
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
722 comments Add your comment
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
8:38 am
We gained 35 yards rushing……………..ouch.
Falcon Offense
PTS 25.9 (8th ) YDS 376.2 (8th )PASS YDS 289.2 (4th) RUSH YDS 86.9 (28th)
Falcon Defense
PTS 19.9 (6th) YDS 361.9 (20th) PASS YDS 234.9 (16th) RUSH YDS 127.0 (23rd)
Bling's theThing
December 10th, 2012
8:39 am
You know when Blank stops showing up for games that he knows this team is a perennial joke come December and January. But, Arty, you are the one who jumped on board with the post-Vick plan of building a team around the edges, thinking you could get by with mediocre O & D lines. Are you that obtuse? Building the kind of perennial teams that the Colts, Steelers,Pats, etc. field starts at the core ,,,dumba$$. How do you think these teams show up every year?? ..because they have all the flash and dash? Falcons are the equivalent of a guy wearing a bunch of cheap gold bling and showing when all he has in his wallet is $8 (O and D Line) or the Fast and Furious equivalent of a guy pulling up next to you in a souped up Honda Civic with loud exhaust (Roddy White) and when the light turns green (playoffs) the car does about zero to 60 in 10.8 seconds. The Giants game this weekend will strip off the bling and take that $8 and the playoffs will see other teams blow the doors of the “little pocket rocket that could” (during regular season). Ka Chow!!!
papadawg
December 10th, 2012
8:40 am
Live by the pass die by the pass!
Rodster
December 10th, 2012
8:42 am
Don’t get too worried. I think this was more of a situation of an underperforming Carolina team getting up for the team that has already won the division. However, I place majority of this loss on the offense. In the first half you can describe their performance in three words…stink, stank, stunk! (Grinch reference)
nbrdrdnk
December 10th, 2012
8:42 am
No matter how good a team is, there are other teams who cause match-up problems and who have no trouble with motivation… well, at least that’s what I tell myself when it comes to the Falcons vs the Panthers. Carolina would have beaten the Falcons in ATL but for a last-minute fumble, and yesterday they made the Not-Angry Birds look like less-than-playoff caliber. I still hope this is not my father’s Falcons, but looking at the remaining schedule… well, the pucker factor is beginning to increase as I have no trouble seeing a familiar string of losses going into the post season and the resultant presence of several Falcons in the All-Star game.
mediocrity continues...
December 10th, 2012
8:46 am
Joe Johnson in Falcons uniform is what I watched yesterday. No heart what so ever. Rodney Harrison was spot on, they are SOFT.
Yesterday was the worst football game I’ve seen in person by an Atl team. Complete garbage…
Josh
December 10th, 2012
8:47 am
Esquire
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.
*********************************************************
Just a guess on my part. It’s called looking at the schedule and seeing the teams that will probably beat the Falcons. Really not that hard to do for some people.
Robert Luciano
December 10th, 2012
8:47 am
The Falcons are just tuning up for their usual first round Play-off loss. They are fruads that don’t compare with the elite teams in the NFL. Ryan talking trash & dropping F Bombs is hysterical- better not bring that mess to the Giants next week when they deliver a thorough beat down. Dropped 52 on the the Saints, can’t wait to see what they will have for the Pigeons…
Sucker Bet....
December 10th, 2012
8:49 am
…..would be anyone accepting a bet that the FalCant’s will win their 1st game of the playoffs. The safe bet would be that the FalCant’s will lose by 2 TD’s. Talk about overrated!
Bling's theThing
December 10th, 2012
8:50 am
Sorry ,, note of clarification. Blank allowed this team to be built around the edges going back to the beginning of his tenure (not just in post-Vick era). From McKay to Dimitroff, he was told and sold on Speed on the Edge. We were all duped when they drafted Turner and looked like they may be going the right direction in terms of Trench warfare (and now look at how Turner does, even though he is past his prime and it shows). There is Stench in the Trench and it can’t be overlooked. Good thing you weren’t calling the shots at Home Depot Arty!!
mr zizzle
December 10th, 2012
8:51 am
Reading these negative posts (including the media) makes me embarrassed to be a Falcons fan. The Falcons are 5-2 on the Road and 6-0 at Home. These (and you media) are the same knuckleheads that will jump right back on the band wagon next week with a win over the Giants. I’ve been on the Falcons band wagon since 1980. Too late for me to jump off now! RISE UP! MANNING SWEEP in 2012!
Are You Serious?
December 10th, 2012
8:51 am
There is nothing to wonder about. The Falcants are playing like they ALWAYS did play. Not at all. I’m not suprised at all. It was a good game.
ATL_Native
December 10th, 2012
8:54 am
We’re BUILT TO WIN SHOOTOUTS. Period.
Not having our D put in bad positions in time of possession because of offensive ineptitude.
Actually...
December 10th, 2012
8:54 am
Mr. zizzle – Aheemm..The Falcants will lose to he Giants again. 9 of the 11 games they won, they only won with 3 or less points. That is not a good win. Now the way the Carolina Panthers beat them IS a real win.
Also look out for the Falcants loss in their first play off game. As usual! Get over it…It’s a horrible team.
joe217
December 10th, 2012
8:55 am
im a falcons fan..and ive seen this so many times by this defense..d-line is over matched in every game..the only one who gives it his all is abraham..jerry,walker.babbanaux,.peters..cant stop the run and.are out played by offensive.linemen..shore up that d=line and maybe we can have a chance..not get run over..by mediocore running games..i watch all other nfl games and man it will tell the tell..about how bad we are on stopping the run..and nolan..hell i can do a better job than that..blitz more .play with some kinda..fire..hell if we cant stop the run..lets do something different..let me remind you we have only beat 1 team with a winning record this year..mike smith if you need me shoot me an email
Esquire
December 10th, 2012
9:00 am
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!!!
***************************************
Tsk Tsk Tsk Limp glove slap to the face………………….lol…….!!!
Fact Checkers
December 10th, 2012
9:01 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”
Fact Check eat this homer
Fact Checkers
December 10th, 2012
9:03 am
Thomas Brown
a long walk on a short pier in Savannah awaits you at your convenience
Paul
December 10th, 2012
9:05 am
Anything can happen on “Any Given Sunday”
Bling's theThing
December 10th, 2012
9:05 am
Zizzle … you make me laugh. I prefer to get off the sinking ship versus finding the Captain, so we can be together when the ship goes down. In other words, I have been a Falcons Fan since the 70’s, and I get fired up every Sunday or whatever night of the week it is and love my team ,, but that doesn’t mean I will praise them no matter what – especially when they could easily be 6-7 right now if not for luck. Just because your married doesn’t mean you’ve gone blind as the old saying goes.
ATL_Native
December 10th, 2012
9:06 am
3-and-Outs are KILLERS to defenses.
That’s not on the D. 75% of our starpower is on the other side of the ball.
ATL_Native
December 10th, 2012
9:07 am
Zero at halftime (especially for this “high powered” offense) is inexcusable!
xxx
December 10th, 2012
9:07 am
Defense is horrible, has been all year. The secondary could not cover thier ears. No team should be afraid of throwing on third and long, you will complete the pass over the middle.
DawgNation2010
December 10th, 2012
9:08 am
Why is everyone complaining about the game. The Falcons did not play well, but this game did not matter win or lose in regarding to the Falcons season. This lose is not going to make or break the team. Atlanta also had Samuel, and Moore out which was huge yesterday. The Falcons will have a good game vs the Giants. There are to many Falcons band wagon fans in here it is sick. They are 11-2. There are plenty of NFL teams that would love that record during this time of the season.
CGD
December 10th, 2012
9:10 am
Cannot dominate in the trenches, its a wrap..
35 combined rushing yards? Its a wrap.
Fact: This Franchise is a broken record.
up next: The Giants! The misery..
Ackshun
December 10th, 2012
9:10 am
I knew hey would lose (I think they probably did too) I don’t care because they played the game like it was a scrimmage and it probably was. The birds have to win one more to clinch and bye and home field (I dont care about that either BTW) and they will beat on of the last three opponents they face. With the playoffs in the bag, rest the wounded and play as much as you have to but don’t get anyone hurt. The Panthers will be talking trash from their man-caves while routing for the birds in the playoffs.
Mike
December 10th, 2012
9:13 am
I read all the comments about this was only one game, but the way the falcons have played in the past 4 or 5 games the trend is the same as previous years, no consistency from players or coaches. The team shows no urgency to improve and correct the same mistakes they have made since game one, no pass rush, no run game, missed tackles and a quarterback who has become average and can not lead the team. I see no leader out front taking charge and pushing his team mates to focus, make plays and have an urgency to improve and eliminate mistakes during and after the game. I thought Matt might turn into a leader but I see no leadership characteristics from him and all I hear is talk from Tony G. Now the coach needs to get into players facing during the game and read them the roit act and if there is no response then sit them on the bench.
Let’s go Falcons get your act together and start a new season next week. Play like you want to win and not like you just do not want to lose. Like the second saints game you came out and stuck the ball right down their throats (of course the offense quit after that drive), so change and perform like that initial drive for the entire game and the rest of the seaons. Good luck and play to win. I have been a fan since 1966, bring a Championship to Atlanta, Ga.
curious
December 10th, 2012
9:14 am
Falcons and state of Georgia: It’s time to barter. Want a new stadium? Give us a Super Bowl.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 10th, 2012
9:18 am
“Falcons give performance to leave us wondering again”
Why? You and Bradley are always building up Georgia, Braves, Hawks and Falcons. It happens every year and then you end up with egg all over your face.
Cam Newton is constantly mocked by people who pull for UGA and the Falcons. I’ve read countless comments about “scam/laptop/money” etc and it’s about time Cam made the Falcons look stupid.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
December 10th, 2012
9:22 am
“f 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).
”
Well yeah, they hate Newton. Nothing new here. If Carolina had a better defense they’d have won 3-4 more games this year. They barely lost to the Falcons and Bears a month or so ago and it took a hail mary pass from Ryan to White to get a FG. All the talk of Cam being a crappy QB is hilarious since the defense has lost Carolina a few games. Yes, Cam has thrown a few interceptions but I think Ryan has thrown more.
clay
December 10th, 2012
9:23 am
If all we do is talk about how the Falcons lost this game and that they suck. I thought it didn’t matter what they did during the season? It only matters what they do in the postseason. So why are we making a big deal out of this since it doesn’t matter?
North FLA Falcon
December 10th, 2012
9:23 am
Folks: we basically had a bye week after the Thursday Saints game. Almost a week off practice. So yes we got a little flat. The Panthers were at home, hungry, due to win one overall and definitely due to win against us. Better to drop a really bad one, then regroup vs the Giants. We seem to be healthy, we’ll be at home … let’s show everyone what we got vs the Giants and Lions!!! GO FALCONS
D man
December 10th, 2012
9:25 am
I blame this one on coach Smith for not getting the guys prepared to play. They looked terribly flat…
MrDan
December 10th, 2012
9:27 am
I was at the game with several thousand Falcon fans who made the drive to watch a team that essentially didn’t show up. Most of the stadium was red, and most of the blue was empty seats. Losing to a team that lost to KC doesn’t bode well regardless of record. Coach Smith, you have no running game. Turner needs a hole as big as Cam Newton’s ego to run thru, and if someone gets close to his ankles he’s down. Your line can’t get that job done. Your QB isn’t agile enough or won’t take that chance to move or run, and again the line is not good enough to hold off defenders all day. Defense. What do you say when one player beats you. Yesterday it was Newton, next Sunday, take your pick. The Giants are winners and they will come to play knowing nothing can be taken for granted in this league.
woeismesince66
December 10th, 2012
9:29 am
THIS IS THE SAME OLD FALCON STORY. We were flat. Well Falcon players it,s time play ball or
go home. And I have a pretty good idea of how thats going to work out.
Seems here lately they’re off their game than on their game. I think they will lose big to the Giants
with a strong posibility they will lose to the Lions and Bucs.
No wonder the national sports pundits make fun of the Falcons. They are the laughing stock of the
country. Its hard for fans to stay on the band wagon when it seems the Falcons have already jumped
off. Play ball and encourage folks rather than humiliating your fans and the city of Atlanta.SHAME SHAME on you Atlanta Falcons. Falcon fans stay sick at their stomach a lot.
DawgNole
December 10th, 2012
9:32 am
JSS
December 9th, 2012
10:49 pm
Oh yeah,
D. Orlando Ledbetter @AJCFalcons
NBC announcer Rodney Harridon said “no one is afraid to play the #Falcons.”
________________________
I heard that. Not surprising, but still hurts. It’s up to the Falcons to dispel that perception. They can go a long way toward doing just that Sunday vs the Defending World Champion NYGs–the same team that stuffed us last season in Round 1. This game coming up Sunday is a credibility game, an “is this team for real” game. No, we don’t have to have it to clinch a playoff berth, but there are plenty of other reasons to win it–real and imagined. Time to step up to the plate, Falcons.
DW
December 10th, 2012
9:35 am
TGT I’m with you. I’ve been saying the past few weeks that things are not looking positive for the “Birds”. We need to be peeking, but were barely surviving against average or below teams. Matty Ice cannot carry the load of throwing the ball 40+ times a game. Also, I agree that the Julio Jones deal was not worth it. If the trade your future, you get the best (A.J. Greene). Julio seems fragile (physically, mentally, everthing).
mini mimi
December 10th, 2012
9:36 am
Don’t worry. Had Mike& Mike on for 2 hours this morning and other than in the scoreboard, ESPN all but ignored this game
toepro
December 10th, 2012
9:40 am
Here we go again……….. 1 playoff game and DONE!!!!!
Jimmy "the gooch" Russo
December 10th, 2012
9:41 am
Yeah, it’s only one game, but how does a league leading team come out and look the way they did? Good teams definitely have their ups and downs, but this performance?? How did the light bulb go that dark?? Maybe the whole team needs to get a DUI just before the playoffs to shock them into some kind of awareness.
North by Southeast
December 10th, 2012
9:41 am
@Curious…I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1978, saw them win their first playoff game that year, and I’ll be a Falcons fan as long as they’re in Atl., but if they want an epic stadium like Dallas or what San Fran is getting, then by golly they should give our town a Super Bowl trophy first! Those other teams have earned it. Otherwise, it’s like what someone else said, all bling and no substance.
MaxxFalcon
December 10th, 2012
9:42 am
Wow, everyone is piling it on after this one. The Giants or the Packers get blown out and everyone says that they are slumping or they just had a bad game, but the Falcons lose their 2nd game of the season to a division opponent and everyone starts screaming that this is their true colors, that the Falcons are the worst team in the NFL who get lucky every week. The fact that Asante suited up but didn’t play shows how the Falcons approached this game. They came with the intensity of a preseason game, while the Panthers acted like it was the Super Bowl. So, kudos to them for winning the game. We’ll put a beating on them next year. Our D should improve with William Moore and Asante back next week and we need to play with some intensity and fire. This is a huge game next week. It could springboard us into January with a W or deflate us and have us set up for another playoff disappointment with an L.
morn
December 10th, 2012
9:42 am
Been a falcons fan throughout my life and this team is not playoff caliber, the Giants will kick their asses next week. Without an OL and a running back and a defense that can stop a runner their is no hope. Sad but true
Sargent Carter
December 10th, 2012
9:43 am
OK, let’s look at the positive side….Rankin Smith…er…that guy Blank, I can’t remember his first name..is still a rich guy(didn’t anyone ever tell him to stick with what he does best(home despot)?)..Ok positive, Falcons will get a state of the art stadium…enough positive gosh darnit, give us a team at least the other teams respect…the romance is long over…get out there and get us some Blank-ity Blank wins…quit shooting Blanks…never trust a guy who shoots blanks…marine folklore
DawgNole
December 10th, 2012
9:47 am
falconion.4.life
December 10th, 2012
12:08 am
How the hell do we expect to get respect and shut up idiots like Rodney Harrison the way we were dominated by a trash team like Carolina? We’re an elite team and still tonight, in front of a national audience, Harrison tells the world, “Ain’t nobody afraid of Atlanta. The Giants are THE team to be afraid of.”….. Maybe, after seeing how we played today, he was right. I don’t know about you guys but I’m really, really P-O’d !!!!!
Gritsfalcon
December 10th, 2012
12:12 am
Here IS the bulletin board material for the falcons this week:
Rodney Harrison, NBC……” the NY Giants are the best team in the NFC…….nobody is afraid to play the falcons……”
_____________________
I think it’s fair to say that it’s “put up or shut up” time this Sunday in ATL. Harrison’s comments–directed to a national TV audience–represent just one more reason that this upcoming game with the Giants is among the most critical regular-season tests ever administered in ATL. C’mon, Falcons, pass this test!
NATIVE SON
December 10th, 2012
9:48 am
Dear Dave; “Falcons give performance to leave us wondering again”
Have you no shame? If this were Radio; you’d be accused of playing Radio. Carolina is the team that nearly beat them the first time if not for a fluke fumble and a long F/G. If the headline was ” Falcons history in big games leave us wondering again”probably would have been a little more correct. The Panthers knew they had the Falcons number, and played like it. They are a division rival, and a regional rival, even more so than New Orleans; and they played for pride. The Falcons staff game plans all week to come up with the same plan as last week, and if they don’t score on that first drive the game is in doubt. Give credit to the lowly Panthers, who might have been taken a tad bit too lightly by the Falcons Team. If someone tells me they are going to punch me in the face when they see me; well I’m a darn fool if I let them do it.
Mikey
December 10th, 2012
9:48 am
I’m still a fan! In the NFL, these things happen. This one was good for ensuring that this team continues its improvement wtih full force. We still have a month to prepare and that is a LONG time. To play with the big boys, there are still a few things that need attention. This team IS good and has the staff to take it home. Getting bashed in the face by a division foe can be a great motivator and I hope that is what comes of this. Next week the Giants are at home. We need to win one to lock home field advantage and this would be a good one to win. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
North FLA Falcon
December 10th, 2012
9:53 am
Every team that is going to the playoffs had a bad week this season. We can regroup. We have the ability and the talent to stop teams and also to rack up a lot of points. The question is, WILL WE.
Bernie
December 10th, 2012
9:53 am
I wish I could feel good about the Falcons but I can’t. I really wonder if Ryan is the quarterback to lead them. Too many close games. Most of the time no running game. Is Nolan their man to lead the defense. I think the defense stayed home yesterday and the offense must of been called by Mularkey. I love my Falcons but they sure stunk it up. Is Mike Smith their best choice for head coach and isthe GM the man for the future. If things don’t change it’s one and done.
smlarsen
December 10th, 2012
9:54 am
I just dont know how the majority of you people cans say thing S*** you say. They lost their 2ND game of the season. Why? Couldnt have had anything to do with Cam Newton. I mean come on. He had over 200 passing yards and over 100 rushing yards. Cam Newton beat the falcons not the panthers. If you people really want to fall out of being a fan and sh** talking about 2 losses. Get a life and be a real fan. Only other team left is the texans and they lose tonight against the patriots. Rise up or gtf out of here.