If nothing else, there is effort. If nothing else, they don’t quit. If nothing else, it turns out of some of those players on defense can actually play a little bit.
If nothing else … well, actually, that’s a lot.
No matter recent results, the Falcons likely will make significant changes after the season, both on the roster and among decision-makers. Sunday’s 30-14 win over in New Orleans didn’t change that. Good vibes linger for a team that can clinch a division title with a win over Carolina on Sunday, but watch how quickly those good vibes dissipate if the Falcons lose the game or even if they get slapped in the playoffs. That’s just reality.
It’s clear a large segment of the fan base isn’t buying in. The Falcons know that. That’s the biggest reason they put playoff tickets on sale Monday. It wasn’t a signal that they’re assuming a win over Carolina. It was a signal that they’re not assuming a home playoff game sellout, so they needed a jump start:
“Buy playoff tickets today as stocking-stuffers! And if we don’t make it there, we’ll see you in the returns line Monday with that ugly sweater!”
But even those with a sense of impending doom might concede there have been some positive signs. A few things we’ve learned about this team:
• They're giving great effort: Has that saved Mike Smith's job? No. It's important to remember that the Falcons are 6-9, still not nearly an acceptable record for owner Arthur Blank. They're 5-0 against NFC South teams (very good) but 1-9 against non-division dumplings (very bad). To reiterate: I believe Smith has to make the playoffs and win at least one postseason game for a chance to save his job. (Smith from his Monday presser: "My focus is on winning football games … and I'm going to continue to do that until Arthur Blank tells me differently.") But the effort this year is notable. That was not always the case during last year's slide to 4-12. Whether the players' consistent effort is a reflection on themselves or a reflection on Smith doesn't matter. It's better than quitting, which they could've done at 2-6.
• Fighting for a playoff berth is a positive: I don't get the just-tank-it debate. Learning how to win in adverse circumstances and playoff experience can only be a positive, even if you don't believe the Falcons are legitimate contenders. Ask the Hawks what taking top-seeded Indiana to seven games last season did for their confidence.
• Resiliency suddenly not an empty buzzword: Often times, they've stunk. But those second-half collapses are less frequent. The Falcons blew a potential ugly win against Cleveland when Smith mismanaged the clock in the final minute. But since then, they've: 1) had a strong performance in beating Arizona; 2) played a strong second half at Green Bay after falling behind 31-7, eventually losing by only six points (43-37); 3) played a strong second half after falling behind to Pittsburgh 20-7, eventually losing by a touchdown (27-20); and 4) defeated New Orleans. Since a late-game meltdown against Detroit in London, the Falcons have outscored five of seven opponents in the second half. The exceptions: Cleveland (13-10, thanks to clock mismanagement and a Browns' winning field goal) and Carolina (14-13, in a win). Overall, the Falcons have outscored their last seven opponents 106-68 in the second half. Major progress.
• They're still No. 32 — but with a bullet! The Falcons have the NFL's worst-ranked defense for a sixth straight week (and after 14 of 16 weeks overall). But there has been significant improvement. They held New Orleans to only one legitimate scoring drive and 328 total yards (well below its average of 423). Amazing what happens when a defense gets pressure. Losing Sean Weatherspoon for the entire season, William Moore for seven games and Robert Alford for the last five hurt. But the secondary is surviving. It held Drew Brees to a late-game touchdown pass, despite losing three players (Moore, Dwight Lowery, Josh Wilson) at various parts of the game. Among the young defensive players, cornerback Desmond Trufant and safety Kemal Ishmael have been strong and defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hagemen has improved after a poor start (with a sack in New Orleans).
• Offensive line woes are diminishing: It doesn't excuse every hiccup the offense has had this season but it's worth repeating: The Falcons' line has been beaten up all season. Only two of the five starting lineman against the Saints — guard Justin Blalock and rookie tackle Jake Matthews — were expected to start this season, and Matthews was supposed to be on the right side. Five linemen have been lost for the season: full-time starters Sam Baker and Joe Hawley, part-time starters Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes and reserve Mike Johnson. Guard Jon Asamoah missed the last game. But protection has improved since Matt Ryan was sacked nine times in consecutive losses to Chicago and Baltimore. Ryan has been sacked only twice in the last four games.
Progress, not perfection. Having exhibited the opposite, the Falcons will take it.
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