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
dixie
November 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
hey giants rule—carry your a$$ back to yankee town
M. Bradley
November 22nd, 2009
9:13 pm
No, not if you comb your hair trigger
GT Alum
November 22nd, 2009
9:13 pm
Thomas/Arthur/Rich/et al, when are you going to cut Jason Elam? He is killing us, much more so than our struggling QB.
dawggonecrazy
November 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
If the NFL is going to keep the present OT format, they should consider disallowing the field goal.
Next Year
November 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
Best part of game was J Andersen’s sack getting called back for penalty. He was celebrating like he won the lottery.
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d814689f8/Vick-34-yd-rush
#88
November 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Hello–New England>>>>I’M looking for a new home, to a WINNING TEAM***PLEASE…PLEASE…PLEASE CALL!!!
Red Neck
November 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
No black or mexican people
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
Here comes the white racists,lol
Submariner683
November 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
OT format in the NFL should be as follows:
Each team gets one possession. After that, it is sudden death. If the team that wins the toss gets a field goal, and the team that doesn’t scores a TD, the TD scoring team wins. It’s the most fair. Guarantees both teams get to touch the ball, and also allows for the game to end without playing the full 15 minutes.
terrance
November 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
CHRIS HOUSTON SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!! Grimes is too little good cover guy though. FIND SOME CORNERS> we will never have back to back winning seasons if we don’t find any. Either in the draft or free agents. Let’s see if management is committed to winning.
Vick Supporter
November 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
I’m tell’n yall, I WORK FOR CRISCO, DAMN IT !!!!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
CAREER INTERCEPTIONS:
Vick in 9 seasons 52
CHOKE in 1.5 seasons 22 (equates to 132 picks over 9 seasons)
GT Alum
November 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
For all you Ryan haters, I didn’t see the Colts pull the plug on Peyton when he struggled his first few years. And same goes for his brother Eli and countless other top QB’s in the league right now. If you can’t see the potential in this guy, then you’ve obviously never laced em up before. Its obvious to all that he has struggled at times this year, but you’re fools for wanting to jump off the bandwagon this early.
Now as for the defense, we were idiots for not getting McCallister earlier in the season. Our DB’s can’t cover and the pass rash is non-existent. And I haven’t exactly seen the LB’s step of late either.(for all you Brooking haters) This defense is going to call for a drastic overhaul in the offseason.
Vick Supporter Snifer
November 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
“When I first saw this pigeon-chested, spindlely-armed Filthadelphian, I wondered where is the hell he was going to get enough power to zip a football. Answer: no where. He doesn’t have the strength.”
Exsep fo 3 times in the Foth Qtr today. But he throw it so soft to Jenkins he dropped it. So really on 2 TD’s in 4th qtr. But hell, he is while so he can’t do nothing like running around Mike used to do.
Die-Hard
November 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
I still haven’t heard from you “Choke”
FanofFalcons
November 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Is there any reason that Brian Finneran can’t be in the game on 3rd downs to actually CATCH the bal? Didn’t he used to be the go to guy on thirds downs? Please get someone in there that can catch the ball….
epnoymous
November 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
I am proud of my Falcons. They battled back in a hostile environment. No shame in leaving it on the field.
Elam, hit the road. Blaming the snapper and holder is bush-league. Learn some class from your QB before you leave.
Where is Foxworth
November 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
Where is what is his name,I think his last name is Foxworth.I think he sign with Baltimore.Should have gave him the more money.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
I want to come clean here. I am the person you people used to know as Vick Supporter 2. I was also Bad News, and I created FALCONS SORRY to have someone agree with me when I would defend Mike Vick. That’s why I also created bigeasy831 during the Saints game.
I am a former cellmate of Mike Vick’s. We were together for but the briefest of moments in Leavenworth. But the time we spent together felt like a lifetime. I have never known a more caring and loving man in my life than Mike Vick, or Michael, as I prefer to call him.
If Michael flipped you people off, it was your fault. If receivers looked horrible when he was playing, then it was their fault. The Falcons could have waited for the man to serve his time in prison for what shouldn’t even be a crime, and then he could have returned gloriously this year with me by his side.
But instead, the Falcons betrayed my love by drafting that horrible white boy from Philly. What a pale, ghostly boy. He wouldn’t even get two looks in Leavenworth, not like my loving man.
You people never knew how good you had it with Michael.
But I do. I do.
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
No doubt whatsoever that “Red Neck” is another angry black racist basement dwelling troll.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
VICK TURNOVER RATE:
2004: 12 INTs, 3 fumbles
2005: 13 INts, 5 fumbles
2006: 13 INTs, 4 fumbles
Who are we kidding? We were OK with him as QB — until that prison thing. Get over it.
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
There’s going to be some interesting emails flowing when Mark Bradley’s plane lands at Hartsfield-Jackson… This is going to be brutal…
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
HA HA HA HA HA – “Choke” that is the FUNNIEST thing I have read all day!!!! I suspected as much!
Bodog
November 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
I thank Mark Rick done seen his better days at UGA too
AB
November 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
I say try Bergeron. At least we know he will catch the ball.
BIOMASS, nuthuggers? Thats the funniest thing I heard all day!!!
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
And .. if Ryan averages just passing TDs per season (which is what he has right now this season) — that wold be about 162 TDs in 9 seasons compared to Vicks 71 passing TDs — um … like more than double.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
And .. if Ryan averages just 18 passing TDs per season (which is what he has right now this season) — that wold be about 162 TDs in 9 seasons compared to Vicks 71 passing TDs — um … like more than double.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
Matt “Choke” Ryan
November 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
I want to come clean here. I am the person you people used to know as Vick Supporter 2. I was also Bad News, and I created FALCONS SORRY to have someone agree with me when I would defend Mike Vick. That’s why I also created bigeasy831 during the Saints game.
I am a former cellmate of Mike Vick’s. We were together for but the briefest of moments in Leavenworth. But the time we spent together felt like a lifetime. I have never known a more caring and loving man in my life than Mike Vick, or Michael, as I prefer to call him.
If Michael flipped you people off, it was your fault. If receivers looked horrible when he was playing, then it was their fault. The Falcons could have waited for the man to serve his time in prison for what shouldn’t even be a crime, and then he could have returned gloriously this year with me by his side.
But instead, the Falcons betrayed my love by drafting that horrible white boy from Philly. What a pale, ghostly boy. He wouldn’t even get two looks in Leavenworth, not like my loving man.
You people never knew how good you had it with Michael.
But I do. I do.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself”
But on a serious note, how many years will it take the CHOKE to win a playoff game, 2,3,4, 5 years?
brewdawg
November 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
JSS: a couple of banned ip addresses for sure, and deservedly so. Unfortunately, you still can’t ban people for stupidity or ignorance.
Vick Supporter Smeller
November 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
In 7 years, Vick career 4th qtr : 10 TD 13 INT
In 1.5 years, Ryan career 4th qtr : 10 TD 7 INT
natedogg
November 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Everyone on Elam but dont forget about Michael JINXkens!! How in the world can a receiver DROP that easy open 7 point touchdown !! He drops important passes ever week!!We really needed those points I getting tired of watching him drop passes!!!
Falcon 8211
November 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
well another lose. no mcallister plays for the saints now law is in denver . our corners need to stop playing the receiver and play the ball. hey choke since u do not like the falcons why get on here and tell us about it. u need to get in touch with the falcons because they let him go we did not.if we made the choices for the falcons we would not have started houston today. that said offense played well in second half and defense well did not play at all
Vick Supporter Smeller
November 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
And don’t forget my Vick sat on the bench for 2 years watching and learning a play other than running around.
Tim
November 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Year after year, the Falcons have a sub-par secondary. Big Play Ray, Charles Dimry, etc…But the current bunch may be the worst of all. Dimitof has his work cut out for him in the off season. replace the entire secondary.
Bodog
November 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
I dis like to know one thang, how many of yall are settin by ye computers, sippin on a cold one, scratchin @$$, thankin—why the hell did i bet against my homeboys (ATL +7) cause you just knew they gone git their butts plowed into yankee dirt–only to find out that ye are out of bettin money -till ye git ye next unemployment check
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Brewdawg…
We don’t agree of life and football things, but yep, it is not going to be pretty… But hey, BugKiller says worse about me…
J-man
November 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
There was no chance at all with Smith going for 2. The Falcons are really weak at that kind of play. Remember how it can take them 3 tries to punch it in from the one? And with the media crucifixion that Belichick got this past week, which included one of ESPN’s writers late in the week absolutely and totally flipping out about it long after everyone else had gotten over it, I would imagine that Smith didn’t feel any luckier than somebody staring at Dirty Harry Callahan’s gun and being asked if they think they counted the number of shots correctly.
CHOKE -- on this
November 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
Ryan will be fine long term. Vick — who knows? We signed him for the long-term. Until that prison thing. But Ryan will just get better. The future is bright.
Thomas
November 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
First thing i want to say is i HATE OLD KICKERS! So Jason you got to go! Get someone in that is young, Next time short damn CORNERS! They sucks they cant cover anyone so stop getting them! Next Go get a receiver that can go well with Rod White. Next GO GET SOME DAMN HEART! I dont care who we play.. We start off like a champship team but by the half we look like JV! WTF!!!! The defense must get better or 8-8 here we come. Get your head out of your butts and damn play….. GO FALCONS…..
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
Ah there goes CHOKE TROLL trying to hi-jack my nickname… I don’t need a pimp, loser, I am a sole proprietor… that means I make my own work, mouth breather.
Funny how you just can’ t seem to find words to respond to my calling you out…. LOSER.
JSS
November 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
Tim, I know you want to condemn the current DB’s but I saw Jerry Rice, John Taylor, Brent Jones, Henry Ellard, Issac Bruce, and Sterling Sharpe make the Hall of Fame against worse groups of DB’s than this crew while wearing Falcons colors
Tripp Bowden
November 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
I love my Falcons and am damn proud of their effort and their scrap and their “damn we can win this” ways. NFL overtime rules do indeed suck–both teams should have a chance to show what they can do. A coin toss should not give you a 2/3rds advantage–google it and you will see the stats. But hey, it is what it is. The outcome sucked no doubt, but it was nice to see how hard they played. Matty Ice is back–and Snelling is one heck of a third string running back. Looking forward to the playoffs when we get in at 10-6. Night yall. PS I love these Falcons. A Superbowl is coming our way. And I don’t mean appearance. I am talking a win.
Mary Wanna
November 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
Check out this line from Ledbetter’s column:
“Now they get to return to the Georgia Dome, where they are 4-0, for three consecutive games against Tampa Bay, Philadelphia (with Michael Vick) and then New Orleans.”
Just HAD to mention Vick… the lifeblood of AJC blogs.
Fin
November 22nd, 2009
9:50 pm
FanofFalcons
November 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Is there any reason that Brian Finneran can’t be in the game on 3rd downs to actually CATCH the bal? Didn’t he used to be the go to guy on thirds downs? Please get someone in there that can catch the ball….
————————————————————————
REPLY: Finneran was out w/ a knee injury
blue
November 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
The falcons just issued a Amber Alert for John Abraham missing for 8 weeks now
kashi
November 22nd, 2009
9:54 pm
IS ELAM’S HAMSTRING BEEN DIAGNOISED PROPERLY? IT SEEMS LIKE HIS LEG IS NOT EXTENDING LIKE IT USED TO BE AND I WONDER IF HAMSTRING HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. WHATEVER IT IS ELAM AND KOEN NEEDS TO FIX THIS CRAP ASAP.
cdog
November 22nd, 2009
9:56 pm
THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE OVERTIME RULES. REMEMBER THE YEAR THE FALCONS WENT TO THE SUPERBOWL VS THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS? THE VIKINGS WON THE TOSS BUT THE FALCONS DEFENSE THEN HAD HEART AND THEY CARED ABOUT WINNING. THEY STOPPED THE VIKING AND GAVE THE BALL TO THE OFFENSE AND CHANDLER AND CO. WENT DOWN, GOT IN SCORING RANGE AND MORTON ANDERSON DRILLED THE GAME WINNER. THE FALCONS TEAM THEN, CARED ABOUT WINNING THIS FALCON TEAM DOES NOT CARE NOR DO THEY HAVE THE HEART AND PRIDE. WHEN I SEE THE DEFENSE LET A MEDIOCRE BACKFIELD OF THE CAROLINA PANTHERS BEAT THEM, THEN THEY TURN AROUND AND CAN’T COVER THE BIG SLOW TE OF THE GIANTS, BOSS, CONSTANTLY CAUGHT BIG PASSES IN THE CLUTCH, THEN ELAM ONCE AGAIN CAN’T MAKE FIELD GOAL THAT A HIGH SCHOOL KICKER CONSISTENTLY MAKES, YOU TELL ME, DOES THAT SOUND LIKE A TEAM THATS TRYING TO WIN? HECK NO.THERE CORNER COULDN’T MAKE THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS SECONDARY AND THEY ARE ALL THEY HAVE TO RELY ON?MAKES YOU WONDER ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AS A WHOLE. WELL THEY CAN FINISH OUT THE SEASON BY JUST GOING TO THROUGH THE MOTION. BRING ON THE NBA SEASON AND THE HAWKS, THEY CARE ABOUT WINNING PLUS THEY ARE TRYING TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP. I AM FINISHED WITH THE FALCONS FOR THE REST OF THE SEASON. WHY SHOULD WE FANS CARE? THE FALCONS DON’T
STOP BUYING TICKETS
November 22nd, 2009
9:56 pm
IF YOU WANT CHANGE STOP WATCHING THE GAME!!!
IF YOU WANT CHANGE STOP BUYING THE TICKETS!!!
THEN A.B. WILL MAKE CHANGES UNTIL THEN, YOU’RE WISHING.
Blank182
November 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
Thats it,… I’m selling this dam team