LIVE: Falcons can make it 6-0 before getting a little rest
Michael Turner scored the wining touchdown last week at Washington. (AP photo)
Five games into the season, the Falcons (5-0) already have a 3½ game lead over Tampa Bay (1-3) and a four-game lead over New Orleans (`-4) and Carolina (1-4). They also are one of only two unbeaten teams in the NFL and lead the race for home field advantage through the NFC playoffs.
What does this all mean? Well, not quite nothing. But not nearly everything.
It’s only October, and as impressive as the Falcons have been in many areas — particularly pass offense, pass protection and to so me degree pass defense — they weren’t great in consecutive come-from-behind wins over Carolina and Washington. The biggest issues remain the running game and run defense, which also happen to be the two factors (along with quarterback play) that generally separate the Super Bowl contenders from the also-rans in December and January.
Today’s game against Oakland seems to set up perfectly. The Raiders (1-3) aren’t very good, they can’t run the ball (32nd) and their secondary is horrible. The Falcons also know they have a bye week after today, before going into a potentially difficult three-game stretch (at Philadelphia, home against Dallas, at New Orleans).
Matt Ryan should be able to throw the ball against this team. But at some point, the Falcons need to get their running game on track. Michael Turner had a 13-yard touchdown run in last week’s win at Washington but generally he has struggled this season behind a weak-blocking line.
Just a few bullet points and then I’ll open up the phone lines.
• Linebacker Stephen Nicholas (ankle) and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (groin) were both limited in practice this week but are in the lineup.
• Falcons coach Mike Smith (48-21) can tie Dan Reeves (49-59-1) as the winningest coach in franchise history in only his fifth season.
• Tight end Tony Gonzalez needs one touchdown catch to hit 100 in his career. He has four already this season — previous season totals with the Falcons: 6, 6 and 7 — and had 13 receptions for 123 yards and a TD at Washington.
That’s it for now. The cyber-venting lines are open. I’ll be here if you have any questions.
By Jeff Schultz
•
Earlier blogs from the digital jukebox
• Fan revolts out of control, one even wanted to fight UGA player
• Weekend Predictions: No sacrifices, but Falcons, LSU win
• Video blog: Are Falcons (5-0) really better than before?
• Radakovich says Johnson is ‘right person for job’
• Al Groh’s problems at Georgia Tech weren’t pure ‘fantasy’
• Falcons are easy highlight in Atlanta’s dark sports weekend
• Short takes: Gonzalez, Bryant and missing RG3 in Falcons’ win
• Braves’ Frank Wren needs to fix good, but not great, team
• Chipper Jones on loss in his finale: ‘Ultimately, I’m to blame’
• Spurrier should take a lesson from Richt on handling criticism
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1,090 comments Add your comment
somedawg
October 14th, 2012
4:09 pm
Falcons gonna lose 4 games this year.
Ptc dawg
October 14th, 2012
4:09 pm
Money
Rip
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
Enjoy the WIN but after the Bye week, you will see what I am talking about, the real football begins starting in Philly, and then those LA who are not going away
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:01 pm
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
3:59 pm
guest
October 14th, 2012
3:54 pm
Why are Falcons fans so vehemently ANTI Falcon??????
_______________________
Are you stupid? Look at the team’s history. We WANT to win. Just weary of the annual beatdowns.
========================================
A dWag and Nole should feel that way just judging from your college teams choices.
______________________
Given your choice of a college team (G Tech), I don’t believe I’d go there, 5150. What do you care about this win, anyway, you fraud? You spent half the afternoon trying to get everybody to watch some BS on Discovery.
LDawg
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
I love my Falcons, but we have stop letting everyone look like world-beaters. We escaped, pure and simple.
Now 6-19 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
@drew…agree. And our running game really sux! We haven’t been real impressive past 3 games. Just need to get better before the meat of our schedule starts.
Superbowl or Bust
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
6 and 0 baby , own the NFC South, undefeated in the NFC and may be the only undefeated Team in the NFL after tonight………………….and now have a bye to heal up and get rested………………………………………..
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
Did you guys just see with the game on the line in Philly?
What did the great Mike Vick do?
Oh just throw one of his 70 yard touch down deep balls…..
CHOKE come get some………..
HA HA
somedawg
October 14th, 2012
4:11 pm
can they please win a playoff game in this lifetime lol?
jakedsnake
October 14th, 2012
4:12 pm
I’ll take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day.
Answer This
October 14th, 2012
4:13 pm
You frigging haters who hated while I was gone stay on the hate side! We dont want or need you back in the Nation! We dont like your fake witch (replace that w with a b) angus self!
Dr. Warren
October 14th, 2012
4:13 pm
Matt Bryan is the Falcons’ co-MVP thus far this season.
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:13 pm
AL DAVIS THAT.
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:14 pm
Just Win Baby
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
4:14 pm
Big Crimson 75
October 14th, 2012
4:03 pm
TD Falcons!!
______________________
I think you mean FG Falcons!!
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:14 pm
dWag Nole…………….I don’t DIE for a GAME…….I know what TECH Is and Can Be. You like UGa fans think you are something Special but NEVER deliver.
Damn Straight I watched HUMAN HISTORY………..The Technology learned for that jump will do more than the Football games played for the last 10 years.
Ol'JacketFan
October 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
Yeah I saw Vick throw a 15 yard pass into a busted coverage and the recevier ran the remaining 55 yards. Takes a strong arm to make that throw.
Laughing out Loud
October 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
All Matt Ryan does is continue to win against all odds…Go figure, Choke…your mouth will never stop.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
The bad news:
1. Bad day for Matt Ryan with 3 INT’s.
2. Bad tackling.
3. Little pressure on Carson Palmer.
The good news:
1. Yet another CLUTCH last-minute drive by the great Matt Ryan.
2. CLUTCH interception by Asante Samuel.
3. No animals were harmed in the making of this season.
6-0 — choke on that, Choke!
HA HA
Now 6-19 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
October 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
@somedawg…..maybe the Falcons will win a playoff game when the Dawgs beat a ranked team, huh??
trademark
October 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
Said it once, saying it again….schedule…MATTERS
Played a west coast game after a short week…W
Played a division team coming off an extra 3 days rest (Carolina)….W
Played a team coming off a bye week and desperate for a win….W
Schedule TRIED to screw us….Result?
6-0 (Sucks to be you schedule maker)
GO FALCONS!
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
Did someone just say “the great Mike Vick?”
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!!!
HA HA
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
If MV7 can have a DOG can Sandusky have an 18 year old cellmate?
Big Crimson 75
October 14th, 2012
4:18 pm
Given your choice of a college team (G Tech), I don’t believe I’d go there, 5150. What do you care about this win, anyway, you fraud? You spent half the afternoon trying to get everybody to watch some BS on Discovery.
—-
51 — you know I got your back(most of the time), butt that was much ado about nothing.
Now 6-19 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
October 14th, 2012
4:18 pm
@Choke to Death…..I wouldn’t be so sure. Heard Vick was given permission to own a dog, probably has a doggy torture chamber down in his basement…
How many more wait till next year
October 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
DawgNole..the BS on Discovery channel was very good stuff. However you wouldn’t know about that.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
3 PICKS…………
Way to go MVP (Most Vomit Producer)
HA HA
Big Crimson 75
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
Big Crimson 75
October 14th, 2012
4:03 pm
TD Falcons!!
______________________
I think you mean FG Falcons!!
——-
I was talking about the kick-off.
Officially, they marked it as our ball at the 2 yard line.
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:14 pm
dWag Nole…………….I don’t DIE for a GAME…….I know what TECH Is and Can Be. You like UGa fans think you are something Special but NEVER deliver.
_____________________
Don’t jump in my crap about my choice of colleges. You’ve read enough of my posts–even on the Tech blogs–to know that I’m far from thinking I’m something special as a UGA or FSU fan.
Charleston Jacket
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
Pretty ugly but a win is a win. Matt definately off today, but did what he needed to do down the stretch. Our defense is still a major concern. Secondary coverage was horrible in the 2nd half – with the exception of the int by AS. Giving up an 80 yr td drive with 2 + min remaining in the game is a concern.
Bring back the original uni’s
THWG
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
ugly wins are better than pretty losses
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
Bi Cri 75 did you watch the JUMP? It was GREAT and 7.6 million people watched on-line not including the Discovery Channel numbers. LIFE happens outside the Football field. JUST SAYING.
How many more wait till next year
October 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
about nothing..lets see you make the jump.
Answer This
October 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
You guys got me rolling! I am laughing so hard! If you want to be the guy (Falcons) who gets all the girls…then sometimes you got to date the fat ugly chick! Just make sure you see her from 55 yards away! The Nation rolls on!
Baby Punting
October 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
Wow GREAT Ron Mexico may win by whopping 3 points this time!! It is their greatest margin of victory this year.
How many more wait till next year
October 14th, 2012
4:22 pm
Yes, DawgNole you maybe smarter than a fifth grader…..
Answer This
October 14th, 2012
4:23 pm
@ CHOKE
MVP=Mike Vick Pees tainted urine
Baby Punting
October 14th, 2012
4:24 pm
“Choke” the biggest Ron Mexico fan making fun of turn overs… Who would thunk it?
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
How many more wait till next year
October 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
DawgNole..the BS on Discovery channel was very good stuff. However you wouldn’t know about that.
_____________________
Fine. Watch it if you want to watch it. But don’t pester others incessantly to share your interest–as 5150 did. Shultz finally had to issue a cease-and-desist to him on the links. This is a Falcons/football blog–not a science class.
Big Crimson 75
October 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
Nothing wrong with winning with Defense.
I’m ready to see some “good” teams like everyone else.
Hell, we perform much better against them(SD, Denver & Wash), than we perform against the desperate ones(Carolina & Oak).
Nothing wrong with our QB. He doesn’t have to be Johnny U every week.
Billyho55
October 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
Answer This,
LET EM ALL HAVE IT MY MAN! GREAT TO SEE A DIE HARD LOYAL FAN STILL EXISTS! I LLLLLOVE IT!
The Big Fat Blogger
October 14th, 2012
4:26 pm
Sloppy!!! Sloppy!!! Sloppy!!! Every team has sloppy victories every now and then, but this one has literally made my blood pressure go through the roof!!!! No need in sugar-coating anything… I’m glad we won, but (like all teams), there are quite a few things to be address:
1. Run Defense…. Has been vulnerable all year long, if we expect to make a big playoff run, this is going to have to be addressed….Quickly!!!!!
2. Pass Coverage…. Has been good for the most part all year, but there is still too much cushion between the CB’s and WR’s, QB’s will recognize this and do quick slants and kill us all day long!!!
3. Miss Tackles!!!!! This game spoke for itself on that matter..
4. Preparations…. Yes, we played a team desperate for a win and were coming off a bye week… Of course, they wanted to make a statement against an undefeated team; however, this doesn’t excuse the lack of execution that Falcons had today……
5. Akeem Dent and Ray Edwards….. Something is got to give, these two players (to say the least) have done NOTHING!!!!! I know Dent is starting for his first year in the league and the season injury to that LB from the seahawks happen and there isn’t many LB’s on the depth chart to relieve our tired LB’s, but Dent has to step up… Edwards, on the other hand just flat out sucks right now!!!
6. Offensive Line….. They did okay overall, but there should not had been D-lineman that no one has heard of putting so much pressure on Ryan all day…
7. Speaking of Ryan…… He has gone back to eying his Receiver’s a bit much and trying to squeeze dangerous passes into player’s hands…. this is the recipe for turnovers… similar to how it was today.
8. Turner… He is good when he has a gapping hole to run through, but that’s not always going to be the case, he needs to find the hole and keep his feet moving when “one” defensive player has a grip on his ankle.
Not trying to sound negative, but I’m also not a homer, It’s great that held on won, but have some important needs that need to be filled…. See all of you in New Orleans for the Superbowl….
Dumbo
October 14th, 2012
4:26 pm
Choke….no matter what Vick the Dumb Dick is still Mike the Felon for the rest of his life!
DawgNole
October 14th, 2012
4:27 pm
How many more wait till next year
October 14th, 2012
4:22 pm
Yes, DawgNole you maybe smarter than a fifth grader…..
_______________________
And if you apply yourself, even you have a chance to be as smart.
kevkat
October 14th, 2012
4:27 pm
Smitty will have that sly smile saying a win is a win…and it is. But you can’t be encouraged going into the bye with a defense giving up over 500 yards and a bad offensive line on display today..a quarterback who has thrown at least one interception in the last three games and counting..bad offensive line or not…
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:28 pm
Enter 2-4 Raiders comments here:
The Big Fat Blogger
October 14th, 2012
4:28 pm
*They held on and won* Sorry for the typo
SIX and O Falcons
October 14th, 2012
4:29 pm
Encouraged = six in a row.
TrishaDishawareagle
October 14th, 2012
4:29 pm
Way to go to class act Coach Mike Smith for typing the Great Dan Reeves with 49 victories as a coach of the Atlanta Falcons
5150 UOAD
October 14th, 2012
4:30 pm
dWag Nole…..IF you can WATCH the Game on TV and Post on-line then WHY couldn’t you watch HISTORY on-line watch the game and still post about the game?
65 years ago today Gen. Chuck Yeager broke the “Sound Barrier” in the the Bell X-1 and today a HUMAN tried to to the same without a CRAFT other than his Body and a pressurized suit. If you can’t understand that them you need to say a Drunk Fake Blonde White Chick College & Plantation FAN.