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
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1,276 comments Add your comment
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
gonna have to pray for a T.O.
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
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.
_____________________
So that’s ALL we need, eh–just “a few TDs and a FG.”
That oughta be easy.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
Goodbye.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
That’s ballgame.
nodefense
December 9th, 2012
2:40 pm
As I said earlier, the falcons are getting exposed. Just wait until next.
Old Man Peabody
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
AWESOME RUN
Pigskin
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
A blowout!
Eric C.
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Jeff, have you almost got that next column completed?
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Well…..There’s a 70 yard run for a TD by sCam.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
What did I just tell you cheerwhiners?
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Where’s Jeff writing another the Dawgs are great column with Bradley? Meanwhile Cam plays the Falchumps
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
You Knew he was going to do a ZONE READ RUN sometime.
11-2!!!!!!!!!
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
I’m done. Time to find a movie to watch!
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
laughable now
goFalcons
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
UNREAL! Come on Falcons…Let the comeback start now
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Falcons run D sucks.
scrappy
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
When I say these guys suck, it is the understatement of the year. They got nuthin’.
KDYo
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Can you trade quarterbacks during the season? Ryan for Newton? Looks like the varsity versus the junior varsity team.
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Game over. Falcons are done, and will be another one and done team in the playoffs. I’m out.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
FRAUDS…………
EXPOSED…………….
LOSERS……………..
Let the firing begin……ha ha
waytostink
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
This is my “now let’s just everybody lose week!” Two high school teams I was pulling for lose. UGA loses. And now the Falcons. Which raises some questions concerning them. What moron coined the term “Matty Ice”. That moronic term should be scrapped for “Matty Stink”. Michael Turner crumbles when struck at the line of scrimmage. This offensive line can neither pass or run block. And this defense can stop nobody. Carolina called the Falcons out this week that they were better. Think the Falcons would go to Charlotte with something to prove? I think so, that they are as bad as questioned. The ESPN, Fox, and NBC NFL sports pundits have been questioning the Falcons each week as they have progressed with losing one game. Conclusion, how has this bunch, even with the weak schedule squeaked by without looking good? Bottom line, another one-and-done trip to the playoffs.
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Still not out if it!
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Panthers can score with ease. Falcons can’t make a first down.
Megahurtz
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Superman CAN fly! I may have been premature about the bounce-back comment. Falcons are in REAL trouble now…
lees
December 9th, 2012
2:41 pm
Now who was complaining about Falcons fans complaining?
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:23 pm
Falcons are going to win.
____________________
You mean NEXT week, of course. Right? Or maybe in the playoffs?
Wake the hell up.
ijonathan
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
I think Gus Johnson has a chub forming in the broadcast booth.
jo
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Folks…that was the game and that is a QB. Wow, even as a falcons fan I was impressed. Sure wish we had a team that wanted to win. But we don’t and that’s that.
Dt
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Carolina that good or are the falcons that bad today
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Someone get Go Falcons a tissue
kbb
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
When was the last time we took a team out to the shed like this?
Jimmy Baron
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Way to show up Falcons.
Snake Doc
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
Does it look like Ryans right arm is shrinking?
Seriously, the offensive line is suspect at this point. As many have pointed out they have a hard time with blitzes and rushing through the A gaps.
Defense needs a real pass rusher. Face it, Abraham is done, although he can impact one or two plays a game, but as a sack man he’s done. Can’t have the Beirman as you’re only real pass rusher.
And as for Ryan. its time to really stand up. These are the hard games, at least look like you have control after yo’ve been beat around a bit. This is the thrid or 4th game in a row where he is not living up to ALL WORLD label.
All I can hear is – “He’s a Bomb Steak, he’s a bomb.” LOL
Whether true or not his last 4 games are proving Ryan to be less then great.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
I’m through. This team will not win a playoff game under this regime.
Jaded
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
This is a very unprofessional performance. You can say this game means nothing to the Falcons, but the Panthers are only playing for pride and they’re dominating us like Alabama against Jacksonville State.
ramblinwreck80
December 9th, 2012
2:42 pm
ah hum…attention Falcons…the Cats are doing to YOU what you should be doing to THEM!!!
Pigskin
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
They’ve sucked for the last month or more. This was inevitable.
Playoffs???? LOL
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
Fallas, this is a thorought butt kickin. All 46 players are stealing their paycheck this week. Embarassing…..:-|
no defense
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
Well that’s the season guys. Our Super Bowl is just winning the division.
OH MY
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
WOW! Panthers so much better that crappy f-ing Falcons! Glad I don’t waste my money on that product! Screw the playoffs! You sux FALCONS!
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
As much as I hate to say it, we deserve this. We have been scabbing by way too much. The Panthers aren’t following the script that they/OAK/ARI and a few other teams have followed this season. Again, we deserve this beating. The question will be how the team responds. As long as you’re winning when you’re playing like crap, your players will think that the effort is good enough. Today, we’re playing a team that is inspired and refuses to help us out. THIS is the result that we should expect if we play like this.
80sFalcon
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
No excuses. Panthers are just taking to the Falcons. Outplayed in every facet of the game. This does not look like a championship level team. Atlanta will be one and done in the playoffs again. the last few weeks has shown the Falcons barely getting by. It has now caught up with them. The Panthers are the weakest team remaining on the schedule and are flat out whipping Atlanta.
trademark
December 9th, 2012
2:43 pm
And this sad, pathetic performance is exactly why I was down on the Dirk Koetter hire. His gimmick crap is picked up by every team in the league now, he’s too limited to change, and the Falcons offense is finished.
And all just in time for the playoffs. Great.
Scam Newton
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
I told you WE are the better team
TNScott
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Getting hammered at the line this half, too. And now Cam. I’ve said it before we do not have Super Bowl Winning lines either on the offensive or the defensive side of the ball. We gave away too draft picks and have helped rebuild the Browns all for Julio Jones.
no defense
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Go Cam! Show Matt how it’s done.
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Gott alove the bandwagon fans in here! Lol bad game so far and very poor Offense play, but you know what still my Birds! Lets go Falcons!
Dt
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
This gives the falcons a chance for an epic comeback
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Yet the Falcaints will get a new stadium to suckin.
KDYo
December 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Come on; just run more than 5 offensive plays before punting again …
Least they get to start inside the 20 so Cam won’t have to run so far on their next possession.