Mark Bradley

By NYC Falcon

November 16, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

What’s up with Roddy? He catches that ball, we win the game. Too many missed opportunities on offense.

By Jared

November 16, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU MARK!

This is my only gripe with coach Smith, being too cautious.

I can understand the need for it at times, but when you’re playing a team with a strong offense, hunkering down on a 13-7 lead at the end of the first half just doesn’t cut it.

That play didn’t lose the game by any stretch, but eventually, that kind of thing will lose games for you. You have to take every (decent) chance you get in the NFL, and today, Smith didn’t.

I hope he learns from this.

By Falcon Max

November 16, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

FGreat column. I agree 100%. Face it, we were flat most of the game. From our opening drive (three and out) we played much too conservatively. We need to keep that edge and play aggressively. Let’s correct it next week against the Panthers

By rms

November 16, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Even if White catches the ball our defense was so poor Denver would have driven down the field and kicked a field goal to win the game in the laat seconds. There was still plenty of time left after that play for Denver to move the ball. Blame it on the defense, not just White

By Alex

November 16, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

This team is still learning. All phases were a little off today, but they were still in the game in the 4th quarter. That’s what you want. Tough loss but I think this team will learn from it. They will need to play better next week in order to beat Carolina.

By X5

November 16, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t believe it when they waited so long to call that timeout on Denver’s 4th down at the end of the 1st half … then Douglas called fair catch … then they took a knee!

Are you kiddin’ me??

I agree, that didn’t lose the game, and they might not have gotten the ball in field goal range if they’d tried, but at your own 44 with 9 seconds, YOU HAVE TO TRY.

I’m not a bandwagon jumper (on or off), but it bugs me that they keep playing ultra conservative even on routine plays that almost any other team would take a chance on.

This will hurt them if they don’t learn what is a good risk.

By HarvardBlue

November 16, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Been saying the same thing all year. If the Falcons get a 1 point lead the coaching staff shuts down the offense and tries to see if that 1 point will be enough. Finally, if came back to haunt us.

By HarvardBlue

November 16, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Been saying the same thing all year. If the Falcons get a 1 point lead the coaching staff shuts down the offense and tries to see if that 1 point will be enough. Finally, if came back to haunt us.

By Harpie

November 16, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Loser mentality at the end of the first half! Good teams try to score when they have the chance; losers are satisfied with just being in the lead. BOOOOOO!!!!!!

By GThugs

November 16, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Roddy LOST the game today. He catches that perfect pass from our awesome new white QB, we’re 7-3 instead of 6-4. If we dont make the playoffs, look to his screw up. Bottom line…he catches it, no one is talking about the defense or special teams.

By count_schemula

November 16, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Win or lose, at least they look like a real football team this year. After enduring Glanville, the boringly efficient Reeves era, the “I’m one of the guys” era of Mora driving around in Meangelo’s Italian sports car, and the whole Vick and Petrino disasters, this team still earns my respect and is the first Falcons team I want to actually watch in a very long time. The Vick freak show was entertaining and all, but this is a real football team we have here. They are not supposed to even be this good, and this is still Mike Smith’s rookie season, so… the future remains bright.

By chris

November 16, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Those are the falcons i know

By harleydawg

November 16, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

trade roddy white before it gets worse and he has no value at all.

By James

November 16, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

It never seems to fail:

The Falcons start out strong, get us all excited about the playoffs, then blow a game they should have won.

Hawks start out 6-0, lose to the celtics—understandable—but then blow two straight to…New Jersey?!!?

Braves can’t sign Peavy. The ownership doesn’t care about the team…hence they’re going nowhere…

Let me tell ya, it has been great to be an Atlanta sports fan where for every one step forward my teams take, they always take three steps back.

By Bugman

November 16, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Enough is enough; Roddy White must go! Make room for a rookie that doesn’t have demons in his head.

By TG

November 16, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Roddy defended Vick and his antics…maybe we should have gotten rid of that thug along with DeAngelo and Mike

By willie martin

November 16, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Is it possible the Falcons werent mentally in this one? Is it possible the Carolina game was looming? I sensed from the 1st quarter that things were gonna be a little different today. But hey its ok we’ll take the Panthers next week GO FALCONS!

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Come back next week and take it out on Carolina - The Season is not over because we lost one at home. Go Falcons!!!!!! All is good… At least it was a good game!

By Falconfan

November 16, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Does anybody agree that we should get rid of Chris Houston? I mean, week after freaking weak this dude gives up a huge pass play by not playing the ball. Instead, this idiot is looking at the wide receiver and playing the receiver instead of the ball. Had he been playing the ball instead of Marshall in the 3rd Quarter, he probably would have knocked the ball down or intercepted the ball instead of them completing a 50-yard pass and then move on to score a damn touchdown! Get rid of Houston, and get a better cornerback on the right side dammit!

By JerseyFalcon

November 16, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

two words..NO PRESSURE! Cutler would carve them up all day, and they only got one sack. I give credit to Ryan for keeping them in the game at the end, if White didn’t drop the pass. No pressure and that long pass on 3rd and 7…did Anderson whiff on Cutler?

By david

November 16, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Yes it was a very tough loss to swallow.But to hear some of the negative comments about Roddy white just isnt fair.Hes improved so much these past 2 years.He doesnt make a very very tough catch and then he gets ripped.Shame on those of you who are so forgetful.The falcons has a whole just didnt play well enough to win.Yet we had a chance.Give credit to Denver and the way they suprised us with there defense and there runs.They deserved it more.So lets uck it up as disapointing as it is and get ready to play the Panthers at the dome.No time to cry.This game is HUGE.Thanks and Go Falcons.You fair weathered fans.We dont need you.

By JerseyFalcon

November 16, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

two words..NO PRESSURE! Cutler would carve them up all day, and they only got one sack. I give credit to Ryan for keeping them in the game at the end, if White didn’t drop the pass. No pressure and that long pass on 3rd and 7…did Anderson whiff on Cutler?

By joe

November 16, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I think it’s acccurate to say that the Falcons are a fair team, potentially good, but not destined for the Super Bowl this year.

And if that’s right then they’re gonna lose a couple they shouldn’t and win a couple they shouldn’t. I don’t like today’s result but hopefully these types of games are rare in the future. Kinda got outcoached today on a tactical level.

I’m just happy that they look competent and are only a couple of linemen away from top 8 type team. Until then, play hard. I’m wearing the colors.

By Nocturnal Owl (N Nine)

November 16, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES!!!

By JerseyFalcon

November 16, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

two words..NO PRESSURE! Cutler would carve them up all day, and they only got one sack. I give credit to Ryan for keeping them in the game at the end, if White didn’t drop the pass. No pressure and that long pass on 3rd and 7…did Anderson whiff on Cutler?

By DenverBird

November 16, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

At least you guys don’t have to live out here with all the arrogant, orange-and-blue Donkeys… My neighbor just hoisted his big Bronco flag…

anyway, Mark’s comment about the Falcons looking “fat and happy” rang true with me… Anybody else see a perfect storm brewing this week?

The Broncos lose their entire starting linebacker corps; the ajc.com loudly - and proudly - exclaims “Running Over Denver” yesterday… Did everyone forget the long-term standard of excellence that Denver has (mostly) maintained over the last 30 years? Did every member of this youthful, exciting team RESPECT their opponent enough this week?

And to all the bench Falcon players who felt the need to trash-talk Winborn all game - did any of you consider sitting down & getting your heads into the game, just in case you’re needed on the field??

One more thing - does anybody realize that just because Matt Ryan will almost certainly continue to blossom and mature over the years, that there is NO GUARANTEE our record will reflect that in the future? Dan Marino’s one and only chance to to win the whole enchilada? His second year..

This might be a good year, with such overall league parity, for the Falcons to get serious, stay hungry, quit trash talking, study more film and listen to their coaches.

Opportunity legitimately knocking is rare in the NFL (as we Falcon fans already know). Let’s don’t lose all momentum for a very special season. Let’s see if we can get it back next week - all of a sudden a very important game for this young team’s psyche.

GO FALCONS!

By JerseyFalcon

November 16, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

FYI…weren’t the Falcons 4-12 last year? This is a new team, don’t expect them to win the super bowl after a 4-12 season. They Already have six wins..we aren’t playing madden 09 here people, can’t win every single game by 40 points.

By TG

November 16, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

That would have been Matt’s first last minute game winning TD bomb…thanks Roddy

By dd

November 16, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of whiny, crybaby idiots disguising themselves as fans.

You guys don’t deserve a winner in Atlanta, so go pull for the Colts or Giants.

Better yet, move to NY or Indy.

Probaly a bunch of yankees anyway.

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

JerseyFalcon - only hit post once and I agree - all you people trashing Roddy White tonight - GO AWAY!!!!!

By meesta

November 16, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Not enough pressure on Cutler, not enough running the ball effectively, not aggressive enough offensively, but a game we win next year….

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Trade Roddy White? I don’t think so. He’s a really good player who blamed himself for this loss. I think those are the kind of guys you want on a team, not the kind you jettison.

And it would, I say again, have been a terrific catch. But, as White himself took pains to say, he’s capable of making those.

By jt

November 16, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of cry babies! This team was only supposed to win one game. Why don’t we just blame Roddy, and Brooking, and anyone else we can think of! Geez, this team will have games like this but, I think these coaches will have the team ready to play next week. Let’s all just take a deep breath…. there isn’t that better?

By GH

November 16, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Elite WRs make the catch in their sleep. Roddy = FAIL

By The Grinch

November 16, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Cut Roddy White? Are you people serious? Yes, he should have caught the ball, and he didn’t (and he wasn’t the only one who dropped a pass or two). No, Mularkey shouldn’t have been trying to bounce Turner outside on a team who’s weak up the middle but has strength and speed to the outside (it was in the papers all week, anywhere you cared to look). The few times he did hit the middle late it was effective. No, Ryan shouldn’t have thrown that lollypop off his back foot for an interception (and I’ll bet he won’t again anytime soon; he learns from his mistakes). Yes, Coach Smith played it too conservative.

However, Denver is a pretty good team who came to play and played hard, and we still had a chance to win at the end. Where was Denver predicted to finish this year? How ‘bout the Falcons? This is a young team and staff that’s still learning, and they’ll work it out. Give them a chance. Especially after another draft.

By Harpie

November 16, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

To GThugs - Why did you have to say white QB? You nasty jerk….

By Jim

November 16, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

I say this a huge fan of Ryan.

Why is Roddy catching all the grief? The interception Ryan threw was DREADFUL.

By Matt

November 16, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Hate to break it to all you homers, but had Roddy caught that ball, Denver would have just driven right down the field given that much time to score.

By stendec

November 16, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

HERE IT IS: Completely unacceptable defeat! Close does not count for a damn positive thing. Falcons were not prepared to compete. Broncos were! Cutler outplayed Ryan by a tremendous margin. That unforced interception was unacceptable by the usually intelligent rookie QB. Falcon defense totally exposed for fraud it is. Untalented Keith “No Tackle” Brooking needs to be put out to pasture or shot! Has-been cur cannot tackle a one-legged elderly woman in a freaking wheelchair. Cut him loose! Send Roddy “Another Critical Drop” White to the Redskins to be with his booty buddy DeA++hole Hall. There was no damn reason for this bellyup quit job! Hope these quitters are really happy with this embarrassment. Damn Hawks in a dome! Extremely disgusted with Falcons on this day. Wonderful way to celebrate true Falcon champions of old. Broncos were victorious then, too. Things never change!

By meesta

November 16, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Just not aggressive enough on defense or offense…starting the game throwing the ball did not make sense either. Had we been able to pressure Cutler we could have neutralized their run game. I jinxed the game. First one I’ve seen this year as I now live out west!

By Greg

November 16, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

This has little to do with Roddy. The D-line got zwero pressur all day against one of the NFL’s top passers. van Gorder apparently will not blitz no matter what. Just keep digging that hole VG. The Falcons have had a pathetic pass rush against all but 2 extremely weak teams. We are a sub-average team. That is the truth.

By Bugman

November 16, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Ok MB and Sarah B, but hasn’t Roddy been CONSISTANT in dropping balls the last 3 seasons? This ain’t nothin new!

He has great weeks of practice and sporadic flashes of greatness on game days but doesn’t bring his head (read: confidence) to the field on Sundays.

I didn’t say trade him, I say make room for a rookie that doesn’t have mental issues. It’s well documented that the coaching staff has had to work OT to get White to exercise his demons. Obviously, it’s either a work in progress or it won’t ever succeed. How long do we suffer to figure out which?! He dropped the 1st two EZ passes of the game. Doesn’t surprise me he couldn’t come up with the clutch catch.

What’s wrong with starting Jenkins, Douglas and Finneran? Or even better, Jenkins, Douglas and Norwood as the slot?

I don’t care who they play, just not dropsy any more…

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

stendec - GO AWAY….

By crabapplejoe

November 16, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Jim wrote: “Why is Roddy catching all the grief?” Dude, did you watch the game. If he makes a basic catch we win the game. There’s a big difference between 6-4 or 7-3. He’s being paid big bucks to make that play. Ryan made the play he was supposed to make at the end of the game…scrambled, bought time and put it in Roddy’s hands in the end zone. Roddy dropped it…Falcon’s lose. It’s pretty simple.

By GThugs

November 16, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Why did I say “White QB?” Why was Vick called the “greatest black QB ever in Georgia?”

By oldbird

November 16, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Good grief people, lay off Roddy. Without him we are 4-6 at best. Even Jerry Rice dropped a few in his HOF career. We lost a close game to a quality opponent that we should have beaten and there is plenty of blame to go around. Poor running game, Brett Favre type interception, poor run defense in the second half, horrible special teams. In years past this would have been a blowout home loss. Instead, it was a game where we did not play our best and nearly beat the AFC west division leader. I have been a Falcon fan since 1972, and this is probably the 5th or 6th time I have been this optimistic this late in a season. Have some perspective people, we will still have a very good season, especially given all the respect that the experts gave us in August. Oh, and Roddy, good luck in your first of many trips to Hawaii for the pro bowl.

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Roddy is one of the main reasons along with Ryan, Turner and Abraham we are 6-4 lay off….. We take care of Delohomme & Co next week and the tone on this blog will be much different. We are having a winning season YALL.

By Kyle

November 16, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

True, Roddy should have made the catch but the way the defense looked taking them down the field on all three touchdowns they could be advertised in the yellow pages under escort services. Pathetic.

By crabapplejoe

November 16, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Sarah B wrote: “stendec - GO AWAY” We can only hope…but it is doubtful. He is now posting under “Jose” and some Chinese name with the same pitiful BS. Even with the loss, even with Roddy’s drop I am enjoying watching these Falcons more that any Falcons team I have seen in years. Ryan is the real deal. Just imagine if Roddy had made that catch. Probably would have sealed the deal for Ryan as Rookie of the Year. Combine that (possible) ending with the one against Chicago and Ryan is beginning to build a Montana like resume in his rookie year. I appreciate the fact that Roddy took responsibility for the loss and, unlike others I don’t think we should trade him just yet. I do think that Finneran should be starting or playing a lot more.

By obvious

November 16, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

stendec is 10 years old going on 10…give him a br…eerrr never mind

By BulldogJim

November 16, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

GH,

“Elite WR make the catch in their sleep. Roddy = Fail”. Ask any defensive coordinator who has played the Falcons this year and they will tell you Roddy White is the one receiver they try to double as often as possible. There is no doubt that Roddy White has improved dramatically this year. Yes, he was too quick and too vocal in defending Vick last year, but he has also been quite vocal about how good our rookie quarterback is now. White has made many big catches already this year, along with Jenkins.

He may not be one of the elite receivers this year, but he is definitely coming into his own. Most elite receivers play with the same QB for more than one year (Randy Moss with Tom Brady, Jerry Rice with Joe Montana, Michael Irvin with Troy Aikman, Marvin Harrison with Peyton Manning). If Roddy White and Matt Ryan both stay healthy and both remain with the Falcons, good things will continue to happen.

Remember all you Falcons doubters……..most “experts” picked us to go 1-15 or 2-14; 3-13 at best. The fact that we are one of the teams in the middle of the NFC playoff picture is the best tribute to this coaching staff, and the unity of this team, thanks in large part to the good work of GM Thomas Dimitroff and Coach Smith.

Come on guys……quit knocking our players! We lost a close game at home that we should have won. That’s life in the NFL. The future is bright for this franchise. We have a legitimate head coach who is respected by veteran players (see the quote last week by John Abraham). We have a GM who knows how to evaluate talent, and has a plan to build this team into a consistent winner. We have one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. Show a little bit of patience. Look where we were just one year ago…………..

By Bugman

November 16, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

LOL, Sarah, you must be his wife!

By darrell starks

November 16, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Thats okay we didnt win im still proud of this team KEEP IT UP FALCONS this team play hard ever week everyone should be proud of this team the ICE MAN is the real deal we will win next week. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

I remember Terrell Owens dropping a few. (Actually, more than a few.) Contrary to popular belief, nobody’s perfect.

My view on the game was that the Broncos started both halves strong, which tells me the Falcons weren’t quite primed. And that’s why I disagreed with Smith not taking a shot at the end of the first half: There’s a big difference between a one-point lead and a four-point lead, especially with Denver getting the ball to start the second half.

By stendec

November 16, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

What has Rawhide got to do with Falcons?

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Bugman - I wish…. however is anyone else shocked that D Hall just intercepted Romo!! That’s is fine with me as Campbell just put me ahead in my fantasy league. Bugman sleep tight - Iloved Vick too but he threw to hard that’s why so many dropped balls in the past. Hey you wanna go out?

By Nick

November 16, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Roddy has been making great plays all year and seems to be a great team player, let’s stop throwing him under the bus for this one.

By Nick

November 16, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Roddy has been making great plays all year and seems to be a great team player, let’s stop throwing him under the bus for this one.

By crabapplejoe

November 16, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Sarah B, you are killing me….need more humor likes yours on this thread

By Reg

November 16, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I was unhappy with the result but I will say this: This team has a 1st year coach and a rookie QB. He made a fantastic throw and Roddy White almost hauled it in. They really do need to lose a game like this to light a fire in their bellies to win. Believe me you will see a much different result and a disappointed Carolina team next week. BELIEVE ME THE FALCONS WILL WIN NEXT WEEK!

By B-man

November 16, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

I’m still proud of this team, the coaches, and Roddy as well. They competed hard and you people act as if we were taken to the woodshed. It was a 4 point loss with a chance to win. Roddy’s could have made the catch but it would have been a heckuva catch.

The only people I’m not proud of are “some” of us fans….some of you are the most negative, miserable people.

Look at some of the posts that some of these same people sent last week singing praises of playoffs and superbowls, and we lose one close game and you’re ready to bail out. Terrible fans.

By GoGaBulldawgs

November 16, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

this text will be bolded To all you fair weather fans- We were suppose to win 2,3 or maybe 4 games this season. All of you are armchair quarterbacks, just like my ex-husband, who no one wanted to watch a UGA game or Falcons game with. Why don”t all of you fans that criticize this team in their rebuilding year or two move to Cincy,KC,or even to Detroit. Go Falcons!

By GoGaBulldawgs

November 16, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

YOU SAID IT ALL B-MAN. GO BIRDS!

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks , someone has to keep it light around here… I just hope if Bugman does say yes it isn’t because he looks like a cockroach… Go Falcons!

By T

November 16, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Tough game today. Roddy is an excellent receiver, but he should have caught the TD pass. I give him credit for standing up to the loss with his post game comments.

I agree with MB, this is a growth process and games like this happen in the process. But, it still hurts.

I do agree the team played like they thought this game was going to be easier than it was. Learn from it and do not repeat!

By Ray Whitey

November 16, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Um sick of all the racial blogs black or white has nuttin to do with winning football games. Bottom line nobody’s perfect roddy drop a helluva pass and matt threw and int so stop whining losers and get off the bandwagon!

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I agree - black/white has noting to do with anything so as long as you don’t look like a bug…. where did you go Bugman??? HI crabapplejoe!

By Bugman

November 16, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Sorry ya’ll, I can’t agree.

As awfull as the D was, as awful as the play calling seemed, as awful as the attitudes were, if White comes up with that catch for a TD it’s a whole different ball game. Who sez Denver marches down the field for the winning score? Why dont the Falcons D get energized by the TD and stuff them for 4 and out?

Lotsa “what if’s?” today but the consistant play was White dropping passes. He dropped the 1st two passes of the game. He dropped the go ahead score. This isn’t the 1st time he’s not made the catch. It won’t be the last. For me, investing in the Falcons future would mean finding a WR with consistant hands.

Sarah, aren’t you a Thrashers fan? You can find me at the ‘hoo as gabugman1. Love to meet ya somewhere for MNF and beerz.

By welikebaseball2

November 16, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Let’s see…if I’m still angry that #84 supported the former QB & I’ve been aching for a chance to call him that four-letter “t” word again, what do I do? I know, I ignore the fact that our current QB threw a momentum-killing pick & that our defense couldn’t stop the run or the pass.

By Brent S.

November 16, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

First of all, the season is FAR FROM OVER!!!! If we can handle our business with our remaining division games then we’ll be in good shape. Considering this was an AFC team we lost to, I’m not really too concerned about it…HOWEVER, therte are a few things that I AM concerned with and they are as follows and no particular order: 1. Our defense is playing WAY TOO relaxed right now. I was noticing during the game today that we were blitzing our OLB most of the day and that left only one in the middle. That is partially what HELPED Denver’s running game. By the time their running back got past the line, there wasn’t ANYONE in the secondary to tackle him until 10-15 yards down field. Also, why in the heck did we not put somebody(s) wide when Denver just walked into the end zone on 3rd and goal? I said to myself, “Why did we not have anyone over there? Don’t make it to easy for them guys”, and then the announcer said the EXACT same thing verbatim! I also saw “The Predator” trying to make sacks all day but he was being HELD amlost every other play too. Granted Denver was HOLDING ALL DAY anyway. Last point regarding the defense, is it just me or does it seem when Christ Houston is having a good day, he shuts peopel down and then when he has a CRAPPY day like today, every receiver he goes against smokes himmlike a joint. I’m not too terribly impressed with him. 2. As far as the offense goes, I am not the least bit concerned about the INT Ryan threw. I know he knows he shouldn’t have passed it. Lesson learned..move on. However, why in the world is Turner tip toeing up to the line now? Yes, he scored twice but he didn’t even get 100 yds rushing today. He isn’t making thos cut backs like he was during the first four games when he was averaging 145 or so. He is running right at the line and then stopping. The line was an issue also. That holding call on Clabo HURT US BAD!!! Like I said though, at least this was an AFC loss. As long as we can win out at least 80% of our remaining games then any AFC lose won’t really hurt us. I’m still proud of the Falcons. I always look forward to watching now. Matt Ryan will only get beter. After this year, we need to seriuosly upgrade our secondary and try and get a few more line man in free agency or the draft. We’re heading in the right direction. Will either barely make the playoffs this year or bearly make it this year. Depends on how wee do in our remaining division games. Thankfully we have Tampa and Carolina HERE. All in all, were in good shape for now….GO BIRDS!!!!

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Bugman, used to be a Red wings fan being from DET and all but I still like hockey. Have lived here for 25 years and have been a Falcons fan ever since. Would love to get together for some Monday beers and MNF - where do you go?

By Eric C.

November 16, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Mark

I’m a little confused…didn’t we have a 6 pt lead at half (13-7)? A FG putting us up by 9 would have been great anyway…2 scores is better than one.

I hope the Falcons can quickly refocus for Carolina. As bad as this one hurts…at least it was a non-conference game and won’t hurt in tie-breaker scenarios.

By Bent S.

November 16, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

What I meant to say is that we will either barely MAKE the playoffs or barely MISS the playoffs this year. Sorry guys..didn’t mean to sound like a moron..haha

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Bugman, ITP or OTP??

By Ron Roberts

November 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Head-scratcher; we got bowled over by their run-game which consisted of a scout team pickup and a last-minute signee who apparently has a problem stealing his teammates belongings.

There was something off about the whole game; even the dome seemed blase’ through the television. Was it just me or was the crowd a late arrival and just not all that vocal when we were on defense???

Can’t pin this all on Roddy; yeah, the catch was makeable, but it wasn’t a given; maybe we’re getting spoiled by his antics (that’s a good thing). But our defense was awful; I mentioned to a buddy of mine that after the first drive, I don’t tthink the commentators made mention of John Abraham once afterwards. That’s a pretty glaring letdown, if you ask me.

By Bugman

November 16, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Taco Mac Decatur. Hit me up at gabugman1 at the hoo.

By TURTSNAP

November 16, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

One loss and it brings out the stupidity in some fans. Trade Roddy White? Give me a break!!

This is a young team that wasn’t supposed to be at 6 wins at this point in the season. In fact the majority of the “experts” didn’t have the Falcons winning six games all year. As Mark said, they weren’t, or didn’t appear to be, primed for this game. We all hope they learn from this and move forward. I’m willing to think they will.

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Eric C.: You’re right. I should have written “six as opposed to nine” points. Not “one as opposed to four.”

You win tonight’s award for fact-checking. I win the award for being an idiot.

(I have, however, corrected myself above.)

By you heard it here first

November 16, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Roddy white missed a pass that cost us the game in the last seconds of the game. it was not the second quarter.He gets paid well to make these kind of catches. he needs to start making catches or ship him out. thats my opinon and i don’t care how likes it or not.that game will hurt us down the strectch run for the play offs

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Eric C.: Many thanks. I should have said that the first time but was in scramble/correction mode.

By Left to Right

November 16, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else think the Falcons should have been in the hurry-up offense when they got the ball back with 4+ minutes left in the game? I think they should have been hoping for the TD on that possession but thinking 2 FGs would also get them the win.

By crabapplejoe

November 16, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts wrote: “we got bowled over by their run-game which consisted of a scout team pickup and a last-minute signee who apparently has a problem stealing his teammates belongings.” Just curious, who was the scout team pickup….Peyton Hillis is a rookie who has been playing all year. He had 70 all-purpose yards against us today (44 rushing & 26 receiving) playing tailback and fullback including a crucial catch on the last drive. The kids a stud.

By Eric C.

November 16, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Mark

No problem…I think you make a great point about being more aggressive at the end of the half. The Falcons were definitely out-coached in this one.

I had a bad feeling all week the Falcons would not be as focused for this game after beating the Saints and being favored to win. The Falcons need to get that hunger back for the Panthers.

By paul martin

November 16, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

i firmly believe the NFL is a fix. The scores week in and week out are right on the lines and players are great one week and terrible the next (look at Mcnabb). Roddy is a multimillionaire who “drops” a game winning touchdown. Vegas controls who wins and losses. Look at the eagles-come on-cant beat Cincy! To many weird plays and safetys week after week as well as calls that affect the over-under. The over for the Falcons was 51-think about it. Someone needed the under thus the dropped touchdown.

By you heard it here first

November 16, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Left to right—-Falcons did everything right with 4 minutes left.Roddy white just did not make the catch when his defender falls down on a perfect pass.Falcons should be 7-3 and talking play offs.

By Sarah B

November 16, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Bugman, we can continue this dicussion in person… check your mail.

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

I’d agree that there was no need for a hurry-up offense: The Falcons took the ball with 5:32 left and three timeouts remaining. They got where they needed to go in plenty of time. They just didn’t finish the drive.

Heck, had Roddy White caught the ball, we might have been complaining that they’d scored too soon.

By you heard it here first

November 16, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Paul martin——You may be on to something.

By Ron Roberts

November 16, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Crabapplejoe:P.J. Pope had 4 carries for 35 yards, after being activated from the Broncos’ practice squad November 4th.

By sachs

November 16, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Where is or yet what happened to Laurent Robinson? I don”t understand why this reciever does not get playing time and when he is in the game the QB does not even look his way’ I see that he is on special teams and that he did have a potential touch down saving tackle on a kick return. He has excellent speed, good hands, and good size to be able to contribute to this team.Give him the opportunity to play!

By btwarren

November 16, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

I think this game will go a long way to making the Falcons a better team. Things were going too good for Ryan. Everybody telling him how good he is. Sometimes you have to make some mistakes to learn from them. That interception was something to learn from. But on a larger note, this team is missing two important things that maybe we can fix for next season. No i’m not cashing in this season, far from, but just thiking ahead beasue these two things would have made a world of difference in this game. We need someone else besides Abraham to get at the QB. With more pressure Cutler doesn’t complete some of those passes and DB like Houston maybe don’t get burned on 50 yard pass plays. I actually did not think that was bad D on that play. And we need a punt returner. Seems simple enough but we can’t seem to get someone to make the right decisions. Douglas’ fair catch right before the half was insance, there was plenty of room to run. Maybe could have gotten close enough for a field goal attempt. But again this is a learning experience for them and based on what I have seen so far, they are learning from mistakes.

By Bo

November 16, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Man, I hate to lose but thats part of the game. No one person won or lost the game, its a team effort for 4 quarters. It happens sometimes the best team loses, get over it and kick some a@@ next week. The Falcons are on the right path. We’ll only get better. God Bless the USA. Thanks Mark for Great post on Braves and Falcons.

By Mark Bradley

November 16, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Bo. And thanks to one and all for participating.

And with that, I’m off to bed. Us old folks need our sleep.

By monty

November 16, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Today was a learning experience they will I believe be better off for it. THEy now know that they have to stay hungry and can’t get “happy.” They aren’t good ehough to show up and give a less than best effort and win . A few teams might can do that, but we can’t. We need to play like our life depends on it.

No pass rush today and their receivers were open all day long. I also believe they would have won even if Roddy catches the ball because we have proven ineffective at stopping the pass when we don’t get pressure.

By WAFFLE HOUSE GRITZ BLITZ

November 16, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I saw on ESPN earlier in the week where a few security guards at the Atlanta airport were upset that Falcon receivers were now catching passes unlike when Vick was QB. (It was a bit racist to me)

So I hope those people are happy that White went back and played like the Vick era today.

It led to a Vick like result - A LOSS!!!

By GODAWGZ

November 16, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Even though the Falcons lost today, you have to be excited about what you see. A year ago this team would have folded up the tents and went home after the first 3 and out. The lead changed a hundred times in the game and the Falcons were in it until the last second. It would have been quite a catch for Roddy to haul that one in, but I know that he could have made it. He still played a hell of a game and the Falcons are obviously headed in the right direction.

By e.b.

November 17, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Stop griping about Roddy, he’s been golden all year…even won a few games for this team. It didn’t come down to one catch. It came down to Atlanta lets Denver make some big plays, and the “D” let us down today. Gotta come back strong next week. That one is huge!!

By Hillbilly Deluxe

November 17, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Give Roddy White credit for stepping up. It wasn’t his fault they lost and at least he didn’t point fingers. That’s what would have happened with some past players.

By ant banks

November 17, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

for all of the people b-tching about this loss, please remembeer that we were not suppose to win that chicago game. if you are goin’ to take those types of wins, you have to take these types of losses,

By deac

November 17, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

good grief. enough with the reactionary belly aching… no one’s happy when a WR drops a potential game-winning pass, but when (s