3 points about the Falcons, who put Peyton in his place
Robert McClain, who's not exactly world-famous, returns his interception. (AP photo)
1. In victory, the Falcons were equal parts happy and relieved. They knew full well that they’d been starved for Signature Wins, and this qualified. They beat Peyton Manning, who’s among the best ever, and the Denver Broncos, who made the playoffs last season and beat the Steelers once there, on a Monday night. The Falcons led from the game’s third minute until the end, and they made the great Manning look addled early. In sum, it was a big night for this franchise.
2. The Falcons’ secondary might have played its finest game since the 1998 NFC title tilt in Minneapolis. Brent Grimes, who’s a starter, has been lost to an Achilles tear. Asante Samuel, who’s a starter, missed plays Monday night with a neck injury but returned. Christopher Owens, the new nickel back, suffered a head injury and didn’t return. Working with guys such as Robert McClain, who had been cut by both Carolina and Jacksonville, and Dominique Franks, whom the Falcons themselves cut during training camp, they nonetheless made Manning work for everything and intercepted passes on the game’s first three series. Massive kudos to defensive coordinator Mike Nolan for disguising the coverages so deftly.
3. The running game isn’t functioning. The Falcons ran the ball 28 times for 67 yards, and this total includes 19 yards gained on six Matt Ryan scrambles. Michael Turner needed to break a 15-yarder on the final series just to get over 30 yards on the night. (He finished with 42. Then he went out and got himself arrested for DUI.) On 28 carries over the first two games, Turner averaged 2.6 yards. That’s terrible. Coach Mike Smith pointed to Turner’s clinching first down as an indication the Falcons can run when they needed to run, but that seemed sugar-coating.
By Mark Bradley
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133 comments Add your comment
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
24 completions and 217 yards? Elite? Really? ha ha
Kyle
September 18th, 2012
2:41 pm
Leeads the NFL in TDs as well as Quarterback rating with a 2-0 record. Yes, elite fool.
Mark
September 18th, 2012
2:42 pm
Decent Game
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:42 pm
Welcome to San Diego. Home of the aerial assualt and a stout defense.
Don’t plan on another 4 plus turnovers in the first half.
Again, only the Great Mike Vick can over come 4 plus turnovers in back to back wins
tyler
September 18th, 2012
2:44 pm
matt “choke” ryan…..you are a joke. Ryan’s one of the best QBs in the game. Get your head out of your a!@#%!@#
mock1
September 18th, 2012
2:45 pm
I think Turner is about 2yrs/ seasons past his prime,he use to be Burner Turner,now he runs more like Fat Mike!…Fresh,Athletic legs is a must if this team is to advance in the playoffs !!!
Rollo Lawson
September 18th, 2012
2:47 pm
On the running game. Garrett Reynolds is sad. Bring on Konz now!!! Along with that, time for a quicker back to get carries, i.e. Antone Smith, Snelling, and Rodgers.
mock1
September 18th, 2012
2:50 pm
Matty Ice will need a running game to help balance out the offense.
GTBob
September 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
The running game is starting to get a little worry some. Turner didn’t look good in the preseason or the first two games. The defense is looking great though.
harold
September 18th, 2012
2:53 pm
PEYTON IS SUCH A GREAT QB AND WHAT A CLASS ACT. TENNESSEE AND INDY WERE LUCKY TO HAVE HIM AS QB. AND BETTER YET AS A ROLE MODEL!
SquillDog
September 18th, 2012
2:53 pm
Don’t listen to any of the people that want to rip Ryan. Anyone that understands football and watched that game knows better. The Broncos kept two safeties deep all night because they could handle the run with their front seven so easily. Therefore, you have to take the underneath throws and not force the ball downfield and make mistakes. In addition to the coverage, one of the Broncos biggest strengths is pass rushing off the edge. Again, you combat that with quicker throws. Ryan was sacked once all night. Lastly, Ryan made four quality throws that were dropped, yet still had a strong completion percentage.
The Falcons still have their issues, but I promise you. Matt Ryan isn’t one of them.
Red-N-Black
September 18th, 2012
2:53 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:42 pm
Welcome to San Diego. Home of the aerial assualt and a stout defense.
Don’t plan on another 4 plus turnovers in the first half.
Again, only the Great Mike Vick can over come 4 plus turnovers in back to back wins
HEY MORON, I guess you don’t watch the NFL and the interception prone QB in San Diego, but alas you are a troll as evidenced by your reputed remarks. Keep on hating we love watching the haters eat crow.
BusterBrave
September 18th, 2012
2:57 pm
Looks like the end of the road for Michael Turner,need to use Snelling and Rodgers more often for the ground game……….
Seen (the Saints) This (rocked by a scandal) B4 (Painkillers, bounties)
September 18th, 2012
2:57 pm
Yes the defense played great. But the offense completely took their foot off the gas in the second half. The conservative play calling on the last several drives leading up to the final one was horrible. Other big time offenses (Patriots, Saints, Packers) would NEVER playcall that conservatively in similar circumstances. The Falcons played not to lose in the 2nd half and it showed. Maybe Turner’s DUI is a blessing in disguise–get Snelling and Quiz in there more.
Dr. Henry -- Augusta
September 18th, 2012
2:59 pm
Who put Peyton in his Place??? Cute MB
Davo
September 18th, 2012
3:00 pm
Wonder how the game would have gone if the officials had actually called accurate penalties and gotten the other stuff (like fumble recoveries) right. No way to know. This game will be remembered less as a “signature game” for the Falcons than as a debacle for the replacement refs.
DeepDiver
September 18th, 2012
3:00 pm
The trolls only come around because folks keep putting food out for them. Just sayin’.
in closing, the Saints suck.
GT GRAD
September 18th, 2012
3:01 pm
Matt Ryan is definitely aTop 10 QB……period. The racist person blogging as Matt “CHOKE” Ryan is simply a Vick fan that cannot move on……….he exposes himself as an ignorant person with each and every blog entery. We should all ignore him!
I have suggested trading or cutting Turner for several months now…………..I predict our offense will produce even better results during the 2 (hopefully 4) weeks that he is suspended by the Falcons for his DUI……..this devlopment should result in more carries for Rodgers and Snelling the nexy 14 games!
Turner will not be on the roster next season; we would be a better team IF the Falcons had made the tough decision to trade/cut him during preseason (we would have a young/fast RB to develop and play special teams right now!). Could he possibly be traded/cut during the season (very doubtful).
BusterBrave
September 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
The Great Mike Vick……HEE,HEE,HEEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!
Falcon James
September 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
This was a great win for the Falcons. The Defense came out of nowhere lead by Mike Nolan. I agree with the comment that Smith was sugarcoating Turners performance. I am wondering if Turners problems running the ball are a symptom of a much bigger problem. We needed a run game tonight, but not one from Ryan. Give the Broncos D some credit for stuffing us on the run. I hope we see more of Rogers, Antone Smith and Snelling next week in San Diego. Our OL gave Ryan the time he needed to throw the ball. Save one play by G. Reynolds, they were solid. Overall, this game will put the Falcons on the Radar. We just need to keep building on what we do well.
HAL
September 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Turner is done. Hate to admit it but the tape don’t lie.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
3:11 pm
0-infinity in the playoffs & 2004 and counting…..
Enough said LOSERS….ha ha
CHOKE is a BUST
welikebaseball2
September 18th, 2012
3:19 pm
I was watching the game & thinking the same thing…conservative playcalling. It’s the Mike Smith way. We get out to a 1st half lead then let our foot off the gas, allowing the game to become much more of a nail-biter than it should be. I mean, I’m for trying to establish the run & all, especially when you have a sizable lead starting the 2nd half…but if your run game is non-existent, sling the ball around, put the opposition away by scoring more points as opposed to trying to run the clock down for a whole half. Again, it’s the Mike Smith way.
reckingball
September 18th, 2012
3:27 pm
Agree about the running game. Turner always runs into a pile of defenders, and Rogers looks like he runs up to the line of scrimmage and does the Texas two step, dancing bear, or whatever it is.
Looks like Mike Smith still has the two touchdown lead, is the time to go to the slow em down offense and protect the lead mentallity, even though there is still 25 minutes of game time left on the clock.
Very nice win.
WhoCares?
September 18th, 2012
3:28 pm
The Falcons offense sputtered throughout the game, and in the first half the interceptions gave them short fields in which to score. I’m very happy with the win, but I’m not quite ready to proclaim the team world beaters. Still, we’re undefeated after two games, and not many NFL teams can make that claim
Weyman C Wanamaker Jr, (A Great American)
September 18th, 2012
3:29 pm
Was Turner drowning his sorrows about or celebrating his performance?
Thomas Dimitroff is a moron
September 18th, 2012
3:31 pm
It’s not Turner.
Neither Quizz or Snelling could run
Our OL couldn’t get inches against the giants last year
They look worse
Post-It
September 18th, 2012
3:32 pm
Let’s see, JOKE… right now Ryan leads the MVP race. The Eagles have squeaked by in spite of Vick’s turnovers and the Raven’s loss has been pinned squarely on Flacco’s 2nd half meltdown.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
3:34 pm
CHOKE is very lucky he has played 2 teams in transition. He caught them at vulnerable moments in their season.
Look at K.C……they made lowly Buffalo look like Green Bay when they embarrassed the Falcants in the Dome.
Then you have Denver with all their new pieces, they are not even in synch yet.
CHOKE is the same 0-3 Meltdown.
Like Darren Sharper said on the NFL Network last night….Lets see what he does in the playoffs
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
3:37 pm
Enter your comments here
Jay
September 18th, 2012
3:47 pm
Turner is DONE. Jacques Rogers is not the answer either.
Matty Ice is a “STUD”
September 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
It’s nice to see the Falcons field a Defense that takes a little pressure off the offense. If the turnovers continue to rack up the way they have in the first 2 games we are definitely going somewhere.
PDXbyrd
September 18th, 2012
4:08 pm
@MCR: Matt Ryan’s 45 wins since 2008 are the most of any starting QB during that stretch. His 233 consecutive passes without throwing an interception also tops the current list.
Yes, I would call that elite!
Steve
September 18th, 2012
4:13 pm
Yea “Choke” Matt Ryan sucks! Must suck to be you.
Matt Ryan’s 45 wins since 2008 are the most of any starting QB during that stretch. His 233 consecutive passes without throwing an interception also tops the current list
falconFANatic
September 18th, 2012
4:16 pm
“CHOKE”-First of all, Matt Ryan hasn’t had to overcome 4+ turnovers because…wait for it….he dosen’t have any. Second of all, Philly is the biggest choke artist…how many times were they in the NFC Championship and couldn’t get through…I am gonna say 4 or 5. Third, MATTY ICE > Mike Vick…Easily better than Mike Vick. If you wanna continue to dump on Matt Ryan thats fine, but don’t my egregious statements like Mike Vick is better than Matt Ryan because I can see in the first 2 weeks of 2012 that he has not learned anything in his tenure in the NFL. Still makes the same mistakes that he made in Atlanta…Philly has set their team back YEARS, by just having him start at QB. All that talent and no one to get them the ball. The Falcons are going to embarrass Philly when they play this season…you can mark my word on that! GO FALCONS ITS OUR TIME!!!!
Where are the Haters
September 18th, 2012
4:18 pm
Only one hater on the blog…….Choke? You dont really count as a hater you just stupid and dumb! All that talk you did and then you come back again with the same talk about the Chargers? It was supposed to be Peyton who would light it up. Remember what you said…..something about his little brother outdoing him and how he was going to come in here and go off! Man you got your blog privileges pulled! Sit down, shut up and beat it. Pick up both your hands put them around your neck and squeeze hard………..CHOKE yourself!
falconFANatic
September 18th, 2012
4:20 pm
If Mike Nolan confused one of the best NFL minds playing in the NFL right now in Peyton Manning, then it is gonna be like taking candy from a baby when the Falcons stroll into Philly and play Mike Vick…:)
Mike Vick is stupid and will not be able to adjust to the pressure or the talent in our secondary…Goodluck 
markie mark
September 18th, 2012
4:24 pm
@davo – yep, the officials called a terrible game all night….however, they didnt throw 3 interceptions, so I dont think they affected play that much…the TIME of play, yes, but the play, not so much
iFalcons Fan
September 18th, 2012
4:25 pm
We could only HOPE that Michael Turner would be stopped for SPEEDING – anywhere,…really. Is there a back in the NFL today who is slower to and through a hole than MT? I don’t care if he’s got legs like tree trunks, he can’t accelerate!!! For gosh sakes, get Joe Addai off waivers, now that was a guy who could hit it quick.
iFalcons Fan
September 18th, 2012
4:31 pm
…and give Matty Ice his due, the game could have been iced EARLY but for the three or four dropped passes in the first half. Where does that show up in the stats???
Big Earl
September 18th, 2012
4:31 pm
Turner simply can’t hit the hole any more…I’d really like to see Snelling get the carries next game…at least he gives it his all.
C-Dad
September 18th, 2012
4:32 pm
Great win, but I agree on the running game. It looked terrible. I also thought overall the offensive play selection was too conservative. With 4 turnovers, Falcons should have won by a lot more, and this should not have been close. I thought they tried to run the ball too much in the first half, and did not make enough attempts to throw down field. But conversely, I thought on at least one series near the end of the game when the Falcons were backed up to the end zone, they tried to throw the ball too much. Two pass plays called in a three and out, when they really needed to eat clock. Both passes ended in incompletions and gave Manning another minute to work with to make the game closer than it should have been.
william
September 18th, 2012
4:39 pm
Go Falcons! But our OL SUCKS at run-blocking. There are no running lanes. Turner takes his share of the blame, but the OFFENSIVE LINE has to start pushing people around or else we’ll have to get used to running for only 60 or 70 yards on 25 carries per game.
Grumps
September 18th, 2012
4:46 pm
If you can’t enjoy this victory, why do you even watch the Falcons at all? That goes for any of you compainers. Sure, it’s not the Super Bowl, but we won the only game on last night. Enjoy it. Jeez.
Anyone hating on Ryan the morning after a Monday night victory where he out performed Manning is just a moron. It’s as simple as that. After two post from Choke, I stopped reading his messages.
Gimblestob
September 18th, 2012
4:52 pm
Matty may not put up the ridiculous, superfluous numbers we see out of the “elite” QBs but you can’t argue with the results. The third down play to Julio in the 4th quarter was clutch. He knows how to win and will shut up some of these naysayers come playoffs this year (if we can get the ground game going).
Speaking of the ground game; Turner does look like he has lost a step or two but the O-Line didn’t run block well all night. The pass protection was excellent however.
I like what the new coordinators have done both on offense and defense and think they’ll get the run game going. Given how the defense kept Peyton guessing on coverages all night; we might just be OK after losing Grimes. Did you see the way the secondary was making tackles? Great game by those guys; especially after everyone was piling on about Manning picking them apart! Definitely am excited about this team!
rusty
September 18th, 2012
4:53 pm
What kind pro would risk his job by speeding and dui at 5 in the am.Nothing good can come out of this for Turner.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
September 18th, 2012
4:54 pm
Our OLine did a nice job in pass protection. The Denver DLine is very good and did a heck of a job making us one dimensional. Not so much a Falcon problem as much as a dang good game played up front by Denver in the trenches taking away the run.
Now, that does not excuse Turner’s issues, but the OLine did not do bad. Quite good, actually.
Plus…we won!
JDW
September 18th, 2012
4:57 pm
I gotta say they were lucky to run the clock out. I thought the D played great but the O simply didn’t close the deal. 4 1st quarter turnovers only netted 13 pts…should have been 21 minimum. In the second half they were pretty much contained.
Great progress but they are going to have to get better at closing the deal
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:01 pm
I see the revisionist are out… Last night’s game tied Ryan with Flacco (again) for the most wins. You don’t have to make things up… But you will… Even with the anemic showing in the 2nd half in Philly, Flacco still was the first QB to lead a team in the Super Bowl era to 4 straight playoff appearances to open his career and has yet to miss one start in the 66 games that he’s been eligible play… He’s also the first to win at one playoff game in four consecutive playoffs at the beginning of their career… Not even Brady or Montana accomplished that…
JSS
September 18th, 2012
5:02 pm
Mr. Bradley, Your filter is still tight?
Jake
September 18th, 2012
5:06 pm
With all the well deserved kudos for Matt and the defense, lets not overlook the continuing strong play of special teams. Punt and kick coverage very good–kickoffs and a few punts were also excellent along with Mr Reliable our.place kicker. Special teams coach Armstrong is doing a great job in the first two outings.
Hillbilly D
September 18th, 2012
5:06 pm
Great progress but they are going to have to get better at closing the deal
I didn’t tune in until midway through the 3rd quarter but I’d pretty much agree with that. If not for the big lead, from what I saw, they’d have been in trouble. They had the two three and outs which aren’t a good sign when you have a big lead.
ATLNative
September 18th, 2012
5:10 pm
@deepdiver – funny I got a little freaked when Matt R had the knee brace malfunction; thought that was a black and blue knee bone hanging out for a second. Great win! We must run the ball someway, somehow. Awesome job by def coaches/players on pass coverage. Proud night to be a life long Falcons fan! Keep dem Birds rollin… ps – I know Jeff Van Note liked watching that game.
Haskel Stanback
September 18th, 2012
5:18 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again……”CHOKE” has a man crush on Matty Ice. He needs to accept it, own it, and embrace it!
BobDawg
September 18th, 2012
5:19 pm
I don’t know “Choke”…. He already beat the Monday night hex by winning last night and with this coaching staff and their aggressiveness . Matty Ice will win plenty of playoff games… Meanwhile….Vick won’t last the year… Once he gets a “paper cut” it’s all over ….
AlanFalcon
September 18th, 2012
5:20 pm
Falcons won, Saints lost, let me repeat, Falcons won, Saints Lost—ENOUGH SAID, well, Falcons Won, Saints Lost, my god that sounds good, by the way does anyone know how the Saints did ???????????????
kriddi
September 18th, 2012
5:21 pm
Ryan, Koetter, and the O-line aren’t helping the running game either. Turner didn’t get enough carries to get into a groove. Of his 17 carries, 3 game on the first drive, 1 came on a drive that began with 2 seconds left in the half, and 4 came on the final drive. There were 3 drives where Turner didn’t touch the ball at all! It is also kinda hard to run for plus yardage when you are getting hit before you get to the LOS
BobDawg
September 18th, 2012
5:24 pm
I don’t know “Choke”… Matty Ice broke the 0-6 Monday nights last night and with this coaching staff should start winning a ton of playoff games…. He is young, bright and just getting better….Vick is old, battered and will not last the season….
Senior falcon
September 18th, 2012
5:24 pm
BTW, what did you choke on?
panic fan
September 18th, 2012
5:26 pm
What we all saw was a aggressive defense and a passive (nopun) offense,with that being said we finally have the ability to compete with the elite teams. How many back up and non starters had to step in and rise up ? GREAT WIN TO START 2012 AT HOME!!
G
September 18th, 2012
5:28 pm
I don’t get how turner still has a job? I mean I can get 2 freaking yards.
BobDawg
September 18th, 2012
5:30 pm
Mark, have you “banned” me???
LOL at The Aints
September 18th, 2012
5:39 pm
0 and 2,,,LOL!!
hawk
September 18th, 2012
5:45 pm
Joe Addai is still out there?
Moonshine
September 18th, 2012
5:53 pm
watched every minute of the game…..where were the screen plays we heard so much about in spring training to Quizz in space? We need to put speed in game at running back. I too think Turner is done, over and through 1400 yds is in past. What have you done for me/us lately? No yards =DUI = NOTHING. Matt Ryan is looking comfortable in pocket with extra time he has so far….Julio catch the damn ball son this aint college, pick it up next week on West coast, know you can do it….love the defense with all players flying to the ball, love Nicholas and Spoon, Dent will be there at end of season after he has a few more games under his belt. Falcons Looking Good!! Beat Chargers
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
5:58 pm
PDXbyrd
September 18th, 2012
4:08 pm
@MCR: Matt Ryan’s 45 wins since 2008 are the most of any starting QB during that stretch. His 233 consecutive passes without throwing an interception also tops the current list.
Yes, I would call that elite!
______________________________________
Actually Joe Flacco has 50 wins (45 reg) and (5) playoffs.
But the biggest number to becoming elite is winning in the playoffs, and based on that, Joe Flacco is more elite than CHOKE will ever be.
Elite qbs don’t get shut out in the playoffs or blown out at home.
Nice try though
ww
September 18th, 2012
6:02 pm
Like – Falcons won.
Hate – both teams didn’t play well.
Like – Ryan hit the weights this summer.
Hate – Peyton brought his “F” game.
Like – Secondary play.
Like – Learning who McClain is on the fly.
Hate – Twinkle toes Turner thinks he is a finesse RB instead of a power RB. I’m sure people have told him, but he is not listening…played too poorly to party after the game and pick up a DUI…may the DUI is God’s way of saying you didn’t play very well.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
6:07 pm
We all have seen this soap opera before…..
CHOKE gets you fools all excited and then………..BOOM………..
The playoffs starts and he is like a deer and a head light….ha ha
You’ll see…..ha ha.
The only difference this season is this is Tony’s last season with no backup plan and no draft picks thrown to K.C. for Tony and the whole 2012 draft for Julio. Turner will be done….Abe will be done……….
Not looking good ladies and gentlemen. But if you look at Philly, they have already retooled with a fresh bunch of elite talent on both sides of the ball.
That’s how you run a winning franchise….ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
6:11 pm
The Falcants don’t have a Turner problem, they have a CHOKE problem.
Turner is the same Turner. The problem is every defensive coordinator doesn’t respect CHOKE so they game plan to shut down Turner.
CHOKE is and will always be the clipboard holder that got away…ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
6:13 pm
The best defense against CHOKE is to tell him it’s the first round of the playoffs and let him do his thing
ugaclassof2004
September 18th, 2012
6:16 pm
Really “Choke”?
You must be a Tech fan, because only a Tech fan talks this much crap when they lose( and make no mistake my friend you are a loser).
And San Diego does not put the fear of God into anybody. You want to talk about a bunch of Choke Artist’s? Nobody has underachieved more than Norv Turner and the Chargers. A Softer, Pu$$y A$$ West Coast Team you will never find!
Wes Mantooth
September 18th, 2012
6:16 pm
Sadly, Turner is done and I think he knows it.
#10
September 18th, 2012
6:18 pm
you need to take your racists antics else where !!!
the evil eye, because thats exaltly what you are, evil !
reality
September 18th, 2012
6:23 pm
I think the Falcons had a very nice game. The defense was superb. The offense was good – 13 points off 4 TO was not super. There were two glaring things missing. The run game was sad. Not sure if its the runners or the blockers but they were not very good. And I did not see Ryan try even ONE deep ball. He was very good on medium and short routes but if he tried one over 30 yards i missed it. If this team has deep strike ability they are saving it for something. Seems a couple deep throws might loosen up the run game, ya think?
Ricky Bobby
September 18th, 2012
6:26 pm
The secondary is average, but so was Peyton. Face it, the guy was throwing like a wobblers to his WRs. I say wait 2 more games to have a decent assessment of what this team will be like for the long haul of the season, you can’t based it off 2 mediocre teams, especially when the Saints are about to get clicking. They’ve scored over 25 points in each of their last games and both their game were pretty close after getting embarrassed in the first half. Also, if ATL wants to be elite, this midzone stuff is not optimizing the capabilities of this top notch WRs, and I blame the offensive coordinator for that…
Jay Smoothe
September 18th, 2012
6:30 pm
The Falcons were up 27-7 going into the 4th quarter then they did what every other team would do. Try to burn out the clock with the run game. Matt Ryan had only 4 pass attempts in the 4th quarter. I am not worried about our offense at all. They can score on any drive and at any time.
Falconfanatic
September 18th, 2012
6:38 pm
“CHOKE”-so that is why Matty Ice is the highest rated passer in the league right now? I think you are just a little jealous that you don’t have a quarterback that Dosent still make errors that a pop Warner QB makes. As you said before, Philly does have a lot of scary talented, but when the guy in charge Dosent have the brain capacity to throw to the correct spot or correct team…then your team will not go anywhere…quick comparison Mile Vick 59.1 completion percentage 3 TD’s and 6 INT’s..ok now for Matt Ryan 70.1 completion percentage 5 TD’s through the air , 1 on the ground and 0 INT’s and I know Matt Ryan’s stats are more impressive because he is putting up these stats without a running game. You can talk Trash all day, but in the end Matt Ryan is the better QB (by a long shot)…Mike Vick=No playoffs, he will either get hurt or he will cost you W’s because of his stupid decisions…I saw it when he was her in Atlanta and I see the same things now in Philly…I am so relieved that headache is out of Atlanta…Thank You Matty Ice for saving this team! That is all…
Dave
September 18th, 2012
6:39 pm
Chokie was awfully quiet last night. What a big man he is today!
What r u really choking?
September 18th, 2012
6:42 pm
@RickyBobby
All last week the Rise Up Nation had to hear about Peyton and how he was going to come in ans destroy our Defense. Then we had to hear about Denvers D which was very good. Yet we win! And now you give Peyton excuses and say ee havr not played anyone? Sick of jokes like you that get on the blog and find an excuse in every win. Sick if you negative Nancys! Stay the fudge away from the Nation and quit your hating!
Hot err
September 18th, 2012
6:44 pm
We’re the only team in the NFL whose starting tailback has a gut.
john30456
September 18th, 2012
6:44 pm
Choke should be banned. I am tired of read his comments. Time to move on.
What r u really choking?
September 18th, 2012
6:45 pm
And you talking about the Saints clicking?! RickyBobby what the heck are you watching!! You fool! Id clicking is giving up 35 a game on defense please tell me what looking good is? Man sit down shut up and go Choke Choke!
Not so Fast
September 18th, 2012
6:51 pm
Great Falcons performance that I enjoyed watching with my Bronco buddies here in CO. The secondary rose to the challenge. Have to say I was nervous after losing Grimey. TD is a genius for stealing Asante for a 7th round pick from Philly. Moore, Babineaux, Nicholas and ’spoon are studs. Ryan is in a zone! Did he even throw a bad pass all night? Roddy was Roddy. Sam Baker made Elvis leave the building. The Replacement Refs were painfully pathetic but we both had to play with them. Julio has to ends the drops. Snelling needs more touches. Reynolds might be losing his position to Konz soon.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
6:53 pm
Is it the 1st round of the playoffs yet? Oh no it can’t be, CHOKE is playing next week….ha ha
Willie B
September 18th, 2012
6:57 pm
Falcons still cannot step on the throat of a team when they have them down. Good team, but not yet championship caliber.
dirtybirdsalltheway
September 18th, 2012
7:07 pm
the falcons have reached a point where they are serious contenders for a super bowl nd i think they will probably win it this year in the saints house. hows tht gonna feel aints fans? we will have to deal wit the bandwagon fans though, GO FALCONS!!!
Nate
September 18th, 2012
7:19 pm
Same old Falcons under Smith. Still trying to sit on leads instead of going for the juggular. That lack of a killer instinct will come back to haunt them again in the playoffs. Just not ready for the big time.
Falconfanatic
September 18th, 2012
7:20 pm
“CHOKE”-It’s a long way from the playoffs, but Matt Ryan looks like a different QB this year!
dan royal
September 18th, 2012
7:22 pm
Why do you call your self MATT”CHOKE” RYAN. You make fun of yourself??????? What a IDIOT!!!
Brian Smyrna
September 18th, 2012
7:51 pm
Let the foot off the GAS? While that was a big win regardless of the refs or anything else. The Falcons offense did not look strong. We should have been up at least 17 – 0 in the first quarter. Drop passes and trying to establish the screen game early never got the offense into any rhythm. The Falcons only had 1 1/2 drives that were impressive. The drive where Roddy scored and the very last drive to end the game. A win is a win! But, the offense was not the star. The defense was.
FSUBrave
September 18th, 2012
8:03 pm
Time for the Falcons to sign an elite running back..turner is slow and now can’t stay out of jail
eastbound and down
September 18th, 2012
8:12 pm
can someone tell me why the falcons didn’t challenge the placement of the ball after the defensive holding penalty in the 2nd quarter? it is challengeable, isn’t it?
jMeg
September 18th, 2012
8:14 pm
We need to trade for Chris Johnson. Hes not doing great right now, and they will be looking to get rid of him. Maybe a bad trade but I think it would benefit us and he would rebound.
Barry
September 18th, 2012
8:20 pm
HEY Y’ALL :
“FALCONS,ROSE UP! THEY “ROSE UP!!” IN”ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. THUMP!!! CAN YOU HEAR IT???!! THUMP!!THUMP!!! IT’S. GETTING LOUDER!!! THUMP!! THUMP! !! THUMP!!……..!!
GO FALCONS!!! THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES TO THE SUPER BOWL.
“FALCONS,RISE UP!!” WE “RISE UP!” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
SSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERBODY!!!
………….”ONE HEARTBEAT,BABY!!!!…….
guy
September 18th, 2012
8:59 pm
Same old Falcons,just another year! Wait and see!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
September 18th, 2012
9:12 pm
wished they capitalized better on the turnovers. 4 should’ve been at least 20 points for the Falcons
Hobbler
September 18th, 2012
9:19 pm
Enter your comments here
Hobbler
September 18th, 2012
9:21 pm
Mike Nolan you are Brilliant!
Hobbler
September 18th, 2012
9:30 pm
Koetter you called plays as bad as Mularky and almost lost the game when you let off the gas pedal.
Fullup Filmer
September 18th, 2012
9:30 pm
I’m ready to suit up and play running back. Just give me a call.
Pobby Betrino
September 18th, 2012
9:31 pm
Call me. Love you. Mean it.
Falcon James
September 18th, 2012
9:32 pm
Unbelievable the amount of haters in here. The Falcon played a very good team last against arguably the best QB who has every played the game. I can’t understand why people would believe that the Falcons would just run away with this game. The Broncos had a game plan. They saw the successful screens last week and game planned for them. They also knew they needed to shut down the run game because they new the Falcons would try to grind it out on the ground to work the clock. The Falcons pulled off a great win last night. They fought hard and won. Not every game is going to be a blow out.
haha
September 18th, 2012
9:32 pm
choke u need ur own blog dude.
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
way to go michael turner.
bigdave
September 18th, 2012
10:51 pm
you are gonna find Matty Ice is one of THE BEST QB’S ANYWHERE!!! LOOK AT THIS GUYS RECORD! IT TAKES A “TEAM” TO WIN A PLAYOFF GAME. DON’T BE STUPID. IT TAKES TEAMWORK, GUTS, COMMITMENT AND A LOT OF LUCK TO GET TO A PLAYOOF GAME, MUCH LESS WIN ONE. FALCONS NEED SOME BACKS…NOT MIDGETS…GOOD GUYS THOUGH. WE JUST NEED SOME FREAKS OF NATURE WHO RUN OVER PEOPLE!!!
Tap Out
September 18th, 2012
10:55 pm
Our running backs seem to be searching for wide open holes, instead of attacking the line of scrimmage. That brief hesitation is killing our running game. Otherwise, great game for our Falcons!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
11:01 pm
What’s going on 0-Infinity LOSERS……
2004 & Counting suckas….ha ha
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
11:04 pm
Hey CHOKE what are your plans after the 1st round of the playoffs?….ha ha
Boo Brees
September 18th, 2012
11:34 pm
I saw Vick’s last playoff win on the back of a milk carton the other day. It was last seen about 8 years ago and has been missing ever since.
It was reported that Vick is desperately searching for it due to him being carded at The Playoff Win Club.
“Yeah man, it’s crazy because it’s like…… people forgot he won a playoff game it was so long ago. 10 years ago I think” said an anonymous player. Actually it was only 8 years ago, but who’s counting?
LOL at the Aints
September 18th, 2012
11:57 pm
And how many Superbowls have the Eagles won lately, LOL,, Michael Prick carries the ball like a loaf of bread, and if you hit him hard he tends to get hurt,, LOL
captguitarman
September 19th, 2012
12:14 am
Great game for the Falcons. All of the press about how they have truly transformed themselves was borne out by the defeat of Manning and the Broncos. The defense was incredible doing the disorganized, jumping around mob thing right up until the count, and then suddenly, order and purpose.
The let downs were the predictable Turner up the middle for negligible gains plays on first down while they were deep in their own territory, an the inevitable punt – very nerve wracking with Manning waiting to get back into the game. Why just not tell the refs and the defense . . . we will only use 3 downs this series — the first will be a slow developing warm up running play, which he defense will be playing for, and which will not count. And then we will have two real pass plays, which will also fail because the defense will expect them, and then we will punt.
It would be nice to see a little creativity in those situations. How is a meaningless one or two yard gain, risking a fumble deep in your own territory, more risky than surprising the defense with a screen pass, or even a try for first down to Gonzalez, White (who was terrific) or Jones (where was he he last night?). They need to use all three of these guys, plus add a fast running back who can catch a pass (Addai?).
Ryan has definitely got what it takes, so give him a full arsenal. Montana used to drive defenses crazy by hitting every receiver, including backs coming out of the backfield. Brees does/did the samet thing, because he has the arsenal. Dig out those old 49er films and watch them closely. Be completely unpredictable — just like you were on defense. This could be your year. But not with two yards and a cloud of dust every time you get pushed back toward your goal line.
LOL at the Aints
September 19th, 2012
12:16 am
MCR,, you’re a funny guy,, dont stop,, takes a large Sack to come on here putting down the best QB in the league,, he hasnt won a playoff game,, but he will,, LOL,,
TIRED OF THE RACIST ON HERE !!!!!!!!
September 19th, 2012
1:27 am
if matt ryan was black, he wouldnt be negative at all ! black people always want to blame white people for their failures ! it will never change. the thug did it to hiself ! no ones to blame !!
TIRED OF THE RACIST ON HERE !!!!!!!!
September 19th, 2012
1:44 am
i hope theres a dog in hell waiting on him !!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
2:24 am
CHOKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE….ha ha
Dudes a BUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Dr. Warren
September 19th, 2012
2:45 am
Jacquizz is the type of back you want to do well, but in a season and two games, he hasn’t shown me much. CJ Spiller is only now doing well in his third season, so maybe there is still hope. But we need it now, not next season.
Esquire
September 19th, 2012
5:34 am
DeepDiver
September 18th, 2012
3:00 pm
The trolls only come around because folks keep putting food out for them. Just sayin’.
in closing, the Saints suck.
________________________________________
So in other words, what you are saying is “Don’t Feed the Trolls”…………..and
that the Saints suck.
Eloquent!
Esquire
September 19th, 2012
5:50 am
5-6-7-8 Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw, People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are, Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
Mighty mighty FALCONS, Mighty mighty FALCONS!!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
CHOKE On This, Jackass
September 19th, 2012
7:36 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
September 18th, 2012
11:04 pm
“Hey CHOKE what are your plans after the 1st round of the playoffs?….ha ha”
________________________________________________________________
Maybe Ryan should check with MV. After all, he’ll have at least one week of a head start on the off-season. Just like last year…
Maybe he’ll attend the “I Want a 66.3 QB Rating, Just Like Mike” School of Passing.
Who was the QB of the so-called “Dream Team” that couldn’t even make the play-offs? I’d rather be in the postseason, and lose, than fail to make it at all.
Oops, CHOKE, you missed a drop. Pay closer attention, or MV will replace you as the person at his knees.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
September 19th, 2012
8:05 am
I think Turner did a good job blocking for Ryan on Monday night.
But our running game (led by MT) hasn’t been too good lately. They flashed Turner’s rushing yardage history on the screen early in the game. He did gain 1300 yards last year, but I’m hard pressed remember a signature run by him.
I’m guilty of calling him Tippy Toes. Not sure he deserves that moniker – but he does appear to run tentatively – with choppy steps – until he hits the hole (if there’s a hole to hit).
Compare Turner’s performance Monday with Willis McGahee’s. When Willis made contact with the defense, the pile moved forward. Sometimes it looked like a mole plowing his way through soft dirt because you couldn’t actually see him, just the mass of defenders on top of him. But you knew he was under the pile somewhere – five yards north of the original line of scrimmage.
Turner demonstrated a little forward lean on his first couple runs Monday. But he still pretty much melts once first contact with the defense occurs.
He looks like a power runner, with his squat physique, but he’s never really played like one.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
8:08 am
Giants 24
Defense 2
CHOKE 0
Elite?…..ha ha
JB
September 19th, 2012
8:13 am
They better get some players back in the defensive backfield. Manning played like a rookie. They have QB’s in this league who will burn these guys.
Call It Like It Is
September 19th, 2012
8:15 am
Nice win for the Falcons, but would have been nice if we could have capitalize more on the 3 interceptions and 1 fumble in the first ½. Those were gifts and we only had 13 points to show for it. Running game is dismal. Not sure why Turner was drinking in celebration, he did nothing for the win. Manning was off for sure, wonder how this would have played out if the game had been in Denver? Just not quite ready to name the Falcons king of the hill yet.
DC
September 19th, 2012
9:22 am
Look at the other blogs Choke commented on…especially during the Bucs Giants game…that one is hilarious…he is hating b/c the bucs are dominating…then…THEN…crickets…I busted out laughing looking at that blog!
C from Marietta
September 19th, 2012
9:42 am
Eli Manning first three play-off games were losses. Does he suck?
Jax
September 19th, 2012
9:50 am
Time to run Snelling more. Oh yeah how about some SCREENS to Jacquizz Rodgers out of backfield. He would be deadly running the old skool GB Packers screen to running back. Don’t know why our Falcons have such trouble executing screen plays. Been that way for YEARS and YEARS. Glad team and media is finally talking about it. I have been telling people about it (or lack of it/screen game) for years.
D man
September 19th, 2012
9:53 am
On the fumble, the falcon that recovered the ball at the bottom of the pile let go of the ball when the ref said Atlanta ball. The announcers and the media won’t stop talking about how the ball should have been Denver’s ball. They are trying to downplay Atlantas efforts and apologize for their boy Peyton.
D man
September 19th, 2012
9:56 am
ESPN & NFL Network, get over it. Atlanta won because we played great Defense and great run the clock out offense in the second half. It had nothing to do with the refs…
Elvis the Falcon Fan
September 19th, 2012
10:37 am
1) Glad Turner was stopped b4 he hurt someone. 2) IF he has a problem I hope he gets help 3) Quizz is not the answer 4) Great win on a national stage. 5) “Choke” needs to get a life
Football Runners » 3 points about the Falcons, who put Peyton in his place
September 19th, 2012
11:39 am
[...] Click here for full article [...]
About that fumble
September 19th, 2012
12:41 pm
The announcers made hay about the fact that a Denver player came out of the scrum with the ball but possession was awarded to Atlanta, as if the same situation has never occurred with the regular officials. Fact is, this happens all the time. Find something else to bitch about. Bad calls? You bet, but the refs didn’t play favorites with them. That’s more than I can say about the usual zebra crews on occasion.
Psychobird
September 19th, 2012
12:42 pm
Yeah, “only the great Mike Vick can overcome 4 ints and still win”. Lol that is just awesome. First off, he has to overcome 4 ints almost every game because he cant read defenses. Second off, when are you fools gonna grasp the Vick is past his prime and will only decline from here on out. he is never gonna live up to the hype. he will never lead you to a Super Bowl and will never be a top tier QB. Have fun hanging on the hope that ONE DAY he will be what he was supposed to be.
JSS
September 19th, 2012
4:02 pm
“If matt ryan was black, he wouldnt be negative at all ! black people always want to blame white people for their failures(sp)!”
Halleluah, Joey Harrington, Doug Johnson, and Chris Redman sure wish they could use your brain!
Michael Turner hasn’t had a great week, but he’s still needed | Mark Bradley
September 19th, 2012
4:31 pm
[...] totaled a whopping five yards on four carries, and there didn’t seem to be many holes until Turner popped the clinching 15-yarder on the night’s final handoff. To that point, the longest gain by a Falcon had been a seven-yard Ryan [...]