In losing a nothing game, the Falcons risked losing far more
Presenting the scariest sight of a mostly sublime regular season. (AJC photo by Johnny Crawford)
For the coach of a team that cannot improve its playoff positioning, there’s no right way to approach a game that doesn’t matter. If you rest your starters, you chance an edge being lost. If you play them, you leave yourself open to the vagaries of football. Mike Smith stated his intentions — the Falcons would play to win — and stuck to his word. Give him that, if nothing else.
With 11:42 remaining in the regular season, the Falcons’ only real pass rusher was helped from the field after getting tangled with teammate Peria Jerry. John Abraham exited with a bad ankle, and right about here folks stopped seeing Smith as the coach who can’t get it right on fourth-and-1 and started castigating him as the guy who’d sacrificed a key asset in a game of no value.
Already cornerback Dunta Robinson had been taken the locker room with an injury — he’d led with his head yet again — and Asante Samuel, the other corner, had done his weekly limp-off-and-return. Matt Ryan, on whom everything depends, had absorbed a series of frightful hits. And all this for what? To finish 14-2, as opposed to 13-3? To win a game whose result would be forgotten 10 seconds after the final whistle?
“It’s up to the coach,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said, speaking of the approach to such a negligible game. “He told us what his plans were. It was no secret. We just got beat.”
The Falcons played to win and lost anyway. No big deal. What could be a huge deal is if the availability of Abraham and/or Robinson for the playoff opener is compromised by the injuries sustained in Game 16.
Of Abraham, Smith said: “The early report is that it’s minor. We’re not overly concerned … Tomorrow we’ll know a whole lot more.”
Of Robinson: “Dunta, I think, will be fine.”
Then this: “We’ve got two weeks. That’s why we play these 16 games, to get that bye. There’s a big advantage not having to line up in six or seven days and go play in the second season.”
Since the Falcons convened in July, they’ve known that nothing they accomplished in this regular season — even if they wound up with the NFL’s best record, which is what happened — would register if they can’t win a playoff game. That’s what made Sunday’s doings so weird: With the precious playoffs almost at hand, they got caught up in the meaningless.
The good news was that neither injury appears as bad as it might have been. “I’m fine,” Robinson said in the locker room. “But they’ve (meaning publicists, citing a team rule about injured players giving interviews) gagged me.”
Privately, Falcons officials were relieved that Abraham’s ankle left ankle didn’t swell. But the left ankle is rather essential for a right defensive end, and the Falcons will need Abraham at full gallop if they’re to win the Super Bowl.
Said free safety Thomas DeCoud: “That’s one guy you definitely don’t want getting hurt.”
Asked about the insistence on playing the starters the entire game, DeCoud said: “It’s a Catch-22. If you play them and somebody gets hurt, everyone points the finger.”
The belief here is that Smith dared too greatly, that he assumed way too much risk for very little reward. In his defense, history offers little guidance on the issue of regular-season momentum vis-a-vis postseason success.
The past two Super Bowl champs (Packers and Giants) had to win Games 15 and 16 just to reach the postseason, and neither had a Round 1 bye. The 2009 Saints lost their final three regular-season games and still won the Super Bowl. The 2007 Patriots went flat-out in their regular-season finale against the Giants to get to 16-0 but were beaten in the Super Bowl by the same Giants. The 2005 Colts were 14-0 but chose to play Peyton Manning sparingly in Games 15 and 16 (losing both) and were ousted in their first playoff game.
To no great surprise, the Falcons appeared caught between Sunday. They weren’t quite sure how hard to try, so they wound up falling 13 points behind a Tampa Bay team that hadn’t won since Nov. 18. The inevitable — inevitable when you consider that Ryan took every offensive snap — rally fell a touchdown short.
Again, no big deal. And it’s possible that Sunday’s injuries won’t amount to much and the Flowery Branch Birds will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy five weeks hence. Still, a game of no consequence needn’t have spawned such drama.
“I didn’t even see John,” Jerry said, speaking of his collision with Abraham. “I heard him make an unusual noise and turned to see him holding his ankle.”
It isn’t known whether Mike Smith, seeing the same image, likewise made a noise. We can, however, guess what his words might have been.
Further reading: As for the game itself, it was pretty crummy, too.
By Mark Bradley
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321 comments Add your comment
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:15 pm
I walked 6 on the treadmill while the game was on… Son, unless you can drop 6 of those at 4:42 pace, Sssssssssh!!!
DawgNole
December 30th, 2012
8:16 pm
cc
December 30th, 2012
7:56 pm
So yes, in a game where absolutely nothing is gained from winning, they risked too much.
____________________
There is no such thing as a game in which absolutely nothing is gained from winning. Only losing gains you nothing.
4DaBirds
December 30th, 2012
8:16 pm
If Abrahams ankle was broken, we’d already know it. Dunta was looking alright as he left the field. No concussion there. The team will be ready in 2 weeks.
Eric C.
December 30th, 2012
8:17 pm
Washington followed by SF would be the best chance for the Falcons to reach the SB.
DawgNole
December 30th, 2012
8:20 pm
phil
December 30th, 2012
7:57 pm
Got in my 4 mile run after we lost…..
How many of you other lard butts did that today?
_______________________
And oh how I wish I could’ve joined you! After 26 years of running, had to give it up 4 years ago. Hip, feet/ankles broke down.
Latest foot surgery Oct 2. Today I got in my 5-minute WALK at halftime. Delighted to do so w/o pain. Hoping the New Year brings even better news.
Hillbilly D
December 30th, 2012
8:20 pm
Dunta was looking alright as he left the field. No concussion there.
I’ve had concussions before and you can’t always tell at a glance (unless it’s you). Hopefully, he doesn’t have one but you never know.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:21 pm
Hillbilly!!! Ha ha, don’t think too hard, they might have extra clips unfortunately!!!
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:22 pm
That fool has a concussion
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:23 pm
Losing the last game of the Season was the gift horse in the mouth for the Falcons……………….now they have to live with the taste of losing at home for two whole weeks ………….and you think this team will not be fired up to win that playoff game?
I hate Sunday nite football.the announcers suck………………………
RB
December 30th, 2012
8:23 pm
Anyone who saw how Abe rolled back onto his ankle with Jerry’s weight bearing down on him could see it was not minor. I don’t trust what Smitty said. We will know the truth soon.
Hillbilly D
December 30th, 2012
8:25 pm
In all seriousness, somebody needs to teach Dunta to stop leading with his head.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:27 pm
DawgNole you’re lucky, I had an Intra-articular fracture with 5 screws back in 94… Luckily they finally approved the total ankle replacement here in the US in 2009… Take care of that ankle!!!
DawgNole
December 30th, 2012
8:29 pm
tyger
December 30th, 2012
8:11 pm
The risk is being “EXPOSED”…
- Champions put chumps away early…
– No risk in playing starters…it’s football!
– If you’re scared – QUIT!!!
- This is horrible…
– Loss to below .500 team at home…
– ATL hasnt won playoff game since Vick…
- No excuses…flat my arse!
– They couldnt beat the Bucs!
– It wasnt a fluke, no Hail Mary’s, no miracles!!!
- They punched the Falcons in the mouth…
– And they rolled over…in their house!!!
___________________
I hate it, but I agree.
k483
December 30th, 2012
8:30 pm
Okay, I have a question here: How far should the Falcons look forward in a game like this? It would seem like a good thing for them to lose a non-consequential division game, because wouldn’t that boost Tampa Bay’s position in the final standings and thus put them in a worse draft position and potentially make them less competitive next year and perhaps coming years? Or is something like that too forward thinking?
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:30 pm
lol at London Fletcher…………………like the Skins to beat the Cowgirls
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:30 pm
He should have learned after that DeSean Jackson hit, instead it was applauded on these blogs… His brain is going to be a case study if he’s not careful…
SFalc
December 30th, 2012
8:33 pm
the falcons were just flat against lowly tampa, expecting an easy win—they’ll be on fire in the playoffs. ATL beats Green bay for the nfc title—bet the house!
Larry
December 30th, 2012
8:34 pm
Glass half empty crowd,
We lost a meaningless game with most of our guys (especially the OL) giving 75% effort to a division rival. That’s it. That’s all it is. Repeat: that’s all it is, nothing more.
We are still the number 1 seed and we will have a playoff game in two weeks with a great shot to win it. And despite your negative, whiney, pessimistic predictions, the best team will win that day and it will have absolutely nothing to do with today’s game or last year’s playoff loss. You may not realize this but both teams that play will be playoff teams and both teams want to win equally so may the best team win.
Grow up!
Michael "the coach killer" Vick
December 30th, 2012
8:36 pm
bye Andy Reid, thanks for hanging your hopes on my terrible butt.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:36 pm
Tampa is not going to be hurt by winning a game to get to 7-9, they have around $14 million cap space thanks to the Talib trade… They can actually get into the Grimes sweepstakes now if the Falcons cut him loose…
sorry failcants
December 30th, 2012
8:37 pm
get ready for another one and done
Eastpoint
December 30th, 2012
8:37 pm
Smitty wanted to play starters entire game and win, but the problem was that the starters didn’t want to play in this meaningless game and decided not to play hard.
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:38 pm
Cowgirls getting ready to kick a fieldgoal,woops picked off………………….lmao
@ SFalc ………..I would think Atlanta would really be up to the challenge to whip the Packers in a revenge game for a few years back……………………
child please
December 30th, 2012
8:39 pm
sfalc- will yuou bet your house? You and I both know the falcons are not the best team in the nfc. I’d bet my house, they lose in the first round.
5250 UOAD
December 30th, 2012
8:40 pm
Falcons were terrible! Will lose playoff game!
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:41 pm
Just think how dangerous Atlanta would be if they had a back like the Redskins do……………………………………….
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:42 pm
Ah, here come the deflectors… I guess Whisenhunt, Gregg Knapp and Bob Bratkowski can use that line tomorrow when they are shown the “Cam Cameron Memorial Door, and the foot guiding them out of it” in the morning huh?
JSS
December 30th, 2012
8:45 pm
“Just think how dangerous Atlanta would be if they had a O-Line to zone block like the Redskins do…”
dennis
December 30th, 2012
8:47 pm
Quit saying no big deal..they played to win and got beat.
backatcha
December 30th, 2012
8:47 pm
Hello fellow Georgians,
We need to chill! The culture Mike Smith has established for the Falcons is unprecedented!!! We are significantly better from a year ago, & Coach did what he felt was best for the team & what worked for teams in the past! Operating experience (conventional wisdom) says that this was not a bad loss! We usually come back stronger when we lose! There are obvious areas to focus on for the next two weeks. It is extremely difficult to prepare when you’re on top. Now Coach Smith has true momentum (things to nag about for the next couple of weeks)! The last thing we need is overconfidence or complacency especially when everyone is pretty much on an even playing field. This is a different Falcons team & this might be our year. One game at a time though & relax guys!!!
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:48 pm
RUSHING
NAME
Michael Turner 216 - 782
Jacquizz Rodgers 89 - 334
Not near what they need
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:51 pm
Quizz is 1/3 the size of Turner and he has almost half the yards Tuner does……………….lol at JSS
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
8:54 pm
Romo just threw da bomb for a interception………..what a beautiful hang time he put on it too…………………………….lmao…..look like a kickoff
Larry
December 30th, 2012
8:54 pm
One knows what they’re dealing with when a card carrying member of the negative, angry, jealous, resentful glass half empty clan refers to those who want success for the Falcons as “deflectors.” Perhpas he meant detractors.
graphite
December 30th, 2012
8:55 pm
The Falcods are playing like the old Falcods did.Who would pay money to see this junk?
Fred Garvin
December 30th, 2012
8:55 pm
when is the last time the Falcons lost 2 in a row at home, JSS,, anyone?
Riggins
December 30th, 2012
8:58 pm
RG Peter Konz was manhandled and abused by an inferior opponent. He was flat run over. Matt’s livelihood is in danger. Thus, another poor showing from the offensive line. This should not happen at this point. The positive thing that the Falcons can take away from this game is: knowing how bad their offensive line is, and compensate accordingly. Put second string guys in to do the job-if neccessary. Last time it was Matt’s left side with Sam Baker; now it’s his right side with Konz. If the Falcons don’t get that issue resolved-and I don’t know if they will-they are one and done for the 5th time and Mike Smith will be let go.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
9:00 pm
2009…
Fred Garvin
December 30th, 2012
9:01 pm
Great points Riggins, The question is the coaching smart enough to make adjustments,, we shall see.
4 Jacks
December 30th, 2012
9:01 pm
I appreciate everything coach Smith has done for the Falcon organization and until today I thought he was a fairly smart man, but in a game that had no and I mean NO playoff implications for either team the man proved to be a complete idiot or fool. To be playing and risking injury to Ryan, Samuel, Abraham and more is just plain STUPID. Please spare me the reasoning for it, it was PLAIN STUPID, and if I am the owner I would like an explanation I coule live with or t least a couple of playoff victories…Can’t beleive he risked all these guys to injury for absolutely NOTHING.
Fred Garvin
December 30th, 2012
9:02 pm
Thank you JSS
JSS
December 30th, 2012
9:02 pm
You folks are always fond of saying: “there is always a first time”
And second, and as we know a third…
phil
December 30th, 2012
9:02 pm
Macon Fan
December 30th, 2012
8:10 pm
Got in my 4 mile run after we lost…..
How many of you other lard butts did that today?
I ran 8, lard butt.
******
i probably know you since i too am a macon fan…fat boy.
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
9:03 pm
Falcons wont go one n done this year…………..aint happening, the loss today will wake em up for the playoffs…………………….
FanBeforeBartkowski
December 30th, 2012
9:03 pm
Its not so much the decision Coach Smith made, rather the performance on the field. What a way to go into the most important playoffs in Falcons history due to the lofty expectations for this team. Throughout their history, something always derails them in some kind of fashion. Honestly, is any long time fan surprised by what happened today. All week we heard about not taking the foot off the gas, and they go out and look like dog crap against a team that has lost the last 5, and several key players get hurt. Some franchises are just “snake bit” and may never get over the hump. I hope the Falcons are not one of them.
Cheese Gritz Blitz
December 30th, 2012
9:06 pm
This game was so dumb. When I saw the score I thought they rested the starters but that makes too much sense. How do you lose AT HOME to TAMPA BAY heading into the playoffs? I smell a one and out again for this years post season.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
9:06 pm
phil, we got to have Nu-Ways before next season… That’ll really get them talking!
phil
December 30th, 2012
9:09 pm
LOL!
Those Nu-ways are awesome.
Larry
December 30th, 2012
9:09 pm
So Smith will be let go if he loses the next game after his second 13-3 season in three years ,3rd consecutive playoffs and and the second all time greatest W/L record in his first five years in NFL history.
The utter, unabashed ignorance on here is nothing short of amazing. These are the type of men that leave a trail of wive and children behind them when the going gets tough…or when they simply get bored.
Grow up!
phil
December 30th, 2012
9:10 pm
The more I think about it, our offense could not have been much worse today…
It was just awful.