A big win only in the sense it wasn’t an even bigger loss
They won this one without Matt Ryan, but they'll need him soon. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
That wasn’t mere urgency at their backs on that final drive. It was utter desperation. The Falcons can read the schedule and the standings, and they know the difference between 6-5 and 5-6 is more than one game, especially when the opponent tipping the balance arrived at 1-9.
“Going under .500,” Roddy White would say later, after he’d caught the fourth-down touchdown pass that won it, “that’s desperation.”
The Falcons escaped Sunday’s game with a season’s worth of hopes still alive, but with every week those hopes are tempered by mounting reality. They started 4-1. Then they lost four of five. They were one play from making it five of six against an overmatched opponent coached by a man seemingly determined to keep both teams in the game. And even after they’d won, this was the verdict of Todd McClure, the center: “One of the ugliest wins I’ve ever been involved with.”
Said Mike Smith, the coach who works hard to say nothing: “We tried numerous ways not to win the game.”
Eventually the Falcons overcame it all — on this given Sunday. The next two might not be so kind. Philadelphia plays here next week, and then the Saints. And there’s no guarantee the Falcons will have their starting quarterback or starting tailback for either game.
Per infuriating team policy, Smith would say nothing about the injuries to Matt Ryan’s big toe or Michael Turner’s ankle. “We’ll know more Wednesday,” he said, perhaps referring to the Wednesday before Memorial Day. But the Falcons lost players at such a dizzying rate Sunday — two offensive linemen were also hurt — that erosion has to be factored into any calculation regarding playoff chances.
The locker room was full of happy talk afterward — beat the Bugtussle Bovines on fourth-and-goal and you’re excited — but there was reality interspersed. The Falcons were outgained and largely outplayed by a Tampa Bay team working behind a rookie quarterback. Their only touchdown in the first 59 minutes and 37 seconds came on a gimmick play. Their quarterbacks were sacked six times. They missed (another!) field goal. They had a punt blocked. They lost a fumble. They were lucky as heck to win.
“That was a good football team we played today,” said Smith, lying.
Said Tony Gonzalez, who caught four Chris Redman passes on the frantic final drive: “We had so many things going against us … Winning this game is really a credit to the way we work.”
Well, yes. It was that. But it was also further evidence that these Falcons lack a separation gear. They led 10-0 but trailed 17-10. They needed six passes inside the 10 — one incompletion was overridden by defensive holding — to score the winning points. White finally made the decisive catch but only after not making the decisive catch three snaps earlier.
The Eagles and Michael Vick are up next — “The winner of this game is going to make the playoffs,” said White, thinking a bit too far ahead — and that will be taxing for all involved even though Vick’s role has been reduced to a cameo. Beyond this arduous fortnight lie three seemingly winnable games, but it took so much to win this one at home that you wonder if the Falcons, to use a Mark Richt expression, have enough juice.
Asked how the mood would have been had that fourth-down pass fallen incomplete, McClure said: “It wouldn’t have been pretty. But that’s the nature of the NFL. One play can change the mindset of a team.”
At issue isn’t so much the minds of the Falcons as their bodies. They haven’t been quite as good as advertised, and now they’re losing men. They still have a realistic chance to make the playoffs, but they might not have enough players.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
412 comments Add your comment
TMoney
November 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
I’m very happy with the result of today’s game. How many teams will look bad if you remove their starting QB, RB, LT, and RG? If you take away Manning and Addai from the Colts, or Brees and Thomas from the Saints, or Favre and Peterson from the Vikings, those teams go straight downhill. Remove key players, and even the best teams can look bad.
Mr Charlie
November 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
Jazmine,
Sure, but Falcons have a history of losing games they should win. Take the gift.
Mike "Choke" Vick
November 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
I ran 2 times for today for a whopping 4 yards and threw one air ball.
Reid Adair
November 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
“Per infuriating team policy, Smith would say nothing about the injuries to Matt Ryan’s big toe or Michael Turner’s ankle. ‘We’ll know more Wednesday,’ he said, perhaps referring to the Wednesday before Memorial Day.”
Come on, Mark. Are you serious? Do you honestly feel that Mike Smith and the Falcons should do anything different from the NFL’s required policy on announcing the status of injuries? I, for one, support Coach Smith and the Falcons. There is no need to tell the Eagles today – or any time before Tuesday – if Matt Ryan, Michael Turner or any of the others won’t play.
I’m sorry to hear that the policy is “infuriating” to you. I, for one, can wait until Wednesday to hear their status.
N_C Falcon Fan
November 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
Thank you Chris Redmond !!!
Tommy
November 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Yes, we all thought today would be easy, but the bottom line is this:
With the starting RB and QB out, 4th and goal, the entire season on the line. . . .this team got it done.
The Campbell/Glanville/June Jones/Reeves/Mora/Petrino Falcons would have blown it. Three years ago, on 4th and goal they would have called something stupid like a double reverse hook and ladder, Vick would have been sacked on the 27, and right now we’d all be saying, “so. . .how about those hawks?”
We were outplauyed for 58 minutes but won anyway. Teams that win consistently do that from time to time.
Matt the Brave
November 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
I believe this will be a team that will go far in the playoffs next season, but I would certainly be happy with 9-7. We always seem to have one of these games during the year where we should beat the tar out of a lesser opponent, but we don’t. Maybe next week will be much better in terms of production.
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
I’ve closed and re-opened this post. But I’m tired of the screen name hijacking. I’ve deleted 20 comments already, and my patience is frayed, I’m afraid.
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
The day is finally here. The Falcons are hanging on by a thread (just like I predicted) and Vick will break a big play on them, and the dome will be full to capacity to cheer him on,lol.
“Vick will shine again…..especially on Dec 6th”
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:40 pm
Do you really think more people will be rooting for Vick than for the Falcons? I mean, seriously.
Dan
November 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
The Falcons have too many injuries. To expect much from them at this point is unrealistic.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
The Great Mike Vick Has Returned.
The day is finally here. The Falcons are hanging on by a thread (just like I predicted) and Vick will break a big play on them, and the dome will be full to capacity to cheer him on,lol.
“Vick will shine again…..especially on Dec 6th”
“I have been waiting 3 years for this moment”. The CHOKE pulled a punk move, because he doesn’t want to be out cheered by Vick in his own stadium
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
Injuries have about reached critical mass. I’d be surprised if we see Ryan back soon, and I can’t imagine Turner will play against Philadelphia.
BugKiller
November 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
Mark,
I know it’s news… but please don’t encourage the vast sea of mentally challenged people on this blog with any posts this week about a particular sociopathic felon who rides the pine in Philly making his infamous return to the city and fans he screwed over.
That sociopathic felon even believes he will receive a thunderous, standing ovation when he returns, saying, “It’s still my city.”
Which, of course, just further adds proof to m point that he was and is not truly sorry for the atrocities he committed, just sorry he was stupid enough to get caught doing them.
Don’t allow this sociopathic felon and his mentally challenged fans read his name in OUR paper this week.
We, the ACTUAL Falcon fans, demand a GAG ORDER on all things sociopathic felon-related this week.
Please. For your sanity, at least.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
I do believe the 1st game to sell out this season was the one next week, so yes I’m confident there will be more number 7 jerseys in the stands.
This is still the Vick Experience town, no matter what “YOU” folks may say on your blogs
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Good point. I’m pretty sure that was Ryan’s motivation: Let me hurt a toe so I don’t have to play against the Eagles.
Good grief.
SamInAtlanta
November 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Years ago the Dome became Dion’s house…I hope it doesn’t become Vick’s house next week!
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
I’m disappointed in myself that I dignified that with a response.
BugKiller
November 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
Mark, now you understand OUR plight with these sociopathic felon fan trolls that clog this blog with their tired crap every day.
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
And BugKiller, I could do without the “sociopath” stuff as well. It cuts both ways on here.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
BugKiller
November 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
Mark, now you understand OUR plight with these sociopathic felon fan trolls that clog this blog with their tired crap every day.
“HA HA HA” Yet you acknowledge it – brilliant I tell you
My Kingdom for a Kicker
November 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
When will we release Elam? He almost cost us ANOTHER game.
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Vick still does rule this town….look at our blogs.
I believe at the end of the day, alot of people will show Vick appreciation for what he did for our team ON THE FIELD. I bought my tickets 3 months ago
eric
November 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
Oh, but haven’t you heard Mark? The idiot race-baiters on this blog say he’s just faking ligament damage in his toe. The “experts” here, who have probably never even tossed a football, have decided how much pain other people are supposed to be able to play with. Isn’t that nice? Anyway, losers, I broke my pinky toe a few months ago and I kid you not, I could barely walk for a month. Anybody who says he’s just not tough enough has either A)Never played in the NFL before or B)Never had a serious toe injury.
I am not defending Matt Ryan’s play this year. It has been disappointing to find out that he is indeed human and can suffer a sophmore slump just like anyone else. The idiots on here that constantly root for his and the Falcons’ failure are the true losers.
Btw, anybody notice how Vick Supporter is now a HUGE Josh Freeman fan? I just wonder why that might be????
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
A guess: Elam is gone.
SamInAtlanta
November 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
We might see Morton Anderson again. How old is he now?
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Bradley, get rid of the BugKiller guy….he’s always saying that others are bringing in race, yet he starts it himslef.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
Uh oh, now he’s going to hijack you too Mark
So Mark, you don’t think Ryan has an ego? I mean if I was the franchise quarterback, I would not like to hear the quarterback that I’m trying to replace, comes into MY building and receives more love?
If you don’t think he will have a hurt ego, then you are more naive than I thought
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
“Btw, anybody notice how Vick Supporter is now a HUGE Josh Freeman fan? I just wonder why that might be????”
PLEASE show me the post where I’ve mentioned Josh Freeman. Why don’t you be a man and quit making up BS
Submariner683
November 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
For Mr. Bradley: Your article says that the Falcons fell behind in the 1st half. When did that happen exactly? They were up 10-0 before Tampa scored.
For the moron that keeps posting as Matt “Choke” Ryan, if you look at the picture so nicely posted in this article, you can see the extremely bad leg position that Ryan’s leg is in when he’s getting tackled. I really don’t know how he didn’t blow a knee or ankle out. His toe was nice and planted in there as well, and he was obviously really hurt. I can’t blame a guy or a team for not risking further injury when Atlanta seemed to have no clue in now to block TB.
Tampa came in with 17 sacks on the year and had 6 today.
It was an ugly game, but with all the things that went Tampa’s way today, Atlanta still won. Tampa’s only long scoring drive was two plays with a couple of 40-yard bombs. Their other TD came on a blocked punt which gave them the ball at the 9-yard line. THis against a team without their starter for virtually the whole game and without their rusher for most of the 2nd half. I’ll take the win.
I hope Mr. Bradley is wrong about Ryan and Turner not being back soon. Both plays looked nasty. Turner had that ankle trapped underneath him and his body was forced backwards with his leg still caught underneath him. The fact that he walked off the field without a real noticable limp was promising. But I’ve learned that those visual clues are next to useless when it comes to a diagnosis of an injury. I’m more worried about not having Turner at 100% than not having Ryan back. Redman was solid and I believe will play effectively enough to keep Atlanta in the ball game.
TMoney
November 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
I really wonder if it will be worth attempting to post in blogs at all this week, what with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named coming back to town. And what is really ironic is that, in the upcoming game, the odds are good that we will see neither You-Know-Who nor Matt Ryan.
I just hope that none of the Falcons injuries are too bad. I think Snelling can carry the load, but we will need both Baker and Dahl back in order for our line to even look decent. I don’t think it will really matter who we have playing QB, if our O-Line gives as little time in the pocket as they did this week, the birds will be in for a long, long day.
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
I’m African American, and I won’t be cheering for the most ignorant former Atlanta Falcon quarterback the world has ever seen !!!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
10:02 pm
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Bradley, get rid of the BugKiller guy….he’s always saying that others are bringing in race, yet he starts it himslef.
“Isn’t it odd” that the one who accuses others of racism is the guilty party
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
10:05 pm
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
“Btw, anybody notice how Vick Supporter is now a HUGE Josh Freeman fan? I just wonder why that might be????”
PLEASE show me the post where I’ve mentioned Josh Freeman. Why don’t you be a man and quit making up BS
“Because that’s their way” of distorting the truth and taking the attention off of the problem of the team – THE CHOKE.
I just laugh it off
BugKiller
November 29th, 2009
10:07 pm
Mark,
By the very atrocious nature of his crimes, any psychologist or psychiatrist worth their salt would accurately analyze Michael Vick as a narcissistic sociopath.
It’s the simple truth. His actions prove what he is. The killing and torturing of living things without remorse is the mark of a sociopath.
But… you ask me to stop.
And I will stop.
It would be nice, however, if the AJC could do something about the mentally challenged trolls.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
10:08 pm
TMoney
November 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
I really wonder if it will be worth attempting to post in blogs at all this week, what with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named coming
“You sound like a little GIRL in high school” getting jealous of a rival little girl and just says “I don’t like you know who”
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
10:08 pm
BugKiller: “It’s the simple truth. His actions prove what he is. The killing and torturing of living things without remorse is the mark of a sociopath.”
What the F else more that he has to do to show remorse? Man I’m getting tired of your BS.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
10:09 pm
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
I’m African American, and I won’t be cheering for the most ignorant former Atlanta Falcon quarterback the world has ever seen !!!
“What does your skin color have to do with cheering for Vick”
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:09 pm
Boys to men are on the Soul Train Music Awards singing ‘The end of the road”. Maybe they can sing that in the Georgia Dome next week for former #7 !!
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
10:10 pm
LMAO @The Bird Lady
You’re pretty lame,lol
BugKiller
November 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Vick Supporter,
Okay, if you actually want to have an HONEST conversation about it, no b.s., we can do that.
Do you?
Zach
November 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Mark, who do you bring in Elam is gone? and why has our o-line deteriorated?
TMoney
November 29th, 2009
10:12 pm
I can’t wait for next Sunday night, simply so this is over and we can finally get past all this crap.
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:12 pm
The hate the game, hate for the truth is more painful !
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:13 pm
Don’t hate the game, Hate the truth for it is painful ! Sorry !
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 29th, 2009
10:14 pm
The Bird Lady
Was that you Vick was giving the bird to?
Mark Bradley
November 29th, 2009
10:15 pm
The O-line was coached almost to perfection by Paul Boudreau in 2008. But perfection is difficult to maintain.
As for the placekicker: I was a bit surprised the Falcons didn’t sign Coutu.
Vick Supporter
November 29th, 2009
10:16 pm
About what…..BugKiller. The crime that Vick has already (DOUBLE) paid for? No thanks
He didn’t hurt a human, and he paid his debt. I don’t give a F about anything else
Submariner683
November 29th, 2009
10:17 pm
I agree with Mark Bradley, injuries are hitting a critical mass this year. Few teams don’t struggle when they have the injury count Atlanta is piling up. The thing I remember about last year was that the Falcons were relatively injury free. Losing Douglass in preseason was bad, losing the 1st two draft picks to season ending injuries was even worse. Losing the best remaining cover corner for the season was bad. Missing Turner and missing Norwood for the bulk of the season was really bad.
Norwood looked like he still has a spring in his step from that one play. His legs should be fresh. Hopefully they can find ways to exploit his speed vice running the ball on predictable running downs right down the pipe of the defense.
I don’t know where Atlanta goes from here. Looking towards the draft, they obviously need help in the secondary and need more help on the D-line. Little to no pass rush and receivers run too wide open against them. The Falcons haven’t really drafted secondary players effectively. Their two best secondary players, in my opinion, were guys that would rather play baseball in Brian Jordan and Deion Sanders.
Can the Falcons do something about Elam? Seven missed field goals, all of which were under 45 yard, is unacceptable at this level of football.
The Bird Lady
November 29th, 2009
10:17 pm
The truth to the matter is the fact that Atlanta, Black and White supported this man in whatever he did on the football field ! He made a mistake. Paid for it, and has moved on ! So have we ! Don’t hate the truth for it is the truth !