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DEL.ICIO.USThese aren’t the Falcons of old
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
They could’ve won bigger but didn’t. They could’ve lost at the end but didn’t. They held together under duress the way a winning team must, the way — dare we say it? — a champion does. They beat the reigning NFC titlist because they were stronger at the end and more poised throughout. They took the step they needed to take, and today we look at the Falcons a bit differently than we did at 9 p.m. Monday. We look at them as a team capable of facing a great team and winning a statement game.
No, it was no classic. Statement games often aren’t. Statement games sometimes come down to brute force, as opposed to pretty offensive curlicues. And that’s the thing about football: Brute force can carry you a long way. On this night, brute force prevailed when all else failed.
Billed as the biggest regular-season home game in franchise history, both sides came unstuck a half-hour before it actually began. Jeremiah Trotter, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl linebacker, got into a grabbing/shoving match with Kevin Mathis, the Falcons’ nickel back, and this bit of silliness drew the earliest penalty flag (and subsequent use of instant replay) in NFL history.
The dual ejections amounted to a huge net victory for the Falcons, who figured to run a lot anyway and ran even more with the unexpected absence of Philly’s best run-stuffer. The Falcons hit the ground running, no pun intended, rushing for 200 yards and seizing a two-touchdown lead. They were the aggressors early, and what happened early was key in a game that fell to pieces the longer these two vaunted offenses contrived to work.
It was 14-7 after a first half that lasted so long it seemed a game unto itself. The Falcons didn’t score again — actually, T.J. Duckett broached the goal line but the touchdown was nullified by Todd McClure’s holding penalty — and seemed to have set themselves up to lose at the end. Inside the final nine minutes, the offense went three-and-out, then four-and-out. Duckett couldn’t gain a yard on third-and-1 from the Atlanta 49. The resulting punt was the percentage choice, if not the popular one inside the Dome, and the NFC champs took the ball at their 24 with 3:54 left, the game theirs to win.
And the NFC champs couldn’t. They couldn’t even cross midfield. DeAngelo Hall locked up Terrell Owens, considered one of the game’s two greatest receivers, and Rod Coleman pretty much controlled everything and everyone else. Coleman batted down Donovan McNabb’s pass on the final Philly series, and then on the Eagles’ last snap he crashed up the middle and forced the Pro Bowl pick to throw too soon, and that was that. A game billed as a collision of sleek offensive types — Vick and McNabb and Owens â€â€? had been decided by an unyielding defense and a big ol’ defensive tackle.
“I thought the defense played pretty daggone good,� said Hall, who was daggone good himself. “[The defense] just picked up the slack.�
And now things change for the franchise that has worked 39 seasons without posting consecutive winning records. They won on Monday night, something at which the Falcons have been historically awful, and they faced down a team that has itself faced down the rest of the NFC. This isn’t to say the Falcons are now the class of the conference, but they stand even taller today than they did in preseason.
It was just one game, but it was more than one game. It was a night of nerves and imprecision, but ultimately it was the night the Falcons gave the regal Eagles every chance to win and snatched back every one. The flawed Falcons of old wouldn’t have won this game, which only underscores the greater point: These aren’t the Falcons of old. These Falcons are better than they’ve ever been.
Permalink | Comments (34) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
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By Brian
September 13, 2005 02:54 AM | Link to this
It was a win on Monday Night against the Eagles. It may not have been pretty, but I’ll take it. It is the type of game the good ones win. If they survived that I think they can survive anything.
Great win for the Falcons.
By Mark Kelly
September 13, 2005 06:53 AM | Link to this
For a team that wins with guts and glory the Falcons need to drop the softball uniforms and go back to a style that is emblemactic of a bird of prey — Black and Silver!
By Bob
September 13, 2005 07:15 AM | Link to this
Terrell who? Peerless who? Go,Birds!
By PC
September 13, 2005 07:51 AM | Link to this
One game, folks. It’s a long season. As great as last night’s win was, they’ve got 15 more including games against New England and our division rivals, all of whom look very good.
I’m very confident Mora and company will keep them focused and get them ready for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. They should definitely win, but it will be a lot tougher than many think.
By Yvonne
September 13, 2005 08:15 AM | Link to this
What an exciting game—a true battle between birds of prey. I knew we could beat them. Looking forward to a long and rewarding season.
By Big Jimmy
September 13, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
Where is realbirdz and all the other eagles fans. Its tuesday baby and your birds didn’t win. Come on in and take the abuse you stankin eagles fans deserve. I told yall last week that #7 don’t have to be Peyton Manning or Donovan Mcnabb for his team to win. The kid is a primetime player, h*ll Donovan needs to be more like him!
By Adolfo
September 13, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this
Looks like DeAngelo Hall had his coming out party at the right time. T.O. Who? Hall locked up on him on just about every play and by won the battle. We finally have a shut down DB in the likes of Deon Sanders.
By PreyDawg
September 13, 2005 08:49 AM | Link to this
PC WAKE UP!!!
I have been a Falcons fan for 30 years. If you cant see the huge significance of this “one game” then you need to check history. This one means something. Mark Bradley is right. We the fan base and this franchise dont need anymore wet blankets right now.
We are well aware that it is just the first game. But by ginny it was indeed the biggest first game in our history. In the biggest arena. And we the fans and the team did ourselves proud. It is time for this community and this fan base to get excited like never before. It is NOT the time to “proceed with caution”.
We did that in ‘98 and it was the last game of the season in the Dome before fans realized that was a pretty good team. This team is better.
By wes
September 13, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this
There were some truly awful decisions by Knapp in this game…dropping Vick back to pass on 3rd and 15 from the goal line (against the NFC’s best secondary). If they had run the ball, they would have been up 17-7. Instead, they let phully back into it. Give the game ball to Coleman and the D. Awesome performance!
By D-man
September 13, 2005 09:00 AM | Link to this
Yeah, good point Big Jimmy…where is all the crap that was coming out of the Eagles’ fans mouths about how the Dome was their home and we couldnt do anything to prevent their win? All the effort they put into telling us how we werent good enough? Well, I expect some congrats and some props from these guys…I expect em but alas I wont get them. We know how these Philly fans eat their own. They are probably right now trying to figure out a way to run McNabb and Owens out of town. How funny. I think I will get on the Philly chatboards and give them a taste of the medicine they have been feeding us. Yeah…thats it. Heh, Heh. On a serious note, no one has mentioned the excellent play of the rest of our secondary last night. Of course Hall deserves all the praise in the world for keeping T.O. at bay from the long pass, but you know, the other guys out there did a heck of a job keeping the other receivers quiet. McNabb on a lot of plays just didnt have anyone to throw to. If Owens and Westbrook were covered, it was over. Nice work D!!!
By Big Jimmy
September 13, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this
We also have to give congrats to D Williams, the guy is all over the field. He shadowed Westbrook after he burned Brooking, but we know he can’t cover nobody man to man. But Williams is a player, the plays he makes are unbelieveable. I’M STILL WAITING FOR THE EAGLES FANS TO COME ON GIVE EXCUSES AS TO WHY THEY LOST. THEY LOST TO US, I KNOW THEY ARE PROBABLY READY TO JUMP OFF A BRIDGE ARE SOMETHING! REALBIRDZ, WHERE YOU AT?
By falcon guy
September 13, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
No offense to Deion, but he wouldn’t have faired as well against T.O. as D-Hall. Deion was a finesse player who shut down speedy receivers. T.O. is a brute and it takes a brute to defend him. Deion was once ran over by Gus Ferrotte, ha. T.O. meet D-Hall, your nemesis.
However, Vick was not very good passing wise. He had open receivers and over threw them. He needs to work on stepping into his passes. That’s why they sail high. They are lasers that look pretty, but they fell incomplete and sometimes dangerously close to defenders. The one INT was just a great play by Dawkins, he read it all the way. But the good news is, the Falcons won against the Eagles even with a less than stellar performance from #7. If he can improve, they will be tough to beat.
By James Sasser
September 13, 2005 09:29 AM | Link to this
It wasn’t pretty but the ‘A Birds got the job done. Great “D” will always prevail. My “buddy” up in Philly… do you have my address? I await by the Mailbox!
By Pete
September 13, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this
If this were the Falcons of old Philly would have been up 14-0 before our butts had a chance to warm the seats. No problem taking this win after years of nightmare games. How anyone can complain is beyond me.
By Greg from Marietta
September 13, 2005 10:06 AM | Link to this
Great Article Mark! You expressed it well when you said that these weren’t the Falcons of old. However, these birds are going to have to all wear the “S” under their jerseys with the schedule and the irratic play dates this season. Lets hope that they are up to the task and that the injury bug is kept at bay. I’ve always been proud of my Falcons, win or lose, but it sure is nicer when it’s a win. I can’t think of a better way to start the season or sweeter win than the one last night.
By JP
September 13, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this
Its ridiculous to me how anyone can complain about a win. I just don’t understand it. We won. We beat the best team in the NFC. I’m getting sick of this sh*t with the nedia and some of the fans. Our organization is in the right direction and in the right hands, so lets just celebrate that. Did you see the dome last night, how many times have we seen our home stadium like that. We have a home field advantage now.
By Asa Collins
September 13, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this
Been a fan since the early 70’s. Had season tickets for 5 years during the grits blitz and Bartkowski days. Ah the memories. I believe this team today ranks right up there with them. Can you imagine Vick’s feet with Bart’s arm and accuracy. The days coming. This game felt like a playoff game. The dome was rocking. My favorite sence from the game was after it was over and they showed D-Hall getting into T.O.’s face. How sweet is that. Gotta love that D. 1 down 15 to go. Love this team.
By Pete
September 13, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this
I sure hope we have homefield in the playoffs if we face Philly… .
By Spanky
September 13, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this
You’re right, Mark! These guys definitely don’t have the “allow the comeback” attitude that the dirty-birds have always had! I’ve seen so many games where we were loading by 14 or 17 at the half, and the opponent pushes a comeback and wins!”Well, they are the Falcons!” is what would follow shortly after! This squad is different! Mora is different! Our defense actually has,..(dare I say?)..Swagger! Hall PUNKED T.O. (for “totally overrated”), and the expression on T.O.’s face on the last play, as De’Angelo was up in his helmet,……Priceless!!
By ebineezer
September 13, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this
Good article Mark. The defense contiues its great play. They remind me of that Bears team years back that won it all with defense.
By Philip
September 13, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this
Great win for the Falcons.
The defensive secondary was better than I expected. Although except for Hall I still think the Atlanta secondary is subpar unit. If our front seven hadn’t put pressure on McNabb all night it could have been ugly. Good job Coleman, Kerney, and company.
Pass blocking still appears to be a problem for the Atlanta offense.
The thing that stuck out the most was how poorly Mike Vick played. I know it’s only the first game of the season, but he almost cost them this game. Maybe the Falcons should start running the option offense since running is the only thing Vick appears able to do. I’m sure I’ll get blasted for saying anything negative about Vick, but he still hasn’t shown any improvement as a quaterback. That’s not to say he won’t…I’m just tired of waiting.
Go Falcons!
By Dalton Dirty Bird
September 13, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget the statement made by Brady Smith and Keith Brooking early in the 1st Quarter. They sandwiched McNabb just as he released the ball and it hurt him bad. I’ve never seen a QB take the pads off on the sideline and stretch before coming back in. The play is overshadowed by DeAngelo’s interception and the fact that it wasn’t a sack but I think it hurt McNabb and let him know what he was in for all night. He just didn’t look very comfortable all night long. Since when have you seen him throw a pass in the flat to Westbrook two yards behind him as a lateral? I think he heard more footsteps….
By Mike Nash
September 13, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this
Georgia born, but living in Houston so I don’t get to see a lot of the Falcons games. But, I will say that this team played harder than any team that I’ve seen in decades ! You gotta love that defense ! Go Brooking, even though I’m a diehard Dawgs fan …
By MrsVick
September 13, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this
I agree this is a better Falcons team that I have ever seen before. They can only get better from here. Our Defense really put some licks on McNabb and D hall really did a good job on T.O. I think Vick did fairly good. I must say this is the best that I have ever seen our O line play. They did a good job in opening holes for the Dunn, and they protected Vick pretty good. Did you see how long he had in the pocket on a couple of those plays. I think that Finneran needs more work in reading blitz if he’s going to be put on the backfield to help block. The reason I say this is because when Dawkins sacked Vick, Finneran was suppose to pick him up but didn’t. We played a great game, there is some room for improvement loved it. I have never seen a team as hyped as they were last night.
Oh yeah good job protecting our nest I bet other teams will think twice about trying to stand in the center of the field in the Dome again. For a minute I thought that it would be the NFL version of the Pacers-Pistons brawl.
By c brown
September 13, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this
We are on the right track, let’s hope Vick can get his passing together and we will win the superbowl. Falcons defense won the game!!!!!
By Paul Hamilton
September 13, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this
No offense but Mrs Vick if this is the best that you have seen the offensive line play then you havent seen many games. I thought the offensive line was the one bad area of the night for the team. I mean how many holding calls? Also Vick was getting killed on some plays, which I know was in part to the poor blocking in the backfield as well. Great win but man do we need better protection if vick is going to sit in the pocket! Someone is going to take his head off one of these days.
By Jim Harris
September 13, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this
Mark, Are you the one to contact concerning publicity of one of our clients that plays for the Atlanta Falcons? His name is Kevin Mathis, #23, on defense.
We are looking to set up some interviews with him prior to the upcoming game between the Falcons and the Seahawks.
If it is not you, could you please let me know who else I should contact there?
Thank you,
Jim Harris Domann & Pittman 719-266-9124 www.dp-football.com
By Joseph Allen McWhorter
September 13, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this
Mark, this was an excellent article. Yes, I agree these Falcons are different than the old Falcons. These Falcons are full of attitude, energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. And last night’s win was huge for them, especially since they have what I consider to be a very brutal schedule. I think the Falcons sent a clear message last night to the Eagles and that is this-you guys might get back to the Super Bowl this year, but you might have to win the NFC Championship game in our house! And right now, judging from what I saw last night, I think the Eagles have serious chemistry issues. Oh yes, these Falcons are hungry and they have plenty of motivation. And I know that everyone talks about Michael Vick when speaking of the Falcons-that he is the ultimate franchise player. But, this year, I think that this team is going to be about a lot more than just one great player. However, without Michael Vick, the Eagles would’ve won last night’s game. I must admit that. I still think that Vick is the heart and soul of the team, but the Falcons are not just about Michael Vick anymore! They are about much more than him! Great article!
By TC
September 13, 2005 07:02 PM | Link to this
This game meant nothing. One game removed from training camp. You guys are acting like you won the Super Bowl. The reality is that the Eagles will be hosting the NFC Championship game at the LINC in January. I ‘m not so sure youur Dirty Birds will be the opponent. By the way…the Eagles have lost the opening game 3 out of the last four years and made it to the NFC Championship game every year.
Relentless
By Dominic Hughes
September 13, 2005 08:16 PM | Link to this
I’m very happy with the win. And yes, we should celebrate, then move on. There’s a long season ahead and there were enough problems exposed in that game for Atlanta to work on this week. The o-line, the passing game, Duckett’s running etc. That failure to get the yard needed on 3rd-and-1 was worrying, especially against a defense missing its best run stuffer. I agree with Mark that winning tough, close games like this is the sign of a good team. I also think if the score had been more of a blowout to the Falcons they might have got carried away. The close score makes it easier for Mora to keep their mind on the job and not get carried away. Bring on Seattle.
By Russ
September 13, 2005 08:17 PM | Link to this
Hey TC, you speak like a true Philadelphian,this game means nothing my A**!!. the Eagles did lose the opening game 3 of the last 4 years but they haven’t been smacked in the mouth like this in many years(not even in the super bowl or the 27-0 shellacking they took from pittsburg last year.)This was a statement game and put the Eagles on notice,they no longer dominate the NFC.We need another representative anyway,we’re tired of seeing the Eagles choke!!!
By Mark in Philly
September 14, 2005 09:48 AM | Link to this
Greetings everyone, just got back from the game Monday night and did I have ball! Great fans. Nice facility (for a dome). And one terrific game. Of course I would have preferred a victory by the team in Green & White, but the Falcons played a smart game and did what they needed to do to ensure victory. More so than their matchup against the Eagles for the NFC title matchup last season, I think Falcons fans will proudly point to THIS game in the years to come as the high watermark of this franchise.
Kudos for a job well done!
By Dale S. in ATL
September 14, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Mark in Philly, are you sure that you are an Eagles fan? You actually write with some class. ;)
Thanks for posting a well-thought out post. Although I have to disagree about your assessment of what this game will look like to the Falcons fans in years to come. I don’t believe we will not see it as a high watermark. Rather, we will see it as milestone/milemarker game that will respresent a “coming-out” of a solid contender for years to come.
Hope you get to come back and enjoy the dome again during the playoffs. Fans like you are always welcome!
By Deanna
September 15, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this
Nice win Falcons. You just won your Super Bowl. Too bad about Mathis’ injury. To quote Willie Nelson, “It’s a little old fashioned Karma coming down”.
Cheap hit Chad is next.
Go Saints!!