In prime time, the suddenly surging Falcons show their class
Sean Weatherspoon's team had a ball Thursday night. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Here’s where we haul out the wide-angle lens. Here’s where we recall those prime-time Falcons games that went the other way.
Like the one in 1984 that left O.J. Simpson, then an ABC analyst, chucking over the local team’s capacity to throw three-yard passes when trailing by three touchdowns. Or the 36-0 loss in 2003 that led Arthur Blank to write a letter of apology to the network. Or the 20-point home loss to New Orleans on Dec. 10, 2007 — the same day Michael Vick was sentenced to prison, the night before Bobby Petrino left to go call some Hogs in Arkansas.
And here’s where we step back and say: The woebegone Jacksonville Jaguars we saw Thursday night? Those used to be the Falcons.
Maybe the 2011 Birds haven’t been quite the team we hoped they’d be, but let’s get real: This club is 9-5 and headed for the playoffs. The Falcons have had chances to spit the bit and have declined every time. They’ve given themselves a postseason chance, and that’s all any team — even mighty Green Bay — can hope to do before the playoffs commence.
There was a time — heck, it was two years ago — that we Atlantans celebrated the Falcons finally managing consecutive winning seasons. On Thursday they clinched a fourth in a row, and none of us cared. Because we’ve been conditioned by Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith and Matt Ryan and Roddy White and Michael Turner to expect bigger and better.
“In-house, our expectations are much higher than just a winning season,” Smith said. “When you’re where you want to be as a team, winning seasons are expected.”
Raging mediocrity was left in the dust the January after Vick went to prison and Petrino split for the Ozarks. A franchise that looked to be three years from even a sniff of anything sweet hired a smart general manager and an unadorned coach and drafted a quarterback, and most everything since has been an unflagging march toward excellence. Tony Gonzalez came aboard. Julio Jones was taken after a bold managerial move upward. We might quibble with what the Falcons have become, but we cannot deny that they’ve become something worth watching.
On Thursday night we were treated to most of it. To Turner busting up the gut. To Jones splitting defenders to score. To White running the precise patterns that made him a 1,000-yard receiver. To Ryan managing the game and making the requisite throws. To John Abraham sacking the Jaguar quarterback so often that the name “Gabbert” got imprinted on the Dome turf. To Sean Weatherspoon doing his search-and-destroy routine. To a good-looking NFL club, in sum, treating its opponent with abject disdain.
It was 7-0 after four minutes, 17-0 after 17, 27-0 at the half, 34-0 in the first minute of the third quarter, 41-14 when it ended. No, Jacksonville isn’t much of a test, but that’s the point. The Falcons are no longer just another team. They’re one of the league’s best, and they’re getting better as they go.
We cannot know just yet, but it could be that the comeback in Charlotte five days ago marked a Rubicon. Down 23-7, the Falcons scored the final 24 points. Then they scored the first 41 against Jacksonville. For those without a handy abacus, that marked 65 consecutive Atlanta points. When last have we beheld a Falcons team capable of that? In the Super Bowl season of 1998? In the great-leap-forward year of 1980? Ever?
You mightn’t pick this team to win the Super Bowl, but no opponent will want to see the Falcons across the line of scrimmage. There’s enough talent here to reach the game so big we had to let the Romans number it, more talent than at any time in franchise history. (Yes, that includes 1998.) The Falcons’ next game will be in New Orleans the night after Christmas, and there’s no cause to believe it’s unwinnable.
At peak capacity, this team can beat anybody. Trouble is, the Falcons didn’t function at peak capacity against the Packers in October or the Saints in November … or against anybody until Thursday. Players and coaches kept saying, “We haven’t yet played a complete game,” but on this night they came pretty close. (There was that blocked punt, though.)
We’ve been wondering since September how these Falcons in full flight would look. We’re getting an idea. The offense isn’t as good as Green Bay’s or New England’s and the defense isn’t as unyielding as Houston’s, but not many teams have a better combination of the two. Not many teams can match 53-man rosters with this.
There was a time when we in this city had cause to dread every prime-time slot the Falcons were handed, and mercifully they weren’t given many. That time is gone. These Birds aren’t clowns. These Birds are class.
By Mark Bradley
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257 comments Add your comment
Tommy
December 16th, 2011
9:43 am
It’s not what you do, it’s when you do it. Last year the Falcons peaked around Week 13 and started slowing down after that. You could sense that they were trailing off by the time of the second Saints game, and deep down most of us knew the Packers were a nightmare matchup for us in the postseason.
This year the team is peaking at the right time. True, they blew out a bad team last night, but that is what good teams do, and they could have easily won 55-7 or even worse. The only reason we didn’t hang 60 on them, like the Saints did to the Colts, is because Sean Payton is a jerk and Mike Smith is not.
Packers fans always talk about how all six losses last year were by less than one score. Well, this year, 4 of the 5 Falcons losses are by less than 10 points: 18, 3, 9, 3 and 7. The only game they were completely out of was the opener in Chicago, and who doubts that if they played today, the Falcons wouldn’t win by 20?
I’m not saying they’re winning the Super Bowl, or that they’ll even win next week. But the Falcons can go head-to-head with anyone. And in the NFL that is the most important part to being a consistently good team.
knock-down, ........ drag-out
December 16th, 2011
9:43 am
After the sAINTS lose two in a row,
they will be tied up with the FALCONS at 10-5.
FalconFan
December 16th, 2011
9:52 am
I just think back on where this team was in 2007 and look and think about the miracle that has occured over the last 4 years. We have a QB that gets slammed by some while having a 42-18 record as a starter. (remember all the talk about Vick and his 38-28-1 reecord as a starter for the Falcons?). Big difference. With 2 games left in his 4th year he 3700 yards passing, 25 TD to 12 INT, a 90 QB rating and a completion rate of 61%. And people still complain. He has a 70% winning %. Considering he will go over 4000 yards passing this year, probably throw 30 TD’s how can anyone say he has regressed?
Set backs and slip ups this year, absolutely. The Tampa, Houston and NO games for sure should have all been W’s. So much talk about the mighty Saints. I don’t get it. They lost to the RAMS for God’’s sake.
I think this team can get into the playoffs and make a run. Go Falcons!
take it from me.
December 16th, 2011
9:57 am
We need to put one of those 62-7 whiping like we did years ago on the saints.Don’t they know,we own them?
trademark
December 16th, 2011
9:57 am
Wow, sure is a lot of noise from Saints Trolls again. hehehehehe. Lovin’ it. Bring it, you scared little babies!
At least I don’t have to run to another team’s message board to try to put them down or build ourselves up.
S-C-A-R-E-D, and the more you squawk and try to rationalize your impending doom (either in 10 days or in the playoffs), the BETTER IT WILL BE WHEN THE INEVITABLE COMES.
Sorry a$% Saints Trolls
take it from me.
December 16th, 2011
10:03 am
The saints,are the ain’ts,and allways will be!
Mr. Mustard
December 16th, 2011
10:16 am
The Falcons demolished a team they are supposed to demolish. Their offense has blossomed. The defense is underrated and swarming. Penalties have been reduced.
And now we face New Orleans on Monday night. Man how times have changed.
Sometime somewhere the Falcons will get to the highest level, and wouldn’t it be nice for the day after Christmas for our team to reach that level?
Beat the Saints and roll into the playoffs firing on all cylinders and………….
Are we ready for New England, Pittsburgh and New Orleans?
Now is the time boys, now is the time.
Good luck on Monday and congratulations on a job well done last night. This team does not quit, and that matters.
Happy to see Coach Smith on the sidelines.
Go Falcons.
Manny
December 16th, 2011
10:20 am
I liked what I saw from the Falcons yesterday. They really put the kids to bed. But I’m not all giddy and have any “warm-fuzzy” feelings going on here.
I mean, it is the Jaguars and they are a mess. They fired their coach. Their quarterback is awful right now. Their entire franchise is Maurice Jones-Drew. Their defense is OK, but clearly can be exploited with good receivers (Thanks, Roddy.) They are an absolute mess and they should have been dragged through the mud.
Now that being said, I’m happy to see the Falcons beat up a bad team. They didn’t play with them, allow them to build their confidence and had to win a close one. No- they put the kids to bed. That’s what good teams do to bad teams. I like that.
Also, Matt Ryan looked as advertised yesterday. He looked like a franchise quarterback of a good NFL football team. He had the poise and made the throws that made me proud.
But before I go crazy, I only want one thing: a playoff win. I can care less about beating the Saints (Ok, a little bit of care. I just want a little silence from the Saints fans who can’t find their way to the Sports section of the Times-Picayune.) I can’t care less about winning the division. I want one or two playoff wins. Without that, I see all this as nothing. With a good playoff showing, including some wins; I would see all of this as building something good.
Ted M
December 16th, 2011
10:23 am
‘Bout time the Falcons pounded sombody. The last was AZ a couple years ago.
Peion Deion
December 16th, 2011
10:23 am
Doesnt matter, Falcons will certainly lose @ New Orleans, then beat hapless Tampa Bay @ home, finish 10-6. Then MIGHT win 1st round game, then its season over WHOEVER they play, they cant win away from the dome home & certainly cant win @ Green Bay, Matt Ryan is NOT the answer!!!
Bobo is Not the Problem
December 16th, 2011
10:26 am
Mark, really? Join the folks who think Aaron Murray chokes in big games. When you’re playing lesser competition, you look fabulous. How about six quarters ago, when they did not look very fabulous against the pitiful Panthers. Yet, after six good quarters of football, you are ready to anoint them among the best ever Falcons teams.
Give me a break.
falc fan
December 16th, 2011
10:29 am
Much respect for an article that managed TWO ancient Roman references while describing Falcon gladiatorial success in the NFL – crossing the Rubicon, and roman numerals.
Very well written, kudos.
trademark
December 16th, 2011
10:32 am
OK, all of you Saints trolls take a quick look at the title of the web blog you’re currently visiting…OK, I’ll wait, it takes a bit longer for y’all to read, I know….
Got it? It says ajc.com. That means ATLANTA. Very good! *pats you on head, watches you smile and drool* You’re posting on an ATLANTA site!
Now, what you need to do now is pack up your FEMA insta-house, get in your 1975 Chevy and peddle your A&% back to the state founded by the French and the stadium owned by the Germans (damn, what an unholy combination….)
‘Cause we’ll be payin’ y’all a visit in a few days now. And we’re bringing some what for with.
Damned good time to be a Falcons fan.
Urban Legends
December 16th, 2011
10:34 am
Jacksonville had 27 players on injured reserve. Falcons can’t beat the Packers. that’s all you need to know. Forget making the playoffs because Green Bay will derail the Falcons.
Nice win
December 16th, 2011
10:36 am
Last night was like beating up your sister. Let’s see if these guys can actually SHOW UP against a GOOD team next week in New Orleans. So far, I’ve seen lack of focus and effort from these guys when it actually counts.
falc fan
December 16th, 2011
10:37 am
Circle of life, ying/yang thoughts on the Falcons chances –
1) The last time the Falcons went to the superbowl, they had to go into hostile territory deep in the tundra (as underdogs) to win the NFC, and WON. The two times they were more or less favored to win their way to the superbowl in the south they lost (Dallas, Green Bay);
2) What was Green Bay’s record this time last year before they got hot and won it all – on the road? Hint – look at the Falcons record.
3) Last year the wild card team, the Packers, went into the home arena of the #1 seed Falcons in their second game and took them out. This year, the Falcons (assuming a 5 seed) would play the #1 seed Packers at their place in the 2nd game. Karma?????
Michael M.
December 16th, 2011
10:38 am
Saints didn’t defeat Atlanta in that earlier game, Atlanta took a chance and it backfired. Atlanta hasn’t peaked yet Aint boys ………….and you on our blog thinking and saying the Saints are going to whip the Birds in New Orleans? ………………………………..” you Aint Guys are are off your da** rockers and on some kind of hallucinating drugs !
MV8
December 16th, 2011
10:38 am
Lets see what happens Monday night vs. Saints on the road, pounding a team like Jax @ home is no bragging rights, the Birds will have to open the playoffs on the road, that will be tough enough no matter who they play cause they are a dome home team, outside vs. the Pack??? Yeah that would be UGGLY!!!
D man
December 16th, 2011
10:39 am
I love what I saw last night. Great effort by both sides of the ball and finally a complete game. Falcons are on a roll and peaking at the perfect time.
Mike Smith is a class coach and smart too. He pulled the starters in the 3rd quarter with a 41 point lead. Green Bay left the starters in and their top receiver is now hurt. STUPID… There was nothing to gain by leaving the starters in. Great job Mike and classy the way you finished the game… I love it…
Larry30
December 16th, 2011
10:39 am
The orderly must have given JSS her lithium.
Eric C.
December 16th, 2011
10:39 am
Najeh Davenpoop, P B Orr, keepinitreal…many thanks for the playoff info
BillyBob
December 16th, 2011
10:40 am
The question is, have the Birds turned the corner or are these last six quarters aberrations? As a fan the normal instinct to believe the former, watching the entire season it is easy to believe the latter. The question will be answered in New Orleans for sure. Either way this teams is finally legit. Four winning seasons in a row is a major accomplishment for this organization. Did you remember to send Marrion Campbell a Christmas card this year?
Ryder
December 16th, 2011
10:44 am
This was a great win by the Falcons. Since the second half against Carolina, it’s as if the light switch just went off.
I think the reason people don’t take Atlanta seriously is because they haven’t defeated the big dogs like the Saints and Packers. They need to play with the same sense of urgency next Monday night and not rely on the Lions or Bears to lose.
falconion.4.life
December 16th, 2011
10:55 am
I’m thrilled about our performance last night because good teams should put their feet on a bad team’s throat early and apply the knockout punch – unlike the Saints’ performance against St. Louis earlier this year when the Rams hung around and hung around until Stephen Jackson applied the nail to them. That being said, we must take caution and not get too emotional about playing a horrific football team at home and we were playing a team that just days ago fired their coach. We must remind ourselves that someone called Blaine Gabbert who was playing quarterback for the Jags is no Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli Manning or worse – not even a Tony Romo or Matt Stafford (the last two being possible wild card opponents). Let’s not get carried away here because a month from now the Packers, Saints and the Giants will be alive and well with Pro Bowl quarterbacks better than Matty. And that trio certainly won’t go 12-for-22 playing in their houses so let’s tone it down a bit.
Sid
December 16th, 2011
10:57 am
Hells bells, ……………..just one screw up and out come all the critics……..like a typo or a blocked punt………….
I guarantee you Shann Schillinger will never get stood up like that again…………better it happened against Jax than Green Bay for the NFC crown.
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
10:58 am
Hey Larry30 —- The “Wizard of OZ” aka JSS —- rest assured she is stuck in the “FILTER” or she/he is asleep!!!
The Calmer
December 16th, 2011
11:02 am
Eighty seventh!! Yea!!! (whatever)
OK folks settle down now… While it was a great battle to observe… please remember that this was the Jaguars and they pretty much suck this year. The Saints will be waiting for us in NO and we had better be absolutely on TOP of things for this one. Congrats to the Falcons! They get a well deserved 4 days off and hopefully will come raging back for that trip down to the Bayou!
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
11:03 am
Be real quit SHSHSHSH…Maybe he’ll never wake-up!!!! Also he’s known as “Noodle Brain”
Saints have never had...
December 16th, 2011
11:04 am
four straight winning seasons. HA HA
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
11:05 am
I second that post @Calmer —- Right-ON!!!
Go Falcons – Ain’ts Next
willdave
December 16th, 2011
11:05 am
What a booming statement the Falcons made on national TV last night. Complete domination of the Jaguars. Four consecutive winning seasons under Dimitroff-Smitty-Ryan in the books. Yes, MB, that is a feat that not to long ago seemed unattainable for this long-suffering franchise. A playoff spot now all but assured. The Birds hold the enviable position of controlling their own destiny in that regard. Congratulations, Falcons.
OK, guys, after that amazing second half against Carolina and last night’s blowout, you have the swagger, the confidence that you need for the playoff run. Make sure you play like that against NO and TB. Do not under any circumstances take the Bucs for granted. That troubled team is fully capable of coming in here and making you look terrible if you let them.
And, needless to say, when the playoffs start, be prepared to turn up your intensity even higher. You at least ought to be able to secure your first postseason win under TD, Smitty and Ryan. Then, who knows? A trip to Indy in February?
Go Falcons!!!
Manny
December 16th, 2011
11:10 am
Trademark-
Have you ever READ the Times-Picayune Sports section comment pages? It’s boring. They talk more about the Falcons than we do! They might as well all be in here because their comments and blogs are something like some weird Who-Dat Support Group.
It’s almost like high school. Remember when the kids would talk obsessively about the cool kids? It actually made me sad.
So Aints fans, you can come on here and talk your “Who-Dat” craziness, if it boosts up your self-esteem. I know that it’s hard to look at Atlanta and how cool it is here. I know it must be kinda tough looking at us. But after you all lose next week remember one thing:
“You’re Good Enough! You’re Smart Enough! And Doggone It! People Like You, Saints fans!”
JT
December 16th, 2011
11:14 am
WOW the Falcons beat one of the worst teams in the league and now they are showing class? whatever
Kramer
December 16th, 2011
11:19 am
For all the b*tchin’ and whinning on here from SOME Falcon fans and the ain’t fans on here talking their sh*t Mark is right. Your team or any other NFC team does not want to line up against us for a one game elimination. We are more balanced the the aint’s for sure and our D is better the Packers. Bring it on!
FalconFan
December 16th, 2011
11:22 am
Peion, If Matt Ryan isn’t the answer, who do you suggest? Mike Vick? LOL
jj
December 16th, 2011
11:31 am
unreal….typical falCANTS!!!! U beat the jaguars….ooohhhhh now falcants r world beaters….please….go away falcants
Kerryb
December 16th, 2011
11:31 am
Kramer, Our D is better than the Saints with William Moore, Brent Grimes and Hayden back next week. William Moore is becoming a top safety and he didn’t play in that first Saints game. Lets see them run when he’s bringing the wood.
trademark
December 16th, 2011
11:32 am
@Manny, yep ,you’re right, the Times-Picayune Sports section probably realizes that only 3% of the population of New Orleans can even read…so don’t really try that hard….
Manny
December 16th, 2011
11:32 am
FalconFan,
No one’s talking about Vick on here except those obsessed from both sides. Vick haven’t been here in years. He doesn’t want to come back. He’s happy with the Eagles.
When real Falcons fans talk about Ryan and his problems, it’s forward-looking, not backward-looking. He looked good today, but RG3 will be in the NFL next year (or at least he should.) That kid looks like the most dangerous player coming out of the NCAA. As good as Ryan played yesterday, I would pick up RG3 in a heartbeat and explain to Ryan how it’s all a business, etc.
St Simons - we're on Island time
December 16th, 2011
11:32 am
The Jaguars had 3 significant plays. Who did they beat on those 3 plays?
Bosher
Owens
Owens
been typing this all year. Falcons won’t win anything with
Bosher, Owens, Decoud
Bosher, Owens, Decoud
Bosher, Owens, Decoud
Kerryb
December 16th, 2011
11:32 am
jj
December 16th, 2011
11:31 am
unreal….typical falCANTS!!!! U beat the jaguars….ooohhhhh now falcants r world beaters….please….go away falcants
_____________________________________________________
Hey moron, their offense is terrible but their defense was the #4 defense in the NFL and they could not stop our offense.
Kerryb
December 16th, 2011
11:34 am
trademark
December 16th, 2011
11:32 am
@Manny, yep ,you’re right, the Times-Picayune Sports section probably realizes that only 3% of the population of New Orleans can even read…so don’t really try that hard….
_________________________________________________________
20% of that population is still in Atlanta and won’t go home.
I have a Tebowner
December 16th, 2011
11:36 am
JT=bingo!!! Whatever, Kramer is drunk on the kool aid! Packers flick the Falcons off like a gnat, lets see they beat them twice in THEIR dome home, & SMOKED them when it counted in the playoffs??? At best the Birds are the 3rd best team in the NFC, I wouldnt even pick them to win @ SF,they are a home dome team, when they go on the road & its outside, they are done!!!
JSS
December 16th, 2011
11:37 am
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
10:58 am
“Hey Larry30 —- The “Wizard of OZ” aka JSS —- rest assured she is stuck in the “FILTER” or she/he is asleep!!!”
Nope, I’m just amused… You’re a two borderline blog-o-paths… You sit around trying to call me out all day long with gender references, outright lies, and just outright palabra… I usual, you’ll be here for the next 9 days calling Saints bloggers 3rd grade names. In the Momma joke boy’s case, he’ll be posting f-e-c-e and giggling like a lil’ fella who see himself in the mirror for first time… The other one and his 7 faces of Eve act will try to play “sniper blogger.” I just yawn…
jj
December 16th, 2011
11:38 am
hey kerryb…..numbers mean squat….packers and pats have 2 worse defenses in nfl….go away…ur falcants aint winning nothing
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
11:41 am
Hey Larry —– “IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE, OMG, IT’S ALIVE”,,,,LOLOLOLOLOL’S
jj
December 16th, 2011
11:41 am
oh and typical bandwagoners u falcants are…just 6 quarters ago u “fans” were crying this season is over and now u think u r on par with the pack, saints, pats….please tell me something good
trademark
December 16th, 2011
11:47 am
Saints 23, Jaguars 10.
So there. same team, we scored more. Of course this doesn’t mean SQUAT, great teams are supposed to squash the lesser ones. That’s what they do….
….oh…
….unless it’s the winless St. Louis Rams….
Oops.
FALCLOWNS are still a JOKE!
December 16th, 2011
12:04 pm
Seriously, one dominant victory and you fools think your good?? LMAO….Falcons will be one and done in the playoffs IF you make it. You have no defense. You can’t beat New Orleans, Green Bay, or San Fran. One and done. Fact…you will never win a SB and will always remain RINGLESS IN ATL…fact….but, you can always hope…stay classy….
Once Recent Reader
December 16th, 2011
12:22 pm
jj – I have to agree with your 11:41 post. The “mob is quite fickle” on these blogs. But I’ll take a happy mob over a pissed off mob every Sunday/Monday . . .in this case Thursday/Friday!!