Falcons beat another bad team, but can they beat good one?
Two touchdowns by Julio Jones (left) helped stake the Falcons to an early 42-0 lead over Tampa Bay. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(UPDATED: 11:30 p.m. The New York Giants defeated Dallas, which means the Falcons will face the Giants next Sunday at 1 p.m.)
If there is one absolute this season about the Falcons, it’s that they know how to wipe their feet on the lampooned and downtrodden. They create excitement for punch-drunk fan bases dreaming of Andrew Luck. They can beat any team that has been considered as an emergency replacement by the Big East.
But can the Falcons win a playoff game and, you know, actually beat somebody good?
They beat Jacksonville. They beat Indianapolis. They beat Carolina twice. They didn’t beat Tampa Bay on Sunday so much as they dodged exploding parts and avoided hyperventilating from laughing. The Falcons led 42-0 after 23 minutes — aided by three turnovers — pulled most of their starters early and somewhat wobbled to the finish line (not that the wobble of backups really matter), winning 45-24.
They made the playoffs. They finished the regular season with a record of 10-6. Not great, given the adjusted standards in Flowery Branch, but certainly not awful.
Still, have you ever bought one of those build-it-yourself desks from a cheap furniture store, and then, seemingly 17 minutes after you’ve tightened the last Swedish screw into pressboard and placed your computer, printer and books on top, one of the legs folded like linguini?
That’s kind of where we’re at with the Falcons. They went 8-3 after a 2-3 start this season. But given who’ve they’ve beaten and who’ve they’ve lost to, it’s fair to wonder if they’re going to turn into limp pasta in the postseason when they’re under more pressure.
Careful about conclusions. The Falcons just annihilated a team that finished the season with a 10-game losing streak. (That’s not a franchise record. Oh, did this postgame cry for a John McKay quote.) It makes you wonder how the Bucs beat the Falcons in Week 3.
Michael Turner, who had struggled of late, rushed for 172 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
The Falcons’ last four wins came over Minnesota, Carolina, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, teams that finished with a composite record of 18-46. They went only 1-4 against the NFL playoff field (the only win coming over Detroit).
They went 2-4 against teams that finished with winning records (Tennessee was the other one), 7-1 against teams with losing records and 1-1 against .500 teams.
You don’t indict a team for beating schleps. But skepticism is completely appropriate.
The question isn’t whether the Falcons have the talent and experience to win a road playoff game over the New York Giants next Sunday. They do. The question is which Falcons’ team will show up.
“People are going to have their doubts about us until we go into the playoffs and do some good things,” tackle Tyson Clabo said. “Just because we feel like we have the talent to do some special things doesn’t mean anything. We have to perform. You can’t just write down the roster and decide who wins from there.”
When Detroit lost to Green Bay Sunday, the Falcons were handed the NFC’s No. 5 seed on a platter, meaning they didn’t have to travel to New Orleans next week. They will still be on the road for the entire playoffs (barring an implausible NFC title match-up with Detroit), but running back Michael Turner offered, “It’s been proven over time that seeds do not matter.”
We know that to be true. The Falcons were the No. 1 seed last season and got drop-kicked by Green Bay.
Quarterback Matt Ryan played less than a half. He stuck around long enough to throw two touchdown passes and establish a new single-season franchise record for passing yardage. Running back Michael Turner also spent the second half reclining, after rushing for 172 yards and two touchdowns (one for 81 yards) on 17 carries.
We witnessed three interceptions by the Falcons’ defense, a pick six by linebacker Curtis Lofton, a sack and forced fumble by John Abraham.
We saw why general manager Thomas Dimitroff believed wide receiver Julio Jones was worth more than a few draft picks. Jones had a 17-yard touchdown catch to make it 14-0. On Tampa’s first ensuing play from scrimmage, Josh Freeman had a pass intercepted by Dominique Franks at the Bucs’ 48. On first down, Ryan fired a pass to Jones near the 15-yard-line. Jones collided with safety Tanard Jackson, made the catch anyway, went down, got up and then pulled defenders with him into the end zone.
Plays like that show us what potential this team has. But if doubts remain, it’s not a mystery way. Not enough highlights have come against good teams.
By Jeff Schultz
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946 comments Add your comment
Larry
January 1st, 2012
9:59 pm
Choke,
You are one stupid, immature dweeb. Worse, unlike Mr. Ledbetter, Mr. Schultz hasn’t elected to ban your childish butt.
I’d pay for the oportunity to smack you, but undoubtedly once I met your puny, fat, ugly butt I’d see your real issues and just walk away full of pity for you.
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
Well if we dropped tech and stated playing wofford our schedule would look harder and we would get more respect!
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
Oh….
Those kids.
Gotcha.
PreyDawg
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
@Sam- Come on dude, they are playing the Cowboys. Dallas is the ultimate choke artists this time of year.
Hillbilly D
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
“It’s been proven over time that seeds do not matter.”
The man must’ve never had a garden.
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:01 pm
Larry, is that you?
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:01 pm
Larry
Is the man! Lol
Put em to bed Larry!
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:01 pm
ouch LARRY that was harsh.
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:02 pm
We will win 35-0 next week…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
10:02 pm
I heard that the Falcants will be trading up to get RG3.
Blank wants some of that 2004 magic back
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:03 pm
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
Oh….
Those kids.
Lol
katherine
January 1st, 2012
10:04 pm
LOL omg choke that made me laugh….rg3 LOL
3-11 Against Ranked Teams
January 1st, 2012
10:04 pm
As a realistic Dawg fan, I must admit that the Falcons are a lot like the Dawgs this year……whip up on the crappy teams…..choke against quality teams.
Now that the season is (almost) over….I find it amusing that the fringe Dawg fans are already crowning the Dawgs Crystal Trophy winners for next year…..LOL
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
10:05 pm
Larry
January 1st, 2012
9:59 pm
Choke,
You are one stupid, immature dweeb. Worse, unlike Mr. Ledbetter, Mr. Schultz hasn’t elected to ban your childish butt
_______________________________________
BOO HOO HOO
Go see your gyno
3-11 Against Ranked Teams
January 1st, 2012
10:06 pm
Hey Choke……if Ryan had decent pass protection…..he would have (an even more) awesome year. With the sieve of an offensive line, I think he’s had a fine year
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:06 pm
Hi Jeff. I am not happy in any way, shape or form! The Falcon D surrendered 24 points to the Bucs. I said 24 points! That is totally unacceptable and indefensible! Chris “Pick Six” Redman could not even beat out the Valdosta Viking starting QB. What a total loser! The early exit of the offensive starters will become evident this weekend. After the crap the Bucs made the Falcons consume earlier the home guys should have put a minimum of 60 points on the scoreboard. Hey, the Saints damn sure would have! That is the difference between a contender like the Falcons and a pretender like the Falcons. How many more drops did Roddy White have? A dozen? Sure as Hell seemed like it! Guess it is off to the Rotten Apple. Hate that damn cesspool of a city!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
10:06 pm
PreyDawg
January 1st, 2012
10:00 pm
@Sam- Come on dude, they are playing the Cowboys. Dallas is the ultimate choke artists this time of year.
_________________________________________
You mean like:
2008 vs Cardinals
or
2010 vs Green Bay
Is that the CHOKING you were referring to?
HA HA HA
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:07 pm
…Valdosta Wildcat…
3-11 Against Ranked Teams
January 1st, 2012
10:07 pm
I agree with a previous poster who said that the problem lies with the DL and OL…..how our front office have ignored them is a mystery to me!!!!
Joe Tess Fish House
January 1st, 2012
10:09 pm
Flacont got luvky again palying a sub par team. Thigs will cahange next week against the Saints. U will see.
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:10 pm
I think CHOKE is also TRUE DAWG FAN becuse they both have to COPY & PASTE every post to ID who he is responding to. As True Dawg fan he is a Dawg grad and financial planner with Pro Athletes as customers.
3-11 Against Ranked Teams
January 1st, 2012
10:11 pm
Man…unless we get some pressure on Eli next week…..our secondary will be burnt toast
PreyDawg
January 1st, 2012
10:11 pm
I am sure our coaches are watching this. Hope they are coming up with some ideas.
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:12 pm
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:06 pm
Hi Jeff. I am not happy in any way, shape or form! The Falcon D surrendered 24 points to the Bucs. I said 24 points! That is totally unacceptable and indefensible! Chris “Pick Six” Redman could not even beat out the Valdosta Viking starting QB. What a total loser! The early exit of the offensive starters will become evident this weekend. After the crap the Bucs made the Falcons consume earlier the home guys should have put a minimum of 60 points on the scoreboard. Hey, the Saints damn sure would have! That is the difference between a contender like the Falcons and a pretender like the Falcons. How many more drops did Roddy White have? A dozen? Sure as Hell seemed like it! Guess it is off to the Rotten Apple. Hate that damn cesspool of a city!
I’M negative?
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:12 pm
5150
Add 4.29 and Thomas brown and bitterQB to that.
JSS
January 1st, 2012
10:12 pm
Larry…
Wow, wish the party would have lasted another hour… The king of bravado has cranked up the generator…
@ POAD…
See, the difference, I will take on people personally… However, I’ll never talk talk about a persons mother, father, wife, children, or general relations… Big old difference in all of that stuff… I have thick skin, but that is trait stuff… The Momma Joke teller is the weakest form of blogger…
katherine
January 1st, 2012
10:13 pm
he definitely is more negative then you phil
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:13 pm
RYAN better have his Track Shoes on next week.
3-11 Against Ranked Teams
January 1st, 2012
10:13 pm
If we lose next week….Mularky and Van Gorder needs to go.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
10:14 pm
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:10 pm
I think CHOKE
_______________________________________
“Thinking” was your first mistake.
Put that thing down before you hurt yourself.
HA HA HA
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:14 pm
I have followed the Falcons faithfully since 1966 Phil! It is my right.
DawgNole
January 1st, 2012
10:14 pm
P B Orr
January 1st, 2012
9:11 pm
Seriously some of you guys amaze me with your attitudes. It’s a game, it’s supposed to be fun. We’re in the tournament, we’ve got a shot. So what if we lose? It’s a frickin’ game, it’s entertainment. Go play with gunpowder or something.
_________________________
“So what if we lose?” It’s attitudes like yours that have earned this city the label of “Losersville.”
Hillbilly D
January 1st, 2012
10:15 pm
I agree with a previous poster who said that the problem lies with the DL and OL
Me, too. When it comes to playoff football, that’s usually the difference. Win the trenches, win the game.
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:15 pm
The Falcon D did score! Sort of offsets a lot of those 24 points. Still pi$$es me off. Highly!
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:15 pm
JSS – did the family behave?
JSS
January 1st, 2012
10:16 pm
Valdosta Wildcats/Lowndes County Vikings… Like mixing gasoline and fire, people have been shot and murdered for less in South GA…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 1st, 2012
10:16 pm
PreyDawg
January 1st, 2012
10:11 pm
I am sure our coaches are watching this. Hope they are coming up with some ideas.
_____________________________________________
Like they did last Monday Night………………..
Good job sport………………..
HA HA HA
katherine
January 1st, 2012
10:16 pm
stendek….it you have followed the falcons that long then you of all people should realize how far they have come the past few years…it’s your choice to be a negative, miserable person.
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:17 pm
Play with gunpowder? Maybe dynamite sweat. Better known as nitroglycerin
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:17 pm
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:14 pm
I have followed the Falcons faithfully since 1966 Phil! It is my right.
I didn’t mean to imply that it bothered me. I basically agree with you.
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:18 pm
5150
So a you going to pull for the dawgs to WIN tomorrow?
5150 UOAD
January 1st, 2012
10:19 pm
Hit ROMO.
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:19 pm
If Falcons go from division champion to division runnerup to first round playoff loser to the Giants then the season is a total failure. A damn miserable one to boot! That is a fact. Same as Tony Romo is as untalented as Chris Miller. What a loser fraud!
JSS
January 1st, 2012
10:19 pm
The Family was great, saw a cousin I haven’t seen in 15 years… Shared photos from Mexico, and ended up having to crave the 2nd ham… All was good, strange not having my Uncle there after his death in July…
JSS
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
Born-again cousin kept the prayer under 10 minutes, that made everyones night!
phil
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
Yes, stendek….
Be positive by edict of the blog police.
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
I understand Phil. Sorry it sounded like it should not have to you. I agree with your comments friend.
katherine
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
stendek
January 1st, 2012
10:19 pm
If Falcons go from division champion to division runnerup to first round playoff loser to the Giants then the season is a total failure. A damn miserable one to boot! That is a fact. Same as Tony Romo is as untalented as Chris Miller. What a loser fraud!
The falcons didnt even have back to back winning seasons until a few years ago….so you can choose to be a miserable old fart it you want to….im sure you are really pleasant to be around.
Dawg48
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
Nice TD pass!
Acworth Bob
January 1st, 2012
10:20 pm
I was HOPING the Birds would play the Cowboys at their place. But I’m watching a VERY GOOD Giants team ABSOLUTELY DESTROY the Cowpokes at the Giants place up North. Looks like we’re gonna have a tough task ahead. My heart says YES. MY head says,probably not.