
NFL's "last" unbeaten teams have had varying results. (via Tripp Jones, TheAtlanticWire.com)
I’m not a huge fan of statistics and acknowledge that some things perceived as historical “trends” can often be misleading. But I find this interesting, especially since the Falcons (6-0) are the final remaining unbeaten team in the NFL (by virtue of their cardiac win over Oakland Sunday and Houston’s loss to Green Bay Sunday night).
According to information from FootballGeography.com – via Reddit user Tripp Jones and The Atlantic Wire — there have been 47 “last unbeaten” teams since 1970. (Note: In some seasons, there were more than one team. In 1970, for example, Denver, Detroit and the Los Angeles Rams all started 3-0 but lost their fourth game.)
Of the 47 teams since 1970, 22 have gone on to the Super Bowl — 11 winning, 11 losing. Six others made it to the conference championship before losing.
The rest of the breakdown: 11 lost in the divisional round, five lost in the wild card round and three didn’t make the playoffs.
This could be of interest to Falcons’ fans, especially since the franchise has a recent history of successful regular seasons but losing quickly in the playoffs (making the playoffs three of the past four seasons but going 0-3).
You’ll notice on the chart below that quite a few teams have started at least 6-0, like the Falcons. Most recent ones: Green Bay won its first 13 games last season, finished the regular season 15-1 and lost in the divisional playoffs; Indianapolis in 2009 started 14-0 and lost in the Super Bowl; Tennessee in 2008 started 10-0 and lost in the divisional playoffs; New England, the most famous of all, won its first 18 games (16 regular season, two postseason) in 2007, but then lost in the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.
The last “final unbeaten” team to win the Super Bowl: Indianapolis in 2006, after starting 9-0 and finishing 12-4.
Below is a chart with the fate of the year-by-year “last unbeaten” teams since 1920. Not sure what it means but it’s fun to look at.
By Jeff Schultz
Just added a CineSport video, as I discuss the Falcons’ problems in the running game with Noah Coslov.
•
| Season | Lge | First Loss | Franchise | Started | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | APFA | - | Akron Pros | 8-0-3 | 8-0-3 | NFL Champions |
| 1921 | APFA | Wk 11 | Buffalo All-Americans | 9-0-2 | 9-1-2 | 2nd Place |
| 1922 | NFL | - | Canton Bulldogs | 10-0-2 | 10-0-2 | NFL Champions |
| 1923 | NFL | - | Canton Bulldogs | 11-0-1 | 11-0-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1924 | NFL | Wk 8 | Cleveland Bulldogs | 5-0-1 | 7-1-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1925 | NFL | Wk 9 | Detroit Panthers | 6-0-2 | 8-2-2 | 3rd Place |
| 1926 | NFL | Wk 12 | Chicago Bears | 11-0-2 | 12-1-3 | 2nd Place |
| 1927 | NFL | Wk 9 | Chicago Bears | 5-0-1 | 9-3-2 | 3rd Place |
| 1928 | NFL | Wk 7 | Detroit Wolverines | 3-0 | 7-2-1 | 3rd Place |
| 1929 | NFL | - | Green Bay Packers | 12-0-1 | 12-0-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1930 | NFL | Wk 10 | Green Bay Packers | 8-0 | 10-3-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1931 | NFL | Wk 10 | Green Bay Packers | 9-0 | 12-2 | NFL Champions |
| 1932 | NFL | Wk 10 | Green Bay Packers | 8-0-1 | 10-3-1 | 2nd Place |
| 1933 | NFL | Wk 8 | Chicago Bears | 6-0 | 10-2-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1934 | NFL | Lge Champ | Chicago Bears | 13-0 | 13-0 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1935 | NFL | Wk 6 | Arizona (Chicago) Cardinals | 2-0-1 | 6-4-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1936 | NFL | Wk 8 | Chicago Bears | 6-0 | 9-3 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1937 | NFL | Wk 10 | Chicago Bears | 5-0-1 | 9-1-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1938 | NFL | Wk 5 | Chicago Bears | 3-0 | 6-5 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1938 | NFL | Wk 5 | Washington Redskins | 2-0-1 | 6-3-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1939 | NFL | Wk 9 | New York Giants | 5-0-1 | 9-1-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1940 | NFL | Wk 10 | Washington Redskins | 7-0 | 9-2 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1941 | NFL | Wk 9 | Chicago Bears | 5-0 | 10-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1942 | NFL | Lge Champ | Chicago Bears | 11-0 | 11-0 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1943 | NFL | Wk 11 | Washington Redskins | 6-0-1 | 6-3-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1944 | NFL | Wk 11 | Philadelphia Eagles | 5-0-2 | 7-1-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1945 | NFL | Wk 6 | St. Louis (Cleveland) Rams | 4-0 | 9-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1946 | AAFC | Wk 8 | Cleveland Browns | 7-0 | 12-2 | AAFC Champions |
| 1946 | NFL | Wk 6 | Chicago Bears | 3-0-1 | 8-2-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1946 | NFL | Wk 6 | Washington Redskins | 3-0-1 | 5-5-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1947 | AAFC | Wk 7 | Cleveland Browns | 5-0 | 12-1-1 | AAFC Champions |
| 1947 | NFL | Wk 5 | Arizona (Chicago) Cardinals | 3-0 | 9-3 | NFL Champions |
| 1948 | AAFC | - | Cleveland Browns | 15-0 | 14-0 | AAFC Champions |
| 1948 | NFL | Wk 6 | Chicago Bears | 4-0 | 10-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1949 | AAFC | Wk 7 | Cleveland Browns | 4-0-1 | 9-1-2 | AAFC Champions |
| 1949 | NFL | Wk 7 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 6-0 | 8-2-2 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1950 | NFL | Wk 5 | New York Giants | 3-0 | 10-2 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1951 | NFL | Wk 5 | New York Giants | 3-0-1 | 9-2-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1952 | NFL | Wk 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 5-0 | 7-5 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1953 | NFL | Wk 12 | Cleveland Browns | 11-0 | 11-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1954 | NFL | Wk 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 4-0-1 | 7-4-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1955 | NFL | Wk 4 | Indianapolis (Baltimore) Colts | 3-0 | 5-6-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1955 | NFL | Wk 4 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 3-0 | 8-3-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1956 | NFL | Wk 7 | Detroit Lions | 6-0 | 9-3 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1957 | NFL | Wk 4 | Cleveland Browns | 3-0 | 9-2-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1957 | NFL | Wk 4 | Indianapolis (Baltimore) Colts | 3-0 | 7-5 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1958 | NFL | Wk 7 | Indianapolis (Baltimore) Colts | 6-0 | 9-3 | NFL Champions |
| 1959 | NFL | Wk 4 | Green Bay Packers | 3-0 | 7-5 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1960 | AFL | Wk 3 | Denver Broncos | 2-0 | 4-9-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1960 | AFL | Wk 3 | Tennessee Titans (Hou. Oilers) | 2-0 | 10-4 | AFL Champions |
| 1960 | NFL | Wk 6 | New York Giants | 3-0-1 | 6-4-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1961 | AFL | Wk 13 | San Diego Chargers | 11-0 | 12-2 | Lost in AFL Championship |
| 1961 | NFL | Wk 3 | Dallas Cowboys | 2-0 | 4-9-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1961 | NFL | Wk 3 | Detroit Lions | 2-0 | 8-5-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1961 | NFL | Wk 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2-0 | 10-4 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1962 | AFL | Wk 5 | Kansas City Chiefs (Dal. Texans) | 3-0 | 11-3 | AFL Champions |
| 1962 | NFL | Wk 11 | Green Bay Packers | 10-0 | 13-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1963 | AFL | Wk 5 | San Diego Chargers | 3-0 | 11-3 | AFL Champions |
| 1963 | NFL | Wk 7 | Cleveland Browns | 6-0 | 10-4 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1964 | AFL | Wk 10 | Buffalo Bills | 9-0 | 12-2 | AFL Champions |
| 1964 | NFL | Wk 5 | Arizona (St. Louis) Cardinals | 3-0-1 | 9-3-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1964 | NFL | Wk 5 | Cleveland Browns | 3-0-1 | 10-3-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1965 | AFL | Wk 8 | San Diego Chargers | 5-0-2 | 9-2-3 | Lost in AFL Championship |
| 1965 | NFL | Wk 7 | Green Bay Packers | 6-0 | 10-3-1 | NFL Champions |
| 1966 | AFL | Wk 7 | New York Jets | 4-0-1 | 6-6-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1966 | NFL | Wk 7 | Arizona (St. Louis) Cardinals | 5-0-1 | 8-5-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1966 | NFL | Wk 7 | Dallas Cowboys | 4-0-1 | 10-3-1 | Lost in NFL Championship |
| 1967 | AFL | Wk 9 | San Diego Chargers | 5-0-1 | 8-5-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1967 | NFL | Wk 14 | Indianapolis (Baltimore) Colts | 11-0-2 | 11-1-2 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1968 | AFL | Wk 6 | Oakland Raiders | 4-0 | 12-2 | Lost in AFL Championship |
| 1968 | NFL | Wk 7 | Dallas Cowboys | 6-0 | 12-2 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1968 | NFL | Wk 7 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 6-0 | 10-3-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1969 | AFL | Wk 8 | Oakland Raiders | 6-0-1 | 12-1-1 | Lost in AFL Championship |
| 1969 | NFL | Wk 12 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 11-0 | 11-3 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1970 | NFL | Wk 4 | Denver Broncos | 3-0 | 5-8-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1970 | NFL | Wk 4 | Detroit Lions | 3-0 | 10-4 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1970 | NFL | Wk 4 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 3-0 | 9-4-1 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1971 | NFL | Wk 6 | Washington Redskins | 5-0 | 9-4-1 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1972 | NFL | - | Miami Dolphins | 17-0 | 14-0 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1973 | NFL | Wk 10 | Minnesota Vikings | 9-0 | 12-2 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1974 | NFL | Wk 8 | Arizona (St. Louis) Cardinals | 7-0 | 10-4 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1975 | NFL | Wk 11 | Minnesota Vikings | 10-0 | 12-2 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1976 | NFL | Wk 8 | Minnesota Vikings | 6-0-1 | 11-2-1 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1977 | NFL | Wk 9 | Dallas Cowboys | 8-0 | 12-2 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1978 | NFL | Wk 8 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7-0 | 14-2 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1978 | NFL | Wk 8 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 7-0 | 12-4 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1979 | NFL | Wk 6 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5-0 | 10-6 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1980 | NFL | Wk 6 | Buffalo Bills | 5-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1981 | NFL | Wk 7 | Philadelphia Eagles | 6-0 | 10-6 | Lost in Wild Card Round |
| 1982 | NFL | Wk 5 | Washington Redskins | 4-0 | 8-1 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1983 | NFL | Wk 8 | Dallas Cowboys | 7-0 | 12-4 | Lost in Wild Card Round |
| 1984 | NFL | Wk 12 | Miami Dolphins | 11-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1985 | NFL | Wk 13 | Chicago Bears | 12-0 | 15-1 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1986 | NFL | Wk 7 | Chicago Bears | 6-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1986 | NFL | Wk 7 | Denver Broncos | 6-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1987 | NFL | Wk 5 | Chicago Bears | 4-0 | 11-4 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 1988 | NFL | Wk 7 | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-0 | 12-4 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1989 | NFL | Wk 6 | St. Louis (Los Angeles) Rams | 5-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1990 | NFL | Wk 12 | New York Giants | 10-0 | 13-3 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1990 | NFL | Wk 12 | San Francisco 49ers | 10-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1991 | NFL | Wk 13 | Washington Redskins | 11-0 | 14-2 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1992 | NFL | Wk 8 | Miami Dolphins | 6-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 1993 | NFL | Wk 7 | New Orleans Saints | 5-0 | 8-8 | Didn’t Qualify |
| 1994 | NFL | Wk 8 | San Diego Chargers | 6-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 1995 | NFL | Wk 6 | Miami Dolphins | 4-0 | 9-7 | Lost in Wild Card Round |
| 1996 | NFL | Wk 6 | Indianapolis Colts | 4-0 | 9-7 | Lost in Wild Card Round |
| 1997 | NFL | Wk 8 | Denver Broncos | 6-0 | 12-4 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1998 | NFL | Wk 15 | Denver Broncos | 13-0 | 14-2 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 1999 | NFL | Wk 8 | St. Louis Rams | 6-0 | 13-3 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 2000 | NFL | Wk 9 | Minnesota Vikings | 7-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Conf. Championship |
| 2001 | NFL | Wk 7 | St. Louis Rams | 6-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 2002 | NFL | Wk 6 | Oakland Raiders | 4-0 | 11-5 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 2003 | NFL | Wk 11 | Kansas City Chiefs | 9-0 | 13-3 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 2004 | NFL | Wk 9 | Philadelphia Eagles | 7-0 | 13-3 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 2005 | NFL | Wk 15 | Indianapolis Colts | 13-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 2006 | NFL | Wk 11 | Indianapolis Colts | 9-0 | 12-4 | Super Bowl Champions |
| 2007 | NFL | Super B. | New England Patriots | 18-0 | 16-0 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 2008 | NFL | Wk 12 | Tennessee Titans | 10-0 | 13-3 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 2009 | NFL | Wk 16 | Indianapolis Colts | 14-0 | 14-2 | Lost in Super Bowl |
| 2010 | NFL | Wk 5 | Kansas City Chiefs | 3-0 | 10-6 | Lost in Wild Card Round |
| 2011 | NFL | Wk 15 | Green Bay Packers | 13-0 | 15-1 | Lost in Divisional Round |
| 2012 | NFL | ? | Atlanta Falcons | 6-0 | ? | ? |
83 comments Add your comment
Cory
October 15th, 2012
4:35 pm
”I’m not a huge fan of statistics…”
This is the state of Atlanta sports journalism, folks.
Scott Case
October 15th, 2012
4:44 pm
Really looking forward to not losing in the playoffs this year, you guys.
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 15th, 2012
4:47 pm
It’s a L O N G season and being undefeated is only important if you win the last game played.
Heisenberg
October 15th, 2012
4:57 pm
What really counts is when you get into 8-0 or better records, the percentage of teams that make the SB goes way up. I counted 11 of those 17 get in with 7 of those winning. Check back just before turkey day.
Falcon Flap
October 15th, 2012
5:00 pm
I have said that we will go 13-3 this season. Our first loss will come next at Philadelphia. I truly believe with our divisional game being a home game and the beatings we took the last two seasons, we will be ready to make a run at the super bowl barring any major injuries. It’s now or never for Matt Ryan. If he cant do it with this offense, he never will.
Nativebird
October 15th, 2012
5:01 pm
6-0 is good and im glad but with this particular regime, It doesn’t really matter Unti theY win a playoff game. In fact, I’d rather they have somewhat of a struggle in the regular season 9-7, 10-6 for example, and then get hot right at the end. But til these guys win a playoff game, I’d rather not hear anything from them at all. Talk is cheap, and Dimitroff and Blank have more empty blather speak than most.
GetReal
October 15th, 2012
5:22 pm
6-0 is nice but the word on the street is hold or sell until the playoffs. Not many are buying into a Superbowl run with 10 games to play.
GetReal
October 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
Last Item: Turner does seem a step slow this year but it really doesn’t matter. Few backs can be successful when there are no holes to run thru.
Jeff Schultz
October 15th, 2012
5:25 pm
Cory — I’m sure that means something in your own private Idaho. But any time you want to have a discussion about “Atlanta sports journalism,” I’m all in.
Jeff Schultz
October 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
Falcons Flap — Philly could be a tough game, agreed. As could both games against Saints, Cowboys and New York (at the least).
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
6-0 is fun. I don’t know a true Falcon fan who isn’t somewhat giddy. All of any talk other than one game at a time is a mute point. It’s up to this team, Coach Smith and the coaches to not let this cushion go for nothing. We are thin at some key positions and even a light injury could wreck havoc. These last second wins aren’t going to be the status quo but it does show a team with ability and desire. For better or worse I’m a Falcons Fan, always have been and always will be. I’m enjoying this 2012 campaign. Take a week off, sharpen those talons and come back and ruffle some Eagle feathers!!!
Falcons are NFL’s last unbeaten team: Here’s fate of others | football-feed.com
October 15th, 2012
5:49 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
jay
October 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
It should be an interesting season. They have definitely positioned themselves well. I will say after sitting in the Dome the energy thoughout the game just always came through as if they’d find a way to win. Plus I love our defense’s ability to get turnovers. That been a fantastic consistency of this ball club.
Couldn't have predicted it any better, Jeff...
October 15th, 2012
6:12 pm
…Falcons lose to Saints at least once, plus TB at least once, and also lose to Philly, Dallas and the NYGmen…
Sidslid
October 15th, 2012
6:15 pm
Hope you had a hot intern put this together for you
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 15th, 2012
7:25 pm
Jeff Schultz
October 15th, 2012
5:25 pm
Cory — I’m sure that means something in your own private Idaho. But any time you want to have a discussion about “Atlanta sports journalism,” I’m all in.
===================================================
Damn JEFF just pushed his STACK of Chips All In………..I keep seeing the Mad Russian “Teddy KGB” eating split Oreos and laughing at your bet.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 15th, 2012
7:26 pm
Jeff is the Mad Russian “Teddy KGB” LOL
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=500428509977070&set=a.226283530724904.71042.225132740839983&type=1&theater
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 15th, 2012
7:29 pm
“Mister son-of-a-bitch… let’s play some cards.” – Teddy KGB…………………..LMAO
“The rule is this: You spot a man’s tell, you don’t say a f..ing word.” – CORY……
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 15th, 2012
7:51 pm
Mark Richt 3 wins 17 games 12 years vs teams made top 10
Mark Richt 2 wins 18 games current 5 years vs teams made top 25
Hillbilly D
October 15th, 2012
8:21 pm
In my opinion, that OL is still weak and it’s going to show up when they play some good teams. They better improve their tackling, too.
Banned by Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
Jeff Schultz
October 15th, 2012
5:25 pm
Cory — I’m sure that means something in your own private Idaho. But any time you want to have a discussion about “Atlanta sports journalism,” I’m all in.
—————————————————————————————————————————————
Lighten up Francis.
CamiloAtlanta
October 15th, 2012
8:36 pm
This is great stuff Mr Schultz. Looked all over the web for this info but here it is at the great ajc.
Falcons on top!
phil
October 15th, 2012
9:23 pm
One team in 13 won the Super Bowl…..
We won’t be the next one to win, I can assure you.
Mr. Mustard
October 15th, 2012
9:41 pm
Hey Jeff,
Keep them coming, some of us actually enjoy thoughtful musings from professionals.
Thanks for the great work about our beloved Falcons, I look forward to reading you, Mark Bradley and D. Ledbetter every chance I get.
And what of our Falcons?
The game against the Raiders, although a win bothered me more than any game yet since the Dimitroff era.
The same issues seems to be emerging, a pattern with this management group and although I would not bet money against the Falcons, I will not bet any on them either.
They are missing something. If they had a tight game against the elite teams, I would be ecstatic.
Against the Raiders? Should not have happened, not at this stage of their process with Dimitroff.
Funny Bunny
October 16th, 2012
7:58 am
There are only nine winning teams in the NFL.
True Falcon Fan
October 16th, 2012
8:21 am
Great post Mark!
No body should be concerned. We were/are due for “Ugly” — this happens. Perfect timing in my opinion, going into a by week. These Falcon players are mature vets, they came away feeling from the Raider game as a lose. It’s called “We uglied those guy’s out of that WIN”!!!!!!!!! Wow was that a “UGLY” win…..
Rest-up fly high on 10/28 to the city of “Brotherly Love” —- KickA$$ on sum “Eaglettes”
Go Falcons — Eaglettes next
True Falcon Fan
October 16th, 2012
8:23 am
Sorry Mark, I meant Jeff, no wait i meant Great post Jeff, there yea go —- anyways have a great day!
WTF
October 16th, 2012
8:43 am
Poor Cory – he makes a perfectly valid but insipid remark and gets a blast from Jeff (or is it Mark? Or Carroll? Or O’Brien? – who can tell the diff?).
The stats, as usual, prove nothing, nada. 11 win, 11 lose, 11 get rained out. WTF and who cares.
The thing to remember is these writers must throw something against the wall on a daily basis. Some slides off, some sticks.
How about doing an in-depth mid-week statistical analysis of that, Jejf…or Mark… oh, who cares.
But to them it’s job and they have been chosen to do it. And at least Jeff introduces folks to some good music from time to time (thanks for the Greg Holden thing, Jeff). Of course, not all the time…some are good, some not..oh,oh, here we go again.
TroutFalcon
October 16th, 2012
8:51 am
As much as we the fans would love to see the media show the Falcons some love they simply won’t until they have success in the postseason. Matt Ryan is as aware of this as anyone and there is nothing the Falcons can do to change that until January rolls around. For the present all they can do is put themselves in position to succeed and so far they are 6 for 6 I’d say that’s about as good as a team can do in the first 6 games, now is the Falcons opportunity to go out after the bye week and continue winning.
Jason
October 16th, 2012
9:40 am
I’d rather be 6-0 than any of the alternatives…
extremus
October 16th, 2012
9:56 am
6-0 is great, but A) as has already been discussed at length, it’s clear that the 2012 Falcons still have a lot of necessary improvements to make. B) One look at their remaining schedule should wake even the most optimistic fan to the reality that the easiest part of the schedule is behind them. The Falcons’ remaining schedule consists of two games each against the Saints and Buccaneers, one against the Panthers, and the rest against the Giants, Cowboys, Cardinals, Eagles (next week), and the Lions. Not an expected “laugher” among them.
Once again, it’s not about how a team starts; it’s about how it finishes. The Falcons did themselves a huge favor and built up a sizable lead in the NFC South and an inside track for home field advantage in the playoffs…but there are still 10 potentially very difficult games left to play. And nothing should make any fan quite as nervous as knowing that your team is the one with a target on its back; every opponent is going to be giving this team their best shot from here on.
jerry
October 16th, 2012
10:02 am
Why they won’t win the SB and why they usually fail against the good teams. Too many post patterns, come backs, and sideline passes. Hardly ever hit anyone in stride down the middle, just too conservative, afraid of interceptions.
ESPN NFL rank Run After Catch:
24-Gonzales
41-Rodgers
42-Jones
73-White
91-Turner
117-Douglas
Sports Facts » Defenses Facing Stiff Challenges in Week 7 – Bleacher Report
October 16th, 2012
10:17 am
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Mike Franklin
October 16th, 2012
10:19 am
If we were to take to heart all the scrubbing from ESPN, our resident Falcon hating trolls… and even from some of our own writers here at the AJC, we might be inclined to curl up into a fetal position and become soccer fans.
6-0. If it were ANY other team… there would be rejoicing and love puddles everywhere. But because it’s the Falcs, we’re supposed to be despondent… depressed, ashamed even.
Screw the world!! I like my team, their record and the chances of a march to the Stupid Dome in NO where we can grab the Lombardi Trophy in front of those who hate us the most!
ESAD ESPN… and anyone else who doesn’t approve.
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 16th, 2012
10:41 am
Atlanta Falcons have never beent the last unbeaten NFL team ever.
47 teams has accomplished this.
We’ve never accomplished it.
I sat at lunch beside Rankin Smith every Friday for lunch at the Rotary Club West End the whole entire time Rankin Smith owned us. He didn’t care about winning, anymore than Mark Richt does. Rankin Smith only cared about money, an insurance salesman. Mark Richt is a Minister. As long as he gets to minister to misfits, walk-ons, nobody coaches and can play games he’s excited to play like 17 games against teams making the top 10 all 12 years winning 3, he’s happy.
Mask of False Bravado
October 16th, 2012
10:45 am
Falcon Flap
October 15th, 2012
5:00 pm
It’s now or never for Matt Ryan. If he cant do it with this offense, he never will.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I disagree with this statement. The Falcons can get much better next year at O-Line and certainly at RB. The window is not closing on this team, it’s one step short of wide open.
Mask of False Bravado
October 16th, 2012
10:47 am
jerry- YAC is a meaningless stat right now. Why is that stat more important than receiving yards? Wins?
Bill Payer
October 16th, 2012
10:47 am
Enjoy 6-0, nobody goes unbeaten in NFL anymore, teams are too even. It only takes 1 injury to screw up a season. No sense feeling miserable about play offs at this point.
single white dove
October 16th, 2012
11:03 am
jerry
October 16th, 2012
10:02 am
“Why they won’t win the SB and why they usually fail against the good teams. Too many post patterns, come backs, and sideline passes. Hardly ever hit anyone in stride down the middle, just too conservative, afraid of interceptions.”
Good teams?? How many teams have we played that has/had bad records?
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 16th, 2012
11:10 am
When you have the kind of record the Atlanta Falcons have been putting up every season, you don’t play teams with bad records.
That’s the way the NFL works. Do well : Play better teams. Do poorly : Play easy opponents.
Then, there is Georgia with the # 103 Strength of Schedule NCAA Official Ranking this morning with all opponents we play all 2012 season long 20-games under .500 and we were ranked # 6.
Dr. Warren
October 16th, 2012
11:18 am
Haven’t you all learned the drill yet? In today’s NFL, whoever is hot at the end and is playing great defense will usually win the Super Bowl. We are still 8 weeks from guessing who that might be.
Ivan
October 16th, 2012
12:11 pm
Eagles just fired their DC. Coach Killer got another one!
Amazing. One of the worst Offenses in the NFL, with a QB that gives the football back to the other team like its Christmas, and they fired the DC!!
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing every ranked team 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
October 16th, 2012
12:43 pm
Same thing happening at Georgia. Little Aaron Murray who is 0-10 in 10 games against teams who made the Top 25, does the same thing every game – fumbling like he is some dual-threat qb at 4.71 speed throwing interceptions and otherwise wetting his legs on his passing while getting sacked 3 times a game and making poor progressions like he gets the heebie-jeebies on the big stage like his coach Mark Richt too.
Then, we all say the Defense of Todd Grantham sucks.
Brown
October 16th, 2012
1:02 pm
Despite a tough schedule ahead, I don’t see the Falcons doing any worse than 5-5 the rest of the way, which puts them at 11-5. I think they will do better than that and end up with a 1- or 2- seed, giving them a bye and home field. After that, it’s just a matter of winning 3 straight games, and I think they’ll have good a chance as anyone, the way they’ve proven they can scratch and claw for a win in the final minutes.
I realize that 2 of the last 3 opponents were not good teams, but there’s not much separation between good and bad teams in the NFL. It’s not college football where you get 2 or 3 games against clearly inferior teams. And of course it’s better to have barely beaten bad opponents than to have lost. Most of the teams thought of as contenders have at least one loss to a bad team on their resume (e.g., Packers losing to Indy).
6-0 is great, even if you can find ways to pick it apart. Go Falcons!
jerry
October 16th, 2012
1:08 pm
Mask of False Bravado
October 16th, 2012
10:47 am
jerry- YAC is a meaningless stat right now. Why is that stat more important than receiving yard? Wins
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o.k. I will email ESPN and tell them that. What wins are you talking about? Playoffs?
Mask of False Bravado
October 16th, 2012
2:03 pm
I want YOU to tell me why YAC is more important than RecYds. I don’t give a fat rat’s a&& what the blowhards up at ESPN say.
Eric C.
October 16th, 2012
2:27 pm
Jeff, I really appreciate the statistics…very interesting. Of course, getting to the playoffs is the most important thing right now…and it is interesting to note that of all teams that went 6-0…none finished with fewer than 10 wins in a 16 game season. I really think that 10 wins this year will win the NFC South given the slow starts by the other teams.
Eric C.
October 16th, 2012
2:34 pm
One other note…it’s interesting the Saints started 13-0 in 2009 and weren’t the last undefeated team to lose…I’d forgotten about the Colts.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 16th, 2012
2:40 pm
1st 6 opponents record 11-21 & 2011 42-54.
FOOLS GOLD
HA HA
Mask of False Bravado
October 16th, 2012
2:47 pm
Name that quarterback….can you name the QB that has 17 turnovers compared to 9 TDs on the year?