By crushing the champion, the Falcons show they’re Super
"Yeah, baby! Why don't you take that 24-2 and give my regards to Broadway?" (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
So now we know: In addition to being a darn good football team, the Atlanta Falcons are the world’s best sandbaggers.
In working 13 games of varying quality, they’d dropped the hint that this team was no better than before and was, ergo, bound for the same one-and-done postseason fate. Turns out the Falcons were just being sly. “Go hyperventilate over somebody else,” they were saying, “while we win enough games to put ourselves in position. And then you can tell us again how we can’t beat anybody any good when it matters.”
On Sunday this unassuming crew dropped a 500-pound sandbag on the collective noggin of the reigning Super Bowl champions. Forty-nine weeks ago, the Falcons were overpowered 24-2 in the Meadowlands. But these Falcons, as was made manifest Sunday, are not those Falcons. These Falcons not only beat the haughty Giants by 34 points but pulled off a deft bit of role reversal.
Remember how the Falcons scored zero offensive points Jan. 8? The Giants scored zero points, period, on this given Sunday. Remember the three failed fourth-and-1’s of last season? Remember that two of those came against the Giants? The Falcons blunted three fourth-down bids this day, including fourth-and-1’s on consecutive first-half possessions.
The Falcons ran faster, hit harder, played smarter. “This game was won in preparation,” coach Mike Smith said, but it was also won in those dizzying days after Jan. 8, a time that saw the offensive and defensive coordinators leave and be replaced by Dirk Koetter and Mike Nolan.
What happened Sunday was what should have happened in January, but the 2011 Falcons never found a mesh of talent and scheme. The 2012 edition has. On Jan. 8, the rookie Julio Jones caught seven passes for 64 yards to absolutely no effect. On Sunday, the same Jones caught six passes for 74 yards — and two touchdowns.
On Jan. 8, a defense overseen by Brian VanGorder watched benignly as Eli Manning threw for 277 yards and three touchdowns. On Sunday, the same E. Manning completed only 13 of 25 passes Sunday and saw two intercepted, including his first delivery of the game. Asante Samuel, imported from Philadelphia in April, jumped the route and sent the Falcons winging.
Said Smith: “Our disguise package in the passing game was good.” Of Samuel’s interception: “That was a little different look … That was a look Eli probably hadn’t seen from us.”
These 60 minutes were everything we’ve wanted to see from the Falcons, and to be fair we’d seen it all in snippets: Disguised D against Eli’s big brother in September; a flawless Matt Ryan in Philadelphia in October; a mighty effort in Tampa on November. We hadn’t, however, seen it in the same 60 minutes. When finally it came together — when the defense surrenders no points on a day when Ryan’s quarterback ranking trumps E. Manning’s by 103.7 points — we saw a team that is every as glittering as its record.
“Our focus this week was heightened,” Smith said, and part of that was due to the egg his team laid in Charlotte last week, but surely more had to do with the calendar and the opponent. This was December, when the cream of the NFL is supposed to rise, and these were the Giants, who’d just won it all. This team had made “statements” before — beating Denver and Philly and Dallas and New Orleans — but nothing so forceful as this.
Said free safety Thomas DeCoud: “We proved we can dominate a legitimate playoff-caliber team. We proved we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
It was as if these coy Birds had been biding their time before unleashing a truly surpassing performance, and if so, who could blame them? They’ve had to hear all year how nothing will matter until they show they can win in the playoffs, and if this wasn’t quite a playoff game it was the next-best thing.
“Who’s ready to get back on the bandwagon?” tight end Tony Gonzalez said, but the Falcons’ wagon hadn’t gained much traction. For 3 1/2 months, national observers have looked for reasons to rank a half-dozen teams with lesser records above the one that started 8-0 and is now 12-2.
Said Gonzalez: “Honestly, I really don’t care (about conventional wisdom) … We know we’re a good football team. But national recognition and validation will come only when we get in the playoffs and play like we can.”
We’ve known for a while that this is a good team. We learned Sunday that it has the capacity to be great. Yes, the Falcons still have to do it in the playoffs, but they can and should. Somebody’s going to have to beat them in the Dome, and nobody has this year.
Gonzalez again: “I understand why the media doesn’t have the stomach to pick us.”
Oh, really? Now hear this: The defending NFL champ just lost here by 34 points — to the next NFL champ.
Further reading: The Falcons’ domination, adroit Asante and one great play.
By Mark Bradley
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170 comments Add your comment
Landover
December 16th, 2012
7:20 pm
Too bad Furman Bisher isn’t around to enjoy.
rm
December 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
Crowmeat…that was the most ridiculous post I have ever read. Why would u risk a turnover deep in your own territory at the end of the half? Much less when you are getting the ball to start the second half. Why would you punch it in at the end of the game, risking injury, when you already won? Being too conservative would have been not throwing to julio to make it 34. That was the nail in the coffin.
NFC South Champs
December 16th, 2012
7:35 pm
The elite Atlanta Falcons exposed the New York Giants.
Roy
December 16th, 2012
7:42 pm
Falcons are going to cream the Lions next week. The Lions gave up 38 points to an Arizona team with no QB and ranked dead last in offense. Falcons will have 1st seed Saturday night. Patriots will beat the 49ers tonight to give the Falcons a 1st round bye regardless if it’s 1st or 2nd seed.
Kennesaw Falcon
December 16th, 2012
7:46 pm
At least we scored 2 on them last year. They couldn’t even get that done.
ramguy68
December 16th, 2012
7:46 pm
AtlanGa Faldawgs 6:59 pm Stafford will be no problem next week…he learned the art of choking at UGA
It’s been a miserable day for you huh?
Buddy Landel
December 16th, 2012
7:54 pm
I’m just glad the “15 fateful seconds” commentary is not your lead anymore
Whadda Ya Know?
December 16th, 2012
8:05 pm
Great game today Falcons!!! I knew you had it in you because you’ve showed us glimpses this year. Let’s keep the level of intensity high and go in the playoffs rolling HOT!!!
florida falcon
December 16th, 2012
8:08 pm
I’ll save a seat for you clowns in NOLA. I can’t of anything better than hoisting the Lombardi in the New Orleans Sewer Dome! RISE UP Motha F’ers!!!!!!
dave
December 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
one game at a time. jaw’s on espn said the giants would smash the falcons. I guess we know now why jaw’s is employed by espn and not any nfl teams.
Crowmeat is a moron
December 16th, 2012
8:13 pm
Nuff said. Go Birds!
JohnDB
December 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
You can’t spell “eliminate” without Eli.
bravesgrl4life
December 16th, 2012
8:22 pm
Nice game, Falcons. Understatement of the year, I guess. But WAY TO GO, BIRDS!!
as pointless as uga
December 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
falcons will be one-n-done and the country knows it. they still will pick giants to beat the falcons if they meet again.
that’s the problem with losing in the playoffs like the falcons do while the Giants fart around in the regular season and then smash their way to the Super Bowl.
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Crushed,destroyed,pulverized,clobbered,demolished,trainwrecked,slobberknockered,clotheslined,slapped around,knockdowned,kickdowned,beaten,humiliated,embarrased, either way u call it, it was a late great victory for the Atlanta Falcons and this is the ultimate way to defeat the opponent. Anyone scared to play the Falcons?
Let's Be Real
December 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
first
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Enter your comments here
Samuel
December 16th, 2012
8:43 pm
Best catch of the day Decoud interception of Eli Manning. Most explosive Julio Jones, the guy who set the tone, Ashante Samuels opening interception. Most dominate, offensive line and defensive line. Mr. consistent, Tony Gonzales. Most effective quarterback Matt Ryan. Best coached game Mike Smith and staff. Job well done!!
Buzzzed
December 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
This team has the ability to do great things. I’ll get on board after they win their first play-off game.
DawgNole
December 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
chuck
December 16th, 2012
6:02 pm
It’s never as good or bad as it seems, as evidenced by the last two weeks. Let’s temper the Super Bowl talk and take this one week at a time.
______________________
Sound, level-headed observation.
as pointless as uga
December 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
one-n-done upsets Falcon fans because they’re scared.
OldTimer
December 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
We have to finish.
F. Sinkwich
December 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
Anyone know what channel the GB/Pats game is on?
DawgNole
December 16th, 2012
8:52 pm
F. Sinkwich
December 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
Anyone know what channel the GB/Pats game is on?
______________________
During Obama’s speech, it’s on CNBC and the NBC Sports Network.
as pointless as uga
December 16th, 2012
8:53 pm
i don’t think anyone is really scared of the Falcons.
especially Cam Newton who crushed,destroyed,pulverized,clobbered,demolished,trainwrecked,slobberknockered,clotheslined,slapped around,knockdowned,kickdowned,beaten,humiliated,embarrased, the Failcons.
DawgNole
December 16th, 2012
8:54 pm
C’mon, Bradley. I simply told Sinkwich what networks to find the game on and my “comment is awaiting moderation”?!
You can do better than that.
DawgNole
December 16th, 2012
8:55 pm
Let’s try again, Sinkwich. CNBC and NBC Sports during the President’s speech.
Flo- Ri - Duh
December 16th, 2012
8:56 pm
Lost in all of this is the fact that NY had 5 starters out with injuries and several more beat up. Atlanta has some injuries too but only Moore missed the game. Just saying lets not to carried away yet. Win the next two and gain home field advantage. Long time Falcon fan here – waiting since 1966 for the Falcons to win the Super Bowl.
F. Sinkwich
December 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
Thanks, but too late now. Missed the TD.
Thanks though.
Duke LaCross
December 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
So what did that make Fig Newton and the sissycats? 4 and 9? Nice record!!!!!!
MeinAcworth
December 16th, 2012
8:59 pm
I kept waiting for everything to crumble and TD passes that never came… is this the real us? This is what can happen one week after it didn’t look like we cared if we won or lost!
Go you dirty birds!!!!
Dirty bird
December 16th, 2012
9:02 pm
Next year’s draft:
Round 1- best o-lineman available
2- best defensive player(preferably CB)
3- TE
4- fast, physical back
5- d-line
6- someone who can return punts
7- best available
4-
Voice of Reason
December 16th, 2012
9:08 pm
Has anyone seen CHOKE the JOKE today??? This may be the most dominating Falcons win that I can remember in the last 8+ years!
m
December 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
finally they showed that they are the new Falcons !
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
its the niners at pats tonite in a cold rain and laungin at fig newton
Left Coast Dawg
December 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
“They are who we thought they were”
Ricardo Cabeza
December 16th, 2012
9:12 pm
Don’t care how long it will last. I’m just enjoying the moment! RISE UP!!!!
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
9:12 pm
the west coast falls , the east coast falls, the nfc south falls, so who falls next ??????????
Orlando Dawg
December 16th, 2012
9:14 pm
Go Dawgs! And Falcons! And Braves! And Hawks! Let’s own this country!
Orlando Dawg
December 16th, 2012
9:15 pm
And Tech too if they dare!
Growler
December 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
What I liked best (aside from the final score) was Mike Smith not trying anything stupid near the end of the first half with the Falcons up 17-0. He ran out the clock as he should have. There’s hope for him yet, in this aspect of coaching.
Joseph Allen McWhorter
December 16th, 2012
9:21 pm
The Falcons needed a true signature win today. To make a big statement against a real good football team. Especially after that totally embarassing performance last Sunday in Charlotte against a terrible Carolina Panthers team. The Falcons could have beaten any team in the NFL today. They were hungry and totally focused. They played with attitude, high emotion, and a true sense of urgency. And I have every reason to believe they can take this same level of intensity into the playoffs. The Falcons needed what they got today. This game is a huge confidence booster for them. They should definitely be thinking Super Bowl now.
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
Looks like it wants to snow in that Game on now, love seeing Atlanta against New England in the big one.
riverscott
December 16th, 2012
9:33 pm
DirtyBird @ 9:02 – if TG retires after this year, that TE better come in the first round, or they better sign somebody good. Will be VERY tough to replace the best pass-catching TE of all time, and none of the guys on the current roster are even adequate. Gonzalez makes amazing catch after amazing catch, and has been as close to a 3rd-down guarantee as they come. If the coaching staff thinks they can rein in a problem child, JerMichael Finley is available, and will probably work for peanuts.
Cobb Falcon
December 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
Falcon fan since I knew there were Falcons. These birds can run the table if they really want it.
Tom
December 16th, 2012
9:52 pm
Giants were due for a collpase the way they had played recently. This really doesn’t mean anything. I mean look at san fran whipping ne. You never know what team will show up. Sure the falcons can beat anyone in the nfl. But they can also lose to just about anyone. The question is will they step up and catch some breaks when they do play or will they get smacked around like last week and against ny last year and gb the year before that. So to me, yeah nice win. But until they win a couple in the playoffs, i don’t see any reason to get giddy like silly columnists for this paper.
Whopper Dawg
December 16th, 2012
9:56 pm
Ya know, just maybe, just maybe. I didn’t think so until today, but just maybe. Where in the hell did Holt come from?
bullrusher1
December 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
Arguments by Haters:
1) Falcons have only beaten bad teams, and only beat good teams early in the season before they got going.
2) Falcons can’t blow out teams.
3) Falcons can’t beat playoff-caliber teams.
After Today’s Game:
1) Falcons beat the Broncos earlier, and the Giants in December when the G-Men are supposed to be at their best. Check.
2) Falcons blew out Chiefs, Chargers, Eagles, and now the previous Super Bowl Champion Giants by a score of 34-0. Check.
3) That’s right, the “Masters of the Postseason” got their @sses handed to them today by you 2012 No. 1 seed in the NFC Atlanta Falcons. 34-0, 12-2, Haters Shut Up. Check.
Honey boy
December 16th, 2012
9:58 pm
Hey “you pick it” you are possibly THE biggest LOSER on this blog… Who gives a s—t about Cam thevPoser Newton? .? Those loser Panthers aintbgoing anywhere… HAHAHHAHAA… Big deal! You must be have zero football knowledge… What fun zero you are… Tell me… Will we see the Panthers in the playoffs led by your BOY Cammie????? NOOOOOOOOOOO,!!! Your a loser just like he is!!!!
benchwarmer
December 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
I love December football especially when the home team is winning!