LIVE: Falcons hope to avoid hangover from Saints loss
Matt Ryan is hoping for better results when he hands off to Michael Turner today. (AP photo)
Hello. Sorry, but I’m a little rushed today. I just posted a new column on Dawgmania in the BCS, following losses by Kansas State and Oregon late Saturday night. Now it’s time to switch gears to the pro team.
The Falcons play host to Arizona today. This is kind of a big game. I know that sounds strange for an 8-1 team with a three-game lead in the NFC South, but consider the circumstances.
They are coming of their first loss of the season, an emotional defeat to rival New Orleans (31-27), a game in which they felt they should have won (largely because of six red zone possessions that resulted in only three touchdowns). A loss to Arizona wouldn’t devastate the team but it has the potential to make things uncomfortable in the NFC South, with three straight divisional games to follow (at Tampa; home against New Orleans; at Carolina).
The questions about the Falcons now are the same questions we knew before the season: Is their running game and their run defense good enough to compete for a title? The run defense played better in the second half at New Orleans after a miserable first half, but the absence of linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (who will be out again today) continues to hurt the front seven.
The principles of the team’s short-yardage running game have taken a lot of heat, from the offensive line to Michael Turner. It will be interesting to see how effectively Atlanta can run against Arizona because the Cardinals are physical up front.
That said, this is a game the Falcons should win. They can score (NFL’s No. 6 team in offense, No. 8 in points) and Arizona can’t (No. 31 in offense and No. 31 in points). At least, that has been the case up until now.
One key injury note: wide receiver Julio Jones (right ankle) is playing today.
That’s it for now. The venting lines are open. Any new thoughts on the Falcons moving forward?
I’m here to serve . . .
By Jeff Schultz
Recent ramblings from the digital jukebox
• 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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968 comments Add your comment
DawgNole
November 18th, 2012
3:01 pm
Spartacus
November 18th, 2012
2:54 pm
The stupidity on the blog is mind-boggling. You guys do realize that the NFL is a parity league and that any team can beat any other team on any given week. Arizona beat New England and San Fran earlier this year. Green Bay is losing to Detroit at the half. Houston is struggling with Jacksonville (!!!!) today, and Dallas and Philly (the Dream Team) are basically out of the playoffs already. Every team has professional players that are the best in the world at what they do. It’s difficult to win in this league. Either support your team and quit with all the negativity or quit watching. For you to come on this blog every week and bemoan that play of the team you supposedly “root” for shows just how stupid you are. If it’s such a waste of time watching your teams, then quit, for God’s sake. No one is making you watch!
__________________
And no one is making you read the posts. It’s reality–not negativity; if you don’t like it, scram.
Rip
November 18th, 2012
3:02 pm
Same old Matt Ryan, and you know we are going to break the bank for this guy next year, so we will not be able to improve the defense. The Falcons will stand in the way of there on success. They have always been a heart breaker team. So if you have learned one thing about these birds is never go all in with them or your feathers will be clipped. I am now concerned about even making the playoffs. With the Ants and Bucs to play I think the falcons will go 9-7
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:02 pm
So we cant run and we cant stop the run! Hmmmmm!
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
Hey Guys it could be worse, we could be the Dallas Cowboys!
goFalcons
November 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
That was the Smith days,,,,,,,,,,,we are in the Blank days clowns and we are not losers
jo
November 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
Nice sack! We needed that!
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
Hey look a punt return!
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
What is with you people? Matt Ryan is a really good QB! I dont understand all the HATE! He makes mistakes but so does Brees, Brady, Rogers, GET over it!
JSS
November 18th, 2012
3:05 pm
Nicholas has been the best player on this team pound for pound…
Spartacus
November 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
“No one is making you read the blog either. No one designated you as Schultz’ blog bouncer…chill out.”
Not trying to be a blog bouncer, just pointing out how stupid people on this blog can be will all the negativity. The reality is that all the negative posters need to chill out, and if they can’t, then quit watching the games.
I read the blog to talk with reasonable fans about the game in general, and yes, I do talk about both positive and negative things about the teams I root for.
However, the vitriol being spewed on this blog is ridiculous.
and by the way, Matt “Choke” Ryan is the biggest idiot on the blog, even though I know he just wants to stir people up with his unfounded remarks. It’s funny how he never compares Ryan to Vick anymore. And the last time I checked, he doesn’t compare Ryan to any other qb in the league who has actually won a superbowl.
DawgNole
November 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
goFalcons
November 18th, 2012
2:44 pm
ATL was robbed by the infield fly rule or we would have 3 champions this yr, UGA and the Falcons will not be stopped and I sure miss my Thrashers. Maybe the Hawks with that fast scoring offense can join the championship club of UGA and the Falcons, Sports ILL. in your face call ATL loserville, We get last laugh
__________________
You can’t claim UGA. The Dawgs belong to Athens. You can have the Y Jackets though–if you want them.
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
RIP your an IDIOT!
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
Stretch play to Turner and No yards! This is rediculis!
JSS
November 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Wow, Ray Horton has the film
DawgNole
November 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
Hey Guys it could be worse, we could be the Dallas Cowboys!
__________________
How many Super Bowls have the Cowboys won?
How many Super Bowls have the Falcons won?
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Two stupid play calls by the offensive coordinator!
jo
November 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Ryan and the offense looks terrible. Not hating, just stating the obvious
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
Yeah. Can’t do that.
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
So the offense comes out sleep walking again!!!!! I am not sure what is wrong with these guys! Two bad play calls and a penalty and now a bail out by the defense!
goFalcons
November 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
92 better watch out, we will get him back for that cheap shot
JSS
November 18th, 2012
3:10 pm
Bailed out
Special Investigative Unit
November 18th, 2012
3:11 pm
goFalcons
November 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
92 better watch out, we will get him back for that cheap shot
Didn’t know you were playing today…
JSS
November 18th, 2012
3:11 pm
What a play!!!
GritsBlitz
November 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
haha…wow!
JoeBrave
November 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
Really,,,,,,what in the hell is Koetter doing?
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
I … don’t … know.
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
Nice Save. I must admit.
News flash
November 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
Enter your comments here the offensive line of the falcons is somewhere between horrible and terrible. Until the play improves the falcons will have no chance in the playoffs.
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:13 pm
So I guess thats Ryans fault as well. The offense is just out of sink this week! Snelling needs to protect that ball better! WTF!
Jimmy Crack
November 18th, 2012
3:13 pm
Rumblin, stumblin, bumblin and fortunate that some white rubber bounced up in that replay.
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:13 pm
JoeBrave
Really,,,,,,what in the hell is Koetter doing?
__
Koetter Fumbled?
Mike Franklin
November 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
No doubt, gotta give credit when due – Cards playing way above themselves and the Falcs… playing somewhat less than their abilities. They are tackling the ball…
FALCON FAN
November 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
MAybe we can field goal our way to a win today! WOW! Horrible execution!
LIVE: Falcons hope to avoid hangover from Saints loss | football-feed.com
November 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
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atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Mike Smith is dumb.
J.J.M.
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Huh?
atlfalconsfan0125
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Thats on Mike Smith.
Eric C.
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
That is the dumbest rule I’ve ever heard, wow.
JoeBrave
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Jeez! what in the hell is with this Coaching staff today, Buckhead booze anyone?
goFalcons
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Dawgnole u joker if not for Atlanta Athens would have no viewers or money. Don’t cut your nose despite your face. Dawgs are Atl. You less then a hour away from Stone Mt. We like Paul Johnson and GT and we are starting to follow Georgia State Football, but don’t get it twisted, UGA is claimed by Atl, joker
ijonathan
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Way to go Mike Smith. Brilliant.
Falcaints
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Stupid is as stupid does.
Mike Franklin
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Oh gawd… another network desk’pert
Jeff Schultz
November 18th, 2012
3:15 pm
Most bizarre explanation I’ve ever heard — and on top 15 yard penalty against Falcons for challenging
Spartacus
November 18th, 2012
3:16 pm
“And no one is making you read the posts. It’s reality–not negativity; if you don’t like it, scram.”
There is a difference between reality and negativity, and no, I won’t scram. I just like pointing out how stupid people are with the vitriol that they spew week in and week out.
Not trying to be a bouncer of the blog, just someone who brings a little reality to the table. Some of you people think the other team shouldn’t even show up because the Falcons should dominate every game, and when they don’t, they’re all of a sudden “pretenders”. I’m sorry, they’ve beat everyone put in front of them except a desperate Saints team fighting for their playoff lives, and still should have won that game.
ramblinwreck80
November 18th, 2012
3:16 pm
hey Falcons…this is the Arizona Cardinals…losers of 5 games in a row…what the heck are you guys doing???
Jimmy Crack
November 18th, 2012
3:16 pm
Even Smitty is getting in on the wacky shenanigans. Read a rule book, will ya?
JoeBrave
November 18th, 2012
3:17 pm
I am speaking to the idiotic play calling…. dumbazz
Jimmy Crack
November 18th, 2012
3:17 pm
You got that right!
Mike Franklin
November 18th, 2012
3:17 pm
Did these zebras sneak in from the lingerie league again?