The Bird Babe

By Great Falconi

December 21, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Amazing.

I thought the Falcons would go 5-11.

This game wasn’t pretty in the least, but it sure was effective.

Playoffs???? PLAYOFFS????

Damn right.

By cp

December 21, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

It’s great not only for the franchise but also for the city of Atlanta. The Hawks made the playoffs last season and look to make it again this year. The Falcons are in this year. Now if we could only get things turned around for the Thrashers and Braves. Im proud of this Falcons team. I think they can surprise some teams once the playoffs start.

I have a question though. Do we play Matt next week although we are in or do we sit him for the last game?

By Orlando

December 21, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Greatness! Matt Ryan, Coach Mike Smith, The Burner, Abraham (who put those Pro Bowl snubs in their place) and everyone involved made this all happen! If I’m Arizona or the NFC North winner I’d fear Atlanta!

By Falcons Fan

December 21, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

WHAT A GREAT SEASON!

Bring on the Falcons haters! :)

By MonkeyMan

December 21, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

I am so stoked.. Lost my job, wife cheated on me.. Jobless, but THANK YOU Falcons for making my Christmas!!!! I appreciate the dedication and hard work!!!

By gobirds42

December 21, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

what the FUDGE is going on around here!! i am in shock… we freaking did it…… wow…… wow…… dam wow….

By jeanE

December 21, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

I felt like Mike Smith did at the end of this game, did you see him wiping the sweat off himself?! Congrats Falcons, way to go!! We won despite one Mike Mularkey who as usual, tried to sit on their lead & run out the clock. That never works! If we lost this, I would totally lay this at his feet! We didn’t stop them ‘til the end of the game, it was just that Minnesota kept shooting themselves in the feet! Keith Brooking is trailing every play & it was embarrassing to watch him whiff on trying to sack Tavaris Jackson! Special teams has too many breakdowns this year, 12 men on the field, come on!! But I am proud of this team for never quitting & fighting hard in every game! I wish they’d trust Matt Ryan more to win us the game, he has shown he can do it. But the passing game never got in a groove again & the running game was hit & miss. But we still won!! I am just so thrilled they made it to the postseason, can’t wait!! Go Birds!!!! Shout out to Finn, you’re in the playoffs, dude!!!

By David

December 21, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

I’m sitting here in Norway, crying my eyes out, can’t BELIEVE that we made it!! WOW WHAT A TEAM!!! WHAT A SEASON!!!! PLAYOFFS??!!??! Unbelieveble!!! Congratulations to EVERYONE!!! November 9th my wife and I travelled for 20 hours to go to Atlanta and see the Falcons beat the Saints!. What a treat… And now THIS??!!!

I am SO amazed and thrilled!!!! We’ll be doin’ the trip next year aas well!!

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!

By Yulee Chief

December 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Awesome win, even if we tried to keep the Vikes in it! Abe come through in the clutch, and how about Jenkins coming through!!! Good play from good players. It shouldn’t have been that close. I’ll take the win though! Now lets hope NY and New Orleans comes through and we can grab the division title!!!!

Go Falcons

By Bryant

December 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Congrats to my Falcons!!! Who would have thought that last season’s debacle could end like this? This game should not have been as close as it was. We should have converted more of the Vikings turnovers into TD’s instead of settling for FG’s and having to punt the ball. The defense tightened up when it needed to and kept the Vikings from tying it up.

If the Falcons beat the Rams next week and the Panthers somehow lose to the Giants and Saints, then the Falcons would win the NFC South and earn the #2 seed in the playoffs.

By Singletary

December 21, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this

Blaylock rocks in the pile. We had more offensive weapons, and our defense played up. They hurt themselves more than we won the game….

However, a Win and In feels good!! Go Falcons.

By Jeremiah

December 21, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Wait to go Falcons!!! Congrats to the entire team!!! Let’s keep this thing rolling!!!

By michael

December 21, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

If the Panthers lose tonight to the Giants and next week to the Saints, and the Falcons beat the Rams, then Atlanta will win the South, get a bye, and will have home-field vs. anyone but the Giants.

I figured the Falcons for 4 or 5 wins. Congratulations to the organization, coaches, players, and fans. It was done the RIGHT way this year. No splashy hires, signees, etc. Just hard-nosed coaches and players. Great job.

By the way, is Petrino coaching in the postseason this year???? Pig Sooiee.

Is Mike Vick playing in the playoffs this year???? Whooof! Whoooof!

Is Meangelo Hall talking smack during January this year????

All the pain over the last 2 years was well worth it now.

Go Dirty Birds! Finish strong next week.

By GoGaBulldawgs

December 21, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

This team has made me looking forward to Sundays again. GO BIRDS!

By Vick Supporter

December 21, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Good job Falcons

By Brad

December 21, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

You’ve got to play all of the starters next week until you lock that game up against StL. If Carolina loses this week, then next week, we could be playing for the division title and No. 2 NFC Seed… even if Carolina wins this week and we can only get the No. 5 seed, we need to play for the 5 seed… we don’t want to go back to somewhere like the Metrodome in the first round. We want to go out to Arizona and play the woeful Cardinals in Rd. 1…

Go Birds!

By 35Year Bravesfan

December 21, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Yeah Baby!!!! Go Falcons!! You ain’t Dirty Birds NO MORE!!!

By Stephen

December 21, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS

I will be at the GA Dome next Sunday rocking the place. As a season ticket holder for lots of years…this has been a great year and it’s not over yet. The TEAM is playoff bound!!!

By Patrick

December 21, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Alright…what is the best case scenario? The Panthers play the Giants tonight. If they lose and we win next week, do the Falcons take the division? Also, if the Panthers win, but then lose next week, along with the GMen losing next week, do the Falcons get home field? I know it’s far fetched, but look what happened last night to the Cowboys and earlier to the Bucs. I’m so happy for this team and this city. I’ve been a season ticket holder for years so I’m hoping we can get a bye and a home game. Only been to two playoff games in Atlanta and they were both awesome!

By Stephen

December 21, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS

I will be at the GA Dome next Sunday rocking the place. As a season ticket holder for lots of years…this has been a great year and it’s not over yet. The TEAM is playoff bound!!!

By Lithoman

December 21, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

just watched the Falcons win over the vikes in 99 the other nite. and I got a good feeling going in to this game. Yes the vikes made a lot of mistakes(turnovers) and they ALL fell our way. But hey. isnt it time?! Any win they get now is gravy to me! GO BIRDS!

By BCS Slave

December 21, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I picked Atlanta to win 5-6 games. I got egg on my face…KEEP IT COMING!!! Shoot, dip me in egg and roll me in cornmeal and fry me up! The Falcons are in the playoffs!

Way to go Birds. Let’s win a Super Bowl!

By Phi

December 21, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Congrats Falcons! Playoffs here we come!!

By breeze

December 21, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

I agree with Lithoman! No matter what happens from here on, this has been one hell of a season for a team with a rookie head coach, rookie quarterback and for all practical purposes a rookie running back! The season is a resounding success! Hats off to ya Falcons!

By Ed

December 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

I’m just shocked and amazed and most of all happy that we made it. Its an incredible feeling after all thats happened!

BUT! they cannot play in the playoffs like they played today. They have to “stiffen” up on defense more and get a LOT more consistent on offense. Both last week and this week they showed that they can win without being on their game. In the playoffs that won’t cut it!

GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By awhitney

December 21, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

I love this team!!! I’ll be tailgating many hours before kick-off next week. Way to go Falcons, for beating the Vikes like we did 10 years ago….with a lot of heart !!!!

By D. Bell

December 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Consider this: Carolina loses to New York tonight. Next week, New Orleans will be passing like crazy because Brees is 401 yards short of the record, which means Carolina may lose that too.

Atlanta wins the divison, and gets a first-round bye and home dome advantage.

Holy crap.

By Vick Fan

December 21, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

The Falcons so-called fans are too pitiful! ROFLMAO! Cant even celebrate a win without mentioning Vick! Why? Is the team so sorry that all you can think about is somebody who hasn’t played since 2006?? How bad is the need for attention for the Falcons that the only way to get it is to keep mentioning Vick?? Dayum! Is that the only way?? ROFLMAO!! The Falcons have been to the playoffs before with Vick, so I guess that’s the only measuring stick you have! But as has been said, y’all love to hate Vick more than you love the Falcons so I guess we know what the ratings will be for the team Vick plays with in 2009! VERY VERY HIGH!!!! Cause all of you bashers will be watching!!

By Ryan Just Wins!

December 21, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I’ll felt real good in the fourth knowing Minn. had to win with an exciting #7 with happy feet who carried the ball around like a loaf of bread.

By Matt Rayan Lost in space

December 21, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

How is you hope doing as MVP or rookie matt doing . Teams ha s found him out. Pressure and weak arm in the second half. you are going to the play off if =tunner Tunner does not show up that all you will be doing. Matt you did the best you could . Mike vick a lot of us still love you here in atlanta. Matt is fool gold watch and see!! The Defensive has found him out!! Punk under pressure !!!

By Dennis Green

December 21, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

The Vikings are who we thought they were

By Joe P

December 21, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

WooHoo Virtual Fan you showed up!!! You support a loser and you are a loser! Vick will be back next season…maybe selling beer and peanuts in section 350!

By Now a former MV7 fan

December 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

I was once blind but now I see. Ryan is our future and Vick is now history! WHAT A HELL OF A WIN! I am crying tears of joy! MERRY CHRISTMAS ATLANTA! GO BIRDS!!!

By J-Mac

December 21, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

We are back in the playoffs and Any win now is more than anyone looked for this season.Go Dirty Birds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By CannonballButler

December 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Hey “Matt Rayan Lost in Space”. Have another drink if you have anything left! Falcons finally had a game where the turnovers went their way in droves. Strange game, but they set the tone early again with a strong drive. Peterson is the realy deal… glad we had a decent plan against him.

By ESPN Diss

December 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

ESPN didn’t put anything about the Birds on their homepage. I guess that means the team is still irrelevant to them until around Jan 20th.

By Ron Roberts

December 21, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I *heard8 Fox say we’d win the division, but let’s be real… ESPN had us as the 6 seed half of this week, too, before somebody corrected them; in that case, it came down to some silly “strengh of victory/schedule” tiebreaker.

Don’t get me wrong; I’d LOVE for us to win the division and have that first round bye and game at home. But I’m more than satisfied that we’re already in when N O B O D Y gave this team to win more than five games all season.

We have exorcised our demons and once the dog slayer suits up for another team, we’ll finally shed the fans of one and be left with a fanbase who supports a team.

But this season, this game, this accomplishment - has N O T H I N G to do with him. He did nothing to make it happen. And Ryan’s R O O K I E season win total already bests home-slice’s best single-season win total. Move on; he’s gone, he’s been surpassed (already) and left behind by real Falcons fans!!!

Dad, nephew and I will be partying it up at the dome next Sunday!!!!

By dave

December 21, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Well we did have a couple of losers show - i.e. Matt Rayan Lost in space. Sure be glad when his Quarterback is an ex-con and playing with Oakland. I’m sure he’ll lead them to the playoffs…

By savannah dawg

December 21, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Whatever happened to Glenn Dorsey?

By cornfield rednecks

December 21, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Is Matt a great QB under pressure with a better team. The team carryed him to day and gifts from the vikes. What did Matt do the last Four Games . Get punked out . I wonder why they let him have a free pass the frist eight games. The rockie has been found out. Weakness is under pressure. and no arm in the second half. Vick wiil be with the buc and the days of matt will be few!!!! Belive me they will turn on the poor guy they all ways do!!

By JB

December 21, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

I want to keep that worst-to-first thing going with the Falcons winning the division this year. Didn’t seem possible even a week ago, but now it does. The defense didn’t do much to stop the Vikings for most the game today - it was fortunate that they self-destructed. Any win now is gravy after expectations. But remember that Mora was a darling after his first season too.

By row3

December 21, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

We did’nt even control our own destiny yesterday, now we are locked in the playoffs with a chance to win the division. What a difference 24 hrs makes.

By been here since '67

December 21, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

I think you guys have it wrong about Gruden; he likes QBs who don’t make mistakes;

By Jeff

December 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

When are the Falcons arriving? Is anyone planning to meet them at the airport to give them a well deserved ovation?

By phoneman

December 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Wanted to come on here and talk some falcon football but I see the haters are out on both sides.So I will go try to find a blog where people actually talk about football and not race.But I will say great job Falcons and dont bother to respond to this because I wont be back to read it anyway.

By Recent Reader

December 21, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Anyone still want a “fair” QB competition:) Sorry, have to keep the pre-season nay sayers a little humble!! Great year - solid team!!! This team can beat (and lose to) anyone in the playoffs.

By Reg

December 21, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Just a comment on some of the comments:I have watched the Falcons since 1970. I have suffered through Bob Berry, Cannon Ball Butler, Bobby Butler and a whole lot worse. Players have come and gone and I still supported the Falcons because it is MY hometown team. I supported them during the dog deal and after. I will suport them if they go 1-15 next year. Why you ask? Because I am a diehard fan. The players are with us for a relatively short time but the fans remember the lifetime of memories, good and bad, that the team provides. We have a real chance to get to the championship this year because we have a real coaching staff. Come on people, lets be happy today and support the team, no matter what they happen to look like. GO Falcons!

By Realist

December 21, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

OMG! They really can’t do it. They really can’t even pretend like they like the Falcons long enough without the real motivation coming out. You haters love Mike Vick! You can’t help yourselves! You MUST talk about him, even though the Falcons won, you really have to mention MV! I know the AJC sports writers are like that, but its understandable since they are losing readers and have to do what they have to do to attract attention…but its because of the so-called “I’m over Mike Vick” fans who obviously are not. LOL..Its comedy for me! That’s why I keep coming back, because it is SHEER comedy!

By mars

December 21, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Sigh and sigh again. Wanted to come on and celebrate with other Falcons fans, but now that I’ve read all the above posted garbage, the good feeling is gone. You people suck!!!!

By Deions EGO

December 21, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry Deion,

You are an Ego Maniac, and now you think you can just waltz in, and take for yourself to which our team has worked so hard to earn.

Go to the Woodshed and Process yourself.

By Historian

December 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I want to add some nuance to this season. First the Falcons started to turn around their team at the end of last year winning two games late in the season. Second they have a solid back up QB for the future that proved he can come in and play. They got rid of specific players that were more trouble and what they were worth. Good GM selections that led to signing a great running back and solid young QB. Getting a good assistant to take over the head coaching duties. This year is a continuation of was already started.

By Falcontastic

December 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Playoffs, yes! The Vikings were haunted by the ghost of Brian Hunter today. Don’t look at the roof, you’ll drop the ball, LOL!!!!! We will forever own Minnesota in football because of their greasy baseball team and fans! That was for fooling Lonnie Smith, Kent Hrbek’s wrestling moves, and messing with the climate in that God-forsaken trash bag of a dome, LOLOL!!!!

By AguilaFan

December 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

At a wedding in San Juan PR. Step outside to look at my phone with NFL Mobile. Bunch of folks walk by . “Is that the Falcons score?” “yeah it is”. “GO MATT!! GO FALCONS!!” “You folks from Atlanta? No, Boston College and real thrilled to see the Falcons do real well with Matt” “How long have you been Falcons?” ‘Since Matt got drafted” And so it goes. The Falcons have picked up thousands of new fans.

Team of Destiny.

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

By GT Guy

December 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Way to go Falcons! Couple of idle thoughts:

1. Is it just me or does Mularky get too conservative? So far it has worked but in the last couple of games could have cost us.

2. Next year MV will not even be a topic of discussion. Something to look forward to.

3. Falcons will win the South Divison outright next year.

4. Tech will beat Georgia again next year

What a year for Atlanta sport fans

By TheJama

December 21, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I have been apprehensive about this teams success this season. Every week you want to tell someone about this Falcons team but you don’t. You see, I live in Bucs land. However today I went to the sports bar wearing my Falcons gear to get the their happy a**es stirred up a little bit. I left just before it got ugly for them. Merry Christmas Bucs.

NOW IT IS TIME TO START TALKING ABOUT THE FALCONS!!!!

By FalconsFan73

December 21, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

YEEESSSS!!!! No one picked this team to win today. Awesome job guys… what a turn around this team has accomplished. Good luck in the playoffs and remember ‘one game at a time’. This would be a great thing to see if the Falcons made it to the SB with a first year ROOKIE Head Coach and Quarter back. Go FALCONS! You Can Do It!

By Great Falconi

December 21, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

GT Guy,

My guess is that Mike Smith wants Mularkey to get conservative with a lead. There are two things Mike Smith has to work on:

1) Timeout usage (including replay challenges)

2) How to make a lead last

These are things that he can get better at. It’s hard to find much else at fault with his approach to coaching a football team. Mike Smith’s most positive attribute is that he truly understands that line play is the key to winning in the league. No matter what fancy awards Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Michael Turner may be in the hunt for, just remember that the offensive line has been absolute nails this year. They made all those yards possible. I don’t think any realistic fans (certainly not me) expected that O-line to be worth much. Can’t say enough about those guys, folks. They are mean and nasty. They like to put punks in the ground. I’ve been waiting for this kind of O-line for years.

By Eric C.

December 21, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or do the Giants look like crap the last few games…I just hope they can somehow come back and sneak out a win tonight.

IF they do come back, does anyone know what happens if the Falcons win the division and tie with the Giants? Is it possible they would get the first seed? It’s fun to dream…but don’t see them beating the Panthers the way they are playing.

By Jeff

December 21, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I almost want to cry (happy tears), but I think I will partake in my fourth or fifth glass of wine (I have lost count). Matt Ryan, Coach Smith and every other coach and player has made me so proud (and happy) this year with their tenacity and dedication to bring this franchise back from the brink that Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino took it. Bravo to all of them, including Arthur Blank, for a great 2008. I wish them well in the playoffs!!!

By blq byrd

December 21, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

The philosophy of trying to sit on the ball after we get the lead will someday come back to haunt us. maybe not this year since it appears that karma is on our side, definately next year, that conservative attitude of our coaches will be our downfall.

Hopefully coach Smith realizes that the only reason that we won this game today was because time ran out for the Vikings, who but for their mistakes, clearly out played us on this day. I am, however, glad that we won and are in the playoffs.

go falcons!!!

By Carla Kendall

December 21, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

What a turn of events for Atlanta. When we traded key players (Crump & Dunn) I thought this season would be hopeless. I kept my season tickets because I enjoy the game. Thank YOU Falcons now I know that 1500 was well spent see you next Sunday (I’m the 12th man) and Jan. 3 or 4 at the Dome because We will win the division!

By Carla Kendall

December 21, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

What a turn of events for Atlanta. When we traded key players (Crump & Dunn) I thought this season would be hopeless. I kept my season tickets because I enjoy the game. Thank YOU Falcons now I know that 1500 was well spent see you next Sunday (I’m the 12th man) and Jan. 3 or 4 at the Dome because We will win the division!

By beckbob

December 21, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

THE FALCONS AND THEIR FANS DESERVE THIS!! …but my one hope is that Coach Smith stops sitting on leads in the fourth quarter. Really good teams are always on the hunt for blood till the final whistle. We have to stop the three-and-outs late; they’ll catch up with us!

By cb

December 21, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

This year is a phenomenal example of what a professional organization can accomplish with focus and a PLAN. Congratulations to Dimitroff (for upgrading the talent base), to Smith (for COACHING the talent), and the players (for giving us a professional, focused, and workmanlike effort EVERY WEEK). As a fan since 66 it has been nice to see such a turnaround so quickly. This team can do damage in the playoffs if it remains focused, which I know they will. I’ve come to expect it now every week! Thank you AB! GO FALCONS!!!!

By falconsince78

December 21, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Thank you guys! Like the screen name says, I’ve watched these guys since 78, and haven’t missed but 1 game. I hope all the true fans jumped as high as Smitty did when “Nique” knocked that pass down. I did! I thought I’d be thrilled with 6 wins, Matt putting a good string of games together and looking good next year. When we win Sunday and help from the Aints and Gmen, we could very well be a 2 with a bye and play at home. I prayed for the Ravens, the Charges, my boys, and now the Giants.. I’m 3 for 3 wanting to go 4 for 4!

By Mike

December 21, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Are there any real fans on here that think the rams have any chance next week? I think this Falcon team will come prepared and destroy them!