
Just a reminder: This is how it looks when a running play actually succeeds. (AP photo)
New Orleans — First, a spot of perspective. The Falcons are 8-1 and positioned to win their division. Just because they lost an excruciating game to the hated Saints doesn’t override all the good work that came before. That said …
The good work that came before didn’t include much in the way of short-yardage excellence. And when a team that couldn’t convert on fourth-and-1 on three infamous occasions last season loses its first game of another year due to the same failures, a flag gets hoisted. No, not a white one of surrender, but surely a bright red banner of warning.
“I don’t know what situation you’d rather be in,” said Michael Turner, the feature back who managed 15 yards on 13 rushes Sunday. “You’ve got one yard for the lead.”
“You’ve got to punch the ball in,” said Jacquizz Rodgers, the change-of-pace back whose 18-yard burst had pulled the Falcons within sight of that final yard.
“Of course you (think you’re going to get that yard),” said Harry Douglas, the receiver who barely missed scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a slant on first-and-goal from the 10. “That has to be your approach.”
That the Falcons’ first play from the 1 was a Matt Ryan pass for Tony Gonzalez tells us they weren’t convinced they could push the Saints backward even three feet. (Malcolm Jenkins knocked the ball down in the end zone.) That the third-and-goal call was a handoff to Turner that became yet another damp squib — of his 13 carries, seven either gained nothing or lost yardage — drove home the point:
An 8-0 NFL team could not line up and gain a precious yard against the league’s worst rushing defense.
By losing a yard on third-and-goal, the Falcons had no choice but to pass on fourth down, and again Ryan’s pass was flicked away. This time it was Jabari Greer, flashing in front of Roddy White. The Falcons would get the ball one last time, but their chance to stay unbeaten had come and gone.
Not that staying unbeaten was such a big deal. “That’s a distraction out of the way,” free safety Thomas DeCoud said, and he had a point. Trouble is, the the Falcons never want to lose to the opponent that has beaten the Falcons of Mike Smith seven times in nine tries.
DeCoud again: “That’s the one team you don’t want to have your first loss against.”
That Sunday’s game was a carnival ride surprised no one. Ryan threw for 411 yards, a career best, and if not — stop me if you’ve heard this one — for a failure on third-and-1 on the Falcons’ second series they might have seized a 14-0 lead.The Saints, who can play offense if not D, overrode that early deficit and took an 11-point lead midway through the third quarter. The Falcons cut it to four points with a touchdown and an extra point, Smith choosing (oddly and wrongly) not to go for two with 13:27 remaining.
They would draw within one point on a field goal after an incompletion on third-and-2. The Saints pushed the lead back to four, leaving the door ajar. The Falcons were too weak to kick it in.
Said Smith: “We were not getting the surge we needed on running plays … We did not win the line of scrimmage in the running game.”
Said Todd McClure, the center: “Every third-and-1 (not converted), every fourth-and-1 … I’m sure there’ll be a lot written about it tomorrow and we’ll be (seen as) a terrible offensive line. But we didn’t get it done today.”
For all their skill — the Falcons outgained the sleek Saints — the question remains: Is this team forceful enough? And not just along the O-line: The Falcons’ defense yielded 148 yards rushing and mustered one sack. For eight games people had been saying, “There’s going to come a time when the inability to run the ball and/or stop the run is going to bite this team.” That time arrived Sunday.
“We’ve got to address (the issues in the running game),” Turner said. “We’ve got to fix it. That’s what championship teams do. There’s attitude, there’s scheme … everything’s involved.”
The Falcons are 8-1. They did not become a terrible team by losing one game, but they cannot become a great one until they figure a way to gain a yard when a yard is mandatory. Is Turner too slow? Is the line too feeble? And if the answer, as seems likely, is a combination of the two, how do you work around it?
After every game, win or lose, Mike Smith says of any lapse, “We’ll get it fixed.” His Falcons have seven more games before the playoffs commence, which means …
Clock’s ticking, Smitty.
Further reading: Here’s why Mike Smith should have gone for two.
By Mark Bradley
384 comments Add your comment
hiramsaint
November 11th, 2012
6:22 pm
first
Hillbilly D
November 11th, 2012
6:23 pm
It’s still line play that wins football games.
hiramsaint
November 11th, 2012
6:23 pm
4 rushing yards against the leagues worst run D? really ?
hiramsaint
November 11th, 2012
6:24 pm
my bad – a whole 46
Mark Bradley
November 11th, 2012
6:27 pm
Kudos, hiramsaint.
Seminole Ed
November 11th, 2012
6:32 pm
This loss rests solely on the shoulders of Ashante Samuel. His insistence on showing his butt after his interception took away a probable touchdown and all the momentum he’d help generate. Think we could have used those four points lost at the end?
If Smith doesn’t suspend/fine/or otherwise discipline, I won’t watch another game this year. Samuel is paid a fortune, and he pulls that stunt?
London Jacket
November 11th, 2012
6:33 pm
They pushed our O-Line around and our D struggles to stop a running game. We are not tough enough in the box right now.
But Gonzo is a genius. Ryan was excellent. But a little too much finesse when we need to pound i tin. Sounds obvious I know given their record but I don’t think the Saints are very good. We did not play that well and still found some way to both stay in and then lose this game.
mountainman
November 11th, 2012
6:34 pm
Turner can only gain yardage when the situation does not call for a run. Otherwise he hits the line and goes down in a heap.
stan
November 11th, 2012
6:35 pm
tip toe turner. 2yds .you got to get it
Hurst
November 11th, 2012
6:35 pm
The Packers, the Bears, the 49ers, and the Seahawks are all better than the Fowl-Clowns in the NFC. The Saints are still coming together and will be better than the Fowl-Clowns by the end of the season. A cupcake schedule gives them a 13-3, maybe even 14-2 record, but it won’t matter as they again go SPLAT! again in the playoffs.
Paul
November 11th, 2012
6:36 pm
First of all, I love the Falcons. I’m a season ticket holder. I’m not hating on them or being a fair weather fan. I still think they win the Division, but I want another Super Bowl appearance. So I’m just making an observation.
I’m not upset with Michael Turner. I’m upset with the coaching staff for continuing to call his number in critical situations when everyone—and I mean everyone—knows it’s coming and it’s going to fail.
If they continue to waste precious downs by giving the the ball to Turner in crucial situations, they will continue to lose. Period.
Humphrey
November 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
Where’s our O-line? They aren’t tough enough. Give Ryan and Turner the O-line of let’s say the 49ers and we’re in business.
ALL DOWN HILL FROM HERE
November 11th, 2012
6:40 pm
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
DHO WAT?
back on track
November 11th, 2012
6:42 pm
The O line is feeble and Turner is too slow. You can’t get in 3rd and 1 situations and not be able to get a yard. Thought this was fixed from last year Smitty?? Defense came out good but you got to know when you’re in the stank, bouty scandal, cheatin city they’re gonna call those unsportsmanlike penalties. Funny how NO did they same thing and nothing was called. And Smitty yelling at Asante seemed to suck the life out of the defense. Why not yell at the O line Smitty when they couldn’t get it done… Shake it off and come back strong next week at home…Go FALCONS…Rise up!!!!
kudzu
November 11th, 2012
6:44 pm
Crap…
Robert Yancy
November 11th, 2012
6:47 pm
The Falcons inability to convert on short yardage, especially within the red zone, suggests a coaching deficiency. Since it is clear that Michael Turner is unlikely to punch it in, why haven’t we designed some alternative plays that are more likely to succeed. I know. We have. But those don’t seem to be working either…so, back to the drawing board!
Jamaaliver
November 11th, 2012
6:47 pm
We talked waaaay too much smack around here al week. This loss needed to happen to refocus us. No more 16-0 talk. Let’s focus on taking our frustrations out on the Cards. Hey have no shot against us.
Mark, is our offense so dependent on Julio that we’re helpless without him?
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
6:47 pm
I’m not sure how you can say that not going for 2 was wrong…if the Falcons just get one TD out of those two goal line opportunities, they likely win the game.
SameOldSaints
November 11th, 2012
6:48 pm
This changes nothing. This is still the same old Saints team that everyone knows and despises. They are cheaters ran by a bunch of guys that could fit right into the mob. Doesn’t matter how many games we may lose this season, the important thing is that we’re not them.
"Chef" Tim Dix
November 11th, 2012
6:48 pm
Why not Cox?
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
6:49 pm
Jamaaliver, agreed…the last thing the Falcons need to do is come out flat against AZ. The Bucs are only 3 games back and within one game of controlling their destiny for the division.
Mark Bradley
November 11th, 2012
6:49 pm
The offense put up 454 yards and coulda/shoulda had 34 points with not much from Julio Jones, jamaaliver. Gonzalez and White had big days.
Hawes
November 11th, 2012
6:51 pm
What’s Ovie Mughelli up to these days?
Bobby
November 11th, 2012
6:52 pm
Thank you Samuel for that 15 yard unsportsmanship penalty that gave you 3 points instead of a possible 7.
We Saints fans living in Georgia appreciate your efforts on our behalf.
1990_Champs_GT
November 11th, 2012
6:53 pm
The Falcons beat themselves. We’ll stomp a mud hole in them in the dome. More worried about getting Spoon back and wiping the floor with the Cards next week.
Chris
November 11th, 2012
7:00 pm
Shoulda pulled this thing out but no harm done as long as we get ‘em when they come here. Let’s keep aints out of the playoffs!
JDWJIM
November 11th, 2012
7:04 pm
Put me in the “loss of distraction” is good camp. Now the pressure of undefeated is gone. That said line play is clearly our area of improvement.
Dbo
November 11th, 2012
7:04 pm
Why not have Matt roll out right or left on some of these, create some confusion and open up receivers. Also what happened to getting Jason Snelling the ball. Whenever he gets the ball on a screen he just wills it forward. Would definitely take it in for a td.
ZACK
November 11th, 2012
7:05 pm
I’M SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS CRAP! GET TURNER’S FAT AZZ OUT OF THERE ASAP! AND HE HAS THE NERVE TO BE DRINKING DURING THE SEASON (DUI!!!) WHICH ONLY ADDS MORE WEIGHT TO HIS FAT AZZ! WHY NOT GO AFTER STEVEN JACKSON!?! OR IVORY FOR THAT MATTER?!?! THEIR 4TH RB IS CLEARLY BETTER THAN THE FALCONS 1ST AND THAT IS INSANE! EVEN INGRAM’S PUNK AZZ RAN WITH MORE HEART THAN TURNER! THEY ARE GOING TO BLOW THEIR BEST CHANCE AT A SUPER BOWL BY BEING LOYAL TO THAT GLORIFIED PIG OF A FULLBACK! AND WHY NOT QB SNEAK IT 4 DAMN TIMES!?!?? I’M SICK!!!
C. Tampa Ironworse
November 11th, 2012
7:05 pm
You know what’s great about the city of New Orleans?
No…really…does somebody know?
Dbo
November 11th, 2012
7:06 pm
Not very imaginative play calling today. At least let turner get a running start, build some momentum, don’t just hand it to him at the line of scrimmage.
Disgusted Fan
November 11th, 2012
7:06 pm
I am happy to be 8-1, but when the Falcons had the opportunity to put a nail in the coffin of their hated rival in their place, they could not get a yard. Let’s also go back to the previous series when they were inside the 10 yard line and had to settle for field goal. Quick pitch to Rodgers and see. That is the difference betwen a good team and a great team. Let’s hope we learn from this before the playoffs start.
Panic fan
November 11th, 2012
7:06 pm
We are still running turner for no gain on most 1st and 10 to start drives thought this issue left with the last off cord well some one has to change this very bad habit there is no rehab for this addiction
Hurst
November 11th, 2012
7:08 pm
C. Tampa Ironworse, why don’t you ask the millions who visit New Orleans every year? Outside of business conventions, how many does Atlanta get? 25? 30?
Falcaints
November 11th, 2012
7:08 pm
Better to start falling apart now and save the fans the heartbreak of thinking the Falcaints are real. Can’t run, can’t pressure the Qb, can’t cover. Yep that about sums it up.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:12 pm
I am sorry, but Michael Turner is not a very good running back.
He always looks a step too slow and he is totally predictable.
I also think Michael Turner is OVERWEIGHT.
We need to run JASON SNELLING more and get a new, harder running back.
Sam
November 11th, 2012
7:12 pm
The way the falcons played in the redzone, there’s no guarantee that they would’ve had scored a touchdown even if Asante didn’t get flagged. Where was the pass rush today? Brees had all day to throw all day
Gman 84
November 11th, 2012
7:13 pm
Falcons have been very clutch up until today. Even after 3 1 yard failures with the game on the line, the desperation pass with 16 seconds left could’ve easily been a TD. Not sure why Roddy was backpedaling for the game winner that was just a few yards beyond his grasp.
I think you have to admit that the Saints have our number and move on. The next time we stop Brees will be the first.
Man....
November 11th, 2012
7:13 pm
I agree with that point about the sneak. Darn it, just shove it with Ryan four damn times at the goal line. Keep pushing darn it.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:14 pm
Where was the OFFENSIVE LINE today??? Is Baker back to his old ways???
1990_Champs_GT
November 11th, 2012
7:15 pm
Turner is what we’ve got. He’s on the back end of his career now, I think that is obvious. More Snelling and Rodgers is what we need.
fish2774
November 11th, 2012
7:16 pm
It’s time to axe Turner and search for a real change of pace running back!
Cdelly
November 11th, 2012
7:16 pm
@C Tampa……. What’s great about my city of New Orleans.?????… YOURE NOT HERE!!!!!
The Hamburgular
November 11th, 2012
7:17 pm
Turner should wear a ski mask when he picks up his paycheck from Arthur Blank. That gelatinous meatball might be the worst RB in the league. Please fire him now! What a pathetic performance – can’t even manage to gain 1 yard in short yardage. He’s an absolutely useless player.
Jackie
November 11th, 2012
7:17 pm
i simply do not understand why they kept pounding it up the middle. why not run wide, or a draw, anything but a play that u know will fail.
Falcaints
November 11th, 2012
7:18 pm
Rodgers is slow
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:18 pm
Jason Snelling runs WAY harder than Michael Turner!
Michael Turner is OVERWEIGHT!
Sav FAN
November 11th, 2012
7:19 pm
the last thing the Falcons need to do is come out flat against AZ. The Bucs are only 3 games back and within one game of controlling their destiny for the division.
they will be flat and lose their 2nd in the dome-if Turner stays at feature back
Gene
November 11th, 2012
7:20 pm
It was a great effort. It won’t be fixed until the Falcons get a big running back who is fast. Surely someone is available.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:20 pm
“Rodgers is slow”
LOL! He was awesome today! Jazz is starting to remind me of Barry Sanders because he can stop on a dime and change directions.
Sav FAN
November 11th, 2012
7:21 pm
Hire one of the GTech backs for the weekend-they will get to the line
RambleOn84
November 11th, 2012
7:22 pm
And the Saints fans crawl out from under their rocks…
We’ll paste them at home in a few weeks, and the brown bags will once again come out of storage…
3d
November 11th, 2012
7:23 pm
Seminole Ed I couldn’t agree more.
These guys are supposed to be professionals. Samuel looked like an idiot show boating.
I hope he’s fined big time. That costs 15 big yards and a chance to go up 2 touchdowns.
willie
November 11th, 2012
7:26 pm
This was the toughest game on our entire schedule and we should have won it. Not the end of the world. Let’s just stay healthy and hope we are hot at the end of the season.
Saints fan
November 11th, 2012
7:28 pm
From Saints perspective..Saints could have put the game out of reach late third quarter and early 4th quarter, but Falcons defense stopped 2-3 drives….and even more disturbing Saints run clock three times at game end instead of passing from the two to get a first down giving the Falcons another shot…we must have feared the defense
Falcons definately improved from last year.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:30 pm
Asante Samuel is a total EMBARRASSMENT. What a classless FOOL!
Hey Asante! How about acting like you’ve been there before… you know… like a PROFESSIONAL.
The gangsta act is all “played out”. Professional Football player suites you MUCH better!
Clay
November 11th, 2012
7:30 pm
It was striking the way Saints running backs pounded the ball and always got 5-6 extra yards after getting hit. When Turner got hit, he went down fast EVERY TIME.
Saints Fan
November 11th, 2012
7:30 pm
This Saints fan will show the Falcons some respect when they get their Super Bowl rings. Until then, they are second rate.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:31 pm
What happened to the rumor about Stephen Jackson coming to the Falcons in a trade this season??? Is there any truth to it?
stendek
November 11th, 2012
7:31 pm
Is there macho involved about having to go right up the middle to score a TD from the one or two? Not gonna happen with Michael Turner! I have watched football over 50 years. Pitch the ball to the outside when 11 guys are packed in like sardines to stop the run. Works over 90% of the time! No macho just points. Sheesh. Very disgusted with Falcons after this one.
stendek
November 11th, 2012
7:32 pm
If Saints sneak into playoffs via wild card they WILL defeat Falcons! Book it.
GAMER4LIFE
November 11th, 2012
7:32 pm
Falcons needs: MLB (Dent SUCKS), ROLB (Coverage LBs) RB (BIG FAST RB), DT(Big Strong, Agile NT), OG (Run block,Road Graders), LT(Sam Baker sucks)..If these areas are not filled we will never win a Superbowl…Period!!!
Falconsincebirth
November 11th, 2012
7:33 pm
Convert Turner to a fullback and let him hit somebody and maybe open holes for the others. I am tired of seeing him hit ground in tough situations at least 90% of the time.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:34 pm
The Falcons’ Offensive Line SUCKS! Sam Baker is a fraud!
Michael
November 11th, 2012
7:35 pm
I really don’t think you can blame Asante Sameul, he did intercept the ball, and we still got 3 points. Consider the Alternative of New Orleans scoring 7 on the first drive to be fair to Samuels. However being 1st and goal and not having confidence in the running, is quite sad, and want get you no where in the playoffs.
AP
November 11th, 2012
7:36 pm
Turner is TOO slow. Give me a Felix Jones, Stephon Jackson type back and Atlanta is a much improved team!!!
phil
November 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
Do any of you idiots understand what an offensive line has to do in order to run the football?
I know a few of you do, but clearly most do not.
Fire someone!!
Fred Macmurray
November 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
QB sneak would have been more effective than handing to Turner, Dude runs like he is dragging anvil.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:39 pm
“I really don’t think you can blame Asante Sameul, he did intercept the ball, and we still got 3 points. Consider the Alternative of New Orleans scoring 7 on the first drive to be fair to Samuels. However being 1st and goal and not having confidence in the running, is quite sad, and want get you no where in the playoffs.”–Michael
Asante is a great talent and made a great play, but it DOES detract from the team effort when you get stupid penalties that kill momentum. The next series he got SMOKED by the Saints’ running back who ran the touchdown.
Asante looked the FOOL today.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:41 pm
“Do any of you idiots understand what an offensive line has to do in order to run the football?”
The Falcons Offensive line sucks. Don’t tell us that Sam Baker has lived up to expectations.
Fred Macmurray
November 11th, 2012
7:42 pm
I agree Phil, Oline is getting no push, Fire Somebody! LOL
Skeptic
November 11th, 2012
7:42 pm
Didn’t know NO had such a goal line defense. My unofficial count was at least 3 ATL 1st and goal possessions that were stuffed over and over. And 2 of those were set up from big plays. Big run/catch stopped at the 1.
Geez, even the Chefs beat the Saints. (And, I know, the Falcons beat the Chefs)
Someone else
November 11th, 2012
7:42 pm
Falcons and Bulldogs…frauds who never quite measure up to what their fanbase envisions….everyone outside of Georgia knows they are frauds, but in Georgia, they are always pre-season champions…HAHAHAHAHA!
O'Ventbrel
November 11th, 2012
7:42 pm
I don’t ever want to lay the blame on one guy, but Michael Turner is a momentum killer, plain and simple. If he doesn’t have a running lane laid out directly in front of him, he is virtually guaranteed to get only one yard at most. He has probably the worst lateral agility of any back in the league.
End rant. Jacquizz Rodgers needs to be ready to take the starter’s spot in the near future.
WHO DAT
November 11th, 2012
7:44 pm
Who Dat hahahahhahahahahaha. Falcons suck monkey balls. Thank you and have a great day.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:44 pm
“Falcons and Bulldogs…frauds who never quite measure up to what their fanbase envisions….everyone outside of Georgia knows they are frauds, but in Georgia, they are always pre-season champions…HAHAHAHAHA!”—NO ONE ELSE
Nice, your Jackets scored 68 points and WON a football game. Why so angry??
phil
November 11th, 2012
7:45 pm
The lines on both sides of the ball are the killers….
Hello.
Gritz Blitz
November 11th, 2012
7:46 pm
This will be the outcome of Falcons first playoff game. One and done. Bet on it!
Blazerdawg
November 11th, 2012
7:46 pm
Close loss on the road, first since Jan, passing game is awesome….everyone chill.
spencer
November 11th, 2012
7:47 pm
“Is Turner too slow?” Mark asks. Yes, painfully slow, agonizingly slow, and that is the main problem facing the offense. I worried entering this year if that dhicken would come home to roost, and hoped that Snelling and/or Rogers might assume larger roles than they have. “Is the line too feeble?” Mark also asks. Well, of course it is — isn’t it the same line as last year, save for Konz replacing Reynolds (due to injury). But what line could hold up in short yardage situations for a running back that takes forever to get to the hole? He’s so slow he doesn’t even hit the line with much force any more. The line isn’t terrible! They have protected Ryan well most of the year. Turner just doesn’t cut it as a feature back any more. Period! And there isn’t much we can do about that — other than expand the roles of Snelling and/or Rogers.
phil
November 11th, 2012
7:48 pm
Blazerdawg has manure for his brains….
Losers accept defeat and chill.
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
7:48 pm
“Who Dat hahahahhahahahahaha. Falcons suck monkey balls. Thank you and have a great day.”
Enjoy your DAY because the Saints are sliding DOWN, and the Falcons are a team on the rise.
Our near future is MUCH brighter than yours!
Go Jackets
November 11th, 2012
7:49 pm
Trap game….Smitty called it. That said, looks eerily like my Jackets…..awesome O tween the 20’s, then crunch time Tevin W/Matty Ice cant get 1 yard……
Skeptic
November 11th, 2012
7:49 pm
Gritz Blitz
Do you remember the caps that said, “Son, this is BIRD – DOG country” back in ‘80?
I’m not a Dawg, but I would like to have one of those. Must be a collectors item by now.
phil
November 11th, 2012
7:50 pm
Turner is still the burner…..
CantonDawg
November 11th, 2012
7:51 pm
I’d like to point out that the Falcons losing actually IS news for a change. This team wasn’t going 16-0, line play is not where it should be, our running backs aren’t effective and we cannot make a yard when we have to. Having said that, I do think we’ll win the division and get pummeled by SF or Da Bears in the playoffs.
morn
November 11th, 2012
7:51 pm
1) Roddy White has learned you don’t write checks your butt can’t cover.
2) The Falcons need a running back badly and a running game plan, a high school team could stop their up the middle runs 8 of 10 times
Saints in Atl
November 11th, 2012
7:51 pm
Beautiful! You have never won a Super Bowl, nor have you won a playoff game since Matt Ryan has been here. Do you remember your coach’s comments the last time the Saints were in the Georgia Dome? When we bust you all again in 2 weeks, he’ll be fired. Don’t worry about it. You’ll always have more Fortune 500 corps than we do, but make that argument in the business section! We bust your a,, every year!!!!!
Charles
November 11th, 2012
7:52 pm
Rodgers is slow? What game were you watching?
Michael
November 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
Tony Gonzalez was also open on that last drive in the endzone, but Ryan miss it and threw to Roddy White. Tampa Bay will be a tough game also. Let’s hope the Bears lose and go the 7-2 as far as the #1 seed go.
BobDawg
November 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
Why not line up Julio Jones in the backfield… Give him some more touches. Ryan can’t bail us out all the time…
Wink
November 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
Samuels did not lose this game on a penalty. He helped us get an early 10 point lead.
The Falcon fell to get points 3 times during the game with a 1st & Goal. The Samuels interception was at the 12, which suggests we may have not converted that one either.
Two of the those possessions were inside the final two minutes. That’s at least 8 plays to get us the needed 6 points to win the game.
We lose this game because:
1. Coaching…for two years we have been trying to learn or fix being able to score from the 1 yard line. Why not a QB sneak 4 times with Turner & Polite running up Ryan’s butt to push the pile 1 yard.
2. No running game….Turner is done when he comes to a stop at line; the play should be a slant dive away from the mass of bodies directly in front of him. What happen to the toss play to Rodgers, better yet Antonine Smith to get to the edge.
3. Tackling, Tackling, Tackling….the defensive team as a whole can’t tackle, they should watch a replay of this game to understand from Saints defensive what good TACKLING looks like.
4. Dunta Robinson was horrible in pass defense & tackling the whole game.
5. Nolan had no answer for Graham…see double move on Dunta Robinson for long reception.
6. No YAC after the catch today, why….Saints made great tackles to keep us out of the endzone….Douglas reception to the one & Gonzalez stood up on the two…but they both caught the ball…so you have tip your hat to defense for making the TACKLE.
7. Lastly, the refs making some bad calls…stealing the Douglas reception as an incomplete & not sure of the Penalty on Samuels should have been called taunting fans…seems Moore was mugging for the camera’s the whole game.
We are 8 & 1, but this team can’t run the ball or tackle. We are not winning in the box, which is a game to game problem for at least 2 years.
rollo lawson
November 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
Julio needs to learn how to play through bumps and bruises. If he would have stayed on the field, the game would have been over early. I’m sure New Orleans and Brees would have pretty much abandoned the run game. Our offense sputters when Julio is not in there. Remember the San Diego game where he missed a few series with the hand injury?
As far as the run game, our offensive line needs better players. Nobody likes to talk about it, but Todd McClure should have moved on two years ago. I get tired of seeing DTs knifing into the backfield on running plays as soon as the backs get the ball. We still miss Harvey Dahl.
Drew Brees
November 11th, 2012
7:54 pm
at least falcon D sacked me one time today and pressured me a few times: that’s progress to build on moving forward…see ya in 3 weeks!
spencer
November 11th, 2012
7:55 pm
Totally agree with O’Ventbrel, btw, When I see Turner turn to go east-west (as he does so friggin’ often), I know its gonna be a loss of two. He has served us well, but it is time to face reality. He is not going to help us get to or advance in the post-season.
BobDawg
November 11th, 2012
7:56 pm
Run some wildcat on the goal line… I’d rather have our offense operate from the 17 than the 2 yard line it seems…
jo
November 11th, 2012
7:58 pm
I have been saying every week the lack of running was going to bite the falcons big time! Today was a wake up call to fix the oline, or get another runner, or maybe both or this team will not win a playoff game. Ryan played like an mvp though so kudos to him.
Ed
November 11th, 2012
7:58 pm
It doesn’t matter what their win/loss record is today or at the end of the season the falcons are still suspect until they win in the playoffs…. and we’ve this before.
Tim
November 11th, 2012
7:59 pm
Falcons are poor running the football and poor stopping the run on defense. Those two facts do not bode well down the stretch. Very poor tackling throughout the game. Could be another early exit from the playoffs unless they can somehow reverse these patterns.
MTSeats
November 11th, 2012
7:59 pm
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Falcony
November 11th, 2012
7:59 pm
The Saints were more physical than the Falcons today. We got no pressure on Brees today and Matt had to perform under pressure from only 4 linesmen all day “Good performance under pressure all day Matt.” We could not run and could not stop the run. We made one interception and acted like we won the Superbowl. We may have a good record now but I am still concerned about going into the playoffs. Good teams start to getting it together in November and on. This is the time of year where in the past we either start to falling off or remain the same making no adjustments. If we do not play better defense and if our O-line do not protect better and open holes for the run. If Turned do not stop falling down on first contact we are going to repeat what happened in the previous years in the playoffs. Coaches it is time to make the 2nd half of the year adjustments. Teams are putting it together. Just because we have won 8 games does not mean that we have it together. Stop smelling yourselves and get it together, you have not accomplished nothing yet. I kind of figured this loss would happen before the game was ever played when I heard Roddy White talking about going 16 & 0. Dude Really? You had only played 8 games at the time. Just concentrate on the next game and leave all of that unecessary distraction alone!
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
8:00 pm
I love Roddy White, but every time that young fool opens his pie hole and makes a prediction, WE LOSE!
Just catch the ball and run Touchdowns, Son!
Let your play on the field do all of the talking!
Michael
November 11th, 2012
8:00 pm
@ Wink you nailed it man, thanks for the insight.
Jay Jay
November 11th, 2012
8:01 pm
Falcons just showed who they truly are, an average team. Just follow the dollar. The only reason they were allowed to win in the first place was to secure the approval of a new stadium, which will cost the tax payers dearly in Atlanta. Some think, wow they are winning now. I think, hmmm, they are winning because the league need them to get that new stadium. Just my thought.
Child Please
November 11th, 2012
8:02 pm
Name calling still want get you a super bowl ring. Until your team gets to carry the Lombardi, they will continue to be second no make that third to us. Tampa 1 super bowl ring, New Orleans 1 super bowl ring, Atlanta 0 super bowl rings, you get the message.
ryesouvie
November 11th, 2012
8:03 pm
The Saints beat the falcons and here they come on the blog. Where have you been all year? It will be great when we play the saints in 3 weeks and knock them out of the playoffs…. as far as respect that the saints fans we will give us? we dont want it. the only super bowl ring u got has an asterisk beside it. go back to the cest pool new orleans. Have a good day!
phil
November 11th, 2012
8:04 pm
Hous later and i’m still irritated about this loss.
Big mouth Roddy blew it big time, first by blabbing nonsense, then he blows it on that bomb that would’ve won the game when the saints tried to give it to us.
Then we have Ryan not leading the receivers at the goal line with his weak ass throws.
The Turner run was equally disgusting.
Boooooooooo!
Von
November 11th, 2012
8:05 pm
Here’s the bottom line…..The Falcons no matter how good their record may indicate is that they simply cannot match the intensity of the Saints and their fans. If you can’t beat the Saints without their head coach and a team with one of the worst defenses ever, you have no business talking about wanting respect from around the league and being a Superbowl contender. With Brees at the helm for the Saints the record is 11-2….so this is no surprise. The Falcons with their now 8-1 record should hope they do not see this team ever get into the playoffs. It is what it is. The Saints just have had the Falcons number since 2006. The only chance to make a dent in that number is when Brees retires.
phil
November 11th, 2012
8:07 pm
Lol at idiot saint in atl….
200,000? Right.
Besides, only pathetic losers with itty bitty you know whats say stuff like that.
Michael
November 11th, 2012
8:07 pm
Why are the Village Idoits Saints fan coming out and making comments. I thought our first lost would be to Tampa Bay.
air of mendacity
November 11th, 2012
8:07 pm
Jay-Jay -there are pills that you can take for that btw. Falcons running game pathetic. Need to play Quizz more I think. Turner is over the hill, but line cannot run block. Don’t know the answer, if I did, would be rich. We played poorly and almost won Jay-Jay – not average, just have weak spots.
Saints in Atl
November 11th, 2012
8:09 pm
Ryesouvie, Does your Super Bowl ring have an asterisk? Do you have a Super Bowl ring? How many times have the Facons beat the Saints since 2007?
rip
November 11th, 2012
8:09 pm
What a bunch of soft O Lineman, it is totally a disgrace. This is not the first time they are just soft. Ryan has been making them look good because he is making his reads quickly and getting rid of the ball. I do not think any NFL team well except for Philly would want these fat soft belly whimps
Saints in Atl
November 11th, 2012
8:10 pm
Phil, Look at the scoreboard!
loyal fan
November 11th, 2012
8:11 pm
Good point M.B. Birds have other backs on this team that we only see in preseason.Or they are inactive at gametime.M.T. has been the guy we hooked the plow to in M.R.s 1st two seasons while he was learning the pro game,and hes played his heart out,but i think this team has evolved to fit the style of a sleek slashing runner,One who can acclerate to the line.M.T. dosent have that skillset,And J.R. dont either.When your O.line is primarily set up to pass block,you need that type of back.I think we need to look down the bench.The trading deadlines over folks.
phil
November 11th, 2012
8:12 pm
A tie game in the NFL….
Beena few years.
I love my Dawgs
November 11th, 2012
8:12 pm
Today was not about keeping our unbeaten streak going, it was about beating up those sorry A$$ Saints and putting a nail in their coffin for the season. Everyone wass making a big deal because Atlanta was not getting any love from the media, well guess what, the media will now be talking about how the Falcons were overrated. What we need to do is shut up and keep making a push for the playoffs and then win some playoff games. I hate to say it, but this year’s success depends on what we do in the playoff. I am going to love my Falcons regardless, but I would love to shut the critics up and win in the playoffs. Go Falcons!!l
Bill
November 11th, 2012
8:12 pm
Twice, Twice Turner was given the ball inside the 5 & twice, twice he was stopped for a loss. Cut the loyalty BS, Turner has no push and is not a power runner….line up Snelling he is a tougher short yardage runner, QB sneak or simply pass it 4x’s, why waste the down and effort with Turner…..he is toast, let’s move on.
WhoDat4Eva
November 11th, 2012
8:13 pm
There goes your undefeated season…..HAHAHAHAHA
WHODAT!! HAHAHAHAHA
Jay Jay
November 11th, 2012
8:13 pm
I just took my pills. Taste good and make me really think, thanks for the suggestion. I still say,follow the dollar bill. Yes, they can play from time to time. And they are also allowed to win from time to time On behalf of the citizens of Atlanta, Thank You NFL commissioner for allowing us to win. I truly said allow. I think I will go back to watching real football. College football.
1966
November 11th, 2012
8:13 pm
Alot of Atlanta Falcon fans on here and elsewhere know the stats, players, history, etc. of this franchise and that’s great. I’ve been watching since I was 6 years old, since ‘66. I know a pretty good bit about the info history of this team. More than others, not as much as others. Having said that, I can almost say for certain, that this is not a Superbowl caliber team. Even if it’s only gut feeling. This is not a winning playoff team. The package is still not there. I am tired. I don’t know if it will ever be there in my lifetime. This team is, at best, a reincarnation of the ‘98 team. Yea, I know, they are 8 and 1. So what. I’ve seen this team before.
The unbeaten Falcons fall in a distressingly familiar way
November 11th, 2012
8:14 pm
[...] [...]
Jay Jay
November 11th, 2012
8:15 pm
Great point 1966 and I for one agree!
Joe
November 11th, 2012
8:15 pm
agreed Michael Turner is very slow, how can a 245 bruising back not gain a yard? We got to get the run game back on track! Start Snelling next game, can’t hurt, but we will not succeed in the playoffs if turner cant even rush for a yard
Michael
November 11th, 2012
8:16 pm
Why was FOX broadcasting the San Fran and St. Louis in Spanish.
cb795
November 11th, 2012
8:17 pm
If this was college ball, would coach smith job be on the line with a 2 /7 record against your main rival?
ackshun
November 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
Bottom line 4 wins clinches the division. Not much else matters. Still probably not the best week to release Lou polite.
playmeortrademe
November 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
Easy. run the ball, stop the run. Do that, you are 9-0. If you can run the ball to keep the D honest, open up play-action, and get the tough yards, you win. If your D can stop runs on 1st and 2nd down, you can free up the linebackers and secondary and win 3rd downs. Football basics really haven’t changed much over time.
I love my Dawgs
November 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
Typical Turner
-3 yards
0 yards
.-2 yards
4 yards
-1 yards
8 yards
air of mendacity
November 11th, 2012
8:18 pm
Bill – yes – Snelling, Turner too slow to hit what little, if any, hole or crease we have. Pathetic.
TN Jeff
November 11th, 2012
8:19 pm
Thank you MB for pointing out what the TV announcers never realized – the huge mistake of NOT going for a 2 point conversion which would have made the deficit only 3 points if converted and allowed for the option of a field goal to tie at the end of the game. Same morons covering the game questioned why the Falcons weren’t trying to run the ball in despite Turner having 16 yards on 11 carries. The problem is Turner. He is slow and goes down too easy … almost as if he’s had one too many (oops).
Pete
November 11th, 2012
8:19 pm
The dropped balls and penalties were especially unforgivable, but it was also an aberration.
What isn’t is our inability to make short yard situations and the run game in general. Followed by our inability to stop the run. How is it every team we play has a running back that seems more explosive than ours? I don’t know how we fix these problems with this personnel, but if we can;t figure that out we’ll lose another playoff game.
Gipp
November 11th, 2012
8:19 pm
The Falcons are “Paper Tigers”. Lots of playmakers for sure; Enjoy the regular season, ’cause in the playoffs, they will will Crash.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
November 11th, 2012
8:21 pm
Michael Turner is NOT THE ANSWER!!!!! Please utilize Snelling, Rogers and/or Smith. It is funny how the Saints utilize 4 different running backs throughout the game, but all we saw for the Falcons is the same old busted running plays…..Turner for 1 yard gain or a loss…….The Falcons should have won the game……sorry play calling by the offensive coordinator at the end of the game!!!!
National Sports Media
November 11th, 2012
8:23 pm
HA we were so right about the falcants… lost to the 32nd ranked defence, haven’t defeated a single team over .500… if the falcants make the playoffs its ONE and DONE, 4 straight. This team could go 2-6 in the 2nd half, already got the 0-1 start. welcome back to reality.
Just Me
November 11th, 2012
8:23 pm
Appropriately titled column Mark! This scene is all too familiar with the Mike Smith regime. Because this team repeatedly fails when it really counts, it is easy to label them as SOFT! Today, they could have put New Orleans season on life support, but instead they REPEAT some of the very issues they had coming into this season. At some point, the head coach has to understand that the team mirrors his “nice guy” persona at all the wrong times…and that’s in games that really count. It is sad to say that this mentality will yield the very same result come playoff time. They have to get a chip on their shoulder, and do so quickly, because they are on a crash course collision to get bounced in the playoff just as in years past. The Saints wanted it more today and it showed in their play. Obviously, we did not want it quite as much as much as they did because the manner in which we played did not come close to displaying that sentiment. This one is on Mike Smith for not having the team in the RIGHT frame of mind of going in and smashing an inferior team. If the Falcons would play the whole game (or as least most of it) the way they run their 2:00 minute offense, it would be hard for other teams to keep up. We often play down to the level of our opponent and therefore find ourselves in so many late game drives to pull out a win. The fact that we have been in so many of those types of games up to this point in the season in no coincidence! It speaks to a systemic behavior pattern that emanates from the head coach. Until they realize this very fundamental but fatal flaw, they will NEVER get close enough to even sniff the Super Bowl. The team is SOFT and it consistently shows in the manner of their play. I will still continue to support the team, but doing things the same way and expecting a different outcome is just insane. It is time to Rise Up coach Smith. The team is in a great position and these opportunities do not come along often, so you better seize it now, otherwise the HC seat will get much hotter come this off season.
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:24 pm
Not sure if anyone noticed, but the Cardinals had a bye this week. They will bring their best shot…similar to the Raiders who were coming off the bye. The Falcons need to bring their best next week.
rip
November 11th, 2012
8:25 pm
What is the heck is Todd McClure talking about that they gave it their all, is he out of his mind!!!!!!!!!!, and he suppose to be a leader on this team. You should have your head in a bag, to not be able to move the pile 1 yard. Does he not understand, you went man to man and you looked like girls going against men. Same bums you could not get a yard last year. No off season commitment to get stronger, quicker. Stop eating the donuts and hit the weights
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:27 pm
If the Falcons lose to the Cardinals and the Bucs beat the Panthers, then the Bucs will control their destiny for the division…the Falcons are in for a fight and need to focus hard on the next game.
1966
November 11th, 2012
8:27 pm
Atlanta Falcon Playbook: 2 pages
Atlanta Falcon Excuse Handbook: 4,278 pages
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:28 pm
rip, I’m sure Todd did give his all…just wish Ryan had sneaked it a few more times behind him.
Tim
November 11th, 2012
8:28 pm
Falcons management made the call before the season that they would try to squeeze one more year out of Turner. It may have been a bad decision. We will see.
True Falcon
November 11th, 2012
8:29 pm
Gonzo was wide open when Ryan tried to squeeze the ball in to White. He well never win the big one. He stares the receiver down that he’s throws the ball to. I’ve seen this movie before.
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:29 pm
As bad as the Saints defense has been…they get tough near the goal line, gotta give them some credit.
FalconFANatic
November 11th, 2012
8:30 pm
8-1>4-5. Falcons will win division! We will sure up what we need to on defense. Matt Ryan still threw for more than 400 yards without Julio for most of 1st half. Falcons needed a loss (and a bad one) to stay motivated and to realize how much harder they need to work…Go Falcons!
playmeortrademe
November 11th, 2012
8:31 pm
1966,
I hear ya, And I think the 1998 team would beat the snot out of this team. They were a more complete package and seemed a lot tougher on D with Tuggle, Smith, and Bennett. This team needs a running game and a run defense to be comparable
peege
November 11th, 2012
8:31 pm
I don’t blame Samuel – that was an amazing catch, and given our ability to move the ball, I didn’t think it would matter. Instead, I look at the O-line or Turner. Turner just seems to fall down a lot.
cb795
November 11th, 2012
8:31 pm
Coach Smith please give the speed back smith a try!!!!!!!! Turner is being tackled by smaller db’s only using one arm. Maybe he can run better than a 1.2 average.
air of mendacity
November 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
so we are just soft – that is the answer? I doubt it. Don’t know what it is, but it is the achilles heel in the playoffs if we cannot gain a yard on the goal line. Bummer.
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
Yeah, agree that a loss kind of refocuses a team…was getting a little tired of hearing the undefeated season stuff. Having said that, sure would have loved to see them get this one.
TRUEFAN
November 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
This was not an o-line problem,its a Turner problem.He is the softest back in the league.If only he had half the heart as rodgers. Thanks Turner the bummer you blew it. Most backs would kill for the ball on the 2 with the game on the line.SOFT!!
It's All Over
November 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
It’s over. Yes, this is the beginning of the end. You knew it was coming and now it’s here. Falcons go 10-4, lose in the first round again and we’re all left babbling maybe next year.
peege
November 11th, 2012
8:32 pm
True Falcon – Ryan had about 1.5 seconds to throw the ball. Roddy was the only one he saw in that short of time.
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
Don’t forget that Weatherspoon was out…he is arguably the heart of the defense, really missed his energy this game.
Laughing out Loud
November 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
Zack and all you other “fans” who insist on calling players names, I wish you would stop it and offer something constructive. Maybe find some other way to express your dissapointment and anger. It’s only football ya’ll. And the players are disappointed more than any single one of you when such failure occurs. It’s their livelihood as well as their game. Name calling refelcts more on the the caller than on the called. Please quit showing yourself in such bad light.
Truth be told
November 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
This blog is full of complete idiots.
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:35 pm
peege, agree with you there…a lot of people in Ryan’s face on that play and the saints had a LB between ryan and TG…he wasn’t really wide open as the announcer suggested.
wildbill
November 11th, 2012
8:37 pm
What happened to our screen game that has worked so well? it was just not there today. It does look like Turner likes to go East-West too much, and is luckily getting the long runs about once every 40 tries. Unless we get some kind of consistent running game going, we will be another one and done in teh playoffs. Playoff teams will have a good run defense and good run-pass balance. They really have to look at this in a hurry, and come up with something. I really hope they are not lying to themselves and thinking that Turner is doing a good job. he is too slow to hit the small holes we are creating.
RobbE33
November 11th, 2012
8:38 pm
I hate losing to the Saints but getting smacked around in November can be the inspiration the Falcons need to coalesce in December. But you’re right, playoff caliber teams manhandle their opponents when necessary and the Falcons have yet shown any semblance of dominance.
Suffering the venom spitting Vitt viper is bad enough but, Loose, Goose and Moose as well? C’mon, Fox!
Phil
November 11th, 2012
8:41 pm
Lot of blame to around but you can’t even get 1 yard, that is terrible. Michael Turner needs to go after this season. Giving him the ball on that series was a waste of a down. He is too slow to hit the hole and his stymied on just about every run play he is involved in because he is so frggin slow. Defense couldn’t stop the pass and they have a lot of problems. But when you can’t get 1 yard to win the game, it makes you sick.
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
November 11th, 2012
8:41 pm
BAWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA……I can hear the pain.
Falcon Realist
November 11th, 2012
8:42 pm
Michael Turner is an absolute bum. Look at what Quiz does with 3 touches. The problem is not so much the OL but the guy with the ball in his hands. Time to turn the keys to the running game over to Quiz and let Snelling get other carries. Turner is a BUM!!!!
TRUEFAN
November 11th, 2012
8:43 pm
Peege, that same o-line protected Ryan enough to throw for 411 yds.The bummer just doesnt run hard
wtf
November 11th, 2012
8:43 pm
Falcons need to be more aggressive. Instead settling for a field goal @ 28-24 they should have gone for it. What would it have hurt? The way the defense was playing anyone could see the Saints were gonna score again. So a field goal would not have made a difference either way. Roddy White had a good game but could not finish. He was still caught up in last week trying to get a pass interference call instead of playing thru it and catching the ball for a TD. Falcons can’t finesse it every time especially against a team like NO. They failed the first test of going toe-toe with an explosive team on the other side. They can only beat themselves. The running game was poor and it was a poor choice to think they could bust through the line for a TD with it.
gabugman
November 11th, 2012
8:44 pm
Turner was a fail safe for a rookie QB starting in 2008. As the QB has matured and grown, we have not replaced the back to complement the rest of the changes that have been made to this offense. Turner is not what we need in this system and until we get one that fits, we aren’t gonna take that step to the next level.
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
November 11th, 2012
8:44 pm
Zack, you yelled it perfectly, anyone but Turner. 1 yard, 1 yard, my kingdom for 1 yard. There are many UFA’s in this league better than Turner. Why no Snelling? Get a RB. On here, and over a year, us fans have been lobbying for a back that doesn’t take 5 seconds to get to the line of scrimmage. Coach Smith, you’re awesome, but, please, wake up!
DJ Sniper
November 11th, 2012
8:44 pm
Isn’t it funny how the Saints fans show up after this game after being MIA pretty much all season?
Anyway, our D actually tightened up in the second half, holding them to just 10 points. Our main issue was penalties and an inability to convert on short yardage situations. Our O line hasn’t been the best in run blocking, but Turner clearly is not the answer anymore. Smitty needs to realize this and utilize Rogers and Snelling a lot more.
Lastly, the Saints are still looking up at us in the division, and that’s what really matters.
BennieBlades
November 11th, 2012
8:45 pm
The falcons had a great chance to win the game at the end. they just couldn’t punch it across from the one yard line. The falcons seem to have a major problem on drives then they have a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 and can’t seem to pick up the one yard. Once the falcons solve that problem at move the sticks and score touchdowns, the falcons, this year, will become superbowl champions! Go falcons great game today. we didnt win but we werent embarrassed and we were in sriking distance to win at the end. that is all you can ask for to be competitive against the great teams. the saints are a great team. the falcons are a greater team than the saints. we played a bad game today and lost. julio was hurt and couldnt help us as much was we would have liked him to help us. The falcons can win the superbowl this year because there is parity in the league and it is a weak league.
Falcfan66
November 11th, 2012
8:45 pm
They won’t win a playoff game with this sorry excuse for a running game. Time for Turner to go. He is horribly slow…..
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
8:46 pm
Mr. Saintsfan Jr. ….who is the sub-500 team?
drew
November 11th, 2012
8:48 pm
If the Falcons were not getting the surge they needed, according to Mike Smith, what makes him think they can win in the playoffs? Every decent team seems to be able to run the ball. And that Falcon defense is nearly as bad as the Saints. Once again, it’s gonna be a short playoff run.
Appdude
November 11th, 2012
8:49 pm
Stupid penalties cost the Falcons. Arrogance.
ramguy68
November 11th, 2012
8:50 pm
The obvious is that Falcons run blocking needs a lot of improvement. The other thing is they need a RB somewhere in the 220-230 range. Rogers is good and should be kept but he is small. Turner as good as he has been in the past it is painfully obvious that he isn’t the answer. As big as he is he can’t get you that tough yard or two when you need them. Give him a big hole and let him get to the secondary and he can do lot of damage. The problem has become getting him there. I think they need a back that has good size but also has good foot speed and some quickness.
Pirate
November 11th, 2012
8:50 pm
Tackling was horrific. I saw a lot of red flags today, and not the ones the coaches throw…..
sadsack
November 11th, 2012
8:52 pm
Aren’t there any goal line plays in the playbook where they run wide instead of trying to pound it up the middle???? Sheesh.
FalconP
November 11th, 2012
8:54 pm
not a big deal–the falcons handed them the game. Atl will beat new orleans easy in atlanta and finish 15-1 or 14-2, then roll through the playoffs.
k483
November 11th, 2012
8:55 pm
I doubt the outcome would be the same if we had established a running game. Even without it, the offense picked NO secondary apart. Just imagine what the game would have been like with a running threat.
whooooooodat
November 11th, 2012
8:55 pm
The saints may be 4-5 but it sure does feel great handing the falcons their first loss!!!!!!! Thanks ATL
phil
November 11th, 2012
8:56 pm
Laughing out Loud
November 11th, 2012
8:33 pm
Zack and all you other “fans” who insist on calling players names, I wish you would stop it and offer something constructive. Maybe find some other way to express your dissapointment and anger. It’s only football ya’ll. And the players are disappointed more than any single one of you when such failure occurs. It’s their livelihood as well as their game. Name calling refelcts more on the the caller than on the called. Please quit showing yourself in such bad light.
**********
no one is calling anyone names, moron!
The players aren’t nearly as disappointed as we are, I promise you. They are overpaid, lazy incompetents, beaten down by the worst D in the NFL….pathetic.
Falcons #RiseUp
November 11th, 2012
8:56 pm
Hey Mark Bradley I’m a die hard Falcons fan I know we can pull a playoff win with our 2012 team we just have to stay focus on one mission at a time first winning our division, but in order to pull through Turner has to pick up on the run, Julio has to apply the speed & White has to lead the way. On D we have to complete tackles & play tight face to face coverage. Most of all our O line has to put up a shield of protection on every drive
Go Trojans!
November 11th, 2012
8:56 pm
The running back has a 6 yard head of steam before hitting the line. He should get at least a yard just from his momentum and heart. Turner appears so slow on TV that we actually don’t get the head of steam. Tip Toe Turner is a better nickname. Burner might work if he cooks without skill.
I’m glad we are 8-1 but that is a killer to lose to the Saints. Now it will be “Who Dat” all dang week on the radio. Great. Just frigging great.
phil
November 11th, 2012
8:57 pm
whooooooodat
November 11th, 2012
8:55 pm
The saints may be 4-5 but it sure does feel great handing the falcons their first loss!!!!!!! Thanks ATL
*********
visiting hour is over…time for bed check, doof.
John
November 11th, 2012
8:58 pm
Turner has go to go. Why is it so hard for the coaching staff to see this??
Hillbilly D
November 11th, 2012
8:59 pm
that same o-line protected Ryan enough to throw for 411 yds
Pass blocking and run blocking are two different things. A good line does both.
phil
November 11th, 2012
9:00 pm
Get rid of the o line too….
Brilliant idea.
keith the Falcon
November 11th, 2012
9:00 pm
Mark Bradley you hit the nail on the head…”Gain a yard when a yard is mandatory”. The Falcons are a good team that must make adjustments to move forward into the postseason.
It’s great to see them win season to season, when compared to what I grew up watching, late 80’s, early 90’s.
Win when it’s time to win…being 8 – 0 meant nothing, look at the NYG last year!
SuperBowl? GUFFAW!
November 11th, 2012
9:01 pm
I called it. As crappy as the Saints are this year, they still OWN the falcons. Sorry Dirty Birds, that will be your first and last trip to NOLA this year.
Pigskin
November 11th, 2012
9:01 pm
Save for a significantly improved Matt Ryan and his stellar receiving corps, this is an average team…at best.
Who have we beaten besides sub .500 teams? No one.
IF we make the playoffs, it’s one & done once again.
phil
November 11th, 2012
9:01 pm
Release someone…
USMC DAWG
November 11th, 2012
9:02 pm
“The saints may be 4-5 but it sure does feel great handing the falcons their first loss!!!!!!! Thanks ATL”–WHOOOOOODAT
That’s great Whooooodat… but where are you living AT?? ATlanta!
Like it is
November 11th, 2012
9:02 pm
Maybe the loss will shake them up, reinvigorate and refocus them. Sometimes you need a whooping to get your head on straight.
Rick
November 11th, 2012
9:02 pm
Problem is the Falcons are arrogant. There are other NFL teams that are working hard. Falcons
have not played Hawks Bears 49ers GB Giants are on the schedule. There is a new breed of teams
No one is not going to lay down for the falcons.
The Biscuit
November 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
My personal favorite play of the game was a “toss sweep” to Turner to the right. Another negative 3 yards! With any one of the Saints’ four running backs — this team could win the Super Bowl. Sproles, Ivory, Ingram, and ther whose name I can’t remember. I’ll look it up.
Pedigree of Failure
November 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
That’s your ATL FAILCANTS…joke of a franchise….Saints own you…won last 11/13 games….FAILCANTS choke…fact…ratty white, melted ice and fat boy turner are a joke…fans are delusional and bandwagon…2 days ago..smack talk…now, excuses and despair….this is why you will NEVER win a SB….fact…saints > falclowns…lmao..
Wes H
November 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
I haven’t read through the comments, but I can’t be the only one to see that Michael Turner does not have it anymore. Every once in awhile he busts a 40 yard run and someone boasts of how he still does have it, but almost always, those runs are because the wrong defense was called, and he is untouched. Anyone can run for 40 if they are untouched. He never hits a hole, he just runs into the back of a pile. He actually waits until the hole closed before going for it. He’s playing scared or just flat out doesn’t have the ability anymore to run
keith the Falcon
November 11th, 2012
9:03 pm
Oh, 46 yards rushing…how far do you thing you’re really going to go towards a Super Bowl shot?
QB/DB
November 11th, 2012
9:04 pm
We will need Turner to win the Super Bowl BUT on 3rd and 1 he doesn’t have a quick first and second step. Couple that with the surge from a defensive line over powering some on our OL then the play is doomed. Turner is like a bowling ball rolling down hill once it gets going it builds up steam but doesn’t have enough POP and Sizzle in the short yardage situation. That’s why I wonder why Snelling isn’t used. He has weight and a lil more POP or what about A. Smith doesn’t he get to the line quick. My worst Falcon fear is the the TD stays put with this “next man up stuff to make his Drafts look good. We are still missing a few things. Please don’t let us lose the SUPER BOWL because you didn’t go sign a Free Agent or make a trade, PLEASE!!!
New Orleans Mercedes-Benz Superdome
November 11th, 2012
9:04 pm
The falcons will not receive an invite to Feb’s festivities. Good night, and good luck.
phil
November 11th, 2012
9:04 pm
The Bears…
Now THAT’S a team.
atlvol55
November 11th, 2012
9:05 pm
tough loss, but every fan of every team has always screamed the “well if we can’t get one yard, we aren’t good.” Its really tough to run in the NFL hen the other team knows it. The Falcons didn’t play real well and were within one yard of winning.
What concerns me is the chance to knock the Aint’s out of the playoff picture. I still don’t think they will make it, but it would have been nice to practically end it for them. I would not want to play them come playoff time
Eric C.
November 11th, 2012
9:06 pm
Pigskin, that is such a moronic argument…they’ve beaten 8 of the 9 teams in front of them. Btw, the Broncos are above .500
phil
November 11th, 2012
9:07 pm
Of course, Cutler stinks….
And give up, QB/DB…..ain’t gonna be no super bowl.
keith the Falcon
November 11th, 2012
9:09 pm
Saint fans, you’ve earned the right to put it on us Falcon fans…hope we take care of business on you guys in three weeks…it’s like the Bulldogs losing to the Gamecocks…
Big Dawg
November 11th, 2012
9:10 pm
If Spoon wasn’t hurt he would be shutting down Graham, believe it! Lets see how the Aints march when they come to the dome, & leave with a loss, we already won the division, the Aints ain’t done jack!
Drtybyrd
November 11th, 2012
9:13 pm
Hurst, The Falcons weak schedule is the exact same as the Saints but yet 8-1 vs 4-5.
Dewnsav
November 11th, 2012
9:14 pm
Enter your comments here
jerry
November 11th, 2012
9:14 pm
Turner does not put himself into the game or call his own number in critical situations. He is still regarded as a go to back by none other than Mike Smith, who evidently has a short memory (or maybe no memory at all) and who is heir apparent to Andy Reid, King of Contender Pretender and soon to vacate the throne.
Jazz
November 11th, 2012
9:14 pm
No worries here!! Still in first place!! So the Sints matchups give us problems we will be in the playoffs and they will be at home!! NUFF SAID!!
shadow7071
November 11th, 2012
9:15 pm
I never comment here but…. This is the Atlanta Falcons. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that I’ve been following for what…. over forty years. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that choke. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that try to run out the clock from the first quarter, after they score and get the lead. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that can never put anyone away. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that failed to show up for their Super Bowl Game. This is the same Atlanta Falcons that have never had it within them to play football, period. From time-to-time they just get lucky but soon their luck runs out. Today in New Orleans their luck ran out.
LOL at the Aints
November 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Congratulations Aints, Pulled that one out today. See ya in the Dome. Your team still stinks. Kinda like the Falcons O line LOL
keith the Falcon
November 11th, 2012
9:18 pm
It’s funny to see/hear the Saints fans come out with all the comments b/c they beat the Falcons. Last I checked the Falcons are 4 games up in the division on the Saints.
There is still a lot of football to be played, but I don’t see those WHO DATS catching the FALCONS!
LOL at the Aints
November 11th, 2012
9:19 pm
Shadow,, whats your point. LOL, We all know the history.
Why did Falcons Lose?
November 11th, 2012
9:19 pm
(1) Poor red zone play calling (2) Crappy tackling (3) Stupid penalties (4) Complete lack of a running game.
Pete Van Weird
November 11th, 2012
9:20 pm
Face it: it is the Washington Generals vs. the Harlem Globetrotters. It is great theater and not much more. It is Gorgeous George vs. Choo Choo Lynn. Hmmm…let’s see….d’ya think th’ Falcons’ll beat ‘em next time? How many more commercials will we have to watch during a first down spot? Scripted big guy dance, and do you really think any team cannot twice score with three chances inside a nine foot distance? Las Vegas loves a fool.
MTSeats
November 11th, 2012
9:20 pm
A new stadium will fix all..Make everything right.
Atlanta SAINTS Fan
November 11th, 2012
9:20 pm
For all of you Saints haters: “Falcons can’t fly when there is a Brees in the Dome!”. WHO DAT!!!
Todd
November 11th, 2012
9:22 pm
The thing that gets me in the short yardage situation we should use Jason Snelling he is a lot more stronger than Turner also we need to do like other teams get behind Turner push him in the end zone
George
November 11th, 2012
9:23 pm
Said what you want but after watch the game again the Ref’s did what they do to every team who plays in N.O. give them calls they don’t give the other team. The call on the first INT, after saints get ball back and score even O-line run down to congratulate if the isn’t excessive what is. Last pass on the drive where we went for it on forth after turner tippy toes didn’t do squat Matt is pulled down by jersey after he released the ball no call. Doughlas catch the zebra who made the call was behind the play and had no business making it and replay was clear he caught it but called no catch.
moboman
November 11th, 2012
9:23 pm
Turner has no burst up the middle because hes is a good 15-20 pounds overweight. Any stats avail on what he weighed when we signed him? Tired of watching him plod to the line like he is wearing cinderblock cleats. Make him lose some weight!!!!!!
Bobby
November 11th, 2012
9:24 pm
@USMC DAWG: I have lived in Atlanta since 1976 but was raised in Louisiana so I’m still a Saints fan. The other reason I’m a big Saints fan is I’ve been a Georgia Tech fan since moving to Atlanta and the thoughts of cheering for anything red and black upsets my stomach.
GO JACKETS!
GEAUX SAINTS!
TO HELL WITH GEORGIA! (and the Falcons too!)
Great Falconi
November 11th, 2012
9:26 pm
No team, however good or great, can win in a shootout without putting up TDs. The Falcons put together three long and impressive TD drives, but the ones they needed to punch in were left unpunched. The Falcons can be better, but it’s going to take spreading the wealth in the run game (more carries for Rodgers and Snelling) to build some confidence up front. The Saints played the run lanes well, but there were cutback lanes available. Turner could not hit them because he is not quick enough to do so. If nothing else, I think we’ll see a RB drafted pretty high in April. That guy isn’t going to help us now, though. Gotta find something that works in the run game.
MTSeats
November 11th, 2012
9:28 pm
Mike Smith wants a flat team. No up or down, just mechanical (sp).
Steve
November 11th, 2012
9:29 pm
This is why Turner is THE MOST OVERRATED running back in the NFL.
First half
– First drive – 0 yard carry on 1st and goal form the NO 1 yard line
– Second drive – minus 1 yard carry on third and 1 from NO 19
– Fourth drive – minus 1 yard carry on 2nd and goal from the NO 1
Third quarter – 1 carry for 1 yard because the Falcons had given up on him.
Fourth Quarter
– Zero yard carry on first and goal from the NO 5 (led to field goal because we wasted a down and New Orleans knew they could stop the run without even committing safeties or the OLB’s)
– minus 1 yard carry on 3rd and goal from the NO 1
That’s five carries in red zone situations for a grand total of MINUS THREE yards. On top of this, all the passes to TG in the red zone started failing because the Saints will dropping 2-3 LB’s and both safeties into coverage because they knew … absolutely knew … that Turner was useless.
This loss rests entirely on Michael Turner’s shoulders. The Falcons figured out how useless he was in third quarter and went to Rodgers. I know Snelling is banged up, but at this point we need to stop wasting downs on Turner in crucial situations. If Snelling or Smith can’t get the short yards, then give it to Rodgers or go sign Ryan Grant.
I know everyone is worried it will mess with the team ‘fit’, but Turner is a bust. He needs to be released in the off-season.
Steve
November 11th, 2012
9:31 pm
And yes, I know he will probably top 1000 yards again .. but most of his yards are like solo home runs when your team is up by 5 runs in the 8th. If he can’t get the tough yards (and he hasn’t been able to for the last four years) then he is not a #1 tailback.
Eastinfection
November 11th, 2012
9:35 pm
Falcain’ts sinking back down to their rightful birthrate…….Atlanta ……. Loservilee USA
Eastinfection
November 11th, 2012
9:36 pm
Birthright
Eastinfection
November 11th, 2012
9:36 pm
You can’t spell Choke with Matty Ryan
Eastinfection
November 11th, 2012
9:37 pm
without ….. OK Im done with the tequilia for the evening.
Rod
November 11th, 2012
9:37 pm
Come guys, stop it with this Asante Samuel stuff. He did not cause the Falcons to lose this game. If they don’t have Asante, this team will be worse. They lost because of poor tackling, lack of running game, poor defensive calls, and poor offensive calls. U can’t convert fourth and one, third and one, and score on the goal line. Then u continue to put a linebacker on a Tight End. I didn’t see that much pressure on Drew Brees. Did Abraham play today? Where’s that big sorry Edwards? Overpaid. The Falcons will be okay, need to use Rodgers and Snelling more. What happen to the screen and the hurry up offense. I said they will go 15-1, so I’m not concern about this lost. We will see them in 3 weeks.
NA
November 11th, 2012
9:40 pm
At least 9 plays completed and the Falcons win.
But the big one is 4 chances from the 1 yard line with a few minutes on the clock and we have no way to punch in in? Turner looked like he walked up to the line saw no hole and just gave up. Turner the Burner is no longer there. it was more like Turner the Timid———–Also an offensive line should have a surge strong enough to let an old man walk in…… Sad
FalconsfaninAugusta
November 11th, 2012
9:42 pm
Asante didn’t lose this game… that was one 15-yard penalty at the beginning of the game, you idiots. The Falcons still had a 10-0 lead… no, the momentum changer to me came right before the half when Ryan and the Offense had a weak 3-and-out and then the Saints took the lead right before the half. This team needs to keep up the pressure ALL GAME LONG…. and the Offensive line has no confidence that Turner can run the ball so they don’t even block for him.
START QUIZZ AT RB!!!!!
USARMY
November 11th, 2012
9:42 pm
The Falcons are playing good football, I can’t deny that to be 8-1 in the NFL is great. However, they find themselves in the same exact situations when playing the Saints (i.e. 3rd and 1; 4th and 1), its ridiculous that with as big and powerful as a running back like Michael Turner, it seems to be impossible. The Falcons really need to look into this matter and think about departing ways with Turner who in so many cases can’t muster 1 yard. The Falcons will have a great season this year but they have to address this situation. Go Falcons…Rise Up!!!
CGD..
November 11th, 2012
9:43 pm
This bird cant win in the trenches…
These playoff teams will bulldoze the cons….
Seen that B4? Hmmmmmmmm
Hurst
November 11th, 2012
9:44 pm
Drtybyrd, the Saints play the Packers and the 49ers, while the Clowns get the Lions and the Cardinals. Yeah, that’s the exact same.
New Orleans
November 11th, 2012
9:44 pm
Ummm… how about a little help here, guys? At the rate I’m sinking, it’s only a matter of time before the Superdome becomes an aquatic center.
John
November 11th, 2012
9:47 pm
I would like to suggest that true Falcon fans allow the team to work it out. They will work out a way to get the one yard when needed. The same way they will find a way to play enthusiastically with out committing penalties that hurt the team ( Asante and William). Finally, It maybe time to part with Micheal Turner. I love the guy but have had my eye on Steven Jackson of the Rams. A ” Do It All Back that would push the running game over the top.
mark
November 11th, 2012
9:49 pm
Turner is slow to the hole I think we need to put Rodgers in for more running plays and see how he dose. He is a better pass cathcher and get make much better cuts in the open field. Line is not a mauler line but in this league running teams do not win Superbowls but you have to gain a yard. Don’t what the answer is, critics are going to say same old team but lets wait until playoffs. Two teams in NFL history went undefeated.
Turtsnap
November 11th, 2012
9:49 pm
The Longest Yard?
FalconsfaninAugusta
November 11th, 2012
9:53 pm
From ESPN, this just about sums it up:
ut the biggest story out of Sunday might have been that maybe the Falcons are what their critics said: overrated.
Atlanta’s defense looked like it was the one with a chance to be the worst in history. The running game (46 net yards) was pathetic.
All the talk about the Falcons being a different team this year now seems questionable. How are they going to finally win a playoff game when they can’t even beat a division rival that’s having a down year?
moboman
November 11th, 2012
9:56 pm
The 40 yard runs Turner is getting now used to be 60 yards for a touchdown. Hes carying too much junk in the trunk and cant break the long ones for a touchdown anymore. He didnt used to get run down by the defense when he broke one long. And he doesnt get too the hole quickly, on the short yardage plays or build the momentum to hit the line. Needs to get leaner and quicker. 225 pounds on his frame is still plenty of weight and momentum.
mark
November 11th, 2012
9:56 pm
Saints def is bad but our def was not better today, Nolan is getting a lot out of a unit that is still lacking consistent pass rush. Really missed grimes and spoon today I think spoon would have slowed Graham today. Lets get them in our dome with spoon and see what happens.
just sayin'
November 11th, 2012
9:57 pm
george…get real…baker was holding will smith the whole game…and not one holding call…atl got their share of ‘no calls’….
C Bass
November 11th, 2012
9:58 pm
Michael “Conrete Boots” Turner is an absolute failure this year. Why can’t anyone see this?
I was his biggest fan and gave him the benefit of the doubt up until now. He has been abismall and his stats show it. He looks even worse in person. He is slow as dirt and cannot create any momentum to get all that weight working in his favor. Even worse is his decision making on the field. Wide open gaps left and right and he bumps into his own O-Line and falls over like a log.
He’s an anchor for this speed boat and they need to bench him until he loses some weight and gets his quickness back that he was so famous for. Jacquizz taking 15 snaps a game is the answer.
micron
November 11th, 2012
10:05 pm
It was a good game , although it didn’t end the way I wanted it too. However, there are still some things that need to be fixed (like a combination of o-line and running back for short yardage). But I see this lost of more and advantage for the Falcons than a disadvantage. There is lots of pressure building trying to keep a street going. Now we have lost, we can play ball and not wrong about a street. I just hate it was the Saints that slipped by us. Not like we was blown out by the Saints….. It time to get back to work,,,, Goooooooooooo Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
flatsdawg1
November 11th, 2012
10:07 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I am sure it’s obvious to the coaching staff, I mean how many starting backs can you name in the NFL that get 16 yds on 14 carries and keep playing? Is the trade deadline over? Seriously, if they think they can even win one playoff game without running the ball… Please don’t waste an opportunity to get to the super bowl before Tony Gonzalez retires as in this year.
Tommy
November 11th, 2012
10:07 pm
would it kill Koetter to call a toss to quizz on 3rd and goal from the one?? Turner’s burst is completely gone. If the hole is not there he stops. A running back who completely halts his momentum is a sitting duck.
Those who read me on these boards know that I am one of the more optimistic fans. But when douglas went down and created that 2nd and goal from the one, I looked over at my wife and said ‘all I can think of is the overtime loss last year.’
And danged if it didn’t happen again. . . three tries to get three frikkin’ feet
There is nothing more frustrating than an inferior rival JUST BARELY BEATING YOU time after time. . .
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
10:08 pm
Them sorry Falcants!!! Better luck next time in a few weeks you sorry ol’ Dirty Birds!!! LOL Who Dat?! We Dat!!!
New Orleans is sinking and I don't want to swim.
November 11th, 2012
10:10 pm
Run it behind Konz like they did when they scored against the Cowgirls. He maintains his blocks and is a Badger….which is nice.
Najeh Davenpoop
November 11th, 2012
10:12 pm
Weird things happen often in division games. This is good for the Falcons in the long run. The pressure to go undefeated is off, the remaining schedule is incredibly easy, and they can cruise to a first-round bye. No need to panic.
Child Please
November 11th, 2012
10:14 pm
Yep wait until y’all get us in the Georgia dome, what if spoon was playing, oh the refs wanted the saints to win, oh it’s not like the saints blew us out, oh we will still win the division, oh the aint’s are the worst defense in the league, the city of new orleans is this and that. You people just don’t quit. Bottom line isthmus saints are better then your team, we are super bowl champions and your team is not. We’ve beat you the last 11 out of 13 games, and the last four in a row. Just shut up with the excuses, you people are starting to sound like spoiled whinney babies.
The 'Blo
November 11th, 2012
10:15 pm
It’s triple F (FFF) times fans. Fatal Falcons Flaws. Is there a fullback on this team? If so, who is it, and does he ever play in the game? Miss you Ovie! Michael “The Slug” Turner needs to be replaced. Hopefully, he’ll get another DUI tonight without killing anyone and the Falcons will release him. Quizz was great. Where did that Snelling guy get off to? I’d bet my house that Jason would gain a yard before The Slug. Is there a punt returner on this team? Dominique Franks’ sole mission in life seems to be is to fair catch every punt without fumbling. I am sure that strikes fear into the hearts of the cover team. Mike Smith says on the Falcon pre-game show we got to get touchdowns instead of field goals in the red zone. I guess, talk is pretty cheap these days. Falcons played hard and should have won this game. Nobody wins them all. Granted. But these fatal flaws will keep this team from winning a Super Bowl until these issues are addressed, like now, or perhaps, last week!
Rick in Macon
November 11th, 2012
10:15 pm
Both the offensive and defensive line play stunk. The offensive line couldn’t run block for anything and the defensive line rarely got any pressure on Brees. Absolutely pathetic. And Dunta Robinson…has he ever tackled anyone?!?!? Every touchdown pass he was standing around…get rid of him NOW!!!
Michael "the dynasty" Vick
November 11th, 2012
10:15 pm
Turner is too predictable and slow. Stand straight up and his yardage stinks. He needs to be schooled by Warrick Dunn. Warrick could fall for 3 or 4 yds because he went under the defender.
Schilling would have way more yd if they would give him more opportunities to learn the game.
C Bass
November 11th, 2012
10:16 pm
Midseason lesson…
Michael “The Burner” Turner is now Michael “The Crock Pot” Turner.
And how many times are we going to hear they want to get Turner involved in the passing game and the bum can’t even catch a 5 yard pass?! (week 9)
“The Slow Cooker” needs to lose some weight and take a serious look in the mirror about what he needs to do to be a starter on this team. In the meantime, I’m happy with Jacquizz starting and Snelling backing up….at least they can both catch the ball.
QuizzRocks
November 11th, 2012
10:16 pm
Less Turner
More Quizz
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
10:18 pm
LMBO! It’s funny being on this website reading all of these sorry excuses. The bottom line is the ATL Falcants LOSS and the Who’s Your Daddy of the NFC South won! Regardless of the records, it proves the Falcants had a weak schedule and will be tossed once again out of the playoffs the first game played by them this year. WEAK!!!! See yall on Thursday night football in a few weeks! Dueces.
Who Dat!!
K
November 11th, 2012
10:20 pm
I believe part of the problem is coaching & the owner. Smith gives them days off when they win a game. They should be out there practicing. Coach needs to be more of a hard azz. Mr. Blank has spoiled them rotten & they don’t play with intensity knowing the coach will give the same hokey answer/excuse for them not performing. Now I know all the turner up the middle plays are coming from Smith and not the oc. Turner rushes for a 1.2 average and quizz only gets 3 touches & Snelling none. Come on.
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
10:23 pm
GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!! Who Dat!!! We DAT!!!!!
UGABrave
November 11th, 2012
10:24 pm
Michael turner is extremely slow and has almost no burst at all..can’t we pickup a better RB in the free agent market? There are much better options out there…
Cloudodust
November 11th, 2012
10:25 pm
Apparently the Saints saw the rivalry a bit differently today than the Falcons did. That being said, it’s a good thing to lose to them. I suspect we’ll see a rebirth until we meet them again and when again comes, we better see a different approach. It’s called knock ‘em down and get off the field..,Samuel. And speaking of Abraham, that’s only the second time his name was mentioned today. Offense good, defense fair. On to next week…
dawg52
November 11th, 2012
10:27 pm
Couple of weeks ago Turner was all-world…….ITS THE O-LINE!!!!!!!!!
C Bass
November 11th, 2012
10:28 pm
Michael “Concrete Boots” Turner
What a dissapointment. I’m tired at yelling at the TV over this overcooked baked potato who keeps running into his own linemen and falling over like the “Line of Scrimmage Sniper” just dialed in another headshot.
What on earth were they thinking putting him back in there when the game was on the line.
Our chances are way better with 4 passing plays if you refuse to use Jacquizz.
The Slow Cooka’ looks like an extra in The Walking Dead. Someone spike him and put him out of his misery.
DJ Sniper
November 11th, 2012
10:29 pm
First off, ya’ll need to stop bringing up the schedule. Schedules are determined years in advance, so stop with the lines about this time has a weak schedule, that time has a strong schedule, etc. You don’t pick who you play. Second, the Saints still have an uphill climb to get to the postseason. Let’s not act like ya’ll are tops in the division or anything like that.
Also, I fully predict that these same Saints fans will disappear again with another loss or two.
darryl
November 11th, 2012
10:32 pm
99% of the runs up the middle with Turner fail. Woking with two downs is too tough. Turner is too slow
moboman
November 11th, 2012
10:33 pm
I believe Turner can still be the back we expect, but not at this weight. Remember his first years how the announcers used to rave about a guy with his power having his speed? He’s not that old. His problem isnt what he’s lost, its what he’s GAINED. Why doesnt management see this? Quizz is great at what he does, but has his limits due to his size. I would rather see A. Smith and Snelling get some reps, and get Turner on the treadmill and back to a better playing weight.
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
10:37 pm
Keep on dreamin! WE Saints fan will disappear just like the Falcants do in the playoffs ( 2 points last year) and mind you even NFL analyst said today how much of a lack there of a quality opponent the Falcants played thus far. Cry later, the bottom line is the Falcants can’t and never have or will handle pressure or adversity. Tell me one other NFL team that has been as much as the Saints in the last 10 years?! Don’t worry I’ll wait!!!!! Falcants suck and lose the big games as always when it counts. Chill out and lick your wounds later Dirty Birds!!!! Who DAT!!!
btwarren
November 11th, 2012
10:39 pm
Falcons run game is abyssmal. Something has to change or we will not go very far in the playoffs. New offensive strategy…stay away from 3rd and 1s as much as possible. This game should have been won. The inability to get short yardage continues to haunt this team. I like Turner but let’s face it something is wrong. The line allows too much penetration and turner is too slow to make anybody miss. Can’t pitch it to him to go outside either. I agree with others that Snelling is a harder runner, but i always feel like he is going to fumble becasue he doesn’t know when to get down. Can’t complain too much being 8-1 but Mike Smith knows this one got away and shouldn’t. He needs to fix that run game and fast!!
Columbus
November 11th, 2012
10:41 pm
Stop over-reacting. First its not a rushing league anymore so this is not as big of a deal as it would have been a couple of years ago. To support my point is the that Falcons barely lost on the road with their low rushing yardage and attempts and actually could have won the game easily had a pass or 2 connected at the end and if not for a big play by their guy covering White or had Ryan seen the open Gonzalez, we might not be having this conversation and staring at 9-0. I think any of you will admit that with the Saints playing better and desperately needing to win, tham being at home and with them also finding extra motivation to give their arch rival their first defeat, well we all knew this would be a game the Falcons could easily lose. With all that going for the Saints, they still barely won at home and could have easily lost. The Falcons are a pass first team now and should be because that is what is winning in the current era. So while it would have been very distressing a few years ago in the league and even last year when the Falcons were running Turner as many times as they were passing, nbut ow they can and will pass before they run so its not nearly as big a deal. Its a passing league now. Had the game today been on a neutral field, Falcons would have won this game regardless of rushing yards. The point there is that the Falcons should have home field in the playoffs.
Who is the idiot talking about the Bucs being within 1 game of controlling their own destiny and the Falcons will be flat and lose if Turner stays at feature back? I will take some action on both. Bucs wont win regardless of anything and they also will not be controlling their destiny….one close loss on the road and you guys start freakin? LOL. The Falcons passing game is so good and has so many weapons, the running game is not nearly as critical. Chill. Its gonna be OK. Barely lost today on the road under ideal conditions for the Saints and had Ryan seen Gonzalez open on the 4th down, still would have won…its all good. This aint your daddy’s NFL….
adam b
November 11th, 2012
10:41 pm
these problems were fixed in the offseason. remember… we drafted two guys on the oline with our first 2 picks. FAIL!!
Fats G
November 11th, 2012
10:43 pm
Bradley told the truth on this weak running attack when we need a yard or two. Turner just AINT getting it done anymore on those situations. Either the play is taking too long to develop or Turner has gotten SLOW. Not sure,but at LEAST Bradley wrote of what we need to FOCUS on to improve. Oh well……………8-1 is still kicking butt
Falcant's
November 11th, 2012
10:46 pm
C. Tampa Ironworse … Know what’s good about Atlanta….No….Really…. About the same as New Orleans, with more people(thugs)….
K
November 11th, 2012
10:47 pm
Mike Smith=Bobby Cox
moboman
November 11th, 2012
10:48 pm
This is not GLOOM AND DOOM Columbus. But no one can ignore the fact that something needs to be fixed in the running game. I gotta believe that the easiest way to go about it is to get Turner on some Slimfast in order to make the most of what we’ve got. We’re still 8-1 and thats damn good, but we have to be able to punch it in on 1st and goal.
FALCON4LIFE
November 11th, 2012
10:49 pm
SAINTS4SHO, do you know what 4-5 means!? Probably not since you are most likely a product of the NO public school system!
GO FALCONS!!!
Man
November 11th, 2012
10:51 pm
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER
HE IS THE WEAK LINK ON THIS TEAM!!!!!!!
WE NEED A PREMIER OR EFFECTIVE RUNNINGBACK TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!!!!!!!
JooJoe
November 11th, 2012
10:51 pm
Yes, Yes, Yes! Trash us if you want to but we got your number. Atlanta Chokers ain’t got diddly squat!! You won’t be in the Crescent CIty for the Super Bowl unless you got tickets!! GO Niners, Bears, Packers!! We cannot do that to a good team. You are blowing your chances with Sean Payton out. More of the same in Atlanta for the rematch!!!
jaz
November 11th, 2012
10:52 pm
Since Turner is going to be here the rest of this season, and we are going to go with what we have, I vote for more of Snelling and Quizz. All last year I suggested letting Turner go, but Mike Smith sees something there that I don’t. How did the saints get that stable of horses they’ve got? Mike, at least ask Turner not to pause when he reaches the line, please?
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
10:52 pm
FALCANTS suuuuucccckkkk!!! Yall are in trouble. First half of the season, 8-0, second half 3-5 at best!!! LMBO! every year yall Falcants find a way to lose. Yall will never get respect in the league losing games you all are favored to win!!!! To be the man, you gotta beat the man. And I must say the one time undefeated leader as in record of the NFL, you all just got beat!!! WHO Dat!!!! Time to hit the panic button, yall been skating by for weeks and this blemish was on the horizon! Most dangerous team in the NFL! The Saints are starting to pick up the pace after a sluggish start!!!!
The 'Blo
November 11th, 2012
10:53 pm
This didn’t start today. This pattern has been going on for several years now. There is no rule in the NFL that says every Falcon game has to come down to the very last play. No rule that states you can’t beat the Saints 62 to 7 with Falcon Dick Shiner, of all people, as your quarterback.
Falcant's
November 11th, 2012
10:54 pm
11-2 since 2006…////Not bad….///
Man
November 11th, 2012
10:55 pm
OH YEA ONE MORE THING
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER!!!
ALL YOU PEOPLE MAKING EXCUSES FOR HIM WILL EAT YOUR WORDS WHEN WE GET CRUSHED IN THE PLAYOFFS BECAUSE THEY SHUT DOWN THE PASSING GAME!!!!!
Lesa
November 11th, 2012
10:56 pm
Everybody’s blaming the offense, but this game shouldn’t have been that close. Where was our defense today? Brees had all day to throw the ball and he picked us apart. And they made huge gains against us on the ground. The tackling (or lack thereof) by the Falcons on that long TD run was abysmal. Where was the innovative game planning Nolan showed versus the Broncosin game 2? Our D was playing tough and getting lots of turnovers earlier this season, but the past few games they’ve looked flat to me. I don’t put this loss on the offense; I blame the defense. I love my team, but I am majorly p o’d at them for letting the Aints be the ones to break our unbeaten record. Having to listen to Brees say, “We own this division” pre-game, then watching them prove it has made me sick to my stomach. Ugh!!
sb
November 11th, 2012
10:56 pm
The Saints have 4 running backs that are better than anybody we have…why can’t we get Ivory, or Thomas ?
FALCON4LIFE
November 11th, 2012
10:58 pm
Again SAINT4SHO can u add!? Even if we did finish 11-5 (per your NO public school math) we would be in playoffs and you would be still selling beniets in the French Quarter!
GO FALCONS!!!
GB's Hamburgers
November 11th, 2012
10:58 pm
Enter your comments here
Heard It All Before
November 11th, 2012
10:58 pm
TD’s OL Draft Picks… Mike Jhonson,Garret Reynolds,Sam Baker,Joe Hawly,Andrew Jackson Are Pathetic,Not 2 Mention Other Of His Draft Day Bust… Dominique Franks,Chris Owens,Akeem Dent,Kory Mier,Robert James,Etc… It’s Seems Like Every Since The Vick Situation,All We Do Is Draft “Choir Boys”,We Don’t Take “Risky” Players W/Huge Upside,Out Of Fear Of Bad Public Relations… Well Let Me Tell U,Other Teams Draft These “Fringe” Players,Set Up A Support System,And Those Players Thrive!!!… Until We Stop “Red Flagging” Half Of College Football,Because The Player Smoked Pot,Has A Speeding Ticket Or Had A Bar Fight,The Rest Of The NFL Will Continue 2b Light Years Ahead Of Us In Toughness,Alone!!!
moboman
November 11th, 2012
11:00 pm
SB – we dont really know that they have 4 better than ours. Our other two backs (Snelling, A Smith) never get a chance.
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
11:00 pm
FALCON4LIFE; I would be cautious talking about school systems if I were you lol! Isn’t Georgia still or was investigated and found guilty for a cheating scandal?! And public, private, charter or parochial school doesn’t matter… flaws and mistakes have been found in all of them. Don’t get mad because your Falcants bubble just got burst. And tell that loud mouth Roddy White, yeah, we down here in the N.O. don’t like the Falcants or the ATL neither. The feeling is and forever will be mutal!!!! 4-5 is not 8-1, however, strength of schedule says the Saints actually played some real contenders the first half of the season compared to the FALCANTS!!! Good luck the rest of the season FALCON4LIFE!!!
GB's Hamburgers
November 11th, 2012
11:02 pm
You got it right. It’s an offensive line problem, so you have to allow for that. Instead of running at guard of tackle move it out a bit where there are fewer bodies and the guy can bounce it out if he needs to. We should keep them honest …. pass when they expect a run and run when the expect a pass. I’ve seen some of that this year but not today in the red zone.
FALCON4LIFE
November 11th, 2012
11:04 pm
Ummm….we play the same teams Saint4sho. Please see your losses in week 1-3 and week 8! We manhandled those teams ( that means all wins)!
GO FALCONS!!!
moboman
November 11th, 2012
11:05 pm
Ease up Saints fans. Yall played as tough as we expected. We knew what Brees and Co. would bring today and expected nothing less. WE had the chance to get a road win today and didnt get it done when we should have. This discussion is about what we didnt do.
Where's the defense?
November 11th, 2012
11:10 pm
Don’t you just love all these Nostradumba$$’s that can predict the future so well. The Falcons have not made it to the playoffs yet but they’ve already lost their first game and are out! I admit they have problems, but let’s give them a chance to work them out. Maybe we get some of our injured back and get better. It is obvious that the Falcons did not play their best today and the Aint’s barely beat them and were lucky to do so.
Heard It All Before
November 11th, 2012
11:12 pm
TD’s Drafts In General Have Stunk Up The Joint Besides Matt Ryan,Julio Jones,Sean Weatherspoon,Curtis Lofton,J. Rodgers & Corey Peters… Other Teams Find Hiding Gems In The 4th Round On Down ((As Well As Undrafted FA)),We Can’t Evan Find Practice Squad Worthy Players… Are We Under Paying Our Scouting Department???… TD’s Drafts Have Been Horendous For Years,Which Explains Our Lack Of Depth @ OL,WR,LB,CB & TE!!! Every1 Is Bashing Turner,How Bout Acknowledging Our Terrible Run Blocking & Dimmitrioffs Draft History Folks,It Starts @ The Top… Mike Smith,Kotter & Milan Just Coach The Cotton Soft Players That Dimmitrioff Provides,U Can Bet They Don’t Have A J. Walking Ticket,If He Drafts Them!!!
Where's the defense?
November 11th, 2012
11:13 pm
SAINTS4SHO
“the feeling is mutal.” What’s that you were saying about schools?
Chris
November 11th, 2012
11:14 pm
Lesa is right, D was more to blame. No pressure on Brees as usual. Nice as it would have been to beat them in NO, let’s send ‘em packing at our place. Can’t wait for the Brees press conference when aints miss the playoffs.
anthony
November 11th, 2012
11:14 pm
We are still 8 and 1 and I’ll take it any day. Glass half full here. i have all the confidence in our coaches that we will get it fixed. This team wasn’t built on a wing and a prayer.
Falcon Old Timer
November 11th, 2012
11:14 pm
I’ve been watching the Falcons since they moved into Fulton County Stadium – and one thing has remained constant over the years since 1965 and it’s spelled the same way now as it was then – CHOKE. If they’ve ever been consistant – it’s that they’ve been consistantly bad as evidenced by their over all record since they’ve been in the league. Why hold out hope? It’s much earier on the psyche to write them off as perennial losers and be emotionally gratified when the win than to expect them to win – even against the leagues worst defense – and be disappointed once again.
The game was lost early last week when White started mouthing off about going undefeated and then Brees in the Saints in their pre-game huddle proclaimed to his team mates that the “Saints owned this league”. The thing is – Brees and team was able to back it up while only part of the Falcons (everyone but the offensive and defensive lines) considered this to be a “real” game. The Falcons should be embarrased – but they’ll not be and figure this was bound to happen sooner or later. The Saints have now won 11 of the last 13 games between themselves and the Falcons. They not only own the league – they own the Falcons!
Georgia Saint
November 11th, 2012
11:17 pm
The Saints have the Falcons number. Just be happy you don’t play them 16 times a year. The Falcons better hope the Saints dug themselves to big of a hole and does not make the playoffs. No Super Bowl for the Falcons.
lees
November 11th, 2012
11:20 pm
Despite the offensive line not being able to handle business today and the absence of a pass rush, what might have happened if Asante Samuel had kept his trap shut and come off the field like a real matured pro after his interception???????????? He could have come over to the sideline and then showed the whole crowd his out of control alpha male BS.
Between him and Roddy White tweeting…….. For God’s sake, just go out and play the game like a true respected pro.
Outsider
November 11th, 2012
11:22 pm
As an outsider, how is this game a rivalry game, Saints winning 11 of the last 13 games make this far from a rivalry. I guess the Birds forgot they are suppose to win sometimes to make this a rivalry.
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
11:23 pm
Let’s not split hairs over misspelled words now “Where’s the defense?” I’ve seen plenty of errors on this page. But fact of the matter is, at the end of the day, the Saints won and the FALCANTS loss. End of story….Matty “Ice” Ryan melts again when the heat and pressure is on. And the millions spent on defensive players did not fair too well today people!!! Furthermore, I do not call being up by 11 points going into the fourth quarter barely beating anyone. Let alone a missed TD opportunity. This score could have been worse. Thank our kicker for giving us three points instead of one point after we would have scored a touchdown in the third quarter. My work here is done! Hey best of luck you Dirty Birds against Arizona!!! Maybe it will be a better outcome for yall loser next week! LMBO! Who Dat!!
oh brother!
November 11th, 2012
11:26 pm
who cares…just be glad you don’t have to live around the cesspool that is new orleans.
meg
November 11th, 2012
11:26 pm
Assante Samuel should be benched for that penalty. Belicheck never took that crap from him and Smith needs to stop it NOW. Samual is not a team player, he is so full of himself. For every good play, he has at least one huge screw up. That’s why he is no longer a Patriot. Michael Turner and the O line?? What a joke. Turner can’t find enough players to run into right in front of him. Cut him loose. What a waste of money.
Bird
November 11th, 2012
11:30 pm
Can’t get a friggin yard! This team is a fraud!
Bird
November 11th, 2012
11:31 pm
All the cesspool people are moving to Atlanta!
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
November 11th, 2012
11:40 pm
@Eric C. Think carefully…..we are a sub-par 500 team that your superior birds couldn’t beat, what does that say about the Failcant’s. It says we own your asses no matter our record. Who’s your daddY?…..BAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Matt Ryan
November 11th, 2012
11:41 pm
I’m tired of this crap. Can someone please get me a decent running back?!
E Love
November 11th, 2012
11:43 pm
Are you kidding me? We can not get one yard. We just let a dangerous team back in the playoff race and I am not confident that we can handle them in the playoffs. We should have eliminated this team today. Mark my word we are going to see this team in the playoffs.
atlfalconsfan0125
November 11th, 2012
11:46 pm
Is everyone done over reacting?
SAINTS4SHO
November 11th, 2012
11:47 pm
Tiffany
November 11th, 2012
11:49 pm
UNDEFEATEFD TO INCOMPLETED!!! Don’t you just HATE that the Saints took that perfect season away? Tell Roddy White maybe he should stop running that big mouth of his and bring it to the field! WHO DAT
MTSeats
November 11th, 2012
11:56 pm
Blank needs $ for a new stadium. Please contribute.
atlfalconsfan0125
November 12th, 2012
12:00 am
Lol @ Aints fans.
We are sill gonna win the division and make the playoffs. Yall will still be on the outside looking in.
Harpie
November 12th, 2012
12:02 am
It’s not Turner’s fault! It’a the horrible run -blocking by the offensive line – they suck!
Tiffany
November 12th, 2012
12:03 am
@atlfalconsfan0125…….NO
FalconJim
November 12th, 2012
12:03 am
Michael “The Burner” Turner went down in flames, today!!! 15 yds. on 13 carries? SERIOUSLY??? And against the worst team in the league against the run? Stick a fork in him, people, he’s DONE!!!
And too, unless we get a RB with some speed, we’re one-and-done in the Playoffs, AGAIN. Matt Ryan can’t do it all. You need a running game to keep teams honest.
If I’m Smitty, I get rid of Turner any way I can, and acquire someone, ANYONE, who has some speed, A.S.A.P…..meaning, before next game. Heck, I’d prefer Snelling & Jacquizz right now, and sit Turner’s big fat azz on the bench!!! We’d NEVER miss him, I promise.
GO, YOU DIRTY BIRDS, RISE UP!!!
Tiffany
November 12th, 2012
12:07 am
@atlfalcons0125…..you can win the division….and make the playoffs…..but the question is will you win a Superbowl? I mean you haven’t yet…so call us aints all you want….FAILCANS!
Cpt Kirk in Arkansas
November 12th, 2012
12:09 am
Despite all the success in the Smith Dimitroff era, success in the postseason aint happening until those in the organization responsible for player personnell decisions can evaluate defensive talent. Ive said this before but Ill reiterate:
Who in their right …**cin mind drafts Peria Jerry when a Clay Matthews or BJ Raji is avialable..
Who in their right mind allows a Julius Peppers free agent to end up elsewhere, especially after wintessing him chase Micheal Vick around the Ga Dome..
Who’s drfinkin this cool aid when rhese decisions are made.. The list of All Pros this so called “professional football” Falcons so-called mangle-ment “Experts allows to slip through their fingers would fill a wing in the Smithsonean…
Super Bowls or playoff wins aint happening until they can effectively select the right players on both sides off the Ball
One hit with a Julio Jones, doesnt outweigh a half dozen misses with others. Its great that they attempted to bolster the ineffective run bllocking O line by drafting O linemen high on the list..but other than Konz, are both starting and are both difference makers…havent seen it.
I cannot imagine who Dimitroff & Co will attempt to obtain as Turners replacement.. We need a big 230 lb bruiser with speed or a system of backs by commitee aka the ASints and Giants..
Are ya listening Dimitroff?????? or is another one n done in the playoffs or a series of them OK w you
It aint with the rest of us..
You’re sposed to be a personnell professional..
How bout acting like one??? How bout some urgency?? some insight as to what this tgeam nees??
Or if regular season wins over sub ‘500 teams defines your notion of success well then Im way off base considering the expectations of this fan base.
Get your act together n do your job I find it in..e..cusable to let a free agent like Perppers slip away considering our anemic pass rush
ATL
November 12th, 2012
12:10 am
I like my Falcons but Roddy White needs to shut up!!!
Can we get rid of him? He talks to much! The Saints played ball. They never talk crap about opposing teams. They let their play speak for them.
Roddy Shut up! Learn to catch the ball. Practice more and shut up!!!
1lovefalcons20
November 12th, 2012
12:11 am
a loss against the worst and dirtiest team in the league??you kiddin me ..cant get in from the 1 yard line?ryan should have took it in…hey aint fans YOU LIKE THE AINTS SO MUCH WHY DO YOU LIVE IN ATLANTA INSTEAD OF YOUR URINE AND VOMIT SMELLIN CITY ???
Ed Stone
November 12th, 2012
12:17 am
Thank God the Falcons finally lost a game. I know MB was spazzing over all of the winning. He couldn’t wait to spew out one of his negative columns. Heck, he even spewed out negativity after a win. His dribble sometimes makes me miss the racist ramblings of Terennce Moore.
E Love
November 12th, 2012
12:18 am
Felix jones will be on the market next year. Get him in here ASAP next year. As far as this year. Sit turner and let’s go e
With Snelling and quizz the next seven weeks. Lets go dirty birds
BigHittas
November 12th, 2012
12:21 am
last I checked 8-1 was a lot better than 4-5?
Saw in Espn report that DaCoup was crying that there’d be a majority of Ariz fans in the dome next week. He’s starting to sound a little like Ron Mexico. Maybe he could up north and play with Ron’s team. He damn sure don’t tackle well or know how to knock a pass down.
DaCoup, you could even go to Ariz if you don’t like the fans here, that way maybe we could sign a decent safety.
B'Red
November 12th, 2012
12:35 am
Enter your comments here
B'Red
November 12th, 2012
12:39 am
please pick up a running back from some where. I here every week on Sunday about some team who has just pick up a player doing the week who comes in a make positive contribution. Where is Marion Barber what is he doing.
BigHittas
November 12th, 2012
12:44 am
where was 25 today? was he on the field?
I was gonna say I am an old man and I could hit the hole as quick as 33, but the truth is, there was no hole to hit. When D is in the backfield bout the same time you take the handoff that ain’t the fault of the RB!!!
Nola Dat!
November 12th, 2012
12:55 am
You guys just need to suck it up — sore losers! The Falcons gave it their all and clearly can’t beat the best! Hahaha — Happy Thanksgiving!
Leeman Bennett
November 12th, 2012
12:55 am
Rodgers is a good speedy back, but you have to have a heavy power running back that can knock people down for yards.
Bo jackson would have run you over in his day. I see a hesitant and scared running back in Turner.
I appreciate what he has done for the Falcons in the past, but the present is now.
Can snelling be that banger type back?
voodoopriest
November 12th, 2012
12:56 am
Yeah, owners of a Super Bowl Ring.
Mike Dikta
November 12th, 2012
1:14 am
Every team needs a “Refrigerator”!
Reality
November 12th, 2012
1:22 am
Falcons getting all the pressure off their back about “undefeated season” now is a VERY GOOD thing. And 8-1…still the best record in the NFL. And with Chicago losing, Falcons still have homefield and bye thru the playoffs. And the Aints, at pathetic 4-5, still have no chance of making the playoffs.
Cedrick
November 12th, 2012
2:22 am
I don’t even need to read this article to know what’s being said. These are the same sad Atlanta Falcons from last year and the years before it. This team had a chance to put a stamp on this season but again folded to the pressure. Mike Smith still can’t beat a bad New Orleans Saints team!!!!
I must admit I started drinking the Koolaid but thank you Falcons I am now off the juice and see you for what you are “Disappointing”.
Nothing but a playoff win will get me back into the fold of this team again. Anything less than that then we need to look at getting a real head coach to fix these problems that we have been having the last few years. SInce we are not too far off we should attract some good offers.
Falcons #RiseUp
November 12th, 2012
2:24 am
Falcons need to start Antone Smith as RB it’s long due for a switch in the backfield
Moorman
November 12th, 2012
3:17 am
Wow at people trying to blame asante……thats why i hate falcons fans and why the flcons aint never won anything. Lastly, this is the second time smith has showed his redneck tendencies on the sidelines……….
Ex Falcon
November 12th, 2012
4:58 am
The play calling was suspect yesterday and we are in desperate need of a running back. This shows why the falcons are not ready to be an elite team. Great teams make big plays!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saints#1
November 12th, 2012
5:13 am
Falcon punks blow into town and blow out again. Nothing but big talk…woulda, coulda,shoulda,BS. You people people up there ever get tired of that crap. Rivalry..LOL…you have to win once in a while instead being a bitch for the Saints. Falcon are a joke.
Here’s why the Falcons should have gone for two | Mark Bradley
November 12th, 2012
5:42 am
[...] This post is an adjunct of the Falcons-Saints game column, which can be found here. [...]
Samuel
November 12th, 2012
6:00 am
It’s not the running back, how fast do you need to be on the one yard line? The truth is the offensive line is better at pass protection than run blocking. Plain and simple. Also whoever is hot at running back should keep playing. They could try putting Turner and Antone Smith in the back field at the same time, fake it to Turner and let Smith try to get to the edge. Remember Shady Mccoy with the Eagles who beat the Falcons to the outside. Wish list, be able to stop the run consistently, improvement in red zone efficiency and vast improvement in run game.If not you will be one and done in playoffs. Way too many silly penalties and too much show boating after making a play.
RampartStreet
November 12th, 2012
6:05 am
The Saints are 4-5 but 3-1 in their last four games and are just beginning to click. The chaos of the off season for the Saints produced an 0-4 start, but now the team is playing well. It’s a long shot, but the Saints may very well finish 10-6 or even 11-5 and make the playoffs, even though the Falcons are going to be NFC South champs barring a total meltdown. Bottom line, the Falcons didn’t lose to a bad team, the Falcons lost to one of the best teams in the NFL over the past three seasons….just as they have regularly for the past six years.
Willie Stark
November 12th, 2012
6:07 am
The Falcons will make the playoffs, then go out in the first round. Past performance is a predictor of the future, unlike in the financial markets.
Jonathan
November 12th, 2012
6:09 am
The Samuels penalty is being overblown. It was first and 10, not 25. We didn’t make a first down after the turnover, that was the problem (third and 1 of course). Would have just been an easier field goal.
George Burdette
November 12th, 2012
6:18 am
Turner does not hit the hole with any speed or authority. Looks like he is waiting to be tackled. Falcons need a running back with power and speed.
phil
November 12th, 2012
6:40 am
Pathetic losers yesterday. No heart, gutless chokers.
A preview of January yet agin.
Fire someone!
Chip
November 12th, 2012
6:48 am
GET RID OF MICHAEL TURNER !! HE IS WASHED UP AND IS NOT GIVING ANY EFFORT !!
RunninWithTheDawgs
November 12th, 2012
7:34 am
The whole Falcon fanbase keeps asking for Antone Smith, and I have to agree.The only time he gets a chance to run the ball is in pre season games where he does really well. I know Quizz is good but maybe Antone could be better. How do you know if you don’t try?
loel
November 12th, 2012
7:50 am
Turner is not only slow, he is NOT quick. there is a difference. The offensive coordinador also slow and not quick. He should have already known this. The worst teams in the league have better backs. This shows how great Ryan really is. He gets over 400 yards and they know he is going to throw. If you can’t get somebody off the street to replace Turner, then just go ahead and throw it on every down.
pk61
November 12th, 2012
8:08 am
I said 2 years ago they were “a 9-7 team in disguise”. I stick by that today. They’re lucky not to be 6-3.
There’s no way this team that can’t run or stop the run will do much in the playoffs. No chance. They still haven’t addressed the o-line
, problems. I like Rodgers, but he’s too small to be tje go to guy. Turner’s slow, can’t catch. The team is going to end up in a long list of talented underachievers. They’ll probably go 12-4, get a week off, then get punk’d in their first playoff game.
Saints Fan
November 12th, 2012
8:18 am
Well, speaking as a Saints fan, I am very satisfied with this win. But Falcon fans have nothing to hang their head over besides the bitterness of a rivalry loss. You’re still 8-1 and poised to take the division.
Turner’s lost a few steps, but he still put up 100 yards against an NFL defense last week. The O-Line definitely needs work before the Falcons are ready for the playoffs.
But you’ve got a killer quarterback with a stable of good receivers. Ryan is the real deal, and a class act, and will get better in the next few years with good coaching and a good work ethic.
Feeling your pain, but keep your perspective. Saints fans know how frustrating it can be, but you’ve got a guaranteed winning season and a very probable division title.
Permit me to say I just hope you don’t solve the Saints this year, but you’ve got a team worth your support.
RCDubya
November 12th, 2012
8:26 am
The BIrds were definitely good enough to get the job done, but there are some serious problems with the running game. Doesn’t matter whether it’s the O Line or MT, it’s not working and trying to pound the ball inside all day when it clearly isn’t working doesn’t make a lot of sense.
But the Defense shares in this one, too. Virtually zero pressure up the middle on Brees…give him all day to throw and he’ll pick you apart.
turb0
November 12th, 2012
9:08 am
hahahah i love coming here after a loss and watching the wheels fall off. your team is classless and they run their mouths like a bunch of babies. the saints put on a clinic and all your piece of garbage receiver can say is that they gave away the win. i’d say he should stop, but honestly its that kind of mentality and ignorant bs thats gonna push the saints to embarass the falcants in their own house. hahaha bunch of clowns.
Eric in Kentucky
November 12th, 2012
9:39 am
The staff shoulda put a cheeseburger around each goal post before the game….#33 would’a rushed for 400 yards! I’d like to see Quizz play a whole game as the feature back and see how good he can do.
drew
November 12th, 2012
9:40 am
I put the third and short on the coaching; we seen over and over that we can’t line up tight and pick up a yard on brute strength. So how about SPREADING IT OUT, and throw, or sneak, or QB draw? No imagination at all in short yardage…Turner up the middle? Again? Come on Dirk…that’s the definition of insanity. You’re better than than.
Yeah, it sucks losing to the Saints, but in the big picture, we’re good. And I’m confident this staff will figure out a way to get a yard when they have to.
drew
November 12th, 2012
9:44 am
The “wheels fall off”? Right…8-1 and the season’s over! You sir are obviously a dumbass. Come back and talk your crap when we’re winning in the playoffs and your crappyass Saints are done for the year.
turb0
November 12th, 2012
10:06 am
@drew hahaha winning in the playoffs. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. you just got manhandled by a team you call crappyass. what does that say about the falcons? your schedule is a straight up joke this year and it’s going to be your downfall because the falcons are going into the playoffs only being tested by 2 legit teams, the saints and the giants. talk all you want about the way we started this season, but anyone who knows a damn thing about football knows its not how you start, it’s how you finish and we all know the falcons are absolutely miserable at finishing. but plz, keep trying to convince the world you’re not overrated and plz pretty plz keep mike smith as your head coach.
78dawg
November 12th, 2012
10:34 am
Turner should look in the mirror. He is slow, no quickness, weak for a man his size and goes down way too easily. He never keeps his legs driving. A guy his size should create some holes to run through.Don’t point fingers when you are the problem. I swear I don’t know why you are on this team !!!!
singhisking
November 12th, 2012
11:22 am
turner need to be benched , jason and rodger need to start ……… #35 should also share some carry …. he is the speedy back we got , and he is great reciever like snelling and rogder….
3lanes2nj
November 12th, 2012
11:26 am
why not QB sneak, it worked earlier and I doubt they were expecting it, that said 4 straight qb sneaks would’ve been better than any handoffs
Ed
November 12th, 2012
11:29 am
3rd and goal from the 1 yard line I think we should have tried a dump pass to Rodgers or Snelling. Oh well 8-1 is still the best record the the league.
Justsick
November 12th, 2012
12:18 pm
We have 4 plays to go one yard. It’s a gimmee. The object is to score and not leave Saints with a lot of time to kick a field goal.
So the line can’t push the ball across, then the next logical thing is to ahve Rodgers dance his way around the end. He can do it.He has done it. But no, Falcons call for passing.Stupid.
Then when they ahve failed, the only logical thing is to go for a safety. To do that you ahve blitz adn tackle Brees in the end zone. Instead, Falcons just quit.
Poor offensive play calling all season. Running Turner up the middle has always been a loser call.This is a loser team with a soft defense against the run and the pass.
captguitarman
November 12th, 2012
12:39 pm
In the bigger picture, the Saints were fired up more than the Falcons, and chomping at the bit to re-gain some of their dignity after the scandal and this year’s disasterous start. And they did. The Falcons were out played and the score was closer than the game really was. The Saints were clearly more physical on both sides of the ball and their running backs and O line were fierce in their execution, opening up big opportunities for Brees and Graham.. Except for just a few occasions, Brees stood in the pocket with no fear of any pressure and sliced and diced the defense at will. I don’t recall him being sacked once.
New Orleans will be a factor as their staff returns to duty, maybe not enough to win out, but definitely a team ready willing and able to screw up someone else’s season.
Lastly, the lack of any creativity (e.g. a misdirction play, shuttle pass, quick slants in several directions all at once) inside the Red Zone is puzzling. With a guy like Ryan and his big three receivers, and Rogers who can catch a pass coming out of the backfield, and Turner just in case, they should be unstoppable close in.
Suggestion:: Dig up those old Joe Montana/Jerry Rice era 49’s films and gin up some of their old red zone plays. When that team got into the red zone, it was all over for the defense. After the dismal results produced by Turner and the O-line the entire game, wasting a down on a run up the middle was just open and sheer stubborness, or worse, stupidity?
Iis good that the distraction about the perfect season is now behind them, but their lack of physicality and creativity, and the way the Saints pushed them around all day is a big concern.
Mr. SaintsFan Jr.
November 12th, 2012
12:49 pm
Falcons seem poised yearly to win the division…..is that all to aim for? The fans seem content as well to win a divisional title…well it’s yours enjoy.
SaintMike
November 12th, 2012
2:00 pm
To the real Falcons fans: Your team is exciting. Matt Ryan is playing great. I can’t wait for the rematch.
To the ignorant Saints Haters: Kick rocks. Ya’ll got beat by Champions. Take it as a lesson from a team that has been where you’re trying to go.
TSleazy
November 12th, 2012
2:39 pm
First of all I’m a Falcon Fan, but I’m a realist also! I never thought for a minute that we would go undefeated! We are not totally solid all around! If we had a balanced attack we would have won against the Saints. I have been saying for two years that we need to get rid of Michael Turner. Every running back in the league runs harder than our back. If he doesn’t have a gaping hole to run through, he will not try to create one. He has no speed to get to the outside, so he just runs up the middle and once some touches him he lays down! J. Rodgers is a much better back that Turner and if we don’t fix the problem soon we WILL be one and done in the playoffs! Dimitroff and Smith need to have a long talk with Turner about his lack of production! P.S. Smith needs to reign in Samuels before he gets out of hand. That long exchange, they had on the sideline concerning the penalty he picked up after the interception, went way too long. It’s okay to be geeked about a pick, but piss on your accomplishment, by picking up a bone head penalty!
SAINTS4SHO
November 12th, 2012
3:35 pm
All of this griping and yall Falcant’s still loss the game!!! It won’t take away or change anything. Before the game yall were praising “The Burner” now you all are calling him “The Slow Cooker.” I’m not a fair-weather fan. My Saints have been to hell and back quite a few times lol!!! Honestly, the Falcant’s are an up and coming team. They have a good nucleus. A play here or there could have changed the complexity of this outcome, as it’s been in the last few games versus each other. However, it’s about passion, and execution and my Saints did better in those categories down the stretch. I am not a believer in moral victories. Let’s just say everything is clicking down here in the N.O. and yes we’re still a below .500 team, but let’s not forget we know how to make a run. Superbowl year we went 13-0 before dropping a game and last year we won 13 games as well. Despite the circumstances, the records, or whatever excuses you all may have; the Saints are a viable threat down the stretch and nobody wants to see us come January!!! Believe dat, like a true story!!!! Who Dat!!!
bobaroo
November 12th, 2012
4:41 pm
I DONT HAVE TO COMMENT NOW JUST READ ZACKS.HE GOT IT RIGHT
ejj
November 12th, 2012
5:11 pm
Been gone awhile, still no changes with our falcons. we lack the intensity on the offensive line to dominate. No pass rush, Brees had pretty good pass protection. Same problem, same result.
Jay Dubu
November 12th, 2012
5:24 pm
The Falcons still have to play Tampa Bay (whyo are playing really well) twice, Carolina (who had thhe Falcons beat in the Dome this season and spit the bit) and New Orleans (who just beat them like they were playing in the school yard).
Not to mention the Giants and Detroit….this division is not the Falcons’ just yet.
Jay Dubu
November 12th, 2012
5:30 pm
1990_Champs_GT
The Falcons did not score a single point for the Saints, so the Falcons did not beat themselves. They lost the game, accept it, and move on to next week.
No matter what they do, yesterday’s lost will still be on their record.
Superbowl, not a perfect season
November 12th, 2012
5:44 pm
Play straight up football for the rest of the season. At 8-1, and with the weak schedule ahead, the team will make the playoffs. Don’t tip your hand at this point. Save the good schemes for the playoffs, making it harder for opposing teams to game plan.
phil
November 12th, 2012
5:45 pm
Fire the front office!!
phil
November 12th, 2012
5:46 pm
Saving the good schemes…..
Yeah, thqt’s what we’re doing! Lol
Get real.
MFranklin
November 12th, 2012
6:43 pm
There was no real way to escape this.
For one, the sports media was gonna heel-nip the Falcs until they lost their first game and then serve up a buffet of ‘I told ya so’… which also includes a certain AJC sports desk jockey praising troll-fans from our last opponent. And since going unbeaten in this league is nearly impossible, the eventuality that the above would happen was never in doubt. It was just a matter of ‘when’.
Wchiefus
November 12th, 2012
8:05 pm
Roddy White is one classless and overpaid football player.
Wchiefus
November 12th, 2012
8:05 pm
Roddy White is one classless and overpaid football player.
Wchiefus
November 12th, 2012
8:07 pm
MFranklin – The Saints have better fans than the Falcoons will ever have
savannadawg
November 12th, 2012
8:09 pm
Matt Ryan’s weak throws cost us the game. I hope he doesn’t have a weak arm, but those last few pass attempts looked very weak to me.
savannadawg
November 12th, 2012
8:14 pm
Would ‘Spoon’ have made a diff on “D” perhaps. But the fact is the Falcons have got to get the stigma of the Saints Offense off their minds. They just don’t play against that O very well.
MFranklin
November 12th, 2012
8:39 pm
Wchiefus – Yup… that’s why they wore bags on there heads at one time.
Tiffany
November 12th, 2012
8:46 pm
@1lovefalcons20…..you make no sense! First off its The SAINTS, not the aints…and win or lose we are die hard WHO DAT fans who are proud to call New Orleans home! We will take “as you say” our vomit and urine smelling city over yours ANYDAY! Your team lost….to ours….deal with it and move on! Your players run their mouths too much..and if you guys want to win a Superbowl maybe they should keep their mouths shut and focus on their performance on the field!
P Rose
November 12th, 2012
8:50 pm
I don’t know why I ever try to post anything on the bow-tie dude’s blog. Anything I post there is automatically deleted. Guess I’ll repost here.
MT looks as if he’s tiptoeing to the line, waiting for a hole to open. A power-back should charge the line and knock someone back on their butt. When you need just one yard to win the game you’ve got to be more aggressive. The same thing happened against the Saints last year and we lost that one, too. Turner does look soft in these situations.
SAINTS4SHO
November 12th, 2012
9:56 pm
I thought after 24 hours these Falcant’s would not still be talking about a loss from Sunday!!! But I guess it was a deep wound to an already fragile pysche of a team!!! LMBO. You Falcant’s will never learn, it takes heart and determination to win in this league. And it never fails, you all talk a big game but never show up when in really matters!!! Meanwhile, my Saints are proven winners who have made runs in the playoffs and on to win a Superbowl. The last time the Falcant’s were relevant, Jammal Anderson was the running back, and yeah you all still blew it in the Superbowl! Suck, suck, suckkkkkk!!! Sorry Falcant’s it may never be yall’s time to shine…Heck of a game though, and we’ll see you all in about three weeks for a repeat outcome!!
Adogg36
November 13th, 2012
4:37 am
We still got trouble wit tampa bay(.Wacth now)
Heat check: UGA’s hot, Tech’s warm and the Falcons are 8-1 | Mark Bradley
November 13th, 2012
11:51 am
[...] the rival that has become an abject nemesis and, in losing, saw their biggest weaknesses – can’t run the ball, can’t stop the run — exposed. And what were the two things Mike Smith, after taking this job in January 2008, [...]
BennieBlades
November 13th, 2012
9:05 pm
Some fans were saying the bears are a great team, but they lost to a better team in the houston texans. I think in the power rankings, the Falcons should still be ranked #1 in the NFL because they had 2 or 3 chances to beat the saints this past sunday but couldnt do it because they couldnt gain one measley yard, when they were 2nd and 1, 3rd and 1 and 4th and 1 at the goal line. Hey falcons brass, let me give you a quick solution to the falcons problem of their inability to gain the one yard when they need it most. STOP GIVING THE ROCK TO TURNER. PATTY CAKE SLOW TURTLE TURNER WILL NEVER GET YOU A YARD WHEN YOU NEED ONE OR WHEN THE GAME IS ON THE LINE. Instead, hand the rock over to Jason Snelling and you will pleasantly be surprised at the outcome. The Falcons would have beaten the saints had they gone to snelling in those critical 1 or 2 yard situations and the the Falcons should start making snelling their money back–only giving him touches in critical situations. the Falcons are wasting jason snellings talent and snelling has earned a greater role with the team than what he is currently getting! Make snelling your money back when all the chips are on the table and the falcons will roll on to become superbowl champions. The Falcons have the talent, I just hope they dont blow it!