Falcons win (but run before somebody changes their mind)
Falcons' real stars came on defense, like this fumble return for a touchdown by Jonathan Babineaux. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Sometime after the game’s first pass went off Roddy White’s hands and turned into an interception, and Michael Turner was stuffed for no gain and then dropped a pass on the Falcons’ second and third plays, and Matt Ryan (five interceptions) mutated into some unrecognizable being, it probably occurred to everybody: This wasn’t going to be one of those games when we would all fawn over the Falcons’ offense.
“We were kind of sleepwalking through the first quarter,” coach Mike Smith said.
Sleepwalking? Actually, that would’ve been improvement. Curly mixing up the cake flour with the dynamite powder is when things kind of went sideways.
Five interceptions. Six turnovers. A coach who forgot the challenge rule and as a result was penalized and potentially lost an overturn of a fumble.
They won anyway.
This is kind of like a Big Foot sighting. Don’t believe that grainy footage that seemingly shows a scoreboard reading: Falcons 23, Arizona 19? Understandable. Half the players in Atlanta’s locker room probably didn’t believe it, either.
The other half play defense.
“It goes against the law of averages,” Tony Gonzalez said.
If you were a Falcons’ player Sunday, you skipped showering after this game, ran to your car and sped home before some giant hand descended from the heavens and a voice cried out: “Hold everything! A plague of locusts and parting the Red Sea, that’s crazy enough. But even I have my limits.”
Ryan threw five interceptions (three in the first quarter) but the Falcons pulled out a win. This happened for two reasons: 1) The defense was great for much of the day, and until eight minutes into the fourth quarter had provided the team’s only touchdown (Jonathan Babineaux’s fumble returned after a sack and forced fumble by John Abraham); 2) Arizona, except for wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, doesn’t have an offense so much as it has a vaudeville act.
The Cardinals entered the week ranked 31st in offense and scoring. And now we ask: How bad must Jacksonville be?
The Cardinals were gift-wrapped six extra possessions, started five drives in Falcons’ territory (the 9, 18, 35, 16 and 23) and still came away with only one touchdown (13 points off turnovers).
Ryan became the first quarterback to throw five interceptions and no touchdowns and win anyway since Bart Starr in 1967.
“I’m in good company,” Ryan cracked.
Run, Falcons. Run fast.
They are 9-1 with a three-game lead in the NFC South and six games remaining. They have the added advantage of not having to wait for BCS rankings to come out because the NFL standings include no human element or computer rankings. Otherwise, the word, “ewww” probably would be spit out somewhere.
John Abraham laughed. “The only thing we have to worry about is as long as we can put something in the left side (win column) and not the right side, we’re fine.”
Abraham sacked Arizona’s Ryan Lindley in the second quarter just as Lindley was trying to pass. The ball came loose and everybody stood around, thinking it was an incomplete pass, until Abraham screamed, “Pick it up!” So Babineaux picked it up and ran into the end zone. The play was ruled a touchdown and it stood up on appeal, giving the Falcons a 13-10 lead.
Ryan put together one great touchdown drive. That’s all he needed. With Arizona leading 19-16, he completed four of five passes for 54 yards. Running back Michael Turner scored from the one-yard line (honest) for the lead with 6:40 left. Checkmate.
The Falcons escaped. So did Smith. In the third quarter, he threw a challenge flag in hopes of overturning a fumble by Jason Snelling. But all changes of possession are automatically reviewed and throwing the red flag is an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Strangely, the NFL also nullifies the challenge, effectively saying, “No replay for you!” (Seinfeld’s “Soup Nazi” would’ve been a great replacement official.)
“We’ve got to find a way for the coach to not throw the challenge flag at the wrong time,” Smith said. “I can assure you that one will be addressed very quickly.”
He’ll put himself in timeout. Not that it matters. Style points don’t factor into final scores or standings in the NFL. For that, the Falcons are thankful.
— Jeff Schultz
Busy times … earlier blogs you might’ve missed
• Short takes: Ryan awful, defense great, win important
• Georgia’s new reality: From on the brink to BCS title possibility
• Upsets launch Georgia into BCS title picture (updated game column)
• Short takes: Murray wakes up the offense
• Weekend Predictions: Dogs, Jackets, Falcons and the lust triangles
• Falcons’ flaws aren’t worse than any other NFL team
• College hoop kings provide rare thrills for Atlanta
• Falcons’ startling admission: Ray Edwards was a blunder
• Will SEC get team to BCS championship (answer below) (with video)
• Georgia wins SEC East, and looks like threat to Alabama
• Richt is coaching through pain (because he fell off a swing … honest)
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255 comments Add your comment
1990_Champs_GT
November 18th, 2012
9:38 pm
The win was ugly as sin, but counts just as much as the complete game they won against the Eagles.
Gotta win against Tampa and Aints. But the bigger problem is inconsistent play. Too many games like the one today, and they won’t win a playoff game.
And that means heads will roll.
JSS
November 18th, 2012
9:39 pm
I bet ya Barney Rubble will be in Mr. Slate’s office (Rich McKay) for a review of the challenge rules tomorrow!
JSS
November 18th, 2012
9:40 pm
Ah the memories…
http://www.cartoonscrapbook.com/01pics-L/flintstones_L26.jpg
Loose Caboose
November 18th, 2012
9:43 pm
Go watch more cartoon network…looser. You ruin this blog with your crap. I guess some people get there fix one way or another. Just lost another JS…
Stevereeno
November 18th, 2012
9:49 pm
This was a watch through your fingers game. Dismal performance.
Sean
November 18th, 2012
9:49 pm
Calm down everyone, lest we forget Houston almost lost at home to the worst team in the league, San Fran tied against St. Louis last week, Green Bay AND the Patriots have been beaten by the Seahawks. Bad games happen, rest assured next week we should have Spoon back and we’ll be ready for Tampa.
JSS
November 18th, 2012
9:51 pm
Don’t “loosen” your way out of the door! Ha ha, how’s that crap loser?
jo
November 18th, 2012
9:54 pm
But Sean…the falcons haven’t played well in weeks now and that is the problem. Its not just this game, but whereas are trending.
JSS
November 18th, 2012
9:58 pm
Seattle hasn’t lost a game at home this season (albeit the horrible call against the Packers), they are the wrong team to try to minimize… Have you seen the Houston-Jags yet? You may want to hold judgement…
Overrated Notre Dame
November 18th, 2012
10:01 pm
Mike Smith should know all the rules regarding his ability to challenge plays. Whut a dumbarse…
The Biscuit
November 18th, 2012
10:07 pm
Not a troll. Huge Falcon fan. But this team scares the bee-jeezus out of me. Today we played a team with not one, but two rookie tackles. We played a team, who in the second half, was playing their third string quaterback who had never thrown a pass in the NFL. We won by 4 points. This is beyond outrageous for a 9-1 team. Almost unbelievable. And at home. Make all the excuses you want, but this team is flawed in huge and serious ways. They’ve had all season to fix what is wrong and they have not fixed anything to date. It’s amazing. Coach Smith keeps saying the same old same old, but nothing changes.Special teams are atrocious excluding the punter and place kicker. No punt returner. No kick returner. No kick-off coverage to speak of. No changes. Where’s Massaqouis? Where’s Matthews? Where’s Antoine Smith? Did Bierman attend the game today? If so, where was he? Two rookie tackles for crying out loud. The list could go on. I see a 3-3 finish and the usual one and done in the play-offs. Wish it weren’t so…
Rick Mayers
November 18th, 2012
10:09 pm
I can’t understand how the coaches don’t correct glaring problems that have to be fixed for the Falcons to have any success in the playoffs. James is not a punt returner, he doesn’t have a clue.The O line mainly Sam Baker doesn’t recognize a blitz, he don’t even engage the bltizer .I know Turner has been a great running back for us in the past but he just doesn’t have anything left. If he does have a hole he might get 4 or 5 yards. Look how he has done this season, we have to make a change.
JSS
November 18th, 2012
10:14 pm
@ Biscuit…
You mean “Franks?”
JSS
November 18th, 2012
10:15 pm
Sorry Biscuit, I meant “Rick Mayers.”
JSS
November 18th, 2012
10:27 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Did they say anything about Samuel’s arm or Jones?
The Biscuit
November 18th, 2012
10:30 pm
Well, while I’m at it, why not? Actually, Mr. Mayers, the team’s alleged punt returner is Dominique Franks. But here’s what I want to know. Is Franks taught, that is coached, to call for a fair catch on his own five yard line on an alleged punt return? Happened today, fans. It’s inexcusable. Who’s to blame? The player? The coaches?
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2012
10:30 pm
JSS — They never say much about injuries after the game. Samuel was announced as shoulder. Julio I think just aggravated ankle. I was surprised he played. Played gingerly on it when he was in there. Wouldn’t surprise me if both missed next week.
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2012
10:31 pm
Link to post-game injury report: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/18/video-falcons-coach-mike-smith-after-the-23-19-win/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog
SawThat1nce
November 18th, 2012
10:34 pm
The rule that Smith was penalized for is dumb.
The Biscuit
November 18th, 2012
10:34 pm
@JSS. You sound like a true fan and are forgiven.
JSS
November 18th, 2012
10:49 pm
Be careful Biscuit, those are likely to draw enemies to you…
Thanks
JSS
November 18th, 2012
10:52 pm
They broke Franks, he ’s lost his basic instinct for returning that he had when was at Oklahoma… Same thing happened to Weems last year…
The Biscuit
November 18th, 2012
11:02 pm
@JSS. Well, perhaps that is the difference in playing scared and playing to win? I don’t get it. Adios. Getting up early in the morn…
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
11:16 pm
@ The Biscuit. JSS may not be what many here make him out to be. But he isnt a Falcons fan, that much is for sure.
Eric
November 18th, 2012
11:18 pm
Haha, figures Choke would come out of the wood work after today’s debacle. Been pretty quiet this season so far, for good reason.
Obviously this kind of effort would lead to a loss against almost any other team but let’s not get too negative about it. Every good team has lost to someone bad this year (Dallas beat the Giants, Minny beat SF, these same Cards beat NE in Foxboro). Point is they are 9-1 and have insured a fifth straight winning season. They simply need to stop worrying about what people are saying about them and finish strong. TB looks pretty good right now but we should be fine if we get back to playing like we did in weeks 1-3…
JSS
November 18th, 2012
11:22 pm
0125, ha ha, that is for sure! But it is not hatred or hatred of all things Atlanta or GA either…
@ Biscuit, good night and it is just that…
JSS
November 18th, 2012
11:30 pm
It is not the same Cards team that beat the Pats in Foxborough… That team had Kolb playing confidently at QB and Tood Heap at TE & Beanie Wells in the RB position… Big difference in output and game planning… Minnesota is not a “bad” football team… Go ask the Lions about the Vikings, any team with Adrian Peterson and Ponder doing an impression of Chris Weinke is dangerous!
Say what
November 19th, 2012
12:06 am
Really, Jeff? you’re going to engage with one of the most annoying, full of sh!t trolls to ever not have a life on the Internet?
JSS
November 19th, 2012
12:10 am
Ha ha, somebody needs some sleep (and it is not me)… You’re kinda late to the party, but being myopic has that effect on certain people… Too bad you have such a bad taste in your mind…
Is that you Choke?
November 19th, 2012
12:16 am
Is that really you? If so, welcome back! You are a coward for not showing up after the Philly game but it is not the same around here without you. I look forward to your breakdown of Vick’s game when he is in the CFL next year.
MarkATL
November 19th, 2012
1:09 am
I think it is time to bring back a good FB like Ovie. He was a main reason why Turner was running so well. A good FB would solve a lot of problems for the running game!
Lamar
November 19th, 2012
1:15 am
Turner is WASHED UP!! He is 30 lbs. over weight and slow as a turtle hitting the hole! They need to give the ball to Rogers more, at least his first step is quick, unlike Turners, Turner is washed up. I hope they get rid of him and Dunta Robinson, the worst CB in the NFL! He plays soft AND STILL GETS BURNED! TALK ABOUT BAD!!
retired
November 19th, 2012
2:05 am
trolls trolls everywhere and not a once of sense .lol
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
November 18th, 2012
8:18 pm
Lucky birds! had this been any other team you wouldn’t have pulled it out,don’t get too high on yourselves.
well it wasn’t anyone else
kinda like if pigs could fly
trolls trolls everywhere
nonsense prevails
JSS, Choke the whole dumass crew is back whoppee
such a waste
Samuel
November 19th, 2012
6:09 am
As the woman who won The Publisher Clearence Sweepstakes would say, ThankYou Jesus!!
dean
November 19th, 2012
6:20 am
If that wasn’t a Monty Python inspired game there will never be one.
One in the group watching the game called Smith a Dumb A for throwing the challenge flag. I asked him to explain the infield fly rule since he was so smart. Yeah. Punked.
Ted M
November 19th, 2012
6:52 am
speaking of not knowing the rules…AZ didn’t seem to know the rules at the end of the 1st half when Jones caught a pass over the middle and fell to the ground on purpose to stop the play and call timeout to kick a field goal, all AZ had to do was not touch him and let the clock run out but those dopes (thank god) touched him immediately to end the play. I was surprised none of the announcers recognized that.
AU Liberal in ATL
November 19th, 2012
7:13 am
Write this down. Falcons lose next two.
Choke, go away!
SFalcon
November 19th, 2012
7:23 am
No big deal–the ATL was just flat and overconfident expecting an easy win—they’ll pick it up and and win big next week against tampa
jerry
November 19th, 2012
7:33 am
The tv announcer on Turner not getting into a “rhythym” because he is not getting enough carries have hit the nail squarely on the head. Such sagacity, shrewdness, sageness, and insight have not been seen since Einstein’s E=MC squared.
ramblingbuzz
November 19th, 2012
7:42 am
I guess the W is what matters. Let’s hope the team got this out of their system. Needless to say, that type of performance won’t get it done in the playoffs.
JSS
November 19th, 2012
7:44 am
retired…
When you learn to spell the words “ounce” and “dumb,” get back to us all on the concept of sense!
Now that is certainly a “waste.”
ramblingbuzz
November 19th, 2012
7:45 am
Turner does look a couple of steps slower and a lot more hesitant to hit the hole than in years past.
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
8:01 am
As expected…the anti-Ryan folks are back at it. Kind of reminds me when I was a kid, never got props when I cleaned my room everyday…but let me miss making the bed on a Saturday morning, and the firing squad is lined up! Come on people…our O stunk the place up. But this IS the same offense that can put 30 points on the board on anyone when they are hot. While we are right to be concerned about the lackluster performance yesterday, I don’t think the ship has struck the iceberg yet. No need to jump ship. I expect CMS will correct this. My question is will the negative bloggers be back saying how well the team performed when they play to their potential? Yeah, sure they will!
Something else occurred to me…I never visit other team’s local sports coverage just to slam the other team. I read the coverage and see what our opponents fans think of their team. I don’t have the need to go on the blogs and spew venom. What’s missing in these peoples’ lives that they have to come on here and continually slam the Falcons? Just don’t get it!
As for the glaring need for a punt returner… the only question seems to be how long will the Falcons continue to use Franks? Really…15 of 16 punts fair caught? He fair catches on the 5, but lets it bounce on the 25. Don’t understand the logic of him still having the job. Can somebody enlighten me?
All in all, not a good week for the ‘Birds, but they are too sound a team to let this go on for long.
Go Falcons!
JSS
November 19th, 2012
8:16 am
When you have no depth roster wise (Douglas is the alternative, and guess what, he’s injury prone), of course you don’t throw out Franks… By the way Mr. Observant, are you watching what is happening front of the punt returner? The Falcons are getting blown up on the second level in the return game the past two years… They didn’t block well for Weems, and are doubly bad in cleaning up lanes for Franks. They value not turning the ball over instead of returns…
Leemanbennet
November 19th, 2012
8:26 am
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 19th, 2012
8:52 am
Ryan wasn’t as bad as the numbers indicate. Not every INT is the QB’s fault.
If Arizona didn’t have confidence in Skelton, they should have just run the Wildcat all game like the Panthers did in the Dome back in 2006.
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
8:53 am
Once again JSS, you prove what I think about you is true. What’s with the “Mr. Observant” jab? Dude, why can’t you just respond to people in a civilized, respectful way? You sound like an intelligent football fan, but your attitude prevents people from taking you seriously. I simply made a statement about the Falcons lack of a return game, and you slam me. You obviously have issues with the Falcons… just like I have issues with the Saints. That’s part of being a fan. Can’t we have a respectful discussion of the game without the personal attacks?
As for the return game…yes I do see what is going on in front of Franks. Several times this year he has had 10 or so yards of open field, but he still FC’s the ball. It would be nice to have someone who can take a chance every once and a while. Granted, a turnover on a return is usually devastating, but a broken return for a TD is also. (e.g., Devin Hester). Would be nice to see an effort by the Falcons to fix that problem. Unlike our offensive woes this week, the return game has been a problem each and every week.
Waiting, hopefully, for a civil response.
Go Falcons!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
8:54 am
Do you guys remember when you were college and at the end of the night at the local college bar you would get the HOTTEST chick to go home with you becasue it was penny beer night and she had to much to drink? Now do you remember when it was not penny beer night and you had to go home with the ugly chick or the fat chick?
Well Falcons you can relate, because we dont always get the HOT chick to go home with, sometimes you got to take the FAT, UGLY chick or just the UGLY Chick, or the Fat chick…take your pick!
It makes you a better person and when the HOT chick sees you with the FAT chick, she comes back around because she thinks you are a good guy for “making sure the fat chick got home safe”!
RISE UP!!!!!
Gritz Blitz
November 19th, 2012
8:55 am
When Babineaux picked up the fumble and scored, it didn’t give the Falcons the lead as you said. It tied the game 13-13. The Falcons didn’t take their first lead until the 4th quarter.
nbrdrdnk
November 19th, 2012
8:58 am
Falcons had better address the running game now, or this off-season will be another one where we fans are haunted by what-coulda-been-if-ATL-could-just-convert-short-yardage. “3 yards and a cloud of dust” may not be exciting, but finesse only gets you so far. Right now, the Falcons’ running game is embarrassing compared to past teams. 50-yard totals? For an entire game? Use-ta-could count on 50 yards in a possession… Better fix it.