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
bus
December 16th, 2012
5:33 pm
Way 2 go Falcons!
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
5:36 pm
Am I first?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2012
5:38 pm
Somebody’s first, bus. Kudos.
MinnDawg
December 16th, 2012
5:46 pm
Great win, tho they still need to get the running game going.
captaindave
December 16th, 2012
5:53 pm
Mark: I have been worried about you…no gushing UGA column in over 48 hours now. Is everything okay? Wouldn’t you really rather write about a game over two weeks in the past?
riverscott
December 16th, 2012
5:56 pm
Finally a complete game win. Would’ve loved to see that last first-and-goal punched in, but a butt-whipping by 34 points is just as good as by 41. A full 3-phase, 60-minute domination. All week it’s “Falcons don’t do this; Falcons can’t do that; Falcons can’t beat a quality team; Falcons haven’t dominated anybody.” Consider last week forgotten, and the national media doubters pimp-slapped.
AlanFalcon
December 16th, 2012
6:00 pm
What a game, the Falcons showed what they were made of today down to a man- tonight I sit back, take a deep breath and relax.
By the way where are the Saints in the NFC South?
Gene
December 16th, 2012
6:01 pm
I hope we have more payback games in the next few weeks.
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.
AlanFalcon
December 16th, 2012
6:02 pm
What a game, the Falcons showed what they were made of down to a man, by the way where are the Saints in the NFC South.
air of mendacity
December 16th, 2012
6:03 pm
Falcons should get home field with one more win and then it is highly likely that NFC championship is in the cards. I would not want to play them at home. The mighty 49′ers would even have their hands full. I agree with you Mark – Falcons are a nightmare at home. No dominant teams in NFC this year. Hoping for Super Bowl.
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
6:04 pm
Mark you stated right ” to the next NFL Champ”
I am getting my Super Bowl tickets now in NO!
DP
December 16th, 2012
6:07 pm
“to the next NFL champ”
Oh God.
air of mendacity
December 16th, 2012
6:09 pm
why no post?
Jamaaliver
December 16th, 2012
6:10 pm
We are an ‘adequate’ running back away from being an unstoppable offense.
Turner doesn’t fit Koetter’s style of running. (No FB, outside runs). It’s up to TD to find one who does in the offseason and convince Koetter to stick around for next season.
We are an elite team and have been foro years. Only thing left to accomplish is that long postseason run to the Lonbardi trophy!!!
air of mendacity
December 16th, 2012
6:11 pm
if we get home field which looks likely – then super bowl a real possiblilty – don’t even think mightly SFO can beat us at home – especially if we can run at all and get an early lead.
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
6:14 pm
Santa Claus please give us a Super Bowl win!
sam
December 16th, 2012
6:18 pm
I’ve always heard, in order to be The Man you have to beat The Man. Today, we did that knocking off the defending Super Bowl champions!
ATLIEN
December 16th, 2012
6:22 pm
Big big big big win. Let’s just stay focused. Regular season aren’t the playoffs but we’re trending fine. Need one more to secure home field.
Jimmy
December 16th, 2012
6:26 pm
We dont’ need respect.
We just need to keep winning.
I could care less about respect from pundits.
FalconJim
December 16th, 2012
6:28 pm
Hey “talking heads”, put this in your pipe and smoke it!!!!!! A complete game, in ALL phases!!! WOW!!!
Now, let’s keep the momentum going, right on into the Playoffs!!!
GO, YOU DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!!
CT FalconsAFan
December 16th, 2012
6:28 pm
Agree with everything and am thrilled but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Mark. After all, weren’t you the one who crowned the Braves the best team ever after Game 2of the ‘96 World Series?
Rodster
December 16th, 2012
6:30 pm
Awesome win. I am pulling for the falcons. I hope they are hardened enough to win like this in the playoffs. That would truly be awesome.
Rodster
December 16th, 2012
6:30 pm
Awesome win. I am pulling for the falcons. I hope they are hardened enough to win like this in the playoffs. That would truly be awesome.
Dr. Henry -- Augusta
December 16th, 2012
6:32 pm
Atlanta 2, Mannings 0 – - – - To be SB champs I have a feeling we’ll have to beat them both again!!!
Hugh Jass
December 16th, 2012
6:42 pm
If the Falcons do win the Super Bowl it will break a string of agonizing seasons for fans of any sport in the state of Georgia. I was going to take the rest of winter and spring off because basketball in this state is so bad; however, I have to watch the Hawks because it is hilarious that their low budget roster is much better than their cap max roster from last year.
RETIRED
December 16th, 2012
6:43 pm
CAN YOU HEAR US NOW!
BigDawg
December 16th, 2012
6:44 pm
Give Snelling more chances! He looked great at the end of the game!!
1990_Champs_GT
December 16th, 2012
6:45 pm
Too early to give them the Lombardi yet, but this was a complete win. Second one since the Philly game.
Let’s just hope they’ve got about five left in them. THEN we can say that the next champs beat the reigning champs!
ramguy68
December 16th, 2012
6:47 pm
A really good game by the Falcons today. I wonder if their critics will now say that Giants weren’t that good anyway. Good almost complete game. Their rush game still isn’t very good but was adequate. I am still concerned about their 3rd and short game.
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
6:49 pm
Enter your comments here
ramguy68
December 16th, 2012
6:49 pm
I can’t wait to see Rodney Harrison is going to say tonight?
"Chef" Tim Dix
December 16th, 2012
6:49 pm
If the Falcons win the Super Bowl, they’ll have to build a new stadi…oh, uh, already gonna do that.
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
6:50 pm
Anybody know where I can get some Super Bowl tickets?
crowmeat
December 16th, 2012
6:51 pm
we are anything but an elite team..we have yet to W a play off game..Smith, when you are not man enough to to keep playing with time left on the clock at the half and you are not man enough to take the points at the end of the game, I question your ability as a coach!
ramguy68
December 16th, 2012
6:51 pm
I can’t wait to hear what Rodney Harrison has to say about the Falcons on Sunday Night Football.
extremus
December 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
Let’s enjoy and relish the results of today’s game, but temper that emotional high with a needed reminder: win or lose, the results of a single regular season game in the NFL can change drastically week to week. Just ask these Falcons. I’m delighted that they’re 12-2, on the verge of home field advantage, and thoroughly trounced the defending champs who eliminated them last year. But the criticisms about them coming into this game were justified; several big leads that turned into nail-biters after the Falcons had let up already this season, an embarrassing loss to a 2-9 division rival whom they came out flat and uninspired against, and then suddenly they get a fire under their butts and win 34-0 over the Giants.
Now I’ll be the first to agree that’s awesome and encouraging to see how this team responded from the coaching staff on down. But we need to remember just how schizophrenic the Falcons have been all year, from game to game and from half to half at times. They need to keep this level of performance up against Detroit and Tampa Bay the final two games, because if that doesn’t happen the same writers and fans who’ve questioned their heart and capability all year will do so again…BET ON IT.
We knew they’d be stung by last week’s loss and come out angry today, but raw emotion can only take you so far; now what I’m looking for is evidence that they not only can but WILL run up the score on opponents instead of allowing them to stick around. That killer instinct is a culture that is reinforced around the clubhouse, and teams like the Patriots have had it for years. Mike Smith has brought a culture of winning to a franchise that had never even had back-to-back winning seasons before, but now’s the time…NOW…for these guys to take it to the next level…a dominating, expecting to blow whomever they’re playing out level. Please guys, don’t dominate the Giants like this and then go have another “are they really as good as their record?” performance against the Lions. You have to keep making that statement week after week, because the same people singing your praises right now are a fickle bunch.
Sav FAN
December 16th, 2012
6:53 pm
Next up the Lions -take Matthew and Calvin to the woodshed and beat them to a pulp
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
6:55 pm
Bet on IT!
Falcons win Super Bowl in NO!
ramguy68
December 16th, 2012
6:55 pm
The Falcons had the ball deep on their side of the field at the end of the 1st half with about minute or less until 1/2 time. They got nothing on 1st down and then decided to let the clock run out. That’s good coaching. No need to chance a turnover and let the Giants have a cheap one.
AtlanGa Faldawgs
December 16th, 2012
6:57 pm
Giants missing their top 2 safeties and a corner…yeah, the Falcons won, big deal…wake me up January 1st, so I can watch your precious dawgs get choke slammed by Nebraska…bet the AJC already has the excuse generator running in preparation for January’s annual Falcons/Dawgs meltdowns…gotta suck…
AtlanGa Faldawgs
December 16th, 2012
6:59 pm
Stafford will be no problem next week…he learned the art of choking at UGA…
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
7:00 pm
Smitty has these guys pumped!
Way 2 go Smitty!
Clay
December 16th, 2012
7:02 pm
What’s most surprising about this win was the way two previous liabilities stepped up for the Falcons — offensive and defensive lines.
dean
December 16th, 2012
7:03 pm
Wow, Mark.
You just called the Falcons the next NFL champs.
Thanks for saying what I was thinking! But your arena (and risks of future ridicule)is a lot bigger than mine!
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
December 16th, 2012
7:04 pm
Sweet Revenge! HA HA
Dawgdad (The Original)
December 16th, 2012
7:05 pm
I have been watching the Birds since Lou Kiouwac (sp) put the first toe to leather, but this is the best complete game, I have ever seen them play. They did not take their foot off the gas and cost in like they have for all these many years.
BUT, as Chuck said above, they are never as good as they look at times and never as bad as they look other times, like last week. I still can not figure out how they could play so poorly last week and what that says about the future.
Hope to see more of Today’s team and never a repeat of last week.
Delbert D.
December 16th, 2012
7:12 pm
Chicago started 8-0 and were media darlings with their awesome defense. Looked to be the NFC’s big contender for the Falcons. Just lost again at home to the Packers to be at 8-6.
antrobus
December 16th, 2012
7:16 pm
We have gone to a higher level with this win.
And who is hurt? If we can keep our guys healthy we will win the Super Bowl!
Chiefdawg
December 16th, 2012
7:18 pm
Two Mannings down. Bring on Archie!
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!
Al
December 16th, 2012
10:06 pm
Saying they will win the SB cause of one win is retarded idiocy.
Sure the win was important for hf adv. Other than that, it’s meaningless. What if they have to play this team again in 4 weeks. You know how rematches go. Then if they do get by the first one, and i do think the will, what team will show up against probably gb or sf. We know how the o line is inconsistent. And ryan when under slight pressure tends to fold. And the defense needs to get healthy. The nfl is all about surprises. Could i see the falcons making the sb? Yes but i can also envision them laying an egg and losing the first game. And def the second against a stout d. To say they will win the sb is so asinine.
DawgFanStuckInAL
December 16th, 2012
10:10 pm
The Falcons have won 3 championships: the AFC West, the NFC South, and now, the NFC East! Two more to go! This game shows they have the intensity that it takes to go all the way.
RBI
December 16th, 2012
10:10 pm
They sure showed how they CAN play today! Keep up the good work!
Fred Garvin
December 16th, 2012
10:11 pm
Very Impressive win today, We looked like a well coached team. We need to bottle this and bring it on in to January,
Jayden
December 16th, 2012
10:12 pm
Too much pop up crap on this website. Hate it.
mars=lifetime dawg
December 16th, 2012
10:12 pm
Great win! Looking forward to continuing making a name for ourselves (Falcons) in the post season.
Jayden
December 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
Only a 3- 3.5 fav against the lions who got blown out by az today. That says everything about the falcons. Great one week. Mediocre the next.
lees
December 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
Dan Patrick seemed to get irritated in having to admit tonight on the Sunday night pre game show that the Falcons smashed his Golden Boy, Eli.
phil
December 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
The next NFL champ?
Oh good grief.
San Fran, green Bay, New England, Houston, Seattle….
All clearly better than us. It’s obvious that this year’s humiliating loss will be to Seattle about a month from now.
Can’t wait!!
phil
December 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
Forgot Denver.
They’ll be champs.
mars=lifetime dawg
December 16th, 2012
10:17 pm
Jayden, I agree on the pop-up crap. Too much of a chore competing with Harrah’s to get a chance to comment. It’s not worth it to stick around. Mark, please convince your editors to find a better way to advertise, because the battle to participate is just not worth it! Done for tonight.
Michael
December 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
GO FALCONS
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
Go suck on that egg the Giants sat all over today Phil.
Honey boy
December 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
Thomas Brown… Ultimate LOSER!!! Where ya been son?
DawgNole
December 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
Jayden
December 16th, 2012
10:12 pm
Too much pop up crap on this website. Hate it.
_____________________
Co-sign! WAY too much!
Ekim56
December 16th, 2012
10:25 pm
Buzzzed, it must be horrible for you not to be able to enjoy the regular season, always dreaming of that playoff win that may or may not come.
Ekim56
December 16th, 2012
10:28 pm
@Jayden, how do you figure that being a 3.5 favorite next week means the Falcons are a great one week, mediocre the next? They were 1.5 point underdogs today. I think that says more about the oddsmakers than the Falcons. By the way, Falcons covered.
DB
December 16th, 2012
10:55 pm
Falcons, falcons falcons….Bring on the playoffs and see how all the “dirty birds” stand talll…. Go Pack Go!!!!
RKL
December 16th, 2012
11:08 pm
THE atl will not lose again—take this to the bank—the atl will beat green bay and sf and win the nfc!!! super bowl–falcons beat houston! This is the year!!!
Dave
December 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
Where’s my boy, “Chokie Wohkie?” Alas…….
Professer Waldo E. Culpecker
December 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
lol at Choke
Go Falcons!
December 16th, 2012
11:20 pm
Best game I can remember in at least 8 years!
Nobody Noticed
December 16th, 2012
11:31 pm
Falcons had a big lead on Giants at the half, nobody in the sports media cared.
Falcons won big, nobody in the sports media cared. It was not a headline anywhere except in Atlanta.
And nobody will even talk about it outside of AM680 and 790 if the Pats come back and beat the 49ers tonight. Hell, maybe even the 680 crowd will talk about that game instead.
Nobody takes the Falcons seriously. If the Falcons lose, it’d confirm the Falcons are not as good as their record says. If the Falcons win, the Giants (et. al.) had a bad game.
No respect, but no reason to give it either. A 5-9 team destroyed the Falcons last week but to Falcons fans the Falcons had a bad game but are a better team. That’s what the NFL thinks of the Giants losing to the Falcons no matter what the score was.
Sorry.
falconP
December 16th, 2012
11:32 pm
no nfc team can match up with atlanta–they should win the nfc easily with home field advantage.
we're still rising
December 17th, 2012
12:03 am
@Dawgdad (The Original) it was b/c we were so focused on this game…. you never play your best hand against oppnents you really dont care about… we let carolina have that game they need to restore their pride a little bit…. we would beat them 7 out of 8 times…… oh wait…..too late
Falcon James
December 17th, 2012
12:27 am
Did anybody happen to notice the FOX ads at the end of the game promoting the Giant next game? They kept saying the Giant was on a role…….Guess they need to remake the ad.
AtlantaDawgsEmOut
December 17th, 2012
12:36 am
Well let all the talk from the experts about Gmen being most overrated team now to discredit this statement game!
The Curse Just Got Delivered
December 17th, 2012
12:50 am
Well, it’s official. The Falcons will not win the Superbowl this year because Bradley just predicted they would. Does this guy ever get anything right?
He is the all time jinx! Fitting of being a sports writer in a town that never wins.
I have been pulling for Atlanta teams all my life… I have never seen Bradley do anything bit jinx our teams!
A better finishing line would have been… The Falcons played strong today… Lets see if they can maintain it when it counts!
The Curse Just Got Delivered
December 17th, 2012
12:54 am
Oh yea… Mark Bradley… Please move out of Atlanta.
room for improvement
December 17th, 2012
1:43 am
Solid effort in all three areas of game. Showed winners attitude in not letting up on them. Went for the kill.
However, one thing….wish Matt Ryan would enunciate the calls and raise his voice …very annoying. Other than that, tremndous performance.
Gritsfed
December 17th, 2012
1:51 am
Took a short nap after the big win and then turned on the Sunday night game to hear Rodney Harrison eat his crow from last week…..remember, “…nobody is afraid to play the Falcons…..” and “….NY Giants are the best team in the NFC……” To Dan Patrick’s credit he asked him tonight about that first statement, and Harrison said; “…that’s right! I did say that……but Atlanta played good defense for ONE game……” Then Tony Dungy said; “….but they (the Falcons) had some help…..” implying the Falcons may have won because the Giants just played bad ball. FACE IT FOLKS no matter what the Falcons’ do the New York media ain’t gonna give ‘em any credit!!!!! At least there was a fairer assessment by the “ESPN Blitz Crew” (Chris Berman, Tom Jackson & Trent Dilfer)
Guess when the Falcons’ get to NO for the Super Bowl the network will cancel the broadcast and play the wonderful world of Heidi on TV instead!
Way to go Falcons!
Dr. Warren
December 17th, 2012
1:53 am
Two syllables: Snell-ing. Run the guy, finally, especially in short yardage situations.
Gritsfed
December 17th, 2012
1:56 am
Hey, my previous comment isn’t here. What’s up?
Gritsfed
December 17th, 2012
1:58 am
What I wrote previously, in a nutshell, I wanted to hear Rodney Harrison of NBC eat his crow about what he said about the Falcons last week.
Falcony
December 17th, 2012
2:27 am
Rise Up! Falcons Rise Up! Way to go Angry Birds!
Stinger 2
December 17th, 2012
4:08 am
Falcon fans get way too low after a loss and go too far the other way after a win.
This is a good team. If it wins a couple of playoff games, its a very good team. If it wins the SB its a great team.
Mora less Petrino
December 17th, 2012
4:21 am
How did the Buc’s not score even a FG on the Saints sorry D? Tampa was looking good for a while, but not too hot now.
Jim
December 17th, 2012
5:40 am
Who the heck is Hope? I don’t know, but, I Like that guy!!
urban redneck
December 17th, 2012
6:36 am
how many days til spring training? go bravos.
Baked a ham its ready
December 17th, 2012
6:40 am
Amazin we win NBC can’t take it we win NFL brats and sanders and other clod just act as if Giants lost barely….in plain words we have dorks at radio still poopy here…Hell if falcons won super bowl in New Orleans they would say if we Play New england they had some people hurt is why they lost are if we played denver n won SB it be from CBS ..well Payton was hurt from losin his top wide outs….If Houston was beatin…they would say Texans are young team just gettin feet wet…are if we beat SF for NFC game Fox and crew and that fellow in booth would say due to QB problem there!
green bay packers 13 nfl championships
December 17th, 2012
6:44 am
before you crown them champs lets see how they do in the playoffs
Lil' Barry Bailout
December 17th, 2012
7:00 am
Thanks for applying the patented Mark Bradley Kiss of Death!
dnice
December 17th, 2012
7:15 am
Great win! But they still have one HUGE problem: They can’t gain 1 yard when they need to sustain a drive or score a touch down. Like the lady said, “running game has got to improve” if they want to go deep into the playoffs.
ramblingbuzz
December 17th, 2012
7:26 am
Snelling needs more carries. Turner played the first quarter like a man possessed. Then…………what happened? The Giants are defending champs but they may not be as good as advertised. Great win nevertheless. Falcs need home field in the playoffs.
The Falcons’ domination, adroit Asante and one great play | Mark Bradley
December 17th, 2012
7:32 am
[...] This post is an adjunct to the game column, which can be found by clicking here. [...]
Whiskey Breath
December 17th, 2012
7:35 am
Although I would like to give all credit to the Falcons, the Giants had their mind on something else.
I imagine the shootings were a little too close to home. I have never seen the Giants play that flat.
When was the last time they didn’t score a point?
The Falcons’ domination, adroit Asante and one great play | Up to the hour news
December 17th, 2012
7:40 am
[...] This post is an adjunct to the game column, which can be found by clicking here. [...]
Whadda Ya Know?
December 17th, 2012
7:43 am
Whiskey Breath…just go back to drinking and curl up in a corner somewhere. You sound as retarded as the talking heads making ish up.
Getaway
December 17th, 2012
8:02 am
Johnny Vaught – ROTFLMAO, do you even realize how ignorant you comments @7:39 are?
You excuse the Giants for being “flat” when they haven’t secured anything yet. They were playing for their post-season lives yesterday. Yet slammed the Falcons for losing to the Panthers, even though they have already secured a playoff spot and likely homefield advantage throughout.
Those three teams you threw out? ATL has already beat one of them, and all three of them have had ugly loses to descent teams and are by no means unbeatable.
Getaway
December 17th, 2012
8:08 am
Oh yes, lest I forget, I want to thank Dimitrof for resigning Thomas DeCoud. I saw the ballhawk in him and I’m thrilled that they have him and Moore, as well as a defensive backfield that can gamble on jumping a route every once in a while. Hope had a good game yesterday as well.
Defense wins Titles
December 17th, 2012
8:08 am
Great Job My Falcons. Win the next two with preparation. Take a week off to heal, Play two games @ Georgia Dome. Defend our Turf. Super Bowl Championship for Your Fans. Rings to wear forever more. GM TD, 2013 NFL Draft, get 3 Starters for most needed positions. Draft 4 tough back ups and special teams players. Keep building. Use Free Agency, whatever. Next years team needs to be better. Thanks again for making me proud to be A Falcon Fan.
Some People...
December 17th, 2012
8:13 am
Really? Their minds were somewhere else? These guys are pros.That arguement is ludicrous. Carolina beat down Atlanta? They lost by 10 points. And people that say they will be one and done…guaranteed. The arguement you would make is just a lazy arguement. Give us something more tangible. And if you’re from the future can you give me some lotto numbers.
Defense wins Titles
December 17th, 2012
8:36 am
Falcons, your fans are not satisfied. 5 more wins 17-2. Big Trophy. Parade. Magazines. Matty Ice to Disney World. “Etc. Just Win Baby.
MONKATL
December 17th, 2012
8:49 am
BOTTOM LINE…………FALCONS ROSE UP!!!
Wutehvah
December 17th, 2012
9:02 am
A GREAT win for sure, but… We still gotta win in the playoffs. Lots of work to do.
Go FALCONS!!
colelinski
December 17th, 2012
9:08 am
Dear Tony G.
I don’t jump on or off the bandwagon. I, like many Falcon fans, get frustated when youall play or
don’t play as you did in the Carolina game. I’ve been a fan since 1966, so I’ve suffered through
many dredful seasons. So when you fellows regress as you did against Carolina, it gives fans
memories of all the failures the Falcon team has handed to us. So when you speak just think of
all the times the team has let its fans down. And until you Falcons prove different, this will always
be on a fans mind. We always say oh no here it goes again.
Are they THAT good
December 17th, 2012
9:18 am
This sounds strangely like when Georgia beat Hawaii, and everyone thought the Dogs were world beaters. Hawaii wasn’t that good. Is NY – on the road – that good? I don’t think this was the “proof” game it’s being touted as. But at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Teacher Tom
December 17th, 2012
10:17 am
If the Falcons played in LA, NYC or Chicago, they would have already been lauded with titles and “respect”. Its all about media markets and commercials.
Either way, the road to the Super Bowl will come thru Atlanta.
Ryder
December 17th, 2012
10:48 am
Validation only comes with the Lombardi Trophy.
Kramer
December 17th, 2012
10:50 am
Like I have been saying for weeks there is no one team that is dominating the NFC, except for the Falcons. The 49ers have lost to the Vikings, Giants, the Rams and, have tied the Rams. The Packers have lost to the 49ers, Seahawks, Colts, and the Giants. These two teams get mentioned from the blow hards at espn and the nfl network as the teams to beat in the NFC. Really?
Gamer
December 17th, 2012
11:01 am
Falcons D keep outmanning the Mannings…..Falcons manning up to the future hall of famer Mannings quarterbacks….Headlining Game…….Falcons played a very physical game against one of the most NFL’s physical team(G-Men)…..
Even HD show some courage in his routes……A fantastic win…….Matt Ryan did a great job in his reads…….Fabulous Win….
One more win for TOP SEED….Home field advantage through NFC playoff….Home Sweet Dome inside the Georgia Dome!!!!!
Falcons on three, DOMINATE!!!!!!
shannyeight
December 17th, 2012
11:49 am
excuses are as good/bad as the people that make em…face facts- Falcons beat the snot out of the Giants…a giants team everyone SWORE was “starting to heat up” after they demolished the Saints- yet ANOTHER team everyone swore “was starting to heat up”.
excuses are just that what they are- excuses.
The Truth
December 17th, 2012
1:10 pm
Keep Jason Snelling. He has time and time again proven his worth.
Get him in on some more plays too.
Falcons, stay angry and focused.
A Super sign? The Falcons have flummoxed three elite QB’s | Mark Bradley
December 17th, 2012
1:14 pm
[...] Each time, the Falcons’ pass defense produced a superlative. Against the Broncos on Sept. 17, the Falcons became only the second team to intercept three P. Manning passes in the first quarter. Against the Saints on Nov. 29, they intercepted five Brees passes — a career worst for him — and broke his NFL-record streak of 54 games with a touchdown pass. Against the Giants on Sunday, they authored the first shutout loss ever suffered by E. Manning. [...]
Buzzman
December 17th, 2012
1:19 pm
Let’s just take one game at a time, Smitty needs to keep everyone in focus, like I have said before any team can beat any time on any given day. Falcon’s make us proud!!! Been watching you since the 60’s, would like to win one Super Bowl before I expire (that is one of my bucket lists)………
phil
December 17th, 2012
5:36 pm
We’re doomed!
DePlane
December 17th, 2012
7:34 pm
Who is Chris Hope?
Chris Hope is a veteran safety in this league drafted by the Steelers in 2002 and started 16 of 16 games in 04 and 05. He was signed by the Titans and started every game for them from 06 through 2010. He played in 10 games on 2011 and signed with the Falcons in 2012. Dude is a baller with 20 career interceptions and 700 tackles. He won a Super Bowl with the Steelers.
In 2007 dude suffered a spinal chord injury. Played the next 3 yrs as the Titans SS who won the AFC South in 2008. He played a great game last night. Another TD pickup that paid out some big dividends.
Falcons Flyover: December 17, 2012 FEATURED FALCONS LINK | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
December 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
[...] Trading PlacesSunday’s contest was, for all intents and purposes, the bizarro version of last January’s playoff matchup between these two teams. This time around, the Falcons made all the big played and racked up the points; conversely, the Giants’ offense was shut out and failed to convert multiple fourth down attempts. [...]
Heat Check: History says 14-2 Falcons would be Super lock | Mark Bradley
December 18th, 2012
9:24 am
[...] Beat the reigning Super Bowl champion 34-0, which, according to Elias, is the worst shutout loss ever suffered by a reigning Super Bowl [...]
UGA, Tech and the Falcons as division champs? I called it | Mark Bradley
December 20th, 2012
3:47 pm
[...] I am on record — both written and video’d — as picking the Falcons to go to the Super Bowl (in the video) and win the [...]