Seattle tough but Falcons have some advantages (updated)
Are the Falcons ready for Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks? (AP photo)
(Updated: 8:50 p.m. with opening odds.)
The Falcons last won a playoff game eight years ago (47-17 over St. Louis, Jan. 15, 2005). The have lost four straight since.
For that trend to change, they are going to have to beat a Seattle team that possesses: 1) a mobile quarterback (Russell Wilson); 2) a physical defense that held Washington to only 203 yards in offense (69 after the first two possessions); and 3) a powerful running game.
So you expected easy?
But after three playoff losses in the last four years, there are several positives for the Falcons going into their match-up against Seattle, which advanced after beating the Redskins 24-14 Sunday.
UPDATE: The Falcons have opened as only a two-point favorite over the Seahawks at LVH Superbook. Since home teams generally get three points, the line effectively means Seattle is considered one point “better” than Atlanta.
• 1.) Beat-up factor: The Seahawks are a tough team, as evidenced by them going 7-1 in the second half of the season after being only 4-4 at the turn, and then winning a road playoff game. But the question is: What do they have left in the tank after winning an emotional and physical game over the Redskins? The win in Washington did not come easy.
• 2.) Home field factor: The Falcons will be at home, where they’ve generally dominated: 7-1 this season and 33-7 in five regular seasons. (Then again, there was that lopsided playoff loss to Green Bay in 2010.) Seattle will be making its second East Coast trip in as many weeks from the upper left corner of the U.S. There’s a potential fatigue factor there.
• 3.) Mobile quarterback factor: The Falcons didn’t face Wilson this season. But they have played and beaten three noted mobile quarterbacks this year: Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton and Michael Vick (as well as Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Phillip Rivers, Eli Manning and Matthew Stafford). So as impressive a season as Wilson has had, he doesn’t present a challenge the Falcons haven’t seen.
• 4.) Julio and Roddy factor: As effective as Seattle’s defense was against the Redskins, it’s worth noting Washington moved the ball effectively early, before Griffin became too beat up to run and function in the pocket. The Falcons’ primary receiving trio of Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez still gives them an advantage that any defense is going to have difficulty dealing with.
• 5) Running game factor: This is Falcons’ biggest concern. Seattle can pound it with Marshawn Lynch (who rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown Sunday). Wilson gives the running game another dimension.If the Seahawks can run, they can control the clock and keep Matt Ryan and the offense on the sideline. The Falcons’ defense struggled against the run much of this season. They improved down the stretch, but then allowed 142 yards to Tampa Bay’s Doug Martin in the season finale. (We can debate how pumped the Falcons were for that meaningless game.) The Falcons’ own running game, meanwhile, has been ineffective for most of the season. They’ll need to get something from Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers on the ground.
The Seahawks are good. But they look less daunting than the New York Giants or Green Bay Packers did the last two years.
By Jeff Schultz
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407 comments Add your comment
dj
January 7th, 2013
2:10 am
Falcons will have a tough game with the Seahawks and the dreaded “Atlanta Curse”
JSS
January 7th, 2013
2:12 am
Ha ha, Thomas Brown, there is nothing quite like you when you try to decry places and people… I don’t care about most of you… There are even some AJC bloggers who I “tip my hat” too! Unfortunately, they are few and far in-between these days… Son, if think people in the entire state of California don’t care about football, well you’re further off that rocker than suspected…
Don’t feel bad, it is big enough to hold your ego within the borders… It can even hold fruits like Ronald Wilson Reagan and nuts like Dan Issa!!! Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! Isn’t for the stalkers of 18-22 to be getting all “geeked up?” 32 years and counting!!!
Thomas Brown
January 7th, 2013
2:37 am
Seattle will run the ball, yes. But, will you pass the ball ? Falcons will not run the ball, no. Can Seattle do anything to stop the Wide Receivers and Tight End – no. This game has all the ear-markings of a shoot-out, despite Seattle’s defense. Against Washington’s non-existent pass defense, Russell Wilson did not do to Washington what Matt Ryan will to Seattle. You’ve got a problem matching-up Russell Wilson with what Matt Ryan does, which is pass the football to 3 big-time targets. Expect Atlanta to line-up and throw the football. If the game boils down to Matt Ryan passing vs Russell Wilson, Wilson expects to win because he runs the ball ? Better not fall behind, if that’s your strategy. We expect to get the lead early, putting Seattle behind. Your success is on your defense, not Russell Wilson as an NFL QB. At 5′ 11″ a QB from NC State who transferred to Wisconsin where he was not 1st Team or even 2nd Team All-America, I hardly think Seattle fans have ventured 2,700 miles I-90 to I-29 to I-24 to I-75 to tell us that Russell Wilson is an NFL Quarterback and Matt Ryan isn’t.
You don’t match-up at QB in a huge fashion. Is Russell Wilson, a baseball player with a small NFL contract who quit his college NC State to play on a better team his senior season at Wisconsin, with 500 yards rushing 2012, Jim Zorn, Dave Krieg, or Matt Hasselbeck ?
Matt Ryan will have over 200 more yards in the air than Russell Wilson’s running and throwing total. How you going to overcome that ? By out-rushing us by 50 yards ? I have never been much impressed by the knowledge of anyone out there on the topic of football.
2,700 miles.
If you had multiple drivers, switching-off, you’d spend 3 days getting here.
Oh, you’re not planning to come to the game at the Georgia Dome since the flight is too long and costs too much ? Well, you don’t go to the games in Seattle either, so why act like you’re some big fan of the team in here telling us how
RUSSELL WILSON matches-up favorably with Matt Ryan ?
I don’t think so, and never will be. Washington has no pass defense, none. Atlanta ball-hawks in the secondary.
Thomas Brown
January 7th, 2013
2:45 am
No, JSS is not a fan of any team. You’ve got that wrong.
Falcon 228
January 7th, 2013
2:48 am
It’s our year. Falcons 34 Seahawks 10. Can’t win if they can’t score.
DARYLE
January 7th, 2013
3:40 am
Be scared yall….only good thing you have going for you is that Seattles Clemmons is hurt on that D line. Seattle is going to beat you…they are not not not the same team that barely beat Green Bay and Pat’s….they switched it all up…RIP ATL
Stinger2
January 7th, 2013
3:56 am
Jeff: JSS posts are just plain nasty. Why do you let this trash continue to be posted on your blogs?
seahawks
January 7th, 2013
3:57 am
This will be a very good football game. The Falcons do have some advantages especially the rest factor. I disagree about the receivers being the advantage. The Seahawks secondary is the best in the league. Browner was a pro bowler last year and wouldve been this year if he didnt do a knucklehead thing. Sherman will be all pro. The Redskins threw at him twice and he almost/should’ve picked one. Earl Thomas is an all pro safety and has amazing range. Kam Chancellor has some weaknesses but will lay the wood and defends the run well. Seattle is the best running team right now in football. It will be close. The biggest loss for the Hawks was by 7 and if they had the trainging wheels off the offense like they did the 2nd half of the season this game wouldnt even happen till the NFC Championship. This will be a damn good football game.
seahawks
January 7th, 2013
4:00 am
Pretty comical to think that the Falcons will light up the Hawks. Nobody has scored over 20 points in a long time against the Hawks. The only teams that beat the Hawks this year did so because they ran the football except Detroit and they won not because of Calvin. Roddy and Julio vs. Sherman and Browner will be epic they havent faced a secondary like this ever because there hasnt been a secondary this good since the 49ers of the 90’s with Merton Hanks, Deion, etc.
Draggin' Fly
January 7th, 2013
4:40 am
I was in Seattle for a week back in November. There was literally a crazy guy on every street corner. The fastest guy I saw wearing Seahawks gear had tourettes and was running up Pine Street cussing.
There Was a guy at Pike Street Market who could do a mean shovel pass with a dead fish, however.
There was a Starbucks on every block. Suggest the Hawks load up on caffeine before that long flight from SeaTac. Five losses on the road? Scary..
mr oxmyx
January 7th, 2013
4:48 am
go ahead falcon fans. just keep looking past the seahawks. keep on planning for your matchup with either the 49′rs or green bay. ha. seattle has beaten them both this year.
ronhen24
January 7th, 2013
5:36 am
Russell Wilson is still a ROOKIE, poised or not. If Mike Nolan can dial up something for Peyton and Eli Manning, Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, I am quite sure he has something in the arsenal for Wilson. Be patient and watch the FALCONS go to work.
d
January 7th, 2013
5:40 am
Has anyone “WATCHED” the Falcons play this year??? Especially the last game???? Falcons are unlucky, always seemed to be playing the hottest team in the playoffs and no difference this year.
Hate to say this but the Falcons playoff streak continues this year and they lose to Seattle. Their defense is still one of the worst in the NFL, maybe next year when Coach Nolan has one more year to improve it…..
D
Eric C.
January 7th, 2013
5:45 am
The Beast cometh @ 1202 am
And what upper echelon QB did the seahawks face in those 6 games???
Clobbering SF was impressive…but don’t forget SF was coming off a MNF road win at New England.
I think Seattle is a very good team, but they are not GB from 2010.
drew
January 7th, 2013
5:52 am
I hope all of the confident Falcons’ fans posting here are right. And I hope we’re not who I think we are. We’ll find out Sunday.
Buddy Landel
January 7th, 2013
6:36 am
The Beast cometh
January 7th, 2013
12:02 am
Seahawks 23 Chicago 17
Cardinals 0 Seattle 58
Seahawks 50 Bills 17
49ers 13 Seattle 42
Rams 13 Seattle 20
Seattle 24 DC 14
You’re next, Atlanta
Seattle 42 Atlanta 10
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You failed to mention Seattle’s score against the mighty Miami Dolphins. Why is that?
CF-Faclons Fan
January 7th, 2013
6:48 am
The Falcons lost the past three playoff games (two on the road) to Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Curt Warner. Yes Wilson is impressive, but he made several mistakes yesteday and was fortunate that they actually won the game – It could have gone 21-3 Skins, late 2nd QTR very easlily after his fumble. The Falcons make very few mistakes, and have some experience now. I was not that impressed with the Seahawks, in fact I feel better now than I did before the game yesterday. Running up the scores in the regular season does not translate to championships – just ask Pete Carrol when he was at USC. Go Falcons.
JSS
January 7th, 2013
6:51 am
Stinger2
January 7th, 2013
3:56 am
“Jeff: JSS posts are just plain nasty. Why do you let this trash continue to be posted on your blogs?”
The same reason he allows you to stalk “Sonny Clusters” for the last season. More than half of the posts on here are by a (FAKE) JSS. Moreover, “nasty” is laughable. You folks launch homophobic, socially deviant tirades, and just plain palabra responses but are always trying to push buttons. And like with your constant defense of the things that were obviously going to keep the Braves from being relevant in the last post-season, it is the same here… You are one figurative slum lord bloggers, you’d throw a cheap carpet or fresh coat of paint on house but never replace aging or defective foundation or subfloor. Then you try passing it off on some poor person for excessive rent…
Enjoy the game on Sunday, it was nice this weekend to sit back and watch 4 games. 4 games with actual defense played. Actual running games were displayed. And the teams that were exposed better spend their off-seasons fixing their problems…
CF-Faclons Fan
January 7th, 2013
6:53 am
And another thing or two – the Faclons defense is much better than it was in 2010. It is better coached, and is more opportunistic. They keep teams from scoring, and take the ball away. Very much like the defenses that NO, GB and NY had when they won their Superbowls. The Falcons MUST have a player step up and become a major force for us for these next three games, William Moore or Spoon, or even one of the big guys in the middle. Go Birds.
Getaway
January 7th, 2013
6:58 am
seahawks-better-then-ur-team-lol – “you falcon fans know your scared keep runnin your mouth cause thats what scared ppl do when they know they are gonna get there there heads knocked off …”
So that’s why you’re here runnin your mouth..
The Real Falcon
January 7th, 2013
6:58 am
Talk is cheap! Seattle will fail!
Buckeye
January 7th, 2013
7:02 am
dogs,
Sorry about the Lady Gym dogs going down (oops) with Oklahoma.
RiseUp
January 7th, 2013
7:07 am
falcons win this game easy—take it to the bank. The ATL D will dominate! ATL 30 seattle 10! Rise up!
Tundra Dude
January 7th, 2013
7:11 am
Imo, there’s nothing like a playoff game, on the road, in a noisy dome, to cool a hot team down.
I’d guess Seattle will score about 17 points, 20 max.
Buddy Landel
January 7th, 2013
7:13 am
Getaway- I gave up trying to read his/her posts long ago. There is literally NO punctuation. Is anyone else tired of the media harping on Russell Wilson’s “block” on Lynch’s run yesterday? He barely touched the defender’s back.
Another playoff loss
January 7th, 2013
7:14 am
Failcants will lose and lose big. All that talk about going to the Super Bowl is a joke. Even if by luck your sorry team beats the Seahawks, they will not get past Green Bay or the niners.
Buddy Landel
January 7th, 2013
7:15 am
How about Tony Dungy saying Joe Webb would play a great game and Minnesota would beat Green Bay. Not a surprising forecast by him, as he’s the same person that said Aaron Murray would be the #1 overall pick.
Buddy Landel
January 7th, 2013
7:16 am
another playoff loss- who did the Saints play this past weekend?
THWGT
January 7th, 2013
7:17 am
I’m just not sure we can win with our current Defense… I like Mike Nolan but he’s still handicapped by Smith’s WTF defensive scheme. We have no pass rush, can’t stick to gaps and stop the run, have the same issue with getting off the field on third downs.
Nativebird
January 7th, 2013
7:18 am
Got to stop the run, and keep Wilson in the pocket.
JSS
January 7th, 2013
7:18 am
Nothing like AJC blogs, small minds never follow the rules…
(FAKE) JSS
January 6th, 2013
11:33 pm
“Can someone tell me where I left my tampons at, I saw something red on my panties today. eh?”
(FAKE) JSS
January 6th, 2013
11:44 pm
“Love huge cum loads in my mouth especially if there’re warm. eh?”
(FAKE) JSS
January 6th, 2013
11:47 pm
“Wow, just found out my prostate is internally bleeding from the severe pounding I received from my gangbang boys. eh?”
and to Stinger 2…
The mentality that supports and cultivates “cesspool” blogging is always on display:
loose caboose
January 7th, 2013
12:23 am
“Let me tell you slick…JSS… you are a jackass when anyone calls you out and you say I have a part in It .. Jeff can ban me…fine …but YOU. Dude, you are indeed sick.You dish it out but of corse can’t take it.. Shame on you…Spew your hate eles where…WE are tired of your negative BS…BTW…the people who use your name…funny as hell !! Get over it little boy !”
Nothing like “blog-a-cide!”
Larry
January 7th, 2013
7:23 am
Really…the need to quote that which is in plain view for all to see?
Feeling more insecure, JSS?
Sad, man….really sad!
Jfreak13713
January 7th, 2013
7:23 am
This is the kind of team that can push a team liket Altanta around on offense and defense. I know the Falcons have the better offensive talent and they will probably win the game in the end but if you think the Seahawks are just going to be pushed around you haven’t watched them play much. I suspect the Falcons will win a close game 21-17.
However, they will face the Packers in the NFC Champ game! San Fran has rookie 2nd yr / rookie starter going aginst Mr. Discount Double Take! Pakcers roll San Fran 38 – 21.
Go Falcons!
Rick Patel
January 7th, 2013
7:28 am
Flaccid Falcons will falter & fail as soaring Seahawks surge toward Superbowl.
Answer This
January 7th, 2013
7:29 am
What will the excuse be this time when we win? 18 weeks and running u negative Nancys have shown up to bash and attack! When we win what will you say then? Go find your rock and crawl back under it! You know who you are!
Samuel
January 7th, 2013
7:29 am
There’s no easy way to get to the big dance and I’m not betting on Seattle’s jet lag. Here’s what I know, the Falcons have the talent on their team to get this done. Play like you played all year long. I think our running backs have enough in the tank to get the job down. I didn’t see a lot of check down plays from the Redskins, but Matt will be in charge of that huddle and get us out of bad plays; if need be. Rogers can be used out in open space, especially when their coming with the blitz. It will be Harry Douglas against Trufant and I believe harry can win some of those battles. Tony Gonzales will be the key player here. Once we get him rolling, I think it will open up one on one coverages for White and Julio Jones. The Falcons have thieves on their defense and sooner than later Ashante Samuels will be focused and get a pick. Go Dirty Birds.!!
vesaversa
January 7th, 2013
7:33 am
The Seahawks haven’t impressed me any The Falcons should beat them easily.
loose caboose
January 7th, 2013
7:37 am
JSS…Larry said it best, no one likes you…NO ONE…
Super High Flying Falcon's.
January 7th, 2013
7:46 am
Our BIRDS are better, than,their birds. GOO FALCON’S. RISE UP. ALL THE WAY, TO THE SUPERBOWL..THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE FALCON’S.
Iluvnutella
January 7th, 2013
7:49 am
Factor 5 is the most telling. Lynch runs wild, we lose……..
GTT
January 7th, 2013
7:56 am
Jason Snelling. Play the man, because he produces and doesn’t go down at first contact as Turner does.
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 7th, 2013
7:59 am
The question will still remain unanswered at 4:30p this Sunday: who starts in left field when the season opens?
Atlanta 12th man
January 7th, 2013
7:59 am
Legion of Boom is on the way. Travel fatigue is a dumb expectation. It’s 2013, I think they travel comfortably. 12th man is gonna ‘Rise Up’ in your face!
"Chef" Tim Dix
January 7th, 2013
8:00 am
Legion of Boom: Xcellent handle. Trademark it.
JSS
January 7th, 2013
8:05 am
Ha ha, “dishonesty,” you are such a liar! I gave my Falcons season before Vick was shown the door by the Feds! You’ve been telling that “lie” to yourself so long that you’ve burned it into own brain!!!
And again, you just have the mental runs, I gave you an out over two seasons ago… You couldn’t be smart enough to take it…
And when you got the chance to walk away, you still came back… Now go and look at “pathological” and pick up a mirror and see the true definition of the word…
Larry
January 7th, 2013
8:07 am
Jeff Schultz,
First, nice read.
Second, you recently banned this guy “choke” because, and I paraphrase, his only purpose on here was to belittle all things Falcon (particularly Matt Rayn) while never offering anything positive, constructive, worthwhile, meaningful or in any way contributing to your work or this blog in the best interest of the Falcons or the AJC you are paid (well, I’m sure) to represent.
So, please tell us, how is this “JSS” character (you know, the one who signs off “kiss my black a.ss”) is any different that “choke” and why haven’t you applied the same standard of participation.
I can promise you this, the respect meter will reach a new high for you if and when you have the courage to stand up for this city, team and blog patrons that suport and follow your work.
lars
January 7th, 2013
8:08 am
GO SEAHAWKS!!!
JSS
January 7th, 2013
8:12 am
I loved it when your lack of restraint manifests itself… What time was it when you went on that “infamous” rant on sodomy? Was it 11:43PM? No Larry, what is “your purpose?” Phony piety is not a virtue!
Larry
January 7th, 2013
8:13 am
JSS,
Should a poll be taken here of who in fact is a ,whom between us would receive the most votes?
Now, find the quote from me in 2006?
And there’s absolutely nothing abou you JSS that could make me walk away. In every physical, intellectual and financial attribute I am your superior…which, if I may add, means nothing as this describes just about every blogger on here.
No one likes you, JSS! No one!
GATarheel
January 7th, 2013
8:13 am
Do not undersestimate this team. Playing on the road does not phase this team. They won in Washington and Chicago. Their defense is ranked 4th overall. Wilson is a good QB, do not sleep on them. The Falcons have a tendency to that and lose. The corners are big and can handle Roddy and Julio. Seahawks are playing with a big chip on their shoulder.