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
Gatorzone
January 9th, 2012
11:33 am
Arx Ferrum
January 9th, 2012
11:23 am
Losses like this stay with you like a bad hangover; there’s no feeling good the next day or even the day after that. It will take time
Perfect analogy… TIME TO FIRE MIKE SMITH!!!
He coaches not to lose, not to win… It was evident in the first quarter that the Falcons came to NY expecting to lose… They basically were trying to keep from getting embarrassed…
Once Recent Reader
January 9th, 2012
11:33 am
OK Rod . ..we are good. You follow ACC so I’m sure you have good knowledge on BC.
Zap
January 9th, 2012
11:34 am
Some of you guys are stuck on stupid. Forget Ryan’s stats in his first four seasons. Stats are for losers! Use your eyes! Is what you see from Ryan in high-pressure situations what you want? Yesterday was a high-pressure game. I saw Ryan fold in the pocket. I saw his knees buckle and watched him collapse without much contact. I watched him take his eyes off his receivers and look over his shoulder to see where the defensive ends were. I saw him lay on top of his center, acting like he was trying to get one yard, when in all actuality he didn’t really want to get hit. Is he allergic to contact? He nicknamed himself “Matty Ice” in college. Fine. What nick would the ATL fans give him? The rest of the NFL has gone with “Noodle Arm”.
There are 20,000 college football players with most wanting a chance in the NFL. Find the toughest, smartest SOBs out there and coach ‘em up! Winning starts with attitude!
Atl130
January 9th, 2012
11:34 am
Dear Roddy White,
Please stop talking so much s h i t and learn how to catch the ball when we need you. Matt Ryan,thanks for making the Falcons a winning Franchise….however, now we are a joke again. Rise up and stop wearing a suit in all of your post game interviews….relax, let your balls hang out, take risk and play like a man instead of a scared little boy.
Bilone
January 9th, 2012
11:35 am
“”These Falcons lost to a 9-7 opponent that didn’t do much itself until it was clear the visiting team could do nothing”". Really?? How bout give the Giants D some credit Mark! Plain and simple Ryan got nervous, the falcons are not a tough mental team. Credit to the GIANTS.
Once Recent Reader
January 9th, 2012
11:36 am
I think Ryan has gotten better than his first year, but not good enough. He has to really improve to be able to lead Falcons against the better Teams . . . ..and find a way to win Playoffs. That was a totally confusing game yesterday. They did move the ball decently before the game got away from them . . .not great, but just as good if not better than the Giants. I just can’t believe what happened on those 4th downs.
Rod
January 9th, 2012
11:37 am
By the way Raji is a superbeast Ryan not so much but yesterday told you that ,Tebow threw more TDs yesterday then Ryan has in 3 playoff games Tebow can’t even throw ponder on that please and Ryan couldn’t even SNIFF Fluties cleats let’s be serious here
Once Recent Reader
January 9th, 2012
11:37 am
Bilone . . .the Giants are playing better no doubt. But that game was there for the Falcons. We needed to score on those decent drives. Frustrating.
Arx Ferrum
January 9th, 2012
11:39 am
@gabuldawg – Bear in mind that the pro league is not like the college game where a winning record and a bowl appearance gets a contract extension. You pour in money to build a team to win at the top level. You pour in money to build a coaching staff that will take the team and mold them into winners at that level. Getting to the playoffs is fine, but it is not the end product. Mr. Blank has invested millions into our Falcons to take perennial losers and turn them into perennial winners. getting to the playoffs was great and we all congratulate him, the coaches and the team. But we can’t allow the ceiling to be built at the first round. We have to go the rest of the way or the investment doesn’t pay off.
matt cryin
January 9th, 2012
11:39 am
I am matty ice until i feel some heat, then i melt and turn to water. ive been cryin my eyeballs out.
PMC
January 9th, 2012
11:40 am
The Giants get credit because they can get pressure with thier front 4. Obviously the Giants are peaking.
Our team can’t even deal with a 3 man rush most times. Outside of St Louis, there’s a good possibility that this is the least talented offensive line in the entire NFL.
It’s almost not possible to be this bad.
J.J.M.
January 9th, 2012
11:40 am
Trade ryan, harry douglas and 2013 first pick for a high pick to draft robert griffin
Once Recent Reader
January 9th, 2012
11:40 am
Rod . . .Tebow did look pretty good yesterday. No doubt. It is a Playoff Win . . .very important . . .no doubt. But I don’t know how to grade Tebow. Let’s not compare Ryan in the Tebow conversation for now, just look at the play. Broncos did have a nice streak with Tebow, but then got dismantled towards the end, and Tebow looked horrid. His numbers are pretty weak . . .but wins are important. I don’t know how to grade Tebow or rank him in the QB discussion.
WhoDat own ATL
January 9th, 2012
11:40 am
Matt Flynn is a free agent next year,.,.,
better put in a bid,..,.
Rod
January 9th, 2012
11:41 am
Hey One I’m ACC guy TRUST ME I remember those Ryan BC squads cause u had 2 beasts that year on D line I remember but Matt just didn’t twinkle when I watched them Ill give credit if it’s due but after yesterday the jury was out on him and they screamed GUILTY LOL
Jonesy
January 9th, 2012
11:41 am
Good column Mark.
The Falcons are missing something. What it is we aint sure.
But it feels like the QB cant make plays to me.
In the big games. He has regressed. Afraid of the pick.
And the secondary coaching and Dunta are atrocious.
Dunta got paid and then he could care less.
He’s supposed to b our shut down?
steve
January 9th, 2012
11:41 am
The terrible offensive game is the responsibility of the head coach and the offensive coordinators Of course the players have to execute but the same pattern has emerged…. coaching staff admitted a poor game plan against the packers and look at this game.. fourth and inches no one in the backfield and we tried a quarterback sneak when their d line killed us the whole game. everybody in the stadium knew what the play was.
We need better coaching after all there is a good core of players who can compete with anyone on the field. Lack of effective strategy and inability to put together a game plan that uses our players in situations where they use their skills to our best advantage seems to explain the good season and poor playoffs when coaching and strategy become so important with good teams on the field.
alex
January 9th, 2012
11:41 am
@gabuldawg, see previous moniker for definition of STUPID,sheesh……..
Cujo Bendi
January 9th, 2012
11:43 am
Matty psychs. He can’t throw deep. Over throws it every time.
Once Recent Reader
January 9th, 2012
11:43 am
Hah. Rod, I agree . . . yesterday’s game and some other games this year against the best teams did not provide good grades for Ryan. But hey as a GA Tech guy . . .you have to remember Ryan dismantling them on either a Thursday or Saturday night game. I personally thought that was his best College game.
BRandolph
January 9th, 2012
11:44 am
Why is everybody surprised??? You can certainly tell by the W/L of the season the writing was clearly on the wall. The opener against Chicago should’ve been the wake up call but the win against the Eagles was deceiving to everyone. That ‘Dream Team’ was not the dream we/they thought they were. The Bucs loss, the Texans, the Saints twice and I won’t go into the Packers. The only team of substance the Falcons won against were the Lions. That’s it! Sure, I had my fingers crossed like everyone else too but deep down inside, we knew this was coming. All we want to see is a little progression each year.
Dawglasville
January 9th, 2012
11:44 am
Rod – Do you really think that “country hicks” really use the word “do do?” I’m not a huge Ryan fan. My only point is he is not the only problem we have. I’ve said this before. Name any position on our team and I am willing to bet there are at least ten players in the league better at that position. Figure out an identity and get the players that fit it. Matt Ryan, Sam Baker (known for his run blocking), and Michael Turner do not fit with with two speed burners who stretch the field. This line is built for running the ball. So you load up the box, stop the run, and then you force us to throw the ball. You don’t have to honor the deep ball because Ryan can’t throw it and the line can’t protect him long enough. Get rid of Dunta. Hell, if MeAngelo has value in the league, surely we can get something for him.
I will give you this Rod, at least you came up with answers other than Vick.
Noneya
January 9th, 2012
11:45 am
Falcons Season Wrap Up. Call in Wednesday to vent….
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cpstylin/2012/01/12/falcons-season-wrap-up
GT
January 9th, 2012
11:45 am
How long did it take to get Calvin Johnson to the place he is now, or our man White. Oh true they have lots of holes, offensive line being one of many, but they are playoff material and will be for a while. We need a fullback, we have one on the bench hurt, that is the best there is, but for Turner a fullback is a must as it is for Ryan to catch the defensive ends coming or the blitz. Cox is a good pass receiver but missed a lot of blocks yesterday, I mean totally missed them body and all. They need to replace Baker with someone more athletic who can swing out faster. They know this but they can only correct so many things at a time. Give Ryan some blocking and let Jones go deep, this loosens up the running game. We are fixable, and if anybody want to sale their stock I am buying.
In those 4th and inches, if you are going to go for it don’t huddle and fumble around at the line of scrimmage and stop the man up stuff, maybe try being smart for a change, did Tony G. get one pass yesterday? He had to be wide open all three times with 9 in the box waiting for 30 seconds as we spit on our fist square off and get knocked cold. Like the Kid said, “there ain’t no rules in a knife fight so stop making it so easy for em”.
Down and Out
January 9th, 2012
11:46 am
Mike Smith made the statement “I didn’t see this coming” following the “thumping” by the New Orlean Saints. I’m on the outside looking in and noticed something wrong in the first game against the Bears. The Falcons have not played well against anything resembling competition. The Falcons have an offense and a defense that cannot play 4 quarters or make half time adjustments to stay in a contest. Next year, Tampa Bay and Carolina will be more competitive and we will struggle to split the series with them. New Orleans will continue to rule unless the Falcons make some significant changes in scheme, personnel and leadership.
Falcons Steve
January 9th, 2012
11:46 am
We need to cut Smitty, both coordinators, and dump the QB and go get Peyton Manning.
The Fifth Down: Leading Off: The Price of Not Believing | Il Neurone USA
January 9th, 2012
11:46 am
[...] fatal fourth downs, and schooled all that and $4.25 will buy them a venti latte during Starbucks, writes Mark Bradley in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Giants indeed know how to win playoff games and have a reward of removing prohibited during [...]
Debo
January 9th, 2012
11:46 am
I have being saying all year that Mularkey has to go. As it was started earlier, the offense is just to predictable. The play calling is horrible, and not just in 4th & inches, but throughout the game. Also, don’t blame the O-line so much; Ryan’s inability to escape in the pocket (such as a Brees or Rogers); ven Eli was able to make those little suttle steps and moves in the pocket to keep a play alive or convert a big 3rd down, down the field. Next we have the pass rushers who can always seem to get to the QB but keep missing the tackles. (Abraham has to go) As for the secondary, they are actually pretty good and they play with passion, but the QB has so much time, people will eventually break open, especially in Van Gorder’s stupid Zone-Happy scheme.
Atl130
January 9th, 2012
11:47 am
Only if we could get Peyton Manning for 2 years and keep Ryan as a backup. Yeah I know that would never happen, but I also never thought the Falcons would only score 2 points in a playoff game. Tim Tebow>Matt Ryan in the playoffs. I cant believe I’m even writing this….send
Rod
January 9th, 2012
11:48 am
True on Tebow no way to grade him but he has a WILL that Ryan doesn’t possess that intangible makes Ryan obsolete to me Ryan had 3 games and has done nothing Tebow”s chain isnt that long and look at the results
sb_81st
January 9th, 2012
11:49 am
Ryan seemed very nervous in the pocket from the start of the game and It only got worse. I’m mostly angry at the play calling this season. Yes getting a 4th and 1 would have made a statement but if you don’t convert that only feeds into the intensity of the home team’s crowd. We seemingly played a very arrogant 2 quarters of football yesterday. Our offense was none existent at times. Going 3 and out only wears down the defense that was playing great but was figured out by the 3rd quarter. #my2cents
Jonesy
January 9th, 2012
11:50 am
I dont think Falcon fans are surprised we got beat.
Its that the offense did not score.
I figured we’d get beat.
Gatorzone
January 9th, 2012
11:52 am
Ryan is a CHICKENSH!T!!!!
Plain and simple… he is gutless and plays scared!
Rod
January 9th, 2012
11:53 am
My apologies Dawg no need for name calling just venting I’ll Vick his credit though he has less and did more trust me a good QB can be had in the 5th or 6th round hell Pac10 has at least 3 QBs bring in Tannehill Foles hell bring in the Arkansas State 1st or 2nd string they both were throwing accurate deep balls and it’s Arky State I’m just saying bring in a young guy to make him look over his shoulder
scott
January 9th, 2012
11:54 am
Sad. I was not surprised that the Falcons lost this game. The Giants have looked good the last few weeks and the Falcons hadn’t come away with any quality wins, but how they lost was absolutely demoralizing. I would have expected that they would have lost because they couldn’t get pressure on Eli Manning,because the secondary play was lousy, or because Matt Ryan was getting sacked all day long. However, Van Gorder did a good job dialing up some blitzes. The secondary coverage was relatively solid. Matt Ryan’s uniform stayed pretty clean.
The offense just couldn’t stay on the field. They gave the Giants the ball back too quickly, and then just got run over. They couldn’t run the ball. Ryan couldn’t make a play. With so many dropped passes, one has to wonder if the problem isn’t the delivery. Ryan was only sacked once while it still mattered. True, he had to scamper out of the pocket on a number of occasions, but not once did he turn this into a positive play even when he had plenty of time to find somebody and make a throw. If everything doesn’t go exactly as hoped, he just ditches the ball. In this regard, he is far and away the worst first string quarterback in the NFL. When he was rookie, that was considered smart play. He’s been in the league too long now to still be doing that.
Tony Gonzalez seemed to be hobbled. However, the Falcons (unlike seemingly every other team in the league) evidently don’t have a back-up receiving tight end.
Every other team in, or even close to making the playoffs, seems to have a big back that will run ferociously (see Brandon Jacobs). If he gets a hole and has time to get up a head of steam Turner can run pretty well. But he isn’t going to run through anyone at the point of attack.
Every other team seems to be able to set up at least a few screens.
Looking at the Saints O-line, the Falcons seems miniature. They aren’t going to shove anyboy around. While Julio Jones looks like the real deal, the Falcons probably would have been much better off spending their draft picks on the O-line and maybe taking on a couple of projects at receiver in the later rounds. What’s the point in getting a speedster if your quarterback can’t throw the deep ball with any level of reliability. If you do take a big receiver with a huge vertical leap, why would you not throw the jump ball fade in his direction every now and again?
Ever seen a punt returner just let as many balls go as Erics Weems?
Bonnie Holliday
January 9th, 2012
11:54 am
Your commentary was too on-point, too hilarious–yet so sadly true! Absolutely the best article and critiques.
I looked up your article from Wilmington NC, having lived in ATL most my life. But even up here I put on my entire brown bag body suit and full face hat after watching the Falcons “score” 2 whole points yesterday. A few friends up here have called to say they were thinking of me and felt so bad for me.
What a total disgrace yesterday. Where were they?
Bonnie
timgin
January 9th, 2012
11:57 am
The Falcons laid down again..I have never seen such a sorry offensive scheme…On that second 4th and 1 when they sent Matty ice into the middle of a defense they hadn’t been able to move all day I knew it was over. Drew Brees and the Saints would never have done that. Time for a new o.c. and some new offensive linemen..
Gotta get IT
January 9th, 2012
11:57 am
Anybody supporting Mularkey is a complete Idiot.
Zap
January 9th, 2012
11:58 am
I’d make a move for Matt Flynn. He’s smart, tough, has a cannon arm and has won at the highest level in the toughest conference in college. He’s looking for a chance.
Don’t be the next Miami (who passed on Brees). Recognize talent and GET IT…if you wanna win.
Remember…to continue doing what you’ve been doing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity.
FIRE SMITH
January 9th, 2012
11:59 am
Smith has done all he can do here. PLEASE let him go before 2012.
Atl130
January 9th, 2012
11:59 am
Atlanta is not a championship city….Falcons, Hawks, Braves….all good team but ALWAYS choke in the playoffs. Its what we are and who we are as a sports franchise….everytime I think otherwise I’m reminded with a blowout loss or collapse. And yes, the Braves one a ring in 95…but only bc it was a shortened season due to the strike of 94. Atlanta sports= having a rock hard wang but never ejaculating. Good talk
billybob
January 9th, 2012
12:00 pm
As a 30 + year fan I have been pleased with the direction of this team for the past 4 years, but this loss, in the fashion brings back the same feeling when we use to go 4 and 12 for years in a row. A total embarrassing humiliating performance! I’ve been a supporter of Smith and Ryan but I nothing positive to say about this team. Great analogy about this team being a bully. That illusion of us being on the cusp is just that an illusion. This is one sorry ass franchise. Go TEBOW!
georgia boy in texas
January 9th, 2012
12:04 pm
don’t understand why receivers on other teams run free in secondary and and falcons receviers never seem open. Another dissapointing year for falcon fans. Guess we will never see a super bowl winner in atlanta.
Splendid Splinter
January 9th, 2012
12:04 pm
What is wrong with people – Dump Matt Ryan – get Peyton Manning, get Eli Manning, dump Abrahams, dump everyone? For gawd’s sakes, you can’t tear the team down and then try to put it back together again. A lot of team effort is built on team chemistry. You have to find the guys with the deep desire not just the physical talents. Like the guy said – you can only do so much at one time. Remember there are 20 othr teams who would have loved to be in the situation the Falcons are in. Are we satisfied – no. Is Falcon management and coaches satisfied – no. But get a grip. We can’t get rid of all the players and start all over again. We have to tweak what we have.
Leading Off: The Price of Not Believing
January 9th, 2012
12:06 pm
[...] two fateful fourth downs, and learned all that and $4.25 will buy them a venti latte at Starbucks, writes Mark Bradley in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Giants actually know how to win playoff games and have the bonus of getting hot at just the [...]
Atl130
January 9th, 2012
12:07 pm
Smith wont be fired. Blame him all you want, he doesnt call the plays and drop passes. MM and Matt Ryan take most of the blame for this loss, defense played pretty well overall, just couldnt get off the field.
DJ-Same
January 9th, 2012
12:08 pm
Same old stuff:
“it’s 3rd and 6 after that 1 yeard gain by Turner, Ryan in the shotgun, he’s changing the play at the line…that guy sure is smart…now there’s the snap and Ryan fires the ball three yards over the middle…but it is dropped by Roddy White…….probably wouldn’t have had enough for the first down anyway…..in comes the punter.”
blacknbuckhead
January 9th, 2012
12:08 pm
CAN U SAY BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
loy
January 9th, 2012
12:12 pm
Coach Smith said Matt has reached his peak. If thats the best he can do we will go no further. Matt cant make the throw, he cant fill the presure in the pocket, he dont want to run for a first down. Aaron Rogers can make you miss and he fill presure. He came into the league when Matt did. Matt got the big contract an so did Joe Johnson of the Hawk. Falcons you need a QB with these abilities to fill presure an run. Tebo fill presure an he can run.
lamac66
January 9th, 2012
12:12 pm
Same old stuff:
“it’s 3rd and 6 after that 1 yeard gain by Turner, Ryan in the shotgun, he’s changing the play at the line…that guy sure is smart…now there’s the snap and Ryan fires the ball three yards over the middle…but it is dropped by Roddy White…….probably wouldn’t have had enough for the first down anyway…..in comes the punter.”
BINGO!!