Mike Smith trying to instill playoff toughness in Falcons
Falcons coach Mike Smith realizes the Falcons will be "scrutinized" for their playoff performances after two postseason losses.
First, let’s get past the flaws.
The Falcons are thin on the offensive line, sporadic in the secondary. Passes have been dropped. Tackles have been missed. Dunta Robinson, Ray Edwards – sorry, no rebates.
But every NFL playoff team has flaws, even the best one. Ask the Green Bay Packers about their 32nd-ranked defense.
The playoffs open this week. This is a good time for the Falcons to remind themselves of the one absolute truth in football that’s never changed, regardless of any second-guessing of the offensive coordinator or the quarterback’s Tramon Williams’ blind –spot: A punch in the mouth is the great equalizer.
The Falcons have talent. But they are 0-2 in the playoffs under this regime and they’ve struggled against good teams this season. To succeed in this postseason, they’ll need to win on the road, in the cold and/or difficult surroundings — New York this week, potentially Green Bay and New Orleans thereafter. That will require a mental and physical toughness they’ve consistently lacked this season and certainly in playoff losses to Arizona in 2008 and Green Bay last season.
Coach Mike Smith acknowledged, “I understand we’ll be scrutinized in the playoffs. That’s a natural. But it shouldn’t take away from what we’ve accomplished so far.”
It doesn’t take away. But it does leave some with thoughts of an imaginary ceiling.
Smith realizes bragging rights associated with his 43-21 regular-season record, as great as it is, carries a limited freshness date. At some point, the Falcons need to win a playoff game, and that point might very well be now.
One common theme in the two playoff losses: turnovers. The Falcons committed seven. But it’s not that simple.
The former linebacker and noted philosopher, Dick Butkus, once said, “When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately — unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something.”
Now, this shouldn’t be viewed as a rallying cry for the Falcons to take the New York Giants out at the knees Sunday (notwithstanding the comical ramblings of Justin Tuck, who already views the Falcons as cheaters and “dirtbags”). It’s more about what Atlanta hasn’t been for much of this season and in the postseason: a physically and mentally tough team.
That’s odd, given, as Smith said, “A team takes on the personality of its coach.”
He coached smart, tough, physical defenses in Jacksonville (as coordinator) and Baltimore (linemen and linebackers). His Jaguars beat Pittsburgh in the 2007 playoffs before losing to unbeaten New England. His Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000. He knows what it takes to be successful in the postseason and has tried to instill that in the Falcons. To this point he’s 0-for-2.
“When you’re in the playoffs, you know it’s win or go home — there’s a finality to it,” Smith said. “Everything is heightened in terms of your preparation, mentally and physically. You can’t look past what’s going on on that play, at that moment. The teams I’ve been on that have won postseason games, they’ve had that focus. They were prepared for the ebbs and flows in a game.”
Smith wouldn’t divulge what he’ll tell his team the night before the game in New York. But I’m guessing he just touched on elements of it. The Falcons weren’t prepared last season before the Green Bay playoff game. Smith acknowledges now that he botched the bye week, giving players “too much down time.” He wanted them to be fresh, but by game day they had lost their edge.
The way Aaron Rodgers was playing, maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference. But neither would it have been 42-14 in the third quarter.
If the Falcons win Sunday in New York, it will be because they were the smarter, tougher team. That wasn’t the case earlier this season against Green Bay, and it also wasn’t the case in losses to Houston, New Orleans (twice) and Chicago.
The Falcons have flaws, but those flaws aren’t going to keep this team from going anywhere.
“We have talent,” Smith said. “We have to play at a higher level than we’ve played all season to win in the playoffs.”
It’s the next step this team needs to take.
By Jeff Schultz
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273 comments Add your comment
Jeremy
January 3rd, 2012
2:48 pm
That Detroit game saved us.
Jeremy
January 3rd, 2012
2:49 pm
Which has little to do with this article, more so I was reflecting after read about these terrible losses. I believe both wild card teams out of the NFC win this week. Detroit rebounds and Atlanta wins narrowly.
Jeremy
January 3rd, 2012
2:50 pm
Also, define ‘dirtbag’
Falkor
January 3rd, 2012
2:59 pm
I think it is good that the Giants just had a big emotional win over their rival Cowboys b/c the Giants have been up and down all season.
Hopefully the “up” last Sunday follows with a “down” this Sunday
Runner-
January 3rd, 2012
2:59 pm
Our two playoff losses came to eventual Super Bowl bound teams. Hopefully we’ll have better luck this year, and make our way to the Super Bowl with a win!
Who Me?
January 3rd, 2012
3:02 pm
C’mon – really? This is not a team know for toughness of any kind, hell just look at our QB. This is the kind of game that we need to go out, smack them in the mouth on both sides of the ball – yes this means you’ll have to show up Ray Edwards – and our DB’s and WR’s (Roddy) will have to play a physical tough game. No drops on 3rd downs, no stupid penalties, just mean smash-mouth I’m gonna whip your a** football.
We do that, let the chips fall where they may. You can be NY will be sorry they ever drew us in the first round. 4 quarters for once…I for one and am sick and tired of one and done.
Double Zero Eight
January 3rd, 2012
3:06 pm
He needs to see what Dan Reeves did
before the NFC championship
game in 1998. Whatever it was, it
worked. That was the best game the
Falcons have played in their entire
history. An away game before a
deafening crowd. Per my recollection
the Falcons had no penalties.
Bill
January 3rd, 2012
3:06 pm
If the Falcons lose will they have reached,dare I say it,a plateau?
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
3:09 pm
Isn’t it a little too late to install ANY type of “toughness” in a team at this point in the season? You are either tough or you are not. Toughness is not something you instill in a person’s DNA sort to speak. You either have it or you don’t.
Larry
January 3rd, 2012
3:14 pm
Have to give a slight edge to the Giants for playing at home, but I think this Falcon team will make it close and easily the best playoff performance in the Smith era.
27-23 Giants…and here’s hoping it’s the Falcons with the 27 points!
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
3:16 pm
I would also add this……
I think the Falcons 6 losses are more indicative of where this team is than their 10 wins. Especially when you gauge the horrendous nature of their losses with the impressiveness of their wins.
With the exception of the two blow out wins (Jaguars and Bucs), the rest of their victories against bad and mediocre team speaks volumes about their ability to handle a team like the Giants team coming up.
Our best chance of winning this game is running the ball effective. Our line is NOT capable of giving Matt Ryan the time to throw anything but 5-yard passes. So this will be Check-Down Sunday and Michael Turner 2-yards and a cloud of mud.
woeismesince66
January 3rd, 2012
3:20 pm
I wish the Falcons the best, but I have no confidence in them. I’m looking at another lopsided loss. Sorry,
but after watching them for years I see nothing that has really changed. They are always going come up short
no matter who the players or coaches are.
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
3:20 pm
@ Jeff –
” . . . Dunta Robinson, Ray Edwards – sorry, no rebates.”
Excellent….
I would also like to add to that line of thought: Peria Jerry and Sam Baker
How about he instill some toughness...
January 3rd, 2012
3:25 pm
…in his DC to have the cohonees to be more aggressive and less passive in his play calling? And, how about having toughness during the year rather than just the playoffs…
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
3:28 pm
Mike Smith: “Coach Mike Smith acknowledged, “I understand we’ll be scrutinized in the playoffs. That’s a natural. But it shouldn’t take away from what we’ve accomplished so far.”
Tell me if that does not sound like a man already conceding defeat? At the very least, he’s already patting himself (and the team) on the back and accepting that as a big accomplishment and no reason to “be disappointed” if we don’t win another game (1st playoffs).
Although is statement is true, I just believe that in his heart of heart, he don’t feel he and his staff can out coach/game plan against the other 3 coaches he will be facing on their way to the Superbowl –all of whom have ALREADY won a superbowl – Tom Coughlin-Giants, Sean Payton-Saints and Mike McCarthy-Packers.
Can you say...
January 3rd, 2012
3:28 pm
…Falcons equal UGA… neither team knows HOW to win when the other team smacks them in the face – they just turn the other cheek and say “shoulda, woulda, if only… bunch of cowards all the way around at both UGA and in Flowery Branch…
Gatorzone
January 3rd, 2012
3:30 pm
Hopefully, Smith has learned that when they have extended time off, you can’t let up… look at the New Orleans Beatdown. Smith gave them 3 days off before that practice week and they looked pathetic… This team has the talent to win, just need the coaching to facilitate!
abby normal
January 3rd, 2012
3:31 pm
Jeff, your comments are spot on. I hope the Falcons play with fire in their bellies…….but I’m afraid they won’t. Not that I want to go back to the Glanville era, but at least his teams played nasty if not all that well.
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
January 3rd, 2012
3:33 pm
Falcons need to get real. Running Turner 30 times is a surefire way to win against…the Lions, Bucs, Seahawks, and Cardinals. When you play an elite-level team, you must become creative and use the talent on the team. By my account, Smith and Mularkey have:
Ryan
White
Tony G.
Douglas
Jones
Turner
Snelling
Rodgers
Weems
Jeff, we must hold these guys accountable. If Andy Reid, Jon Gruden or Sean Payton had this kind of elite skilled talent, they would score more than 16-20 points in big games. Prediction…the Falcons will roll into Giants Stadium as score no more than 20 points.
Sadly, it will be up to the defenese to keep this team in the tournament.
FBD
Hopefully Mularkey gets the Jacksonville job. While his system works to a point, he 1) does not manage an abundance of talent well 2) makes minor in game adjustments and 3) cant coach the team to run a screen to save his life. Remember, the screen slows the pass rush down. If you can run it effectively, DEs peel back.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
3:37 pm
“Fire in their bellies?”
Yeah, I’ll stay away from that one…
**Frederick(Bailey)Douglass**
January 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
P.S. Watch the Falcons on 2nd down of any game. The most conservative team in the league on 2nd down: Turner up the gut…whether its 2nd and 10 or 2nd and 3.
Mularkey is always “preparing” for a play instead of calling one.
FBD
SportsGirl
January 3rd, 2012
3:44 pm
Great article! @Can you say… – please do me a favor and never ever compare the Falcons to UGA ever again, thanks.
Sly Boarders
January 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
The frustration for me is that for about 15 minutes, they WERE that team against Green Bay. It was when the chess match of adjustments started that the Falcons fell horribly behind. Their were poor individual performances, but it’s easy to shoot a moving target if you know exactly where it is moving to.
Sly Boarders
January 3rd, 2012
3:47 pm
There, not thier.
Kudzu
January 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
“Falcons4Eva” good point about the toughnes, or lack thereof…
I look back at the game last week, crap, I started getting a little nervous wondering if the Faclons were going to flop and let the Bucs back into the game…I was thinking, the Falcons do not play with hardnose intensity where you get the other guy down and you don’t even give him an opportunity to say uncle…
We had it last year on the offensive line and I loved it… but (mean stomp the living life out of the other team), we don’t have it, and it is too late to find it. should have beat Tampa by 90 points….
…and I’m not talking about (low life cheap shots) by some girl playing corner that needs a haircut…just saying.
5150 UOAD
January 3rd, 2012
3:51 pm
maybe Smitty can get MARK RICHT to stop by and give an inspiring speech or go swimming with the players.
5150 UOAD
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Sly Boarders
January 3rd, 2012
3:47 pm
There, not thier.
How about There, not thEir.
ramblingbuzz
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Somewhere between the blow out loss to the Saints and the blow out win over the Bucs is where the real Falcon team stands. Unfortunately, something tells me the true Falcons are the team that was totally dominated by the Saints. I’m not drinking the Falcon Kool-Aid.
Gwinnett Fred
January 3rd, 2012
3:53 pm
Simply put – if the Falcons don’t win this game, they need MAJOR changes.
This is due to the simple fact that the Giants are a mediocre football team.
They beat ONE team with a winning record this year (sound familiar?)
I see the difference in this game being in yards after the catch. If the Falcon backs & corners allow Cruz to bust 10 yards passes into 40 yard gains like he’s done recently, we lose. If they wrap up and make the Giants drive the ball, then NY’s 1.5 turnovers a game come in to play much more.
Wink
January 3rd, 2012
4:07 pm
The Falcons have flaws, but those flaws aren’t going to keep this team from going anywhere.
“We have talent,” Smith said. “We have to play at a higher level than we’ve played all season to win in the playoffs.”
You Sir, have flaws & need to coach at a higher level!!!
Great record in the regular season since you have been here, same OC & DC, core personnel been together for three years, but your team has two major flaws that have never been remedied and will cost you games..
1. You can’t beat elite teams with FG’s…self destruct in the Red Zone.
2. Your team can’t get off the field on 3rd down, regardless of distance.
These two things have been present for 3 years, where is the coaching at a higher level, especially in the playoffs…what have you done to prepare your team for these two areas??????
Sausage King of Chicago
January 3rd, 2012
4:09 pm
I think the Falcons’ retooled O-line is starting to get its crap together…takes time to forge that chemistry. Turner’s going to run for 160 yds and Falcons will dominate the time of posession in NYC.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
4:17 pm
With Melt @ the helm you wanna get tough! He’s already tough…
Hey coach, your 2-4 against the winners which down right stinks. Your team is losing in the trenches..And your QB play is adding fuel to the fire…
Look for the Giants O-line to own the Falcons D-Line.. Game,Set, and Match!
Giants 45 Falcons 17 in another disaster meltdown…
Arthur Blank get your short list out, cause your going to need it….
Steve-O
January 3rd, 2012
4:17 pm
Who Me?
January 3rd, 2012
3:02 pm
C’mon – really? This is not a team know for toughness of any kind, hell just look at our QB. This is the kind of game that we need to go out, smack them in the mouth on both sides of the ball – yes this means you’ll have to show up Ray Edwards – and our DB’s and WR’s (Roddy) will have to play a physical tough game. No drops on 3rd downs, no stupid penalties, just mean smash-mouth I’m gonna whip your a** football.
We do that, let the chips fall where they may. You can be NY will be sorry they ever drew us in the first round. 4 quarters for once…I for one and am sick and tired of one and done.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Jacka** alert. You obviously didn’t watch every game this year where Ryan did a split on the field and had his ankle bent into a right angle when Svitex stepped on it. Ryan’s toughness is clear and obvious. Find something else to pi** and moan about.
realitycheck
January 3rd, 2012
4:20 pm
This is a MUST win game for this regime! The Falcons caught a break in catching the Giants instead of the Saints again, and they have to break through with a win in this game. No excuses, no next time,no next year……….this is a MUST win for Dimitroff/Smith!
rollo lawson
January 3rd, 2012
4:21 pm
Go in and punch the Giants in the mouth plain and simple. Don’t sit back in that soft-zone BVG. Shut down the run and make NY one dimensional. Bump/re-route those receivers. Don’t give them a free run off the line, especially Cruz. Put your defensive playmakers (Moore and Spoon)in positions to make plays. Move John Abraham around to keep the oline and Manning guessing. Utilize the delayed blitz up the middle (See Moore, Decoud, and Spoon). Be creative with the offensive playcalling. Run out of passing formations and pass out of obvious running formations. Keep the defense off balance. Don’t run Turner into the ground. Use Snelling and Rodgers. Get Roddy involved early. Throw in a Julio Jones reverse if and when the Giants start over pursuing. Football is not rocket science!
rollo lawson
January 3rd, 2012
4:22 pm
And do not drop any of our defensive lineman into coverage on third and longs. It does not work.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
4:24 pm
Eli= TD maker………..7>3
Melt= FG producer…..3<7
Hey Rosenberg, "the legend" those numbers look right to you Genius?
"Deception is the operative word today" Author unknown
Hey IJ, stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!! LOL
Carl from Slingblade
January 3rd, 2012
4:24 pm
Please run the No-Huddle all game…that way you take the play calling out of the hands of the incompetant OC, and…you combat the Giants strength, the front four. IS there even 1 single stinkin’ screen pass in the friggin playbook??? There should be at least 5 different ones for Jacquizz…for God’s sake!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
4:27 pm
How can you be tough if your qb is todays special at Wongs House of Wuss.
HA HA HA
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
4:28 pm
Memo to Rich Mckay: Greyhound is ready when you are…..You have orchestrated 8 years of futility when it comes to the playoff matrix…….Keep up the good work…(joke) lol
Smashmouth
January 3rd, 2012
4:28 pm
I love the Falcons and am going to be pumped up for the game, but reality tells me V Cruz v. D Robinson will be the difference and that is not good news for the Falcons.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
4:31 pm
Eli will show us real QB play in the money Game!
Melt not so much……..Yawn…..
Victor Cruz= The Blur
Julio needs a hair cut! lol
Whopper Dawg
January 3rd, 2012
4:38 pm
Jeff, you and Smith are right. Unfortunately, getting this team to play better than they have all season isn’t like switching on a switch.
It is much more likely that we will get what we have been getting, and be at home after the first round.
rollo lawson
January 3rd, 2012
4:41 pm
Like I said, put your hands on Cruz and rough him up.
coachx
January 3rd, 2012
4:48 pm
We need Grimes healthy to cover Cruz…………no one else has a chance. I’m hoping Moore lays the wood to him.
The weather prediction for Sundays game is 40 degrees with a 20% chance of cold rain. I hope our boys are practicing in the cold to get some what acclimated.
Ron Roberts
January 3rd, 2012
4:51 pm
It begins and ends with Michael Turner and his effectiveness.
If we get the “tip-toe-in-place before deciding which hole to hit and be knocked back from” Turner, we’re in trouble.
If it’s the more decisive “I’m going here I don’t care WHO is there” Turner, we can inflict our will. That’s the long and short of it. Always has been.
We don’t have the type of defense that’s going to STOP a good offense; we have a defense that, at best, can slow them down. That, coupled with a strong running game, is what wins games for us.
I believe we have the better run game and as good if not slightly better pass game; we just have to avoid 3rd and long scenarios (honestly, on both ends, the way Brees lit us up on 3rd and forevers a few weeks back).
spotlessmcpartlandattacks
January 3rd, 2012
4:51 pm
If a Falcons’ loss in NY would mean that BYG is sent packing then I’d root for the Giants.
mcp
spotlessmcpartlandattacks
January 3rd, 2012
4:52 pm
BVG, not BYG.
mcp
drew
January 3rd, 2012
4:57 pm
If we play that soft zone Manning is gonna pick us apart. I’d rather man up, blitz, and go man coverage. Yeah, we might get burned, but I’d prefer that to the wide-open receivers grabbing 10-20 yard passes all the way down the field (like at N.O.). I’d rather die quick than be tortured with BVG’s soft zone.
To win, Ryan needs to go with quick, short passes, 3-step drops, and screens (HAHA) and draws. NYG has a great d-line, but their LB’s and DB’s are average at best.
Why in the hell can’t we execute a simple screen pass?
Oh, and why in the hell can’t we STOP anybody elses screen pass?
And lastly, just give Julio the damn ball!
MattyB
January 3rd, 2012
5:18 pm
SOFT is exactly how I’d describe the 2011 Falcons, ’specially the defense and O-Line. Very, very soft indeed. And I’m afraid that it is a result of the team taking on the personality of it’s coach. Love the birds, but just don’t see them going far in their present incarnation.
DamYankee
January 3rd, 2012
5:22 pm
Half the Falcon’s “mean” is playing for St. Louis & most of the rest (M. Peterson) is hurt.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
5:23 pm
I can see it coming in the”AIR” OH NO!!!!!!!!!!! Whats wrong???
A pick six……………………That’s whats wrong…..
Gwinnett Fred
January 3rd, 2012
5:29 pm
People keep talking about the Falcons cowering against “elite” teams.
NYG ARE NOT AN ELITE TEAM!!
People love to point out ATL is 2-4 against teams w/ winning record
Nobody has noted the NYG are 1-3 against teams with a winning record
People love to bash Ryan and praise Manning
Nobody has pointed out Ryan’s 29:12 TD to Int ration is better than Eli’s 29:16
So Falcons fans – enjoy the game and root on your team.
Falcons bashers – go find a team to root for because it must be a miserable existance to only root against teams. Which, BTW, makaes you pathetic. Instead of rooting for 1 team against 31 others, you root for 31 teams against 1 – what a chicken $h!t way to go thru life.
AlanFalcon
January 3rd, 2012
5:35 pm
I hope that Smitty doesn’t have short term memory loss, he step on the team this last week and got results even if it was Tampa Bay. The Falcons were a different team in the first half, one that we had not seen this year, I know he let up in the second half and I’m not sure that was a good idea as we all saw the results, this team unfortunately needs a cow prod put on their butts as they have a natural tendency to think that others will pick up their slack and when that happens they go down hill.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
5:37 pm
They both suck against the winners but guess what the Falcons are going to be outside in wintery conditions on the road..Oh no Matty!
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
5:51 pm
Ho Chi Mingh said it best… To paraphrase: “I’d rather smell French feces for 5 years, then eat Chinese feces for a 1000!” So I’d rather appreciate the teams that actually do something in the post-season then to keep “WIshin and Hopin’!” Hey, that was a Dusty Springfield song! It can join the Falcons Theme Song Collection… Post-Season Edition…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Dgw_LSJ5w&feature=related
just sayin
January 3rd, 2012
5:56 pm
eli and matt both threw 29 tds this season. eli threw more picks. matt got pulled early in a couple of games for getting a huge lead and us being a classy team that doesent want to run the score up.
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
6:13 pm
JSS,, I think you can do both,, unless of course you have ulterior motives for hating a certain team,,, which obviously you do… and you sure spend alot of time bashing on here,, here’s an idea,, go make your snide comments on the blogs of these teams that you “appreciate”…. Your lame jokes and historical referenses are. well,,, lame…
ijonathan
January 3rd, 2012
6:14 pm
CGD…yes, very nice use of the “greater than” and “less than” signs. Bravo.
St. Pete Falcon
January 3rd, 2012
6:31 pm
I agree with Steve O – anyone questioning Ryans toughness is Wacko. Who Me.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
6:35 pm
“Your lame jokes and historical referenses are. well,,, lame…” Redundant is well “lame.” Snide enough? And does DePalma know you’re “lame?”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
6:41 pm
Last 6 games vs 4 Rookies, a 4 win team and a THUMPING by Drew Brees.
Wow
Felix
January 3rd, 2012
6:43 pm
Hope they do go on a run but I’m just not sold on these Falcons. I think they got to where they are by playing a weak schedule. Just go look at all the chumps they played. When they did play a good team, the Saints, they were exposed.
My money will be on the Giants to advance.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
6:48 pm
And my “motives” are not “ulterior.” A team that hired Bob Petrino as their head coach lost me as a season ticket holder on January 7, 2007. A team that overspent on the number 7 pick in the 2008 draft just reinforced my choice to become a NFL fan instead tying my “wagon” to one team. An owner who continues to insult taxpayers by demanding public funding of his private enterprise (a new outdoor football only stadium) while the region cannot pay for regional transportation needs or its Constitutional requirements for civic education is in no way a civic steward… Now, if you want to keep trying to tie your weak and misinterpreted reasoning to why I see a team that has failed at home and away in its last three games in the post-season (I included Mora’s folly in Philly too) as not worth holding up as a “real” contender, then go ahead and keep wasting your time…
Who Me?
January 3rd, 2012
6:50 pm
@Steve-O and St. Pete Falcon – puhleez. First of all its Svitek, not Svitex. Secondly, I reserve the right to question any QB’s toughness, especially my own team. I will say his second half of the season has been much improved from the early season efforts but he still runs out of the pocket far too much for my taste. Part of that was, I’m sure, Baker’s early inability to stop ANYone from blindsiding him. Svitek has done, in my opinion, an outstanding job stepping and gradually improving his technique so that Ryan could settle down, and clearly his QBR for the last month of the season indicates his confidence in Will.
Nevertheless, he needs to step up and demand more from all of his receivers, especially Roddy, as we go into postseason play.
and i still maintain he was tougher in his rookie season than he was this year, especially the first 8 games.
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
6:53 pm
JSS,, I bet your moma had to tie a pork chop around your neck to get the dog to play with you…. your not clever, and your not funny.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Sorry Fake Tony Montana (Spoiler alert: He ends up face down in a pool of blood in original and in the remake), had my dog from the time I was 2 weeks old until the day she when I was 17… And she was a loyal companion… And I didn’t have to smear peanut butter all over myself like you to get a little attention… :-0 !!!
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:10 pm
“Gwinnett Fred
Simply put – if the Falcons don’t win this game, they need MAJOR changes.”
I have an idea. Lets trade the rest of this years draft picks and 2013’s for a wide receiver! I think thats just what our secondary and o-line need!
BravesFan79
January 3rd, 2012
7:11 pm
I dont think the Saints blowout was at all a reflection of this true team. They had ALOT of bad calls go against them that cost them points and momentum. I think this team is very capable of beating anyone in the playoffs! We need a more aggressive defense tho , playing that soft zone defence on 3rd down isnt going to cut it!
BravesFan79
January 3rd, 2012
7:11 pm
I dont think the Saints blowout was at all a reflection of this true team. They had ALOT of bad calls go against them that cost them points and momentum. I think this team is very capable of beating anyone in the playoffs! We need a more aggressive defense tho , playing that soft zone defence on 3rd down isnt going to cut it!
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
7:15 pm
“Clearly his confidence has grown these last 4 games”
Yours would too, if you played against the last 4 teams with a combine record of 18-46!!!! Dayum!!!!! LMAO!!
Lets see that’s 18 divided into 64 carry the 4 subtract 5 add 15 multiply by 4 and you get 8 years of “this job would be a lot easier if I were a Dictator”.. hahaha
Combined winning %= .28125..Oh boy the Birds are ready now for phase 2( The Playoff Matrix)..
Hollywood could not script this any better…IN OLE NEW YORK, A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS!
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
7:19 pm
Mr Blank, you want a new stadium?
Sell more electric screw drivers!
Gwinnett Fred
January 3rd, 2012
7:24 pm
Chipper:
The major changes would (obviously) be needed on the defensive side. hard to argue with Dimitrof’s overall abilities, but he has NOT shown the ability to draft contributing defensive players so far (and his free agent defensive players haven’t done much either).
Joe Tess Fish House
January 3rd, 2012
7:30 pm
Its those flaws that will caused the Flacons a vicktory Sunday. Mark my word
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:30 pm
Gwinnett,
Have you seen the episode of South Park describing how our government does business? Cut a chicken’s head off and wherever falls dead dictates your decision.
No one will ever be able to convince me that drafting Julio Jones was a good move. He’s a great player but was nowhere near what our team needed. Whomever made that decision, if it wasnt all Dmitroff’s idea, should be tarred, feathered, and dragged down Peachtree Street. Arthur Blank should spend the offseason kicking Dmitroff in the nads.
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:32 pm
Do you know what Isiah Crowell and Julio Jones have in common?
One hard hit and that’s it.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:34 pm
America is a great country
Only in America could an absolute loser like CGD slam accomplished people like Arthur Blank and Matt Ryan.
Me Too
January 3rd, 2012
7:34 pm
Based on the Bucs game:
We will continue to play zone and Giants will have many long third down completions.
Our primary weapon will be one man, Micheal Turner, regardless of all the other talented players and the number of negative yardage runs.
Mike Mularkey will call the same plays up the middle on first and second downs putting Matt Ryan in a fail position on third down.
We will score field goals not touchdowns.
When we reach the red zone, Mike Mularkey will maximize the number of plays needed to score which usually means a field goal. Let’s show the Giants we can run the ball with Michael Turner across the goal line no matter if passing to one of the receivers is easier and faster. We want the Giants defense (don’t take advantage of them) to know what the plays will be because the plays have been run so many times before and we will prove we can out execute the Giants. We are looking for perfection not a score.
The fans will be disappointed on Sunday night. Since the Green Bay playoff loss and 16 regular season games the coaching staff has made no noticeable changes to play at a level of the elite teams. The coaches are going to do things their way at the expense of having a really great team.
I hope I am wrong
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:35 pm
@ Why Chipper
What team do you work for? Why does anyone need to convine you? You are irrelevant.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
7:36 pm
Pecking order for Arthur’s money…
1. Mrs. Blank’s lawyers
2. Mrs. Blank’s accountants
3. Blank kids private school
4. Mr. Blank’s lawyers
5. Mr. Blank’s off-shore tax shelters
6. Mr. Blank’s shell charity foundation
7. Mr. Blank’s Brooks Brother account
8. Mr. Blank’s lobbying concerns
9. The Georgia Legislature and the Governor’s fund raising pursuits…
10. Mr. Blank’s stadium consulting group…
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:38 pm
Monday Morning QB,
You think we needed an upgrade at wide receiver after watching that Green Bay playoff loss?
What team do you work for?
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
7:38 pm
Free Monday Morning QB!!!!
Only in Georgia would they put you out on probation…lol
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:39 pm
Pecking order of JSS money
1. he has no money because he is to stupid to get a job and to big a loser to have a girlfriend.
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
7:42 pm
No he didnt go there?^^^^^^
Joe Tess Fish House
January 3rd, 2012
7:43 pm
Oh yeah Schlutzie….U forgot 2 mention all of these probs R b Cuzx of Dimitiroff. Wht kind of isoit sighs a CB that cant cover ot tackel or a DT that cant sax a QB. Dont forget drafting a DT that fakes injruy so he can collect a paid chex. Dont bale rthe coach although he screw u a lot 2 no blame Dimitiroff and his decesions on draft day and FA sighing.
Joe Tess Fish House
January 3rd, 2012
7:43 pm
Oh yeah Schlutzie….U forgot 2 mention all of these probs R b Cuzx of Dimitiroff. Wht kind of isoit sighs a CB that cant cover ot tackel or a DT that cant sax a QB. Dont forget drafting a DT that fakes injruy so he can collect a paid chex. Dont bale rthe coach although he screw u a lot 2 no blame Dimitiroff and his decesions on draft day and FA sighing.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:44 pm
@ Why Chipper
I work for the same team you do but I’m smart enough to let things play out before I start complaining. Based on what I’ve seen of Julio so far the early returns look pretty damn good.
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
7:46 pm
@ JSS
January 3rd, 2012
7:36 pm
===========================================
And your point being?
It’s His FREAKIN’ money you idiot! He do with it as he damn well please.
Are you jealous or what? Typical socialist!
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:47 pm
So you are of the opinion that New Orleans would be correct to trade 2 years of draft picks for a star quarterback? Have you even paid a slice of attention at whats happening in Indy over Peyton and Luck?
Dont be contrary. No one likes a person that argues with people for the sake of argument.
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
7:50 pm
Monday,
When I see Julio Jones out there in our secondary, providing pass protection so the Rodger’s of the world dont eviscerate us(AGAIN), I will be inclined to agree with you.
Falcons4Eva
January 3rd, 2012
7:51 pm
@ Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:39 pm
======================================
You are a retard. Saying a billionaire is too stupid to get a job? Are you serious? A billionaire getting a job?
What planet are you from – Planet of the Idiots?
It tickles me to hear other nutts begrudge another mans success in life. Only low life’s who has never accomplished anything would make such a statement as yours.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
7:54 pm
@ Chipper
Where do you morons come up with this two years of draft picks nonsence. The Falcons gave up picks 2 & 4 last year and picks 1 & 4 this year. That’s 4 picks out of around 14 picks for the two years. Your math is very shaky.
Michael M.
January 3rd, 2012
7:55 pm
One rags one praises on and on and back n forth………….but I did like the very first comment on this by Jeremy.
You got to go with Atlanta on this one, no way they going 0-3 under Smitty in a wildcard playoff game boys,…….” Atlanta by 3 ————-Falcons 30 – Giants 27
see yah
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
7:55 pm
He he he he, somebody said “socialist” while giving public money to a rich man to build a facility for his private gratification not the community’s edification… Now there is some more that “unintended irony!”
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
8:03 pm
It ain’t his money when ask “us” to be 1. the bond security for his venture (that was the tenet of true capitalism, you risk it to reap the reward), 2. its not “his money,” its “their money.” Go back and read that little marriage contract (oops i forgot, you wouldn’t know a thing about that, you only think the license closes the deal). So who got the double-wide, dang it was a rental too!
zorro
January 3rd, 2012
8:04 pm
Falcons 38 Giants 20
after saturday game the door opens just a little bit wider,come on in boys and bring J Jones with you.
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
8:04 pm
Monday,
I see your point about generalization but that has nothing to do with the fact that Julio Jones is not what our team needed.
Just because the rest of the board is tearing you apart doesnt mean I will feel sorry for you and agree.
I think im in agreement with the community concerning you.
Truth
January 3rd, 2012
8:05 pm
Julio will make the difference. Best draft decision in Falcons history.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
8:05 pm
Oh yeah, message from my girlfriend, enjoy the cold of winter in late January and February, we’ll be Ixtapa… Look it up!!! Hasta la proxima Chiva!!!
zorro
January 3rd, 2012
8:05 pm
After sat game (saints, &Lions)
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
8:07 pm
One interesting thing.
Looks like game time weather and temp. for Sunday’s game. 40% chance of showers and a high of 45. Sortof chilly but not 12 degrees and a blizzard as some have suggested.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
8:07 pm
@ JSS
There is one thing for certain it is not your money and this is a sports blog. It is not a place for a jealous loser to opine about somebody else’s money.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
8:09 pm
I agree Chipper. If the Falcons lose this game it will not be because of the weather.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
8:24 pm
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
8:07 pm
@ JSS
“There is one thing for certain it is not your money and this is a sports blog. It is not a place for a jealous loser to opine about somebody else’s money.”
I pay taxes, its “my money” too! To be “jealous” means to envy aspects of their life. I wouldn’t want to own the Falcons. I wouldn’t want to be separated from my or his wife. I wouldn’t want to have a court ordered custody agreement for our children. I wouldn’t want to have to pay a secretary money for being inappropriate in the workplace environment… I’m just so “jealous” of Arthur Blank!!! He he he!!!
CGD..
January 3rd, 2012
8:29 pm
Ryan is going struggle with that wind and cold..His weakness throwing the rock will flare up once again….And New york will pounce on it!
Buford Pusser
January 3rd, 2012
8:40 pm
Sadly, the Falcons will lose as they always do in the playoffs. Wish I was more confident, but reality is what it is in Atlanta sports history.
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
8:45 pm
The arrow is pointing up rise up birds fans shut the f up h8rs
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
8:48 pm
Big news in I(idiots)O(out)W(walking)A*around)
Will
January 3rd, 2012
8:51 pm
It’s going to be the same old crap as always. Stupid offensive play calling. turner falling over from one hit at the line on 3rd and 2. High passes from Ryan, drops by white and julio. Dumb penalties and the d. Lousy pass rush on eli. Dunta will get beat twice or more. Same as always
Giants 27
Falcants 16
Harris
January 3rd, 2012
8:59 pm
Remember the jents had a stretch where they lost 5 out of 6. And people talk them up as some great football team. Sorry but the falcons should easily beat this team.
Monday Morning QB
January 3rd, 2012
9:01 pm
@ CGD
Ryan is from Philly and played at B.C. The wind and cold is a non factor. Your ignorance is truly staggering.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
9:01 pm
CHOKE is so SORRY that Justin Tuck has to start trash talking just to get up for the game…………
HA HA HA
The dirtbag Falcons don’t realize is that the Giants may play through the whistle also and drill CHOKE into the ground.
That would be hilarious
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
9:03 pm
It’s amazing what beating a 4 win team will do for you after being PUNKED by Drew Brees on national television just 7 days earlier ………………
HA HA HA
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:05 pm
Where’s your “what” “choke”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
9:06 pm
HA HA HA
AJC still putting Vick on the Front page……………..
CHOKE SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
HA HA HA
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:07 pm
“Choke”the Rick Perry of blogging
Dr. Warren
January 3rd, 2012
9:07 pm
Falcons need to do what they do best—-establish the run. They can’t win acting as though they are the Saints and trying to throw the ball 50 times.
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:12 pm
Can you say Sucks on here,, JS has threatened to “Ban” me for less… come on MCR,, stay classy..
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:13 pm
And JSS,, you need to go over to the political blog cause you dont know Shi) about football…
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:17 pm
And JSS,, you’re not going to convince those on here that think you Suck otherwise,,, so it seems to me your the one that waisting their time.
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:18 pm
What a sad little man you are.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:19 pm
@ MCR…
Don’t you love when nare-de-wells try to school us on “what we need to do?” Remember when all of those long ago voices said they’d outlast us? Where are they now? We really should do a “roll-call” one day!
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:21 pm
My “waist” loves that comment by the way!!!
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:22 pm
fu
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:23 pm
Ne’re do wells?dude you have met the enemy and it is yourself,try the water from lithia springs
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:24 pm
Waste,, ok,, you happy ,, of course,, you an A$$Hole
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:26 pm
me thinks those long ago voices are in your heads
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:26 pm
Now JSS is making buddies with MCR,,, I rest my case,,,
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
@JCC, Sounds like you need a job. Are you part of the Georgia 10%?
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
Tony M keep on rocking in the free world
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:27 pm
Correction. @ JSS.
Tony Montana
January 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
Well,, this is too much fun fellas,, but gotta run for now,, i’m sure JSS will still be on here when I get back,,, He’s always on here,,, Later
falconsrus
January 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
Who dat say who dat when I say who dat
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
@ Choke. With all your Ryan bashing I bet face to face you would be like a little school girl feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:31 pm
@ JSS, you would give your left nut to be Arthur Blank!
Eric C.
January 3rd, 2012
9:34 pm
Tuck better watch his knees…lol.
This should be a fun game.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:35 pm
“JSS, you would give your left nut to be Arthur Blank!”
Who are you, Lance Armstrong’s doctor? You’re confused…
Never in this life-time, the next, or in an alternate bizarre universe would ever want to be Arthur Blank… Keep that one in your Bucket list, maybe he’ll make “your” dream come true!!!
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:36 pm
The next step?
We have no chance to win this game. Zero.
No pash rush and can’t pass block.
Do yourselves a favor and skip the game.
It won’t be pretty.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
9:37 pm
CMR, JSS and CGD, I forgot to wish you a happy new year. I hope 2012 treats you right. And yes, this is the real Mr Charlie……I still believe in MR2, and would love to see him and CS get that monkey off their back this weekend….
Eric C.
January 3rd, 2012
9:38 pm
Phil, do yourself a favor and find a new team to follow.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:38 pm
” ok,, you happy ,, of course,, you (I guess you meant “you’re”)”
My happiness is not tied to your inability to try to be clever using verbs in a proper manner…
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:39 pm
Eric, get a life and some sense of reality.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:40 pm
I love the moron posters who can’t spell and couldn’t diagram an actual sentence if their lives depended on it!
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:40 pm
Charlie, May 2012 treat you well… Back to our neutral corners now and protect yourself on the break…
MG3
January 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
When did the Giants become such a scary team? They barely finished above 500 beating only one team with a winning record. BTW, New England didn’t beat a single team with a winning record and many think they will be in the SB. Falcons correct the turnover problem, establish the run game and win this one going away!
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:41 pm
@ JSS. Liked the Lance reference. As for AB making my dream come true. If I had his money I would burn mine! I believe he will bring a Championship to the ATL. I’ll take that.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:42 pm
The Giants are going to steamroll us.
JASon
January 3rd, 2012
9:44 pm
I saw Tony Gonzalez at phipps tonight. He was sitting on a table outside nordstrom talking to some lily white dude. Tony Gonzalez is the man.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:46 pm
@ Phil…
Back-to-back, what is going on in the gulch?
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
9:46 pm
And to prove I am the Mr C, JSS, the most offensive thing you ever said to me is when I told you I could not be on the blog for the Carolina game that you said (and a paraphrase), “have fun busing tables at Chuckie Cheese”. As I told you later, I would never make fun of a man for doing what he has to do to put food on the table. I have traveled the world, and visited many countries and truly seen people who would give their “left nut” not for ABs money, but for the opportunity to work and provide for their families. I might be a “relic”, but I assure you, many people will miss me when I am gone.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:49 pm
Dang Charlie, I wished you in 2012… And I didn’t Mayweather you on the break… What do you want, 3 wise men and a manger?
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:49 pm
^^^^
“Well”
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
9:52 pm
Thanks JSS, but I was truly hurt to be called a racist. I am not, and if I hurt anyone with my words, I truly apologize. I just got carried away with the nonsense. But I do want to see Matt Ryan, CS, and company have success this weekend. I think they have worked hard and deserve it, but if they so lose, I am confident they will continue to strive to reach the next level. That is all I ask for.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
9:56 pm
No you did not JSS, it is all good…and for the record, I know Cam is gonna be great…but I would wish he waited until he earned the right to do his superman pose…..but I am old school…..And I hope you respect what Ice has achieved one day too.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:00 pm
I posted this under Ledbetter’s article, but it probably belonged here below the bi-line of the man ready to make changes to the staff if they lose in the playoff opener.
You guys who want to fire the staff make me laugh, including and especially Jeff Schultz. Do any of you remember where we were before this staff was hired? Go count the banners in those rafters at the dome from the 40 years of football before Smith, Mularky, Van Gorder and the QB y’all like to call a choker got here. Saying you’d like to replace anyone on this staff makes you a complete imbecile when it comes to understanding the NFL. I can understand that from casual fans, from a professional writer like Schultz is a joke.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
10:00 pm
That Cam thing is between and the other guys, I just know that he’s gonna be a good (notice I didn’t say great) as long as the Cats keep an O-line in front of him and a Steve Smith like talent around to make his job easier… The other stuff is just his stick, everyone can’t be Barry Sanders…
Eric C.
January 3rd, 2012
10:02 pm
Phil, just giving you some friendly advice…if you don’t want to watch the game, why bother?
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
10:03 pm
The Julio Jones trade up was the best thing ever done by Falcon’s management?
IMO thats a slap in the face to our HoF tight end.
Now to talk logically, the whole ordeal can be fixed, but we would need to make a trade. Most probably Roddy White for draft picks. And for Garfield’s sake please dont draft another wide out when we needed defense help. Anyone who knew what was on the table when we make our pick of Jones has to believe that Mularkey had his hand in this. “Arthur I promise our offense will score more points if you get me just one more weapon.”
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
10:04 pm
Ed, you can’t just be happy because they aren’t the old guys… Folks in NY could have done that with Ray Perkins, instead when they Parcellls the job, they demand more, and he delivered… Time to either cook, or get out of the kitchen and call Paula Deen!
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:12 pm
I did not like the trade for Jones when it was made. Funny thing is Schultz and most of you posting on this page did. He looks fantastic as a rookie, and now y’all want to bash the decision.
The guy has huge upside.
I’m doubting very seriously when it’s all said and done anyone would trade Julio for Jimmy Smith or Mahammad Wilkerson, next years #20 pick and whoever else it turns out the Falcons gave up.
You act as if these picks are automatic…… I point to Sam Baker, Peria Jerry, Jamaal Anderson, Aundrey Bruce and players throughout the league and say, Be glad we’ve got Julio for the next several years. He’s gonna be a really good one.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:16 pm
@jss
Ray Perkins went 6-10, 4-12, 9-7, 4-5 in New York.
Mike Smith took over a team expected by Vegas to win 4 games his first year and won the division. Won more games this year than Perkins ever did.
What exactly is your point?
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
10:21 pm
Ed,
I understand your point. Julio does have good upside.
But we didnt need a wide receiver. Our team was Super Bowl ready last year with a few defense tweaks. In my book, a few defensive tweaks doesnt mean letting two great defense players go and then trading the best picks we will have for two years for a wide receiver.
I wasnt being a pick to Monday about the Drew Bree’s comparison. What would New Orleans think if the team traded two years of their best picks for a quarterback right after Drew broke the single season passing record?
The Falcons didnt get beat by Green Bay because of a lack of wide out. We lost because our secondary is pathetic.
FlySober
January 3rd, 2012
10:23 pm
Smitty is a good Coach ~ they will need a new OC and DC for next year ~ COUNT ON IT! Thomas ~ hire Spags…
falcons4me
January 3rd, 2012
10:25 pm
God I hope our Falcons win. All these (with the exception of a couple) pessamistic comments are just pittiful. I for one am proud of our team and its accomplishments. Sure I want a playoff win and more, there is not a single Falcon or Staff Member who doesn’t…but to pretend I have all the right answers and can manage this team or perform better than any of these athletets from the comfort of my little laptop…give me a break guy’s. GO Falcons and shut these critics up. PLEASE! Yep, including you Schultz.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
10:26 pm
@ Ed…
9-7 had Perkins being treated he was god… Did you miss the earlier decade and a half? That franchise was the like Falcons under Marion Campbell…
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:31 pm
Why Chipper,
I did not say I loved the decision when it was made.
They can’t play another QB on the other side of Drew Brees, so that argument doesn’t apply.
Roddy is aging.
The Packers had mulitiple dynamic Wide receivers is why you know our DB’s were pathetic.
I get your points more than JSS, but I still think your thinking is flawed. The Jones pick would have been terrible if he looked like he was going to be above average. I think he’s showing signs of being fantastic.
To fly sober,
I’m all for hiring Spags. That’s an upgrade if it’s possible. To fire Van Gorder for someone I haven’t heard of is absurd. I doubt Spags takes the DC job under a defensive minded head coach.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:32 pm
@JSS
Smith’s results more closely resemble Parcells than Perkins.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
10:36 pm
Ed, I was frustrated with Julio and called him a bust. I also had a tit for tat with JSS regarding exactly what a blockbuster trade even was…but, he has missed assignments, and dropped passes, had some nagging injuries, not to mention one high profile fumble….in other words, he has played like a rookie. but still put up some quality numbers, and has made just enough jaw dropping plays for me to have some hope that we might be able to pull of a few upsets in the coming weeks…..
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
10:38 pm
And remember 4-5 was the strike year, Stubborn Ray lost 4 games by a combined 31 points… He ran home to Bama, Parcells first season was a disaster, but got everyone to buy in even got Phil Simms to finally resemble an NFL QB… The rest is history…
I can’t go left or right on Jones because Dimitroff has been so lukewarm with high line picks… People love Weatherspoon, Moore, and Jones but sooner or later they have to be on field more each season… The IR is filled too often…
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
10:40 pm
Green Bay has the worst defense in the NFL, New England was 31, they are the two #1 seeds. NFL is changing….but I think it will all come back to center….
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
10:43 pm
We went 13-3 with Julio, we did not get him to improve on our regular season. If if he plays like he did Saturday, if Ice can toss a balloon to double coverage like Stafford does with Megatron, it just might be the piece TD thought he was to begin with.
Why Chipper Why
January 3rd, 2012
10:47 pm
you mean without Julio.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:53 pm
@JSS,
Alright JSS, I’m feeling your love for Parcells. So how do you know we hire Parcells and not Mike Singletary, June Jones, Steve Spagnolo or Steve Spurrier? If you can promise me that, I say we fire them all.
Also, what if the Giants had made a coaching change after Parcells went 3-12-1, 9-7, 10-6 his first 3 years searching for the next Parcells. What would that history tell us then?
Your other 2 points miss the mark with me. I’d argue that Matt Ryan and the team is buying in to Smith’s system. I’d argue that Bobby Petrino and Jim Mora make Marion Campbell look like Bill Walsh (2-14, 6-10 in his first 2 years…. would you fire him).
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:56 pm
Mr Charlie,
I’m with you. He certainly looked like a rookie, more times than not.
It took Roddy White 5 years to not look like a rookie. Hopefully it took Julio 16 weeks.
Steve-O
January 3rd, 2012
10:58 pm
Choke certainly enjoys being a badarse behind his keyboard blogging anonymously. Such a man.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
10:58 pm
Perkins took longer because was pre-unrestricted free agency and the USFL started raiding teams Parcells left the normal comparison in year 2, he won a playoff game… In year 4 he won the Super Bowl…
ed
January 3rd, 2012
11:00 pm
And how in the hell did Ray Perkins of all people get thrown into the argument.
Dan Reeves at Denver would have been a reasonable fire a good coach argument.
I can’t believe I’m dumb enough to get drawn into a mike smith = ray perkins argument.
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
11:05 pm
BIll Walsh was asked to rebuild a program destroyed that imbecile Joe Thomas. Everyone knew that it was to take a moment. He orchestrated 3 of the greatest draft deals in history. And he hit defensive jackpot with Fred Dean the MLB Reynolds. People were so busy being star-struck by the possibilities of what Bennett and LeBaron were assembling here in Atlanta and the Rams were still descent. That is what saved Walsh… No, the minute he drafted Eric Wright and Ronnie Lott, I said Whoa!!!
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:06 pm
Dan Reeves participated in more Superbowls in any person in history, and it is a record that will never be broken. As a player, coach and HC, he was in like 8 or 9. Think about it, in 98, he was on the sideline for 25% or all Superbowls ever played.
Not to mention, he took a team to the playoffs with Chris Chandler. He was just unfortunate enough to have played in the Bill Walsh era. The man knows football, but he ain’t no genius, but his success speaks for itself.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
11:06 pm
@JSS,
So who is the next Parcells JSS. You told me who the current Ray Perkins is. How do you find this no name assistant that we know wins 2 Super Bowls?
If You’re gonna fire a staff winning double digit games every year, winning the division every other year you damn sure better make the perfect hire.
That’s the ludicrous thinking I’m talking about. Why hire the next Parcells, when we could hire the next Bill Walsh or Lombardi? It just shows a lack of knowledge about how difficult winning in the NFL is, and agin it’s more acceptable from guys on this board than Jeff Schultz. He should not be fueling this idiocy.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
11:10 pm
“BIll Walsh was asked to rebuild a program destroyed that imbecile Joe Thomas.” Oh yeah, I forgot JSS knew Smith was inheriting all this talent.
@Charlie
I love Dan Reeves, even if he was a Gamecock. I was just making a point. The ‘98 Falcons were one of the 3 most fun sports related times of my life. I was in the Metrodome live and at the Super Bowl debacle.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:10 pm
I believe Belechik has been to 6 superbowls as HC and assistant….Dan has him beat by 50%. He might not have been good enough to beat the niners, but he sure could beat the Browns.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:11 pm
Ed, next Parcells? Sean Payton.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
11:14 pm
Sean Payton is a successful head coach, it’s too late to find him. Don’t think you can hire Payton, and JSS would quickly point out Ray Perkins would have never lost to the Seahawks in the playoffs.
I also posted to you a long write up about me loving Dan Reeves that seems to be lost. No energy to repeat.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:18 pm
Yea, so we are looking for the next Sean Payton. Who knows….Jim Harbaugh off to a good start, as is his brother. Rob Ryan? LOL.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:20 pm
Nahh Dan was an excellent all around football man. Not a great judge of talent, but a good football man. He was the one who said “you are never as good, or as bad, as you think you are” Very true words.
ed
January 3rd, 2012
11:24 pm
No Charlie, my point is if you’re looking for a coach then you don’t understand what’s going on. You have an outstanding coach and time may tell that he is one of the best. In fact I believe it will tell that. I don’t believe any coach has done a better job over the last 4 years than him. The only year he missed the playoffs was the year Ryan went down. The 2 playoff games he lost both were to NFC champion teams. Smith is not going to be replaced for a long time and his opinion is the only one that matters on the coordinators’ jobs for the foreseeable future.
Mr Charlie
January 3rd, 2012
11:37 pm
Ed, I am in agreement. Smitty has done a great job. The playoffs are a crap shoot, luck does play a part.
Smitty also has to learn how to coach a team with a long layoff, but taking a 4-12 team and winning 4 winning seasons in a row, qualifying for the playoffs 3 of those season is much much more of an accomplishment than winning a wild card game against an 9-7 team. There are many more coaches with playoff wins than there are with 4 winning season in a row.
As I said before, I expect Smitty and Ryan to be around about 10-12 more years, in that time, they will qualify for about 7-9 more playoffs….I suspect they will win a game or two before it is all said and done. Art is not stupid.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
11:46 pm
JSS
January 3rd, 2012
9:19 pm
@ MCR…
Don’t you love when nare-de-wells try to school us on “what we need to do?” Remember when all of those long ago voices said they’d outlast us? Where are they now? We really should do a “roll-call” one day!
________________________________________________
I guess they don’t know us very well do they?
Those CLOWNS don’t have the word consistency in their vocabularies, not to mention are a bunch of COWARDS when CHOKE does his thing and CHOKE in the games that really matter.
Some of them have big nerves showing their faces around here after what Green Bay did to them in the playoffs & how Drew Brees PUNKED them on national t.v.
They better not hold their breath if they are waiting for me to go away
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
11:48 pm
Whodatwasthere?
January 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
@ Choke. With all your Ryan bashing I bet face to face you would be like a little school girl feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!
_____________________________________________________
Is that anything like you trapped in an alley with Vick……………….
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
11:53 pm
Falcants and their LOSER fanbase remind me of Mike Tyson pre fight chatter.
His opponents would talk trash just like the Falcants but when the bell rings they get knocked
the hell out…………..
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 3rd, 2012
11:57 pm
If Andy Reid and his 5 championship game appearance and superbowl is on the “hot seat” then Smitty must be feeling like Sizzlean Bacon…………….
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
12:14 am
ed
January 3rd, 2012
10:16 pm
@jss
Ray Perkins went 6-10, 4-12, 9-7, 4-5 in New York.
Mike Smith took over a team expected by Vegas to win 4 games his first year and won the division. Won more games this year than Perkins ever did.
What exactly is your point?
_____________________________________________
That schedule also included a horrible Kansas City, St. Louis, Detroit, Denver & other bottom dwellers.
That was one of the WEAKEST schedule in all of the NFL
Once Recent Reader
January 4th, 2012
12:23 am
Choke . . . .drive me nuts . . .and sometimes you go a bit overboard. But it would be very boring sans MCR here.
Once Recent Reader
January 4th, 2012
12:25 am
But enough of that . . .I really hope that you are forced to move on to the “less playoff” wins than Flacco argument after Sunday. But I’ll be around to take the medicine if I have to read “0-3″ .. .over and over again!
Agent009
January 4th, 2012
12:26 am
Exactly what I have been so charged with… These players need to play with managed ferocity! Is it still legal to smack (ahem) jam a receiver within five yards of the line of scrimmage? If so, I do not wish to witness anymore opposing receivers just dallying about through the tulips while playing the setting side of pitch and catch with the likes Brees, Rodgers, Eli, et al… Bring the pain!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
1:06 am
What would really make the Falcants go nuts is when the Ravens play in the superbowl this season.
Another 1st for Flacco over CHOKE………………
HA HA HA
There is no team in the AFC that the Ravens can’t dominate.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
1:08 am
Those dirty OLinemen are going to encourage the Giants d to play through the whistle and take a shot at CHOKE………………
What goes around comes around
Once Recent Reader
January 4th, 2012
1:20 am
Thus far the allegedely “non-tough” Ryan has not been hurt by many hard hits for D. It took a very large field to keep him from playing a couple of games. Dastardly Turf!
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:26 am
What CHOKEonmynuts doesnt seem to realize is that Flacco, unlike Ryan, is NOT the leader of his respective team. Come playoff time Flacco is abismal, he’s just fortunate enough to have to play weak first round opponents and has a great defense to bail him out. The pressure in Baltimore lies on the shoulers of Lewis, Reid, Suggs, and Ray Rice. In Atlanta, All the pressure falls on Matty Ice.
Just for fun, lets see who Flacco has played in his playoff career:
2008: First round- Dolphins, Second-Titans-Conference Champ-Lost to Steelers
2009-First Round-Pats, Second-Lost to Colts
2010-First Round-Cheifs, Second-Lost to Steelers
So yeah, I can see now why you think Flacco is so much better. He had some really big playoff wins against some tough teams huh? Boy those Dolphins and Titans and Cheifs were dangerous foe. The only good team he beat in the playoffs were the Pats. And in the big games against the steelers and Colts, he lost. CHOKED even. But yeah, he’s much greater than Ryan considering both teams Ryan lost to were eventual Super Bowl representatives, one winning it.
Moron
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:30 am
And by your logic, there is indeed a team the Ravens can’t dominate; the STEELERS.
Sure, they swept them in the regular season, but we all know that you think the regular season means nothing, and so by that logic Joe and the boys are 0-2 against the Steelers in the only season that matters. Spread em Choke
PMC
January 4th, 2012
1:32 am
I’d put Grimes on Cruz all the time, Robinson on Hicks. I like both of those matchups. Both will get their catches, but we can make plays off of those matchups too. Grimes is the more technically sound corner, Robinson obviously the more physical. Spoon and a combination of Franks/Owens can take care of the TE.
I think we may see a bit more blitzing from Decoud and Moore, both have done it successfully and even if they don’t get there perfectly generally they slow the play up enough for Abe and Biermann to to effect the throw or get a sack.
Negativity stops here, we have a team in the tournament. Our team can win!!
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:39 am
Amen PMC
Ed
January 4th, 2012
1:47 am
@choke
Sure was a week schedule, in fact I would argue the absolute weakest. Not only was it weak but it was front loaded to help build confidence. The wins over that terrible lions team in the opener follwed by KC was a huge confidence boost for the struggling franchise.
Were you just pointing that out, or was it supposed to impact the point I was making? Either way I agree the schedule was a huge help, just as this year’s division champion’s schedule contributed to the 3 game fall off.
Once Recent Reader
January 4th, 2012
1:51 am
OhhhYeah . . ..yesterday I went back and looked at Flacco’s stats in Playoffs. I’m not a Flacco basher, but since he is often compared to Ryan on these blogs and the conversation was on Playoffs . ..I was compelled to check:) Bottom line, that Pats game . ..he was 4 for 10 with an Int and 34 yards. Granted, he may have had better stats if needed . ..but Ray Rice and McGahee killed Pats. He only really had one very nice game against the Chiefs in playoffs. One average/good game against the titans. The others . . .absolutely terrible. I was looking at a Ravens blog . . . . I think Flacco gets as much grief there as Ryan gets here.
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:56 am
Once Recent
Thats exactly my point. I’m certainly no Flacco basher, as I think he and Ryan both have big things to come for them in their careers. But to me, it’s simply arrogant to say that Flacco is better or to assume theyre even remotely in the same situation as far as team makeup is concerned. Flacco walked into a locker room as a rookie to the likes of Ray Lewis and Ed Reid. Who was in Atlanta when Ryan walked in? Keith Brooking? Where as I loved Brooking, he was certainly no Ray Lewis. Flacco has a much better defense to help his cause than Ryan does, and to me I think that makes Ryan a far better leader of the two.
Once Recent Reader
January 4th, 2012
2:01 am
OhhhYeah . . .. .agreed. I was actually surprised how poorly Flacco stats were in four of six playoff games. I mean they were really bad. As mentioned . . .we should probably put a * next to the Pats playoff win, but from 4 for 10, 34 yards, one Int . . ..only assumption that can be made . .it’s a good thing the running game kicked butt that day for Ravens.
D Fence
January 4th, 2012
2:15 am
The Giants aint shi$. And while the Falcons arent much more, they aint shi$.
mr. h
January 4th, 2012
2:32 am
The Falcons will win against the Giants… There are two that bother me : 1. Which Falcons are going to show up ? and 2. When will the Real Falcon Fans support this team instead of focusing on the past?
Watch out for that Tree
January 4th, 2012
2:43 am
Look You get what u draft picks here if other teams beat u to top notch player …U left with wings and gravy players…I will Predict sunday Falcons will beat Giants 37-13 at Metlife stadium and Denver will upset and beat the steelers in denver 17-14 at Home…..and saturday Game i goin pick a upset Lions over saints in New orleans 40-37 in overtime!..Now lets see anyone bites me here schultz!
Watch out for that Tree
January 4th, 2012
2:51 am
also i forget say Texans will beat bengals bad and next play Denver and Baltimore vs New england …..Oh and i say Pats win easy after all they can beat Flacco and Ray lewis who shot and killed a person in atlanta durin the superbowl vs cowboys here at dome any one remembers,,he Got away with it to and they get Murdered by Tom Brady n company 48-10……
Watch out for that Tree
January 4th, 2012
2:52 am
that was when buffalo played dallas here for superbowl left that out sorry!
Watch out for that Tree
January 4th, 2012
2:54 am
Its goin be fun Texans vs Pats in AFC championshio Game….and NFC drum roll please Packers vs falcons for The NFC championship also in Jan…….I not pick who wins just let yall fuss n cuss me!
thesenuts
January 4th, 2012
4:29 am
Victor Cruz has been balling!
thesenuts
January 4th, 2012
4:30 am
please don’t underestimate Bradshaw or Jacobs in big games they do show up
thesenuts
January 4th, 2012
4:31 am
JPP
JSS
January 4th, 2012
5:42 am
The Perkins-Parcells illustration was an example, not the only solution. You don’t hire the next Parcells, you hire the first version of the person who takes you to the place you need to go. Green Bay was not trying to hire next Jim Lee Howell (his boss) when they brought in Lombardi. He was considered to be an offensive genius. What was the first thing he fixed? That sieve of an defense. Then he introduced his version of an offensive philosophy, the rest is history…
This team has tied its apron to Ryan. If that is the case, bring in a real defensive coach like the Giants Perry Fewell and then pick his brain to address fixing their ability to take on defenses that throttle him. The other natural move is to either get a real offensive mind that has been in charge and give him the keys. You can always get a person like Joe Philbin or the QB coach Tom Clements from Green Bay. But if this team fails on Saturday, you cannot keep moving horizontally every time you get slapped in the mouth… Teams like Atlanta would instead promote someone like a failure like Mularkey or Bratkowski. Instead, look at how Pittsburgh or how Green Bay did it when they replaced Sherman, that is how you get a Tomlin instead of a Mike Smith. Dan Rooney’s interviews on the Tomlin hiring process should be required viewing. Everyone told them they must hire Whisenhunt or Grimm (both fine candidates). They were creative…
Ed
January 4th, 2012
6:48 am
This is a very winnable game for the Falcons. I think this is a game where Michael Turner needs to run the ball effectively to keep the offense out of 2nd and 3rd and long. If Matt Ryan can set up the play action I definitely think he can exploit the Giants secondary with Julio and Roddy.
just sayin'
January 4th, 2012
8:10 am
ed, burnout will have a pretty good first series..and then he’s back to his norm…tip toe to the line and get nailed…and u really think melt is gonna be able to throw the long ball in the wind and rain ‘outside’..he can’t throw an accurate long ball ‘inside’…juliet and rodney will have to catch those ’shut down’ 5 yarders to get any completions sunday….
DocDawg
January 4th, 2012
8:14 am
Its leadership on the defensive side of the ball. We’ve got a bunch of young kids, Abe and Dunta. The second string is scrub level players or an old man. As the defense matures, that’s when we’ll win playoff games.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
8:24 am
@ohhhhYEAH
You are not my type BIG BOY
CHOKE is a Whimpy PUNK…………………….
This is Turner’s team you delusional “in the closet” fool
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
8:36 am
I really feel sorry for you fools. CHOKE toys & teases you idiots. He puts up enough numbers vs bottom dwellers then you get your hopes up.
Then comes a good defense, and just when you are about get all excited, he RIPS OUT your poor bleeding hearts…………….. HA HA HA
Then you idiots disappear like the COWARDS you are, because you can’t suffer the wrath of your DUMB cheerleading. I haven’t heard the Peyton comparisons for a while. What’s wrong? HA HA HA.
This CHUMP is just a LOSER and it’s no surprise that LOSERS are like that birds of a feather flocking together analogy
It’s not that Flacco is a superstar like how Drew Brees PUNKED the Falcants so bad, that they were cheering when San Fran locked up the 2 seed, but compare Flacco to CHOKE and he looks like Joe Montana, and CHOKE looks like Ryan Leaf.
Not ONCE has CHOKE ever ackowledged a loss was his fault – that is not a leader, that is a Republican
Flacco may not be the leader of the Ravens but he also doesn’t throw a pick 6 seconds before half time when the game is on the line, or be the 1st qb in NFL HISTORY to have a safety in the playoffs, or have a PICK 6 in ever playoff game……………
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
8:42 am
HOT SEAT ALERT:
Smitty – FIRED
Mularkey – WALKS
Dimitroff – FIRED
CHOKE – CUT
No playoff win for a 4 straight season, no draft in 2012, 2007 welcome back
In the meantime, the Dream Team has about 13 picks in 2012. 2011 was just a tune-up and a jelling session. Those last 4 games is the team you will see.
When CHOKE comes up to Philly next season, he won’t be bailed out by a freak Vick injury. By the way who was leading that game before Vick left?
That’s because CHOKE is a PUNK
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
8:47 am
THE COUNTDOWN:
4 days until Falcants fans go into hibernation………………..
HA HA HA
Let the crickets begin.
Next up:
2013 draft watch
Donaldo
January 4th, 2012
8:54 am
One & done. Sorry, no team leaders & lack of coaching still persist, so the outcome should be no surprise.
blazerdawg
January 4th, 2012
8:56 am
The Falcons past two losses in the playoffs were to VERY good teams that made the SB.
The opponent this week is simply not as good as the Cardinals and Packers were.
Falcons win, easily, then get on a roll.
one and done
January 4th, 2012
8:59 am
Who wants to bet….the Falcons will not win in NY…mark it down.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
8:59 am
blazerdawg
January 4th, 2012
8:56 am
The Falcons past two losses in the playoffs were to VERY good teams that made the SB
______________________________________
If you beat them, then they don’t make it to the superbowl. That is a LAME excuse
Secondly, the same team that RAPED you last season in the playoffs, won by a WHOPPING 6 points vs the Eagles.
If you would have beaten both teams, they would not have made it to the superbowl
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
9:00 am
one and done
January 4th, 2012
8:59 am
Who wants to bet….the Falcons will not win in NY…mark it down.
__________________________________________
That is a SUCKER bet, but then again they have a SUCKER for a qb…………….
HA HA HA
blazerdawg
January 4th, 2012
9:07 am
Choke @ 8:59
Sorry you missed linear equations that day at Crimm Middle – no sh!t that if the Falcons beat the Cardinals or Pack, they do not make the SB – but those teams went on to beat other teams to get there – the point is that the NY FB Giants are not as good as those teams were.
The Falcons SHOULD win. If they loose, then I still do not see the Giants making a run. Having an easier first round opponent is an opportunity. We’ll see what Smitty is able to do with it.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
9:18 am
@Blazercat
Actually the Falcants starts every opponents run in the playoffs.
Next excuse……………….
HA HA HA
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
9:19 am
Damn 2004 is a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG Time to wait for another playoff win…………..
HA HA HA
JeanE
January 4th, 2012
9:23 am
I will consider this season a success but only if we win a playoff game, just 1. I know we can’t beat top tier teams like Saints, Pats, Pack, etc. But we should be very competitive against the Giants, have to play mistake free football and like you said, be TOUGH. That starts will Matt and on down. Should be a tight one!
Go Birds!!!!
Birdman of Alcahol
January 4th, 2012
9:23 am
spotless et al… I too am not a big fan of BVG, but if ultimately you want to change coordinators so we can win more, why would you ever root to lose in this situation. If we missed the playoffs and this was the last week of the reg season I agree, lose to blow it up. But if BVG pulls together this defense agains the Gints, then he deserves to stay. No guarantee anyone out there would do so much better. Reality is we don’t have a defensive line that can rush, which all on DTroff not on the coaches. When we blitz (see GB game last year, Chris Owens) we miss the qb and then they have open receivers deep. Maybe that is coaching, but if Owens and a couple others wrap up the qb instead of dive and whiff, BVG looks like a genius. We still need players on the DL simply put. And Dunta is nickle back at best.
Brian
January 4th, 2012
9:44 am
Sorry you missed linear equations that day at Crimm Middle – no sh!t that if the Falcons beat the Cardinals or Pack, they do not make the SB – but those teams went on to beat other teams to get there – the point is that the NY FB Giants are not as good as those teams were.
———————————————
No I think you’re missing the point. If the Giant beat the Falcons and somehow make it to the SB and lose, then all we’ll here is, “well we just ran into a hot team at the wrong time”. It all comes down to excuses.
j
January 4th, 2012
9:49 am
Please play Biermann over No play Ray Edwards. I have no clue what we can do with Dunta. Dude is flat out awful.
SawThat1nce
January 4th, 2012
9:53 am
The Falcons will win this game easily, by at least 2 scores.
SawThat1nce
January 4th, 2012
9:53 am
The Falcons will win this game easily, by at least 2 scores.
PMC
January 4th, 2012
9:53 am
What excuses? They lost to the Cardinals because they did not execute on defense. (Couldn’t defend the TE’s route on 4th and 18)
They lost to the Packers because they didn’t matchup well at all on defense, they made too many critical errors on offense and they didn’t have enough playmakers to keep up.
In both cases, their best players outplayed our best players.
Ivan
January 4th, 2012
9:56 am
“C’mon – really? This is not a team know for toughness of any kind, hell just look at our QB.”
Clear evidence of simply a troll that doesn’t even watch the games. So he hasn’t seen the hits to the head on our QB. Or even the QB having his ankle mashed by his own lineman, missed a play, and then goes back in and throws a TD.
Or Jones carrying three tacklers into the end zone.
Or the hits Robinson will put on someone.
Or even the short J. Rodgers pushing the defense against their will.
Or Biermann shoving through the line, taking the football out of their QBs hands, and running it into the end zone on his own.
Nah. They’re not tough at all. /sarcasm
Go back to Fantasy Land.
D man
January 4th, 2012
9:56 am
Smith is correct, the Falcons need to toughen up against good teams in order to win. I think they just need a playoff win to get over the hump. Then the sky’s the limit…
DC
January 4th, 2012
10:16 am
I’m always curious to who “Choke’s” other daily blogger screen name is…b/c he posts on here constantly and when new blogs are brought up about the falcons he shows up…interesting..someone with multiple screen names = troll.
Joey
January 4th, 2012
10:17 am
Dear Mike Smith,
You want to beat the Giants?
Leave Mularkey in Atlanta, and let Matt Ryan call the plays. How many games will it take for you to realize the Falcons are better without Mularkey calling the plays?
Thanks,
A Falcon Fan
TroutFalcon
January 4th, 2012
10:20 am
The key is the effectiveness of the rushing attack and how well the O line protects Matt Ryan so he can get the ball to Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Harry Douglas.
jason
January 4th, 2012
10:20 am
yeah and they let him have the final shot too. what a pathetic loss to be ahead 19. typical atlanta teams.
Peter
January 4th, 2012
10:58 am
Playoff tough ? That would be assuming they are regular season tough….gee watch the saints games, and then decide.
No No and NO !
John Ellison
January 4th, 2012
11:30 am
The Falcons need to move away from “Flowery Branch” to a tougher city name like “Stone Mountain”.
willdave
January 4th, 2012
11:54 am
This one quote from Smitty says it all: “We have to play at a higher level than we’ve played all season to win in the playoffs.” The Birds can win this game in NY on Sunday if they will do that.
I just hope the Falcons win this first playoff game so they can finally get that monkey off their back. If they do that, I won’t feel quite as badly when they in all lilkelihood get creamed the following week in GB or SF.
Go Falcons!!!
old fart
January 4th, 2012
12:04 pm
This game is over before it’s played. The Falcons are not going anywhere except to Atlanta after Sunday’s game
Rowdy Yates
January 4th, 2012
12:10 pm
I had to shoot and I shot…….don’t let the other guy get the advantage!
Ueeediot..
January 4th, 2012
12:12 pm
John Ellison
January 4th, 2012
11:30 am
“The Falcons need to move away from “Flowery Branch” to a tougher city name like “Stone Mountain”.
“Crack is Wack” Whitney Houston
JP Paul
January 4th, 2012
12:13 pm
I’m licking my chops…….Baby.The ice man is gonna melt in all this New York heat!
To:John Ellison
January 4th, 2012
12:16 pm
Why not move the Falcons to Los Angeles and call them the Freeway Falcons…..you dumb azz…….from one tough Mfer in Flowery Branch!
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
12:48 pm
Chokeface
Have you….indeed ever actually compared Ryan and Flaccos numbers? Quite similar idiot. So thats actually nothing at all like comparing Montana and Leaf.
Secondly, thats because a loss ISNT all one persons fault, just like when he pulls off a game winning drive he is quick to praise everyone around him, becuase HE KNOWS ITS A TEAM EFFORT you brainless child
CGD..
January 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
Hurry up and get here Sunday!!!! lol
Take it from me.
January 4th, 2012
12:57 pm
The key to the game for the falcons will be the end play, and the push up the middle on defence.you have to put presure on manning or he will pick you apart! Nix ,and cruze will get thier share of catches for the Giants,just keep them in front of you,and don’t let them score.If the Falcons can get that pass rush,and get the Giants to revert to running the ball,then the falcons have a good chance of winning the game, since that is thier strenth,stoping the run.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 4th, 2012
1:26 pm
Excuses are like butts. They stink and everybody has 1
0 & 3 LOSERS
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:44 pm
Where are you gonna be after the Falcons win Sunday, CHOKE? You going to come eat your crow? What, then, will you have to run your mouth about after we win a playoff game, and then another? Will you still find some thin argument to proclaim your motto?
CGD..
January 4th, 2012
1:49 pm
Man if Ryan and gang lose again I dont know what Arthur is going to do?
This is a MUST WIN FOR COACH SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!
CGD..
January 4th, 2012
1:51 pm
If it is a blowout loss, I would not be surprised if Blank jettisons the whole staff…
ohhhhYEAH
January 4th, 2012
1:54 pm
the whole staff is not the issue. Namely only the D and O coordinator. Armstrong does a tremendous job with our special teams, and Smith is a very good coach. He has the trust and respect of the team.
JSS
January 4th, 2012
1:55 pm
“Where are you gonna be after the Falcons win Sunday, CHOKE? You going to come eat your crow?”
But somehow they are allowed to disappear or crawl into loving arms of the D3 blog… Remember the blogger: “Georgia peach?” On January 16th, 2011, suddenly never seen again… But Falcons “fans” think someone is going to crawl under a rock… Still MCR, they’ve been “crowing” that at you since 2008… How’s that been working for them?
Chris
January 4th, 2012
1:57 pm
If you, as a grown man, have to motivate another grown man in a grown man’s game to be “tough”, then you should find another career. Plain and simple…
PlanB
January 4th, 2012
2:14 pm
I think these coaches have a 50-50 matchup with the giants. Happy we got them in the 1st round.
I like MS but think he will be out coached when and if we get to NO or GB. Norv Turner is available for OC. Many say he has a great offensive mind. Hope something like that works out without MS being able to hold the new OC to his conservative ways.
Some people say the running game sets up the pass. The reverse also works. We have good weapons. Use them. What does it matter taking only 2 minutes off the clock if you consistantly put 7 points on the board. Why not use Snelling and Quizz more like NO does.
Many will find out JJ was a good choice. He’s a rookie and has made some mistakes but I have seen signs of someone that will be great. Big enough and fast enough to take the ball away from most DB’s and making the long run after catches. Still need to get rid of some of our dead weight choices. Everyone knows who they are and most are receiving big checks. That big money will give us a chance to replace them with good people. Just make better choices next time TD.
playmeortrademe
January 4th, 2012
2:15 pm
Unfortunately, Smitty doesn’t have a Baltimore defense, he has a typical Atlanta Falcons defense.
These Falcons mirror the 80s Hawks and their struggles with the Celtics and Pistons. A good team that in other time and place could have made a run at a title, even with the shortcomings. But they get the misfortune of being in the same division as one of the best QBs of the decade and in the same conference with the Packers. The Falcons aren’t that team that can win three straight on the road like the Steelers or Giants.
PlanB
January 4th, 2012
2:19 pm
Ohhhhyea – MS is the head coach. His OC & DC perform at his disgretion. If he insists on conservatism, the team will be conservative. The buck stops there.
Brian
January 4th, 2012
2:38 pm
Matt Ryan doesn’t play well on the road against quality defenses. Sunday will be more of the same. You can’t ‘dink and dunk” your way to a SB without a dominant defense, which the Falcons clearly don’t have.
DawgDad
January 4th, 2012
2:45 pm
“I would also like to add to that line of thought: Peria Jerry and Sam Baker”
Therein lies the difference in being a true SuperBowl contender this year. These two guys playing up to first-round expectations would make a HUGE impact on this team.
Nerehere
January 4th, 2012
5:02 pm
Roddy will be double covered and Julio will be the playmaker. Also look for Julio in the running game, because he can block. I’m concerned with our special teams play. It seems that we haven’t adjusted well to the new offseason rules effecting the kickoff from other teams. I remember we used to have good field position on kickoffs because our runs out of the backfield was solid. But now, all we do is take a knee, and get the ball on the 20. That’s okay, but I noticed that other teams have adjusted well to a kickoff in the endzone and they still run it. I figure, if you run it and are not successful, then you still should be on the 20 or above. But IMHO, Atlanta hasn’t yet figured out how to handle this. Also, look at how they defend their kickoffs. If they don’t want to deal with kickoffs, then concentrate on Boshers leg where he kicks deep into the endzone for no chance of a return. In the N.O. game, he barely could kick in N.O. endzone, and when he did, it wasn’t deep. I’m sayin, special teams are important and will be the #1 deciding factor-all things being equal in the game. That’s why all 3 phases cannot be overlooked. Redzone & Special Teams will be the difference maker. And, of course, without sayin, penalties & turnovers. If Atlanta can play within those boundaries-I don’t see why we shouldn’t be looking forward to the next round.
Nerehere
January 4th, 2012
5:06 pm
Oh bye the way, I don’t want to see stupid penalties. Some of the players from the Giants are already trying to get into the head of the Falcons. I hope Dunta doesn’t go off and get all stupid. He can really cost this team a championship. He has almost zero control and will get beat often. Look for Eli to target him all afternoon. This dude is a joke.
Morning Reads for Thursday, January 5th — Peach Pundit
January 5th, 2012
6:29 am
[...] – The game “Angry Birds” was downloaded 6.5 million times on Christmas. – Toughness is an issue for the Falcons in the playoffs. – Here is an iPad update for 2012. – Seth Emerson lays out the 10 [...]
Morning Reads for Thursday, January 5th
January 5th, 2012
6:37 am
[...] I like… – The game “Angry Birds” was downloaded 6.5 million times on Christmas. – Toughness is an issue for the Falcons in the playoffs. – Here is an iPad update for 2012. – Seth Emerson lays out the 10 [...]
Matt Ryan is ready to make amends in NFL playoffs | Jeff Schultz
January 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
[...] yes, Ryan has to be better. Three touchdowns and six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumbles) in two playoff games won’t cut [...]