‘Haters’ roundup: National view on Falcons has changed (video added)
Julio Jones (left), Roddy White and the rest of the Falcons have a lot of reasons to celebrate these days. (AP photo)
(Added CineSport video below on Falcons’ potential playoff match-ups.)
I hate the term “haters.” Fans tend to label somebody a hater any time somebody doesn’t agree with their own view of things, as if their own view of things is the absolute truth and the only opinion that matters. (Welcome to my world.)
But, yes: Many in the national media (and among the team’s own fan base) have had doubts about the Falcons, despite their record. And the doubters generally have been labeled “haters.”
So given Sunday’s resounding 34-0 victory over the New York Giants, it seemed like a good morning to take a spin around the Internet to see what all of those Nattering Nabobs of Negativism were saying and writing.
Guess what? Suddenly everybody loves the Falcons! (Shocking, I know.)
Highlights and linkage . . .
– From former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, who appeared on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike” radio show (which I watched this morning while on the eliptical): “I have to be apologetic because I didn’t think the Falcons were very mentally tough and they proved to me they’re much mentally tougher than the New York Giants.”
– From Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com, who was among those in attendance Sunday: “Still think the Atlanta Falcons aren’t a good football team despite their lofty record and their closing in on the top seed in the NFC? If so, you are wrong. Here’s proof: Falcons 34, New York Giants 0. That’s the defending Super Bowl champion Giants, the team most experts have pegged to go on a late-season roll to again be a factor in the postseason, the same Giants who blew out the Falcons in the playoffs last January. Atlanta made them look like a league bottom-feeder Sunday at the Georgia Dome. The critics, and they are many, especially after Atlanta lost to the Carolina Panthers last week, kept saying how the Falcons don’t blow teams out. They said they were winning, but not impressively. On and on it went. All of last week, on all the networks, on all the websites, it was talk of how the Atlanta Falcons weren’t any good. Now what?”
– From Pat Yasinskas, ESPN’s NFC South Division blogger: “This is what a 12-2 team is supposed to look like. It goes out and dominates every facet of the game against the defending Super Bowl champions. It plays like a machine and erases the ghosts of last season’s playoffs and last week’s ugly loss to the Carolina Panthers. That’s precisely what the Atlanta Falcons did in Sunday’s 34-0 victory over the New York Giants at the Georgia Dome. … Even the critics, including media members and opposing players, who have been quick to point out the Falcons often have been just getting by against the league’s easiest schedule, have to be impressed by this one. At least for the moment, you can make a case the Falcons are as good as their record.”
– From FoxSports.com’s “Top 15 Takeaways” column: “Offensively, the Falcons showed something they hadn’t all season — a ground game. The Falcons ran the ball for 129 yards, with beleaguered back Michael Turner scoring the first touchdown of the game. Atlanta’s dominance on the ground was a big reason why the Falcons had the ball for 23:32 of the second half. Good defense, big passing attack, solid ground game, undefeated at home? Hey, maybe the Falcons could represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, after all.”
– From Yahoo Sports’ Mike Silver in his “Morning Rush” column: “Back in late October, Atlanta Falcons receiver Roddy White admitted that in light of their shoddy playoff record in recent years, “We’re just regular-season warriors” until proven otherwise. Don’t be so quick to dismiss Atlanta (12-2) as a Super Bowl contender, however. In response to last Sunday’s lackluster defeat to Carolina, the Falcons rolled to a 34-0 victory over the Giants, essentially reversing the outcome of the two teams’ playoff clash last January. In other words, the Regular Season Warriors took a major step. “Lol yea we did,” White said via text Sunday evening. “Confidence booster for the whole team.”
– Jason Cole, another Yahoo NFL writer, seemingly avoided jumping on the Falcons’ bandwagon. Cole strangely avoided referencing the Falcons in the “winners” section of his “Winners and Losers” from Week 15 column. Instead, he mentioned the Giants in the “losers” section, writing: “It’s unfortunate that the New York Giants couldn’t come up with a better effort in light of their hope to honor the victims of the Newtown tragedy. From a football perspective, the Giants’ playoffs hopes are in jeopardy with two games to go. The biggest issue with the Giants is they don’t consistently play with urgency and often need to have a fire lit under them.”
– From John Clayton of ESPN.com: “The Falcons needed a statement game. Despite having the best record in the NFC, the lack of respect for the Falcons carried to an extreme when they dropped to No. 5 in ESPN.com’s Power Rankings. For what it’s worth, I still voted them No. 1. Sunday’s 34-0 victory over the New York Giants was just what they needed. At 12-2 and close to locking up home-field advantage, maybe the Falcons will get some respect now. The Falcons looked like a No. 1 seed Sunday, dominating on offense, defense and special teams. Matt Ryan completed 23-of-28 for 270 yards and three touchdowns. The defense made three key stops on fourth downs.”
– From SI.com’s Don Banks: “Well it wasn’t a playoff win, but at least the Falcons got some revenge for their playoff loss from last season, overwhelming the Giants team that beat Atlanta 24-2 in 2011’s first round. That’s not enough, of course, for Falcons head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan. Nothing but postseason success will suffice for them. But after last week’s embarrassment at Carolina, Atlanta (12-2) needed to re-establish its credentials as the NFC’s likely No. 1 seed, and destroying the defending Super Bowl champs by nearly five touchdowns is a pretty good way to do it. Ryan especially needed a strong game, and his three-touchdown, 270-yard showing was much more reminiscent of his first-half MVP-level play this season, rather than the uneven showing of the past five or six games. If nothing else, if the Giants and Falcons should meet again in this year’s playoffs, Atlanta won’t enter that game carrying around the burden of last January’s postseason outcome.”
So it appears the viewpoints have changed.
By Jeff Schultz
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205 comments Add your comment
DawgNole
December 17th, 2012
7:03 pm
SCHULTZ: “I hate the term `haters.’ Fans tend to label somebody a hater any time somebody doesn’t agree with their own view of things, as if their own view of things is the absolute truth and the only opinion that matters. (Welcome to my world.)
“But, yes: Many in the national media (and among the team’s own fan base) have had doubts about the Falcons, despite their record. And the doubters generally have been labeled `haters.’”
_____________________
Glad you’ve led your column with this, Jeff. And you’re exactly right; those of us who dare question the team when it’s playing poorly are instantly branded “haters”–by guess who? That’s right, by the REAL haters, who can’t seem to get it though their heads that it’s OK to be critical of the team when it falters, as it did against Carolina a week ago. And it’ll be OK to express concern/disappointment about the team if it plays poorly Saturday against hapless Detroit, or the following week against fast-fading Tampa Bay, or in its first playoff game. Doesn’t mean at all that you don’t WANT them to win–just that you DO want them to play up to their capabilities and not make dumb, costly mistakes.
Some of us have followed the Falcons rabidly since their inception in 1966. It’s been a mostly painful, frustrating ride, and from my standpoint, I’m just hoping they manage to win it all once before I check out of the picture (please hurry, Falcons). Obviously, their history would seem to indicate that it’s not going to happen. But this season’s success–so far, at least–is unprecedented, so I’m NOT giving up. Never have; never will!
And to those who would label us long-suffering realists “haters,” I say this: Hell YEAH we want them to win! Just like you. And hell NO we’re not “jumping off the bandwagon” if they lose! Are you?
Mike S.
December 17th, 2012
7:10 pm
The media knocks the Falcons for not having won a playoff game, but fail to realize who they lost to:
2008 – Arizona who went on to beat Carolina and Philadelphia on the way to a close Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh.
2010 – Green Bay who went on to beat Chicago and then Pittsburgh in the Super Bowl.
2011 – Giant who went on to beat Green Bay, San Francisco, and then New England in the Super Bowl.
The point? The Falcons havent just lost any old playoff games. They have lost each year to the hottest team in the NFC playoffs. Only a last minute TD pass for Pittsburgh over Arizona keeps all three losses from being to the eventual Super Bowl champs. No one else beat these teams either.
DawgNole
December 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
dan
December 17th, 2012
6:03 pm
Not all wins and losses are created equal.
Good teams win games. Even bad teams win games from time to time. But championship teams make statements. The Falcons made a statement vs. the defending Super Bowl Champions at a time of year when it is important to make one. This was a 1st round TKO over a team who almost a year earlier caved their face in. This was a Giants team who earlier in the season hammered the 49ers, Packers, and Saints. The same Giants team with multiple Pro Bowlers and a defensive front seven from Heaven. And the Falcons dominated them in every single aspect yesterday.
That noise you hear? That’s the glass ceiling cracking.That 12-2 record? It’s no fluke folks. This is an organization that from top to bottom is built to win; for the long haul. Try this one on for size and see if it fits: The Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl XVII Champions. Hey, why the heck not?
_____________________
Good post. Sure hope you’re right.
“The Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl XVII Champions.” Does have kind of a nice ring to it, now that you mention it.
whiskey breath
December 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
I can understand Jeff why you wouldn’t like the word haters, you’re a homer.
Homers don’t like people bad mouthing their teams.
Roddy did have it right, the only thing that counts is the post season.
The rest are exhibition games.
ZinoDawg
December 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
@Whiskeybreath – really dude?
Jeff should be a homer, he writes for the Atlanta paper.
Michael M.
December 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
Screw all the media……………..where was they during the Season? Cutting the Falcons down of course or looking over them and now, after demolishing the former Super Bowl Champs, they want some kool-aid and a ride on the Bird Band Wagon. I say ” Get Lost and Good Riddens “, the Falcons don’t need ya and neither do the Home Fans for that matter.
I have to admit that the game yesterday was one of those old fashion butt whippings from yesteryear the way the defense and the offense put them away. You think the media knew ahead of time the Giants was going to get their keesters handed to them and that is why it wasn’t on television nationally? I had to listen by way of radio so I know I missed seeing a good one but oh well, the end result is gratifying itself.
I can just picture in my mind Eli on the sidelines pouting and Daddy Tom standing nearby looking on the football field as the Atlanta Falcons destroyed his club!
SCFalcon
December 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Anybody seen Choke or the aint’s fans lately?
Michael M.
December 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
thats funny^^^^^^^^^ ………………………..probably all hiding under the same little rock they crawled out of before the season ever got underway. I would like to ask em one question, ” Can they hear the Falcons now? “
rhinoGT
December 17th, 2012
11:38 pm
i dont know what youre watching/reading jeff. just read an article on espn why the falcons still arent legit.
NO RESPECT
extremus
December 18th, 2012
12:12 am
Great win, but vindication in the NFL lasts only as long as the current win streak. The Falcons were fired up and still stinging from getting caught flat-footed in Carolina, so one could say that the end result (except the 34-0 final score) wasn’t that much of a surprise. But what I’m looking for right now is whether they can bring that same intensity and dominance into Ford Field against the Lions…and then in the season finale against the Buccaneers…and then throughout the playoffs. If they come out flat again and either lose or have to eke out a nail-biting win, it will call the result and ultimate meaning of the Giants game into serious question.
Consider that every unit, from Matt Ryan to the O-Line to the D-Line and Cornerbacks, played above the level we’ve seen from them thus far. Do you take that newfound level of performance as the new standard for this team (one that the Patriots, Packers, and other elite teams have had for some time), or will it prove to be an aberration that only lasted as long as these guys were “angry”? Put it this way; do you expect those kinds of numbers from Michael Turner every single game anymore? Now apply that same question everywhere on the team. We’ve seen these Falcons rise to the occasion against the “big teams” time and again and then struggle to put away doormat teams the following week. Show me more.
I am NOT hating here; I’ve been a fan of the Falcons since the early 1980s, so believe me, I’ve stuck it out through some lean times. And I’m hoping, like many Falcons fans, that this will be the year Atlanta brings home the Lombardi Trophy. Yesterday’s game was a statement, yes, but now it’s over. The closing weeks of the 2012 season and the playoffs will tell us whether this group has truly turned the corner and has “risen up” to be counted among the elite teams in the NFL.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2012
12:57 am
I’m not convinced! So you beat a team that was affected by a major tragedy who really didn’t have football on their minds. It was a freakin meaningless regular season game. When is the parade?
This is the same mediocre team relying on the opposing qb to give them short fields due to turnovers.
You FOOLS get your hopes up for these regular season games, then when the playoffs start and the competition gets tougher, CHOKE gets headlight meets deer syndrone.
Look at what Seattle is doing, back to back 50 point blowouts
to go along with the number 1 defense. More than likely will face
the Falcants, uh oh 1 and done again.
Now you have Aaron Rodgers on a mission and their defense is now
getting players back healthy.
The 49ers are looking as potent as ever and to go along with the
number 2 defense.
So you LOSERS can praise a single playoff game vs a team suffering
from a tragedy, can just get you hopes up and get embarrassed again
in the 1st round.
So enjoy your loser, losers…ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2012
1:01 am
So what was more impressive?
Beating a tragedy ridden team or losing to a 2-9 team?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2012
1:08 am
2 QUESTIONS:
Question 1: Why was it okay for Roddy to say that when they got whipped by the Saints that the Falcants beat themselves, but with the win Sunday versus the Giants, the Giants didn’t beat themselves?
Question 2: Which is the real Falcants? The one that got whipped by a 2-9 Carolina or the one that won yesterday?
You can’t have it both ways. So you claim the good but dismiss the bad. If you can get embarrassed by Carolina you bet you will get embarrassed comes the 1st round.
So enjoy your loser, losers
Not impressed!
Eastpoint
December 18th, 2012
1:22 am
Haters on the falcons..I wasn’t impressed with falcons victory over the Giants and I don’t like neither team, but I will say this…this game is nothing to get excited about and it isn’t a sign that the falcons will win in the playoffs..There’s no consistency with the falcons..this is a true jeckle and hyde football team, play great one week and then stink it up the next week..ok falcon fans, which falcon team will show up in the playoffs? Good win for falcons, but it’s still a regular season game…I will wait til playoffs to see if the falcons are for real..playoffs is win or go home and these playoffs teams play twice as hard then regular season..this is another level and we shall see if these birds have it in them.
Stinger2
December 18th, 2012
3:33 am
“Choke”: @12:57 You are the loser. The whole country, not just the NY Giants team was and still is affected by the tradgedy in CT. So your statement is very pitiful to say the least.
Also, it was far from a meaningless game for both teams. The Falcons were playing for a bye and home field advantage. The Giants were playing for a win to get to the playoffs.
Jack ®
December 18th, 2012
5:47 am
I don’t remember ever missing a Falcon’s game since they began. The defeat of the Giants on Sunday was the best I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Thomas Brown
December 18th, 2012
5:49 am
Falcons, like The Georgia Bulldogs, will’ve been OUT-RUSHED for this season. It cost UGA dearly in this our best chance 2012, and it will COST the Falcons – both with our PASS-HAPPY OFFENSES. It puts pressure on your defense when you make NO EFFORT to try to run the football. It puts the defense right back on the field, worn-out. It allows the opponent to key on the fact that you run a PASS-HAPPY OFFENSE. It allows for a key sack against you. You do not impose your will on other teams. The best football teams, in college, and in the NFL, do NOT get OUT-RUSHED for the season, as both the Falcons and The University of Ground Attack (UGA) will’ve done this entire season.
Anyone studying either the Falcons or The Georgia Bulldogs, would clearly know that BOTH will’ve been OUT-RUSHED for this entire season.
You know we have that problem. You can kid yourself it’s not important, or be lazy and not look it up as I’ve done; but even then, you know we’re in trouble being OUT-RUSHED for the entire season as both Georgia and Atlanta are doing.
That strategy is a failed strategy, as much as I love Mike Smith and Arthur Blank. They really must go get them a running back, and some beef on both lines.
Call-in shows yesterday had all the callers calling in saying that we will beat the top NFL football teams in back-to-back games coming up. None addressed what we only whisper quietly amongst ourselves, while opposing top teams look at us, and go – uh huh.
We can come in here and brag about the Falcons, and yesterday’s win was a great win – the 1st shut-out of the New York Giants since The New York Giants lost to the Carolina Panthers 23 to nothing in the Wild Card game at home January 8, 2006. The largest shut-out of a defending Super Bowl Champion in NFL history.
Isn’t it true however, that the New York Giants have sucked all season long, and that they never were going to be any good this season, other than playing in a sorry division where no one else is any better, really ?
You can count the number of football teams in the NFL or college who have tried to do what both the Falcons and The Georgia Bulldogs are doing this season, being OUT-RUSHED for the entire season as BOTH will’ve done this season, and not find the top teams in this situation.
You can look up the number of top teams in the NFL who are OUT-RUSHED for the season this entire season, or look up the number of teams who will’ve made the AP Poll Top 25 in college football, and you will NOT find the top teams are OUT-RUSHED for the entire season as both The Georgia Bulldogs have done and the Falcons.
Buddy Landel
December 18th, 2012
5:57 am
If that were the Saints up 34-0 on NYG, inside the 5 with :30 left, Drew Brees would be throwing to pad his stats.
blackandwhitestripes
December 18th, 2012
6:17 am
Think the term should be doubters instead of haters. They are already in the playoffs. Lets see if they can make it past the first round.
cloudodust
December 18th, 2012
6:53 am
Ditka said pregame, ‘If the Falcons were a girl, I wouldn’t take them to the prom.’ or something along that line. Doesn’t sound like he’s ready to buy in for the long haul but does seem to admit he was wrong at least for the Giants game. That’s pretty big for an ego like his.
Thomas Brown
December 18th, 2012
7:48 am
Yes, but Mike Ditka is insane, and always has been.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
8:34 am
I’m a lifelong fan and went out of my way to criticize the lack of dimension the Falcons have following the loss at Carolina, namely the O & D lines. What these guys lacked in size or skill on Sunday they made up for with heart and dogged determination. That can carry you a long way and it is how TEAM is defined, when the weakest links hold up on the chain. Everything finally came together in one game and I think it just highlighted more than the record – the strength of the Domefield Advantage. Are they sure they want a new stadium, where it will not be as loud or intimidating? :-p!! They have to nail down homefield and if they can take care of biz this Sat at Ford Field, they can give Samuel, Roddy, Moore, Rodgers, and everyone else a 3 week healing period going into the playoffs. Go Falcons!!!
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
December 18th, 2012
8:38 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 18th, 2012
12:57 am
I’m not convinced! So you beat a team that was affected by a major tragedy who really didn’t have football on their minds.
______________________________________________________________
You are such an idiot. You don’t remember when the Falcons had to play the Saints on a Monday night after Katrina?
Thomas Brown
December 18th, 2012
8:38 am
They still wouldn’t have a running game, nor be able to stop a running game.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
December 18th, 2012
8:40 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 18th, 2012
12:57 am
It was a freakin meaningless regular season game.
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
December 18th, 2012
1:01 am
So what was more impressive?
Beating a tragedy ridden team or losing to a 2-9 team?
___________________________________________________________
So the Giants win was a “meaningless” regular season game, but the Panthers loss was meaningful? You are such an idiot.
BillA
December 18th, 2012
8:41 am
I’ve been a NY Giant fan for over 30 years and although I don’t like to admit it, the Falcons played a great game and did what they had to do to get a win. With that being said, I don’t put much emphasis on regular season wins but you do need them to get to the playoffs. The Falcons and their fans should not be happy with anything less than a SB victory…you have to set the expectation regardless and never lower it. I go into every year expecting my Giants to win the SB…nothing less and you will see us again!
Morris Devereaux
December 18th, 2012
8:43 am
I find it extremely curious that so many people feel that the game against the NY Giants was “making a statement”. If that’s the case, what was the statement the week earlier when they folded up against Carolina? Or the week before that when they barely squeaked by Tampa after some incredible good luck? What exactly were they saying then? Statements are great, but I’m still wondering what the Falcons are trying to say.
PreyDawg
December 18th, 2012
8:50 am
@Jeff A big issue with this Falcon’s fan is the ridiculously low amount of coverage in general of the Falcons. I heard Ditka say that on Mike and Mike yesterday (while I was taking my dog to the vet. He had to be put to sleep and I am far from over it). But in the hour or so that I listened, that was the ONLY mention of the Falcons and it was brief. Ditto Monday night Countdown last night. It is amazing how ESPN in particular can do entire episodes and not even utter the word “Falcons”.
BillA
December 18th, 2012
8:51 am
@ Thomas Brown…I disagree, the Giants have not sucked all year. They may not have the proper focus and hunger but then again that tends to happen when you have 2 SB victories over the last 5 yrs. Hopefully you will get to experience some of that in the coming months.
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 18th, 2012
8:54 am
Either of our last two games could tricky. We’ve got to stay focused until it’s over and we finally bring the Lombardi trophy home. After that they can all go on a long needed vacation to a place or places of their choice and lay back and enjoy their new Superbowl rings and make plans to win another one in 2014. GO FALCONS — GITTER DONE !
Esquire
December 18th, 2012
8:58 am
SCFalcon
December 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Anybody seen Choke or the aint’s fans lately?
**********************************************
Well, one of them ain’t on here as SceneThisB4 anymore. Now he comes on as me because somebody hijacked his handle on the NOLA blogs and is spewing all kinds of nastiness in the Bayou. Paybacks’s a bitch ain’t it. I’m not sure where hiramsaint has run off to, maybe changed his handle enteriely but he is laying very very low.
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!!!
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 18th, 2012
8:59 am
The Falcons are not TRYING to say anything. By shutting out the Superbowl Champions 34 — 0 they SAID we can and will beat everybody that comes our way because WE ARE THE BEST and we will prove it this year.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:03 am
My strong guess is that it will be the Seahawks coming into the dome for 1st playoff game. Tough matchup, but then they are all tough if you get a bye week. I think it finishes out:
1) Falcons
2) Pack
3) 49ers
4) Skins
5) ‘Hawks
6) Bears or G-Men (probably G-Men, as I think they have a good shot at rebounding after embarrassment and take down reeling Ravens team and go on to beat Eagles, No way does Dallas win out and Bears could easily drop 1 of 2 games they should win, Vikings=no way)
1st Round: Niners will destroy Bears or G-Men
‘Hawks @ Skins…tough call, but I go with ‘Skins
2nd round: Falcons deliver on their 1st playoff win vs. ‘Hawks, close game.
Niners take out Pack at Lambeau just like they did against Pats
3rd round: Niners unfortunately are too much for Falcons (hate to say this with SF winning World Series)
Superbowl: Niners beat Texans or Pats in Superdome.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:06 am
Derrhhh ,, I meant to say that I go with ‘Hawks beating Skins.
Big Lou
December 18th, 2012
9:14 am
Hey Jeff… Espn disagrees:
Here you go:
After a season full of nail-biters, the Atlanta Falcons finally got a blowout win Sunday, stomping the New York Giants 34-0. They outgained the Giants in total offense (394 to 256), first downs (22 to 10) and also forced more turnovers (three to zero). It was the first time this year the Falcons have thoroughly outplayed a quality opponent. It was not, however, a “statement” win. It was just one game in a long season, and a clear outlier at that, not a new standard of excellence.
Atlanta was outside the top 10 last week in Football Outsiders’ rankings, and one game out of 14 won’t change that too much. Even if you’re not a believer in Football Outsiders’ methods, recent history is full of so-called “statement” games that didn’t say much about either team when all was said and done.
The Falcons stand at 12-2 after Sunday’s win, but Football Outsiders’ system estimates that they “should” have won only about eight of those games, with four extra victories coming through luck in the form of soft scheduling, random turnovers or other factors. That’s rarefied air when it comes to overachievement. Since 1991, 11 other teams have finished with winning records and at least three more actual wins than estimated wins. A quick look back at those overachievers paints an ominous picture for this year’s Falcons:
Overachieving teams, 1991-2011
Year Team Actual Wins Estimated Wins Difference Fate Playoff wins 1992 IND 9 5.5 3.5 Missed Playoffs 0 1993 DET 10 7.0 3.0 Lost wild-card game 0 1996 MIN 9 5.7 3.3 Lost wild-card game 0 1998 ARI 9 5.8 3.2 Lost divisional round 1 1999 IND 13 9.5 3.5 Lost divisional round 0 2001 CHI 13 9.6 3.4 Lost divisional round 0 2002 GB 12 9.0 3.0 Lost wild-card game 0 2003 CAR 11 7.7 3.3 Lost Super Bowl 3 2003 STL 12 8.2 3.8 Lost divisional round 0 2004 ATL 11 7.7 3.3 Lost conference championship 1 2006 SEA 9 5.4 3.6 Lost divisional round 1
As the table shows, only two of these 11 teams reached the conference title game and only two others won even one playoff game. The other seven either missed the playoffs outright or went one-and-done, including some teams whose first game came at home after a first-round bye. The most recent team to suffer that fate: the 2003 St. Louis Rams, who went 12-4 but lost their first playoff game at home to Carolina. That Carolina team, it’s worth noting, also overachieved, and was far and away the most successful of the bunch once the playoffs started.
Why are the Falcons so low in FO’s rankings? Though they’ve lost only two games, they’ve been in severe danger of losing many others. Seven of their wins have come by eight points or fewer, and many of those have come over bottom-dwellers such as Oakland, Philadelphia and Arizona. They should be scolded, not celebrated, for a three-point comeback win at home over the lowly Raiders, a team that has lost to the Dolphins, Broncos, Ravens, Saints and Bengals by at least 20 points apiece.
Atlanta has been particularly weak in the running game, on both sides of the ball. The Falcons have averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on their own rushes (29th in the league), but given up 4.9 yards per carry on opponents’ runs (30th).
Some people reading this (many of them, no doubt, residing in the 404 area code) will insist that the Falcons have the best record in the NFC, and that means they’re the best team in the NFC, fancy computer numbers be damned. Even those readers, though, should take caution and not get overly excited by one game. Recent history is littered with teams that made “statements” by beating playoff-bound teams in December, then fell flat on their face in the playoffs:
• In 2008, the Steelers were the victims of a “statement” win, losing 31-14 to Tennessee in Week 16. The Titans finished 13-3 but lost their first playoff game to Baltimore. The Steelers finished 12-4 and won the Super Bowl.
• The 2010 Patriots won 14 games, including victories over playoff-bound Jets and Bears teams in back-to-back weeks by a combined score of 81-10. They then lost their first playoff game, at home, to the Jets.
• Last year, a pair of NFC teams made “statement” December wins before going up in smoke. The Saints crushed Atlanta 45-16 on their way to a 13-3 mark, and the 49ers manhandled Pittsburgh and also went 13-3. The Saints beat the Lions in the postseason, but were promptly beaten by the 49ers, who in turn were beaten by the Giants.
Games like that make Atlanta’s win Sunday seem much less relevant. It was the best game the Falcons have played this year, but that, by definition, makes it the fluke, not the standard. It was an important win for the Falcons because it brought them one step closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. But it would be a mistake to think they’re significantly better now than they were one week ago.
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 18th, 2012
9:18 am
The Falcons would have a GREAT running game if they would learn how to use their running backs, Instead of starting Turner, they should start Snelling and Quizz and let them wear the defense down some, then bring Turner in fresh and turn him loose. Turner still has it. He is a downhill grinder that has a big role in our Offense, but with all the premium backs we’ve got there’s no need to over work him.
DawgFanStuckInAL
December 18th, 2012
9:19 am
Kudos to Terry Bradshaw! He was the only one on Fox’s NFL pre-game show that was brave eough to pick the Falcons.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:19 am
I think if Dirk Koetter and Mike Smith have realized anything it is that you don’t take your foot off of the accelerator and that mixing in no-huddle would be smart come playoffs. This conservative 2nd and 3rd quarter nonsense has to stop. There were games this year where I swear Mularkey used a double for Jax (b/c who would notice right?) and had snuck into the booth and bonked Koetter over the head late in the 1st quarter. Mularkey leaves at end of 3rd quarter, catches a jet back to the Jax game and makes it in just enough time to greet the press.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:24 am
Bradshaw only picked the Falcons b/c everyone else picked Giants. He changed his pick last second (which was the Giants). In other words they all picked the Giants to win, but one of them needed to go with Falcons to not look as biased when you are talking about an 11-2 team.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 18th, 2012
9:31 am
Carolina was a great statement game!
John
December 18th, 2012
9:37 am
Det got blown out by Az and the falcons are just a 4 point fav over det. You know if gb was playing them, the line would be pack by 8
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:37 am
@Big Lou, as much as I agree with not paying attention to the spikes versus the overall curve, the Falcons are a better team than those poor games they played. They were not a team that should have been in such coin-flip games where they luckily came out on the winning side. To me that says more about the conservative approach on offense that reared it’s head in all of those games, where they were playing to the level of their opponent and playing not to lose. In addition, I think it also comes down to Matt Ryan’s level of play,, where he has been inconsistent. So, if they go pedal to the metal on Offense,, I think Ryan thrives in that approach and they become a different team. Having said all of that, I don’t on a whole, disagree with what Football Outsiders has to say. It will all come down to the postseason to prove anything.
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 18th, 2012
9:41 am
Choke — I agree. I actually think Carolina is evolving into a great team and a force to be reconed with in the future. They’ve got a QB that can rush for 100 yds. on almost any team, and he’s getting better and better at tossing the ball. The Panthers are here to stay and we all might as well get used to it.
Terry Bradshaw
December 18th, 2012
9:41 am
Jeff, you’re my ‘ole buddy, but when you start quoting Spiro Agnew on this here blog, you are dating yourself. Dating — meaning how gold dang old you are — on this here blog. But, hey, I’m old too. I’m thinking I might have a few more hairs on the lower part of my head than you do on the top of yours and I can sing like a bird! Heard “Louisiana Nights”. Man, I nailed that one.
Bling's the Thing
December 18th, 2012
9:47 am
It scares me to think about Wilson and Kaepernick running all over the field vs. Falcons the way Rodgers did in the playoffs 2 years ago. QB’s run way more in playoffs on 3rd down and that could cause huge problems, but since the Seahawks don’t have a passing game, that is less of a threat. Kaepernick and Rodgers ,,whole different story.
PMC
December 18th, 2012
9:57 am
Having concerns doesn’t mean you don’t still believe they can win. My problem with the national media is the outright dismissal of a very good team. The ONLY, repeat ONLY column space they have been given is when they have lost the two games this season.
It’s bordering on disrespect from the most respected of national journalists. Again, I’m not asking anyone to throw bouquets, just comment on what you are seeing, not what you saw last year or 10 years ago. This is an extremely good football team all around that when it gets good line play is dominating and they are being totally and completely ignored.
PMC
December 18th, 2012
9:59 am
If you think this is the same team as last year, you are mistaken. This team can beat you in a lot of ways. It just hinges on what happens especially on the offensive line.
PMC
December 18th, 2012
10:07 am
It’s not the be all end all to beat the New York Giants, but the way the offensive and defensive lines played in that game… was the most impressive of all, when they play like that they can beat anybody.
Dimitroff has hit homeruns in the secondary. He’s found skill position talent all over, he crushed it with 56 (who won’t get the media credit he needs to get there but could be all pro this year) He resigned Biermann despite him coming off a lackluster year. He admitted mistakes early and cut that led anchor Edwards.
When this offensive line plays like that, they beat ANYONE in the league. Say that they wont. Say they can’t.
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 18th, 2012
10:07 am
Nolan is the difference as far as I’m concerned. He’s got the defense clicking right now. The Giants are capable of rolling up a BIG score and you see what they got. A big weakness that we have is a running QB. They sting us everytime.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
December 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Hey CHOKE, your golden boy Vick and his sorry Eagles lost to Carolina, too! Does he get a free pass for that?
Oh, wait — he didn’t even play! I almost forgot — his career is DONE!
HA HA