Moving to a new location
AJC blogs are moving to a new technical platform. So check out Terence Moore’s new blog home and bookmark it.
Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > December > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons catch fire from coach Smith
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons’ steady path toward the playoffs continued on Sunday at the Georgia Dome after a moment for the ages in the fourth quarter. That’s when their head coach lost his usually calm look in public to display the inferno in his belly.
As a result, Tampa Bay’s Antonio Bryant got burned by a lot of Mike Smith, and it led to the Falcons climbing over the ashes of the Buccaneers along the way to a 13-10 victory in overtime.
“So coach Smith got in the face of an opposing player on the sideline?” said Falcons running back Michael Turner, laughing with wide eyes. “No, I didn’t see it,” Turner said, laughing some more. “I wish I did, because I know that would have been a sight to see.”
It was. Just after Domonique Foxworth knocked down a pass to Bryant on third-and-six near the Falcons sideline in that fourth quarter, the cornerback and the wide receiver shoved each other within centimeters of the head coach. Then came the inferno, with Smith rushing to meet Bryant nearly nose-to-nose, and with the fire from Smith’s tongue telling Bryant a whole bunch of things that aren’t printable for a family newspaper.
Well, I’m guessing. “Antonio was on our sideline, and I just politely asked him to go back over to his sideline,” said Smith, trying to keep his still smoldering tongue from burning the inside of his cheek.
As for Bryant’s side of the story, he wasn’t saying — at least not all of it.
“Just as long as the man didn’t put his hands on me, I don’t care,” Bryant said, shaking his head. “I don’t recall what [Smith] said. It’s nothing personal. That’s over with, and if he wants to get in my face, that’s great support of a coach looking out for his players. I don’t think he took it as anything more than being a Falcon, just like I’m always going to be a Buc. And I’m not mad at him for that.”
Neither are Smith’s players, which inspired the following: They forgot about the shaky day of the usually solid Matt Ryan (57.5 passer rating, two interceptions). They forgot about the brutal afternoon of cornerback Chris Houston in man coverage. They forgot about Jason Rader fumbling away a touchdown in the end zone to the Buccaneers. They forgot about the blocked punt that led to the Buccaneers’ game-tying field goal near the end of regulation that forced overtime.
They remembered Smith’s passion, though, and they found ways to overcome themselves. “Yeah, because that guy’s crazy,” Foxworth said, chuckling, forcing a visitor to ask: Which guy — Smith or Bryant? “I’m talking about coach Smith, because he gets so fired up sometimes during games. That’s the kind of competitive attitude that he has, and it bleeds over into the rest of the team.”
The result? The Falcons are shocking reality after last year’s horrors involving Michael Vick and Bobby Petrino. They are 9-5, and they are threatening to keep playing in January with a relatively inexperienced roster and a coach who is much tougher than you think.
This isn’t Jerry Glanville stuff. Back then, the only thing staler than the eternal black attire of that former Falcons coach was his attempt at intimidation. This isn’t the likes of rah-rah Jim Mora, who preferred to operate as the players’ pal, often to his detriment. This isn’t another Bobby Petrino, a college guy, whose idea of motivation was to ignore players by displaying even more of a bland expression to them — when they could find him.
This is Smith as Smith, and this is awesome.
Permalink | Comments (53) | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Blaze
December 14, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Mike Smith is one hell of a coach!!!! Thank the good Lord Bobby Patrino turned tail and ran. GO FALCONS!!!!!!
By Art Vandelay
December 14, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
This is a game that the Falcons would’ve found a way to lose in the past. Beautiful to see these guys believing in themselves and each other, especially when the offense is struggling. Hats off to John Abraham and the entire defense for holding the Bucs when it mattered most. This is FUN!
By J.P.
December 14, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Great win.
Smith made the right call to just play for OT. Though I wonder how many people would have criticized him for that if they’d lost in OT.
Next week is a big, big game.
Go Falcons!
By duce
December 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
I agree, Coach Smith is a diamond still in the rough and that’s just what this franchise needs. Nuts and bolts football man, that has earned the respect of the organization, and the fans, and with the awards to come, the entire NFL
By BobDawg
December 14, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
I thought Smitty was going to take him OUT! Way to go Coach… Let’s take the Vikings back to the Future (1998)
By Joe
December 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Who is this? What happened to Terence? Not his same ole material. :| I cant react to this.
By JC
December 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
In the past they would have lost this game. Awesome! Go Birds! On Petrino, he quit after 13 games because being a college guy he thought the season was over.
By Ross
December 14, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
The Falcons should ditch the all-black garb - Ryan cannot see his receivers like that - I’ve seen it two or three times now. That bad INT against NO involved THEM wearing all-black. I’m not kidding - Ryan seemed blind all day - he had happy feet and was unable to pick up his receivers. That is not like him. I hope Jessica Simpson is not in town.
-drl
By secondguesser
December 14, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Way to go Mike Smith! I hope this Falcon team keeps proving me wrong. Just maybe this is the start of a long period of success! Been watching the birds since the days of Harman, Claude, Bob and Cannonball. I’ve got a feeling that the pieces are in the right place this time. And man,in spite of today, this Ryan kid is proving me wrong! Gladly!
By PAUL3084
December 14, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I’m just glad that Bobby Patrino wasn’t man enough to stick around for a couple of seasons. Mike Vick & Bobby P. leaving were two of the best things that happened to the Falcons. I enjoy watching them when you can tell they really want to win.
By wes
December 14, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Right on, man!
I really like Coach Smith and the way he handles himself. He doesn’t act all buddy-buddy with the players but he’s definitely an approachable head man.
Also, the fire he exumes is definitely contagious. Getting fired up for a 13-10 game (of which the Falcons played horribly in) is hard to do…but Coach Smith makes me want us to win that much more!
Go FALCONS!
By DW
December 14, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
What a game!! Please Falcons please, keep winning!!!! If it ended right now, I wouldnt be dissapointed in ya at all! Thanks for bring football back to atlanta.
By Tami
December 14, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
I keep pinching myself, and this is for real. Wow. The Falcons found a way to win a game they probably should have lost…against the Bucs of all teams! I had to admit that I started getting positive again when I saw Coach Smith get in that Buc receiver’s face. That was classic! The Falcons’ improbable season continues…..
By Jerry
December 14, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
play for the tie at home and the win away. Great job Falcons!!!!!
I wish Blank would stay off the sidelines.
Twice this season we’ve seen Mattyice throw short near the endzone.Back of the endzone baby.
All mI can say is:
Yeah C’mon.
By Matt the Brave
December 14, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
There have been times this season where we could see the rookie mistakes, but I believe that this team has really come together and will be a force for quite a few years. I am really enjoying the fact that we actually have a winning season this year!
By Chris Semones
December 14, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Great column. I usually disagree with you on UGA. (I am sure my opinion is objective, and you are the biased one.) I Totally agree with you takes on the Falcons. On a side note you writing style always impresses me.
By Franky
December 14, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
The Falcons showed guts, heart, and passion. With coach Smith and Matt Ryan, this is the best the Birds have every looked. A few more defensive playmakers and we could have a 5-7 year Playoff/Superbowl run.
By PlusSizeModel
December 14, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who feels cheated and doesn’t even bother to read when T.M. get the Falcons column? T.M: please accept the next buyout that’s inevitably coming up!
By savannah dawg
December 14, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I haven’t enjoyed watching the Falcons this much since 1980.
By the_rickster
December 14, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith had the Falcons ready for this game. How do you shut down a strong defensive team as Tampa Bay; you play strong defense yourself. I’m proud of the way our defense stepped it up today. It was a tough day for Ryan and the offense, but that’s expected against a TB type defense. But I know Ryan will not have back to back sub-par games…next week our offense will win the game big over MN, and then we keep our heads on straight for a win over St. Louis, and have the momemtum going into the playoffs. At that point, one game at a time, as far as we can go. Regardless of what happens from here on out, next year the Falcons and their fans will finally see the first ever back to back winning seasons. GO FALCONS!!!
By DHD
December 14, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I LOVE it!! He’s got fire in his belly. It rubs off on the players. He better be Coach of the Year. Thank You, Booby Petrino for leaving and Thank You, Mr Blank for bringing in our first real coach since Coach Reeves.
By SNIVLEM
December 14, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
What a stresser! We just experienced Matt Ryan’s worst game as a pro, and we still won!
Smitty rules!!! Smitty rules!!! Smitty rules!!! Smitty rules!!! Smitty rules!!! SMITTY RULES!!!
and keep it up, Dimitroff
By kbaby
December 14, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
After so many years of enduring a team playing mostly the wrong way, it is fun to see the Falcons doing it the right way. Even in the games they have lost recently, you still had the feeling that they might find a way to win. Today, they found that way to win when in the past it would be a sure loss. This is unlike past years when you were dreading that they would find a way to lose.
Blank has the right people in place. This is going to continue to be fun to watch!
By **Mary Jane**
December 14, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
**LEGALIZE SMITTY”
By dan
December 14, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
I love this coach….I don’t always agree with the play-calling, but this head coach is for real. Jon Gruden would have hid behind his players were the situation reversed. I started to criticize him for going for OT, but he has that much faith in his team….now so do we. Way to go coach
By Syd
December 14, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Yo T, great article. Coach Smith is so refreshing. Especially after the last class of clowns we’ve had as head coaches. Keep up the excellent writing. And don’t listen to the Bozo’s on the blogs. One day they’ll understand that yours is an opinion column. And you be looking good on the Romie show.
By Reg
December 14, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Here we are ten years after the Super Bowl year facing a similar situation. Minnesota is standing in our way. We win in their dome and I like our playoff chances. I normally don’t like ugly wins but that is what championship teams do; find a way to win games that they shouldn’t. I for one am looking forward to an exciting January with the Falcons still in it.
By savannah dawg
December 14, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
This is the most fun I’ve had watching the Falcons since 1980!
By Exodus Mentality
December 14, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Mike Smith = Coach Of The Year. That part you got right.
But Chris Houston only got caught on one slant route. With the safety out of position or blitzing, TB inside of the 20 yard line with 15 secs left in the half. Why the hell aren’t you protecting the end zone there? Not very many Cornerbacks can defend a slant well in that spot. Don’t blame that on Houston. He was right there in coverage most of the game. He forced Bryant out a few plays before that, when we won the challenge, with tight coverage. He only gave up one other pass, to a bigger receiver who went up and made a good catch and was immediately tackled by Houston.
Ryan’s afternoon was “shaky” but Houston’s was “brutal”? Have you been drinking the kool-aid Mr Moore?
By crabapplejoe
December 14, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
By the way Terrence….”The Great Matt Schaub”, as you liked to call him, had 284 yards and a TD today to beat the Titans…could have been doing it for years in the Atl…but nooooooo.
By CB
December 14, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
great game / great column. Matty had an off day, still better then Vick’s best. Mike Smith and the WHOLE TEAM should be proud…I know I am
By Falcons Rock!
December 14, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I have been watching and living the ups and (mostly) downs of the Falcons since 1970, and must say this was a signature win. In recent years the Buc’s have seemed to have our number, and their defense has been formidable for recent years. Great job to the coaching staff for putting the team in position to be competitive from 1st game, and great job to the players buying into coaching they are recieving. Very refreshing to see a professional team show the emotion, and one can see they clearly are enjoying every moment of their success. Very happy for the team, and long time loyal fans. Hard to beat the feeling in the ATL when Falcons are successful. Keep up the good job team, and show up for the playoff’s as the team no one wants to play!
By coon dog
December 14, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
what agreat time to be a coons fan! coach smith is the coach of the year,mattieice is the rookie of the year &turn the burn is the man!!!
By Terence Moore
December 14, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
To Chris Semones: Thanks for the kind words.
By AFnPC
December 14, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Matt Ryan just got a dose of what MV7 was dealing with when it comes to Roddy White. He digressed to his old self today. You can’t sit there and wait for the effing ball to come to you in the NFL, much less against one of the best secondaries around. Both of Ryan’s picks should go on White’s stat sheet. He waited on the ball, and a DB made a play for it. I know he leads the league in yardage, but seriously dude, you’ve got to help your QB and team out by going for the ball and cutting off that DB. Both picks were drive killers. Shame on you Roddy. Get that crud out of your system and get back at it next week. Go Falcons!
By Matt Foley, motivational speaker
December 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
It was a Cheap Shot from the Falcons player on Bryant. Smitty should have told his own player to knock it off instead of Bryant.
It didn’t register with me that Smitty got in Bryant’s face. I DIDN’T get it.
By south ga boy
December 14, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
loved it coach Smith, absolutely loved it. more than any other sport, football, except for QB, is about intensity and attitude. Players take there cue’s from there coach, see the Cowboys and their MARSHMELLOW COACH, and Smith has achieved the perfect blend of passion, instilling some fear but treating his players with respect. That’s leadership, and yes even grown men can be inspired to follow a true leader, not a phony one.(see Jim Mora) keep it up Coach Smith, U continue to show that a young team can win with great leadership, and inspire their fans too.
By patrocket
December 14, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Coach gonna mess around and get his ayass kicked
By TEAMPLAYER
December 14, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Why do some of you have a problem with Arthur Blank standing on the sidelines it’s his team and the only way you know he’s there is when TV shows him. And those of you in the stands watch the game not Blank. Everytime this subject comes up you act like a bunch of women wondering what the other women are wearing…Watch the game and quit taking up space writing about this BS.
By Falcon4Life
December 14, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
WOW! Thats all I could say as I was laughing outloud…WOW!! I thought Coach Smith was going to kill Bryant! You are the FREAKIN’ man coach Smith!
What a difference a year makes!!! I Love these Birds!!
By ap
December 14, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are playing great and Coach Smith is doing an incredible job in his 1st yr. Matt Ryan has won me over as a fan and i’m hoping he gets “Rookie of the Yr” - he deserves it. Now, let’s focus on making it to the playoff. Coach Smith has heart!
By dawgfan1911
December 14, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I am a falcons fan who lives in s florida and down here they are building Saprano up to be the coach of the year but I will honestly say the dolphins are beating pantsy after pantsy every week. They havent played a real team in maybe two months. They had a very soft schedule unlike the Falcons who play in a tougher division. The dolphins struggle to beat the raiders, seahawks, niners, bills, all low rate teams. Smith should be coach of the year and Jeff Fisher at tennesse seems to be struggling right now we will see.
By itpdude
December 14, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one that thinks Coach “Smith” is from witness protection? I mean, he looks like he’s a cast call for the Sopranos or something… and with “Smith” as his witness pro name…
Anyhows, J Abraham is the man to thank… total game changer, total in your face guy. The sack for 11? Yeah. Pressure that Griese guy? Yep. JA is the playmaker from this game… yeah, Mattie baby, you gotta share da weath sometimes…
Great game.
By pirate
December 14, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
This is the FALCONS we’ve been hoping to see for a long time. Arthur Blank brought them to us. You don’t think that our GM and head coach just showed up do you? Mr. Blank led the search for them and sold them on joining his desire. He is the proudest Falcon fan there is and I suggest that he deserves all the sideline time he wants. Our coach is the type any serious player wants to play for and our GM is the best in the business. The future is here.
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Coach of the year. Hands down.
By Falcons Kick Some
December 14, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
If Coach Smith doesn’t make the ESPN top 10 tonight they should stop having it. That said a lot about the man and you know the players just loved it.
Would loved to have heard what he said…probably something like “Didn’t anyone tell you? This is the side for winners…that’s the side for whiners. Now git over there before I drag you by the earhole.”…with other words added…….for flavor.
By AJ
December 14, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
The majority of the previous posts complimented Mike Smith in the best way possible… you called him “Coach Smith”.
That alone will give Coach Smith the highest respect.
By Chris
December 14, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Interesting point by Ross regarding the all black outfits. Maybe they need to add some splashes of white and/or red. White helmuts…? The coaches and players are still geling and learning what to do in various game scenarios with which personel. There seems to be a fairly steady, almost inexorable progress, that is heartening to see. Go Falcons! Good column Mr. Moore.
By billcanoe
December 14, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Great win for the Birds! Keep it up as a total team effort. And congratulations, Terence, for having a much more positive attitude lately. I, too, would much rather see red jerseys and white or silver pants at home.
By Big Bull
December 14, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Good game Keith Brooking.. You looked like you did right out of Tech..Fast and furious. Keep up the good work! Why is Norwood still returning kickoffs? He looks slow and scared. I’d rather see Douglas or Snelling back there.
By obeone
December 14, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
The Falcons are Back in black, nuf said!
By TEAMPLAYER
December 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Hey lets talk about that O-Line they’d been doing it all year…..Great job today O-Line…Giving up only 14 sack this year….I’ll take it….Great job GENTLEMEN.
By falcon fan
December 14, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Bryant said as long as smith didn`t put his hands on him. Shoot, I would like to have seen bryant put his hands on smith. No telling what the coach would have done. I like the fire in coach smith. This guy is intense, not some one to be messed with. he has control of these falcons.