Live from Falcons-Bucs: A mighty tough game to manage
Were I coaching, this Falcon stalwart would do a lot of watching in Game 16. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Mike Smith, who coaches the Falcons, says he’s playing to win Game 16, even though Game 16 means absolutely nothing. The Falcons know when (two weeks hence) and where (here) they’ll be playing next, and they know they don’t have to leave town to qualify for the Super Bowl.
As much as you can say that winning sets a tone, I’d suggest that tone has been sounded in Games 1-15. And there’s no compelling history on whether winning a Game 16 that doesn’t matter makes one smidgen of difference come the playoffs.
In 2007 the Patriots won their final regular-season game to get to 16-0 … but a month later they lost the Super Bowl to the team they’d beaten in Game 16. Last year the Packers won Game 16 behind their backup quarterback Matt Flynn to get to 15-1 … and lost their first postseason game.
If the Falcons beat the Buccaneers 45-24 today — that was the score in Game 16 last season, whereupon the Falcons went to the Meadowlands for the playoffs and lost 24-2 — it will make no different when next the Birds play. That game will matter. This one doesn’t. Me, I’d probably play the starters a half and let the JV’s finish, but that’s just me. And Mike Smith hasn’t dropped a hint as to his plans.
Whatever happens, I’ll be here to observe and report, and I’d appreciate your company. And let me wish one and all a belated Merry Christmas and a heartfelt Happy New Year.
By Mark Bradley
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1,049 comments Add your comment
Roy
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
Well damn. Somebody pissed Turner off.
If this is how they play to win...
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
I would sure hate to see how they play to lose. Smitty sure fooled everyone into thinking they were actually going to put forth some effort today.
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
A meaningless touchdown….
Who cares.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
Too funny…
MenVsBoys
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
Now THAT is what a physical back is SUPPOSED to do!
NFC South Champs
December 30th, 2012
3:05 pm
Go Away Fake Falcon Fans .
1990_Champs_GT
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
Turner with a TD. Way to show up. It’s just the last week of the season…
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
Here we go again……………..another late comeback trying to win………………..lmao
DawgNole
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
FINALLY! Now get the hell off your lazy, uninspired azzes and finish this thing off!!
Falcon Flap
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
Now take the starters out.
BobDawg
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
Turner may be our secret weapon going into the playoffs with rested legs…
Mark Bradley
December 30th, 2012
3:06 pm
Just want to be clear: If the Falcons win this game 17-16, will that mean they’re a lock to win the Super Bowl because of pride/momentum?
BobDawg
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
Phil = E-or…..
kingdaddy
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
LOL, signs of a pulse???
NFC South Champs
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
who cares about your team, the sAints, phil ?
JSS
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
Didn’t piss him off, an actual hole…
jo
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
Well done. Need more D now
Roy
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
I wish everybody would STFU about “oh we’re afraid to lose a player”…nobody has gotten hurt all year and now they are in the final game of the year?! Get over yourself! Win every damn game you can!
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
Glad to see some effort there….
Meaningless though it obviously is to our satisfied with losing fanbase and beat writers.
Jimmy Crack
December 30th, 2012
3:07 pm
Asante Samuel…MVP.
falconcritizer2012
December 30th, 2012
3:08 pm
whoppee
NFC South Champs
December 30th, 2012
3:08 pm
phil is a Falcons fan, laugh out load.
1990_Champs_GT
December 30th, 2012
3:08 pm
Smith didn’t fool me. It depends on what your definition of “playing to win” is. I’m a Tech fan and Paul Johnson’s definition is certainly different than mine…
Falcon Flap
December 30th, 2012
3:08 pm
I got my tickets thursday morning at 10am.Looking forward to seeing a fired up and sharp team in two weeks.
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Funny, JSS….
Most of these idiots don’t grasp the notion that it often takes some blocking up front to run the ball.
DawgNole
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Mark Bradley
December 30th, 2012
2:43 pm
Talked to a man who works for the Falcons at halftime. Said he dreaded this game, for the basic reason than that nothing good could come of it. Even if you win, so what?
______________________
“Even if you win, so what?” Wow, hard for me to even comprehend that. It’s exactly the line of thinking that’s earned this city the label of “Losersville” though–I do know that.
jo
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Mark, a victory keeps momentum, and shows commitment to winning. Most of us would feel better about their chances if they act like they care.
NFC South Champs
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
The only damn team that has already earned the best record and home field and all these punks are running their mouth.
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Superbowl Mark ????
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Great shot of all those fans who don’t care if we win or not…..
BobDawg
December 30th, 2012
3:09 pm
Phil.. you really do sound like E-Orr…. or my always malcontented Cousin…
Mark Bradley
December 30th, 2012
3:10 pm
The Falcons might not win in two weeks, but I know for sure they’ll be ready to play.
oldfart
December 30th, 2012
3:10 pm
Now to keep the commish and Vegas from getting PO’d the key players all need to develop a sudden stomach virus.
MenVsBoys
December 30th, 2012
3:10 pm
Win or lose, I just want my team to play smart, physical football. Haven’t seen much of that today.
Roy
December 30th, 2012
3:10 pm
Giants might make the playoffs. Even if the Bears make it, they don’t deserve to be there. They are no good.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
3:10 pm
What is Stockton’s spotter doing?
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
What idiots our fans are…..cheering? Why?
eddie willers
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
Just want to be clear: If the Falcons win this game 17-16, will that mean they’re a lock to win the Super Bowl because of pride/momentum?
We’ll put in the subs…win 17-16 and the brain trust whiners who dominate this blog will insist we should start the subs in the playoffs since they “have the momentum” and a “winning attitude”.
Roy
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
The coverage sure is loose.
Michael M.
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
lol
Roy
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
Piss poor tackling.
Mark Bradley
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
Not much defense applied on that drive, I have to concede.
JSS
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
And there’s why he’s not going to a Pro Bowl!!!
J.J.M.
December 30th, 2012
3:11 pm
lol this defense….
jo
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
There goes our momentum…pathetic….absolutely pathetic tackling.
1990_Champs_GT
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
That guy, is it Steroid Rodent? He sure looks good when he plays us.
Back to beating the deceased horse: Why are the starters even on the field?
Mark Bradley
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
Looked like the Falcons started blitzing and paid for it.
falconcritizer2012
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
tampa bay lookes more like a champion than the pretenders…………
playmeortrademe
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
And those that think being sharp has anything to do with today. Being sharp is about having a great game plan and great practices after you learn who the opponent will be. If anything, this game will wear guys down. Guys don’t even want to hit anybody, very little hitting today.
phil
December 30th, 2012
3:12 pm
Like they were ready last year, Mark?
Like they were ready in 2010?
In 2008?
You mean like that?