Falcons/Saints game Monday is the biggest cable telecast of the year
Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrates the victory over the Falcons Monday night. CREDIT: Johnny Crawford/jcrawford@ajc.com
A big game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints Monday equaled huge viewership locally and nationally.
It drew more than half the TVs that were on in metro Atlanta and more than one-third of the entire local population. It was also the highest rated football game in Atlanta on record, according to Zap2it.com.
The game, which ended with the Saints winning 17-14 in the final minutes, aired on both ESPN as a “Monday Night Football” telecast and Channel 2 WSB-TV. Combined, the two networks brought in a whopping 37.2 rating, about three times larger than a typical top-rated show and equates to more than 1.5 million viewers. And of TVs that were on Monday night, 54 percent were tuned to the game.
Nationally, the game drew 19.1 million viewers on ESPN alone, according to Nielsen ratings. That’s the highest rated cable telecast of the year and third biggest ever. (Nine of the top 10 cable telecasts of all time are NFL football games. The only non-football telecast? “High School Musical 2″ from 2007 on the Disney Channel makes it into the top 10.)
NFL has been on a roll this year, showing increased ratings across the board. ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” averaged 14.7 million viewers through 15 weeks, on its way to its best year ever on that network. NFL Network’s Thursday night football games have averaged 5.7 million, the best in its five-year history.
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By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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115 comments Add your comment
Cam
December 29th, 2010
5:31 pm
The Saints offense didn’t even play well and still won. Brees even spotted the Falcons a pick six and still the Saints won. What happened to Matty Ice? he didn’t have to score 3 TDS in 8 minutes, just ONE in 4! What gives?
Waffle House Gritz Blitz
December 29th, 2010
5:47 pm
No!!!!! Would have been great to win with that kind of exposure.
falconfan 24-7
December 29th, 2010
5:55 pm
@ regina W
You should have reported them to security and they would have been removed from the Dome. They have a number for you text during the game to deal with such idiots.
falconfan 24-7
December 29th, 2010
5:56 pm
@ Falcon fans
Do you really expect the Aints fans to behave after growing up in a criminal haven such as NO. C’mon man.
falconfan 24-7
December 29th, 2010
5:59 pm
The Aints beat us by three at our place. We beat the Aints by 3 in their place. We are in 1st place and the Aints are currently sucking hind tit as a # 5 wildcard seed. It’s lonely at the top, baby. Go Falcons. The sweetest seed is the 1st seed.
Bird Droppings IV
December 29th, 2010
6:02 pm
Drew Brees is an interception throwing machine with 21 for the season. He is overrated and should have not been selected for the Pro Bowl. Aaron Rodgers is more deserving.He continues to benefit as a result of sympathy in lieu of Katrina.
Bigg Bird
December 29th, 2010
6:09 pm
The Aints stinked up our Dome once again. Could you guys please wash your bodies? Wearing all that black adds to the stint.
Cam
December 29th, 2010
6:13 pm
Only fools would try and taunt about having the #1 seed to the team that won the Lombardi already while the Falcons haven’t won a play off game since 2004.
Birdwatcher 84
December 29th, 2010
6:14 pm
We are still ranked second in the power rankings behind the Patriots. Clearly, the 3 point loss was meaningless for us. The Aints needed the win to get in the Playoffs.How does hind tit taste, Aints?
falconfan 24-7
December 29th, 2010
6:18 pm
@ Cam
Don’t hate. If you knew anything about football, you would know that the # 1 seed is a big deal. It symbolizes the best team in the Conference having the best record. That be the 2010 Atlanta Falcons.The Aints were the 2009 Super Bowl Champions.Rise Up.
Bird Droppings IV
December 29th, 2010
6:22 pm
The Aints do not have a running game because Reggie Bush is still pouting after losing Kim and the Heisman.
Roddy White Jr
December 29th, 2010
6:25 pm
France knew what they was doing when they sold us NO. Is it possible to give NO back to the French?This is the worst deal in the history of our country.
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
6:28 pm
While reading all of these posts I noticed something very common among the Falcon fans. Instead of discussing what actually happend during the game and debating those points you choose to arrogantly talk about better your city is compared to ours.
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
6:37 pm
After skimming through all of the previsous posts I noticed something very common among Falcons fans. Instead of staying on the subject and talking about the game you all want to go off like little school kids and talk about how much better your city is better than ours and how inferior we are to you all, and how can people cheer for Michael Vick. Well, I was at the game when the Falcons beat us in New Orleans. And there were thousands of Falcons fans there acting a complete fool. We didn’t heckle them at all. We simply gave them high fives and congradulated them on the game. So stop acting like spoiled kids and give props when they are due.
Almedin
December 29th, 2010
6:39 pm
Who cares if the Falcons lost against the Saints? The Falcons still play in a better city and the people in Atlanta would be smart enough to leave the city if a natural disater were to come.
Almedin
December 29th, 2010
6:39 pm
Dep Dog your fans talk trash too. Why the double standard?
derek brown
December 29th, 2010
6:47 pm
@..Quackers..New Orleans does have it’s share of criminals, right up there with DeKalb county. But no doubt, ATL wins the crown for the GAYest city in the country. Now that’s a badge ya’ll can all embrace, even closeted Roddy White. Who Dat
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
6:52 pm
Almedin, if you don’t care about who won or lost the game why are you on this blog? And what does knowing when to evacuate have to do with the game on Monday?
Lastly, I know our fans talk trash (just like every fan base in sports does). I was just pointing out that some of our fans also know how to give congrats when we lose.
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
6:58 pm
Derek Brown, I wasn’t even about to go there. Their city is so righteous yet they got thousands of men walking around wearing punk panties (in public) and they are the home of the REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA!! OMG. I guess you’re right, Atlanta does have high moral, classy standards. And oh BTW, since there is so much hate being slung around about Michael Vick on here, where is the hate on ol boy Big Ben, who raped a girl just down the road in good ole Georgia?
derek brown
December 29th, 2010
7:00 pm
@ Regina W
I am a Saints Season ticket holder and you would not be proud of the caliber of Falcon fans that come to NOLA for the game. They act EXACTLY like you described the Saints fans to act. The vast majority of falcon fans that come to the New Orleans for the game are low life, trash mouthed ghetto caliber folks that you wouldnt want to sit next to in your own stadium. I know there are better folks in ATL then what I see at the game so at least recognize that what you are seeing is not representative of the Who Dat nation. You can’t be that simple, dear!
HAHA
December 29th, 2010
7:18 pm
It should have been a win for the Falcons. A lot of bad calls—-the refers really wanted the Saints to win and so did the commentators. Wow, the comments made throughout the game praising the Saints was almost enough to make you sick. I thought those calling a game were to be neutral, they were not. Drew and his coach know deep in their hearts, they were given a win
Still proud of the Falcons–you can do it!!!!
Hoodwink
December 29th, 2010
7:23 pm
@hiramsaint – Let me know if you want to hang out. We can be all tough and growl at the Falcons when we talk about them. You little angry thing. I’ll be back in Atlanta next week. I just love my little saints fan.
Clarence
December 29th, 2010
7:24 pm
Very funny!
D-Man
December 29th, 2010
7:29 pm
The tide is turning…all of America is finally tuning on this Falcons team and these ratings prove we got something great going on. Out of the 30 yrs I’ve been a Falcon fan, I’ve seen all the ebbs and flows but never have I’ve seen where these Birds were given props after a loss before. Even more surprising is that a lot of those props came from this so-called skeptical fairweather Atlanta fanbase. As long as I can remember it’s been a “wait n see” attitude where the other foot was always being waited on to drop and understandably so cause it has dropped more than a quite a few times around here. When it does drop in the form of a loss or better yet a very disappointing loss the bandwagon usually empties faster than rats on a sinking ship. This is THE first time I’ve ever seen that NOT happen. I was torn by Monday’s loss but the next day when I heard nothing but positive comments and a good vibe from fans around town I got over it quick and for the first time this season (not even during the 8-game win streak) I got that “this is it” feeling. The culture may actually be changing. Our time may actually be upon us. If you can make Atlanta fans stay down with the team after a loss, ESPECIALLY a loss to a team we wanted to beat so bad but didn’t- SOMETHING SPECIAL IS HAPPENING PEOPLE. So Arthur Blank, hats off to you- if your goal was to “change the culture” around this Falcons franchise I believe your mission is being accomplished my man!
GO FALCONS!!!
derek brown
December 29th, 2010
7:30 pm
@ stinkholeneworleans ..every dog has it day…i wouldnt wish even on a douche bag like you what some of the folks in New Orleans went through. You’re time is coming though..hope you can Rise Up….God don’t like UGLY>
Almedin
December 29th, 2010
7:31 pm
Dep I do care. We are in first so it doesn’t bother me but why are you on this blog?
RLM
December 29th, 2010
7:41 pm
@ Dep Dog…..Know what you are talking about before you classify Big Ben in the same category as MV7….2 Super Bowl Rings to NONE!!!!! And there were never charges filed against Big Ben where MV7 went to prison….They were innocent animals that he tortured, the girl in Milledgeville willing went into a VIP area at the club then went down a hall alone with BEN and what was she thinking????? The man has money and there were about a dozen of other girls in the VIP area so PLEASE know the facts before you spew them outta your mouth.
The Saints won a football game…..The Falcons just have to beat the worst team in the league in the Dome to be the #1 seed…..the Saints cannot afford to lose to TB and need ATL to lose to get ahead of them…..Best case scenerio is on the road for 3 games to get back to the SB…..Chances are slim. The first game against the NFC WEST should be easy but after that…..The Falcons, or the BEARS and neither will be easy.
I have been to NO and didnt lose anything there!!!! And as far as football goes I have never heard more biased annoucing or commentary than what I heard Monday night and then on Tuesday no props for Webb after he beat the Eagles???? C’MON MAN!!!!! MV7 and Brees are the media darlings just like Brady and Manning brothers are. Flacco and Rodgers beat by the Ryan led Falcons..and the Jets beat last year by the Ryan led Falcons…..Tose are your media hyped players and all Ryan does is play football and not make excuses. The Falcons will be contenders for years because of the Management and the same will be said about the Saints. Sean Payton is a good coach but Greg Williams may get another HC gig and what happens then? Mularkey leaves well you saw the offense Monday who will have the bigger loss there?
Later, Peace….See ya in the Dome during the Playoffs if you make it!!!!!
Nino Brown
December 29th, 2010
7:42 pm
What about how the commentators were kissing Matt Ryan’s butt on the Thurs nite game against the Ravens? 19-1 at home yet he has 0 playoff victories, 0 home playoff games played as of yet, 0 nfc championships and 0 superbowls. How is that possible????? You complain about the refs, when it’s the refs that are more responsible for your record than your team is. Falcon fans are the only ones bringing up Katrina. If you don’t want N.O. to get sympathy for it, STOP BRINGING IT UP!! Do N.O. fans bring up the fact that your Coach quit on his team and did a pig call the next day. That dog killer was YOUR FALCON DOG KILLER and he made your owner look like a fool. And now his jersey outsells current Falcons IN ATLANTA. Maybe you all should get off the blog and go support your team!!! That’s why the national media does not respect you. I would hate to see if a New York team was your rival. Falcon fans would make fun of 9/11 and the people that died on that day. Its for that reason why this city that was full of crime before katrina, will NEVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP! (So lost their campaign slogan has to tell them when to stand and cheer) RISE UP………AND SALUTE YOUR WORLD CHAMPION SAINTS!!!!!!
yall need
December 29th, 2010
7:50 pm
stop with the races comments dang
yall need
December 29th, 2010
7:51 pm
@ nino brown how long has ryan been in the league o.k then shutup
Amelia Island
December 29th, 2010
7:56 pm
Gooooooo Patriots………………………..
Lombardi trumps #1 Seed
December 29th, 2010
7:56 pm
Trying to out heckle the team WITH the Lombardi trophy doesn’t work if all you can claim is having the #1 seed TO the playoffs that haven’t even started yet.
derek brown
December 29th, 2010
8:23 pm
The Saints make the FG in OT at the Dome earlier this season, the records are reversed and we go in as the #1 seed…..and, should they lose to the Panthers, OMG…wouldn’t that just blow the panties off those “girls” downtown.
eturn
December 29th, 2010
8:23 pm
Was just checking out some of the comments and its its crazy. Here we are 3 years later, 12-3 record. Saints just won and took pictures on our Falcon emblem. And we talking about Mike Vick. Damn people get over it.
Nino Brown
December 29th, 2010
8:25 pm
@ yall need…..long enough to be 19-2 at home with nothing to show for it. This team will live or die on the effectiveness of Micheal Turner. And stop telling people to shut up on a blog. It amazes me how everyone wants to be a tough guy on a blog but are afraid that N.O. “refugees” will take over their city with crime. You would think that no one would be able to come into Atlanta and cause trouble with all you tough guys!!! Yeah right!! Go buy a Matt Ryan jersey (and not from Wal-Mart) Lol
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
8:25 pm
RLM, I respect your football point of view but don’t try pause on giving Big Ben a pass. You can say whatever about what happend at that club. But come on, this has happend twice. I understand the hate that’s being shot towards Vick; but I never hear anything said about Ben’s behavior. It’s like it never happend (twice). Nor do I hear anyone here talking about their hate for Babineaux, even though he was caught up with drugs. You all are correct, Atlanta sports teams do get overlooked by mainstream media. But don’t get mad at us We was in that same predicament for years.
FHZ
December 29th, 2010
8:28 pm
Falcons have to beat The Saints, or stop churpin’.. What are they going to do about it, break their legs? Open-up the offense? lol The offense seemed tight… Their fastest DE (Sidbury) is de-activated every game, and The Saints moved for the win when Abraham was on the side-lines..
They need to stop messing-up in big moments when the nation is watching, and the staff
Douglas will be much better next season,but he’s not fully healed now.
N.O. fans really had not confidence until the final seconds ticked off the Superbowl..
Dep Dog
December 29th, 2010
8:35 pm
And one more thing before I go: I wanna know where was all of this Atlanta “high class” sportsmanship when your Dirty Birds were doing the Chicken Dance in other teams stadiums during the late 90’s? Oh I forgot, it’s acceptable when you’re winning. Bunch of hypocrites.
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Charles
December 29th, 2010
9:02 pm
Next time in a few weeks, The AINTS are so dead!!
Remember Your Past
December 29th, 2010
9:02 pm
Sharon says “If you have ever owned and loved a dog, you might eventually forgive Vick, but you will never forget. It disgusts me that he electrocuted, drowned and shot animals for kicks. He never apologized till he got caught.” Whites have done the same or worst things than that to Blacks all our life in America. Have they ever apologized? Animal lover! How did Deer season go for you? Hipocrat!
Tough Nolla Guy
December 29th, 2010
9:11 pm
chumps rise up to get beat down, step up step up and get your arse whipped.
America loves to watch the Saints stomp the birds.
Who Dat.
Champions shine during crunch time chumps like the dirty beds wet the bed in crucial moments.
Roddy White, where you at?
We’ll be back in about a month to perform the same act on you cbusters prior to defending our SB.
Saints Fan 'Til I Die
December 29th, 2010
9:14 pm
The back and forth insults have really gotten out of hand and this is just not a fun rivalry anymore. Everything was all good as long as both of these franchises were pretty much on the losing end, we partied together, drank together and had lots of fun, but last year everything changed. We went to the Superbowl…and won. Now you Falcon Fans should just admit it…your jealous. You refuse to give us the respect we earned as Superbowl Champions, therefore, we have trouble giving you respect for the great year you guys are having. All of a sudden we’re arrogant and when people feel like they are losing a fight, they start hitting below the belt. Talking about how we’re using Hurricane Katrina for sympathy, calling New Orleans people ignorant among other things. I live here in Atlanta and the last time I went to the Walmart on Panola Road, they had as many ignorant, ghetto thieves as one can count, and there are other places here I wouldn’t dare go. I hope one day you guys will get your Superbowl (just not this year) so that you can receive the same hate and jealously you’re dishing to us.
Slickwilly
December 29th, 2010
9:31 pm
hahaha the world got to see the Falcan’ts do what they do best, CHOKE!!!!!
Who Dat Girl
December 29th, 2010
9:42 pm
It amazes me the ignorance and jealousy that has been displayed on this blog.I just want to start out by saying the people of NO are not ignorant and tugs. I was at the GA dome for the Monday game with very classy people of NO, including doctors, lawyers, business owners, etc the list goes on. Falcons fans you lost a game stop hating. We are the super bowl champs by the way. Most of you so called Falcons are Vick fans firs,t then Falcons fans. Stop hating so much and maybe the Falcons might win a ring one day. The blogger that stated the Saints was stinking up the building he was smelling a dirty bird cooking in the dome. Who Dat!!!!
Falcants are losers
December 29th, 2010
9:43 pm
Falcants hicks- there won’t be a rematch in 3 weeks. You will be one and done in the playoffs….your 15 mins and luck is over…..throw all the insults you want at the World Champion New Orleans Saints and the city of New Orleans…simply reflects how delusional, jealous and pathetic you are….I live in ATL, from New Orleans originally and know how pathetic your fan base is….your team is a bunch of dirty pigeon thugs,your coach is a stupid hot head and your owner is as cheesy as they come…..America laughs at you while they love the Saints…..stay classy, hicks….
atl fan
December 29th, 2010
10:13 pm
I am an Atlanta native but lived in New Orleans for a few years. Is the city older than Atl… of course! But, the food is good and the people are always friendly. I have nothing but positive memories from my time in NOLA. I hope we stomp the Saints in the playoffs, but we can’t embarass ourselves by making below the belt comments about Katrina and calling NO natives every name in the book. RISE UP Atl fans… and have some class about it.
Pamela
December 29th, 2010
10:32 pm
WHO DAT???? Yeah baby! We Dat!!! Beat those FAILCONS!
We are going to beat them again too! We have proven once again that we are the better team! 
GEAUX SAINTS!!!
police911
December 29th, 2010
10:32 pm
GREAT GAME! I am glad to hear that both teams generated such high TV ratings. Congrats to the Saints…you were better than my team (Atlanta) last Monday night. Lastly, this blog/subject matter has nothing to do with “Mik Vick”, nor does it contain anything about Africian Americans Heros/Thugs. Now, is it that hard to be classey as oppose to classless?
hiramsaint
December 29th, 2010
10:41 pm
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