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
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1,923 comments Add your comment
Dawglasville
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
D.Smith – Drew Brees, Aaron Rogers, and Manning are also “good guys.” From all I have heard, RG3 is a “good guy.” Jerry Rice, Steve Montana, Troy Aikman, Walter Payton also good guys and have won championships. I do agree with you that Ryan is best suited for a west coast offense. Drafting Julio was a huge mistake. Our offensive identity was confused at best. I blame our GM.
Nola Cola
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
@Dawglasville : you can forget about about the New Orleans folks going anywhere; our snide comments about your garbage team is (sweet) payback for all that “trash talking” that your folks did, particularly the classless Katrina jokes — We take GREAT PLEASURE in your complete and overwhelming MISERY…………………… HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
billya
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
New Stadium? There’s a nice little soccer complex and stadium holds a few thousand people on the other side of Spaghetti Junction. This team? New Stadium? hahahahahahahahahhaha……
Where to start?
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
Blame Ryan!
Definitely. The dude gets happy feet, rolls out a lot, and doesn’t connect with the deep ball. His checkdowns used to be good, but are now way too often. But what about the other factors?
O-Line , Mike Mularkey, BVG, Mike Smith, Drops (Roddy, Rodgers, Turner)
We looked all around bad. Respect to the Giants but once again, the Falcons were outplayed, outcoached, and outscored.
2-10 was the score by the half. 24-2 was the final. I see one very familiar problem; not adjusting in the half.
Jason
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
Hi Arthur,
Instead of Thomas and Smitty asking the questions, how about having the fans ask the questions of Thomas and Smitty. It is very obvious that the right questions are not being asked.
Honest Truth
January 8th, 2012
9:19 pm
RULE OF THUMB: Always believe the Falcons are going to lose in a big game under this regime. If they actually win, be surprised.
CGD..
January 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
How does the 27th ranked defense shut out a dude that threw for over 4 thousand yds??????? WTF??????
That never happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Fire FG!!
January 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
Can Raheem Morris play QB?
Mr Resack
January 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
Ok, Mr Blank you may be worth big bucks, but get a clue. If your head man at the “depot” did not make his yearly numbers for 3 years would be nice to them. NO YOU WOULD SHOW THEM THE DOOR. How bout taking the leadership on this team and “BUT” some heads. Believe me the Dome is real quiet with only the team players inside.
Blueblood
January 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
The Braves could have outscored the Atlanta Chickens today. How in da hell do you make it to the playoffs and your offense cant score a single point against THE GIANTS???? How in da hell do you not kick a sure field goal on 4th and 1 and you are less than 2 td’s behind??? How in da hell do you do a QB sneak with NO backfield, a crappy offensive line, and a scared-as-hell quarterback???? How in da hell are you paying Matt Ryan $70 million???? Judging by Arthur Blanks comments where he seems to accept atrocious performance like this, the ATLANTA CHICKENS will always be a peewee league team. A more serious owner will FIRE THE ENTIRE COACHING STAFF AND OFFER AN APOLOGY TO THE CITY. But no, according to Arthur Blank, “coach smith will sort it out”. New Orleans has NOTHING to worry about anytime soon.
Caesar
January 8th, 2012
9:20 pm
Watching Stafford (23 yrs old), Cam Newton (22) and Aaron Rodgers (27), it’s clear that Matt Ryan, already 27, will never be elite or great.
phil
January 8th, 2012
9:21 pm
Sure it does.
We can’t pass block.
THE FAN
January 8th, 2012
9:21 pm
Why is it that you staff writer are also shifting the blame to players other than the player that should shoulder the damn blame, you want to blame the secondary rather than blaming Matty Cold. Say what you want about Tim Tebow, he’s a winner and I don’t know what the hell Rayan is or what he’s going to be…………
ijonathan
January 8th, 2012
9:23 pm
I hope Jacksonville doesn’t hire Mularkey. That would actually “force” Blank, Dimitroff or Smith to actually grow some cohones and fire him.
falcon suks
January 8th, 2012
9:23 pm
Falcon need a new team..Ryan played like he was in highschool..
Falcon will never be the same without Vicks.
Georgia Tech play better football then the falcon.
Regression
January 8th, 2012
9:24 pm
I am amazed at all of the Ryan supporters, after this guy has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is average (when his not well below average like in the playoffs). He now realizes he is mediocre and that it is official. When someone defends him by saying that Eli and Peyton and (insert name) lost their first 3 playoff games it makes me laugh,, because a Peyton, and Elway for that matter, all had the tools,, they just needed the experience. Matt Stafford is the same,,, you could see his inexperience get the best of him even though the Lions were overmatched. But Ryan does not have these tools. He is also anything but an Ice Man ,,, unless you are talking about him being a deer “frozen” in the headlights. Please.
Josh Freeman
January 8th, 2012
9:24 pm
I look forward to beating the Falcons twice next year.
billya
January 8th, 2012
9:24 pm
What Matt=70 million?…You’re not talking about that guy that slides into second with no one within 10 yards and then altogether misses the base. Arghh… oh that’s baseball. Sorry. He forgot what sport he was playing..
jc_dawgs
January 8th, 2012
9:24 pm
Man…its tough being an atl fan. Sep Braves choke….Jan Falcons debacle. I guess in May we will see the Hawks crumble as well? Oh well….life goes on….lets pull for those Hawks now!
kreedham
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
Just get us an O line and a D line!
Falcons fan 82
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
Great game Falcons Defense! I think the offense forgot to get on the plane with you. Would someone PLEASE explain why the head coach, offensive coordinator and offense can’t play with heart especially win it counts? Why even make the playoffs if we can’t even get a win? One more question why must the Falcons always get on NATIONAL TV and look terrible?
Drew Brees & Cam Newton
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
Me too!
the good news
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
MR2 is not the problem. Chris Chandler took the falcons to the superbowl and ryan is a better qb. Our offence has a decent line and playmakers everywhere. Our problems are in the play designs and strategy towards each individual team. We dont adjust our offensive strategy to better suit each opponent. Notice how N.O. always has a tough first half then they adjust and dominate the second half. I havent seen an adjustment made by the falcons all year.4th and inches and we try to run mr2’s skinny ass over ta giant defensive lineman??? Thats when we should have ran a play action to Turner and got that explosive play to jj that weve all been waiting for. Coaching is our problem on both sides of the ball. Good coordinators on both sides of the ball can make any head coach look like a genious.Keep Smitty and get him another offensive coordinator with and our offense will be explosive. Our dbs can cover anyone in man coverage long enough for spoon to reach the qb. A new defensive coord. with a set of balls can make our defense one of the top in the league. The good news is after this years performance i think TD and AB will see that the birds with the same talent can be a lot better. Changes are coming to the coaching staff real soon!!!
Tojo
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
To win games in the playoffs you don’t have to dominate the line of scrimmage, but you can’t BE dominated. Atleast have to fight to a draw. Falcons O-line got manhandled, as I predicted on this blog.
In the year of the offense, watching the NFL it seems turn into the NBA where defense is an afterthought…the Falcons didn’t score a single point. With all their “weapons”.
If Blank says “the right questions will be asked”, they better be asked about every part of this offense, that includes coaches, Dimitroff, Ryan, everybody.
Julio Jones can’t be utilized with a quarteback that can’t hit recievers in stride or throw an accurate deep ball. So you have to question why make that decision, Dimitroff? Your offensive line has been a washout all season long. Who traded up to get Sam Baker? You, Dimitroff.
I had no problems with the defense this season. They were good enough, as long as the highly advertised offense plays to its potential. Didn’t even come close.
RJC
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
Falcons Suck
matt cryin
January 8th, 2012
9:25 pm
This offseason, I promise to go see the wizard of OZ so that he can give a heart of lion, like he gave TEBOW.
Just saying..
January 8th, 2012
9:26 pm
Short yardage, critical moment: I know, let’s run between the tackles. We only do it 10 out of 10 times; It’ll surprise them. And be sure we do it on a long count, quick count snaps are soooo unfair.
Sheeesh!
phil
January 8th, 2012
9:26 pm
Release Dumta!
Matty "Poo" Stain
January 8th, 2012
9:26 pm
I $hit in my pants in the big games.
Montana Dawg
January 8th, 2012
9:26 pm
Is anyone really surprised? Can you say CHOKE? AGAIN and AGAIN. We see it year after year. The teams that dominate the NFL are almost always the ones who can consistently win in the playoffs (ie when it counts). The teams who have a storied and proud history of winning. The elites. The Falcons have always been a 2nd or 3rd tier (mostly) team. They will never make it to the big leagues for anything more than a blip on the screen. The 1999 Super Bowl appearance is the typical kind of embarassing ‘blip’ I am refering to when I say this. Mark my words – the dirty birds just don’t have it to win consistently and never have since the beginning of the franchise.
BigBlue
January 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
GOD!!! STOP WITH THE KOOL-AID!! Who is so talented on the Falcons?
Nobody besides homers think ANYTHING of Michael Turner. Wouldnt be a primary back on most NFL Clubs.
Tony G WAS a great a player…see the word WAS, that’s not who he is today.
Matty “Ice” Puhleazzzze. Don’t make me vomit…who the heck gave a guy who has NEVER won a playoff game the moniker of ICE????
Roddy White? COMPLETELY OVERHYPED by home town media. An NFL starter, yes…a big time player…absolutely not.
Julio Jones…could be the real deal..a year or two will tell…
Truth is, this is an average NFL team with no heart. Bradley can look at all the stats the Falcons ran up playing GARBAGE teams and profess they have talent based on this, but as you saw today, that is worthless.
Matt Ryan is the second coming of Tony Romo…a guy who puts up huge numbers against lesser comp..put cannot win big games…but because of his “stats” everybody believes he can win a superbowl..which will never happen.
Bronco Nagurski
January 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
I could score on these sorry birds, dead or not.
alex
January 8th, 2012
9:28 pm
ok, the “accountant’ is a nerdy twit who hasn’t a clue about football;but, if he can write some big checks for a good GM and coach mabye he can get some wins for atl. let’s see we need a QB, a running back,an offensive line, a defensive line and a couple of cornerrbacks. As for linbackers, they SUX and have all season against decent teams,,No coverage from lofton and witherspoon. Lofton got his tackling lessons from deion…
Bobby's Cox
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
BRING BACK MARION CAMPBELL, THE SWAMP FOX!!
john
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
That was the most embarrassing loss I have ever seen. Matt Ryan is a nice guy ,but he is laughing all the way to the bank to check on his 42 million guaranteed whether he ever threw a football for the Falcons. The team has no fire on offense and the defense carried them the first half. Matt is a good quarterback, not a great one and I do not think he will ever be an “elite” QB. He had an outstanding college career but there are many examples in the NFL where success in college does not translate to the NFL . Good QB ,but the 4th and inches plays were a joke. He should have watched Drew Brees yesterday and learned how to leap over a defensive line ,rather than trying to burrow underneath. His running was scary and falling to the ground before you get closer to a first down because a defender is in front of you ???? He is obviously very fragile and afraid he may break . OK he is a very smart QB ,but so is Tebow ,Brady,Manning ,Brees and they win playoff games . Julio Jones ,great at Alabama but 5 picks for him? I agree that Dimitroff has not done a very good job and Mr.Blank neds to insist on better results starting today even if it means hiring a whole new coaching staff, new GM and new QB .
willdawg
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
Rise up??? nope next years slogan could be EPIC FAIL
It applies to Falcons season and that small outdoor stadium plan.
Goodthing the Panthers have a plan and a young coming team to put atl out of their misery. Get ready…
take it from me.
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
Worst lost in Failcants playoff history!
RE
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
Who is the engine that drives the car? The QB is. But only in this dumb city with it’s idiot newspaper writers and radio guys do they make excuses. It’s a joke Matt Ryan makes what he does and delivers these kinds of post season performances. Other qb’s get pressured. They handle it. It’s part of the game. The OC and Matt Ryan ARE the problem. Funny that if Julio had stayed one more year at bama, he’d be playing later than his nfl team and accomplishing more.
Old Prof
January 8th, 2012
9:29 pm
Let’s face it—we don’t have an offensive line. Any decent offensive line could have pushed the defense back enough to allow the Falcons to gain a half yard on 4th down. And because we don’t have an offensive line, deep throws are out of the question. Ryan has about a second to make a decision about where to throw the ball. You could have Aaron Rodgers behind that line and he’d look just as bad.
Finally, the Falcons don’t have a pass rush nor a decent secondary. On all counts, they’ve overpaid for retreads, with predictable results. They let the only decent offensive lineman get away in free agency, and Edwards is a bust as a DL. It’s not the coaching; it’s sub-par starters in critical positions.
Dawglasville
January 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
Nola Cola – you are nothing more than a parasite. The Falcons did not play the Saints today and yet your sole reason to be on this blog is to rub salt into a wound. This is an Atlanta blog, in an Atlanta paper, about an Atlanta team so why in the hell are you even on it? This city welcomed the families displaced by Katrina with open arms, but it is douche bags like you who piss me off with your arrogance and short memories. Your home team, not you, your home team has won one championship and you boobs act like you’re the freakin’ Yankees. Who Dat bites da hand dat feed um? You do. That’s who.
Joey Harrington
January 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
You didn’t know what you had, losers.
The Big Cat
January 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
The only proven winner in this organization is Arthur Blank!!! I say that he should fire the coach and the GM. Then do Jerry Jones one better. He could then be the owner, GM and COACH!!! You can tell by the way that he comes down on the sidelines at the end of every game to get his “TV time” that the man can coach!!! The first move he should make is cut Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas and bring back Pearless Price!!!
And while doing all this he can sell your 4 crappy seats down in the lower corner on the goal line for $5,000 per season!!!! You the man Artie!
Ivan Drago
January 8th, 2012
9:30 pm
Arthur Blank will not get his new stadium – the city is broke and, face it, Atlanta is a terrrible sports town. His best business decision is to do what the NFL wants – a team in Los Angeles. Art Modell had to move the Browns to Baltimore and change the name to win a Super Bowl. The Falcons are cursed. Move them to L.A. and change the name Mr. Blank.
THE FUTURE
January 8th, 2012
9:31 pm
Falcons should really look into bringing in Peyton Manning, he would destroy NFL defenses with Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez. Or look into trading up to draft RG3, Ryan isn’t cutting it. This is his max potential, 60% completion 4000 yards, 7 YPA, 90 QB Rating. Peyton Manning in this offense would be 67% completion 5000 yards, 5 YPA,120 QB Rating. RG3 in his rookie season could be 62% completion 4000 yards 7.5 YPA, 95 QB Rating.
Bobby's Cox
January 8th, 2012
9:31 pm
NOW I KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE A TOTAL FAILURE
Kev
January 8th, 2012
9:31 pm
Ridiculous i tell ya, mularky smith and ryan are to blame.what does smith do anyway but stand on sideline. This team will win nothing with him and ryan scary ass mr. i want to make it home after the game just scary lol
sickandtiredoflosing
January 8th, 2012
9:31 pm
2 points! 2 points! Don’t talk to me about 2 points! LOL! Is this a record? The first postseason game where the losing team’s defense outscored their offense. I predicted this two weeks ago after the loss to the Saints. I stated that they would destroy Tampa Bay because before they ever stepped on the field, they were confident that they would win the game. But I warned all of the Falcons fans not to get their hopes up high because they will let them down when it matters the most. Until the Falcons believe mentally that they are good enough beat teams with winning records They will never be amongst the elite.
Tom
January 8th, 2012
9:31 pm
You should have written this last week and maye the Falcons would have listened. They played a weak schedule and lost to all the good teams they played. The Giants had the hardest schedule in the NFL and were also hit hard with injuries. But they were in place today to destroy a team that was totally over rated. To all the many Giant Fans in Atlanta congratulations on a well earned win. Hope they can give give Green Bay the same game they showed them earlier this season and a little better.
falcain
January 8th, 2012
9:32 pm
why is matt ryan so afraid ? first of all he is so scared to run with football even though wide space is open. even if we run he slides down in 2-3 yards even though opposition player is 10 yards away. when someone if 2-3 yard away to sack him he throws the football out of ground instead of moving and getting pass the defense, like other team’s QB do.
billya
January 8th, 2012
9:32 pm
Well when New Orleans whipped Atlanta a few weeks back in an abysmal loss all the do-gooders on here said that because the game didn’t count why risk injuries, etc., by playing up. Well hello? I thought this was the NFL. Every game counts. Every game sends a message. Well we saw the New Orleans Game Part II today. This team needs to start over. Flush!