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
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
9:00 am
@ Najeh Good to see you back. Haven’t noticed you posting lately. Maybe I just missed reading your posts. You usually tell it like it is.
I agree about Matt’s performance. I believe two of the int’s were due to tips at the line. One other was when Roddy batted it up in the air, (albeit Matt did throw behind him on that one). And I’m still scratching my head over Whisenhunt’s decision to bench Skelton. I guess he had his reasons, but their offense laid down after that. The good thing about Matt’s performance is that I am confident that he will work on his game and improve next week. Hopefully, the Oline will give him enough time to move around in the pocket.
Go Falcons!
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
9:09 am
@ Answer this…hilarious and apt analogy!
Don’t remember much of my College days (it was during the 70’s, you know… Drugs, Sex and Rock and Roll) but I do relate. Yeah, this game was like waking up with the fat and ugly girl the next morning. Not only that, but she had BO. However, I’ll take the win and hope the Coaching Staff and players address the glaring issues and show up next week with the attitude we’ve become accustomed to. We didn’t get to be 9-1 by being lucky all the time, so I’ll take the luck when we get it.
Go Falcons!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
9:09 am
BTW people, this IS THE SAME TEAM THAT BEAT THE PATS……….sure the QB was different, but I did not see the Cards change helmets since then! Caoch decision to go with a rookie 6th round pick. So no crying over spilled milk! Everyone says it was the same Falcons who were 8-1……correct? So I dont want to hear that this was not the same Cardinals. As anyone knows you win with what? DEFENSE! This was a Cards Defense that was off the charts and had 6 turnovers! So no crying about an inept offense. It is what is people and we still 9-1…….RISE UP
mike
November 19th, 2012
9:16 am
what Falcon team will we see next week?they will get no quarter the rest of the season. they better man up quick or its gonna be ugly.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
9:18 am
What this game revealed vs a 4-5 team on a 5 game losing streak without a quarterback is that CHOKE will have an even bigger meltdown in yet another 1st round playoff game…..ha ha
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
9:22 am
Just read the article that Patty Rasmussen tweeted about on the right panel of this blog about “The Professor”. Best wishes to Pete in his continued retirement. He gave us so much joy and humor in his years with the Braves, we all owe him our prayers for his continued recovery. I wish you well, “Professor”!
Terrell
November 19th, 2012
9:30 am
JSS
Look at it this way, It is kind of like withdrawing from a retirement account before you reach the age to withdraw, there’s a high penalty to force you to wait…
===========================================================================
But JSS, you’re still allowed to make the withdraw unlike here where you’re penalizied and don’t get to see the replay.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
9:39 am
My 2 predicttions:
1. Matt Ryan’s team WILL be in the playoffs.
2. Mike Vick’s team will NOT.
HA HA
JSS
November 19th, 2012
9:39 am
Reposting that same tired response on multiple blogs on your lack of success of acquiring women with any level of self-esteem or sobriety just proves you did it many nights…
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
9:41 am
Matt Ryan may very well lose in the first round of the playoffs, but at least they will be in the playoffs.
The Eagles will miss the playoffs, and Andy Reid will be gone next season. Mike Vick got his coach FIRED.
HA HA
JSS
November 19th, 2012
9:43 am
Terrell, it is not the fact that you get to withdraw (and in most cases you have to show hardship), it is the punitive nature that was the point…
D man
November 19th, 2012
9:45 am
We’re so good, we can turn the ball over 6 times and still win…
ijonathan
November 19th, 2012
9:48 am
JSS, you are missing the point big time. The analogy to the 401k would be that you would be assessed a penalty AND you would NOT get to take any of the money out. That is how the challenge rule Smith violated is set up right now.
Also, nice to see that you are comfortable using the language “acquiring women.” I’m sure your soon-to-be wife is so excited, she is about to be acquired. Did you engage one of Atlanta’s finest M&A legal teams to help you, or better yet, a real estate attorney?
JSS
November 19th, 2012
9:57 am
You got a 28 yard return out of Franks yesterday, the problem is only partially on the returner… And the “Mr. Observant” line is not a jab, it is an admonition… Open your eyes, watch the game or listen to it… Just as Turner’s lack of production is not just a fact of his being “fat, out-of-shape, or slow to the hole,”
And when was Hester’s last TD on a punt return? Jacoby Jones showed the last two weeks the difference in teams that are actively engaged in maximizing the return game. Meanwhile, certain fans keep trying to morph the conservative nature of how the Falcons manage games… Just because you have a supposedly high powered offense, it does not translate when a large portion of the support structure is not available…
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
10:04 am
It also proves that I “DID IT” with you soon to be wife……….just saying
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
10:04 am
You want to crank it up then BRING it you punk!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
10:06 am
And BTW………she was the FAT UGLY CHICK………twice!
Rodster
November 19th, 2012
10:14 am
Hey, the great news is they played about as bad as they can on offense and still won the game. I think that is the mark of very good team. A couple of years ago if a game would have started like yesterdays game, it would have been all over the Birds by half time. They just keep finding ways to win games and giant kudo’s to the defense. The fact that we can rely on the defense to pull one out for us is very encouraging.
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
10:14 am
@ijonathan
No Worries Johnathan……when I “acquired” the soon to be wife, she was very comfortable with the word!
RISE UP………..
LawDawg
November 19th, 2012
10:15 am
Well a win is a win, but Ryan is officially out of the running for MVP. Don;t sleep on the Bucs. They have become a very good team and absent not showing up for the Redskins and not closing out early-season fourth quarters with DAL and NYG, TB could easily be 9-1 as well.
warfalcon
November 19th, 2012
10:15 am
What was that[GAME]?ONE GAME AT A TIME,NEXT UP TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS[we can not play like yesterday,that`s for sure]LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mgm
November 19th, 2012
10:15 am
At this point, I don’t think it really matters a bit what the Falcons do in the regular season going forward. If they don’t win in the playoffs, everyone will point fingers at Ryan, Smith and co. and say they aren’t capable of winning when it matters. The talk shows all say this when they talk about the Falcons. They have the best record, but….. The first team they face with a decent defense that has any kind of offense will expose them as one deminsional. They used to control games with the run and pass when needed. Worked great in the regular season but failed in the playoffs when they trailed. Now they can pass but will need to run to close out games. I say commit the rest of the regular season to fixing the running game and play to position yourself to be balanced in the playoffs.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
10:15 am
Are there any teams in the NFL who will be looking for a QB who used to run well, makes bad decisions, is too short to see over his blockers, gets knocked down a lot, has had several concussions, fumbles a lot, doesn’t watch game film, doesn’t study the playbook, smokes weed and kills dogs?
Mike Vick will be available next season!
HA HA
Rodster
November 19th, 2012
10:17 am
Agree about not sleeping on the Buc’s. They’re dangerous and getting better every week.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
10:33 am
D man
November 19th, 2012
9:45 am
We’re so good, we can turn the ball over 6 times and still win
_____________________________________
Try that vs Aaron Rodgers like in 2010….ha ha
48-21
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
10:37 am
While you guys are making comments about Andy Reid, when Smitty CHOKES again in the 1st round, Andy Reid may be your next coach, and you know how Andy Reid loves his black mobile qbs….ha ha
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
10:39 am
JSS,
Ok, I give up. You are obviously the only one on this blog who has the knowledge to intelligently discuss Falcon football. I tip my hat to you. I accept the admonishment. I really need to learn more about my team and be more careful in my watching habits. I guess my 46 years of watching the Falcons hasn’t helped me gain your insight. I concede.
Oh, by the way…you made my point with your mention of Jacoby Jones. Against the Steelers, he had about 10 yards free in front of him, he made the catch and turned it into a huge play. I’m just saying that Franks continually fair catches that type of punt. I guess one 28 yard return is enough to justify his being the sole returner. And as for the Hester reference…I wasn’t suggesting we get Hester, I realize he’s not done much lately, I’m suggesting that maybe we could look for the same type of player, a diamond in the rough, if you will, that can break the return occasionally. Just my humble, semi-intelligent observations, but I’m sure you know something I don’t, so I guess I’m wasting my time.
Go Falcons!
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
10:41 am
No, we know how YOU love yo black mobile QBs!
HA HA
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
10:42 am
Only he ain’t so mobile no mo.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
10:43 am
If you think Mike will ever play for Arthur again, you need to lay down that crack pipe, son!
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
November 19th, 2012
10:46 am
I never busted on Andy Reid. He is an outstanding coach. His one great mistake was putting his trust in MV7!
Hillbilly D
November 19th, 2012
10:47 am
Dumb rule.
There’s lots of dumb rules in the world but a head coach should know what those dumb rules are.
bob
November 19th, 2012
10:49 am
Everyone is talking about how bad turner and the defense is performing, but what about Mr. Matty ice performances on the field. He almost single handed gave this game away. Oh! I forgot, He is the best player on the field and he can’t do any wrong.
Terrell
November 19th, 2012
10:50 am
JSS
I got what you were saying I just wanted to give you a hard time.
I'm a Georgia fan. It's a license to be stupid.
November 19th, 2012
10:52 am
Saints keep on winning…delivering yet another butt-kicking to the Falcons in two weeks…can’t wait, but I bet you Falcan’ts fans can!
The Truth
November 19th, 2012
11:00 am
Great teams may win games like this, but they don’t lose to teams like New Orleans. 5 INTs? Seriously?
Someone PLEASE cut Michael Turner and beg Tomlinson or someone to come in for the playoff push. Is Lawrence Phillips available?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
11:00 am
5 picks in one game…..ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
11:04 am
Tampa 41
Falcants 17
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
November 19th, 2012
11:12 am
CHOKE 12 picks
Vick 9
ha ha
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
11:14 am
You are correct Matt “Choke” Ryan…………..Vick did not throw one pick all game………hehehehahahahahahahhehehehahahah! Matter of fact he has pushed his team to a 3-7 record! Sorry thats 3-6! He has shown that he is the MAN!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
11:21 am
Ryan – 10 games
Vick – 8, 7, 6…………
Ryan and Falcons 9-1
Vick and Eagles 3-7
Just saying
The Truth
November 19th, 2012
11:21 am
In fairness to Vick, his offensive line is worse than awful.
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
11:33 am
In fairness to Ryan he is having a better year than Vick………..
The Truth
November 19th, 2012
11:38 am
Answer this – Not arguing that he isn’t…
Esquire
November 19th, 2012
11:41 am
Rule 15 Section 9
http://tinyurl.com/clv3t49
Pandora
November 19th, 2012
11:44 am
The Falcants’ should have lost that game yesterday. The Cardinals gave them that game. The Falcants’ will not win anymore games this season. They are done. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will beat their sorry behinds and so will the New Orleans Saints (again).
It’s really funny to see how the Falcants’ players are all so excited because they barely won yet another game. They will lose the first game in the playoffs.
Turner is thick and slow. Roddy White is ghetto as all outdoors. Jones is done. His ankle will not hold up for at least 3 – 4 games. This team is done.
DW
November 19th, 2012
11:46 am
Guys
It’s time to start worrying. I kind of noticed it during the N.O. game when Ryan had to throw the ball close to 50 times because the running game was not working. Then it continued into this week. I’m a die hard Falcon fan as we all are. However, if we don’t mystically get our running game going, it going to be another one and done in the playoffs. We can’t beat quality teams with our passing game only. Also, it’s good to have a running game when you have a late lead to milk clock (just saying).
Sam
November 19th, 2012
11:55 am
I swear Mike Smith wears makeup! Some of it must’ve slipped into his eyes and caused him to inadvertantly (sp?) throw the flag!!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
11:57 am
I wont play chicken little………..the sky is not falling. We did not look bad but tough to look good voer 16 weeks. yes I would like a running game and would like to stop it better, but if we win with Ryan throwing that much………I care less how it is done! Only that it gets done!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
11:59 am
Not bad on defense that is! And when you give up a total of 178 yards on D……..(two plays accounted for 90 yards) well not much to say but go D. Good game. Simple! And the offense has had two stinkers like this so far this year. Get them out the way now and not worry about them later. This goes in the W column to the left………..all that matters.