So why haven’t these Falcons gotten closer to a Super Bowl?
"Extra, extra! Read all about it! The team that beat the Falcons wins NFC!" (AP photo)
Three times in four seasons, the Falcons of Mike Smith and Matt Ryan have been eliminated by the eventual NFC champ. This isn’t, however, to suggest they keep being undone by an unlucky draw. In each case, the Falcons entered with the better regular-season record. When it happens once or even twice, we can shrug and say, “Them’s the breaks.” When it happens three times since 2008, we pluck at common threads. And we find …
• In each case, the Falcons held a lead. They’d rallied from a 14-3 deficit to lead 17-14 at the half in Phoenix on Jan. 3, 2009, but the Arizona Cardinals — who’d lost four of their final six regular-season games to finish 9-7 — scored the next 16 points. The game turned on the second play of the second half, when Darnell Dockett thwarted Ryan’s handoff to Michael Turner. Antrell Rolle grabbed the ball and returned it for a touchdown.
Against Green Bay in the Georgia Dome on Jan. 15, 2010, the Falcons led 7-0 after the Packers’ Greg Jennings fumbled on the opening possession and 14-7 after Eric Weems returned a kickoff 102 yards. But Tramon Williams intercepted Ryan twice in the second quarter, and the second, on the half’s final play, was returned for the touchdown that gave Green Bay a 28-14 lead.
Against the Giants in the Meadowlands two weeks back, the Falcons’ lead was more modest. But they missed a chance to make it 9-0 when, after the first-quarter safety, they drove to the Giants’ 42 but chose to punt on fourth-and-1. (As we know, the Falcons couldn’t get a fourth-and-1 right this whole season.)
• In each case, the Falcons were feeble after halftime. They were outscored 16-7 by Arizona, 20-7 by Green Bay, 17-0 by the Giants. (That’s an aggregate of 53-14.) On the only fourth-quarter play of the three games that truly mattered, linebacker Keith Brooking, since jettisoned, bit on Kurt Warner’s play-fake on third-and-16; the conversion enabled Arizona to run out the clock.
• In each case, Ryan was the second-best quarterback on the field. Ryan had six turnovers and was tackled for a safety in his first two playoff starts, and he hasn’t yet thrown for even 200 yards in a postseason game. His playoff passer rating is 71.8, which is awful. But saying Ryan has been the second-best quarterback on the field cuts both ways.
• In each case, the Falcons’ defense had no answer for the opposing quarterback. Granted, the three quarterbacks in question — Warner, Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning — are/were outstanding. But the Falcons’ defense has managed a total of three sacks and one interception (by Chevis Jackson on a tipped ball against Arizona) in those three playoff losses, and the aggregate passer rating against Atlanta has been 123.5, which is obscene.
• In each case, Michael Turner was no factor. His rushing numbers in the playoff losses are notably similar — 42 yards against Arizona, 39 against Green Bay, 41 against the Giants. His longest rush in those three games has been 13 yards. He has scored one touchdown.
OK, enough fun with numbers. What conclusions can be drawn?
That Ryan isn’t yet good enough to win playoff games by himself. That Turner is just another guy when the playoffs arrive. That playoff-caliber defenses can push the Falcons’ offensive line backward. That the Falcons’ defense, overhauled after the Arizona loss, still isn’t of winning playoff-caliber. (You must get sacks. You must force turnovers. You must make great quarterbacks play less than great.) That an offense capable of winning 43 regular-season wins over four seasons has been made to look outmoded in January.
And now you’re asking: With all these failings, should the Falcons throw up their hands in surrender? Why, no. Hiring two new coordinators in the same offseason is the closest thing to a fresh start a winning franchise can have. Mike Mularkey’s pitch-and-putt offense didn’t work in the postseason, and Brian VanGorder’s defense made almost nothing happen in those three playoff losses. Now Dirk Koetter and Mike Nolan get to try. It’s possible that they’ll do better. Regarding recent postseason results, it’s not possible to do worse.
But there is, believe it or not, a greater concern than tactics. Only once in the three playoff losses did the Falcons even stir in the second half, and that was against Arizona. In the two subsequent defeats we saw something close to surrender. You cannot surrender. You have to believe the next play will turn a losing game your way, to believe your defensive back can strip a receiver in the end zone or that your punt coverage can induce a fumble.
The teams headed for Indianapolis aren’t going because everything went right. They’ll grace the Super Bowl because they kept playing hard enough to make something go right. For all the good work done by this administration, I still don’t see the same unyielding demeanor in the Falcons I see in champions. I see instead a team that hasn’t yet decided how good it cares to be.
By Mark Bradley
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267 comments Add your comment
CGD..
January 23rd, 2012
10:33 pm
What say you Rosenburg?……Crickets……………….
icedawg
January 23rd, 2012
10:37 pm
Both sides of the line need improvement. Offensive line can’t run block and defensive line cannot mount much of a pass rush up the middle.
Eric
January 23rd, 2012
10:42 pm
Matty Freeze Up is not the answer. we need a backup in the mix to challenge him for the QB job.
miked
January 23rd, 2012
11:34 pm
The greatest blog you ever wrote. Kudos.
miked
January 23rd, 2012
11:35 pm
Mark Bradley
MM
January 24th, 2012
12:15 am
Just like UGA its all a matter of attitude. The Falcons and UGA EXPECT TO LOSE THE BIG GAME
and they always do. Having a successful mind set is something that continually eludes the Falcons
and UGA and no matter how many coaches are brought in it won’t matter. Until UGA and the
Falcons expect to start winning every game nothing is going to change
Indiana_falconfan
January 24th, 2012
12:20 am
I have watched the Falcons for 33 years.
In all those years, they cannot defend the pass. REASON: This season the team lacked a defensive nose tackle fill the middle of the defensive line. Did you see how often the opposing quarterback stepped up to avoid the rush of the defensive ends? No one was there to greet the quarterback with a big fat sack. Game after game the defensive ends got in the backfield but either over rushed or failed to contain the quarterback. Typically, the quarterback simply escaped by stepping up into the pocket, e.g. Eli Manning. Mobile quarterbacks drive the Falcons nuts.
Lack of pass protection for the quarterback.
The offensive line play this year was offensive. The line does not have the physical size and speed needed for the NFL. This year’s line rarely overpowered anyone. Ryan is a good quarterback and the Falcons can go to the Superbowl with him but he needs time to throw.
Ryan fails to feel the pressure.
The line can do so much in protection. Ryan needs to work on avoiding the rush. A. Rodgers, Eli Manning, Ben R., A. Smith, J. Flacco possess mobility. When Ryan can learn to avoid the rush he will add a dimension lacking in many of the games.
I really hope the Falcons address the above or else we will be sitting home again.
tyger
January 24th, 2012
12:56 am
Tom Brady get er done…
Did u see Tom Brady perform the 1.5 dive over the top for the 4th and inches score?
Compare that to Matt Ryan’s horizontal flop for 4th and inches.
Brady looked like a man possessed with winning…
Ryan looked like he was looking for the remote under the couch…
CGD..
January 24th, 2012
1:05 am
Football 101: Football for wanna be’s…
You cant teach a QB how to feel pocket pressure and react to it.. Its gift from birth..
You either got it or ya dont…..
Melt Ryan does not.. Sorry Butterfly….Sad so Sad…..
CGD..
January 24th, 2012
1:06 am
This guy will get to a SB with a Clip board…That is all…………….
Agent009
January 24th, 2012
1:46 am
Lacking bolls… Not enough tough mudders in the huddles, scripting plays, coaching, drafting, wheeling and dealing!
Agent009
January 24th, 2012
1:51 am
@tyger… Ryan did a vertical “lean to” on a wall that was backing up on fourth an inches. Pretty Boy Tom went all in for glory and suffered a Ray Lewis blow to the back that got him bent over backwards!!! But he scored, they won, nuff said!
SR
January 24th, 2012
1:58 am
Good story but you didnt go far enough- its personnel dammit, not just coaching!! Weak, light and slow on both DL and OL; tiny, slow and poor tacklers in db’s and one dimensional slow rb in turner. Wont mean s**t if you replace coaches but do not upgrade personnel.
sckot
January 24th, 2012
2:05 am
Ryan is a good QB. Giving him time in the pocket is the key. Brees and Rogers are great QB when they have time but not nearly as good when they dont have as much time to throw.
too legit to quit
January 24th, 2012
3:44 am
Why are you always hammering on Turner???? Turner is who he is. It is not his fault that the Falcon mangement didn’t get the right OL. The Falcons are blowing up and they were so close. There is a saying, “Be careful what you ask for!” So people think they want a offense that throws all over the place. Some think we didn’t have a good OC and DC. The OL Coach was let go and now the DB Coach. But what about who was in charge of the DRAFT or personal moves. We were all right, knocking at the door, all we needded were a few more pieces. Now this whole thing may blow up.
Mountain Man
January 24th, 2012
5:10 am
Real Atlanta Housewives!
Samuel
January 24th, 2012
6:19 am
The Falcons lack mental toughness, half time adjustments aren’t the norm. The coaching staff seems to get out coached. There’s no accountability in terms of what’s expected of players. The yo yo season was due to Mike Smith not getting control of the team early on. Sometimes a coach might have to cut a player in mid-season to send a message. Dimitroff has brought players in with big salaries who aren’t productive. Finally when e-lite teams play us they have a smirk on their face, like they know something the Falcons don’t know. You know like we’re the Barney Fife of the league.
Bud Wiser
January 24th, 2012
6:45 am
Tim Tebow has more career playoff wins than Matt Ryan.
Nuff said there methinks.
Dub366
January 24th, 2012
6:48 am
everybody can that it the QB Matt has no gut, keep talking about the OF line Mike Vicks didn’t have and of line and went to Green Bay and beat them in a playoff game.
Sheffield
January 24th, 2012
6:53 am
Chill out…its a TEAM sport…ELI this ELI that…If kyle williams didn’t make mistakes on the punt team…Eli would be at home! We have professional players and when we get coaches that want to smack ppl in the mouth then we will win. Go Falcons!!
chris
January 24th, 2012
7:05 am
great column mark, “. I see instead a team that hasn’t yet decided how good it cares to be” as good as it can be said and summed up…..kudos
Superbowl and Falclowns is an oxymoron
January 24th, 2012
7:07 am
This team has no identity, passion, heart, or leadership….think about it, your idiot fans still cheer for dog-killer Vick….franchise is a joke….
Oh yeah, Saints own you…..stay classy…
chris
January 24th, 2012
7:09 am
That intensity and grit that is lacking is the source of much frustration with many fans…it takes more than players and plays, it takes what we watched both NY and NE have this weekend, and even SF and Bal to get to the championship games. The Giants on paper were supposed to lose both to the Niners and the Pack but thats why we play the games. I think this problem must be laid at the foot of Mike Smith – he has got to find a way to motivate his players come January and for whatever reason that has not happened in the three losses under his reign. It does seem when we want to get up and play we have a good team. I just hope new voices on offense and defense and new ideas will generate some fresh results. Wasnt thrilled to see Spags go to NO..still going to be a tough division again..
Email Profiling Is Wrong
January 24th, 2012
7:20 am
Agree with earlier posts that the Falcons play without passion – perhaps heart. NFL pundits ridiculed them this year for whining about Suh’s “dirty” play after the Detroit game. And all the complaining Week 15 about how the Saints ran up the score was feeble. Stop ‘em fellas – if you can. If you can’t, then shut up and get better (tougher).
This team was deluding itself. After the Tampa game to end the season, some Falcons were crowing about how that was “Falcons football” right there. Yeah, if beating up a team that quit on its coach is your brand, then congratulations.
We suffer from all the flaws you mentioned, Bradley. And start with the most important player on the team for the biggest reason why we fail in most big games and always in the playoffs.
I think the much-maligned Roddy White is one guy who’s got some chutzpa. He’s a tough guy whoneeds to control his temper, but at least he shows some emotion out there. And the Birds owe their win over San Francisco in 2010 solely to White’s never-say-die attitude.. SF was in the process of executing a pick six to end the game. As we all know, Roddy sprinted downfield to catch the guy and strip him of the ball. Thanks again, Roddy for saving the team’s – not to mention Matty Nice’s – bacon that day.
Replacing both coordinators is an implicit admission that things ain’t working out. But both Mularkey and Van Gorder left voluntarily. Apparently both had irons in the fire long before season’s end. So the question is, would they have been replaced otherwise?
Would the Falcons continue the Braves-like spin that their ship is on the right course – we mad the post season – we just need more football passion to support our franchise quarterback?
I hope not.
Here’s hoping Koetter can build a fire under Matty’s rail butt and Nolan can install a respectable defense. And Dimitroff, PLEASE get ‘em some players.
Jimmy Crack
January 24th, 2012
7:44 am
Mark, it is not just this team or this year, it is all teams in this town for all the years. This is the Atlanta way and you have been a witness for a long time, Mark. We have had sports failure in our DNA. We have been beaten down with losing for so long (we have had to watch the Falcons do this for 46 years) that ANY winning is acceptable to our starving eyes. Like prisoners in solitary getting a glimpse of daylight and being thankful. For example in another sport, we had the best team in baseball with 3 Hall of Fame starting pitchers at the same time at the height of their talent for a DECADE AND A HALF, and we only won ONE championship. And we’re somehow okay with that, calling Cox the greatest ever. Really? Even that series we won from a team whose city, Cleveland, is even more hapless than ours as far as overall winning.
Additionally, this timeless curse upon this city has been exacerbated by YOU, Mark Bradley, and your sports media “personalities”, with your annual coddling of these sports franchises. No fire in any questions posed to Dimitroff, no harsh reaction to Coach Smith’s NON-ANSWERS to every question you pose to him. No venom, no public outcry year after year when Braves Winter meetings go by the wayside and you watch other teams in our own division buy up every superstar they can reach. No challenging these mystery owners to come forth to a microphone and tell the puzzled public what the heck their plans are for the future on even WHO THEY ARE. We hear nothing but Atlanta media mice scurrying to the holes, not wanting to cause a stir, while making sure their personal FAVORS are intact so they can still be invited back to Bobby’s ranch and now to Arthur’s estate in the off season, or keep that comfy position in the press suites (formerly boxes). The media in this town is as much to blame as anyone for the lack of passion in our sports franchises.
Look in a mirror, Mark.
Say what
January 24th, 2012
9:09 am
Good stuff, Mark. Your last two paragraphs nail it. It’s not just the losses, it’s the way they lose. We know that they can at least compete with the elite, because they have done so, and even won their share from the likes of NO and Green Bay and Baltimore. Yet when it is time to step up in the playoffs, no one seems to have a clue. And by no one, I mean their head coach, Mike Smith. If the leadership keeps proving to the players how clueless they are and how they are happy with “relevance” and most importantly, that they don’t think they are good enough (example: can’t beat Drew Brees so go for it on fourth in one in own territory; can’t deal with NY’s defensive line so one hope is a big Turner rushing performance) then the players aren’t going to be inspired. They look like a team that doesn’t have their head in the game, and again, that seems to be a reflection of their coach(es).
vesaversa
January 24th, 2012
9:09 am
I have said all along that Mike Smith is the weakest link . The man have been out coach in every game the Falcons have played .I will make a prediction for the 2012 football season the Falcons will stink even worst than the first three with Smith as their head coach . The Falcon will fire Smith next year .
miket211nj
January 24th, 2012
9:18 am
hate to say it,, but i would take the gamble and save the 5m and deal turner.. its obvious they have no faith in turners short yardage power (see playoff loss 4and 1s) and Mughelli if healthy can take over that role..dont forget Ovie was a pro bowler..keep Mike Cox too, he showed he can block out of the backfield. i say role the dice go with Quizz and Snelling and Ovie as short yardag/goaline guy at times. Put turners 5m in Carl Nicks pocket. he becomes OUR best lineman, and the saints lose their best lineman. ALSO can we check to see if their is some type of lemon law with ray edwards, puke..
Hugo
January 24th, 2012
9:19 am
Bobby Cox? MORON HE GOT US ONE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 50 TRIES. NO THANKS.
SirReal
January 24th, 2012
9:26 am
@vesaversa If they do, you think they elevate Nolan to HC if the d makes big strides?
Statick
January 24th, 2012
9:27 am
“I see instead a team that hasn’t yet decided how good it cares to be.”
And that’s on the front office. Yes, they did a great job proving to the public that the franchise was moving on and away from the stank that was the Michael Vick fiasco by getting high morale players. But getting only the high morale player is only going to get you so far. You have to get the players with the talent and also the fire to fully change the mindset of this franchise. You started with Ryan, you continued with Spoon, now Mr. Blank, Thomas Dimitroff, Smitty, you have to make it come full circle by changing the overall mindset of this team by bringing the right players. Draft for talent, not for scheme. And for God’s Sake, FIX THE LINES. They’re the foundation for everything.
willdave
January 24th, 2012
9:44 am
Mark Bradley, if I knew the answer to this question, I would gladly share it with Mr. Blank free of charge.
In the postseason, I guess it comes down to who wants it more. As you point out, each first-game playoff loss that the Falcons have endured under Dimitroff-Smith-Ryan has been to a team that had an inferior record during the regular season. The difference has been that, when the playoffs started, these three teams stepped up their game accordingly. Passes that might have been dropped during the regular season got caught during the playoffs. Tackles that might have been missed during the regular season got made during the playoffs. And so on.
So, forget about first seeds or division championships or better records or whatever they get during the regular season. Until the Falcons decide or learn how to elevate their play to that higher level that is required for the playoffs, they will never enjoy success during the postseason.
miket211nj
January 24th, 2012
9:47 am
How bout we dump Mike Smith, promote Nolan to HC and sign Singletary as DC.. Now that would light a fire under some of our players azzes.. Smith too much of a players coach..
Mike, Seeking GM asst vacancy
January 24th, 2012
9:58 am
I believe that the Falcons could have advanced further with its current roster had they moved Clabo to RG and let Baker play RT. If given the opportunity I would ask Falcons to consider:
1. Move Clabo to his original position RG. Perhaps he had an off year at tackle but he could do the team a better service by bringing his size and power and familiarity with the system to a much needed position. Bring in some affordable FA’s to compete with Svited/Baker at the tackles.
2. Consider starting Snelling. If successful switch roles with him and Turner now the backup. Orient the run game around Snelling and Rodgers with an occasional dose of Turner.
3. Make TE priority search.
4. Bring back Trey Lewis and let him play at his natural size and weight. Falcons cut him for P. Jerry profile type lineman. His strength was ignored for seemingly quicker 299lb DT’s. Falcons need interior push and a uncontrollable big man on the line.
5. Consider Mario Williams as long term replacement for Abe.
6. Dominique Franks appears ready to start. Perhaps he is the answer against big WR’s.
7. Consider a FS during Free Agency, if not let Sanders compete with Decoud for FS. Decoud would be a valuable backup.
The offense is not so bad. Solidify the interior line with Clabo and any upgrade at tackle will make it even better. I feel an alignment of Svitek, Blaylock, Hawley, Clabo, Baker and/or any upgrades at tackle could make this current roster immensely more competitive next year game one.
THE INFAMOUS DK
January 24th, 2012
10:29 am
Fix the line.. Protect Matt and get a Matt Forte type of back that can catch out of the backfield. Get some not so high character guys that kick arse during a game. Add some spice to the vanilla play calling.
LKW4
January 24th, 2012
12:09 pm
They don’t have the heart or the hunger to win. They play in slow motion. They have no spirit. The owners keep the wrong staff and players. Blank needs to treat this like a business, not a hobby. Let go of the non performers and do not pay big bucks until players perform. Get a QB that can learn to read the field and make plays from all areas of the field. Teach the Falcons something other than high school plays! Make john Paul Wilson the number 1 QB. He can’t be any worse then what we have now or what is sitting on the bench. Get rid of lard ass Turner and replace him with guys we have on the team that have proven they can play that position better. Better yet – fire everyone and start over from scratch!
Paddy O
January 24th, 2012
12:12 pm
The O line stinks, and our half time adjustments by Smith & MM don’t exist. Hence, the coaching staff is inept. Finally, the talent just is not up to the task – possibly. WE will know in 2012.
Mikey
January 24th, 2012
12:32 pm
A very good analysis Mark! These statistics tell a LOT about game tactics, strategy adjustment and play calling from the previous coordinators. Smitty has to take full accountability for this too but he is changing things now as he must.
I’m am not yet to the point where I can watch this year’s final game again but it seemed to me that the defense played at a level that we haven’t seen all year in the first half. I saw the same thing in the first half when they played Green Bay during the regular season. I saw jammed receivers, route disruption, blitzing from everyone, switches to man coverage… The Giants looked miserable and didn’t know what to do. They couldn’t rush, they couldn’t pass, they got stuffed for loss, they got sacked! They even got backed into a safety! That type of defense is hard to play against… for anybody. The players were there and did a great job with that type of defense.
Then in the second half, somebody changed it… the defense looked like a second grade team just like they did against regular season Green Bay and in their previous playoff games… they dropped back into a safe prevent zone for the whole half and let the Giants shred them on every possession. The QB had all the time he needed and it was easy to step up into the pocket with a nice predictable 4 man rush. No pressure, no variation, no lost yards, no sacks. So predictable… just let the receivers enter the opening between zoned players and pitch and catch. I think I could have picked it apart to say nothing of a professional football player or a knowledgeable offensive coordinator.
The offense… a bad game for them… the O-Line looked terrible at times. However, please keep in mind…the play calling did absolutely NOTHING to assist the flagging O-Line with a terroristic D-line rushing. No screens, no draws, no double tight ends, no fullback, no rollouts… wow! I was sure glad that I wasn’t out there on the field trying to execute that progression of plays… there was no HOPE with those tactics! I don’t blame Ryan, Turner or the receivers… I’m not so sure I even blame the O-Line. They weren’t a great matchup for sure but they weren’t the ones who decided on the plays. They were a bad series of plays against that defense and with that O-Line.
You might be surprised what superlative organization does for a football team. There is no football team that plays perfectly every play for a whole game. There is no human that is mistake free. The secret is to understand what is happening and take advantage of their weaknesses while not exposing yours.
I like this choice of O and D coordinators. I am optimistic that they will train and organize this great team into a much improved game plan and I don’t think we will see them lay down in the second half at all next year. GO FALCONS!
James
January 24th, 2012
1:09 pm
Falcons have been a disgrace in the playoffs in recent years. Matt Ryan has happy feet and there isn’t any outlets for him, like Eli has, when in trouble so he can dump the ball off to a rb. Need more speed at rb, bigger and aggressive line, better play calling, and smarter coaching. I could go on. What we have is a 2nd tier NFL team that couldn’t beat texans with a 4th string QB.
goodgod
January 24th, 2012
1:11 pm
don’t forget touchdown….agaisnt winning teams we only scored at most two touchdown per game….u can’t beat a lot of suck teams with that production….find the end zone….maybe in practice walk around it a 100 times to get familar with it!!!
Steve321
January 24th, 2012
1:37 pm
Give Ryan the offensive line that the top tier QB’s have and I think he’d do well. No QB can excel if he has no TIME to throw. The Falcon OF line is awful. Just watch how long Tom Brady has, it’s crazy – he could knit a sweater while waiting for guys to get open.
Frontman
January 24th, 2012
1:54 pm
Mikey, you’re right on, but there is one more thing… conditioning. I watched two defenses in the Giants and 49ers that played like men for 60+ minutes on Sunday. Atlanta gets about 30 minutes out of its defense every game. If they are great in the 1st half, they stink in the 2nd half. Either we are poorly conditioned, or our defensive scheme takes so much energy that we’re worn out by the 3rd quarter.
Derek
January 24th, 2012
3:19 pm
This team won’t win significant games until it has a quarterback who has some arm strength. Ryan is a journeyman QB at best, and has no ability to throw the ball with any velocity beyond 15 yards. It’s a shame we draft a burner like Jones and don’t have a QB who can get the ball to him down the field.
sainthiram
January 24th, 2012
4:00 pm
only scoring 2 pts. may have something to do with it
ls1z28chris
January 24th, 2012
4:03 pm
Your team scored zero points in their last playoff game. I’m not even going to count the two Eli gave you. So zero points. From a team that likes to pretend it is Super Bowl bound whenever it beats up on a team with a .200 record.
You need to fire much more than your coordinators.
Chop Buster
January 24th, 2012
4:13 pm
In each case we came with the same trifling, conservative offense like a one size fits all pair of drawz. The coaching staff couldn’t create a real winning gameplan or make adjustments during the game. Players overall are mediocre and has no dominant player on either side of the ball. Keep doing the same thing expecting different results? INSANITY!!
no chance
January 24th, 2012
4:33 pm
with smith and dimitroff, two lightweights, the falcons are hopeless. mark this down–they will not even make the playoffs in 2012.
Who Cares?
January 24th, 2012
4:41 pm
Well, they need that $700,000,000.00 stadium. That’s why they can’t produce championships. Lets all push for this new stadium do be dumped on the backs of the tax payers of Atlantans and Georgians alike, since the Falcons only need that to succeed. Like it really means that much……… Come on, it’s just the National Felony League anyway. Who really cares what these eventual criminals and future bankruptcy “athletes” do. Get a life and focus on the real problems and issues that we’re facing. If not, I’m sure American Idol will be on soon enough.
JeanE
January 24th, 2012
4:47 pm
Mark, this is one of the BEST articles you’ve written in my opinion. Hit the dang nail on the head. I watch the postseason this year continually thinking, the Falcons would never do that or, that team is the anti-Falcons. Meaning tough and resilient! Matt Ryan doesn’t deserve all the blame, he most definitely needs an upgraded o-line, I still harp on the mistake of letting Harvey Dahl go, he was our enforcer. Water under the bridge now. And thanks to the completely uneccesary aquisition of Julio Jones, we now have to get creative with our upgrades. Dimitroff is under the miscroscope, too, his personnel choices seem to be hit as much as miss. We’ve been trying to upgrade our defense for YEARS, why is it never accomplished??? I don’t give a ** about explosive offensive plays, let’s just moved the daggone chains and sustain some drives, how about that for starters? Turner is just not impressive at all, when it counts, he can’t be found. I’m all for trying to trade him and get anything for him in return while we can. I hope they install some sort of short passing game for Ryan because his arm looks pedestrian. I keep hearing how intelligent he is, that’s great but he needs way better pocket presense and some physical toughness to go with that smarts. I watch Eli makes plays out of nothing and I know Matt Ryan is nowhere near that. I hope he can be someday but improvement better start next season. I’m still so frustrated with this team and Arthur wants a new stadium, hah!!!!!!!!!! Pay for it your self, Artie. Until you put a better product on the field, forget it.
JeanE
January 24th, 2012
4:53 pm
I would kill for a player like Vince Wilfork to occupy our middle d-line, where so we get one????!!!