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.
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837 comments Add your comment
PMC
December 20th, 2010
9:00 am
The other thing, Mike Vick may well be the most exciting player in the NFL. He may have been the most talented guy ever to play here even if we missed his best years when he was starting to mature.
Right now, today. Matt Ryan is the best facilitator at QB in the history of this franchise…and he’s a 3rd year QB.
Guys, 2 playoff appearances and 3 winning seasons in 3 years.
It’s staggering and Ryan’s defneses are nothing to write home about though they have improved fantastically this year.
This is the best Big TEAM little me group we have ever had in this city.
This team is awesome and this is a heck of a fun year.
SECWasteManagement
December 20th, 2010
9:01 am
Dante Stallworth drove drunk and ran a guy over, killing him. Sentence was 24 days in jail I think.
Mike Vick kills some dogs. Sentence was 23 months in jail.
To this day that still baffles me.
Katherine
December 20th, 2010
9:06 am
SECWasteManagement
December 20th, 2010
9:01 am
Dante Stallworth drove drunk and ran a guy over, killing him. Sentence was 24 days in jail I think.
Mike Vick kills some dogs. Sentence was 23 months in jail.
To this day that still baffles me.
Me too! You don’t see anyone picketing his games or even talking about the actual person he killed. It’s insane!
Honky Talkin'
December 20th, 2010
9:07 am
T-Bone
December 20th, 2010
8:54 am
I’ve always felt like we should have at least kept the rights to Vick, and seen what would have happened after a few practices. What would an offense with both Ryan and Vick have been like? Sick, unstappable, amazing, I tell you. No QB controversy; just play them both, at different times, sometimes in different situations, sometimes at the same time. A good OC would figure this out. Vick in the slot would absolutely freeze a defense.
And can you imigine the storylines??
=> Vick returns to ATL repentant
=> Vick and Blank kiss and make up
This city has always loved him. Blank should have capitalized on that.
Vick is a special talent. Now it is very possible that we could get beaten by the star-kissed QB that that we discarded simply because he embarrassed us.
********************************************************************************************************************
No, the City has not always loved him. Black or White, he embarrassed an disgraced the franchise, the fans and the great city of Atlanta.
Mindy
December 20th, 2010
9:11 am
Regardless of how a Falcons/Eagles would turn out, i’d rather not have a convicted felon who kills animals as my QB. But the media would spin it in a really twisted direction, and that’s what I don’t think I could stomach.
A- FREAKIN-MAZING!!! I wonder if you feel the same way about Danny Heatley – he only killed his BEST FRIEND while DRIVING DRUNK!! BTW Heatley did not serve ONE DAY in jail for that, he recieved probation…..I wonder what would’ve happened if it would’ve been Vick who did that?
I find it amazing how people can keep saying these things about Vick but conveinently forget about the atrocity (and lackof justice) in the Danny Heatley case.
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:14 am
I see all the bandwagon wishy washy falcon turdy bird fans are still decieved.The falcons will not beat the NYG or the BEARS if they see them in the playoffs.We’re not gonna even talk about philly.So saying all that the falcons aint BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!
Trade Nate for a Bag of Balls
December 20th, 2010
9:22 am
I dont think Falcons can beat the Eagles
They might have trouble in the 2nd round if they face the Giants
Katherine
December 20th, 2010
9:22 am
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:14 am
I see all the bandwagon wishy washy falcon turdy bird fans are still decieved.The falcons will not beat the NYG or the BEARS if they see them in the playoffs.We’re not gonna even talk about philly.So saying all that the falcons aint BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!
Really? I think the falcons record speaks for itself. They lost the 1st game in overtime to pittsburgh, beat the saints, green bay, tampa twice, oh and the ravens. Think what you want but this team is for real.
mgm
December 20th, 2010
9:24 am
I still remember that sinking feeling in my gut when I heard on the radio that Mike Vick was being implicated in the dog fighting business. After weeks of thinking he had nothing to do with it. Then I immediately thought, ‘Typical Falcons luck, they finally get something great that could make them a championship team and this happens.’ I am still haunted by the 1980 loss to Dallas in the playoffs. They never recovered from that loss and as a boy the highest and lowest point as a fan occurred on the same day.
Honestly, I think the worst thing that could happen to this franchise would be if Philiadelphia comes to Atlanta led by Vick and wins in the dome. It would completely pour salt in the wounds of the entire fanbase. They are young and talented and maybe would rebound the next year but as a fan it would rekindle the legacy of the Falcons on the verge of greatness. On the other hand, a win against Vick in the Dome would exercise some serious demons.
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:25 am
The real reason vick is hated by whites so much is #1 because of his skin color and #2 the average white person love there nutt biting booty sniffing mutt than a black person.its true facts can’t be denied.When a mutt gets ran over by a car,i never see news camera’s the yellow tape and a history of what that mutt did before he died.So why everytime vick do something good his past always get thrown back in his face from white media and bloggers? When the steelers play or when i read sports blogs rapistburger and all the other great white hopes names are forgotton and forgiven for what they have done.Sorry vick your just not the right color and if i was you i would’nt give a rat azz about what white people say or think.Especially AJC AND CREW racist mark bradley.He knows white america will respond when he mention vick thats why vick is mentioned in there articles more than the falcons team as a whole.
Get Real
December 20th, 2010
9:26 am
Katherine – list all the reasons to love Vick.
Put up or shut up.
Get Real
December 20th, 2010
9:28 am
Hey SECWasteManagement – THEY WERE DIFFERENT, DUH!!!
Stallworth’s accident was a tragedy. Lapse in judgment and something bad happened for which he’s genuinely sorry.
Vick’s actions were no accident. He INTENTIONALLY killed those dogs. He INTENTIONALLY promoted dog fighting. He INTENTIONALLY lied about all of it. He said he was “sorry” – after he got caught and was forced to stop.
If you don’t see the difference, then you’ve got issues.
Edward
December 20th, 2010
9:31 am
A-men Get Real.
A-men! I’ll add that Heatley’s situation was an accident too. Like the Stallworth you mentioned.
We all make accidents – some tragically. But that doesn’t even begin to compare to doing it on purpose like Vick did.
Vick enjoyed fighting dogs. Vick enjoyed killing dogs. That ain’t the same as an accident. No way. Ever.
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:32 am
@Katherine,its still regular season hon.But you can crown them right now if you want too.Yep there(falcons)in the playoffs but remember its one and done when that time of year comes around.So get ready to repeat that saying every year from the bandwagon fans and thats,”WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR”!
Mindy
December 20th, 2010
9:32 am
So why everytime vick do something good his past always get thrown back in his face from white media and bloggers?
I’m not a hockey fan, so I don’t watch it on TV; but I wonder if everytime Danny Heatley suits up to play, if they, the media, play over and over again, the videotape where his car crashed into that fence and killed his best friend. Or, if it’s even MENTIONED over and over and over and over…….Heatley didn’t serve ONE DAY for that; where’s the moral majority outrage over THAT? How can HE get away without consequences but you people want Vick to burn in h3ll for some dogs? Why didn’t HE smudge the sacred name of Atlanta? Why is HE forgiven for vehicular homicide, but Vick will be forever denigrated because of the dog fighting?
PS: I’m glad he’s back. And I hope he beats the crap outta Atlanta — just so that you holy rollers can REALLY have something to hate him for.
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:34 am
Don’t care if you(whom ever)don’t like or agree with my response.My motto is if you don’t like it you can KISS MY ASHCAN!!
SECWasteManagement
December 20th, 2010
9:35 am
The only difference that is relevant to me is the killing of a human being vs. a pet.
JSS
December 20th, 2010
9:37 am
Nothing like the holiday season to bring out the goodwill and peace on Earth! Oops, I forgot that everywhere except on the AJC Blogs!!!
@ Davenpoop…
You don’t think Todd Haley isn’t going to win the COY in a runaway? By the way, the media views Belichick like Rafael Palmerio. He can have 4 more Super Bowl wins and they’ll still be talking about “Spygate.”
Mindy
December 20th, 2010
9:38 am
Heatley deliberately GOT DRUNK and deliberately GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL and drove WHILE DRUNK. But he’s poor poor pitiful accident? PLEASE!!
What about the Ben Rothlesberger case? Was it an ACCIDENT too?
Just saying..
December 20th, 2010
9:38 am
Falcons: The “Smokin’ Joe Fraziers” of the NFL.
papadawg
December 20th, 2010
9:40 am
Vicks passing numbers are inflated by the fact that his receivers are incredible at running after the catch which I wish our receivers would learn. The Giants had him in check until they went to sleep because they had such a big lead late
Mindy
December 20th, 2010
9:40 am
Vick enjoyed fighting dogs. Vick enjoyed killing dogs. That ain’t the same as an accident. No way. Ever.
Heatley enjoyed getting drunk. Healthy enjoyed driving drunk. That ain’t an accident. That’s a deliberate decision. That ain’t the same as an accident. No way. Ever.
Trade Nate for a Bag of Balls
December 20th, 2010
9:41 am
Some of you are idiots if you think Stallworth, Big Ben and Heatley were accidents. lol seriously?
Katherine
December 20th, 2010
9:43 am
ASHCAN.
December 20th, 2010
9:32 am
@Katherine,its still regular season hon.But you can crown them right now if you want too.Yep there(falcons)in the playoffs but remember its one and done when that time of year comes around.So get ready to repeat that saying every year from the bandwagon fans and thats,”WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR”!
I am not ready to crown anyone yet…and I am not a bandwagon fan. I have been a fan for a long time and root for them every year no matter how good or bad they do. I am just proud of them for the season so far…all i’m saying is don’t count them out yet…like you are apparently doing…hon
Trade Nate for a Bag of Balls
December 20th, 2010
9:43 am
Katherine,
Atlanta is not a sportstown. ESPN is bias towards the Pats, Eagles, NY teams
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 20th, 2010
9:45 am
Get Real.
You have just posted the most idiotic post of the year. In doing so you have shown more insight into your mindset instead of any other person in Atlanta. To say “the only reason someone would love Mike Vick is because he is black (only applies if you are black)” is silly. It assumes that people of other nationalities can’t love a black guy simply because he is black. . . truth is some white people prefer black people. But i digress….this is about sports & Mike Vick. So a few Reasons to love Mike Vick:
1. Talented athlete who is fun to watch (Must see tv).
2. Redemption story: hit rock bottom & fighting his way back to the top.
3. He’s human -(WWJD?)
Vick Supporter
December 20th, 2010
9:45 am
Well….it looks like it could very well happen…Eagles vs. Falcons. I hope it does so Vick can CRUSH the Falcons. As a former Falcon fan…I hate the Falcons with all of my heart.
I told you people that Vick would shine again. We’ll pass thru ATL on our way to the SB
JSS
December 20th, 2010
9:47 am
@ Just Saying…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn6KIwnQd2c
and most of us remember how that ended up for “Smokin Joe!”
Katherine
December 20th, 2010
9:47 am
Trade Nate for a Bag of Balls
December 20th, 2010
9:43 am
Katherine,
Atlanta is not a sportstown. ESPN is bias towards the Pats, Eagles, NY teams
I beg to differ…atlanta is a sports town….just not the kind that throws snowballs at santa or throws batteries at baseball players. I guess we just aren’t rowdy enough
Trade Nate for a Bag of Balls
December 20th, 2010
9:50 am
Braves: Dont sell out in playoffs
Falcons: We sellout the stadium but there are alot of other teams fans
Thrashers: Arena is always empty
Hawks: We only attend when Top teams come to town
====================
Atlanta is made up of alot of professionals from other parts of the country that root for their home team
PMC
December 20th, 2010
9:52 am
Ashcan, I’m white, I owned a 7 jersey and I loved the guy when he was our QB. I’ve supported Mike Vick’s rehabilitiation and I defended his ability to play vehemently during his entire career.
Keep your stereotypes to yourself. Hating the Falcons because Vick went to prison for 2 years is self defeating.
Why not hate his idiot cousin and loser friends for getting him in trouble in the first place? Place blame where the credit lies.
Getting in arguments over skin color is counter productive.
Anyone fighting about the merits of skin pigmentation is an idiot anyway.
That, and you are dead wrong about these Birds. They can beat any team in this league.
papadawg
December 20th, 2010
9:52 am
Some people are just plain stupid to claim whites don’t like Vick because he’s black. I’m white and I like players like well pretty much the whole Falcon team and last check most of them are Black so your claim of hating vick because he’s black is just plain stupid
kevin
December 20th, 2010
9:53 am
Mark,
While they had another terrible start to the season, San Diego is hitting their stride and might be the most balanced team in the NFL right now. In any case, they are “worth mentioning” in the AFC.
MJ
December 20th, 2010
9:53 am
We’ll beat Carolina and lock up the home field advantge for sure. Vick and the Fleagles will come to town, and we’ll win. We’ll have the better game plan and will know how to handle Vick, who is really is having a good year. Let’s stop beating Vick up – he’s paid his dues. Let’s just worry about beating the Eagles & winning it all. One wish for the holidays – Mr. Blank, please buy the Braves. We need a local owner, who has passion for the team and the game. You have done an incredible job with the Falcons. You’ve put the best product on the field, just like you did at Home Depot.
PMC
December 20th, 2010
9:56 am
Hating the Falcons because they took another QB during the 3 years their former QB was working his way back into the league is akin to hating a buisiness for prosecuting shoplifters.
The Falcons are running a business people they can’t afford to wait 3 years to get the most important position player back on the field.
Did you forget 2007 or did you just not care?
Farnsworth
December 20th, 2010
9:57 am
Philadelphia’s birds will trump Atlanta’s and the Pats will win it all.
Chris D
December 20th, 2010
9:57 am
Burner Turner is showing signs of tired legs again this year. Always seems to hit him the last 3-4 games of the season. He is NOT hitting the wholes at speed, dancing sideways instead bowling head-on. Should we beat NO next Monday night, hope they sit Turner the entire CAR game the following weeek. That would give him 3 weeks of rest to recharge his batteries
JSS
December 20th, 2010
9:57 am
@ Katherine…
“I guess we just aren’t rowdy enough ”
As a former Falcons season ticket holder, oh there are far worse things that can be “said” than might be thrown at one physically; and Falcons fans know some doozies!!!
PMC
December 20th, 2010
10:00 am
Probably 90% of the players on the field are black.
Love Roddy, Love Grimetime…. Love the Police….etc. why are we even brining up this people are racist crap?
I love the Falcons, I don’t care what color they are.
Vick slipped because he didn’t listen to his mother enough and he kept a bunch of worthless losers afloat with his success. It happens. He’s redeemed and continues to redeem himself. The guy is an amazing talent. That’s why he’s such a news story.
But the Falcon hate, and the refusual to see how good this team is, that’s a you problem folks.
You can either enjoy how awesome this is with us or you can sulk and whine about it.
Vick Supporter
December 20th, 2010
10:00 am
Yes, I HATE THE FALCONS. Vick will destroy them. The Giants have the athletes to contain Vick. The Falcons do not. It will be a home game for my Eagles if they have to come here
Keep proving them wrong Vick!!
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 20th, 2010
10:01 am
At this point, nothing is guaranteed. 1st, the Eagles will have to win at least 1 playoff game…that game could be against the Giants. They barely escaped them yesterday….I don’t think the Giants doubt that they can beat the Eagles. 2nd, The Falcons will have to secure the #1 seed, which they haven’t…and STILL win a playoff game against a pretty good team (I’m pretty sure it won’t be a team from the NFC West). So let’s not rush to this Eagles/Falcons, Vick/Ryan…love fest just yet!!
papadawg
December 20th, 2010
10:01 am
I think everyone is forgetting the last year Vick played here he was not very good and then it was not only the crime he committed but he flat out lied to everyone about his wrong doings. The lying is the main thing and who would know how he would have turned out when he got out of prison. The Falcons did what they had to do and If I remember right not to many teams wanted him either.
Vick Supporter
December 20th, 2010
10:03 am
If Vick doesn’t win the MVP, something is REALLY wrong….and I care not to mention on here..
Navigator
December 20th, 2010
10:03 am
As it looks now, Philly will have to beat both New Orleans and Atlanta to get to the Super Bowl. If they do it, more power to them, with their human high light QB. However, lets also give the offensive line credit for protecting him and the defense for shutting down most of their competition in the crunch. What New York fail to realize was that you don’t run up two or three touchdown lead and sit on it, you have to follow the New England strategy of keeping your foot on their neck and pouring it on for 4 quarters. I really don’t see the Falcons doing that with their conservative approach, and only if New Orleans takes them out will the Falcons have a chance to even reach the superbowl.
Navigator
December 20th, 2010
10:05 am
Oh yeah, the home field advantage will not exist if Philly plays here. There a sizable number of locals who only come to see MVick play (don’t support the local team), and they will neutralize the home field advantage.
Just sayin'
December 20th, 2010
10:10 am
It is my understanding that the Falcons have not only clinched a playoff spot, they have clinched the Division. Even if(God forbid)they lose the last two games and the Saints should win out, they would be tied and the Falcons would win a tiebreaker by their victory over Cleveland. Right?
Vick Supporter
December 20th, 2010
10:10 am
@Navigator
You’re damn right. We don’t give a damn about the Falcons. Vick is still the QB of this city.
PMC
December 20th, 2010
10:11 am
The home field advantage is sleeping in your own bed and not having to travel Of course it still exists.
They are playing right now for the chance to rest an extra week.
Navigator
December 20th, 2010
10:11 am
One other thing, the reason ESPN doesn’t call the south conference to Atlanta is because they must beat either New Orleans or Charlotte, otherwise New Orleans could have a better conference record and beat out the Falcons, so you don’t let up until the season is over.
Navigator
December 20th, 2010
10:13 am
Only the Democrats Vick Supporter, only the Democrats.