How the Falcons will go 12-4 and reclaim the NFC South title
There'll be a new champion of the NFC South this season. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
I think the Falcons will be really good, Super Bowl good. Maybe that makes me a raging homer. Or maybe it means I see a team that has won 23 games the past two years and is poised to break upward. While you’re discussing among yourselves, I’ll tell you how this regular season will go.
Sept. 9, at Kansas City: The Chiefs aren’t bad, but this will be a coming-out party for Dirk Koetter’s new offense. Expect Matt Ryan to throw 35 passes. Expect Julio Jones to catch 10 of them, three for touchdowns. Falcons 28, Chiefs 20.
Sept. 17, Denver: It’s a Monday night game, and the Falcons haven’t done so well in those. Peyton Manning now plays for the Broncos, but this will serve as a prime-time showcase for the other starting quarterback. Falcons 30, Broncos 17.
Sept. 23, at San Diego: Here’s where the issue of logistics rears its head. The Falcons face a short week against a West Coast team that opens 2012 with a point to prove. Shootout time in San Dog (old naval term). Chargers 34, Falcons 30.
Sept. 30, Carolina: Some see the Panthers as the rising power in the NFC South. Maybe so, but this is one division rival the Falcons have come to own. They’re 6-2 against Carolina under Mike Smith, 4-0 since 2009. Falcons 27, Panthers 17.
Oct. 7, at Washington: Will Robert Griffin III be starting by now? Will D.C. be more abuzz over the Redskins or the Nationals? Will the Falcons lose to a rookie quarterback? The last question is by far the easiest. Falcons 24, Redskins 17.
Oct. 14, Oakland: The pre-bye part of the schedule has been challenging (K.C. and S.D. on the road) but not oppressive, and Oakland at the Dome shouldn’t be too troubling. But the schedule is about to toughen. Falcons 35, Raiders 14.
Oct. 28, at Philadelphia: The roughest stretch of the season commences here. Michael Vick, who used to play for the Falcons, has said the Eagles could become a dynasty. They won’t, but they will win this game. Eagles 28, Falcons 24.
Nov. 4, Dallas: A Sunday-nighter against America’s Team will be the season’s pivot point. With a date at New Orleans upcoming, this could become a losing streak. But Mike Smith’s teams don’t have losing streaks. Falcons 27, Cowboys 17.
Nov. 11, at New Orleans: By now, the Saints will have interim coach Joe Vitt back. And yes, it’s more than a little weird that the interim coach has been suspended by the NFL. But Sean Payton still won’t be around. Falcons 31, Saints 30.
Nov. 18, Arizona: Trap game here. The Falcons are 7-2 and flying high off that narrow victory in Superdome, and Arizona is nicely suited as a stealth opponent. Consider this the season’s first real misstep. Cardinals 21, Falcons 17.
Nov. 25, at Tampa Bay: With that egregious home upset out of their system, the Falcons take on the Buccaneers, who figure again to run last in the NFC South. A rudimentary road victory ensues. Falcons 30, Buccaneers 13.
Nov. 29, New Orleans: A Thursday night date against the team that keeps embarrassing the Falcons on national TV. That pent-up frustration yields a second victory over their nemesis in 18 days. Falcons 24, Saints 23.
Dec. 9, at Carolina: With 10 days to prepare, the Falcons will manage to overcome the torpor that undid them after their first victory over New Orleans. Still won’t be easy, though. Falcons 27, Panthers 24 (overtime).
Dec. 16, New York Giants: The memory of the wretched 24-2 playoff loss in the Meadowlands burns, and this is yet another chance for the surging Falcons to prove their bona fides. Falcons 30, Giants 28.
Dec. 22, at Detroit: And now a Saturday night game. (For the record, the Falcons will not play on Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday this season.) And another loss seems in order, don’t you think? Lions 30, Falcons 24.
Dec. 29, Tampa Bay: The NFC South having already been won, the Falcons are playing for positioning now. They finish 12-4 and secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed (behind Green Bay) in rousing fashion. Falcons 35, Buccaneers 10.
By Mark Bradley
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196 comments Add your comment
Tootsi
August 23rd, 2012
3:54 pm
First.
Wakka Flacco Lame
August 23rd, 2012
3:55 pm
Tootsi, get over it.
Tootsi
August 23rd, 2012
3:55 pm
Mark,
How are they going go to 12-4 with Sam Baker at LT? That is a major weakness, and one that must be fixed if they are going to accomplish anything near what you are saying. He has been porous during the preseason and was awful last year. Svitek is a big loss that will be felt unless Lamar Holmes somehow manages to give them significant PT.
Mark Bradley
August 23rd, 2012
3:55 pm
Kudos, Tootsi.
Wakka Flacco Lame
August 23rd, 2012
3:56 pm
And the requests?
Juliooooo
August 23rd, 2012
3:59 pm
No way we lose to San Diego or Arizona. I think we will lose to Aints in Nola and maybe the Panthers in Charlotte. Still 12-4 but not a chance we lose to the Skelton led Cards.
Dawglasville
August 23rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Kudos to you Mark. You guys don’t make the big bucks by playing it safe. You are on a roll today. Hope you are right about all of the locals. Agree with Tootsi about Sam Baker. Everyone deals with injuries but this left tackle deal has been scary for a while.
tooltime236
August 23rd, 2012
4:07 pm
Mark in typical Atlanta sports fashion I could see them being really good, really bad, or anywhere in between. It seems like its always this way with our teams. I guess it just depends on how the chips fall. Will the offense be really good? Will the defense be really bad? Will the LT situation rear its head possibly leading to Ryan missing time? Will there be a pass rush? There’s a lot of questions with this team.
ChopAttack
August 23rd, 2012
4:07 pm
I missed the part where an asteroid wipes out Charlotte, NC.
Ted
August 23rd, 2012
4:10 pm
By week five the fans will blame the Offensive Line for not doing their job yet Dimitroff’s name will not be linked to the team he put together for some reason.
Jack
August 23rd, 2012
4:13 pm
That 24-2 loss has me thinking they ain’t gonna go 12-4.
Name Changed to Avoid Moderation
August 23rd, 2012
4:19 pm
I still have not seen anything to suggest that we can run the ball effectively. Pounding the ball up the middle and eating the clock has served us well for the past few seasons, but I don’t see how we can do that with an all-most done Turner and under-used Snelling AND and undersized Rogers.
Untill we can control the lines and clock, the opposing DBs will sit on our routes and eat us alive.
D-Man
August 23rd, 2012
4:19 pm
Shaamaluma Ding- Dong, so hit it!
Kane337
August 23rd, 2012
4:20 pm
I like your positive outlook Mark Bradley. It’s a tough schedule this year and we typically don’t fair well vs Saints or the NFC East. I hope you’re right about the final record.
ernisTbass
August 23rd, 2012
4:20 pm
9-7 third in NFC South, still can’t get off the field on 3rd down
Paul
August 23rd, 2012
4:22 pm
u write this crap every year for the falcants and the choke braves and it NEVER pans out. Really is a joke.
12-4, really??
August 23rd, 2012
4:23 pm
Your projection of 12-4 record is a stretch for this team. Poor defense coupled with a sputtering offense is the continuing theme for this team. Look for losses against the Broncos, the Raiders, the Eagles, the Cowboys, the Giants, and the Lions. So if they’re fortunate to go 4-2 in the Division, they’re looking at 9-7 record and maybe making the playoffs as a Wild Card. Looking over all at the NFC, the better teams include the Packers, the Giants, the Niners, the Bears, and the Lions. Until the Falcons commit to getting better defensive players, they’ll continue to lose to teams with a strong passing game. Abraham and Robinson are way past their prime.
realitycheck
August 23rd, 2012
4:26 pm
Bradley should be taken about as seriously as a fortune teller is. This is total hogwash outside the 404 or 770 area codes. I see 9-7 or something close to that. OL, defense, and overall depth are subpar to average. More kool aid for the homers and dreamers!
Jason
August 23rd, 2012
4:28 pm
10-6 seems more realistic to me. I don’t know that the Falcons are really any better than last year (other than an improvement by Julio). I see Asante Samuel as a minor upgrade to the defense, but not one that completely changes things. The middle linebacker position still has a lot of questions. Abe is getting older. Sam Baker and the OL are still big question marks. The Falcons have a good bit to prove. I still think that they are an above average team, but I don’t think that they are an exceptional team.
Best Buy
August 23rd, 2012
4:37 pm
Geaux Falcons!
dasaint212
August 23rd, 2012
4:37 pm
“How the Falcons will go 12-4 and reclaim the NFC South title” – Really??? HAhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Sweep the Saints??? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!! Sorry – I just could not stop laughing long enough to really comment on this? Thanks for the humor – I really needed this today. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
Falcons 73
August 23rd, 2012
4:38 pm
Mark, while I believe the Falcons will be good, 12-4 maybe a bit too high (considering two new coordinators). I think it’s reasonable to see this team between 10-6 to 11-5, but they have too many issues on both lines of scrimmage. I think we will know a lot about our birds in the first few games of this season.
If we come out on offense in Kansas City with the same old Mike Turner run into the back of his own lineman on 1st & 2nd down, then you will know that nothing has really changed (and Mike Smith will be the one to blame). The same holds true on defense. If we stay in soft zone coverage’s and sit back waiting for things to happen, again Mike Smith will be to blame.
The Falcons have at least, equal talent to most of the top tier teams, but the real X factor will be Mike Smith and his overall philosophy. If he truly is committed to change, then this team can has a very bright future, if not we will be lucky to make the playoffs.
Steve From Dalton
August 23rd, 2012
4:40 pm
I don’t disagree with the record but I think we beat the Cards and split with the ‘Aints. We always split with the ‘Aints.
dasaint212
August 23rd, 2012
4:49 pm
@Steve From Dalton->We always split with the ‘Aints.
First of all it is the Saints! Get it right. And second you may have split with us in past years but since SP has taken over you need to do some homework! Check the facts – you have only beaten us twice since 2006. What games are you watching? This thread is just too funny!!!
September 25, 2006 New Orleans New Orleans 23 Atlanta 3
November 26, 2006 Atlanta New Orleans 31 Atlanta 13
October 21, 2007 New Orleans New Orleans 22 Atlanta 16
December 10, 2007 Atlanta New Orleans 34 Atlanta 14
November 9, 2008 Atlanta Atlanta 34 New Orleans 20
December 7, 2008 New Orleans New Orleans 29 Atlanta 25
November 2, 2009 New Orleans New Orleans 35 Atlanta 27
December 14, 2009 Atlanta New Orleans 26 Atlanta 23
September 26, 2010 New Orleans Atlanta 27 New Orleans 24
December 27, 2010 Atlanta New Orleans 17 Atlanta 14
November 13, 2011 Atlanta New Orleans 26 Atlanta 23
December 26, 2011 New Orleans New Orleans 45 Atlanta 16
a little girl
August 23rd, 2012
4:50 pm
A little girl would know better than to pick the Falcons against the Saints and superbowl winner Brees twice, against Denver and superbowl winner Manning, against the Panthers and national champion Newton twice, and against the New York Giants and 2 time and defending superbowl champion Eli Manning..
Falcons win no more than 3 of these 6 games.
Bobby
August 23rd, 2012
4:54 pm
Saints will wipe the field up from goal line to goal line with the Falcant’s and win both games. I see no threat from Atlanta for the Saints to be NFC South Champions again.
GEAUX SAINTS GEAUX!!!
FootballTopFan
August 23rd, 2012
4:57 pm
Football Top Fan would like to wish the Atlanta Falcons the best of luck and success during the (NFL) National Football League 2012-2013 season.
The Falcons have a very good team and fans believe they will go deep in the playoffs.
The Super Bowl is a realistic possibility.
Go Atlanta Falcons !!!!!
FootballTopFan@Yahoo.com
Falcon Fan
August 23rd, 2012
4:59 pm
you wrote, “I see a team that has won 33 games the past two years…” 2010 Falcons went 13-3 (0-1 postseason). 2011 Falcons went 10-6 (0-1 postseason).
Nativebird
August 23rd, 2012
5:04 pm
I hope you’re right. Oline, MLB and HC are still this teams weaknesses. HC because the former two…Oline has been a joke going on year 2 without addressing, and letting your best defensive player leave, plus becoming what that home Saints loss last year proved he’s become….a liability that actually lost a game for your team flat out. The one thing that all teams simply ask there coaches to not be, THE reason for a loss. A HC that over coaches when he shouldn’t and is too conservative when he shouldn’t.
Anderson
August 23rd, 2012
5:09 pm
I predict a 11-5 (10-6 at worst) record and the NFC South division title.
Oh, and a playoff win or two (hopefully three).
Big Daddy
August 23rd, 2012
5:15 pm
Good job Mark. I had already said that 13-3 could be possible. Let’s just hope one of us is right!!!
SavDawg
August 23rd, 2012
5:24 pm
I hate to keep harping on same subject but we DO NOT HAVE EITHER LINES OF SCRIMMAGE to compare to the elete teams in the NFL. We stack up with anybody in the skill positions but what good is that if we can’t get the ball to them and can’t get off the field on third down.
100 yards
August 23rd, 2012
5:34 pm
Turner will be our downfall in several games. He is too predictable. I would love to see a sat showing his average at the end of the 1st and his average during the 3rd and 4th. Tired, or they keying on his predictability. More the latter.
Falcons 62 - Saints 7
August 23rd, 2012
5:35 pm
September 16, 1973
Michael Vick
August 23rd, 2012
5:38 pm
Jeff, let me school you again. Only me and mora can get it (playoff victory) done.
yellowfever
August 23rd, 2012
5:39 pm
Hey Mark, pass that joint on over here to me.
steak dinner for all
August 23rd, 2012
5:39 pm
We go 12-4 if Turner remembers how to run and Matt Ryan plays over his body this year all worth i see atlanta 12-4..Neworleans despite the troubles 12-4 and carolina 9-7 and Tampabucs in Rear at 2-14….But since GM no get any help catchin ball we could be 3-13 next year despite Matt Ryan havin 26TDS and 11 Picks and over 3,409 yards for 2012….
Rise Up!
August 23rd, 2012
5:41 pm
I’m with your Mark.
When the Birds are on everyone else’s $hit-list, that’s when they bite everyone in the behind.
The fact that all the aint’s trolls are out in force proves they have no love for or confidence in their team. Like obama, they can’t run on their accomplishments (bounty, prima-dona-brees, illegal wiretaps, cease pool of a stadium / city, etc.) all they have is mud-slinging.
If we listen to all of the “experts” and the aint’s trolls, we should just hang it up.
Ted M
August 23rd, 2012
5:42 pm
I have been very encouraged by the first string offense this preseason. the last 2 preseasons the first string offense had been utterly pitiful and they lost the 1st game of the reg season both times. Prior to these performances I thought best case scenario was 9-7 now maybe Mark’s right…the Bradley jinx not with standing.
Hash browns anyone
August 23rd, 2012
5:45 pm
Well i see Michael Vick is here better be gettin more pads and ben-gay ready this season for him….
Game Changer
August 23rd, 2012
5:50 pm
Falcons will be 8 – 8 and best case 9 – 7. Got to have a defensive line and offensive line in football, Atlanta has neither
MaxxFalcon
August 23rd, 2012
5:58 pm
I love that you have us sweeping the division (especially NO) and beating the G-men, which are both tall orders, but you have us losing to the Cardinals? At home?? You are way off on that one. The Cardinals might end up being the worst team in the NFL this year, and there is no way we are losing to them at home, absolutely no way possible
J Ross
August 23rd, 2012
6:10 pm
Good article, good read, incredibly unrealistic.
No team scores THIS many points in every… single… game. Especially the Falcons. In a new offensive scheme. With offensive line troubles. It just doesn’t happen.
Averaging 28 points per game? No.
Big Crimson 75
August 23rd, 2012
6:12 pm
Bradley…..I’m in agreement. This Team wins a minimum of 11 as long as Ryan stays healthy.
P. Jerry & D. Robinson are looking as good as they’ve looked as Falcons.
I think the O Line & Pass Rush will improve over last year.
The new Coordinators will make major differences, especially on Defense.
Go Falcons & Roll Tide
Do It Julio!!!!!
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 23rd, 2012
6:15 pm
If you want to make money, it has been proven time and time again, bet against Bradley. This is the guy who says don’t mess with the rotation, keep Medlen in the rotation. The guy who always overrates the dawgs, who said the Braves will make the playoffs, despite their collapse, circa 2011.
Mark, I really enjoy your columns and love the insights, but your predictions will put you in the poor house.
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 23rd, 2012
6:16 pm
Medlen in the bullpen it should read.
Bill
August 23rd, 2012
6:19 pm
Don’t worry about the Saints. Carolina is the big threat in the south. And by the time they get to Philadelphia, Mike Vick will be in a cast.
Jay Dubu
August 23rd, 2012
6:20 pm
Mark,
Thanks for the pep rally! I’m going to print this out for reference, and when the Falcons fail to follow the script, I’ll send you a note.
Expect at leat 4 of them.
jfreak13713
August 23rd, 2012
6:21 pm
Falcons probably not going to sweep saints or panthers in my humble opinion and the dallas game scares me. I see a really good 10 – 6 or 11 – 5 team playing in hard very hard deivison. Playoffs likely and maybe if they are healthy at end of season maybe a run at a super bowl?? Packers, Giants, Saints, and Cowboys might have something to say about that as well!
Go Falcons!
Paul in NH
August 23rd, 2012
6:32 pm
“I see a team that has won 33 games the past two years ”
Mark – either check your eyesight or get a new calculator because I am pretty sure that a team that plays 16 games in the regular season and lost in the first playoff game both years did not win 33 games in the past two years
Lookaymyaverage
August 23rd, 2012
6:33 pm
Bradley for President! This guy gets it! Knows what the heck he is talking about!
Lookaymyaverage
August 23rd, 2012
6:34 pm
First on second page!
Willy
August 23rd, 2012
6:36 pm
I’ve got them losing these 4:
1) KC is better than expected, and Atl usually opens poorly
2) Philly beats us, and will again
3) Dallas beats us, and will again
4) We’ll split with either Carolina or NO
But 12-4 looks about right to me.
Falcons Soar to 12-4
August 23rd, 2012
6:40 pm
@dasaint212
August 23rd, 2012
4:37 pm
Yo team gonna make you cry this year. Too bad. So sad.
…………and yes, I’m laughing too. Your miserable cheatin’ team got everything they deserved. Good Luck Coach Kromer, you gonna need it.
A Complete Blank
August 23rd, 2012
6:40 pm
Turner the Burger.. Tony two catch.. Matty Freeze.. Overated Defense… Questionable OLine… Bucs and Carolina improved… 6-10 Mark.. You know how the NFL is….. Falcons are due for a crappy season like the old days… 6-10….
Esquire
August 23rd, 2012
6:52 pm
I think we’ll beat the Eagles………Vick won’t be under center by then either. He’ll be joining Drew Wheeze at the IR Sunday dinner.
So Incomplete
August 23rd, 2012
6:58 pm
A Complete Blank
August 23rd, 2012
6:40 pm
________________________________________
Lol, and you wanted to appear to be so learned.
SirReal
August 23rd, 2012
7:07 pm
WHEW!!!! Mark…you have some large cajones my friend for this prediction.lol But I dont think you’re that far off. I believe it’ll be somewhere between 11-5/10-6 KC-W DEN-W SD-W* CAR-W WAS-W OAK-W PHI-L (Trent Cole OWNS Baker) DAL-L (Baker will be whipped by Ware all night) NO-L ARI-W* TB-W NO-W CAR-W* NYG-L DET-L (hate to say this but Megatron burns Samuel) TB-W
* Possible trap games/losses
Waffle House
August 23rd, 2012
7:13 pm
As long as they beat the Dallas Cowgirls!!!
SirReal
August 23rd, 2012
7:16 pm
ALSO:
These are Baker’s opponents this year- KC-Baker has to be thankful Hali is gone for a game DEN- Elvis Dumervil SD-Might be ok CAR-Charles Johnson Rd.1 WAS- Not sure who but they have a very solid front 7 OAK-Richard Seymour PHI-Trent Cole OWNS Baker DAL- Nightmare Ware NO-Will Smith will be back Rd.1 ARI-not sure who but very underrated D TB-Not sure but Clayborn abused him last year when on the edge NO- Will Smith Rd.2 CAR-Charles Johnson Rd.2 NYG-JPP or Tuck, yikes DET-Cliff Avril TB-Whoever.lol
This is where the games will be won and/or lost in my opinion.
tsturbo
August 23rd, 2012
7:18 pm
When I look at the Falcons defense, it seems that players are not being utilized to the best of their natural size and ability. For example, Koy Bierman looks like the prototype outside linebacker in the mold of say a Clay Matthews. Lawrence Sidbury fits that description too. Stephen Nichols is smallish and will never be a dominant linebacker. Sean Weatherspoon is a hybrid linebacker because he is too small (listed as 6′2″, not way he’s much more than 6′) and has built himself up as far as possible, to the point that I think his speed will be reduced carrying his bulk for his frame). I see the Falcons personnel much better suited to a 3-4 defense. I know these is not a natural nose tackle, but I think we could have 6 solid DL to rotate. Also, in certain situations and short yardage, I see Weathersppon as a dominant strong safety, and I think William Moore could easily transition to free safety (anything to get Thomas DeCoud off the field!). Does this make sense to any of y’all?
reclaim the NFC South
August 23rd, 2012
7:19 pm
12-4
abby normal
August 23rd, 2012
7:20 pm
GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY BRADLEY, YOU’VE JINXED US AGAIN!!!!
GB's Hamburgers
August 23rd, 2012
7:20 pm
You forgot the biggie. We’re Atlanta, don’t you remember. We’ll find a way to screw it up.
DawgDad
August 23rd, 2012
7:27 pm
This team may be more explosive offensively with Julio but that will come with a price of more turnovers. Key players are gone or getting significantly long in tooth. The defense – I’ve seen nothing to indicate these guys will be better, a lot to believe they are worse. 9-7, hoping I’m wrong, but suspecting they might struggle to reach that mark.
Nite Owl
August 23rd, 2012
7:32 pm
I love it.
The Saints’ Super Bowl season is fading further and further away…no one remembers and no one cares…and Drew Brees is getting closer and closer to retirement…then the Saints will have NOTHING.
Your 15 minutes are up, Saints fans! It’s our time now. Step aside.
@spencaman
August 23rd, 2012
7:36 pm
All Saints apologists, go to your blogs… or have they been suspended for the season? wwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I find it hard to believe why you other morons find it hard to believe that 12-4 is very possible. We have 2 BETTER coordinators, a GREAT addition at corner. Yes we have issues at LT but there isn’t a team in this league that does not have a weakness somewhere. Please remember, all we have seen out of your 2 new coordinators is VANILLA schemes. Sure our 3rd team sux but who cares. Most of them will be gone in 10 days.
@spencaman
August 23rd, 2012
7:38 pm
GB’s Hamburger – go away. no one cares about your opinion
@spencaman
August 23rd, 2012
7:39 pm
TSTURBO – I thin you are exactly right, but give Nolan credit. i am sure they are working or Biermann and Sid at outside LB but they are not going to show any 3-4 in the preseason.
@spencaman
August 23rd, 2012
7:41 pm
A Complete Blank… is that your IQ? Please don’t comment on football when you don’t know football. Go play with your blocks
BigDave
August 23rd, 2012
7:43 pm
I’d love to see the Falcons finish 12-4,great prediction
George
August 23rd, 2012
8:04 pm
A mere division championship is easy this year. What this team, what this city needs is a Super Bowl championship. This could be the year. Or not.
handsome ed
August 23rd, 2012
8:10 pm
I’ll take a shot at breaking this record down. First by strengths and weakness, then by games.
DB’s- While not elite, it’s got to be the best group in more than a decade. Whether you love the 3 corners or not, they are all arguably above average corners. While not an expert, I understand the game and these 2 young safeties are on the verge of being something really reliable. Certainly better than last year
Linebackers- Lofton’s loss can’t be a plus. Witherspoon is an absolute beast that should be even better this year which is scarry. I think Dent has upside, but certainly is not a given. Nicholas is a quality professional linebacker. I think this unit will be better, but that’s a homer call so lets call this unit equal to last year’s unit.
Defensive line- They say everything comes down to being healthy in the NFL and never is that more true than the Falcons d-line. If you say this group will be (insert any answer) you’re basically talking out of your rectum. If Peters, Babineaux, Walker and Jerry are all healthy and show the slightest improvement, they are a fantastic interior rotation. If those same 4 remain beat up and Jerry continues to look like he will never recover then they are an awful interior. As unpredictable as the interior is, I would argue the ends are more of a mystery. Personally I think this staff gets quality downs out Sidberry and Biermann, but that’s sorta like saying I think gas prices are going up. I feel that way, but can’t tell you what it’s based on. Abraham and Edwards….. I know a lot about the NFL and my dog’s guess is as good as mine on the mega talented old man, and the guy who looks better posing next to the pool than on the field. I have no confidence here based on health, but still expect better than the beat up underachieving 2011 season.
Defensive coaches- I suspect if Mike Smith had resigned for personal reasons and the Falcons hired Mike Nolan to be head coach his first move would have been to fire Van Gorder. I didn’t hate Van Gorder as much as most, but please mister please don’t compare him to Mike Nolan. There are a few legitimate arguments to say Nolan is not the best defensive coordinator in football, but I’ll take Nolan over the other 31. If Nolan gets more out of everyone above than Van Gorder did, then this is a very good defense. I really think there’s no chance he won’t get more production out of nearly every one of them. Falcons are exponentially better at defensive coaching.
Backs- The demise of Michael Turner is greatly exagerated. A 24 year old Earl Campbell could not have run behind the blocking he got in September. Rogers is only going to improve and most likely by leaps and bounds. I like Snelling, but raise your hand if you wished we’d spent that money signing Harvey Dahl. We will not replace a healthy Ovie Mughally (sp, didn’t feel like checking), but Ovie was not healthy last year. We could sure use a big bad fullback. I think it’s a quality backfield. I think it will be at the very least as good as last year’s.
Receivers- In my opinion, this is the best receiver unit in the League. Find me another team where Tony G is the 3rd best receiver, or a healthy Harry Douglas a 4th. Better than last year.
O-line- Yes Sam Baker scares me. I can’t decide if he’s just never been healthy, was really not talented or just doesn’t work hard(I suspect it’s a combination and the work ethic is pain related) . The other 4 spots should be as good or better than last year. That being said, I love Pat Hill, and is it possible to be worse than last year’s unit? Let’s call this year’s unit equal to last year’s, I expect it to be slightly better.
QB- The people on this sight and others who question whether we should let Ryan go basically are clueless. There are not Tom Brady’s for everyone. Ryan has salvaged a franchise in the crapper. Remember what he came into. Remember the franchise he took over from the year before and the decades before. I’ve watched a lot of Falcon’s football, who has ever been better….. Bartkowski??? you wanna count Ryan’s playoff losses, well let’s count Bartkowski’s appearances. Miller, George, Hebert, Tolliver???? Really??? So maybe Mike Vick. Vick certainly made it easier to sell my tickets when I couldn’t make the games, and oh how talented… but lazy and stupid quarterbacks who can perform at a high level create lazt teammates around them. I miss the money Vick got for my tickets. I loved watching him play, but Ryan is the best QB in this franchise’s history and he’s young improving and getting ready to bust out. exponentially better, if the line is not god awful.
Coaching- Malarky was better than the blame he was given. I love the Pat Hill hire. We needed a change, but I can’t call this offensive staff an upgrade.
Schedule not in order
@KC Denver- If they win at KC I don’t see them losing the home opener, but I’ve watched a lot of NFL and I see this as a split.
1-1
@SD @Saints Dallas and the Giants These look like a split.
3-3
Carolina and Tampa split on the road sweep at home
6-5
@ Philly @Detroit home against cowboys I think Falcons split these tough road games. I wouldn’t be shocked if they lost them both….. or won them both.
7-6
I don’t know why the author thinks a team can win at New Orleans, Washington, KC, Carolina and Tampa then lose at home to the Cardinals. It sorta hurt his credibility. Sounded like he wanted to predict a home loss, but make sure it was to a team that didn’t make his readers mad.
I think the Falcons sweep @ Washington Home against the Cards and Raiders.
10-6 final record. Then let’s hope they get hot. Recent histiry proves, win double digit regular season games then get hot and play in the big game. I’ll buy that for a dollar
CGD..
August 23rd, 2012
8:19 pm
“In football News: Coach Mike Smith has now lost 7 consecutive preseason games going back to the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-9 loss on [09-02-2010]..
Hey Coach, as you were saying? Superbowl or Bust?” -Slimjr-
Dreamin
August 23rd, 2012
8:20 pm
Hey Bradley, Bath Salts are illegal Sir…
Rick
August 23rd, 2012
8:22 pm
Do you have to put the Super Bowl jinx on the birds…..I remember Peter king did the same last year……I’m superstitious..so take it back
fansince74
August 23rd, 2012
8:25 pm
I’ll take it…Hope your right Mark!
Maxwell the chihuahua hunter
August 23rd, 2012
8:27 pm
All year, every year…dawgs and falcons, pre-season champions…never seems to get old, or, less funny…
SirReal
August 23rd, 2012
8:30 pm
Some “fans” on here….geez….its ridiculous. I think sometimes we can be a bit too critical. We’ve had 4 straight winning seasons…something we’ve NEVER done. People have gotten spoiled. I still remember the Glanville, June Jones, Jim Mora Eras. I liked Reeves….when Vick broke his leg, he broke Reeves career as a coach along with it. When Turner saves us a few games this year everyone will talk about how “he’s still got it”. When Ryan throws brilliantly he’ll be Matty Ice once again. When the D becomes dominant then all these naysayers will act as if they’ve been on board the whole time. How about we stop bashing our team? And we wonder why the national media gives us no respect….
Sam Baker's Back
August 23rd, 2012
8:31 pm
I’m ready to go this year guys…dont know about the T-Rex arms but I’m ready…..just give me some help when Trent Cole is across from me.
kerryb
August 23rd, 2012
8:47 pm
I don’t see the Falcons losing to the Arizona Cardinals at home. That won’t happen. I also don’t think the Falcons will beat Denver 30-17. They just may win this game but Denver’s defense is too good to give up that many points. It is more likely that the games with the Saints will be split.
WeBurn
August 23rd, 2012
9:01 pm
No way. This team will struggle to run, and our corners are still suspect.
John
August 23rd, 2012
9:17 pm
12-4 is the objective record I predict for the Mighty Birds of Prey. Go Falcons and Rise Up.
A Complete Blank
August 23rd, 2012
9:25 pm
@spencaman: I am a former falcon season ticket holder… I dropped when AB fired the only coach that took us to the SuperBowl…. Coach Reeves did not like AB on the sidelines… AB has since hired Jim Mora, Bobby Petrino and Mike Smith.. All THREE Coaches had ZERO HC experience at time of hire…. So when the Falcons go to Kansas City soon you are going bet on Mike Smith?? Or Romeo C?? Against Andy Reid? Against Tom Coughlin? Mike Shannahan? Ken W.. Jason G??? PLEASE…. History this league has shown TIME and TIME again that you get what you pay for… While I am playing with my blocks midseason… Mike Smith will be on the HOTSEAT!!! Make your case from my earlier post for more that 6 wins! Look forward to it!!
Jim
August 23rd, 2012
9:28 pm
I know you are there to sell papers, but good gracious man…a little objectivity would be appreciated. Matt Rynan has yet to play well in a big game, and you are sending him to the Super Bowl…in August?
12-4 mr kentucky basketball?
August 23rd, 2012
9:37 pm
I dont see it. I am sticking with 11 wins. The NFC east games arent going to be soft ones. Im not sold on the falcons defense either. I know there are o-line weakness issues, but hey all teams have something wrong right?
Its not going to be often that the last time the birds played the eagles, they were outplayed and still beat them. Its not going to happen like that this year!
DawgNole
August 23rd, 2012
9:59 pm
SirReal
August 23rd, 2012
8:30 pm
How about we stop bashing our team? And we wonder why the national media gives us no respect….
_______________________
How about our team stop bashing us? And the national media gives us (the city) no respect because we have ONE championship in 155 seasons of pro sports competition. Respect is earned; we haven’t earned it.
Bradly The Homer
August 23rd, 2012
10:04 pm
Who really takes Mark seriously? He gives the benefit of the doubt and over-hypes every local team, every year. Let’s see. This year UGA will play for a Natl Championship, Tech will win their division, and now the Falcons. He is a complete joke. Atlanta deserves a sports writer that tells it like it is! There is nothing wrong with objectivity with regards to the locals! We in Atlanta must demand this! This is part of the reason why our teams remain so darn average!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:13 pm
Mark
You really need to do something about that substance abuse problem.
Did you know?
No other qb in Falcants history has ever been a starter for 5 straight seasons without a playoff win. Well here is another record for CHOKE
Talk Real
August 23rd, 2012
10:16 pm
If they go twelve and four your gonna be my role model. good luck!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:17 pm
Mark
How do you know the Eagles won’t be a dynasty? What is your scientific proof? Haven’t you been saying the Falcants would be superbowl bound the past 3 years? Your credibility dictates you don’t know what a dynasty looks like.
Considering that Andy Reid has 6 division titles and 9 playoff appearances, and 1 actual superbowl appearance, that is a dynasty compared to the 8 year drought of a single playoff win for the Falcants.
You really need to lay off the meds.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:19 pm
Jack
August 23rd, 2012
4:13 pm
That 24-2 loss has me thinking they ain’t gonna go 12-4.
_________________________________________
Mark would you please elaborate on this comment?….ha ha
Flacons never learn
August 23rd, 2012
10:22 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 – 4?
R U nutz Bradly? You stand a beter cahnce of geting hansome!
LOLOLOLOLOLO!!!!!!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:26 pm
Michael Vick
August 23rd, 2012
5:38 pm
Jeff, let me school you again. Only me and mora can get it (playoff victory) done
_______________________________________
Hey Mike, and you did it with a horrible offensive line, and undersized back, and receivers with hands of stone…..ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:30 pm
Paul in NH
August 23rd, 2012
6:32 pm
“I see a team that has won 33 games the past two years ”
Mark – either check your eyesight or get a new calculator because I am pretty sure that a team that plays 16 games in the regular season and lost in the first playoff game both years did not win 33 games in the past two years
__________________________________________
Dang Mark, what is the educational requirement to work for AJC?
wend28
August 23rd, 2012
10:34 pm
Seriously. What is Mark smoking? You honestly think the Falcons will beat the Panthers twice in a season? Maybe if you’re playing the 2010 version or if a hurricane went through Charlotte. Go Panthers!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 23rd, 2012
10:35 pm
What’s the over/under that CHOKE will survive that nasty Philly pass rush?
I mean those guys go 6 or 7 linemen deep and they all are killing the qbs.
Dang CHOKE is going to get the worse beating of his pathetic career. Lets see if the same fools that were clowning Vick for getting injured
will have the same laughs when CHOKE gets creamed…..ha ha
Hawthorne
August 23rd, 2012
10:37 pm
Pipe dream Mr. Bradley. Suggest you check the Falcons record against the Saints since 2006. I see no signs of that changing… WHO DAT!!!
Hurt Kurbstreit
August 23rd, 2012
10:38 pm
12 – 4, I like it. This will be an improved team on both sides of the ball this year with the coaching changes. I’ve got my season tickets and I’m ready to go.
juice sourcer
August 23rd, 2012
10:47 pm
They split with New Orleans and Carolina..10-6….
juice sourcer
August 23rd, 2012
10:50 pm
They will not go undefeated in the division…bet the farm on that.
Ken
August 23rd, 2012
10:56 pm
Hi Mark, I sure hope you are right. It sure would be nice to kick the cheating Aints in thier ars twice this season and win a Super Bowl..:)
Rick
August 23rd, 2012
10:58 pm
Iove AINTS fans. One ring and they think they are suddenly god. Guess why? Your man brees broke a huge record last year and what did it get you? NOTHING!!! Stop trolling our sights and go complain about Katrina some more.
mama juggs
August 23rd, 2012
11:02 pm
Ain’t gonna happen, dude. 8-8, if they’re lucky.
Blake
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan…go choke on a philly cheese steak…. and what In the hell are you doing on a Falcons blog anyway?…are you afraid we may stomp a mudhole In Vicks backside,,,,sounds like to me It gets you hot under the collar when you feel Matt Ryan chokes…get a life and go chase an Eagles cheerleader….
Gab the Fierce
August 23rd, 2012
11:09 pm
Why don’t all these Saints lovers go back to New Orleans and post their lovey doveyness in the Times-Picayune.
This is OUR house and if you don’t like it then go back to New Orleans and get a job there.
Blake
August 23rd, 2012
11:26 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan…BTW….Matt may not have the arm of some QB’s but He will show consistency this year that Vick has never shown. He’s smart and consistent at throwing accurate passes!
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 23rd, 2012
11:42 pm
The only way the Atlanta Falcons win a championship, is if they join the Sun Belt Conference.
Heavyweight Champion of the Earl
August 23rd, 2012
11:44 pm
Falcons losses:
At least 1 to Carolina.
Swept by the Saints.
Lose to the Giants.
Lose to Vick and the Eagles.
And another loss to either the Broncos or the Chargers.
steve
August 24th, 2012
12:05 am
Dude seriously, what were you smoking? maybe 4-12 is where i see them
Falcon James
August 24th, 2012
12:05 am
Mark is pretty much on the money except for two glaring points. He got the Falcons and Saint being close games. I bet my old yard dog that the games will not be close. The Falcon will pound the Saint like the red head step child they are. Falcon by 17 in boths games. Remember, you heard it first here!
vealreal
August 24th, 2012
12:08 am
falcons—13-3, win the NFC—take it to the bank. Ryan and the offense will explode this year! Falcons v. Ravens in the super bowl!
realitycheck
August 24th, 2012
12:12 am
This team isn’t that good………it’s no more complicated than that! Oddsmakers have them not even making the playoffs…….which is a distinct possibility. No one outside of the homer flavored AJC would be surprised at all. A whole lot of disappointment ahead this season for the kool aid drinkers!
FlyHighFalcon
August 24th, 2012
12:23 am
We will not lose to Cardinals or Chargers. 13-3. We split with the Aints.
FLDude
August 24th, 2012
12:29 am
Dream on dirty bird fans. Geaux Saints!!
DR. FALCON
August 24th, 2012
12:35 am
I’LL TAKE 12-4! ALTHOUGH, IT’S PUZZLING HOW YOU WOULD THINK THAT WE WOULD COLLAPSE, AGAINST A SORRY-ASS ARIZONA TEAM! WOW! I THINK, WE WILL SPLIT WITH THE SAINTS. REPLACE THAT CARDINALS LOSS, WITH A ROAD LOSS TO THE SAINTS! LOSING TO KEVIN KOLB, OR JOHN SKELTON? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
DR. FALCON
August 24th, 2012
12:45 am
C,MON MARK! I CAN’T LET IT GO! A HOME LOSS TO THE CARDINALS? DAMN! MOST OF YOUR READERS, ARE HALF WAY INTELLIGENT! AND, YOU JUST INSULTED US! REALLY? IF THAT GAME WAS ON THE ROAD, I MIGHT GO WITH THAT LOSS, BUT, AT HOME? YOU HAVE TO COME STRONGER THAN THIS!!!
JSS
August 24th, 2012
1:15 am
Paul in NH (formerly of the RDU)…
I still haven’t stopped laughing!
What’s going to happen with Clint Dempsey @ Fulham?
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2012
2:13 am
Can’t imagine beating the Saints twice. I think the Falcons will go 10-6 and win a playoff game or two. That’s good enough for me.
Chop Chop
August 24th, 2012
2:13 am
For now, anyway.
dreamer
August 24th, 2012
2:46 am
what’s n that pipe ur smoking
Stepchild
August 24th, 2012
2:47 am
Puff puff…give!
Stepchild
August 24th, 2012
2:55 am
Uh…it’s interesting that in the losses that Mark believes they will only lose by 4pts except to the Lions who win big by 6 whole points!!! With that Swiss cheese defense??? Somebody will have a big day on them…..like Cam or Brees or the Manning boys. They scored 2pts in the playoffs mark. They are running new schemes with a shaky MLB….puff puff give….man!!!
need for speed
August 24th, 2012
5:31 am
The defense will be the weakness, they absolutly sucked against the pass and had no pass rush last year. I dont see any reason to think this season will be any better for them.
Falcon's Soar 12-4
August 24th, 2012
6:24 am
Michael Vick
August 23rd, 2012
5:38 pm
Jeff, let me school you again. Only me and mora can get it (playoff victory) done.
_____________________________________________
Who’s Jeff?
TommyP
August 24th, 2012
6:25 am
I agree with you on the end-product but I’m pretty sure one of the losses won’t be against AZ at home. They’ll be one of the NFL’s worst this year. Matt Ryan explodes this year.
And RGIII will start from Game 1.
Matt Ryan breaks out
TommyP
August 24th, 2012
6:26 am
http://www.toptierfootball.com/mattryan.html
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:32 am
handsome ed August 23rd, 2012 8:10 pm
Coaching- Malarky was better than the blame he was given.
********************************************************
No he wasn’t.
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:35 am
Nite Owl August 23rd, 2012 7:32 pm
The Saints’ Super Bowl season is fading further and further away…no one remembers and no one cares……then the Saints will have NOTHING.
Your 15 minutes are up, Saints fans! It’s our time now. Step aside.
******************************************************
Your post was worthy of re-posting………..!!!
Ken
August 24th, 2012
6:44 am
Mark I agree with your prediction Falcons will go 12-4 win the NFC South and go to the SUPERBOWL!!! I will say it here first THE FALCONS WILL WIN THE SUPERBOWL in of all places the home of our chief rival oh how sweet it is going to be!!
Sid
August 24th, 2012
6:48 am
juice sourcer August 23rd, 2012 10:47 pm
They split with New Orleans and Carolina..10-6….
*****************************************************************
Carolina is gonna surprise some folks, there very well could be a split there. But the Aints, not gonna happen.
Falcons go undefeated in November!
Biscuit
August 24th, 2012
6:50 am
Schedule is way too tough with a weak OL–Ryan will be scrambling every game. We will NOT lose to a qbless Cardinal team at home. Sorry fans–we will not make the playoffs this year as schedule is way too tough for the dirty birds. Will be lucky to hit 9-7 and that wont make the dance–
Peter
August 24th, 2012
7:16 am
Pretty optimistic for a team the boys in Vegas to go 9-7… plus they are weak at back ups in most positions…..there better be zero injury’s Mark.
Michael Vick
August 24th, 2012
7:25 am
Hey Matt Choke Ryan. I see your agenda with the name you have, but hey, Ryan will get a playoff and he also has what back to back to back. Hell, I couldn’t even get back to back.
I suck, but idiots like you and the monkeys in Clayton who elected a sheriff with 37 pending felonies will follow me because I am black. We love to exploit your ignorance.
mark the shark
August 24th, 2012
7:34 am
How can the Falcons finish at a wondrous 12-4 when their running game is ancient, pass defense near non-existent, and pass rush one of the worst in the league? Despite Matt Ryan’s splendid receivers, the lack of a top notch rusher and stellar defense will cause their record to be W-L 8-8.
Julio's Fan
August 24th, 2012
7:35 am
I would trade the Arizona result with the Giants one… I would love to beat the Giants after last season but I think teir front four will still beat us… And Arizona beating us seems almost impossible since their only weapon on offense can’t play because his QB’s can’t throw him the ball because the O-Line can’t protect for more than half a second… I like the 14-2 and being the N.2 seed, we’ll probably play the Giants again but this time the result will be different! Go Falcons!!
mark the shark
August 24th, 2012
7:39 am
With little pash rush, weak secondary, and no big time running attack, the Falcons will probably finish 8-8, DESPITE Ryan’s having a stellar receiving corps. Gotta have defense or you’re cooked!
Reebok
August 24th, 2012
7:49 am
The Falcons have some flashy players but they are weak on both lines. Figure 9-7 or 10-6, get into the playoffs as a wild card, lose in the first round again.
I'm Lance Armstrong
August 24th, 2012
7:55 am
I never quit except when I know I’ll lose. I sued to stop the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency from going forward and that suit was rejected Monday.
The fact is, I don’t want you to see the evidence that the USADA has against me, including 10 of my fellow TEAM members and this would have come out shortly.
And I have failed a drug test. Google 60 minutes Armstrong failed test.
dawg tired
August 24th, 2012
7:57 am
Mark,
You forgot to list who the Falcons lose to in the first round of the playoffs.
Larry
August 24th, 2012
8:03 am
11-5 and most likely less if Sam Baker is still our starting left tackle by December.
Adam
August 24th, 2012
8:06 am
How do you expect anyone to take this seriously when you are such a blatant homer? 6-0 against NFC South teams this year. Falcons are going to be good, but I don’t see how they sweep the division. I’ll give you 10-6 because I can see them splitting with Saints and Panthers because the Panthers are on the rise and the Saints still have Brees. The Falcons have a tough schedule and I think 10-6 is more realistic and would be a good record giving the schedule.
woeismesince66
August 24th, 2012
8:21 am
I believe the d-line will be pretty good, with Jerry playing better and getting Peters back from injury.
Turner will get his yards if the o-line steps up and does their job. Ryan will have a great year barring
injury. If everything works the Falcons can have a very good season. If any of the team fails, it could be a tough year. So as it is said about Murphys law, anything that can will happen will happen.
That is where anything concerning the Falcons.
Why don’t these buzzard bait saint fans stay off herer? Get a life!!!!!!
TROTTINGHOME
August 24th, 2012
8:38 am
I desk topped this crystal ball hokis pokis…let’s hope it works better than playing the lottery
Flacons never learn
August 24th, 2012
8:46 am
Flacons never learn Your comment is awaiting moderation.
August 23rd, 2012
10:22 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12 – 4?
R U nutz Bradly? You stand a beter cahnce of geting hansome!
LOLOLOLOLOLO!!!!!!!!
What is that all abut?
DK
August 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Mark, so you see us beating last year’s Super Bowl Champion Giants and last year’s division winning Saints twice, but losing to the Chargers, the Eagles, and the Cardinals? (seriously, the Cardinals? Do you watch the games?)
All I can say is to that is smoking crack is illegal. Not only that, but it’s dangerous to your health and can seriously endanger your career. Stop now and seek treatment immediately. I’m sure the insurance at the AJC is good and probably includes substance abuse treatment.
2012 Falcons – 14 – 2 (two losses out of the four games involving the Saints, Giants, and the Lions)
Flacons never learn
August 24th, 2012
8:47 am
Im being sensored B cuz I disagre with the blogger and speek the truth!
BOOOOOOO 2 YOU Bradey!
Geaux Saints
August 24th, 2012
8:50 am
LOL, are you serious? LOL reclaim the NFC South? LOL not as long as the Saints are in the NFC that aint gonna happen. LOL
SirReal
August 24th, 2012
8:51 am
@DawgNole Well sir, I’m not speaking the Cowardly Braves who were run by Sp.Ed. Turner for years. I’m not talking about the Hawks run by the Atlanta Spiritless Group. I’m talking FOOTBALL here sir. We have an owner who’s actually trying to change the culture vs. the Smiths who only cared about trying to fill seats by acquiring stars often in the twilight of their careers. Chris Doleman ring a bell? What about Eric Dickerson? The list goes on. What I’m saying is that we should embrace the new era. What about how no one shows up until damn near the 2nd quarter? Come on man. You sound silly.
15 Minutes from Dem Hedges
August 24th, 2012
8:53 am
I see 10-6…with a questionable offensive line and a middle linebacker coming off a concussion, 12-4 is a bit of a stretch…and the G-Men don’t care about whether they’re on the road or not…Here are the Dirty Birds’ 6 losses…
1-Philly, 2-Dallas, 3-NOLA, 4-TBay, 5-CPanthers, 6-G-Men…Philly and Frisco in NFC Championship and the winner plays my Bills in SB 47…count on it !!!…
Hawthorne
August 24th, 2012
8:56 am
Time to face facts Falcon fans! See below for the series history in the Sean Payton era:
September 25, 2006 New Orleans New Orleans 23 Atlanta 3
November 26, 2006 New Orleans New Orleans 31 Atlanta 13
October 21, 2007 New Orleans New Orleans 22 Atlanta 16
December 10, 2007 New Orleans New Orleans 34 Atlanta 14
November 9, 2008 Atlanta. Atlanta 34 New Orleans 20
December 7, 2008 New Orleans New Orleans 29 Atlanta 25
November 2, 2009 New Orleans New Orleans 35 Atlanta 27
December 14, 2009 New Orleans New Orleans 26 Atlanta 23
September 26, 2010 Atlanta Atlanta 27 New Orleans 24
December 27, 2010 New Orleans New Orleans 17 Atlanta 14
November 13, 2011 New Orleans New Orleans 26 Atlanta 23
December 26, 2011 New Orleans New Orleans 45 Atlanta 16
The 2010 win by the Birds was pure luck (missed chip shot FG by Hartley). Looks like really. 11-1 Saints to me…admit reality. WHO DAT!
HUH?????????????
August 24th, 2012
9:01 am
Another pointless prediction by Bark Madley. Hey Mark, how are the Braves looking?
HUH?????????????
August 24th, 2012
9:02 am
How the Falcons will go 12-4 and reclaim the NFC South title….and lose in the first round of the playoffs for a fourth straight year.
HUH?????????????
August 24th, 2012
9:02 am
“Sept. 30, Carolina: Some see the Panthers as the rising power in the NFC South. Maybe so, but this is one division rival the Falcons have come to own. They’re 6-2 against Carolina under Mike Smith, 4-0 since 2009. Falcons 27, Panthers 17.”
Cam will destroy the Falcants this year.
HUH?????????????
August 24th, 2012
9:03 am
“Dec. 16, New York Giants: The memory of the wretched 24-2 playoff loss in the Meadowlands burns, and this is yet another chance for the surging Falcons to prove their bona fides. Falcons 30, Giants 28.”
Ok Mark, get back on your meds.
HUH?????????????
August 24th, 2012
9:04 am
LOLOL
Bradley has the Falcons beating the Saints twice. Geez Mark, you’re more delusional than most UGA fans.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 24th, 2012
9:05 am
The 0-3 man transforms into the 0-4 man
RC in the ATL
August 24th, 2012
9:14 am
Back off of Mark Bradley! The last time he predicted a 12-4 year (with the Falcons coming off a dissapointing 9-7 campaign in 2010) they went out and went 13-3. The Falcons have shown great proclivity to win regular season games. Quite frankly, I agree with Bradley here, and I think they will also bring home a playoff win this season as well. #2 seed along with a playoff victory should send them to Lambeau for the NFC Title Game. And payback is….well, it depends on which side you are on!
biz
August 24th, 2012
9:30 am
I vote raging homer.
Rick in Macon
August 24th, 2012
9:40 am
Bradley, you’re obviously delirious. Unless the OL blocks and Ryan stays off his butt, they’ll never approach that kind of record. I also think the secondary is still suspect…Grimes is the only decent defensive back they have. They have no chance with Robinson in there.
SM
August 24th, 2012
9:48 am
Bad OL, under-performing DL = 9-7
It doesn’t matter how good your skill positions are if they don’t have time to perform. This team goes as far (or not far!) as their line of scrimmage will allow, and that isn’t much. They have very little depth and once the inevitable injuries occur on defense and the OL, this team falls apart. Julio is great, but we could really have used another 4 able bodies on the OL and secondary.
Milburn Drysdale
August 24th, 2012
10:13 am
12-4? Superbowl? These are very bold predictions. The Falcons are pretty much like the Braves….a good team that is better than average, but will struggle to make the playoffs, and even if they do….first round…lose….exit stage left.
T DOG
August 24th, 2012
10:14 am
You have so many problems with your hypothesis.
1) Falcons won’t beat the Saints twice. Mike Smith has never done it.
2) You have the Falcons scoring more than 20 points in almost every game. That’s not possible from a team that will run screen passes and a sophisticated passing game with a suspect o-line. Right plans, wrong parts.
3) Most teams on the schedule made roster changes and got better. The Falcons got worse. No free agent signings, 1 trade for an old CB, and injuries on both sides of the ball.
Paul in NH
August 24th, 2012
10:15 am
@JSS
Dempsey will be transferred from Fulham – it is the nature of the game now that the players (and their agents) can manipulate the clubs to get transferred. I doubt he’ll be transferred to a team playing in the CL (which he claims he wants) – Liverpool is his best bet – John Henry seems to like players on the down slope for both of his ball teams.
Opening weekend in the EPL was great. My guys outplayed ManU and Liverpool lost!
Blues Professor
August 24th, 2012
10:17 am
The Saints are better than the Falcons at QB, RB, OL, OT, TE, WR, LB, DL, DT, DE, CB, K, P, and special teams.
Did I leave out anything?
Oh yeah, much louder and more loyal fans, and better coaching (even with Payton and Vitt suspended).
Go Saints!
Perspective
August 24th, 2012
10:19 am
A word to the wise…
Posting on here with a name like Matty “Choke” Ryan or Falcan’ts, etc.. costs you all credibility and respect for making any argument you put forth. A few might take it personal and make a retaliating comment back, but for the large majority, we simply see the name of the person who made the comment and intentionally skip over it and move on the to the next comment because we know that anything coming from a person that is THAT blatantly one-sided has nothing of value to offer.
That is all… continue.
Esquire
August 24th, 2012
10:20 am
Let’s put that new stadium in Doraville. The Doraville Falcons, has a nice ring to it!! Like a Superbowl ring……!!! Can you hear the roar, it’s the Falcons at 12-4…………!!!
Esquire
August 24th, 2012
10:21 am
Will Akeem Dent play on special teams tonight?
james
August 24th, 2012
10:21 am
Mark, surely you don’t believe they can go 12-4 and are Superbowl material? Or could this be the ultimate form of pandering to the homers? Can we please take a healthy dose of realism here? Have you ever heard the expression, “never overpromise, then underdeliver”? How in the hell are they going to do this anyway with virtually no depth at linebacker, a flimsy offensive line, a fat, slow running back and no pressure from the defensive line. I stick comfortably by my 8-8 and no playoffs prediction. While by no means do I want this, I do live in the real world.
PMC
August 24th, 2012
10:24 am
The Saints are not better than the Falcons at WR or CB or S or Linebacker (they were but they all got hurt) Barrett Ruud was just traded for seriously.
K is level, DE is level. DT is level. The Saints are much at QB, OT, OG, RB more talented at TE
You’re nuts if you think their WR’s are better and apparently you haven’t watched them play if you like anyone in that wretched secondary.
The big difference of the last 5 years has been QB and OL in addition to an incredibly good offensive scheme and brilliant play calling on the Saints side.
I
jarvis
August 24th, 2012
10:25 am
This dumbazz didn’t think Medlen should move into the rotation. He’s not even worth reading.
tom
August 24th, 2012
10:28 am
Dream ON!
Vesaversa
August 24th, 2012
11:06 am
I’m optimistic about this season too but 12-4 seam a stretch .Falcons win the NFC South but with a 11 -5 record
non-sense
August 24th, 2012
11:13 am
How you see this team winning more than 9 games this year baffles me. We still don’t have an effective pass rush attack. Our defense will still not be able to defend the pass. Our defensive backs are still not that good. We have injuries on the lines, and at middle linebacker, our QB still looks nervous. I say 9-7. 12-4 is the biggest load crock on this planet.
Red Pants
August 24th, 2012
11:14 am
Falcons go 8-8 and you guys are crazy if you think they beat Denver by 13 on MNF. Broncos defense is twice as good as Atlanta’s, Miller and Dumervil will abuse that o-line. Not sure why everyone is so high on these Falcons…new coordinators don’t change a team into world beaters. The talent on defense and o-line just isn’t there.
Cejay
August 24th, 2012
11:50 am
I’d listen to these guys before the trolls on this blog….
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/storylist/17506081/2/2012-nfl-season-preview/atlanta-falcons
shannyeight
August 24th, 2012
11:53 am
I’m gonna say 10-6 or 11-5 based on the fact that Dallas’ defense looks a lot better…and yeah I agree- we’ll most likely split the series with the Saints.
Falconfanriseup
August 24th, 2012
12:13 pm
12-4 is more realistic split with Saints, Loss to Eagles, Split with Panthers we will not lose to the Cardnals but could slip to the Chargers. Could be a slip up against the Cowboys hope not though.
Die Hard Falcon
August 24th, 2012
12:54 pm
I would say that 11-5 is more likely. Unfortunately I think we’ll split w/ the aints & the panthers, and lose the other 3 to chargers, giants, and eagles. I still say we win the South, and get at least 1 playoff win, hopefully more.
Thanks,
Highly Respected Southern Troll
August 24th, 2012
4:10 pm
Let’s not forget the rest:
Braves win the World Series by sweeping the Yankees.
Georgia Southern goes 11-0, beats Georgia convincingly in Athens, and then goes on to claim their seventh national championship.
Georgia State goes 11-0 and shocks Tennessee. Bill Curry is talked out of retirement and given a lifetime contract.
Valdosta State wins the Division 2 National Championship.
UGA goes 11-1, beats Florida 56-0, nips Georgia Tech, then wins the SEC. Richt is named SEC COTY and hired by an NFL team after the season.
Georgia Tech goes 11-1, gets edged by UGA, wins the ACC, then beats UGA in 2OT in the National Championship game rematch. Paul Johnson is named Bobby Dodd and ACC COTY and is offered coaching jobs at seven schools. Florida State exits the ACC for the Big-12 to escape the Jackets’ pending wrath in 2013.
Falcons beat the Patriots to win the Super Bowl.
Reviewing film of the NFC South chat – ESPN (blog)
August 24th, 2012
4:49 pm
[...] NFC South chat. ATLANTA FALCONS Tony (Richmond, CA): How …NFC South: Things to considerCBC.caHow the Falcons will go 12-4 and reclaim the NFC South titleAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 5 news [...]
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 24th, 2012
10:25 pm
Okay seriously it’s time to bench CHOKE.
For 3 quarters in a dress rehearsal he stunk up the place with all those
dink & dunks.
Davis comes in for 2 plays and gets a 39 yard bomb for a touchdown.
CHOKE is not the answer.
Davis needs to start for Julio and Roddy to take the team to the
next level
Go Falcons
August 24th, 2012
10:52 pm
I think people are being way to pessimistic! Sam Baker has not met up to his draft positiona at all but come on, he was hurt and it seems he is fully healthy this year for almost the first time in his nfl career. And how can you call a defense ranked 12th horrible or bad. We weren’t great but we weren’t bad. I do think Mike Nolan’s scheme will give Moore and Decoud better opportunities therefore making us better in pass coverage.
Go Falcons
August 24th, 2012
11:01 pm
Fans like this are exactly why the nfl and nba doesn’t respect the city of atlanta or our teams. It’s a shame that we have had this much success (compared to how we used to constantly suck) and yet we still get unloyal, fairweather fans.
Matty "Choke" Ice
August 25th, 2012
9:58 am
The Falcons will go 12-4 if we play the Dolphins 16 times!
Angelo
August 25th, 2012
7:31 pm
what you been smoking Maybe 8-8.
Bojack
August 25th, 2012
8:26 pm
This idiot who cannot kick a 32 yard field goal will cost us a couple of games.
Falcon Realist
August 26th, 2012
2:56 am
12-4 is a joke. The first team struggle to score against Miami. New Orleans is still the team to beat in the NFC South with or w/o Sean Payton. Falcons will finish third. tied with Tampa Bay.
Matt still struggles on the deep ball. The receivers have to slow up for the under thrown ball and it becomes a jump ball. He still gets nervous in the pocket when there is pressure up the middle (happy feet and he looks scared). OL can’t be depended on to get critical short yards.
Mike Smith is a good solid coach except when it comes to crucial situations.
I expect the Falcons to surprise everyone and cut Michael Turner if they can’t move him. He simply does not fit this offense and will only serve to slow the offense down. Not fair to him or the Falcons.
By the way, can we count on the new offensive coordinator to make the right call in crucial situations? He hasn’t been in those situations with his prior experience.
CamiloAtlanta
August 26th, 2012
11:25 am
In MB I trust, but let’s shoot for 16-0.
CamiloAtlanta
August 26th, 2012
11:27 am
Falcons Realust, Matty Ice held his own in the pocket. Mr Negative, what games have you been watching?
CamiloAtlanta
August 26th, 2012
11:31 am
And Saints fans in for a long year. Back to the bags for you guys. Haha, who dat stinking up the field? Who dat idiots, dat is.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
August 26th, 2012
11:50 am
That Paul Ryan P90X really has helped CHOKE crank up the dink & dunk
Falcon Realist
August 26th, 2012
4:35 pm
If Drew Brees makes it through the year the Saints will win the division. The Panthers will place second in the division. The Falcons continue to struggle in the red zone.
Hmmmmmmm
August 27th, 2012
11:33 am
and here I thought the Falcons were going to be successful this season…. Bradley just put the jinx on that….
Hmmmmmmm
August 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Highly respected southern troll….. Funny!
Why I believe UGA, Tech and the Falcons are bound for glory | Mark Bradley
August 29th, 2012
6:36 pm
[...] defensive lines, but I see few teams than can match the Falcons at the skill positions. I like them to go 12-4, win their division and then take the NFC title. Confidence level: Very [...]