Story of the season: Falcons mess around but win anyway
The fourth-and-goal stop that finally restored sanity. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
These are the 2011 Atlanta Falcons: Ahead 17-0 at the half, they turn a punt into an off-the-hip turnover and a fourth-and-13 into a galling Minnesota touchdown and, quicker than you can say “Percy Harvin is really fast,” a game that should have been locked away is in danger of becoming the worst loss of Mike Smith’s four seasons.
These are also the 2011 Atlanta Falcons: Needing to catch the really fast Percy Harvin to stave off a 107-yard touchdown on a kickoff return, Christopher Owens somehow does. The Minnesota touchdown goes forever unscored, and the Falcons win by 10 and slide into the sixth spot in the NFC playoff grid, which means this team would qualify if the postseason began today.
In sum, these are the 2011 Atlanta Falcons: Shaky enough to make you think they’ll never go anywhere but stout enough to make you reconsider.
Is this team as good as I thought it would be? Through 11 games, no. But parts of those 11 games have been promising enough to make me think — and I’ll concede I might be in the minority — that these Falcons could get hot enough to win a few games in January. Which means I’m going more on faith than on evidence, which is a risky proposition. That said, the Falcons don’t blanch at the concept of risk.
“We played through some ebbs and flows,” said coach Mike Smith, understating hugely. “We showed our composure.”
Well, no and yes. The Falcons turned a mismatch — going with a rookie quarterback and without Adrian Peterson, Minnesota entered 2-8 and managed 93 yards and zero points in the first 33 minutes — into a hairbreadth thing. They do this often. (See the halting victories over Seattle, Carolina and Tennessee for further proof.) And what, linebacker Curtis Lofton was asked, does that say about this team?
“We win,” Lofton said. “We don’t blow teams out, but we win.”
The NFL isn’t the BCS. There are no voters or computers to sway. You play a season and you tote up wins and losses, and if you’ve got enough of the former you keep playing. As long as you keep playing, you’ve got a shot. The 2008 Arizona Cardinals were 9-7 but came within one Pittsburgh drive of being Super Bowl champs. The 2010 Green Bay Packers were 10-6 and the NFC’s sixth seed, and they won it all. (For the record, the Smith-coached Falcons were eliminated by both.)
Said linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, whose fourth-and-goal stop of Toby Gerhart subdued the Vikings at last: “We’ve got to work on [putting opponents away]. But it’s tough on Sundays.”
Said Lofton: “We’re not playing consecutive football — the whole team playing a complete game. We haven’t hit our peak yet.”
In those frantic moments when Harvin appeared bound for the touchdown that would bring the Vikings within three points again, it was possible to wonder if, far from scaling a peak, the Falcons were about to plunge into an abyss. But the moment passed. Owens kept chugging — “I just didn’t give up on the play,” he said — and hauled down the guy who might be the NFL’s fastest.
Said Smith: “You can overcome some of your mistakes by hustling.”
Yes, it’s a maddening team to watch, but which would you rather be: A maddening 7-4 or a dead-in-the-water 4-7? (Like Tampa Bay, say.) And lost in that 7-4 is that these Falcons were 2-3 after being outclassed at home by Green Bay; they’ve since won five of six. They’ve cinched up the chinstraps and given themselves a chance.
Said center Todd McClure: “We have gotten better the last five or six weeks. But we still haven’t played a complete game.”
And maybe they never will. Maybe that will be the epitaph of the 2011 Atlanta Falcons: “They were good enough but not consistent enough.” But you know what the 2010 Packers were through 11 games? After a loss on the final Sunday of November in the Georgia Dome, they were 7-4.
If we fault the Falcons for even letting Minnesota have a sniff at victory — and we can and should — we must also ask this: Can we dismiss the result in a result-oriented business? They mightn’t be the prettiest winners, but they do win.
By Mark Bradley
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147 comments Add your comment
JSS
November 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
The song remains the same…
Cohutta Dawgman
November 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
Need to win 4 of the last 5 to qualify for the playoff’s I think. Next week will be key.
romebuzz
November 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
just win baby
J.J.M.
November 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
Great article! it pretty much sums up what I been thinking
Mark Bradley
November 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
Four of the last five would make the Falcons 11-5. That would do it easy.
Mark Bradley
November 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
Thanks, J.J.M. Guess great minds do think alike.
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
It just must be disheartening to watch if you’re a fan of that team (the Falcons); but it keeps the rest of us in stitches!
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:06 pm
Mr. Bradley, check your filter please…
Matt Leinart
November 27th, 2011
6:07 pm
A win is a win is a win.
Atlanta Native
November 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
Congrats to the Falcons for a win which is always better than an loss.
As usual, the defensive miscues were typical bad play calls. The fastest way to improve the defense is get rid of Van Gorder. Even the announcers were questioning why a linebacker was attempting to cover a receiver 40 yards down field.
I don’t like either the OC or DC, but will be happier if one if them is relegated back to Pop Warner. For now, I’ll focus on defense. Would a coach like Mike Singletary be an improvement to Van Gorder at the DC?
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:11 pm
Singletary has never been a coordinator… His ship has sailed…
Rex D
November 27th, 2011
6:11 pm
The great thing, Mark, is that through 11 games we have seen what all of the great parts can do. TE Tony Gonzalez really hasn’t lost anything. He is as good as ever. The rookie WR is as good as advertised – he won’t have a great statistical first year – but he gives you a major threat on the other side of Roddy White, who is now playing back up to another All-Pro Year. Harry Douglas gives you something at the slot that we have not had – a big play threat who could start on most other teams. Turner playing like Turner. Our LBs are faster and make more plays than ever before. We have the steadiest kicker-kick returner combo (Bryant & Weems) in the NFL. Our QB is no Tom Brady, but he wins. Wins don’t lie. So I conclude by saying this is a STRONG 7-4.
warjacket
November 27th, 2011
6:13 pm
I remember Marion Campbell, Norm Becker and Dan Henning. I’ll drink to 7-4 any day!!!
J.J.M.
November 27th, 2011
6:14 pm
anybody used the playoff generator 10-6 might get us in.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario
Matt from MN
November 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
“We obviously made some mistakes that we have to address”. I am heartily SICK of hearing that after almost every game. Shut up and FIX the mistakes, already. This team drives me nuts.
Peachtree John
November 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
It’s an understatement to say the Falcons are a frustrating team. On the other hand, Owens never would have caught that runner in the past. I would almost rather wait and see the score after the game is played and not suffer so much during the games. ALMOST.
Atlanta Native
November 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
Some head coaches are better suited for coordinator positions – Dom Capers comes to mind.
Al Davis
November 27th, 2011
6:18 pm
Just win baby… and we did…. but not in the style we would like.
A couple of points (which is about all we scored):
1) Where was Ray Edwards against his old team
2) Thanks to Chris Owens (NEVER thought I’d say that)
3) Bosher is getting better… maybe he will be o’k????
4) More touches for Quiz needed
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:19 pm
Matt from MN
November 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
“Shut up and FIX the mistakes, already.”
You can’t fix what you don’t accept to be problems…
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:24 pm
Yeah, but Capers was already a coordinator twice before, and in really good organizations too… Singletary was Linebacker coach, his team and players tuned him out… Atlanta’s been down road before (Jones and Knapp on offense and Donatell on defense), that is a road better not traveled…
Ted M
November 27th, 2011
6:27 pm
That type of play will bite them in the butt come playoff time.
Ted M
November 27th, 2011
6:30 pm
Well if things end the way they are now it looks like the Falcons would play at Dallas in the first round.
They’d win that game then lose the next to whoever.
Atlanta Native
November 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
touche’
Nativebird
November 27th, 2011
6:33 pm
aaaaaand we went 13-3 last year, won the NFC 1st seed, a 1st round bye, and home field advantage throughout….and got absolutely thrashed in a 1st round playoff game. THIS team is worse than last year. the offense is a joke. MULARKEY is a joke. here’s a triva question: of our 24 points today, how many came from drives running the no-huddle when Ryan selects 99.9% of the plays? answer: ALL OF THEM.
MATT RYAN should be up in the box callng plays.
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:34 pm
Dallas-vs-Atlanta? That’s like Craig Morton-vs-Pat Haden, where’s the Advil?
UGABugKiller
November 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
The Falcons come out, this week, like last week, running the no huddle, with Ryan deciding what play is run, and score 17 points before the half in a display of impressive, explosive, balanced, and unpredictable offense.
After half time, Mike Smith stupidly give play-calling control back to the terrible Mike Mularkey, and once again, the Falcons are predictable, unoriginal, and thoroughly unimpressive on offense, as they have been any time in the last four years since Mularkey has had play-calling control.
The fix, at least as far as the offense goes, is so stupidly right in front of Mike Smith’s face, that if he continues to ignore it, there should be justifiable calls for his head.
Matt Ryan needs to be given full control of play calling in this offense, like Peyton Manning does in his.
And the fact that most at the AJC keep on ignoring this is all the more maddening.
kudzu
November 27th, 2011
6:38 pm
Steve Deberg coaches my son in “Pop Warner” and the team just won the Super Bowl…so yeah, some coaches should be coaching in Pop Warner…
drew
November 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
With our schedule, if we beat the teams we should beat, we’ll be fine come January. The ability to run the ball, and the ability to stop the run, are crucial, and we’re pretty good at both. Great game by Ryan.
And I’ve cussed Chris Owens as much as anybody here, but you’ve got to love the hustle.
IlliniDawg
November 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
Unless and until we get a serious pass rusher and at least one more quality DB, we will always be vulnerable. Teams know that they can exploit our weak pass defense – it’s amazing more teams haven’t thrown it all afternoon like NO and GB.Sure I know that most teams don’t have a Brees or Rogers, but hell, Christain Freakin Ponder and Matt Geezer Hasselback have torched our secondary.
P B Orr
November 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
On this, you are completely wrong. It’s not often that you screw up to this extent, but you have now.
The Vikings were 6-4 in first halves. They are short on skilled players and they lose in the second half. Today they were good in the second half. But we won. If you would consider football history, you would understand that this is exactly the sort of victory that leads to championships. It wasn’t dazzling, but it worked. I thought this was a gritty, tough win that was well earned. The goal line stand was the highlight of the season, and Owens, the much maligned DB, had what might have been the game-saving play.
Football isn’t about artistry – it’s about grit and determination and the Falcons had both today in spades.
GregKennesaw
November 27th, 2011
6:51 pm
dream team is losing again! Falcons win, buc’s lose… turning into a good weekend for football
Sam
November 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
Bosher wins the most improved player of second half. This team does dive you insane with their playibg
JSS
November 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
What’s the Falcons record in covering the spread against the Buccaneers again? Be careful who gloat over…
phil
November 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
More wishful thinking about our playoff chances…
We were crushed last yr by GB….if we even make it this yr, it will be another road loss as in 08….
John abraham is taking the year off and edwards and biermann are busts…we’re doomed.
phil
November 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
Fire mike reid!
painter
November 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
Chris Owens saved our season. Wow.
IlliniDawg
November 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
@Phil: exctly, we have a very weak pass rush. Yes, we got four sacks today, but a lot of that was a rookie QB. I get so sick of seeing the opposing QB sitting back there with enough time to floss his teeth before finally torching our secondary.
Wrecker
November 27th, 2011
7:38 pm
Some positives:
Daunta made a great pass break-up, timing his hit exactly on a fourth quarter, third-down pass.
Chris Owens hustled on special teams.
Turner and Rodgers looked good carrying the ball.
Witherspoon got a sack and looked good in coverage.
Even with Daunta banged up and Grimes out, we were able to win the game.
Palmer caught a touchdown (Go TEs!)
Bosher looked good and the punt coverage team did its job.
Wrecker
November 27th, 2011
7:43 pm
Some negatives:
Busted coverage with a 3 deep zone on the Harvin TD catch.
Losing lane integrity on the Harvin 104 yard kickoff return.
Several bad tackles on Gerhart, leading to extra yards.
The fumble on the punt, caused by a lack of awareness of where the ball was.
Several dropped interceptions.
Only 89 rushing yards.
gabugman
November 27th, 2011
7:48 pm
If they can just get past being the “cardiac kids” and find a way to put their foot down when they have an opponent on the ropes, this team will rock…find the killer instinct!
DHunt
November 27th, 2011
7:56 pm
“If we fault the Falcons for even letting Minnesota have a sniff at victory — and we can and should — ”
It’s simple minded nonsense like this that really sums up the Falcon hating “so-called” fans. I guess unless the Falcons score a touchdown on every single possession, their season will be considered a failure, no matter how many regular season or playoff games we win. The Vikings scored 2 times. One score came on a good drive, with at least four spectacular plays by Vikes QB and receivers. The other score came on the only busted coverage of the day, after a lot of great defense, and even then Lofton was very close to making a play. If not for a fluke bounce on a punt, the Vikes wouldn’t have even been in a position to take a 4th and 13 prayer shot to the endzone.
So where is all this fault to be laid? Could the offense have performed better. Sure. Especially if you expect to score on every offensive possession. Should the defense hold every team to under 7 points? We’d love it, but according to all the fans on this blog, the defensive coaches, not to mention the completely inept players, shouldn’t be capable of such a feat.
Instead of giving credit for a good win, all these so-called fans can see is that we didn’t score 40 points against another NFL team, with a decent defense. And the so-called home town media leads the charge.
Great win today. Great game by Matt Ryan, Tony G, Roddy, Turner, HD, Quizz, the O-Line, Spoon, the D-Line, Franks for stepping in and stepping up, and Chris Owens for a never give up attitude. You idjits keep waiting for us to win every game 42-0. I’ll keep celebrating the wins.
No Shock
November 27th, 2011
8:05 pm
Team charges way too much for tickets to watch this kind of football. This team is worse than lat year’s yet ticket prices are higher. I’m out until seeing a committment to major improvement. In the interim, we’ll get the same mediocrity that’s become an Atlanta tradition.
extremus
November 27th, 2011
8:07 pm
While I’m happy to see the Falcons get the win, it’s just very hard to generate any true excitement about this team, much in the same way that it’s hard to do so for the Braves. Both are good enough to compete for their respective playoffs, but inconsistent enough to repetitively disappoint and show that they’re still nowhere near elite. That is perhaps the most maddening and frustrating “no man’s land” of all for me as a fan (aside from the problems almost always being so glaring and obvious and yet left unaddressed “till next year”, if then); to know that record-wise your team is so close but killer-instinct and consistency-wise, so very far from a championship. And let’s face it, if you get to the playoffs a championship is really all that defines success or failure after months of following and rooting for a team. Hence the renowned cynicism of the Atlanta fanbase, myself included.
I’ll get excited when either team is parading their respective world championship trophy down Peachtree; until then, while I’ll always root for the Braves and Falcons, I have to confess my enthusiasm will always be tempered by the lessons of so many past disappointments. The 2011 Falcons, at least so far, have not deviated from that same script that spells inevitable disaster at the end.
tonyb
November 27th, 2011
8:10 pm
First, let me say that Chris Owens play to catch Harvin was nothing short of breathtaking. Outstanding play Chris, you may have saved the day.
The beauty about wins like today is that they count just the same, regardless of how they look. There are no style points given in this league. Get enough ugly wins, and they give you a big trophy at the end of the year, We just need to get to the tournament, and who knows what this team may do, Go Falcons.
Seattle Falcons Fan
November 27th, 2011
8:11 pm
Why didn’t Julio get a catch today? Was that on purpose? We need a line backer, a db, and a guard…
LDawg
November 27th, 2011
8:13 pm
They took their foot off the gas, plain and simple. Should have kept using what was working in the first half. Completely different team came out in the 3rd quarter. No huddle all the way.
tonyb
November 27th, 2011
8:14 pm
No Shock, why dont you just stay out. If you cant appreciate that you have a playoff team in the Falcons and one of the top rush defenses in all of the league, you will never be happy. The team is 7-4, won 5 of the last 6 and will most likely return to playoffs for the second year in a row, Seriously. You wont be missed
Al Davis
November 27th, 2011
8:16 pm
Just win baby!!!! Another in the Win Column!
Mora less Petrino
November 27th, 2011
8:16 pm
The toughest game left is next Sunday at Houston. Against a #3 QB, that game is winnable. There is no one to blame but themselves if they miss the playoffs.
Sam
November 27th, 2011
8:21 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
P B Orr
November 27th, 2011
8:21 pm
LDawg, the 65 Packers “took their foot off the gas” also against the Tom Matte quarterbacked Colts – hint, Tom Matte had not taken a snap at QB since high school and did not even know how to drop back into the pocket. But they very nearly defeated the Packers who were by any measure the class of the league. The Pack won with a disputed FG to tie in regulation and another in OT to advance to their third championship. It was ugly, the better team that day lost, but the better team that season did not.
Eddie Ray
November 27th, 2011
8:23 pm
It was GREAT that the won. However, Philly was up 10-0 against the Pats and lost by a bunch. We know they can’t score on every series. Clearly, any Falcon fan that has followed them thru the years is haunted by the collapse of talented teams and want them to relax after the game, not during it. Football can change on a dime. Play with the same urgency as if you are behind. The Pittsburghs and New England’s don’t hesitate to give the opposition a complete beat down and as a result win consistently. We just want our team to be in the conversation of great, not just good.
achybreakyheart
November 27th, 2011
8:25 pm
You win a few ..you lose a few..look at the Quality of the teams that the birds have beaten..anybody can beat the “dregs” of the league..Against a quality team they will struggle..Hell, they struggle against a 2-8 team today..What does that say about their chances should they make the play offs?
What..eliminated in round 1? Yeah!!
Mr Charlie
November 27th, 2011
8:29 pm
Acnybreak….since we let the Vikes get with’in a TD means we lose in the 1st round. What does it mean for the Saints since they LOST to the Rams?
DJ Sniper
November 27th, 2011
8:31 pm
Brian Billick mentioned something earlier in the game. He said that Mike Smith, not Matt Ryan or Mike Mularkey, makes the decision to switch to the no huddle. If that’s the case, then Smitty deserves a lot of the blame for letting the Vikings back into this one. We completely dominated the Vikes in the first half, then took our foot off the gas, went back to the conservative play calling, and they mounted a comeback. Smitty has GOT to realize that when you get a big lead on a team, you keep your foot on their necks and you don’t let up. That’s how you win.
And for one night only, tomorrow night, I will be a Giants fan!
phil
November 27th, 2011
8:34 pm
Julio caught nothing today because of racism….obvious, right?
And bernie fine HAS been fired. Good!
phil
November 27th, 2011
8:36 pm
Well, Eddie…
We can keep wanting to be considered great. Ain’t happening in our lifetimes apparently!
doomed
November 27th, 2011
8:40 pm
Yes lets all shout to the heavens owens can run,I cant believe Bradley is actually mentioning this no tallent Football nucklehead.What About the Coverage on the Touchdown,When he let a pick go threw his arms,or the busted coverage on the 4th and 4ever.Every time their is score through the air I see the back of his number,Shades of bobby butthead and charles dimwitt.We used to yell peter on shank punts to let the up guys know to get their ass out of the way.Somebody needs to relay that to Mr. Franks.Can U Lay all the 2nd Half Defence ineptness at V.G.s feet.I Say no.If they played that bad in the 1st half,it would b different.These high Character Guys that T.D. And A.B.Wanted, cant keep their focus and owens should never been Drafted that high.No Football I.Q.
phil
November 27th, 2011
8:41 pm
Release doomed!
Eddie Ray
November 27th, 2011
8:46 pm
I strongly disagree Phil. The winning seasons thing is already by the wayside. True supporters are looking for them to bring a Lombardi Trophy to Atlanta. Braves did it, now the Falcons will too! I believe it. I am on the Bird energy bus to the glorious end!
P B Orr
November 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
“Nucklehead”? That reminds me of a Missouri joke. What does the N on Nebraska’s helmet stand for?
“Nowledge”.
Jimmy Crack
November 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
Maddening is a good word to describe this team. As maddening as David Caruso’s popularity.
phil
November 27th, 2011
8:54 pm
I’m all for a Lombardi. Period.
Ain’t happening.
Reggie
November 27th, 2011
8:55 pm
Lawrence Sidbury had 2 sacks today meanwhile Ray Edwards saved a lot of money on car insurance by switching to Geico….might be time for a lineup change.
No Shock
November 27th, 2011
9:06 pm
Tonyb- you’re right, I won’t be missed among the other 20k empty seats in the stadium. Oh wait, you weren’t there to see…….
stendek
November 27th, 2011
9:07 pm
I changed my mind about Chris Owens. The young man singlehandedly pulled the Falcon tailfeathers out of the fire against a vastly inferior team from the Twin Cities. Thanks Chris. The defensive coordinator should have been given his walking papers when the Vikings converted that fourth and forever into a TD. Indefensible. Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and company proceeded to claim a 17-0 lead then went into hibernation. The conservative approach is sort of like the prevent defense – it more often than not prevents a win. MR had some decent throws but was way off on many others. Too many. MT started out with 40 or so quick yards then finished with well under 100. So much for controlling the game tempo and clock. The fourth down TD pass infuriated me but I also give kudos to the Falcon D for the game preserving goal line stand. Who cares if it came against a group without its top RB or QB? Not me. The FG kicker was fine as was the punter. Now that KO unit is another story. Which brings me back to Chris Owens…
Ryan throws 3 TDs as Falcons hold off Vikings – USA Today | Football News and Topics
November 27th, 2011
9:07 pm
[...] planned. …NFL Picks Week 12: Teams That Will Defend Their Home Turf with EaseBleacher ReportStory of the season: Falcons mess around but win anywayAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Minnesota Vikings @ Atlanta Falcons – NFL Week 12 [...]
Najeh Davenpoop
November 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
I told y’all after that Saints loss they wouldn’t lose until they play the Saints again. Their schedule over this second half of the season is incredibly easy. They have the same issues they had last year, though, along with the new issue of not being able to convert on 3rd down as consistently. But the good news is their schedule gives them an inside track to a wild card spot. If they don’t finish 11-5 I’ll be very surprised.
Mr Charlie
November 27th, 2011
9:32 pm
It was a great play by Owens, just goes to show what us fans really know nothing. Guy made as good a play as I have ever seen on sheer determination and showed more heart that I ever thought he had. Pearcy Harvin is not an easy guy to run down. Even though we could not see it, Smitty knew.
JustWinBaby
November 27th, 2011
9:42 pm
Different era but the 1972 Dolphins went 17-0 playing games like this. Not tremendously impressive. Not many blowouts. Just made the plays when they needed them. True we would beat the elite teams (Green Bay and the Saints are the only ones left in NFC) if we play thiis way, but i have to believe our best football is ahead of us. We are capable of putting it together and going on a run.
JustWinBaby
November 27th, 2011
9:46 pm
Omitted the word “not” when referring to the elite teams…but the Saints are beatable. The Packers, well they are on another universe right now. A lot can happen in 5 games. We will play Houston with their 3rd string QB. Stop the run and take care of business and we head to the Superdome for another shot vs the Saints with the division possibly on the line.
brandon
November 27th, 2011
9:48 pm
This team really is reminding me of Green Bay from last year. The Packers, then, were inconsistent (mostly due to injuries). They did, however, eventually find their stride, and they took that momentum into the playoffs. I think that the Falcons can do the same thing; it’s just a matter of if they will do the same thing.
Truth Be Toldt
November 27th, 2011
9:52 pm
Mark, the Falcons play the same whether its against the Vikings or the Packers. They (offense & defense) take complete series off. Its just that the Vikings & Panthers can’t quite finish off the Falcons quitting in the 4th quarters. But the Saints and Packers (that play every down all 4 qtrs.) put the Falcons away. There’s no jekyll & hyde team here. Its just that against good teams the lacksidaisical play gets noticed.
Once Recent Reader
November 27th, 2011
9:55 pm
I remember the Pats when they were on their undefeated streak things started getting a lot tougher at the end. They did play tough D’s near end of reg season such as Ravens and Giants – whom they beat in a close game . .. unlike the last game of that season
The Pack are looking quite the same right now with one exception. The Pats D was better I believe. The Pack have let teams score some points on them . ..and if or when they come up against that D and Rogers is not in the zone . . . .well anything can happen. Remember this team did lose 6 games last year. Yes it is a year later, but there will come a game . . . ….or so I think. (Outside of Kansas City, they do have 4 pretty good teams on their remaining schedule.)
Truth Be Toldt
November 27th, 2011
9:58 pm
Harry Douglas dropped passes. Missed sacks by Babineaux & Abraham. Missed tackles by DeCoud & Lofton. Turner running up linemen’s backs for no gain. You don’t see this with the Packers players…
Once Recent Reader
November 27th, 2011
10:05 pm
Truth Be Told . . . I don’t know. Rogers is just having such an amazing year that if the Pack makes any mistakes he simply erases them from our minds with a great play or three, or four, or fifteen. The man is on fire. We’ll see though. That D is giving up the MOST yards per game going into this week. Granted, the passing numbers may be a bit skewered as you have to throw the ball so much being down because of their Offense. But they are also 16th against the run. (30th against the pass). Will it come back to haunt them??? A not so strong D usually does in the playoffs. We’ll see.
Truth Be Toldt
November 27th, 2011
10:06 pm
“We win,” Lofton said. “We don’t blow teams out, but we win.”
Is that right Lofton ? It seems like this type of playing to barely win against the Saints,Patriots,Bucs, & Packers meant losses not wins.
John D
November 27th, 2011
10:10 pm
10-6 is all it will take for 6th spot – especially with tiebreaker on Detroit. 11-5 wins the division (assuming they beat the Saints).
Houston suddenly looks winnable; Should beat Jax/Carolina/TB; If they beat the Saints – 11-5 or 12-4 is no worse than a 5 seed – possibly the 3 seed if they win the division. Might want the wild-card instead to play NFC East champ.
John D
November 27th, 2011
10:16 pm
Mark – on other thing not mentioned. By the 2nd half – Falcons missing 4 starters on defense from last week. (Hayden as nickel; Nicholas; William Moore; Grimes; It seems Ray Edwards also dinged up). That’s not an excuse – but to be depleted on defense and still only give up 14 points – isn’t bad.
What is inexplicable is why Ryan isn’t allowed to run strictly no-huddle. The offensive flow and play calling is so much better when using no huddle.
Truth Be Toldt
November 27th, 2011
10:17 pm
Bears will likely be one wild card. That leaves Atlanta,Detroit,N.Y. Giants fighting for last wild card.
falconfan4ever
November 27th, 2011
10:23 pm
A win is a win no matter what, if you have to cheat, steal, or robbed to get the job done. I don’t care how they do it. As long as we get the win. Thats what boils down to in this league a big “W”!!!! GO FALCONS!!!!!
Spearmint Gumby
November 27th, 2011
10:33 pm
A win is a win against a good team. But against a team that is 2-8 missing 75% of their offense (Adrian Peterson) then margin of victory matters. Good teams never play down to the level of sorrier teams. Good teams bury the weak teams. Just look at Green Bay,New England,and New Orleans for proof.
Michael M.
November 27th, 2011
11:27 pm
Falcons have the talent and the edge to go 12-4 the rest of this regular Season. An 11-5 Season just might win the NFC South Title. Some of you need to stop whining and start believing in the Team. Heck, its a football game man…………..anything can happen during a game.
Food for thought; ” Remember where the Birds started off from and look at how its going now ”
Keep some faith and stop doubting and just maybe we will see something to be proud of this year.
Just Me Again
November 27th, 2011
11:57 pm
The biggest problems this season has been 1) Sam Baker, 2) Mike Malarkey, and 3) Brian Van Gorder. Since Baker has been out, the O-line has been much improved and our QB more upright. Unfortunately, it took an injury to get him out of the lineup. Mike Malarkey and Brian Van Gorder lack the creativity and know-how to take advantage of the talent on this team. Does this team have weaknesses? Yes…every team in the MFL does. However, the great teams know how to mitigate those weaknesses with effecgtive game planning and play calling that caters to the talent of its team. It gets old week after week for our coach to acknowledge repeated mistakes (same mistakes made each week). How long will it take for them to play a complete game? When will the consistency show up? This all falls on the shoulders of Mike Smith. I like the guy alot, but it appears he is heading for the status of only being able to get you so far…NOT CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER. These Falcons have the talent to compete favorably with any team in the league, but with the current group of coaches (excepty perhaps Special Teams) we will never even sniff a super bowl.
P Rose
November 28th, 2011
12:02 am
UGABugKiller @ 6:36 PM said it all.
Chris
November 28th, 2011
12:19 am
I think the most telling thing about 7-4 is the Falcons are maintaining the winning. The ship is still headed in the right direction. Would have been easy to see, especially given this team’s history, a tanked season after that humiliating loss to GB in last year’s playoffs. I’m just extremely happy we have a real owner who is dedicated to winning.
Joe
November 28th, 2011
1:33 am
Did they cut #24 yet? Ran into a punt causing a turnover leading to a Vike TD and blowing several covers……did anybody really watch the game?
Bunch of morons on this blog!!!!!
Go Falcons
menlobrave
November 28th, 2011
1:43 am
Falcons are 7-4. I’ve been a fan since 1970, and there are many, many years I would have been thrilled with 7-4. Beat the Vikings by 10; beat the Lions; beat the Eagles (not as impressive now as it was then). Ryan had a strong day-no interceptions and some clutch plays down the stretch. Good defense-the goal line stand was impressive. Some strong individual efforts. Yep, they may not win the Super Bowl, but this is a good football team. It is well coached and plays hard. And, sometimes, you catch lightening in a bottle and go all the way. It is not out of reach for these guys. As for the owner, GM, and coach, I wish we had had these guys for the last 40 years instead of the Clampetts, Henning, and the other bozos who ran this team. Go Falcons. Kick some butt.
SawThat1nce
November 28th, 2011
2:37 am
The Falcons won.
dean
November 28th, 2011
4:39 am
MN had how many TOTAL yards? 226. I’ll take that every time.
Ted M
November 28th, 2011
6:53 am
@stendekYour quote….”√MR had some decent throws but was way off on many others. Too many.”
REALITY CHECK:
“Matt Ryan completed 27-of-34 passes in the Falcons win over the Vikings. His completion pct of 79.4% is the highest in a single game by a Falcons QB with at least 30 attempts. Previous high was 78.4 pct (29-37) by Jeff George in Week 1 of 1994 at Detroit.”
And you wonder why Atlanta fans get a bad rep as being uniformed and well…just plain dumb.
Another Falcon passing record bites the dust….Period. End of Story. TTFN
Ted M
November 28th, 2011
6:54 am
REALITY CHECK:
“Matt Ryan completed 27-of-34 passes in the Falcons win over the Vikings. His completion pct of 79.4% is the highest in a single game by a Falcons QB with at least 30 attempts. Previous high was 78.4 pct (29-37) by Jeff George in Week 1 of 1994 at Detroit.”
And you wonder why Atlanta fans get a bad rep as being uniformed…
Another Falcon passing record bites the dust….Period. End of Story. TTFN
trademark
November 28th, 2011
6:54 am
Quit blocking me Bradley…geez
trademark
November 28th, 2011
6:56 am
Just wanted to say…Ryan broke ANOTHER Falcons passing record with his completion percentage against Minnesota. stendek’s comment of him missing too many passes confirms exactly why Atlanta fans are labelled as uniformed. Go home Troll.
trademark
November 28th, 2011
6:56 am
stendek
trademark
November 28th, 2011
6:56 am
is wrong
trademark
November 28th, 2011
6:57 am
Ryan breaks Falcons’ completion percentage record in this game (over 30 passes thrown)
D-Man
November 28th, 2011
7:35 am
Playing this way is going to catch up with these Falcons like it did last year. You goof around against some team that is focused and end up on the wrong end of a foot to arse massage. WAKE UP BIRDS and stop messing around!
GTT
November 28th, 2011
7:56 am
And the 2008 Cardinals trip to the Super Bowl gave Ken Whisenhunt and Todd Haley reputations that now seem overly inflated.
rainman
November 28th, 2011
8:00 am
The Falcons have a decent chance next week since the Texans suddenly don’t have a QB. However, unless Grimes, Hayden & Robinson can get healthy at CB — and Moore at safety – the Falcons will get torched by most NFL OB’s. Anytime Owens and Franks are in the game at the same time, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Bob W
November 28th, 2011
8:05 am
The Falcons get the lead and go conservative on offense. You can count on it. Look at the good teams. They keep doing what worked. Malarkey needs to remember that the pass can set up the run as well as the other way around. How many times this year have you seen them throw an incompletion on first down and then run Turner off tackle on 2nd? Imaginative offense in first half and then back to the predictable offense in the 3rd quarter.
truth
November 28th, 2011
8:14 am
Why do you always compare other teams (from previous seasons) to Atlanta Sports team?
Just because GB was 7-4 last year doesnt mean the Falcons will win the SB.
ohmy
November 28th, 2011
8:50 am
how many games/wins have you seen in the last few good years that we have not had to come from ahead to win? its good that we win but, MAN, it can drive a fan nuts!
Spider-Man
November 28th, 2011
8:53 am
Weak win over a weak opponent….moving forward…
dawg gone
November 28th, 2011
9:07 am
How can anyone think the Falcons will do anything IF they make the playoffs when you lead the league in dropped passes and one of the most penalized teams. I don’t get it.
Yo Vince
November 28th, 2011
9:14 am
Gotta give it up for Chris Owens on the rundown. That showed a lot of heart. Matty was Ice cool Sunday. Run D looked great.
C from Marietta
November 28th, 2011
9:22 am
People just b/c they are in the no huddle does not mean the OC is not calling the plays. If you notice Matt Ryan looks at the sideline. I just love to read the whinning on this board. You would think the Falcons were 2-9.
Rickster
November 28th, 2011
9:23 am
In advance of Mark’s “Hot/Not” column:
Packers: First 11-0 start in team history (with 3 wins in 10 days?) White hot. Could it get hotter?
Whyyyyyyyyyy yes it can!
Aaron Rodgers: 17-0 in his last 17 starts? In the words of “Idol’s” Randy Jackson, “that’s smokin’, molten lava hot!”
Joe Tess Fish House
November 28th, 2011
9:25 am
How many times have I siad this team is no good. 2 many fist round draft pics that R busts. Add 2 that that Dunto Roberson is a total looser that cant tackel cant cover and is a cheep shot artist and U got a rcepie 4 disaster.
SawThat1nce
November 28th, 2011
9:26 am
When the Falcons get something like a 14 to 17 point lead in a game, and still have close to another 30 minutes left to play, and then go into the conservative offense, I think you have to lay that on Mike Smith, and not Malarkey.
That seems to be the way that Smith likes to play it.
Wedgie
November 28th, 2011
9:33 am
The Packers will bet the Falcons as USUSAL if they make the payoffs
pigskin philosophy
November 28th, 2011
9:34 am
the falcons are heartbreakers. Don’t be a fan. Don’t root for them.
They’ll only break your heart in the first round of playoffs like always. (sob)
AlanFalcon
November 28th, 2011
9:37 am
3rd quarter blues continue, what goes on in the Falcons half time meeting, whatever it is it’s a game changer and it takes the whole 3rd quarter to adjust?
Bill Sanford
November 28th, 2011
9:38 am
A win is a win. We weren’t as good as 13-3 a year ago. However, the stop by Chris Owens could be the play that we look back on as one that turned the season around.
DC
November 28th, 2011
9:38 am
Rickster leave that to the professionals…
PMC
November 28th, 2011
9:44 am
Well, I mean, these Falcons aren’t that much different than the Jets really and the Jets have won a few games in January over the last couple of years.
I’d really like someone in the organization to explain why they lose their mind for 30 minutes of every single game.
PMC
November 28th, 2011
9:46 am
Chris Owens though, was Roddy White like from last year. Excellent hustle play that saves a game.
If they ever manage to put a complete game together and play well on offense and defense at the same time, they would look very impressive.
Never will be convinced.
November 28th, 2011
9:48 am
Mark,
Way to stay on Blanks payroll with the bait. The first good team they meet in January will crush them. You know that, Blank knows that but we have seats to fill and advertisers to make happy in the meantime, right.
HARDY DOG
November 28th, 2011
9:48 am
We need to win all our games!!!!There is no room for ERROR. We also need the N.Y. Giants to beat the Saints tonight.
PMC
November 28th, 2011
9:48 am
I’ll take 7-4 though. I’m pretty happy. I belive that they can be better than this because they leave so much out there. I think they can finish strong. Even if they aren’t a great team, it’s better than being what they were for 40 years.
PMC
November 28th, 2011
9:50 am
The good thing is all that matters is that they add the W to the column.
It doesn’t matter what anyones opinion is for the post season. It doesn’t matter if you win by 3 or 43. Just win baby.
Donaldo
November 28th, 2011
9:53 am
Sorry I am not buying this team as an Elite one. Too many individuals not enough team, coaching is suspect. This includes the owner. This team will continue to disappoint until the culture changes, the results speak for themselves.
Hindu Elvis Pimp
November 28th, 2011
10:02 am
Chris Owens, Donta Robinson and Thomas Decoud need to be released.
Owens is always out of place. Yeah, he made a TD saving tackle, but he also gave up a TD and had he turned around and looked, he would of had an interception.
Robinson is playing better, but is still out of place most of the time. He misses too many tackles trying to deliver the big hit.
Decoud – See above.
In need of a real hoppy beer.
November 28th, 2011
10:11 am
It’s true. This team has a winning record, won 5 of 6 games and would qualify for post season play. We’ve been there before. We want more and what I’ve seen this year is not what I really want to see. I want to see a team that can and will win a Superbowl. I believe this team can, I have just not seen it yet. What makes this troublesome for me is the Falcons gave up a lot(future draft) for a player that seems to be the real deal, but has not made a difference.
We were led to believe that explosive plays were what was missing. I didn’t believe it. I know that consistent play, discipline and focus is what makes the difference………That’s what I want to see.
Stepchild
November 28th, 2011
10:16 am
Well we gotta beat who they put in front of us….but I gotta admit we’ll know nothing about this team until they play Elite teams and win. Haven’t done it all season and barely did it last season. Our biggest win was over Detroit!! And then Philadelphia after that!!! Our best attribute is playing teams that have been riddled with injuries……and squeaking out a win! That formula will get you pounded in the playoffs.
I’m not ready to “Rise up” just yet…..Not convinced.
Mike FR
November 28th, 2011
11:42 am
I don’t want to compare two different teams because it makes no sense, but for arguments sake, lets look at the ravens. They play to the level of their competition. They tough games against the steelers, 49ers and such. But then lose to lowly seattle, titans and jags. I’ll take the falcons ugly wins against the vikes and the titans any day!
As I know some of you will say that the ravens beat good teams and we just fail to do so. Let me remind you, that out of our 4 lost games, 3 were “winnable” (chicago dominated us so I won’t count that). 1st the bucs, we played a horrible game and still managed to stay behind only by 3, roddy dropped a td pass that would”ve win the game for us.
2nd, don’t forget we were 14 up against the pack, and then, MS though it was enough against the super bowl champs and decided to go to sleep. But based on the 1st half, it lookd as if we were able to beat them.
3rd, we gave the game to the saints with the 4th and 1 call.
SeenThisBFalcon
November 28th, 2011
11:43 am
Good teams finds ways to win..the Falcons are starting to look like the Falcons from last year winning down the stretch..if the loss to the Ain’ts doesn’t occur this would be a six game winning streak the Falcons are now starting to play better on both sides of the ball and look out NFC the Falcons are for real and will be winning a playoff game this year…can’t wait to beat Green Bay at Lambeau and spoil there repeat see you in the Divisional Rd….
Mike FR
November 28th, 2011
11:43 am
*typo* “They tough games against” — They win tough games ….
SeenThisBFalcon
November 28th, 2011
11:43 am
RISE UP!!! THIS YEAR WE WILL….
Rainman
November 28th, 2011
11:48 am
For the life of me I don’t understand why we don’t use Quizz Rodgers more. Everytime this kid touches the ball something good happens. He needs to get at least 10 touches a game. He reminds me of Darren Sproles. Figure out how to run the screen pass to him or at least a swing pass out of the backfield. Come on man!!
PreyDawg
November 28th, 2011
11:51 am
The Falcons were up convincingly on Green Bay and actually looked dominant for a stretch. It was the offense that let the defense down by going 3 and out.
When they finally woke up and got out of the idiotic bunch formations that Mularkey insists on 20 times per game, they moved the ball big time against New Orleans.
Whoever said this team would get crushed by a good playoff team is not watching very close. They play part of every game with their heads up their posteriors. If they even focus for 4 quarters they can beat any team in the NFL including Green Bay.
Biggest weaknesses right now are: D-backs do not play the zone all the well and Van Gorder loves it. 2) Ryan is not seeing the whole field. He is good, very good, but there are a ton of open guys that he is not even looking at on almost every play. I attribute this to how much we got him NAILED in the first 5 games. The line (ie Sam Baker especially) was one of the worst in the NFL then. 3) Mularkey and Smith still think we are a power running team and we are not. The bunch formation over and over and over again on first down is putting us in WAAAAAYYYYY to many second and longs. Everybody in the stadium knows Turner is coming and where he is going to. Was VERY glad to see us FINALLY call some running plays out of the spread yesterday.
Brent
November 28th, 2011
11:57 am
I think the difference between us and the elite teams is the fact that we, the Falcons, won’t go for the jugular. Our typical game performance is jump out to a nice lead (i.e. no huddle), then try to slow the game down (i.e. pound the ball with Turner). We allow the other team back in the game, return to no huddle, then score again to put it out of reach. We should be attacking in no huddle for 60 minutes. That’s what the elite teams do, the Green Bays and the New Englands. They don’t stop attacking.
Maybe our coaching staff should google “Greatest Show on Turf,” those Ram teams would be another good example of how a team never stops attacking.
I think after 4 or 5 games of this same pattern, that the coaching staff would realize “slowing the game down, trying to run the clock” is a detriment to us.
Hopefully Mike Smith will wake up before it’s too late.
Pete
November 28th, 2011
12:01 pm
The Falcons are good but CONSTANTLY give up HUGE plays. They will controll the clock with a masterful QB in Ryan and way above average power back in Turner only to make most games close because of a lunatic inept D secondary.
Won’t be in any Super Bowls soon with this glaring defect, a 4th rate D secondary.
Doug Pancoast
November 28th, 2011
12:31 pm
We will make the playoffs…just like I guaranteed after the Saints game. We will finish with 11-12 wins. And we can still do this if we can get healthy and get everything together. Our pass defense HAS to improve. Right now, our run defense is championship caliber. Our pass defense is just bad.
Stepchild
November 28th, 2011
12:45 pm
What games are you guys watching??? The “no-huddle” for the Falcons is run at a snails pace….Matt Ryan makes all of these audibles which usually equals a running play to Turner. I watched the Patriots run the no-huddle against Philly and they are running plays with 16 seconds still left on the play clock!!! Not the Falcons…we call audibles until the clock is down to 5 seconds 99% of the time. Our best play out of the no-huddle is to pound Turner!! Our no-huddle is to hurry up to slow down…..we wear defenses out because they are in a 3-point stand for an eternity!!! LOL!!!
Tigers Fan in Athens
November 28th, 2011
12:53 pm
Those of you complaining about the success of the Falcons must not remember the “old days” prior to Mr. Blank’s ownership of the team. Sure, there was the SB year in ‘98, and Bart & the boys had a good season in ‘80 – until D. White & the Cowpokes ruined it all, but that was about it.
Back then, most seasons the Falcons were league doormats. The best chance for a win was the twice annual game against the other doormat team ,the Saints. And those games could always go either way.
We are currently looking at probably 4 winning seasons in a row! There’s nothing I’d love more than a Falcons Super Bowl win, but given this team’s history, I’m not complaining if they don’t get there this year.
BTW, SEC title game – Geaux Tigers!!!
Tommy
November 28th, 2011
1:30 pm
They’ll probably win 11, but 10 wins will do it. The Lions still have to play the Saints and Packers, the Giants play the Saints and Cowboys, and the Bears still have the Packers. They’ll keep knocking each other off and piling up losses while we cruise through a relatively soft schedule. Even if we don’t beat the Saints and get the division we should be the #5 seed and go to Dallas, New York, or back to New Orleans for the playoffs.
Ivan
November 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
“Good teams bury the weak teams. Just look at Green Bay,New England,and New Orleans for proof.”
ROFL. You mean the same New Orleans that lost handily to the 2-9 Rams?? That logic doesn’t define the NFL. Go back to Madden.
JSS
November 28th, 2011
2:36 pm
Everybody remembers the “bad old days!” That is why no one with any real idea will not simply accept this it “could be worse” attitude that permeates Braves fans and has leaked across the town… Simple question, what do you want to be, like Cubs fans? They were a fairly successful franchise until 1945. In the 70 years since, barely any “real” opportunity to be a true winner. Sorry, those Bum Phillips like expectations that many of you accept is why this franchise (the rest of the teams in this town) never really reach the promised land. You don’t know what it means to demand more! You better start doing it soon, just ask Indian, Browns, Cubs, Royals, Az Cardinals, and Kings fans!
Gerhart76
November 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
I never thought after last year that we were a “top” Super Bowl contender. Certainly in the hunt for the playoffs. I didn’t think we addressed the issues that hurt us last year: Team Pass Defense.
Our pass rush is even worse this year than last (is Edwards another TD free agent “bust”?). And we continue to get beat by “blown” coverages. Heck I’d rather see us go man to man and get beat rather than some of the crazy coverages I’ve seen this year (i.e. Harvin’s TD).
Given Rogers’ high level of play and offensive system, I’d be surprised to see anyone else go to the Super Bowl from the NFC. From the AFC I’d say either Steelers or Patriots becasue of their QB play and ability to score readily.
For whatever reason we don’t have that same mindset. Some of the offensive play calling is made just to keep our defense off the field to protect our weak pass defense.
I actually had higher hopes last year going into the playoffs. Green Bay seems to be in world of their own right now. We’ll see how they play it out.
Hey "DHunt"
November 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
You are quite the superfan. Keep drinking the kool-aid. We’ll have a gift certificate to any home depot on it’s way.
Thanks, A. Blank…I mean, some dude
occam's boner
November 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
Well said, “extremus.” My sentiments exactly!
I’d like to take it one step further…do they “get it?” Do they really want a ring? Or are they satisfied with having a team just good enough to put butts in the seats and sell licensed merchandise at high prices??? It sure seems like the latter. Oh, they make it look good…but still. Gotta wonder.
RA
November 28th, 2011
5:15 pm
What gets lost in this is that the Falcons are actually playing winning football, and they have been for the last 3.5 years. Think about it folks since the time that this franchise got established, how many three year stretches have gone by when the Falcons weren’t a laughing stock? How many quarterbacks got drafted who in their first four years won over 40 gams? How many running backs did Atlanta bring in that hit as many franchise marks as Michael Turner? True, two trips to the playoffs in three years with an 0-2 first round record isn’t all that great, but how many years did Falcon fans have to wonder when thier team would even reach playoffs again? I’m sorry folks but even to talk about Atlanta getting beaten by Green Bay in the playoffs is light years from where they were four years ago when the head coach resigned to coach college and the starting quarterback was behind bars! No, they’re not perfect, no, they don’t look like a team that’s superbowl bound…right now, and yes, they need to improve on putting teams away, but for my money, I’ve seen the best stretch of Falcon football over the last three years that I’ve every seen during a three year stretch. If anyone out there is willing to tell me that I’m wrong, I’m all ears.
JSS
November 28th, 2011
9:18 pm
When your experience is the toilet in a I-20 truck stop in Bremen (I.E. Falcons football 1966-now), of the illusion of the last few years gives one the perception that you finally got to use a urinal and feel like your in the the Tah Mahal… That is a sad post-script…
Florida Falcon
November 28th, 2011
10:57 pm
Just give me one playoff win please!
Mora less Petrino
November 29th, 2011
12:22 am
The Giants are looking bad the last few weeks! Losing to the lowly Eagles at home and getting embarrassed on Monday night, making three losses in a row. The Falcons stood to gain no matter the outcome of the game tonight. Just win baby!
Elvis
November 29th, 2011
10:03 am
Once again we see the same thing. The falcons play an obviously over matched team and make them look wretched for 2 quarters and then the inevitable happens….Mularkey goes in at halftime and whines to Smitty and Smitty gives him the keys and then…..well you know……And how many more third and more than ten yard conversions are we going to give up before TD fires Van Gorder…No pressure on 4th and 13???? are you serious? Lofton covering Harvin?