The story of the Falcons’ season: One Giant step backward
Julio Jones was supposed to make a difference. He made none Sunday. (AP photo)
East Rutherford, N.J. – In April they traded five draft picks to grab one wide receiver because they felt they needed to be more “explosive” to reach the Super Bowl. On Sunday the Atlanta Falcons saw that grand design blow up in their corporate face.
Their sleek offense ran into the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense and managed nary a point. Think about that. In a league where nobody can stop anybody, the Falcons’ offense was outscored by its own defense.
A year ago it was possible to write off the Green Bay loss as a case of the No. 1 seed being undone by a hot quarterback. These Falcons lost to a 9-7 opponent that didn’t do much itself until it was clear the visiting team could do nothing.
Said Mike Smith, 0-3 as a playoff coach: “I don’t know that there’s anything you can take from this game and say, ‘Gosh, they did this well.’ ”
How does that happen? How does a team with Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White and the almost-as-good-as-advertised rookie Julio Jones play a postseason game to so little effect? In his first two playoff losses, it was possible to cite Ryan’s turnovers as the determinant. He made no turnovers this day … and his team lost by 22 points.
It was hard to tell what sort of game Ryan had. The Falcons’ offense wobbled so violently that the quarterback, who the in NFL is supposed to be a difference-maker, made no difference. The Falcons’ longest gain from scrimmage was 21 yards. They managed 247 yards. They failed twice on fourth-and-inches — should have gone for it the first time, shouldn’t have the second — and breached the New York 20 only in the game’s final two minutes.
We ask again: In a league that hinges on quarterback play, how was Ryan marginalized? Smith tried to say that his line couldn’t protect long enough for Ryan to throw any deeper, but he was sacked only twice — once on the Falcons’ final snap. In a game that demanded bold measures, the meek Falcons undid themselves.
Perhaps you see it otherwise. Perhaps you believe this game is proof that Smith is an affable dunce and Ryan an untalented plod who will never win a big game. I don’t believe either is true, but it’s hard to mount a passionate rebuttal after this one. The Falcons were so unassuming — they couldn’t even bring themselves to call timeout near the end of the first half — they made you wonder why they bothered to come.
“We did not play consistent football,” said Smith, speaking of the season, but he had it backward. The 2011 Falcons were very consistent: They beat teams of lesser talent but wilted against those of comparable resources. They were, in a sum, a bully. And when the playoffs commence there are no 90-pound weaklings.
Said Arthur Blank, the owner who hasn’t celebrated a playoff victory since January 2005: “I don’t think we took a step back [this season]. Obviously 0-3 in the playoffs [under this regime] is not where anybody wants to be.”
Then this: “It was disappointing not scoring any points … They made a couple of explosive plays.”
Those were the plays the Julio-boosted Falcons were supposed to make this time. None were forthcoming. Nobody made any plays. Nobody, at least on offense, did anything. When that happens yet again on the big stage, we must ask if the failure goes beyond the guys wearing the helmets.
Asked if he was confident in his franchise’s leadership, Blank said: “I think we have the right people in position because they’ll challenge themselves and ask the right questions. We’ve got to do a thorough diagnostic on why we didn’t perform to our capability. The beauty of Thomas [Dimitroff, the general manager] and Smitty is that they’ll ask the right questions. Where that takes us, I can’t tell you.”
Said Dimitroff: “Anytime you’re unable to get first downs when it’s less than a yard, you’re disappointed.”
Contrary to popular belief, not every team loses because of its offensive coordinator. (Or defensive coordinator, depending on the setting.) It is clear, however, that Mike Mularkey isn’t the man to maximize this personnel in the video arcade of neo-football. There’s a chance he’ll be hired away as someone else’s head coach. If he isn’t, it’s time for the Falcons to try somebody new.
For three years under Smith/Dimitroff the Falcons made clear and consistent progress: From the stunning playoff appearance of 2008 to the strong finish of 2009 to the 13-3 of 2010. There was no ground gained this season. There was only a glaring case of diminishing returns.
Even the man who works hard never to say anything spicy conceded the point. Asked if the Falcons had taken a step backward, Matt Ryan said: “We certainly didn’t take a step forward.”
By Mark Bradley
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,923 comments Add your comment
jack bull
January 8th, 2012
8:02 pm
not anyone on here, duh! but that’s because nobody on here…..well, filter filter filter…
Bellefay1
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
I do love the Cam Newton hype after him ruining so many people while playing at Auburn last year.
Dirty Sanchez
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
Phil, you’re right, we have regressed….
You DID hit something, though. When we lost Harvey Dahl, we lost the anchor of our offensive line. And, as you said, that’s been one of our main problems all year. Turner’s numbers are down and Ryan has no time in the pocket before it breaks down and he’s running around like a jack rabbit.
However, I’m an optimist. We’ll get a lineman or two in the draft next year and Dimitroff will pick up somebody in the offseason and we’ll continue to get better.
We’ve only been winning like this for about 3 or 4 years.
CGD..
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
Unacceptable to lose 3 blowouts in the playoffs…
This buster aint got it…Adios!!! Back to Philly.. Ryan’s from Philly if you didn’t know…
jack bull
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
people on here think A Murray is a great QB.. you really can’t debate with those kind of folks…lol
Kimberley
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
Didnt this same writer say that the Falcons should win because they were better “Top to Bottom”?
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
so if they get a field goal the other team gets the ball, but a td and the game is over?
phil
January 8th, 2012
8:03 pm
Look at this game right now.
Awesome football. Just terrific.
In 98, we experienced this and won at minnesota in what may forever remain our greatest moment.
At present, we’re an embarassment to midget leagues everywhere.
Brian B
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
In a league where offenses ATTACK defenses, this offense seems to tip toe against opponents, as if afraid to make a mistake. This offfense seems content to punt every fourth play rather than extend itself and force an opponent to make a play.
The one thing this franchise doesn’t need to do is blow everything up and start over. The Smiths’ tried that once, firing Leeman Bennett, saying the Falcons had “reached a plateau.” It was a plateau they wouldn’t see again for nearly two decades.
Step one should be the hiring of a new offensive co-ordinator. Matt Ryan was placed in a comfort zone from Day 1 with the team adopting an offense, and terminology similiar to his Boston College offense. Time to push him outside his comfort zone, and force his to learn a new offense that will take advantage of all its weapons.
Draft/sign a running back to push Michael Turner. The Falcons say all the right things about running the football, right up until the moment that they have to produce yardage. Bolster depth on the offensive line, and part ways with Sam Baker. Get Ovie Mughelli healthy.
Develop depth in the secondary, and come up with some way to pressure the quarterback that doesn’t rely on just the front four. Most importantly, spend the offseason developing a mindset that emphasizes ATTACKING the opposition … not just standing around waiting for “someone to make a play.”
slydog
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
I am happy to have Julio Jones on the team. But he was not worth the picks when you simply have a lack of talent across the board. This move would have been better for teams with fewer holes and more talent, like Pittsburgh or Baltimore but not the Falcons. The Falcons need help on every level of every unit to include offense, defense, and special teams. The secondary needs to be completely replaced. The defensive scheme does not fit out $57 mil dollar cornerback or puts any pressure on QB’s or forces turnovers. Our offense scheme, while using different formations alot, has no identity and the parts don’t fit. You can’t be “explosive” and “multiple” with Michael Turner at RB and a patchwork, no talent but gritty, offensive line.
Caesar
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
To all you people coming down so hard on Matt Ryan did you happen to watch New Orleans and Detroit play? Both teams Offensive Lines allowed their QB’s way more time than Matt has been given this year. Same for Michael Turner. The line is where we have stepped back this year.
————————————————————————–
I disagree. Good QB’s make quick reads and get rid of the ball. Ryan doesn’t see the field like elite QB’s and holds on to the ball too long at times. Are their times the line doesn’t block well causing a sack? Yes. But what team doesn’t give up sacks? The Falcons 0-line was good enough for Ryan to pass for 4,000 yards and Turner to rush for 1350. If the o-line is so terrible then how was this possible? Their are limited opportunties to make big plays down field and elite QB’s have a knack for taking advantage of these chances. Ryan hasn’t proven he is capable.
Barticus Maximus
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
I wonder if Michael Turner is hurt. Big difference in other running backs running down hill. He appears to tap around until tackled for a loss.
jack bull
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
man, this Tebowing thing is really working..it’s all in the form, i think…
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:04 pm
yes matt ryan had a bad game…it happens..that doesnt mean he sucks geez
Caesar
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
“there”
tom
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
the hawks came back and somewhat redeemed themselves from their historic sweep by the magic in the 2010 playoffs. how do the falcons follow up an embarrassing playoff loss to the packers with a butt whupping by the giants????
CGD..
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
Chris Chandler is 5x > than Bust
phil
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
Can’t answer that…
Bobby's Cox
January 8th, 2012
8:05 pm
I just glad I don’t have to see Arthur Blanks ugly face on the sideline anymore. He just looks like a loser
Antn
January 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
Why in the world the Atlanta Chickens are paying Matt Ryan $70 mil is beyond me. The guy has no composure under pressure. He is inaccurate beyond 10 yds. He is easily chased out of the pocket but then he cant really run to gain yards. He is scared of his own shadow. And worst, he doesnt know how to make his own calls, or change plays when he sees they need to be changed. Exactly WHAT are they paying for???? Judging by the quotes of Arthur Blank who seems okay with this peewee league performance of highly paid athletes, this has been, is and seemingly will ALWAYS be a loser organization. ATLANTA CHICKENS PLEASE SIGN GRUDEN as coach and MATT FLYNN OF GREENBAY as QB NOW.
Voice of Reason
January 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
@Ready for Braves? — I agree.
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
the seats at the top of the stadium in denver look soooo high
J-Man
January 8th, 2012
8:06 pm
The Saints did mess up by not resigning Drew Brees to an extension because they will have to use their Franchise tag on him and they have Prominant Free Agents in Carl Nicks, Colsten, Mechem, Greer. Tampa Bay will jump on most of them IMO with all that Cap space they have
YeahRight
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Yo Vince
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
IM SICK, LEAVE ME ALONE. I HATE EVERYONE.
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
omg yessssssss
phil
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
Wow!!
Caesar
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
TEBOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
take that rob parker LOLOLOL
CGD..
January 8th, 2012
8:07 pm
TIM TEBOW IS THE ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
jack bull
January 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
we gotta start Tebowing, I’m tellin ya…
Tim TD
January 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
In 1 play in OT I have more playoff wins that Matt Lame
Guy Jones
January 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
Bradley’s arrogance and naive prognostications expressed in his previous column make him look utterly incapable of making objective football analysis, as he gave the Giants no chance to win and acted as though the team possessed no talent whatsoever. Now, Bradley’s observations are totally asinine and absurd. He poses the question how a team as loaded with talent as the Falcons could possibly lose to the Giants, and ignores the obvious answer — the Giants have a top-tier QB who is a proven Super Bowl winner and handles pressure better than Matt Ryan; the Giants have a better receiving core in Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks and Jake Ballard, the rushing duo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs is more effective come playoff time than Michael Turner, and the Giants defense is far superior to that of the Falcons. The answer is obvious, if only Bradley could put aside his blind partisanship and assume an iota of objectivity.
billya
January 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
Well Falcon’s you just saw a real team play. But Arthur..we’ll ask the right questions..and what did the other really literate guy on here say… “it takes time…”
Loserville USA
January 8th, 2012
8:08 pm
The only way to help Ryan improve is to give him a new voice (and better offensive linemen).
The more gimmicky Mularkey has become, the worse Ryan has gotten.
Dirty Sanchez
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
@ Ready for the Braves
Good call. Long time ago, when Steve Bartkowski came up with the Falcons, the running theory was that it takes about 5 or 6 years for a QB to really develope. We’ve had Ryan for 4. I think he’ll get better as he matures unless he continues to get battered. If so he’ll turn into Joey Harrington. He came out of Oregon as a stud. A few years with Detroit during their bad old days and he was as skittish as a jack rabbit.
We’ve done good in the recent past. We’ll continue to improve. We made the playoffs for 3 out of the last four years. That beats the heck out of what we had done prior to this period.
Tony in johns creek
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Tired of vanilla sports writers and vanilla teams with no heart, moxie or competitive fire. See tim tebow for heart. Pathetic coordinators and week quarterback with deer in the headlights look, week arm and no mobility = same ol same ol in the atl. 2 points against the 27th ranked defense ia inexcusable … get some fire and heart atlanta teams and man up sportswriters!!!!!!!!!! Get some balls.
jack bull
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
throwing it to the Tech boy, imagine that….
R U Kidding Me!
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Tim Tebow has a playoff win and Matt Ryan does not!!!! R U Kidding Me!
Jackets' warlock
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Demaryious Thomas = winner.
Falcons top to bottom = losers.
TD in OT to deliver Broncos win.
slydog
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Matt Ryan doesn’t suck. He is just above average and nothing spectacular. He isn’t a QB who will take chances and sticks precisely to the game plan. When something isn’t there, he simply will not take chances. To suit him, the Falcons needed a much more physical offensive identity (like drafting another RB or signing one behind Turner) and an attacking defensive style. Matt Ryan deosn’t need “toys”, he needs a flawless gameplan.
phil
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
I confess to great excitement over that play! Awesome!!
billya
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Go Denver! Falcon’s watch learn. Someday you might be able to play in an NFL playoff game.
Mark Bradley
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Bay-Bay Thomas. From Georgia Tech, I do believe.
katherine
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
I am soooooo happy for Tebow…..
TnDawg
January 8th, 2012
8:09 pm
Playoff records: Matty Ice 0-3. Tebow 1-0. Wow.
moboman
January 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
Dont blame Roddy for drops when Ryan doesnt put the ball on the money, or the ball takes so long to arrive that Roddy gets creamed by coverage. QB is problem #1
Jackets' warlock
January 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
Did u see the Yellow Jacket win the ballgame?
Just like with Calvin Johnson, Tech should have used him more.
Eric
January 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
TEBOW!!!!!!!! Is The MAN
The Truth
January 8th, 2012
8:10 pm
Seriously? Ryan has a weak arm, no calmness under pressure, and no penchant for making big plays. Face it – he’s not an elite QB. Move on.