Poll time: How should we define success for Falcons?
Brian VanGorder and Mike Smith have a lot to fix before playoffs. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(Updated)
The Falcons tell us how that just making the playoffs isn’t good enough any more. So you wonder why they played one of their worst games ever under coach Mike Smith — Monday’s 45-16 loss at New Orleans — the night after they had clinched a postseason berth?
But let’s move on. The Falcons play their final regular season game against Tampa Bay Sunday. The game may or may not their impact playoff seeding and match-up. Nobody’s expecting an overly festive atmosphere in the Georgia Dome for the season’s final home game. (The only way the Falcons could host another game would be as a No. 5 seed if they faced No. 6 Detroit for the NFC championship. Not likely.)
Loading ...For all of the regular season success under Smith, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and quarterback Matt Ryan, the team has whiffed in the postseason. They’re 42-21 in four regular seasons, but 0-2 so far in the postseason.
So what qualifies as success this season? Here are the choices:
• Achievement: Making the playoffs. Breakdown: The Falcons are there for the third time in four years, which is unprecedented in franchise history. But the bar was supposed to be raised. Conclusion: Not good enough.
• Achievement: Win one game: Breakdown: This would be an improvement over the last two years. It would mean the Falcons had beaten New Orleans, New York, Dallas or San Francisco. There are varying degrees of difficulty in those games. But what should be kept in mind is: What was the expectation level before the season? Conclusion: Better, but still not good enough.
• Achievement: Win two games: Breakdown: This could be as difficult as beating the NFC’s two best teams, New Orleans and Green Bay, on the road. The easier end of the spectrum would be finishing as a No. 5 seed and Detroit upsetting New Orleans, which would mean the Falcons would need to only defeat the NFC East champion (New York or Dallas) and San Francisco. Still, it would be impressive. Conclusion: Winning two road playoff games, regardless of the opponents, would qualify as success.
• Achievement: Get to the Super Bowl: Breakdown: For this to happen, the Falcons would need to be far more physical and consistent than they’ve been this season. There has been no indication that is going to happen, but we’ve seen strange postseason developments before. Conclusion: Definitely something worth celebrating.
• Achievement: Win the Super Bowl: Breakdown: Honestly, if the Falcons can winning three NFC road playoff games, beating New England, Pittsburgh or any AFC opponent on a neutral field wouldn’t seem as daunting. Conclusion: Duh.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours? What do you believe qualifies as a successful season?
The poll is up and the floor is yours.
By Jeff Schultz
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418 comments Add your comment
pops
December 28th, 2011
12:50 pm
the falcons could be successful if they do one of two things …. blitz or fire vangorder…
Kyle
December 28th, 2011
12:51 pm
Winning a Super Bowl is the only thing that would be acceptable and that isn’t happening this year either. New Orleans has one, Tampa Bay who came into the league 10 years after we did has one, and if I had to bet now I would say from looking at Carolina they have a better chance of winning one before we do. There is just no excuse to go 45 years and not have one Championship.
DocDawg
December 28th, 2011
12:56 pm
There is an important factor to consider when defining success and that is where are your stars in their career path. A team of young rising stars has time to build on incremental progress. The only impact players on the down slope are Turner, Gonzalez and Abe. A Snellings/Rogers tandem is decent enough to move forward. Obviously, pass rushing DE’s are the gold standard in this league and that is a glaring problem that needs to be addressed, along with O-line. Win a playoff game, build the lines and secondary through free agency, find a decent TE, and continue to make progress. It is actually realistic to consider that a Super Bowl is possible for this franchise. Can’t have any more 1st round whiffs though. Peria Jerry I’m looking at you.
Bobby Cox..
December 28th, 2011
12:57 pm
I’ve been to the playoffs 14 consecutive times..I was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DocDawg
December 28th, 2011
12:57 pm
And you too Sam Baker.
Gman 84
December 28th, 2011
12:58 pm
Grimes covering Graham in the end zone was a perfect metaphor for the Falcons vs the elite.
sad fan
December 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
Why can’t Mike Smith explain to us the reason for the zone d, considering we are the ones that are paying their salary. I think we the fans deserve an answer. If it’s because the secondary is unable to cover man to man then it will be okay, but think we deserve to know.
Gatorzone
December 28th, 2011
1:01 pm
I would just love to see Mike Smith not out-coached… I like the guy, but look at what NO was doing with their running backs chipping the Defensive end to help thier tackle protect Brees… Why haven’t the Falcons schemed anything like that?
We husband and I
December 28th, 2011
1:07 pm
Schultz, who the hell are you to determine success for anything when you continually call those who respond to your blogs as morons or idiots?
Joe Tess Fish House
December 28th, 2011
1:11 pm
So many thinks wrong with this team
1 Perrier Jerry. Prolly the worse fist round pick ever.
2 Donte Roberson – Prolly the worse free agent sighing ever
3 Getting rid of both Vick and Scwaub.
4 Sam Baker. 2nd worse pix.
5 giving up 2 much for Juliet Jones…..How can they fix the above with no draft pix?
DC Dirty Bird
December 28th, 2011
1:12 pm
Only way we get two wins in these playoffs is to somehow play San Fran in the Divisionals. It certainly would be gratifying to beat NOLA in the playoffs but to do that we’re going to have to meet them in a 3 vs 6 match up or 2 vs 5 match up. The problem with both is either we’d have to play them after they’ve had a bye or have to play NO and GB back to back.
Falcons hate their fans
December 28th, 2011
1:14 pm
The latest pie in the face from the Falcons will set the organization back for years. Seen it before and with the Falcons, you can count on it.
Email Profiling Is Wrong
December 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
Based on the team’s performance this season, a win in the Wild Card would be a significant achievement.
I’m as grateful as anybody for the new-found, winning consistency that Dimitroff/Smith have brought to the franchise. But save Detroit, who have we beaten this year? Nobody, that’s who. Every other “good” team we played beat us. We’ll be 10-6 or 9-7 because we played over half our games against weak opposition.
And, yet again, we come off an extended rest and looked like chumps against an elite opponent on national TV. That doesn’t bode well for the upcoming playoffs.
It’s time for this group of Falcons to step up, or Rise Up, or whatever and win a game that counts.
FalconFreak
December 28th, 2011
1:18 pm
It would be nice to see improvement from year to year, barring no significant injuries to key players. What we’ve seen this year is a decline from last year, particularly the lines on both sides of the ball. Coaching with regard to motivation, teaching, strategy, and player selection has to be held accountable for this. Coaches can’t control everything like a star impregnating a girl named “Hottie” who only had to be sufficiently seductive to go after a significant portion of our star’s assets. This surely was distracting for White but an explanation is not an excuse. What happened to the OL after they let Dahl go is strictly a coaching issue and a controllable one.
Everyone wants to see their team win the superbowl. I am pleased that Atlanta has become much more competitive under Smith but I wonder if we’ve reached the ceiling with regard to where his abilities will take us? The Saints made us look very bad and not in the same class. I can’t believe some of the Falcons were begging for another matchup with them arguing they would be better prepared. Why weren’t they better prepared for this game? Well, they made the playoffs and if they match up with the Giants, then they have a chance of winning a game. Otherwise, they’re one and done.
Ted M
December 28th, 2011
1:20 pm
…what if they get massacred in the opening game? I know what the fans will want, but will the Falcons actually do?
Stewie
December 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
You can’t have pie with out coo wHip.
Falcon James
December 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
The falcon have too many hole on both sides of the ball but especially on offence an defence. This was not our year. the saint the falcon in they place and proved that our record is a true reflection of this team is about. Nobody can blame the falcon except the falcon. I think Mike Smith is a keeper but Brian Van Gorder got to go. I used think Mularky was the problem, but he don’t make reciever catch the ball. The reciever catch the ball and ryan is calling the play. I still love my falcon and want to sees them do good, but I don’t like them proving what hiramsaint and seethisb4 been saying about them all season. It just embarrassing. I may need a bag to wear on my head they next game.
Talk is Cheap
December 28th, 2011
1:22 pm
Just unbelievable that immediately after failing in every conceivable way, the Falcons start talking about how they can’t wait for a re-match. Absolutley delusional.
They also start crying about the Saints running up the score-though they did nothing to stop this when they actually had a chance.
Here I some advice to this loser organization: shut your mouths, play better or go away-quietly. Nobody believes in you until you make us believe. You are getting as much respect as you deserve-none!
heartofdarkness
December 28th, 2011
1:23 pm
Dear Jeff,
Thanks for once again hosting the Schultz Clinic for the Improvement of Mental Health in 2011. It only hurts when I laugh. Hope you and yours have a happy and prosperous New Year.
1 TD
December 28th, 2011
1:24 pm
We only scored 1 TD in the biggest game of the season. I don’t see how the defense had anything to do with us settling for field goals every time we reach the red zone.
Falcon Hardy
December 28th, 2011
1:26 pm
The Falcons are very Lucky to be in the play-offs. We should of had a better season and build off the success of last year,instead TD added more cancerous players to the mix and we started spiraling down hill. Mike Smith is a good guy but lack to manhood to fire coaches or players that is not making the grade and tell TD
Nerehere
December 28th, 2011
1:29 pm
I guess I was duped, as well, from the success the Falcons had in their regular season last year with their 13-3 record. I knew they were winning just by barely enough, but att least, they had their personnel to get that record. Here’s the thing. That draft where they gave up so much for Julio Jones was a bust. Not that Julio isn’t or won’t be an all pro-pro bowl receiver, but Atlanta wasn’t too shaby last year. Ok, so they got their tails whupped by Green Bay in the first round. But seriously, Atlanta did have so choices to make other than to give up some first round picks and more for a wide receiver. Micheal Jenkins came back from being injured and was healty. I also wouldn’t have given up Brain Finnerman. Jerious Norwood was healthy after returning from his injury-they were all 3rd down makers of extending drives. Also Atlanta has been on the Micheal Turner train for too long, it’s time to get off, let go, and look elsewhere for a different type of back with line of scrimmage speed explosiveness. Meanwhile- yes, the Falcons needed Julio that long threat- piece of the puzzle, but at what cost? That is the question to you, Mr. Blank. Now, look what you turned your organization in to. Remember what grade they gave the Falcons on this gamble?
NFL Draft 2011 Grades: Report Card for All 32 First Round PicksBy Matt Krummel(Correspondent) on April 29, 2011 13,997 reads
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Chris Trotman/Getty Images The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books. Time to hand out report cards.
On a wild night that included a number of surprise picks and trades, many teams looked to fill their coffers with the talent to get them to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. Others drafted tonight in the hopes of finding a cornerstone for a rebuilding project. All began tonight with the hope that a new season brings.
Who succeeded? Well let’s just say it wasn’t everyone.
Let’s recap and grade all 32 first round picks:
No. 1—Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Chris Trotman/Getty Images Grade: C+
To the surprise of no one, the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the first overall pick. Carolina has been enamored with Newton for several weeks and has, for the second time in as many years, selected a quarterback they hope will be the face of their franchise for the next decade.
The problem is, Newton is not ready to be an NFL starting quarterback.
I was outspoken in my recent mock draft that Newton was the wrong pick for the Panthers. There is no doubt that Cam Newton has the raw talent to develop into a great quarterback, but he could be two to three years away from being ready to take the reins.
That leaves Carolina with two young QBs, neither of whom are prepared to lead Carolina out of the cellar of the NFL.
It’s a boom or bust pick. But at No. 1 overall, it’s a risky proposition.
No. 2—Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Chris Trotman/Getty Images Grade: A-
Von Miller is the best edge rusher in this draft class. His combination of speed, strength and versatility make him a perfect centerpiece for Denver’s transition to the 3-4 defense.
Miler can immediately step on the field and make an impact and has the ability to drop into coverage or use his incredible burst at the snap to get to the quarterback.
He will need to improve his consistency against the run, but shows the ability to take on blockers and maintain gap discipline in space. He can become a great two-way threat with more coaching.
This is a great pick for the Denver Broncos.
No. 3—Buffalo Bills: Macell Dareus, DE, Alabama
Chris Trotman/Getty Images Grade: A
Marcell Dareus was No. 1 on my pre-draft list, and I think the Bills were very fortunate to get him at the No. 3 spot.
Dareus can play any position on the defensive line and is an absolute beast against the run. He can take on double teams and has the athleticism to get off blocks and make tackles in space.
Buffalo ranked 32nd in rush defense last year, so this pick not only lands them the best DE/DT in the draft but fills a pressing need for their defensive unit.
There isn’t much downside risk here; Dareus will be a disruptive force for the Bills for years to come.
No. 4—Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Chris Trotman/Getty Images Grade: A-
Is this Carson Palmer’s incentive to stay in Cincinnati?
The Bengals have some uncertainty in their receiving corps with Chad Ochocinco (or is it Johnson again?) and Terrell Owens possibly on their way out. Green will bring stability and big play ability to Cincy’s passing attack.
Green is a fantastic athlete given his size, having run a 4.48-40 and posting a 34.5-inch vertical jump at the Combine. He gives the Bengals a threat on the outside and can stretch the defense in a way that will open seams for Jordan Shipley working out of the slot.
Some people thought Cincinnati might go with a quarterback here in anticipation of Palmer’s exit, but I think this is a solid pick.
No. 5—Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Chris Trotman/Getty Images Grade: A
Another pick many thought would be a quarterback; the Cardinals opted to select the best cornerback in the draft.
Patrick Peterson is a player that many analysts had at the top of their draft boards. His combination of speed, size and ball skills will make him an instant starter in Arizona.
I’ve read analysis arguing that Peterson is destined to be a safety in the NFL; I disagree. He is big for a CB, but his strength at the line and ability to adjust to balls in the air will make him a star for the Cardinals.
The work isn’t over for the Cardinals, however. Look for them to target a quarterback and pass-rushing DE in the rounds to come.
No. 6—Atlanta Falcons (From Cleveland): Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Chris Trotman/Getty Images
Grade: C
Atlanta made Cleveland an offer they couldn’t refuse. They sent their 2011 first- (No. 27 overall), second- (No. 59) and fourth- (No. 124) round picks, as well as their 2012 first- and fourth-round selections to the Browns for the opportunity to draft Julio Jones.
That is a lot to give up.
Jones could very well be the most complete, NFL ready receiver in this year’s draft. But Atlanta is making a big wager here. I don’t like it.
I understand the Falcons’ desire to take some of the pressure off of Roddy White, but history has taught us all that protecting picks and adding depth is preferable in the long run to chasing a single player.
If it works, Matt Ryan will have an incredible cast to throw to (don’t forget about Michael Jenkins and Tony Gonzalez), but if it doesn’t Mike Smith and co. will have some explaining to do.
DC Dirty Bird
December 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
Joe Tess,
Why comment on the players without commenting on the coaches. I don’t blame Sam Baker and P. Jerry. TD reached to pick them. Julio has been a stud for us. Not sure why you chose to call him Juliet. With Dunta, until we play a lot less zone and more man, I will reserve judgement on him. The only place I seem to seem him get criticized is on an AJC comment blog.
What’s your take on the coaching staff?
Gamer
December 28th, 2011
1:33 pm
EVERY TEAM IN THE POSTSEASON SHOULD BE THINKING AND SAYING, TO WIN IT ALL..
WHY PLAY POSTSEASON AND NOT EXPECT TO WIN IT ALL…ONCE IN, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.
WHY DO COACH SMITTY AND OTHER FALCONS BRASS SPEAK OF HAVING A HIGHER EXPECTATION THAN MAKING THE PLAYOFFS BUT NEVER SAY WHAT THAT HIGHER EXPECTATION IS TO BE EXPECTED.
AS IF SAYING THE WORD, SUPERBOWL IS AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE FOR TEAMS ENTERING POSTSEASON PLAY. I KNOW THEY CAN’T BE MUTE OF THE WORD SUPERBOWL BASED ON SUPERSTITIONS OF JINXING THEMSELVES. PLEASE
THE BEST WAY TO BREED SUCCESS IS TO THINK SUCCESS AND TO TALK SUCCESS BY PLANNING FOR SUCCESS.
SO LET THE CAT OUT THE BAG BY LETTING THE WORD SUPERBOWL BE UPON YOUR LIPS. LET THE CONVERSATION BREED CONFIDENCE THROUGHOUT THE FALCONS ORGANIZATION AND THEIR FANBASE.
REMOVE THE LID OF EXPECTATION BY UNMUTING THE SILENCE OF WHAT THE EXPECTATION IS AND JUST SAY IT, SUPERBOWL.
THE PERFECT IDEA IS TO HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN IT ALL..THAT PERFECT IDEA IS A REALITY ONCE A TEAM ENTERS THE PLAYOFFS, BY HAVING A WINNERS ATTITUDE.
FROM START TO FINISH, A WINNER’S ATTITUDE IS VISIBLE ON EVERY DOWN PLAYED.
FOR EXAMPLE, DUNTAY ROBINSON NEED TO FOCUS ON THE MAN THAT HE’S COVERING. DUNTAY SHOULD RUN STRIDE FOR STRIDE WITH THAT RECEIVER. FORGET ABOUT LOOKING FOR HELP OR LOOKING TO SEE IF THE QUARTERBACK GOT THE BALL. IF HIS RECEIVER IS RUNNING THEN JUST RUN WITH HIS RECEIVER AND THAT WAY DUNTAY WILL BE IN POSITION TO ATTEMPT A PLAY ON THE BALL OR THE RECEIVER.
NO WAY, TEAMS SHOULD EXPECT TO CONVERT A THIRD AND LONG ON HIS SIDE OF THE FIELD..NO WAY!
ESPECIALLY, AT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY DUNTAY BEING PAID..CM’ON MAN, AT LEAST BE IN POSITION TO MAKE A PLAY ON THE BALL, NOT STANDING IN NO MAN’S LAND OR TRAILING SEVERAL STEPS BEHIND YOUR RECEIVER, CM’ON MAN.
AS A FALCONS’ SUPPORTER, ALL A TRUE FAN ASK FOR IS A TEAM BEST EFFORT ON EVERY DOWN PLAYED..NOT A LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE SEEN MONDAY NIGHT AGAINST THE SAINTS.
PLAY WITH A LION’S HEART BUT WITH A TACTICIAN’S MIND.
BE AGGRESSIVE AND DECISIVE IN ATTACKING THE BALL OR BALL CARRIER.
FALCONS IN POSTSEASON PLAY, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. YES EVEN A SUPERBOWL APPEARANCE AND WIN.
MG3
December 28th, 2011
1:35 pm
Monday night was a huge let down, yes. That being said I am completely happy with this season. Despite Peter King’s preseason assessment I was nervous about this year. We won 13 games in 2010 but many of those were last minute victories that could’ve gone either way. I want more but as a lifelong fan who’s seen more misearble seasons than I can remember I am happy to have a winning team year in and year out. I’d have taken 10-6 and a playoff spot if asked last August and actually predicted this is where we’d be. There’s work to be done and we shouldn’t be satisfied yet but let’s be real about where this team is. Playoffs 3 of 4 years and we are complaining about not being good enough? Who could’ve imagined this after the Vick/Petrino debacle? Any Falcon fan would’ve taken our current scenario at that time…now let’s make a good showing in the playoffs and get some respect!
Email Profiling Is Wrong
December 28th, 2011
1:36 pm
The Falcons squawking for another shot at the Saints – particularly after the drubbing they took on Monday – is like Marvis Frazier demanding a rematch with Larry Holmes. That’s an old reference I know, so for the younger among you, think about a kid demanding his father take him back to the woodshed. Jeez, there’s another dated example. OK, how about this one: It’s like William Hung wanting another shot at Reuben Studdard on American Idol.
So the Falcons claim the Saints ran up the score. Big deal. Last year, some of the miscreants who play for Nawlens urinated on the Falcons logo at midfield after a victory here. If that didn’t fire you bozos up, doubt a little salt-in-the-wound rubbing by Sean Payton is gonna wake up your pride.
This team needs some heart.
extremus
December 28th, 2011
1:37 pm
While winning a playoff game would get another monkey of sorts off their backs, what I find troubling is that we (and they) are searching for silver linings time and again. They’re good enough to make the playoffs, but honestly not good (or well-coached) enough to consistently play with or beat the elite teams in the league, meaning that a Superbowl championship is very unlikely.
I personally believe that the Falcons have hit their ceiling with the players and coaches they have in place, and it greatly pains me to admit that. What this means is that changes almost akin to outright rebuilding mode are necessary to get to the next level, and given the lack of upcoming draft picks and unlikelihood of being able to trade for (or sign through free agency) all the needs anytime soon, we could be looking at still being years away. The secondary, both lines, the featured running back, and probably both the offensive and defensive coordinators need an overhaul; unfortunately most teams wait until they’re a lottery team before deciding to make such sweeping changes, so expecting that from a Falcons organization that’s experiencing unprecedented “success” (meaning consecutive winning seasons and playoff appearances) will be a hard sell.
So what is more frustrating as a fan: going 3-13 and being able to hope your team’s fortunes can turn during a single draft and offseason, or making the playoffs repeatedly and realizing that’s as far as you’re going to go with what you have? For me, I have to admit it’s the latter, because (with both the Braves and Falcons) our teams are just good enough to repeatedly remind us they’re NOT good enough.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
I thing Brain Van Gorded and Mike Malrkey need 2 go.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 28th, 2011
1:41 pm
N E 1 think Mr Blanks owe us an apologize from Monday nites game?
G
December 28th, 2011
1:44 pm
Obviously, winning a Super Bowl is why the game is played. That is the ultimate success. Anything less is only a milestone towards success.
Our major road block in achieving success is the coheisiveness between our OC and QB. Our redzone efficiency is near the bottom of the pack. Yeah, Ryan has 27 TDs on the season, but how many does he have against tier 1/ winning teams? Look past the numbers people.
rock
December 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
Don’t totally blame the players, the Falcons have been playing a soft , non-aggressive, predictable defense for so long that good teams can be easily beat their defensive set-up.
The offense has a similar problem. The coaches are going to have to step up and pull the team in a position to play a higher caliber of football.
Mark Bradley
December 28th, 2011
1:51 pm
I’m on vacation this week but thought I would chime in. Falcons need to go deep in the play offs to to quiet the critics, then they MUST make the Superbowl next year, barring injuries or other huge problems.
By the way Mr Schultz…..Stay out of my desk!
Falcon Hardy
December 28th, 2011
1:51 pm
Our Goal should be to win the super bowl every year. Our team should improve every year, we have not we have gone in the opposite direction, and there is not any indication we will get better next year, since TD sold the farm for 1 average player. Mike Smith is a nice guy, but not a head coach, he needs to man up and fire some coaches and cut the non-performing players. TD HAS PUT THIS TEAM IN A HOLE , ONE THAT WE MIGHT NOT RECOVER FROM FOR A FEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!1
chris
December 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
They have had 17 weeks and could only beat two winning teams (Detroit & Tenn). I think this team is one and done which with the same guys back from last year with the decision to give up tons of our future in draft picks for one player is a HUGE disappointment.
They have to play in the 2nd round to even consider this a remotely successful year and the NFC Championship to definitely call it improvement.
@UrethraFranklyn
December 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
At this point I just have no confidence in this team. With the glaring exception of the D-line (which has consistently been League-worst), every component of the team has had great games and atrocious ones this year.
Almost never have all or most of those components played well at the same time–i.e., secondary finally plays well, Ryan screws up; Ryan starts clicking, but special teams kill us; O-line steps up, but WRs play like crap. It is maddening.
I don’t know if the issue is coaching, execution, or focus, but it certainly is not lack of talent. I do know this team has shown a clear pattern the past few years of shrinking from the spotlight and being routinely humiliated on the big stage. Other than Jacksonville, when have we soundly beaten an opponent the past few years? Or at least soundly beaten a good one? GB and NO regularly destroy teams, while most of our Ws come down to the 4Q, even against the meekest of opponents.
I’ll root as loudly as I always have, and I’m happy they made the playoffs. However, in the back of my mind is the Sword of Damocles of the next near-inevitable chapter of humiliation for this franchise. Is it better to make it to the postseason and get summarily trounced, or not to make it at all and maintain some hope and dignity going forward?
Mr. Panic Button
December 28th, 2011
1:59 pm
There should be a natural progression of the offense and defense each year. They set the bar high when they made the playoffs in their first year. Now they have to continue to grow upon that and we should see the team go deeper into the playoffs each year. That’s NOT happening. We’re winning games against average to below average teams and we are not built to beat the top offenses in the league with the coaching staff (OC & DC very uncreative and cannot game plan) and we are missing real defensive play makers on the DL…secondary can use a refresh as well.
Dome Stinks
December 28th, 2011
2:01 pm
It’s going to be an amazing day outside. I hate watching football inside the Dome. It’s dark and dreary, and just ugly. It’s a bad fan experience no matter what…
Success = Watching the Falcons play a playoff game outside.
Email Profiling Is Wrong
December 28th, 2011
2:03 pm
In the words of James Tiberius Kirk, “I…have…a plan!”
Wanna shake things up at Flowery Branch for 2012? Wanna see some heart, some gumption, so good old fashioned pride exhibited by the lethargic, overpaid mesomorphs who wear our beloved red and black?
Me too. But what to do? What to do?
Lets trade for Tim Tebow!
So what if his passing motion is spasmodic, his footwork is reminiscent of Buzz Aldrin on Dancing With the Stars, he’s about as accurate as a Mark Bradley prediction and his release is slower than a MARTA bus on Sunday?
So what?
Tebow’s got heart, he’s got spirit. He’s got friends in high places. He’s bound to get better – he can’t get much worse.
And rumor has it the NFL Rules Committee is enacting a new penalty next year – specifically for roughing Tebow – Blasphemy. It costs the offending team 20 yards too.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
Heres the thig. If it wood help the Flacons there not going 2 do it. Just look at what they done B 4.
They sigh Donta Roberson and Ray Edmunds who only sucess is stealing money form the team.
benchwarmer
December 28th, 2011
2:09 pm
Falcons havn’t won agaist any really significant opponants this year. When they have played a better team all their flws start to show. Not enough talent on either line. A slow aging primary running back. Maybe Matt Ryan can’t do enough deep to create that threat, but his lack of protection may be a factor in that. Real problem seems to be in the coach and GM who either ignored the line problem or misjudged what they had. Falcons are basically a middle of the road team probably heading down unless the brains have learned enough to start turning it around. That remains to be seen. As a fan since year one I have learned not to take anything for granted with the Falcons. History says they will not get it right. The currant ownership has made it’s share of errors too.
Hamburger Helper
December 28th, 2011
2:09 pm
Falcons are so delusional!!! Demanding a rematch with the Saints…claiming that the Falcons can beat the 49ers?! Are you people serious? The Falcons do not deserve to play in the postseason. Here this…and here it good! The Atlanta Falcons will be one and done in the playoffs.
@UrethraFranklyn
December 28th, 2011
2:10 pm
“Heres the thig. If it wood help the Flacons there not going 2 do it. Just look at what they done B 4.
They sigh Donta Roberson and Ray Edmunds who only sucess is stealing money form the team.”
LMAO
J
December 28th, 2011
2:11 pm
You Know … hilarious … love your post! The Hawks are the most successful team in Atlanta right now but it doesn’t matter. The fans are mentally handficapped when it comes to defining success. You know, building a team from the bottom-up takes time and the Hawks have been doing that. Of course, Atlanta fans say a Championship matters but one problem with that, Atlanta only has two championships in professional sports. Can’t really say that’s a good meeasurement. I say beating the Bulls in 2 games in the 2nd round last season was a success and so was Hinrich hurting himself b/c we saw what Teague could do. If anything, that was the most success i’ve seen in a LONG time. Like i said though, Atlanta fans are STUUUUUUUUPID. Then again, we don’t have “Atlanta fans” … we have fans of the other team here. Can’t wait to see these lifelong Clippers fan come out of the closet this year. HILARIOUS!
benchwarmer
December 28th, 2011
2:12 pm
Dome stinks, yes it does. That is thanks to the Rankin Smiths who I think are racing hard for the worst NFL owners of all time.
Hamburger Helper
December 28th, 2011
2:12 pm
Joe Tess Fish House=TUI
Typing under the influence.
Hamburger Helper
December 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
If a Dawg fan married a Falcons fan, I’m almost certain they would live in a glass house, on beachfront property in Union City, guarded by leprechauns riding unicorns.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 28th, 2011
2:20 pm
Huh? And U say I am typinmg under the influeance?
MG
December 28th, 2011
2:24 pm
Bottom line….our D is downright awful and there is only positive upside on a few players like Moore. Spoon, and Grimes. We’ve seen what the rest can do and it ain’t all that impressive. D Robinson, Jerry, and R Edwards will go down as busts.. How could MS be such a bright defensive coach down in JAX and then come here and stink so much ??
mark
December 28th, 2011
2:27 pm
lets be honest here, WE DONT WANT A REMATCH we dont have the power the players or the mentality to beat the saints or any other team in the playoffs its gonna be the same old story 1 and out im getting sick and tired of all this failure, somebody has to step up, cut some heads starting from mm and bvg, we have the worst coordinators in this league and im starting to think dimitroff sucks too, way to many bust to hit radio, we are on diapersss against elite teams something has to be done
CGD..
December 28th, 2011
2:27 pm
17th ranked yards per completion does not equal Elite by any stretch? Duh……
Stats that count most.. Playoff wins: 0-3 past 4years…..PLAYOFFS?????????Joke