Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > October > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMaturing Falcons come through in clutch
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s always dangerous to make assumptions about the direction of an NFL team for a season after a mid-October game, but there are exceptions.
Like this one.
Oh, about this one.
“I had my second child on Wednesday, and I thought I was going to have another one today,” said Falcons defensive end John Abraham, with a deep sigh. He was describing the outrageously tense moments down the stretch of Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. This was Six Flags over The Georgia Dome, but The Goliath inside the place wasn’t a roller coaster. It was the ebb and flow of a thriller that ended with the Falcons somehow managing a 22-20 victory at the final gun.
Simply put, these Falcons aren’t even distant cousins to those of Jim Mora and Bobby Petrino — you know, those clueless teams that spent the previous three seasons in a dramatic free fall to 8-8, 7-9 and then 4-12. These are the Falcons of first-year NFL coach Mike Smith, a veteran quarterback disguised as a rookie named Matt Ryan, rising running back Michael Turner, an opportunistic defense and hope.
How promising is the future for the Falcons this season? Defensive end Jamaal Anderson got his first NFL sack after 85 consecutive quarters. The Falcons’ previously maligned offensive line has allowed just two sacks during its last three games. And the Falcons previously maligned wide receivers actually are catching the ball.
In the clutch, too.
“Our approach right now is, whatever it takes for us to win, whether it’s something big or small,” said Falcons linebacker Michael Boley, who led the way to keep the Bears out of the end zone midway through the fourth quarter when the Bears ran on third and fourth downs from the Falcons’ 1-yard line. “We’re about to go into our bye week, so we really wanted to come in here and win and be 4-2.”
No problem there. In fact, the Falcons proved during the most improbable victory you’ll ever see that many things are now possible for this youthful bunch. That’s because they continued their sprint out of nowhere to do all sorts of strange things in this one, and most were good.
A few were bad (five field goals to one touchdown). Then again, several were great, beginning and ending with the fact that the Falcons somehow won a game that they had lost, then won, and then lost again before shocking the Bears with The Throw, The Catch and The Kick.
The Throw involved Ryan continuing his brilliant passing day (22-for-30 for 301 yards and a touchdown) near the end of the afternoon by delivering a perfect sideline pass to Michael Jenkins. The Catch involved Jenkins’ fancy footwork after The Pass to complete a 26-yard play at the Bears’ 30-yard line. Suddenly, “one” was the number of the moment. Not only did the Falcons trail by one, but there was one second left on the clock.
It was time for The Kick, a 48-yarder from Jason Elam that took forever to fly over the crossbar for the game-winner. There was an explosion of joy throughout the dome, ranging from those among the sellout crowd that wasn’t wearing Chicago orange and blue to Ryan literally jumping into the arms of Smith at the 50-yard line.
“I mean, I’m still just a kid, really,” said Ryan, chuckling, after another impressive game as a rookie. “When you’re out there playing, you certainly feel as if you’re 10, 11, 12 years old. It’s kind of the same way. It doesn’t change. I was crossing my fingers and doing everything else that you can do until that kick went through.”
Then the kick went through, and the NFL kids on the Falcons were closer to becoming NFL grown-ups.
Permalink | Comments (78) | Categories: Falcons/NFL
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By Stephen
October 12, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Great victory. Perhaps the greatest of Falcons victories since Billy White Shoes.
By Michael Who?
October 12, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
This is a TEAM now with great coaching. That hasn’t happened since 1998.
By Camilo
October 12, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Awesome. Go Falcons. Unbelievable turnaround from last year’s debacle. It’s suddenly cool to be a fan again. I feel like a kid, too. Nice article Mr. Moore. And way to go Jamaal!
By TM Still needs to go!
October 12, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. Moore still needs to go. Two wins two good comments. I bet he is still waiting for the Falcons to loose so that he can write bad about them. He is probably had someone else write this article
By dawg in J-ville
October 12, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Magnificant! Way to go Birds, put away all of those deamons from last year and don’t look back. Down here in Jacksonville and I knew what Mike Smith was about and now finally so do the fans of the A-T-L. Great GM hire, Great Coaching hire, Great draft pick! 3 for 3 aint bad for a franchise that has had the hex on it long enough. The only bad Karma for the weekend was that p** ant Petrino won against Auburn. Oh well, even a blind squirl can find a nut.
By BIG WORM
October 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
GOOD WIN NOW WE GOT TWO WEEKS TO FIX SECONDARY I LIKE GRIMES BUT HE JUST CAN’T HOLD UP HEY SHOULD WE GO AFTER ROY WILLIAMS
By TheJama
October 12, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Well written Terrence. We won it, lost it, and won it. Matt Ryan is the new KING of the ATL. Play after play he threw beebees to wideouts, who get this, actually caught the ball. There were simply too many 3rd and long pass completions that kept the chains moving. Wrap that around our 2nd defensive goal line stand of the season and you can start to smell it. WE HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM IN ATLANTA AND THEY ARE CALLED THE FALCONS. Great win for this young team, coaching staff, and for the city.
By kay
October 12, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
BIG WIN boys!Big win.Keep playing one play at a time and you will do wonderful things.Big win.
By darren
October 12, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Terrace, it is amazing what happens with a real QB and a team under construction to play real football. The south is football and the Falcons have been a constant reminder of how not to build a football team. The new GM and coach actually have things headed towards a real team. A few free agents and drafts to build a top 10 defense and they could become a real team that Atlanta can finally be proud of. Maybe Vick back as a gadget guy if all bridges have not been completely burnt.
By DenverBird
October 12, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Oh, what a joy to wear my Falcon jersey today out here in the land of arrogant, blue & orange Broncomaniacs - what fun!!!
And to all you pitiful, pouting, poisonous V&$k supporters: your last chance to get on the bandwagon is NOW, for the last train is about to leave the station!!!
Come support A TEAM to be PROUD OF!!!!
By Greg from Marietta
October 12, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Holy Cow, What a Game!! Matt Ryan and the Falcons earned my respect today. They played like a REAL football team and didn’t quit no matter how bad things looked. What is so scary is that they are all so young and if you think about it things can only get better. No matter how the rest of the season goes I am PROUD TO BE A FALCONS FAN again!! GO FALCONS
By Mike Who?
October 12, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
What a wonderful weekend to be a Georgia fan. Tech won, Dawgs won, Birds won, and the Cowboys lost!!
Keep up the great work, Smitty and Matty Ice!
This is starting to look like a football team!
Even IF Elam would have missed, he wouldn’t have been the goat. He kicked four FG’s to keep the Birds in the game before he won the game.
I’m VERY proud of THIS Falcon team. That’s all I wanted was for them to be compeditive.
By kdub
October 12, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
in the words of bugs bunny whoda thunk it!
By lawton
October 12, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
why jump on the bandwagon now terrance, go back to notre dame, or was that san francisco.
By roberta
October 12, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Although I enjoyed the teams victory today and it showed poise in the clutch, two glaring issues concern me. One is the team cannot score six in the redzone, it will come back to haunt them in big games. And two, can the defense ever rise to the occasion and stop a team from converting 3rd downs? This went on all day, they never should have been in the position to have to win the game like this. They tried to hand it over to the Bears on a silver platter.
By PeterNorth
October 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t be happier with the Falcons! I feel like they have finally flicked the booger of Vick of their finger. I think the Falcons are making progress each game so far, and Ryan was phenomenal today. Congratulations Falcons!
By Rick
October 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
A real coach, a real QB, a real team, It is a wonderful time to be a Falcon fan!
By Moyenda
October 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Man I bet the dome was rocking when that ball went through the uprights. That was by far the most exciting finish of this nfl season. I threw my beer when he missed the first field goal and when he made the last one. Go Birds!!
By HOW BOUT THEM FALCONS!!!
October 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
I SWEAR MY MIND WAS SAYING IT OVER AND OVER AGAIN WHEN CHICAGO SCORED THAT TOUCHDOWN….SAME OL FALCONS SAME OL FALCONS SAME OL FALCONS WAS RUMBLING SO LOUD IN MY HEAD I COULD NOT EVEN HEAR THE TV….THEN OUT OF NOWHERE WE TOOK THE GAME BACK THAT WE HAD WON ALL DAY LONG I WAS SO EXCITED I ALMOST THREW MY SON THROUGH THE ROOF…..I THOUGHT THE TEAM MADE A MAJOR MISTAKE WHEN IT DID NOT TAKE GLEN DORSEY BUT OBVIOUSLY ONLY MY THINKING WAS THE MISTAKE MATT RYAN HAS BEEN UNBELIEVABLE AND RODDY, JENKS, TURNER AND NORWOOD WHO MAYBE THE BEST KICKOFF RETURNER IN THE NFL…..MAYBE WE WONT WIN IT ALL THIS YEAR BUT I TELL YOU WHAT IF WE ADD A FEW MORE PIECES..ANOTHER GO TO RECEIVER, LINEBACKER, DEFENSIVE TACKLE AND CORNERBACK WE GOT AS GOOD A CHANCE AS ANYBODY TO BE STARING AT THE LOMBARDI TROPHY IN ATLANTA…ATLANTA, ATLANTA. AND THE BEST PART IS WE DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ARTHUR BLANK GETTING OFF THE WALLET THE MAN WILL SPEND THE MONEY TO WIN…BOTTOM LINE……BEST FALCONS WIN EVER…..I HAVE BEEN WATCHING SINCE 78’ FROM DIRTY TERDS TO BACK TO DIRTY BIRDS
By Reg
October 12, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
We may not win another game this year,we may win a lot more, but there is no doubt something’s special about this group of players and the coaching staff the Falcons have now. Matt Ryan is an exceptional talent. He reminds me of Marino in his first season with the Fins. He is playing with so much poise and confidence because he has coaches and mentors that actually have what previous Falcons teams haven’t: professionalism and football knowledge. After today I am officially on the bandwagon. You can expect Matt Ryan to eventually collect as many Super Bowl trophies as Tom Brady. I believe it, you should too.
By Scooter
October 12, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Fantastic win. I’m sitting there cussing Houston for playing so soft one min. then running around the room like a wild man the next min. after they pulled out the win. Great win but I don’t know if my heart can stand many more like this one. This was a total team win. What a team win. I still can’t believe they pulled it out. GGGGRRRREEEAAATTT Game.
By Exodus Mentality
October 12, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
I gave up on them for this game, and then they gave me back my hope for Atlanta Falcons football. This team may have bad games this year, but as long as they continue to play as hard as they did today, they will have achieved a successful season in my books.
Games balls to Matt Ryan, Harry Douglas, Roddy White, Jamal Anderson, Jason Elam, and both the offensive and defensive lines. Also this was the first well coached game from start to finish, that I have seen since the Dan Reeves days ( and precious few of them even then),
Get off Grimes and Jamal Anderson. Grimes played huge today. One suspect penalty called against him and he makes a great play on the very next pass. He was there on every pass that came his way today, and broke up two big passes to the endzone against a much bigger receiver. And Jamal was a beast today. He stayed in Chicago’s backfield, and ran down several plays from behind, They are both going to be big time contributors to this Falcons success. Houston made one huge mistake at the end of the game (you simply can’t let that receiver get behind you in that situation), but the offense and Elam bailed him out. I will take bets that he doesn’t make that mistake again this year.
That’s the kind of team we are dealing with here. And get ready, because they are going to get even better, on offense and defense. This is not a fluke.
NFC South and NFC East, only Divisions in the NFL with three 4-win teams. Even the national media is starting to see that there is something special about the Falcons.
By gabluesdude
October 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
They definetley played for 60 minutes.
By cd
October 12, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
The Falcons needs to be very careful not to copy the Dawgs enepitude in the red zone.
By DC Dirty Bird
October 12, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Great win! The victory was due more to individual players refusing to quit than Falcon coaching. ATL put itself in the position at the end of the game due to the non-pressure on Orton and loose cover schemes. The Chicago offense exploited everything we offered them. And it didn’t help on offense that we ran it with Turner on nearly every first down play - I don’t think we had even one play action on first down in the second half!! That made us predictable and enabled Chicago to stuff the run and force us to punt at the end of the game. Great win for the players but our coaches need to be more imaginitive and less predictable if we are going to have a winning season and/or a playoff team!!
By Fred
October 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Wow. What a great write up Terence Moore. It got me fired up AGAIN as did the end of that game.
I’m not going to call you on your opinion about the Falcons getting Ryan over some other players you thought would be better for the team. I’m not going to call you on ANYTHING, as there is nothing to call you on about this column. You speak from the heart and speak what you feel. I respect that. Apparently many don’t. Oh well. You are still getting paid aren’t you?
This column let’s me know WHY you are getting paid. as I said earlier, I was just as fired up about that win as after reading this column as I was after watching it. You nailed it.
By Greg from Marietta
October 12, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
“Roberta”, excuse me ma’am but you obviously haven’t been paying attention. This is a Falcons team that has been without leadership and management for several years. What the heck do you expect from a team learning a new system under a new coaching staff and with over half the team with less than 3 years NFL experience. Come on and get with the program! Expectation is one thing and reality is another. This team has short comings and everybody knows it, but they have far exceeded any expectations thus far. So, give them a break! Just loosen your hair curlers and enjoy the game.
By RTW
October 12, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
By Roberta Although I enjoyed the teams victory today and it showed poise in the clutch, two glaring issues concern me. One is the team cannot score six in the redzone, it will come back to haunt them in big games.
PRETTY BIG GAME! ONLY 11 SECONDS LEFT. ENJOY!
By Dr. Warren
October 12, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Smitty deserves a lot of credit in Atlanta. The team is playing with the same optimism, professionalism, and humility that he displayed in his very first press conference last winter. A .500 season would be astounding considering where we’ve been. GO YOU BIG BLACK & RED BIRDS!!!!
By vanbrocklin---UAB
October 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Is Calvin Johnson better than Roddy White?Look up the NFL Stats, Terrance.
By Sarah B
October 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
I was there and watched Bears Fans streaming out of there like it was over - I loved the look on their faces when we got on Marta with the win - they were very quiet as you could amagine!!!! Go Falcons!!!! That was the BOMB!
By PlusSizeModel
October 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who feels robbed when I discover Terrance Moore is the columnist covering a notable ATL sports event? Dude, you suck, and I didn’t even bother reading your column.
By bali smith
October 12, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
great article Mr Moore. It is great to be able to watch this bunch play football the way it is supposed to be played. Thanks for such a positive article. i know the falcons are not there yet, but it sure is fun watcing themplay like a team for 60 minutes. This was one of the best games i have ever seen the falcons.Thanks Coach Smith and your coaching staff for getting this team prepared each week. This sure has been a fun season.
By Cruzin
October 12, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Great win! The old adage, “it ain’t over till it over” sure applied to this one! Go Falcons!!
By ---UAB
October 12, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
WHAT ABOUT RODDY WHITE,- TERRANCE?
By War Eagle
October 12, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith should be coach of Decade if Falcons win 8 games, which looks favorable. This time last year this team was crumbling , today came back and won last 11 seconds. this would not happen previous years.
By Hutch
October 12, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
The greatest difference between this team and the teams of the past several years is that even when this one makes mistakes, they are able to recover. You do not see many stupid mistakes with this team, unlike past teams. Grimes and company may still be struggling by giving up too many passing yards, but it is a heck of a lot better than witnessing MEAngelo Hall completely blow up a game because of his incessant stupidity.
The team seems to have character - - the coaches, general manager and the players. To be that calm in the last seconds of the game and to pull that off shows a great deal of great coaching, preparation and great character.
I can actually enjoy watching the Falcons again!
By Chris M.
October 12, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Well, Ho-leee Cow! The Georgia Bulldogs are no longer the best professional team in the state!
By Chalkydawg
October 12, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Is it possible that the best thing that ever happened to this franchise was the tragic downfall of Michael Vick? Without his arrest, we would have been tied to an awesome athlete but suspect quarterback running Bobby Petrino’s system. Now, we have a legitimate pocket passer, a tough no-nonsense coach, and a GM who had an incredible first draft. I thought we should take Dorsey and come back with Henne at QB in the second round, but now, other than the Mannings, Brady and Big Ben, who would you trade Matt Ryan for? Cutler? Brees? Neither of them looked near as good as Ryan this early in their career. I think Atlanta is going to be a perennial contender for the next decade.
Go Falcs! High may you fly.
By pfizeriser
October 12, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
What a game! If Finn and Jenkins had caught those two they dropped, Ryan would have been 24 for 30 with 25 more yards and another TD.
I’ll bet that guy who sold me the 50 yard line, Club Level seats for the Saints game, before the season started, for less than face, would like to have em’ back now - not a chance buddy!
By stephen
October 12, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Amazing, Terrance!
Wasn’t it only a couple of weeks ago when the Falcons best the Chiefs you believed this team to be nothing different than the past nor had they proved anything.
It is obvious you missed what happened during this off-season. Mr. Blank hired real football people and let them make the decisions. I’m not sure how you missed this but I’m glad you are beginning to see that this team is now well run. We may not make the playoffs this year but this team is heading in the right direction win or lose.
Good coaching prepared for the last 11 seconds of this game and great play making excuted the plan flawlessly.
By Job
October 12, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Former Cincy Bengals fan who has now adopted the Falcons. I am very impressed by Ryan and Atlanta’s receivers and stout defense. I also relished the game enthusiasm shown by your fans (including the owner coming down to the sidelines) in comparision to our purgatory, known as Paul Brown Stadium, which is presided over by that false prophet-Mike Brown. Final kudos to Atlanta for cutting its deadbeats loose while the Bengals re-hires theirs.
By Flafalcon
October 12, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Terance do you still fell like we should have picked Dorsey. I think you need to admit you where wrong.
By lgd
October 12, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I SAID LAST WEEK DONT UNDER ESTAMATE THE KICKING GAME IT CAN WIN OR LOSE GAMES FOR YOU IT DID . GOOD KICK J
By ProudTechFan
October 12, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I can not believe what I saw today. I mean like everyone else, to taste defeat one second and to have victory in your grasp and hold on to it, was incredible. This is the one time I dont mind being wrong about something..
I was wrong about Matt Ryan, I thought he would be good, but never this soon with this young team. I wanted Dorsey and I was wrong..
I was wrong to think that we would only win 4 games all year. We look like a team that could win at least 8 or 9 games this year, thats incredible.
I was wrong to think that we wouldnt have a chance without Dunn, D.Hall, Crumpler, Coleman, Vick, D.Williams among a few others. I was wrong.
I was wrong about Demitroff.. I know we needed a GM that had been around talent and success, but this guy drafted arguebly three of the most important pieces of a football team and they all start and they all have had an immediate impact on the field. LT Sam Baker (short arms and all), MLB Curtis Lofton, the anchor of the front 7. And obviously the QB Matt Ryan. I was wrong.
The one thing i wasnt wrong about is the fact that if you win, the people will come. The fans are back on the bandwagon, and ready to rock the dome. This thing is about to get interesting
GO FALCONS!!!
By falcon
October 12, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
BIG WORM—-did you watch the game? Grimes aint the one who got beat in the corner. That was Houston. Grimes played his butt off. STFU.
To all the obnoxious Bear fans who were running off at the mouth in the parking lot before the game….where did you guys disappear to? Not big enough to hang around for the celebration eh? Chickens.
Great Falcons win. Great job by the O-Line against that blitzing Bears defense. Zero sacks allowed. Congrats to Jerious Norwood. Dude is taking those KO’s to the house. And Curtis Lofton……you and Sam Baker and of course Matt Ryan are making Thomas Dimitroff look like a genious.
Coach Smith and the entire staff….my hat’s off to you guys. This team has got its head on straight. It’s nice to see this team play as a team, with no head cases causing problems.
We had a blast up in the seats. It was a fun game to watch.
By Whopper Dawg
October 12, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
A pleasure to read a positive column by Mr. Moore on a very deserving subject. Terence, you should try more of them, it becomes you. As to the Falcons, great game. Definitely going in the right direction. BB King said he picked musicians based on 75% musical ability and 25% character and hoped they turned out to be 50% music and 50% man. I think the new regime is getting to the heart of the matter in that character makes the man, the player. In the paraphrased words of Al Pacino in Scent Of A Women - Vick, D. Hall - we don’t miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bo
October 12, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
What a differance a day makes…new Coach, GM,QB and players, damn great job!!! We now have a TEAM that will only get better. Great job men. 4&2 woa!!!!
MR Blank Please buy the Braves and change GM, MGR, and get some pitching and hitting outfielders??????
By Wawtawsha
October 12, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Today’s game….is a Classic, a game to be recorded and re-played, all thru time. This was one helluva contest, and both teams left all they had, on the field. It’s been a long time since i seen the Falcons play a sincere game, a dire desire to fight and believe in each other, they did it today, and even if they lost….Elam would have been the failed lynchpin,. 5 out of 6 is good, certainly laudable, but a 33 yarder missed when Coach was bankin on you, thats hard to understand. Thats why….we call it…a Game, the purest game on this planet, and a joy to watch.
I’ll take 5’ 10” Grimes in my corner any day. He’s bein baptized by fire, and he’s got the will and talent to undergo it, every week…..he gets better, and we never see him be a selfish drama on the field.
One thing i just dont understand….kicking….in a controlled atmosphere, should be consistent. Especially kicking off.
That direct snap to Norwood….oooooo…loved it. If somethin works and has shock value, try it again.
Best snapshot of the year…..co -awards…. Coach Smith kickin his leg high after the 4th an goal stand, Brooking raising in triumph.
Football aughta be….a Game, and Fun, aughta happen, sometimes, in it.
Thanks to both teams, for giving us, a wonderful , well-played Game. This was one, I wont forget.
By BirdDawg
October 12, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
One of the most exciting football games I’ve ever seen. This franchise is doing everything right now. They hired the right GM and coaches and then got all the right draft picks and free agents. I was not sold on drafting Matt Ryan originally but the dude is playing better in the pros than he did in college.
By RTW
October 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
11 SECONDS LEFT!
By siskel
October 12, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are what they are, a good team who that has been sneaking up on people. Now teams will stop taking them so lightly. Even if they only win 3 or 4 more games it is still better than 90% of people thought they would be. I do think with games against Denver, Oakland, St. Louis, Minnesota, Tampa at the Dome, Carolina at the Dome, and 2 with the Saints, 1 at the dome this team will be in the PLAYOFF hunt right until the end. Does 9 wins get you in? Who knows, one thing is for sure though, number 7 will never be on the field for these Falcons again because Matty Ice is the real deal.
By M.R. Biggins
October 12, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Falcons win, Cowboys lose.
All in all, a good day.
By Ty
October 12, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
I was upset when management didn’t take Glenn Dorsey, and took Matty Ice, I was stupid, GM Dimitrof is very smart. We may only win a couple more games, but Matty Ice is going to be better than Carson Palmer. This coaching staff is outstanding. I’ll be honest, I am here in Fayetteville,NC and I left Hooters when Houston got beat for the TD, The Bear fans were to much to “bare” so I left, to come home and find that Matty Ice WON THE GAME. Unbeleiveable, great game for Jamaal Anderson as well.
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Falcon Fan
October 12, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
This was a fantastic win. Each win (and loss) brings new growth as a team and another chance to see which position is up for improvement.
This team did a lot of growing today as it was an awesome win, a game where many previous Falcon teams would have fallen apart.
Ryan looked as if he is ready for the coaches to open up more of the playbook. There could be problems for him down the road because of his lack of experience but I believe he will do well.
Great job today!
By jbnimble
October 12, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
What a great day! Matt, Jamaal, Jason,…not enough room to name everyone. Just a super win!
By Since 1980....
October 12, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
With all the field goals prior to the first TD, this game had SAME OLE FALCONS written all over it. However after they answered da Bears TD with one of their own, I felt a sense of hope that later came back to haunt me, which is another popular cliche for long suffering Falcon fans….THEY WILL GET YOUR HOPES UP AND LET YOU DOWN….and that’s exactly what happen after the missed field goal, what else would you expect, heck these are the Falcons.
With that said, what else would you expect, the Falcons have always had a flare for the dramatics. Big Ben, Billy Whiteshoes, Micheal Haynes and MC Hammer…2 Ligit to Quit. The ending to this game will rank right up there with the aforementioned. GREAT WIN!!!
It also bothers me that season ticket holders sell off their tickets to the visiting team creating the bi-partisan atmosphere. I attended a game against the Steelers in 06 which also ended in dramatic fashion, half full of terrible towels. I know this is a transient city, but so is Chicago, you would never see this many Falcon fans @ the visitors venue. But then again with gas prices and the economy, I guess I would sell mine too.
Regardless, it was a GREAT WIN and the pure essence of redemption.
By Howie
October 12, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
great offensive play, great special teams play, defense is still going to be our achilles but credit them with a fine goal line stand…For once we have a team that has a chance to win games without hokey pokey stuff and smoke and mirrors…This still is a rebuilding year but no one said you cant win while youre rebuilding….They must be doing something right for Deion (Prime-time) Sanders to make some good comments on the NFL network - - Good column TM
By D.J. WHO????
October 12, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Terrence, good one for a change —
I’ve been a Michael Jenkins critic for the past couple of years, and now I say keep him on the team…GREAT route Jenkins. Once we sign another stud WR, we COULD be an offensive juggernaut. Why? Because Matt Ryan is the real deal. See what happens when you protect him? A rookie that can shred an NFL defense if given a little time…imagine how good he could be in 2-3 seasons?
Great win. Let’s get a stud WR for the young QB Arthur! “Thomas, make it so.” GO FALCONS!!!
By freeze33
October 12, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
GO FALCONS!!!! I BET D.HALL FEELS REAL STUPID RIGHT NOW. WHAT A SELFISH PLAYER. ONE OF THE BEST MOVES IN THE OFFSEASON WAS GETTING RID OF D.HALL
By Terence Moore
October 12, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
I wrote this earlier this week, but this can’t be stressed enough: Falcons players are getting excellent work from their coaches, from top to bottom.
You could see it again in today’s game, especially regarding the offensive line and the wide receivers.
They’ve got an off week to try to get even better.
By phil
October 12, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
I wonder what Me Angelo is thinking? I’m sure he’s still happy since he gots paid! lol lol…Miss ya bunches! hahahahahah
By Sarah B
October 12, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Proof to ATL fans and Chi fans don’t leave until the clock reads 00:00 - We WIN!!! Loved it!!!
By donald
October 12, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Ok, I predicted the Falcons to be 3-13 so I’ll be more than happy to eat crow. Even when they were behind at the end I just felt this game wasn’t over. Matt Ryan is looking like a quaterback who can successfully manage and win games. The defense is actually playing with firw and emotion. This team is still a work in progress, not having won a game in the division, but there are still plenty of them left. This team could be headed to the palyoffs if they keep winning like this.
By Ross
October 12, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
This is pretty simple.
Matt Ryan is John Elway.
Only, Elway made more rookie blunders.
-drl
By robert
October 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
GO FALCONS….and take the Braves with you
By Falcon4eva
October 12, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Remember this day…1st come back win for Matt. How many more times will we be amazed by this kid? And he’s a rookie who has the respect of the 10 year vets on this team!
Do we have to take a bye week now?
I hear the Dorsey talk, but I gotta tell ya, I told many folks that the Dimitrof hire was right, the Smith hire, the picks…give this organization time.
I don’t even want to think playoffs….miracle win. Big Ben 3 and a half today
By Kukendall
October 12, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
UNDEFEATED AT HOME = 8 WINS.—————- PLUS 1 = 9 WINS.—————FALCONS will be at least 9-7…………. —-BOOK IT—-
By Historian
October 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Maybe my years of watching football have distorted my understanding of what teams should do when they get in the red zone. The Falcons coordinator seems to get a tight butt, and refused to gamble in any way. At the end of the game all they thought about was 3 points, but field goals get blocked, missed, and even run back for touchdowns. It’s not always a good thing to be so predictable that your offense gets 3 yards on 3 plays. By running on first down a high percentage of the time, they aren’t helping their young QB, but instead force him to continually make 3rd and long. Sometimes you have to pass to run, and that’s what happen on the two longest running plays. Both came after the Falcons completed passes. Let’s hope the leaders change up their strategy some.
By Big Brotha Smooth
October 12, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
The Falcons actually look like a professional football team this season…even in the losses. We have players that want to play and a coach that wants his team to learn and grow. Matt Ryan ended up being the right pick, and Mike Turner will be a Pro Bowler. We can actually pound it in and score in the red zone this year. The defense needs more work, specifically the secondary, but we have definitely made progress and the fans are excited. Way to go! This game provided some emotional highs and lows, and ended with me jumping and cheering after the Jenkins catch and screaming after Elam won it. As a sports city, we need this BAD. Keep up the good work.
By Since 1978
October 12, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Yo! since 1980 about your stupida$$ post…Crack Kills Bro! In 1980 Steve Bartkowski had no protection back then well today MATTY “ICE” RYAN does! JAMAAL ANDERSON IS A STUD AND LOFTON IS A NIGHTMARE OF A KICK-A$$ BEAST! So shut up fasten your your jock strap (If the equipment in your groin is big enough to fit in one) for the future and enjoy the ride! These are truly THE REAL DEAL YOUNG, MEAN, NASTY AND MOST RIGHTEOUS…DIRTY BIRDS!!!!!!! ONE HELLUVA WIN AGAINST DA’ BEARS! GO FALCONS!
By littlebird
October 12, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
GREAT GAME is not even close to what this was we just witnessed!!!! This was THE BEGINNING of something most of us had only dreamed would happen. Our FALCONS are now a legit TEAM … our coaches are REAL FOOTBALL MINDS and the result is just what you witnessed … THE BEGINNING OF A DYNASTY!!! Thanks MEN … ALL of you. What a joy to watch!!!
By kim
October 12, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
I was one of the fans who stayed to the very end; it was well worth it. The Falcons outplayed the Bears today but it concerns me that we were not able to get more than one touch down. Cudos to Ryan and crew for moving the ball, but the lack of touchdowns will be our eventual downfall. I’m still pumped up by the victory and will savor the moment all week long!
By .Grits Blitz
October 12, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
COACH UM’ UP
By Don!
October 12, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Terence,
As much as some of your comments have riled me (and many other folks) up on the boards — I have to admit you really hit the nail on the head with this column.
“The Throw, The Catch and The Kick” is the best turn of a phrase I’ve heard in a long time regarding a Falcons’ victory. I’m not sure if it will go down in team history as “Big Ben” and “Big Ben II” — but it sure captures the spirit of the moment.
This may turn out to be my favorite of any column you’ve written. I hope you write more like this one, just as much as I hope our Falcons give us all reasons to appreciate their play.
Later,
Don
By Sarah B
October 12, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Oh Yeah, bite me Shultzie - Falcons gonna lose…. where are you now????
By darrell starks
October 12, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
good win FALCONS GAME BALL I WOULD SAY MATTY ICE BUT I HAVE TO GIVE IT TO JAMAAL ANDERSON HE FINALLY BROKE OUT OF A NUT SHELL IM PROUD OF JAMAAL. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Laura
October 12, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I was at the game and had a blast. It was one of the most fun games in recent years, great job team! I only wish I felt like I was in Atlanta at every home game. With all the transplants, I felt like the Dome was 50/50 Falcons/Bears fans. Would be nice to see all us Falcons fans pull together and get a little more noisy so the team knows the crowd is rooting for them, not the visiting team.