Terence Moore

By Kevin

January 4, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

We’ll know the real ability of this club come next season. The Falcons have NEVER had back to back winning seasons. What will Dimitrof do to be sure that ugly trend is finally broken? Shame the team had to lose this playoff game as going into half time, all momentum was on their side.
The missed tackles in the secondary early in the game and the inaiblity the run the football cost Atlanta a victory. How can those be eliminated? Surely you can’t say we need a different running back. Yes, it’s hard to run while you are behind, but, I’ll take a 5 yard run over an incomplete pass anyday. I congratulate the team on the great turnaround, but it’s only a true turnaround if they can win again next season.
Have a great new year Terrence!

By Flacco is a Playmaker

January 4, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this

Love that play he made when he ran in that TD in a PLAYOFF GAME to seal the victory!

By Eddie

January 4, 2009 6:43 PM | Link to this

The Falcons’ success was making you miserable all year. It must feel great to finally be able to tear them down again.

By ATLplayer

January 4, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

Well I’m not happy with the loss either, but I understand it’s a process…plus the Falcons weren’t supposed to be there anyway; I just hate they didn’t take advantage of this opportunity. The Falcons will upgrade the roster this off season and get better.

By Wise Man

January 4, 2009 6:49 PM | Link to this

It’s always a difficult fine line that the Falcons walk. The team wants to field a bunch of choir boys that win. I just don’t think it’s possible. It’s fine to have community service oriented players - a matter of fact - it’s good PR. But, you have to have to have some prideful players. They kind that will knock a hole in your head ala Rodney Harrison. Besides that one drop - Roddy White looked like a playmaker. That was about it. No one else wanted to be THE GUY when the lights came on.

By cityofdecatur

January 4, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this

Actually they were (are) a playoff team that got beat by a Cards team that played ITS best game of the year. Hats off to the Cards and Love those FALCONS! P.S. you jumped on and off that bandwagon real quick TM!!

By savannah dawg

January 4, 2009 6:54 PM | Link to this

Naturally I was hurt by the loss, but it did not tarnish the season for me. This was the most fun I had watching the Falcons since 1981. Can’t wait for next year. Thank you Falcons for a wonderful year!

By cwag

January 4, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this

They don’t need no playmakers…keep the team intact. Those guys will progess…the young ones. There is’nt no luck in this season. This team has a lot of talent. Draft a foundation…and keep it. Get a couple of free agents, not no high price ones. Fine the competitive hungry free agents…they will win a LOT more.

By Old Atl

January 4, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

I agree 100 percent. I’ve been following the falcons since those Steve Bartkowski days. We just don’t have those type of players that are willing week in and week out that will bring that vigorness and eagerness consistently. The Ravens have Ray Lewis, the Bears have Urlacher, the Eagles have Dawkins, the list goes on. Despite having a rookie QB, the offense played fairly well this year. The Defense however has been the Falcons downfall for decades. If you can name one player that can honestly bring the impact of defense thats expected in the NFL then I will move from ATL right now. Yeah Abraham is decent, a good pass rusher more than anything but a force to be reckon with no. Kieth Brookings days has come to an end. I know physically you can lose a step here or there, but mentally he’s reacting slow on plays just overall.

By Roger

January 4, 2009 6:56 PM | Link to this

Remember we didn’t expect but 3-4 wins this year, yeah we looked new to the playoffs because we were, even our vets,Brooking and Milloy really haven’t seen a whole lot, a year to mature-We need defensive help and for the first time I feel confident going into the offseason…it hurt to end like this but at least we can look ahead and feel good about what promises to be a team to grow on!! Go Falcons!!

By Dawgs2008

January 4, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

“The with their first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select Geno Atkins from the University of Georgia.”

Mel Kiper: “The Falcons have just got the steal of the draft. He will clog up the middle for years to come. He can disrupt the line and get after the passer. Great Pick!”

By Mark

January 4, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

i THINK YOU ARE WRONG MR MOORE THE FALCONS HAVE QUITE A FEW PLAYOFF PLAYERS AND YOU FIRST LEARN HOW TO LOOSE THEN YOU WIN..THIS TEAM WILL BE BACK AND IM HOPING WITH A CORE OF THE PLAYERS WE HAVE NOW SHORE UP THE DEFENSE AND WE ARE ON THE WAY BACK..MOST IMPORTANTLY WE HAVE THE COACH AND A OWNER WHO LOVES THE FALCONS..THATS WHY OUTLOOK IS SO BLEEK FOR BRAVES NO OWNERSHIP TO LOVE THEM

By Gregory Moundine

January 4, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

I agree. You got to have a playmaker. The Falcons need a good tight end.

The Atlanta Falcons had an excellent season though they came up short. I am just a small military Soldier, but I suggest the Falcons go after a season tight end. A tight end will give QB Ryan another option which will really make Falcons complete. Take for example, Peyton to Clark, River to Gates, Thigpen to Gonzalez, and Romo to Whitten. What do all these guys have in common, a great option to throw to, a tight end. With the Falcons having great receivers, a great running back committee, and a great QB, all we are missing on Offense is a tight end. Think about it. It will make a difference.

By Chris

January 4, 2009 7:02 PM | Link to this

You can say they weren’t ready, but for a young team to play that well on the road in the playoffs, they did enough to make me believe they’ll be back.

The Falcons made some great adjustments during the game, including the short outs that Ryan was completing with ease. I truly think the Falcons would have won the game if the defense could have made a stop at the end and given Ryan another chance.

The holes in our defense need to be addressed. I’d like to see them pick up a big free agent on defense, and spend two of their top three draft picks on that side of the ball as well.

Ryan also needs another weapon — possibly at tight end.

If the Falcons continue to make good decisions at the top — and I think they will with the current GM — they will be a perennial force in the NFC South.

By Greg

January 4, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

hey terence, why not move to san-fran, and interview the 49ers full time. you write like a guy thats ticked off at steve wyche,when espn came a calling for him, instead of you. i dont know of ANYONE (thats a falcon fan)that wants to read your bashing of the falcons year in and year out. i’ll miss football season, mostly because the REAL sports writers are following spring and summer sports, now were stuck with your jibberish the next 7 months

By Boo

January 4, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this

I would like to thank Mr. Blank, Mr. Dimitroff, Coach Smith, his assistant coaches and every one of the players for making this one of the most exciting seasons in Falcon history. We will be back!

By sick to my as%%% of TM

January 4, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

TM when in the hell will you have a nice word for the falcons just good game or we will get them next time or something, you are the one who need’s to be replaced we need a writer who loves his home town team. Get Rid Of Terence Moore!!!!

By daly

January 4, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

dear,mike smith please do every one in atlanta a favor & get rid of keith brookings. HE’S to slow and has to go.And please, get a tight end, with some athletic abilitys for your quarter back, before he gets hurt.

By Howie in Augusta

January 4, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

Good piece Terrance!! You’re right on with this one…As much as I enjoyed the Falcons season I’m relieved in a way that its over…Games are too nerve-wracking!! Like Wallace, I’m an old radio guy myself…And spring is just around the corner…Can’t wait to tune in to Skip and Pete for the Braves games…What!!! Well who’s doing radio for them??Well forget that then…Can’t wait till August…Go Falcons!!!

By alkdgf

January 4, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

where does the AJC get their sportswriters? I mean, what does it say about a paper that keeps people like Moore and Schultz on the staff? The Falcons were a playoff team, because they MADE THE PLAYOFFS, unlike other “Playoff Teams” such as New England, Dallas, and Tampa Bay. Also, let me remind you Mr. Moore that the Mighty Colts also lost in their Wild Card game. Does that make them no longer a “Playoff Team?”…Why don’t you do some research before the next article you write….

By Fred B

January 4, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

Alhough i am disappointed with the outcome of the game yesterday, Wallace is right. This team is so young and inexperienced in so many spots it was gonna be hard for them to win a road playoff game even against much mailgned Cardinals team on defense. But i am proud of them regardless and can’t wait for the offseason to see what kind of moves they make to get better.

By wronskain

January 4, 2009 7:15 PM | Link to this

I have complete confidence in this coaching staff and front office. The free agents and more importantly the cuts made were excellent. I expect another off season like the past one. Great job Falcons!

By ClemsonNeil

January 4, 2009 7:27 PM | Link to this

Didn’t I tell you all that when the Falcon’s lose that T. Moore would be first in line with criticism? Last article he was the biggest Falcon’s fan… now, he the top critic. Predictable as usual.

By lonnie

January 4, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

brookings must go ….this guy is a tackling machine but he cannot cover out the backfield and you must be able to cover running backs out the backfield

By Flacco's defense

January 4, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Flacco is a playmaker, we just wanted to tell you that we won that game for him.

He completed 9-of-23 passes (39.1 percent) for 135 yards.

We came up with 4 INT, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery. Ed Reed was a better offensive player than Flacco today. We rule.

By GeorgeW

January 4, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

They are a playoff team and they do have playmakers. They came up short is all. All of this Falcon bashing from everyone is just sour grapes because you wanted more, as I did. Tell Lawyer Milloy he isn’t a playmaker or Abraham. Yes, Lawyer allowed a TD to go past him but so does Urlacher and Ray Lewis. Face it, we have a great team in the making here. They did a great job this year in the NFL’s toughest division. They just lost in the playoffs. Nothing more, nothing less. I am very proud of the organization and look forward to the draft and pre-season. For all of you trashing the Falcons, most of you (including T.M.) were merely bandwagon jumpers who only wear Falcon colors after they’ve won a few games so kindly jump back off.

By anna McKendrick

January 4, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

CONGRTULATIONS TO THE ATLANTA FALCONS FOR A SUPER GOOD YEAR. For all of you “Monday Morning Quarterback, especially journalist”. During July when training camp starts all of you replace all of these fine men and let your performance speak for you. Learn to give credit and praise rather speaking in the negative tone all of the time. Renember, No one is perfect.

By Cory B

January 4, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

Although I think Terence Moore is generally what would be called “a hater,” he has a point. You have got to have consistent playmakers and outside of Abraham, the D doesn’t have them. Offensively, Ryan and White is a good combo and Turner is solid, but…. The O-line still needs some work and I hope that Turner doesn’t get run into the ground like Earl Campbell next year. Who do we have if he is hurt? Norwood wouldn’t be able to do it. We need to look at what the Giants, Panthers and Vikings have done in having @ least 2 running backs that can run for 1,000 yards if needed.

Hopefully things will go to the next level next year and all the major players stay as healthy as they have this year.

By Craig

January 4, 2009 7:44 PM | Link to this

Moore you are the worst. Great season. Great team. Tough loss. A couple of flukey touchdowns from Arizona is what won this game for them. They were not the superior team.

That being said, we need some help in the secondary. But I think we’re going to continue to be a “playoff team” for years to come.

By savannah dawg

January 4, 2009 7:47 PM | Link to this

We need somebody like a Michael Crabtree to go along with Roddy White, and then lets get some defensive players from the SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE!

By Who

January 4, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

I’d prefer defensive players from that USC D.

And the loss certainly wasn’t a fluke, and being ho-hum about playoff losses doesn’t push a team to improve.

The offensive line got dominated. It’s no wonder Ryan and Turner struggled when the Arizona d-line was in the backfield all game long. The d-line wasn’t anything special either.

Considering the D only gave up 21 points (There was a defensive TD and a safety), which is much better than their recent output, the usually solid offense sputtered when the o-line fell apart.

By JT

January 4, 2009 8:09 PM | Link to this

I just wabt to say that Fatcco/Flatcco, what ever, is not that good.

By Jared

January 4, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this

Whenever the faclons have expectations they lose. They will go 4-12 next year. Their schedule is brutal. They have to play at Giants, Jets, Pats, Dallas, and San Fran just to name a few. They will play the NFC and AFC East next year. In addition they will get to play the every team in the NFC South twice, A division that did not have a team with a losing record.

By ONE AND DONE

January 4, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this

NOW WHERE ARE ALL THOSE, “WE’LL TAKE CARE OF THE CARDS, NO PROBLEM!” CROWD? MICHAEL TURNER CARRIED THIS TEAM ON HIS BACK. ONE MICHAEL FOR ANOTHER ONE, THAT’S ALL THAT HAPPENED

By Sonny

January 4, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this

Why wasn’t Michael Boley playing? Did he get injured early in the game. And does the Falcons keep their base defense (and all those non-covering linebackers) in on long passing downs? That doesn’t make football sense

By Jerry

January 4, 2009 8:27 PM | Link to this

If you make the playoffs after a 16 game regular season, you’re a playoff team.

This is the first year of a rebuilding process in which the Falcons had major turn over on their roster from the previous year. The organization was revamped from the top down, and had unexpected success the very first year. Any other business venture that had the type of success that the Falcons had in such a short period of time, would be heralded.

I realize that this is sports entertainment, and we look at it differently, but I think your comment would be more accurate, if you said the Falcons were not a Super Bowl team.

There is still work to be done, and I believe that the people and process that the Falcons have in place will get it done.

The expectations of everyone that I read prior to the season were exceeded, including yours.

It was a great year, and a solid foundation has been established to help the Falcons grow into a Super Bowl team.

By IceDawg

January 4, 2009 8:33 PM | Link to this

I disagree. The Falcons were a playoff team. They earned that position by their performance on the field during the season. The game yesterday was close in spite of their mistakes and Arizona’s enthusiasm and intensity. It was evident that Arizona was stoked for their game against the Falcons. The Cardinals won the game on both sides of the line period. What would the outcome have been had Atlanta had the same intensity? But what ifs are just that. The Falcons lost, go home, season is finished. Arizona moves on. It will be interesting to see what Arizona does on the road in front of a hostile crowd.

By BigPoppa

January 4, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

Great season for the Birds. Lets see what we can do in the draft this year….hopefully build a Defense. Congrats to the Cards…they played great, got all the bounces, and were offsides about 25 times that they were no called on. Good luck next week!

By Hillbilly Deluxe

January 4, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

Alex Hawkins always said playoff games come down to big plays and the team with the most big play players usually wins. Where is Captain Who these days anyway?

By crabapplejoe

January 4, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this

Daly wrote: “dear,mike smith please do every one in atlanta a favor & get rid of keith brookings. HE’S to slow and has to go” How about Lawyer “I got beat for two touchdowns in the playoffs” Milloy and Michael”I dropped an easy interception that would have given us a bye” Boley and Curtis “I have less tackles than Keith Brooking and I’m 22 years old” Lofton and John “no sacks in the playoffs” Abraham and Jamal “i’m a first round pick but can’t make a sack” Abraham. Think any of those guys might need a little re-evaluation also…or is it just Keith Brooking (no ‘s’ on the end)?

By Atlanta Fakens

January 4, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are who we thought they were! Arizone didn’t play their best game this weekend and anyone who thinks that doesn’t know anything about the NFL year. Cry and make all the excuses you want, nobody thought you were going to win, and you only proved ‘em all right. No surprise. Suck it up and accept it. Maybe 10 more years from now you’ll give it another go.

By Ron

January 4, 2009 8:45 PM | Link to this

Great season with lots of thrills. We had a excellent draft last year (08) and picked up 7-8 players who will be with us gained valuable playing time and will be in Red and White for some time.

The offense will be okay, but the change that is needed is on the defense. We need to go out and get a real defensive coordianator who will give the falcons an aggresive defensive mindset.

The current one plays too soft. We will never get to the Super Bowl with him….

By smartguy

January 4, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time for #56 to throw in the towel. Let’s face it, he peaked a long time ago. The Falcons should put a lot of emphasis on the linebacker position in the upcoming draft. James Laurinaitis out of Ohio State looks like a really nice catch if he’s available.

By X Fan

January 4, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

The falcons will finish under 500 next year. They have never had back to back winning seasons.And Terance Moore is right on.We don’t have the play makers to compete in the playoffs.Unless you compete and win in the playoffs then you haven’t done anything. The goal is to reach the SB and we don’t have enough playmakers.Good article MR Moore.I don’t think i could watch another beat down like were the Falcon just laid down and did not play.pathedic I know it takes time but they have had over 40 years to get it right.that should be amble time.

By Supes

January 4, 2009 8:48 PM | Link to this

It’s very simple.

USC Defensive Players in the draft…ANY of them would be a big improvement to the Falcons defense.

Defense needs another play making DE, another DT (that can eventually take over for Grady Jackson), two LB…replacing Brooking and Bolley, a strong safety to replace Milloy, and at least one CB to help out with the nickel package and CB depth.

On offense, much easier to look at the Falcons. A playmaking TE is a must. Look to the big 12, at least 3 playmaking TE in that conference going to the draft, maybe the Falcons can make a “Dan Reeves” move and acquire one early on or in the 2nd round.

Also work on the O-Line depth, maybe acquire 1,2 more O-Lineman.

Does anyone know how many picks do the Falcons have in the draft in 09? Not sure if we traded any away in previous drafts, etc.

By GatorHater

January 4, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

Brooking needs to go to the sunshine home. Steve Wallace, you’re a beasT! Grady is done. I thought he was going to have a heart attack. Defense wins championships, and we didn’t have it.

By BCC0224

January 4, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

I remember looking at ESPN’s preseason NFL rankings and seeing“…#32 Atlanta…”

While I’m disappointed the Falcons didn’t go further in the playoffs, they surpassed everything I thought they would do (5-11 with promise). Mike Smith earned the Coach of the Year honors and look forward to see how much better this team becomes.

By D3

January 4, 2009 8:57 PM | Link to this

First of all, by all accounts it WAS a great season. It’s hard to remember that after losing a game we should have won by all accounts. But it was a great ride, and being a season ticket holder, every game was a blast, and we were ready to play in almost every game. With all the mess that went on last year, this was an amazing surprise and enjoyable season to watch the Falcons compete and play. They left me wanting and waiting for more, and I can’t wait until the Free Agency Period and Draft.

Concerning the game, if you look at the stats it wasn’t hard to see this coming: when we don’t score first and Turner doesn’t get going, we lose, period. Ryan made some mistakes, but when your RB gains only 42 yards all game, way too much pressure was put on him to win the game. Even though its easy to place the blame on the Defense, it was a total team loss. The defense played pretty well and kept us in the game when our offense disappeared in the 3rd quarter. Even though the defense did play pretty good, it is unexcusable to give up a D@mn 3rd and 16. For some reason, I just knew we were going to give it up. Obviously, the fumble in the second half was the game-changer, but a couple of other plays made a big impact:

-that phantom whistle that the cards got was BS. Turner would have had at least 20 yds minimum -it may sound like an excuse, but their d-line was jumping early ALL game. -On the Card’s final scoring drive, we gave up like 4 3rd and longs in a row, can’t win anywhere with that.

Some of those may sound like excuses, but they were honest observations. That being said, the Cardinals wanted it more, played with more fire, and deserved to win.

It was interesting watching Joe Flacco and the Ravens today, and after having a pretty good first half, he threw for 6 yards in the second half. Its amazing watching and comparing our defense with theirs, and we had the same record, but we are light years away from them and others teams in terms of defense. Compare our defense to Carolina, Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Baltimore, Tennessee and many others……..

What moves would you guys make in the off-season? thoughts?

By Ryans Hope

January 4, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are a legitimate playoff team, Mr. Moore, and don’t use Steve Wallace’s words regarding Super Bowls to present your weak argument. It’s not a fluke when you beat 3 of the 4 playoff teams on your schedule, win 5 of your last 6 including 2 on the road, and you go 3-0 in December. This was more a case of a young team hitting a wall in a situation that they were inexperienced in dealing with as well as having been depleted somewhat from injury during the pseudo-playoff games that they had to win to make the post-season. Having said that they do have a need for improvement in several areas. They should address the 3 tiers of the defense in a similar way to how they addressed the offense this year. QB, RB and O-Line were the 3 major moves of last year’s draft and free agency; this year needs to be D-Line, Linebacker, and Secondary. We need at least one key aquisition at each tier. On offense, a tight end with receiving ability would be a plus as well, but a right guard or tackle would help also.

With respect to Steve Wallace, his expectations could be a bit elevated since he never missed a post-season and took home 3 rings. This franchise is starting from a totally different level having failed to ever put together winning seasons. That needs to be priority one in addition to getting back to the playoffs next year. I think that everyone who reads this blog knows that the Falcons aren’t a Super Bowl team yet. Duh!

By Einstein

January 4, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this

You know I bled for Kurt Warner in St. Louis so it was damned hard to root against him. I’m not unhappy that they won. The Falcons have had enough success for one season - they don’t need the monkey of a deep playoff run on their back for the coming years. They’ll get back. Everything ended as it should have. The Cards are much better than their late season performance showed, and I fully expect them to give Carolina a hell of a game next week.

Well done Birds, and go Red Birds too!

-drl

By e.b.

January 4, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

I disagree with you Terence, what else is new? You’re a sloppy writer, and you’re not too knowledgable about sports either. The Falcons need more veterans, but I don’t think they were exposed by Arizona. They lost by 6 points. They lost by a fluke fumble in the backfield. The Falcons are better than the Cardinals, and the Cardinals will get exposed next weekend. Guaranteed, these Falcons would’ve put up a better fight against Carolina than Arizona will.

By Atlanta Fakens

January 4, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this

You’re right that the Cardinals will get exposed next weekend, but you couldn’t be more wrong if you were Rosie O’donnell about thinking the Falcons are a better team.

By Cards baby!

January 4, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this

Congrats Atlanta on having a whine’ing season!

By Getaway

January 4, 2009 9:51 PM | Link to this

While it was painful to lose a winnable game, this may be the best outcome for the long term future of this franchise. If we had gotten by the Cards and had lost to Carolina or the Giants, management might not be as motivated to take a hard look at some of the players and positions that they WILL have to look at now.

As well as the offensive line played all year, they were manhandled against Ariz. That shouldn’t have been a surprise, Minn, Philly, Bucs and others did the same. They were running a max protect package on almost every play. They need 4 good lineman, so we can go back to having a tightend that can be used for something other than blocking.

Didja notice that one of our lineman lined up at TE almost as much as a TE did? BTW, a clutch pass catching good blocking TE is almost as big a priority as any other.

There are many other issues, but this is a rebuilding team and that is to be expected. Now, maybe the franchise will stick with the “process” and take steps to shore up the lines.

By D3

January 4, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this

Totally agree that the Falcons need help on every level of the defense. We’re going to need to add at least 1 or 2 through free agency.

DE Have to give Jamaal Anderson at least one more year, he showed some progress, but definitely is still not living up to his #8 overall pick status. Unless they decide to move Anderson inside and draft a DE or go after one of the big Free-Agents. Must re-sign Chauncey Davis, he’s played in every game as a Falcon and is a very servicable replacement for Abraham or Anderson should they get hurt. I think Kroy Biermann will only get better with an off-season of work and weights.

LB WOW. Serious urgency and overhaul needed here. Lofton will be a stud for long, long time, but that’s where the positives stop. Brooking has been the ultimate teammate and professional. But so was Warrick Dunn. If he wouldn’t re-sign for a cheap 1 or 2 year deal to retire as a falcon, then I hate to say its time, but it is. That’s just business. Must go after a free-agent LB. Karlos Dansby, Terrell Suggs, or Bart Scott should be top on the list. I’m sure the Ravens will either franchise or keep Suggs. Karlos Dansby would be the perfect fit for an with Lofton. Either draft an LB first or second rd. There should be plenty of good ones to choose from this year. Let Boley go, obviously he hasn’t bought in to Smitty’s concept or was a one hit wonder.

By satch

January 4, 2009 10:09 PM | Link to this

to eb:the cards know they can move the ball on carolina.they should have beat them this year.edge fumbled in the red zone.that was a very close game.the cards beat them if they run the ball.

By Eric C.

January 4, 2009 10:25 PM | Link to this

Defense needs to be focus of draft.

Speaking of playmakers…Norwood looked great the few times he got the ball. Why not give him the ball a little more with Turner not into the game?

By Terence Moore

January 4, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

Here’s the best thing about the Falcons’ situation when it comes to trying to get to the next level: They have Thomas Dimitroff as general manager.

He’s made a lot of great moves since becoming the GM last January. So, you have to think that he will continue to do so.

More playmakers on defense is a must, and we’re talking about at all levels — secondary, linebacker and line.

By RealSquawk

January 4, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this

great article you go from talking about how the falcon’s need playmakers to talking about how unprepared they were for the playoff game. then you end with a sentence on how the falcons need playmakers we know you get paid to be cynical, but at least be concise in your cynicism. You actually had some valid points though.