Is this the best Falcons team ever? It’s definitely in the hunt
Oh, those dirty, dirty Birds: Jamal Anderson and Dan Reeves dance in the Metrdome. (AJC file photo)
Jeff Van Note arrived as a Falcon three years after the Falcons came into being. As a player (All-Pro center) and an announcer (color commentator on the team’s radio broadcasts), he has seen every Falcons team worth seeing and many more that were not. And if you ask the grizzled Van Note if the 2010 installment is the best team this franchise, in its 45th season of operation, has ever known, he says:
“I think that would be correct.”
For all the losing seasons this club has endured, there was one shining moment in January 1999 when play-by-play man Jeff Hullinger could intone, without fear of contraction, “The Falcons are going to the Super Bowl!” And sitting beside Hullinger that day in the Minneapolis Metrodome was one Jeff Van Note, who could be heard yelling over the call as Morten Andersen’s overtime field goal sailed true.
Obvious question: These Falcons are better than those Falcons?
Van Note: “I don’t want to take anything away from the ‘98 team. That team was very well-assembled and had big-play potential … [But] I think this team might be a little better defensively.”
Jessie Tuggle was the middle linebacker on the 1998 Falcons, who finished the regular season 14-2 and who stunned the 15-1 Vikings to take the NFC title. He disagrees, if slightly, with Van Note regarding the respective defenses. Said Tuggle: “We had myself, a Pro Bowler, and [defensive end] Chuck Smith and [cornerback] Ray Buchanan and [safety] Eugene Robinson. Overall we might have had more talent on that side of the ball.”
This should not, however, be taken to mean that Tuggle considers his ‘98 team superior to this bunch. “That was a special team,” he said. “But this team is just as special as we were.”
The numbers are fairly similar. Those Falcons started 5-2 and didn’t lose again until falling to Denver in Super Bowl XXXIII. These Falcons started 4-2 and haven’t lost since. The ‘98 Falcons ranked fourth in the NFL in both points scored and yielded; the 2010 team ranks fifth and seventh, respectively. The ‘98 Falcons were seventh in total offense and eighth in total defense; this team stands ninth and 17th.
One difference: The ‘98 Falcons won only three regular-season games against teams that finished above .500; as Van Note notes, this team has won five.
Van Note: “I think this team is better overall. I’ve always been taught that the goal is to get it to the fourth quarter with a chance to win, and this team does that … They do all the little things: The third-down conversions; the defense that keeps the score down even if it gives up yards; they don’t get penalized; they make good adjustments; they play good field-position football, which is vitally important; it’s a very well-coached team that plays 60 minutes.”
As regards overall excellence in Falcons annals, there aren’t many other points of comparison. The 1980 team finished 12-4 but revealed an inherent defensive weakness in the fourth quarter of its playoff opener against Dallas. The 2004 team went 11-5 and played for the NFC title but did only one thing — run the ball — better than the NFL average. The feel-good 2008 team finished 11-5 despite having the NFL’s ninth-worst defense.
Loading ...The Falcons’ offense in 1998 was predicated on Jamal Anderson thumping — he rushed for 1,846 yards on 410 carries — and Chris Chandler throwing long off play-action. This offense has a better wide receiver in Roddy White, a better tight end in Tony Gonzalez and, believes the former lineman Van Note, a better O-line.
At issue is whether these Falcons can defend at a Super Bowl level. Said Tuggle: “They had questions at linebacker and in the secondary coming into the season, but they’ve put it together. [Cornerback] Brent Grimes — he’s a playmaker. There’s something about winning that breeds confidence. Grimes might be playing above his head at the moment, but he’s making plays.”
That’s another factor, perhaps the biggest factor, shared by the Falcons of 1998 and 2010: The more they played/play, the better they got/get. Tuggle again: “It’s a game of momentum, and right now the Atlanta Falcons have it … It’s tangible. It’s in the body language, the belief in yourself.”
And if these Falcons do grace Super Bowl XLV, they’ll need only dip into team history to learn how not to handle a big event. Recalling Robinson’s arrest for solicitation on Super Bowl eve in Miami, Tuggle laughed and said: “If they get there this time, Arthur [Blank, the owner] might lock every door in the hotel himself.”
By Mark Bradley
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223 comments Add your comment
ATL Observer
December 18th, 2010
1:19 am
Not sure I entirely buy the “margin of error” argument because there’s another argument I could throw back at it:
I’ve seen the Saints play what looks to be their best football. I don’t think we’ve seen the Falcons best game yet. THAT’S what should scare prospective opponents: I’ve seen some games where I’d probably say the Falcons only showed up for about a half of it and they still commanded the flow of play and won the thing.
It’s entirely speculative but I think I’d place this team above the 1998 team, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you make the Super Bowl (it may just be that 2010 is a tougher year than 1998, etc.).
I also think this team has a definitive “long haul” feel to it, as opposed to some of the other teams in this conversation.
Lose The Weight - Is this the best Falcons team ever? It’s definitely in the hunt - Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) « Lose The Weight
December 18th, 2010
1:37 am
[...] Is this the best Falcons team ever? It’s definitely in the hunt – Atlanta Journal Constitution (bl…But this team is just as special as we were.” The numbers are fairly similar. Those Falcons started 5-2 and didn’t lose again until falling to Denver in Super Bowl XXXIII. These Falcons started 4-2 and haven’t lost since. The ‘98 Falcons ranked [...]
falconfiend
December 18th, 2010
1:46 am
i watched that game with my brother and my dad and they were stunned that atlanta beat minnesota that year. Man when anderson made that kick i jumped up to the ceiling of the house. ill never forget that moment. The 2010 team is more talented than 1998. Falcons are deep in every aspect of the team.
potluck
December 18th, 2010
3:57 am
The greatest part about the 2010 Falcons so far is what I always debate my saints fan friend about: This team is balanced offensively, has a defense that never gives up, an overall team that is fearless as well as disciplined and focused, but the most important thing is that they have YET to play to their full potential. That’s scary if you ask me. We have the best record in the league and are nowhere near our peak. That’s why we are so dangerous but also why everybody sleeps on us,cuz they can’t see what the big deal is. Anybody can win when everything is clicking but champions know how to win even when they don’t play their best. We are the latter
Ron Hyatt
December 18th, 2010
3:58 am
“Dirty Birds”. Ha! That’s so last century. Hotlanta! WOO! Omni Rocks!
kent
December 18th, 2010
6:25 am
Not to be a spoil-sport, but this team is about 4 plays from being 7-6.
doninacworth
December 18th, 2010
8:22 am
I’ve seen em all and my vote goes to our guys right now! Yes, if Moe Momentum continues on thru the Monday night NO game I’ll go with the fellows we have now….just the right mix and we do win the close ones
at the end.
Ed
December 18th, 2010
8:32 am
It’s simple. If we win the super bowl yes. If we lose in the super bowl, perhaps. If we lose in the playoffs, no.
Mr. Mustard
December 18th, 2010
8:32 am
Remembering Falcons’ history is like reading history books about the holocaust.
All I will say is I’ve been watching them closely since the Bob Lee game on Monday Night Football. General Bob Lee we called him, and he was the one who was going to take us to the next level.
I still say Wiliam Andrews was hall of fame caliber. That man was good, and a shame his career was cut short with injury.
Falcons take care of business on Sunday in workman like fashion. 31-17.
Whatever became of Haskel Stanback? One time he broke free and had a clear run to the end zone, and tripped over his own feet just before the goal line.
I think he did roll into the end zone, but we laughed-so-hard.
Fred
December 18th, 2010
8:40 am
The 98 team beat one of the best nfl teams ever on the road in the nfc champ game. They were a 13 point underdog and won. That team right now beats this team hands down and those voting for this team today are clueless. You really should put another box to check that says not enough info cause their really isn’t at this point.
Rafael
December 18th, 2010
9:01 am
I believe the defense of the 1998 team was superior to this one.The defensive line,the linebackers and the defensive backs on that team were better than the 2010.I think talent wise and potential wise this team would be better than the 98,but is not there yet.The offensive line in this team maybe better than the 1998. Qb, Rb and wr’s are comparable in both teams with an obvious advantage in TE in this team.
ww
December 18th, 2010
9:16 am
The irony here is that the phoenix rising is Mattie Ice.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 18th, 2010
9:23 am
Are these the best Falcons ever? Funny little piece considering that this team hasn’t won any playoff games (yet). I’m wondering if they will be more like the Cincinatti Bengals….1 good season & then back to the top of the draft. the 98 Falcons held up their end of the bargain by following their 14-2 Superbowl season with a 4-12 1999 campaign & a 5-12 2000 season.
Better hope this team has 1 and done written all over it. Better win the Superbowl this year. But if you don’t the real question is are you positioned for a number of runs at the Superbowl? If you can make a couple of playoff pushes THEN you will know if you are better than the ‘98 Falcons who were just flashes in the pan.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 18th, 2010
9:24 am
ooops…i meant better hope this team doesn’t have 1 and done written all over it.
Navigator
December 18th, 2010
9:30 am
I don’t demean that 14-2 Falcon team from 1998, and Chris Chandler stood in the pocket as good as any QB that ever played the game (including Sonny Jurgensen). I remember when the Falcons played the 15-1 Minnesota team and won and everyone said what an upset. I challenge anyone to say a 14-2 team beating a 15-1 team is an upset more than who showed up and who didn’t. The head coach came back in the championship game after a heart attack and the decision making was at best questionable. Let’s not forget the selfish conduct of the defensive back that just had to get a prostitute and got busted, affecting so much of what happened in that game. The following year they had a losing record again, and that’s why that team can’t be considered better than this year’s team.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 18th, 2010
9:32 am
This could be the Falcons magical season. Things have been going their way & they have been playing a quality brand of football. That’s a pretty good recipe. As a Saints Fan I have to admit I don’t like the style of football but it is effective….11-2 is good no matter what style you play. Watching the Falcons is like watching Sid Bream round the bases….slow but exhilarating. Is it enough to push through to the playoffs/Superbowl? Not sure. It will be tough because teams will have more time to prepare their teams for your attack. Can Matt Ryan find other receivers when Roddy & Gonzalez are blanketed with some exotic coverage scheme? Can you be explosive enough if you fall behind?
Buckeye
December 18th, 2010
9:45 am
Freakin’ Eugene Robinson ruined Super Bowl Sunday for the 98 Team. I remember waking up to the news and it ruined all the anticiaption of the day leading up to the game. A fun ride, for sure but he absolutley took every breath of wind our of our sail.
I doubt, should we make it the Super Bowl this year, that there will be another Eugene Robinson moment…let’s hope not. I think Arthur has built a solid organization served by abilitiy, class and character.
Go Falcons!
BirdDog
December 18th, 2010
9:59 am
I think it’s too early to tell yet. This year’s team hasn’t even won a playoff game yet, much less made it to the Super Bowl. The defense is not all that good IMO. They have given up a lot of passing yards and then Carolina rushed for over 200 yards last week! Why hasn’t anyone mentioned that this week? They absolutely got gashed by a terrible team. I’m a life-long fan of the Birds but if they played the Pats next week, they would get killed IMO.
Chuck Clausen
December 18th, 2010
10:12 am
I wouldn’t want to take away anything from the 1998 team, this year’s team does not have a Jessie Tuggle but it overall a slightly better team – this year’s team is able to stay balanced for several reasons, 1. A really good offensive line 2. Michael Turner and some other good runners 3. White, Gonzalez, Jenkins and some other good receivers. – offensive coordinator can always attack the defenses weakness since he does not have any weaknesses in his own offense he has to avoid. Falcon defense is sound and solid, but not overwhelming, but makes few mental errors so the opponent offense seldom gets anything cheap. This team is extremely well coached. This year’s Falcons always show up ready – great coaching and excellent club house leadership. I’ve never been in their locker room, but nobody plays as well as they do without great veteran leadership in the club house and on the practice field.
yo mama
December 18th, 2010
10:46 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEhsjl_C2Yc
Outside the Perimeter
December 18th, 2010
10:49 am
The birds will finish this season 13-3, get knocked out of the playoffs and spend the winter wondering, “What?” I’m a Falson’s fan but also a realist. When losing is ingrained into the psyche of a team it’s hard to overcome. Oh, yes, the last loss for the 13-3 season? None other than the Saints who have shook off their lethargy and now are playing like champs…much to my chagrin.
Bill
December 18th, 2010
10:52 am
I had a dream last night (really). The Falcons were playing the Patriots (Superbowl??). The Falcons played pretty well, but things kept going against them. In the end, it wasn’t close. They got Thumped forty-something to something in the teens.
Hal
December 18th, 2010
11:00 am
They still don’t deserve a new taxpayer funded stadium.Win something in the post season.
David Granger
December 18th, 2010
11:46 am
Hard to say, Mark. I sure like this team. But I hope we learned one valuable lesson from the 1998 Falcons.
All we saw on TV the week before the Super Bowl that year were the Falcon players either visiting the Miami zoo, riding JetSkis, dancing that damn “Dirty Bird” in some South Beach nightclub…or trying to pick up some bimbo hooker.
Then game time came along, and we got hammered..
I sure hope…when we get into the playoffs…the team will take things a little more seriously this time.
5150 P.O.A.D
December 18th, 2010
1:40 pm
Did I just read Saint REAM just be nice to the FALCONS?
Jimmy
December 18th, 2010
2:04 pm
Enter your comments here
Jimmy
December 18th, 2010
2:06 pm
This team beat the curse.
Its the only team to have back-to-back and now…back-to-back-to-back winning seasons.
I’m proud of this team.
Falcons–stay humble and hungry.
Vick: getting a dog = Pedophile : adopting a child
December 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
Better than any of the Dog Killer’s team, I’d say.
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
December 18th, 2010
2:40 pm
Man it is a SLOW football day. Just Georgia Southern(FCS) and BYU(FBS) and Delta St(div3). Does anybody really care about the NBA? Who cares about College Basketball until March Madness and the Confrence Tournies.
GSU Eagle 91
December 18th, 2010
3:20 pm
Mark Bradley…
Can’t we have SOME sort of literacy test one has to pass before posting on this blog?
Joe Tess Fish House is not only an illiterate moron, he knows NOTHING about football.
Ed
December 18th, 2010
3:34 pm
Is this the best Falcons team ever? yes without question for one thing they are so well coached by Mike Smith and from an organizational standpoint they are in great shape. This team is led by their will to win on Sunday they arent about individual results they are about winnin as a team and that is what makes them capable of winning a Super Bowl. The 98 team was good and made me proud of this franchise but this team is more structured for long term success. ive been with this team since i was 5 years old in 1983 and this team is the best all around team ive seen from this franchise
papadawg
December 18th, 2010
3:52 pm
How can you compare them anybody until they make it to the Super Bowl only to get blown out by the Patriots
Once "Recent" Reader
December 18th, 2010
4:07 pm
Lots of teams get blown out by Pats in regular season . . . . . but go back and take a look . . .. .every Pats SB win .. . .and the 2008 loss . .. .all were close games. This Falcons team . . .specifically the Offense . . .is also built for close gangs. They hang in there, get some points, and dominate time of possession.
Dr Henry
December 18th, 2010
4:18 pm
Good column MB…I’ve heard every debate possible this season on whether this team is best in NFC, best in NFL, best this century etc. but no comparison to the 98 team… Nothing against Dan Reeves but this is a better coached team, esp. defensively…They have yet to lose a division game in the toughest division in the league…I like the way this team has grown and improved game by game.
Once "Recent" Reader
December 18th, 2010
4:23 pm
Oops . . .close games . . .not close “gangs”.
JEB
December 18th, 2010
4:27 pm
1980 team was a great team. Leeman Bennett blew that game!
Dominated Dallas up until 5 minutes left and went conservative on “O” and prevent on “D”.
It actually looked like he was giving it away!
William Andrews & Lynn Cain in the backfield.
Bartkowski (the best long ball man in the game) @QB
Strong “O” Line – very strong.
Wallace Francis – Alfred Jenkins – @ Wide Receivers
Junior Miller at TE
The defense was great and would get in the face of any opposing QB.
Leeman Bennett choked! A lot of players have stated this in the past 30 years.
BobbyDawg
December 18th, 2010
4:33 pm
I’d like to thank Arthur Blank for doing what he said he’d do. He put a team in Atlanta that is capable of competing at the highest level in the NFL. Also Mike Smith ain’t bad either. These are two class acts that I think we’re all proud of. Rankin Smith was rank to say the least.
stendek
December 18th, 2010
4:59 pm
I have been a Falcnatic since 1966! My top two victories still involve Minnesota Vikings. First was upset of unbeatable Vikings for NFC championship in Minnesota. Second was upset of streaking Vikings on insane winning streak coutesy of John Zook, Claude Humphrey and associates. Original Longest Yard actor Joe Kapp was QB of that Norse squad. No signature victories for present Falcons. Wins will do just fine. OT loss to Steelers in Pennsylvania no disgrace. Blowout gag job to Eagles in Philly was! Two losses in 13 outings. Not much to complain about. Do Falcons secure home field advantage with two more wins regardless of what happens against NO in regular season finale? Just curious. Not ready to bequeath Super Bowl to Falcons just yet. Still remember what happened to unbeatabloe Patriots several seasons ago. Shudder! STENDEK
Vick Supporter
December 18th, 2010
5:21 pm
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/moving_the_chains/Video_MVP_chants_for_Vick_at_Sixers_game.html
C
December 18th, 2010
5:42 pm
Let’s go Falcons!
Bama Falcon
December 18th, 2010
5:49 pm
Stendek, I agree the win in the cold rain and mud in 1969 was GREAT, and the upset on Monday nite in 1973 against the Viking was even better. We had good team in 73 and its hard to believe its been 12 seasons since the 98 club beat the Vikings.
stendek
December 18th, 2010
5:56 pm
Hi Bama Falcon. Have not been over abundance of pleasant memories since 1966. But there have been a few glorious ones. Merry Christmas!
STENDEK
Enemas for Christmas
December 18th, 2010
6:44 pm
Soccer sucks
crabapplejoe
December 18th, 2010
8:12 pm
As a native Atlantan…and long suffering Falcons fan, I would have to say that the 1980 Bartkowski “cardiac-Falcon” team was the best. They were clearly the most exciting team in the franchise’s history. That loss to Dallas, which should not have happened, was one of the top three defining moments in Atlanta sports history.
jc_dawgs
December 18th, 2010
9:07 pm
1980 was the best Falcons team ever….especially that offense. Unfortunately…our secondary really cost us in the Dallas game. I still feel the pain from that loss…30 years ago….what a nightmare!
jc_dawgs
December 18th, 2010
9:21 pm
To all you relatively new fans….the 1980 team was fantastic…best Falcons team ever! Here are a few clips of what they were all about. That Dallas game would have ripped your heart out though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkj_Zp2hpe8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tqSeYQwnZc
Fan of the Game
December 18th, 2010
10:03 pm
The 80 team was pretty darn good. Leeman Bennett was a heck of a coach and very underrated.
TruthSeeker
December 18th, 2010
10:36 pm
I have to disagree strongly with Van Note that the 2010 Falcons have a better defense than the 1998 Falcons. The ‘98 Falcons were extremely stingy against the run, and all four guys on the defensive line could pressure the QB (Chuck Smith, Travis Hall, Lester Archambeau and Shane Dronett). The Falcons led the league in takeaways that year thanks to the ferocious pass rush and a ballhawking secondary that was able to take advantage of errant throws. The 2010 Falcons D only has one consistent pass rusher (John Abraham) and isn’t quite as solid in the secondary.
I also have to give a slight nod to the ‘98 offense over the current one. Jamal Anderson had one of the great workhorse years in NFL history, and Chris Chandler was unbelievable at stretching defenses when they loaded the box, averaging a ridiculous 9.6 yards per attempt (the second highest YPA in a single season since 1954; only Kurt Warner at 9.8 in 2000 has a higher mark).
The ‘98 team was a GREAT football team any way you choose to dissect it. The 2010 Falcons team are a solid team that finds ways to win. If they win the Super Bowl, then they’ll rightfully earn the title of the Greatest Team in Falcons History. But for now, the ‘98 team still holds that distinction.
59bulldawg
December 18th, 2010
11:34 pm
This team is definitely a very good team and could very well win it all. But GERHART76 (9:44 a.m. on December 17) is right. The 1980 team was the most talented Falcons team ever. The prevent D against Dallas only prevented them from getting to the NFC title game and most likely the Super Bowl. That was a truly great team that underachieved in the playoffs! Dallas should have never won that game!
RichieRich
December 19th, 2010
7:20 am
Eugene Robinson broke a lot of Falcon fans hearts that morning. Put a cloud over the whole day and never gave us a chance. He had a good testimomy prior to that but lost it all in a moment of weakness. I hope the lesson isn’t lost.