Falcons

By Q

December 15, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

IMO Wire played a great game and should see more playing time over the next few games. It also seemed that Brooking had a little extra pep in his step as well. They better focus on stopping AP this week or it’s going to be a long game. Also, the offense seemed like they never got into a groove. We couldn’t put together back to back plays for positive yardage. At any rate, we won and Smitty showed some attitude; awesome!!

By TURTSNAP

December 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

While sitting and watching that game unfold, I kept hearing Wire’s name mentioned on tackles. Can anyone tell me where he came from and how we got him? A great game by Wire, that is for sure.

As for the offense… for whatever reason, the Falcons always struggle against the Bucs. I knew going in that Chuckie would have that defense fired up (after the debacle in Carolina). What I don’t understand is why the refs were allowing all the extra-curricular activity after the whistle. The Bucs were throwing our players around like ragdolls. I remember one play, I believe it was Roddy, that was tackled by three Bucs, and they just sat there on top of him. Inexcusable.

By What a misleading headline...

December 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

“Defense steps up” - the Bucs were down to their 3rd QB ( and, yes, the guy beat us earlier in the year). But, because he just stood in the pocket (and still picked us apart - Brooking was still running behind Dunn AFTER the game) we were able to get a couple of sacks to quell their drives. If that had been Garcia, and the announcers acknowledged as much, the game would not have even been close!

Ryan had a bad game - he would have had a great game IF he had not underthrown twice for untimely interceptions. Hopefully, he will blow this game off and forget about it by next week - he surely had not forgotten about them in the second half yesterday!

But, a win is a win is a win - and we will take them any way we can get them!

By Granddawg

December 15, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

The offense better figure out a way to block Jared Allen. He is a beast on the order of John Abraham.

Meanwhile, get Wire and Foxsworth re-signed. Both are playing extremely well.

By Bravosimos

December 15, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Mr. Ledbetter,

Or anyone for that matter, if the Falcons, Cowboys, and Bucs win out, how will the tiebreaker play out? Which two teams will go to the playoffs?

By Granddawg

December 15, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Meanwhile DOL, why can’t you(or your elves)remove offensive posts and use ip(s) to block the offenders if they persist?

By dhj_1962

December 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

if the falcs, bucs and boys win out, the falcs stay home.

By dhj_1962

December 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

if the falcs, bucs and boys win out, the falcs stay home.

By Brian Hunt

December 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

The move of Wire in at LB seemed to work in bolstering the defense, but it also seemed to hurt him on special teams where he missed his block and let a Bucs player come in free to block the punt.

By dhj_1962

December 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

bucs have a tiebreaker win vrs falcs because of margin of victory. boys over falcs because the boys will have a better division record. correct me if i’m wrong…anybody

By K

December 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Orlando, I’ve been wondering since training camp about Boley. He weighed in the low 240’s last year and this year is listed at 223 lbs. The 20 lb weight loss has never been addressed and it seems to be affecting his ability to play the run. This could have a major effect on our 09 Draft as he is in a contract year. Sounds like a story to me.

By Dogbyte

December 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

On a defensive note: What was Houston thinking when he was still backing away from Bryant when both were in the end zone? Did he expect underneath help? And if so, at that point, why?

By Jeremiah Plaskett

December 15, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

What a Game!! I was on the edge the entire time. I loved the hustle and play that Wire gave us! I was always impressed with Boley too, but I think that there is enough snaps in a game for them to both still make a difference. After a game like that, Wire definitely deserves more playing time. At first, when Smitty made the call to play for OT I was disappointed… I was hoping to see Ryan redeem himself, and at first, I questioned Smitty not giving him that opportunity… I also wanted to die after the Bucs won the toss, and quite honestly I almost felt it was over at this point… It was reminding me of the last week against the Saints when we did not go for it on fourth and five, and instead depended on the Defense, which failed…. But that is why Smith is the Head Coach, because obviously, it turned out good. Maybe he was expecting to win the toss, but when we did not, he gambled on the hopes that the D would redeem itself for the week before, and that is exactly what happened… It was interesting, in that it was almost exactly opposite of what happened last week. Against Tampa, Ryan looked so awesome that you wanted him to have a shot at winning it for us at the end…Well this week, Ryan struggled, but Abraham and the defense made pivitol plays all day! This to me, speaks volumes about the balance and determination of this team! No matter who is struggling, there is no finger-pointing, there is no giving up! The defense picked Ryan up, just as he kept picking them up the week before with his great play! Great to see.. On another note, I gotta give props to Tyson Clabo, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, and the rest of the offensive line!! Another great game!! You guys rock, and I certainly love watching you guys and Turner the Burner! Go Falcons!!!

By Quick tha Qasisite

December 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

WOW!! Been a while since I’ve blogged on here. Now I remember why. The Bird Babe blog is just rediculous. Even so called Falcon fans are spewing strait filth. Ever heard of ‘dignity’, ‘self respect’, ‘integrity’. Cmon yall. Lets do better than tha haters. Our dirty birds are winnin, so whats up wit all tha nasty, filthy comments? Lets show tha Falcon haters we got class. Go Birds!!!

By reality check

December 15, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

I was wrong about the Falcons. I thought they were just beating up on bad teams. They have made me believe. They have won some games when they didn’t play there best and yet still pulled it out. They next 2 games are winnable. Minnesota will be a little tough but this team finds ways to win. I didn’t like the draft pick of Ryan and wanted Dorsey but have to admit Ryan looks like the real deal, a young Brady. I didn’t like the hire of Smith and admit his first year he has done a tremendous job. Kind of weird that Tech and the Falcons didn’t look to have good years are the beginning and the sky was the limit for the Dawgs and boy did things change???? Merry Christmas!

By Dandy Don

December 15, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Seems like there’s a lotta talk about Coy Wire and the LB corps. Wire was robust against the run. He needs to get some more gametime because if that’s his typical game we have another force on this team. It would be interesting to see a lineup of Wire, Lofton and Nicholas at LB occassionally and see what the young guns can do. DOn’t get me wrong. I have much respect and appreciation for Boley and Brookings, but Boley has been nearly as invisible as Jamaal Anderson this year. He’s been a mystery. How can a player be so dominant one year and so ineffective the next? And Brookings is just getting a little older and slower. It happens. He had a good game against TB, but he looked like he was running in quicksand against N.O. last week.

Going back to Anderson…his goose is cooked. Look for Dimitroff to find a legitimate DE to bookend that D-line with Abraham. And don’t forget, Abraham is getting older and he carries around a lot of bumps, bruises and surgical scars.

By Quick tha Qasisite

December 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Dandy Don…I hear ya man. I liked Nicholas from preseason action. He’s a bad dude. Wire looked good too. Boley has really had a down year and as much as I hate to say it, so has Norwood. He’s goin down when the defense looks at him. Its like he’s got Jamaal Anderson syndrome. Cant stand upright. I love him man, but that performance yesterday was pretty sorry. Turner busts thru 3 and 4 guys and Norwood falls when a hard wind blows. And were in a dome. Looks like Anderson, Boley, Norwood and our hometown hero Brooking may be down tha road next season. Dimitroff knows how to get personnel.

By SmellPlayoffs

December 15, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Go Falcons!!! 2 more wins!!! Go Ravens next week!!! Go Chargers next week and Raiders in two!!!

Wouldn’t it be heartbreaking to win 11 games and miss the playoffs. We really need Dallas or Tampa to lose one?

By Marcus

December 15, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Bravossimos this is the link for [NFL Tiebreaks[(http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures)

Basically, we gotta win out and hope DAL loses it one remaining NFC conf. game (season-ender vs PHI). Our record in the NFC conf. is what puts us at the No. 7 team (to-date) behind TB and DAL and is where the tiebreaker falls to for us if we end up tied at seasons end. TB has already completed its NFC schedule and only has 2 out-of-conf games (SD, OAK)

By Marcus

December 15, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Bravossimos this is the link for NFL Tiebreaks

Basically, we gotta win out and hope DAL loses it one remaining NFC conf. game (season-ender vs PHI). Our record in the NFC conf. is what puts us at the No. 7 team (to-date) behind TB and DAL and is where the tiebreaker falls to for us if we end up tied at seasons end. TB has already completed its NFC schedule and only has 2 out-of-conf games (SD, OAK)

By **Frederick (Bailey) Douglass**

December 15, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

What up with the __’s?

Good analysis D-Led. Ok, here is a bit more:

(1) 16 game season, it was week 14, I can understand why Boley is tired. Thats why you need depth in this league. He was soft against the run in NO…he may be banged up, or just tired. Trust me, when we hit Minneapolis we will need him, Wire, and anyone else who can possibly slow down their two formidable running backs. Anybody seen Jessie Tuggle lately?

(2) I’m beginning to worry about #23. Has not been right since his lapse against Chicago. The touchdown he gave up was just bad. Why was he so far off of the receiver when they were in the red zone? It seemed like every completed pass was directed at the right side of our defense (Houston and Coleman in most cases). I think they are the best we have for now, but we need to re-think this come March.

(3) What in the world happened to the play-calling. Critical third down there at the end and we try and throw a stop route to…NORWOOD!?!? Critical situation and we try a screen pass to…#34??? At this point, I’m willing to put Roddy and Ryan up against any CB/S coverage. I think our Offensive Coordinator nutted up a bit…we have to continue running the ball (which the Burner did very well), and pulling out from time to time (play action) to go down the field. We have to stick to the script. Its solid and battle tested (see wins against Carolina, San Diego and Green Bay)

4) The Burner redeemed himself from last weeks performance. He fought hard. Should be in Hawaii where D-Hall WILL NOT be.

5) Abraham is in Dog stage. No way we win without him on yesterday. Babs came to play too, as did #71 the lightweight. Coy was anything but. Played like a guy who has been sitting for 14 weeks. Solid performance from our pass rush and run defense.

6) Glad Monte is moving on to Tennessee, because it looks like he has Ryan’s number.

Two more games…I’m hoping for two more wins. Next week will be a real challenge, because the Vikings play to our weaknesses: Solid run game, solid pass defense with Sharper and the All-Pro CB. I would like to see us sell out 75% of the time to stop Peterson et al. and let the corners go man.

Be prepared: This may be our most daunting challenge of the year.

FBD

By terrell barron

December 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

If we win out, Carolina loses out(@ Giants, @ Saints), and Tampa Bay loses at least 1 game (vs San Diego, vs. Oakland, we win the division. It can still happen.

By slim

December 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

None of it matters now, but I still don’t understand how the refs overturned Raders’s TD reception.

Supposedly, you need to have conclusive evidence that he fumbled before the endzone. They did not show a single replay, or a single angle, that made it clear that he had lost the ball prior to endzone.

And the announcers didn’t say anything. Ryan didn’t have a great game—but he threw a TD on that one.

Flacco faced a similarly tough Pittsburgh defense and faired no better.

By UGA Grad

December 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Hi Orlando, I just asked Mark this same thing in his blog. Maybe you would know: Is anyone on the Falcon’s staff looks back at the play by play and gets a clue? I checked the play script on espn.com after the game. We had 32 first down plays - 26 runs and 6 passes on first down. This left us with second and eight or greater 16 times. It seems as though we were just getting in a hole on first downs. On the six first downs where Ryan threw, he was 5 for 6 with plays of 30, 26, 18, 12, and 14 yards. Is anybody on the coaching staff paying attention to this? Isn’t a ratio of 26 to 6 is way too predictable?

By FREE MIKE VICK

December 15, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I know Vick would not have thrown those two interceptions.

By Exodus Mentality

December 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

I think that TD Tampa got was a busted coverage. the Falcons did not look like they thought Tampa would actually take a shot at the endzone, so the FS came up toward the line to try to support the run. Griese peeped that and hit that skinny post like Ryan did in Game 1. Otherwise, 23 wasn’t that bad in coverage, there are going to be some good throw and catch plays made against any corner. As long as Houston stays right there in coverage, he will start making more pass breakups, and perhaps he’ll even get his head around and get a pick or two. I’m wondering why everyone says Ryan just had a shaky game, but Houston was supposedly horrible. That’s not the game I saw.

If the Defense can step up against the Vikings, we should win that game as well. But Tavaris Jackson looks to be improving as well, so it may not be just the Adrian Peterson show we have to deal with.

By Dave B.

December 15, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

I had noticed against the Saints and in some previous games that Boley was “arm tackling” a lot on running plays. I think this was coach’s way of sending a message. The next one that should get benched is cornerback, Chris Houston. He definitely plays “soft” against bigger receivers. He gave the receiver way too much room on the touchdown pass, so close to the end zone. I would replace him with Chevis Jackson.

By CTfalconfan

December 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

HEY D. ORLANDO,

Can you explain what if all 3 teams (ATL, DALLAS and TB) end the season 11-5 as all of us would also have 8-4 NFC records? I know Dallas beat TB and we split with TB so who goes?? THANKS

• TB and Dallas have better NFC records ONLY THAT THIS TIME as TB is finished with their NFC schedule, Dallas has one game while we have 2 NFC games.

By Brian the Dog

December 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

Falcons “fans” are pathetic that they soil their draws just at the whiff of “playoff.” Elite teams have one goal: win Super Bowl. Of course, with a clueless dolt like Ott Blank at the helm, what can you expect? He hogs the sideline in imitation of the loathsome Jerry Jones, is an accused serial sex harasser and is penpals with convicted felon, the herpetic “Ron Mexico.” He is so stupid that he waved his arms in an “incomplete pass” signal, when he wanted to stop the clock. Or, perhaps, he was confused and was signaling that the receiver was “safe at home.” Freakin’ hilarious!

By Boo Boo

December 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

dhj-1962,

The Bucs have finished playing their NFC opponents. They finished 8-4 against those, and are 1-1 against the AFC West. Their last two games are against the AFC West.

The Cowboys still have an NFC game to play. That will be the last game of the season, against the Eagles, in Philadelphia. Currently, after beating the Giants last night, the Cowboys are 7-4 in the NFC. If they lose to the Eagles they will be 7-5 (and thus could not finish 11-5). Beat the Eagles and the Cowboys are 8-4 in the NFC. They beat the Bucs in head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Falcons are currently 6-4 in the NFC, thus they fall behind the Cowboys and Bucs, even though all are 9-5. If Atlanta wins its last two games, against NFC opponents, they will also be 8-4 in the NFC, and 11-5 overall.

There is not a “margin of victory” tiebreaker, such that because the Bucs beat the Falcons 24-9 and the Falcons only beat the Bucs 13-10, the Bucs go. The tiebreaker you refer to is called “strength of victory,” which means the winning percentage of all the teams that one team tied for a playoff position beat. This means if the Falcons were 11-5 because they only beat the Lions, Chiefs, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks, et al losers to get a good record, they would lose out to a team that finished tied with them at 11-5, which beat teams like the Giants, Cowboys, Bucs, Panthers, et al good record teams. As far as the Bucs and Falcons would be concerned in a 3-team tie for the playoffs, the Bucs would beat the Falcons (at this moment) because they beat the 3-11 Seahawks, while the Falcons would have beaten (in order to get to 11-5) the currently 2-12 Rams. While that works today, it might not work when the season is over, if both the Seahawks and Rams end up 3-13.

That takes it to the “strength of schedule” tiebreaker, where the Bucs would have lost to an 11-5 Cowboy team, while the Falcons would have lost to a less than 11-5 Eagles team. The records of those two teams would be the only difference in the team records on the schedules of both the Bucs and Falcons.

Since the Cowboys did not play the Falcons, they easily would have the edge on “strength of victory” and “strength of schedule” because they play the Giants (11-3) twice - won 2, the Bucs (9-5) - won, Arizona (8-6) - lost, Washington twice (7-7) - won 1, lost 1, the Eagles twice (possibly 10-5-1) - won 1, still 1 to play, the Steelers (11-3) - lost, and the Ravens (9-5) - still to play.

Of course, all of this is dream work, because there are, as of yet, no 11-5 teams.

It could happen (due to the Plaxico Burress loss) that the Giants finish 11-5, with the Cowboys finishing 11-5 also. Carolina could finish only 12-4, but get the top seed as the best record in the NFC. The Falcons could sit and watch the playoffs, if they and the Bucs both finish 11-5. Minnesota would finish 9-7 and watch, while Chicago could win the NFC North with a 10-6 record. The Eagles could watch at 9-6-1. Meanwhile, the Cardinals could be so tickled they made it to the playoffs that they lose their last two games and make it to the playoffs at 8-8.

By Barry

December 15, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

“ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!! ONE HEARTBEAT! That’s how the defense played. They played with “ONE HEARTBEAT!!! and the FANS were behind them.

The Falcons defense played some nitty, gritty, nasty football. The defensive line “THE MOVIN COMPANY” played great. They had Gries real nervous back there. And when John Abraham was in the game, the Bucanners entire offensive line got jittery. I love the way the defense encouraged the fans and they responded in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” They helped getting Tampa to make numerous penalties that assisted in getting them in awful field position. What a “TEAM” effort. I am looking forward to doing it again come playoff time. That’s right!! I said playoff. Mark my words, WE ARE GOING!! The Falcons secondary is starting to get nasty and get picks. There are some things we can work on, like some corner blitzes and other exotic blitzes to get to the quartebac, but I believe the coaches are saving them for the next couple of games and the playoff. Therefore, sit back and watch what i am talking about. I see more hard hits and interceptions from the secondary. As we know, “THE MOVIN COMPANY” on the defensive side of the ball will be doing the usual, which is “taking care of business in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. Again, I can not wait until the next game. We are going to take them down, one game at a time. These next couple of games are going to be fun and enjoyable to watch. And I am going to sit back and watch it in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”.

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

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

       "ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!"

Ringold

By Singletary

December 15, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

While Wire looked good as LB, he clearly “whiffed” the tackle when the punt was blocked. That’ being said, I trust these coaches to find players who are inspired.

All I can say is that I hope the referees bad call on the punt coverage does not come back to haunt us (Eagles being an NFC team.)

By Mave2124

December 15, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

I think Wire played well and the Boley should only play Nickel. He has been a step slow for 5 weeks now. Brooking got a little pep in his step. I haven’t seen him play that well in some time. What I want answered is what is up with Norwood? Too many running plays result in no gain or 2 yard losses. I think Turner should stay in on 3rd downs to run play action with or use Snelling. Norwood can get his touches in the passing and return game.

By Boo Boo

December 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I was wondering if an inadvertent whistle blew when the official signalled a touchdown for Rader. Seems things like that have happened where - because of a whistle blowing a play dead - a review proves a fumble, the ball goes to the spot of the fumble, but it remains the fumbling team’s ball. I thought they would spot the ball on the 1-inch “line” and sadly say, “Sorry Tampa, you will not be charged with a timeout, but the whistle blew ending the play, so no one could recover the fumble. Atlanta’s ball first and goal.”

Then I remembered the NFL officials make up rules on the spot each week. Like in the Steeler-Raven game. Hmmmm. He had his feet in the endzone, but the caught ball was outside the endzone, so that is a clear reversal of a ball spotted on the 1-inch “line”? Is that the “electricity rule”?

By jay black

December 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

ESPN has the bucs looking in the window because the Falcons and Cowboys have a better NFC record than them. Meanwhile, the Bucs play 2 AFC teams to close out. Falcons close out against Minn and STL, 2 NFC teams. If Falcons win out, they are in.

By SeaAtl

December 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I am a Falcons fan and thrilled with Matt Ryan’s performance this season, so I hope this doesn’t come across wrong here - does anyone else wonder if Ryan is getting tired here toward the end of the season, like a young pitcher does in MLB when he goes too far past the number of innings he’s used to pitching in the minors? I mean, the college season is over, and two weeks in a row Matt has underthrown nearly every long pass he’s attempted. Some have turned out OK, but he’s thrown for more interceptions these past two games and they’ve been underthrown & his fault. I still think the guy is great and going to get better, but has anyone else noticed that?

By Sherman

December 15, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

I think the problem with Norwood is predictability. Every time he comes in we run wide, never fails, unless he is in slot for a pass. Run him between the tackles a few times and throw him the outlet passes. It is just to obvious that he is going to run wide and the Bucs are a very quick defense to the outside.

By Boo Boo

December 15, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

If ESPN really thinks that a 6-4 NFC record (current Falcons record) is better than an 8-4 NFC record (current and final Bucs record); AND they think that a 7-4 NFC record (current Cowboys record) is better than an 8-4 NFC record (Bucs record), then ESPN is ignorant of the facts.

IF the Falcons win out, they will be in only IF either the Cowboys or Bucs lose one (or two) of their remaining two games. The Falcons will only be in if they are one of one (thus the only team), no more than two, 11-5 non-division winning team(s).

IF the Falcons, Bucs, and Cowboys win out, the primary determining factor will be who finished higher in the NFC South, so that 3 can be reduced to 2.

IF the Falcons AND the Bucs are 11-5, it will mean:

Both were 1-1 in head-to-head play. Even

Both were 3-3 in Division play. Even

Both were 8-4 in Conference play. Even

Both were 10-4 against common opponents. Even

Currently, the Bucs beat a stronger Seahawks team (3-11) than the Falcons will have had to beat in the Rams (2-12). Currently Edge Bucs

If the Seahawks and Rams end up with identical 3-13 records, the Bucs will have played a schedule with opponent teams having won more combined games than the teams the Falcons played, because the Bucs played the Cowboys (remember they will have finished 11-5), with the Falcons having played the Eagles (no possible way they could have a record better than 10-5-1). Other than those two team’s records, the Falcons and Bucs played the same teams, or teams with the exact same records. Edge Bucs & no further tiebreakers needed.

Once the Bucs get the edge on the Falcons, the Cowboy’s defeat of the Bucs gives them the edge over those other two, so the Cowboys don’t get pitted against the Falcons to see who finished higher. BUT, if the Cowboys were to be compared to the Falcons, IF only those two finished 11-5 (for home field purposes):

Both were 8-4 in the Conference. Even

The Cowboys would have had a 4-1 (.800) record against common opponents, versus the Falcons 3-2 (.600) record. Edge Cowboys.

By 3 Blind Mice

December 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

There is no way you can reverse the “strip play” call. One of the Zebras was right on top of it and he called it a TD. NONE of the replays was conclusive that the ball had not broken the plane before he lost it. Although it won’t help us, I hope this is submitted to the NFL for future selection of officials.

By TB

December 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

What an amazing win! The Wire move surprised me, but seemed to be the best change of the week. Boley simply is not the player he was last year. With the season we’ve had and the effort we show out there, the Falcons really deserve the Playoffs and create some history this year like when they become the first team to beat the Packers at Lambeau in the playoffs. I know we need help. Sure Dallas had one good night. Can they keep from blowing up at one another again? They need to play Ravens and Eagles. They still have the tougher path and T.O. liked picking a fight with ESPN after the win. I know the Vikings will be tough, but I like our chances. Which would mean we end up playing the Vikings twice in three weeks. Bring em on!

By ghbjr

December 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

I think it’s about time the people of atlanta gave some props to Bobby Petrino for the great job he did setting this team up.

By Wink from Lithonia

December 15, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Quick tha Qasisite I agree with you that Norwood is going to the turf. This was one of my favorite player last year as he averaged about 7 yards per attempt and I worried that his little thin legs would get broken in half.

I have not had that concern this year, at he leads with his head, usually looking for space to lay down on the ground. I believe this is Warrick Dunn’s legacy to him for longevity in the league. Do you not notice the same thing with Warrick Dunn. Dunn stated last year “I get as much as I can and I get down to live another play. The difference would be that Dunn was getting touches and Norwood is mostlly a backup.

Wire, had an outstanding game, and I would like to see more of Nicholas, Lofton, Wire.

SeaAtl, that is the same observation that I had on Ryan, except I did not consider the long season effect. I agree we have left some points off the board due to underthrown balls. Maybe in the off season he will develope some arm strength. The trade off though is our receivers (same receivers) are able to catch passes, so it could be the velocity overall on the ball is more catchable.

Let hope we can get some help and make the playoffs????

By Vick Supporter

December 15, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

No Vick = No Playoff Wins

By Great Falconi

December 15, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

In order to make the playoffs, the Falcons need to win out. They also need the Cowboys or Bucs to lose a game.

That’s pretty simple, isn’t it?

Oh, and Vikings DT Pat Williams is out 2-6 weeks with a broken scapula. Looks like half of the “Williams Wall” has been obliterated. Nice break (ha) to get before Sunday’s matchup.

By E

December 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I agree with you guys about Norwood. If you pay close attention to him on kickoff he does not run full speed but jogging as if something has happen to his confidence. Houston gives to much space to the wideouts and when he is in good position he never turns his head around to pick the ball off or knock it down. Boley looks like a cornerback according to his size (need to be a strong safety). Brooking looked better with energy and jamal is still a bust (waste of size and talent).

By Br'er Rabbit

December 15, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Please Br’er Fox Sports Network, don’t throw dem Falcons in dat Metrodome briar patch wit dem mean and nasty Vikings. Please don’t lets de ho whorl watch em rip dem to pieces…. Everybody knows no dirty birdies can beat dem Randy Moss-Randall Cunningham-John Randall-Ed McDaniel-16 & 1, I mean dem 9 & 5, Adrian Peterson-Tavaris Jackson-Willams boys-led Vikes. Ooooh pleeeeease don’t make dem Falcons do dat Br’er Fox.

By falcondawg

December 15, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Brian the dog, you are the one who is freaking hilarious, my friend.

By G

December 15, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

In an article on AJC is says the Falcons need some help in order to make the playoffs, so if ATL wins out and Tampa and Dallas win out that would leave the leave the standing as they currently are correct?

ESPN says ATL already holds the tie breakers over the Bucs… So why would they still need help?

By falcon21

December 15, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

It does not matter if dallas loses to a afc or nfc team,if atlanta wins the next two and dallas loses one, atl will have a better over all record and make the playoffs.

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

NO NO NO ATLANTA CONTROLS ITS PLAYOFFS DESTINY…THEY DONT OWN TIEBREAKER AGAINST COWBOYS BUT OVER TAMPA BAY BY STRENGTH ON SCHEDULE.TAMPA IS IN FRONT RIGHT NOW CAUSE OF BETTER CONFERENCE RECORD WHICH ATLANTA WOULD TIE BY BEATING VIKINGS AND RAMS WHILE TAMPA WILL BE PLAYING TWO AFC(CHARGERS,RAIDERS)TEAMS…GOT IT???

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

ALL FALCONS HAVE TO DO IS WIN OUT PERIOD,THEY DONT NEED HELP FROM ANYONE!!!

By MWC

December 15, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

The AJC WILL NEVER FAIL!!!

By falcon21

December 15, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

I KNOW THAT,I JUST HEARD IT ON ESPN BUT SOMEONE SAID A FEW BLOGS BACK THAT DALLAS HAD TO LOSE TO A NFC TEAM.THAT IS NOT THE CASE IF FALCONS WIN OUT! JUST HOPE DALLAS HAS A LOSE AND FALCONS WIN OUT,THEN IT DOES NOT MATTER.

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

WE OWN THE TIEBREAKER OVER TAMPA BAY BY STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE.ALL ATLANTA HAS TO DO IS BEAT VIKINGS AND RAMS AND THEYRE IN THE PLAYOFFS NO MATTER WHAT BUCS OR COWBOYS DO

By falcon21

December 15, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

BFH, IT WOULD BE NICE IF CAROLINA LOST THE LAST TWO.IT IS POSSIBLE.DIVISON WINNERS WOULD MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.

By scottbravesfan

December 15, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Way for John Abraham and the boys to pick Matt Ryan up yesterday. Also Abraham should be getting some defensive player of the year talk and Turner should be getting some MVP talk.

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA COULD STILL WIN THE DIVISION AND EARN 1ST ROUND BYE IF…THEY WIN BOTH AND CAROLINA LOSSES BOTH.THAT WOULD GIVE ATLANTA THE TIEBREAKER WITH A BETTER CONFERENCE RECORD 8-4 TO CAROLINA’S 7-5

By Iowa Vikes Fan

December 15, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

This is a sweet matchup.

Losing PW hurts, but we have solid back-ups who have been playing will KW all season, look for some let up in the run D, but its still a strength of this football team.

I have been watching Abe highlights, it would be sweet to see him playing DT across from Jared Allen sacking the daylights out of Kurt Warner and Tomo at the Pro Bowl.

I really think this game will be decided by the schemes of our respective coordinators. Talent levels and motivation to win seem equal.

Reiterated, this is a sweet matchup.

By jerry

December 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

VIKINGS CAN CLINCH FIRST NFC NORTH TITLE SINCE RE-ALIGNMENT WITH WIN OVER FALCONS. NORTHMEN WILL BE SKY HIGH.FALCONS MUST HOPE DALLAS LOSES ALSO. FALCONS HOPES WILL REST ON PHILLY LAST WEEK VS DALLAS.

By falcon21

December 15, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

VIKES ARE IN A VERY WEAK DIV. FALCONS HAVE ALREADY WON AGAINST THE OTHER THREE TEAMS,VIKES SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM.

By Iowa Vikes Fan

December 15, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

You know whats sweet, even though we haven’t won the division since the Bucs left (thanks for taking them BTW-they have our number) we beat the Packers in 2004 in the playoffs after they won it…

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

THIS IS TRUE,VIKINGS ARE GONNA BE AMPED UP.ONE OF THOSE BIG WILLIAMS BOYS WONT BE PLAYING THOUGH

By JJMB

December 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Br’er Rabbit, long time no see. My Grandmother used to read your stories to me. sigh

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

I GUESS ATLANTA DOESNT HAVE THE TIE BREAKER OVER THE BUCS…ON FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA THEY SAID ATLANTA OWNED THE TIEBREAKER BY STRENGTH OF SCEDULE

By JJMB

December 15, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Tiebreakers are spelled out for you by the Associated Press:

*In the case of a three-way tie for two wild-card spots, the Falcons and Bucs would have to go through the NFL tie-breaking system first to determine which team finishes second in the NFC South division. The teams would tie in the first four tie-breakers: head to head, division record, conference record and won-lost percentage among common opponents. The fifth tie-breaker is strength of victory — the winning percentage of the teams that were beaten. Tampa Bay has a one-game edge here: The opponents Tampa has beaten are a combined 63-91; the teams the Falcons have beaten are 62-92. The best the Falcons can hope for is a tie — if St. Louis (which the Falcons play in the final week) win this week and Seattle (which the Bucs beat) lose their last two games.

That would send it to the sixth tie-breaker: strength of schedule. And the Bucs, if it comes to that would win that tie-breaker, barely.

The Falcons could make the playoffs with a loss in one on their final two games, but they would need Tampa Bay or Dallas to lose their final two games.*

By Eric C.

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

What about Carolina???

No one talks about it…but what if Carolina loses their last 2 games. That is very possible with road games at NYG and NO!!! The Falcons would have the better conference record in that case. Boo Boo discussed this last night…and the more I think about it…it could be our best shot since TB would win division and then ATL would get the wild card.

I’m sorry for all of the bold print, but I’m very interested to hear your thoughts about this? Of course, the Falcons have to win out which won’t be easy by itself. Still…what irony it would be to see Carolina knocked out of the playoffs after big wins over TB and Denver…shows how competitive the NFC South is this year.

By Eric C.

December 15, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

The Falcons MUST get some turnovers next week. The defense only has ONE turnover in the past five games! To win at Minnesota, the Falcons MUST win the turnover battle!

By JJMB

December 15, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I like the Falcons chances against the Viqueens. The Falcons always play well against them. St. Louis should be a stomp, of course.

Yes, Carolina could lose those 2 last games, although the NYG are already mailing in their games (see the DAL game), and NO has nothing to play for.

By Klstreet

December 15, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand this playoff picture. ESPN has us in the playoffs right now, along with the Cowboys and the Bucs are out. But AJC says that the Falcons are out and the Bucs are in. How could ESPN be wrong? Or is AJC wrong?

By bravefalconhawk

December 15, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

san diego might beat the bucs cause theyre gonna be fighting for the playoffs too…LT looking like LT,garcia may not play again.if so the bucs will not be able to score enough to win….and baltimore will be fired up in dallas after loosing to the steelers.romo will get bruised and battered again.infact the cowboys probaly wont win another game mcnabb and philly will love a chance to knock T.O.and company out of the playoffs

By Vikes Fan

December 15, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Here come the Vikes!

By Eric C.

December 15, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

As long as Philly wins next week, they will be playing in week 17 for a playoff spot…which means they will be fired up to beat the Cowboys. So in a strange sense, if the Cowboys, Bucs, and Falcons all win next week…then we need the Eagles to win as well so they will have a lot to play for in the game against the Cowboys.

As for Carolina, the NYG have everything to play for next week with a first-round bye still on the line. And sure, the Saints are out of the mix, but they will be playing for a winning record against Carolina and pride against a division rival.

I like the Falcons chances better without Pat Williams on the line…but it will still be a very tough game and I’m worried about the Falcons stoping the Vikings rushing attack. The defense will need to force a couple of turnovers to win.

By Boo Boo

December 16, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

By the time the Falcons-Vikes kick off, the Dallas-Baltimore score will be final (Saturday night) and the Bucs-Chargers game will be close to over (unless Tampa wants to play a fourth overtime game). As far as omens go, if those two teams are already assured of being 10-5, the pressure on the Falcons will be tremendous. Add to that, the Eagles will be playing the Skins at the same 4:15 start time; and if the Eagles are winning, I’m sure the PA announcer will keep the crowd updated, to further attempt to unnerve the Birds. All that AND the Vikings will be trying to win their division, by winning in the Thunderdome, to put the pressure on the Bears, who play the Sunday night game. I hope the Falcons are practicing with the loudspeakers blaring at Suwanee, getting the silent snap count down.

The Falcon playoff season began last Sunday. From now on out its win and play on, lose and go home.

By Singletary

December 16, 2008 5:38 AM | Link to this

It’s often fun and indicative to read satirical articles from our division rivals’ newspapers.

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article938065.ece

By The Grinch

December 16, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

Laurent Robinson headed to IR. Remember how good he was in mini camps and the pre-season? He had virtually assured himself of the no. 2 spot on the receiving corps. Imagine how awesome our passing attack would be if he wasn’t made out of glass rods and paper mache; Douglas would be our #4.

Speaking of which, Abraham’s been gutting it out through a bunch of minor injuries and been awesome, but remember he’s had three groin surgeries and isn’t getting younger. Bierman’s too small to be an every down DE and Anderson’s nothing more than a serviceable backup against the run (and not serviceable as a pass rusher). I wonder what direction we’re gonna go in the draft. I say OL, DT, DE, TE and CB in no particular order.

The Vikings looked pretty good yesterday; this is gonna be a tough one. We can do it, though (Pat Williams being out with a fractured shoulder helps). I’m very proud of this team.

By This Gets Old = Profiler

December 16, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

I wanted first to say that I’m really proud of the blog responses.

1. The Falcons DON’T need help. Every team plays its schedule and then what is, is.

2. The season, despite the INT in Philly and the refs mistake and the drop against the Bronco’s, boils down to ONE game and that’s this week in MN.

3. Jared Allen is really a dirty player and Chris Redman had better be ready to play this week.

By The Grinch

December 16, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Did anyone else see that Pam Oliver interview of Jared Allen right before the game? He challenged anyone who says he’s a dirty player to a fight. He reaped what he sowed with that hit on his knee; too bad it wasn’t a little harder.

By CTfalconfan

December 16, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

The Falcons do need help as we could be sitting at home with an 11-5 record but agree we have to focus on what we can control and that is the MINN game at the moment.

It would be nice on Sat night to have the Ravens beat the Cowboys or the Chargers beat the Bucs in the Sunday 1 as then we would know that if we win we are in control.

Go Falcons, Giants, Chargers and Ravens….

By matt. Lost in space

December 16, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

The Buc showed what kind of QB Matt is . Under pressure he breaks. The NFL has let Matt have a free pass up until this last game. Matt can throw the ball with no pressure. The buc punked Matt and the Falcon coaches in the second half of the game. This shows he is no MVP. The NFL gave him a free pass on pressure all year until they played the buc. All of the Falcon QB have done fine when there is no pressure.Chris Redman would have done just as good this year but they had to make the QB look good this year!! the NFL has a hand in matt looking good!

By CTfalconfan

December 16, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Matt you are the one indeed lost in space if you think other teams or the NFL want to make Matt look good. That is about the dumbest comment I have read on this board, and believe me there are plenty of stupid comments.. For a rookie, Matt has had a great season. I think he has played poorly in 3 games (at CAR and both Bucs games). He is certainly the real deal and you and the rest of the anti-Falcon crowd need to accept that ATL is going to be a strong team to contend with for many years to come. May God continue to bless the Atlanta Falcons.

By Wanda

December 16, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I went to the game on Sunday. What a game. I was really dissapointed in the fans. The ones in our section just sat there, no cheering, no nothing. Some were even yelling for Michael Vick to come back. Whats the deal? Michael is a loser. I hope he never comes back to the NFL. Anywho, the Falcons are the Real Deal. Everybody needs to be proud and support this team. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Allen Lord

December 16, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Can someone please tell me if the Falcons could still win our Division and what would have to happen for them to win??

By jeanE

December 16, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Amen to keeping this a football blog! I just ignore those who insist on making it a racial discussion but it’s hard b/c their posts go on forever! Anway, I digress!! I was at the game & I was sorta shocked to see Boley hardly play. That being said, Coy Wire was just awesome althoug some were saying it was his man that go by to block that punt! Wire was everywhere & played hard. I think it ended up paying off & Boley will probably find it hard to get back on the field much. They won’t bench Brooking b/c he’s a veteran leader so even though he’s slowed down, he did play fairly well on Sunday. We have to contain Peterson but I saw highlights from their last game, Bernard Berriann just tore them up! Fox should be on him…love the way Fox plays, he’s a hitter, I love that! Shades of Scott Case & Brian Jordan!! The offense will have to get in sync, but Mularkey should put them in a better position to do that by calling better plays! Why don’t we use any playaction?? With our rushing game, we should be able to do that but we never do. Also, screen passes. This is a must win game, period. It’ll be hard on the road against a team playing very well but I’ll take Matt Ryan over Tavaris Jackson, anyday. I like our chances! Go Birds!!

By This Gets Old

December 16, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

“The NFL has let Matt have a free pass up until this last game.”

You know jealousy is an interesting thing isn’t it? Imagine yourself a fan of another team and when the schedule was released you saw the Falcons on it. What would you have thought? “That’s a WIN!”

Now here totally out of the blue the Falcons hire someone from the great Oz of the NFL the Patriots but..

it’s not anybody that you’ve ever heard of. Then this guy goes and hires a coach that you’ve never heard of either. They both decide to draft a QB out of the ACC of all places and then from that cradle of QB’s, Boston College. Now you know there is no way this is going to work and your team is going to absolutely destroy Atlanta until,

The guy hired from OZ does know how to pick players. The coach that nobody ever heard of treats the players like actual men and inspires them and the team that you thought your team would kill hasn’t spent ONE DAY UNDER .500 ALL YEAR LONG! The pundits say “We’ve never seen anything like this”

You can’t believe it because this is the first year what’s it going to be like when he really learns what he’s doing out there?

It’s a cruel world Clyde!

By AJC Voice of Reason

December 16, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

MIKE VICK is a lot like Winston Churchill. It may take decades before society as a whole sees what a great man he is and all the wonderful good VICK did for the community and for the whole State of Georgia.

It cannot and will NOT be right for the Falcons to win the Super Bowl without MIKE VICK leading the team.

History has shown that all great leaders have their flaws, as all human beings do, and VICK is no different. He is merely persecuted more than most.

The people of this city will not realize what a true TREASURE they have in MIKE VICK until a time when it is too late to enjoy him anymore.

By Enough is enough

December 16, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Whatever you do DON’T ANSWER THE ABOVE POST

CONCERNING VICK. DON’T ANSWER ANY VICK

LOVE/HATE POST.

By Ken Strickland

December 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

BRIAN THE DOG-no team can win the Superbowl without making the playoffs. You know, like the old saying that goes, you have to learn to crawl before you learn to walk. Dallas is an elite team that went to the Superbowl, and we all know their main concern is making the playoffs, not the Superbowl. Does that make sense to you?

I wouldn’t say TB has Ryan’s number. When we played them earlier, the bulk of our passing OFF was not in place and had not developed. Therefore, by stopping our rushing attack, you stopped our OFF, which TB did in that 1st meeting. Last Sunday, just the threat of Ryan’s passing kept TB’s DEF from committing to stopping the run the way they did in the 1st meeting. At this stage of the season, our entire OFF is in place and everyone has mastered it. MRyan now knows his WR’s will get open and his OL will protect him, which he didn’t know earlier in the season.

I love this kid. His OL knows if they protect him and give him time, he’ll ram that ball down the DEF’s throats. Knowing that protection will be their gives him the confidence and time to concentrate on making all of his reads before making a decision. I love what he’s doing for this team. I also loved what MVick did for his team, on the field of course. I’m not stupid enough to hate him, because he hurt himself with his stupid decisions, not me. The difference, as I see it, is MRyan leads his team, while MVick, more often than not, had to carry his team.

As I said, having an OL that can pass protect, an imaginative, unpredictable, competent OFF coordinator and HC that can think, really makes a difference. Whether we make the playoffs is in our hands. The next 2 gms are the same as playoff gms. How we play decides if we advance TO the playoffs rather than if we advance IN the playoffs. GOOD LUCK AGAINST THE VIKINGS SUNDAY. Our combination of good, balanced OFF and good balanced DEF has served us well the 2nd half of the season. AND PLEASE, LET’S NOT OVERLOOK THE TREMENDOUS COACHING AND THE OBVIOUS ADJUSTMENTS THEY’VE MADE FROM HALF TO HALF AND GM TO GM, ESPECIALLY ON DEF.

AGAIN, GOOD LUCK TO YOU, YOU DIRTY, DIRTY BIRDS.

By Dogbyte

December 16, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

I wish there was a way the Falcons could put Harvey Dahl on Jared Allen. THAT would be worth the price of admission.

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

December 16, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Hello All,

I had to handle a personal issue and was not able to get back to the blog until now. I was worried about you all, but it looks things are going well overall.

Couple of things:

My boss did the playoff primer. Dude went to Harvard. So I’m going with him over ESPN!!! He must have known that I got a C or something in Stats & Prob and couldn’t get all the way down to the 6th tiebreaker without some help.

FDB good point on Monte Kiffin going to Tennessee. Don’t know what’s the deal with Norwood. He’s got to bust some runs in the game and on kickoffs. Make one guy miss or run over somebody.

UGA Grad I did notice the heavy run decisions on first down. It looked like Mularkey did not want to get in chess match with Kiffin the passing game.

There will be some news later day on Irons, Robinson and couple roster additions. Also, the Pro Bowl team comes out.

By Matt

December 16, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

QUESTION:

This is off the beaten path for a second, but the AJC reported that if the Falcons, Bucs, and Cowboys all win out…Atlanta is the team left standing in the cold. But what happens if the Panthers loose out and join the 11-5 teams? To me the chances of Carolina loosing to NYG and N.O. seem more feasable than Cowboys loosing to BAL or PHILLY or Tampa loosing to SD or OAK.

But as for right now this Falcons fan is cheering for Baltimore and San Diego!

By Frozen North

December 16, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

There are several keys to the game that I think favor the Vikings.

First the Vikings pass rush will be the best the Falcons have faced all year. It’s better than the Bucs, Eagles or Panthers - teams that got after Ryan pretty good this season. The Vikings get a lot of sacks and they do it mostly with their front four - not by selling out their pass coverage with linebackers in blitz packages. Personally, I think the game may be decided here. How well the Falcons protect Ryan; and how well the kid reacts to hurries and sacks will reflect in the final score.

I like Ryan a lot and agree that he is the real deal. But he hasn’t played in a road game yet where the season is on the line for both teams. The Metrodome is loud and the atmosphere will further stoke the Vikings. Poise usually comes from experience and maturity. This season when MR has played on the road against a team with a winning record, he has struggled. Against Tampa, Philly and Carolina Ryan’s completion % was 48%. His yards/attempt was 5.0. MR threw 4 INTs and 2 TDs. In these games his passer efficiency rating was 54.8. Granted he has improved over the year, but the Falcons are going to have to rush the ball very well to win this game.

Let’s face it, neither team passes very much. As much as you all like Matt Ryan, it’s certain that the Falcons coaching staff would prefer to run Turner as much as possible. Since both teams like to run the ball, the team that can take away the running game of their opponent will most likely win the game. The Vikings run defense got weaker with the loss of PW, so this aspect may be closer than it looks on paper. But the Falcons have given up 120 per game rushing this year which doesn’t bode well for them against a team like the Vikes, especially on the road. The Vikings are going to try to run the ball down the Falcons throats to win this game.

If the game were in Atlanta, I would predict a Falcon win; that’s how close I think these teams are. But with the game in Minneapolis the Vikings have a clear advantage. With the news of PW being out I predict a 27 - 20 final.

By Eric C.

December 16, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Frozen North,

You make some good points…but you underestimate Ryan. As you stated, he has improved since the Carolina Tampa losses early in the season. In the Philly loss, the Falcons would have had a chance to win if not for a questionable muffed punt when the score was 20-14 in the last couple of minutes…point being it was a close game.

Sure the Vikings should be favored at home, but keep in mind the Falcons went to San Diego and lost the TO battle 3 to 0 and still won by 6 pts. Against the Bucs they lost the TO battle 3 to 1 and gave up a blocked punt as well and still won. That is a testament to how well the Falcons defense is playing, at least in terms of overcoming mistakes.

Having said that, I believe if the Falcons have at least a +1 TO margin this week, and they are due for it, they will win.

By Boo Boo

December 16, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Allen Lord,

If Carolina loses its last two games, AND Tampa Bay loses a minimum of one of its last two games, AND Atlanta wins both of its last two games, Atlanta and Carolina would be tied with 11-5 records. The Falcons would win the division because of having a better NFC record (8-4) than the Panthers (7-5).

By Boo Boo

December 16, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Matt,

If Carolina loses its last two games, AND Tampa, Atlanta and Dallas win their last two games (all four finishing 11-5), Carolina is the team watching the playoffs, due to the worst NFC record of the group. Tampa Bay would win the NFC South, due to Strength of Victory and/or Strength of Schedule over Atlanta. Dallas and Atlanta would be the two Wild Card teams, with Dallas being Wild Card team #1, due to beating Atlanta in the Common Opponent (min. four games) category.

By Boo Boo

December 16, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

The reason ESPN has the Falcons ahead of the Bucs is it is not factoring in the last two games. It is a “What if the playoffs were determined now” mentality. Based on that, they have gone to the third tiebreaker, “Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games,” and the Falcons have a current 9-4 record, with Tampa just an 8-4 record. However, Atlanta plays one more common game this Sunday, while Tampa plays two common games at home, against the AFC West. In the end, both will have played 14 common games, just as will have every NFL team, common with the other teams within each team’s division.

By spotts

December 16, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

David Irons went to Dacula High School, not Duluth.

C’mon, AJC. We (Dacula) don’t get many shots at the spotlight.

By Eric C.

December 16, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Boo Boo,

If it that is the case with ESPN’s playoff picture…wouldn’t Tampa get the tiebreaker based on their better conference record (as it stands now) before it got to the commnon opponents records?

By Eric C.

December 16, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Boo Boo,

If that is the case with ESPN’s playoff picture…wouldn’t Tampa get the tiebreaker based on their better conference record (as it stands now) before it got to the commnon opponents records?

By Boo Boo

December 16, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Common opponents is after: 1.) head-to-head; 2.) division record; 3.) common opponent record. Then comes: 4.) conference record; 5.) strength of victory; 6.) strength of schedule.

By GoldenRichards

December 16, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

What many people dont realize is that if the Falcons make the playoffs, they are equipped to go the distance for basically three reasons: #1- Great quarterback/Matty Ryan; #2- Great running backs/Jerius Norwood and Michael Turner and #3- Outstanding pass rush/John Abraham. All great teams possess those three ingredients in order to go deep into the playoffs and the Falcons are blessed to have all three elements rock solid. Look for the Falcons to be one of this years superbowl participants. Go Falcons!

By Brian F.

December 16, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Is there any possible way for the Falcons to still win the division?

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

NO PRO BOWL FOR LEAF?

——-WELL WELL WELL————

HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU BE AN MVP CANDIDATE WHEN YOU CAN’T EVEN MAKE THE PRO BOWL ROSTER…….HMMMMMMM

SPORTS WRITERS KNOW A BUST WHEN THEY SEE ONE :)

……ANYWAY……

CAN YOU SAY “JANUARY 20TH?

———MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDARS——-

THAT’S WHEN THE GREATEST QB WILL BE OUT OF FEDERAL PRISON……AND…..

——-WATCH HOW ALL THE MEDIA—————

DROPS LEAF LIKE A HOT POTATO…..

————-JUST IN—————

HE’SSSSSSSSSSS BACK!!!!!!!!!

———THAT’S RIGHT———-

“THE DOG KILLER IS ON THE LOOSE….AND

**HE’S HUNGRY FOR SOME DIRTY BIRDS…:)

By Br'er Rabbit

December 16, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

JJMB,

Yo grandmomma read you Uncle Remus tales. I’z just one o dem characters he thunk up. Po ole Uncle Remus, he done got locked up in the forbidden publications pokey. He’s in a cell wit Little Black Sambo on one side and Amos & Andy on de other. Still, wernt no traps Br’er Rabbit couldnt get out of. Ever now and den I hops up to de Georgia Dome from de Wren’s Nest and catch a Falcon game, den hippity hop back home.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3773495

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

If we go 11-5 and don’t make the playoffs, WOW! If 11-5 is what it takes though and we beat Minn this Sunday then watch out for the Rams, could be a trap game. I can’t even begin to imagine the Falcons actually losing to the Rams, but any given Sunday right? Incredible season so far, lets keep it going! This Sunday another hater bites the dust.

WE FLY HIGH…..NO LIE…..WE BALLIN’

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

1999=Chipper Jones doesn’t make all star team. 1999=Chipper Jones wins MVP award. I know it’s baseball, just saying, it happens when you’re a winner.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

WINNERS MAKE THE PRO BOWL

END OF STORY

By darrell starks

December 16, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

Ice man is the man. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Brian F.

December 16, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Orlando, Is there any possible way for us to win the division?

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80cfd578&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

2004 AND COUNTING

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

:)

By Eric C.

December 16, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Boo Boo,

Thanks for clearing that up…however, if that is the case, then how do the Falcons manage to beat out Carolina in a tie? I assumed the conference record would do the trick, but do the Falcons win common opponents tiebreaker against Carolina? Thanks for your great analyses.

By Eric C.

December 16, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

There is a great article by Peter King on Blalock and his fumble recover in OT…he is really high on Blalock.

sportsillustrated.cnn.com

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

I thought the Falcons made a great pick with Blalock last year. I think he will turn out much better than Baker.

By Vick Supporter

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

Lol, looks like “Montana” missed the probowl. I know one thing…….Vick made the pro bowl his first year as a starter. I’m just saying,lol. You take away Turner, and the Falcons are nothing. Ryan can’t carry a team on his back, like you know who. Jan 20……………….

By 4th and goal

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

Vick did make the pro bowl his first year as a starter and he definitly earned it, doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things though. Or does it? We’ll see on Jan 20 right? No disrespect.

By Arena League!

December 16, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Oh wait that doors closed too.

There are other issues that could factor into whether Vick gets another opportunity in professional football. ESPN’s John Clayton said that few general managers are in a strong enough position to consider taking a chance on Vick, and even then most NFL owners would be concerned about a fan and media backlash.[25] The Canadian Football League is not a realistic possibility as in 2007 it banned players currently suspended by the NFL. Even if Vick’s suspension were to be lifted, it is unlikely a convicted felon would be able to get a Canadian work visa. A career in the Arena Football League, which does not normally honor NFL suspensions, is a possibility should Vick be further suspended for the 2009 season.

By Higher Math

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

VS2 has proven he is solid with the math so what’s 15% of 3%. Answer - your boy playing in 2009! January 20th.

The new United Football League is also said to be interested in Vick; UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue said Vick’s chances of playing in his league in 2009 are “15 percent”.

By PeterMsp

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

“I like Ryan a lot and agree that he is the real deal. But he hasn’t played in a road game yet where the season is on the line for both teams. The Metrodome is loud and the atmosphere will further stoke the Vikings”

What Frozen North (and tonight it truly is frozen) is trying to do is talk himself into believing in a Vikings victory. Here in Minnesota they were chocking back tears because they wanted Childress fired.

What game has Tavaris Jackson participated in which the season was on the line? He couldn’t beat out an old and gimpy Gus Frerotte. If the Falcons get ahead in this game the Vikings crowd will sit on their hands the rest of the game. I know I’ve seen many, many games in the Metrodome.

There has been one Falcon game shown up here and that was the Lions game so nobody here knows anything about the Falcons.

“Neither team passes very much”

White, Falcons leading WR has 1300 yards on 82 receptions. Vikings leading WR Berrian has 865 yrds on 42 catches. Ryan’s 3100 yards dwarfs the Vikings total of 2745. True it’s the same number of attempts but Atlanta is far more effective without the benefit of throwing against NFC North competition twice this year.

The Vikings had to come from behind twice to beat the Lions! Bears put up 48 on them.

We’ve been watching Ryan, ever seen him rattled, even in the first Tampa Bay game? As poorly as the Colts were playing at the start of the season the Vikes could manage only 15 points. They wouldn’t have beaten the Texans if Jared Allen wasn’t such a dirty player and took Matt Schaub out.

Vikings get to this point a lot. If the Falcons get ahead they win. I’m sad that I won’t be able to see it. The Vikes certainly win this game but it won’t be because the Metrodome is too loud for Matt Ryan. Frozen North and all Viking fans would take Ryan in a minute.

By Sly Ty

December 16, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Fellow Falcon fans, isn’t this all great.No matter what happens at this point, as a Falcon Fan I feel like the fat cat. Our team is in discussion of making the Playoffs/and still possibly being Division Champs this late in the season. I will say it again about how STUPID I WAS FOR WANTING GLENN DORSEY.I am pleased and excited about this season, and next season no matter what happens. We should all be thankful for this OUTSTANDING TURNAROUND. GO FALCONS/HAWKS/BRAVES/TECH/DAWGS/MORGAN COUNTY HIGH.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 16, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

“Is Abraham Be All-Pro?” asks the AJC sports headline.

By KJ

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

“The Falcons usually beat the Vikings”

????????????????????????????

23 games

Vikings 15 wins Falcons 8 wins

By KJ

December 16, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

“The Falcons usually beat the Vikings”

????????????????????????????

23 games

Vikings 15 wins Falcons 8 wins

By This gets old = Profiler

December 16, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

“Is Abraham Be All-Pro”

Well that certainly explains a lot doesn’t it? No wonder any ignorant trouble maker can come on here and write anything.

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

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

LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT

—————YOU SAID—————

-HE IS LIKE NO ROOKIE BEFORE HIM

-HE IS A SURE HALL OF FAMER

-HE IS THE REASON FOR TEAM’S SUCCESS

-HE IS AN MVP CANDIDATE

-QB RATINGS MATTER

-AN INTELLIGENT THINKER

-NEW FACE OF THE FRANCHISE

BUT CHECK THIS OUT

——-PRO BOWL COMMITTEE SAYS———-

THANKS —- BUT NO THANKS

———LETS SEE———-

A PRO BOWL RUNNING BACK

A PRO BOWL WIDE RECEIVER

WHERE IS MY PRO BOWL QUARTERBACK

I GUESS IT’S TRUE THAT……

VS DETROIT

VS KANSAS CITY

VS OAKLAND

DOESN’T PROVE SQUAT

—————SOMEBODY HELP ME————-

……….HOW DOES………

A TEAM WITH A PRO BOWL RECEIVER AND WIDE RECEIVER BUT THE QUARTERBACK SUCKS…..CAN ONLY MEAN……

72-MILLION DOLLAR BUST

THAT’S ALL FOLKS :)

2004 AND COUNTING

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

December 16, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Ravens, Giants, Saints, Raiders, Chargers, and Eagles!

Falcons can practically SMELL the Playoffs!!

GO BIRDS GO!!!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

QB RATINGS VS PRO BOWL

————2002————-

…..LOW QB RATINGS…….

————RESULT————-

-POSTSEASON

-1ST TO BEAT FAVRE AT HOME IN PLAYOFFS

-PRO BOWL 1ST SEASON AS STARTER

-RUNNER UP FOR MVP

————2003—————-

(BROKEN LEG)

-TEAM BARELY WON 2 GAMES

(RETURNED FROM BROKEN LEG)

-TEAM WENT 3-1

——————2004——————

-TEAM 2ND CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN 43 YEARS

-TEAM 3RD DIVISION TITLE IN 43 YEARS

-2ND PRO BOWL

————-2005—————-

-3RD PRO BOWL & 2ND IN A ROW

————BUT—————

HIGH QB RATINGS LOOK NICE IN THE STAT SHEET

2004 AND COUNTING

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

@ VS2

9-5 happens. Matt Ryan gets drafted to replace Vick and 9-5 happens. You wanted all the doubters to be so right about him and 9-5 happens. You wanted the Falcons to fail miserably with Ryan and he leads the franchise to it’s first winning season since 2004 because 9-5 happened.

So Sorry : (

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

2004 AND COUNTING*

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

You’re absolutely right VS2, we could go 11-5 and still not make the playoffs since 2004 and counting. However in 2004 an 11-5 record made us the 2nd seed. MMmm, I guess the NFL is getting better. That’s not good news for a certain someone, I don’t know, I’m just saying………. Got Quarterback?

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 16, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS PRO BOWLERS

RODDY WHITE

MICHAEL TURNER

——-YOUR BAILING OUT BUSTS PAID OFF—-

By 4th and goal

December 16, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Chris Freakin Chandler!

No Super Bowl since 1998 and counting

By Boo Boo

December 17, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Eric C,

Right this moment Carolina has a 10-3 record against opponents common to the Falcons. The Falcons have a 9-4 record against those teams. If we assume that Carolina loses its last two games, it would lose to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are a common opponent. That would give the Panthers a 10-4 record against common opponents. If we also assume the Falcons won their last two games, they would have defeated the Vikings, who are also a common opponent. That would make the Falcons 10-4 against common opponents. The two teams would then be tied. Thus, they would go to the conference record tiebreaker; and the Panthers would be 7-5, with the Falcons 8-4. Atlanta wins that matchup.

By Tron5000

December 17, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I try hard not to use foul language, especially in situations where children may be present or when I’m around people who may be offended by profanity. But John Abraham not making the Pro Bowl team is F-ing BS. The NFL should cut the stupid fans from the voting. Just let the coaches and players make the picks; they’re the ones who play the games and watch the tape. Ridiculous.

By Marcus

December 17, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Congrats to the Falcons Pro Bowlers! I hate that J. Abraham didn’t make it, but taking into account the numbers gamei wiht slots available at DE, it is hard to argue against Peppers, Tuck, and J. Allen. Just take out the Pro Bowl snub on the Vikings OL and QBs this weekend.

By Shane

December 17, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Who cares about the pro bowl anyway. Its just a popularity contest.

By MWC

December 17, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

I agree with Shane, but J Abraham needs to be given props…

By NO LONGER VICK SUPPORTER

December 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

120-MILLION DOLLAR BUST

THAT’S ALL FOLKS :)

—INKED A FATBACK CONTRACT IN 2004 FOR 10 YEARS

—PLAYED TWO YEARS AND THEN WENT IN THE FEDERAL PEN

—STOLE ALL THE BONUS MONEY FOR EIGHT YEARS TOO

—FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY, SAYING HE WOULD PAY BACK HIS STOLEN MONEY WITH NEW STOLEN MONEY FROM THE NFL

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

—HE AINT COMING BACK—

2007 AND COUNTING

—THE NEXT O.J., CRYING BEFORE A JUDGE, IN CUFFS AND A JUMPSUIT

—HOW CAN A DOG-KILLING ADDICT STAY CLEAN WHEN THE WORLD IS FULL OF STRAY DOGS?

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

—HE CAN’T!

——-WARNING VIRGINIA CHINESE RESTAURANTS——

—YOUR SUPPLY OF STRAY DOG WILL BE GOING DOWN IN JANUARY 09—

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 17, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

NOT ONE STINKING STARTER

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8950362&MSNHPHMA#sport=NFL&photo=8950850

———-KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS————-

WEAK SCHEDULES GET NO PRIME TIME :)

By NO LONGER VICK SUPPORTER

December 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

POLICE RECORD VS COURT RULINGS

————EARLY 2004————-

…..TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR DISTRIBUTING MARIJUANA, IN A TRUCK OWNED BY MIKE VICK…….

————RESULT————-

-TWO MEN TAKE A FALL FOR MIKE VICK

————LATE 2004—————-

…..VICK FLIES HIS POSSE ON FREEBIE AIRTRAN FLIGHT, AND TWO OF HIS HOODS STEAL A SECURITY SCREENER’S EXPENSIVE WATCH (SEEN ON VIDEO)…….

————RESULT————-

POLICE REPORT FILED, CAUSING BILLY “WHITE SHOES” JOHNSON TO INTERVENE, AND WATCH MAGICALLY RETURNS TO THE SECURITY SCREENER. CHARGES DROPPED

——————MARCH 2005——————

-VICK SUED BY ONE OF THE WOMEN HE GAVE GENITAL HERPES TO (FROM SEX IN AUTUMN 2002)

-WOMAN TELLS THE WORLD MIKE VICK USED THE NAME “RON MEXICO” IN HIS EFFORTS TO GET TREATMENTS FOR THE OUTBREAKS

————RESULT—————

—MIKE VICK SETTLES OUT OF COURT AND NOW HAS KIDS WITH OPEN SORES CALLING HIM “DADDY”, SAYING, “MOMMA WANTS TO KNOW WHEN THE CHECK WILL COME”

————-LATE FALL 2006—————-

-MIKE VICK SO BAD IN LOSS TO SAINTS IN GEORGIA DOME THE FANS ACTUALLY BOOED THEIR MESSIAH, CAUSING VICK TO FLIP THE FANS THE “BIRD”

————RESULT————-

—NFL FINED VICK $10,000, VICK APOLOGIZED LIKE A TREMBLING DOG UNWILLING TO FIGHT, AND HE “DONATED” ANOTHER $10,000 TO HIS SISTER ON THE BOARD OF HIS FAKE CHARITY

————JANUARY 2007—————

—VICK TRIED TO THROW AWAY HIS FALSE-BOTTOM WATER BOTTLE AT AIRPORT SECURITY, CAUSING SECURITY TO RETRIEVE THE BOTTLE AND SNIFF IT FOR MARIJUANA RESIDUE SCENT

————RESULT————-

—VICK ADMITS THE BOTTLE WAS ONLY USED FOR “CLEAN PEE”, TO SUBSTITUTE FOR “RANDOM” DRUG TESTS ADMINISTED BY THE NFL. SINCE PEE IS NOT AN ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE, THE INVESTIGATION CLOSED

————APRIL-SEPTEMBER 2007—————

—NEWS BREAKS OF MIKE VICK BEING THE RING LEADER OF A DOG KILLING ENTERPRISE

—MICHAEL BODDIE (VICK’S FATHER) TELLS THE AJC “OH, THAT’S BEEN MIKE’S THING SINCE 2001”

—MIKE VICK CHARGED WITH THREE OTHER MEN IN RUNNING A DOGFIGHTING RING (FEDERAL & STATE CHARGES)

—MIKE VICK FAILS A DRUG TEST (MARIJUANA) WHILE FREE ON BAIL

————RESULT————-

—MIKE VICK PLEADS GUILTY, TURNS HIMSELF IN (AFTER STOWING AWAY MANY MILLIONS OF STOLEN DOLLARS, FROM BANKS, SPONSORS, AND THE ATLANTA FALCONS) AND BEGINS SERVING A 23-MONTH FEDERAL SENTENCE

————YEARS SINCE MIKE VICK PLAYED IN THE NFL—————

TWO YEARS AND COUNTING

——YEARS SINCE MIKE VICK PLAYED IN A PRO BOWL ——

SOON TO BE THREE AND COUNTING

By NO LONGER VICK SUPPORTER

December 17, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

O.J. SIMPSON WENT TO SIX PRO BOWLS

—WHERE IS HE NOW?

MIKE VICK SELECTED TO TWO PRO BOWLS

—WHY NOT SELECTED IN 2005?

—HE TOOK A 6 - 2 TEAM AND RAN IT INTO THE GROUND, 8 - 8, OUT OF PLAYOFFS

—WHY NOT SELECTED IN 2006?

—HE TOOK A 5 - 2 TEAM AND RAN IT INTO THE GROUND, 7 - 9, OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS

—HOW DID JIM MORA (SR.) SHOW MIKE VICK THE LOVE?

—HE CALLED HIM A COACH KILLER

—JIM MORA, JR. R.I.P.

—2004 - 2006

—CAUSE OF DEATH ….. MIKE VICK

By cb

December 17, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Stating the obvious—Abraham should have been selected to the Pro Bowl. In any case you have the appreciation of the Falcon faithful who see you play like a BEAST every week!! The Vikings will be witnesses this week. Congratulations to Turner and White who, deservedly so, were selected. This week will be a tough test but if the Falcons show 8 in the box “pre-snap” and give Jackson something to think about we will win—going away. Remember he’s coming off a win against a Cardinals team that had NOTHING TO PLAY FOR and played as such. This is the right week to dail up some pressure blitz packages. With the performance of the d-line, linebackers, and Milloy (Lofton and Wire also had outstanding performances in the run game last week:Brooking also had a pep in his step) the goal to improve run defense in the Saints game was very apparent—-and very successful. I expect more of the same this week. I have gotten to the point where I EXPECT a FOCUSED and PROFESSIONAL effort from this team every week—and as a Falcon fan since 66 it is good to see. GO FALCONS!!!!!!

By Falcons are Birds of Prey

December 17, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter 2, Roddy White wouldn’t be in the Pro Bowl w/o a QB getting him the ball. That QB was Ryan. Just because someone isn’t voted to the Pro Bowl doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be there. Look at Rivers in the AFC. He’s got better stats than Farve and he’s not going either.

By Frozen North

December 17, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Either PeterMsp is a poor Viking fan, or he is really a Falcon fan. Either way Peter, I’ll speak for myself – thank you. I don’t need to talk myself into anything. I stated plainly that the Vikings will win Sunday, period. No apologies will be offered up for that, but I do understand that virtually all here disagree with me. BTW Peter, I am not a “him”. Your assumption of that speaks volumes to your nature.

Tarvaris has played in games with the season on the line the past two weeks, and Matt Ryan has also. My point was MR has not played in situations on the road against a team that is really good, and whose season is also on the line. As a season ticket holder for many years I can attest to the fact that the dome atmosphere has had a profound affect on many games. I have seen the dome take QBs with more experience and accolades than MR has out of their game. It does have the distinct potential to disrupt the Falcons offense. All NFL fans get more raucous at this time of the year, and Viking fans are no different. Add to that the fact that the Vikings haven’t been to the playoffs for 4 years. I guarantee it will be loud in Metrodome, and Ryan will have to prove he can deal with it. If he calls timeouts, or there are false starts, play clock violations, etc. it will get louder.

One thing Peter should invest in if he wants to see more games is the NFL Network. I have watched four Falcons games this year on the NFL Network. I also saw the Falcon/Bears game on TV while in Phoenix October 12. So, my observations aren’t totally based on box scores and stats. Ryan absolutely was rattled in the first Tampa Bay game, and he played poorly because of it. His performance was dramatically less effective in that game, and the Philly and Panthers games than it was against the Lions or Chiefs. That doesn’t mean that I don’t see his potential. The game Ryan played against the Saints five weeks ago was masterful.

Two comments make me think Peter is really a Falcon fan. “The Vikings had to come from behind twice to beat the Lions! Bears put up 48 on them.”, and, “They wouldn’t have beaten the Texans if Jared Allen wasn’t such a dirty player and took Matt Schaub out.” The Bears are a good team. There is no shame in coming from behind to beat them. The Falcons themselves were one good kickoff return from a loss to the Bears. In the first Vikings/Bears game, 48 Bear points came from four Gus Frerotte INTs, a blocked punt that was returned for a TD, and a fumbled punt that was recovered for a TD. The game was in Chicago, and the Vikings still almost won the game. The second game this season with the Bears was dominated by Minnesota. In the Houston game Sage Rosenfels outplayed Matt Schaub and was the reason the game was close at all. The Vikings were ahead 21-7 when Schaub left. Minnesota played a solid game, and won 28 – 21. Allen’s hits had little to do with the outcome except to make it closer.

Finally, while the Falcons may have concentrated their completions with fewer receivers, the stats speak for themselves. The Vikings throw the ball 27.9 times a game. The Falcons throw it 27.8 times a game. Only the Ravens, Raiders and Panthers average fewer attempts per game. Ryan’s 3100 yards does not dwarf the Vikings total of 2745. That’s only 28.6 yards a game difference. We aren’t taking Warneresque yardage here. Peter is right about one thing, I would take Ryan in a minute. But that is based on his future potential. He reminds me of a young Tom Brady. Nevertheless, at this point of his career MR is prone to rookie mistakes. I think we will see that this week.

By Frozen North

December 17, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Either PeterMsp is a poor Viking fan, or he is really a Falcon fan. Either way Peter, I’ll speak for myself – thank you. I don’t need to talk myself into anything. I stated plainly that the Vikings will win Sunday, period. No apologies will be offered up for that, but I do understand that virtually all here disagree with me. BTW Peter, I am not a him. His assumption speaks volumes to his nature. Tarvaris has played in games with the season on the line the past two weeks, and Matt Ryan has also. My point was MR has not played in situations on the road against a team that is really good, and whose season is also on the line. As a season ticket holder for many years I can attest to the fact that the dome atmosphere has had a profound affect on many games. I have seen the dome take QBs with more experience and accolades than MR has out of their game. It does have the distinct potential to disrupt the Falcons offense. All NFL fans get more raucous at this time of the year, and Viking fans are no different. Add to that the fact that the Vikings haven’t been to the playoffs for 4 years. I guarantee it will be loud in Metrodome, and Ryan will have to prove he can deal with it. If he calls timeouts, or there are false starts, play clock violations, etc. it will get louder. One thing Peter should invest in if he wants to see more games is the NFL Network. I have watched four Falcons games this year on the NFL Network. I also saw the Falcon/Bears game on TV while in Phoenix October 12. So, my observations aren’t totally based on box scores and stats. Ryan absolutely was rattled in the first Tampa Bay game, and he played poorly because of it. His performance was dramatically less effective in that game, and the Philly and Panthers games than it was against the Lions or Chiefs. That doesn’t mean that I don’t see his potential. The game Ryan played against the Saints five weeks ago was masterful. Two comments make me think Peter is really a Falcon fan. “The Vikings had to come from behind twice to beat the Lions! Bears put up 48 on them.”, and, “They wouldn’t have beaten the Texans if Jared Allen wasn’t such a dirty player and took Matt Schaub out.” The Bears are a good team. There is no shame in coming from behind to beat them. The Falcons themselves were one good kickoff return from a loss to the Bears. In the first Vikings/Bears game, 48 Bear points came from four Gus Frerotte INTs, a blocked punt that was returned for a TD, and a fumbled punt that was recovered for a TD. The game was in Chicago, and the Vikings still almost won the game. The second game this season with the Bears was dominated by Minnesota. In the Houston game Sage Rosenfels outplayed Matt Schaub and was the reason the game was close at all. The Vikings were ahead 21-7 when Schaub left. Minnesota played a solid game, and won 28 – 21. Allen’s hits had little to do with the outcome except to make it closer.
Finally, while the Falcons may have concentrated their completions with fewer receivers, the stats speak for themselves. The Vikings throw the ball 27.9 times a game. The Falcons throw it 27.8 times a game. Only the Ravens, Raiders and Panthers average fewer attempts per game. Ryan’s 3100 yards does not dwarf the Vikings total of 2745. That’s only 28.6 yards a game difference. We aren’t taking Warneresque yardage here. Peter is right about one thing, I would take Ryan in a minute. But that is based on his future potential. He reminds me of a young Tom Brady. Nevertheless, at this point of his career MR is prone to rookie mistakes. I think we will see that this week.

By jericho

December 17, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Vikings will crush the Falcons. End of story.

By Navigator

December 17, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

First to all Viking fans, you play in a dome too, this isn’t Green Bay. Second, you can’t affect the outcome of the game by turning on the air condition and blow the football the wrong way (cheaters are losers). Yes, the Falcon’s pass defense is their weakest piece, but the Vikings have a few missing pieces also. Play the game, and then bark!

By Frozen North

December 17, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Navigator

So are you saying the Falcons have no home field advantage? Of course they do. The Metrodome has its advantages for the Vikings.

By Minneapolis Bookie

December 17, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

The Vikings have a lock on this Sunday’s game. Lay the points. Bet everything you have left in this bad economy. Put your money where your heart is. The Vikings won’t let you down. Don’t hold back now. Bet it all! Do it! Gamble everything on this Sunday’s game! Forget what the wife might say. She dresses up with pigtails and a pointed helment to watch the game too. Bet it all!!!

I’ll be waiting for your calls.

By Linebacker

December 17, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

So they replaced Boley and played good Defense. Looks like Brooking was never the problem.

By Eric C.

December 17, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Boo Boo

How can we possibly clinch this week??? According to ESPN…we can! See excerpt from the ESPN playoff picture.

FROM ESPN:

The Falcons clinch a playoff spot with:

1) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Dallas loss OR 2) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Dallas tie and Philadelphia loss OR 3) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Philadelphia loss and Chicago loss or tie OR 4) A victory over Minnesota and Tampa Bay loss and Philadelphia loss and Dallas clinches strength of victory tiebreaker over Chicago

By 4th and goal

December 17, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

@ NO LONGER VICK SUPPORTER, lol, thats just not right.

By dacha

December 17, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

whoever you are, NO LONGER VICK SUPPORTER, you’re the man!

By VICK SUPPORTER 2

December 17, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

ECONOMICS 101

———-7 VS 2—————

7-2= (1) (DIVISION TITLE)

…..WAIT THAT’S NOT RIGHT……

7-2= (3) **(ELECTED TO PRO BOWL - NOT STANDBY)

——DARN IT I DON’T GET IT———

7-2= (2) (PLAYOFFF APPEARANCES)

——THIS ECONOMICS SUCKS———

7-2= (56) (CONSECUTIVE SELL-OUTS)

———OH WELL AT LEAST———

AT LEAST NUMBER 2 READS DEFENSES

——-OH GOSH——-

THE 4-PICKS & 0 TDS AGAINST TAMPA DON’T COUNT :)

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

A 60-page review of the scientific evidence, some based on state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain size, has concluded that race differences in average IQ are largely genetic. The lead article in the June 2005 issue of Psychology, Public Policy and Law, a journal of the American Psychological Association, examined 10 categories of research evidence from around the world to contrast “a hereditarian model (50% genetic-50% cultural) and a culture-only model (0% genetic-100% cultural).”

The paper, “Thirty Years of Research on Race Differences in Cognitive Ability,” by J. Philippe Rushton of the University of Western Ontario and Arthur R. Jensen of the University of California at Berkeley, appeared with a positive commentary by Linda Gottfredson of the University of Delaware, three critical ones (by Robert Sternberg of Yale University, Richard Nisbett of the University of Michigan, and Lisa Suzuki & Joshua Aronson of New York University), and the authors’ reply.

“Neither the existence nor the size of race differences in IQ are a matter of dispute, only their cause,” write the authors. The Black-White difference has been found consistently from the time of the massive World War I Army testing of 90 years ago to a massive study of over 6 million corporate, military, and higher-education test-takers in 2001.

“Race differences show up by 3 years of age, even after matching on maternal education and other variables,” said Rushton. “Therefore they cannot be due to poor education since this has not yet begun to exert an effect. That’s why Jensen and I looked at the genetic hypothesis in detail. We examined 10 categories of evidence.”

The Worldwide Pattern of IQ Scores. East Asians average higher on IQ tests than Whites, both in the U. S. and in Asia, even though IQ tests were developed for use in the Euro-American culture. Around the world, the average IQ for East Asians centers around 106; for Whites, about 100; and for Blacks about 85 in the U.S. and 70 in sub-Saharan Africa.

Race Differences are Most Pronounced on Tests that Best Measure the General Intelligence Factor (g). Black-White differences, for example, are larger on the Backward Digit Span test than on the less g loaded Forward Digit Span test.

The Gene-Environment Architecture of IQ is the Same in all Races, and Race Differences are Most Pronounced on More Heritable Abilities. Studies of Black, White, and East Asian twins, for example, show the heritability of IQ is 50% or higher in all races.

Brain Size Differences. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) find a correlation of brain size with IQ of about 0.40. Larger brains contain more neurons and synapses and process information faster. Race differences in brain size are present at birth. By adulthood, East Asians average 1 cubic inch more cranial capacity than Whites who average 5 cubic inches more than Blacks.

Trans-Racial Adoption Studies. Race differences in IQ remain following adoption by White middle class parents. East Asians grow to average higher IQs than Whites while Blacks score lower. The Minnesota Trans-Racial Adoption Study followed children to age 17 and found race differences were even greater than at age 7: White children, 106; Mixed-Race children, 99; and Black children, 89.

Racial Admixture Studies. Black children with lighter skin, for example, average higher IQ scores. In South Africa, the IQ of the mixed-race “Colored” population averages 85, intermediate to the African 70 and White 100.

IQ Scores of Blacks and Whites Regress toward the Averages of Their Race. Parents pass on only some exceptional genes to offspring so parents with very high IQs tend to have more average children. Black and White children with parents of IQ 115 move to different averages—Blacks toward 85 and Whites to 100.

Race Differences in Other “Life-History” Traits. East Asians and Blacks consistently fall at two ends of a continuum with Whites intermediate on 60 measures of maturation, personality, reproduction, and social organization. For example, Black children sit, crawl, walk, and put on their clothes earlier than Whites or East Asians.

Race Differences and the Out-of-Africa theory of Human Origins. East Asian-White-Black differences fit the theory that modern humans arose in Africa about 100,000 years ago and expanded northward. During prolonged winters there was evolutionary selection for higher IQ created by problems of raising children, gathering and storing food, gaining shelter, and making clothes.

Do Culture-Only Theories Explain the Data? Culture-only theories do not explain the highly consistent pattern of race differences in IQ, especially the East Asian data. No interventions such as ending segregation, introducing school busing, or “Head Start” programs have reduced the gaps as culture-only theory would predict.

In their article, Rushton and Jensen also address some of the policy issues that stem from their conclusions. Their main recommendation is that people be treated as individuals, not as members of groups. They emphasized that their paper pertains only to average differences. They also called for the need to accurately inform the public about the true nature of individual and group differences, genetics and evolutionary biology.

Rushton and Jensen are well-known for research on racial differences in intelligence. Jensen hypothesized a genetic basis for Black-White IQ differences in his 1969 Harvard Educational Review article. His later books Bias in Mental Tests (1980) and The g Factor (1998), as well as Rushton’s (1995) Race, Evolution, and Behavior, show that tests are not biased against English speaking minorities and that Black-White-East Asian differences in brain size and IQ belong in an evolutionary framework.

http://www.charlesdarwinresearch.org/

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

1.The worldwide pattern of IQ scores. East Asians average higher on IQ tests than Whites, both in the US and in Asia, even though the IQ test were developed for use in the Euro-American culture. Around the world, the average IQ for East Asians centers around 106; for Whites, around 100; and for Blacks around 85 in the US and 70 in sub-Saharan Africa.

2.Race differences are most pronounced on tests that best measure the general intelligence factor (g). Black-White differences, for example, are larger on the backward detail span test than on the less (g) loaded forward detail span test.

3.The Gene-Environment architecture of IQ is the same for all races, and race differences are most pronounced on more heritable abilities . 4.Brain size differences. Studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) find a correlation of brain size with IQ of about 0.40. Larger brains contain more neurons and synapses and process information faster. Race differences in brain size are present at birth. By adulthood, East Asian average 1 cubic inch more cranial capacity than Whites, who average more than 5 cubic inches more than Blacks.

5.Trans-racial adoption studies. Race differences in IQ remain following adoption by White middle class parents. East Asians grow to higher average IQ s than whites, while Blacks score lower. The Minnesota Trans-racial Adoption Study followed children to age 17 and found race differences were even greater than at age 7: White children 106; Mixed-race children 99; Black children 89.

6.Racial Admixture Studies. Black children with lighter skin average higher IQ scores. In South Africa, the IQ of the mixed-race “Colored” population averages 85, intermediate to the African 70 and the White 100.

7.IQ scores of Blacks and White regress toward the averages of their race. Parents pass on only some exceptional genes to offspring so parents with very high IQ s tend to have more average children. Black and White children with parents of 115 IQ move to different averages- - Blacks toward 85 and Whites to 100.

8.Race differences in other “Life History” traits. East Asians and Blacks consistently falls at two ends of a continuum with Whites intermediate on 60 measures of maturation, personality, reproduction, and social organization. For example, Black children sit, crawl, walk, and put on their clothes earlier than Whites or East Asians.

9.Race differences and the Out-of-Africa theory of Human Origins. East Asian-Black-White differences fit the theory that modern humans arose in Africa about 100,000 years ago and expanded northward. During prolonged winters there was evolutionary selection for higher IQ created by problems of raising children, gathering and storing food, gaining shelter and making clothes.

Do Culture-only Theories Explain the Data? Culture-only theories do not explain the highly consistent pattern of race differences in IQ, especially the East Asian data. No interventions such as ending segregation, introducing school busing, or “Head Start” programs have reduced the gaps as culture-only theory would predict.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Something I wrote a few years back:

A few days ago I intimated that Vick would remain the starting qb in Atlanta, no matter how bad he played, due to the racial politics in Atlanta. The responses to this post ranged from go away, that was idiotic, to something else. These responses weren’t particularly nasty or vicious, and considering the emotional beliefs of the authors, I think that speaks well of them. After reading some of the recent posts here, I’d like to change my statement - slightly. I still think the black community here in Atlanta will scream bloody murder (and racism … etc.) if Vick is benched in favor of Schaub or another WHITE qb. However, I hold out hope that Blank & company will have the balls to do it anyway, if Vick plays poorly in the new system. I think/know Vick is very fast and very agile - given to broken field running situations (duh). He has a cannon arm. Nonetheless, I contend that Vick lacks the mental horsepower to run the offense properly. I base most of this on his prior style of play (excelling on broken plays via running the ball himself), and simply observing him SPEAK. He is as dumb as a box of rocks!
Someone said Vick reminded him of a faster Cordele Stewart with a better arm. This is how I see Vick, and I shudder remembering the trouble Pittsburgh had getting rid of Stewart (please - no crying on the sideline - PLEASE).

By richbrave

December 17, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

A salute for the passing of the man who hooked me on pro football and the WASHINGTON REDSKINS - “SLINGIN’” SAMMY BAUGH. My first game was his last. Good-bye to one of football’s early greats.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Is There a Biological Basis for Race and Racial Differences? By J. Philippe Rushton Department of Psychology University of Western Ontario London, Ontario N6A 5C2 Insight, May 28, 2001

Yes: They’re scientifically demonstrable, argues J. Philippe Rushton.

No: Such distinctions are socially constructed, counters Joseph L. Graves Jr.

J. Philippe Rushton. Rushton is a professor of psychology at the University of Western Ontario in Canada and is the author of Race, Evolution, and Behavior and more than 200 scientific articles.

Yes: Such differences are real and demonstrated by growing scientific evidence.

For the past 20 years my research has focused on differences between the three major races, commonly termed Orientals (East Asians, Mongoloids), whites (Europeans, Caucasoids), and Blacks (Africans, Negroids). Roughly speaking, Orientals are those who have most of their ancestors from East Asia. Whites have most of their ancestors from Europe. And blacks have most of their ancestors from sub-Saharan Africa. In the main,I have not addressed the many other groups and sub-groups.

What I’ve found is that in brain size, intelligence, temperament, sexual behavior, fertility, growth rate, life span, crime, and family stability, Orientals fall at one end of the spectrum, blacks fall at the other end and whites fall in between. On average, Orientals are slower to mature, less fertile, and less sexually active, and have larger brains and higher IQ scores. Blacks are at the opposite end in each of these areas. Whites fall in the middle, often close to Orientals.

Of course, these three-way racial differences are averages. Individuals are individuals. However, I’ve found that this three-way pattern is true over time and across nations. That the same three-way racial pattern occurs repeatedly on some 60 different biological and behavioral variables is profoundly interesting and shows that race is more than “just skin deep.” The international data come from the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and Interpol. Recently, I even traveled to South Africa to collect new IQ data.

Let’s start with the biological differences in sports, which is something almost everyone observes. Jon Entine’s recent book Taboo: Why Black Athletes Dominate Sports and Why We Are Afraid to Talk About It, addresses the old cliché that “white men can’t jump” (and the new one that Oriental men jump even less well). Entine shows that in sports, Black men and women have a genetic advantage. Compared to Whites, Blacks have narrower hips, wider shoulders, less body fat, and more muscle.

Blacks also have from 3 to 19% more of the sex hormone testosterone than whites or Orientals. This translates into more explosive energy, which gives Blacks the edge in sports like boxing, basketball, football, and sprinting.

Why is it taboo to say that Blacks are on average better at sports? Because the next question is, “Why do Whites and East Asians have wider hips than Blacks, and so make poorer runners?” The answer is that they give birth to larger brained babies. During evolution, as the head size of newborns increased, women had to have a wider pelvis. The hormones that give Blacks the edge in sports also make them more masculine in general. They are physically more active in school, and this can get them into trouble and even lead to their being diagnosed as hyperactive.

Race differences show up early in life. Black babies are born a week earlier than White babies, yet they mature faster as measured by bone development. By age five or six, Black children excel in the dash, the long jump, and the high jump, all of which require a short burst of power. By the teenage years, Blacks have faster reflexes, as in the famous knee-jerk response.

The biological factors underlying race differences in sports have consequences for educational achievement, crime and sexual behavior. In educational achievement and occupational success, Orientals average slightly ahead of Whites, who average substantially ahead of Blacks. On standardized IQ tests, hundreds of studies show this three-way pattern. Most IQ tests have an average score of 100, with a “normal” range from 85 to 115. Whites average from 100 to 103. Orientals in Asia and the U.S. tend to have higher scores, about 106, even though IQ tests were made for the Euro-American culture. Blacks in the U.S., the Caribbean, Britain and Africa average lower IQs-about 85. The lowest average IQs are found for sub-Saharan Africans-from 70 to 75.

The relation between brain size and intelligence has been shown by dozens of studies, including state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging. Orientals average 1 cubic inch more brain matter than Whites, and Whites average a very large 5 cubic inches more than Blacks. Since one cubic inch of brain matter contains millions of brain cells and hundreds of millions of nerve connections, brain size differences help to explain why the races differ in IQ.

Racial differences in brain size show up early in life as well. The U.S. Collaborative Perinatal Project followed more than 50,000 children from birth to seven years. In the 1997 issue of the journal Intelligence, I showed that these Orientals had larger brains than Whites at birth, four months, one year, and seven years; the Whites had larger brains than Blacks at all ages. In the United States, Orientals are seen as a “model minority.” They have fewer divorces, out-of-wedlock births, and fewer reports of child abuse than Whites. More Orientals graduate from college and fewer go to prison. Blacks, on the other hand, are 12% of the American population but make up 50% of the prison population.

The racial pattern of crime in the U.S. is not due to local conditions like “white racism.” The same pattern is found worldwide. Interpol Yearbooks show the rate of violent crime (murder, rape, and serious assault) is three times lower in East Asian and Pacific Rim countries than in African and Caribbean countries. Whites in European countries are intermediate. The 1996 Interpol violent crime rates were: East Asian countries, 35 per 100,000 people; European countries, 42; and African and Caribbean countries, 149.

Orientals are the least sexually active, whether measured by age of first intercourse, intercourse frequency, or number of sexual partners. Blacks are the most active on all of these. Once again Whites fall in between. These differences in sexual activity affect the rate of sexually transmitted diseases. In the United States today, 2% of blacks between ages 15 and 49 are living with HIV/AIDS as opposed to 0.4 percent of whites and .05 percent of Asians, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Other data make it plain that the race differences in sexuality are biological in nature. For example, the races also differ in rate of ovulation. Not all women produce one egg during the menstrual cycle. When two or more eggs are produced at the same time, pregnancy and the likelihood of producing two-egg twins are more likely. The number of twins born is 16 out of every 1,000 births for blacks, 8 out of every 1,000 births for whites, and 4 or less for Orientals.

Why do whites fall between Orientals and blacks in so many areas? No purely cultural theory can explain this consistent pattern. Genetic and evolutionary theories are required. Genes play a big part in athletic ability, brain size, IQ, and personality. Trans-racial adoption studies, where infants of one race are adopted and reared by parents of a different race, provide some of the strongest evidence. Oriental children, even if malnourished before being adopted by white parents, go on to have IQs above the white average. Black infants adopted into middle-class white families end up with IQs lower than the white average.

These racial patterns make up what is called a “life-history” or “reproductive strategy.” The traits evolved together to meet the trials of life-survival, growth, and reproduction. Race differences make sense in terms of human evolution. Modern humans evolved in Africa about 200,000 years ago. Africans and non-Africans then split about 110,000 years ago. Orientals and Whites split about 40,000 years ago.

The further north people went “Out of Africa,” the more evolution selected for larger brains, slower growth rates, greater longevity, lower hormone levels, less sexual potency, less aggression, and less impulsivity. Advanced planning, self-control, and rule-following are cultural manifestations of these gene-based evolutionary strategies. Surviving in cold environments required increased intelligence and larger brains. The wider hips of white and Asian women evolved to allow them to give birth to larger brained babies.

What are the implications of this research? One is that we should stop blaming white racism for all society’s problems. If blacks are good at certain sports, and Orientals do well in schools, it cannot be because each group is trying to “overcome the prejudice of white society,” because each group shows the same pattern of strengths and weaknesses in their countries of origin.

Sometimes it is claimed by those who argue that race is just a social construct that the human genome project shows that because people share roughly 99% of their genes in common, that there are no races. This is silly. Human genes are 98% similar to chimpanzee genes and 90% similar to those in mice, which is why these species make good laboratory animals. But no one claims that mice, chimpanzees, and humans are nearly the same! That would be laughable. Similarly, although men and women are genetically 99% the same, it is foolish to believe that sex is just a “social construction.”

Much confusion arises because there are several sets of genetic measures. A much more realistic story comes from looking at the 3.1 billion base pairs that make up the 30,000 genes.

People differ in 1 out of every 1,000 of these base pairs. Each change in a base pair can alter a gene. Technically, base pair differences are called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The 99% figure is based on DNA sequences which do not differ between people or even most mammals. These can give the impression that human groups and chimpanzees are almost identical because these genes code for similar internal organs, eyes, hands, and so on. Though humans and mice look very different, any anatomy student can tell you, even their internal bone structures are very similar.

The February 23, issue of Science magazine reported that 2.8 million SNPs were already being sold by Celera Genomics to scientists trying to crack the code of human behavior. Base pair differences are important and SNPs clump together in races. Just one change in the base pair for hemoglobin, for example, causes sickle-cell anemia, from which many Blacks suffer. Other base pair differences affect IQ, aggression, and mental illness. The 3.1 billion base pairs provide plenty of room for large racial differences.

If races did not exist, we would not find the same racial pattern all around the world and over time. The scientific evidence shows that the politically correct mantra “race is just skin deep” is a case of deep denial.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/suspect-in-sex-attack-turns-himself-in.html

Bail was set at $500,000 today for an Aurora teenager charged with abducting a woman at gunpoint last Tuesday from an Aurora gas station and forcing her to drive to a nearby apartment, where she was sexually assaulted several times.

Cedric Terrell Flax, 18, of the 400 block of Spruce Street has been charged with unlawful restraint and is expected to be charged with criminal sexual assault, Assistant DuPage County State’s Atty. Joseph Lindt told Judge Brian Diamond.

“He entered her car without her knowledge and forced her to drive to the apartment where he assaulted her three times,” Lindt said.

At one point he said, “You have seen my face. You know what that means,” Lindt said. After moving to a different location he let her go.

Lindt said Flax is on probation for a Kane County robbery and a DuPage County theft.

Flax told Diamond he was unemployed.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

http://www.caribbeanworldnews.com/middletopnews_detail.php?mid=1835

CHARLOTTE, NC, Tues. Dec. 16, 2008: The apparent boyfriend of a 38-year-old Trinidad and Tobago woman has been charged with her murder, police in Charlotte, North Carolina say.

Gabrielle Vidale-Kinard, the daughter of former Trinidad and Tobago national coach, Edgar Vidale, was shot dead at her home in North Carolina by Scott E. Davis Sr., on Saturday night, police say. Police say Davis shot Gabrielle Kinard, 38, during a domestic disturbance about 11:45 p.m. Saturday on Thornwood Road in north Charlotte.

Davis, 46, also allegedly shot and killed the 18-year-old son of Vidale-Kinard, Anjelo Kinard, who died Monday morning at Carolinas Medical Center. Investigators say Davis also shot at Kinard’s children, critically injuring an 18-year-old woman fleeing with her 5-month-old sister in her arms. A 15-year-old girl escaped the home with only minor injuries.

A friend of Gabrielle Kinard said Davis was her boyfriend and the 5-month-old infant’s father. Vidale-Kinard migrated to the United States more than 20 years ago.

Davis Sr. has been charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection to the death of Kinard, 38, and the shootings of Anjelo and Gabriella Kinard. He also was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and one count of child neglect in connection to the shooting.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

http://blog.al.com/live/2008/12/walmartcarjackingclub_illusions.html

MOBILE, Ala. — Mobile police arrested a 26-year-old man on kidnapping, robbery and rape charges in connection with 4 carjackings, 2 of which occurred in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the Beltline Highway between Airport Boulevard and Dauphin Street. Frank Hicks was arrested on rape, kidnapping and robbery charges.

The suspect, Frank Thomas Hicks of Mobile, was previously convicted of assault and was awaiting arraignment on a charge of being a person who cannot carry a pistol, Mobile County court records show.

Hicks was arrested Sunday and charged with 4 counts of first-degree kidnapping, 4 counts of first-degree robbery and 1 count of first-degree rape, Mobile police said.

He was taken to Mobile County Metro Jail, where he was being held without bail this afternoon. Metro Jail booking records list Hicks’ home as being in the 1500 block of Albatross Drive in the Birdville community of southeast Mobile.

Officer Jackie Bridgeforth, a police spokeswoman, said Monday in a news release that the carjackings/kidnappings began Dec. 6 and apparently ended Dec. 13 with the rape of one of the victims.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

LITHONIA, Ga. — DeKalb County police are looking for a group of men who they say robbed a Lithonia bank.

Police said the robbery happened around 1 p.m. at the Bank of America on Panola Road near Farrington Road. Farrington Elementary was locked down as a precaution, according to school district spokesperson Dale Davis.

The FBI said Wednesday’s robbery was done by the same group that has struck three other banks lately.

As with the previous robberies, two of the robbers controlled customers in the lobby while the third jumped the teller counter and took an undisclosed amount of cash.

As the robbers were leaving the bank, they were briefly confronted by an off-duty Dekalb County police officer, who identified himself as such.

One of the robbers fired a single shot in the direction of the officer, and the officer fired a single shot in return.

The officer was not struck; it is unknown if any of the robbers were hit by the shot fired by the officer.

If you know who these individuals are, you are asked to call the FBI at (404) 679-9000.

Previous Stories:

* December 16, 2008: Police Investigating String Of Bank Robberies

Copyright 2008 by cbs46.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By Koach Killa

December 17, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Man Killed Outside Church; Gunman Sought Shooting Appeared To Be Result Of Drug Deal Gone Bad, Police Say

POSTED: 6:05 am EST December 17, 2008 UPDATED: 12:04 pm EST December 17, 2008 ATLANTA — Atlanta police searched on foot Wednesday afternoon for the shooter who killed a man and wounded a woman in a double shooting outside a southwest Atlanta church.

The shooting happened around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday night outside the First Baptist Church of Red Oak on Washington Road.

Police said the man was last seen Wednesday in the area of Old National Highway and Pleasant Hill Road.

Investigators said it appears the shooting was a result of a botched drug deal.

Investigators have no suspects. They are asking anyone with information on the shooting to call Fulton County police immediately. Copyright 2008 by cbs46.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

By Boo Boo

December 18, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Eric C,

All of that says simply:

The Falcons have to beat Minnesota, with the Bucs losing to the Chargers. That simple combination means the Falcons would be ensured of being the best 10-6 team in the NFC South, should a tie occur between them and Tampa. That combination clinches that the Falcons have the second best record in their division, with at worst a 10-6 record.

That is two big ifs. The Falcons have to win on the road against a 9-5 Viking team AND the 9-5 Bucs have to lose at home to the 6-8 Chargers.

The other stuff means no other teams could finish better than 10-6, or 10-5-1, keeping a possible Falcons’ 10-6 record from being playoff worthy.

The other losses and ties make sure:

The Vikings can have no better record than 10-6. Falcons would beat them on head-to-head, but probable division winners.

The Cowboys finish no better than 10-5-1, if not 10-6. However, if they lose to the Ravens at home, then go to Philly and get a win, they will beat all other 10-6 record teams in tiebreakers, due to strength of schedule and strength of victory. This scenario would just guarantee the Cowboys could not go 11-5, if they loss to the Ravens.

The Eagles finish no better than 9-6-1 - out.

The Bears can finish no better than 10-6 - period. They could end up tied with Minnesota in the NFC North, both 10-6. The Bears (I’m assuming) would lose the North to the Vikes. Then they would lose on head-to-head, if tied with the Falcons for a Wild Card position. - out

So, the Falcons could clinch; but that’s a lot of ifs. Ifs are like unhatched eggs. One should not count them too quickly as sellable chickens.

By This Gets Old = Profiler

December 18, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this

I warned you that this social and sexual psychopath would return UNTIL YOU BAN HIM!

Trace his I.P. address and see how many names that he posts under. Shutting down the blog empowers him and gives him the control that he seeks.

It’s NOT FREE SPEECH! It’s speech seeking to inspire hatred and every other outlet that allows public comment on blogs would remove it! Allowing him to continue to post here shames the entire city!

Has the AJC thought about the legal ramifications facing you if this criminally minded individual inspires someone to commit a crime? If he wrote the “F” word would you leave it up?

By PeterMsp

December 18, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this

Frozen North:

I posted as a Falcon Fan and everything I said will be proven true. If the Packers didn’t miss a last second FG the Pack would have swept the Vikes!

I have the NFL Network you frozen goofball and DirectTicket. I would NEVER be a fan of the Vikes. That stupid Skoal Vikings song, that idiot riding around in the Dome on a motorcycle. Pumping in artificial noise. Keep that crap.

You know Childress is on the hot seat here. Matt Ryan prone to rookie mistakes? Sure everybody is wrong on him and you’re right. What is Tavaris’ excuse? It’s wishful thinking that Ryan is going to get up there and fall apart. Orlovsky nearly beat the Vikings IN THE DOME.

You also know that most Viking fans don’t want Frerotte or Jackson as starting QB next year. While you may have seen three or four Falcon games (so what?!) I have seen every Viking game this year and last so quit that irritating midwestern habit of talking down to people from the south. Go to the Trib blog anyway.

Why would you come to a blog where you know everyone is going to disagree with you? As I wrote you’re trying to talk yourself into thinking that the Falcons don’t have a real chance. What are we to do? Fall down on our knees and thank you for being so right? I don’t care that the Vikes almost won that game in Chicago. They still gave up 48 points and they still lost, right?

If Matt gets so rattled with his 9 INT how do you account for Gus’ 15 INT? Ryan has played Tampa and Carolina twice he’s 2-2 winning both second games. The first two losses were the first time he’d ever played them and came in his first four games.

Leave us alone, the game gets played ON THE FIELD and your frozen wishes may or may not come true but you won’t have anything to do with it.

By been here since '67

December 18, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

The funny thing about the vick guys is they keep talking about no playoffs since 2004; those are all Vick years! yeah he didn’t play in 2007 but that was his team; he chose dog fighting over TEAM which is his right; but when the vick guys talk about no playoffs since 2004 they’re really talking about how ineffective VICK was as a quarterback!

By Frozen North

December 18, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Maybe Matt Ryan won’t get rattled on Sunday, but you sure are rattled here. No one else blogging here except you seem to be upset with a little football discussion on my part. I wrote reasoned arguments, and you replied with ad hominem attacks. I posted messages respectfully. You project your own weaknesses on me when you say that I talk down to the bloggers at this site. I respected the unwritten rule of posting my opinion without attacking anyone else blogging here. You my friend are the one talking down to me.

So what do you say we both simply seek a little discussion about a very important game this Sunday? I have posted my rationale, and backed it up with stats and game examples. Why don’t you tell me how Matt Ryan will win this game?

BTW, Brad Childress is no more on the hot seat in Minnesota than Mike Smith is in Atlanta. The fans here weren’t too happy with a 1 - 3 start, and they rightfully unloaded on the coach. But the Vikings are 8 - 2 since then. I haven’t heard a complaint about Childress for weeks.

Also, I have already admitted that I’d love to have Matt Ryan play for the Vikings. However, Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte have played well enough to get the Vikings to be in the playoffs. So at least for me, the comparison isn’t between Jackson and Ryan. It’s all about how well Ryan will play in a road game with playoff implications.

I will give Ryan his props for playing better the second time around against the Panthers and the Bucs, both those games were in Atlanta so your agrument misses the point. For what its worth I thought Ryan played very well against the Panthers on 11/23, but I thought he had a bad game last Sunday. Michael Turner was the reason the Falcons won both of those games.

By Frozen North

December 18, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

To the rest of you Falcon fans:

I hope you do get into the playoffs, just not at the expense of the Vikings. I think the Falcons are an exciting team and I like to watch their games. I will be at the game on Sunday, and am really looking forward to a great game.

By 4th and goal

December 18, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I’m not mad at you Frozen North. I can respect a dedicated fan like yourself. I will say this, as much as I like Turner, I would trade J. Anderson for A. Peterson before even thinking about it. We were so close to getting him until you guys ruined it, lol. Talking about the ‘07 draft when we picked right after you.

It’s hard for me to put into words why I think we will win each Sunday. Just watching this team come together like they have along with the coaching staff and Matt Ryan’s uncanny ability to better himself throughout a game just makes me believe we will win. It’s not about just Matt Ryan, but rather how he plays his part in the teams overall success. Like everyone else says, you just never ask a rookie QB to take on so much. Can’t imagine the pressure he had on him to come into an organization who attempted to build completely around Vick who no one has forgotten irregardless of how they may feel about him. Vick still has that iconic status with a lot of people while the team asks Ryan to just ignore it while he carries the lable of franchise QB. All this while he has smashed expectations of him and his team. Wish ya’ll the best this Sunday, but of course Falcons win because thats just what I believe, lol.

By Eric C.

December 18, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Boo Boo,

I know they are “ifs,” but it says the Falcons can “clinch a playoff spot” this week…and based on the disadvantages with the Bucs and Cowboys, I dont’ see how.

I mean, if the Falcons lose this week, and Tampa and Dallas win, aren’t the Falcons eliminated?

By Frozen North

December 18, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks 4th and Goal.

You summed up exactly what I was thinking about the Falcons. They win as a team, not because of any one player. That is how the Vikings have won this year too.

It’s amazing how one or two guys can change the entire chemistry of a team. For you it has been Turner, Abraham, and Ryan. For us it has been Peterson and Allen. Both teams should be good for many years to come.

AP is a beast. You shouldn’t feel too bad about Jamaal… At least the Falcons can say they didn’t have a shout at Peterson, and Jamaal still might pan out at DE. That plus the fact that Michael Turner is awesome, and should be running for the Falcons for many seasons ought to leave you pretty happy with the past two drafts.

The six teams that picked ahead of the Vikes in 2007 have no excuse. Calvin Johnson is a future all-pro, but do you think the Lions could have used Johnson or Peterson more this season? Thomas is an all-pro OT this year for the Browns, but I have to believe even they would make that trade today without blinking. I still don’t know how AP fell so far that day. Everyone was worried about his durability, so I kind of get it. But the upside was so high that the Vikings were talking about taking him for weeks before the draft. I sure am happy they did.

By boxer99

December 18, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

As far as QBs in the NFL one thing is for sure “If it aint white then it aint right! Look at all the “new era” qbs Vince young=terd. Jamarcus Russell=bust Vick=jail bird, D.Gerrard= so so, T. Jackson=some potential. Look at all the white QBs that have prospered, oh wait the list is way too long. One major commonality they have BRAINS

By boxer99

December 18, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Everybody knows that coons have smaller brain capacity than whites. That is just common knowledge. Remember Obama is half white so he doesnt count

By Boo Boo

December 18, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Eric C,

I think probably so. Tampa Bay and Dallas would beat the Falcons in tiebreakers. They might not be eliminated, however, if Chicago wins Sunday night. There is some possibility a 10-6 Bears teams could beat out a 10-6 Cowboys team. If that happened, the Falcons would beat the Bears in head-to-head tiebreaker. Call it a weak heartbeat if the Falcons lose and those two teams win.

By PeterMsp

December 19, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

Frozen North, I’m not mad at you either and football is certainly not enough to rattle me. After all you could be my neighbor. If you are needless to say my snow blowing your driveway in the morning is definitely over.

However what you did when you came here is tell us why the Vikings would beat the Falcons and even what the score would be.

What did you expect us to do? Agree with you? Anything that is not related to the Civil War or Mike Vick is welcome here though. I simply pointed out why I thought your rationale was wrong. Man we’ve been hearing the same stuff from opposition fans all year long.

Matt Ryan played one poor half vs. Tampa on the road. In the second half midway through the 4th qtr. the score was 17-9. A TD and 2pt conversion away. Late in the game Tampa scored on a long run so that game was lost not as a result of Ryan being rattled. In the Carolina (road) game the Falcons dropped eight passes. Road game, but Ryan not rattled. Philly? Ryan threw a poor INT at the 1 yrd line. Not rattled, not a result of a great call by Jim Johnson but a result of a poor pass. Even with that the Eagle game came down to a poor officiating call but no excuses because everybody has those. But the Falcons should have had the ball on the Philly side of the 50 with 2:00 remaining. If the Falcons don’t make the playoffs it’s because of that game because that one was 21-20 and the Falcons after Ryan drove the team 85 yards for a TD. Driving 85 yards against that defense tells more of the story than what his QB rating was.

I mention those because that was a central point of your initial “discussion” As far as noise in the Metrodome man you must have never been to the Superdome. That is a crowd full of mean drunks. Despite the INT he played his best game statistically.

“Poise usually comes from experience and maturity.”

I mean come on man, that’s damning the guy with faint praise. The statement says that Ryan isn’t experienced (I agree) and he’s not mature (I disagree) Matt Ryan has been lauded for the poise and maturity that he’s shown by people in the game so how could you question me questioning your judgement? By the way John Abraham is not new to this team and the people who’ve changed the culture most are Atlanta’s GM and head coach.

“However, Tarvaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte have played well enough to get the Vikings to be in the playoffs.”

The Vikes are on the verge of the playoffs and if the Falcons DON’T reach the playoffs nobody is going to be calling for Smith to be fired. Can you say the same about Brad? And it is true Frozenth, that Tavaris Jackson hasn’t played in a game like this either has he? And like it or not Jackson has been rattled which is why he was replaced. Last week was a win or forget the playoffs game against a tough defense for the Falcons.

He made two physical mistakes but a potential TD pass was fumbled away in the end zone. That game never should have gone to OT.

One thing not in the defensive stats is that the Falcons have jumped out in front in every victory and excepting last week teams have been trying to pass to catch up and the DC has, IMO an error, played a soft defense. Even with that Atlanta hasn’t given up 30 pts in a game all season long.

I have credited AP on here and everyplace with being hands down the best player in the league. It’s not even close. He can win a game by himself. I don’t think that this will be one of those games. I trust Matt Ryan to play better than both Jackson and Frerotte (I think even if he doesn’t start he still plays) and if things were reversed you’d say the same. It’s the most important position on the field.

The Falcons are a tough team, not under .500 one day this season. Their schedule has been anything but easy and they will acquit themselves well. Williams being out isn’t important in the running game. It’s important in the passing game because now Allen can be doubled. The Falcons don’t run to get ahead. They run to stay ahead. When they’ve gotten off to 1st qtr. leads (the key to beating them) they’ve done it with the pass, the long pass.

Winfield is a great player but Les is going to have to double White which teams start out doing and that contributes to Jenkins first qtr. stats.

It isn’t in anyway (and I’ve never dogged the Vikings players) to diminish the Vikes. Les is far and away more talented that Brian VanGorder and he’d asked me about “the ATL” when he interviewed there. And it is clearly evident that he would have been a better choice that Bobby Petrino (THANK YOU ARKANSAS)

Even with Chester Taylor and Berrian I think that Atlanta has more play makers with Norwood, Jenkins and Douglas. I think that because I’ve watched the Vikings, entire games, seen them in person (though I should have sold those Packer tickets) and I like the Vikings players that I know. Kleinsasser is a huge threat but the Falcons don’t have to stop as many Vikings as the Vikes have to stop Falcons.

When I get off of the plane I will know that one of us was right, the other wrong. But it gets played, as I said, on the field.

By Frozen North

December 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Peter. Your fanaticism for Matt Ryan has made you unable to be objective.

Ryan’s performances against Tampa Bay (both), Carolina (Road) and Philly (Road) on the road were poor. His combined QB rating in those games was 54.5% with 2TDs, 4 INTs and 1 fumble. Add in last Sunday’s game and you have almost 56% with 2 TDs and 6 INTs, and 3 fumbles. Sunday was a game at home against a good team with playoff implications, and Ryan struggled. One good drive does not change that. Turner and Abraham won that game for Atlanta. Garcia probably would have swung the game the other direction. The point is Ryan’s a rookie, so it’s expected.

Other points:

Childress will be back next year - no doubt. Read Wilf’s comments in today’s Trib.

Adrian Peterson is a top player in this league. He is a true game changer, and should be the league MVP.

Pat Williams is on the field for running downs, not passing downs. His presence will be missed when Ryan passes on first down, but our normal pass rush will be on the field for passing downson Sunday. Teams have tried to double Allen all season. Kevin Williams and Ray Edwards love that.

Atlanta has more offensive playmakers, but Minnesota has more defensive playmakers. Their differences in INTs and forced fumbles shows that. BTW, I believe that Shiancoe is more of a threat than Kleinsasser, and Wade is more of a threat than both of them.

Jackson just passed the test of winning on the road against a good team with playoff implications on the line. He was named NFC offensive player of the week. Ryan hasn’t passed this test yet. Like it or not Jackson is maturing and could be pretty darned good. Ryan may have a higher upside though.

Neither Adrian Peterson nor John Abraham are new to their teams this year. Both have helped to change their team cultures. Peterson has brought a swagger and a toughness that the Vikings lacked before him. Abraham with his emotion and high energy provides leadership that was sorely lacking on the Falcons.

Matt Ryan is a good QB. I think greatness is ahead of him. Hopefully not on Sunday.