AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBaker to miss NFC South showdown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NEW ORLEANS - Birds are on the field going through their final workout.
They are pumping that hot T.I and Rhiana song “Living Your Life” over the Superdome speakers.
The Saints caught a break from the federal judge in Minnesota and defensive end Will Smith and running back Deuce McAllister were ordered re-instated for this game.
Sam Baker is inactive. He will miss his 7th straight game.
Falcons inactives: D.J. Shockley (3rd quarterback), wide receiver Laurent Robinson, cornerback Brent Grimes, safety Antoine Harris, linebacker Tony Gilbert, center Ben Wilkerson, left tackle Sam Baker, defensive end Simon Fraser.
Saints Inactives: Joey Harrington (3rd quarterback), Safety Terrence Holt, cornerback David Pittman, running back Mike Bell, guard Jamar Nesbit, tackle Jermon Bushrod, wide receiver David Patten and defensive end Josh Savage.
Some folks are starting to take the Falcons seriously. Pro Football Weekly has the Falcons rated 10th in their weekly power rankings. The New Orleans Times- Picayune has the Falcons rated 8th in their power rankings.
There are still some non-believers. The ESPN radio dude Colin Cowherd dismissed the Falcons’ winning as “smoke and mirrors” on his show this week.
ESPN Emmitt Smith is a believer. On his pre-game segment, he said he doesn’t think the Falcons have an easy road, but likes the balanced offense to pull them through. He said he expected them to win today and next week against Tampa Bay.
They didn’t have the sound up in the press box, but I saw Fox’s Pam Oliver’s report on Fox. What was she talking to Smitty and Abraham about?
Both teams have retreated to their locker rooms. We’re about 25 minutes away from kickoff.
Send along your final scores? Who’s going to win this tilt? Can the Saints cover the Falcons’ receivers?
Will drop back by during the game for questions and will be on hand for halftime questions.
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Comments
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT
ATLANTA……..8-4
NEW ORLEANS…..6-6
———BUT—————-
IN VEGAS THE SAINTS ARE FAVORED TO WIN…..HMMMMMM
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
WAY TO READ THE DEFENSE :)
——-72-MILLION BECAUSE…..———
INTELLIGENT THINKER
DROP BACK PASSER
READ DEFENSES
——-WHAT A JOKE————
72-MILLION BUST :)
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
REGGIE! REGGIE! REGGIE!
——-IT’S AMAZING————
HOW WELL A “FULL” TEAM PLAYS
COME ON INTELLIGENT THINKER
72-MILLION DOLLAR JOKE
By BA
December 7, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Actually Cowherd has been saying how he thinks the Falcons are for REAL!
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
When he was going over playoff scenarios last week he said he thought Falcons were “smoke and mirrors.” I’m not a regular for his show do I don’t kwon what he’s been saying all year.
Don’t know why the Falcon punt returners let so many punts roll. Aren’t they back there to at the least fair catch the punt. Finneran didn’t catch a punt and it rolled dead at the 2.
By welikebaseball2
December 7, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Duh, they knew Baker’s durability was questionable when they drafted him. They rolled the dice. What good is a “1st round” o-lineman on the sidelines? Is anyone really surprised that he’s missing his 7th straight game?
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Big Sam was expecting to play today.
By welikebaseball2
December 7, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Anybody seen the Falcons secondary? Did they make the trip?
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
———-HMMMMM—————
MVP
———HMMMMMMM————-
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
2-YARD PASS
IT WILL LOOK LIKE A BOMB IN THE STAT SHEET :)
By Joe THE Stumbler
December 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Rookie of the year is right, and your man is still bankrupt in prison.
LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Your boy will never play again
LOLOLOLOLOLOL
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Oh, no! Y’all about to get started early on off the field stuff. Stay with today’s game. Stick with me here.
By Billy
December 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Who cares about Colin Cowherd?
By brewdawg
December 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
I’m with ya D! Pretty impressive comeback from an early 10-0 hole. It’s unfortunate that we let them score at the end of the half, but we are squarely in the ball game now. Lookin forward to a good second half.
By Great Falconi
December 7, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Gotta D up in the second half, dammit. The rushing yards are killing us.
By ron mexico
December 7, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
WHO CARES ABOUT COWHERD ANYWAY?!
DENIAL CHAMP 2, DID YOU STOP TALKIN BOUT FLACCO ‘CAUSE YOU’RE MORE MISLEADING THAN THAT MORON GEORGE W.?
YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED BRINGING UP “FACTS” THAT ARE NOT EVEN TRUE!!
FLACCO’S WINS HAVE COME AGAINST OPPONENTS WITH A WORSE RECORD THAN ATLANTA’S!!!!!
IF YOU EVER BROUGHT UP CREDIBLE STUFF, MAYBE MORE PEOPLE MIGHT NOT RIDICULE YOU.
OH WELL, I FIND IT AMUSING, AND ENJOY CORRECTING YOUR BITTER RANTS. ;)
By Numbas don't Lie
December 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Michael Vick
2001: Rookie year Games:8 QB rating: 62.7 Completions:50 Attempts: 113 Percentage: 44.2 Yards: 785 Interceptions: 3 Touchdowns: 2 Rush attempts: 31 Yards: 298 Touchdowns: 1 Fumbles: 6 Team record: 7-9 Conclusion: Not good enough at first to start over Chris Chandler and can’t throw accurate passes on a consistent basis. Fumble prone. Carries the ball strangely.
2002 First full year as quarterback. Games 15 QB rating: 81.6 Completions/attempts 231/421 Percentage: 54.9 Yards: 2936 Interceptions: 16 Touchdowns: 8 Rush attempts/yards: 113/777 Touchdowns: 8 Fumbles: 9 Team Record: 9-6, including first round playoff win. Got crushed by a team that knew how to stop a non-throwing quarterback. Conclusion: Learned to throw a bit better, but still TWICE as many interceptions as touchdowns. Much better as a running back than quarterback, although still very fumble prone due to inability to carry the football like a normal person. Cannot see past offensive line.
2003: Broken leg. Only played 5 games. Still managed 5 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Amazing. 5-11 team record.
2004: Played 15 games. QB rating of 78.1. 2,313 yards, 14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions. Rushed for record 902 yards and 3 touchdowns. Managed to stain even that with a record 16 FUMBLES. Team record of 11-5 with a first round win against the Rams. Again, team got crushed by Philadelphia, a team that knew how to stop a non-defense reading signal caller.
Conclusion: Exciting, but not a truly winner in tough situations. Passer rating tells the truth, only effective against teams that don’t plan for a scrambling quarterback. Teams that do have little problem. Still carries the ball like a half-drunk person with down syndrome. Not learning to be a leader. Very little discipline behind the line or in the pocket. Cannot read defenses.
2005: Even lower QB rating of 73.1 with 15 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and 2,412 yards passing. Racks up 597 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, with another team-high 11 FUMBLES. Team record of 8-8. No playoffs. Shoots the bird with both middle fingers to the fans. Or was that in a different year?
Conclusion: Disappointing year all around. Leadership skills still absent, decision-making still very shaky. Still a better runner than passer, but not finding the same amount of room to run. Must learn to pass like other quarterbacks. Continues to react to defenses after the play begins, not before the play starts. Strictly a reactionary player.
2006: One of his better passing years with 2,474 yards and 20 passing touchdowns, which made 13 interceptions not look as bad. Rushed for 1039 yards and 2 touchdowns. Had 9 FUMBLES. Team record of 7-9.
2007: Anyone who knows what football is knows what happened.
OVERALL CONCLUSION:
A very exciting player who did not come to the NFL with all the fundamentals a quarterback should have. Incredible escape ability, but is clearly very uncomfortable in the pocket.
A better runner than passer in most cases, despite arm strength. Oddly enough, not a good runner due to the overwhelming number of fumbles and inability to hold on to the ball. 55 career fumbles overshadow 21 career rushing touchdowns. Career QB rating of 75.7 is not impressive. Lacks leadership capabilities. Did not communicate well with teammates or coaches. Does not react well to making mistakes. Lacks the ability to consistently beat teams with his arm when he cannot beat them with his legs. If allowed to play in the NFL again, will not be as fast as he once was. Will have to learn to pass much better to be effective. Re-entering the NFL at the age of 29 if allowed to returns makes this an unlikely scenario. Would be better off trying to make a team as some sort of offensive specialist. Aside from apparel and ticket revenues, WAS NEVER WORTH $100 MILLION PLUS AS A FOOTBALL PLAYER.
Matt Ryan
Rookie year: In 12 games, already has more passing yards (2,625), better QB rating (91.2), at a better percentage (61.0) than Michael Vick ever has in his career. *He also has 14 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, only 71 yards rushing (no touchdowns), and only 2 fumbles. That is nearly twice as many touchdowns as turnovers *combined.
SO IS MATT RYAN BETTER THAN MICHAEL VICK? IF YOU COMPARE ROOKIE YEARS, THEN THE ANSWER IS AN ASTOUNDING YES. IF HE REMAINS HEALTHY, RYAN WILL ONLY GET BETTER. HE WILL NEVER BE THE RUNNER VICK WAS, BUT HE WILL ALSO NEVER TURN THE BALL OVER NEARLY AS MUCH. HE ALREADY IS A SUPERIOR PASSER WHO CAN READ DEFENSES BEFORE THE PLAY ON MOST OCCASIONS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE IS A TRUE LEADER, AS ALL QUARTERBACKS MUST BE. HE IS BETTER THAN VICK IN THE BEGINNING, AND HE WILL BE BETTER THAN HIM AFTER 5 YEARS.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
REDZONE CHOKE CONTINUES :)
WAY TO GO ELAM
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Pretty impressive drive to take back the lead.
Stop debating Vick and watch TODAY’S GAME.
By ray
December 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Man, things were looking rather dire there in the first quarter.
Watching Ryan and the Falcons play in the second quarter and so far here in the second half? A revelation. Only a true leader does what Ryan is doing now. Despite one penalty after another, Ryan drives us down the field anyway. And oh yeah, before you jump on him for not getting us in the endzone this time, consider the three straight penalties after great plays he and his receivers made, which would’ve led to touchdowns.
There’s nothing like having a quarterback who reacts to an interception by getting right back out there and just driving through the defense. I love this kid…
Some great catches out there by Roddy White, who can occasionally frustrate you with the occasional drop.
By Vick Supporter
December 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
FORMER AND CURRENT ATLANTA FALCON PASSING LEADERS FOR THE DAY.
MATT SCHAUBE, 257 YARDS
MATT RYAN, 247 YARDS
MIKE VICK, 0 YARDS AND THREE RIM JOBS
WAIT A MINUTE, THIS AIN’T RIGHT.
By ray
December 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
D. Orlando Ledbetter,
This is one heck of a game. For the first time in a long time, I feel like we can beat anybody. We need to win this one and then get our revenge on Tampa.
We need to get some serious pressure on Brees and get a hat on Bush. Both of these guys can kill you at any time during a game. Any time, even in the last two seconds.
By Jeremiah
December 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Come on Falcons!!! Let’s win this Fourth Quarter!!!!
By welikebaseball2
December 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does it seem like our DB’s play about 10 yards off of the receivers on 90 percent of the plays? And you wonder why we can’t stop the slant…
By Hms
December 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Jailbird vs. Rookie of the Year. NO DEBATE if you ask me.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
THE CHOKE IS ON :)
By Vick Supporter
December 7, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Vick had money to burn. In 2004, after two seasons with the Falcons, he signed a new contract that, with potential bonuses, could pay him $130 million by 2013. Endorsement deals — with Nike, AirTran Airways and others — added millions more. In 2006 and 2007 alone, Vick took in almost $22 million.
YEAH YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT- $130 MILLION DOLLAR JOKE SITTING IN PRISON RIGHT NOW.
By ray
December 7, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
There we go, gave up a big play and ended up giving up the TD. Glad the 2-point conversion didn’t happen though.
Now we have to get into the endzone. No two ways about it. Field goal will not be sufficient.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
PLAYOFF UPDATE
TAMPA
CAROLINA
DALLAS
——-THAT’S ALL FOLKS———-
IT’S BEEN FUN THOUGH :)
By welikebaseball2
December 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Hms, I know why you and others like you need to dog Vick to make your case for Ryan…it’s because you apparently have limited football knowledge. Why don’t you go find a more appropriate platform for your non-football issues? Know that I am more than impressed by Ryan but I know enough about the game to talk about what I see on the field to support my backing of him. You should try it!
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
12 YARD RUSH?
HATE THOSE RUNNING QUARTERBACKS :)
By ray
December 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Yeahhhhhh boyyyyy! There’s your running touchdown! You go boy! Ha! Say something NOW! Say Something NOW!! 2 point conversion as well!!
Yeahhhhhh!!!! Who’s the man NOW! Who’s the man!!
By Jeremiah
December 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
THIS KID IS UNREAL!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I AM WATCHING!!! HOLY $#!%!!!!!!!!!!
By The Real Joebrave
December 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Now How bout RYAN!!!GO CHOKE ON DAT!!!
By The Real Joebrave
December 7, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Now How bout RYAN!!!GO CHOKE ON DAT!!!
By ray
December 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
AAAAggghhhh!
Man, this game does not quit. Gotta give Thomas credit for that return. Wow.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
CHOKE 2008
————WHAT IS THAT SOUND?——-
OH WAIT I KNOW…..
THE FAT LADY IS SINGING :)
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Now can Norwood match Thomas on the kickoff return.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
GIVE ME A BREAK
——-CAN’T EVEN BEAT THE SAINTS——-
72-MILLION DOLLAR BUST :)
By welikebaseball2
December 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Well, we deserve this. If we can stop the run, we got a shot. If not, it’s over. Haven’t been able to stop the run all game. What a shame. What a waste of a great day by the offense.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
I think Mike Smith is the coach of the year, and he’s been phenomenal for the Falcons all season, but his decision to punt with 3:23 left in the game is a real head-scratcher. The Falcons’ offense has clearly played better than the defense so far in the game.
By brewdawg
December 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Defense has really let us down. Can’t ask for much more out of the offense. Tough loss. Makes next week that much bigger.
By The Grinch
December 7, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Smitty just gave the game away on that punt. Worst punt call I may have ever seen. Two minutes left; anyone think our d’s gonna stop them? They haven’t all game. This one’s gonna hurt.
By The Hitman
December 7, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Why the f did we punt the ball instead of going for it on 4th and 5? Now the Saints are going to run the clock out!!!
By Navigator
December 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
It becomes apparent that the Smith is a rookie head coach is played the percentage game, rather than playing to the actual game. The defense (average as they are) can’t stop New Orleans and Smith should understand that. You go for the first down and if you lose it there, no question. Giving the Saints the ball back is nothing more than sacrificing the outcome of the game. It’s over and Atlanta will fall back into the pack and be glad they will win more than they lose. They will win more than they lose.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
WHAT’S UP ATLANTA!!!!!
———DON’T WORRY———-
I’LL BE BACK NEXT SEASON TO SPREAD MY LOVE FOR RYAN :)
By The Grinch
December 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
UnbeLIEVable. You’ve got ONE shot to kepp the drive going and win the game, no shot if you punt. That was almost as bad as that Lion’s coach deferring after winning the overtime coin toss. The Defense was bad all day, but Smith obviously had to know that. This goes squarely on that call.
By Kyle
December 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
I’m glad we punted. That was smart!
By brewdawg
December 7, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
the play of the game was boley’s drop of a sure interception with about 5 minutes left and the falcons up 25-22. Home teams in the NFC south now something like 23-2. We just have to hold serve next week. A painful loss, not a crippling one. Pitt will take care of dallas and we will still be fine play-off wise
By Mr C.
December 7, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Our defense sucks. Can’t stop the run even if their lives depended on it. What a game by the offense and Ryan.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
WAA WAA WAA
——-SHUT UP WHINERS———
YOU REALLY THOUGHT “LEAF” COULD TAKE YOU TO THE PROMISE LAND :)
———-JOEY HARRINGTON WAS BETTER——-
72-MILLION DOLLAR BUST
By brewdawg
December 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
the play of the game was boley’s drop of a sure interception with about 5 minutes left and the falcons up 25-22. Home teams in the NFC south now something like 23-2. We just have to hold serve next week. A painful loss, not a crippling one. Pitt will take care of dallas and we will still be fine play-off wise
By BravesFan79
December 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
TERRIBLE choice to punt on 4th and 5 from the 35 or so yard line… WTF!!
If we didnt get the 1st down, and gave up a quick fieldgoal… is dosent matter…. because EITHER way we have to get a touchdown!!
Hopefully Mike Smith learns from this, that was truly terrible! Lets hope Dallas looses today.
By ray
December 7, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Dammit. We could’ve won that game. Two bad calls in my opinion: The first was the play called for Ryan to run for the first down. Bad call, because the defensive line was not coming up the field, they were staying in place.
The second bad call was to punt it away on fourth down and 5 yards to go. We should have gone for it. New Orleans wasn’t able to stop Ryan since the first quarter (with the interception). And why, oh why would you punt it away and put all the pressure on your defense, who has been unable to stop Brees and the Saints offense all day??! Bad call, and I feel like it cost us the chance to win the game. We pretty much conceded the win to them when we punted the ball away.
Meanwhile, Ryan had an absolutely heroic effort after the first quarter interception. 24-33 for 315 yards. That’s the guy who you put your trust in. Just think. We could have beaten the Saints in the Superdome. Damn.
Well, I feel like we can win the next 2 games regardless.
By T-Town Dawg
December 7, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Tough loss today. Bad coaching decision to punt with 3 minutes left. Rookie mistake for Smith. He will learn. Offense played very well. Matt Ryan continues to impress. Vicks Jockstrap2, No matter how much $h!t you spew, your boy will never be the NFL qb that Matt Ryan is after only 13 games. Furthermore, he may never play in the league again! He is a bankrupt malcontent punk, and he is STILL in jail. Ryan and the Falcons are still in the thick of the playoff race, even with todays loss. Ledbetter, if you want everyone to stay on topic, ban the Jockstrap2 like you threatened last week. He is the one stirring the $h!t every week.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
PLAYOFF PICTURE
DALLAS…….8-4
PHILLY…….7-5-1
CHICAGO…….7-6
MINNESOTA……8-5
WASHINGTON……8-5 (SOON TO BE)
TAMPA………..9-3
CAROLINA……..9-3
2004 AND COUNTING :)
By slim
December 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
2nd week in a row Smith and staff have a serious ‘brain farct’ when it comes to punting. As soon as they punted on 4th and 5, I told my dad that that was all she wrote.
Probably a 75+% chance you’ll never see the ball again. PLEASE coach Smith have confidence in Ryan! If we don’t get the first, then so be it—but go out with a fight, not a punt.
Oh well. I guess this was karma catching up after the win against the Chargers (where the Falcons did everything possible to give it away).
By Sweet
December 7, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Vic Supporter 2 - Now you know Mikey’s going to reject you. He like women, and he never give you second look. You need to find you another stud. Make sure you mail your blog to him, and maybe he write you back. Until next time, tudaloo.
By Vick Supporter
December 7, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Had we given “Leaf” the ball instead of punting he would have won the game VS2. By the way how did your boy VICK play today? The man is more broke than Mike Tyson now. The only house he has left is the one he bought his moms. He has one car maybe. That means all thats left of his crew is you, his jock licker. if youre leaving for the season then thanks. You wont be missed anymore than your jail bound boyfriend. Falcons are still 8-5 and will win next week. Suck that.
By Hms
December 7, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
What did Vick look like in his rookie year? He never looked as good as Ryan does now and the season isn’t even over. The only whiner here is the one who will be so sad to see Mikey Vick working at Mickey Ds next year. Even a dumb ho knows not to hang onto a broke-azz fool. VS2 don’t, though.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
UPCOMING GAMES
——-IF YOU FOOLS THINK————
YOU CAN BEAT THE NUMBER 4 DEFENSE IN THE NFL YOU NEED TO STAY OFF OF THE “METH & COCAINE…….
————MINNESOTA—————
MINNESOTA HAS THE NUMBER 7 DEFENSE IN THE NFL….THAT WILLIAMS WALL IS A MUTHA…
——-THIS LOSS PROVED————
IF TURNER STRUGGLES —— NO WIN……
THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR WILL BE ON NATIONAL TV LATER :)
———-TIME FOR DRAFT DAY :)———-
LOVE YOU GUYS :)
By Vick Supporter
December 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
VS2, how about that $130 MILLION BUST? I say the dude from the Numbers Don’t Lie post summed it all up for you, stats and all biatch. I checked and all the numbers were correct. What you got to say now you mean green jock licking machine?
By Great Falconi
December 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I guess we need to root for everyone playing the Cowboys, Eagles (who beat the Giants today…uh oh), Redskins, Bears, and Vikings.
The Falcons need to win out. They can do it, but they’ve got to play much better defensively (the run defense was utterly terrible) than they did today. Even so, Mike Smith sabotaged himself late in the game. Not only did he choose to punt with a little over three minutes left, he also made a mindless challenge on that fourth-and-one play that the Saints made with just under six minutes remaining. Relying on the defense was dumb; relying on the defense to stop the Saints without a full complement of timeouts was dumber.
The man has got to think more clearly in those situations. He’s cost the Falcons a few chances (the Eagles game and today’s) this season. Even so, it’s hard to complain with the results so far. I never thought I’d be b!tching about losing a game this late in the season. This team gave me the chance to be angry. I suppose that’s…a good thing? Yeah, it is a good thing.
By ray
December 7, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I say we win. We’re good enough to beat most teams, and the Vikings are no exception. Tampa isn’t even facing the same Falcons they faced earlier in the season. These guys have skills.
Najeh, I think Mike Smith has been a great coach, too. He does need to go for it on these occasions, though. What have we got to loose? We’ve already gone well beyond expectations for the season. We normally punt when we have to, but the last couple of times have been plenty questionable. Smith may change that, he may not. Hoping he does. I haven’t lost any confidence in him, though. I just think we could’ve won this one.
Funny thing is, say we go down the field and score. We still would have to deal with the Saints offense afterwards…so nothing was guaranteed.
By Boley's Butterfingers
December 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Put it on the defense…???
By ray
December 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
I’m actually looking forward to draft day when it actually comes. More great picks by Dimitroff and Co., I’m sure. Building on an already solid foundation. This organization is on the right path to excellence.
By Realist
December 7, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Well coming up are two top ten defenses so the Falcons have their work cut out for them….not to mention there is no way in HE!! the Falcons can stop Adrian Peterson.
By Grinch
December 7, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
With 3 games left the Falcons are done.Falcons will finish 8-8 and out of the play offs
By BravesFan79
December 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Another bad call was when we wasted the timeout challenging a obvious 1st down late in the 4th. The coaches up in the booth need to be more picky about when to challenge and waste those timeouts!
Why do i get a sick feeling like this loss will cost us the playoffs? Unless we win all the tiebreakers, 10 wins isnt a guarnteed playoff spot.
By VICK SUPPORTER 2
December 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
THE PAST IS THE PAST :)
——LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT——
I KNOW WHY…..
THE PRESENT SUCKS
ANYWAY, SINCE YOU MUST DWELL ON THE PAST, HERE IS A LITTLE “BLAST FROM THE PAST”
———-NUMBER OF YEARS IN LEAGUE——-
43
———NUMBER OF DIVISION CROWNS———
3
———DIVISION CHAMPS————
STEVE BARTKOWSKI
CHRIS CHANDLER
MICHAEL VICK
———CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES—————
2
———-CHAMPIONSHIP QB————-
CHRIS CHANDLER
MICHAEL VICK
———-NUMBER OF PLAYOFFS———
7
————QB MOST PLAYOFFS————
MICAHEL VICK (2)
NOW BACK TO THE PRESENT…….
———NO POSTSEASON————-
———NO DIVISION TITLE————-
——-ANOTHER FIRST ROUND PICK———
2004 AND COUNTING
By The Grinch
December 7, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
The 4:36 isn’t me (don’t you have anything better to do?). I’m very proud with what Smith has done with this team and don’t mean to sound like I’m turning on him. Far from it. That was just frustrating as heck. He’ll learn from it just as all the rookies have done all season and it will only make the team stronger. We can still pull this off. I said 10-6 last week and I still believe it. With a little luck that may get us in.
By Grinch
December 7, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
That punt return late in the 4 quarter was the turning point in the game.you don’t give the ball back to the saints late in game on 4 down with 2 time outs the way our defence was playing. season over as far as play offs are concerned.
By Grinch
December 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
That punt return late in the 4 quarter was the turning point in the game.you don’t give the ball back to the saints late in game on 4 down with 2 time outs the way our defence was playing. season over as far as play offs are concerned.
By Sweet
December 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Vic Suppoter 2: Now don’t be angry or sad. Mikey’s getting out soon, and if you show up at the prison, he’ll let you have those prison clothes. Now, go ahead and ignore, those last two losing seasons he QB’d, and blog your little heart out. These old bad bloggers won’t listen to you, so write Mickey a letter and let him know you’ll be at the gate. Tudaloo.
By BravesFan79
December 7, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
What are you blabbing about Vick supporter? All us TRUE Falcons fans know the best QB before Matt Ryan… was Chris Chandler!
Vick NEVER would of led us on that last minute drive to tie up the NFC championship against the Vikings!
If anything Vick was the ANTI- Elway!
Wasnt he something like 0-17 when loosing by more than a touchdown after 3 quarters?
By Grinch
December 7, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
The teams in the NFC south Home teams haven’t lost but 2 games on thier fields that will change next week.Defences winn championships.The falcons defence did not show up today and this was a very big game two lose.no defence no playoffs it that simple.
By BravesFan79
December 7, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Dont forget our last game is a easy win as we play the Rams…. so that means well get to 9 wins easily, and probably 10. Only question now is…. would we win the tiebreakers over a Dallas?
By stendec
December 7, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Bye bye playoffs! A legitimate playoff team defeats the Saints in a must-win showdown. Keith “No Tackle” Brooking continues to kill a pathetic Falcon defense! This guy is a complete oxygen waste! Always out of position. Cannot cover an elderly one-legged woman in a damn wheelchair! Hey Mike “Settle For A Field Goal” Petrino! A word of not-so-friendly advice. When the Falcon defense cannot stop the Quincy School Of The Blind all f+cking day do not punt the ball in the final minutes and allow them to run out the damn clock. F+cking idiot! Matt Ryan did okay but his misfire to Finneran cost the Falcons the win. The Falcon runners f+cking gave up! A totally pathetic uneffort in such a critical matchup. Do not get me started on the Falcon unspecial teams! Somewhere a dog killer thug is smiling. F+ck you Falcons for allowing him to do so. Heartless curs! I guess 8-8 is not too bad for apologists. Join the f+cking Thrasher Close Losses Are Wonderful Fan Club!
By ron mexico
December 7, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
ANOTHER GREAT PERFORMANCE BY RYAN.PERIOD.
BOLEY’S DROPPED INT WAS CRUCIAL, BUT THE 80-SOMETHING KO RETURN WAS THE TURNIN’ POINT.
DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS WERENT TOO SPECIAL TODAY.
DC2, STILL KEEPIN IN BITTER, -U DA BIATCH!
By Get Down On Your Knees
December 7, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, Brooking DID have the first tackle of the game. Get your facts straight!
By stendec
December 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Love him or hate him, (Keith “No Tackle”) Brooking DID have the first tackle of the game.
I seriously doubt that. But if he did it was the ONLY f+cking solo tackle the son of a b+tch made the entire game!
By Get Down On Your Knees
December 7, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
It was on the Saints’ first play of the game after kickoff. Did you watch the game or not? And Brooking did have a few tackles today. Not saying he’s playing great, but to say he didn’t have any tackles today just makes you look like some housewife with an “opinion” about football :)
By MWC
December 7, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
This blob will continue to suck because O bedwetter works for the AJC…Nuff said. A bunch of losers…
By Magneto, Master of Magnetism
December 7, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
NOTHING moves the BLOB!!!
By The Grinch
December 7, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m gonna have to quit posting here because some juvenile @$$hat has nothing better to do than pretend he’s me and say things directly contrary to my actual opinion. You’ve done your job, moron; I’m gone. Now you can go back to making meth in your trailer park bathtub. Tell your mom I said hi.
GO FALCONS!
By Bob Costas' High Heeled Shoes
December 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Damn, Falcons lose and ‘Boys lose, and guess which one is in Wild Card position?!
Don’t just win, baby, WIN OUT!!!
GO BIRDS GO!!!!!!!
By Squirrel
December 7, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Where are all the Sam Baker nut-huggers NOW???
By stendec
December 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Watched the NFL Rookie Of The Year tonight! I love and appreciate Falcon Matt Ryan but Raven QB Flacco (sp?) has something the former BC QB does not. What? A defense which is worth a damn! Hear that son of a b+tch Keith “No Tackle” Brooking? Offense sells tickets but defense does what? Something to do with championships. Right!
By Singletary
December 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Just keeping with the rest of the NFC “SEC;” everyone can’t win Division away games.
If we lose against Tampa, I’ll really be disappointed, and think we haven’t progressed.
By stendec
December 8, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
Help me out folks. I am far from a Keith Brooking apologist. Believe the guy is well past his prime. Another poster here purports that this untalented son of a b+tch leads the team in solo tackles, touch down tag assists and popcorn sales every damn game! Is this legit? I watch every play of every game. I seldom ever witness the sorry b+stard anywhere near the play. Let alone making any meaningful contribution. Do my eyes deceive me? Should the Falcon stat keeper be canned for incompetence? Please help me out. Thanks.
By drew
December 8, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this
Here Stendec…I’ll help you out:
1) Back off on the caffeine already! You’re definitely strung too tight.
2) Never bet against NO in the dome.
And VS2: You once again win the “dumbazz blogger of the day” award for you juvenile contributions. Now go back to sniffing Vick’s jock strap, biatch.
By David
December 9, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Vick may have more playoff appearances than Matty Ice but Ryan is a better passer,leader and all around better person than Vick ever could be .
By JuliusCesaer
December 13, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
For all the Vick Supporters out there, (1,2,3&4): The reason WHY Vick had a hard time getting the playbook down was because he spent too much time electrocuting, drowning and shooting defenseless, helpless, precious dogs, when he should have been spending extra time practicing throws to his wide receivers; studying film like a student of the game; and working on the fundamentals of the game so that his all around game would be sound. Vick DID NOT RESPECT the game of football or anyone else for that matter and he did absolutely NOTHING to earn his $250 million dollar contract. While Vick was becomming the HIGHEST PAID player in the game, when he would leave the football grid iron he would turn into a cold blooded killer of dogs. Vick became the equivalent of a HUMAN SKUNK as he became the BIGGEST PILE OF HUMAN WASTE I have ever seen. But in spite of that, many of you are still clammoring for his return to glory just so he can screw it up again. Folks we have a quarterback who is as good a qb as I have ever seen in the association. Lets not let Vick ruin our season by clammoring for someone who will never return to the Falcons. Asking for Vicks return is analagous to putting Charles Manson back on the streets of freedom. It will never happen folks so please get this pile of human waste out of your system so that he doesnt contaminate our glorious season we are currently enjoying.