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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > December > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons’ detailed approach results in the “p” word
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So you wish to know the anatomy of this ongoing Falcons miracle? Well, it begins with the mentality of their coaches. For instance: They’ve never discussed wins and losses publicly or privately. They’ve also refused to utter the “p” word associated with playoffs until recently.
It’s called throwing a fresh spin on that tired cliche about taking each week, game and second at a time. More specifically, it’s called focus. These Falcons coaches continue to have it, and they’ve demanded as much from their players.
“As a result, nobody wants to let the other guy down on this team, and it’s been like that all season,” said defensive end John Abraham, reflecting on the Falcons’ 11-5 finish to the regular season after surviving the St. Louis Rams 31-27 on Sunday at the Georgia Dome. Added Abraham, looking around a surprisingly businesslike home locker room, “It’s never been ‘I’ first with this team. It’s always been ‘we’ first, and whether we win or lose, we’ve learned to depend on each other.”
We’re back to that anatomy. For the longest time, those Falcons coaches were mum on their postseason expectations — if any — for a ridiculously young bunch that featured nearly half of its roster with players owning three years of pro experience or less. That silence went from Mike Smith’s arrival as a rookie NFL head guy in January, and then through organized training activities, and then through training camp, and then through most of the regular season.
Then their lips loosened on that “p” word just before their playoff-clenching game last week in Minnesota.
That said, Smith and his assistant coaches have mentioned everything else freely and loudly from the start. They’ve been little things, but they’ve become big things along the Falcons’ way to streaking into the new year as a wild-card team with a chance to shock reality even more.
And here’s the funny thing about those little things: They are so ingrained in most of the Falcons players these days that they just do them. As for discussing them, that’s another matter. Those little things are so simple that no Falcons player that I surveyed on Sunday remembered them all. Instead, most Falcons players remembered enough of them to explain why their team is sprinkled with pixie dust.
“From the start, (Smith’s) attitude was more along the lines of that, if you take care of those little things, the wins would come,” said offensive tackle Todd Weiner. “He just had a lot of specific goals that involved the way that we were going to play. It was about coming to work every day and working hard. He set goals that said we were going to be a physical team and that we were going to come out and be taskmasters.”
That’s sort of what Jerious Norwood recalled, but not quite. According to Norwood, “(Smith) said he wanted us to go out every game and play our type of football by imposing our will on opponents and just to have fun. He also wanted us to do our jobs in a detailed way.”
Wide receiver Michael Jenkins recited a bunch of other things. “(Smith) told us that one of our goals was to try to win every game at home,” said Jenkins, with the Falcons followed orders by finishing 7-1 at the Georgia Dome. “Then, going through the season, he broke it down to four quarters. If you do what you need to do as a team each quarter, then you have a good shot of having a good record at the end of the year. And the last goal was to win three in a row for us.”
They just won three in a row.
As for Smith’s playoff goal for the Falcons, he says, “Why not us?”
Why not?
Then again, that’s a big thing.
Permalink | Comments (82) | Categories: Falcons/NFL
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By ASN
December 28, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Dear TM: Do you remember how hard you trashed the Falcons at the beginning of the season? And even after they won a few games, you still didn’t believe? I think it’s time you officially admitted you were wrong. You should also remember this the next time you bash on an Atlanta time without seeing how everything plays out.
Go Falcons!
By D. Bell
December 28, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Bird fight: The Cardinals are going down.
By brad
December 28, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Damn, last second field goal by Panthers…oh. well…Falcons will beat Arizona, Philly beats Minny…we go to Carolina and take of business..Philly beats Giants….NFC championship in the Dome!
By billcanoe
December 28, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Way to go Falcons. You have done us all proud and whatever you accomplish in the playoffs will be an added bonus for a great season. Congratulations for getting things done with discipline and teamwork. In combination they can go a long way. Thanks.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
December 28, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
It is truly amazing the turnaround this franchise has gone through. Never in a million years would I have guessed that the Falcons would be where they are this fast. Coach Smith, Dimitroff, Arthur Blank, Musgrave, Emitt Thomas, and Murlarkey have all done amazing jobs. To think where this franchise was a year ago to now is the stuff Hollywood stories are made of. As a Falcon fan, this is as special a season as last season’s was a nightmare. I would like to give a special thanks to Arthur Blank for staying the course and not giving up on trying to bring this town a championship-caliber team. Last year could not have been easy for him and his family. You could tell from day one he poured his heart into this franchise and to have everything that could go wrong and then some was hard to watch for him. Now he can smile until his cheeks get sore and so can we as fans. This Falcon squad is a team in every sense of the word from top to bottom. To hear how all the players pull for each other is great to hear. The fight in this team even when things go against them (like the refs today) is amazing to watch. There are so many things I could sit here and write about this team but I’d probably wear the keys on my keyboard out. Taking things one specific goal at a time, one quarter at a time, and one game at a time is definitely key to success in the NFL and Coach Smith and his staff have intergrated this concept into the player’s mind beautifully. So in short, thank you Falcons for a great season and a great future.
Now go kick some Cardinal butt!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
By falcondawg
December 28, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
A wonderful end to the regular season by doing those “little things”. Wonder why more coaches don’t understand that.
Thanks for your great insight and well written articles during the regular season, TM. Look forward to your post season stuff.
By Falcon Freddie
December 28, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I’d like to know how the same offensive line that gave up 47 sacks last year only gave up 17 this year? Watching an Atlanta game is like watching a Pro Bowl Game…No Blitzes and no taking down Matt Ryan. Also, very few holding penalties called. This year has been a little too good. The NFL is getting to be just as exciting as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation). After improving from 4-12 to 11-5 overnight, the only thing that was missing today was for Arthur Blank to come out on the field with a large “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” sign behind him.
By Bill Estay
December 28, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
After 14 years living in GA, I have become a Falcons Fan. My Sundays are now spent acting like a crazy man. GO FALCONS
GO YES GO GO GO YES YES…Ilove being crazy again.
By RonShields
December 28, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
SAT JAN 3 4:30 ON FOX. ILL BE THERE, WILL U
By falcon
December 28, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to let the Falcons know……my season tickets were well worth the money. You guys played hard every play. Let’s continue to take care of business on the road……one game at a time.
By Bobby Dowell
December 28, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
We are the story of 2008. It seems surreal. Wonder what #7 thinks of all this?..
By Navigator
December 28, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I hate it when the offensive coordinator puts the offense in the deep freeze, late in the third and the fourth quarter. Ten point leads are not substantial, and today proves it. The second issue is the 5 yard dink passing plays, and that set up both of the interceptions. The whole defense was with 15 yards of the line, dink plays are dangerous because the defensive spacing is so small. Does anyone know when the Falcons last ran a screen play. Most teams run those successfully 4-5 times a game.
By mackdawg
December 28, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Folks, let revel in the moment! It’s only going to be a couple of minutes before the “Vickophiles” come on this thread and let us know how this team would have been 16-0 if their man had been at the helm! Funny, we have basically the same O-line we had two years ago..WOW! He was sacked almost 30 times!And the team suffered more penalties for illeagal man downfield than any other team!This O-line trusts that their man stays in the pocket, and this QB trusts that line to protect him..it’s a wnderful thing!
By Edward
December 28, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Way to go Falcons what a year now lets get the playoffs going by traveling out to the desert and knocking off the Cardinals. Every single player as made some sort of impact on this team this year and I love to see that. As diehard Falcons fan over the years it makes it even more special. I can’t wait til Saturday so we can start our Trek towards Super Bowl XLIII
By Getaway
December 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I can’t wait to see the NFL Films video on this season. Hopefully, it will be part of a SuperBowl Champions set.
By Quick
December 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Brad, I love that scenerio bro!! What a beautiful season. Do I have to remind anyone (VS2) that 11-5 was MV7’s best season too. MR2 already matched it. Sweet pick Dimitroff. Go Birds!!
By kay
December 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
we are so very proud of the way you guys play the game.we are with you every play of the way.much love guys keep doing what you are doing
By Ronald Moore
December 28, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
It has been a real honor to be a falcon fan this year, it was a payoff for years of loyalty. Now we have the big challenge ahead of us and I have complete confidence in my Falcons. I hope we win it all, but I will be happy if we beat Carolina at some point. I would love to knock them out, as they cost us the division, I think they are playing as well as anyone right now. Please get a tight end for next year and another pass rusher, opposite Abraham and give John a raise, he won a bunch of games for us this year. Great game Norwood you earned your keep this week. Ryan you are fading a little, you have had a great year and I know your tired, but take care of your body and keep your head in it. Congratulations to all the players you sure as heck deserve it, thanks for the memories, NOW GETER DONE! GO FALCONS!
By PantherFan
December 28, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
For too many years, the Falcons were my team’s toughest division opponent. Since I was no fan of either #7’s arrogance or the art of chop blocking, the Dirty Birds were the team I loved to hate. However, there was no way I could not feel sorry for Atlanta fans after watching what happened to the last QB and the disgraceful behavior of the prior coach. While I still want my team to win out in the NFC, I have to say though that following the Falcons this season has been like watching a miracle in motion. We can hear the Falcons fans screaming over the TV announcers and the stands stay full during home games. The rookie QB and the rookie coach are receiving serious consideration for player/coach of the year. After surviving last year, you guys deserved a good run. Enjoy!
By Crewser
December 28, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Great season.. just unbelievable that it happened so fast. I think Brad stated that we would take care of carolina and philly had the giants, but i think we have the giants when we beat the cards.. could be wrong tho, but anyway, i just wanna commend Arthur Blank on his patience with the whole situation. He is as calm as they come, take notice Mr. Jerry Jones as the Cowboys got their butts handed to them today. I think we should now be Americas team. How about the play of the oline and Michael the Burner Turner. Where would we be without him. Roddy is a beast and Norwood is the player that i always thought he was. Cant wait till next Saturday. The battle of the birds… until next week…. Goooo Falcons….
By Terence Moore
December 28, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
falcondawg,
Thanks for the compliments.
And you’re right. More coaches should take that “little things” approach. In fact, I was talking to veteran Falcons offensive lineman Todd Weiner about that today, and he said that several of his former NFl head coach did take that approach.
You’ve guessed. Those coaches usually had wonderful results.
By bobbert
December 28, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Falcons, use Douglas like New England uses Welker with the short passes over the middle. you used him successfully on the goal line once this year but haven’t used him like that since. no one can keep up with him on a crossing route.
By Chief
December 28, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
How did the Falcons do it? Two words - WITHOUT VICK!!!
By Falcons Fan
December 28, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
TM
how about the c word for you .
Like eating crow on the Glenn Dorsey decision.
End of the season and you finally come up with some positive things to say about the Falcons turnaround.
cant believe the hype
By jon
December 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Little things and playing well in all aspects of the game. Just look at the Falcons’ kicking game. Punt return yardage by opponents - 49 yards in 16 games.
This team, unlike many Falcons teams, doesn’t let things bother them. The last series, the touchdown allowed, the interception, the bad call - seems to be forgotten at the next snap.
Coach Smith, hats off to you and your staff.
By George Faraj
December 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Navigator, I hope your message reaches the coaching staff. We must play different ball in the playoffs. What happened in Minnesota now happened in our dome!! Plus let us hope our D can step up a notch or two!!
By George Faraj
December 28, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
Kudos PantherFan. Nice to see level headed fans placing positive comments such as these. After all, these blogs will NEVER change the autcomes of the games! Go Falcons! Sorry I cannot wish you Panthers the same, since we will probably visit you in week 2, unless Philly beats Minnesota!! Keep it positive!!
By Einstein
December 28, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Man fate is a funny thing. When I was in St. Louis at the turn of the millenium, I was a big fan of both Warner and then Bulger - and now to root against them both in back to back games - it’s a hard thing. You saw today that St. Louis has a lot of talent still - poor Torrey Holt, and that skill, gone to waste all these years, his QB getting hounded to death season after season because of the line play - and it points out that the Falcons real success is owed to the offensive line everyone trashed. It turns out that they were pretty good all along, but with either stiffs at QB or someone would couldn’t read the playbook, they didn’t get a chance to show it. Until now.
Best Falcons season since 1980 - boy was that in my mind today. I hope Dad was watching from his seat upstairs!
-drl
By Tami
December 28, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Finally, at last: It’s cool to be a Falcons’ fan again! I think I’m starting to get an ulcer, though. These guys have to get better at pass defense, and our receivers are going to need to apply Krazy Glue to their receiving gloves while Ryan finds his accuracy again — all before the postseason begins….please. Otherwise, I might have to stop watching them altogether or send them my medical bills! LOL.
By SlimG
December 28, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Blank, “You Rock Sir”. Atlanta owes you the greatest debt of gratitude. Okay. Thanks Again.
Let’s get real with all this stuff about getting conservative. Didn’t Turner win the running title today? Think so.
Ryan is still developing and probably will be over the next 2-3 years so give the kid a break. Our offensive line really took to this kid. Vick never had that support as you can probably imagine. I like the uptake of our offense. We keep getting better in mismatches and set a record for least sacks allowed.
Defense. Our backs are vulnerable but respectable and our line has holes that don’t get plugged by disappointing outside linebackers. All said, we do have some playmakers so I like our chances.
Draft needs: Big WR, OLB, SS, DTL, RT
By Burner Turner Fan
December 28, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I feel unbelievably blessed with this season. Throughout the season I have been amazed with the progress the team has made. After last season I feel as if a good deal of credit has to go to Athur Blank for hiring a staff that changed the culture around the clubhouse.
I am happy we are in the playoffs. While the division championship would have been nice I am perfectly content with the 5 seed. The Cardinals are a great opponent for us to face. A week off would remove our momentum. With the 5 seed we keep the underdog mojo intact against a lesser opponent. Its the best of both worlds.
By Terrance Bore
December 28, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Terrance - you know the difference between me and you? You get paid to share your lousy opinion about Atlanta sports. It’s a great story about this year’s Falcons, yes. But, when will you admit that you had it completely wrong about the GM’s pick? You said we should’ve taken Dorsey because it takes three years for a QB to develop in this league and that A. Blank doesn’t have that kind of time. Go ahead and admit it - you have no clue, you were wrong and now you’re trying to sneak on the bandwagon. We won’t have it, you Loser!
By PSack
December 28, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
POOR DEFENSE!!
Really sucked today…….seemed like the birds didn’t wanna tackle ….we gotta get better to advance in playoffs cause Ryan is starting to miss throws he normally makes….(BAD TIMING)??
By bjohndawg
December 28, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
11-5 who would have thought it possible?
By FanATicaL
December 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
For all those conspiracy theorist….is it ironic of the last to first thing in this NFC SOUTH Division.How each team that accomplished this feat.Truly needed it the season it was accomplished.What is good for a team is good for the league.After surviving a season like last year.Who needed this more ?I’m a Falcons fan to the end. But like the wizard of oz I like to look behind the curtain.Whatever the reason I am not looking the gift horse in the mouth. Go Falcons
By Bill Schroeder
December 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
PSack, I agree that the defense has slacked off the past couple of games, but when the job had to be done, they did it. Gotta give them kudos for that. As far as the offensive line is concerned, I have sat and watched my Falcons struggle to protect the QB since I can remember. When they didn’t redo the offensive line this year, I was upset that the team would suffer. But I get it now, at least as far as this line is concerned; with Vick in the backfield, how do you know what direction to block for? With Ryan staying in the pocket, the line knows the zone they have to keep people out of and they do just that. (that’s my take on it, anyway. I could be waaaay off, though.) Thank you coach Smith and Mr. Blank and Mr. Dimitroff for giving me a great Falcons team. Good luck with each game you play from here on out!!!
By PoorWriting
December 29, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
THIS IS TYPICAL JOURNALISM. POUNCE ON ANYONE AND EVERYONE IF IT’S NEWSWORTHY AND JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON TO SHARE THEIR SUCCESS…NEVER ADMIT TO BEING WRONG. PLEASE STOP TRYING TO BE A PROGNOSTICATOR OR SPORTS JOURNALIST WHO THINKS HE KNOWS IT ALL. AS JIM CRAMER SAID ABOUT THE FEDS, “THEY KNOW NOTHING!”. As goes to you, you know nothing!
By Falcon_Fan_Okinawa
December 29, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
We as Atlanta Fans should send a collective “Thank you” to Bobby Petrino, Michael Vick, DeAngelo Hall and Bill Parcells. Thank you all SO MUCH for either complaining about every little thing until you got released, lying to Artuhr Blank’s face before signing with Miami, getting arrested for various federal crimes and ….last but not least… being a coward and running off to a college team. Thanks to you, our defense is stronger, or coaching staff is WAY better, Dimitroff is the MAN, and we have a real quarterback. You made this possible. THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
GO FALCONS!!!
By mark1632
December 29, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
take a moment and smile as falcons fans we get to to that so very seldom
By Dr. Warren
December 29, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
**Hey “Bore” and ASN:
Can you guys be any more foolish? Terence wrote an article a couple weeks ago entitled, “I Was Wrong.” Lighten up, okay?**
By BP
December 29, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this
Terrance Bore….
Read more often or shut your mouth. TM recanted his words about 2 weeks ago about the draft. The man made a mistake and was MAN enough to admit it. Read more and speak less.
The Falcons are poised for a good run, for weeks now it has felt like 1998. A quiet run that no one gives credibility to. That is fine with me, Eugene Robinson is long gone and Turner is much better than Jamal Anderson was.
Howie Long’s nepotism on the upset sepcial pick today was sweet to overcome. St. Louis would not have been as close without the bogus call on the fumble or if Milloy had played at all and Abraham had played more. I am glad they will be rested. Kurt Warner is in for a world of hurt.
By the way Falcons are a bird of prey and the cardinals, not so much.
By LifelongDawg
December 29, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to the Falcons. Well done. Off the subject…will Brett Favre please (finally) retire? I’m sick of hearing from him or about him. This guy has more or less sucked for the past 4 seasons, and the excuses for his poor play have worn thin, especially when he’s the one making them.
And thank God the Cowboys failed to make the playoffs. The NFL’s version of the Yankees are imitating their shortcomings, as well. Jerry Jones is a moron when it comes to football operations and deserves exactly what his team delivered…nothing.
By Henry
December 29, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
A very good article Terrence. You have already stated that you were wrong, in your earlier opinion of Ryan and the decision by the Falcons to draft Ryan so high, so I don’t know what else some guys posting here want’s you to say. Keep up the good work and continue to express your opinion in these articles, even though I do not always share your views.
By Henry
December 29, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Thank you to Arthur Blank, Tom Dimitroff,Rich McKay, Mike Smith and his Coaching staff, and heartiest congratulations to the Falcons Players, Trainers, and all that have contributed to the Success of the team including the Fans who pack the Dome each Sunday. Thanks to all of you in Section 342.
By The Grinch
December 29, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
They were definitely not prepared to play today…but still won. I know it was the Rams, but the talent gap in the NFL isn’t that big. They showed some character again. I think they’ll take Arizona.
By mobetter than last year
December 29, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
good D 2nd sting, now the real d got rest this week take the small bird too there grave yard get readly for them cats. mike greart job to all staffkeep up the great work . tom you got your job cccut out this yr (09). make it b2b if not i sill be here next yr, there is no way a lost next week so i say here u next week tom,mike,and fanns
By PHIL
December 29, 2008 3:44 AM | Link to this
I have never seen a year that the referee’s made so many bad calls around the league. Why have instant replay if you are going to look at it and still not be able to see players are down or fumbles are out what ever the case may be. If I can’t look at a replay and make the correct call, i.e. the “fumble” by Turner, he should be fired on the spot. No genuine recourse is available when they stink it up.
By nunna yo bizness
December 29, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this
teams are starting to fill up the box and stop the run on our beloved birds.. the to beat the falcons is to make matt ryan throw the ball.. when he has no running game he loses,and the play action pass is gone..
his oc should be the mvp of this team,because its his skilled play calling And making it a simple offense that is getting this guy by..he will be a 2nd stringer qb after next year..
And i like how the ajc,the local meia,the local sports talk shows all protect this guy knowing that he does not know whAt he is doing,and its the offensive co-ordinator who is really masking this guys weakness..
lets draft a qb in here next year.. PAT WHITE, WEST VIRGINIA
By Robert P
December 29, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
SUPER BOWL BOUND! WE WANT THE GIANTS!
By BravesFan79
December 29, 2008 5:42 AM | Link to this
Go Falcons!!
By rob
December 29, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this
i attended the falcons first home game of the 07 season against carolina and saw thousands of #7 jerseys…i was at the final game of 08 and saw 2 #7 jerseys as i was leaving the game…thanks falcons for getting it right…bird bowl saturday..falcons toppple cardinals…
By Ralphie
December 29, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Trust me. It will be one and out for the falcons. They will NEVER be a true NFL team. They got lucky to be where they are at. Now, they have to play the big boys and will fall!!!
By Van Brocklin
December 29, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Atlanta’s YOUTHFUL BUNCH played good enough to win with starters John Abraham, Jamal Anderson, Lawyer Milloy, and Coy Wire sitting this one out.————GO FALCONS…… all the way to the SUPER BOWL!
By leland
December 29, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Mr. TM—you didn’t even mention the role momentum played in the Falcon’s success. How can you understand a football season without knowing how momentum was first here then there? And like that. Your pal, Leland
By Previous Ryan Skeptic
December 29, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Bobbert, your right, what an important point. That strategy helped New England to it’s 16-0 season. Tom Brady would either bomb it to Randy Moss or toss it over the middle to Wes Welker. Harry Douglas has remarkable speed with great hands and would definitely get tremendous and valuable yardage for us. Just imagine how that would open up the secondary for a bomb to Roddy White or a nice smooth handoff to Michael Turner? We have the weapons. GO FALCONS!
By BamaFan
December 29, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Yeah TM, you had a lot to say at the beginning of the season. You should write an article with your apologies to the team. To the team, you did a great job. Lets just tackle because we do not give up rushing yardage like that. We will take care of the cardinals. I personally think that there needs to be something done about teams that end up .500 and in the playoffs and then you have teams like the Patriots (which I don’t like) not make the playoffs. I will be watching the game from first snap to last.
By OKCBULLDOG
December 29, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Great job Falcons, CONGRATS on your miracle season. It definitely feels good to have a home team having a shot a playing for a championship, it is a breath of fresh air and an antidote for the underachievement the Dogs and that coaching staff in Athens personafied. Maybe next year like always. This falcon team will difinitely be more successful in the future with this coaching staff than the UGA will be with their coaching staff. Go Falcons!
By swhite
December 29, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Dear ASN…TM admitted he was WRONG about the Falcons WEEKS AGO! SO instead of trying to call someone out, why don’t you just say’ “Good article TM”, and let it go at that.
By Walk da Walk
December 29, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are playing good football right now,and i love the play-calling.The offense is no longer perdictable like they were during the Gregg Knapp era.The only thing that scares me is that secondary,especially the CB HOUSTON….he never turns around to look for the ball.He gets toasted every game and gives up too many big plays.They teach you in little league to turn around and look for the ball;other than that we have a good chance to go deep into the playoffs.
By Native ATLien
December 29, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Yes, that was a nice ending for a fairytale season.
i was very concerned to see Stephen Davis eat up so much turf.
we still need to be concerned about the defense’s ability to stop the run and pressure the quaterback.
yeah they didn’t play like they were 2-14 but that game gave me pause going into the playoffs.
By Phil4real
December 29, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Great Season Falcons
Now let’s talk about those Cardinals. We should beat the snot out of those guys. Put some pressure on Warner and we have the making of a blowout. The defense is soft and they have no running game. If we run the ball more, we should control the clock and the game. Smash mouth football.
Oh yeah, why were we passing at the start of the 4th Qt when Ryan threw that pick? Coach Smith, please stick to your guns and give the Cardinals a heavy dose of Turner and Norwood.
By Peter
December 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Terrence, I really enjoy reading your articles. Your writing style is great.
By Mark
December 29, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
I think past few games Matt Ryan has looked a little more like the Rookie that he is…The key for Falcons has been those running backs and a very good special teams play..Defense little shaky as well however They have won…I think what little i know the Falcons can beat Arizona..but I dont think Carolina will loose to us They seem to have our number…Tampa Bay just fell flat! Go Falcons!
By Van Brocklin
December 29, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
STUDY your information people, most of our defensive starters did not play against the Rams.-John Abraham, Lawyer Milloy, Jamal Anderson, and Coy Wire were on the sidelines healing up for the playoffs. * The Youthful Bunch* did O.K. with 4 impact players sitting out.
By Van Brocklin
December 29, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
The ARIZONA / ATLANTA game is on NBC, not FOX— Mr. SHIELDS.
By Jack in GA
December 29, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Terence, I know you tell it like it is…and sometimes people don’t wanna hear the truth. After years of writing about and witnessing the usual train wreck that WAS the Falcons, I can understand your skepticism earlier this year.In previous years, NOTHING that happened this year would have happened. We made the RIGHT pick with the 3rd. We didn’t whiff on our franchise QB. We picked the right GM AND coach! YES THE FALCONS did EVERYTHING right this year. No Mr. Moore, you are not dreaming…and neither am I! YESSSS!!! btw, I enjoy your columns and have read them regularly for years.While we don’t always agree( it’s called an opinion people) I appreciate your work.
By SRF
December 29, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Game looked scary today - defense was sloppy at times and Ryan was way off on some throws.
Any ideas ? Is he tired or injured ? He did not seem right for most of the day.
Maybe nervous ? Some balls had no zip for easy picks and others just sailed like airmail…
They need to fix this somehow.
By ClemsonNeil
December 29, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
This comes from the same guy that would… or will say “I knew it…” and “I told you so…” when the Falcons starts to fail.
Mark my words.
By Alan
December 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Any given Sunday this Falcons team can beat anyone. There’s no over-the-top sure bet like we’ve had in the past with the Colts or the Pats; several teams have a chance this year. Can you believe number 33? Amazing is all I can say…. AMAZING!
By Blake
December 29, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
The Cardinals will not be an easy team to win against at their home. Don’t be fooled by their 9-7 record. Their offensive strength is our biggest defensive weakness - the passing game. Ryan has looked like a rookie who has hit the proverbial wall over the last four games. He has been adequate but not outstanding. Turner, Norwood, and Abraham’s play during these last four games are the main reason we made it to the playoffs. I’ll be in the stadium Saturday cheering the Falcons on! Go Falcons!!
By dhj_1962
December 29, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Falcons need T.O. next year. just kidding
By George Gill
December 29, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
To have the #1 rushing offense in the ENTIRE NFL speaks volumes for this franchise. Going into the playoffs ANYONE who knows football realizes that the best PLAYOFF defense is a solid run offense….Keeps the clock moving AND an explosive offense (Arizona) OFF THE FIELD. Small wonder that the FALCONS were a field goal away from winning the division. Much credit goes to veteran OL coach PAUL BOUDREAS whom I have personally know for some 45 years….his attention to detail and work ethic are a large part of the Falcons run game this year, and I know Michael Turner would agree….Best of Luck in the post season….Falcons Super Bowl?…WHY NOT?
By Kenny
December 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
ASN- TM already admitted he was wrong so stop bashing him…………
By JD
December 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
For those of you calling for TMoore to admit he was wrong about Ryan, he’s already done that.
By JuliusCesaer
December 29, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I know that I am not among the minority, but there seems to be a real buzz about this current group of Falcons unlike any other Falcon teams from previous years. This current group KNOWS they are talented but they are not cocky and they play with the right TEAM SPIRIT that it takes to be a true team. I noticed when the Falcons LOST games earlier in the year that they should have won, namely the Eagles, Broncos and Saints games, none of the Falcons ever did any finger-pointing and they buckled down and rebounded from losses with big wins. I believe in my heart that this TEAM has what it takes to win the superbowl this year. I dont know for certain that its going to happen, but I sure wont bet against it and I would bet the house on Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, John Abraham and the boys to get it DONE. WE WILL BE SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS THIS YEAR.
By edaddy
December 29, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure why u guys keep saying “the same offensive line” as last year. Number one, we started the season with 3 of the 5 starters being different (Harvey Dahl, Sam the rookie and Tyson Clabo). Number two, the scheme is COMPLETELY different and there is a new coaching staff. That is a huge difference. So I suspect some of ya’ll don’t know what you’re talking about.
By Cwag
December 29, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
No one should’nt bash the falcons…AT ALL!!!…This team proved they can win…and make the playoffs. If they lose SO WHAT!!!…they proved a lot of people wrong. “It’s still a process”. Please don’t down this team. This is a miraculous year. In a million years, we would’nt even thunk this team would do this good!!!
By Cwag
December 29, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Give this team two years…we’ll be SUPER BOWL contenders…EVERY YEAR!!!!
By Cwag
December 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Please…be patient with this team. We have a “Peyton Manning” in the works. He is rare. Straight out of college…into the pros, and look at his numbers…that’s VERY RARE out of a rookie quaterback…apprieciate this team…
By Cwag
December 29, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
We just need one more offensive lineman…and ONE more defensive tackle, and one more defensive end…and we will win championships year in, and year out like the Patriots… Also we need to get rid of Boley…he waits on tackles.
By BDS III
December 29, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
TM, how about admitting you were wrong. You didn’t like Smith. You blasted them for drafting Ryan. Still think McFaddedn or Dorsey were the right pick? I seriously don’t know why you cover sports. Please do us all a favor and go to Philly or NY where bashing your team for no reason is widely accepted. You continue to make a fool of yourself every time you write an article. Tool!
By Cwag
December 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Be patient. If we lose…we lose…the better team won. They won THREE GAMES IN A ROW!!!!…if we lose, we lose. I want them to advance, but it depends on them!…We got SOMETHING to build on next year if they lose…If their hungry enough, then we wil win, if not there’s alway next year and the year after that. We prove TO EVERYONE that we’re competitive. We have some thing to build on!!!…If this year turns out to be a FLUKE, like the ‘98 Falcons after that wonderful year, then you know we have A LOT TO WORK ON!…We’re not the only team that can have a good year, and have a bad one the next…THEY PROVED A POINT!!!…praise them…don’t bash them!!!!!!!!!!!…it’s going to get better with the GM and The Coach we have. They sniff out talent!!!