The Falcons are the class of the NFC, but a familiar face looms
Feeling fearless in Seattle: Another three-touchdown game for Matt Ryan. (AP photo)
They’re in the playoffs, and they’re as close to having the No. 1 seed throughout the NFC bracket as you can get without clinching. They’ve got two games to go, both of them here. Win once more — here we note that the Falcons meet the NFL’s worst team, Carolina, in the regular-season finale Jan. 2 — and they won’t play anywhere but here until February.
And that’s the way it ought to be. If you’re looking for the NFL’s best overall team, it’s Atlanta. (And if you’re wondering when last we could say that about the Falcons with any conviction, the answer would be, “Um … never.”)
The Patriots have a fabulous offense, but their defense entered the weekend as the league’s fifth-worst. Maybe Tom Brady is good enough to override that failing, but at some point a championship team has to stop somebody. (Doesn’t it?) The Ravens are stout, but the Falcons have beaten them. The Falcons lost to the Steelers, but that was before the local team figured out how good it could be.The Jets are more a TV show than a Super Bowl winner. Those are the only AFC teams worth mentioning.
As for the NFC: The Giants just blew a 21-point lead in a prove-it game, meaning they proved they don’t belong among the elite. The Saints lost in Baltimore on Sunday, solidifying the season-long belief that the reigning champs are indeed last year’s team. The Bears lead the NFC North but don’t seem a threat. But there’s one team that does.
Given the Falcons’ run of last-gasp victories and their absence of serious injuries, this has been a charmed season for the franchise that, 45 years on, hasn’t known many. These Falcons don’t dazzle you with footwork; they just hammer you with basics. They’re not rattled by an opponent’s quick start. They’re not rattled by anything. That said …
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming fast. (Emphasis on “fast.” Those guys can really run.) They weren’t supposed to lead the NFC East with two games to go — back in September, Dallas and the Giants were the touted teams — and however the Eagles fared was supposed to hinge on new quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Two weeks into the season, the Eagles had a new new quarterback. Andy Reid, the low-key coach, chose to elevate Michael Vick to No. 1 after saying repeatedly he would not. (Kolb had gotten hurt in the opener.) The Eagles made the announcement via a mass text message at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday night. At a Wednesday briefing Reid faced an enraged Philly media, which demanded to know why it should ever trust him again.
Today the Eagles are at worst the NFC’s second-best team, and they’ve already beaten the Falcons on a day when Vick didn’t play. (Question for a rainy afternoon: Are the Eagles deeper at quarterback than the Phillies are in starting pitching?) The Eagles are having a season kissed by the angels, same as the Falcons. You know something strange is happening when, as happened Sunday, a Vick-fueled Philly rally enables his former team to clinch a playoff berth.
Loading ...So now we ask: Is it possible to have two teams of destiny? If so, which one wins?
Speaking last week, the former Falcon great Jessie Tuggle said: “I’m a little biased, but I think [the Falcons are] the best team in the NFC.”
Then, after a pause: “But Philadelphia could push them.”
Think about it. Jan. 23, 2011: The Georgia Dome stages its first conference championship game, and who should be the opposing quarterback? Only the guy who used to pack the place.
Me, I’m thinking that would be the toughest ticket in the history of Atlanta sports, above even Muhammad Ali’s comeback fight against Jerry Quarry in October 1970. And I’m also hoping it doesn’t happen for a selfish reason: The profession I’ve chosen would be rendered null and void, at least for that week.
If ever a story could write itself, it’d be this: Michael Vick returns to Atlanta, a Super Bowl on the line. Nuff said.
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
837 comments Add your comment
Reality Check
December 21st, 2010
12:25 pm
Power Poll: Big-play Eagles soar after giant miracle
Vinnie Iyer SN Icon Sporting News
The 2010 Philadelphia Eagles are among the best big-play teams in NFL history. In 14 games, they have had 73 plays go for 20-plus yards, scoring on 15 of them — both good for No. 1 in the league. They also average a league-best 6.3 yards per play.
Although Sunday’s rally from three touchdowns down in the fourth quarter to beat the New York Giants 38-31 was improbable, considering the Eagles’ quick-strike ability it wasn’t implausible. Michael Vick was responsible for most of the dazzle with his strong arm and fast legs, setting up fellow speedster DeSean Jackson to score the game-winning TD on a punt return.
Reality Check
December 21st, 2010
12:31 pm
NFL Playoff Scenarios: Root For Bears If You Want To Avoid Eagles, Falcons Fans
by Jason Kirk • Dec 21, 2010 9:32 AM EST
You’ve seen it coming since Michael Vick first took over for the Philadelphia Eagles back in September against the Green Bay Packers: Vick vs. the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. The Eagles beat Atlanta soundly in Philly minus Vick and in Atlanta last year, though the latter was without Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and so forth.
The media really, really wants this to happen. Vick in the Georgia Dome is the only NFC Championship Game scenario that could possibly match last year’s New Orleans Saints vs. Brett Favre storylines. I, for one, do not want it to happen. If the Falcons are able to beat Vick in the playoffs and exorcise all the demons and what have you, then great. But let’s not take the chance if we can avoid it.
Thus, we root for the Chicago Bears to keep winning. They’ll take home field over the Eagles if they win out, regardless of what Philadelphia does. Besides the fact that you’d merrily take Jay Cutler in the Georgia Dome in January over Vick, this would also force Philly to play in round one. Vick would likely have to get through both a furious New York Giants team and the Bears to get to us.
Not scared of Vick — just keeping it real. This Eagles team carved up the Falcons with Kevin Kolb behind center.
Am I being a sissy coward of a worrywart? Do you want Vick in the playoffs?
Reality Check
December 21st, 2010
12:46 pm
Prepare your eyes, and ears, for Vick’s return to Atlanta
Posted to: Sports Tom Robinson
Tom Robinson
Sports columnist for The Virginian-Pilot
Archive: Past columns
Follow Tom: On Twitter | Blog
Contact: E-mail Tom
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 21, 2010
A few things…
You do realize where all this is headed right?
Sunday, Jan. 23, 3 p.m. in the Georgia Dome. The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC championship and a Super Bowl berth.
Michael Vick, back where it all came crashing down.
My oh my. Pad your walls. Find your ear plugs. Prepare now for every sonic Tweet, commentary and media roar – present company very much included – that will bombard your world if this transpires, because it’s going to get noisy.
The din already enveloping Vick and his combustible Eagles (10-4) hides the fact that Atlanta (12-2) is one win from locking up top seed in the NFC and home field through the postseason. The Falcons are 6-0 in their dome this season, 19-3 there the last three seasons.
Usually, I disrespect teams that play the “disrespect” card, but the overlooked Falcons might have a case. They’ve lost only to the Steelers, 15-9 in the opener, and the Eagles, 31-17 in Philly in October, but don’t get nearly the media credit or attention merited by a 12-2 club.
The path’s not been the toughest: Atlanta has beaten five teams with winning records, including 8-6
Tampa Bay twice. Then again, same for the Eagles; five victories over winners, though two fewer overall.
Know what? Nobody’s going to care about any of that if these guys are still standing in a month. So clear that afternoon to be ready. You have been warned.
An ensuing drama with Vick is the richness of his next price. He can be a free agent, but at worst, the Eagles will lock him up with their “franchise” tag – or what passes for that status depending on the NFL’s labor talks. But there’s little question that Vick, potentially the league’s offensive Player of the Year, will stay an Eagle or that he wants to stay, as he’s said, because they offered him his chance when he was toxic.
A source familiar with Vick’s contract plans, who requested confidentiality, told me weeks ago Vick would aim for the $15 million-a-year range. One would presume that number’s higher now. As a handy reference, the four-year extension signed this season by New England’s Tom Brady, another MVP contender, was for $18 million per, with $48.5 million guaranteed.
To be sure, this season’s soundtrack for Vick, who’s emerging from bankruptcy and has countless debtors, is one note, played on an endless loop: ch-ching ch-ching ch-ching.
Ed
December 21st, 2010
1:58 pm
A Falcons vs Eagles matchup in the NFC Championship game would be so ironic. The Atlanta Falcons have come so far under the current administration. From top to bottom they are a complete football organization that is all about what they can accomplish together as opposed to what only a few individuals on a football team can do. The Falcons have moved on, and Michael Vick has moved on we are both in a better place now. As a life long Atlanta Falcons fan that lives and dies by what this team does I would love for the Falcons to get a chance to be Batman at the end of the movie that gets the best of the Joker. Michael Vick lied to Arthur Blank and the fans and tried to derail the franchise that is nearest and dearest to my heart and I will never let that go.
Ed
December 21st, 2010
2:05 pm
Reality Check, You must have been fighting dogs with Michael Vick, I mean how could you still be in love with a guy that is a convicted felon and a glorified running back.
NFC Playoff Picture
December 21st, 2010
2:51 pm
All Falcons fans and Eagles calm down! If the Falcons get the number one seed and the Eagles got the third seed then if the Eagles beat the Giants in the wild card game then Eagles would play the Falcons in the second round of the playoffs not the championship round. So for the Falcons and Eagles to face off in NFC Championship Game the Eagles need to win out to get the second seed then they need the Bears to lose one. So the Vick vs. Ryan matchup could happen sooner than you think. Here is what am talking about courtesy of NFL.com:
# 1 Seed Atlanta Falcons # 6 New York Giants at # 3 Philadelphia Eagles
#2 Seed Chicago Bears # 5 New Orleans at # 4 St. Louis Rams
dallas dreamin'
December 21st, 2010
3:35 pm
Not a miserable damn word on the various sports media channels, blogs, slogs, bogs, and hogpens. Nothing. Nada. The Falcons do not exist. We are all dreaming this.
this pasted from ajc blog on falcons article..when are local writers going to call the press for not giving this great team its due
Falcon Decatur
December 21st, 2010
3:41 pm
Let’s stop this madness people. Chicago isn’t going to be the second seed, it is going to be Philly. The Chicago bears have to play the Jets and than Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers is going to back for that game. Philly has Minnesota who will not have Brett Favre unless a miracle happens. Philly has to play Dallas who is no push over team. These last two games are going to be a fight. The Atlanta Falcons need to beat the Saints so the NFL Network, ESPN, NFL Insiders and whoever will give Atlanta Falcons respect. Chicago needs to win out, because I don’t want the Eagles getting any rest before the playoffs. Injuries are a best man friend in this league come playoffs, and as I say the NFL is a mystery. If Atlanta Falcons play the Eagles, we need to win the battle of time of possession. Learn from the Giants mistake, never stop running the football. GO FALCONS!!!!
ATL Observer
December 21st, 2010
5:18 pm
I’m surprised that everyone can pull the “nobody respects the Falcons” card or “the Eagles totally have the Falcons number and you’re kidding yourselves” card when BOTH lines of arguments completely disrespect the Bears.
a) Yeah, people don’t respect the Falcons and think they’re not as good as the record. But the same can be said for the Bears.
b) Yeah, the Eagles have a matchup positive against the Falcons. But unless their road to the Super Bowl somehow circumvents Chicago, they’d have to deal with a team that OWNED them in their matchup.
If the Eagles and Bears finish the same (and a split from both teams is not that far-fetched), then the Eagles can’t avoid the Bears (do the matchup math). And that should worry any Eagles fan.
On the other hand, if the Eagles pull it out for #2, then things get interesting: what if the #6 seed beats the Bears, but the NFC West team pulls a miracle out in Week 1? Then the Falcons get a tougher opponent (say, the Giants or the Saints) than Philly.
The playoffs are always tough to figure…you can’t just pin it down to “oh boy, Philly vs. Atlanta.” The permutations of “x beats y but y beats z but z beats y” come into play and there’s no telling how it will shake out.
Bridgebuilder
December 21st, 2010
9:01 pm
Bring on the eagles. I want their to be no doubt who is the better team and/or quarterback. Let’s put it all out there and settle it once and for all.
And let’s not forget one crucial aspect here: This not the same Falcon team that lost to Philly, got beat by Pittsburg, and eeked out a win at New Orleans. This is a team that took that Philly loss to heart and turned it into a motivational springboard for the rest of the season. 6 and oh since then my friends.
Another crucial thing no one seems to notice, is the way the Falcons have approached games all year long. They run manilla plays and still move the ball. Short pass here, dive there, curl here, power sweep there, etc. When they pull the real plays out of the bag (glimpses in fourth quarter comeback drives) they are unstoppable. Just ask, Tampa, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Green Bay.
BobbyDawg
December 22nd, 2010
12:10 am
This thing with New Orleans is not just a game it’s a rivalry, and we all know what happens with rivalrys. You can throw the record book out , and forget about trying to handicap it. There’s nothing that will surprise me about this game. I just hope the Falcons come out on top with no injuries.
Kirk
December 22nd, 2010
11:18 am
Ironic
after pullin my hair out nearly every Sunday for 32 yrs watchin the Birds, ESPECIALLY that 30-27 loss to the Pokes in 1980…what happens..I move away to the sticks-and now avoid gridlock and a deteriorating QOL 3rd world neighborhood..and what happens..The Birds begin to finally do the right things orgganization wise from top to bottom and have 2 consecutive winning seasons for the first time and are poised to go the distance..
SO…Ill stay away..if this is the result….
Like the earlier poster indicated..the one team I FEAR are the IGGles..yeah I attended college near there in the 60’s and was tired both then and now of “IGGLE” fans and their antics esp now at the Stink..
They can get on top fast and DO have the best screen game in the league..and the Birds dont cover deep crossong routes well.. never have recall one John Elway in Super Bowl whatever and the Falcons…in jail lookin for a hooker strong safety issue who couldnt conver that deep crossin route
Here’s hopin we face someone other than those IGGLES…cause we looked real real sad against em earlier @ the Stink
Shawn
December 22nd, 2010
12:49 pm
I’m just saying I think it is a little premature to punch our ticket to the Super Bowl, Don’t you think that is a little insulting to the team that is coming to town and is going to use that as bulletin board material, One Game at a time we all need some humble pie!!!
P Rose
December 22nd, 2010
1:00 pm
I’m a lifelong Falcons fan.The team’s best player is Matt Ryan. But if Ryan was busted by the feds for running a dogfighting ring, lied to Arthur Blank about it, served two years in prison, came back to the NFL with the Eagles, had an MVP-like season and was about to face the Falcons in the playoffs, I would boo him like hell when he came here. These clowns who traded their loyalties from the Falcons to the Eagles for this one talented but deranged player are some sick puppies.
D man
December 22nd, 2010
1:11 pm
Here are some stats that no one is talking about because it makes Philly and the Pats look weak. Team offensive scoring Pats #1, Philly #2, Atl #5, BUT, scoring defense Atl #4, Philly # 19, and Pats # 28. the most important stat is wins and losses, but the second important stat is points scored and the Falcons are best in the league when you factor in both.
D man
December 22nd, 2010
1:14 pm
Vegas oddsmakers are putting their money on Atlanta to make it to the superbowl.
D man
December 22nd, 2010
1:16 pm
P Rose, amen brother…
D man
December 22nd, 2010
1:25 pm
NFC playoff picture post, you are wrong because Atlanta will get the lowest remaining seed in the second round. In your senerio, that would be the winner of the rams, saints game unless the giants beat Philly. Either way, it will be a tough game for the Falcons but we will win…
Elvisinthehouse
December 22nd, 2010
2:01 pm
@ Ashcan,your comment is 100% right.I see all the responses from your comment targeted you instead of your 110% correct comment.I read on here when a blogger typed something when it was mentioned that ryan don’t have a playoff win.they typed “the past was the past”(speaking on this is a new year for the falcons and ryan will win this time).But the blogger comments didn’t apply to mr vick(the past is the past)and they continued to mention he(vick)shouldn’t have been allowed back in the league.I guess he’s not the right color.
Kris In Loganville
December 22nd, 2010
2:59 pm
I think the Falcons could beat the Eagles, no doubt. After all, the Bears and Titans did it so why can’t the more talented Falcons? Yes, the Eagles beat the Falcons earlier in the season but the Falcons of last week are not the Falcons from that Eagles game. And for the first time that I can ever remember (and I’m a native ATLien), the energy surrounding this team–and emitting from within it–has the whole city watching and energized. We love this team, we believe in them and most of all, they believe in themselves. All they need to do is channel that energy and do what they do best if faced with a much-hyped Vick—-WIN!!
For the record, Vick is kinda scary of course. And the Eagles believe they own the Falcons. Maybe they need a wake-up call.
Though the media wants a blood fest in the Dome led by Vick, as if he somehow is entitled to beat us, people seem to forget this is where Vick got his start. This city showed him lots of love and support–even when he did not deserve either. I was a major Vick fan but the Falcons are bigger than one person. Screw the Eagle-clad Vick–I’m a Falcons fan first and foremost.
Also, who’s to say the Eagles make it to the Dome? They could easily be eliminated by either the Giants or Bears in playoff scenarios, which are still not cemented. I say the hell with the pro-Vick media and the naysayers and GO FALCONS!!
Dogcatcher
December 22nd, 2010
5:26 pm
I cant speak for anybody else but I KNOW THAT IF MIKE VICK WINS THE MVP AWARD THIS YEAR IN THE NFL, I WILL THROW UP EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH in celebration of it.
NightWatchman
December 22nd, 2010
5:49 pm
Dogcatcher: your blog is great! i am surprised vick suddenly wants a dog after so many years of torturing dogs. Vick has been relatively tame for 2 years of trying to play it straight and stay clear away from dogs. Dont give Vick a dog because he will once again begin trapping them and using them for his evil torturee tricks. Vick’s mug should be on the cover of Dog Discovery magazine for January.
Von
December 22nd, 2010
9:56 pm
The Falcons are a really good team. We knew that when the season started. But man….what a boring team to watch….I mean having to sit and watch 14,15,16 play drives taking up almost a full quarter just kills me. Sort of a “Dinky Donk” offense. I think most would agree watching this team is not very exciting except the last three minutes when they pull out the win. I really want to see how they handle the Saints Monday night. You know Brees will dial it up on Monday night. This team thrives on big TV games. Not to mention Philadelphia. Everyone wants to see the Eagles and Falcons in the playoffs which I think is very probable based on the seeding. As for the Saints…those guys are focused on the playoffs. Like their coach said…you’re judged in the playoffs, not the regular season.
TCCB
December 22nd, 2010
10:51 pm
If the Eagles , come to Atlanta for the playoffs, the season will end for the Falcons.
TCCB
December 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
I Am sick of you people talking about dog fighting and using words like scam and convict. I tried to tell you all last season that Micheal Vick did not need the Falcons; because he is on the better team. That being said: The Atlanta Falcons sit at the top of the WEAK SIDE of the NFC and now you think the they have a chance to WIN the SUPER BOWL!!!!! The ATLANTA FALCONS will not make it to the SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!! First game of the playoffs inside the GEORGIA DOME it won’t matter who the team is the FALCONS will suffer DEFEAT!!!! THE ONLY WORLD CHIMPION FALCONS ARE XXXXX FALCONS AND DON’T YOU FORGET IT!!!!!!!!!!!
TCCB
December 22nd, 2010
11:35 pm
Don’t forget to drink your CAMMY CAM JUICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TCCB
December 22nd, 2010
11:41 pm
DID you vote for MATT RYAN to play in the Pro Bowl???? He had a WEAK showing there as well!!!!!!
slcfalcon
December 23rd, 2010
11:46 am
Our best defense is our offense. The Falcons will severily limit Vick and the Eagles chance to score because Matt and the boys simply have the ball way too long….
Edward M
December 23rd, 2010
11:48 am
I hope you are wrong about the Falcons going 12-4.
Count your chickens
December 23rd, 2010
11:50 am
I love it!!!! Dumb journalism at its finest, you should take how the Saints, their media, and fans handled last year as an example. They didn’t look to a head one game; they took one game at a time.
You already have the Falcons playing Philly in the NFC Championship Game and the Falcons haven’t won anything yet!!! Atlanta has five playoff victories in 45 years; the last playoff victory was in 2004. Do you really think any of the teams in this playoff hunt couldn’t take this team down other than Philly?
I would be concentrating on the Monday night game against N O. This is the NFL and it’s not impossible the Falcons could lose the last two games causing them not to win the division and having to go on the road for the playoffs. I think Monday is going to be a toss-up game for the Falcons and although not likely they could still lose to the Panthers as well.
Do you not think the Panthers would love nothing more than to knock the Falcons down a notch? John Fox and Sean Payton are good friends.He pull may be willing to pull out all the tricks in bag against the Falcons to help his friend. Do not think he wouldn’t go all out to beat the Falcons with his team having nothing to play for? It’s possible the Panthers could go in the game just throwing in the towel or go all out to get the win.
It could be a dangerous game especially if the Saints win on Monday. Count your chickens before they hatch, if you wish Atlanta, but be warned your dream scenario may not play out like you hoped.
Count your Chickens
December 23rd, 2010
12:16 pm
Atlanta has won 5 playoff games in FORTY FIVE years!!!! Last playoffs win 2004.
How stupid is this article? You have Atlanta playing in the NFC Championship. Why not take a play out of the Saints play book last year idiots; concentrate on the Monday Night game against the Saints.
If you lose to the Saints do you not think that John Fox won’t go all out to help his friend Sean Payton win the division? Go ahead and play the what if scenarios and you’re going to get beat!!!
If Greg Williams gets a head coaching job don’t be surpised to see John Fox as Saints D C next year.
GunnerWashington
December 23rd, 2010
2:00 pm
The Falcons will finish the season 14-2. The Saints dont have what it takes to beat the Falcons because they have not played on their superbowl level yet. The Falcons and their fans should NOT be worried about losing to either the Saints or the Eagles because the Falcons are definitely good enough to beat either or both of them. Its just that there are some occasions when the Falcons play like crap, come out flat and somehow have a bunch of 3-and-outs and blow a ton of scoring opportunitys. Fortunately this year the Falcons have had only two games like that and lost both of those games (pittsburgh and philadelphia). Hopefully the Falcons will bring their “A” game the rest of the way and it might be enough for the Falcons to win the superbowl. I know of only ONE personnel move in the offseason by Dimitroff that I disagreed with–and that was getting rid of James Foxworth. Other than that, Dimitroff has made all the right moves, which is evidenced in a 12-2 record so far. I believe if the Falcons still had Foxworth, the Falcons would have the best team in the league. Only the Jets would have better cornerbacks in Reevis and cromartie than the Falcons if they had Foxworth and Brent Grimes. Grimes just won the defensive player of the week and Foxworth was the best shut-down cornerback I have ever seen since Dione Sanders. Foxworth’s agent wanted Foxworth to be the highest paid player in the history of pro football and that is why the Falcons couldnt sign foxworth and had to release him. In my opinion, the Falcons are the fourth best team in the league behind #1-Patriots, #2-Eagles, and #3-Saints. That is how i rank the poewr rankings of teams in the league. The Falcons have a chance but they will need luck on their side to beat teams that are better than them. ESPN has the Falcons ranked #1 in the entire football league but I dont agree with that ranking because of the glaring weaknesses on the Falcons in their secondary. If the Falcons however, play their best football and play solid for 4 quarters, then they can beat anyone and might get themseleves a lombardi trophy in spite of their ineptness and weaknesses.
1911A1
December 23rd, 2010
3:24 pm
Way to go, Bradley. Like a crack addict, you just can’t help posting up yet another Vick article to stir up the racial animosity. The sad thing is, just like negative political ads, you keep doing it because it works.
Having said that, if we do wind up facing the Uggles in the post season, let’s just strap it on and settle it on the field. GO BIRDS!
jets vs patriots tv
December 23rd, 2010
6:15 pm
[...] I just can't …NFL Playoff Picture: 25 Bold Predictions for the Playoffs Bleacher ReportThe Falcons are the class of the NFC, but a familiar face looms Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 336 news articles » Dec 23, 2010 [...]
Kushion
December 24th, 2010
9:39 am
That fat ass Butt Plug D. O. Ledbetter must get a thrill out of printing Roddy White apologizes to New Orleans.
ENOCH
December 24th, 2010
9:46 am
GunnyWash
Who the hell is James Foxworth? You might be a Falcon fan but your info is FUBAR!! Foxworth highest paid corner??? WTF is this dude talking about?? “The Falcons will need luck to beat teams better than them”….no ish really??
Mike
December 24th, 2010
10:02 am
I have to agree with Count your Chickens. Saints are coming in to Atlanta and laying down, we can all agree on that. Carolina will come into the Dome with 10 days rest (almost like a bye week) and Atlanta will be on 6 after playing a very tough and emotional game, so we can not quite crown them yet. Lets earn the number one seed first, then talk about who we may see in the divisional playoffs who could once again be the Saints, or the Pack could come back which are both capable of beating Atlanta. In a scenario where we beat the Saints Monday night and see them here again in the playoffs scares me, due to the difficulty in beating a team three times in a season.