Falcons

By Grant AKA Midnight

December 1, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

As of last night we are in the PLAYOFFS! Nobody in there right mind could have predicted this before the season started. Keep it going FALCONS!

By We Fly High

December 1, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Falcons hold their own destiny as far as making the playoffs. Win out the schedule and they’re in. MUST beat Bucs, Saints, and Rams if they are to lose another game. A loss to the Vikings should’nt knock us out, but winning out is the only gaurantee. A division title is also within reach, but will need some help with that. The Atlanta Falcons are just DESTROYING the odds this year. The entire offensive line should be the comback players of the year! Matt Ryan is ROTY and Mike Smith is COTY. Thomas D. should be exec. of the year and the ‘08 Falcons are simply put: BAD @$$!

By Smell Playoffs

December 1, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Awesome Win! Seemed like the zebras were trying their best to give it to the home team but we made enough plays on both sides to get the job done.

Merril Hodge from ESPN Sunday Countdown has Matty Ice as his MVP and I don’t think it’s out of the question. The Burner continues to be clock-eating, tackle-breaking beast. Rowdy Roddy White is a few drops away from starting in the Pro Bowl.

Equal credit goes to the “non-skill” players on both sides of the ball. The O-Line should collectively make the Pro Bowl, and the defense was great yesterday. Either us or the refs gave them all three scores. The D really didn’t give up more than that 20 yard gift of a drive.

When we beat the Saints again and beat Tampa we should be right in line for you know what. UNBELIEVABLE! What a season!

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

December 1, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Do I sense some early touches of Playoff Fever sweeping across Birdland?

By falcondawg

December 1, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Never in the past have the Falcons been able to overcome the bad calls and the turnovers. They never would have won a game in which they made so many mistakes. I have been hanging around waiting for the team to have their usual letdown, but it hasn’t happened. Now I’m convinced that they are for real!! Go Birds!!!

By sgmgrime

December 1, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Absoluttely great game. The falcons played hard and through the bad calls from the referees i thought the refs called a bad game and we trying to give the game away but san diego couldn’t capatilize and for that the dirty birds our on there way go falcons….

By Brian Hunt

December 1, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

This was the best game of the year for the defense. The pass rush was consistent and that’s what we need from here on out. The offense has proven that they can move the ball and if the defense continues to improve and peaks down the stretch….This team is dangerous. Who really wants to play the Falcons now?

By Perry Rosenbaum

December 1, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

When will Norwood become a Free Agent?

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

December 1, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

We’re boarding for the Windy City!

Didn’t find the Starbucks, starting breaking down the NFC South races. Looks like Tampa and Falcons for the title. Carolina still has to play Denver and the New York Football Giants. Saints are done if Falcons beat them this week.

By Dale

December 1, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

One thing that continues to amaze me is that the national media are STILL grappling with how good the Falcons are; or how good Ryan is. Any national media-type worth their salt should have watched some tape of the Falcons by now! They should not be blown away for the first time in week THIRTEEN! Especially since the Falcons have been playing with the same consistency (sans the first quarter and a half against Denver) all year (even in their losses). So for me to still hear/read people like Dr Z. on SI.com, or people from ESPN still not accepting the legitimacy of this team (“Oh, this next game will REALLY show us if the Falcons are for real.” blah, blah, blah) it utterly flabbergasting!

Just my two cents. Anybody else feel the same way?

By Chucktown Birdfan

December 1, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

D Led, what did you think of the officiating?

By JJ

December 1, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Dale, just look at goalics’ pics. He has picked against the falcons all year long.I hope he continues, our good luck charm. Hey D.O.L - odds on Sam Baker this sunday?

By CTfalconfan

December 1, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

GREAT game by the ‘D’ but the Offense looked a little OK and Special Teams was at best Average after the Douglas fumble and getting sucked in on the fake punt but ST had a few nice returns and the blocker FG to make up for it…

The bottom line is ATL didn’t play great and still managed to win on the road and that’s what good/great football teams do, find a way to win.

This week ATL MUST stick a dagger in the heart of the Saints and KO them for the season and at the same time maintain pace with CAR and TB..

LEY’S GO FALCONS!!!

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

December 1, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Officiating was horrid. Replays appeared to show Finneran never had the ball and Turner was on the ground with Jammer all over him on the fumble. What happened to down by contact?

Norwood could become a free agent after the 2009 season. Look for the Falcons to try to extend him and Roddy White next season to keep them from hitting the free agency market.

By Robert Yates

December 1, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I simply cannot believe that 16% of the folks that read this paper are such liars. Did you see that poll on the falcons page in here? That many people thought the Falcons would win more than eight gamers? I thought it would be a miracle if they played .500 ball, and it turned out they didn’t need any luck. But for those that say they saw this happening before the season started, you sir are a dirty liar.

By Robert Yates

December 1, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

I simply cannot believe that 16% of the folks that read this paper are such liars. Did you see that poll on the falcons page in here? That many people thought the Falcons would win more than eight gamers? I thought it would be a miracle if they played .500 ball, and it turned out they didn’t need any luck. But for those that say they saw this happening before the season started, you sir are a dirty liar.

By SmellPlayoffs

December 1, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Credit and hype may not be coming at the deserved rate, but I always watch the ESPN Sunday pregame show and they have been showing love for weeks. At least someone is paying attention outside of Georgia.

By D. Bell

December 1, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

D.: I am quite sure I have never seen a full-body shot of John Clayton, so I am wondering about something. Is he an elf? He has the head of an elf. He’s one of the best though. On an only slighly related note, I am so glad that Sean Salisbury is no long talking football on TV. I’m sure he talks to himself and a collection of paper mache Emmy Awards, but I don’t have to listen to his halfwit rants.

By Ryno

December 1, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

DOL - how do NFC playoff tiebreakers work and who should Falcons fans be rooting for? Obviously - we want/need to get to the 11 win mark. But who do we need fall off?

The Cowboys? The Vikings? The Redskins? In the Monday Night game next week - do we want Carolina or Tampa to win?

By CTfalconfan

December 1, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I thought ATL could be a 7-9 team this year. They were basically a .500 team before last season’s debacle and even last season managed to win 4 games so I don’t know why people thought we’d only win 1-3 games especially since we had home games against Detroit, KC and St Louis, that’s 3 wins right there.

By Falcaholic

December 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Falcons for winning despite the poor officiating. Matt Ryan’s pass to Roddy White wasn’t a millisecond early. If you look at the tape, the SD defender made illegal contact and shoved Roddy to push him into position too early. It was a flagrant violation that the officials missed. The supposed Tuner fumble was another one they should never have called. Once they called it, there wasn’t evidence to overturn it (other than the ball popping out after Turner’s elbow and back were on the turf). They saw a ball out after the play, a SD player picking it up, and called it a fumble (with the same lack of evidence).

Kudos to the Falcons for administering a butt whippin’ (per L.T.), overcoming the bad calls.

By CTfalconfan

December 1, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Hey DOL - What has Rich McKay been doing as President of the AF as I never see or hear about him?? Thanks

By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**

December 1, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

You are living a dream D. Led!!

Ok, more analysis:

1) Ryan is the TRUTH (again…its becoming apparent that the canine event was the best thing to ever happen for the Birds)

2) White is a FAN’S coach. He does not back down from any situation…and it does not seem like ANY player is beyond his guidance.

3) #84 and #12 are starting to look really, really good. Add #83 to that group catching passes from #2 and…(but whats going on with #19?)

4) This is hard for me to say…but even #56 played a heck of a game on yesterday. I saw him shedding blockers and hustling to the ball. Looked like he was on the Flats all over again.

5) The officiating was BAD!!! Finn did not have possession, Burner did not fumble, and Burner actually scored on that long run (did not run out of bounds). Homecooking I guess.

6) DB’s looked good on yesterday. Even when we got beat, #24 and #23 were in place fighting for the ball. Thats all you can really ask for.

7) The D-Line is shaping up well! Babs is turning into a Rod Coleman type…and sending #71 in key situations is the way to go.

…BIG WIN for the Birds. When was the last time that we went West and won two in one year? I remember getting beat down at least once by the Niners in the old NFC West days, so this actually has my blood churning!!

GO BIRDS!!!

Dr. Frederick Douglass

By Russ

December 1, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I know a lot of us like to give Vick Supporter 2 a hard time about his lack of football knowledge, but I did some research regarding his recent claims on how important it is to have a running QB…and I found out he may actually have a good point. I looked at the QB’s of the last five superbowl winners and found the stats to be quite alarming.

In 2003 Tom Brady started all 16 games in the regular season and rushed for a total of 63 yards (3.9 yds. per game). He followed that up with 18 yards in 3 playoff games that season (6 yds. per game).

In 2004 Brady again started all 16 games in the regular season and rushed for a total of 28 yards (1.8 yds. per game). He followed that up with 3 yards in 3 playoff games that season (1 yd. per game).

In 2005 Ben Roethlisberger started 12 games in the regular season and rushed for a total of 69 yards (5.8 yds. per game). He followed that up with 37 yards in 4 playoff games that season (9.3 yds. per game).

In 2006 Peyton Manning started all 16 games in the regular season and rushed for a total of 36 yards (2.3 yds. per game). He followed that up with 3 yards in 4 playoff games that season (0.8 yds. per game).

In 2007 Eli Manning started all 16 games in the regular season and rushed for a total of 69 yards (4.3 yds. per game). He followed that up with 10 yards in 4 playoff games that season (2.5 yds. per game).

Altogether that is a total of 336 rushing yards in 94 total games. The numbers don’t lie folks…that is a little over 3.5 yards each and every game that superbowl winning QB’s are rushing for. And if you think the trend of winning QB’s doing their best Jim Brown impersonations is going away you are wrong. The QB’s of the two top teams this season are continuing to run all over the competition. Eli Manning has already amassed 11 rushing yards in the first 12 games this season and Kerry Collins is at 44 yards.

After all this research it seems clear that if you want to win in today’s NFL you better have a Quarterback that is capable of running for 3 or 4 yards every week. I know those numbers seem unreachable, but hopefully I just proved to you that there are a few extraordinay athletes that can put up these types of impressive numbers in the running game.

In conclusion, anyone who has ever doubted Vick Supporter 2’s firm grasp on what it takes to win in the NFL probably owes him an apology. The age of needing a fleet footed QB to win is clearly upon us and has been for at least the last 5 seasons and this trend won’t be changing any time soon I’m sure. Good job VS2.

By Exodus Mentality

December 1, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

You Better Believe We Are Talking Playoffs! If the playoffs started today we would be in. But they don’t so we engage in rampant speculation. And I like the poll today, because I was one of the people getting ridiculed on the regular because I thought the Falcons would be pretty good this year with Shockey or even Redmond. Matty Ice is really icing on the cake for me.

Defense gets an A++. Holding LT to under 50 total yards? This dude led the AFC in yards from scrimmage until today, and he is one of the 10 best in history (some say top 5). And we held the NFL’s highest rated QB to under 150 and 0 TD? And I said at the end of last year the defense was going to be special this year.

I said these cornerbacks were going to start making plays and they are becoming real strong back there. I think two of the sacks today were coverage sacks. And on top of all that, give the defensive coaching staff kudos for having Lofton, Boley, or a safety shadow LT and Gates. That left Brooking free to do his usual stellar job of leadership on the defense. 56 is still always around the ball, just doesn’t make as much impact as those good old days.

The offense would have gotten at least an A today, but the complete inability to run between the tackles was somewhat glaring. Not sure whether to blame the coaches for continuing to call the plays or blame the players for getting straight pimp slapped in the trenches. So they both share the blame.

Funny thing is, with the exception of those 10-15 up the middle running plays (far too many of them notable for being goal line, or 3rd/4th and short), the other plays all seemed to work very well. Yet another Falcons opponent goes away without a sack, and this is getting to be the NORM people. That offensive line is the truth and young Mr. Baker is raring to get back at it.

Still not enough Norwood in the game plan. I gave them a pass last week because HD was playing out of his mind. But unless J-Rock is hurt and we don’t know it, he is being deprived of his touches to the detriment of this team. He is lightning in a bottle, so open the damn bottle already! Instead of three shots up the middle at the goal line, give Norwood one shot to the outside. The gimmick play didn’t work yesterday, and he never really got the ball in space. Which is why the offense and the coaches only get a B today.

And speaking of HD, I would much rather have a guy make a mistake like that while trying to make a play. He saw an opening and tried to exploit it, but didn’t concentrate on the catch first. But to come right back on the next punt showed a lot of heart. HD is the real deal and the reason why special teams gets an A today, in spite of a muffed punt.

Question for D.Led. Doesn’t points scored figure into the playoff picture if there is a tie? Doesn’t it look like there may be quite a few tie breaker scenarios in the NFC wildcard race? This team has to score more points. This game should have been 35-3, that is without the refs influence.

But I’m not going to blast them for three of the most horrible calls I’ve seen this year (two of which were reviewed and still got wrong), not to mention that the Charger D line jumped offsides all day but was only called once, or twice if you want to count the one on the goal line that moved the ball 3 inches. We won, in spite of the refs, which as many have noted, is not something that the Falcons are noted for.

But the national buzz is really funny. Take a good look at a lot of these guys when the Falcons come up, and there’s this dazed look, like this is the most unbelievable thing they have ever seen, and since many of them said the Falcons would only win 1-3 games, they are at a total loss about how to explain the fact that we are ON FIRE.

You heard it here first. Falcons 12-4, win NFC south. 1st round bye in the playoffs. See D. Led. Rampant speculation.

By Singletary

December 1, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

DOL & Ryno — good question about the NFC playoff race.

I did notice on Football Night in America (what a smarmy show) they seemed to wince that there were no NFC East teams in the wildcards. No love for the NFC South, clearly. (My daughter now disparages the WR position because she despises Collingsworth.)

FINALLY using our TEs. FINALLY using Ovie The Drill to move some piles. Not sure why we were a bust on the 1 yard line (except we were trying to give Burner a TD in SD.)

Go Falcons!

By Marcus

December 1, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

D. Orlando, I know it is too early to look for next season, but have the coaches or scouts indicated any positions of need or added depth (based on declining performance of incumbent, undesirable salary increase, pending free agency)? I figure if they are giving extensions during the season, they are also looking at areas of need (and specific players) for the ‘09 draft. thanks in advance.

By Former STH

December 1, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Havent the Falcons been to the playoffs before? No?

By Boston Falcons Fan

December 1, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Yates,

I thought the Falcons had a good shot at going .500 (eight wins) once they drafted Matt Ryan and named him the starter. I am one of the 16% that’s not a liar!

By MWC

December 1, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think the AJC sould hire Exodus Mentality.

By ATL

December 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

You are absolutely correct about the antics of Terry Bradshaw on FOX.-Also his screaming highlight commentary is especially irritating. -GO FALCONS

By darrell starks

December 1, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

THE ICE MAN IS THE TRUTH BEFORE THE DRAFT I WAS BIG ON GLEN DORSEY AND I THOUGHT IT WAS MISTAKES DRAFTING THE ICE MAN THAT TELL YOU HOW MUCH I NO FOOTBALL WE HAVE A WINNER THIS GUY HE IS UNBELIEVABLE. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Turd Ferguson

December 1, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Big win yesterday…Terrible officiating…the refs must have been hung-over or something. I think the score should have been a lot higher than what it was. Hats off to the defense…give the D-Line credit for putting pressure on up front, finally! Sacks kill drives! Jonathan Babineaux played great. I still would like to see more blitzes thrown in even though we didn’t need them yesterday. Harry Douglas redeemed himself by returning a punt for 30 yards and catching his 1st NFL TD after “muffing” the first punt. (I think Coach Smith reminded Harry about Adam Jennings losing his job after his “muff”) Matt Ryan was impressive again…his accuracy and confidence for someone his age amaze me… kid can straight play. Let’s get this goal line offense going and be prepared for a New Orleans team who is gonna play us like they have nothing lose!

By Fred

December 1, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

I’m glad that someone else noticed that Roddy White was pushed in the back on that incomplete pass. That was blatant pass interference which was missed by the incompetent officials.

What is the point of having instant replay if the officials can’t get those calls correct? Both of the Falcons’ challenges should have been successful according to the replays. The fact that the Falcons overcame these mistakes to win the game shows what a good team we have, just like a good pitcher has to overcome errors in the field or missed calls. Go Birds!!!

By Big Papa

December 1, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Yo D Led, (trying to sound ethnic since I see your “in the house” street talk) Did you learn spell/grammer check from John Clayton as well? Or was it a Howard English 101 thing? Very SLOPPY, but perhaps the Whopper Juniors from the airport BK Lounge were too exciting for you to take the time to spell/grammer check your story.

1. and Carroll Rogers will (be) on the beat for us today.

2. He was (a) beast of a beat writer on the Seahawks.

3. Must I go on?

Best not be lazy……your replacement could be just around the corner.

By PR

December 1, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

A good chance, Falcons may win 3 awards this year- M.Ryan Rookie of the year, Smith Coach of the year & TD GM award..

By Collin

December 1, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

In an optimistic view of the rest of the year, I think the Panthers have a legitimate shot at beating the bucs, as do we at home, and it is very possible that the Chargers get a pride win vs TB as well.
That could put us in place to take the first round BYE into the playoffs baby!

By KingCobra

December 1, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

The game against San Diego yesterday was a fine game by the Falcons, but the turnovers are a sure sign of unexplainable nervousness which should not occur this late in the season. It just so happened that the Falcons were playing a pathetic San Diego squad which couldnt capitalize on the situation. If the Falcons were playing a stronger team or if this were a playoff game, the Falcons would have lost yesterdays game for giving the Chargers so many chances to win the game. The Falcons also squandered many scoring opportunities and had it not been for dropped passes and turnovers the score wouldnt have been so close. I know of three times when the Falcons should have scored touchdowns; the goal line stance of the Chargers where they prevented the Falcons from scoring on four plays near the goal line; the missed pass by Ryan to a wide open Jenkins in the end zone where Ryan overthrew Jenkins and the pass to Roddy White in the end zone where White dropped the pass. If the Falcons had convered touchdowns on all three of those plays and the Falcons were free from turnovers, the Birds would have pitched a shutout yesterday 43-0. I dont mind that the Falcons won in spite of their mistakes and turnovers. I just dont understand the conservative play after the first quarter which consisted of mostly running plays, milking the clock which in the end would have eliminated scoring chances for the Falcons as well as the Chargers. That could have cost the Falcons dearly yesterday if the Chargers had taken the lead once in the second half when they were trailing by 6, the Chargers could have won the game 23-22 had they been able to muster one more touchdown to go ahead. Even though the Falcons won the game yesterday, I hope they learned a valuable lesson from that ballgame because it certainly shouldnt have been as close as it turned out to be. The Falcons should have routed the Chargers 43-0 yesterday if their game plan had been executed to perfection and they had played flawless football free from turnovers.

By Fancon Fan

December 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

We atlanta are setting our selfs up for a big let down with four games to go.we beat the saints at home,they will be a force to beat in thier own house.Even with tampa bay coming to our house they seam to have our number.So before you set the dinner table and get ready to eat play off pie remember you have to have these 2 games and it won’t be easy.

By Curious George

December 1, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Who is smartest?

A : Michael Vick

B : Plaxico Burress

C : Pacman Jones

D : Eugene Robinson

E : Ray Lewis

F : DeAngelo Hall

By Ross

December 1, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I have a question about playoff seedings -

Can both wild cards come from the same division? I was under the impression that the wild cards had to come from different divisions - meaning the Falcons could actually win out and still not make the playoffs if the tiebreakers fall for TB and Carolina.

Speaking of rivalries - I’m starting to really dislike Carolina and Steve Smith. I sure would like to get some hats on him again this season.

-drl

By Boo Boo

December 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have guaranteed a non-losing season. That’s all they have done; but that in iteself is huge. They have to go to the Super Dome next week and play a Saints team that is mad from losing to Tampa Bay, and mad from losing to the Falcons. They are 5 - 1 in New Orleans; and they have Drew Brees and rabid fans. Not a gimme victory. Then they come home to Atlanta and play the 9 - 3 Bucs, with their defense that kicked Falcon butt earlier, at their place. Again, not a gimme victory. Then they go to the Metrodome and play a Vikings team with Adrian Peterson, which destroyed a Bears team last night, a Bears team the Falcons needed a miracle to beat. Certainly not a gimme victory there either, especially when its one of the loudest places to play a football game, and hard for seasoned teams to hear signals.

It is great the Falcons won yesterday; but keep in mind the process does not call for “worst to first” in one season. The process calls for learning how to win, one game at a time. Yesterday they totally dominated the opponent, yet almost gave away a sure victory by making mistakes (with some officials helping to create some mistakes). The Falcons won one they could have made an early Christmas present. See that as like if Plexico Burress had fired the pistol (mistake), but missing his leg (no serious wound). You miss and you can sneak away without anyone remembering your mistakes. Shoot yourself in the foot and there’s all hell to pay. The next step in the process is to go to New Orleans and play a good, angry, rivalry opponent, without making mistakes. It is a big challenge the Falcons have before them.

Crunch time numbers: November ended up 4 wins, 1 loss. Now you crank it up a notch for December. Wins are harder to come by from here on out. This is when contenders shine and pretenders wilt.

By falcons rock

December 1, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Hey the best play yesterday was Matt’s KO on the offical , a little repay for all those bad and I mean bad calls. A good team doesn’t let bad calls get them down,they rebound,,,GO FALCONS

By The Ole Ball Coach

December 1, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

If the Chargers get that many calls and gifts from the Refs each week they should be undefeated….

Really how bad can a set of so called Professional Refs be? They should give their paycheck back…..

Hats off to the Falcons great play by all. Loved that Defense.

By falcon

December 1, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

It’s important that we take one game at a time, and make sure we take care of business in that game. At the Dome we were all over Brees and forced 3 INT’s. We’ve gotta get after him again. Brees will put it up at least 50 times this Sunday. If we do the little things right, we can beat the Saints convincingly. Then we move on to the next game.

By rob

December 1, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Ain’t no stopping us now..GO BIRDS whoop dem who dats

By DaculaJones

December 1, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Only the teams that have faced the Falcon Beat Down understand. The Falcons can make youthful mistakes and make the game stats look worse than they really are. The national press and players from other teams see the game stats and see a team that is strong in cetain areas. (ie-1st qtr scoring) and think the team is weak in other areas. But to a fan and as a team the has faced the beat down, the stats lie. In every win, the Falcons have dominated. And its the youth of the team that has allowed the stats to grow late after the game was long over. Or in this game allowing turnovers to keep the game closer than it really was.

But I believe this a good thing….To be under the radar. Reminds me of the Giants of last year who got no repect until they almost beat NE last in the season. Not saying thr Falcons are better than the Giants. Just that the Giants flew under the national radar until that game.

The Falcons have passed every test so far. There are 2 more to pass. Next week and home against Tampa.

By Barry

December 1, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

“ONE HEARTBEAT!!!! ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!” That’s what we saw yesterday. The continuation of the process in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”.

Even though the referees tried to take the game, these Falcons kept their focus. Even though our rookies made some mistakes in the Harry Douglas fumble and the Lofton return of a failed failed field goal, the Falcons stayed together and kept their focus. Through those mistakes, the young guys have learned and will not make it again in thier NFL careers. That was exemplified when Douglas almost broke the next punt return. These young guys learning is part of the process and the team is getting stronger and stronger. Their heart is beeating louder and louder. Can you hear it: Thump! Thump! Thump! Etc.! This is going down in “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY”. I told you guys the Chargers were just in the way of the process. And Iam loving how the process is developing quality players already in our mitts. The coaches coached one hell of a game and kept their composure communicating with each other throughout the game. The players were not phased. They took care of business with “THE MOVIN COMPANY”-the offensive and defensive line assisting in making yards and making stops against the opposition. In fact, Ladamien Thomillson only had 24 yards. Now that’s a consistant accomplishement. They didi it as a team in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. Now it on to Minnesota to show them football southern style. Again, we must take no prisoners. It is time for some nasty, dirty, creative football. And if you thought you saw some to this point with the Falcons then you ain’t seen nothing yet. Can you hear the beat? THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! It’s getting “LOUDER”. The coaches, the players, the fans, the community, they hear it. Now it is time for the NFL to hear our heart: In “ONE HEARTBEAT”. That’s right! In “ONE HEARTBEAT!! WE AIN’T PLAYING!! Y’all guys may be, but we FALCONS and the FALCON FOOTBALL COMMUNITY “AIN’T PLAYING!! We are down with this in “ONE HEARTBEAT!! Can you hear it. Get Scared. It’s getting “LOUDER”. THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!!!THUMP! THUMP!!!.

NOW ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!???

       "ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!"

It’s spreading. SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By Ryno

December 1, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Russ - those QB rushing stats were huge.

Hopefully Matty Ice can improve his game to where he can successfully run the ball for 3.5 yards per game. I know he is a rookie and his game will take time to develop, but if he really hits the film room hard - he might be able to pick up those skills.

Till then - I guess we’ll have to settle for his 91% rookie passer rating.

By marco

December 1, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Dale-I completely agree with you on the national media. Jamie Dukes was on the NFL network making picks and actually said that his pick was dependent on “which Matt Ryan” showed up to play! That was the most ignorant statement considering Matt Ryan has been fairly consistent and not “hot and cold” . I have to ignore Dr.Z on CNNSI. His power rankings just frustrate me and ruin my Wednesday. I think the Falcons are continuing to improve and opening up different facets of their game. I mean the guys are just killing me with kindness! Tight end Justin Peele catching a TD. Rookie DE Kroy Biermann getting his first sack. Falcons even get a field goal block! How about that pass deflection by Erik Coleman! I love you man! What more could we as fans ask for? The persevere in a west coast game in which the chargers were given multiple opportunities to take the game. But the defense stepped up and squashed any hope the chargers had. Go Falcons!

By StetsonWilliams

December 1, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I am bold enough to predict that should the Falcons run the table in their final four games and beat Tampa, New Orleans, Minnesota and the Rams, I am convinced that with a 12-4 record and the confidence coming off a spectacular season, the Falcons WILL END UP PLAYING IN THE SUPERBOWL as one of the superbowl participants. They will get past the Giants because the Giants will have most likely have lost their star receiver after Plexico Burruss figuratively and literally has SHOT himself in the foot. So look for the Falcons to continue playing in late January early February, I believe, but the Falcons will get there ONLY if they run the table now and go 12-4 they will have arrived as a legitimate NFL powerhouse team.

By Game Ball

December 1, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

To Vick Supporter 2. His continued influence on positive karma for the Falcons, particularly Matt Ryan, is greatly appreciated by all Falcons fans. Keep up the good work!

By kappellmeister

December 1, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Ross, two wild-card teams from the same division can definitely go to the playoffs, as it has happened on more than one occasion before.

And Barry, I mean JEEZ-us could you stop with the “One Heartbeat” stuff? Really. Nobody reads your overly lengthy posts anymore cuz they all say the same things.

SHHHHHHHH… This is no secret to Falcons Fans - your posts suck!

By CTfalconfan

December 1, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Yes both wild card teams can come from the same division. If the play-offs were today, 3 NFC South team’s would go as we have a better Conference record than Dallas at the moment but there’s still a lot of football to be played.

Let’s sweep New Orleans first…

By Indifferent

December 1, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

All that matters is what we in Atlanta think about the Falcons. The national writers can go crap in their hat.

Seriously, they’ll take notice of the Falcons when they beat all the “national darling” teams like Dallas or Indy.

Keep winning Falcons and know that Atlanta is 100% behind you.

By T

December 1, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Preseason, I thought the would win between 7-10 wins. 7 if they lost a couple close one’s, 10 in they won a couple close ones. 8 or 9 in a give and take. This team was not as bad (talent wise) as last year. It was just a horrible situation with what the Head Coach and #7 did. And with the Smitty’s philosophy and the talent brought in… this is not a surprise to me. I love that it has happened and I say congrats to the entire Falcons team and organization. Please keep it going!!!

By TURTSNAP

December 1, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

This season is really beginning to mirror 1998. Granted, the ‘98 team wasn’t picked to be as horrid as the 08 team, but in no way were we picked to go to the playoffs that year either. Everything fell into place in ‘98, and now in ‘08…… well, lets just wait and see

GO FALCONS!!

By Doug

December 1, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Gone is the flash created by the league’s best athelete and marginal quarterback. Here now are solid players, the fruits of the best draft in Falcon history, and the implementation of “the basics.” The success of Matt Ryan notwithstanding, if Sam Baker hadn’t gone down he would be a pro bowl rookie. Harry Douglas is finding his stride and our defense has figured it out. What this team has now is poise. At 8-4 this team is beginning to believe in itself. When the going gets tough they can handle it. 12-4 is a real possibility. Who would have ever thought?

By MWC

December 1, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Yo marco…I mean, we ARE talking about Jamie Dukes. The NFL network is a joke…

By Josh M

December 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Any chance on the Tampa game being moved to 4 p.m.?

By Russ

December 1, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Ryno - Actually, Matty Ice doesn’t have to improve his rushing stats. He has 71 yds. rushing in 12 games (almost 6 yds. per game). So, he is actually over-achieving for the required 3.5 yds. per game needed from the last 5 Superbowl winning QB’s. If his running is that awesome I still can’t figure out why he reminds everyone so much of Ryan Leaf. I guess I’ll have to keep investigating.

By James

December 1, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

About “football night in America”

I don’t waste my time watching those jokers in the studio. They are horrible. I just watch Chris Berman and Tom Jackson until the actual game starts and then change over.

By Hawkeman

December 1, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

ESPN says ” the Atlanta Falcons have had 84 games with a -3 turnover ratio and lost 83 of those games before yesterday” That says more about THIS TEAM than any other stat.

By We Fly High

December 1, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Coach Smith will not let our success be our ultimate undoing. By that I mean the offense being called too conservative. I don’t look at it that way. Coach is just dancing with the lady he brought. The Falcons are 8-4 this year and success on offense has come by running the ball and setting up the pass. The offense should’nt change what they do just because Ryan has learned the entire playbook. He is still a rookie and I believe a well rounded thought out plan on offense is in place for this year and it’s gotten us this far so why change it? Ryan is called upon when needed as any great QB is, but he has had a really good year with the offense just the way it is. If all of a sudden we decide to start passing it more just because a team is weak in that area then we lose the identity of the type of team we assembled. Next year with Ryan having a season under his belt and more than likely some playoff experience, we can look to open up the passing game a little more, especially with Jenkins getting an extension and White on deck. I just think it’s a little dangerous right now to start tinkering with the offense when it has gotten us this far. Certain situations I agree the offense should open up, but not overall with confidence being this high and a lot of younger players on the team relying on it.

By Dennis

December 1, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Amazing: Falcons win and the NFL network trio spends five full minutes talking about what the 4-8 Chargers have to do to make the playoffs.

I haven’t caught ESPN’s post-game analysis, but I’m sure it’s just more of the same.

By Dennis

December 1, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Curious George - I’d have to say Ray Lewis is the smartest of those you listed. He beat a double murder and is still a media darling.

By B. Cosby

December 1, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Hmmm….

What is the common denominator among all the ball players in Curious George’s query?

By cb

December 1, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Good win in San Diego in spite of some of the worst officiating I have seen in recent memory. Finn NEVER had possession of the ball and Turner was CLEARLY down. Back in the day when instant replay wasn’t an integral part of officiating these instances could be heavily debated—but not anymore. Those were 2 obviously overturnable calls clearly visible in replay. I was also concerned about the officials calling the Burner out of bounds on the 17 yard line on his “touchdown run”. On replay at gametime and the direct tv “falcons 30 minute short” he CLEARLY did not step out of bounds. The falcons’ organization should file a complaint about the officiating for this game. The chargers are who they are and should not be given opportunities to stay in the playoff hunt at our expense. Pathetic officiating. As far as the team’s performance goes, I thought the effort was strong on defense and effective on offense. Special teams was also effective other than the muffed punt (punt and kickoff coverage were awesome and great effort by Andersen on blocked fg). Big props to the defense in its overall performance. Turner was all business today and the offensive line is working as an effective unit. Ryan is going to be very good for a long time. This game was a classic example of elements behind the scenes with ulterior motives. If the league wants the chargers in the playoff picture—-LET THEM EARN IT!!!! GO FALCONS!!!!!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 1, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

HATE TO BUST YOUR BUBBLE DREAMERS…BUT

———SO YOU BEAT A 4-7 TEAM————

ROAD TO THE WILDCARD

DALLAS…..8-4

WASHINGTON…..7-5

CHICAGO……6-6

CAROLINA…….9-3

TAMPA……..9-3

EAGLES…….6-5 (TIE BREAKER)

NEW ORLEANS…..6-6

MINNESOTA……..7-5

———SO————

EITHER CAROLINA OR TAMPA WILL END UP WITH 13 WINS AND WILL WIN THE DIVISION

———-THEREFORE————

THAT LEAVES (8) TEAMS FIGHTING FOR 1-PLAYOFF SPOT & 3 OF THE FINAL GAMES ARE AGAINST THEM

———-I’LL SAY THIS——————

YOU WON FAR MORE GAMES THAN I THOUGHT, DIDN’T THINK BURNER TURNER WOULD BE THAT BIG OF AN IMPACT…..BUT

NO PLAYOFFS AGAIN

———2004 & COUNTING————-

By Derek Watts

December 1, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

BOO BOO, GO BACK AND HIDE UNDER YOUR TRAILER. WHAT A LOSER.

By bring vick back

December 1, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

vick best year 2006 ranked 20th passer rating; 22nd yards per pass; 22nd total yards; better receivers: same wide outs and Crumpler; the rook: passer rating 13th; yards per pass 8th; total yards: 11th; same wideouts and I can’t name his tight end and Ryan has upside; Vick peaked his sophomore year @ Va Tech;

By Barry

December 1, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

They are afraid of the FALCONS. They are very afraid. They are posing as FALCON fans. They are on our blog trying to divide and destroy.

Let’s take them down in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        "ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!"

Ringold

By Beatrice L

December 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Vick supporter 2, you left a little bit of Vick drippin’ down your chin.

By Vick Supporter

December 1, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

We need a negro at QB.

It’s as simple as that.

You honkey fans are afraid of the real truth = MV7, aka, the greatest QB to ever play the game and the only reason the Falcons ever sold out a game. Not like these soft sellouts today where nobody wants to see some mediocre white boy that the media is tryuing to make into a hero.

Arthur Blank will admit he was wrong when MV7 returns. Blank knows that is the only way to sell out the dome, sell jerseys, and make money.

If people don’t want Vick, why are they still wearing the #7 jersey?

If people didn’t like Vick, why did he used to sell out the dome EVERY GAME.

If the Falcons don’t want to keep Vick, why is he still on the roster.

Face it, MIKE VICK IS STILL A FALCON and he will be starting week 1 of the 2009 NFL season.

Black is no dumy. He knows that Mike Vick holds the key to the franchise’s future. We have seen what the white boy can do and that is NOT SELL OUT THE DOME.

MIKE VICK = 4 year waiting list for Season Tickets and 31 consecutive sell outs.

WHITEY BOY WANNABE = good seats available

You people can cry all you want, but we all know THE TRUTH and his name is MICHAEL VICK.

Don’t forget, a black man is president now and all you white people are scared.

OBAMA & VICK in 2009!

By Janet S

December 1, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

OBama has a better chance of being the Atl. qback than Vick.

By Nate

December 1, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Mike Smith has to start using more play action (especially in goal line situations) to stop teams from selling out on the run during short yardage plays. And for ——sake, stop trying to run out the clock with 11 minutes to play. Play to win! He gave San Diego every chance to come back in that game. Doesn’t he remember that strategy should’ve lost us the Bears’ game?

By Vick Supporter

December 1, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I’m getting tired of people using my name on here, Vick Supporter 2 is cool, but the other guy using “Vick Supporter” needs to come up w/his own s**. He’s giving me a bad name. i have one thing to say………REDEMPTION IS NEAR…………..

By 1911A1

December 1, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

A brief lesson in business for you fans of He Who Shall Not Be Named:

Unsold bleacher seats in the dome are chump change compared with the revenues from skybox leases and their attendant add-on sales (catering, etc.) The golden geese (corporate types) who pay for those leases would take their money elsewhere if the lowlife were ever to return to the team.

In other words, selling out the Dome means nothing compared with keeping those who provide the REAL revenue happy…and if you and your fellow goobers stay away, they will likely be even happier.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 1, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

VICK SUPPORTER

————THAT WAS HILARIOUS———-

BOO BOO

GREAT POST! BUT YOU LEFT OUT ONE THING IN THE NEW ORLEANS GAME………..

REGGIE BUSH WILL BE PLAYING THIS TIME

By Judge

December 1, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Looks like the turd won’t flush. Where you been MVS2? I’ve missed laughing at your asinine vitrol all day.

By Russ

December 1, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

VS2 - I haven’t seen your predictions for the entire season, but from what I have seen you pick against the Falcons every week, which means you have probably been wrong 8 out of 12 times so far. If you are picking the Falcons to miss the playoffs, that gives them a 2/3 chance of getting in…I like those odds.

By the way, have you had a chance to look at my analysis of Superbowl winning QB’s and their running abilities above?

By 2realistic

December 1, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

I am very proud of the Falcons. In years past, they would have easily found many ways to blow the gave v. the Chargers. Not this year, though. They are resilient and playing pretty well as a team.

With all of that said, I still can’t figure out why Norwood only had NINE touches the entire game. Like I’m sure many folks were thinking when we were 1st and goal (at the end of the half), where the heck was Norwood? How about going four wide and put Norwood and Turner in the backfield? How about a little play action? There are so many options available for Mularkey but all we saw was run into the teeth of their D-line four times and no points. Dang. I’m sure I remember the coaching staff talking about how to get Norwood more involved. I don’t think NINE touches is it.

I hope the Falcons can gain strength as the season goes on. They’re going to need it as they have little room for error at this point if they’re going to shock the world and make the playoffs / win the division.

Go Falcons!

By 2realistic

December 1, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

I am very proud of the Falcons. In years past, they would have easily found many ways to blow the game v. the Chargers. Not this year, though. They are resilient and playing pretty well as a team.

With all of that said, I still can’t figure out why Norwood only had NINE touches the entire game. Like I’m sure many folks were thinking when we were 1st and goal (at the end of the half), where the heck was Norwood? How about going four wide and put Norwood and Turner in the backfield? How about a little play action? There are so many options available for Mularkey but all we saw was run into the teeth of their D-line four times and no points. Dang. I’m sure I remember the coaching staff talking about how to get Norwood more involved. I don’t think NINE touches is it.

I hope the Falcons can gain strength as the season goes on. They’re going to need it as they have little room for error at this point if they’re going to shock the world and make the playoffs / win the division.

Go Falcons!

By TwoCents

December 1, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Hey, now that’s a thought! If Ryan ever goes down (I shudder to think), who would I rather have play QB: Obama, Shockley or Vick?

I’d say my number one option has to be Shockley. Being a Dawg himself, he probably never murdered one. And the dude can run, can pass, and can think.

Then Obama the #2 option at QB, as he would fumble a lot less then Vick, and he’s a helluva lot smarter than the inmate from V Tech. Bet he would memorize the playbook quickly, anyway. And he can hit the trey (but I digress).

And last but not least, Mike Vick. Dude could run and he sure could throw the ball 80 yards downfield, but I bet he fumbled or threw the INT an average of 2.7 times a game, and if he ever threw a hald-dozen passes with any touch, I never saw them all. Took Ryan 3 games to memorize the playbook, and he is always cool in the pocket. Did Vick have the playbook memorized after 3 YEARS? Did he ever stay in the pocket long enough to throw a pass from it?

‘nuff said.

By 2realistic

December 1, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I am very proud of the Falcons. In years past, they would have easily found many ways to blow the game v. the Chargers. Not this year, though. They are resilient and playing pretty well as a team.

With all of that said, I still can’t figure out why Norwood only had NINE touches the entire game. Like I’m sure many folks were thinking when we were 1st and goal (at the end of the half), where the heck was Norwood? How about going four wide and put Norwood and Turner in the backfield? How about a little play action? Heck, even a QB sneak would’ve probably worked…just piggy back on one of the O-line hogs. There were so many options available for Mularkey but all we saw was running into the teeth of their D-line four times and getting no points. Dang. I’m sure I remember the coaching staff talking about how to get Norwood more involved. I don’t think NINE touches is “more involved.”

I hope the Falcons can gain strength as the season goes on. They’re going to need it as they have little room for error at this point if they’re going to shock the world and make the playoffs / win the division.

Go Falcons!

By VT Fan

December 1, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

I am a VT fan living in Atlanta. I followed Michael (and Marcus) Vick throughout their entire careers. I loved him as a player for my Hokies and for the Falcons. So I have no bias for disliking the man as a human being other than his actions towards animals. Everyone is entiled to a second chance, but that doesn’t mean punishment should be absolved. He deserves to serve his sentence and be released when his time is done, and I wish him well when he returns to ordinary life. But…I will never look at him in a positive light again. It has nothing to do with race, nor how much money he made. It is soley on the decisions that he himself made.

We live by the decisions we make and the company that we keep, and there are a few decisions in a lifetime that will define us. What he did will define him. Again, that doesn’t mean he can not change (and I hope he does), but what he did just does not go away, just as it wouldn’t if I myself did the same.

Here is to hoping that through his actions, many people saw that illegal and illicit activities are not worth the lifestyle that can become of it.

By D.Ellis

December 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Vick Suporter-Dude that was pretty funny. My thought is Mike Vick is still a Falcon becasue he will be traded for draft picks.

-Why cut him and get nothing when you can trade him and get something? Not because he will be the starting QB in 2009.

-I would say he sold out the dome because he was a very exciting football player to watch. -I would disagree he was the greatest QB to ever play the game. He never played in a Super Bowl, much less won one. So that strikes him from that list. -I would say people still wear #7 jersey’s because well they still like #7, and show support for their favorite athlete. -Nope sorry-Atlanta used to have Mike Vick as their franchise QB-Now they have Matt Ryan as their Franchise QB. -Mike Vick doesn’t even hold the key to his cell….much less this franchise. All the White boy has done is assend (Sp) into the top 10 in the NFL in passing rating while leading this team whcih was picked to win 2-4 games nationally to an 8-4 record and in the thick of the playoff hunt. -Congrats on the sell outs. Didn’t really get us anywhere except for a 2-2 playoff record and no Super Bowl games -White boy wanna be seems to be doing ok in the dome…even though they don’t sell out -Your right a black man is president but i don’t think white people are scared….s a matter of fact if it wasn’t for white people he wouldn’t be in office so good luck with the whole “down with whitey thing….we in the hizzy”

-Vick Supporter 2-What happened to Jammer and Cromartie licking their chops on Ryan’s passes? What happened to Jamal Williams meeting Turner?

-Uh oh-Did the 72 million dollar bust just crack the top 10 in THE LEAGUE in passing rating…..I think so

By Vick Supporter

December 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

This place is loserville and it will always be loservile, as far as the falcons. Ryan WILL NOT take the team farther than Vick. I’m sorry, Falcon fans, but as you people always say…..the NFL catches up w/you, and they will start jumping in front of those feather passes that Ryan throws. Its only a matter of time…….