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
mmgtfan
December 15th, 2011
11:07 pm
Double First!
Beoti
December 15th, 2011
11:16 pm
Checkin’ out early Mark?
Mark Bradley
December 15th, 2011
11:20 pm
Writing, Beoti. Wireless malfunction has wrought a smidgeon of havoc.
Steve
December 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
replace your xx with 41 there Mark other than that great column and I hope you don’t mind us being proofreaders for you
ijonathan
December 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
Uh Mark, you forgot to fill in one of your “XX” placeholders.
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:24 pm
Yuck it up, was this or the Cardinals game last year more misleading in terms of perception?
JDK
December 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
Mark, be sure to replace the “xx” placeholder you put in there a few paragraphs – I believe it should be ‘41′.
Norm Van Brocklin
December 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
Mark, did i ever challenge you to stack chairs?
ijonathan
December 15th, 2011
11:26 pm
Give it a rest JSS, you’re bordering on tired act/one trick pony status.
Norm Van Brocklin
December 15th, 2011
11:27 pm
If i had had a better defensive coordinator than Marion Campbell, I’d have been a shoe in for the Hall
Billy Martin
December 15th, 2011
11:28 pm
Hey guy! I don’t feel like drivin’.. do you mind…
Bo and Luke Duke
December 15th, 2011
11:29 pm
hey man! where IS Boss Hog?
all for one.....
December 15th, 2011
11:29 pm
What do Falcons do? Falcons Rise Up!
Boss Hog
December 15th, 2011
11:31 pm
I will neva reyest unitl i hayve those Dooke boys in jayal. So help me Gawd!
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:32 pm
YOu give it a rest, that was a bad football team… No one is demeaning the effort… Here’s a question sir, what happened the week after they plastered the Cards? They had a game where sans missed FG they would have started -2-2… They let bad teams color the water…
dawgnation
December 15th, 2011
11:33 pm
mark, I hope you right. But, calling them one of the league’s best is kind of premature, isn’t it? Maybe the momentum will continue. But I guess we’ll see after we go to the big easy.
Mr Charlie
December 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
You mean this is a bad Defense? Did’nt this D hold Joe Flacko to 0 yards in the 1st half?
Indy falcon
December 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
I like the rythem and flow were seeing on both sides of the ball. Ive been real skeptical throughout the season and still i have a little uneasiness,but tonight eased it a little. Lets see if we can keep building this momentum right into the playoffs. Could we actually be building to that kind of peak to win a championship? I hope so….
airport falcon
December 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
as long as we play the Jaguars or Colts, we are world beaters. When we beat the Packers or Saints (twice) then I will beleive.
ohhhhYEAH
December 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
well JSS, guess what….even Green Bay has to play Minnesota, and Oakland. EVERYONE plays bad teams. yet, when Aaron Rodgers goes off and has a game against these teams, your argument holds no water. Not that im Saying Ryan is as good as Rodgers, but i AM saying that every team has to play the 4-9’s of the league, and its what you do against them that matters. Its funny how when the Packers blow out the Vikings its “ohhhh Aaron Rodgers is the greatest QB of all time past or present, theres no stopping this team….did you see what they did to the VIKINGS…” i mean gimme a break, you cant have it both ways.
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
I would say Crown Royal time had broken out… But it is an AJC… The PBR must be on sale?
Mr Charlie
December 15th, 2011
11:35 pm
It is just one game, 9-5, same old falcons.
tjhook
December 15th, 2011
11:35 pm
For your next column you should discuss the Falcons’ road status under Smith and Ryan ( including point totals). The team will at least have one playoff game on the road so let’s see how ready the coaching staff is for unfamiliar stadiums.
doggoneit
December 15th, 2011
11:35 pm
who was the mvp! THe Fans!
Next
December 15th, 2011
11:36 pm
Jax obv didn’t come to play. You write this crap and watch. They will go stink up the superdome cause that is what falcons teams do. Just watch. NO will still win what will be a meaningless game for them by 2 scores.
Mora less Petrino
December 15th, 2011
11:37 pm
No NFL Network on my cable provider, but it sounded good! That awful loss at Tampa is going to cost the Birds the division. No reason the Falcons can’t win at N.O. The Saints are very beatable.
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:38 pm
Oh… The Packers have never played well in the Metrodome… So I just know what’s going to happen when they meet there… It is like people betting against the line when the Falcons and Bucs meet in Tampa, they may win, they rarely ever cover…
stizz
December 15th, 2011
11:38 pm
JSS is a jackass.
Fred Macmurray
December 15th, 2011
11:39 pm
JSS,, isnt it bedtime at the “Home”,, give it a rest little fella..
ls1z28chris
December 15th, 2011
11:40 pm
Wow. A well reasoned, sober, pensive, and realistic take on the Falcons. I didn’t think anyone at the AJC had it in them.
ohhhhYEAH
December 15th, 2011
11:40 pm
My point is, you cant say “they did this to a 4-9 team” when atlanta beats a bad team, but then turn right around and praise the freakin packers or the saints when they clown a 4-9 team. it makes no sense at all.
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:40 pm
Mora. it was on the Online game plan unless you in the blackout zone?
P B Orr
December 15th, 2011
11:40 pm
That was fun. Ryan had one pick 6 though – to White
Fred Macmurray
December 15th, 2011
11:41 pm
And whats wrong with PBR,, you sir have no taste.
ijonathan
December 15th, 2011
11:41 pm
That’s it JSS, pile on with the snarky condescension.
Just so I have it straight, when the Falcons “struggle” with a lower tier team, they are criticized for not going pedal to the metal. But when they blow doors, it doesn’t matter because they are facing a bad team?
But as noted above, if it was Green Bay or Philly, you’d be falling all over yourself to praise the amazing quarterbacking talents of Rodgers and Vick in demolishing those teams.
P B Orr
December 15th, 2011
11:41 pm
5 bucks says the best 2-11 team in history, the Vikings, beat the Saints.
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:42 pm
At Uncle Charlie’s nephew…
Not unless you and Michael Jackson have called it a night at Forest lawn?
ohhhhYEAH
December 15th, 2011
11:43 pm
PROrr, i dont think we are that lucky! although….there were the Rams…..
where are the real fans
December 15th, 2011
11:43 pm
They came out and played like they should have all year. Better late then never.
extremus
December 15th, 2011
11:43 pm
The game in New Orleans a week from Monday will be a litmus test to help determine whether the Falcons’ offensive efficiency the past 6 quarters (well, minus the backups in this game) is the real thing at last or yet another mirage. A win would do much to ease the pain of that overtime loss earlier this year…and yes, the Falcons are capable, but consistency will determine whether it happens. I expect a very tight, physical contest between the Falcons and Saints regardless of the victor; they’re much more evenly matched than either team’s fanbase would care to admit.
A lot can happen in six quarters; after halftime this past Sunday I was fully prepared to concede the season, and it appeared the Falcons had as well. Now maybe…just MAYBE…we are about to see this team be as advertised coming into the 2011 season. But I have to confess that I’ll be at best guardedly optimistic until I see them hoisting a Lombardi Trophy; we Atlanta fans have seen bitter disappointment far too many times to get too over-excited by now.
DONT HAVE ANOTHER HEARTATTACK M.SMITH
December 15th, 2011
11:44 pm
BRING ON DA AINTS! WHO DAT? WE DATL
Ryan
December 15th, 2011
11:44 pm
Saints lose to the Vikings on Sunday. Right it down.
Fred Macmurray
December 15th, 2011
11:44 pm
JSS is a Jackass,, but he’s our Jackass,, so go easy on him,,
P B Orr
December 15th, 2011
11:44 pm
Scary thought – the Eagles can win their division because they have tiebreakers over both the Giants and Girls. 5 seed will go to Philly. A zoo I don’t want to visit.
truth
December 15th, 2011
11:44 pm
Saints will lose to the vikings.
Michael M.
December 15th, 2011
11:45 pm
The Saints are in a world of trouble, say what you will, say what you want but this Falcon Team hasn’t reached its peak yet !
Brian
December 15th, 2011
11:45 pm
Hey Mark, it was 27-0 at the half and 34-0 in the first minute of the 2nd half.
falconsrus
December 15th, 2011
11:45 pm
On to the big easy to wreak a few smidgeons of havoc rise up swoop down swoop all around
Boss Hog
December 15th, 2011
11:46 pm
aw comeone
truth
December 15th, 2011
11:46 pm
Saints have a habit of losing to bad teams.
eddie willers
December 15th, 2011
11:46 pm
“the game so big we had to let the Romans number it”
If that’s original to you….great line.
If that’s not original to you….still a great line.
ls1z28chris
December 15th, 2011
11:46 pm
Okay, Ryan. We’ll all “right it down.” I’m hoping your football picks are as good as your “righting.” Do you have any score predictions for me to “right down?”
kerryb
December 15th, 2011
11:47 pm
Falcons vs Ravens in the SB. Ryan vs Flacco.
ohhhhYEAH
December 15th, 2011
11:47 pm
Agree Micheal. Especially once we get Grimes back, if the offense plays like it has the majority of the past two games, minus the same predictable boring run up the left on first down, then we will be hard to beat. As long as maybe Sanders starts for DeCoud, now that Willie Mo is back in the defensive backfield. and if by some chance we can get Hayden back in time for the Saints game, it would also be a huge boost. This team has the stuff to make a run, just need the right amount of coaching and effort. Thats all it takes
Michael M.
December 15th, 2011
11:47 pm
How you like that Atlanta –Jags football game Aint Trolls? The Saints are in a world of trouble! Saints will get beat on December 26. You Aint Trolls better hope your Team wins their game Sunday against the Vikings. Falcons are getting hot and they are going to be better after this rout tonight with the Jags.
The Good thing is they have a good 10 day stretch to heal the bumps and bruises while your Team battles it out in a Sunday Battle. Falcons gave your team the win in the Georgia Dome but when they come into your Dome they will beat your team with confidence and the talent you Aint Trolls keep saying they just don’t have.
I can’t hardly stand the long wait wishing we could play your team this Sunday and go ahead and settle the score. Grimes is able to play in that Dec 26 game …….oh my !
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:49 pm
@ LJ…
Never said they would struggle with JAX… I said they have a problem in Charlotte… They historically have except when Fox mailed it in with 2nd worse QB in League history (see Jimmy Clausen). I expected nothing less tonight, go back one day and check yourself… Home game versus bad football teams is where they are making hay… Moreover, JAX was playing their 3rd game in 11 days… If they would have not blown them out, then I’d be hollowing… But I’m under no illusion about how bad JAX is…They are 1999 Falcons bad (some good pieces), but they have no direction and 27 players on IR… So keep trying…
Michael M.
December 15th, 2011
11:50 pm
Saints will get beat on December 26. You Aint Trolls better hope your Team wins their game Sunday against the Vikings. Falcons are getting hot and they are going to be better after this rout tonight with the Jags.
The Good thing is they have a good 10 day stretch to heal the bumps and bruises while your Team battles it out in a Sunday Battle. Falcons gave your team the win in the Georgia Dome but when they come into your Dome they will beat your team with confidence and the talent you Aint Trolls keep saying they just don’t have.
I can’t hardly stand the long wait wishing we could play your team this Sunday and go ahead and settle the score. Grimes is able to play in that Dec 26 game …….oh my !
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:51 pm
Bradley, please check your filter…
Michael M.
December 15th, 2011
11:52 pm
Atlanta hasn’t Peaked yet………..lets see what the Saints get done this Sunday
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:53 pm
PBR has no taste…
truth
December 15th, 2011
11:56 pm
Falcons just steamrolled the #4 defense. They held the ravens to no touchdowns and beat them. What does that tell you? Jags are not that bad.
Michael M.
December 15th, 2011
11:56 pm
Blowed up the blog like the Birds blowed up the Jags
JSS
December 15th, 2011
11:59 pm
@ Mike, Chip, and Robbie’s Dad…
What are the rest of the corpses doing tonight?
JSS
December 16th, 2011
12:00 am
FMM…
What tastes better?
JSS
December 16th, 2011
12:00 am
Clay cakes?
JSS
December 16th, 2011
12:01 am
Or Root Juice?
Whopper Dawg
December 16th, 2011
12:14 am
Without a doubt the most complete game in the Smith era and maybe in 20 years. But before we crank up the championship bus, realize the turnaround against the Panthers, was against the Panthers, and his win was against the Jags.
Temper this a bit.
JSS
December 16th, 2011
12:17 am
You must be a Communist Troll Aints fan (Sarcasm inserted here)…
extremus
December 16th, 2011
12:18 am
The Falcons showed a different type of class toward the end of the game tonight, in case anyone was noticing. They could have easily kicked a field goal on fourth down to make it 44 points but just ran the ball for a turnover on downs. Yes, part of it was just to get everyone back home healthy and safe, but it was also considerate toward their opponents as opposed to running up the score even more. You want to win every game and you want to dominate every time out, no question, but when the game is already well decided and you have the opportunity to rub the other team’s face in it and choose not to, that says something about the character of the coach and the Falcons. It was a good show of sportsmanship that happened in that fourth quarter tonight. Kudos, guys.
P B Orr
December 16th, 2011
12:18 am
I just looked at tiebreakers – the only way we win the division is for the Saints to lose all three remaining games. If we both finish 11-5 and that includes a win in NOLA, they get the common opponents tiebreaker. They toss out a W and an L but we toss out two Ws for non-common opponents – so it would be 10-4 vs 9-5.
Objective fan
December 16th, 2011
12:21 am
Ssints will beat the Vikings, but they’ll lose to Cam Newton in the finale. You can take that to the bank.
Michael M.
December 16th, 2011
12:29 am
We dont wont the South division, we want the NFC Title. Julio Jones has found his self. that guy was catching balls off of Redman. Yeah, it was the Jags. They had nothing to lose and could try anything and Atlanta Smothered them. Carolina had nothing to lose and was up on them by 23 and they came back and beat em.
This Team has completely turned the corner, the Saints are really in deep trouble and Green Bay didn’t beat them by much when they played earlier in the Season when the Team was trying to get it together.
That wasn’t a game tonight why that was a practice…..
Total crap music.....Presented by UPS
December 16th, 2011
12:30 am
What the hell was that halftime music? My ears still hurt.
Geo
December 16th, 2011
12:31 am
Good column, Mark. As a long-time Falcon fan, I’ve had more than my share of what Jaguar fans must feel. I was thinking tonight of becoming a fan during the Bartkowski years as a kid, and how I felt when we went up against somebody like Dallas. Now we are enjoying four years of being a team like that — a perennial winner.
Dr. Warren
December 16th, 2011
12:32 am
Finally——-another Chairman Mao reference. And while I am in town, no less. Thanks, MB
Total crap music.....Presented by UPS
December 16th, 2011
12:32 am
What the hell was with that band for half time? My ears still hurt.
Surprised
December 16th, 2011
12:37 am
Thought the environment at the dome tonight was pretty good. Crowd, albeit spotty, was really into the game and the team seemed really jacked.
The right side of the O-Line is still a major concern. Ryan spends more time on his back than a New Orleans call girl.
Like Mark said, I remember (and commented upon at the game) 30 years of being on the wrong side of these games. Its much more fun now.
Thanks to Mr. Blank, Coach Smith and Mr. Dimitroff. They have put a good product on the field. Those of you idiot naysayers have absolutely no sense of history of this previously woeful franchise.
Michael M.
December 16th, 2011
12:37 am
Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones put on a passing clinic..yeah I heard some say our Team needs to watch these so called elite Teams with their clinics …lol
I am off to hit the sack
later taters
Eric
December 16th, 2011
12:38 am
Well I guess all the haters (and drunk Saints fans) who predicted 8-8 can finally shut up. You too JSS…
Getaway
December 16th, 2011
12:39 am
JAX may be bad, but they aren’t STL Rams bad and we saw what they could do against the vaunted NO offense. That was shear domination. Saints couldn’t do anything but bow and genuflect before the greatness that is Sam hahahahahaha Bradford hahahahahahahah!!!!!!!
Michael M.
December 16th, 2011
12:40 am
funny Eric….probably wont hear much out of em now cept how bad they going to tear apart the Falcons which will be the shoe on the other foot !
good night
Surprised
December 16th, 2011
12:40 am
Enter your comments here
Eric
December 16th, 2011
12:41 am
Saints/Falcons is almost always a tight one, regardless of respective records. Anyone who thinks Atlanta doesn’t have a chance to go down to NO and get a win is fooling themselves. This team is reminding me more and more of the Packers last season. Peaking at the right time…
Eric
December 16th, 2011
12:45 am
This team’s problem all year has been one of focus or lack thereof. Just like MB said, talent-wise they stack up against any team in the league. Its just a matter of execution, good play-calling and energy. This is the same team that ran up a 14-0 score against the mighty Packers before calling it a night and mailing the rest of the game in. They put forward the kind of effort and execution of the last 6 quarters in the playoff and they can definitely beat anybody…
Mack
December 16th, 2011
12:55 am
I really enjoyed that article. Feels good after all these years don’t it?
Have we ever been ahead by 40 points before, ever? I don’t remember it.
I like this team from owner to punter. They all seem like such good guys you just want good things to happen for them. Now, after and that amazing game they get a mini by-week and then … I like our chances.
St. Clarkston
December 16th, 2011
12:58 am
Get to the playoffs, get on a roll and who knows what will happen. 75% of the time, one Superbowl is there because they caught fire at the right time. Gonna be tough with the Packers playing so well but I’ll take this over the futility of the first 35 years of this franchise.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 16th, 2011
1:13 am
” the Eagles can win their division because they have tiebreakers over both the Giants and Girls.”
On the flip side, though, the Giants and Cowboys each play bad teams this week, and if both win, the Eagles are eliminated. It would take a choke job on the part of both of those teams for the Eagles to make it to the playoffs. I could see the Cowboys choking, but the Giants are playing too well to get tripped up. This is the Giants’ year in the NFC East.
Of course, they would be a formidable opponent for the Falcons in Round 1 too.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 16th, 2011
1:17 am
“Falcons just steamrolled the #4 defense. They held the ravens to no touchdowns and beat them. What does that tell you? Jags are not that bad.”
The Jags’ D was good before half of it went on injured reserve. They are playing practice squad players at this point. The Falcons took care of business, but to be honest, it would have been a little disappointing if they didn’t blow them out in this game.
JSS
December 16th, 2011
1:18 am
“Fooling themselves?” You mean like Falcon fans who were crowing before the Saints came here and made it 9 of the last 11 in their W column? Yep, it is going to be Rock-Sock ‘em, but they’ve had your number… They aren’t the Bucs… And unless they’ve come up with something new, that no huddle is going to have be on the shelf, Houston showed how to take that away…
Kane337
December 16th, 2011
1:20 am
Great game Falcons. Bring on the Taints.
Kane337
December 16th, 2011
1:22 am
4 straight winning seasons is NOT the same ole Falcons.
Falconfan 24-7
December 16th, 2011
1:28 am
Go team!
Kane337
December 16th, 2011
1:31 am
Great article Mark Bradley.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2011
1:35 am
Thanks, folks. Headed to bed. School bus comes early.
Eric C.
December 16th, 2011
1:39 am
I’m under no illusions…the Jaguars are really bad on the road. Just look at their road losses this season. This victory was a perfect storm of sorts…short rest for a bad team playing in Atlanta and the Falcons riding high after a big comeback. This reminds me of some of the dominating performances under Mora on MNF vs the Jets, Thanksgiving vs the Lions, etc…looked like world- beaters only to fail when it mattered.
If Grimes and Hayden can’t make it back, I have big doubts that the Falcons will upset the Saints in NO, especially on MNF. The OL is just not good enough for a consistent running game against the better teams on the road where the no-huddle is less effective due to crowd noise. Take away the no-huddle and the passing game falters and the OL has trouble springing Turner. Like most jaded Falcon fans, I will reserve my optimism for a road victory against a quality team other than the Lions…namely the game next MNF in NO.
This was a fun game to be sure, but there should be no celebrations at this point.
Eric C.
December 16th, 2011
1:45 am
Btw, I heard this evening on the Falcons broadcast that the Saints can’t clinch the division with a victory over the Vikings…I’m seeing conflicting info on this blog, does anyone know for sure? It’s a real long shot anyway as the Panthers would have to win at NO in addition to the Falcons…but it would be nice to still have a shot at it anyway come the 26th.
Also, is there any way possible the Falcons could clinch a wildcard before they play the Saints?
keepinitreal
December 16th, 2011
1:52 am
“Also, is there any way possible the Falcons could clinch a wildcard before they play the Saints?”
I don’t think so, but if the Raiders beat the Lions on Sunday, we’ll be in for all intents and purposes.
Eric C.
December 16th, 2011
1:55 am
keepinitreal, thanks for the info
Najeh Davenpoop
December 16th, 2011
1:55 am
If the Saints win this weekend and lose their last two, and the Falcons win their last two, both teams will be 11-5 and would have split the season series, but the Falcons would be 8-4 within the conference while the Saints would be 7-5, so the Falcons would win the division. So yes, it is possible (but not likely) that the Falcons could win the division even with a Saints win over the Vikings.
I think if the Cowboys lose their next two, the Cardinals and Seahawks lose one of their next two, and the Eagles lose one of their next two, the Falcons clinch a wild card spot before the MNF game, but I am not 100% sure about that.
keepinitreal
December 16th, 2011
2:07 am
“I think if the Cowboys lose their next two, the Cardinals and Seahawks lose one of their next two, and the Eagles lose one of their next two, the Falcons clinch a wild card spot before the MNF game, but I am not 100% sure about that.”
That would leave only the Lions and Bears left in play. The Bears would have to get to eight losses to be eliminated before our next game because they beat the Falcons head-to-head. If the Lions drop their next two to the Raiders and Chargers, then that would give them seven losses, and we own the tiebreaker over them, so that should clinch it for us.
It’s all very confusing, but the Falcons are in the catbird’s seat.
trademark
December 16th, 2011
2:15 am
LOL Mark,
You just made like 50,000 people Google the historical reference of “Rubicon”.
keepinitreal
December 16th, 2011
2:15 am
One more important note: the Bears and Lions both still have games remaining at Green Bay.
I don’t want to say the Falcons are in, but the Falcons are in.
Poobear Jenkins
December 16th, 2011
2:24 am
yeah we have shined lately In prime time games…..That Thursday night game against the Ravens come 2 mind #weballedout
Poobear Jenkins
December 16th, 2011
2:26 am
Yeah we have shined lately in prime time games……..That Thursday night game against the Ravens come to miind #weballedout
P B Orr
December 16th, 2011
3:05 am
Davenpoop, here is the list of tiebreakers straight from the colt’s mouth:
TO BREAK A TIE WITHIN A DIVISION
If, at the end of the regular season, two or more clubs in the same division finish with identical won-lost-tied percentages, the following steps will be taken until a champion is determined.
Two Clubs
Head-to-head (best won-lost-tied percentage in games between the clubs).
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.
Coin toss
The third tiebreaker is w/l percentage in common games – and the only uncommon games the Falcons/Saints have are Seattle and Philly for us, Giants and Rams for them. So they are 10-4 against common teams, while we are 9-5, assuming we end up tied.
P B Orr
December 16th, 2011
3:10 am
Eric C, if the Saints lose to the Birds and the Panthers and we end up tied at 11-5, that is, if they beat the Vikings and then lose out, while the Falcons win out, then we win the division by virtue of better record within the division, the second tiebreaker. My earlier statement was wrong. But they must lose to the Panthers and the Falcons must win out. Go Cam go
David Smith
December 16th, 2011
4:01 am
This win brought back some much needed swagger to this team at the right time of the season. The Jags aren’t world beaters but are still a decent team with the leading rusher in The NFL and a underrated defense. This team is peaking at the right time and could make a deep run in the playoffs this year.
KQuark
December 16th, 2011
4:14 am
Class was running it on fourth down near the end of the game withing the Jags 20 yard line. Psychopaths coaches like Peyton and Belichick would kick the field goal or throw it in the endzone to pad their stats. Atlanta could have easily posted 50+ points on the Jags like NO did on a Sunday Night by keeping Brees in the whole game to put up 62 points on the hapless 0 for the season Colts.
Samuel
December 16th, 2011
5:52 am
You have ten days to rest your Players and get ready for the Saints, which should be an interesting game. GO BIRDS!!
birdbrain2
December 16th, 2011
6:00 am
Go Falcons!!! Who dat whip up side dat Aints head!!!!
Realist
December 16th, 2011
6:05 am
Stay tuned! Mark’s next post game column will be about how the Falcon’s are a pretty good team…just not one of the leauges best. Thats what I love about Mark, he picks the flavor of the day and so eloquently opines about it. Today…among leauges best! Two weeks…back to just another wanna be with glaring issues.
Mr. Charlie
December 16th, 2011
6:21 am
GET READY FOR THE TICKER TAPE PARADE!!!!
*giggle*
GregKennesaw
December 16th, 2011
6:26 am
JSS the last 3 cames between Falcons and Saints have been decided by 3 points.
We split with them last year, we beat them in the superdome last year.
Old Boy
December 16th, 2011
6:29 am
Until we can prove that we can win in the post season, I am still going to feel like Charlie Brown lining up to kick Lucy’s football (I can’t remember whether that was your analogy or Schultz’s, but it pretty well summed up being a sports fan in Atlanta).
Allenman
December 16th, 2011
6:41 am
A good night for the Birds. Still I’m sorry to say, only an average team. Watch Brees humiliate our secondary. Enjoy Christmas, reality returns at 820 on dec 26th.
dave
December 16th, 2011
6:46 am
You’re scaring me, Mark. Every time we get this giddy over the Falcons, they lay an egg. Eugene Robinson solicits a cop or something like that.
Wutehvah
December 16th, 2011
7:02 am
I’m usually critical of the intensity/effort, but that was a convincing win last night. Let’s see if that play carries over vs Saints.
not bad
December 16th, 2011
7:30 am
Question – Since it was pretty much a blow out…..Can ANYBODY say that they remember hearing Dunta Robinsons name at ANY TIME last night? seriously………….
Bill
December 16th, 2011
7:51 am
Is it possible, just possible that this team is coming together at just the right time for a stretch run?? It happened in Green Bay last year. Consider:
Falcons dominated the last 6 quarters on offense and defense
First real complete game of the season
Many starters got to rest the last quarter
Brent Grimes should be back for NO
10 days to prepare for NO
Visiting team has a history of winning this contest.
Falcons played NO even the first time around.
Not a prediction, but consider the positive indicators.
DP
December 16th, 2011
7:51 am
Whenever you see a giddy Mark Bradley atop the bandwagon, something bad is about to happen.
JSS
December 16th, 2011
7:56 am
@ GregnCracknsaw…
What in “Rock-n-sock ‘em” don’t you understand? Translation: Hard hitting and close… GBI still trying to find Meth labs in the home of “The General?”
Trade School FTW
December 16th, 2011
8:05 am
Matty Ice pisses me off, but…..the Birds have a winning formula….woot woot!
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
8:09 am
Yea i heard GBI found one in Canton, Ga
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
8:11 am
Trade School FTW = WTF are you talkin’ about — you must be a MV7 lover —- No time for that BS!
jerry
December 16th, 2011
8:12 am
Smith and Ryan take their 2-5 record vs the Saints into the Cajun filled, jackhammer decibel, Mercedes-Benz Superdome for a nationally televised Monday Night Football game vs the NFC South leading, Super Bowl winning, New Orleans Saints. We will see if they are worthy of endless Bradley accolades at that time but not after this farce.
trademark
December 16th, 2011
8:14 am
Interesting, normally I’d agree, Bradley being on the bandwagon is a sure-shot at disaster…LOL….no, really, this time it isn’t just him….
Check out Burke’s column at si.com….
or Yasinkas on Espn…
or several on nfl.com…
There are RUMBLINGS out there, Falcons fans….
….and it’s getting louder and LOUDER out there….
and unlike last year, it’s coming right around Playoff time.
This one feels different. Last year, there was a loathing underneath it all, a sense that it was a house of cards, a bit of a magic trick.
This one feels like a runaway freight train is coming, stumbling and chugging a bit at first, but now heading fast and strong right on track. And ANYTHING standing in it’s way is gonna get plowed into, flattened, and knocked into little pieces. And they won’t know how bad it is until it’s already run right through them.
Falcon’s are Rising Up. Saints? YOU’RE NEXT.
RL
December 16th, 2011
8:14 am
Mark – you make a good point about the current expectations. I, along with my brother, are original 1966 fans. My favorite all time Falcon is Tommy Nobis. So you know where my perspective comes from. We suffered through 40 years of futility to get here. Now we have four winning seasons in a row!
Paradise!
Nativebird
December 16th, 2011
8:15 am
As much as I like Smitty, Ryan, Dimitroff, the new regime, they’re still missing a few things that, one of which you and others that keep comparing them to the 1988 Falcons franchise would consider peripheral, but is still a fundamental need if they’re to play with the elite teams: Killer Instinct. Belicheck would have Tom Brady running the 1st team offense in the 4th quarter up 41-7 slashing and smashing their opponent into oblivion. He would’ve hanged 60 on them. why? because he’s mean? or lacks some notion of sportsmanship? NO. Because he CAN, and in the NFL, a profession played by men who do not and will not whimper and cry if they get their butts handed to them. Saints would’ve done (and did by the way to the Colts) the same thing. so would the Packers. It’s called Killer Instinct, and it sends a message, and it DOES get into the minds of the rest of the leaque. and THAT is working to get competitive advantage and that is worth doing.
True Falcon Fan
December 16th, 2011
8:20 am
I get the feelin’ one somebody in Canton, Ga — suddenly got intense pain in his/her neck looking in the rearview mirror, Yes, baby they are there for sure…….
Go Falcon – Ain’ts next
dlmodFalcon
December 16th, 2011
8:21 am
Hey we could be any of the NFC East. Theres The Packers, The Saints, If you can’t be those two teams in the NFC who else would you hang your hat on. The Forty Niners Really? The Falcons problem is that at times this year the Offensive play calling hasn’t been aggressive enough but last night there was some misdirection and that opened up the running and passing.
MB is right. The Falcons right now are one of the best, just please put the pedal to the medal on offense. Get Rogers on the field with 33. Playaction, Misdirection…
JSS
December 16th, 2011
8:21 am
Bill
December 16th, 2011
7:51 am
“Is it possible, just possible that this team is coming together at just the right time for a stretch run?? It happened in Green Bay last year. Consider:”
First, your hypothesis is wrong, the Packers lost two of their last 4, one to a non-playoff team. But here is the difference; the Packers were competitive all year (3, 3,3, 4, 4, and 3 in loses). There was only one stinker game was the Lions game (7-3 when Rodgers was knocked out)… Falcons fans just despise the fact the Packers (with 15 players on the IR) were just better developed, better prepared, better coached, and a better team last year…
“Visiting team has a history of winning this contest.”
Yeah, that is half true… if the visiting team is the Saints… The Falcons are 1-4 as visitors since 2006. Generally tough games (excluding Mora’s last visit and Petrino’s only trip), but 5 years is a good sample…
Billy Joe Overthrow
December 16th, 2011
8:26 am
For all those who say the falcons only beat bad teams, at least they beat bad teams. When I played for the falcons we couldn’t even do that. Billy Joe Toliver is name? Heck I was replaced by bobby Hebert and I was Chris Miller’s backup. Good news is they did keep me and shipped some scrub wearing a #4 out of town
lancer
December 16th, 2011
8:29 am
Sean Weatherspoon’s team had a bad Thursday night…?
Yeah hopefully for Falcons fans we don’t repeat that dreadful performance from last night. Truly dreadful
JAYBO
December 16th, 2011
8:40 am
How the Falcons go talk about playing a complete game???? Come on guys, you were playing Jacksonville!!!!! Talk about playing a complete game against New Orleans or some other team that is pretty good!!! Until then, save the complete game talk!!!!!
Double Zero Eight
December 16th, 2011
8:44 am
Great win! The key to beating the Saints or Packers will
be generating a pass rush, and keeping them off balance
with the offensive play calling.
Saints R.E.A.M.
December 16th, 2011
8:47 am
Another day of the Falcon euphoria. Keep hope alive.
Well the Falcons are flying high after going 3-1 against rookie QB’s over the last 4 games. Hmmm…guess what….none of those cream puffs will be in a Saints uniform…..nor will they be in the playoffs.
Cinderella, the clock will strike 12 and your glass slipper will break…..yet again…just like last year.
D Fence
December 16th, 2011
8:48 am
I was at the game in Charlotte, even down like we were, you could really sense an air of confidence, well at least amongst the fans, that all would be alright in the end. Expectations have certainly changed from the days of Dan Henning and Marion Campbell part 2 with some minor hiccups in between.
Its good to realize that every game and year now, you have a chance to win it all.
ATLER (RAMBLIN WRECK)
December 16th, 2011
8:51 am
Great win for the hometown Dirty Birds. But I hate to bring up the fact that it was an awful Jacksonville Jaguars we destroyed. We need to grade our progress on a team that is more of a challenge. At least a playoff team.
DecaturJim
December 16th, 2011
8:54 am
Had to have it, and did. That’s the good news.
Have played how many rookie QB’s in the last how many weeks? Please. JAX has 3 games in 11 days?
Let’s see how this plays out. The next two weeks will be much tougher tests. Frankly, I’m hoping for a Saints victory this Sunday, ’cause I sincerely don’t want to go down there with them “having” to win; rather have them in “cruise” mode – meaning beatable.
DawgDad
December 16th, 2011
8:59 am
Taking care of business, good to see. Nice to see Jones break some plays, he could be a huge difference maker in the playoffs – Ryan needs to keep him in-bounds with his throws. The defense looks a lot better with William Moore back there. Double-nickels can still play when he’s healthy and motivated. The o-line remains a work-in-progress, and the DBs need to play better as a unit for this team to take the next step.
BirdsRule
December 16th, 2011
9:02 am
Frankly, I’m proud of these guys. Four consecutive winning seasons may not mean much to the Steelers or Pats, but I couldn’t be happier. If we can split the last two, I believe we’re playoff-bound.
david allen
December 16th, 2011
9:02 am
mike smiths a class act , it was good to see him call off the dogs in the 3 q i said it befor the birds are here to stay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hell yes
Stephen
December 16th, 2011
9:07 am
Two years ago it was “No one wants to see this wildcard Falcons team in the first round,” and we lost to the Cards (Superbowl Runners Up). Last year it was “No one wants to see these birds in the 2nd round,” and we were destroyed by the SuperBowl Champs. This year it is once again, “No one wants to see this wildcard Falcs team in the first round.” My question is this – with a pourous pass D, inconsistent O line, and QB (and team in general) that tends to get stage fright, can we beat the Giants or Saints on the road, in a first round match up?
I hope the answer is yes, but I have my doubts, unfortunately.
Please, Falcons, prove my doubts unfruitful. Step up Julio, and catch the winning TD pass late in the 4th quarter against the Saints. Step up O-line, and keep Matt Ryan on his feet against the Giants. Most importantly, step up Falcs D/ST, and force a turnover in EVERY game from here on out. We’ll need it if we want to win.
Stephen
December 16th, 2011
9:07 am
*Porous* – pardon me
saintsation777
December 16th, 2011
9:20 am
Yet another team with a losing record loses to the Falcons. Seems to me the only teams the lil Falcons can beat are teams with losing records. No wonder we Saints (winners of teh last 9 of 11 vs Falcons) and Packers don’t take this team seriously.
All I remember is
December 16th, 2011
9:25 am
FOUR
…………. winning seasons in a row,
and no other Falcons coach
ever had back to back winning seasons
since 1966.
Hollywould
December 16th, 2011
9:26 am
aints better not choke this week/ Vikes have the Ram playbook for the aints.
Rickster
December 16th, 2011
9:26 am
I’ll put Green Bay’s roster up against any roster in the league. A 19-game winning streak speaks VOLUMES.
Once Recent Reader
December 16th, 2011
9:31 am
So now the Jags are all on IR and even worse than their record . … . so when folks state that was the #4 defense, and they beat the Ravens . …well that all of a sudden is a different team. Well, just last week they defeated the Bucs by the same score, 41-14. Bucs are not Saint/Packers . . .but still they beat them 41-14!!!! No one was complaining about IR then.
MTSeats
December 16th, 2011
9:33 am
Come on.. This was a home game against a really bad team. I suggest you wait till 27Dec to crown them.
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!!
take it from me.
December 16th, 2011
12:30 pm
Falcon may are may not win the superbowl this year,but this is a young and coming team,and with thier young ,and inproving players will be a force next year,and years to come.On the other hand, Saints are an ageing team with no future.The Atlanta Falcons will return to thier rightfull spot atop the NFC South for years.We own the Saints!
FalconFan
December 16th, 2011
12:45 pm
Manny, Quite seriously the Saints should look at RG3. Brees isn’t getting any younger. Ryan is 26. Brees will be 33 in January. RG3? Seriously? He will be another Vince Young with a Heisman.
FalconFan
December 16th, 2011
12:47 pm
And Manny, Vick may be happy in Philly, but read about him in the Philadelphia papers. They aren’t happy with him. And it looks like Reid is on his way out, then what?
KakNiqueTree
December 16th, 2011
1:33 pm
The Falcons are no longer about BS — so great to see.
Football Bat
December 16th, 2011
1:52 pm
RODDY WHITE LIGHTNIN’!!!!
AceDawg
December 16th, 2011
2:10 pm
This is spot on, Bradley. The Falcons fans should be delighted to have this team representing the city. The coaching, management, and ownership have changed the fortunes of the Falcons. Hopefully they find a way to get a division title and home playoff game, but even if not, at least this team will be lining up in the post season – again.
Breeswarning
December 16th, 2011
2:17 pm
Every time the Falcons win a game against a terrible team the idiots come out.
Fact: Falcons 2-4 against teams with winning records
Fact: Saints 5-1 against teams with winning records
So while the Saints are sitting at home with a bye because they are going to be the #2 seed and
the Falcons are again going to be one and out in their wild card game please don’t start talking
about next year.
HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
December 16th, 2011
2:19 pm
And just like the bulldykes, when the Falcants play a good team, they get slaughtered.
Kramer
December 16th, 2011
2:24 pm
Breeswarning, why not issue a Seahwk warning as well. You chumps will choke again this year like you did last year. Hey, it might just be against us. Good luck on living that one down slappy!
Kramer
December 16th, 2011
2:27 pm
HAHAHAHA, let us guess. You are a diehard lsu and aints fan and have been since oh, about 2 months ago when it looked like they would be winners. Last year it was Roll Tide and the Packers. You are a joke of a fan. Laugh that off funny boy.
Brendan
December 16th, 2011
2:39 pm
Mark, the Falcons are rolling along, as a 9-5 team, towards the playoffs. We’re all a bit concerned about the Packers and Saints, but … it’s at least nice to know that we’ve clinched 4-straight winning seasons and, who knows, this is why they play the games. What I don’t want to see … is this “See, we knew they wouldn’t get past the Saints and Packers. We’re just not Super Bowl material yet” kind of talk. What’s the alternative, people? Blow up the team and start over?? C’mon. This season, our franchise took another step TOWARDS a Super Bowl season. Next year, we’ll take another. Our owner, Arthur Blank, wants to win. He’ll grind the grist that the mill requires to get there. There is accountability with coaches and scouts and trainers and ticket takers, for that matter.
Let’s not get so down on the Falcons if they don’t win the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan isn’t a bad quarterback. He isn’t the reason why the Falcons may not win a Super Bowl this year. Look at the Packers and ask yourselves, “Who ELSE can stop them?” Maybe the Baltimore Ravens? Could the Steelers do it? Maybe the Saints. Or, will they all fail, just like Atlanta? And if you conclude that everyone ELSE will fail to stop the Packers, then why torment your Atlanta Falcons?
Overall, this is a “decent” NFL franchise. Not elite. Not Super Bowl bound. “Decent.” And I’ve sat through enough “hopeless, hopeless, utterly hopeless” Falcons seasons to appreciate ones like the 2011 campaign. Let’s just hope they can pull an upset or two.
Batcork
December 16th, 2011
2:41 pm
“Suddenly surging”? This is typical knee-jerk media/fan reaction to the latest ball game. Total doom and gloom after a loss, euphoria after a win. In the last 14 Falcon quarters (starting with that tepid 2nd half vs Minnesota), there have been 9 quarters of crud followed by 5 good quarters. The last 4 of which were against a raw QB, a porous O-Line, and a brand new coach trying to cope with a short week and playing a road game.
I’m not saying the Falcons won’t make a run. Maybe they will. But way more evidence is needed, people. Only when they show any ability to stop a good passing game from swallowing yardage at will (one with a real O-Line plus a Brees or a Rodgers, or heck, even a Yates) will I start truly believing.
Breeswarning
December 16th, 2011
2:52 pm
Kramer: Yea Saints are chokers. Just like they did when they WON THE SUPERBOWL. Of course only a team that has actually won a Superbowl can talk about winning the big game. It takes a Lombardi to be a real champion and as long as Brees is in the South the Falcons will never get a chance. Enjoy your wins against the bottom feeders and your one and out in the playoffs. Saints will be playing in the NFC championship while you are at home again. What a bunch of losers
Kramer
December 16th, 2011
3:00 pm
Breeswarning, yeah you won a Super Bowl and then you turn around and lose to the only team with a losing record to get into the playoffs! Congrats! Lets see who you choke to this year? The Falcons? The Giants? the Cowboys? The Lions? Good news slappy, all of these teams will have a winning record. Won’t be as embarrassing to you this year.
When it's all said and done
December 16th, 2011
3:16 pm
FALCONS 11-5
— sAINTS 10-6
Von
December 16th, 2011
3:26 pm
truth is somewhat right…the Saints do sometimes play down to the caliber of their lesser opponent usually once a season. The bad thing for the Falcon’s…they play extremely well on prime time television against anybody…especially the Falcons. They play the Falcons on Monday night at home…now seeking the second seed. Dats the truth!
Nola
December 16th, 2011
3:39 pm
All this fare weather fans hoping the Flaconscan compete against my Saints NOT!!!!! We will be ready to whipp yall again bc we are playing for bigger things especially since we already won the division
warfalcon
December 16th, 2011
3:50 pm
Thanks Falcons for a good night,get your rest and lets do it again on PRIME TIME MONDAY NIGHT DECEMBER 26, 2011.LETS GO FALCONS
falconion.4.life
December 16th, 2011
4:12 pm
Brendan and Batcork, I think you two both made excellent posts. I simply wish most of the posters on here were as intelligent and would think before they wrote instead of resorting to childish name-calling like “aints” and “falcants”. Last night’s win was wonderful as any win in the NFL is because as the old cliche’ goes, “on any given Sunday…”. I dislike the ignorant Saints fans as I do most ignorant people but must respect intelligent people and recognize what the Saints have done since their tragic hurricane in 2006. We as Falcon fans must realize that what they’ve done since then is nothing short of incredible. They almost moved to San Antonio immediately after that storm but the league blocked it. Instead of sulking, they cleaned house and hired a football man in GM Mickey Loomis and a fabulous football mind as their coach in Sean Payton. They lucked out by having Brees fall into their lap. Brees, who many thought would never play again because of a shoulder-shattering injury at the time, went to the Saints and has played for relatively peanuts considering the salaries of other so-called “elite” quarterbacks during his time in New Orleans. Brees will, in all likelihood, walk into Canton five years after retirement. What we as a Falcon organization should do is, instead of mocking that team, is try to emulate what they do. Smitty is an excellent coach but, being realistic, isn’t as creative as Payton. Ryan is no Brees, I think we’d all agree. And rather than make fun of the Saints losing to the only losing team to make the playoffs as they did last year, is be opposed to such a thing occurring to any team because such as it happened to the Saints, it could happen to us or any other team that is worthy of homefield advantage in the playoffs. No team with a losing record should be allowed into the playoffs, let alone host a game. We can mock, belittle and resort to namecalling all we want when it comes to the Saints. But Brees, who may break Marino’s single-season passing record this year, will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. Without even considering the circumstances, we could only wish our last five years were as productive as the Saints’ last five years.
PMC
December 16th, 2011
4:40 pm
yeah unless the Saints defense manages to run into Marshawn Lynch again.
So tired of hearing about the Saints as if they are some kind of world beaters, The Falcons won 13 games and the division last year. Saints and Falcons split last season. The situation in the NFC south is reversed this year. There is absolutely nothing special about the Saints defense. Nothing. The teams are fairly close together with the exception of the offensive scheme and head coach (Payton is better) and QB (Brees is obviously better)
Other than that, it’s a close matchup between 2 good teams.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
December 16th, 2011
4:46 pm
Atlanta is just above average and that is all. The offensive line is a joke at best and will have to be fixed before you move up a level. Jax couldn’t win the ACC.
Joseph Allen McWhorter
December 16th, 2011
4:47 pm
Very good article Mark and I think that as great and unbeatable as the Green Bay Packers look right now and even if they go into the playoffs still undefeated, they do not and I repeat do not want to face either the New Orleans Saints or our Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs. Those would definitely be two teams which would be very dangerous opponents for the Packers in the playoffs. I can’t say enough about the job Mike Smith has done in four years as head coach. He inherited a total mess when he took over four years ago and now the Falcons are one of the most respected teams in the NFL. They just have to prove they can win playoff games. That is still missing. The Falcons are now a quality organization because they have quality management and quality players. Mike Smith has done one helluva job as head coach. I tip my hat to that man!!
falconion.4.life
December 16th, 2011
5:03 pm
Let’s not lose sight of this: Many of the posts today are making allusions as to how we’ve “turned the corner” and how “good we’ve played the last six quarters”. Last night we played against a dreadful football team. We were supposed to beat them and good teams stomp bad teams when hosting them in their house – which was refreshing to see. Still, we’re in a dogfight to make the playoffs. Yet many in our fanbase are insinuating about how deep a run we’ll make in the post season. Wake up people, it ain’t happenin! I’m as wishful as everyone here is but it isn’t going to happen. Let’s be realistic. We’re simply a middle-of-the-road to just above-average football team. We don’t have the quarterback that can lead us in a close game. We don’t have the defensive secondary to stop a Brees, Rodgers or Manning. We’re not a good road team. Many in our fanbase are very short-sighted. Have we forgotten what happened a year ago when we had a bye and hosted Green Bay just a week after they defeated Philadelphia in a difficult game on the road and won by five? They stomped us in our house. The game was over by halftime. And many among us are wishful thinkers. I’d like us to make the playoffs, sure. But I’m certainly not naive enough to think that even if we do back into the playoffs and qualify for a wildcard berth that we’d win a game, if that. I wouldn’t begin to think that we’d go to Frisco, Lambeau, New York or New Orleans and win two of three – which is what would be necessary to make the Super Bowl. Let’s not get carried away with delusions of grandeur as it would make us appear ignorant.
take it from me.
December 16th, 2011
5:08 pm
I for one beleive the falcons are a better team than the an’ts!The Ant’s are a one man team.Stop brees or nock him around a little,and Falcons win on monday night football.its just a matter of time before the Falcons right the record and put the ant’s back were they belong,the laughing stock of the leauge,the clock is ticking for the over the hill Ant’s.there’s a new king of the south division,and its the Atlanta Falcons! It’s a great day to be A falcons fan.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 16th, 2011
5:10 pm
“Saints lose to the Vikings on Sunday. Right it down.”
Sounds like marching orders. Left, Write, Left, Write……..
Mr Charlie
December 16th, 2011
5:29 pm
Now that “Tebowing” is a word, you think getting “Sandusky’ed” is next?
Mr Charlie
December 16th, 2011
5:30 pm
As unbeatable as the Pack looks, they do not look like they could have lasted until halftime against the 07 Pats. And we saw how that turned out.
JSS
December 16th, 2011
6:15 pm
D.U.I. …
Only on the AJC blogs! (At least the NBA will be back next week)
DMAN
December 16th, 2011
6:41 pm
What jumps out is the 50 plus plays over 20 yards,compared to 32 last year!
bobwhite
December 16th, 2011
6:53 pm
Yeah..Birds beat to hell another 4-9 team..Yippee yo yaw yeah! Wonder why they saw fit to leave the regulars in after the half? That blocked punt was something else!
Sid
December 16th, 2011
7:27 pm
Falcons own the record against the Aint’s…………45-39. All time Saints W-L, 296 wins 386 losses 5 ties Postseason play 5–7, you got so lucky, and you had to resort to an onsides kick to win your biggest. I really don’t want to do the research but my guess is it would be difficult to find another 20th ranked defense that took the Lombardi. So currently with the 27th ranked defense……….good luck.
Lawton
December 17th, 2011
1:01 am
http://irreverantatlantasports.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/everbodys-talking/
Can I get me some painkillers?
December 17th, 2011
2:36 am
The big bad Saints. By the comments on here from the Saints fans, you would think they beat the Falcons by 40 in the first game. Of course, when you don’t have much going on in life, I guess you have to think like that.
Falcon Phil
December 17th, 2011
2:59 am
The falcons are on fire! Mark this down–ATL upsets Green Bay in the playoffs—its revenge time!!!! Falcons win the NFC!!!!!
trademark
December 17th, 2011
7:01 am
You don’t have to look any further as to how SCARED the Saints fans are than these blogs. They are chock full of trolls who are so pi$$ing in their panties that they have to come to the other teams blog and write about how great their team is. Please.
phil
December 17th, 2011
8:14 am
Katrina hit New Orleans.
That means they should win and we should lose.
We are not worthy….
Of course we’re also not dumb enough to live below sea level.
Saints Choke
December 17th, 2011
9:11 am
Not to worry—the overrated saints will choke again in round 1. Atl beats green bay!!!
Big Al
December 17th, 2011
10:06 am
Suddenly surging Falcons. Damn, you guys can write some funny chit. The Falcons will come crashing down very soon. Not likely that they will ever get a chance to play at Lambeau Field.
Mtn Falcon
December 17th, 2011
10:16 am
Big Al, still buzzed from last night? Or start extra early this morning?
phil
December 17th, 2011
1:38 pm
Big Al – we crash down every year.
You think your prediction is news?
Doof.
Lawton
December 17th, 2011
3:29 pm
Everybody’s Talking about the Falcons now….
http://wp.me/p24d0q-5
Skeezix
December 17th, 2011
7:37 pm
Not convinced on the Falcons — the last two wins were against very poor teams. I think we will know more after the Saints game.
SAINTS-ALLDAY!
December 17th, 2011
7:52 pm
OH AND SAINTS WILL NOT LOSE ON SUNDAY.
I’M SORRY TO BURST YOUR FRIED BURNT FALCON BUBBLE BUT DON’T WAIT ON IT. YOU GUYS ARE SO SCARED ABOUT COMING TO THE DOME IN THRE N.O.-IT REALLY SHOWS!
THE SAINTS KNOW ABOUT WINNING AT THE RIGHT TIME. REMEMBER, WE’VE RECENTLY BEEN THERE-DONE THAT (SUPERBOWL). YOU CAN’T SAY THE SAME. WE HAVE WAYYYYY BETTER COACHES!
THE FALCONS FUNCTION IN THE DUMB ZONE! AS LONG AS THAT EXIST, NOT ONLY MM BUT THE REAL PROBLEM IS MIKE SMITH. DUDE IS JUST DUMB AS HELL WITH AN ATTITUDE. NOT A GOOD MATCH.
WHO DAT!!! hahahahaha
SAINTS-ALLDAY!
December 17th, 2011
7:56 pm
Von and Nola – WHO DAT!
THE SAINTS ARE THE KINGS OF PRIME TIME!
PRIME TIME IS OUR TIME! BELIEVE DAT! WHO DAT!
SAINTS-ALLDAY!
December 17th, 2011
7:58 pm
Von and Nola- WHO DAT!
PRIME TIME IS OUR TIME! BELIEVE DAT! WHO DAT!
dat who
December 17th, 2011
8:34 pm
the falcons will beat the saints in new orleans and in the playoffs—take it to the bank. The falcons are on a roll and will not be stopped by the overrated saints.
Hawthorne
December 17th, 2011
9:05 pm
Enter your comments here
Hawthorne
December 17th, 2011
9:13 pm
Since Drew Brees arrived in the Big Easy in 2006, the Saints have dominated the Falcons…the record is 9 & 2 which really should have been 10 & 1 given Hartley’s missed chip shot FG in 2010. Wake up to reality Falcon fans. WE DAT!
knock-down, ........ drag-out
December 17th, 2011
9:16 pm
way down yonder in New Orleans,
who dat gone beat who ?
knock-down, ........ drag-out
December 17th, 2011
9:18 pm
hot lanta’ wins.
Mikey
December 18th, 2011
8:41 am
Great article Mark… this team is on the RISE! What a pleasure to watch when they are firing on all eight cylinders! They are improving every week and peaking at the right time.
GO FALCONS!
hiramsaint
December 18th, 2011
8:53 am
against the jags….really? wow y’all are good ’cause the jags are what…4-10. yep the failclowns are the class of the nfl!
beezit
December 18th, 2011
10:35 am
On Thursday they clinched a fourth in a row, and none of us cared. Because we’ve been conditioned by Arthur Blank expect bigger and better.
Fixed it for ya’….
St Simons - we're on Island time
December 18th, 2011
10:43 am
yay, yay and all that.
If Bosher, Owens & Decoud start in NO, Brees will put up a fifty-burger.
And we’ll be out in the first wild-card game.
You know it. I know it.
ATL Rises Up!!
December 18th, 2011
12:14 pm
With that huge blowout win over the jaguars, the Falcons have put the league on notice–they are back! The ATL will upset New Orleans and Green Bay in the playoffs and win the NFC—take it to the bank! With Smith and Dimitroff in charge, the Falcons will be ruling the NFC for a long time!!
FILA
December 18th, 2011
1:49 pm
Falcons have PLENTY of time to prepare for the Saints. No reason to loose.
FILA
December 18th, 2011
1:59 pm
hiramsaint- dont forget the big bad Saints lost to the amazing 2-11 Rams this year. Hahahahahahhaha!!!!