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
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
real falcon fan
December 9th, 2012
9:18 pm
band wagon jumpers. Please bite me. This a bump in the road that will hopefully be fixed by next week. Have faith for once, GEEEEEZ!!!!!!!
______________________
Let’s see now, 46 season/ZERO championships, and you think we should have faith?
Not much I can do to help you there.
Julio Jones
December 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
We are now paying the true price of getting Julio Jones. He can’t do too much for us when we have no offensive or defensive line.
JSS
December 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
I’ve faintly mentioned the debacle in Charlotte… But it if makes your wacky mind spin uncontrollably, go ahead with your delusions…
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:35 pm
OH MY GOD! THE AZTECS WERE RIGHT. THE WORLD WILL END ON THE 21ST!
I KNOW BECAUSE COACH SMITH LET ANTONE SMITH RUN A PLAY FROM SCRIMMAGE!!!
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:36 pm
Michael Turner is a slow tub of calcified lard.
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
9:37 pm
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
9:29 pm
@big gator
tell us again who the first pretender was?
_____________________
I think he referenced the pretender that stuffed his team without a TD.
Earl
December 9th, 2012
9:37 pm
For the past 5 years you people have been asking when Matt Ryan is going to take the step to becoming an ‘elite’ quarterback. You need to realize that you answer your own question when you are still asking it 5 years later.
He’s a smart kid. He’s got it between the ears. But he doesnt have it in the chest or the fibers. Kid has no heart and his natural playmaking ability is pathetic when you put him beside the other QBs in this league. He’s got great receivers but is scared to throw downfield. Every dropback is a checkdown to a back or a dink and dunk to the tight end or an 8 yard out route or comeback.
Is that precious division we clinched supposed to make us feel better when the Giants humiliate us next week?
Look at all the other teams in playoff contention. Imagine any one of them coming down here in the playoffs, be it first round or after a bye. Do you honestly see this Falcons team winning that game? Against the Packers or Giants or 49ers or whoever? Do you even see the Falcons contending in that game?
We are an NFL afterthought for a reason. We get no respect for a reason. When you really get down to crunch time, to the games that really matter, the product we put on the field is sub-par. Mediocre. Moderately efficient, occasionally effective, but ultimately inferior. They are, in the end, a failure.
But keep chirping about our precious 11 wins. See how much those wins comfort you when we get our face smashed in again in the playoffs. Maybe our offense will even score this time, who knows.
We arent even a laughingstock, because the rest of the league would have to care enough about this team to pay them attention to laugh at them, but they dont.
We are an afterthought.
Mike
December 9th, 2012
9:38 pm
Boooooooo! Boooooooo! Boooooooooo! That’s ridiculous. Mailed it in. Booooooooo!
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
Michael Turner is too big for his britches.
Earl
December 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
-For the past 5 years you people have been asking when Matt Ryan is going to take the step to becoming an ‘elite’ quarterback. You need to realize that you answer your own question when you are still asking it 5 years later.
He’s a smart kid. He’s got it between the ears. But he doesnt have it in the chest or the fibers. Kid has no heart and his natural playmaking ability is pathetic when you put him beside the other QBs in this league. He’s got great receivers but is scared to throw downfield. Every dropback is a checkdown to a back or a dink and dunk to the tight end or an 8 yard out route or comeback.
Is that precious division we clinched supposed to make us feel better when the Giants humiliate us next week?
Look at all the other teams in playoff contention. Imagine any one of them coming down here in the playoffs, be it first round or after a bye. Do you honestly see this Falcons team winning that game? Against the Packers or Giants or 49ers or whoever? Do you even see the Falcons contending in that game?
We are an NFL afterthought for a reason. We get no respect for a reason. When you really get down to crunch time, to the games that really matter, the product we put on the field is sub-par. Mediocre. Moderately efficient, occasionally effective, but ultimately inferior. They are, in the end, a failure.
But keep chirping about our precious 11 wins. See how much those wins comfort you when we get our face smashed in again in the playoffs. Maybe our offense will even score this time, who knows.
We arent even a laughingstock, because the rest of the league would have to care enough about this team to pay them attention to laugh at them, but they dont.
We are an afterthought.
Dum-Bass
December 9th, 2012
9:39 pm
The Falcons are on the same road as the Braves and DAWGS were. One game and done in the playoffs. Welcome to ATL !!!!!!!!!
1966
December 9th, 2012
9:41 pm
For all you people that throw out the name “band wagon jumpers”. Most of you people saying that were probably not even born yet while we so called “band wagaon jumpers” have been spending our money and time “trying” to support this sorry excuse for an NFL organization for the past 46 years. So to continue to blindly support this team is the definition of insanity by expecting a different outcome year in and year out. And historically it simply never happens. So a long time ago we “band wagon jumpers” learned to live in “REALVILLE” in being a fan of this team. And that means, hope for the best – expect the worst. Try living in Realville, it’s a little less dissappointing that way.
Hillbilly D
December 9th, 2012
9:41 pm
Thomas Brown
You by any chance kin to Ralph “Country” Brown?
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
9:31 pm
Sorry Dawg that was the championship game….lol and u blew it like u always do! This was a regular season game! Lol! Your puppies blow.and you know it! All that talent….the lead….and u still blew it! Lol your team blows chunks……
__________________
Yes, this was a regular season game. So what? It’s not like they’ve ever done anything in the postseason.
You sure do seem prissy when you launch your postgame tirades against those bad ol’ negative realists every week. Got your tutu on again today?
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
Maybe the TEAMS lose is because they(players) get tired of trying to please fans like some of you posting.
I’ll take Atlanta money for a few years then I’ll go somewhere where the FANS are better and care about the players.
Support the Players and the players will give back. It is like a marriage. If all you do is bit..h and complain do you really expect the sex to be good and often?
King Arthur Blank
December 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
Will someone please break Michale Turner’s leg? I will even push him in his wheelchair.
Marc
December 9th, 2012
9:42 pm
OMG Jeff clutz Schultz! It’s one freaking game! A game that doesn’t mean a hill of beans (as they say round here) in the grand scheme. The falcons didn’t even show up to practice until Wednesday this week. Can we say throw away game and let your starters rest for the real game next week against the giants? That’s wasn’t even our starting defense out there today. It sounds to me like you’re the one leading the fair weather bandwagon. Have some faith for crying out loud.
Man...
December 9th, 2012
9:43 pm
One loss my behind. You lost to a team that said they were better than you, when their season is done with. Worst thing, we were down 23-0 here, and 23-7 in the first game. Everyone knew, in their hearts, our D was going to get shredded by Cam. He did it last time, and his mistake saved us. We had 3 backups starting in the secondary, and they torched it. They had inexperienced Dbs as well, but for some reason, this offense decided to get in it when it was too late. How about Ryan 7 step drop in the beginning. I see that midget in New Orleans throw deep balls all the time. We never do. Just check downs every time. And Ryan misses on those as well. Hilarious. The Giants will show this team next week, whatever we do in the postseason, it’ll all be told by next week’s game.
Thomas Brown
December 9th, 2012
9:45 pm
I like Julio Jones. We just need more. Like a RB and some defense.
SMITTYSTHEMAN
December 9th, 2012
9:46 pm
Earl — well said!
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:47 pm
Earl, you are a moron. What game were you watching? Matty threw for almost 350 yards, and Michael Turner had 14 yards rushing, and you single out Ryan?
Matty had defensive linemen grabbing him by the ankles all day. This game was lost by the O-line. Pure and simple.
Thomas Brown
December 9th, 2012
9:47 pm
What I know about Country is I love the music and consider Atlanta a Country Town. A College Football town, not NFL town. So, no. Don’t know any Country Brown.
LOL at the Aints
December 9th, 2012
9:47 pm
So Man, you’re saying the Giants will win next Sunday,, LOL
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
9:48 pm
Help me here Dawg is that the same team you stuffed who is going to a BCS bowl? No worries the puppies are going to a bowl…..lol just not a BCS bowl. Tell us again what those puppies have done? Or you want to man up like Richt and flex at the King during the press conference. Hehehehehehehe. Gosh it must hurt to have all that talent and still wet the newspaper?
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:48 pm
Michael Turner–2 yards per carry! Yeah, that Matt Ryan kid has no heart. Totally.
SMITTYSTHEMAN
December 9th, 2012
9:48 pm
I like Matt Ryan. He’s smart, he cares and he has great drive. He just simply doesn’t have Super Bowl talent. And again…. please draft a premier running back to complement all that talent we have in the receiving corps!!
Roswell bob
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
5150 iPad. I agree. I’ll take atl money and move on to a place where the fans are better. I have lived in or around 8 cities and atl is by far the worst in terms of fan support
Thomas Brown
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
The game does not mean a hill of beans ?
Excuse me, as DawgNole just told you, 46 seasons and all we have is a win over the Vikings.
The Truth
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
It’s going to take a miracle on 34th St. For the Falcons to beat the NY Giants. If Falcons lose next week, season OVER.
1966
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
Earl lives in “realville”
Hillbilly D
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
Thomas Brown
He was a star with the Crackers, way back.
Georgia
December 9th, 2012
9:49 pm
Falcons would have lost today against the lingerie football league, okay? It wasn’t their Sunday. Let it go.
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:50 pm
Yep, love how Turner shows that spirit when he tippy toes up to the line. Ballet dancers have spirit, too. did you know that? We should draft some ballet dancers this spring.
1990_Champs_GT
December 9th, 2012
9:50 pm
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
We’re an 8-8 team that just been lucky!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
And it is not a Tutu….is a True freshman burning your vaulted D jersey that i am wearing. And I also have matching sweat pants that let me run for over 300 yards against any D….even that much talked about D at UGA who will be sending 7 yes 7 guys to the pros…..but I still ran for 300 yards against them……just saying!
Ron Roberts
December 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
Earl, there’s eleven men on the field per team each play, dude. Matt Ryan threw for 342 yards today and had zero protection and no running game to keep the Panthers’ defense honest. Matt Ryan wasn’t the problem today. At all. Ever.
Rip
December 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
My sons and daughter are Falcon Fans, it is a shame that they are not aware of the long history of this team being average. I can breakdown the whole team to them from the wimpy offensive line to the very suspect defensive line and aging DE but theY still believe the Falcons can WIN. I can not forget the BLANK look my son had on his face the past couple of years after the playoff games. No wonder no one will get onboard with this team, consider it youth that my sons and daughter will continue to support this team but for the old and wise these Falcoons are a bunch I guess guys, that can not win , AGAIN ONE AND DONE
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
9:52 pm
Please Do and fast
“Nowhere in Georgia” BOB. Like we say DELTA is ready when you are…..Bless your heart.
JSS
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
Oh Rodney Harrison!!! Dang!!!
1990_Champs_GT
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
I’ve been thunder struck!
The Truth
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
Of all the teams headed to the playoffs, other than themselves, Atlanta can’t beat any of them.
ramguy68
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
Most of these posts are laughable. You can tell most of these people don’t know much about football. Some have already got a Giants win penciled in. Ask some of the sad sack Giants fans about their weaknesses. I’m sure some of these people think SF is awesome even though they had a tie and a loss to the Rams. The Packers? Their offensive line is terrible as is their defense.
SMITTYSTHEMAN
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
Also, early in the season, I thought OC Cutter was gonna be a great addition. But I think he’s letting Smitty (the defensive mind) influence his play calling now. It’s pathetic to call three straight passing plays on first and goal at the ONE!
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:53 pm
I blame our O-line. They can play better.
I don’t blame Turner. He just can’t play. Not his fault. It’s the coaching staff’s fault. They’re the ones who keep running him out there.
“Running” may be a poor choice of words.
Season Ticket Holder
December 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
The Falcons have a new offensive coordination, however, this years offensive play calls look a lot like last years plays.
drew
December 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
The sports announcers on Sunday Night Football just summed it up perfectly…they said “no one is afraid to play Atlanta”…and that’s why they will not go far in the playoffs.
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
The Falcons have an official depth chart. Why is Turner still listed as our #1 RB?
He had 7 carries today. Two of them killed drives.
Thomas Brown
December 9th, 2012
9:54 pm
The Dawgs are # 6. We beat # 4 Florida in Jacksonville.
# 1 with 136 wins Boise State
# 2 with 129 wins Oklahoma
# 3 with 125 wins LSU
# 4 with 122 wins Texas
# 5 with 117 wins Georgia Mark Richt era
University of Georgia AP Poll Rankings :
# 22 UGA 2001
# 3 UGA 2002
# 7 UGA 2003
# 7 UGA 2004
# 10 UGA 2005
# 23 UGA 2006
# 2 UGA 2007
# 13 UGA AP, # 10 Coaches’ Poll 2008
# 19 UGA 2011
# 6 UGA 2012*
We have beat :
# 4 Tennessee 2001
# 11 Alabama 2002
# 14 Auburn 2002
# 15 Tennessee 2003
# 18 Purdue 2003
# 17 Wisconsin 2004
# 16 LSU 2004
# 6 LSU in 2005 SEC Championship
# 19 Virginia Tech in 2006
# 9 Auburn 2006
# 13 Florida 2007
# 15 Auburn in 2007
# 19 Hawai’i in 2007
# 13 Georgia Tech in 2009
# 4 Florida 2012
# 36 university in the nation Georgia Tech
# 63 university in the nation University of Georgia
# 65 university in the nation Texas A & M
# 68 university in the nation Clemson
# 72 university in the nation Michigan State
# 73 university in the nation Virginia Tech
# 77 university in the nation Alabama
# 89 university in the nation Auburn
# 92 university in the nation TCU
# 93 university in the nation Vermont
# 94 university in the nation San Diego
# 97 university in the nation Florida State University (FSU)
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/page+10
Mark Richt Era :
Draft : FSU—AL—-FL—LSU—GA—USC
2012.…4……8……2.…..5.…….7…..3
2011.…3……5……4.…..6.…….6…..9
2010.…3.…..7..…..9.…..6.…….5…..7
2009.…1……4..…..3.…..6.…….6…..11
2008.…3……0..…..2.…..7.…….4…..10
2007.…5……3..…..9.…..5.…….5…..5
2006.…8……5..…..3.…..7.…….7…..11
2005.…9……4..…..3.…..3.…….6…..5
2004.…5……4..…..5.…..0.…….4…..4
2003.…6……5..…..8.…..4.…….7…..5
2002.…3……4..…..8.…..5.…….8…..2
2001.…9……3..…..4.…..3.…….6…..3
Total…59….52..…60…..57……71….75
The Bulldogs have a ton of great players to go watch.
What have Falcons’ ever given us besides Tommy Nobis by himself out there ? When we started seasons’ tickets, the reason to go watch the games was to see the great players the other teams have. Now, we drive 192 miles to the game, and watch a 3-9 team beat our 11-1 team because they have Cam Newton.
Nothing has changed much. Has it ?
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
9:55 pm
So WHY
WHY
WHY isn’t COSTAS saying we need to Ban CARS
Bob Costas shouldn’t we OUTLAW Liquor too?
old man
December 9th, 2012
9:56 pm
Thank you, Ron. Finally someone who watched the game before posting here.