LIVE: Falcons have chance to clinch playoff bye (or more)
Stopping the Carolina Panthers starts with stopping Cam Newton for the Falcons. (AP photo)
CHARLOTTE — Good morning. When I walked out of the deck parking lot toward the media entrance of the stadium (a healthy walk here at Bank of America Stadium), there was only a slight drizzle. But a few minutes later, the skies opened up, I got drenched and it totally ruined my coiffure.
(Go ahead, I’ll give you a few minutes to laugh. … Waiting. … Still waiting. … )
So yes, it is raining here in Charlotte. The forecast says there’s only a 10 percent chance of showers, but that 10 percent clearly resides on this block. So at the very least, the field will be slippery for the Falcons’ game against the Carolina Panthers today.
Some folks around the Falcons are worried about this game. The Panthers are only 3-9 but seven of those losses have come by six points or less (one in overtime). The Falcons were fortunate to rally and beat Carolina 30-28 on a last-minute field goal drive in Week 4.
Tackle Tyson Clabo said of the Panthers, “They’re the exact opposite team of us. They’re in every game but somehow they find a way lose. We’re in every game and we find a way to win. It only takes a bounce of the ball here or there to change the whole thing. They’re a good team and they’ll be at home.”
The X-factor for Carolina obviously is Cam Newton. Every week it seems like there are new stories that quote anonymous players, questioning Newton’s attitude and leadership. Personally, I don’t like anonymous quotes. But the questions about Newton’s maturity have been there from day one so it will be interesting to see how he reacts to all of this and whether he grows from it. If he goes in the wrong direction, the Panthers are sunk because they’ve invested a lot in him from a financial and marketing standpoint.
Back to the Falcons. At 11-1, they’ve already clinched a playoff berth and the NFC South Division. They can clinch one of the top two seeds — and therefore a first-round bye — with a win over Carolina and ONE of the following two scenarios: 1) A San Francisco loss (home vs. Miami: OR 2) Chicago loss or tie (at Minnesota) and a Green Bay loss or tie (home vs. Detroit). A tie with Carolina and losses by Chicago and Green Bay also would clinch the bye.
The Falcons would clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed and home field through the playoffs with a win, AND a loss by San Francisco AND losses or ties by Chicago and Green Bay.
With college football winding down (pre-bowls), the amount of Falcons’ content in the AJC went up this week. Here’s a sampling, with links:
– My column on the Falcons realizing they have some flaws to correct in these final four games.
– My column on John Abraham and another double-digit sack season at the age of 34.
– Barrister Ledbetter’s Q-and-A with wide receiver Julio Jones.
– Ledbetter’s story on Jacquizz Rodgers’ work load possibly going up.
– Tim Tucker’s story on how the Falcons’ proposed new stadium deal breaks down.
Here’s a link to the AJC’s Falcons page if you’re looking for more.
That’s all I’ve got for now. I’ll post the inactives in the comments section below.
Any thoughts on today’s game? And what are you hoping to see from the Falcons today?
I’m here to serve.
By Jeff Schultz
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,276 comments Add your comment
John
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Mike smith is 53? He looks 67
Dumbo
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Please tell Kotex to throw the ball down field, run some crossing patterns, this looks to much like his famous Jacksonville offense
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Last year the Falcons were down 23-7, also by 16 points, at halftime in Carolina. Came back and won the game 31-23. Remember that.
OH MY
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Physical teams always beat the hell out of the Falcons! That’s why it’s one and done in the playoffs as usual!
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Ryan can’t depend on his line to protect, Falcons have no running game, and outside of Julio o real speed. One and done.
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
3 possessions, 13 plays, 2 first downs, and 3 punts the first half. Beyond pathetic.
Darkcow
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Is there really any question about what our problem has been lately and in our playoff appearances?
Just compare the pocket Newton is getting compared to Ryan’s. When Ryan gets even just a LITTLE bit more time, we’ve seen what he can do. He has been a serious MVP candidate all season up until the line started showing it’s true colors.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
It’s amazing how all the rats on here jump off the bus with a little adversity.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
DwagNole………….your college choices fit in with the Atlanta Pro teams well then.
lees
December 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
Did the whole team go out to a bar in Charlotte last night and get hammered????
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
For a grand total of 35 yards, to boot.
Willy
December 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
The Falcons would get a lot more respect if they were 8-4.
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
2:21 pm
The Falcons may have mailed in huge chunks of some games this year, but those wins over OAK/CAR/ARI included big plays made on offense and defense. We haven’t made a single play today. There’s been nothing good.
Jamie
December 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
Pitiful
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
We’re in the game?
Down three scores, I don’t think so.
falcfan66
December 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
What a horrible display of NO HEART by the Falcons. The fans deserve better. Why play if you are only going through the motions. The Falcons find a way to to blow it every year and if they keep this up then you can forget a playoff win or a bye…..Step up Mike Smith….you are supposed to be the the head coach….act like it…
Falcons 73
December 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
I’m going to say this again, Mike Smith steadfastly refuses to let the Falcons play the type of ball that made this team dominate offensively at the beginning of the season, which revolves around the pass (to set up the run). You can accomplish the same goals, by recognizing the fact that we are not a “smash mouth” football team, yet we have tons of advantages at WR & TE. This offensive line isn’t capable of moving the pile at will, and is much better at pass protection than run blocking.
The Falcons are more similar to New England offensively, but Mike Smith is trying to make us the 49er’s. This is just plain stupid, stubborn, and will result in a first round exit once again.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
Falcons are going to win.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
Just remember one thing. This is the Panthers. They have done this all year. Come out in the first half and look good then find a way to lose in the second half.
KDYo
December 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
Very likely they will lose out; Giants and Lions D-Line will cause havoc; offensively – will not be able to keep up with Manning and Stafford and their weapons. Might squeak out against TB – but don’t bet on it.
Georgia
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
35 total yards.
Tom(Independent Viet Vet-USAF)
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
How in the world did we go 11-1, we look the worst I’ve ever seen! No hustle or fire, DL is horrible, Carolina is not a good team. Play like this and we will be one and done in playoffs, no matter who we play. I’m embarrased, hope the players are too with this effort.
TGT
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
An embarrassing display. Ryan has not looked good in weeks. Time to get it in gear!!!
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
Lil’ Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
We’re in the game?
Down three scores,
=============================
You stupid and can’t do MATH
16 divided by 2 Scores = 8 points you MOE RON
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
CHOKE is in his 5th season with games still to play and he already has thrown 59 picks. Just as a comparison, Vick has thrown 81 picks in 11 seasons for an average less than 8 per season.
Dude just plain sucks. Sorry losers but 2004 will be safe again
this season
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:24 pm
Every qb has over 100 yrds passing in the first half of games except for ours. Matt and Dirk better figure things out quick or this season will come to a close very fast.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
I say if the Falcons don’t win in the playoffs this year, Mike Smith is officially on the hot seat. And I mean the 2013 season will be his last if he doesn’t bring us at least 2 playoff wins or a Super Bowl.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
falcfan66
December 9th, 2012
2:22 pm
What a horrible display of NO HEART by the Falcons. The fans deserve better. Why play if you are only going through the motions. The Falcons find a way to to blow it every year and if they keep this up then you can forget a playoff win or a bye…..Step up Mike Smith….you are supposed to be the the head coach….act like it…
_______________________________________________________________________
Another rat jumping off the bus. Are we 11-1 or 1-11? I can’t tell.
moboman
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
Our offense has been our defense’s worst nightmare. In a game where we have secondary men sitting out, no offensive drives or possession time.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
OK, so we’ve established that the Panthers can find a way to lose. Question is, can the Falcons find a way to win?
DawgPrint
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
Absolutely disgusting half of football!
Steve
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
Gotta love the “this game is over” people when all we need is a few touchdowns and a FG. Hope you guys are still on here after the Falcons win.
goFalcons
December 9th, 2012
2:25 pm
Falcons are the best team in football. To this why falcons not respected guy, I appreciate what my sport teams give me. All my teams home teams are winners. Ask the Vols how it went when they fired a great winning coach, they may never recover, I appreciate FG, Richt, Smith, and Drew. They are all winners and I respect them. I love what Arthur Blank has done for the Falcons and wish he would take the Braves off of Liberty’s hands.
Megahurtz
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Obviously, someone told the Falcons that this is a playoff game…
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Can anybody remember the last time we coverted on 3rd down?
Georgia
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
35 stinking yards. Yet, they are not out of it. that’s the bend but don’t break defense.
AndrewRiggs
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
This thug stuff is really old.
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
Go Falcons just just made my point. Close is good enough, that is the Atlanta mentality and that is why you don’t win titles.
_____________________
And it’s been their mentality for 46 years.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
Vick has played 11 seasons?
stizz
December 9th, 2012
2:27 pm
All this is on Mike Smith. Same story every Sunday.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Anytime the Falcons get a little behind in a game all of this crap starts on the blog. You guys are pathetic.
Megahurtz
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Mike Smith’s half-time speech: “All right guys. Now we’ve got right where we want ‘em!”
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Vick has played 9 seasons and this is his 10th.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
You stupid and can’t do MATH
16 divided by 2 Scores = 8 points you MOE RON
————————-
No, I just don’t make all kinds of super-optimistic assumptions about an offense that hasn’t even sniffed the end zone once today.
If you weren’t such a cheerwhiner, you’d get that.
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
This is our half and from this point forward when we prove we are a passing team Smitty better learn to deal with it! We are who we are! Lets go getem birds! Rise Up Nation!
Keith
December 9th, 2012
2:29 pm
Personally, I am just tired of hearing all the crap about RGIII and Cam. I 2 to 3 years we won’t remember who they were !!!!!!!!
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:29 pm
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:28 pm
Anytime the Falcons get a little behind in a game all of this crap starts on the blog. You guys are pathetic.
==================================
True………is sounds like a UGa Live Game blog doesn’t it?
j
December 9th, 2012
2:30 pm
It is close to playoff time for the Falcons. Let the chocking begin.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:30 pm
This next drive to open the 2nd half will tell us how this game is going to go. Go 3 and out again, or 2 and out excuse me, and the game is over.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:30 pm
Lil barry………………go hate on Obama and take a math class