A Look Ahead: Look Harder
by tlozwarlock on Nov 11, 2009 11:18 AM EST
in Editorial
30 comments
Carolina Panthers Part Deux
Where: Bank of America Stadium
When: Sunday November 15th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business. Duh, the only way to get the wild card is to sweep the Panthers.
Notes: The Panthers look much improved since we last saw them. Peppers has seemingly woken up and DeAngelo is continuing to prove his worth. Since the Falcons have a bit of an issue with road games, I'm a teensy bit nervous about this one. Prove me wrong, Birds!
The Falcons Win If: Michael Turner continues his one-man turf gobblin' show. Let's face it, Ryan, Gonzo, White, Lofton, Duff Man, Predator, Sledge, DeCoud, U.S.S. Babineaux, etc are amazing players, but Turner has been, at least the last two weeks, the heart of this team's ability to win.
The Panthers Win If: The Falcons continue to have issues stopping the run. The Redskins' rush looked competent against our D, especially in the third quarter. Can't let that happen against Carolina. They'll eat us alive.
Prediction: Falcons win a close one.
New York Giants
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: To be the best, you have to beat the best, which seemingly no longer pertains to this contest.
Importance: Serious Business. If we want an amazing marquee road win, we need this one. Yes, we beat up the 49ers, but that win is looking less and less sharp in the waning months of the season. If we win against the Giants, that'll push them to 5-5.
Notes: Giants slid down again, losing their fourth game in a row; they'll teetering on a .500 record going into our contest two weeks from now. If the Falcons show up and play hard, we can push them over the edge.
The Falcons win if: They bring their A game to Giants Stadium. The Giants' D is not as scary as it once was and, if our defense can stop their rush and get adequate pressure on Eli, it will be a long, sad day for the G-Men.
The Giants win if: The team that won five in a row at the start of the season shows.
Prediction: The Falcons lose a tightly contested game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 29th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business.
Notes: Tampa somehow beat the Packers. Well, really, the Packers beat themselves. Still, Bucs are more or less rebuilding. The foundation isn't even dry yet. Expect the Falcons to put a few footprints in the concrete.
Prediction: Falcons stomp 'em.
Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 6th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because Eagles and Falcons are natural enemies.
Importance: Serious Business. Let's avenge 2004's playoff loss.
Notes: Up, down, up, down. That's the Eagles this year. Hopefully we get them on a down day.
Prediction: Falcons finally get their revenge.
New Orleans Saints 2: The Season Definer
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 13th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business. No more joking around. The Saints have the division title. A win here does, however, almost guarantee a wild-card berth. Prepare for another toughly contested game.
Notes: New Orleans will be 12-0 here. No doubt about it. Rams and Bucs up next? Yeah, they aren't losing those.
Prediction: Falcons win a very close one.
New York Jets
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday December 20th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because New Yorkers couldn’t get enough of us the first go round against the Giants.
Importance: Pay Attention
Notes: The Jets have posted wins against the Titans, Raiders, Texans, and Patriots (which, let's be honest, won't happen when they meet again). The Jets will likely be 7 and 4 here due in large part to a relatively easy schedule. However, I don't expect them to see much mercy from our Birds. Hopefully, whatever road shakes the Falcons have will have been fixed by this point in the season.
Prediction: Falcons win.
Buffalo Bills
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 27th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: CBS
Why: The Bills aren't looking too good. Uh oh...
Importance: Pay Attention.
Notes: As long as we show up, we've got this one.
Prediction: Falcons win by a touchdown or more
Tampa Bay Buccaneers With a Vengeance
Where: Raymond James Stadium
When: Sunday January 3rd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Hmm...
Notes: Tampa may have more to gain from this game than we would, and it's in their stadium to boot. Let's just say that the Falcons better not be looking past these swashbucklers this late in the season.
Prediction: Falcons win, barring any miracles for the struggling Bucs.
Current season record: 5-3 (Wins against MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS; losses against NE, DAL, NO)
Current season prediction: 12-4 (Wins: MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS, CAR, TB, PHI, NYJ, NO, BUF, TB; Loss: NE, DAL, NO, NYG)
tlozwarlock's Current Prediction record: 7-1 (I know the pitfall is coming soon. I'm just too dang positive).
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You are a ray of sunshine, tloz
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by Dave the Falconer on Nov 11, 2009 11:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
12-4 would be tremendous
Thinking about a 7-1 finish is heady stuff, it reminds me of the blissful, optimistic days of my youth! Just getting into the tournament would be great for me. Who knows what can happen if you suddenly get hot at the end of the year, like the Cardinals last season?
by tom slick on Nov 11, 2009 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
12-4 wild card is outrageous
i dig the predictions
carolina on my mind making me nerviosa
by dirtyburs on Nov 11, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
the Carolina
game has me so nervous all we prob need to do is try to contain Williams
by Erihury on Nov 11, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This could be the week they find their passing mojo
Rosario, their best receiver after Smitty is back. And last week proved that only running the ball will not consistently beat good teams. You might see them air it out more. Whether that helps your struggling pass defense, or the Panthers struggling pass offense is probably a toss up.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Nov 12, 2009 8:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking more of 11-5
I have a bad feeling about that Philly game
by orion12 on Nov 11, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but I disagree
I don’t think we’ll lose to the Giants. They are falling apart at the seams and I’m sure the pressure will only continue to cause distress within that locker room. The Eagles however are putting up a ton of points and not allowing very many. That is the one we have the greater probability of losing, even if it’s in the Dome.
Everything else looks about right to me.
"This is America, if we can’t self-righteously look down on others and blame them for our faults, the commies win."-----Cormican on Bleeding Green Nation w/r/t fans overreacting to the Eagles signing of Michael Vick
by Jesse28 on Nov 11, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Some thought Burner was regressing, but look at B Jacobs. His decline was a given (due to his size), but talk about falling off. If the Giants can’t pound the rock, Eli loses him damn mind. To be honest, I’ve never been all that impressed by Eli, and without a running game, we’re seeing first-hand how mediocre that offense really is.
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And
Their defense suddenly sucks, too. Tony G should go absolutely nuts against them – their Linebackers can’t cover (unless Boley’s back healthy for them), and their Safeties flat out suck (they benched CC Brown for Aaron Rouse last week and were a little better).
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Nov 12, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I am hoping we can beat the giants. not sure how that one is going to go. The Eagles game may be tough, but I still think we win at home. the GA dome is going to be on fire that day.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Nov 11, 2009 3:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
12-4, 11-5
hell im happy with 10-6. I sure would like that wild card spot if the Aints dont have a major collapse, but hwo knows how it pans out
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Nov 11, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Falcoholic will be represented
A pal of mine has season tix to the Giants. I will be in NYC that week and will be proudly wearing a Falcons jersey in Giants stadium for the game! I might get my butt kicked, but oh well.
Special bonus: I will also be attending the Pixies concert that night as a guest of the band. In other words Nov 22nd is going to be one of the greatest days of my life. Falcons and one of my fave all time bands in one day!
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
by runningback on Nov 11, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
wait, a guest of the Pixies?
Um, more info please! Such a great band, how is that you came to befriend the band?
Also, color me extremely green.
"This is America, if we can’t self-righteously look down on others and blame them for our faults, the commies win."-----Cormican on Bleeding Green Nation w/r/t fans overreacting to the Eagles signing of Michael Vick
by Jesse28 on Nov 11, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
We need more info on the Pixies news…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Nov 12, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
RB, where for art thou?
RB has either been extremely busy touring with some of the most awesome bands ever (after the Pixies, he’s probably runnin with The Cure that bastard!) or he has been seriously hatin’ us! Come on back to us RB, you’re part of the Old Guard!
"This is America, if we can’t self-righteously look down on others and blame them for our faults, the commies win."-----Cormican on Bleeding Green Nation w/r/t fans overreacting to the Eagles signing of Michael Vick
by Jesse28 on Nov 13, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
He's a Cowboys fan as well
So he’s probably conflicted internally
You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.
by tlozwarlock on Nov 13, 2009 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I know
I almost said that his love for the ’Boys had finally taken completely over his better half (the Falcons side of course!).
Corey Zickefoose: I think they should still be able to play football, regardless. Tennessee is my place. You know, it's my football team.
Reporter: Even after they put a gun in your face, you say let them play football?
Corey Zickefoose: Yeah. It's Tennessee. That's the way it is sometimes.
Welcome to the SEC!
by Jesse28 on Nov 13, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Look at the #s for this week....
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2009/week-9-dvoa-ratings
As you can see, ATL’s DVOA rankings for off, def, and ST are 14, 19, and 16 respectfully. CAR’s numbers are 23, 13,and 31(!) respectfully. Coach Mike Smith holds to the old addadge that if you win in 2 of the 3 phases of the game, you can win. Our offense is better, and are special teams are much better. I feel good about this week…
"If lessons were learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." -Murray Warmath
by NaGaNole on Nov 11, 2009 3:46 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
by FrankyWren on Nov 11, 2009 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You know I approve of this message
And if you look deeper, it’s even better:
Special Teams – we are #1 in Kickoffs/KO Coverage, they are below average in Kick Returns; we are well above average in Kick Returns, they are one of the worst in Kickoffs/KO Coverage.
Our Offense – we are #17 in Pass Offense, and have moved all the way up to #8 in Rush Offense; they are #6 in Pass Defense, but only #26 in Run Defense.
Our Defense – we are #19 in Pass Defense and #13 in Run Defense; they are #28 in Pass Offense and #14 in Rush Offense.
I’ve been thinking about doing a quick “DVOA Matchup” post each week to show things like this for the upcoming game. Dave, anybody – is this something you guys would want to see?
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Nov 12, 2009 10:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Um ... YEAH!
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
by FrankyWren on Nov 12, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Um, YES PREEZE!
But don’t over burden yourself, I need you to save some of that data crunching fuel for when you start posting more over at FTRS. And you will…(while I send you telepathic messages to your subconscious!)
"This is America, if we can’t self-righteously look down on others and blame them for our faults, the commies win."-----Cormican on Bleeding Green Nation w/r/t fans overreacting to the Eagles signing of Michael Vick
by Jesse28 on Nov 13, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Man,
Those guys are all over the statistical analysis. They’re Tech guys, the numbers is kinda what they do…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Nov 13, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, it's fun though
And you’d fit right in.
Corey Zickefoose: I think they should still be able to play football, regardless. Tennessee is my place. You know, it's my football team.
Reporter: Even after they put a gun in your face, you say let them play football?
Corey Zickefoose: Yeah. It's Tennessee. That's the way it is sometimes.
Welcome to the SEC!
by Jesse28 on Nov 13, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been lurking…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Nov 13, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
8-0
i was upset with our loss to dallas. our offense should be clicking by the time we play NY. we just have to start hitting jenkins more and spreading the ball around. our d is improving i think we beat NY and new orleans at home. that means 8-0/13-3. HIGH HOPES
by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Nov 11, 2009 8:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure about NO at home.
Both teams played rough games. Even if both teams fired on all cylinders, I think their team is just a bit better. However, we have the Dome and whatnot. It’s a winnable game. Other than the Saints, we can win every other game without necessarily playing our “Game of the Century”.
by Zippo729 on Nov 12, 2009 4:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
D Williams sore knee - missed practice
He is questionable and I doubt he’ll be 100%. Plus they lost one of their best defensive players, a LB
by nathan rothschild on Nov 12, 2009 1:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
DeAngelo and Stewart are interchangeable
If DeAngelo gets fewer carries you won’t see much of a drop off. With Stewart you’ll get a little less speed, but more power. And their 3rd and 4th RBs are very capable as well.
The Panthers are very deep at LB as well, so that’s yet to be seen. However, Thomas Davis was on pace for a probowl, so you guys might be able to take advantage his absence.
on behalf of tha dirty south: soul food, carolina blue, southern hospitality, and tha queen city
by southtunnel on Nov 12, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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