A great escape shows us how special these Falcons can be
Ball in the air, game on the line. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
For three games they’d run nice and easy, never once trailing, facing only one gotta-have-this drive. (That came against Denver, and they got it.) But the Falcons play in the NFL, where nothing stays nice and easy, and Sunday they happened on an opponent who wouldn’t yield and a predicament that would have taxed the faith of a saint.
So it was that Matthew Thomas Ryan, named after two saints, took a snap at his 1 and backtracked into the end zone with 59 seconds remaining and his team, without a timeout to its name, down a point. Already Ryan had been sacked seven times, and as a nod to Carolina’s pressure the Falcons did something odd. At a moment of near-desperation, a time when you’d expect every receiver on the roster to be zigging this way or that, they dispatched only two men to run routes.
Roddy White down the left side, Julio Jones on the right. Everybody else stayed to block, and even as he retreated Ryan did a strange thing: He faked a handoff to Jacquizz Rodgers, and here you almost laughed. What offense in its right mind bothers with faking a run at its 1 with no timeouts left?
This carefully considered offense did. “It was actually more a protection thing,” Ryan would say of the play-action ploy, and it worked. Given a clean pocket for the first time in ages, he stepped forward and let fly. The ball traveled 65 yards and came down in the professional hands of Roddy White, who’d beaten Josh Norman and outleaped (for the second time this day) safety Haruki Nakamura. Just like that, the undefeated Falcons were positioned to win on a day they coulda/shoulda lost.
Said Todd McClure, the center: “It’s unbelievable. Matt said, ‘I went back and threw it as far as I could, and Roddy made a play.’ ”
Said Ryan: “It was a good throw and a great catch.”
Said White: “I try to track [the ball] at its highest point and jump just before [the defender] does. It’s kind of easy to do.”
Well, no. It’s not easy to do. But the beauty of these Falcons is that they have enough talent to carry them above and beyond. It’s why they’re 4-0 and have all but lapped the field in the NFC South. It’s why they’re capable of winning much more than the NFC South.
Ryan again: “I threw it high and far. We practice that. Roddy went up and got it.”
Then this: “In that situation, you have to make a play that changes the outcome of the game.”
The famous Cam Newton nearly made such a play inside the final two minutes, but he fumbled while lunging for what would have been the clinching first down. (John Abraham, man in the news, knocked it loose.) Had Newton held the ball, the Falcons wouldn’t have touched it again. As it was, the ball was moved backward and Carolina coach Ron Rivera flinched at fourth-and-1, and for his timidity he wound up losing.
If you have a choice, you don’t give a great quarterback a chance to beat you. And that’s what Ryan is becoming – a great quarterback. He has won unwinnable games before (meaning Chicago as a rookie), but in the fifth year of his NFL life he has become the guy who, as the glib coach Jimmy Johnson used to say, “can sink the 8-ball on the break.” How else to describe a quarterback who took his trailing team 77 yards in 49 seconds without needing to call time?
That the Falcons won on a day when they weren’t the best only tells us they’re not just gifted but fierce. They needed that test, and they aced it. Said Mike Smith, their coach: “It was just a matter of time before we would have to play from behind.”
Said McClure: “We’ve got unbelievable skill guys, and we know that if there’s a little bit of time we can win.”
Apart from the ending, this wasn’t a great day for the Falcons. Because of the ending, it became a great day. It showed them that they can do whatever it takes to win. It showed them that their quarterback can absorb a dozen big hits and rise above the bruising. It showed them that their ceiling is higher than the roof of the venue for this stunning escape.
By Mark Bradley
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258 comments Add your comment
Big Crimson 75
September 30th, 2012
7:58 pm
Matt Ryan — NFL MVP
Great game to be at today.
When Carolina punted at the end, game over.
No Team looks great every week. A win is all that matters.
Answer this
September 30th, 2012
7:59 pm
Much like one of the greatest coaches (Jimmy Johnson) said on the OT….he likes what Ryan and the Falcons did today…to come back and show that they can win! Enough said………eat it haters!
GregKennesaw
September 30th, 2012
8:03 pm
Great Game Falcons 4-0 baby! The Falcons have now won twice as many games as the other 3 teams in the NFC South combined! The Caints lost, we beat the superman and Tampa lost to a late field goal!
Where are the trolls?
JSS
September 30th, 2012
8:03 pm
Yep they will be “what they are regardless” and that is the beauty of the NFL compared to the silliness provided each Saturday… You’re a 1/4 of the way through a season, not a masquerade… You got a gift, it has happened before and I’ll just “whistle.” It was not seismic. The NFL unlike the majority of American professional sports will generally even out… Here’s the difference, you have to crow… Enjoy, it will come around eventually in how the ball rolls somewhere… “Whistling!” Don’t sweat it, Name-changer!
TRUEFAN
September 30th, 2012
8:04 pm
Cam can’t steal a win,just laptops.
GregKennesaw
September 30th, 2012
8:05 pm
TRUEFAN, NOW THAT’S FUNNY!
GregKennesaw
September 30th, 2012
8:07 pm
game ball should go to Roddy White, OL needs to play better of Ryans going to get killed. I liked the way Turner ran today
Moorman
September 30th, 2012
8:07 pm
Matt came thru. He doesnt have the best arm…..but he came thru……
woeismesince66
September 30th, 2012
8:09 pm
Glad for the win but the Falcons were lucky. O-line sure needs something. And the defense ain’t far
behind.
Sunday Night Unwind, 09.30.12… « Just Charlie
September 30th, 2012
8:11 pm
[...] of course, the Atlanta Falcons miraculously went to 4-0 on this young NFL season. If you care about such things, that is. But enough sports..that’s [...]
Peter
September 30th, 2012
8:16 pm
Well Matt Ryan did something that Marvin of the Hawks never did…… Lift….. get tough, and lead……..
I am impressed and hopefully the ride will continue…….Last year I would have told you they would be both the same…… one appears to have worked.
Ivan
September 30th, 2012
8:24 pm
Falcons won. Time to watch the eagles get creamed. Maybe mv7 will only have 3 turnovers.
mark
September 30th, 2012
8:31 pm
Great game, guys never gave up. Ryan was real tough out there today, was getting killed but took it and came back for more. I know the criticism of him and until he wins in the playoffs nothing will silence them, but you have to give me one thing this kid is tough. The o-line was playing like it had lead in it’s ass and he took 7 sacks and several knock downs, but at the end he stood tall and gave his team a chance to win. Damn glad he is our qb.
phil
September 30th, 2012
8:37 pm
Fire mike nolan!!
Back 2 The Brown Paper Bags
September 30th, 2012
8:38 pm
Wow !, Two Atlanta teams in Washington D.C this week. Go Chip-pa !
phil
September 30th, 2012
8:38 pm
Over under on Vick turnovers tonight?
GB's Hamburgers
September 30th, 2012
8:39 pm
Ryan paid the price to get better. He has made himself into a primo quarterback. Quite a chracter lesson. A great win on a day when the offensive line almost got him killed.
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 30th, 2012
8:40 pm
Has anyone seen Seen This B4 today?
phil
September 30th, 2012
8:41 pm
One?
Try two, moron….
Answer this
September 30th, 2012
8:42 pm
Wow even in saying you wrong you still wont say you were wrong. Our little banter is over…not any more fun….I can’t respect you or even go at you any more because you are a fraud….I won’t say who I am writing this to but as the senior citizens say ” a hit dog will holla”
Honestly just a troll...
September 30th, 2012
8:43 pm
I was so sad when the Falcons won. The Panthers are a terrible team that should have put Atlanta away when the time was right. News flash: The Atlanta Falcons are not the best team in the NFL, and are 4-0 against 4 subpar teams.
78dawg
September 30th, 2012
8:43 pm
Great thriller. Great comeback. But I have to say I’m bothered by the O-line play.
Back 2 The Brown Paper Bags
September 30th, 2012
8:44 pm
Maybe the Falcons will tell on someone here owes back taxes !
Back 2 The Brown Paper Bags
September 30th, 2012
8:47 pm
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 30th, 2012
8:40 pm
Has anyone seen Seen This B4 today?
No one can reconize him with that Brown Paper Bag on his head !
Dazzy G
September 30th, 2012
8:51 pm
@JSS
OK I get it … Your whistling is a euphemism….
JSS
September 30th, 2012
8:54 pm
“Our little banter is over…not any more fun…”
You know that is a lie, you say that everything but your psychosis overwhelms that piece of wonderful possibility from ever being more than a mere fantasy… You and your ilk will be post hooey till it crashes down around you like it did all of the others (2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011)… and on and on….
Big Cat
September 30th, 2012
8:56 pm
@Goldenrod
What have you been smoking? Or maybe, you’re just that stupid!
JSS
September 30th, 2012
8:57 pm
“everything” = “every time”
Whopper Dawg
September 30th, 2012
8:57 pm
To paraphrase the Great Munson -
I thought we were beat, you did too…………
Answer this
September 30th, 2012
8:58 pm
Someone put the dog up its raining outside. I dont play with other peoples pets.
Back 2 The Brown Paper Bags
September 30th, 2012
8:59 pm
Whopper Dawg
September 30th, 2012
8:57 pm
To paraphrase the Great Munson -
I thought we were beat, you did too…………
Answer this
September 30th, 2012
9:02 pm
You are dead to me I have no son
Heheheheheheheheheh!
JSS
September 30th, 2012
9:04 pm
“Your whistling is a euphemism…”
Dazzy G…
You have to be careful with that characterization, too many around here would suggest something vulgar or offensive instead of a mere just indirect indifference…
Michael M.
September 30th, 2012
9:07 pm
The Division Leading Atlanta Falcons stunned everyone in the Dome today……….I didn’t think they had a chance in Hades when they kicked the ball back to the Panthers………it is these kinds of games that you pull out a win that are what make the Champions so great……………………………….all the trolls just have to stick it……these Falcons are going to be hard to beat !
Kudos to the Panthers, ……………I underestimated them..they will win many games this year…………………
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 30th, 2012
9:08 pm
@phil: Hey moron, look at the standings and tell me which NFC team other than the Caints are winless. There has only been one winless team in the NFC since week two.
Honey boy
September 30th, 2012
9:10 pm
I keep saying to you worthless unbelievers… It ain’t how it’s how many…
Chris Dimino.. Spare me the BS… Don’t worry about the shortcomings of the D… We won!!!! Count it as a win!..
After week say 10 -12 no one is going to look back on week 4 and say the D was this or that… Just win baby!!!
R OReilly
September 30th, 2012
9:11 pm
I have always like #2. He is special. But I did not think the #2 and the FALCONS could pull a win out of this situation. They seem to be a special team. I still think they are only playing 75 – 80% of their ability. When they finally get it together, they will be real fun to watch. Go Falcons.
phil
September 30th, 2012
9:12 pm
I am indeed a moron….
I was thinking only one undefeated team.
I should be booed.
Matty Bicep
September 30th, 2012
9:15 pm
JSS, you are correct about Bradley being wrong before, and maybe he is wrong again, but his average is about 25%, so they are due…
But regardless, your criticism was always about how you only get a few opportunities, so you have to take advantage of them….but it take a special guy to keep knocking on the door, one he keeps comes back stronger the next time, for that is one does not just eventually opens the door, but who blows it off its hinges….
Kane337
September 30th, 2012
9:19 pm
An ugly game overall where we got manhandled in the trenches on both sides (7 sacks allowed and defense could not generate a pass rush). But a win is a win. I’ll take it. Outcome is much better than the other way around. Got to clean things up for next week.
phil
September 30th, 2012
9:21 pm
I will not take it….
Our o-line play was horrible.
I cannot be happy with this pathetic win.
Heads should roll….
Only one winless team left in NFC
September 30th, 2012
9:22 pm
The Caints blow the last minute FG attempt and my moniker survives another week.
The Eagles made it through the first quarter without a turnover! What the heck!
Michael M.
September 30th, 2012
9:23 pm
hey JSS…………………you sure you don’t want a glass of this Falcon’s Kool aid…………………taste much better at 4 – 0………………………….hehehehe
DawgNole
September 30th, 2012
9:24 pm
phil
September 30th, 2012
9:12 pm
I am indeed a moron….
I was thinking only one undefeated team.
I should be booed.
_____________________
B-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o! You’re fired!
phil
September 30th, 2012
9:25 pm
Ban one winless team!!
DawgGal
September 30th, 2012
9:25 pm
Anyone who saw Matt Ryan play against Va Tech when he was a senior at BC would not have been surprised at this outcome. He was/is the coolest quarterback I’ve seen since Joe Montana. I’m so thankful he’s a Falcon.
BravesFan79
September 30th, 2012
9:25 pm
I was going for the Saints to win because lets face it, there not getting in the playoffs this year, and every game lost by the Packers, Giants and 49ers means the Falcons are 1 step closer to the #1 seed in the NFC! Go Falcons, GT, and UGA.
ueeediot
September 30th, 2012
9:25 pm
Why does Michael Irvin insist on saying Rowdy White?
JSS
September 30th, 2012
9:27 pm
Bicep…
That is what the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and old Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans mindset has been. So, here’s the danger, you’re reaching instead of actually seeing when shortcomings occur. Enjoy the win, but when the aspects that allowed that need for a miracle come home to roost, don’t beg ignorance… It would have occurred before your eyes…
OPEN YOUR EYES
September 30th, 2012
9:29 pm
@PHIL- I AGREE THIS WIN WAS PATHETIC AND WE NEARLY ESCAPED BY SHEER LUCK!!!!! OUR O-LINE IS GARBAGE AND CHARLES JOHNSON GOT 5 SACKS IN ONE FREAKIN GAME!!!!!
THAT IS VERY EMBARASSING!!!!!!
WE DIDN’T GET JULIO OR HARRY DOUGLAS INVOLVED AND OUR PASS DEFENSE WAS GARBAGE!!!!! MIKE SMITH HAS A LOT OF PRESSURE ON HIM RIGHT NOW AND WE NEEED TO IMPROVE EACH WEEK INSTEAD OF BARELY BEATING THESE WEAK TEAMS!!!!
DON’T WORRY WE WILL ALL SEE IF WE ARE THE TEAM WE REALLY ARE, COME NEXT MONTH WHEN WE FACE THE EAGLES, COWBOYS, AND SAINTS ALL IN A ROW!!!!!