The Falcons spoil ESPN’s Peyton party and win a big one
Vance Walker slams into the famous Denver quarterback. (AP photo by David Goldman)
ESPN tried to throw a Peyton party Monday night. Some guys wearing red almost turned it into a pity party. The Worldwide Leader sought to show the world the greatness that is Peyton Manning; the Falcons almost made you feel sorry for the old guy.
Almost, I said.
We can only hope that some who tuned in to watch Peyton stuck around to appreciate the team in red. It ain’t bad, folks. It’s better than it was last season, maybe better than in the 13-3 run of 2010. In Week 1 the Falcons let Kansas City hang around before pulling away on the road. On Monday night they never let Denver get started. It was 10-0 barely five minutes in, 20-0 late in the second quarter, 27-7 midway through the third.
Of Peyton’s first eight passes, four were caught by Broncos; three were snagged by Falcons. In order, the interceptors were William Moore, Thomas DeCoud and Robert McClain. There were those who thought Manning would lay waste to a secondary minus the injured Brent Grimes, but he needed nearly all the first half to lead his team to its first points, and those came only after a replay review of a frankly outrageous Demaryius Thomas catch.
Which brings us to the officiating. It was awful. The first half lasted one hour, 48 minutes, and the inaction was largely because of the replacement refs — the regulars are locked out — having little idea what was what. One Atlanta touchdown was overruled by technology; the aforementioned first Denver score was posted only after TV corrected the man on the scene.
The low point — we’re talking sinkholes now — came when the Broncos’ Knowshon Moreno, who used to be a big deal around here, fumbled at the end of the first quarter. Players from both teams gave impassioned tutorials in the fine art of pointing. The refs stood around and gawked, apparently afraid to offend either side. A Broncos lineman nudged one official, perhaps in the effort to end the deliberation, and then the players started shoving each other, and Denver coach John Fox lent his perspective, and the Falcons’ Ray Edwards got himself flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Days later, it was determined that Sean Weatherspoon had recovered. The Falcons didn’t score off that turnover — Denver’s fourth of the quarter — and their lead remained only 10-0. For long moments it seemed as if they’d live to rue this squandered chance, but in the end there would be no cause for ruing. They were too good for Denver, too good for the famous Peyton Manning.
“When you get an opportunity to steal possessions against a very good offense, you’ve got to make them pay,” Falcons coach Mike Smith would say. “We played a good game, but there are lots of things we have to address.”
As we know, the Falcons changed both coordinators over the winter. Most of the attention has fallen on Dirk Koetter, the new offensive man, and he had his coming-out moment in Kansas City. This night was the time of introduction for Mike Nolan, charged with energizing a mediocre defense. Nolan’s schemes flummoxed Manning early, and if you do that you’ve done something.
“The way we were disguising things, I think we had him on his heels,” DeCoud said. “To be able to do that is a testament to how we’ve grown as a team. It’s a testament that we’ve taken the next step.”
Nolan’s No-Names won this one. The offense didn’t move much. Michael Turner went mostly nowhere, and Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez managed to drop two passes apiece. (The massively gifted Jones even flubbed a touchdown that would have made it 14-nil.) But this “D” kept giving the ball back to Matt Ryan, and finally the Falcons stitched together two nice-looking touchdown drives.
The second made the score 27-7, and even after the Broncos scored to draw within 13 points early in the fourth, there was no sense that this would be Peyton’s night. Those early turnovers would have taxed even the Manning of old’s comeback prowess, and this wasn’t quite the Manning of old — just an older Manning.
By beating such a famous opponent, the Falcons served notice that their time might well be hand. They’re still not a finished product — the running game needs serious work — but they have enough talent to make them a serious NFC player. They’ve had it for a while. Difference is, they’ve got coaches inclined to let that talent have its way.
Eight minutes left, Denver trailing by 13 points but facing third-and-6 at the Falcons’ 36. Remember the soft zones of Brian VanGorder? Remember how Nolan, in his introductory teleconference, said he’d like to have 10 guys getting four sacks apiece rather than four guys getting 10? Well, here was your moment of both departure and arrival. Moore, the strong safety, came clean off the left side and sacked Manning.
The Broncos would score with 3:25 left to draw within 27-21, and now it was nervous time. Would the Falcons flop again in prime time, this time blowing a 20-point lead? Would they, after all their good work, remind us that they’re still the feckless Falcons?
Nope. Ryan found Jones for a vital first down with 2 1/2 minutes left, Ryan dodging a hard rush to buy his receiver the needed nanosecond to shake loose. Then Turner finally broke free for the clincher, and the party-crashers had their victory. The Falcons were 2-0, alone atop the NFC South. Even better, they were 1-0 against Peyton Manning. And when last this team beat Peyton, it wound up in the Super Bowl. You could look it up.
By Mark Bradley
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214 comments Add your comment
GT Trumpet
September 18th, 2012
12:52 am
Woo Falcons!
Ga. DAWG
September 18th, 2012
1:03 am
Great game. Glad to be a Falcons fan. Bright future and for once thank management for their drafts. by the way, second!
Seen This B4
September 18th, 2012
1:04 am
Saints are the best team in football. You read it here. Prove me wrong losers.
Stephen
September 18th, 2012
1:09 am
Glad I don’t have to post about our D for once! Running game needs to get going, Turner keeps running right into our linemen. WRs dropped a few and we couldn’t put much together until a couple key drives, but thankfully D stepped up. 1 of 6 2-0 teams in the league, Texans up next! Go Birds.
Loran, Whatayagot?
September 18th, 2012
1:10 am
Peyton is a classy guy. We should feel confident in a team that can rattle and intercept him. Then he almost beat us anyway. Great game, Go, you Falcons.
JSS
September 18th, 2012
1:12 am
Wow, even for you that filter is too tight…
Stephen
September 18th, 2012
1:12 am
Glad I dont have to call out the D for once, gotta get O running stronger, Turner keeps running into the line and falling forward for 2 yards. One of six undefeated teams in the NFL, proud to be a Falcons fan!
JSS
September 18th, 2012
1:13 am
User-name stealers and bandwagon machismo….
Stephen
September 18th, 2012
1:14 am
Gotta get the O running stronger, but D stepped up big. Turner keeps running straight into the line and falling forward for 2 yards. Proud to be a Falcons fan!
Mora less Petrino
September 18th, 2012
1:17 am
Two games into the season, Ryan looks very smooth!
Interceptions so far:
Brees 4
Manning 3
Vick 6
Ryan 0
Gumbo
September 18th, 2012
1:18 am
Gald we won – didn;t realize Mularkey got to be the OC if his team wasn’t playing. Snelling is the Thunder (think Ahmad Bradshaw) and Quizz is the lightning. Turner is the ‘Dancing Bear” (for all you Captn Kangaroo fans) -dont believ me, check out his YPC – ridiculous…. Wily Mo is legit, and the Berrman has beat out No 93. Nicholas continues his very fine work and depeted secondary stepped it up. Nor much to say for offense – this was a Battle of the DCs. Baker had a helluva nite, and Roddy made some big plays. Julio got shut down by Champ. He ain’t the first one to get schooled by #24.
Gumbo
September 18th, 2012
1:20 am
M Ryan is P. Manning 3.0
Paul
September 18th, 2012
1:23 am
Could have won, and should have won this one 45-7. Same old trying to run the clock out. Getting away from what got you there. If Turner had 13 rushes, I assume he gained maybe 20 yards. If this team would TRY to score 7 on every possession — I think they could win it all. They get close and primordially start thinking field goal! If this has become professional wrestling for the benefit of the networks — fans are being taken for fools.
MarkATL
September 18th, 2012
1:25 am
That D was TOTALLY DOMINATING!!!! They will get even better!!!!!!!
MarkATL
September 18th, 2012
1:26 am
I wonder how dumb Peter King and ESPN feel now that the Falcons have beaten their beloved Peyton?? LOL
Say what
September 18th, 2012
1:32 am
the level of commentary I would expect from JSS…lol
Mora less Petrino
September 18th, 2012
1:40 am
From the Denver media:
“It was emotional,” Brooking said. “I spent a lot of good years here. It wasn’t a very good homecoming for me. We got beat by a good team.”
Eric C.
September 18th, 2012
1:51 am
I think Brooking is sincere. He really feels bad about his actions. I hope he is remembered for his glory days on the 1998 SB team.
Eric C.
September 18th, 2012
1:52 am
The punt return game was pathetic tonight and nearly cost the game…can’t let injuries have that much of an effect.
Thrashers fan!
September 18th, 2012
1:54 am
omg that was fun to watch!
RISE UP, ATLANTA!
Left Coast Dawg
September 18th, 2012
2:04 am
I really doubt that was truly “SeenThisB4″ making that post. He loves his Aints but he’s not that ignorant to post a comment like that after the Saints have started 0-2.
Puma
September 18th, 2012
2:05 am
Reading about this game on other websites makes it seem like Falcons were lucky, that Denver gave it away…what a bunch of BS! Peyton made mistakes, yes, but our D caused those mistakes and were able to get the turnovers.
The only thing that bugged me about the game was it seemed like the offence got conservative there in the 4th quarter which let them back in the game. Otherwise, we dominated a really good football team for 3 1/2 quarters.
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 18th, 2012
2:08 am
The Saints are an embarrassment to the NFC South! They are making the whole division look bad. You just know KC will get on track against them this weekend. In the Saints long history, we have definitely Seen This B 4.
matty "ICE" ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:14 am
elway got his feelings hurt
during the RISE UP.
the silverman
September 18th, 2012
2:19 am
Awesome atmosphere at the Dome tonight. Defense looked great early and the Offense did enough. On a side not I sat next to Dirk Koetters family at the game and it seeemed to me they were happy to be out of Jacksonville
matty "ICE" ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:19 am
a bunch a hype came to our house
and got their little broncos whipped Real Hard.
Zack
September 18th, 2012
2:34 am
Great job DIRTY BIRDS!!! Still need to learn to put teams away but I will take it! Falcons need a RB to groom ASAP!
Mr. Mustard
September 18th, 2012
2:39 am
Several points to make:
1) Congratulations Falcons! They won on national stage against a good opponent. Finally. No third down implosions, and some great quaterback play from Ryan.
2) Roddy White delivered tonight. I guess Julio was double covered? Offense started slowly, and Ryan went to his Mr. White and Roddie delivered.
3) The star of the game in my opinion? Mike Nolan! – The FALCONS played with some ingenuity?! Our Falcons? Shootfire, we may actually return a punt for once in the near future.
4) On the field stars? William Moore and Sean Weatherspoon. Great game gentlemen, great game.
5) Well said Mr. Bradley, the only way ESPN could have sensationalized Peyton Manning any more is by sticking a camera up his butt to see what may come out next! Geez. I guess the only good from that is they did not mention Tim Tebow for a few hours.
6) People, it is okay to side with labor sometimes, and frankly we should. The NFL referees deserve to be paid. They are elite, skilled esoteric professionals who do great work and the league is prospering. It used to be if you are good, and the business you work for is prospering, to say it mildly for the NFL, that you got a piece of the pie. Pay them.
7) I have tried to find coverage of the Falcons all week, and even when the NFL network said the Falcons analysis was coming, it was about Manning. One film clip. Finally, we won and they had to show us and talk about us.
9) The Falcons won against Manning and in primetime nation, deal with it.
10) Sorry guys, but Michael Turner is done. Stick a fork in him because the “burner” is burnt to a crisp. I like the guy, but with his huge legs, which is all we hear about he cannot break a tackle or create anything on his own. Yes, all backs need blocking but the good ones also assist their lines and teams by creating something occassionally. Turner gets touched and goes down. Hope we can mask him and use him sparingly until the next draft.
Yes, I think the Falcons are finally in a place where we may challenge for a Super Bowl.
Congratulations Atlanta. Now go beat the Chargers.
I cannot wait to turn on the NFL network and ESPN to hear about Tim Tebow and if we’re lucky they might mention Brett Favre.
lol.
matty "ICE" ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:43 am
It was a nightmare for Peyton
and Elway wishes he still had Tebow.
matty "ICE" ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:44 am
Enter your comments here
matty "ICE" ryan
September 18th, 2012
2:47 am
The Broncos need to groom their ugly performance.
FalconJim
September 18th, 2012
3:25 am
We need a back like Sproles…..we’d be scary good, then. But good game, all-in-all…
southernfjord
September 18th, 2012
3:27 am
Where is “Seen this B4″? I’m really worried about him. Perhaps he’s choking on crow?
joeyoffice
September 18th, 2012
3:37 am
I was there. That game was beyond loud when we were on defense. It was absolutely incredible!! Got to hand it to the defense. They looked absolutely amazing tonight. Offense definitely could have played better (missed a few key plays – if jones catches the TD game would have been over, if tony G catches that 3rd conversion our drive keeps going) but at least they came through those last few plays. Also remember Denver has a fantastic defense. So all in all offense was good with 2 long TD drives. But that defense was something else!
Heath
September 18th, 2012
3:40 am
With a solid running game this team would be unstoppable. Kudos to the coaching staff for not trying to use it 30 times a game when it isn’t working like last year’s did.
Strange Murphy
September 18th, 2012
3:48 am
GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS!!!!
michael
September 18th, 2012
3:49 am
With Malarky we pounded thd ball with our big backs, now the offense has changed and Turner is hurting our running game. Wherever the run is designed to go if the whole is closed he has no where to go. We need a runner similiar to Mcgauhey who can bounce it outside if need be or even heaven forbid catch a pass in space.
Scott
September 18th, 2012
5:39 am
I’m excited… Going into the game everyone thought that we had to outscore Denver. We won the game without ever getting our offense started. Who would have thought that our D would be the storyline? Last night the falcons proved that they can win in multiple ways. This is a promising start to the season. Go Birds
No playoff win...no SB ring FAILCANTS
September 18th, 2012
5:40 am
Fact…you’re still loosahs…truth hurts, huh?
No playoff win...no SB ring FAILCANTS
September 18th, 2012
5:44 am
Loosahs…
Dawg
September 18th, 2012
5:56 am
Good night for the Falcons, bad night for ESPN.
Samuel
September 18th, 2012
6:04 am
Let’s keep in mind that the Broncos have a pretty good defense. Being said that, we won the game on both sides of the ball. I like to see that running game get going, it’s still a work in progress. I wouldn’t say Julio Jones is the number one wideout, under pressure White had a better game. I didn’t hear Ray Edwards name, other than when he got into a fight.
Ackshun
September 18th, 2012
6:11 am
This win didn’t happen because Peyton Manning has lost a step. If you think so just ask Pittsburgh. This win happened because Mike Nolan watched film on Manning found a weakness and exploited it. He turned everything that Manning was against him and Manning had a bad day. That happens when a team is ready for you. Nolan coached a beaut last night that why there was success early on no matter who was in at corner. What worries me about this team is a lack of killer instinct. The game could have gone south in the 4th because Mike Smith is a nice guy who takes his foot off the gas everytime his team is up 3 scores. Peyton almost made him pay for that generousity. In this NFL teams can score in seconds, and you need to be thinking TD everytime you touch the ball. There is nothing decent about losing. Oh and by the way NO will probably win this weekend but they are getting drilled the rest of the year. Saints fans, keep that DVR of the Super Bowl handy, and that bag with the eyeholes cut in it.
mambo
September 18th, 2012
6:16 am
I don’t know what was worse the officiating or the broadcast booth.
Honey boy
September 18th, 2012
6:32 am
A nice win, I repeat, WIN,!! It ain’t how, it’s how many! For all the haters who said the Broncos would come in here and B slap the Birds……HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You know who you are so suck it up. How’s it feel?? Speaking about losers, “Seen this B4″… The Saint aren’t even on the relevance meter….0-2!!! How could you possibly post that? Are you just stupid? Err…never mind, another poseur!
Sam
September 18th, 2012
6:32 am
What happened to screen pass to JR? I surely thought we would use it to slow down their pass rush but I think we threw one bubble screen to Julio for like 1 yd gain. Turner is getting painful to watch
Riceman61
September 18th, 2012
6:51 am
Nice to see the Falcons win on a big stage. Ryan’s talent and leadership have caught up to his huge potential, this team can make a lot of noise.
yeahsure
September 18th, 2012
7:00 am
MVPS –
Offense: Roddy
Defense: Willy Moe
Coordinator: Mike Freakin Nolan!!
Honorable mention: THe crowd. Not sure how it sounded on TV, but on one drives, we were louder than i’ve ever heard the Dome. Good job guys.
Hall of Shame: Scab Refs. It was chaos throughout the entire night. I spent more time booing the refs than anything. I was really sure there was going to be a brawl at one point.
The Big Fat Blogger
September 18th, 2012
7:05 am
Love It!!!!! Keep up the great work Falcons!!!!!!!!!
jhs
September 18th, 2012
7:08 am
still think they should finance their own stadium.
King Arthur Blank
September 18th, 2012
7:26 am
Were Michael Turner’s ankles tied together? He would run for 1 yard and fall down so they must have been. I am not paying him millions to fall down. Its great to be the King.
Mike
September 18th, 2012
7:35 am
Yep, the Saints are the best (BOUNTY) team in football.
jemjames
September 18th, 2012
7:39 am
Mambo, the booth was worse.
AlanFalcon
September 18th, 2012
7:41 am
The Falcon’s wore me out last night, think I’ll take the day off, retirement is harsh– o Falcon’s.
dean
September 18th, 2012
7:43 am
Dang. Just heard that Turner got arrested for “Suspicion of DUI”
AlanFalcon
September 18th, 2012
7:43 am
Worn out, Falcon’s were great, think I’ll take the day off, retirement is harsh–Go Falcon’s.
dean
September 18th, 2012
7:43 am
Releeeeeeeease meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
AlanFalcon
September 18th, 2012
7:46 am
Will someone tell Turner he is suppose to be a power back and not a scat back the use of him on first down is really bad as everyone knows he is going to get the ball and not be able to execute, the other three backs have got to be given a chance.
ramblingbuzz
September 18th, 2012
7:54 am
Glad the birds won; thought they should have been able to score more especially in the first half with all the turnovers. Mike Tirico on the telecast was ridiculous complaining about the officals. He ran that theme into the ground, along with the fact that Manning told him he was still rusty at the QB. Announcers these days seem to think they must repeat something over and over to make their point.
G
September 18th, 2012
7:55 am
Julio shut himself down. Had nothing to do with Loser bailey.
dawgnation1
September 18th, 2012
7:56 am
Is Turner going to get suspended for the DUI he reportedly got arrested for an hour ago?
Hoocho
September 18th, 2012
8:06 am
dawgnation1 – if that’s the truth, its the best thing that can happen to our team.
Need to get big Snell and Quizz more touches anyway.
Wet Willie...keep on smiling
September 18th, 2012
8:07 am
Peyton had little zip on his throws last night and Denver should be worried about that.
Atlanta needs a good RB folks….. Mr. Blank and Thomaz need to address that situation.
?
September 18th, 2012
8:07 am
The Falcant’s is still a sorry team. It’s obvious that they had a bounty against Peyton Manning. It seems like they tried their best to hurt him… They are still not going to go to the playoffs.
extremus
September 18th, 2012
8:07 am
The Falcons fan in me is enjoying the 2-0 start and a big victory on a big stage game when, as Mr. Bradley’s article stated, the Falcons were once again the broadcasters’ afterthought to the “main attraction” (this time it was Peyton Manning and his return; the last time it was Drew Brees chasing Dan Marino’s record). That’s how the Falcons have been the past few seasons…good enough to have winning seasons 4 straight times (an NFL rarity, let alone for a franchise that had never experienced consecutive winning campaigns), but yet always overshadowed by an opponent with an established Superbowl resume. And yes, the boys at ESPN laid the praise on Manning pretty thick, though not quite as nauseating as hearing them practically bow down and worship “the greatness that is Drew Brees”. Nice to be vindicated for a change.
But the voice of reason in me realizes that on any given Sunday/Monday, even a great QB and/or team can get off to an awful start that they simply can’t overcome. Peyton Manning was WAY off his pre-injury game last night, and before anyone awards the Falcons the Lombardi Trophy just yet, please remember that the list of quarterbacks they still have to face (Brees twice, Newton twice, Freeman twice, Rivers, Vick, Romo, Stafford, Eli Manning, etc…) and the fact that all these guys are either still very much in their prime or even have yet to hit their full capacity. And I find it highly unlikely that all of them will spot the Falcons three straight turnovers to start the game.
So yeah, I’m enjoying the 2-0 start and the overall good feeling I’m getting so far from the 2012 Falcons. But there are a lot of games left to play, and every one offers something for them to prove.
oi!
September 18th, 2012
8:09 am
Mark, the refs aren’t on strike. They’re locked out. There is a difference…
FalconInChicago
September 18th, 2012
8:14 am
It was great to see the Falcons defense come alive last night on national television. Bradley is right about ESPN fawning all over Peyton.
A Fan
September 18th, 2012
8:14 am
Great Game! Great Win! Not so great officiating. We got lucky there. And until we beat the best, we’re not the best. The Saints fans say they are the best. Only one way to decide that. I’m a Brids fan but the Saints are the most dangerous 0-2 team in the league. But, then again, the Birds beat them, and then we can crow.
Pamela
September 18th, 2012
8:15 am
Once again the Falcants’ fans are so happy. Trust me when I say that – that will be short lived. The Saints had a horrible off season. Our team is still much better than the Falcants’. Always have been and always will be. Matt Ryan still has spaghetti arms. I have a question for the Falcants’ fans…where is your Championship ring? Answer…you don’t and never will have one. Why? Because you are not good enough to receive one. So what you won 2 games? Who cares….what matters in the end is the Championship ring. Take it from the N.Y. Giants. They won the Superbowl last year and really did not have that many wins. Oh yeah..they win play off games…the Falcants’ NEVER win. Oh yeah..that one time when you all went to the superbowl years ago and flopped. Just like you will do again this year!
Pamela
September 18th, 2012
8:17 am
You will not go to the superbowl, but you will flop! Hahahahahahahahaha!
cdbgolf
September 18th, 2012
8:17 am
Its time for Michael Turner to go.He looks fat and slow,it takes him forever to get to the line. I can not believe how Jon Gruden was saying how good Turner was in short yardage situations.I guess he has not watched the Falcons the past couple of years.
G
September 18th, 2012
8:18 am
Nice Michael Turner can’t run the ball worth a crap but he can drive drunk. Idiot.
falcon
September 18th, 2012
8:19 am
It’s always nice to prove all the talking heads on ESPN wrong. The Falcons are probably the only team ever to pick Peyton 3 times in the 1st quarter. Mike Smith and staff, schooled John Fox last night. Way to use up your time outs and your challenges Coach Fox.
G
September 18th, 2012
8:20 am
Yes folks Michael Turner was arrested last night???? for speeding and driving drunk??? In a game that ended after midnight. What an idiot. Gee I thought the nfl was so brutal that these guys were sooo tired, that they to ice their bodies and home to sleep. What bs.
G
September 18th, 2012
8:21 am
Nice can’t talk about the hypocrisies of the nfl and players on here. MT gets a dui after a game that ends at 12:15. What a joke
Larry
September 18th, 2012
8:21 am
G,
I would suggest he CAN’T drive drunk…he was caught!
Really Amazing
September 18th, 2012
8:24 am
Mike Nolan, Enuff said!!!
G
September 18th, 2012
8:25 am
Maybe it was a road block larry.
Escaped from Email Purgatory
September 18th, 2012
8:35 am
Gee. Peyton Manning couldn’t quite work the miracle ESPN hoped for. Poor Mike Tirico. I hope hotel housekeeping remembers to change his tear-stained pillowcase this morning.
I get kinda sick of the national sports media deciding the ideal story line they want to shamelessly promote for the game before the game happens.
Would be nice if they just let the game develop as the on field action transpires and report on that.
It’s common practice nowadays (please see Vern and Gary and their incessant, game-long gushing over whoever the current SEC Golden Boy QB is). To hear them tell it, Tim could heal the lame and Cam could fly.
Instead of just calling the game impartially as it unfolds before their eyes, the pre-game agenda drives the tone of play by play and color commentary.
It ain’t like we can’t see what’s happening. This is freaking TV. Dutch Reagan ain’t painting a word picture for his rapt radio audience by ready copy handed him by his producer.
Hey felas! We don’t have to take your word for what’s going on. We can see the game too.
Thought I was gonna hear the call of a game between the Falcons and Broncos. Sounded more like the Globetrotters v the Washington Generals.
Lance
September 18th, 2012
8:36 am
Great game Falcons! I was getting worried there at the end with the typical conservative calling the last part of the game. Falcons coaches MUST keep the pedal to the floor with that offense and it will take a lot more pressure off of the defense. That game should not have been close whatsoever. I know double negative but we are talking Football here.
FALCONS need: The Falcons need to re-think M. Turner. I think I could run faster backwards than he runs. We need a running back with some explosion and maneuverability. Turner is SLOW and has no cutting skills anymore. Get SNELLING started!!!!
jerry
September 18th, 2012
8:39 am
The game was over at 12:15am,Turner bonded out at 5am, 4 hours and 45 minutes after the game. How long does someone have to spend in jail for dui before bonding out? He must have started drinking in the locker room as soon as the game was over.
kingdaddy
September 18th, 2012
8:39 am
Falcons are 2-0. Won a road game right out of the blocks, then beat a good Denver team and what am I reading this morning? A bunch of whinners who will cry no matter what happens. When was the last time we won a Monday Night Game? Give the hateing a break for at least 24 hours after a victory. Oh and btw, did Turner’s DUI violate any clause in his contract? Hopefully, this will wake him up and humble him a little. Maybe it will boost his effort.
Did the Oline play have anything to do with the running game being weak?
Believe it or not, Sam Baker had a pretty good game last night…
Big fan 81
September 18th, 2012
8:41 am
By the end of the season, nobody will care about last night’s bad officiating, TV commentary, or whatever. All that will matter is the WIN, andthat the Falcons will be back in the postseason. This team looks every bit as good as the 2010 13-3 team. WE DAT.
G
September 18th, 2012
8:42 am
Maybe he was drunk while playing and that’s why his performance is always lousy.
St Simons
September 18th, 2012
8:42 am
thank you Mark for publishing this very accurate assessment in a
national publication. ESPN is really disgusting, the new National
Enquirer of sports. I had to turn off the sound.
and the refs weren’t as bad as the Denver punks taking advantage
of them. Fox, DelRio, and the punks that followed their lead. Man,
Brookings is sure in the right place, a team full o punks.
Now les go surfin
Hot err
September 18th, 2012
8:45 am
So our fat lazy slob of a running back goes out to celebrate his 15 yard night with a DUI?
Cut him and his beer gut now.
Great Falconi
September 18th, 2012
8:47 am
Who knows what Turner was under the influence of? Maybe, just maybe, he was burning a few. After all, he is the Burner.
St Simons
September 18th, 2012
8:49 am
haha, USC and the Denver Mannings both lose on EuScPN in one week.
the pouty butt-hurt must be excruciating
Ted M
September 18th, 2012
8:49 am
The defense was in fact great. However I’m not convinced the are Broncos great.
St Simons
September 18th, 2012
8:53 am
the ‘Amoeba’ defense is the greatest scheme i’ve ever seen.
North FLA Falcon
September 18th, 2012
8:53 am
Sit Michael Turner out for the SD game. Let him dry out and think things over. Tweak the running game. We are on a roll but it’s a short week leading up to a west coast trip. Gotta keep playing tough!
Falcon Fan
September 18th, 2012
8:56 am
Birds Looked Great. DB’s took the game to a whole new level…I gotta believe some of that is Nolan.
Thanks Guys…Great game.!!
Kramer
September 18th, 2012
9:03 am
Maybe TD was right. All we really needed was new assistant coaches. Saints fans beware, your team sucks and our does not.
dean
September 18th, 2012
9:04 am
@ TED M. Maybe not “great” but they were good enough to knock off the Steelers. Falcons made Manning look pedestrian. Nobody, but noooooooobody could have predicted that.
Manny
September 18th, 2012
9:05 am
This is a signature win for the Falcons. As a Falcons fan, I’m really happy. As an NFL fan, I’m a little concerned about Peyton. That first quarter was some of the worst QBing I’ve seen in a long time.
But the Falcons has plenty of weapons. And I don’t think anyone on the planet can make that back-shoulder throw as good as Matt Ryan. Let’s keep it going and get that first playoff win!
Oh, and for those sorry Aints fans that keeps chirping- Win a game in 2012 first.
Joey
September 18th, 2012
9:06 am
I hate Smith’s tendency to sit on a lead. That kind of philosophy is why we can’t win a playoff game. The opening drive of the second half should have been designed to knock the Broncos out. Instead, they hand it twice to the RB that seemingly has vision problems – he can’t seem to look out of the top of his helmet.
Other than that, the O and the D looked really good, the O especially in the hurry-up.
Steve
September 18th, 2012
9:08 am
Kudo’s to the Falcon’s defense. Their 3 quick picks helped put Denver in a hole early.
The officials just suck. Blown call after blown call.
Good game for Roddy White with over 100 yeards receiving. Falcon’s offense has got to learn to put together drives that result in points (TDs) . They can’t rely on the other team giving them short fields to score with on their 1st 3 possessions.
Jack Spain
September 18th, 2012
9:12 am
Two things stand between this team and the Lombardi Trophy…Michael Turner is too slow and Dunta Robinson can’t cover anybody
JeanE
September 18th, 2012
9:15 am
I admit, I picked the Broncos to win a close one. I thought the Falcons beat up on a bad KC team and that Peyton would prevail. I was wrong and glad of it. Very impressed by the Mike Nolan D, they are on fire! And without Grimey and Owen going out, they still were tough. Should’ve gotten rid of BVG and Mularkey years ago! I always said Mularkey was holding back this offense and man, was he ever. As for Turner, I wanted to let him go a year ago, he is on a downhill slide and his DUI just proves he’s a complete numbskull to boot! He lives up here in Gwinnett near me, you idiot, driving 97 drunk home, you could’ve killed someone or yourself!! What a bum. As for The Birds, I loved it, just thrilled to see Tony, Roddy and Harry get their catches. I am not a Julio fan and still maintain he was completely unecessary but whatever. Keep up the good work!
Infamous
September 18th, 2012
9:16 am
Someone please give Snelling some carries. Turner is not getting us any yards and I can not tell if he is giving us much effort. Put Snelling in the game to see if he can’t pick up more yards with the same O-line. He has the last couple of years when Tip-Toe Turner was dancing around in the backfield. Maybe that could at least light a fire under him to do SOMETHING or ANYTHING with his carries.
Damage Inc.
September 18th, 2012
9:17 am
Not one to fish for trolls much but I was promised by a troll yesterday that they would come back to face the music today… You know who you are… heeerre trolly trolly trolly, heeerrrrre trolly trolly trolly.
MONKATL
September 18th, 2012
9:22 am
Ryan CAN Win the Big Game, Its 2012 and the page has turned. Go ATL BIRDS!!!
Poor Pamela
September 18th, 2012
9:23 am
I feel so sorry for you. You worship a Saints team as your God, therefore you assume everyone on this board does the same. Jealousy has bottomed you out.
graphite
September 18th, 2012
9:26 am
If ol Michael could hold his liquor as good as he doe’s the ball,he might not be in jail…….RollOn….
AtlantaDude
September 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Evidently, when the cops asked Turner to walk a straight line, he took a step to the left, a step to the right, and then fell forward for 2 yards.
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR (aka Go Jackets)
September 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Four letter network boys are eating crow…..only 2 of the 6 picked the Falcons….I really dont like those guys.
FANtastic
September 18th, 2012
9:29 am
Glad to see the Ryan haters have disappeared.
DawgDad
September 18th, 2012
9:29 am
That was a horrible game to watch. Almost FOUR hours; it was like watching the prime time SEC game of the week. There’d be a couple of plays of great action, then 10-15 minutes of nothing, interspliced with commercials and idiotic commentary. If this keeps up I’m going to tape the games and skim through afterwards.
Nice job by the Falcons defense – in the first hour.
FANtastic
September 18th, 2012
9:31 am
@ AtlantaDude:
LOLOLOLOL. He was probably lucky to get 2, more like 1-1.5.
Preston
September 18th, 2012
9:35 am
First thing………Why? Even as bad as the ref were intimidated by the coaches and players all screaming at um, why in the world do the fools in the booth continue to dig and hammer at the refs. When the regular one are on the field screwing everything up cept’ their girlfriends the hardly say a word. They way they acted on TV was not very classy nor professional. Even considering who it was the way they acted can’t be excused.
Second……Turner has the speed to play. But his short, choppy steps don’t get it done. I like the comment “he had his shoe stings tied together”. That’s exactly the way he runs. He has no power when he starts.
Third…..if you older fans remember back 15 to 20 years ago the Falcons ate the Saints lunch whenever they got hungry. Now those days just may be coming back. Nobody stays on top forever. Just ask Peyton.
Damage Inc.
September 18th, 2012
9:37 am
Something tells me Pamela is the kind of girl Wild Bill would like to make clothes out of.
tom
September 18th, 2012
9:39 am
The great defense displayed last night is proof positive Grimes will not be missed. They were stupid for signing him to begin with.
Chronic
September 18th, 2012
9:43 am
Hey Turner, life can turn on a dime, you can find yourself without a job in a hurry. tighten up your game and life baby boy. it can come crashing down in a hurry. not drinking = losing weight = sober = living = more speed etc. all good things. plenty of disposable income does not equate into life being a full time party. gather yourself up and seize your life. and regain your livelihood. stuff like that, yeah.
GTFan
September 18th, 2012
9:46 am
So, glad that Manning got beat!!! SO SICK OF MANNING!!!!! The announcers made me so sick of how much they were riding on his coat tail. Ryan will always be my favorite.
flagger
September 18th, 2012
9:46 am
Michael Turner had good reason to get drunk after the way he ran the ball last nite!!!!!
Ed
September 18th, 2012
9:47 am
Great job Falcons, loved the way the defense played and William Moore is awesome. Offensively Roddy stepped up in a big way, and boy Matt Ryan was precise with some of those passes.
beachguy
September 18th, 2012
9:47 am
GOOD THING IT WAS IN DOME,FALCONS CAN’T WIN OUTDOORS
Call It Like It Is
September 18th, 2012
9:50 am
So am I the only one that was concered that we only got 13 points off of 3 interceptions and 1 fumble? A win is a win, but that game could have and should have been sealed in the 1st qtr.
Kane337
September 18th, 2012
9:51 am
Great game Falcons. Way to hold onto the victory against a tough team.
splendid splinter
September 18th, 2012
9:53 am
Nobody has said it outright – Manning and the Broncos got out-coached last night. Manning was confused all night and it is all because of a new defensive coordinator. The defensive scheme was awesome and the players performed and made it happen.
And where is ‘Matt Choke Ryan’s’ post today? Ryan had a really good game. He had several drops by his receivers but he did enough to win. I thought the Falcons looked good on both sides of the ball and the game was fun to watch – except for the refs, of course.
Sir Stealth
September 18th, 2012
9:53 am
Refs are locked out, not on strike. No good reason for NFL making us put up with these replacement refs.
Go Falcons
Garth
September 18th, 2012
9:53 am
It’s like this, the Falcons are never going to make it to a Superball unless they get some top tier BREAK AWAY running back. Michael Turner ain’t it. You’ve got to have some fast backs to make it to the top. Turner is vastly overrated.
Colleen
September 18th, 2012
9:53 am
Matt Ryan played great last night. Enough about Peyton and his stupid commercials! I’m so proud of the Falcons! Keep it up! It’s our turn for a ring! GO BIRDS!
I’m not a diehard NFL person (more college), but I thought the game was really exciting.
Are the Chargers any good? Gotta get ready for next weekend!!!!
Gene
September 18th, 2012
9:55 am
It was an impressive win for the Falcons, but Manning came very close to pulling it out. It was nice to beat up on Denver and Ellway.
woeismesince66
September 18th, 2012
9:57 am
I see that seen this B4 has been in the buffalo chips again. Can you see that green stuff on his lips.
B4 needs to get a life.
splendid splinter
September 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Nobody has said it – Manning and the Broncos got out-coached last night. The defensive scheme was brilliant. If you can have a scheme that Manning has not seen in 15 years in the league – that is saying something.
PEACH TREE
September 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Thanks Mark Bradley, keep up the good work.
Joey
September 18th, 2012
9:59 am
Where’s “Choke” and his hahahahahahahaha?
woeismesince66
September 18th, 2012
9:59 am
No I have not said that before. Your website screws up on occasion.
melanie
September 18th, 2012
10:00 am
The Falcons showed they are as good as they can be. Loved it!! Coach Fox was being a cry baby the whole game; he shiwe dhis true colors last night. If they do not put some sort of sanction onhim for being on thatfiels 90% of the game or make him pay a stiff fine for acting so un prefesssional. Falcons your # 1 in my book. You played with class & coach you are the best!! Showed Manningwho is the top team in the south!!
Joey
September 18th, 2012
10:01 am
AtlantaDude (9:28), Great post!
Bruce
September 18th, 2012
10:03 am
I’m not a Falcon fan by any stretch of the imagination, but was so happy to see Peyton Manning lose. Leading up to the game on almost every football broadcast, there were “Peyton” references. I couldn’t change the channel or station fast enough. There are 32 teams, of which, I am a fan of one. My love for the NFL does not revolve around Manning. I’m glad for the Falcons this morning.
Ronster9
September 18th, 2012
10:07 am
Turner is not ‘done.’ Denver is a good defense, and they did a great job of jamming the running lane. None of ATLs running backs had any long runs. Despite that, Turner muscled through for a TD and then a key first down in crunch time. Be patient. The running game will come around…
We can't hit squat
September 18th, 2012
10:13 am
According to the post game comments, the Falcons only threw one pass in the 4th quarter until the 6 yd 1st down pass to Julio at the 2 minute warning. I don’t know how many (if any) 1st downs we had up to that point in the 4th, but that’s not going to get it done against good teams. I am glad we won, but the offense reminded me of how we blew games in the past. There should have been no need for all the anxiety in the 4th if the offense had done it’s job.
So long Pixie QB
September 18th, 2012
10:19 am
If you get a chance to watch a replay….look at 1:54 left in the game….I swear I saw Pixie tears on Peyton’s face…..he had a much better day giving away pizzas and selling cars yesterday…..GO YOU DIRTY BIRDS……
sam
September 18th, 2012
10:20 am
Does Turner’s arrest mean, we’ll see more of Snelling and Rodgers? Thunder and Lightning 2.0. I really want to see what JR can do as a full time RB. The patriots have a no name backfield and they do an adequate job.
Let's Get Real
September 18th, 2012
10:20 am
A great win for the birds and a great atmosphere inside the Dome, kudos to the Atlanta fans. Four observations: 1) Is it just me, or did everyone else notice the fact that the only crowd shots from ESPN were shots of Elway in his box or Denver fans in the stands. Talking about Bronco Bias – it was blatant. 2) If Michael Turner can negotiate I-85 at 97mph while intoxicated, perhaps we should give him a few drinks before each game. It is getting painful to watch him run into the line between the tackles and fall down. We almost blew a 20 pt lead because of our inability to run the ball in the fourth quarter. 3) If Roger Goodell and his NFL brain trust has a lick of sense they will bring back the refs asap. It was the Falcons, so I watched, but had it been anyone else I would have turned it off and gone to bed before the half. It was painful and pitiful to watch. If I were the veteran refs my resolve would be hardening. After watching last night’s debacle I would increase my demands. 4) Dimitroff needs to start scouting running backs. Turner cannot take us to the promised land. The fourth quarter running game last night brought back painful memories of the Giants playoff game.
Taylor Woote
September 18th, 2012
10:23 am
Easier to beat a broke neck Manning led Bronco team that an Tebow led Bronco team.
Just saying
Cpt Kirk in Arkansas
September 18th, 2012
10:27 am
All you folks clamoring for a better running back are spot on. When we need to ground n pound, Turners no longer that guy, much less the back he was 3 yrs ago. The ESPN dude who mantioned that the Birds, once a feared running team and now living and winning by the pass, need to revert back to their power running of yore to burn clock and seal the deal. I fear that with Turner on the downside this season will end much like the last too, unless Jacquezz & Snelling step up big time. The Dbs, despite the excellent game plan and multiple picks off of Manning, are pretty thin now with Grimes lost for the yr. This season, like the next few yrs will ultimately be determined by the D and how it steps up vs the NFC ’s Giants, Niners, and even the good lookin Panthers.. Thats whats going to tell the tale as the season goes by.. We need shut down corner, another beast pas rusher, and one primo or two commitee game breakin running backs.
Mark my Words
D man
September 18th, 2012
10:28 am
Matt didn’t “choke”, he played like an elite QB and what I had “seen” before didn’t happen last night.
78dawg
September 18th, 2012
10:33 am
Postgame..ESPN would only talk about Manning’s picks..not the Falcons D…..Spoiled their little party…Steve Young sickens me…
78dawg
September 18th, 2012
10:36 am
Sick of Turner’s 2 yard runs…the announcers saying he was the key to O success….They don’t know squat…He is the worst part of the O….He should have been cut loose.
falconfreak
September 18th, 2012
10:40 am
Nice victory but this is supposed to be the do or die year for the Falcons according to some and my guess is we’re still about 6 quality players short to go deep into the post season. Most notably is the lack of talent in the running game. Love Michael Turner for what he has done but now it looks like he runs a 4.3 in the 7 yd dash. Of course, the line is also partly responsible for this and we just don’t have the muscle or size to move people around. Secondary lacks depth although they played outstandingly last night, and we’re going to need more from our defensive ends. Gotta love the job the defensive coordinator did on confusing Peyton last night. Finally, some creativity. Denver is tough defensively but our offense looked too one dimensional without a running game. Atlanta will be fun to watch but I don’t think they have the size or toughness to be a presence later on in the season. We shall see.
ty webb
September 18th, 2012
10:51 am
so ESPN is to Peyton as Mark Bradley is to Paul Johnson…got it.
UPGRAYEDD
September 18th, 2012
10:51 am
Heard that when the cops told Turner to walk the line, he ran into the back of the lineman.
CPR
September 18th, 2012
10:56 am
78 Dawg— ESPN’s postgame has two QB’s on it. Why the shock that they’re not talking about the D?
No stress. Once the Falcons smack San Diego upside the head, they’ll start talking about the D… : )
I’m just amazed at how talent makes a maligned QB (Ryan) look great. Really glad he has some weapons around him and has some offensive freedom.
This team ain’t that far away…
Brown
September 18th, 2012
10:59 am
Loved watching the DEF last night – that was great. Moore and ‘Spoon were awesome.
ESPN is such a spin zone. Their updates during the game basically said Peyton was helping the Falcons to a win by turning the ball over, or that he was just off his game completely, rather than crediting the Falcon’s D with making great plays – which they did. That first pick was just a great play by Moore- it wasn’t a bad pass.
Off game for the offense, but Denver is a tough team to play against. So glad the defense is not a liability this year.
Ivan
September 18th, 2012
11:02 am
“Heard that when the cops told Turner to walk the line, he ran into the back of the lineman.”
I heard he bounced and danced to his left and right trying to decide which line to walk.
15 Minutes from 'Dem Hedges
September 18th, 2012
11:03 am
Great game but the offense needs to apologize to the D for being so sorry and slipshod…the SD SuperChargers might not roll over and die so easily…as for the officiating…well,….I’ll reserve comment…
dwagfanny
September 18th, 2012
11:05 am
Ackshun
September 18th, 2012
6:11 am
Excellent Post, but love this: “Saints fans, keep that DVR of the Super Bowl handy, and that bag with the eye-holes cut in it.”
I also hated when they went conservative with 8+/- minutes to go. Assume it is Mike Smith. Hope Dirk Koetter changes that in the future.
Big Al
September 18th, 2012
11:08 am
The Falcons have won two games and are headed to the Super Bowl. LMAO!!!!
War Dawg
September 18th, 2012
11:18 am
I say trade Turner for a back-up long-snapper and a new pair gloves for Julio! Sounds about fair market value.
GT
September 18th, 2012
11:19 am
I now understand why these defensive coordinators like the 3/4 or 2/5. There were up to 11 standing defensive players in any given set. I am sure someone will figure out what to do to this defense but not Manning and not last night.
On offense this is only the second real game for Manning and these receivers. It took Ryan and White a few years to figure each other out and Jones ain’t there yet. To have all that confusion created by this wild defense, and receivers not being able to read it more less communicate to Manning was chaos. I loved it and damn good job. Coaching has improved on both sides, but the running game has got to improve. One thing the Broncos did was hold off blitzing thinking the Falcons would run more so maybe that part of their game is healthy too.
Jaded
September 18th, 2012
11:26 am
I’d rather see Rodgers and Snelling get the bulk of the carries anyway. Turner looks like he’s the 30-year-old running back wall.
WDE
September 18th, 2012
11:27 am
Great win for the Falcons, great game for Ryan and the D…I have a little concern for the lack of our receivers except Roddy to catch the ball in the first half, we missed a TON of well thrown balls.
Buddy Landell
September 18th, 2012
11:32 am
Call It Like It Is
September 18th, 2012
9:50 am
So am I the only one that was concered that we only got 13 points off of 3 interceptions and 1 fumble?
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Julio dropped an easy TD.
ImGumbyD**MIT
September 18th, 2012
11:42 am
I’m so glad we won! But I am sick and freak’n tired of seeing Turner run for no gain over and over again!! This game should not have been this close. What will it take for Smith and company sit Bubble Butt Turner down and play Snelling and Rogers?
Dawg Haus
September 18th, 2012
11:45 am
Great win for the Falcons! Matty Ice was better than the old man last night.
Dawg Haus
September 18th, 2012
11:45 am
All in all, a great win for the Falcons!
billyBobjacket
September 18th, 2012
11:47 am
Refs were bad, but equally so against both teams. They did let Fox bully them on that tipped ball…the interference clearly happened before the tip. I suppose you could just tackle all the receivers and then tip the ball so there would be no penalty? LOVED seeing ESPN’s scripted annointing or the return of the chosen one go awry.
Hamad Meander
September 18th, 2012
11:48 am
It doesn’t matter the final score, it doesn’t matter that the Falcons didn’t end up blowing Denver out. What matters is that we won against a team that is certainly playoff bound and maybe one of the toughest games of the season. The defense was active, took risks, and harrassed Peyton all night. I LOVED IT.
Time
September 18th, 2012
11:56 am
1 – Everyone rooting for Turner sudpension. Won’t happen. First offense = fine.
2. The refs aren’t the problem. The players and coaches looking to take advantage of a less than perfect situation are the problem. When you’ve got 50 players and coaches running on the field thinking they can sway every call you can’t keep control. The actual in game calls have been no worse than the regular refs.
3. It’s the rare day that Bradley is right. ESPN, and especially the annoyingly smug Tirico had their virtual pom pom’s out for Peyton all night. Gruden was pretty balanced.
4. Game could have been a bigger blowout if you ask me. They went to a more vanilla scheme late in the 2nd quarter and the Broncos scored. They take their foot off the pedal offensively at the start of the 4th trying to run the clock out.
5. The Saints are terrible. I can’t believe there’s still Saints trolls hanging around here talking them up. You Saints people should get together with the Tech people. You have one half decent run in your existence and all of the sudden you believe you’re elite, when you’re really just a joke to everyone else.
falcons41
September 18th, 2012
12:01 pm
That was an absolutely fantastic performance by the ATL Falcons!!!! Great game guys. I LOVED watching Peyton C-H-O-K-E!!!!!! He cannot handle the noise and I know that in Denver the screens all say “QUIET” when Manning has the ball (was at Mile High last week for game against Pgh). HEY DENVER FANS—–WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR SAVIOR MANNING NOW!!!! HE AIN’T ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS LIKE YOU GUYS WERE RAVING ABOUT WEEK 1 AT MILE HIGH. AT LEAST HE TOOK THE BLAME FOR THE PICKS AT THE POST GAME INTERVIEW. FALCONS WERE AWESOME!!!!! GREAT W FOR THE FALCONS (JUST AS I PREDICTED).
Matt the Brave
September 18th, 2012
12:08 pm
“Days later, it was discovered that Sean Witherspoon recovered” sounds like a Grizzard line, Mark. Good recap.
Art
September 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
Karma is Cool. Denver already had a hellava quarterback. You forget his name? It was Tim Tebow.
DERP
September 18th, 2012
12:12 pm
@Art
Amen…..
Sweet Old Buck
September 18th, 2012
12:17 pm
Great win! Now put together a running game for some offensive balance. The season wil be short otherwise.
Thrash
September 18th, 2012
12:18 pm
Mr. Audible got fed his lunch due to the frenetic ATL defense last night. All future Denver opponents, take note.
Mikey
September 18th, 2012
12:24 pm
GREAT GAME! Some observations:
1. NFL needs to find a way to decide quickly (e.g. 10 seconds) on ref calls. Consider having the extra ref be accountable for reviewing all camera angles and making the final call QUICKLY. Only interrupt the flow of the game if an onb-field call is overturned. I’m to the point of never watching a LIVE game again and I doubt if advertisers want us to fast forward through 2.5 hours of a 4 hour game.
2. It was refreshing to hear John Gruden’s positive comments about players and coaches rather than pointing out mistakes. He seemed to cover almost all positions and both teams… Nice!
3. Mike Nolan made a BIG difference… we have plenty of talent on defense. Manning is a great QB and the Falcons will face numerous great QBs… we certainly have hope looking forward!
4. The offense has tons of weapons and is improved. Dropped passes and penalties stalled drives however the basic approach was good. They have demonstrated that they can eliminate these barriers within a few weeks and stay clean. There is hope for the future! THEY DO HAVE WEAPONS starting with a VERY smart and capable QB.
BamaGuy
September 18th, 2012
12:28 pm
Seen? Too early for you to show your face around here…You and your team Shat in the bed (twice in two weeks)…I know you didn’t smell it but hey, that is the city of New Orleans for you…
Leroy Rogers
September 18th, 2012
12:35 pm
While a student at UT, Manning “mooned” a female in the training room. This cost UT–not insurance-
300,000 bucks! The female quit and so did one of the other people, who did not want to work there.
Thus, some of us call him “moonie Manning!-
What last night proved was he was color blind-throwing to the wrong color jerseys!
He had the best receivers in football with the Colts.
The most underseving 4 MVP’S and only one Super Bowl win!
So I am in hawg heaven this am–gloating over the guy in the commercial with wings! Well, the “birds” clipped Moonie Manning’s wings last night.
In his post game interview he said they still had a chance to win–without the football! What a joke!
md
September 18th, 2012
12:41 pm
The game I watched showed a defense with a lot of holes……they best be thankful they jumped out to a lead because Denver had way too many big yardage plays including the Moreno fumble.
North FLA Falcon
September 18th, 2012
12:47 pm
ESPN “scripts” these events to minimize risk and to make their advertisers happy. Just like the first Saints game in the ‘Dome after Katrina … against the Falcons. Just like last year when Brees broke Dan Marino’s record … against the Falcons. It was sweet revenge to completely RUIN their bromance with Peyton Manning and watch the Falcons CRUSH an opponent in MNF! But now it is time to focus on a west coast road trip to Philip Rivers and Co……….
Reality
September 18th, 2012
12:49 pm
Its obvious Turner has issues! They should never run him outside due to his lack of speed. He is not a super bowl back….period! His feet are woefully slow as are his LEGS! We need to draft new backs.
SeenThisB4Saints were 0-2
September 18th, 2012
12:54 pm
If Julio had caught that early TD pass the game would have been a total rout, and never in question. Drops hurt all night and kept Denver in the game. Also Peyton’s first TD pass was an absolute 3rd down miracle just before the half … the game really was not that close.
Boise Dawg
September 18th, 2012
1:01 pm
Good start for the Falcons… but the lack of a running game is a conern. This may be a passing league, but if you can’t run the ball effectively it will be tough to win deep in the playoffs.
warfalcon
September 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
All doubter are gone today,but they will be back tommorow.Lets Go Falcons.
warfalcon
September 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
All doubter are gone today,but they will be back tommorow.Lets Go Falcons.
warfalcon
September 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
All doubter are gone today,but they will be back tommorow.Lets Go Falcons.
warfalcon
September 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
All doubter are gone today,but they will be back tommorow.Lets Go Falcons.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
1:06 pm
Hello guys, I have Phillip Rivers on the line…..
What’s that Phillip? You are not impressed by the Falcants getting 4 turnovers in the first half from a senior citizen with a broken neck?
That’s cold Phillip. What’s that Phillip? I don’t know how CHOKE only got 217 yards on 24 completions.
What’s that Phillip? Yeah I guess that is dink & dunk.
Say that again Phillip. You are saying they won’t be playing against a has been quarterback?
What’s that Phillip? Tell CHOKE to grow a pair? A pair of what Phillip?
HA HA HA
tsmith
September 18th, 2012
1:06 pm
John Fox spent more time on the field last night than Matt Ryan.. They should have given him a striped shirt. It was pathetic. Also, the side judge finally threw a flag after Fox said something (the official threw it high in the air) but then they picked it up and never even made an announcement. Absolutely pitiful, they let John Fox get away with coming to the middle of the field at least twice. WTF?? Where is the unsportsmanlike penalties – they must not have those in Division III. Shameful shameful officiating!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
1:12 pm
Peyton just justified why Mike Vick is the ONLY player worthy of 2 100 million dollar contracts. He is the ONLY qb in the NFL capable of over coming 4 plus turnovers in back to back wins.
The Great Mike Vick baby……………
CHOKE not so much
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 18th, 2012
1:15 pm
Somebody please tell me what is elite about getting 217 yards on 24 completions when Vick got 371 on 23 completions?
Anyone?….Hmmmm……ha ha
Ravens vs Eagles in the superbowl baby.
CHOKE well one and done again if they even make the playoffs….ha ha
CHOKE is a JOKE
Old Dawg
September 18th, 2012
1:15 pm
There’s no excuse for the way the NFL is handling the officiating issue. It has more money than God, both political parties and Apple Computers and it won’t pay up to protect the game from on the field anarchy … which almost broke out the six day of the officiating fiasco, and then the commissioner went to bed holding onto to his bag of gazillions.
I like the way the Falcons are playing this year. Too bad their uniforms and cleats still look like standard issue for the Florida School for Clowns!
KCFalcon
September 18th, 2012
1:21 pm
Where were the TV shots of Mike Nolan? Come on ESPN. You found Elways’s box. You showed John Fox and Jack Del Rio to the point of overkill. Where were the shots of Mike Nolan? He was the storyline of the game. Mr. Producer? Mr. Director? Anybody? Bueller.
Jay Smoothe
September 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
This Seen This B4 guys says “Saints are the best team in football. You read it here. Prove me wrong losers.”
Dude you must be seeing something we are not. Quit living in the past and on your Super Bowl year because the Saints are far from being the best team in the league. So do us all a favor and SHUT THE HELL UP and MOVE ON…
ZAvs
September 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
OK, so I am a Broncos fan, not a troll, and a Falcons fan (lived in Atl for 6 years). The officiating SUCKED. Bad. The Falcons’ O and D lines played exceptionally well and their secondary had a great night. Here is the scary thing, and that which gives me a lot of hope: Falcons were +4 in turnovers and still sweating the end of the game and how it would turn out. Take away just one of those turnovers and you may have lost (purely speculation). Take away all 4 (the Moreno fumble was BS, Broncos had the ball), and you would have lost that game.
Congrats to Atl, I do miss the city (not the traffic) and you/we (still a Falcon fan, just not when they play the Broncos) have a good team. Best of luck, I will be rooting for the Birds and the Donkeys
And somebody, please, get the real Refs back.
SeenThisB4Saints were 0-2
September 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
“Choke” … what is elite about Ryan? How about no fumbles … no bruised ribs … accurate passes … a balanced attack so that Matt doesn’t have to throw 59 times in a game … and a clean arrest record!
Dan
September 18th, 2012
1:53 pm
The biggest difference between this years D and last years is they guys are in position to make plays. How many times last year did teams have recievers running wide open downfield? The first two weeks we haven’t seen that…..I understand over the course of a season you will have mistakes but not every game, Mike Nolan is a professional coach and it shows.
MarineDog
September 18th, 2012
2:03 pm
John Gruden was one of the commentators that gave the defensive scheme a lot of credit. He even said on several occassions that he hasn’t seen that type of scheme. I think that the DC prepared that scheme just for Peyton and his ability to audible out of any kind of defensive formation. The DC was the hero of this game by far. The OC needs to use their offensive weapons throughout the duration of the game. This would have forced Peyton to make even more mistakes in the second half, just trying to keep up. This Falcon team has the potential to very dangerous, if they can play this way for 4 quarters, and the OC not taking his foot off the gas until the game is put away. There’s still work to be done, but it looks promising. Running game needs to be established in order to keep opposing defenses honest.
MJ
September 18th, 2012
2:21 pm
Saints are losing and Tampa and Carolina have very young and inexperienced teams.
Looks like the Falcons can win the division. I really like the new Falcon defensive schemes and how
the defensive players would set, then move before Peyton snapped the ball. Very impressive!! It REALLY unsettled Peyton. Previously, the only team that could frustate Peyton was the New England Patriots. And Manning is an accurate and great quarterback. However, the Falcons were able to shut him down. Congratulations to the entire Falcons coaching staff and team!! Job well done!!
DW
September 18th, 2012
2:23 pm
Mike Nolan’s game plan was fantastic. Still got questions about Matt Ryan, 24-36 and 219 yards = no deep passes completed. Things look great now, but can’t win in January with those 5-10 yard dink passes all game long. Let’s face it, we don’t have a running game. Also, for Matty Ice, don’t see any pay-off yet from the strength and conditioning (deep ball still not getting there).
3 points about the winning Falcons, who put Peyton in his place | Mark Bradley
September 18th, 2012
2:24 pm
[...] 1. In victory, the Falcons were equal parts happy and relieved. They knew full well that they’d been starved for what 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. [...]
NA
September 18th, 2012
2:25 pm
The defense looked good—– offense was off last night—– Turner however finally came through on his last run getting the first down……….. after watching him all night, I was second guessing that call……..
However Turner seemed to be a little speedier after the game.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
September 18th, 2012
2:25 pm
Great Game Overall!!!! Also great to see the ESPN announcers perplexed over Manning’s performance last night. It was obvious that they were prepared for a Manning Love Fest.
The atmosphere at the Dome was “ROCKING”. Someone just needs to educate the fans that you don’t start the wave when your offense is on the field. Otherwise, the FANS WERE FANTASTIC!!!
eddie willers
September 18th, 2012
2:27 pm
Evidently, when the cops asked Turner to walk a straight line, he took a step to the left, a step to the right, and then fell forward for 2 yards.
As of 2:30, still the thread winner.
kerryb
September 18th, 2012
2:39 pm
eddie willers
September 18th, 2012
2:27 pm
Evidently, when the cops asked Turner to walk a straight line, he took a step to the left, a step to the right, and then fell forward for 2 yards.
As of 2:30, still the thread winner.
________________________________________________________________
Like it
kerryb
September 18th, 2012
2:41 pm
Turner was so slow he looked like he was drunk before the game started.
air of mendacity
September 18th, 2012
2:57 pm
Lack of running game alarming – is it Turner or the O-line doesn’t block worth a damn. From what I could tell, it was a combination of both. Turner has definitely lost a step and does not hit the hole like he used to. Now with this DUI charge, it is time to put Quizz and Snellings in more.
air of mendacity
September 18th, 2012
2:58 pm
ever since we lost Dahl we don’t run as well at all.
Sargent Carter
September 18th, 2012
3:18 pm
Good win. I did not like the way we started playing soft at the end of the second quarter. It only helped them, they scored anyway. Where oh where has our running game gone? I am not so enamored with our offensivbe coach…he is not very offensive…a coach we hired from a loser…he does run screen plays, but doesn’t everyone aside from Mike Mularkey…Nothing to get excited about, we beat another over the hill quarterback with a disability…I see us as playoff team that flops again…it’s sad but true
Hamad Meander
September 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
OMG Sargent Carter – are you serious? You aren’t impressed with the offense this season? They are averging 33.5 points per game so far against some pretty good defenses. Granted the defense put them in good field position a few times, but they held the ball longer than Denver, had no turnovers, and won the game. I see more creativity, more players involved, and more downfield passing than last year.
I say wait until they face the Saints (who have the worst statistical defense in the league right now) before we judge the Koettner offense.
DMac
September 18th, 2012
3:44 pm
I wasnt a great fan of the Mike Nolan Hire. Now I’ve made a 180, I’ve been a falcon fan for 25 years. That was the best type of defense I’ve since the league revenue sharing came about. I’ve pleaded for our D to take to these high powered offenses. Crowd the line and move around. That was unbelievable! We were down 2 corners. Can’t say enough about our D….Now on our offense. Forget it. Scrap the fullback turner heavy package it nets nothing. USE THE 3 WR 1 back. 1 TE PACKAGE. SCRAP THE 2 yards cloud of dust 1 down plays. THAT PACKAGE NEARLY MADE MANNING A LEGEND LAST NIGHT. IT’S INSANE. THE HEAD COACH WANTS A TEAM LIKE THE OLD DAYS PROBLEM IS OUR LINE ISN’T A FIT FOR THAT. PASS THE BALL AND GET QUIZZ THE TOUCHES.
Durty Birds
September 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
Get win last night. The Dome was rocking even with a ton of Donkeys fans. The fans that left before the end of the game should be ashamed. Sack up you “little girls” and stay and root for your team til the end. Do you think fans leave Lambo early? So, you’re going to be a little tired today. F IT. Also I heard Turner tried to run from the cops and was tackled after a 1.5yrd gain. RISE UP.
P Rose
September 18th, 2012
4:24 pm
RISING UP:
1. The defense under Mike Nolan for keeping Manning completely confused before every snap.
2. Matt Ryan for throwing a solid game. Tony G and Julio had some drops, or Matty’s numbers would have been superb. Tony and JJ will be fine, though; they just had a bad game.
3. Roddy for finally coming into his prime. Having Juliuo take the pressure off helps RW immensely.
NOT SO MUCH:
1. Turner the Burnout. The only back in the league who needs three carries to gain one yard at first-and-goal on the one-yard line. Here’s another hint, Turner: you should never drink and drive, but if you do, don’t speed. Moron.
2. Refs, ’nuff said.
3. Sore loser / sour-grapes blogger Matt “Choke” Ryan, with his embarrassing, never-ending crush on Mike “I’m Not a Big Game-Film Guy” Vick.
P Rose
September 18th, 2012
4:38 pm
ESPN’s Top Stories this morning:
1. The replacement refs — BAD — ten minutes.
2. Peyton’s night — BAD — ten minutes.
3. The Falcons — GOOD — two minutes.
4. Commercial.
yo mama
September 18th, 2012
11:05 pm
anyone notice the redundant paragraphs?
yo mama
September 18th, 2012
11:10 pm
wierd stuff, anyway Mark, Yes I was at that 98 home game against marshall faulk, and how the colts jumped out to a early lead, baffling all of us, then chandler took over right before halftime, and got the falcons a narrow lead that lead to a run away W.
didnt chandler do a qb, tuck and run and sneaked in untouched right as the half expired?
Dawg in Griffin
September 19th, 2012
1:57 am
Just wondering…does CHOKE follow MV around on his knees? Vick hasn’t played for the Falcons for years – everyone but CHOKE has moved on, including the object of his pathetic devotion. Sad…
For the record, Vick is 15-9 since the 2010 season as the Eagles’ starting QB. In that same time span, Matt Ryan is 25-9. Overall, Vick is 57-37-1 as an NFL starting QB. Ryan is 47-19. Vick’s completion percentage with Philadelphia is 60.7 (he never approached that much with Atlanta), while Ryan’s is 61.2 %. Vick’s career QB Rating is 80.5; Ryan’s is 89.3. Vick has 114 TDs and 78 INTs for his career; Ryan has 100 and 46, respectively. And that “dink and dunk” CHOKE seems to think Ryan and the Falcons play? His yards per completion average is 11.5, while Vick’s is 12.6. Not much difference between those figures, really.
Personally, I don’t have a problem with Vick playing in the NFL. He’s just not as good as CHOKE would like to believe. And it’s past time to let go of his years with Atlanta – he hasn’t been the QB here since 2006.
BravesFan79
September 19th, 2012
5:34 am
Thats a hell of a stat…. the Falcons havent beaten the Colts since 98?
Dawg in Griffin
September 19th, 2012
7:08 am
We beat them last year.
Dawg in Griffin
September 19th, 2012
7:11 am
Of course, Peyton wasn’t the QB at the time.
PlanB
September 19th, 2012
10:11 am
Good job Falcons. Pleased to see Baker do a good job and way to come thru Roddy when we needed you. Running game must get better.