Jeff Schultz

By Nerds just whooped your ----

December 7, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

It’s time to get real re: Falcons. Matt Ryan is All Pro and the Falcons are great. Rookie Coach Smith isn’t great at all. Better than Mora and Petrino, but barely. Walks the sidelines like an Alzheimer’s patient. Jamaal Anderson is the invisible man and clearly a bust. Falcons will earn a wild card spot despite the rookie head coach and Jamaal Anderson.

By N2Pain

December 7, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

No, this wasn’t a surprising call from Coach Rookie Smith. He is weak and a terrible play caller and decision maker. He is fortunate to have this gig and is even more lucky to have this future HOF player making plays. Smith is weak and uses poor judgement. Same last week. and by the way, where did Jamaal Anderson go after he had his 1st sack in 2 years several weeks ago?

By N2Pain

December 7, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Falcons will earn a wild card spot because of Matt Ryan but they will never beat the Saints in New Orleans. It would be nice if John Abraham had a DE on the other side but Falcons elect not to play 2 DEs. Oh, my bad, Jamaal Anderson did dress out. He just didn’t play.

By bocabrave

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

the cretins on this blog are unbelievable. Smith is a good coach who will get better. It was a close call, but if he had gone for it on fourth and five and not made it, the same non-achieving dodos on the blog would have been the first to criticize the decision. We’re 8 and 5!! Who would have guessed.

By cb

December 7, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

The one weakness that this team has, and it is a glaring one, is d-line (with the exception of Abraham and Babineaux). The defensive secondary is not good enough to cover for an inadequate pass rush. The linebackers are not attacking the gaps and are in dire need of upgrading (just not very effective). Dimitroff will have to address these two weaknesses in the offseason. Nicholas should be given more playing time. Brooking has been a great player for us but his lack of speed and aggresiveness is a liability that is becoming all too apparent week to week and opposing coordinators are taking advantage. Also Andersen is a complete nonfactor in the pass rush. This is totally unacceptable for a first round pick (he is adequate in run support but nonexistent in the pass rush!!) As I stated last week—-scheme is the only “quick fix” for our defense this year. I applaud the effort on the offensive side of the ball. Ryan, White, Jenkins and Finn all showed up today. The offensive line didn’t open any holes after the first quarter and the run game was not a factor. Special teams were terrible today. We’re going to need a much better effort next week. Smith can’t afford to play the percentages with a defense like the one we have. Maybe next year after major personnel changes, BUT NOT THIS YEAR. GO FALCONS!!!

By Ron Roberts

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

N2Pain it’s fans like you who ruin the rep for the rest of us.

Coach Smith made the decision that kept the Falcons in the game longer… you seem to forget he’s a former defensive coordinator, and sometimes as a coach, you have to show confidence in your guys and put the onus on them.

His decision meant the game wouldn’t have been over sooner than it was. What if we’d stuffed ‘em with a 4-and-out? What if we’d rushed Brees into an errant pass that we snagged for a winning score?

Or, in your case, what if we’d not made it on 4th down inside our own 35? Game over, right there.

He gave the team more than just one play to win the game.

By Zach

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

Geez, a tough loss on the road, and the home team dominates this division, and now Mike Smith is a terrible coach.

No, he’s not a terrible coach. But he made a terrible mistake in this game. I couldn’t believe we were going to give the ball back to them. As soon as we punted, I knew the game was over.

If we fail on 4th down, and they get 1 first down, they kick a field goal and win. If we punt and they get a first down, they run the clock out and win, or give us like 10 seconds.

You have to let Ryan win or lose the game. Not the defense, who did nothing all day long.

By Daivd

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

Last Drive:
Take the ball out of your best players hands. Put the ball in your worst players hands (defense). I would have preferred Matt Ryan try to get the first down on 4th instead of reling on my defense (who had not stopped the Saints offense). I knew that once they punted the game was over, I turned the tv off after that.
I don’t think I have ever seen a worst defense than the one I saw today by the falcons, and a worse call at the end of the game. It funny how just about everyone else on the planet knew what was going to happen and the coach did not. I hope he gets smarter as he gets more experienced.

By Mixxo

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

Ryan’s right. If we make plays on 2nd & 3rd down, we don’t have to worry about 4th down. We didn’t make the plays, special teams sucked, we didn’t make adjustments with our run D, etc.

This one hurt. I hope we can get it back together for TB. Another loss …… we can forget about a wild card spot.

By stendec

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

Bye bye playoffs! A legitimate playoff team defeats the Saints in a must-win showdown. Keith “No Tackle” Brooking continues to kill a pathetic Falcon defense! This guy is a complete oxygen waste! Always out of position. Cannot cover let alone tackle an elderly one-legged woman in a damn wheelchair! Hey Mike “I Trust My No-Stop Defense” Petrino! A word of not-so-friendly advice. When the Falcon defense cannot stop the Twilight School Of The Blind all f+cking day do not punt the ball in the final minutes and allow them to run out the damn clock. F+cking idiot! Matt Ryan did okay but his misfire to Brian Finneran cost the Falcons the win. The Falcon runners f+cking gave up! A totally pathetic uneffort in such a critical matchup. Do not get me started on the Falcon unspecial teams! Somewhere a dog killer thug is smiling. F+ck you Falcons for allowing him to do so. Heartless curs! I guess 8-8 is not too bad for apologists. Join the f+cking Thrasher Close Losses Are Joyful Fan Club!

By Otis

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

This is the second game,the first being Denver that the Coaches stuck with the run too long or too much(howerever you look at it). I understand that they are trying to establish and identity, but not at the cost of a W.

We should have won both of those ball games. But they did not give Ryan the opportunity.

By Brandon

December 7, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Nerds-

You don’t know what you’re talking about. Coach Smith has been great for this organization.

You may be right on Anderson, but he could also find a way to play much better.

You are definitely correct on Matt Ryan.

But Coach Smith runs this team much more professionally than either Mora or Petrino ever did. Coach Smith is the reason for the winning attitude of this team.

By Mixxo

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

Otis - We should be 10-3 right now. Jus sayin’

By Brandon

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

stendec-

what is your problem?

By chris

December 7, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Here’s why you have to go for it. If you get the first down, great. If you don’t then they either A) get no first down and punt, or B) get one first down and kick a field goal or C) get two first downs and potentially score.

If A or B happens, you have a chance to tie or win the game. If C happens, well then you didn’t stop them and it doesn’t matter where they are on the field, so you gain nothing by punting.

By Tom

December 7, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Now we start the Falcon bashing…but remember…thirteen games ago we could not not even talk playoffs. This was a team that was not supposed to win but 2-3 games during a rebuilding process. Playoffs or not…this is a winning team that will probably go 10-6. come on…what more can you ask for ? Bad decision by M. Smith for not staying with the offense, but this has been only one of very few bad decisions made by this coaching staff. Think next year and then start to complain about playoffs.

By ryanm

December 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

just like every other game this season, not just players but coachs also lean from mistakes. Trust if smitty had that one back he would go for it on fourth. But as crazy as this might sound this could be the loss that gives the players a nasty enough taste in their mouths to go on a roll.

By PlusSizeModel

December 7, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

I agree with this analysis wholeheartedly. I’d like to think Smith is not one of the guys who punts instead of putting his neck on the line and challenging his players. It seemed like he was the latter in the Carolina game, but who knows. Smith’s judgement on when to throw out the red flag is dicey as well. Hopefully these are rookie mistakes.

The Falcons are still in great shape though. A division title would’ve been nice though, needless to say.

By Barton

December 7, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

This is laughable..disappointing loss- yes.. over-achieving season? Bigger yes.. do not throw anyone on this team under the bus when a preseason favorite to make the playoffs beats the falcons by a slim margin at home.. 10-6 will still be good for a wild-card especially if the falcons can stop AP and Minnesota (gus is hurt and tavaris is bad.. we can throw all over that team).. AND PLEASE don’t even start saying Smith is a bad coach.. Parcells couldn’t do with this team what Smith and Dimitroff have and neither could Bill Cowher if you’re a bigger fan of him than Parcells. how have the falcons always rebounded from a loss? With a win.. expect this team to show up at home against Tampa and for Ryan to look alot better than he did in the first outing.. Being a true fan is like being married.. Through good, bad, thick-thin, in sickness and in health and even when the temptation of a bandwagon story becomes too much.. you gotta always stay faithful

By curtis

December 7, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Give this team a chance! This team is still a work in progress. So what if they don’t make the playoffs. We have a good coach and a budding superstar in a quaterback. Smith and Dimitroff will build this team! This team beat the odds and showed all the doubters that we can win more than one game. Don’t bash them because we lost a game. If anything we’re gaining a potential playoff team in the years to come. I’m proud of them anyway. We’re just going to get better!

By HJones

December 7, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Matt Ryan should have been unleased early in the game to pass more. He was the one who was hot today. It was obvious Turner was not making any yards but we kept trying the same thing again and again in every series. I am saying it was play calling throughout the game that lost this game. Mike Smith does not call the plays. By the way, what has happened to Norwood? He has not had a decent play in several weeks. LET MATT RYAN BE MATT RYAN AND QUIT TRYING TO FORCE THE RUN WHEN IT IS NOT THERE!!!!

By PlusSizeModel

December 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

stendec: you couldn’t look dumber for your post. I find it amazing you figured out how to post in bold text. Go backhand your wife or something, tool.

By Brent S.

December 7, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Ryan is right, even though I disagreed with the coaches call on 4th and 5 to punt instead of go for it, if you make the plays you need to on 2nd and 3rd downs then you don’t have to worry about 4th and whatever. I actually said to myself b4 Ryan’s INT, “Don’t throw it over the……” I know he wishes he could have it back. Our two main achilles heals today were our p** poor defense and our special teams. If our ST stuffs that last return at the 20-25 yrd line and the defense could hold them, then we DO get the ball back with 2+ minutes left to go in the game. But letting the Saints ran it back, there is just NO excuse for that crap!

By crabapplejoe

December 7, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Brandon wrote: “stendec- what is your problem?

Dude, pay no attention to Stendec. Keith Brooking beat him up in high school and stole his girlfriend. So every week, win or lose, he blames Keith “no tackle” Brooking for the loss. Statistics don’t matter to him. For instance, the fact that Brooking was the leading tackler on the Falcons today has no bearing on his rants. You notice he doesn’t blame Michael Boley for dropping the sure interception that would have sealed a win for the Falcons yet rants about Brooking. It must have been a terrible beat down back in high school. Even though it was a loss I was proud of the Falcons today. Ryan and Roddy were great…Finn stepped up at the right times. Everybody in the NFC South is loosing on the road. We’re going into the last few weeks of the season still talking playoffs. Everybody lighten up.

By PlusSizeModel

December 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

For the record: Norwood has dicey ribs right now. You could tell he wasn’t himself and he wasn’t really in the game plan. This being said: why Harry Douglas isn’t returning kickoffs is even more of a mystery.

By Russ

December 7, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Come on. Ive been a fan since the 60,s. I used to be sick to my stomach all week after a loss (many nauseating weeks). I bailed when blank fired Reeves. Never could buy into Mora and the thugs (Reeves seemed to keep Vick and his buddies in line). I am happy to say I love this team and the coaches. I am getting that old feeling back after losses and I think it will continue. We lost a game today that the Saints just wanted more. Sure there are problems but I feel confident they will be fixed. Thank you coach Smith for bringing integrity and decency back to Atlanta.

By Navigator

December 7, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

I’m not forgetting this is a re-build year with, rookie head coach, rookie QB, first time(starting) running back. Sorry offensive line (showing lots of growth). Mishmash defense, needing some serious overhauling, and amazingly the team is 8-5, with still an outside chance at a wildcard berth. All and all, this team is moving fast in the right direction. Off season, they need some pass rusher either through the draft, or free agency, worst case a trade for draft picks.

By Matt

December 7, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Why in the hell did we punt the ball with 3:23 left and 2 timeouts? We’re down 4. GO FOR IT! Ryan and the offense looked a lot better than the D today. The worst that can happen is we don’t convert. Guess what, we still have to stop them on Defense. The difference is 40 yards, but they still would have had about 40 yards to go for a TD. If you hold them to a FG, you’re still only down 7. Either way you need a touchdown.

In sports, all you can ask for is a chance. When we elected to punt the ball, I knew we’d never see it again. It’s tough to lose knowing you didn’t give it your best shot. Easily the worst decision by the Falcons this year.

By Troothsayer

December 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Yep, Boley dropped a ball that a 10 year old could catch. Ball GAME !!!!

By Jared

December 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

I’m usually the first to point out a bad decision, but in this case, I think Smith made the right call.

He’s had too many moments of trying to hunker down on a lead throughout the season, but this time, with that much time on the clock and two timeouts, you have to give your defense a chance to make a stop.

This was always going to be a tough game to win because, like the Falcons, the Saints are tough to beat in their dome. Only 1 loss there this year.

Good news is the Cowboys lost too, so Atlanta is still in the thick of it.

If we can beat the Rams and get a win against Tampa or Minnesota, I still like our chances.

Apart from a good all-around TE and depth on the line, our offense is set for the forseeable future.

Dimitroff can spend his draft almost exclusively on upgrading our defensive line and secondary.

By slim

December 7, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Horrible call to punt on the 4th and 5, but oh well. Someone needs to have Coach Smith read Easterbrook’s columns on when to punt and when not to punt.

But overall, I still support Smith and the rest. Like most Falcon fans, I’m dumbfounded and numb that Ryan is this good this early in his career. He’s not perfect—yet, but wow does he make some clutch 3rd down throws.

By eddie dawg

December 7, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

THE MORONS ON THIS BLOG CALLING MIKE SMITH AN IDIOT ARE DELUSIONAL…….WE ARE 8-5 AND WERE PREDICTED TO WIN 2 FREAKING GAMES……DALLAS LOST TODAY…….WE ARE FINE-IF WE BEAT TAMPA, WE GO-GET OFF THIS BLOG YOU LOSERS AND GET BEHIND THIS TEAM-MATT RYAN IS AMAZING!

By SK

December 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Give the ball to play maker, that is your QB!! Defense is just awful today, how can Smith bank on defense, definitely bad call by the coach!

By Joseph Allen McWhorter

December 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Good article, Jeff. Right now, I just hope that the Falcons get into the playoffs as a wild card. A 10-6 record should do it. They will need to win two more games and I like their chances. They play Tampa in the Georgia Dome next Sunday and then have games against the Vikings and the Rams. Tampa will be a tough game but the birds should be able to beat Minnesota and St. Louis. A playoff birth would really be a lot of momentum for the Falcons for next season. I think they will be one of the elite teams in the league next season. They just need to draft defensive help next April. I absolutely love to watch Matt Ryan play. That guy is awesome and he will only get better with more experience. Go Falcons! Make the playoffs!

By Manny

December 7, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t care about the score of this game.

If you told me at the end of last year that the Falcons would win 8 games next year, I would have laughed hysterically. As a matter of fact, I laughed hysterically at those people who thought that they would win 6.

What you have to understand is that the Falcons are a good team. They are going to make mistakes. Make bad calls. Make bad passes.

But this team is going to be good for a long time.

Maybe it’s me, but I will not be all bummed if the Falcons don’t make the playoffs. Not being a laughingstock is reward enough for me.

By Bandwagon Jumper

December 7, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I’m on board!! I love the way this Falcons team is winning and competing. The run game is solid and the passing game is VERY impressive.

Have a little perspective people. You’d have been happy with 6 wins this year and now some of you morons want the coach gone!!?? This guy is dragging what was a shambles of a football team around the league and winning games! Give the guy a break. This team is growing up right in front of you, enjoy it.

By wow

December 7, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

too bad we cant play in the west division like the braves used to…

By Erk

December 7, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Jeff Schultz- You’re saying Matt Ryan turned into Mike Vick? If I was Ryan I would come down to the AJC and slap the taste out of your mouth. Mike Vick couldn’t carry Ryan’s jock.

By cee dee

December 7, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

I agree,let Matt throw when the runs not working. M. TURNER doesn’t find holes when there not there, he just runs into the pile and fall.

By Sarah B

December 7, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Quit with all the naysayers! We are 8-5, what are you b!tching about???? We were predicted to win 1-3 games. Ryan is for real and he will be here for a long time as well as Turner, White, Jenkins ect… What we need is a big turnout at the Dome next Sunday to make it impossible for Tampa to hear a single call - and not just on 3rd down. Be perpared to lose your voice next week, I am! Get there early and make some noise instead of showing up in the 2nd qtr like usual. Be there for the singing of the National Anthem like you should be. Be there for the TEAM running out on the field for a change… get your nachos at a commercial for Gods Sake. Holla Loud and make us proud! It worked against the Panthers and it can work again!!!!!

Go FALCONS! Be at Falcons Landing for the fabolous Drumline pregame - Just be there!!! I will be.

Sarah B

By Gray Mule

December 7, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

As great as he was today, and he was magnificent, Ryan cost us the game early when he completed that pass, not to a Falcon, to a Saint. Then, the special team let us down with that long return of a kick. Finally, Falcons defense couldn’t stop the run, especially late when everyone knew the run was coming. Yet they gave up two first downs and that was the end.

Gray Mule

By T-rock

December 7, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Are you people CRAZY!!!! SI had us winning 1 , I repeat 1 game this year!! What this team has done is freaking awesome. I have been a Falcons Fan since 1966 - through Nobis, Randy Johnson, Ernie Wheelwright, Big Claude Humphrey, Cannonball Butler, etc.etc. There were years where a game like this would have been a “Victory”. Matt Ryan is without a doubt “the real deal”. The direction that we are going is lights years from where we were for the last five/six years. You people wise up and “show up” for Tampa Bay in the Dome - “Defend the Dome”!!!!

By Ron

December 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I believe the coach needs to take the blame for this lost. Not going for it on fourth down with three minutes remaining was a huge mistake. Ryan did an awesome job today.

By wayner

December 7, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

SMIT H AND THE FALCONS ARE DOING GR. WHATS YOUR PROBLEM . GO BIRDS

By Sarah B

December 7, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Plus Dallas lost and barely moved ahead of us in the tie-breaker… we need to be out in full force next Sunday! Come on y’all show up for this game…Beat the Bucs just like the Panthers!!! Play like a team next week - just like last week smack down of the Chargers - despite the refs….

Rock On!!!

By Rod

December 7, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Mike Smith has to many mental melt downs on the sideline to be the head coach. He makes bad calls to throw the red flag when clearly the saints got the first down on 4th and 1. You can tell by the facials he makes he is losing his mind on the sideline. McClure and Roddy are either throwing the defense under the bus or calling out the head coach. Maybe before the season we didn’t expect much but now we see we have the most talented players recievers running backs and QB in the league that we should win be a superbowl contender but the coaches are costing us games.

By southernbryd55

December 7, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

well we did it again, out of four loses three should have been wins, easily, but do to coaches with no balls we may be out of the wildcard hunt. Sundays games against Tampa is a must win, the good part is its at the dome, hummmm,don’t get me wrong the Falcons are good this year but are lacking in backup, at running back, norwood would do better as a wide out, a lack of consistence leaves him not what the Falcon needs right now, we need back up to Turner that defenses also fear,also that wears down defenses quickly.

Douglas is a much better punt returner than Norwood, even though he young he runs 10 times harder and avg more yardages.with little over 5 mis left ,you got 4th and five, you have avg 6.2 per yards and knowing your defense had been shredded all day, call a time out and go for the win, thanks coach you did just what shawn though you would do, attah boy! keep making dump decision and you will be looking at 2007 all over again, the different these Falcons have made is the challenging of the natural, ordinary, and daily routine, another dump moves like that, at least go down fighting on the battles field not on the side line.

the Defense is fair ,but to many guys play to far off and linebackers need more speed, it seems to me to prevent long bombs is dont give the quarterback anyone to throw to, if these guys cant cut it, then change your scheme, we dont want the defense to be the Steelers but play like them , man per man. you got two men on defense that somewhat feared only , Abraham and Malloy, that 9 more player who arent in the game, when all eleven arefeared then you are playing defense, FALCON DEFENSE!!!! oh yeah Coach Smith, dont take your meds before the game ,you have much bigger balls when you do.

By johns creek

December 7, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

What team are you morons watching. The falcons are 8 and 5! We are not going to win every game, but we will be in all of them. Give Mike Smith all the credit. He has done well and will continue to do so. Its a new year and a new team. Defensive help will come in the draft next year. Lets all get on board with this team and enjoy the ride!

By Eric C.

December 7, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

I have to disagree with you about the decision to punt. The Saints were celebrating a win as soon as the ball left the right foot of Koenen. The Falcons defense was playing horribly…especially against the rush.

On the other hand, Ryan had completed big pass after big pass all day in the crunch. I like his chance of making 5 yards against the defense holding Brees to a 3 and out.

NOT ONLY THAT…but if they don’t get the 4th down conversion…then worst case you try to hold the Saints to a field goal try which would put them up by 7 and that is not a death nail…it is certainly better than not getting the ball back.

It was a bad call…but the Falcons are still in good shape. I like their chances to win out from here and go to 11-5.

By Reg L

December 7, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Blame this one on special teams. They played awful today. Mike Smith should have definitely went for the 4th and 5…they should have won this game. Ouch and ouch again.

By BOB

December 7, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Fellas, relax…..Coach Smith is not a bad coach at all, in fact he has established a winning attitude in this locker room. One mistake doesn’t make him Bobby Petrino. Don’t worry, the Cowboys lost and they will lose at LEAST one more game, because they play New York and Philly. So the Falcons still have a GREAT shot at makin the playoffs

By The Grinch

December 7, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Mike Smith is a fine coach, and his attitude towards the players is one of the main reasons we’ve won 8 games. He had a visible meltdown today when the threw the red flag and never recovered; the punt call with three left was the worst decision he’s made all year. But he’ll learn from it, and we’ll be a fine team for years to come (especially after we get a little more talent on defense).

To the two people here who’ve posted that it was the right call, it’s only the right call if your offense has been stymied all day and your defense has been lights out. The situation was exactly the opposite. It was simply a very bad call.

Jeff, good article, but it really is a gross insult to Ryan to imply in any way he’s become like Vick. Whatever your intentions were, you ought to apologize.

By Bruno T

December 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I also thought the decision to punt with 3:30 remaining and a defense that didn’t stop them all day was a mistake. Even had they stopped them, it would have burned off so much time a touchdown drive would have been even less likely than getting 5 yds on 4th down.

And is it just me or has Norwood gotten very stumble-footed this season? His kickoff returns were especially unspectacular.

If you can’t be N.O. when it matters I doubt reaching the playoffs will result in anything but another loss. I think it would be a shame to make them and consider the season a “success” which could lead to complacency instead of some needed changes.

At least they’re competitive this year, I suppose.

By Supes

December 7, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

True Falcons fan should be happy that the team is 8 - 5 and playing hard! That’s what we should be focused on instead of blaming coach Mike Smith for punting the football (which was the right thing to do) Had plenty of time, stop the clock 3 more times. Our Defense, which got shredded against the run should have manned up and stopped the saints but they didn’t. That loss is on the D-line and LB inability to stuff Pierre Thomas.

Remember this team is really about 2 years away from being competitive in the playoffs.

Give the team, the staff, our GM 2 more years in the draft and FA.

If they aren’t legit playoff contenders then, we should be asking questions.

By thegreatvermonter

December 7, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

It is funny to see so many people bashing the Falcons. I would be willing to bet many of the bashers thought the team should have drafted Glenn Dorsey. Also, who thought this team would be 8-5 right now? Also, look at the home records of teams in the division. Fact of the mater is, this team has a chance of making the playoffs. So, before going on a rant about how bad the team played, remember that you guys ranting probably a) just jumped on the bandwagon or b) honestly do not know what you are talking about

By Beryl Polonium

December 7, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Why doesn’t this blog have to deal with the stuff the beat blog puts up with?

The Falcons are missing a few pieces, duh. However, all teams are missing pieces, so there’s still a chance for the playoffs.

Boley makes that interception. Special teams stops the run back. The defense stops the screen. The D line stops the run. Turner runs better at the line, rather than having to have a whole to burst through every time. Any of these happen, and the Falcons win.

Coach Smith may have missed the call to go for it on 4th down. That doesn’t bother me TOO much. I find it hard to fault Coach Smith. I find him to be the right mix of passion and prescience. Matt Ryan was superb.

NO and Brees were firing on all cylinders today. The Falcons had to be perfect to win today, and they almost did. The birds have been in every single game this year.

By Gary

December 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

I can not I am reading this stuff. We were predicted to win one or 2 games. We have a rookie QB. A new head coach learning on the fly and a GM that has shown guts. To even complain that we lost a game on the road and already have 8 wins already is insane. All you nitpickers better get your head out of your booze and realize how great this is so soon after Petrino walked out in the middle of a season and Vick stabbed this team and city in the heart as well as all those poor dogs.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Mike Smith is coach of the year hands down. He may have made one bad play call but that doesn’t change the incredible job he has done with his team. There are plenty of reasons for the Falcons’ surprising season — Ryan, Turner, Mularkey, and the tissue-soft schedule being among them — but Mike Smith is the biggest. That “smoke-and-mirrors” defense has been getting it done with smoke and mirrors this year in large part because of Smith’s system.

“Jeff, good article, but it really is a gross insult to Ryan to imply in any way he’s become like Vick.”

I believe he was mentioning that the coaching staff screwed Ryan out of a chance to win the game, just as the coaching staff screwed Vick out of a chance to put up better numbers and lead the team to more victories in his final two seasons in Atlanta. In that sense Schultz is on point.

By This Gets Old

December 7, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Some of you people are pathetic. It’s almost as if you can’t wait for the damned team to lose. We have the same record as the Patriots and Cowboys and you guys are b***’. Unfreaking believable. Worst sports town in America.

By DC

December 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

I do not usually make comments on blogs but I have to make an exception in this case. I place the blame for the loss to the Saints squarely on the shoulders of Mike Smith.

The Falcons had not stopped the Saints all day. There was absolutely no reason to think that with 3:20 left in the game that they would start stopping them then. The Falcons were in a 4th and 5 situation and we punted the ball away.

That coaching blunder cost us an opportunity. So what if we went for it on 4th down and failed? The very worse that could happen was for us to lose the game. Guess what coach Smith, we lost anyway with no opportunity. If we had gone for it on that 4th and 5 we may have completed the pass and went on to score. If our history throughout the day was to stop them, I would have agreed with the decision but that wasn’t the history now was it coach Smith?

Mr. Blank, proper time management of a game clock is essential for a head coach. If coach Smith continues to make stupid decisions at this point of a game, find someone who can. There may have been a reason why he was an assistant coach for so long. Maybe he can’t handle the big chair as we first thought. Going for it on that 4th down play was an elementary school decision given the fact that we had not stopped them 99.9 percent of the day.

By stendec

December 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Watched the NFL Rookie Of The Year tonight! I love and appreciate Falcon Matt Ryan but Raven QB Flacco (sp?) has something the former BC QB does not. What? A defense which is worth a damn! Hear that son of a b+tch Keith “No Tackle” Brooking? Offense sells tickets but defense does what? Something to do with championships. Right!

By htwo0rider

December 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

stendec you need anger management. the rest of you tards need to settle down. The Saints have the number one offense in the nfl. They average almost 30 points per game.

The Falcons have been far more successful this season than any of you could have dreamed. After the Falcons beat the Bucs, everybody will be back on board.

The NFC South is turning out to be the best division in the NFL. The fact that our Birds are in the race is remarkable. The Broncos lead the sorry AFC West with an 8-5 mark while the Falcons are third with the same record.

Obviously with success, expectations become much higher. If any of the media experts (oxymoron) had predicted the Falcons 8-5 start….aw c’mon. Could any of you thought this was possible? ? ? ?

By C

December 7, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Schultz,

Never EVER put Matt Ryan and Mike Vick in the same sentence again. Mike Vick can’t hold Ryan’s jock.

Go Falcons!!!

By webhead

December 7, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Falcons win in spite of defense, not because of it. That being said ,I’m very proad of this team and love this head coach. He’s the best 1 we’ve had since Dan Reeves. Rookie coach= rookie mistake.It will get better.Also wish they would pass more to open up running game,it was brutal watching Turner getting stuffed at the line.But if they don’t win another game this year it will still have been a great season, so enjoy the 2008 Atlanta Falcons

By Sarah B

December 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

For once stendec is right and I don’t feel the need to tell him to go away… show up at the Dome next Sunday stendec…. see you there, maybe - you don’t strike me as a season ticket holder….

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Stendec, I too think that Flacco is every bit as good as Ryan, but your argument is the dumbest sh-t I have ever heard in my life. If Flacco wins offensive rookie of the year it’s not gonna be because he has a better defense, it’s gonna be because he ended up with a better record with a tougher schedule.

By webhead

December 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Falcons win in spite of defense, not because of it. That being said ,I’m very proad of this team and love this head coach. He’s the best 1 we’ve had since Dan Reeves. Rookie coach= rookie mistake.It will get better.Also wish they would pass more to open up running game,it was brutal watching Turner getting stuffed at the line.But if they don’t win another game this year it will still have been a great season, so enjoy the 2008 Atlanta Falcons

By badcall

December 7, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

The reason Coach smith should not have punted was even if we had not gotten the first down on fourth & five we would have had to stop the saints any way to get ball back and they could have only added 3 points on a field goal which we would have at least had a chance to tie it up with a touch down. It just did not make any since, you have to go for it at that point, nothing showed at anytime during the game that our defense could stop them, Smith said they were playing the odds, the only good odds was to leave it in Ryans hands.

By Mac

December 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

DE-FENSE OR The Lack There Of..Cost Us The Game!

Take Back 7 Points On The Interception And We Are The Winer’s!

I AGREE With Most Others Who Say SMITH Should Have GONE For It On 4th Down..I Had Rather See What Ryan Could Come Up With On 4th & 5..Than Turn It Over To A WOEFUL Defense That Had NOT Done Much Of Anything All Day!!!! Tampa Bay Will REAM A New A** Come Sunday..They Will Show The Falcons What A DEFENSE Is All About!!

By cityofdecatur

December 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

GO FALCONS team sport Coach made right call and we came up short. D needs to make a stop. New Orleans played the best they have all year kudos to them. Focus on next week and Beat Tampa. bunch of whiners on this blog. Go Falcons Beat Bucs!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 7, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

“Never EVER put Matt Ryan and Mike Vick in the same sentence again. Mike Vick can’t hold Ryan’s jock.”

Ryan would do pretty damn good for himself to make the 2nd round of the playoffs this year, the NFC Championship Game in his 2nd year as a starter, and three Pro Bowls in his first 4 years as a starter. You know, like that Vick guy did. It’s nice to see that at least one AJC columnist was able to clear the cobwebs out of his memory long enough to remember the great things Vick did for this team. You’d be well advised to do the same.

By Getaway

December 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Dallas lost and Washington is losing as I write. If Baltimore wins then, we can beat out the Redskins by winning 2 or the next 3. We’re still tied with the Cowboys who play the Giants next week. We really need to win out to eliminate the Cowboys. After how sorry they played against the Steelers, you gotta like the Giants chances.

The Saints have to win out and we still hold the tie breaker over them. They needed a blowout win against us and didn’t get it. We’re still in the drivers seat for a wildcard. But unless Carolina wins Monday, that is all we can hope for now.

By Singletary

December 7, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

No props for White and Jenkins? Clearly, Roddy remembered the Denver game. He wasn’t giving up on any ball today. We had a ‘Skins fan watch with us, and he said Matty Ice was better than Peyton-esque.

Yes, the D let us down today. Was Bush the variable that we had to keep plugged? I just didn’t see the LBs much at all so I have to believe they were run-stopping.

Mike Smith is a smart coach. He just gambled with his heart that his D would rally. They didn’t.

By Birds Fan

December 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Falcons are doing great including the coach this year. LQQK at the record you complainers - at the start of the season very few thought Falcons would have this many wins this year. I choose to thank the Team for a great season - playoffs or not this year. It is fun and exciting to watch the Falcon games. OK so Birds were “off” in some areas today. I still have full confidence that they are winners and look forward to the remainder of this season and next year. Thanks Birds.

By J Mills

December 7, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Our weak links continue to be Jamaal Anderson and Keith Brooking. They are killing us to stop the pass and run. Oh yea, Brooking does eventually jump on the pile 10 yards down field.

By werewasdefense

December 7, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

We had to play two deep safety because their quarterback would have picked us apart like they did against Greenbay, but our linebackers were needed heavly to step up they didn’t bottom line, out line is weak but our outside linebackers did a poor job of containing the draws and outside runs. We are growning, still need a few components to get team ready for a realy super bowl run.

By nighmoves

December 7, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

I find it hard to comprehend that someone could be a fan of a team, even a sport with the type of venom being spewed by some over this loss. Like Shultz, I question turning it back over to the D at that point given the day they were having, but for some to personally attack the coach and the players as if they’d killed your mother, go be a Philly fan. Better yet, take some anger management classes.

I’m disappointed in the loss, but am thankful for the great entertainment this year from Ryan, Turner, Norwood, White, Jenkins, Abe, Babs and many others, oh yeah, and Smitty…

Beat the Bucs!

By Dr. Warren

December 7, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Jeff was not far off. Matt Ryan did evoke Vick today in one special way: he came close to taking over the game. Vick, you all must admit, for all his flaws, could do just that by the 2002 season (his second). Ryan for the first times showed flashes of the dominant—and infinitely more consistent—quarterback that he’ll become barring injuries.

By Ron Roberts

December 7, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Eric C. “worst-case scenario” is not failing to convert on 4th and 5 inside our own 35 and giving up a field goal; it would’ve been not converting it, giving up a TD and being out of the game that much sooner.

Those of you who rail on Coach Smith for not going for it because our defense failed to stop the Saints enough today, pay attention: You’re contradicting yourself. Pay attention.

If the Falcons failed to convert on 4th and 5 inside Falcons’ territory, what on earth makes you think they’d alluva sudden be able to hold the Saints to only a field goal at that point? What, they’ll be more stout with the shadows of the goalpost on their backs as opposed to punting the Saints back deep? Please.

It’s the law of averages, and Smith figured he had better odds in kicking the ball. Why?

Because if we go for it on 4th down, we give ourselves that one play, potentially, to stay in the game.

If we kicked it away, we give ourselves that kick and the four downs (or fewer) to either stuff the Saints’ and get the ball back or have ‘em cough up the ball. That’s a potential for five or more plays to make something positive happen vs. “make 4th and 5 or it’s over.”

Calling Coach Smith’s decision “horrible” or saying that going for it was a “no-brainer” - they’re both overstatements.

If you want to say it was a conservative call, that’s fine; I don’t have a problem with, personally.

and those of you railing on he defense - did it not occur to you that we were facing the NFL’s most-potent offense - in THEIR dome with the return of Reggie Bush to their arsenal???

You folks do realize the Saints were averaging 33.6 points per game at the Superdome, right?

Or did you….

By Exodus Mentality

December 7, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

@ Najeh - Schultz meant exactly what Erk thought he meant. Everyone wants Matt Ryan to be the savior for this team, like Vick was. And while Ryan has been outstanding this year, it’s quite a bit too early to be anointing him the second coming of anyone. Remember Cleveland’s super 1st year QB last year. That guy may never start another NFL game, but last year he was hailed as the future of the franchise and people were debating where Brady Quinn would end up.

This whole article is about wanting Ryan to be Vick in terms of on field performance and in terms of bringing the franchise back to national prominence. Ryan ran 12 yards, in 5 seconds, while everyone had their backs turned, and all of a sudden he’s compared to Vick as a play maker. Evidently some idiot thinks so, because when they really needed a play on that failed final drive today, some idiot decided to pretend that Matt Ryan was Mike Vick and called a QB draw. Poor Matty never had a chance. He may one day resemble Peyton (with a lot of work), but he’ll never even do a poor imitation of Vick’s athleticism and individual play making ability.

Obviously, Ryan has made a few nice plays with his arm this year, and it’s stood out even more because he’s a rookie, and because of how bad the Falcons performed last year. But in spite of good looking stats today, Ryan missed several key open receivers, and was bailed out on a number of bad passes, floaters and late passes, that receivers reached back and grabbed.

Furthermore, this is an entirely different team than last year’s team, and it has much less to do with Matt Ryan, than it does with the improved coaching and front office. This was a team in disarray from top to bottom last year, and everyone wants to lay most of the blame on Vick. That’s just as ridiculous as saying that Matt Ryan is the main reason behind the Falcons’ resurgence this year.

The lack of experience in game management caught up with us today, but this Falcons team is so much better than the Saints, that it should never have come to that. Did Coach Smith make a bad call in the end? I say no. The defense is much better than they showed today. They were due for a stop. They could and should have gotten the stop in that situation. An earlier post pointed out that Smith went for the best chance to have several chances to get back into the game, rather than bet it all on one play with a QB who was not really that sharp today. This game wasn’t won or lost on that play. The inability to slow the Saints run game (7+ yds/carry is ultimately ridiculous) from the very start of the game is what did us in today.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 7, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Everyone read Exodus Mentality’s post for some truth. Thanks for saying it better than I did. I still don’t agree with Smith’s call to punt the ball, but your assessment of the Falcons as a whole is on point.

By Sarah B

December 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Exodis Mentality should be writing this column from now on…… he is dead on…. every week

By crabapplejoe

December 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

J Mills wrote: “Oh yea, Brooking does eventually jump on the pile 10 yards down field”

How is the leading tackler for the Falcons today “jumping on the pile 10 yards down field”…that would be an “assist” versus a “solo”…Brooking was our leading “solo” tackler today…but don’t let reality get in the way of your hate.

By Getaway

December 7, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I have to correct my previous post. If the Bucs win Monday, the Falcons will have to win out in order to get a wild card slot. There are ways for us to back door in if we lose to the Bucs but it would mean Washington losing to Cinci or San Fran and Dallas losing to Balt.

By P. Rose

December 7, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Top 10 Reasons I hate New Orleans

Two things I like about the Saints

By Mark

December 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all the fair weather friends in our city. Mike Smith is a good coach whose done a fantastic job with the Falcons. And even if we don’t win another game this season(which is highly unlikely), Smith will still be the guy who pulled our team out of the abyss.

As for Ryan, sure he’s playing like a seasoned vet. But so was Vince Young in Tennessee during his rookie year. Can anyone say Kerry Collins? There’s 21 other guys who are absolutely necessary in order to win a ball game.

So, for all you finger pointers out there, please help yourself to a warm glass of shut-the-heck-up!

By igotxx3

December 7, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

falcons have plenty of ways to get in the playoffs but they have to beat tampa and get a lil help. Hopefully the giants will beat the cowboys next week. If not then maybe if carolina beat tampa monday night then falcons beat tampa next week falcons will still have a wild card chance. I wouldnt even think about trying to win the division. To bad dallas lost to a none conference team earlier.

By Sarah B

December 7, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

We just need to run the table from here on out, and we will… no problem. We need a full house at the Dome next Sunday, come on everybody and be on time…

By Getaway

December 8, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

This link leads to a handy little tool that will let you play out all the scenarios needed for teams to make the playoffs. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario?algorithm=yahooranker

By Getaway

December 8, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

This link goes to a tool that plays out all the scenarios needed for a team to make the playoffs.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario?algorithm=yahooranker

Sorry if this is a re-post, but this time the link should be active.

If the Falcons win out, they don’t need anyones help.

By kj

December 8, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Smith’s a bad coach??????????????????????????????????????? Does everyone remember last year? Oh and that most everybody picked this team to be one of the worst in the NFL….and the fact that they are competing for a wildcard spot in the toughest division in football….Smith made the right call….i think there is noone in Ga. that knows anything about football…wrost fans in sports!!!!!!!

By lucas dog

December 8, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

The falcons should have went for it on 4th down we were down by 4 and still needed a td to win. If we did not make it and they got a field goal we still could have tied with a td. Smith needs to grow a set and take some chances.

By jojatek

December 8, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

A little perspective, folks…

Tough loss, and hindsight is 20/20 of course. The defense lost this one and, frankly, should take it personally given how well Ryan and the offense played (I understand the blogging about Smith’s call on 4th and 5, but it is unbelievable to me that a player on that defense would actually question Smith’s call as well… typical Falcons).

I grew up with this team and have been a loyal fan since 1974… Smith and Dimitroff are the architects of an amazing story in the NFL this year, and Ryan is the best thing to happen to this franchise since a kid named Bartkowski rolled into town from the West Coast (setting aside that Favre kid, whose Hall of Fame creds did not quite fit into Glanville’s plans)…

Take a deep breath and act like we belong here…

By Great Falconi

December 8, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

This game isn’t the end of the world. A loss next week likely will be.

Plan accordingly.

By gk

December 8, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this

He is NOT a bad coach…I do disagree with the retarted call though.

He had too much faith in a defense that was giving up a lot of points the entire game.

I honestly though have more faith in Matt Ryan than the defense. I think the coach should also.

By Oscar

December 8, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Most of you guys should just stick to reading comic books, and watching the harry potter trilogys. You might just find that that stuff is a little more realistic. Its so funny after last weeks win, everyone was so up beat and full of props. This week we loose and you are quick to bash and blame. Its one thing to be a fan and be critical, Its another to be a fan and just be an idiot. Atlanta is better without you. The only thing this team is missing are fans who actually know what they are talking about. Some of you who write in on this blog seem to forget that the Falcons were not supposed to be where they are right now. They were only supposed to win one game this year. Have you seemed to forget that the NFC south has only lost two home games this year? This game was never gonna be a easy win. Anyone who has followed the NFC South this season should have known that. The problem here is that many falcon fans seem to be too fair weathered and too critical on games you your self dont even go out to see. I bet a lot of you just started watching shortly after reading the buzz of a possible playoff spot. Don’t compare Smith to the moras and especially the Patrinos. Mike came in and turned around a very disfunctional team. He made them believe that they were a good team and that they could compete with teams that have been used to winning every season. I am glad to say I am a true fan of what they have accomplished this year and the direction they are going. Even if these guys miss the play offs… Its okay because guess what? I didnt expect them to. That dosn’t make me a bad fan, thats me being realistic. The difference here is that I have watched them regardless and not just all of a sudden. I personally think they should have gon for it on 4th down too, being that the D couldnt stop the run all day. Thing is that its pretty easy to say that when I am on a couch and drinking beer. Had he gone for it and not made it you would be blasting him from the opposite end. The man’s at a no win either way! He made the best decision at that time to give them a chance to win the game. That was to let the Defense go out and give the offense the ball back. It didn’t work and that dosnt mean that he is a bad coach. Players didnt exicute and the defense didnt get in the running lanes to disrupt a very strong running Pierre Thomas. The D Line will have something to proove next weekend against a running Tampa team and I look forward to the match up. -Oscar-

By David

December 8, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Yeah we didn’t win and yeah the play calling wasn’t the greatest but did any of you hater’s think Mike Smith sucked as long as we were winning ? This is a season in which we were not even given a chance and we are not out of it yet . We have already surpassed most if not all expectations that 95 percent of people had for us.Basically quit whining and enjoy our success and realize we are definitely on the right track.

By Great Falconi

December 8, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Amen, jojatek.

I’ve seen so many s** Falcon teams in my life that I can’t even begin to understand why some act so crazy about a loss like this. (Well, I’m talking about the crazy people who aren’t just using a gimmick for a stupid AJC board. Lunatic fringe, we all know you’re out there.)

Yeah, I hate the Saints, but the Falcons aren’t a great team. They’re a good team that wants to get better. It will have to get better before next Sunday. The defense is clearly a work-in-progress. There are obvious needs that will have to be addressed in the offseason. Mike Smith will have to dance with what brung him to this point. Even so, this season has been a nice change of pace for a jaded Falcon fan like me. I never expected the team to be this competitive. Dimitroff and Smith did, and it’s all to their credit. The players have bought in and, despite what drivel stendec may utter, don’t like losing. I hope the Falcons have that kind of attitude for many years to come.

By stendec

December 8, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Help me out folks. I am far from a Keith Brooking apologist. Believe the guy is well past his prime. Another poster here purports that this untalented son of a b+tch leads the team in solo tackles, touch down tag assists and popcorn sales every damn game! Is this legit? I watch every play of every game. I seldom ever witness the sorry b+stard anywhere near the play. Let alone making any meaningful contribution. Do my eyes deceive me? Should the Falcon stat keeper be canned for incompetence? Please help me out. Thanks.

By welikebaseball2

December 8, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

No stendec, your eyes don’t deceive you. If nothing else, Brooking is a definite liability in the passing game. People can throw around stats (tackles, etc.) to support any argument, so I won’t mention the fact that he has no passes defended or picks this year. I watch the games & I see what you see. Actually, I do see him near plays…running to catch & tackle the man that was his in coverage!

By Dill

December 8, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

I’ve been a Falcon fan and UGA fan all of my life. Well, since the age of 8 at least. That’s 39 years for me. It would have been great to win today, but I am very proud of the season that the Falcons have had so far. No one expected them to have a winning season. THis has been a pleasant surprise. The Falcons do not have many stand outs on defense. But the offense is looking good. So, we will build on this during the draft and the off season and I think that within a dew short years, we will watch this team go to the superbowl and actually win. I’m excited about this team and it’s future prospects. Support your team and be a fan.

By scottbravesfan

December 8, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this

You people are lame the Falcons were supposed to win 1 game this year and they have already won 8. They’ll beat the Vikings and Rams and finish up with at least 10 wins. If anyone at the beginning of the season thought that the Falcons would win 10 games they are lying to you.

And Michael Boley, where the hell have you been this season? Make the catch at the end of the game for the interception and it’s the ball game.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 8, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

I learned more about Roddy White from reading this article than I did from all of the AJC’s coverage since 2005 when he was drafted. Pretty interesting take.

By Ted Striker

December 8, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this

The Falcons are much improved this year but there are a lot of fair-weather fans who aren’t worth a squat.

By Nightrain04

December 8, 2008 4:40 AM | Link to this

Will we ever again have a article about the team with the mention of Vick…sic of it..move on already

By Nightrain04

December 8, 2008 4:40 AM | Link to this

Will we ever again have a article about the team without the mention of Vick…sic of it..move on already

By Samuel

December 8, 2008 5:18 AM | Link to this

The defense has been bad all season long. We have a solid team, but the defense can’t win games unless it’s a bad team on the other side of the ball….

By Greg

December 8, 2008 6:13 AM | Link to this

You quote Smith as saying that if NO got one first down they’d kick a field goal, as if this were the big deal. IT ISN’T! If NO had kicked a field goal, we’d still need just one TD, the only difference being that it would force overtime rather than secure a victory. This was a MORONIC justification by Smith and reveals him to be the small-brained coach we had always suspected (if he says “it’s a process” one more time I’m going to explode!). NO id a slightly better team than ATl, but we had a (slim) chance to win yesterday and Smith played the odds the wrong way. Which was more likely? That we could keep NO from getting a first down or that Ryan could convert fourth down? Obviously “the odds” say the latter was more likely. I fear for the Birds’ future with a brain like Smitty’s running things.

By jerry

December 8, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this

The calls that got me was when the Falcons had a 1st and goal at the NO 9 and ran Turner up the middle on 1st and 2nd down and gained about a yard, leaving Ryan with one shot at a touchdown. Ryan threw incomplete on 3rd down and it was field goal time. I will take 3 shots with Ryan from the 9 anytime.

By jerry

December 8, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this

“lost ground to almost everybody that mattered”? I think Dallas and Washington mattered more than anyone and they didn’t lose any ground to either one of them.

By N2Pain

December 8, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this

Say it with me, “Jamaal Anderson is a bust”. Top Ten draft pick and easily the weakest of the bunch. Matt Ryan is Hall of Fame player and needs the ball. Play calling is always bad, Ryan just makes the plays out of nothing mostly. No pass rush will result in losses against passing teams. Saints come out of the tunnel throwing and no one touches him in the pocket. We have one pass rusher, Abraham. Anderson is non-existent.

By Myrtle Beach

December 8, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this

I’m looking at getting a playoff game the team needs for the future, but this is more than i ever expected so even in the lose they were in the game and each game they’ve played. We have a good football team, not a great one. Next years draft will determine if we take the next step to great.

By N2Pain

December 8, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

Let me repeat myself. Coach Rookie Smith is better than Mora and Petrino, barely. No one could be worse than either of those. The Falcons are winning because of key players like Ryan, Turner, White, et al. They are NOT winning because of Coach Rookie Smith. Watch the play-calling and see how many times Ryan makes plays that aren’t designed. It ain’t Coach Rookie Smith.

By fanoffalcons

December 8, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

What’s up with #24 Foxworth? on last play, all he had to do was push the guy OUT of bounds, he’d be short of first down and the clock would be stopped, he ran right past the guy, then he was the first to congratulate the Saints. Disappointed!

By The Grinch

December 8, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

Davenpoop, I haven’t forgotten how good Vick was in his rookie season (the only one he was handled even close to properly) or how frustrated I was that the subsequent coaching staffs held him back when he could have taken over games. And no, Ryan is not the dual threat Vick was and can’t break off a 40 yard run when nobody’s open, nor will he ever be. What he CAN do, unlike Vick, is make good decisions. When you have a QB who can make good decisions and a good GM and a good coaching staff, you can do things like exceed expectations and maybe one day be a consistent playoff contender or even win a super bowl as a TEAM, and not 10 guys standing around like morons watching Vick be athletic.

Vick isn’t here anymore. All he’ll ever be worth to the Falcons technically is a mid-level draft pick and a few mil in cap space if his sorry %$# ever gets a job again. All he’s worth to us otherwise is a reminder of how low a football franchise can possibly sink. I’m pretty sure if Ryan never gets any better than he is today I’d still rather have him as my team’s QB, provided the GM is good enough to surround him with talent (and this one finally is).

By The Grinch

December 8, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

And yes, I’d still watch a highlight reel of Vick any time; just stating my opinion.

By chris

December 8, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

Smitty made the right call. You don’t ggo for a 4th down conversion on your own 35 with 3:30 remaining and two time outs. The mistakes we made that lost the game were obvious. 80 yard kick-off return-speacial teams issue, Boley drops an interception that ends the game, Brooking can’t cover Tight Ends…never has.

By The Grinch

December 8, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

ESPN the magazine seems to like Ryan too: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3747159

By N2Pain

December 8, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

To stendec, your UGA education is showing bro. Your vocabulary is limited which gives you away and you’re always Brooking bashing. You should be more concerned with where Boley has been than Brooking. Boley hasn’t made 5 plays all year. If he makes that INT yesterday, the game is over. See you at the next tractor pull.

By Nate

December 8, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

Great article Jeff, as always. Tough game against the NFL’s best offense in their home stadium. It was a close game, but the Saints made a few more key plays. Our beloved team is doing a fantastic job this year. It’s December and we’re still in the playoff hunt. Awesome! Go Falcons!!!

By crabapplejoe

December 8, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this

welikebaseball2 wrote: “so I won’t mention the fact that he has no passes defended”

I saw Brooking break up a pass intended for Reggie Bush in yesterday’s game…you must have been watching a different game. As far as “passes defended” and “interceptions” go you might want to focus on Michael Boley dropping a sure interception that would have won the game for us. But, I understand that would get in the way of your Brooking hating. Let’s see Brooking is the only white guy on defense and Boley is a black “afflete” so I understand.

By jeanE

December 8, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

It’s not Ryan’s fault we lost that game. Bad decision by Smith: why would you count on our defense to stop them if they haven’t all day??? I’d rather lose going for it. The defense was a bad flashback to last year, make any no-name back an instant star! If special teams had made a stop, we would’ve probably won. It is glaringly obvious we must get help for Abe or nothing will ever change. Chris Houston played a good game, he is agressive & will hit, I love it. Where was Boley all day? He made one play & it would’ve been great if he’d held onto that ball. Brooking is never going to catch anybody. Jamal is just pathetic, can’t we bench him? Or are we paying him too much?! Let Bierman play. Running game never got cranked but passing game was awesome! Great game by the receivers who didn’t drop anything & if it was catchable, they caught it! They have turned into one of the strongest units on this team! Didn’t like some of the playcalling on 3rd down, why are we throwing to Snelling then? Can’t blame this on the offense at all. It was special teams breakdown & total breakdown of the defense minus the good play of Abe (as usual) & Houston. Next week has to be different or we are toast. Go Birds!

By Marsha

December 8, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

I love Mike Smith, I love Matt Ryan, and I LOVE our new FALCONS team!!! Sad loss yesterday, but hey, can you say “Rebuilding Season”???? How many teams go as low as the Falcons were last year, and come back out the following year with the amazing turnaround that the Falcons have engineered? I would like to see the Falcons in the playoffs not just for my entertainment, but as ANOTHER feather in Ryan’s cap. I love him, he is so refreshing after the stench of MV has finally cleared the Falcon locker room. I can’t say when I was ever as PROUD to be a Falcons Fan as I am today. I LOVE ME SOME FALCONS, especially now that they are rid of the sadist dog killer and his biggest fan, DeAngelo Hall.

By jeanE

December 8, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Give Mike Smith a break, people! He is one of the big reasons for the turnaround, he changed the whole sorry culture around here! Yes, he made a mistake but he’ll learn, he’s a rookie head coach & that’s not the reason we lost the game. You can lay this one almost entirely on defense & special teams. Period.

By Seminole Warrior

December 8, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the stupid comments that are found here sometimes. The Falcons have exceeded ALL expectations. Who in the h*ll REALLY was thinking playoffs this season. Mike Smith and his staff ARE the reason this team is where it is. The offense has matured incredibly. Look at the offensive line play this year. Look at the output from the receivers and the QB position. Props to the running game. All of that is the result of QUALITY coaching! The defensive side of the ball is where we need MAJOR overhaul. First, hire a TRUE NFL coordinator. VG is out of his league. Second, say bench Anderson now and see what Davis can doo for the rest of the year. In the offseason, we bid farewell to Anderson, Brooking, and Coleman. We need draft/FA help at DT, OLB, CB, and both safety positions. But I have FULL faith in Smith and TD to get it done. Remember people, this is just the start of the process. GO FALCONS!!!.

By Seminole Warrior

December 8, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe the stupid comments that are found here sometimes. The Falcons have exceeded ALL expectations. Who in the h*ll REALLY was thinking playoffs this season. Mike Smith and his staff ARE the reason this team is where it is. The offense has matured incredibly. Look at the offensive line play this year. Look at the output from the receivers and the QB position. Props to the running game. All of that is the result of QUALITY coaching! The defensive side of the ball is where we need MAJOR overhaul. First, hire a TRUE NFL coordinator. VG is out of his league. Second, say bench Anderson now and see what Davis can doo for the rest of the year. In the offseason, we bid farewell to Anderson, Brooking, and Coleman. We need draft/FA help at DT, OLB, CB, and both safety positions. But I have FULL faith in Smith and TD to get it done. Remember people, this is just the start of the process. GO FALCONS!!!.

By NikkiFree

December 8, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Wow! Just imagine if we had a defense the likes of the Baltimore Ravens! We’d be a lock to meet the Giants in the NFC Championship game. Ryan and the offense gives us chances to win. Unfortunately, our defense and special teams play tend to gift wrap the game for the opposition. I have to view this season as gravy. Any success this season was totally unexpected.I have every confidence Thomas Dimitroff will address the defense in the offseason. Jamal Anderson is a bust of a pick. Brooking is too old and slow. There was so much bad tackling yesterday. I didn’t understand not going for it on fourth and 5. Your defense never made a stop or even just one good play the entire day. Suddenly you expect the defense to man up. I would have trusted Ryan and the offense first. I knew when coach decided not to go for it that we would NEVER get the ball back. Special teams gets some blame for this loss as well.

By SeminoleWarrior

December 8, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

All you Mike Smith haters, I have a new flash for you. Ask Jacksonville if they would love to have him back as the DC as well as all the position coaches he brought to ATL with him. Smitty is the man for the job; just give him and TD time to get THEIR players on defense. GO FALCONS!!

By Peter

December 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Atlanta is a good team getting better……..We may not make the playoffs this year, but I like the fact we are in the hunt.

This coming week when we play Tampa Bay, will really be a measuring stick of how for this team has grown over this short season.

Be Happy about the Falcon’s……. it is tough to win in the NFL on the road, and we have been good enough to win 3 times so far.

We have come a very long way since the last few years of crazy players and a crazy coach trying to take the franchise down !

By Lost in space

December 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan has done great . But one thing why has they not blits him more. Is the NFl trying to make this guy look good? In the old day the defense would send some body but not at this guy! But I think Vick would be better if he had this team this year, better line better ,reciver and better play calling. But not to throw Matt under the bus he has done good! Still Blank has raise the ticket prices 20 dollars a ticket for next years ticket. Company has paid for a lot of tickets this year. Now the Falcon allway do good the frist half of the season now come the real test . They are 8-5 . For me 10-6 will prove they are better if not same old Falcon! Matt was over 300 yards passing last game did they win? Defense is and all ways will be how you win in the NFL! Passing yards look good W and L is what the game is all about!

By Jborodawg

December 8, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

An 88 yrd return; an INT; not doing diddly on the last offensive possession; no running game; not stopping the run…that’s what lost the game. I don’t blame Smitty at all. And, yes, you do have to keep trying to run the ball; one reason is because we’ve done well with The Burner all year; so they have to keep trying. Stay with the game plan. It’s easy to Monday-morning-quarterback and say go for it on 4th and 5.

But, “…on second-and-3 from the 37, he was stuffed for a 2-yard loss on a quarterback draw. On third down, he threw behind Brian Finneran over the middle…” Now, with 4th and 5 the o’l confidence in the offense is bound to wane. Most HC’s would have done the same. Punting might have ‘sealed the defeat’, but a pick 6 would have also. Or a sack. Or another incomplete. Yep, we all wish they had gone for it. But that’s not what lost the game.

It’s idiotic to blame Smitty entirely. How bout ‘blaming’ him for the improbable wins (Da Bears)? Our Falcons are doing pretty danged good this year. Let’s go beat TB!

By bali smith

December 8, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

yea , with Ryan we had a chance to win the game……….. with coach Smith and his staff we have a chance to be a real pro football team instead of the poster child for animal rights.

By jason

December 8, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

I question why the falcons didn`t go on 4th down 5 with 3+ mins on a high powered offense like the saints.

By JR

December 8, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Come on guys,Smith has got the most from what he has, Whoever called that draw on 3rd down is the goat. Amen on brookings and anderson. Brookins to old and slowed down and Anderson is just Plain lazy.

By JR

December 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

Come on guys,Smith has got the most from what he has, Whoever called that draw on 2nd down is the goat. Amen on brookings and anderson. Brookins to old and slowed down and Anderson is just Plain lazy.

By FlcnFan

December 8, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Fickle Falcon Fans-That’s what I think about reading these responses. Atlanta was picked to win one game this year. ONE! Here we are lambasting Coach Smith for a single play. I would love to make the playoffs. But right now, I’m excited about the future of our franchise. I’ve been a die hard Falcon for 30 years. I’ve seen the worst and best games. Everybody step back and take a breath and realize we are on to something special. Also, Coach Smith. Cut Brooking he’s gotten too slow!

By BigJohn

December 8, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Good game. We lost. The Saints aren’t a pushover. They have a very good QB and RB. Our special teams and defense had a bad day. It happens, get over it. Smith and the players will look at tape and learn from it. It’s a building experience and the team will be better for it in the long run. I hope we can get into the playoffs just like every other TRUE Falcon fan but won’t cry if we don’t. The team has exceeded almost every expectation for this season and our future looks VERY bright.

By Jon

December 8, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

The only decision I didn’t like was the challenge on New Orleans fourth down. There was no way you could overrule that, it was emotion and not logic and you can’t waste timeouts in the fourth quarter.

By KP

December 8, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

I cannot believe that some people are labeling Coach Smith as a bad coach, an “Alzheimer’s patient”!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

To “NERDS” - You clearly have a major case of Alzheimer’s because you obviously cannot remember where this franchise was this time last year!!

I agree that CS should have allowed us to go for it on 4th and 5. However if we do not get the 1st - THE GAME IS OVER AT THIS POINT!

I have been a die hard Falcon’s fan for the past 30+ years and for the first time I feel that our franchise is going in the direction of winning a Super Bowl in the near future!

Coach Smith is a great coach. He has taken a team that was only supposed to win 1-2 games this year to a possible playoff berth!

By Scott

December 8, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Jeff, I can’t believe you compared Matt Ryan to Mike Vick. Ryan’s playing style, decision making and passing effort is better than what Mike Vick can put out in any given day. Although Vick was a better running back, Ryan is the better quarterback. There is nothing Vick-esque about him (thank God). You are right about one thing though, Ryan was not to fault for the loss. The coaching can surely take the blame for being too conservative and for relying on a defense that didn’t play well all day. This was the first game all year the defensive team was not prepared for that high-powered offense. Mike Smith & Company just got out-coached, not outplayed.

By Supes

December 8, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

What KP said!

Just the sheer fact that we are discussing playoffs, playoffs :smirk: if someone would have said before the season started, that the Falcons would be 8-5 and have a chance at the Wild Card spot, you would have been labeled as a flake and crazy person.

Enjoy this season by all means. The Falcons are 2 years away from really contending for the NFC. It’ll come people, we’ve got the right GM, Coach, and leadership at QB who will work harder than anyone else to be the best he can be and lead this sorry a&& franchise to becoming a regular playoff contender!

We are looking at the NFC “Colts” in the making. Give it some time!

By Jay

December 8, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I am truely disappointed in how quickly you people are turning on the Falcons. Coach Smith has done a fantastic job and is clearly the Coach of the Year.

This was a team that nobody wanted to associate with just 4 months ago. Now they could go to the playoffs. What happened to the fans being happy with 5 wins? Anything in excess of that was supposed to be a bonus, right?

If you are a fair weather fan that is fine, just don’t start talking trash and bring your negative energy to what is already a truely amazing year.

By ranting of fools

December 8, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

The Falcon “critics” on this blog are always good for a laugh, but you really have to feel a little sorry for these fools…some are in serious need of professional help. It is amazing how people can choose one play from the entire game and conclude that the single play or play-call “cost the game”. Do you have any clue how ridiculous that sounds? Had any of you actually been on the sidelines calling plays or making decisions you would have probably been in total paralysis. Of course, you have the benefit of watching someone else make the calls and then second-guessing after the play is over. Over the course of the game Sunday there were probably 30 to 40 plays that were pretty decisive, but the only one everybody wants to critique is 4th and 5 and “I would have gone for it”.

My critique is that van Gorder is the weak link on this coaching staff. He didn’t have a very good day as far as getting the D in the right coverages. As far as the usual Brooking “haters”, your rants are just plain stupid. He is the leading tackler again yesterday, and for the year. He is making tackles all over the field from an outside linebacker position, but I suppose you expect him to make a tackle for a loss on every play, also rush the passer, and make interceptions. You “haters” are nutballs.

By Ryan

December 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Coach Smith’s quote about going for it on 4th and 5…

“If they get one first down they will be kicking a field goal”

Does nobody realize that this would have only put the saints up 7 and we still would have had a chance to get the ball back and tie?

Horrible decesion by Mike Smith.

By kenneth

December 8, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

I think the Falcons have exceeded all expectations and we are proud of that. Yet here is my point. In watching the games, I just have a comments. In the NFL, when you have an opportunity to win you must go for it.It just seems that our coaches seem to play not to lose instead of playing to win.Why would you think your defense would be able to stop the Saints with 3 minutes left when clearly they could not stop then at all in the 2nd half? I think that Ryan is capable of doing a lot more than the coaches realize if given the chance. The future is uncertain in football so you must take your shots when you have them. 99% of the fans watching the game knew that game was over the minute the falcons decided to punt.It’s a shame the coaches took away the only legitimate chance at winning this game because of their failure to able to recognize and seize the moment when games are won or lost.The Falcons must remain hungry, they must play to win or they can be satisfied with what thay have accomplished.

By Zoomie

December 8, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Great season so far, but this loss was disturbing. This looked like the Falcons team we’ve all grown to know and love over the past 42 years: measured mediocrity at its finest. This was a game the Falcons should’ve won; very flat defensive effort for the second time this year; dumbest pass for a pick that Ryan’s thrown yet; a team that’s shown no running ability for the entire season suddenly develops a killer rushing attack against the Falcons; pass thrown — no, lobbed — directly into the hands of our linebacker for a drop; horrendous play-calling on our last must-score possession (Did anyone besides me and the entire NO Saints ball team see the 2nd and three formation and KNOW they were going to run a QB draw? Where the heck was our giant, bull of a running back?); putting the final outcome of the game into the hands of a defense that hadn’t stopped the opposition all day. I’m still pleased with the home team potential so far, but the flashbacks are quite disturbing. The Falcons just did not play well yesterday. For whatever reason, they seemed to lay down (defense especially) for the Saints.

By NSWR#87

December 8, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I LOVE MY ATLANTA FALCONS BUT I HAD THE IDEA IN MY MIND WE WAS GONNA LOSE THAT GAME BEFORE IT WAS PLAYED.ONE REASON WHY CAUSE I KNEW DREW LIKES TO THROW AND OUR PASS DEFENSE IS TERRIBLE.I DONT KNOW WHO’S DEFENSE IS WORST THE ATLANTA FALCONS OR THE GEORGIA BULLDOGS.IF ATLANTA DOESNT SCORE 30 POINTS MOST OF THE TIME THEY GONNA LOSE.CAN ANYBODY TELL ME WHY KEITH BROOKING STARTS HE IS PATHETIC AND ALWAYS RUNNING BEHIND SOMEBODY.I DO THINK WE WILL MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS BUT WONT LAST LONG.ATLANTA LINBACKERS AND SECONDARY CANT STOP ANYBODY.

By Stephen

December 8, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Some of these negative comments just show how quickly the so-called Atlanta fans are ready to JUMP OFF THE BANDWAGON. It’s okay to critique the game but many of these comments are just plain stupid.

The team won’t win every game but at least this year they are playing competitive football and it’s fun to watch as oppose to being painful.

However, Mr. Schultz - can we please just let the Michael Vick comparisons go. Most of us have moved on and so should you.

By Mitch

December 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Stendec…… try decafe, please. Yes, the defense did not have a stellar day. Yes, Matt Ryan had a bad picked that led to a touch down for the Saints. Yes, the Falcons are STILL in the playoff race based upon the other teams losses that happened yesterday. We have three games left and we should take at least two of them. Isn’t nice to talk about the playoffs in December as opposed to talking about a team in turmoil.

By Mike

December 8, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Decisions like this absolutely drive me crazy. Coach Smith has done a great job or motivating a bunch of overachievers to an 8-5 record, but two decisions he made yesterday helped put the Falcons behind the 8 ball. 1. Challenging the spot late in the game to risk a TO in a game that they would become crucial was a poor judgement on his part (not the first time he has had poor judgement on replays this year) and 2. Not giving your offense (or team) a chance to win the game late by punting on 4th down. They had to get one first down and the game was over anyway. Had we stopped them and they kicked a field goal, the Falcons are only down 7 at that point and can still get the ball back. The offense was moving the ball well and should have been given the shot. The defense had not really stopped them all day and should not have had everything ride on a stop. Poor judgement CMS…as a fan, I hope that is an exception and does not become the rule with him.

By Greenbriar Mall Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

BOO GOT SHOT!

BOO GOT SHOT!

By CTfalconfan

December 8, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

By far this was Smitty’s worst call of the season. To take the ball out of Ryan’s hands and an offense that had been/was moving the ball and put the game in the hands of our defense who hadn’t stopped the Saints all day was A HORRIBLE DECISION!!

If we didn’t make it the Saints were going to run the clock out, they weren’t going to try and score again they didn’t need to so why not at least give the Offense a shot at winning the game?

Smitty has been pretty aggressive all season, going for it on several 4th down situations, why he went soft of this call I haven’t a clue.

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Gotta love that Jeff Schultz…….He knows greatness when he seen it, as in THE GREAT MIKE VICK. On the field, Vick was a difference maker, a gamebreaker, which is what Ryan lacks, which will be exposed more as seasons go on, which is why Ryan was on the sideline on 4th and 5. We all know what would have happened had Vick been playing…… Jeff, I appreciate your honesty instead of being full of hate like the clowns on this blog. Vick did good things while he played here. Redemption is near……..

By SirReal

December 8, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with some of the things said on this blog. HOWEVER, a lot of it is NONSENSE! Now, I also thought Smitty should have gone for it on 4th and 5. If Ryan converted a 3rd and TWENTY-ONE, i’m sure he could have gotten five f**n yards. With that said, guys we gotta look at the big picture here. We’re still growing as a team from top to bottom. Smith is a good coach, he’s just a rookie. Cut him some slack. You guys see that the players go out and play for him. He must be doing something right. And who would have thought we’d even have 8 wins this year period? I know we have a shot at the playoffs, etc but lets not get too far ahead of ourselves. Commend the organization for turning things around first. TD will make the right moves in the offseason to sew us up. Until then, we have 3 games left. Let’s just support the team and see what happens. The playoffs are still not out of reach. If we go, GREAT!! If not, who would have even thought we’d be in the race this year. The birds have shown me some good things for their future this season. Lets enjoy this turnaround before we start getting too critical of who did or didnt do something right!! Go birds!!!!

By ProFootballTalk

December 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Matt Ryan made a critical mistake by throwing an INT in the Redzone, that potentially cost us the game. He did a good job coming back from that. Norwood and Turner were lackluster, and Brooking remains incredibly slow. I’m glad that Dallas lost, gives us a last chance to get it in gear.

By Al

December 8, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

It’s a shame that one mistake by Coach Smith who has done an incredible job this season could cost the Falcons a play-off spot.

The second down call was bad and the fourth down decision was just wrong given the performances of the day.

By Bunch

December 8, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Yes, Smith probably erred in not going for it 4-and-5 with 3:25 left (and giving up a TO for what appeared to be a futile challenge on the Saints goaline TD. However, anybody suggesting that the to-be-NFL Coach of the Year has done anything less than an excellent job simply knows little about the sport and clearly has a short memory regarding the baggage (and modest talent) he inherited. Us Falcons fans would do well to appreciate a business minded coach and management. It only took the franchise 42 years to get it, so don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

By ttough44

December 8, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Hey, Wh0 is the defensive end we drafted #1 a few years back….Aundre Bruce has returned…..DAnm Jamal……get with it, #98 is not any good.Trade him, quick, hell, he looks tough, but, looks are deceiving. He should be ashamed of not having any sacks more that he does. And, what a delight for the other teams not to have to worry about #98…. And why is the heck was #55 on the sidelines for the nail in the coffin series? Have your play makers on the field!!!!!!!Sh#T!

By Ackshun

December 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

The Falcons loss yesterday and although I am a bit disappointed to be frank I COULDN”T CARE LESS. Every minute of this game was great. When was the last time you saw the birds come back again and again. Yesterday the Saints had a better game plan. We were looking for their usual quick strike passing attack so they went with run balance and won the day. I’m not going to second guess Coach Smith’s decision on that last 4 and 5. I am just extremely proud that so far we have been able to do so much with so little. We knew that all the issues on defense wouldn’t be addressed this year but isn’t it wonderful to be viewed as a threat this late in the season without the stench of losers, quitters and thug criminals.

IF THEY DON”T WIN ANOTHER GAME I WILL STILL SAY THANKS TO ALL THE GUYS FOR MAKING ME PROUD TO BE A FALCONS FAN AGAIN.

By Bugman

December 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Stellar performance by Ryan and White yesterday. I’m not too proud to eat crow and say Roddy did an outstanding job and really proved what he’s capable of. I look forward to seeing alot more of this hook up down the road.

Anyone else see the maturation of this team yesterday? They looked like a different team than I’ve seen in the past 14 weeks. Something I can’t quite communicate but it was a very exciting game to watch even tho they lost! Ryan continues to impress with his poise, knowledge and accuracy.

Although there were some misfires, all in all they looked workman-like in their approach to the game.

Something completely different: did anyone else see the refs misplace a trade-out ball? They did it during the FL Bamma game Saturday as well. Picked it up for a new ball and put it back down 1/2 yard different. Ain’t DVR’s great?!

Bug

By Maff Professa

December 8, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Michael Vick = Barack Obama

By The Bird

December 8, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Am I the only one that felt that Michael Boley played like crap yesterday, and for that matter this year? He didn’t even try to make a tackle on Thomas at the end-zone and the play before completely blew an interception that would have ended the game. He is not playing like an All-Pro.

By NikkiFree

December 8, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

The bird, We all are waiting for Boley to show up. Maybe his offseason domestic issues really affected him more than we think.

By Cionaodh

December 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Where did all these UGA Dawg fans with their McDonald’s fast food expectations come from?? Order up a new coach and DE since you don’t like the menu choices why don’t you? Yep, that’s the mentality. You never played the game, so it’s all a quick dollar meal menu selection to your ilk. You people give Falcon fans a bad rep. Go back to your video games.

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

All i have to say is that The Great Mike Vick will return in 09. Thank God for that. The NFL will be great to watch again.

By Dennis

December 8, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

GAWD ALMIGHTY!

Get over the Vick crap.

By dr phillgood

December 8, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

You all stop Falcon bashing. I have been a fan all my life and have suffered s** for many a year. Falcons look better this year than they have for a long time.

By GerryH

December 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Too bad COACHING decisions cost the game:

1) The QB draw call in the last series on 2nd down

2) Punting on 4th and 5 when the Falcons hadn’t stopped NO all day long

Yes the special teams really let us down with the long return. But someone better rethink those coaching decisions and learn.

I’d like to see us go to a 2 back offense inside the 10 instead of what we ran that one series. Both Mugwee (??) and Snelling are loads and good blockers. We need to be able to pound it in and quit trying to be cute.

By SlimG

December 8, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

What in the world was Mike Smith thinking, not going for it on fourth down late? In my opinion, one of the few mistakes he’s made this year. Also, didn’t like the call when Matt threw the int. as we we’re running the ball great. A stop route across the field? Not good.

Boley has to catch that ball if we are going to be for real in the playoffs, good teams make plays when it counts and we didn’t yesterday.

Still love you guys, but we gotta make plays. It was a perfect defensive call by the Gorder. Make a play Boley.

Our coach quit on us yesterday, and I still haven’t heard him admit his mistakes. Don’t challenge a spot when you aren’t sure yourself. Too many coaching mistakes and missed opportunities. We really haven’t played good the last two weeks.

Get it together fellas. Go Birds!

By Colin

December 8, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I love the way the Falcons are playing this season - truly incredible. They have a chance to win in every game they play. Some of that credit must be given to Smitty for the way he has prepared his team each week. No small task when considering where we were last season. But absolutely horrible call yesterday on 4th and 5……..what was he thinking. dont tell me he thought they were going to get the ball back with any meaningful time on the clock. They had their chance and he gave it away by punting. Worst call of the season! but he still has my vote for coach of the year. Go Falcons ! Ryan your incredible !

By falcon lost in space

December 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Vick is still better. Matt has better line better play calling ( no Greg Knapp) better running back.
Watch from now own how the defense dail up on him. He has had a free pass the frist half of the year now watch when pressure is apply. SI love Matt because he is from philly. Most new QB’s the defense blit’s;Matt very little. watch this week! Vick is still better with 1/4 of a team than Matt with 3/4! But Matt has looked good so far but that will come to a end watch the buc’s!!!!

By bigwad

December 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

If Ryan gets all the accolades for success, he has to take the blame for his failures that turn into a loss. The firt interception is where this game is lost. Without that easy Saints drive for a touchdown, they don`t win this game. Sorry, but he has to take the lame for this loss. With a healthy dose of failure by the special teams the Falcons may have lost their playoff opportunity.

By REGGIE

December 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Smith did blow hte game, he normally makes good decisions but on this one he fumbled. 4th and 5 in the fourth quarter and you are down by 4… GO FOR IT… hell i thought it was commen sense, gues not

By REGGIE

December 8, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Smith did blow hte game, he normally makes good decisions but on this one he fumbled. 4th and 5 in the fourth quarter and you are down by 4… GO FOR IT… hell i thought it was commen sense, gues not

By O J Supporter

December 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Yes, Redemption IS near! Vick and O J! Two black men wronged by the white NFL apparatus. Who cares what these great players did off the field? It’s the on field greatness that we should recognize! REDEMPTION IS NEAR!!!

By Bugs Bunny

December 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of maroons!!!!!

By Bigeasy830

December 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

By Najeh Davenpoop, Thank you for that link Najeh. That was a great article.

By tyrone h

December 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

THAT COMMENT LEFT BY stendec IS RIDICULOUS.WHY THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT MIKE VICK MUST BE HAPPY CAUSE THE FALCONS LOST.LEAVE THE GUY ALONE ALREADY.I DONT AGREE WITH HIS OFF THE FEILD ANTICS EITHER BUT HES NOT A FALCON ANYMORE SO WHO CARES,GET IT OVER IT BUDDY.I QUESTION SOME OF YOU FOLKS LEAVING COMMENTS.SEEMS LIKE BANDWOGON RIDERS INSTEAD OF TRUE FANS.ONE MINUTE YOUR PRAISING EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS TEAM AND THE NEXT YOU WANNA PLAY GM OR HEAD COACH.DO ME A FAVOR,SHUT THE HELL UP HOP ON YOUR BANDWAGON AND RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET…

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Vick 09. Put that in your meth pipes and smoke it.

By dawgfan1911

December 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

I havent blogged much here on the falcons, but I must say guys slow down with your criticism. The Falcons are not even supposed to be in this situation. Coach Smith made a mistake punting yesterday but he is a huge reason why they will get in the playoffs this year. They will beat Tampa, and def St Louis. The game at the metrodome will be tough, but they may even win that one. Calm down skeptics, we will get it done. Go Falcons!

By Russell Brock

December 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Given a choice of going for the win or punting away our best chance for victory, Coach Smith took the Petrino route. He punted. With the defense playing so poorly, putting the ball in Ryan’s hands and then eventually into Roddy White’s sticky mitts was the best shot at the win. Bad decision, Coach Smitty. Very bad.

By saint

December 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

It is interesting that when we win a game, the readers give the “coaching” a “good” or “excellent” rating. Playing the odds, since our defense was poor all day, he could have leaned toward going for the 5 yds. But 5 yds seemed like 10 at that time of the game. You can’t win them all.

Van Gorder might like to look at the Raven’s defensive scheme. I wish we had a few of those alignments on D.

H.Douglas is a gem. We need more of him. More of Snelling too: he doesn’t get enough carries to warm up, and if Norwood has sore ribs, now is the time for Douglas and Snelling to step up, if given the chance.

Boley forgot what he did last year to look so good. J.Anderson never showed up. Nicholas is a for real, but the staff has reasons for him not replacing Brooking.

Pre-season, I had the Falcons winning 5 games. They have done much better that I thought they could. Much of the team is the same: credit the GM and Coaches, and the Gifted one: Ryan.

Bottom line for me is for the Defense to imitate/emulate the Raven’s D line.

By Dogbyte

December 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Everyone else take a deep breath. VS2 take a deep draw. We lost a game and I would have liked for them to have gone for it. BUT, we have the backbone for a GREAT team in the future and WE ARE STILL IN THE HUNT this year. Our offense just needs a little tweaking and the defense can be fixed with another good draft and FA acquisition. Smitty is a GOOD coach and just what this team needs! Be THANKFUL for what we have(and how quickly we got here) and quit your b***! Meanwhile, watch your MV videos; there NEVER AGAIN will be any live shots of him in a Falcon uniform. Live with it!

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

@Dogbyte

Who cares that he won’t play for the Falcons again. Now if was a team like the Dallas Cowboys or some other major franchise, it would be different. No one is losing any sleep over Vick not playing for the Falcons. He’s just going to lift up the next team he plays for (just like he did for the Falcons) Redemption is near……………..

By Near to Redemption

December 8, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

UtubeLink: MV singing “I’m in the Jailhouse now”. Note: He hopes to get a contract with Redemption Records.

By O J Supporter

December 8, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

That’s right, Dogbyte!! Redemption is near!!! All you haters of the greatest football players ever will be put in your places. How dare you mock our HEROES for a few off-the-field indiscresions? HATERS BEWARE!!! REDEMPTION IS NEAR!!! VICK WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO HIM AND O J!!!

By Nearer to truth(than you are)

December 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

“…a team like the Dallas Cowboys or some other major franchise…”. Are you talking about the Dallas Cowboys that are going in the tank with what many have called more talent than any other NFL team? Could the cause be sub-standard coaching and ownership? I hope he(MV) ends up there. He will be a bigger bust than Quincy Carter.

By Dogbyte

December 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s my nickel. Where do I mail it? Oh, I forgot. I have to pay for OJ, too. Do you take mils?

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

@Dogbyte

You’re an idiot

xoxo Vick Supporter

By Dogbyte

December 8, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Takes one to know one. How do you do? But, please hold the kisses. Just fries will do.

By Vick Hater

December 8, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

I think it is bad taste to compare Ryan to that coach killer Vick. Vick was a over-rated and over-paid player. Vick’s poor life choices cost us an entire season. However, it might have been worth it since Vick was never going to get us to a superbowl because he was too inconsistent whereas Ryan will get us there. In any case, Vick may be getting close to paying his debt to society but his debt to Atlanta and their fans is far from being paid off. People who wear his jersey to show support make me want to puke. Anyone stupid enough to risk an nfl career to fight dogs doesn’t deserve loyalty. Drugs and alcohol abuse is much easier to understand but dog fighting? That is just moronic.

Watching the team this year gives me hope for our future which I have not had in some time. Making the post season this year would be nice but just knowing with a little tuning this team will make it all the way in seasons to come is very satisfying.

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Dogbyte…..Since I’m your servant, would you like a snort of meth with that? Or maybe you shoot some heroin this time.

By Vick Supporter

December 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

@Dogbyte

No matter the ignorant, stupid comments, its still gonna be Vick 09. Your comments and thoughts are nothing, just like your whole being…….nothing. Your a racist nobody, so put a dip in your mouth and STFU.

By webhead

December 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Guys, The Falcons are a good team. The head coach is a very good coach. Matt Ryan is a once in a generation QB.Keith Brooking is one of the smartest players in football and is the smartest player on defense If they lose every game left this season, they will still have had a very successful year. Stay proud and don’t second-guess our team leaders.There will be bumps in the road but the future has never been brighter.And i’ll bet that we will have our 2nd winning year in a roll next year.That little piece of history is going down. Count on it!All you Brooking haters ,get off his back!

By webhead

December 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Guys, The Falcons are a good team. The head coach is a very good coach. Matt Ryan is a once in a generation QB.Keith Brooking is one of the smartest players in football and is the smartest player on defense If they lose every game left this season, they will still have had a very successful year. Stay proud and don’t second-guess our team leaders.There will be bumps in the road but the future has never been brighter.And i’ll bet that we will have our 2nd winning year in a roll next year.That little piece of history is going down. Count on it!All you Brooking haters ,get off his back!

By TRAVIS BRANTLEY

December 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Plesas give me a break coach Smith is really good remember falcons was pick to win one game during preseason ok he a rookie head coach over the offseason he need to address his defense( 2olb,dt) and let keep building be patient

By tyrone h

December 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

IMMA 29YR BLK MAN AND I WAS A HUGE FAN OF MIKE VICK WHEN HE PLAYED FOR THE FALCONS.I DONT CARE IF HE WAS IN PRISON OR PLAYING FOR ANOTHER TEAM.BOTTOM LINE IS IMMA FALCONS FAN!!!WE MAY HAVE THE BEST NFL QUARTERBACK FOR THE NEXT DECADE AND YOU FOOLS ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT VICK.IVE SAID FROM DAY 1 OF ALL THIS DOGFIGHTING BULLS—T I DONT CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO HIM,IT REALLY REALLY MAKES ME SICK WHEN I SEE THESE BLK ATHLETES RUIN THERE CAREERS.SOME COMING FROM POOR FAMILIES,CRIME INFESTED NEIGHBORHOODS, AND SINGLE PARENT HOMES.HE COULDNT LEAVE THOSE SAME GHETTO FRIENDS WHO TURNED ON HIM BEHIND.HE IS SERVING HIS TIME SO HOPEFULLY HE WILL COME OUTTA PRISON A SMARTER MAN

By 11-5 Falcons ?

December 8, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

THAT WAS A VERY PAINFUL 3 minutes and 23 seconds!-Go for it on 4th down the rest of the season and see what happens.

By Dogbyte

December 8, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

My Grannie, what big teeth you have! And your breath smells as if it comes from a bat cave. Do humanity a favor. SYM!

By GT

December 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

PAUL JOHNSON would have gone for it on 4th and 5 with 3:23 remaining.

By Vick Hater

December 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I agree Tyrone. It is a shame. I also agree that it is time to put him behind us. He doesn’t deserve this much consideration. I hope he learned his lesson but I never want to see him in a falcons uniform again regardless of the position. I don’t think I could be a fan of a team that would sign him again after what he cost us.

By snewo dawg

December 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Damn I wish Boley would have caught that INT near the end of the 4th quarter.

By Falcon Ed

December 8, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Im really supportive of Head Coach Mike Smith and I love the way he has the Falcons playing this season. I think that the Falcons may just win out and make the Playoffs as a Wild Card team. Matt Ryan is nothing short of amazing and it’s not secret that having an accurate Quarterback makes all the difference. Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and the entire WR corps are playing so much better. The Defense and the special teams flat out let us down yesterday. I as well as Mike Smith probably thought that with 3:23 left we could play the field position game and get the ball back with more decent field position the plan back fired but thats just the way the ball bounces sometimes. The Falcons will bounce back next week against the Bucs.

By mrdonut

December 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Schultz, you flipped out or what. Please don’t ever use Vick when trying to describe Matt Ryan. A lot of qb’s come to mind and Vick isn’t one. Those two are absolutely nothing alike. Ryan spends time with his playbook, Vick spends time with his posse. Ryan is a serious-minded, intelligent, professional qb, a leader. Vick has none of those qualities and couldn’t even spell any of the words in the previous sentence. Probably couldn’t even read the previous sentence. Vick played his first game just like he played his last, no improvement, just his natural ability. Unfortunely teams and coaches scheme against natural ability. That’s where intelligence and professionalism take over, or in Vick’s case, NOT. Vick made fools of Blank, the Falcons, the fans, and the city. Just because Vick’s Black, doesn’t mean he gets a pass on good behavior. Wake up Schultz, Vick’s gone, out of here, cya.

By tyrone h

December 8, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

I WOULD NEVER WISH HARM AGAISNT ANYBODY BUT IN A STRANGE WAY YOU PEOPLE SHOULD BE SAYIN THANKS TO VICK.CAUSE IF HE WOULDNT HAVE NEVER BEEN A DUMB A* THE FALCONS WOULDNT BE HEADED FOR A DYNASTY IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS

By RGMG

December 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Without question out two WORST defensive players are Keith Brookings & Jamal Anderson. Coach Smith can we please see more of C Davis & S Nichols ?

By HappyFalcon

December 8, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

What this game showed is that our defense is average. It can win a game with a lead, but can’t win it for us. It’s not the Steeler’s or the Raven’s D. However, before the season we though it would be below average. What the coaching staff has gotten out of it is amazing. Don’t discount what missing Sam Baker has cost us. I think you saw Michael Turner tippy toe to the line because he’s looking for the cutback because the push on the left side has been weak w/o Baker. Weiner is a b/u in this system, and I think he has played above himself becuase of his smarts, but he doesn’t have the talent and raw power we need over there. Watch Baker when he’s back and the holes he and Blalock(sp?) open up for Turner. Next week we need more power and less tippy toe, and I’m sure the coaches will address this during pratice this week. Time of possesion is as important as turnovers for us. The defense is average, let’s keep them off the field and fresh for the 4th quarter…GO FALCONS!

By Vick Hater

December 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

We are headed for a dynasty. And really the way we have suffered we are due. I made mention that Vick may have unwittingly done us a favor in my original post but last season is still way too fresh on my mind to thank Vick.

Under Vick I often felt we were lucky when we won and maybe it was not as much about us beating our opponents but more like they just happened to lose. I often felt that Vick was more concerned with how he looked on camera than winning the game.

I feel like Ryan is more of a nuts and bolt qb who is less concerned about making big plays than just getting us down the field. Everyone loves a razzle dazzle play but I get extremely excited every time I see Ryan convert a 3rd down. Controlling the clock and moving us down the field is how we will win and win consistently.

So I am not a blind fan who just assumes his team is always good enough to go all the way. I am quite realistic. I would be shocked to see us in the post-season this year. I never believed that vick would get us to a superbowl. I do, however, believe that it is Ryan’s destiny to go and his destiny to win. It may not be this year or next and we may not win the first time we go but I think if we give this young man a few more weapons and fix some holes in the defense it is just a matter of time. I think anything less is robbing Ryan of what should rightfully be his.

By Get serious

December 8, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

Exodus mentality and Najeh Davenpoop are so enamored with Vick that they just can’t bring themselves to give Ryan the credit he so obviously deserves. Schulz is right . The only reason we were in the game was because of Ryan. HE ENGINEERED DRIVES TWICE THAT GAVE US THE LEAD AND THE DEFENSE COULDN’T HOLD IT!!!! I just can’t stand people who have NO objectivity and are pining for Vick like some love sick high school cheerleader with a crush on the captain of the football team.

By Jason

December 8, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Everyone, I know this team has weaknesses and I know there were some bad plays there late in the game, but don’t worry we will definitely make the playoffs. Dallas has a tough schedule remaining (NY, Philly, and Baltimore) and we have two home games. Even the games we lose are very close- many teams would kill for the players we have, so don’t be so down on our team. Don’t be surprised when we make it to the second round of the playoffs.

By Najeh Davenpoop

December 8, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

“Exodus mentality and Najeh Davenpoop are so enamored with Vick that they just can’t bring themselves to give Ryan the credit he so obviously deserves. Schulz is right . The only reason we were in the game was because of Ryan. HE ENGINEERED DRIVES TWICE THAT GAVE US THE LEAD AND THE DEFENSE COULDN’T HOLD IT!!!! I just can’t stand people who have NO objectivity and are pining for Vick like some love sick high school cheerleader with a crush on the captain of the football team.”

No objectivity? I think I pretty clearly said that Ryan is one of the reasons the Falcons are doing well this year. Just because I’m not on my knees in front of him begging for him to shoot his load on my face doesn’t mean I’m not appreciating the job he’s done. Obviously he’s having an excellent season. I am, however, able to see that a combination of favorable circumstances has set up his success this season, from the head coach to the #2 rushing offense in the NFL to the soft schedule. That’s objectivity. You want to know who is not objective? Those who claim that the rookie QB of an well-coached 8-5 team that is fighting for a wild-card spot is better than a three-time Pro Bowler who lead a poorly-coached team full of scrubs to an NFC Championship Game in his second year as a starter. When people make outlandish statements like that, fueled by their personal dislike for a player, I call them out. I just call it as I see it, bro. You can agree or disagree with me if you want, but I think I’m pretty damn objective compared to most of the people here.

By Vick Hater

December 8, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

If you were a little more objective you might remember that 2004 was a horrible year for the NFC south and to claim that as a real victory is a little sad. Being the best of a bunch of bad teams is not saying much.

By Will

December 8, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Get real. At start of season everyone including these great writers who are now nitpicking the Falcons had determined the falcons would win 1-4 games at the most. They have exceeded every expectation and have won 8. Now because of one call you find fault with Smitty. Look where he has the Falcons. Respectable. O.K. not a champsionship caliber team but respectable. Give the man some credit. He has done a tremendous job with the team that he was given to work with. Mr. Blank will certainly look towards upgrading the defense next year, count on it. Then maybe the coach can be nitpicked about something else.

By welikebaseball2

December 8, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

crabapplejoe, LOL…LOL…that’s funny, I don’t remember saying anything about Brooking being white. So what, no one is allowed to criticize white players without being accused of racial bias? What about people who criticize a player that happens to be black? Oh yeah, you probably hold those folks to a different standard. Let me guess, you’re still upset Harrington was cut. LOL. Wow. LOL. Wow. By the way, am I black or white? One thing’s for sure, you’re delusional, intimidated, angry, paranoid, etc.

By h-y-p-o-c-r-i-s-y

December 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

By Vick Hater December 8, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this I agree Tyrone. It is a shame. I also agree that it is time to put him behind us. He doesn’t deserve this much consideration.

By Vick Hater December 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this We are headed for a dynasty. And really the way we have suffered we are due. I made mention that Vick may have unwittingly done us a favor in my original post but last season is still way too fresh on my mind to thank Vick.

Under Vick I often felt we were lucky when we won and maybe it was not as much about us beating our opponents but more like they just happened to lose. I often felt that Vick was more concerned with how he looked on camera than winning the game.

By Vick Hater December 8, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this If you were a little more objective you might remember that 2004 was a horrible year for the NFC south and to claim that as a real victory is a little sad. Being the best of a bunch of bad teams is not saying much.

By falcon fan

December 8, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

I thought considering that the defense could not stop the saints at all in the second half that going for it would not have been a bad call. let matt drop back and throw it, I mean he was the reason that they were still in the game. The defense had every oportunity to come up with a stop. If they could have come up with one, maybe two stops they could have won the game. Impressive how ryan came out after the interception and played like a pro, like nothing ever happened. Glad we finaly got a real Q.B.

By L Turner

December 9, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this

The offense got the ball back after the defense got scored on with a short field. The offense had their chance to respond after getting scored on and we didn’t. I love Matt Ryan but don’t let his performance give you Falconvision. Again the offense got a chance and even had a choice to go for it on 4th and FIVE. Our second down play was rediculously dumb. So please stop placing all of the blame on the defense. This is the second time that the offense has gotten the ball after being scored on. The first time was against Denver. Both games we were able to get the ball back with plenty of time and we did not score in either game. After our (horrible)defense stopped Philidelphia on a three and out, are we sure NOW that we would have won that game?

By Vick Hater

December 9, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Sorry but when you are trading leads the entire game and you lose by one score the fault rests with the defense. One defensive stop on any of their scoring plays and the game would have been ours. You can’t expect an offense to score every time they touch the ball because no offense is that good.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Ryan is extremely talented but he is still a rookie qb and he is playing for a team that has been greatly demoralized recently. Now that Ryan’s abilities are being qualified it is up to the coaching staff to equip the offense so he can do his job even better.

The reality is that as good as we are we still expect too much from too few. Consistently have an answer for White, Turner, and Abraham and chances are you will beat us. If one of them gets hurt we will have another losing season. I’d rather lose every other game this season so this coaching staff will realize there is still work to be done than make it to the playoffs and let them think what we have is good enough.

By Ronald Moore

December 9, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has little chance of making the playoffs! You have to be second in the division for a wild card slot, Tampa has a cakewalk for there last two games, Detroit and another real weak team so they will at worst go two for three even if we beat them Sunday. Then I believe the tie breaker if we manage three straight would be divisonal record, Tampa has us beat there. So we have to win three straight and have Tampa lose to a Detroit or similar weak team to be second in this division, Tampa is way to good for that! We needed the New Orleans game it is a shame we lost, but thanks for the memories anyway I love the Falcons and there really is a next year to look forward to thanks to the players coaches and management of this team!

By Vick Hater

December 9, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

No they have already played Detroit. They are playing San Diego, and Oakland at home after we beat them on Sunday. The good news is that Gruden will blow a gasket after they have lost 2 very important games in a row. TB to get yet another new starting qb?

By Barry

December 9, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all:

Stop all this pessimisstic talk about the Falcons not making the playoff. We have 3 games remaining and all we have to do is win. The teams that are on the schedule, we can beat them. They are not great and we are getting stronger and unifying as a team. The Falcons accomplishments are about hard play and positive attitude. Hey, we gave that game to the Eagles and the Saints. No team has dominated us. And all of them have been running for their lives when they played us. This week and the rest of the season will be no different. The FALCONS WILL WIN. However, I believe some fans have been so use to losing that do not understand that we have a “WINNER” in our mist. This team is “FOR REAL”. So get used to seeing good, winning football every Sunday. If you do not like winning, Falcon football, and believe in the past, I feel sorry for you. I am going to enjoy each and every game and watch this team and its coaches stategize the hell out of the remaining games and get us into the playoff. REMEMBER, we were not suppose to be here, based on the naysayers, but “HERE WE ARE”. We got here by playing as a “TEAM” and, as a FAN, I am going to do my part as supporting the Falcons in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” This is the time when character is built for the team and the fans. It was established in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!: “Chemisrty’ among the fans, the media, the team, and the Atlanta football community, and it will continue throuhout this season and into the playoff. WE PLAY WITH “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” IT IS OUR TIME!!!!!!!!… THAT”S THE ONLY WAY WE KNOW HOW TO PLAY!!!

GO FALCONS!! SEE YOU AT THE DOME

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ringold

By bigeasy830

December 9, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

By Ronald Moore, 3 teams can come out of a division and make the play-offs. You can have the division champ and 2 wild card teams coming out of the south. Last year the NFC East had 3 teams in the play-offs. The NFC champs Dallas and 2 wild card teams, The Redskins and the eventual Super Bowl champs The Giants. The Falcons have a very good chance at the play-offs even if they lose to Tampa, I like our chances against a Gus Frerrote or Tarvaris Jackson lead Vikings team, even though the Vikings have lost only one game at home all year, and that was week 2 against the Colts, I think Atlanta can still beat them. The Vikings will loss this week at Arizona and may have a hard time rebounding for the Falcons game. But anyway, the Falcons have an excellent chance against the Bucs this week. Falcons win that game I think they are in for sure. No way they lose to the Rams. Not only that the NFC East is the only other division that may send more than one play-off rep for the NFC. All those teams have a very tough schedule. The Giants are in for sure but Dallas schedule is a killer and we are ahead of the Redskins and Philly. 2 wins out of the next 3. It those not matter which 2 and the Falcons will be in the play-offs.

By AJC Lost in space

December 17, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Matt the reason the falcon are winning ? you are nuts did you see the game sunday. The Buc punk matt all the way out and the coaches knew it. Tunner is why we are winning and Mr. white. matt can throw the ball with out any pressure. when you put pressure he punk’s outs. This why I say the NFL is out to make this guy look good. Most team test rookie out and most team we played never dail up the pressure only two teams phily and the buc. most QB can pass with no pressuse. watch next year when the defense go to work on this guy. now for matt he has done what the coaches ask him to do this year, but the honeymoon will be over watch and see !