The Falcons lose a close one but again find a quarterback
Tony Gonzalez rises above Michael Boley and sends it to overtime. (AP photo)
East Rutherford, N.J. — The Falcons lost a game but saved a season. If that sounds convoluted … well, try this: On the day the Falcons fell to 5-5, they nonetheless demonstrated why this will be that forever-sought second consecutive winning season.
Or this: The Falcons lost a game but found a quarterback.
The first half was wretched. It ended with the Falcons down 17-7 but was far more distressing than that. The defense was awful, which we’ve come to expect, and Matt Ryan was just as bad, which has become a recent phenomenon. But in the second half things changed: The defense was still bad, but the Iceman again, er, cameth.
Ryan in the first half: Six completions in 11 attempts with a long gain of 18 yards, two sacks, one fumble. Ryan in the second: Twenty completions in 35 attempts, two touchdowns, no turnovers, no sacks. The first half he looked like a rookie, and this is the guy who never looked like a rookie when he was one. The second half he looked like a pro.
Said Tony Gonzalez, who caught seven second-half passes including the overtime-inducing touchdown with 28 seconds left in regulation: “There’s definitely some confidence to be taken from this.” And then: “It’s just unfortunate we couldn’t have gotten the ball [to start OT]. ”
Well, yes. The Falcons lost the coin toss — for the second time Sunday, Ryan called “tails”; he was 0-for-2 on coin tosses — and never touched the ball again except when Michael Koenen’s toe met leather. The Giants moved expeditiously, as you figured they would. (New York gained 456 yards on the day, 384 on Eli Manning’s passes.) And that was that. Game effort in a big game but ultimately a loss.
But not totally a loss. At halftime it was possible to see the Falcons as a a team going way wrong. They’d lost three of four after starting 4-1, and now they were playing as if overmatched and overwhelmed. Even with a kind schedule the rest of the way, there was no guarantee this team playing this way would break .500, let alone slide into the playoffs.
The second half, however, made us rethink. This defense won’t ever be anything of substance, but this offense still has that potential. The Falcons won’t play a better defense than New York’s, and at some point Michael Turner will return.
Matt Ryan returned Sunday. He played scared in the first half. Nobody associated with the Falcons would admit as much, but there seemed no other explanation. Having thrown 10 interceptions over the past five games, he was unwilling to risk throwing anything chancy, anything deep. The result was an offense that dared little and still yielded a turnover when Ryan held it too long.
The second half was a transformation. Said Roddy White: “We knew we had to go out and score. And we were on the field so long the defense got tired.”
These were the Falcons’ second-half possession: Touchdown, field goal, touchdown, touchdown — all on drives of 63 yards or longer. Ryan was again letting it fly, stepping into the teeth of the mighty Giant rush. Said Gonzalez: “We were on a roll. We moved the ball up and down the field.”
If this season is to be saved, the offense must do the saving. On Sunday the offense surged from 14 points back to force a fifth quarter. And that offense playing that way can still hoist this team to 10-6 and a wild card.
Said Ryan: “As a quarterback, you have to continue to play the way you’re supposed to play.” His perseverance bore fruit Sunday. He fought through the first downturn of his NFL career and nearly conjured up an astonishing victory.
He’ll be fine now. His team — the offensive part, anyway — will be fine, too. “There are no moral victories,” Ryan said, but on this he was wrong.
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384 comments Add your comment
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
Also, people act like Houston and Grimes were the 1st line DB’s… I thought all of those DB’s on the DL were suppose to be the answer? Any suggestions?
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
From TMQ:
Stats of the Week No. 9:JaMarcus Russell, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has two touchdown passes, five lost fumbles and nine interceptions. Michael Vick, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has a total of 6 yards passing and a 39.6 passer rating. If every attempt by a quarterback falls to the ground incomplete, his rating is 39.6.
Atlanta Peach
November 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Haterd will also kill you. Do you know that ? The fact that we are all talking about a kids game. It’s just a game and to carry on like you do is sad ! It’s really sad. Life at this moment could hand you a devastating blow right now ! God can give us all something to really be worried about right now ! And you are no exception Choke. You think you are untouchable but God see’s and hear everything that you do. If you want to continue to make jokes and say hateful things, well I guess you don’t believe you reap what you sow.
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Mr. Bradley is a Ryan fan, but he’ll write an occasional article criticizing Ryan…..occasional
jka
November 22nd, 2009
8:30 pm
Feels better than last week, but…..it’s still a loss, and the deficiencies of this team (mostly on defense) have been exposed; it will be tough to beat any team with a competent passing game. TV guys are often way off the mark, but in this case Johnston & Siragusa were on right on; the defense not only looked physically overmatched, they also often appeared confused about what defense they were playing….and yeah, it would help if somebody coached these guys on how to TURN AND LOCATE the ball. I understand we can’t make these guys faster and taller, and many of the problems relate to the non-existent pass rush; but I’m starting to feel that perhaps the missing vets from last year were what were holding the D together, and perhaps BVG is overmatched…..I’d just like to see some progress.
Finally – is Owens so bad be still can’t get on the field despite the poor play of the regular CB’s ? If so, looks like TD’s second draft is as bad as his first was good.
Go Birds !
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:30 pm
Dear VICK SUPPORTER — From TMQ:
Stats of the Week No. 9:JaMarcus Russell, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has two touchdown passes, five lost fumbles and nine interceptions. Michael Vick, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has a total of 6 yards passing and a 39.6 passer rating. If every attempt by a quarterback falls to the ground incomplete, his rating is 39.6.
Capt. Obvious
November 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
For the love of Pete, Peach. I’m sure we’re all G-d fearing folk. But this is a FOOTBALL blog. Maybe we should worry about the “plank in our own eye”. Ya know? G-d bless.
TechBuzz
November 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
Quick Reality Check……4-1 to start, 1-4 since. 5-5 NOW. Only two (2) loses to give before back to back winning seasons is a distant memory.
Now, let me clarify..Ryan didn’t lose the game, Elam didn’t lose the game ( I have more faith in him correcting his mistakes than I do our piss poor secondary). The two guys that lost this game are BRENT GRIMES AND that GOD FORSAKEN CHRIS HOUSTON!!!!!!!!
Houston gets burned on a 52 yard pass, then gets ANOTHER pass interference call in the end zone. That was 7 easy points for the Giants. Plus, the drive before or after that, the secondary gave up a 3rd and 10, and another 15 yard gain, while their receivers were WIDE OPEN!!!!!!!!!!
If Grimes and Houston have jobs with the Falcons after this year, then I will seriously question/doubt the Falcons attitude for building a playoff/championship team-defense!
I’m sick of seeing week after week, our CB’s have the same issues. If they can’t be coached up and/or don’t have the naturally ability to play their positions, then get rid of their butts!!!!!!!
brewdawg
November 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
MV has lost a step. He would have been gone with that kind of space two years ago.
da roosta
November 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
Elam, Houston, Jenkins, and the secondary coach need to go. These people are paid to produce. The secondary coach definitely needs to go. If one or two DB’s are not fundamentally sound, that’s one thing. ALL of them are lacking technique and a basic understanding of schemes. You can’t blame anyone but the secondary coach. He needs to go and make sure Chris Houston is with him. He has been given opportunity after opportunity. Elam is paid to kick. Let me back up. He is paid to make field goals. His attempts are basically gimmees in the NFL. Can’t do it- don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Michael Jenkins is paid to catch balls. He is no threat to any defense. CATCH THE BALL AND SEPERATE FROM DEFENSES. I am fully comitted to the TEAM. However, those who don’t produce should be held accountable for their actions. We still have a lot of football to play. Go Falcons!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
VICKKKKKKKKKKKK
Only a 35 yard run on first play
Die-Hard
November 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
Hey Choke, I am not going to try to rationalize with you. You are not rational. I would, however, like to be your opponent in a locked room. I would kick you racist a@@.
Capt. Obvious
November 22nd, 2009
8:36 pm
Tech Buzz: I hear you. However, that was a SICK interception by Grimes, again. If we’re not getting pressure, secondary will be exposed. HOWEVER, we cannot give up 10 pts. and expect to win?! I’m not one to blame specific plays, but lets be honest. 10 more points, and win in regulation.
AB
November 22nd, 2009
8:36 pm
Bears look like crap already. Vick 35 yd run. Eagles about to score.
Bodog
November 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
Mick Luckhearse—Where are you?
Ween Loses
November 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Shout out to a lovable Falcons fan, Weenis Willis. I agree with you the Falcons can beat the Bucs at the Dome. Go Falcons and thanks for all the gifts under the tree!
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Most yards he has all year — and last year — oops — did not check his yards last year at Leavenworth Kansas Federal Pen! Matty threw for 268 yards — when was the last time your boy did that??
We cheered for him before he committed a felony. He’s gone. Get over it.
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Vick is back
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
Well, here we are again in Trollville, heading for another race baiting.
For the record, this blue eyed Falcons fan was taking up for MV’s passing when everyone else was complaining about him. His screwing the Falcons org, teammates and fans by killing dogs, gambling and lying really was more than enough for me to take his picture off the wall and turn my back on him.
I truly understand why you trolls miss him – YOU’RE MISERABLE, PERIOD. Hard to imagine leading a life of resentment based upon pigment, but you prove it every day. Try to laugh it off, but we all know you are LOSERS at every level. Somehow I don’t think you’re the same color blind fans I’ve been high-fiving in the stands whenever the FALCONS succeed. I don’t think you could afford the ticket, and probably don’t leave the basement much.
I’m outta here…. as long as the AJC supports you, I”ll look elsewhere for some fan analysis and commentary.
FALCONS break the curse this year!
Capt. Obvious
November 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
Hey Bodog. It’s “Luckhurst”, but I was thinking the same thing…
Die-Hard
November 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
Thats Mick Luckhurst…my idol…lol
Capt. Obvious
November 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
JSS:
Thanks. You’re right. Seems like everytime we’ve, or others, do it. It gains? I’d love to see the effort.
Lee
November 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Hear me out on this. I don’t think the missed kicks are Elam’s fault – they’re the holder’s (Koenen) fault.
The mechanics of a placekick are as follows (assuming a right-footed kicker):
The kicker shows the holder a spot on the field where he wants the ball to be placed. The holder places the index finger of his left hand on that spot and holds it there. The kicker then aligns himself behind and to the left of that spot.
Now, the kicker has to start his movement the moment the ball is snapped, otherwise he will be too late and the kick will likely be blocked. BUT, he cannot watch the center to see when the ball is snapped. He has to focus all his attention on the spot where the holder’s left index finger is – the spot where the ball is going to be. He has to very precisely aim his foot right through that spot. So, how does he know when the ball is snapped if he isn’t watching the center? The holder has to signal him. This is where Koenen has blown it two weeks in a row.
The holder, while marking the spot with his left index finger, will ball his right hand up into a fist and hold it about 2 1/2 feet above the spot. The moment the ball is snapped, he will open his right hand. This is the kicker’s signal to start his approach. The holder will then lift his left hand up and catch the ball with both hands (the kicker continues to stare at the spot while executing his approach). The holder then places the ball tip-first on the spot and spins the laces away from the kicker.
On two of the missed kicks in the last two weeks, Koenen has failed to ball his right hand into a fist and signal when the ball is snapped. This has thrown Elam completely out of his game. This is why you have seen Elam false-start a couple of times before he kicks those awful shanks. Placekicking is all about timing and Koenen destroys the timing when he does this. Any kicker would freak out under the circumstances.
I know Elam took responsibility last week, but I think he was being a gentleman.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Vick — 9 years in the league (minus 2 for prison): 11,511 yards passing.
Ryan — 2 years in the league, no prison: 5,716 yards.
LOL
November 22nd, 2009
8:47 pm
Ya, so Ryan sucks but not as bad is Vick? Is that what you’re trying to say? Besides, everyone knows Vick was a lousy QB, he got most of his yards scrambling.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:48 pm
Chris Collinsworth: “That was a horrible read from Mike Vick …” See TMQ.
Stats of the Week No. 9:JaMarcus Russell, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has two touchdown passes, five lost fumbles and nine interceptions. Michael Vick, a quarterback taken first overall in the draft, has a total of 6 yards passing and a 39.6 passer rating. If every attempt by a quarterback falls to the ground incomplete, his rating is 39.6.
Mark-my-werds
November 22nd, 2009
8:48 pm
I dislike sports writers who attempt to make pronouncements on careers and lives based on one crummy football game in November. There are no conclusions to be drawn about Matt Ryan after today’s game in New Jersey. Ryan is young with modest talents. He makes alot of mistakes and will get better. How much better? Who knows. One game is no determination of his NFL success or failure. Let’s revisit this issue in 12-months. Let’s make a pronouncement about the grandstanding owner instead. Blank on the sideline for the Fox cameras to capture is Bud Adams with a smaller prostate and a smaller middle finger. Four coaches, seven years, no back to back winning seasons. The guy deserves the same kind of story Mark. Afraid of this guy in Atlanta? Yep.
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
8:48 pm
You made some really valid points in regards to the pressure; however the Falcons are down to 3rd team and practice squad D-linemen. Even I won’t discount that matter. Van Gorder has tried some of everything (those crazy zone blitzes) to compensate for the lack of quality D-linemen….
AB
November 22nd, 2009
8:49 pm
C Collinsworth ” Horrible read by Mike Vick”
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
Thank you LEE!!! Finally someone who watches the trinity (Long snapper, holder, kicker!!!)
Five Gold stars for you!
dawgfan13
November 22nd, 2009
8:53 pm
MAtt Ryan is and will always be a solid NFL QB. He has many things that he needs to work on, but guys there is some bad QB’s in this league. The defense is the weak spot on this team. Our opponents will continue to attack our horrible db’s and safties. Our defensive line disappeared today no pressure or sacks to even think of. This defense is plain out horrible! The offense will be ok. The kicker situation is horrible as well and with a horrible kicker and terrible defense, we are looking at 8-8 or 9-7 with no play-offs. Thomas Dimitroff will be judged on what he does with this pathetic defense in the off season. He needs to get some secondary help in the draft and acquire some free agents to help.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
8:54 pm
CHOKE — on this
November 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Vick — 9 years in the league (minus 2 for prison): 11,511 yards passing.
Ryan — 2 years in the league, no prison: 5,716 yards.
“CAREER PICKS”
Vick 9 seasons………. 52 PICKS
CHOKE 1.5 seasons……… 22 PICKS
Matt the Brave
November 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
You know, everyone’s hitting the panic button. We have four of the last six at home and two of those games are against the lowly Tampa Bay Bucs. Will we have to fight to win some of those games at home? You bet your sweet bippy! But we’ll at least get three of those home games, and probably win at least one of the two away games. 4-2 over the last 6 means 9-7. Winning season, mission accomplished.
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814689f8/Vick-34-yd-rush
Like I’ve always said……
“Vick will shine again”
Nativebird
November 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
If we had some CB’s that can turn and play the ball, we probably win that game. This QB WILL continue to get better and WILL be a very good one, if not great. Bottom line: it is TIME to forget drafting and developing CB’s over years and years, and go out and spend your $$ on some Proffesional Cornerbacks. The youth experiment at the corner has failed.
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:00 pm
Hey CHOKE TROLL – if you’re so focused on mistakes instead of successes, why don’t you explain for us why the NFL didn’t ban your thug hero for life based upon federal gambling convictions and dog killing? Because you’re a LOSER, that’s why.
LOL
November 22nd, 2009
9:00 pm
Mark Bradley, care to comment why you think the Falcons have a realistic chance of making the playoffs? Have you seen the conference? Eagles, Vikings, Saints and Cards will win the division. Atlanta will not win the division, meaning they will be fighting for 1 of 2 wild card slots. You think they can finish better than two teams out of Green Bay, Cowboys or Giants? Not to mention the Bears and Panthers are right there with them.
Suck it up and take the better draft pick next year. Better than not making the playoffs, in which they won’t. lol
Brandon Ladson
November 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
I know you guys have to sell papers tomorrow. They loss though how can you praise to a loss in late November. Nothing good happened today no matter how you look at it. Praise Ryan if you like but he lost. Reality is this guy is mediocre and that’s ok. All players can’t be great and he just happens to be an example. His brand of football is not the brand we want see in Atlanta. It takes to long for them to score and the struggle scoring points when they are losing. There are no moral victories In the NFL and this is no exception.
Brandon Ladson
November 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
I know you guys have to sell papers tomorrow. They loss though how can you praise to a loss in late November. Nothing good happened today no matter how you look at it. Praise Ryan if you like but he lost. Reality is this guy is mediocre and that’s ok. All players can’t be great and he just happens to be an example. His brand of football is not the brand we want see in Atlanta. It takes to long for them to score and the struggle scoring points when they are losing. There are no moral victories In the NFL and this is no exception.
WildKats rule Ga!
November 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
dawgfan13–you are a double loser in believing that matty ice is a solid NFL QB, as you may also believe that you have great faith in a winning uga team. I hate to break the news to you, but they are also big time losers, and the world knows
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
Lee, great post. Was not aware of that process – thanks.
willie martinez
November 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Mark, i very much agree with you that the falcons dont have the worst defense.
Btwarren
November 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
Why can’t Atlanta have some playmakers. We only have one playmaker, TG..that’s it. No one else steps up and makes anything happen…not Ryan, not John Abraham, not Chris Houston. Michael Jenkins is the worst…when i looked at the stats, i was shocked to see that he had the most number of receptions…well it was one too few…should have caught that TD. Elam needs to be cut. There must be someone who can kick a field goal from ONLY 35 YARDAS. Two weeks in a row this loser costs us critical points. He has one job. Kick FGs. He does not do kickoffs ONE FREAKING JOB and he sucks at it. We will not make the playoffs and a winning season is in serious jeorpardy.
Just Askin
November 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
Brandon Ladson you might thing Ryan is mediocre at best, but who da hell in the NFL asked for your opinion. And if that is your assessment of Ryan, no one ever will ask for your opinion.
Giansts Rule
November 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
another big win for the giants, who will be on a roll now toward the playoffs—mark it down. falcons? 8-8, no playoffs this year. I miss the bronx and the best italian food in america. the food in atlanta sucks.
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
I have to disagree with those who keep calling out Emmitt Thomas, the secondary coach. He’s been doing this too long and produced too many All-Pros (not counting D-Hall) for it to be about coaching… Secondary play is coaching, technique, talent and confidence… Let’s look at each piece. Already mentioned coaching, the poor technique is related to players not trusting their talent or the pass rush (or a lack of one). I mean look at a All-Pro like Philly’s Samuel. he got straight beat, does that mean he is a bum? No, it was poor technique.This team needs to get healthy on D-Line especially at Tackle… You don’t make an interception like Grimes did and be a bum…
Reid Adair
November 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
It was a horrible first half, but a brilliant second half for the offense. After last week’s loss, Matt Ryan said something to the effect of still learning on the job. I have no doubt today was a lesson – and a very positive one.
Ryan was drafted for the long term, not to work miracles in less than two full seasons. And all Falcons fans with a general understanding of the game and the team knew that there would be ups and downs for the defense this year, especially with the lack of experience.
Rdhdkid
November 22nd, 2009
9:08 pm
The midget had a nice interception and a couple of tackles, but he sure looked like a minnow out of water flopping around out there on the losing OT drive.
Fin
November 22nd, 2009
9:08 pm
Tough loss by our Falcons. Our CB are really hurting us, but two people I’m really impressed with on the defense are DeCoud and Lofton. DeCoud put a LICK on Brandon Jacobs!! As for the offense, I saw that we went deep a couple of times this game and had Sam Baker not been trying to block with his back to the defensive line, Ryan would have had the time to drop the pass behind coverage to Roddy White for a sure touchdown. Mr. Bradley..why not use Weems in the slot. I believe his speed would cause a lot of problems for defenses..especially on the 2nd/3rd and shorts.
If they don’t get the Collective Bargain Agreement together, next year will be an uncapped year so we can go out and pay for some decent players. And for the draft, there are some good RB’s coming out. I’m sorry Norwood, but we can’t run the risk of another season of 5-6 missed games due to injury. Hardesty out of UT if he is available later in the draft would be a good pick up. I’m not really seeing any big name corners in the draft.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
Vick — 9 seasons (minus 2 for prison): 932 completions (i.e., 103.5/year)
Ryan — 2 seasons (no prison): 469 completions (i.e., 234.5/year)
It will take Ryan less than 2 more years to pass Vick in career yards and completions (and there are still 7 more games to be played in season 2!)
Vick — 9 seasons (minus 2 for prison): 71 passing TDs
Ryan — 2 seasons (no prison): 32 passing TDs
Another 2 years, Ryan passes Vick in career TDs. Ryan should do in 4 or 5 years what it took Vick to do in 9 (minus 2 years in prison)