Falcons give performance to leave us wondering again
DeAngelo Williams' 53-yard touchdown off a screen pass buried the Falcons late. (AP photo)
CHARLOTTE – It started with the Carolina Panthers winning the coin flip for the first time this season. It ended with the Falcons being trash-talked off the field by a last-place team. Somewhere in between, we witnessed Atlanta’s worst four quarters of football of the season.
And the Falcons’ deserved it all – the loss, the mocking, the questions about what this means moving forward.
“I can hear everybody right now,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “They’re getting off the bandwagon. I can hear them jumping off. Looking at our history, people are going to go, ‘See, I told you.’”
OK. It’s a little premature for I-told-you-sos. The Falcons haven’t lost a playoff game yet. But it has to be concerning when an 11-1 team falls behind 23-0 to a 3-9 team, and at one point finds itself being outgained 356-66. It’s concerning any time a defensive front is so thoroughly shredded the way the Falcons’ front was Sunday, and the offense can’t run the ball (again), and all hopes of opening the regular season’s final month with an impressive win are emphatically squashed.
Cam Newton account for 403 yards and three touchdowns passing and rushing. (AP photo)
The Falcons lost 30-20 to Carolina. They managed to make Cam Newton feel like he was back at Auburn again.
If Newton could combine for 403 yards and three touchdowns with his arm and legs in victories every week, media members wouldn’t be hiding behind potted palms and waiting for anonymous quotes that rip him for being petty, immature and ego-maniacal (just paraphrasing the attack pieces).
The fact the Falcons lost a game in itself isn’t devastating. They’re 11-2. They’ve already clinched the NFC South Division and remain in a strong position to clinch home field through the NFC playoffs.
But Gonzalez is correct: This was like feeding steroids to a doubting public.
Next week’s game against the New York Giants will tell us something. The Falcons find themselves having to rebound, physically and emotionally, against the team that drop-kicked them out of the playoffs last year.
“We all knew we were flat,” linebacker Sean Weatherspoon said. “It seemed like every time there was a play to be made, we were almost there. You can’t be almost in this league.
“We get a chance to go after some guys who controlled our destiny last year.”
Yes. Best to turn the page as quickly as possible. Embrace the possibility of amnesia.
The Falcons made the Panthers look like a playoff team. Carolina scored on its first five possessions (two touchdowns, three field goals), and only one of those ended in a big play (Newton’s 72-yard touchdown run, finished off with a flip). Mostly, the Panthers punched the Falcons in the mouth.
It figured they would milk this a little, and they did. When the Falcons rallied for a 30-28 win back in September in the Georgia Dome – Matt Bryant’s game-winning field goal coming with five seconds remaining – quarterback Matt Ryan was caught on camera screaming toward Carolina’s bench to, “Get the [bleep] off our field!”
So when this one ended, several Carolina players were overheard trash-talking on the field, led by defensive end Greg Hardy, who witnesses say mimicked Ryan’s comment, “Get the [bleep] off our field.” Bryant’s reported response: “Watch us in January.” Introducing, the trash-talking kicker.
Hardy is the same obscurity who earlier said the Panthers were a “better” team than the Falcons, adding: “I’m trying to mess up their whole playoff experience. I want them to go home sick in the stomach, mad about life, a couple depression issues …” (He didn’t make himself available for the media Sunday.)
Down 23-0, the Falcons showed a pulse. Ryan’s four-yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones closed it to 23-13. But a seemingly successful two-point conversion pass to Roddy White was ruled incomplete (questionably), deflating the comeback. DeAngelo Williams’ touchdown on a 53-yard screen pass slammed the door shut.
When asked if he considered this loss a bump in the road, Gonzalez responded: “It better be, if we’re the team we think we are.”
Instead, they’ve left everybody wondering again.
By Jeff Schultz
The last dozen from the digital juke box
– Short takes: Cam Newton and Panthers’ line dominate
– LIVE: Falcons have chance to clinch playoff bye
– Even at 11-1, Falcons know they can’t afford to settle
– ‘Sack Schultz’ Bowl Blowout contest (from Potato to BCS)
– Hawks are surviving nicely without Joe Johnson (gee, go figure)
– OK, Falcons’ critics: Find something wrong with John Abraham
– Brian Gregory may have Tech on way to something good
– Trying to win is only half the problem at Georgia State
– Georgia earns respect in defeat, but loss will be hard to take
– Braves dump a pitcher (Hanson) they once viewed as gold
– Falcons’ offense hits a wall, but as usual it doesn’t matter
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722 comments Add your comment
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
7:21 am
2012 – more of the same
2011 – Lost Wild Card game to New York Giants 2-24
2010 – Lost to Green Bay 21-48
2009 – eliminated from play-offs
2008 – Lost Wild Card game
2007 – 4-12 eliminated from play-offs in game 1
2006 – 7-9 eliminated from play-offs
2005 – 8-8 eliminated from play-offs
2004 – won 1 play-off game then lost
2003 – 5-11 eliminated from play-offs
2002 – won 1 play-off game then lost
2001 – 7-9 eliminated from play-offs
2000 – 4-12 eliminated from play-offs
How far back am I supposed to go ?
Last Century ?
Last millennium ?
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
7:23 am
Do nothing Loserville franchise
wayne
December 10th, 2012
7:23 am
It’s looking like another one a done in the playoffs when you can beat a 3-9 team. The Falcon’s are at best with the way they’ve play all season a 8-8 team. Only from having a weak schedule are they 11-2. I’m not trying to be negative but realistic with what I have seen this year. Go Falcons.
Fact Check
December 10th, 2012
7:27 am
Interesting fact:
When the Falcons win, “JSS” comments are at a minumum; with only their 2nd loss, “JSS” comments are at a maximum.
So, one may beg to ask, what is it that odorously significant biological waste attracts?
Green Flies.
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
7:27 am
Answer This December 10th, 2012 7:19 am
“Lol and they both want to tell us how great UGA is……now thats funny….they actually have an arguement for UGA”
____________________________________
And, what is your team since we’re not supposed to talk about Defense for the Falcons given the defense of the Dawgs ?
JSS
December 10th, 2012
7:28 am
Babblestein Jr is up…
susan harris
December 10th, 2012
7:33 am
Falcons have NEVER been consistent and a new dome will not matter.
Mask of False Bravado
December 10th, 2012
7:34 am
JB
December 10th, 2012
7:06 am
I watched the Ravens and Steelers play two weeks age. Both those teams could beat the Falcons. The Falcons will falter to physical teams.
**************************************************************************
The Steelers and Ravens both lost yesterday to teams the Falcons have beaten this year. Try again.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:34 am
Trap game or not I fully expected Carolina possibly taking this game. I had Carolina finishing 2nd in the South from the beginning. They aren’t a bad football team by any stretch of the imagination. Nearly all of their losses have been close games and if Newton gets some maturity he will be tough. They will contend for the NFC South title in 2013 and it looks like s bottleneck at the top of the South, it could very well come down to a 3 way tie next year.
NFL Tiebreaking Procedures-Three or More Clubs
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games among the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
7:35 am
Coin toss – that’s the only thing the Falcons have ever won
Kelly
December 10th, 2012
7:40 am
Oh, the hysteria. I seem to recall the Jets pounding the Pats one night. I don’t think the Jets fared very well that year overall. Calm down everybody. Calm down. The weaknesses of this team are clear, but don’t be fooled. Will they get a win in the playoffs finally? Stands to be seen.
Every weekend after a game feels like an episode of Doomsday Preppers. 11-2 folks. 11-2.
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
7:40 am
Yes your mom woke me early today. Good woman. Now for both of you I have one question that neither of you will Answer, you never do. Watch for both of them to go off on something else some other tirade……
you dont like this team why are you here? Why are you here? Thomas go to the UGA blog, no need to tell us how bad the Birds are…..JSS just go. Answer that question, guarantee neither of you will. You are here because you both have issues! Your shrink told you that this is insane for you to follow something you profess to dislike so close! Stop doing it to yourself….it makes no sense. Why are you here?
George
December 10th, 2012
7:43 am
WHAT a team.
1st ROUND OUT.
ZACK
December 10th, 2012
7:46 am
SMITTY THAT SEAT IS GETTING HOT AGAIN! FIND A KILLER INSTINCT OR GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN!!!! SICK OF THIS CRAP…YOU SKATE BY WITH FLUKE WINS AND THEN HAVE THE NERVE TO HARDLY EVER HAVE YOUR GUYS READY TO PLAY FROM THE START OF THE DAMN GAMES!!!
Josh
December 10th, 2012
7:47 am
…..and this is why the Falcons get no respect from the national media and last place teams like Carolina. I said all year the Falcons would have at least 4 losses and they very well might by the time the playoffs start.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:48 am
susan harris
December 10th, 2012
7:33 am
Falcons have NEVER been consistent and a new dome will not matter.
*************************************
Before Arthur Blank the Falcons were very consistent…….consistently bad (for the most part) with a few redeeming years thrown in. After Arthur Blank purchased the team we have been consistent in improvement, no doubt a winning tradition has started. But we are still a couple of key players short to become that perennial power.
It’s sad that this new stadium is going to be shoved down our throats by the political machine. There is nothing wrong with the GA Dome and if Arthur thinks he has the fan base to not only buy a ticket but also a personal seat license than he has tremendously over estimated the disposable income of the average Atlanta Falcons fan.
And if you are going to build it despite the position of your fan base and tax payers please build it on the old GM site in Doraville, a touch of country in the city.
Gator CHOMP Champ
December 10th, 2012
7:49 am
Towelhead goofball ran circles around you.
Big problems ahead or just more of what we have become accustomed to seeing this time of year?
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:51 am
ZACK
December 10th, 2012
7:46 am
SMITTY THAT SEAT IS GETTING HOT AGAIN! FIND A KILLER INSTINCT OR GET THE HELL OUT OF TOWN!!!! SICK OF THIS CRAP…YOU SKATE BY WITH FLUKE WINS AND THEN HAVE THE NERVE TO HARDLY EVER HAVE YOUR GUYS READY TO PLAY FROM THE START OF THE DAMN GAMES!!!
**************************************
What an ignorant post……………!! Oh, wait a minute……………
WHAT AN IGNORANT POST!!
Joey
December 10th, 2012
7:53 am
I thought the Falcons would beat down Carolina, especially after the talk. That’s what good teams do – roll over 3-win teams.
Looking like we peaked too early. If the Giants beat us in the Dome, watch them roll all the way to the SB, again.
While the Falcons watch them on TV, again.
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
7:54 am
@Thomas
my team is the Falcons and really I respect you for standing up for your team and its D regardless if they had a 10 point lead…..if they gave up 300 yards on the ground and have not won anything since Vince Dooly….you a fan and thats what fans do! Thats all I am doing standing up for my team and when the playoffs come lets hash it out then. You dont see me on the UGA blogs bashing your team…now do you? As a fan of UGA ( SPEAKING OF YOU) i dont need to point out your faults or tell you that you cant win the big game or tell you that year in you are loaded with talent and that the team is undisciplined and that it starts with the Head Coach….you see it every fall. My only point is to not bash you and your team….it does no good. Does not make you play better…does it? You a fan and regardless how many problems your team has you think it can be fixed….and as a fan you should! Wait I think Alabama just scored again and Nick ran for 100 yards also….lol just playing man! Roll tide!
Proud Black Man
December 10th, 2012
7:54 am
Answer this,
JSS is here for one simple reason: he is an angry, bitter, insecure black man that hates the fact that the Atlanta Falcons now have a white starting QB as exemplified by ending his season tickets after 2007 and incessant praise of all other black QB’s.
It is really this simple and he’s a disgrace to all American races that fought and died for liberty and fredom for all citizens…black and/or white!
AU Liberal in ATL
December 10th, 2012
7:55 am
I think winning 11 out of 13 games is a significant accomplishment in this league. While I’ve been surprised by some of the wins, I’ve enjoyed them all. So far it’s been a good season, the best I can remember. If the play offs is all that matters, why bother buying tickets to regular season games? It’s fun to go, and it’s more fun to win. That’s why.
I don’t care for all the negative comments, but I suppose it’s okay to say whatever you like about professionals. They’re paid to win. On the other hand, you all sound like Georgia fans and some are even worse, you sound like Alabama fans. That’s the ultimate insult.
War Cam!
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:55 am
Josh
December 10th, 2012
7:47 am
…..and this is why the Falcons get no respect from the national media and last place teams like Carolina. I said all year the Falcons would have at least 4 losses and they very well might by the time the playoffs start.
****************************************
So you predicted a 12-4 record from the get go.
Wow, you’re a regular Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary. Incredible, you should take your insight to Vegas, man you are good.
J
December 10th, 2012
7:56 am
at least we have the Hawks
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:58 am
AU Liberal in ATL
December 10th, 2012
7:55 am
I think winning 11 out of 13 games is a significant accomplishment in this league. While I’ve been surprised by some of the wins, I’ve enjoyed them all. So far it’s been a good season, the best I can remember. If the play offs is all that matters, why bother buying tickets to regular season games? It’s fun to go, and it’s more fun to win. That’s why.
I don’t care for all the negative comments, but I suppose it’s okay to say whatever you like about professionals. They’re paid to win. On the other hand, you all sound like Georgia fans and some are even worse, you sound like Alabama fans. That’s the ultimate insult.
War Cam!
********************************
I can agree for the most part.
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
7:58 am
Answer This,
Answer This has made all these comments on THIS BLOG all night last night and now all morning this morning about how bad The Georgia Bulldogs are, saying we cannot say how badly the Falcons played on Defense yesterday against a 3-9 team
as an 11-1 team, when The Georgia Bulldogs have such a bad defense. So, I ask him who his college team is, as I did of CGD with the same type comments, and what do I get ?
Oh, I bet you won’t answer this question and follows that up with why I am in here responding to him.
Your IQ is 88, Answer This if you think I am not in here responding to your crap about The Georgia Bulldogs, only to find you say that I have too much time on my hands replying to you, only to have you state this morning :
The Georgia Bulldogs Actually have a Great Argument that they’ve done quite well, as a Top 10 All-Time Football Program who has won as many of the games against Top Teams in the Mark Richt era, too, as any other team in the nation.
Now, who in the blazes is your college team – hiding there trying to not answer with only but a question.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
7:59 am
Proud Black Man
December 10th, 2012
7:54 am
Answer this,
JSS is here for one simple reason: he is an angry, bitter, insecure black man that hates the fact that the Atlanta Falcons now have a white starting QB as exemplified by ending his season tickets after 2007 and incessant praise of all other black QB’s.
It is really this simple and he’s a disgrace to all American races that fought and died for liberty and fredom for all citizens…black and/or white!
***********************************
Something pissed him off.
Hey Jeff, check your filter………………roflmao…………..
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
8:01 am
Oh, wow Answer This.
We lost to the National Champions 2 of the last 3 years who is going to make it 3 of the last 4 years, on the last play of the game us at the 1-foot line and couldn’t get the play off in time to win.
Thomas Brown
December 10th, 2012
8:03 am
Why don’t you ask me again why I am in here replying to you continuing to pick on UGA in a Falcons’ blog ?
Try again with who your college football team is, saying how poorly UGA is playing in Football ?
RBI
December 10th, 2012
8:03 am
Michael Turner is worthless. Please stop giving him the ball. I have never seen anyone that can get nowhere up the middle, and does not even know how to go left or right.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
8:05 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 9th, 2012
7:02 pm
I heard Mrs. CHOKE is leaving for Joe Flacco because she wants to trade up and be with a winner.
**************************************
C’mon Joe, is this the only way you can think more of yourself. Take your 79.1 NFL career passer rating and your 17 Wonderlic score and go back to bed.
BullDogMike
December 10th, 2012
8:06 am
Been behind Falcons since they arrived in 1966.. And I have learned one very important lesson here. And that is to just sit back and enjoy watching them play in the NFL every week and don’t expect Super Bowls . Mostly the same handful of teams win the big game every year. I was completely shocked that Falcons even made it to ONE Super Bowl. If you want to take it one step further, no team that makes it’s home in Ga. ever wins a so called big game. Get used to it like I did..( and as a season ticket holder for UGA games, I know what disappointment is on a frequent basis)
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
8:07 am
@Thomas
my college team is Georgia Southern
Did not say you could not talk bad about the Defense…..they did not play good yesterday but as you can attest from your D being in the field against Bama all the time they got tired tough guy. Listen man I am a homer and I really cheer for UGA…..really! I just think it is shameful that you have such hate for the Falcons and I ask why? My IQ is 89 btw…
Mask of False Bravado
December 10th, 2012
8:08 am
Thomas- Please remind us again of the reasons the Dwags will beat Bama. I will check back between classes.
Ed Pilcher
December 10th, 2012
8:08 am
Smoke and mirrors, and then one and done. Describes the 2012 version of the Falcons to a ‘T’.
Cobb Falcon
December 10th, 2012
8:08 am
Anyone who knows anything about football knows what happened. You have a team that’s worked hard all year and already made the playoffs vs a team that’s dwelt in the cellar and is playing in the only “playoff” game they’ll see this season. The Falcons were as flat as week-old road kill. No adrenalin……it happens. BUT…they better use this as a learning tool in order to be successful in the post-season. All losses aren’t bad.
North by Southeast
December 10th, 2012
8:10 am
Hey, check it out! Thomas finally figured out what Wikipedia is for! Good for you! All those hours in front of your parent’s computer are finally paying off. Do you see now that it’s impossible to play in the NFC championship game (which you refer to as the Falcons’ only post-season victory) without winning other playoff games? The Falcons actually have 6 playoff victories in their history. Not good by any stretch of the imagination, but not 1 or 0 either. So since you got that one wrong and have established that you don’t understand how the NFL works, what exactly is your point? That the Falcons have never dominated their sport, and have been down right terrible most of the time? Well, what an astute conclusion! Really, with expert analysis like that I don’t understand why you’re not writing this blog!
Joseph A. Bank
December 10th, 2012
8:10 am
I have no clue why the national media does not believe!! It is very frustrating since one can only guess what team shows. Yes it was basically a mental off-week in between two big games (Saints and Giants). But a great team will show at kick-off and then shut it down after they put a 3-9 team away (early). It is time for Turner to play on special teams, block for the better running back, or stand on the sideline. Also time in the offseason to find some beef..Oh yea, do not forget my 100% sale…
DECATUR JOE
December 10th, 2012
8:11 am
You can not place the entire blame for the lack of a running game on the running backs. When the defensive line of the opponets meet our running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage what do you expect. If you think what Carolina did Sunday was bad just wait and see what the Giants defensive line will do to our O-line. Matty Melt need to increase his medical insurance coverage.
DavidFalcon
December 10th, 2012
8:12 am
Here’s the problem in a nutshell: I believe Matt Ryan is a very good quarterback, who if he keeps improving will cement his place as an “elite quarterback.” But he’s not there yet and I’ll tell you why. Matt has done a great job during his off seasons focusing on particular aspects of his game that he knows he must improve upon in order to get better. I applaud him for that. Fans complained last year that he couldn’t throw the deep ball, then in the off season he bulked up a bit and now no on questions whether he can throw the deep ball. Check that one off the list. But there’s another area of Matt’s game that needs extensive work this off season: THE ABILITY TO EXTEND PLAYS! Because the offensive line has many weaknesses, it is imperative for the quarterback to be able to consistently extend a play. I don’t mean scramble for yardage each time the pocket breaks down. I’m talking about having enough athletic ability to move up, move right, left, swivel, use your footwork, etc. to avoid the rush, and also avoid the MANY 3 and outs the Falcon offense has shown this year. The most elite QBs in the league are capable of extending plays when things break down: Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Big Ben, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, hell, even Peyton and Eli Manning! I LOVE my Falcons! Been a fan since I was 12, but this team will go nowhere in the postseason until Matt can improve on this aspect of his game. I hope he and his coaches realize this and make it a point of focus this off season. Best wishes Atlanta Falcons this postseason. Let’s get that playoff monkey off our backs. Peace everyone.
Joey
December 10th, 2012
8:13 am
Watched the GSU Eagles Saturday, damn what a game.
I think they scored 28 in the 4th Quarter (I lost count) after being down 28-14.
Congrats, Answer This – hope they win it all – again.
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
8:18 am
Your arguement about losing to the last two national chamipons hold no ground for me…remember I am a Falcon fan and we lost to the last two Super Bowl Champions in the first round of the playoffs…just saying. Now tell me why you here on a Falcon Blog again?
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
8:19 am
Thanks Joey down by 14 and came back! Thats my alma! Go Eagles!
Answer This
December 10th, 2012
8:20 am
@ Proud Black man
thanks for the info….i need to say nothing JSS…class is over!
George S. Patton
December 10th, 2012
8:21 am
OK, it is time for someone to step in set the ground rules. Back in the day, one had to show respect or risk looking straight down a pistol or being challenged to a duel. It was a manhood issue. Now all of you internet cowards go straight for the nuts (read doo-dads) like a crazed squirrel. Let’s show a little respect and be mature in your presentation or counter to ones thoughful post. If not, I am going to slap the snot out of you with one of my gloves. And I will not apologize, no matter what Brad says!!!
PMC
December 10th, 2012
8:21 am
Deangelo Williams has been absolutely TERRIBLE all year. Guess who he got well against AGAIN.
THis is not the coordnator folks, it’s the talent. Looking SQUARE at you Dimitroff.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
8:25 am
Shout out to Robert McClain, leading tackler. Shout out to Vance Walker, 1 sack.
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!!
Troll Fest
December 10th, 2012
8:29 am
Hey Falcons, time to play with some meaning. Help out the cause and donate half of your paycheck to charity since you did not earn it yesterday! The test comes this weekend. #22 is getting ready to take a few to the house.
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
8:32 am
DECATUR JOE
December 10th, 2012
8:11 am
You can not place the entire blame for the lack of a running game on the running backs. When the defensive line of the opponets meet our running backs at or behind the line of scrimmage what do you expect. If you think what Carolina did Sunday was bad just wait and see what the Giants defensive line will do to our O-line. Matty Melt need to increase his medical insurance coverage.
******************************
Hard to disagree.
Sean Payton
December 10th, 2012
8:36 am
Division games are always close
A loss is a loss but I dont like the playcalling .. They need a killer instinct