OK, so it didn’t work, but Mike Smith made the right choice
Sometimes football is, as Michael Turner said, "a game of inches." (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
I’d have gone for it. I’d go for it again. I might call a different play the next time, but I find no fault with Mike Smith’s reasoning. His choice was to try and keep possession by gaining six inches or to rely on his defense to halt the great Drew Brees yet again. That’s no choice at all.
Said Dunta Robinson, who we should note plays defense for the Falcons: “We were more bothered when we saw the punt team going out there [which it did before Smith called timeout and changed his mind] than when we saw the offense. We felt there was no way we weren’t going to get that first down.”
But they didn’t, and the Falcons lost another wild and crazy game in the series that leads the world in wild and crazy games, and now they’re 5-4 and trail New Orleans by 1 1/2 games in the NFC South. Give them this, though: They went down swinging, surging from 10 points behind in the final five minutes to force overtime, losing in overtime on their terms — not Drew Brees’.
We can and will debate whether these Falcons are as good as they should be, but we cannot question their guts. They out-dared the Saints, who as we know are a dauntless bunch, and came within an eyelash of stealing a game Brees and Co. should have locked away. That’s not to excuse the loss — there are no moral victories in the NFL — but it is to suggest that anyone who believes this excruciating game will crush the local team hasn’t been paying attention.
This is a feisty bunch, and this coach is a gutsy guy. Mike Smith made some curious decisions Sunday — a poor challenge that cost a timeout, an onside kick that came too early — but his team was in position not just to tie but to win at the end of regulation. (To me, Sean Payton messed up worse than Smitty did.) And that fourth-down call at the 29 in overtime wasn’t some flight of fancy but a considered decision based on, of all things, a grasp of history.
Said Smith: “We have had no success in giving them the ball back.”
He referred to two games: A five-point loss in the Superdome on Dec. 7, 2008, when the Falcons punted to the Saints with 3:15 remaining and saw New Orleans kill the clock, and the deflating game here on Dec. 27, 2010, when the Falcons, trailing by three, again punted with 2:44 left and never touched the ball again. Many among us ripped Smitty for a failure of nerve after the second game — that’s my hand you see raised — and we can’t have it both ways, can we? A coach can’t be half-daring, can he?
Smith again: “The message all week was that we were going to be an aggressive football team.”
As to the play itself: It was awful. Needing six inches, the Falcons eschewed a quarterback sneak and handed instead to Michael Turner, who had two lead blockers but had to wait for those blockers to array themselves. By that time, the Saints had him.
Said Turner: “If I didn’t like [the call], I would have walked off the field and let somebody else run the ball.”
The bottom line is that Smith’s daring gave the ball to Brees 40 yards closer than a punt would have, but there’s a line that undercuts even that bottom line: If you can’t get six inches in a game of this magnitude, you don’t deserve to win.
Said linebacker Curtis Lofton: “Fourth-and-inches, it being overtime — why not? You’ve got to go for it.”
Actually, you don’t. A skittish coach would have punted and, after the great Brees had driven his team to victory, have said, “Whaddaya want from me? I played the percentages!”
This is what we got from Mike Smith: “It’s something I take full responsibility for … It’s not anybody else’s fault. It’s my responsibility.”
Loading ...As Smith spoke, his employer sat five yards to his right. Asked if he’d have gone for it, Arthur Blank said: “It was absolutely the right thing to do. You can’t keep giving the ball back to that offense.”
Let’s say again that there are no quality losses in pro football, and the Falcons somehow lost a game in which they outgained the great Brees and his offense by 118 yards. But these teams will meet again the night after Christmas, and the Saints have the tougher schedule from here. This division race isn’t over, and I’m pretty sure this coach’s men aren’t going to quit on him. On the contrary.
“I’m behind Smitty,” said center Todd McClure. “In this situation we didn’t get it done, but I like that our head coach has faith in us to get it done.”
Maybe in December they’ll gain those six inches. But a few words to the daring Mr. Smith: Quarterback sneak next time.
By Mark Bradley
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
352 comments Add your comment
Whut ?
November 13th, 2011
6:31 pm
Why didn’t you ask Smith about the lack of pressure on Drew Brees from the overpaid defensive ends (Edwards & Abraham). Abraham has to go watch last year’s hilights to see what sacking a qb looks like…
The Nature Boy @ The Truth
November 13th, 2011
6:31 pm
You also can’t gamble with scared money…..just sayin…
Did anybody BUT me think the Falcons made that FG that they missed..I don’t have a $1000 TV…but it looked good at home..???
Mr. Panic Button
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
Going for it wasn’t the problem–the play that was called is the issue. Again, Turner is not the smartest RB or of fleet feet. He shuffles his feet, slows down at first contact, and runs like he’s in quicksand behind the line. Where was Jacquizz? Why didn’t Turner run to the edges after he saw the middle clogged? This team takes too much energy out of me with these emotional let downs. I’m not as confident or optimistic about the Falcons as most of you are.
ubah
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
Katherine, when he’s done with his basement I’ve got a garage that could use some help!!
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
wow…flacco is having a bad day too
MJT
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
Right decision..
Mr. Panic Button
November 13th, 2011
6:33 pm
Nature Boy…I thought that field goal was good as well. The ball didn’t curve until after it was behind the goal.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:34 pm
well the falcons will get a chance to redeem themselves the next time they play the saints
Falcons Savannah Fan
November 13th, 2011
6:34 pm
sad sad day for us fans
falconfan58
November 13th, 2011
6:34 pm
Mr. Panic Button you must not be as literate as most of us either. There are hardly any confident or optimistic comments on here.
Old Timer
November 13th, 2011
6:35 pm
Of all the plays to call on that 4th and a half yard, having Turner tip-toe to the line was the very worst. I knew it was over when I watched Ryan hand him the ball and Turner start hesitating to the line. New Orleans had stacked the middle, and Turner headed right for it. A QB sneak, a naked bootleg—anything but a Turner tip-toe. The Falcons’ OL got absolutely no push and were owned by the Saints. But I have no quarrel with the decision to go for it. Smith had to know that the Saints weren’t going to go three-and-out again. But at least the Falcons need to go down with guns blazing, instead of relying on the tired old timid rush to the middle.
DetroitBraves
November 13th, 2011
6:35 pm
It’s probably not a good thing at all for the Falcons that this stands out but I thought this was actually a good game by Bosher. There have been games this year where I wondered how he was even rosterable but he hit some good ones today.
maurauder
November 13th, 2011
6:35 pm
Right strategy, wrong call. Misdirection is key in a this situation. Plowing straight ahead gives the defense their best chance to jam it up. Hopefully, Smitty gets it.
Doesn't matter either way
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
When you have 480 yards of offense and only 23 points we’ll never beat good teams. Especially at home.
M&M
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
Mr. Panic Button
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
Going for it wasn’t the problem–the play that was called is the issue. Again, Turner is not the smartest RB or of fleet feet. He shuffles his feet, slows down at first contact, and runs like he’s in quicksand behind the line. Where was Jacquizz? Why didn’t Turner run to the edges after he saw the middle clogged? This team takes too much energy out of me with these emotional let downs. I’m not as confident or optimistic about the Falcons as most of you are.
gbal
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
UGA 24 LSU 10 Cant wait
Whut ?
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
Turner always runs into a clogged middle for no gain. His best runs today were running outside. A 3 yard pass to Gonzalez on play-action was the best play.
destin dawg
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
Play the percentages, kick the ball. One of the worst calls at the pro level I’ve ever seen. Roddy White drops balls, Turner dances at the point of attack, overall poor coaching. Birds are second rate.
M&M
November 13th, 2011
6:37 pm
M&M
November 13th, 2011
6:36 pm
Mr. Panic Button
November 13th, 2011
6:32 pm
Going for it wasn’t the problem–the play that was called is the issue. Again, Turner is not the smartest RB or of fleet feet. He shuffles his feet, slows down at first contact, and runs like he’s in quicksand behind the line. Where was Jacquizz? Why didn’t Turner run to the edges after he saw the middle clogged? This team takes too much energy out of me with these emotional let downs. I’m not as confident or optimistic about the Falcons as most of you are.
Sorry ! I wanted to say “Co-sign on that Panic Button !
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:37 pm
what do you think the new bcs standings will look like
Pmc
November 13th, 2011
6:37 pm
Stupid is a better word than feisty.
Go Vols
November 13th, 2011
6:38 pm
Anyone else notice how many bad teams there are? Miami, Indy, Carolina, STL, Cleveland, Minnesota. Even the teams slightly better than that are mediocre and there are many – KC, Seattle (even though they’re winning), AZ (but big win today), Denver, Oakland, Jacksonville.
wxwax
November 13th, 2011
6:39 pm
I agree, Mark.
Right choice in sudden death. You’re a power team against a suspect defense, and your alternative is to kick to Drew Brees.
Pmc
November 13th, 2011
6:40 pm
Terrible 4th down play call but hey that’s normal. This is a running team!! Matt Ryan under throws Every deep ball. Run the ball stupid
Go Vols
November 13th, 2011
6:40 pm
BCS – Can’t wait to see OK and Ok State play. If Ok State wins (and I’m becoming a believer), should be a good matchup with LSU. If not, Bama gets in again and that, too, would be awesome. Just say no to Houston.
George Stein
November 13th, 2011
6:40 pm
Seriously, destin dawg? Play the percentages? The likelihood of gaining six inches is well over 90%.
Nanny
November 13th, 2011
6:41 pm
He made the right choice, but why do you not sneak it there? Come on, Mark. That was flat out inexcusable play calling! Not to mention the run on 2nd and 1 to end the first half, rather then taking 2 end zone shots. Somebody has to call him out, Mike Smith LOST that game. Oh, and that idiotic challenge which cost us a timeout in the 2nd half.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:42 pm
not so fast there mr vols…what happens if lsu loses to arkie next week….or if lsu or bama loses to georgia in the sec championship? I dont think oklahoma deserves to be in the NC because they lost at home to a very big underdog and unranked team. Bama lost to the 1st place team by a field goal. If oklahoma beats okie state…then idk what will happen
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:43 pm
interception eli……and he is an “elite” qb
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:43 pm
td niners…..uh oh
George Stein
November 13th, 2011
6:44 pm
The receiver broke off his route for no apparent reason, katherine. Eli’s pretty darned good.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
yes george, i know eli is good. Im just showing that even the best qbs or teams have bad days
Rod
November 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
Right call, wrong play. Anyone who played football or coach football knows the play to call is a quarterback sneak. Turner is too slow and fat to make that run. You can’t give a ball to him 4yrds behind the line. Why not do a toss sweep to Rodgers? Why not play action to the Tight end or running back out the backfield. I still like our schedule, and we will see them down the road. Please, please, can someone listen!!! Please go out and get T.O. At least he will make the plays that Roddy isn’t making. What’s up with Julio, hamstring? If you can’t play, don’t dress up. Arthur and T.D. please sign T.O. to a one year contract. The Aints won this one, but we will see them down the road. We will still win the division.
Go Vols
November 13th, 2011
6:45 pm
Fair point on Arkansas, especially since they put a whuppin’ on us (before the mocking begins, yes, we are really bad). If OK State loses (I just can’t see UGA beating LSU but they WERE good yesterday), who do you see as the next choice?
George Stein
November 13th, 2011
6:46 pm
Fair enough. I suppose bad days are an unfortunate aspect of the human condition.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:47 pm
im not sure at all vols……i guess its all going to come down to the last few weeks…it will be fun to watch
JSS
November 13th, 2011
6:47 pm
Barney Rubble doomed his team when threw that red flag and wasted a valuable 2nd half time out! That is the call you need to be calling him on!!!
Falcon fan 24-7
November 13th, 2011
6:48 pm
The game is history.Football is a game of inches. The Saints have a bye next week. If we can beat the Titans and Vikings at home, we will be poised to make a run. The Saints will have to play the Giants after their bye. We should be tied for first in a couple of weeks. The Saints remaining schedule, is more difficult than ours. Shake it off and Go Falcons!
Baby Ruth
November 13th, 2011
6:49 pm
Roddy White has to go!!! Time and time again he drops passes, commits stupid personal fouls! Just like the Tampa game where he drops a wide open TD pass at the goal line towards end of game. He sux!!!
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:49 pm
the problem is this…bama only lost by 3 to the number one team..so they are my number one 1 loss team right now…but if say lsu does somehow make it to the sec championship and loses, and then bama moves up over them…that will make me so made. They wouldnt have won their division and dont deserve to play in the NC…just like what they said to georgia a few years ago and put them in the sugar bowl.
Dr. Warren
November 13th, 2011
6:50 pm
A screen play behind the line to Gonzalez or a throw up the middle to Douglas—now that would have taken real guts. And it might have worked considering how they stacked the box. Terrible call to run Turner.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:50 pm
*mad
BulldogBen
November 13th, 2011
6:51 pm
Where is the accountability for Roddy White????
A bobbled catch that leads to a big INT, a dropped touchdown to win the game, and a couple of inexcusable penalties.
Why can’t he control his emotions? He continues to pick up stupid hothead penalties. Grow up. He cries more than any receiver in the league.
Loserville USA
November 13th, 2011
6:52 pm
Agreed Bradley.
Point is….
1. We are a running team. 2nd and 2…. 3rd and 1….we pass and take shots when they’re not there. RUN THE DAMN BALL. Your O-Line is a runblocking line, not a passblocking one. You have 2 bowling balls in Turner and Snelling. I don’t know what the hell Mularkey is thinking.
2. The bigger Ryan’s stats, the less likely Falcons will win.
3. Smith plainly said by going for it: “I don’t want Drew Brees against a tired and already beaten Thomas DeCoud.” Do not fault him.
With all that being said, Mr. Blank sees the same things we do. We need a solid O.C….not INSPECTOR GADGET.
Finally, biggest coaching gaffe? Trying to change the personality of the team without OTAs….This should have been happening next spring. Stay the course in ‘11 and live with it.
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:53 pm
wow td giants…
Go Vols
November 13th, 2011
6:54 pm
I just don’t see anyone beating LSU, but I agree with your point. i knkow a lot of people get frustrated about the BCS process and I think one extra game would cover 95+% of most scenarios, but overall I love it! If LSU loses, could still be a rematch. Huge games to determine it all – LSU vs ARK, LSU vs GA (assumption) and OK and Ok ST
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:55 pm
oh big shocker…fairely tried to hurt cuttler…..that guy is a dirty player
Go Vols
November 13th, 2011
6:56 pm
eager to see jets pats shortly. go pats
katherine
November 13th, 2011
6:56 pm
yea…im torn between a playoff and the bcs…the bcs just isnt fair most of the time..but it does make the season exciting
Falcon fan 24-7
November 13th, 2011
6:56 pm
At least Smitty got balls.