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
Falcons 73
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
WTF is the defense doing…wide open receivers, no pressure, no run defense, and TERRIBLE play calling. Make them earn it!
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:13 pm
About to be down at least 16-0 or more likely 20-0 to a 3-9 team. Yeah, these Falcons are Super Bowl contenders.
Falcons65
December 9th, 2012
2:13 pm
Any chance this penalty will result in 14 points for us and the lead?
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:13 pm
Flag?
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:13 pm
This doesn’t look like a team primed to win a playoff game.
kbb
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
Our MVP candidate QB has looked like butt cheeks for the last 4 games. Just in time for our annual playoff swoon
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
J.J.M.
December 9th, 2012
2:12 pm
abraham getting put on his ass
Who isn’t on defense
Darkcow
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
Can somebody please remind me why we didn’t pick up Babin again……
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
Well he got it right
Sid
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
regardless whether or not they “need” this game they should be ashamed of this.
nodefense
December 9th, 2012
2:14 pm
This is sad.
scrappy
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
The visiting team surely isn’t showing any heart today. Perhaps Mr. Ryan should have kept his mouth shut in Atlanta.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
Sure would be nice to have a QB who could make all the throws like Newton.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
Falcons fans have had nothing to root for today. Nothing. Not a fumble recovery, not an interception, not a first down, not a completion. Nothing.
ijonathan
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
Darkcow…because a team higher in the waiver order picked him before the Falcons could. Does that help?
Falcons65
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
Maybe our real team will arrive at the stadium by the time the second half starts.
kbb
December 9th, 2012
2:15 pm
At least cam throws balls into the end zone our All World QB throws 3 yard outs to our 38 year old tight end who runs about a 6.3 in the 40 at this point
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
That 1 ref was saying that was a catch the other called him off.
Fred
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
dink and dunk. dink and dunk. fail. dink and dunk.
who’s calling this garbage?
goFalcons
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Well Freddie, I will tell u what will happen with your Gulp 49ers, The Falcons will win. Just like this game. The Falcons will win and to that other guy who talked about Bobby Cox, you are on thin ice and it should be a crime to talk bad about Bobby Cox
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
CAM to RUN?
bitman
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Falcons should be embarrassed. I am.
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Big play
Georgia
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Hold fast, mighty falcons!
Answer This
December 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Lets have a talk at half about getting back to what got us here! Hey Smitty, you are our Head Coach but sit diwn and STFU and allow our talent to shine on the field!
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
This is one explosive offense the Falcons have. Good to see them firing on all cylinders in December.
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
This game should be 28-0 Panthers. But the Falcons have hung in there. It’s not over yet. But our offense has to get something going in the 2nd half.
Darkcow
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
Though I recall them not wanting him because of his bad attitude. But that makes sense.
More sense than Lil Barry saying Newton is a better QB than Ryan. Ha.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
Ain’t SKEERED………………..
Ed Pilcher
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
Yep…….16-0 at the half. At least we get to go 3 and out first for the second half.
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.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2012
2:17 pm
Falcons down 16-0 at halftime if he makes this field but they’re lucky its not more. Carolina with four scoring drives, no punts. Halftime yardage: 270-35.
playmeortrademe
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
Well, based on that half, Ga Southern and Valdosta State are this state’s best chance for a title this year. Good job, Flacons, way to prove all those doubters wrong.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
Cam has a Pick or Fumble still left in him today.
jo
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
The defense has stiffened a bit. Too bad we don’t have some points from the offense. I have not seen such a pathetic half on offense since the 1970s…
Freddie
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
Does Mike Smith have testicles? Any man that gets called out should come out breathing fire.
Section 212
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
Dirk has been calling this dink/dunk crap. no miss direction plays, no quick screens, nothing down field.
tmc
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
that is one hellofa 1st half.
TROTTINGHOME
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
its over…in case you didn’t already know. Sad state of affairs letting Carolina whip us like this.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
Defense has hung in there missing half our secondary but man, what has happened to our offense? It’s not like this team has the 49ers or even the Giant’s defense.
D
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Way to go Ryan!! Once again you’re the lesser man. Run your mouth like an idiot and then get beat down. Next up the giants. This team will get easily beaten in the playoffs yet again cause they have a sorry qb.
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Aside from Tony Gonzales, I don’t know that we have one playoff-caliber guy on offense. Roddy White and Julio Jones? Maybe, but who can tell with this offense and this QB?
35 yards on offense in the first half. Explosive.
FAlKanFAN1
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
What a snoozer! The Falcons look disinterested and The Carolina Panthers SUCK! they should be blowing this game away! Ok we will be 11-2 with a chance for home field against the Giants! Just a wasted week for the Falcons!
DawgNole
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
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.
_________________
That’s ATL pro sports in a nutshell. Thus the “Losersville” label.
ijonathan
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
such a quick half, we now have to hear those horrible commentators “fill” air time for a few minutes.
Jaded
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
The Falcons have mailed in several games (CAR 2x, OAK, ARI) this year. They’ve only won a few of them because the teams they were playing were complete garbage and find ways to lose.
I haven’t seen the consistent game-to-game sharpness that leads me to believe this team is a serious contender. Not enough of a pass rush, inconsistent play-calling and a weak running game.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Well lets see what ole Artie will say to Smitty on the sideline after this meltdown. They are FRAUDS and have been exposed by a 3-9 team.
MVP MVP MVP……Shutout
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Get the heck off their field, Ryan.
kevkat
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
Sorry, but I have to give kudos to the defense. The offense needs to get their head out of their tails. They should be embarrassed.
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
2:20 pm
It’s kinda like this. We’re in the game at the half because the defense didn’t give up TDs on a few of these drives. Of course, we’re down by 16 at the half because our defense couldn’t do a damn thing to prevent the Panthers from getting points. Our offense? Well, it’s as bad as you will ever see these guys play. It’s a shock that we have two first downs at the half. We’ve been that bad.