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DEL.ICIO.USPassion at play tonight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
New Orleans — Having played on Friday nights in Parkview High’s Big Orange Jungle and having labored long — and ultimately successfully — to bring Georgia its long-sought SEC championship, Jon Stinchcomb knows something about being part of a team that’s more than a team. That said, he concedes tonight’s Falcons-Saints game has an enormity unto itself.
“I’ve never been part of a team where the fans are so attached,” says Stinchcomb, the Saints’ right tackle. “That’s not lost on us. We have a vivid picture of thousands of people being jammed into our stadium [as Hurricane Katrina evacuees], and that wasn’t a happy thought.”
Stinchcomb’s team, as you know, will play the Falcons in the game that marks the Saints’ return to their city and the reopening of the Louisiana Superdome. Much has been levied on this hugely anticipated night, and what’s apparent above all is the place the always-beloved Saints have come to occupy in the psyche of this battered city.
“We’re in a time where the people of this city have needs,” Stinchcomb says. “And they need us.”
This isn’t a case of an employee parroting the party line. Stinchcomb is a perceptive analyst, able to grasp both the reality (it’s just one game) and the emotion (it’s the biggest game in franchise history). On Thursday the Saints practiced in the Superdome for the first time since Katrina, and afterward coach Sean Payton gathered his men in the locker room and dimmed the lights and had, Payton said, “a little session” on the meaning of Monday night.
Says Stinchcomb: “It was pretty emotional. I wasn’t in tears, but it did bring back the pictures of what New Orleans has been though. And it reminded us that this is not just a football game and the Saints are not just a football team.”
Nothing could prepare you for what Katrina did to this city, but having served as a Bulldog at a time when it seemed Georgia might never again win the SEC gave Stinchcomb some notion of what it means to have a Higher Goal. It was Stinchcomb who hollered at his teammates when trailing by 11 points at the half that cold day at Auburn. (“I spoke with emotion,” he says now, smiling.) Then he went out and threw himself on the ball when David Greene, his roommate, fumbled into the end zone on a quarterback draw. (“I didn’t block anybody on the play, but I got wide open.”) And that touchdown, the only one the lineman has ever scored, ignited the epic comeback that yielded the 2002 SEC East title.
Drafted by the Saints in 2003, he has only now become a starter. He missed last season with a torn patellar tendon, giving him a scar on his right knee to match the one on his left, the earlier injury having occurred in 1997 when he was a senior at Parkview High School. Becoming a Saint meant Stinchcomb joined the one NFL team that can be said to mirror a big-time college program in terms of serving as a magnet for utter passion. “It’s the same collegiate atmosphere,” he says.
The Saints expect themselves to play professionally tonight, and that won’t be easy. “We have to stay focused on the fact it’s a football game. We can’t start listening to the media. This is a division opponent, and it’s an important game with the Saints-Falcons rivalry. We have to stay focused however many pregame concerts there are.”
But can any team be so intense as to ignore U2 and Green Day and the coin-tossing presence of George Bush (the elder, not the younger)? Stinchcomb isn’t sure. “I’ll give [the importance of the night] some thought when I first get to the stadium, and then I’ll try to fine-tune my focus.”
Good luck with that. Good luck with trying to block Patrick Kerney when Bono’s in the house and the whole world is watching.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment | Categories: Mark Bradley
Comments
By Kudzu
September 25, 2006 06:42 AM | Link to this
I actually hope we get to see a real good football game, all this Katrina hype is over the top. I appreciate the pain associated with what so many have had to deal with over the past year, but in my opinion, this game won’t heal the city, won’t rebuild any communities, or make New Orleans the “draw” that it once was. It’s a media story and I would suspect that MNF has some great ratings.
But what has this past year really taught us? Are we able to get past the blame game and finger pointing to search and try and figure out how we can (re-act) better and differently the next time.
Yeah, tonight will be a feel good story, but more than likely next Monday it’s all forgotten. It will be a great show tonight, and I personally hope the Birds run all over the Saints; but for some reason the game may digress into what we’re able to watch between all the promo’s and “bits” and storys about who’s done the (next great thing) in New Orleans- …because of Katrina, or because there is a great big stage down there and a great big audience, at least for one more night.
Tonight’s game won’t teach any of us to get out of harms way when a storm is coming…
By ROCKBUSTER
September 25, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
GOD BLESS NEW ORLEAN,GO FALCONS.
By Hasavior
September 25, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
I think this game is going to be bigger than just MNF, its going to be a showcase of people, perserverance, and will. This game is important to New Orleans to gain momentum to rebuild the city.
The game is secondary. It should be a good show. i think both teams have different agenda more so than the other. Both teams want to go undefeated in the division, yet the Falcons want to be above 800 when the playoff come around. The Saints might make 500 this year. The falcons have a strong schedule this year. a ligit schedule to prove thier place in the NFL.
The Saits are 2-3 years from that at this point.
By J
September 25, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
Im ready Is it Kickoff time yet???? Go Birds
By PreyDawg
September 25, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Great Post Kudzu. And good perspective.
By PreyDawg
September 25, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
Great Post Kudzu. And good perspective.
By Dave
September 25, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
I just hope the Falcons can focus on this game and play to win. I hate all this hype, this is just a football game.
By ATL Eastsider
September 25, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
WE LOVE YOU, N.O.
BUT WE STILL MUST TAKE CARE OF BIZNESS!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
By ATL Eastsider
September 25, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
WE LOVE YOU, N.O.
BUT WE STILL MUST TAKE CARE OF BIZNESS!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!
By ATL Eastsider
September 25, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
WE LOVE YOU N.O.
BUT WE MUST STILL TAKE CARE OF BIZNESS!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
By ATL Eastsider
September 25, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
WE LOVE YOU N.O.
BUT WE MUST STILL TAKE CARE OF BIZNESS!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
By ATL Eastsider
September 25, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
WE LOVE YOU N.O.
BUT WE MUST STILL TAKE CARE OF BIZNESS!!!
GO FALCONS!!!!
By Vick Bartkowski
September 25, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
New Orleans is still our biggest rival. Ambrose, Hebert, M. Anderson, Both Mora’s, sucking at the same time, Being good at the same time , Haynes’ playoff catch, our only rival for 20 plus years, Saints fans bussing to Atlanta Fulton County Stadium and the Dome, falcons fans bussing to NO for the game. I hate the Ain’ts, We dat say we gone beat dem Saints. Go Birds. I am happy NO is getting it together. Dawgs suck. Go Jackets.
By ga.swamper
September 25, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
My only hope is that the Falcons can play thru the bad calls they will surly get tonight. This is truly us against everybody else and I see no fewer than 5 bad calls against us at crucial points in the game.
By ga.swamper
September 25, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
My only hope is that the Falcons can play thru the bad calls they will surly get tonight. This is truly us against everybody else and I see no fewer than 5 bad calls against us at crucial points in the game.
By 4EverAFalcon
September 25, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
Greetings from New Orleans. My friends and I travelled from ATL for the game. We took a tour of the 9th Ward and the destruction is really incredible. Many high rise office buildings in downtown N.O. still have no windows. There are A LOT of Falcons fans here. The Dirty Birds pretty much took over the French Quarter last night. Overall, the Saints fans have been friendly, but we’re not sure what to expect once we get in the Superdome. There are some really high emotions here. There is a rumor down here that President Bush and his father will both be at the game. Speaking of the game, I think the Falcons must set the tone early with a good long drive or defensive stop. If we can win the battle for field position we should be able to get points on the board. One last note: everyone down here hates Michael Vick….I guess it’s the best form of flattery! Go Falcons.
By 4EverAFalcon
September 25, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Greetings from New Orleans. My friends and I travelled from ATL for the game. We took a tour of the 9th Ward and the destruction is really incredible. Many high rise office buildings in downtown N.O. still have no windows. There are A LOT of Falcons fans here. The Dirty Birds pretty much took over the French Quarter last night. Overall, the Saints fans have been friendly, but we’re not sure what to expect once we get in the Superdome. There are some really high emotions here. There is a rumor down here that President Bush and his father will both be at the game. Speaking of the game, I think the Falcons must set the tone early with a good long drive or defensive stop. If we can win the battle for field position we should be able to get points on the board. One last note: everyone down here hates Michael Vick….I guess it’s the best form of flattery! Go Falcons.
By 4EverAFalcon
September 25, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
Greetings from New Orleans! Falcons fans are here in FORCE from the ATL. My friends and I arrived yesterday. We pretty much took over the French Quarter last night. There are more Falcons fans here than we could ever have imagined. Emotions are really high here with the locals. Boy, do they really HATE Michael Vick….I guess it’s the best form of flattery. We took a drive to the 9th Ward and the destruction is truly amazing. Several N.O. downtown high rise buildings still have no windows. The economy is really slow down here….a lot of people unemployed. But their resolve, hope and optimism is quite strong. Now to the game: we feel that if the Falcons can get a long drive early, or a big D stop, it will take the fans and emotion out of the game. You will definitely see and hear a lot of support for the Falcons. Go Falcons!
By Miguel
September 25, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
everyone down here hates Michael Vick….I guess it’s the best form of flattery! Go Falcons
They had Brooks we Have Vick….they got the wrong cousin!
By Greg from Marietta
September 25, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this
Mark’s article and Kudzu’s counterpoint shed some excellent perspective on tonight’s festivities. But with all the hoopla aside, I am hoping that the Falcons can focus on this as just a football game. There will be many distractions and emotions present in New Orleans and there are a lot of young players on the Falcons that may be overwhelmed by it all. If coach Mora and his staff are wise they can and use this as a learning tool to help them in the future, come playoff time. I wish the Saints and the city of New Orleans well before the game and after it’s over but for the time in between I’m hoping the Falcon’s play them like a drum on Bourbon Street!
By Gregory Phillips
September 25, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
Falcons punched Carolina and Tampa Bay in the face, so they need to knockout the Saints. This will let the divison know that the Falcons are for real. Stay focus, play smart and let Vick do his thing. The Falcons are 3-0 in Monday night games with Vick. The whole country will be watching the game tonight. Good Luck Falcons
By ewalk80
September 25, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
IS ABE PLAYING TONIGHT??????????
By This gets old
September 25, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Game boils down to this:
2) If Saints are smart they’ll double team Jenkins. Falcons have been trying to get him into skinny posts or crossing patterns. Had a bit of success in Carolina with that so Roddy White (having a poor season) must step up here.
Falcons have been playing with really one WR because White hasn’t been precise in route running. Lelie is still learning the system and he’s not the best blocker anyway.
It’s left Crump with no openings. Offensively that’s the key for us tonight. Where is Crump, the world awaits.
By Paul K in Fla
September 25, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I could not have been more sad at what happened to New Orleans. It is, along with New York, San Francisco, and Austin, among my very favorite cities in the country—and even the world. There’s no city like it on Earth, and to have witnessed what all occurred there, and they painfully slow rebuilding of that great city is painful and sad.
And for once, I’d like to see the Saints have a good season. However, this is a Saints/Falcons game, and the Falcons need to play hard, play well, and pull no punches tonight at the Superdome and beat them soundly. Good luck next week, Saints, but for now, GO FALCONS!!!