011
1:21 am
Andy Reed is a keeper. He will be with the Eagles next season; so don’t look for him. He is not the Falcon savior.
Loserville USA
December 27th, 2011
1:21 am
Where are the screen passes?
Where are the draw plays?
Why do we throw it down the field on 3rd and short?
Why the soft zones with no blitzing?
SMITTY: You can make all the corrections you want, but you have HARRY and LLOYD as coordinators and you can plan a vacation Jan. 9.
Maine Falcons Fan
December 27th, 2011
1:23 am
I hate to complain about the refs, but I agree it seemed they were a worried about the home crowd getting on them. Call vs. Lofton and Quizz and non-calls for a illegal block on Sproles’ return.
stendek
December 27th, 2011
1:23 am
Because Falcons quit on fans:
http://stendek.tumblr.com/post/14850587075/falcons-lack-heart-in-second-loss-to-superior-saints
once recent reader
December 27th, 2011
1:23 am
Happy Feet?? I thought the man was in the pocket most of the game. Protection was decent except a few plays. . . .. two were crucial. Intentional Grounding and the 4th and 1 inside the 10 or so. I didn’t see happy feet tonight and the one time I can recall him running outside I thought they made a pretty good play. They really had a chance to keep this one interesting today. Too much Brees for the D, and too many missed opps and penalties at the wrong time for the O to keep it interesting.
kreedham
December 27th, 2011
1:24 am
Considering how things have gone…Harvey Dahl would probably love to come back.
Clemson Fan
December 27th, 2011
1:24 am
Falcons looked pretty good to me tonight. A couple of questionable referee calls in the 1st half didn’t help.
A third game against the Saints doesn’t really scare me and I’m guessing the Falcon’s players would welcome the opportunity to play them again.
We can likely beat NFC East winner, Detroit, or San Fran. In other words, don’t give up just yet.
This is not the time to abondon the team. Support your Falcons.
Resiliency, baby.
ls1z28chris
December 27th, 2011
1:25 am
Why are you clowns still complaining about the refs? Name the plays. Inevitably, most of the plays you will cite will either be inconsequential, or barely significant calls. Almost all of which were made long after this game had been decided in favor of the Saints (halftime).
Listen to the people who played in this game. They were pathetic, and there is no excuse for the nonsense they put on the field for you to watch. Stop blaming the refs. Your failcant players lost this on their own.
Now go back out to the ‘burbs and nurse your wounds.
once recent reader
December 27th, 2011
1:26 am
I’ll also say it again, I cringe every time I see a pass play that comes up a yard or two short on 1st or 2nd down. 50% of the time I think the receiver could possible make a first down if they just went straight ahead instead of sideways looking for an opening. They have to draw their plays up better to try and get one yard deeper on their routes as they seem to stall a lot in the short yardage scenarios.
once recent reader
December 27th, 2011
1:29 am
I have no complaints against the Refs. I wouldn’t have minded getting a similar call on that 3rd down pass to the Falcons 3rd string (I think) tight end that was made against the Falcons D a series earlier. But both of those plays were calls I don’t think should be made. Rogers holding call, it was what it was. He didn’t have to try and wrap his arms around the guys legs and the pass was basically out of Ryan’s hands about the same time as the hold. But, I put that on Rogers and not the Refs.
WD
December 27th, 2011
1:30 am
All you Falcon haters kill me. The Falcons can go toe to toe with any team in the NFL with the exception of the Saints and Packers. Both teams have QBs that are playing out of their minds.
You think we stink? We don’t blow games like Dallas, NY (Jets or Giants), Eagles or have as bad of defense as the Patriots. You want Tebow as you QB or how about Romo? You take Brees or Rogers off of those two teams and they are sub 500 vanilla at best, just like the Colts.
In case you’re not watching they’re doing this to everyone, with the exception of an occasional hiccup. And for all of you that criticize Ryan’s arm, Brees doesn’t have a laser arm either. He just has pinpoint accuracy and recognizes everything you throw at him. Ryan’s not there yet, but he will come closer to getting there than what 90% of the NFL is throwing out there. I’ll take my chances with him over the likes of Sanchez, Ponder, Flacko, Freeman, Tebow, Palmer, Orton… should I continue on? We definitely have adjustments to make, but you people act like this is the Marion Cambell era.
They’ll be back and I’m proud to be a Falcon.
Loserville USA
December 27th, 2011
1:31 am
Why is Rodgers blocking on 3rd downs and NOT Snelling?
Why is Rodgers NOT being given a 3rd down package?
Why is Mularkey constantly let off the hook?
kreedham
December 27th, 2011
1:31 am
After tonight, I feel sorry for Tampa Bay next Sunday. And yea what about that screen pass…the ball never left Bree’s hands and the tackle by Lofton was a bad call. At least Gruden didn’t make it a total NO lovefest!
Clemson Fan
December 27th, 2011
1:32 am
The BS call on Lofton for hitting a “defenseless player”, obvious Saints defensive guard jumping offsides with his hand over the line upon snap, and the no call on Falcon tight end Reggie Kelly (or whatever his name is) which was also a “defenseless player”.
Next time, watch the game before commenting. All calls went to the Saints.
Amazing
December 27th, 2011
1:33 am
I love Brees and hate him. He is a winning Michael Vick. But I would rather see a QB like Brady or Manning vs Brees. I just can’t get behind a QB that I feel will be taken out on the next play.