On a night with everything to gain, the Falcons somehow lose
Do you believe in miracles? For Matty Ice, there were none this night. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
The biggest home game in franchise history: That’s how this was billed, and here we pause to note that 46 seasons make for a considerable chunk of history. (Almost half a century!) And even if the Falcons entered Monday night’s game against New Orleans with a comfy Plan B — they could lose to the Saints and still win the NFC South and clinch a No. 1 seed by beating Carolina on Sunday — nobody wanted to do it the easy way.
But that, alas, is the way it will have to be. The Falcons tripped over their moment. This isn’t to say they can’t have moments still, but they couldn’t handle this one.
If you’re going to be a champ, you have to show you can beat a champ. The Falcons had already taken down the reigning champs once this fall, but that was in Week 3 in the Superdome when not many people thought this team would be 12-2 on Christmas. That was a case of a rising team slipping up on an established power. Monday night was different: It was a match of peers, a prime-time convocation of two of the NFL’s finest.
It wasn’t a game of precision. Center Todd McClure whiffed on a shotgun snap that spawned the Saints’ first touchdown, and Michael Turner fumbled when the Falcons were poised to take a third-quarter lead. But the defense kept the game close enough for one play to turn it, and one play did.
It was the Falcons’ defense that undid them in their improbable playoff run of 2008, a defense that was so outclassed in Glendale, Ariz., that general manager Thomas Dimitroff flew home determined to embark on a massive redo, and sure enough he (re)did. The Falcons dumped five starters off that 11-5 team and, in going 9-7 last season, paid the inevitable price of such sweeping change. This year, however, has seen the changes brought to bear.
These Falcons can play D with the big boys. On Monday night they held a high-test offense to 10 points — seven off the aforementioned short field — over 56 minutes. They induced Drew Brees, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year, to commit two egregious fourth-quarter turnovers, the first a silly underhand toss the Chauncey Davis fielded and returned for the go-ahead score, the second a bat-and-grab interception by John Abraham.
The Falcons had a chance after the Abraham swoop to close the case, but a possession sputtered after one first down. Whereupon the Saints drove to a touchdown, Brees finding Jimmy Graham on a slant with 3:24 remaining. But this was what the Falcons’ defense, even in its wobbles, had done all season: It had kept games close enough for Matt Ryan to win them at the end.
And here again was his chance. He hadn’t had a great game through 56 minutes, but the beauty of Matty Ice is that those first 56 minutes can be a red herring. On the first snap after the Saints took their late lead, Ryan scrambled for 20 yards, and you thought, “Here it comes” — the final copyright-protected Falcons Finish of calendar 2010, to be placed on the shelf alongside the escapes against the 49ers and the Ravens and the Packers.
But then a strange thing happened. Ryan threw incomplete on third down, and Mike Smith, the coach who dares to dare, chose to punt inside the final three minutes. It almost worked — the Falcons thought they’d recovered a Graham fumble, but replay correctly overruled — and Matt Ryan never got another chance.
“We didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” Smith said, “but we like where we’re at. Fifteen other [NFC] teams would like to be where we are.”
And that’s true. But there was no hiding the disappointment. “You’ve got to look at the body of work,” Smith said, but this was a night that went against what we’d seen before.
A formula tested over 14 games fizzled in the 15th. The defense held the Saints to 17 points and scored seven itself, which should have been enough to win but wasn’t. The offense couldn’t hold up its end, and the dauntless Smitty outsmarted himself at the end. The biggest regular-season game in Falcons annals will go down, sad to say, as a whiff.
By Mark Bradley
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405 comments Add your comment
Matt Ryan highly overated
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
you say he is all that and clearly he is not? 150 yard passing! They took Tuner and white out of the game! The Atlanta coaches know Ryan weakness to and the saint show all of us what they are . Fact
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
horrible game with such a hope in the end. we had this game if it wasn’t for the mistakes with turner and dunta intercepting that ball. the edge was taken off by watching gt lose and having to change a flat tire off ga 400 near haynes bridge 45 mins ago…what a pain. thanks d-bag for dropping the wooden box on the road!!!!
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
12:54 am
UGAKev
December 28th, 2010
12:51 am
Who Dat a saints fan is talking about a trash dome??? Wow that is too easy of a comeback I will not even go there
The Trash Dome in Atlanta needs to be changed to the WHO DAT Dome because the Saints just beat the Pigeons
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
12:55 am
Exactly. If anyone honestly thinks Carolina is going to come into the GA Dome and beat us, then you’re just talking out of your rear. 3 days rest? Whoop de freaking doo! They are the worst team in the league. And don’t want to lose out on a #1 draft pick. Who are you fooling?!
Sports Review
December 28th, 2010
12:55 am
[...] Key?Bleacher ReportNew Orleans Saints defense tackles recent problemsNOLA.comFOXSports.com -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -FanHouseall 1,791 news [...]
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2010
12:55 am
“Go to ESPN and look at the Strength of Schedule. Saints had the easiest schedule in the entire NFL.”
I’m not denying that this is possible. I’m just saying that division rivals always have the same schedules with the exception of two games. This is the case year in and year out. This year the entire NFC South played six intra-division games, and also played the NFC West and the AFC North. That’s 8 games against below-.500 teams (Panthers x2, Browns, Bengals, Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals) for both the Falcons and Saints. Each team then played each other twice as well as the Bucs twice (an above-.500 team), the Ravens, and the Steelers — that’s 6 above-.500 teams. The remaining two games the Falcons played were against the Packers and Eagles, while the Saints played the Cowboys and Vikings — these two games are the big difference between the two teams’ strength of schedule. Other than those, they had identical schedules this year.
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
12:55 am
Who Dat….it IS meaningless, given our TWO game lead with two to play going in, knowing the other is a HOME game against CAROLINA.
I lived in New Orleans for a year, Louisiana for five, and yet it never ceases to amaze me the level of ig’nunce that permeates that fan base.
WHEN we beat Carolina next week, ask yourself how meaningful this game was to us, k?
UGAKev
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
the only reason i did not want to put up with losing this meaningless game is because the media and espn spins things so bad…now we have to hear all week about how the saints won in atlanta and they are back… its a joke! The falcons are 12-3 and get no respect! Falcons fans just hang in there we get last laugh
Season Ticket Holder
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
Falcons must open the offensive play book past page 1. Conservative calls on offense cost the Falcons this game.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 28th, 2010
12:56 am
Basically the point is that when comparing divisional opponents, strength of schedule plays a relatively minor role because of the way the NFL schedule is made up every year.
Sir Stealth
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
I’m not gonna call it a meaningless game because there was a lot of pride on the line, but calling it the most important home game in history is so far from the truth as to be laughable. It had only the most miniscule of effects on the Falcons playoff seeding. The Saints are very likely to have to come back here again in less than a month – if they take care of their own business. That game will mean something. This was just a good hard fought game that will do nothing to make the Falcons believe that they aren’t still the better team. Our D looked great out there.
It honestly sounds a lot easier to prevent a good team from beating us twice one month in the Dome than it would have to have to beat a good team 3 times in one season. I don’t think we’ll whiff on a snap or fumble on the goal line next time.
The Grinch
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Who Dat Nation, if every game counts then I guess you ought to shut the %&&$ up, huh, since you’re still losing the division. Just because you have access to a computer doesn’t mean you’re not retarded.
UGAKev
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Ron Roberts…I could have not said it better myself …they are the definition of stupid in new orleans
anywho
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Contenders lose on the road, chumps choke right at home. Despite securing top seed in NFC playoff standing largely on the back of a fortunate weak schedule, the Falcons will not win a single playoff game and will lay down to current champ Saints, former champ Giants, or contender Eagles.
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
12:59 am
Who Dat…
…which dome was “trashed” by homeless vagrants who didn’t have the intelligence to LEAVE TOWN when a hurricane approached? Which dome is STILL an ancient cave?
Now, which dome WILL host the team with home-field advantage throughout in the NFC this season?
Trash that.
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
12:59 am
Who Dat….it IS meaningless, given our TWO game lead with two to play going in, knowing the other is a HOME game against CAROLINA.
More Excuses losers
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:00 am
The Grinch
December 28th, 2010
12:57 am
Who Dat Nation, if every game counts then I guess you ought to shut the %&&$ up, huh, since you’re still losing the division. Just because you have access to a computer doesn’t mean you’re not retarded.
How about this retard Pigeons 14 Saints 17
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
Who Dat….I’ll GLADLY take my three losses against PLAYOFF caliber opponents to your two chokes against the BROWNS in YOUR dome, and the Cardinals in THEIRS.
Got some “excuses” for those losses? LOL
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
12:59 am
Who Dat…
…which dome was “trashed” by homeless vagrants who didn’t have the intelligence to LEAVE TOWN when a hurricane approached? Which dome is STILL an ancient cave?
AND WHO HAS WON A SUPERBOWL???? THEM SAINTS THATS WHO
Saints Schedule | Video, Torrent, Downloads | Poodlesnatcher
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
[...] On a night with everything to gain, the Falcons somehow lose … – Mark Bradley [...]
Saints Schedule | Video, Torrent, Downloads | Poodlesnatcher
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
[...] On a night with everything to gain, the Falcons somehow lose … – Mark Bradley [...]
nanunanu
December 28th, 2010
1:02 am
Only losers would think this was a meaningless game for the Falcons. Face it Falcons fans, when the lights were on the Falcons choked. No other way to explain it.
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:02 am
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:01 am
Who Dat….I’ll GLADLY take my three losses against PLAYOFF caliber opponents to your two chokes against the BROWNS in YOUR dome, and the Cardinals in THEIRS.
Got some “excuses” for those losses? LOL
And who has a Superbowl Trophy????
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:02 am
….LAST season, Who Dat….LAST season.
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
1:02 am
Who Dat can talk all he wants. All it gets him is a #5 seed in the NFC. Thanks for blowing those 2 games against Arizona and Cleveland. Helped us out a great deal!
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
1:03 am
nanunanu. Go ahead and say that next week after we wrap up the #1 seed.
bigdave
December 28th, 2010
1:04 am
just a lack of speed on the offensive side of the ball.
Jenkins stepped up, Harry Douglas needed to win against their nickle.. he didnt..
need more weapons. Falcons are ahead of schedule..
The Dogkiller Returns
December 28th, 2010
1:04 am
Wow, offense, what the fcuk happened??!!
Calm Down
December 28th, 2010
1:04 am
UGAKev, you are exactly right. The networks play this stuff uo and blow it WAY out of proportion! They fall in love with a team like the Saints because of the “flash and dash” and the “hard luck overcome” stories of years past, and then shove it down the throats of viewers. A boring team that imply goes about there business doesn’t “SELL”… so the Falcons are out of luck when it comes to the fluff.
Oh well, the Falcons will show that all that talk and hype doesn’t make up for pure sound football.
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:04 am
Still wondering, Who Dat… how did a SUPER BOWL CHAMPION lose to the effing BROWNS at home? And the Cardinals, PERIOD? Who was their QB in that game?
You keep bringing up HISTORY. You got your trophy, and nothing that happens will take it away from ya…
…but we’re talking about T-H-I-S season, and you bringing it up only deflects the conversation from what we’re talking about N-O-W.
Look at the standings. Even after tonight. Look @ who’s in first (still)? Look who has Carolina at home next week with home-field advantage on the line.
Enjoy your “token” win.
BigGuyinSuwanee
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
WhoDat started 13-0 and lost three straight down the stretch last year and learned from those games. The Falcons will learn from this game and you’re following yourselves counting the Falcons after this classic game and must win for WhoDat to earn a playoff berth.
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
I guess those Saints choked it up for 3 straight weeks to end the regular season before winning the Super Bowl.
Say it with me. MEANINGLESS
Saints Schedule
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
[...] [...]
Lesa
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
Come on, people!! We lost a heartbreaker to a very good football team that we beat earlier in the year. Stop blaming the coach, the players, etc. The winning streak was bound to end sometime. I’d rather it end now than in the playoffs. Get a grip!! The Falcons played a great game tonight, particularly on defense. They just came up a few plays too short. Look at it this way: it is rare that a team can beat a good opponent 3 times in one season. If we had to lose a game to the Saints, better now than in the playoffs. The Falcons will wrap up the division and home field advantage on Sunday. No way will we lose to the pathetic Panthers. The Falcons are going to the Super Bowl!!!!
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:02 am
….LAST season, Who Dat….LAST season.
Superbowl wins Falcons 0 Saints 1
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Who Dat has LAST season’s trophy; it didn’t hop out the trophy case and beat the Falcons, BROWNS (hahahaha!!!), the Cardinals (HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!) or the Ravens, did it?
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
1:05 am
I guess those Saints choked it up for 3 straight weeks to end the regular season before winning the Super Bowl.
And we still won it all, the Pigeons will choke
Matt Ryan highly overrated
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Saint punked out the ice!! you take the run game away and you see what you get punk ice! pure hype !! where is the so call thinking QB? Pure punk when heat is applied!!
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:07 am
On that note, I’m going to bed, b/c unlike Who Dat, I have a job to be at in the morning. For Who Dat, his shift at Popeye’s doesn’t start til 11 or later, I’m guessing. Love dat chicken from Popeye’s!
Who Dat Nation
December 28th, 2010
1:07 am
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:06 am
Who Dat has LAST season’s trophy; it didn’t hop out the trophy case and beat the Falcons, BROWNS (hahahaha!!!), the Cardinals (HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!) or the Ravens, did it?
How many rings do the Pigeons have????
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:08 am
Dumb @ss, Who Dat…. you just PROVED Kramer’s point!! Intellect. Get some. ha.
TCCB
December 28th, 2010
1:08 am
Matty Ice Melt Down!!!!!!! Michael Turner Hit The Brick wall!!! Now this is what you get when you play a real football team!!!!!!! Falcons win Sunday 1st round in playoffs falcons =
1 and done!!!!!!!!!! Falcons go to Dallas as Cheerleaders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kramer318
December 28th, 2010
1:09 am
He thinks his trash talk means something after this meaningless game. And trust me. This is a meaningless game no matter how he wants to spin it. Home playoff field advantage come Sunday.
nanunanu
December 28th, 2010
1:09 am
Kramer 318, Falcons will choke in playoffs just like tonight. One and done. Chokers, pretenders. Had a chance to put Saints away after Brees second interception. 3 and out. Choke. Fumble on goal line. Choke. Punt at midfield with 3 minutes left. Coach choked. Allowed 90 yard drive for go ahead TD. Choke. Can’t get Saints off field to give Crushed Ice a chance. Choke. How many more you want? Choke, choke, choke. Pretenders. One and done.
Ron Roberts
December 28th, 2010
1:09 am
Again with LAST year, Who Dat. BROWNS at home. Cardinals on the road. We beat ‘em. You didn’t. NFC South comes to ATL and home-field is ours by the end of next week, too. Bank it. And when you’re bounced in the playoffs, you’ll have your trophy to keep you company while bawling your eyes out.
Matt Ryan highly overrated
December 28th, 2010
1:10 am
They will lose the first game in the play off!
smooth01
December 28th, 2010
1:11 am
i don’t know wat game yall were watching, but the score don’t tell the story…..miss opportunity, the saits did not look unstopable at all….
The Grinch
December 28th, 2010
1:12 am
I started to say “I guess you weren’t born yet or were still in prison when the Falcons won 27-24 in your cesspool of a building earlier this year;” but upon further reading it’s obvious “Who Dat Nation” is “SeenThisB4″ and “Matt”Choke”Ryan.” He’s a pathetic middle aged white guy who lives in Atlanta and hasn’t been laid since Winger was popular. Leave him alone; he suffers enough in his personal life. Don’t feed the trolls.
Trent Dilfer
December 28th, 2010
1:16 am
GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!! WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE DREW BREES AND WOULD RIDE HIM ALL DAY!!!!
Matt
December 28th, 2010
1:16 am
This game showed the coaching staff what they need to work on. The Falcons will be a better team for it- better now than in the playoffs. LET”S GO FALCONS!! Black and Red!!!!!