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
jo
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
Final could be 30-0 today…defense needs a break. Falcons are playing without any desire and fire in the belly..another scam run when he was stopped.
OH MY
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
GO PANTHERS!!!!!!
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
Wow alot to celebrate for a 3-9 team
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
Games like this, no talent, no drive, uninspired.
KDYo
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
1-2-3-4-5-Punt; 1-2-3 Punt; 1-2-3-4-5-Punt
Panthers should easily score again by half.
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
What the hell were we doing on that play? You can’t get sucked upfield like that. Jesus Christ. What the hell are we doing today?
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
This was a lost half.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
Have to keep your rush lanes against a running QB.
Sav FAN
December 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
Falcs are getting ready for the Giants-don’t want to show them anything this week-
Playoff ready
You BETCHA
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
I wish someone would knock sCam’s grinning &^%! into the middle of next week and maybe put him out for the game.
Falcons 73
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
The offense has been playing poorly for several weeks now…ever since Mike Smith decided that we are a “running football team” again. Please someone stop stupid, before stupid stops us.
Jaded
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
This is what happens when one team badly wants to win and the other looks like they don’t even want to be in the building. The margin between an underachieving 3-9 team and an overachieving 11-1 team isn’t that much.
Complete domination.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
Newton: 14 for 18, 145 yds passing and 45 yards rushing. Entire Falcons’ offense: 35 yds.
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
Same for Steve Smith, too.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:07 pm
Is that POS going to get up after every little first down run and do that stupid jester. You’re 3-9 dude just go back to the huddle.
OH MY
December 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
Never ever seen a professional football team look this bad! Total butt kicking by one team! It was a total fluke Falcons won 1st game.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
Meanwhile Mr. Playoff Win Flacco has 3 tds vs Redskins in less than 2 quarters…..ha ha
MVP MVP MVP
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
so….
um…
How bout Chipper’s fine slice, huh?
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Whoa … Newton had Murphy wide open for a TD and missed him.
nodefense
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Atlanta should be in payoff mode doing every game. But as usual they are flat after they clinch a payoff spot. This says a lot about their coaching.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
WOW………………..NOBODY around him.
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Well, we have our new candidate for worst half of the year. We can complain about the Panthers/Raiders/Cards games, but we’ve shown absolutely nothing in this game. Should’ve just given up a TD. Nice job, Dunta. You damn stiff.
Falcons65
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Good coverage there!
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Good point Falcon 73….
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
wow
goFalcons
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Get to the locker room, chew them out and comeback and win this game
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
I don’t understand how the Falcons would not want to win this game. They have a chance to wrap up home field and a 1st round bye today, the Panthers called them out all week, and you have a chance to sweep your division rival. Beats me.
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Now that was great coverage on Murphy there.
nobody
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
I have friends that paid to go to this game and support the Falcons. Arthur Blank should refund their expenses. What an awful showing your employees are putting on today. Id equate it to a Walmart employee that is too busy talking to their boo on the cellphone to help you. Just dont care.
Sav FAN
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Entire Falcons’ offense: 35 yds.-Maybe 70 yds by the end of game
scrappy
December 9th, 2012
2:09 pm
Who ARE those people with the birds on their helmets? This is absolutely pathetic. No offense at all, and the defense has not stopped them yet. The pass rush just guts pushed right past Newton, and the one time they had him for a 10 yard loss, he scampers for a long gain. Coach Smith needs to jack them up at the half.
dmr
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Carolina dominating time of possession and game at the moment; yet they have only scored 13 pts. Would it be nice if the Falcons win this game. Yes. Would I be at all concerned if they lost this game. No. Still 2 and 1/2 quarters to go.
Why the Falcons are not Respected
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Smith is the Falcons version of Bobby Cox, all regular season no postseason. Just like Richt and all Ga. teams. No one really demands wins. The local press is a joke so titles are not necessary.
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Dirk has cost us this game thus far. no creativity in the play calling.
lees
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Where’s Norb Hecker when you need him?
J.J.M.
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Falcons don’t even try throwing the ball down the field…
ramblinwreck80
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
yeah…and nice how Robinson just gave up and jogged out of bounds after getting beat…
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:10 pm
Check his feet
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
Panthers can convert 3rd downs with ease. Falcons can’t get 3rd and 1. Unbelievable. Wanna know why? They have an O-line that wants to block.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
He did DRAG the back foot………nice
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
…and getting taunted at the same time……kinda embarrassing
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
There is 1 qb playing like an MVP but he’s wearing blue….ha ha
Dave
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
Yes he is because he’s a punk always will be.
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
our DL is not keeping their lane assignments on pass plays.
nobody
December 9th, 2012
2:11 pm
Put in Asante. At least he is near a WR most of the time.
fran tarkenton's accountant
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
35 yds of offense in the 1st half????? wtf??????
Season Ticket Holder
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
Cam is a better QB than Ryan. Ryan should be taking notes on how to extend plays, and make throws.
gman
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
Why do we have ANY plays that do not go to the first down marker on 3rd down. I called everyone of our 3rd down plays. Throw short and not even get close. And first two possessions to MT33 up the middle. Ridiculous. So much for creative play calling.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
I’m very concerned with this Falcon team. If we get dominated by a 3-9 Panther team, what happens when we face the Packers, Giants, Bears, and (gulp) 49ers?
J.J.M.
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
abraham getting put on his ass