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
Back 2 Reality
January 8th, 2012
10:32 pm
Well at least we won’t hear or see any more of those lame falcons “Rise Up” commercials, THANK YOU NY GIANTS!!!!!
Bobby's Cox
January 8th, 2012
10:33 pm
HEY NOLA, HAVE YOU SEEN THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS? BORDERLINE DIFFERENT SPECIES
J-Man
January 8th, 2012
10:33 pm
We need Jordan White from Western Mich.
Look him up on youtube and you’ll see why
Bobby's Cox
January 8th, 2012
10:34 pm
GOODBYE. I HATE YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY BRIAN VAN GORDER
Back 2 Reality
January 8th, 2012
10:35 pm
Hey Arthur Blank, you better rise season ticket prices quickly for next year, some of your delusional fans are starting to “Wise Up”!!
Yashvent
January 8th, 2012
10:36 pm
The Falcons are a pathetic team with a bunch of amateur players. They will never win in the playoffs unless there are major changes . I feel for Arthur Blank , he deserves more from this team with all the money he’s invested in these sorry players & coaches.
WHO DAT'SAINTS
January 8th, 2012
10:37 pm
Before monday night game you all had a lot to say,look at you now outside looking in,its offical the rival is over,until you all get a ring
James
January 8th, 2012
10:37 pm
Matty Mess will never lead the Falcons to a Superbowl!!!!!!
Loserville USA
January 8th, 2012
10:38 pm
You know why Rob Parker is right?
Because there will be no measured response from the fan base.
• Braves have done nothing after the choke but just enough people go to the games to keep the business running as is. And they’ll keep going. And Liberty Media loves it,
• Falcons make some moves but once they hit 6-10 next season Georgia Dome will be half full. Blank not obsessed with winning like Lurie, for example.
• Hawks are not a draw but people know they can’t beat Miami or Chicago in a playoff series.
Not an elite sports town because subpar fans don’t demand it from owners. Instead they just expect mediocrity. That’s why Atlanta fans suck. And that’s why this BS continues. Parker, you get scoreboard (unfortunately). Time for Atlanta fans to stand united and force their teams to take the next step — but it won’t happen. Wimpy teams, wimpy fans.
TheAntiMe
January 8th, 2012
10:38 pm
Q: What do Falcons do?
A: Suck.
Matt "Choke" Ryan Jr.
January 8th, 2012
10:39 pm
Good evening Falcons Fans. How are you guys? Don’t hold your head down…but let’s be honest with ourselves. Did you really think Choke was gonna pull out a win in the Meadowlands. His play was horrible and it’s time to come to reality that he is not your guy to get you a Lombardi trophy. Is he descent? Yes. Is he elite? No. Other key points: Murlarkey should be on the first thing smoking Monday morning out of Atlanta. 2. Consider trading Robinson 3. Explore qb replacements
Loserville USA
January 8th, 2012
10:39 pm
Rob Parker: SCOREBOARD.
Wimpy teams, wimpy fans.
Rick James
January 8th, 2012
10:40 pm
I have been a Falcons fan for over 40 years and I am extremely disappointed in this organization. Arthur Blank does not want to bring a championship to the state of Georgia. I believe he is using this team for a tax writes off just as the last owner. He does not listen to the fans because if he did, he would fire Coach Smith, his staff and the GM. He should also try to trade or just get rid of Matt “Choke”, “Ice Melt” Ryan. Please read Mr. Blank and act accordingly. Thank you from a loyal ,devoted and embarrassed fan.
RedandBlackPeachy
January 8th, 2012
10:40 pm
I don’t think I can take this. I normally can find the positive from every Falcons game; at least on positive. Today, I just can’t do it. At the end of last season, I looked forward to redemption. I have nothing to look forward to next year. I am predicting 8-8 next year, at best. I see the Falcons sliding into decline…again.
ignition
January 8th, 2012
10:44 pm
Slushy is not the answer …
Neither is Van Gorder or Maularkey…
TD has seriously done the D a disservice in the draft and in free agency..
I don’t know what direction the Falcons are going but it doesn’t look good..
NO will be better and I am in fear of what Carolina will be next year..
NY Fan
January 8th, 2012
10:45 pm
Not much to add here – On the second fourth and one Falcons went empty backfield – the Giants front didnt have to think at all. If it was going to be a run the sneak was the only play possible. Hicks went for his td the very next play. Three points would not have been so bad there.
Harland Svare
January 8th, 2012
10:45 pm
Looked like Mularkey was using Mike Bobo’s playbook.
MP
January 8th, 2012
10:46 pm
First the Braves lose their lead and don’t make it to the playoffs; the Falcons make it to the playoffs, but lose their first game! I have a new baseball team and football team to cheer for…go RED SOX; go BRONCOS!
Joey Smith
January 8th, 2012
10:46 pm
What the Falcons lack, and it has been this way since arriving in Atlanta, is heart which unfortunately is uncoachable. They are always just one big play or score from folding up. This game was over after the 60 plus yard touchdown pass to Hicks. I’ve seen this played out over and over in the last 30 years of watching the Falcons.
bake
January 8th, 2012
10:48 pm
ok…so were we going to win the whole thing this year? NO! i hate that we lost but i’m not in the mood to panic. if we make a couple good moves we could be sick next year. that being said…if it doesn’t happen next year it’s time for change. i have no problem with matt ryan taking 5 years to get us to the top…but it will now be time. look at peyton and elway and how long it took them. would you take those end results?!?!? probably so. be patient and realize what it takes to go all the way. i still like what we’re building and our D improved SO much this year. just need guys healthy in the playoffs. and to all of you who keep talking about MIKE….MOVE TO PHILLY!!! he f-ed us…we didn’t f him. idiots.
Dawglasville
January 8th, 2012
10:49 pm
WHO DAT’SAINTS – “Who Dat” is a question. It should have a question mark at the end of it. And quite honestly, I want you guys on this blog to feel what us Atlanta fans are feeling right now.
Nola Cola – I don’t think that our rivalry is all that because we are two of the worst franchises in the history of the NFL. Did all of these “classless” remarks about your city follow your shots about the Falcons or Atlanta? I’m willing to bet that they did. That said, that was taking it to an unfortunate level. I’ve never been on another teams blog just to kick someone when they were down. If this is good therapy for you then I guess have at it. I’ve not been what you or your family has been through so I shouldn’t judge.
MojoAtlantaWorks
January 8th, 2012
10:50 pm
For those of you saying bring Vick back are you on the pipe? I think Philly might be more physically talented the us but, did they even get to the post season at all? Don’t forget number 7 admitted on national news that he never gave 100 percent to his Atl team when he was here. He just “relied on his physical ability”. You really want that? I think we have the talent but, I am really thinking the coordinators “O for sure and maybe even D” might need to get make a change. To many puss calls and some sum coverage choices. It was obvious that we did not learn s*&t from the NOLA game.
WHO DAT'SAINTS
January 8th, 2012
10:50 pm
Its official the rival is over until you all get a ring, WHO DAT!!!!
J.J.M.
January 8th, 2012
10:51 pm
lol tebow won a playoff game before ryan…ryan sucks!
Bob From Cobb
January 8th, 2012
10:52 pm
It’s time to draft a new Q.B. R.G.III comes to mind. FIRE the ENTIRE Offensive coaching staff. This WAIT ‘TILL NEXT YEAR STUFF HAS GOT TO GO! NOTHING positive to take from this game. The O line is PATHETIC! Someone needs to light a fire under their butts! Ice has melted and needs to go or AT BEST stand on the sidelines holding a clipboard. He is CLEARLY not the ANSWER! This team is an EMBASSASMENT to this city! If they don’t have someone to kick their butt’s,I’ll go to Flowery Branch and do it TO them. Along with thousands of other fans,I’m sure! What a bunch of LOSERS! My GRANDMOTHER can pass better than Ryan and she’s been dead 25 years! Bring on the HAWKS!
Big Dawg
January 8th, 2012
10:53 pm
Smith has got to go! And if Mr. Blank can stop looking in a mirror long enough at himself he would see that!
Matt
January 8th, 2012
10:53 pm
NO ONE FEARS THE FALCONS. IT’S LIKE THEY ARE A JOKE AROUND THE LEAGUE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS!!!
Speed Bump
January 8th, 2012
10:54 pm
@Mark Bradley.
Your blustering during the week on how the Giants didn’t stack up against the Falcons, how they couldn’t match the talent, and how the Falcons had NO REASON to lose sounds as stupid as this article.
The Falcons got it handed to them by a better team straight up. Eli Manning is far and away superior to Matty “Ice”, who was so uninspiring that I could have sworn the Giants were playing a 3rd string QB.
Go learn something about football or go write about knitting. In the mean time, shut up.
RYAN
January 8th, 2012
10:56 pm
Falcons don’t know how to get up for big games like other teams do. Don’t know what that’s about
Mike
January 8th, 2012
10:56 pm
First the Braves manage to do the near impossible and choke right at the end of the season and never reach the playoffs when they had things wrapped up. Then the Falcons show up and produce arguably the worst performance out of all the playoff teams in this first round. This in turn leaving only the consistent Atlanta Hawks left for us to rally behind, who I’ve argued have been our best Atlanta pro sports team for the last 3 years really. Look at their steady improvement IN SPITE of the Spirit owners terrible management, they still get to the playoffs and more importantly have improved to become a team capable of beating the Magic, Heat, and Bulls this year and get out of the first round two season in a row.
RedandBlackPeachy
January 8th, 2012
10:57 pm
How would LA like the Falcons?
TheAntiMe
January 8th, 2012
10:57 pm
It’s time to draft a new Q.B. R.G.III comes to mind.
Ray Goff’s grandson is a QB? Who knew?
KD
January 8th, 2012
10:57 pm
Where are all the big mouth’s who were bashing Mick Vick before the game saying he was at home on the couch?
Well it looks like Matty Ice should have been at home on the couch. At least MV7 got us some playoff wins. This guy is terrible in big games. When we need someone to make a play he NEVER makes one.
I guess Matty Ice melts in big games.
previous owners
January 8th, 2012
10:57 pm
When you can’t find a coach,you bring back the Swamp Fox ‘Marion Cambell’ for a very reasonable price, and in one or two years we can get the number one pick again….and this time we will pick the RIGHT quarterback….not move up to take Vick when Brees went in the second round..and not Mattie “I need some ice for my drink” Ryan!
Jomps
January 8th, 2012
10:58 pm
4th and inches with an empty backfield….I wonder what they are going to run? Terrible play calling, coaching, OL play and the QB play was terrible…We suck!
Wink
January 8th, 2012
10:58 pm
The Falcons are Murlarkey! Here’s hoping the Jags aspire to be Murlarkey!
MB: How many quarterbacks are there who are demonstrably better than Matt Ryan? Of that number, how many would be available?
I will answer the second question first. There are too many reasons why a better quarterback would not be available. Falcons drafts position, number of available draft picks, QB under contract, trade assets available, salary restraints and offensive schemes. So basically this is a Ryan CYA question…to save time & not argue the point we may be stuck with him…kinda like the Hawks…he a CORE piece.
Which does not make him the best piece for the team, just that Blanks will not go down that avenue…we will not have QB issue just yet, Blanks will not rock the MV7 boat…he kinda gun shy right now!
As for question one: Who is better right now:
Let see Ryan has the 9th rated passing efficiency, so there are at least 8 other QB’s better this year.
Cam Newton is already better! 4th & 1 who you want under center Ryan or Newton???
Joe Flacco, has already won several playoff games and his team has made the playoffs every year since his arrival.
Sanchez, TJ Yates, Tim Tebow can all move around in the pocket without falling down and have won playoff games…Tebow beat the vaulted Steelers.
Chris Redmon for the short term is better & John Parker Wilson is basically on par without the reps given Ryan. He has at least won a NCAA National Championship. Why do you suppose he has been stashed on the Practice Squard…can’t have QB controversy…as stated Blanks is getting over MV7 still, but he is available right now…kinda like the Jeff Teague story. Hawks trade for Hinrich and give up assets and all the while our starting point guard was on the bench…Teague/Parker Wilson…maybe, just saying? My answer to the vague question 2.
He is on his second QB coach, and he has regressed since his rookie season and he his hindered further by his OC, Murlarkey.
Ryan success lies in passes under 12 yards and a better offensive scheme…maybe the West Coast…Montana to Rice…2 yard pass & 86 yard run…he would then evolve into Elite on the Wings of his Receivers.
Loserville USA
January 8th, 2012
10:58 pm
Usually, I also enforce the 24-hour rule. But in this case, this has been the 51-week rule since the Green Bay debacle.
Never seen the fan base this upset.
No way this team can go forward as presently constructed. They do need to re-sign Lofton and Grimes. But they need to cut as much fat as possible — and bring in ELITE linemen. That includes cutting Turner. Give Snelling and Rodgers the load.
falcon
January 8th, 2012
10:58 pm
I’m calling my Atlanta Falcon’s Customer Service Representative tomorrow to inform her that I will not be renewing my season tickets. Mike Mularkey’s offensive production is not worth the cost involved of attending the games. I’ve seen enough dropped passes by Roddy White and witnessed enough of Mike Turner running right into the pile, with no speed or vision to make anything happen. This game was an absolute embarrassment.
Matty "Overrated"
January 8th, 2012
10:59 pm
Bake… Love how you and a lot of other Falcons fans are using the “it took leeway and manning 5 years… Blah blah blah” NEWS FLASH Matt Ryan is not elway or manning, he is as second rate as the franchise he plays for… That’s all the dirty turds are is a second rate franchise. Always have been and always will be… Oh and tebow 1-0 Matty Ice 0-3. Weird I thought Matt Ryan was an all world Quarterback????
chuck
January 8th, 2012
10:59 pm
DIMITROFF and SMITH PROMISED TO BUILD THRU THE MIDDLE WHILE CONTROLLING BOTH LINES OF SCRIMMAGE. THEY HAVE FAILED MISERABILY.
Dimitroff has made an awful lot of mistakes. In fairness there will always be a few picks and free agents signing that don’t work out. My biggest concern is Dimitroff doesn’t seem to understand the draft and the value of draft picks. We have given up way too many picks to trade up in the draft.
The reason that New England is at the top of the league year in and year out is because they stockpile high draft choices. They had 6 or 7 picks in rounds 1-4 last year and will again in 2012 have extra picks in the early rounds. Dimitroff should have taken a LT in the first round of the 2011 draft and gone after the “Julio Jones” type WR in 2012. I think Julio Jones is a great WR but I’m mystified that our GM and HC THAT BOTH PROMISED TO BUILD THRU THE MIDDLE WHILE CONTROLLING BOTH LINES OF SCRIMMAGE HAVE LET OUR OFFENSIVE LINE BECOME SO SUBSTANDARD. THE DEFENSE LINE IS ALSO NOT OF PLAYOFF CALIBER.
Now we have a mess on our hands. That #1 and #4 draft picks that we traded away look like they will be around number 20 in each round. We have way more holes than draft picks. We can only reasonably expect draft choices in rounds 1-4 to start. We need at least 3 new offensive line starters and a TE and a RB to groom to be starters in the near future. That’s all 5 picks and we haven’t even addressed the lack of a pass rush and the need for another CB that can cover a slot receiver.
Yankee
January 8th, 2012
11:00 pm
The new stadium would make all the difference. Arfer should pay for it. All of it. Then sell the naming rights to Home Depot, Or his wife’s divorce lawyer. Does she own half the team yet?
thebirdman
January 8th, 2012
11:01 pm
Everybody keeps running up the score against us. The Giants should have settled for a field goal as their first score then tried to run out the clock for the rest of the game. They still would have won. The Giants (just like the Saints) displayed poor sportsmanship today by beating us by such a large margin.
extremus
January 8th, 2012
11:01 pm
While the next few days/weeks remain to be seen as to what happens, it sounds like Arthur Blank is going to allow Dimitroff and Smith to stay around, though his comments did include “coaches” as well as players in what might need to be addressed. Indeed, Van Gorder and especially Mularkey need to pack their bags and hit the road. And even if the Falcons have to end up eating some of their collective contracts, they need to lose both Dunta Robinson and Ray Edwards for someone competent ASAP. The secondary and pass rush is a horrible weakness and has been for too long.
On offense, Michael turner is FINISHED; the Falcons need to trade for or sign a new featured running back as soon as they can. Turner can churn out a 100-yard game every now and then, but by now it’s typically against the bottom-feeders in the league; the guy gets stuffed at the line regularly otherwise. And as much as I like Matt Ryan, I believe the Falcons owe it to themselves to, at the very least, create a battle for the starting QB position next year (Matt Flynn, anyone?). Lastly, regardless of who plays QB, the offensive line needs to protect him much better than they did this year.
In summary, much like happened with the Braves this past season, the Falcons just never clicked or felt RIGHT. You can have a playoff-caliber team and still be FAR from winning a title, and these two franchises have repeatedly proven that. Lots of changes, perhaps more than can be done in a single offseason unfortunately, are in order for the Falcons if they’re ever going to see another Superbowl.
Henry O
January 8th, 2012
11:01 pm
Arthur- Better call Jeff Fisher QUICK!! The current staff is a joke. You are going to waste this great group of players with these coaches.
Dan
January 8th, 2012
11:02 pm
(1) I understand the decisions to go on 4th and inches…but why a sneak up the gut? It hasn’t worked all year which indicates the offensive line isn’t getting it done…..
(2) Matt Ryan is a good quarterback. And his receivers are excellent. Julio will be great. But more
innovative thinking on offense is needed. The offense needs more explosive speed to the outside.
(3) The Falcons defense began the game with intensity. But during the course of the season how many times did the defense put their opponent into third and long only to see the opponent throw for a first down? The pass defense SUCKS!!!! Defense DOES win championships….The Falcons did
not score today partially because of an inept offensive scheme but the Giants Defense did have something to do with it.
Mr. Blank…I respect you in every way possible but PLEASE get a copy of “Winning isn’t everything….but it beats anything that comes in second” by Bear Bryant and read it from cover
to cover. Chances are….you might learn something. If you don’t…may God help all of us who
are diehard Falcon fans!
MojoAtlantaWorks
January 8th, 2012
11:02 pm
You really think it’s all about the QB? How many critical passes did Roddy drop this season? One when he was ALL Alone against TB in Tampa which would have won us the game and one against NOLA the first time that probably would have locked that game up for us too. It’s a group effort dude. I am just as pissed as the next person. 0-3 in the postseason sucks big time. I would like to see a little more emotion out of the players and coaching staff about this though. I still think we are a better team then our results but, something needs to be mixed up.
DEEPatriots
January 8th, 2012
11:03 pm
FIRE………MIKE SMITH”……….4th and inches..”……..bring a quarterback in here to challenge Ryan for his job then you will start to get what you paid 4……hire a coach with a playoff play book. THE Falcons SUCK………..
CECIL
January 8th, 2012
11:03 pm
MATT RYAN HAS NO MOBILITY WHAT SO EVER, SO TO BE EFFECTIVE HE NEEDS A 1ST RATE O-LINE TO PROTECT HIM, ALA PEYTON MANNING, TOM BRADY. NOT TO SAY HE IS AS GOOD AS EITHER. ALSO NEED A NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR. THINK HE HAS DONE ALL HE CAN DO HERE. AND DEFENSE NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED AT ALL LEVELS.
BUT WE’RE NOT THAT FAR OFF…………..WHATEVER??
intellibird
January 8th, 2012
11:04 pm
I just didn’t see us taking any mid-range shots down field. Don’t know if nothing was called in that range or if Ryan was checking down. I will though assume that the OC should call plays and Matty should NOT be able to check them down, if a 20 yard out pass is called.
Can’t blame this one on Ryan though. Falcons played too safe offensively. Reminds me of Game 1 against Chicago, where we scored 3 points.
extremus
January 8th, 2012
11:04 pm
Oh yeah, and have the Braves lend the Falcons’ receivers some pine tar for their gloves come next season. These dropped passes are maddening!