The 11-1 Falcons leave their nemesis with egg on its face
Christopher Owens plays a little pass defense. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
The plot for this one was, er, delicious. Would the Falcons lay another egg against their nemesis? Or would they put game away early – render it over easy, so to speak – and exit sunny side up?
The hated Saints arrived in town Wednesday to an airport egging of the team bus. This became national news, and it only added to the curious history of this strangest of rivalries. (Or non-rivalry, as the Falcon-turned-Saint Curtis Lofton averred this week.) From Big Ben Right to The Yolk’s On You — let’s see Cowboys-Redskins top THAT.
No matter the buildup, Falcons-Saints is always a frenzied affair. The way Thursday’s game began, you’d have sworn the Georgia Bulldogs had donned a different red-and-black uniform and showed up two days early. The Falcons ran so fast and hit so hard and gesticulated with such force that they appeared to be wide-eyed collegians, not jaded pros.
The trouble with working with such early fervor in an NFL game is that fervor tends to flame out after a quarter or so, which is precisely what happened here. The Falcons led 17-0 after 21 minutes but were outrageously lucky to escape the first half with a 10-point lead.
Drew Brees, who lives to beat the Falcons, had stopped — at least for the moment — throwing the ball to the other team, as you figured he would. (Say what you will about the Saints, but they do have a world-class quarterback.) But New Orleans called its final timeout of the half with 2:24 remaining, and then Jimmy Graham was called for offensive interference to negate a Darren Spoles touchdown. The half ended before the Saints could array themselves for a field goal, and that was the first of several let-offs for the Falcons.
“That was huge,” Mike Smith said afterward. “We got off the field with no points, and we were reeling a bit.”
The unsteadiness continued. Brees kept driving his team in the third quarter, but the Falcons’ defense kept forcing field goals. Finally Brees did it again: His pass was intercepted by strong safety William Moore, and the Falcons moved, if only slightly, to the field goal that pushed the lead back to seven points.
It’s hard to say where the Falcons’ offense went. It pounded the league’s worst defense for 140 first-quarter yards, but over the final three periods the Saints – who cannot, we must emphasize, play a lick of D — stopped almost everything the Falcons tried. Key stat: Through three quarters, the Falcons were 0-for-7 on third-down conversions. But the offense roused itself late, and Matt Bryant’s 55-yard field goal with 4 1/2 minutes left was the clincher.
This wasn’t the first time the Falcons had authored such a halting prime-time performance. They started fast against Denver but were reduced to holding on at the end, and against Dallas they’d relied on an unassuming defense to keep the game in place long enough for the offense to wake up and win it. Toss those two games into a blender and you wound up with this one: Fast start, sluggish middle, better on D than on O.
Once again, the Falcons failed to deliver the kind of comprehensive thrashing of a brand-name opponent that would have quelled some of that they-aren’t-as-good-as-their-record chatter. And yet: Once again, the Falcons won. They fought off the Saints and moved within a Tampa Bay loss on Sunday of clinching the NFC South with a month to spare. They won their second heated game in a five-day span, and the more they win the more we need to stop asking just how they do it.
Because here’s how they do it: By being a team. Sometimes the offense bails out the defense, and sometimes vice versa. (Who would have dreamed William Moore would catch more passes in this game that Roddy White?) But every week except one the result, as Mike Smith is wont to say, has been to his team’s liking. No matter how you fry or poach or scramble it, 11-1 is 11-1.
And beating the Saints would feel good even if this team were 1-11. This marked only the third victory over New Orleans in 10 tries for the Dimitroff/Smith/Ryan troika. Better still, it reclassified the Saints’ playoff chances – they’re 5-7 – as a forlorn hope. Take that, non-rivals!
So maybe the game itself was only half as dominating as Falcons fans would have hoped. Big deal. They beat the Saints. They intercepted FIVE Brees passes. They broke the record streak for games with a touchdown pass by the quarterback who’d kept throwing late in the Superdome blowout last year to set another record. Only one team left the field with egg on its face, and it wasn’t the 11-1 Falcons.
Further reading: The powerful Falcons, Brees’ INTS and the Saints’ botch.
By Mark Bradley
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212 comments Add your comment
MONKATL
November 30th, 2012
2:03 am
FALCONS WIN BEAT NO “EGGS ” SAINTS< I WIN AT POKER on THE NET , NOW
BULLDOGS — TIME TO BARK, DA DA DA , SIC EM!!! BITE DEEP, FOR A SHOT AT THE IRISH.
KEN`
November 30th, 2012
2:19 am
FALCONS Know how to RISE UP!!
Joe Falcon
November 30th, 2012
2:37 am
I’m now very worried about our QB’s play. Matt Ryan isn’t being Matt Ryan.
I’ll bet you anything he’s playing hurt.
tony
November 30th, 2012
4:31 am
the new orleans flood victims saints aint ish
clayton
November 30th, 2012
4:45 am
You people are as immature as the idiots that through the eggs !
Stevereeno
November 30th, 2012
5:15 am
We’re not going to kick our way through the playoffs!
Stinger 2
November 30th, 2012
5:30 am
Why do so many Atlanta fans of the Falcons and Braves complain about how the national media diss and show no respect for our home teams? Who cares what outsiders think? Just read and listen to our local media if you don`t like what the national media says.
The Ceiling Fan
November 30th, 2012
5:44 am
You split the season series with New Orleans, who started the season 0-5 with no head coach…and how does this make the Falcons world beaters?
Big Daddy
November 30th, 2012
6:07 am
Great Defense Falcons!!! Way to keep us in the game and Offense, you were a little shaky but you came through when you had to. This was, as Mark said, a team win. Everyone contributed and despite all of the naysayers and sour grapes New Orleans fans, we are 11-1. GO FALCONS!!!!!
the aints
November 30th, 2012
6:32 am
Who had the most yards passing for the Falcons? Ryan or Breese? BBBBWWWAAAHHHAAAAAAA!
Ackshun
November 30th, 2012
6:48 am
A couple of things here. First to answer the question of why the Saints have such a easy time winning (or at least used to) look no further than the interference call on Jimmy Graham that wipe out the Sproles touchdown. Check the replay, that big dufus is looking for Sean Weatherspoon to set the pick so that Sproles is open for he TD. This is coached. This is how they play. Kudos to the officiating crew for picking it up.
SECOND – Tough break Saints fans because the season will end for you the same way it started New Orleans will not win another game this year BANK ON IT.
Ackshun
November 30th, 2012
6:52 am
PS – Don’t give a rat’s butt about the #1 Seed. If you clinch this weekend you bench the wounded and play the first team no more than 2 quarters. Wouldn’t mind at all seeing Dominque Davis get some reps against some seasoned vets. I would also rest the O-line except Konzie and Baker who apparently need all the reps they can get.
harleyman
November 30th, 2012
6:56 am
Ain’t fan trolls will return. Only question is, as who? Bears, Giants, or Niner fans? Taking bets now.
harleyman
November 30th, 2012
6:57 am
Sorry, Meant Saint fan trolls
Iluvnutella
November 30th, 2012
7:05 am
“This is our division, we know it and they know it”-roflmao….lol.lol. Thats almost as funny as that brown map of the Fl panhnadle on the side of his face.
Rabbit
November 30th, 2012
7:11 am
Eggstra satisfying.
SouthGaFalconfan
November 30th, 2012
7:12 am
Great game. Thank God for Mike Nolan. This is the best hire TD have done as falcon GM!!!
I am happy Falcons stopped Brees touchdown record. This is a pay back for running up score last year, breaking Dan Maniro’s yards record last year.
Ain’t are a classless team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe we can hear about other NFL’s team’s on NFL and ESPN. They make me sick hearing about the great Brees and Saints.
bob W
November 30th, 2012
7:18 am
Where was Jacquizz in the 2nd and 3rd quarters? Falcons have a habit of stopping what is working and seemingly playing “not to lose”with after they get a lead instead of putting the game away. How about the job the cornerback did who replaced Samuel? Didn’t he have 4 or 5 passes defenced? Sorry I forgot his name.
Bill
November 30th, 2012
7:20 am
Maybe now we can rest Asante Samuel and let him heal for the playoffs.
DC Dirty Bird (Rupe)
November 30th, 2012
7:27 am
Eggcellence starts in the Dome! Rise up Falcons and get your execution improved over the final quarter of the season. Win the second season (playoffs).
Toss It Up
November 30th, 2012
7:27 am
Perhaps the Saints should have brought their paper bags with them in order to keep the egg off of their faces. Way to go Falcons!
dawgma
November 30th, 2012
7:34 am
Matty Ice…get over it baby. You won in spite of a scared looking performance.
Always great to beat our oldest and most hated rivals – The Aint’s. Specially when Brees is filmed before the game shouting “We own this division. We know it and they know it.”
What we now know is the Brees 54 game streak is over and so are the Saints chances to make the playoffs – ALL in one sweet Thursday night tail kicking.
aon
November 30th, 2012
7:43 am
So…..this article articulates the game and communicates that the Falcons won, but nowhere does it mention the final score. What’s up with that?
sam
November 30th, 2012
7:46 am
Price of ticket: $139
Concessions and beers: $50
Five Drew Brees interceptions, breaking his consecutive TD pass streak, and watching all those trash talking Saint fans slink off into the night after the game:: PRICELESS!!!!!!!!
Kramer
November 30th, 2012
7:49 am
Face facts people, there is NO dominating team in the NFC. Name me one. For that matter name one in the AFC. The Falcons are finding ways to win games and yet, people still b*tch and moan, critics still say they don’t dominate, and now people want to question Ryan’s ability. You would think this team is struggling to make the playoffs and our coaching stinks when you listen and read. I could careless about the playoffs from past. I want the #1 seed and homefield and will worry after the first bye week when we take the field in the playoffs. Haters and critics, take time to go get a fresh cup of STFU.
kerryb
November 30th, 2012
7:55 am
Man Mark, you’re suppose to be a journalist. Use spell check please. You must have tossed a few back at the dome before you typed this.
Saints R.E.A.M.
November 30th, 2012
7:56 am
Putrid football by Drew Brees. If you would have told me that the Saints D would give that kind of a performance than I would have been telling you that the Saints would have won by 20pts. Drew threw so many inaccurate passes last night…he just didn’t have his A game. His other offensive pals didn’t help too much either with dropped TD passes…etc. Oh, the clock mismanagement…..it was not a great Saint performance.
The Birds did what they needed to do to win. Hats off. I really thought you guys were gonna blow our doors off after the 1st qtr. I’ll tell you what. You better find a way to protect Matty Ice better….because he can’t throw against teams that can put pressure with their front 4 (SF, NYG). Good luck fellas…..I gotta go figure out a way to get the Saints into the playoffs…..need some Voodoo surely.
HERE COMES THE JUDGE
November 30th, 2012
8:00 am
Thanks to all those season ticket holders surrounding my (21st) season ticket seats, there were plenty of Saints’ fans to have some good ole trash-talking coversations…then all of a sudden, I looked around and they were gone…doggone it, I really wanted to say good night and have a safe ride home!! They were all good folks except for the azz person in the seat in front of me who would not sit down…even a lot of his fellow fans kept telling him to park it…best of all, he decided to stay to the end…well, he heard a lot and I must say none of the four letter words included LOVE!! I am still thinking about the post-game smerk on Brees’ face after the ATL game in New Orleans…smerk no more, my son…your TD streak ended…you set a personal record for pics (5) and overall, the brids made your whole team look like little leagers!!! Now, who really gets the last laugh…huh? huh?
TBALL
November 30th, 2012
8:01 am
The reason this was a big win, is because they were getting in the Falcons head. I think The ants fans was starting to get in the Falcons fans head too. That’s over now!!!! And on a side note, eggs really!!! National news over a couple of eggs!!!!!
Harvey D. Pooka
November 30th, 2012
8:04 am
Good points: (1) they won – congratulations (2) defeated, and shut up the Aints… (3) defense saved the day over ineffective offense; okay, offense made one good drive, and made good first down with 2 minutes left that was important. Bad points: overall, (1) did not dominate and put closing points in place early; (2) did nothing special to show potential opponents they are facing formidable foe.
AU Liberal in ATL
November 30th, 2012
8:05 am
I have egg on my face too. I expected the Falcons to lose to Tampa and New Orleans again. They’ve surprised me all season long. But, I’ve been disappointed year after year after year, so I’m conditioned to expect the worst. Maybe they’ve turned the corner. I guess we’ll find out in January.
Roger
November 30th, 2012
8:05 am
Drew Brees is a delusional twerp. “Bountygate never happened!,” he exclaims. Um, Drewie, the guy who ran it, Greg Williams, and a couple of the players, yeah, they’ve already confessed. So man up, own it and shut up.
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2012
8:07 am
It looked like “little brother”, high-fived “big brother” right across the mouth, last night.
BIRD WATCHER
November 30th, 2012
8:08 am
For years we could hear the sound of offensive coordinators…attack the secondary…worst in the league…which I might add was true!! Guess someone didn’t tell Peyton Manning or Drew Brees that there’s a new sheriff in town (Mike Nolan) with a big possee, namely the whole secondary!! So to the remainder of the strong-arm QB’s…well, you know!!
dave
November 30th, 2012
8:10 am
one down one to go….. go dawgs…….
Katie
November 30th, 2012
8:11 am
I heard Drew Brees tried to get the airport workers back by throwing eggs as the team left Atlanta. Too bad all of his throws were intercepted.
the aints
November 30th, 2012
8:15 am
BBBBBBBWWWWAAAAAAHHHAAAAAA!
TBALL
November 30th, 2012
8:16 am
I know a lot of fans Are concerned that the Falcons are not blowing teams away. I would love to see that to. But I think its something to be said about The way they are winning. This team is fighting for every win. I think it will help in the playoffs.
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2012
8:18 am
go falcons
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2012
8:18 am
go falcons
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2012
8:18 am
go falcons
Defense wins Titles
November 30th, 2012
8:23 am
Georgians should be eggstatic! Falcons whoop up on Saints to avenge ourselves. Go to 11 – 1 and within a hair of clinching Division Championship. Braves sign B J Upton for CF for 5 years. B J promises to raise his average and cut down on strike outs. Our hitting coaches to paid to see that happens. Hawks go to 10 – 4. Danny Ferry new GM. Hawks will be Champions soon. Ga. Southern rated 5 in FCS. Eagles start playoffs this Sat. O Yeah! The Dreaded, The Most Hated College Football Team in the USA, Liberal ESPN, and their entire broadcast commentators despise and Persecute Our Dawgs. A Christian coach, Thank you Coach Richt, will lead Our Georgia Bulldawgs into the Dome to face the unbeatable, perfect, Satan led crimson waves. Pick against US Grannie Holtz, spit your senile verbalisms. Georgians unite. Please unite against Bama, ESPN, Dawg Haters around the world. Go Dawgs Sic’em! We are The Blessed Bulldawgs.
Defense wins Titles
November 30th, 2012
8:23 am
Georgians should be eggstatic! Falcons whoop up on Saints to avenge ourselves. Go to 11 – 1 and within a hair of clinching Division Championship. Braves sign B J Upton for CF for 5 years. B J promises to raise his average and cut down on strike outs. Our hitting coaches to paid to see that happens. Hawks go to 10 – 4. Danny Ferry new GM. Hawks will be Champions soon. Ga. Southern rated 5 in FCS. Eagles start playoffs this Sat. O Yeah! The Dreaded, The Most Hated College Football Team in the USA, Liberal ESPN, and their entire broadcast commentators despise and Persecute Our Dawgs. A Christian coach, Thank you Coach Richt, will lead Our Georgia Bulldawgs into the Dome to face the unbeatable, perfect, Satan led crimson waves. Pick against US Grannie Holtz, spit your senile verbalisms. Georgians unite. Please unite against Bama, ESPN, Dawg Haters around the world. Go Dawgs Sic’em! We are The Blessed Bulldawgs.
DC Dirty Bird
November 30th, 2012
8:25 am
Matt didn’t play scared…he played smart. When your defense is rolling, you don’t do anything that might hand over momentum to the other team. Konz and McClure were getting whooped so he really couldn’t do what he does best. Only thing i thought we could have done better is utilize Quizz out the backfield.
SawThat1nce
November 30th, 2012
8:26 am
Little brother slaps big brother across the mouth.
GT
November 30th, 2012
8:31 am
his years NFL gives us a real study into hype and reality. I think a lot of older writers keep the past going where there were dominate teams, both in the pros and college, when parity is the modern theme. We keep searching for that cut of meat and it just ain’t there. You can’t sell tickets if it is a coin toss so you pump up what you got like a traveling circus. You design the game to be more exciting and now records don’t mean a thing. And now you get some hack living off the hype he creates trying to tell us something ,only God knows, about who can win coin tosses.
Dumbo
November 30th, 2012
8:36 am
Where’s the Who Dat Ho’s?????? Where ya’ll be?????
Whadda Ya Know?
November 30th, 2012
8:39 am
God forbid we ever play a COMPLETE game with the offense and defense tearing it up. At some point the Falcons need to take it up a notch and play everyone with the intensity they played the Taints with. Mike Smith, get some killer instinct in you man–this isn’t 1960s football anymore. You’re very LUCKY you got Nolan, cause he saved your sorry azz again last night. I almost blew a gasket with the lack of playcalling the second half. I know Arthur and the front office are in love with Smitty, but he may be the reason we can’t win the big one. I’m sorry fellas, but his conservative nature drives me f’n nuts. We literally looked lost in the second half and couldn’t produce a successful offensive series.
Saints aints nuthin
November 30th, 2012
8:39 am
The Saints calling the Falcons fans classless. Yeah, right. The Aints should be made to change their name to the NO Bounty Hunters. That’s calling a spade a spade…And oh, by the way, quit whining about your punishment. You were caught red-handed so cowboy up and take it lake a man!
St. Richt
November 30th, 2012
8:47 am
Joe Falcon- did you miss all the drops by receivers in the first half? Matt Ryan is just fine if we can give him some time in the pocket.