Post-Game Thread: Falcons Lose Heartbreaker To Saints, 35-27
by Dave Choate on Nov 3, 2009 12:28 AM EST
in Falcons News
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PrintI really wanted to win this game, but if we were going to lose, at least we did it with a ton of dignity.
Coming in as heavy underdogs, the Falcons stepped up in a big way and almost delivered a win time and time again. This proved that we aren't one of the league's elite teams, for those who didn't know that already. It also proved that we are a damn good, damn tough team who can hang with anybody in the league, and that has a lot of value as well. It's just going to take a little bit to get past the fact that we really did have it in our grasp. Bah.
Either way, we're sitting at 4-3, with the divisional race pretty much gone and the wild card race heating up. There are a lot of crucial games coming up, so cross your fingers and let's continue this journey together. Use this thread to discuss anything you feel like.
Usually I'd do some bullet-point thoughts here, but I'm a little drained tonight. Check back in the morning for the recap.
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Well, it was a great effort
Ryan wasn’t great, but he didn’t cost us the game either. Two bad luck INTs in the fourth quarter.
But it isn’t good enough. I think everyone expected more out of this offense, the supposed dream team, and outside of the SF game we haven’t seen it. We need a new kicker after this year. Elam just doesn’t have it anymore- and frankly I’m tired of kickers who can barely boot it 45 yards.
But huge props to the men for not quitting at the end.
I'm going to start beating the Brandon Coutu drum again
It’d be great if we could bring him on board for next season.
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old
we need a young guy in there, quit staying with the old vets who just need to be watching football on the couch.
by bhochstetler6 on Nov 3, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions
Elam's been hurt, guys
A kicker with a sore hammy- in either leg- can’t function fully. It takes time to heal those! Shut him down until he’s 100%, hold auditions in the meantime.
Elam’s almost a living legend like Morten Andersen, he’s deadly under pressure when he’s physically fit. Don’t give up on the old man, he might win you a playoff game one day!
almost
good looking game for us. d looked really good for the 2nd half.
“If that is a hold then you can’t play football” John Gruden, horrible call on us on a 3rd down. Huge play lead to a td i believe. cant blame a game on 1 bad call but that was pretty huge, didnt hardly have a hand on him. Got to regroup should have two wins in the next two weeks
Agreed
That was a BS call and I think the refs and smitty knew it. That call helped the saints drive down the field. Overall, I didn’t the officiating was bad, but that call was putrid.
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Nov 3, 2009 12:51 AM EST up reply actions
There's such a thing as a good loss
And this was it. We gave the best team in the NFL their stiffest challenge of the season. They played their best, and we didn’t play ours — yet we still gave them a run for their money. We’re a young team, and there’s no limit to what we can do in the future. And most importantly, we never, ever, ever gave up.
On an unrelated note, didn’t you hear? Jesus Christ changed his name to Drew Brees. ESPN told me so.
by StarsHallelujah on Nov 3, 2009 12:39 AM EST reply actions
Welcome to the site!
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I'm getting really tired of Yaskinsas
Every article he’s written in the past few weeks has been talking about how great Drew Brees is. Tonight, his rapid reaction was fawning over the saints, with little mention of it being a close game.
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Nov 3, 2009 12:54 AM EST up reply actions
Are you serious?...
As a lifelong Saints fan (39 yrs and counting), I’ve seen the reality that no matter how good or bad either squad is, when we play ATL, it’s gonna be competitive. And why wouldn’t the game be…SAINTS/FALCONS have played each other more than they’ve played any other teams in their respective team histories. AND, as a lifelong SAINTS fan, I know how it feels to lose in a heartbreaker…BUT…
The suggestion that the SAINTS played their BEST football and the Falcons came in and played half-hearted/mediocre ball yet still kept it close is weak and unfounded. You can’t possibly have watched either team game after game and be serious. I knew ATL would give us a run; and I think the greatest chance of losing a game this season is at the Georgia Dome more than when the Pats visit the Superdome for all the reasons I wrote above…
…but keep it real. Drew threw for 300+ yards, but fumbled once, threw an INT…not his best game. Our defense gave up a few big plays (missed tackles, questionable coverage)…not their best game. Special teams…missed field goal…not their best game. But the SAINTS still won. They beat a very good team last night…because that’s what GREAT teams find a way to do. Is it really that hard to give credit when it’s due?
A kicker needs to be brought in, at least for a look...
And we need to raise holy hell about that BS defensive holding call that cost us a real shot at the win.
Coutu!
And yeah, that call was egregious. Hard to wonder what might have been.
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Call was bad, but
we had way too many opportunities to at least tie or take the game late. Hell, we dominated from the third quarter until their last score and could only get 13 points out of it.
They showed a lot tonight...
I think they showed toughness and a willingness to play to the very end. We needed to be more crisp on our plays. There were a lot of bad calls and a lot of mistakes from us, if we didn’t have any turnovers we win that game. I know we can beat them in our house for sure!! I said we needed to win the TO battle and Turner get over a 100 yds and we’d win. That last hail mary pick I think made the TO’s even for the game!! That int at the goalline killed us, why didn’t we run it again with Turner, then pass on 3rd IF we needed too, we could have gotten another 1st down inside the 2. The first half playcalling was horrid, they opened it up more in the 2nd half though. The defense played very good the second half too!!!
It really was a second half game
They turned it on in a big way.
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Like I said in the other thread
Damn proud of this team. I absolutely love their heart.
Have you ever watched a Falcons loss and NOT felt more content with it? I have zero doubt in our coaching, management, etc. This just reaffirms everything I already thought about this group. We’re on the right track. In the long run, we’re going to be very, very good. The heart and hustle that the Falcons demonstrated was absolutely astounding.
Congratulations to the Saints, who played a tough game and showed why they are considered to be the class of the NFC. But keep looking over your shoulder, this Falcons team isn’t going away any time soon.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ryan Did Have a Bad Game Though
I have no doubt that he’ll get back on track, because of how hard he works. He’s played 3 tough defenses in a row. Seriously, I wish people would stop hyping expectations for him and just let him develop. He’ll take his lumps. He’ll get better. Let’s let him just go out and play.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 12:50 AM EST up reply actions
There you go!
Well said, LetsGoFalcons. I haven’t seen the Falcons play such a scrappy game against a superior opponent in a while. Rematch, anyone?
If it's all the same to you guys . . . .
can we just skip our next game in Atlanta? If y’all did this to us in the Superdome I shudder to think of what’s waiting for us on your turf. As usual, even after the first half, I was NEVER able to relax.
Damn, damn, damn good game, you guys. Now, tom slick, kick some butt next week!
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
by Just 'Nother Day on Nov 3, 2009 1:29 AM EST up reply actions
Classy
This is why NO is my least hated division rivals: classy fans.
They, like us, have had enough garbage seasons to really respect when they’ve got something special. And they do. Right now Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the NFL. Williams and Sharper have turned that leaky D into a leaky D with ballhawking skills. They’re 7-0 through the most difficult part of their schedule, and my pick to win the Super Bowl.
That said, I loved this game, even as a loss. I was expecting 45-14. Instead I saw a gritty struggle between the best team in the NFC and a division rival that, despite their record (also through the most difficult part of their schedule), deserves to be up there.
Does anyone here think we’ll lose to NYG or Philly if we play like that? Sheesh. I think we looked great, are well coached, and played hard. With our talent, I like where this is going.
Maybe there is no Heaven. Or maybe this is all pure gibberish — a product of the demented imagination of a lazy drunken hillbilly with a heart full of hate who has found a way to live out where the real winds blow — to sleep late, have fun, get wild, drink whisky, and drive fast on empty streets with nothing in mind except falling in love and not getting arrested...Res ipsa loquitur. Let the good times roll.
by iRonin on Nov 3, 2009 8:14 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
By the way (last comment then I'm gone)
we’ll trade you Reggie Bush for Matt Turner! Think it over, K?
Fat, dumb, and happy. Hell, two out of three ain't bad!
by Just 'Nother Day on Nov 3, 2009 1:30 AM EST up reply actions
You can have Matt Turner any day
Just not Michael Turner.
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Mikey Ice?
Super Bowl 44: "If you play in this league and it's not your goal, there's something wrong with you." -- Marques Colston
Very classy! Of all the wins so far this season, that was the toughest game the SAINTS played all season thus far…I’m happy with the “W” but I have big-time respect for how ATL kept the game close…
I agree, the Falcons definitely played with heart and hustle…they exploited opportunities when they could get them…I was more nervous about the outcome going into halftime watching this game last night than going into halftime when the SAINTS were down 24-10 at Miami…our teams always play each other HARD…
Good game guys....
Toughest ANYONE has played us all year. Intensity was off the charts. Where was this against Dallas???
Anyways, we had lots of turnovers, especially fumbles that we need to fix. And the missed FG by Karney really gave you guys a lift. Just happy you guys didn’t keep running the ball, we had trouble defending those edge plays.
Good luck the rest of the way. Having a three-game lead and a game in hand is comforting especially knowing we have the same (relatively easy) schedule coming up – Redskins, Tampa, etc.
p.s. We hate ESPN as much as you do. I wish they would never mention Katrina, the “perfection” of Drew Brees, or how special the connection between the city and the players are. It’s true the town has gone nuts for them, but what city in America, going through a vicious recession, wouldn’t be euphoric with an undefeated team?
by TigerPaw on Nov 3, 2009 12:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Appreciate Your Graciousness
The Saints are a tough, tough team and they play well in the face of adversity. It was a lot of fun watching this game.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
You guys have Katrina, we have Bobby Petrino and Vick. The media just won’t drop it. Difference in tonight’s game, Saint’s capitalized off of our mistakes, Falcons couldn’t (with the exception of Biermann).
We new coming into this game we needed to play flawlessly to win. Saints are an excellent team. 2 INTs in crucial situations (the last one I won’t count because it was a hail mary) killed us. I won’t put Matt Ryan down, because it is only his second year. He’s a great player, but he needs more time before shouldering this team. Going into the half 21-14 (it’s easy to look back, but at least the coaching staff can learn) don’t force it. The Saints lead the league in INTs, don’t force the ball, don’t put Matt Ryan in a position to force the ball.
Turner looked dam good this week. I would like to know what was said to him or what he did differently this week to come out and play like that. He was a completely different back this week. We get him a speedy backup, that stays healthy, and we can take that pressure off Ryan till he really developes into that great QB.
I’m a little disappointed that everyone is calling the NFC south already. This division is so competitive, proven tonight. Carolina last year was an early favorite, and it wasn’t decided till the last play of the regular season. Atlanta can definitely beat this team at home. Carolina is playing better, and could screw up either the Saints or Falcons later this season. You can’t overlook them.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 3, 2009 1:08 AM EST up reply actions
Another 'aints fan agrees...
I’m sure Drew Brees wishes ESPN would shut up about his “perfection.”
And like most Saints fans — who are notoriously superstitious — I wish ESPN would just go off the air. Or — shut up. It’s got to be murder for the loyal fans of the teams we’re playing. These guys are supposed to be at least a LITTLE unbiased.
Listen - having suffered so many rotten seasons, we know that it ain’t over until it’s over. There have been other great starts for the Saints - what happened then? All that’s certain now is that the W column will have “7.”
Good luck to you guys, except in the next game we play together.
Great game I thought.
My fav parts :
Wire’s 2 FR’s
Turner’s running
Gonzo’s catches
White’s catches
DeCoud’s FF on Brees
Bierman’s FR and TD
Grimes’ leaping Int
Jenkin’s clutch grabs late
Mularky’s playcalling
Smith’s coaching
The whole defense – they stepped up and played clutch
I bloody love Thomas DeCoud.
That FF was my favourite moment of an absolutely terrific game.
It sucks that we lost, but there was a lot of good stuff for us in this game – especially Turner’s return to form. And I loved the never-say-die approach we took in the fourth quarter.
Great game. No one else has been able to go into the SuperDome and trade punches with the Saints...
Look at what they did to NYG. I feel good that we can finish with 11 or 12 wins. I think we can beat the Saints in our Dome…
"If lessons were learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." -Murray Warmath
It'd take one heck of a run to get to 11 or 12
Not that it isn’t doable. I’m an optimist. After this game, I do believe we can end up with 10 wins.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 12:58 AM EST up reply actions
last year we were 4-3 at this point. And we beat some good teams to get to 11 wins. No reason we can’t do it again.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 3, 2009 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
Haha, Not Doubting
Believe me, I want to see it happen. I think getting us back home after this tough road trip will be a breath of fresh air.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 1:47 AM EST up reply actions
Two things
One, I was more proud of our Falcons tonight than I have been after any game this season. They went all out until the last second and didn’t give up even when we were down 11 and the Saints were basically running the clock out, and as a result the game stayed alive right to the last play. Bravo, Birds.
Two, I also hate to blame a loss on bad officiating, but if you take away that garbage holding call, the Saints punt and the Falcons have both the momentum and a great opportunity to win the game. I honestly feel like N.O. got off easy this time. After this game, I’ll honestly be surprised if we don’t get our revenge at the Dome.
great game
i just got home from the game, yall are going to be good for the next decade… look forward to some more good games. almost sh** my pants at the end.
by DrewBreesManCrush on Nov 3, 2009 1:23 AM EST reply actions
i will
be honest guys we could run the table with our remaining schedule with the exception of the eagles at home, at the giants and the saints. every other game we should win. i think 12-4 is still a reasonable goal. anyone else think so?
I think 10-6 is the most likely outcome which I will be thrilled with.
Our team is well-coached, but our offense can be inconsistent, and our defense has holes in the talent department.
Let’s get that damn back to back winning seasons monkey off our back!
by get swoll yunel on Nov 3, 2009 3:12 AM EST up reply actions
I feel great.
We might’ve lost but we held in and if our defense plays the rest of the year like we did in the second half then there’s no limit to what we can do.
If I had a nickel for everytime someone told me I should shutup, I'd probably have 5 or 6 bucks.
Didn't get to see the game :(
All I got to hear of it was the drive after the Saints had tied it 14-14. Turner had a huge run, White had a nice gain. The radio was going in and out. It came back in time to hear Elam’s doink off of the goal posts.
When I heard the final score, I was satisfied, and when I heard that we had a chance (albeit a small one) at potentially tying the game, I was even more satisfied. I’m glad to see there’s a positive vibe going on in this thread, and I’m glad to hear the team played well in spite of it being a sloppy TO fest.
Ya know, I can’t wait til Matty Ice becomes Stone Cold Matty Ice and doesn’t make quite as many mistakes. They said it was a three year plan, year two seems to be looking mighty good, now.
Also, I think it really was the 3-4 defenses that were giving us fits like DOL was saying. Now that we only face one more this season, I think we’re gonna see good old Turner again.
Need a copy?
I can send you a DVD. THis one was worth a look or two. I still haven’t watched the Dallas game.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!!
Man Coy Wire was a beast out there in the second half jarring a fumble and the onside. Matty had a rough game but, I think the three interceptions one was a great play by Vilma. The first one I thought there was a push on Roddy White. The last one was pretty legit. The officiating was pretty bad in some cases. Coach Smith did say this was a three year plan. How about we discuss what we most definitely need to improve on in this upcoming draft? Are we an elite team? No we won’t hang around long against any AFC team but, I do consider us the 5th best NFC team. Saints, Eagles, Cowboys, Giants and then Falcons. That’s impressive and that will get us in the playoffs. One of those NFC East teams has to knock off the other. NFC West will be the Cards and the South will have the Saints but, we are definitely a wild card team. The rest of our “tough” games are Saints, Eagles, and Giants. Which would put us at 10-6 but, I feel we can sneak one of those games.
I personally think we're better than the Cowboys.
I think their 3-4 defense is our biggest problem. I think they’re more individually talented, but we’re the better collective team as far as coaching and the actual team aspect.
If we can keep up this level of play all year, we can beat Philly and the Giants easily. Remember, the Saints embarrassed the Giants earlier this year.
After watching the highlights of the game.
I can safely admit that they beat us. That team is on a mission this year. I’m not sure anyone will stop them. The amazing catches they had…..that’s really Championship worthy.
From what I saw, Houston and Tye Hill were in decent (at worst) coverage on the TD (or big play) passes, but the receivers made spectacular catches, even Shockey had a couple. Like they said in the UGA-UF game, you can’t defend a perfectly thrown ball. Brees is throwing miracles out there. Amazing to watch and even moreso that we were that close.
This was a great game, most of you have said what I wanted to say, and I’m proud of how our guys fought…
However, Jenkins and Chevis Jackson have looked like absolute crap this year. I didn’t expect a whole lot from Chevis, but what the hell happened to Jenks?
I think we win our game in Atlanta.
I think Jenkins is just going with the flow of the offense.
Good at times, bad at times. I think he’s fine.
I don't think ive ever seen anyone on the Falcoholic that has ever warrented a ban
but you damn sure come close
In Dimitroff we trust
Haha
It’s righteous, please try again.
"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
um
NAH! do the letters B M mean anything to you??
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Nov 3, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
only after tacos
haha
"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
Impressed with Falcons
Whew…as a Saints fan, I have to say how impressed I am with the Falcons on Monday night. What a game! There was way too much “annointing” of the Saints by ESPN and all of their analysts for me to be comfortable and that 1st drive by the Birds probably gave them pause as well. Good to see OU’s Curtis Lofton on the field! I just can’t figure out how this Falcon’s team got beat by the Cowgirls. Good luck rest of season except for that one game left with the Saints.
Impressed and disappointed
I was left so torn after this game.
Matt Ryan
The defense by far played the best game of its life this season. I don’t know if its too early to starting worrying but watching the film matty ice looked loss out there on pre-snap almost as if he wasn’t sure of what they were going to do. This resulted into him literally running into the defense to take a sack and/or throwing a bad pass in multiple coverage.
Michael Turner
Awesome game. Thank you for showing up for your first game of the season. Last night’s performance is expected the rest of the way out.
Snelling & change of pace back
Why wasn’t he used at all? Was he hurt? Swore he was okay. It kind befuddled me that we only let michael turner rush the ball.
Defense
Wow Coy Wire…I hope we don’t trade him for a draft pick since he played so good.
Brent Grimes made a great play on a underthrown ball.Surprised the hell out of me. But why at 5’9 ( on a good day) Was he covering a 6’4 receiver. That screams mismatch.
Front 4 got good pressure for a good portion of the game. The offense however wasn’t able to support the defense.
Looking Forward
Were now a wild card team with potential. Are biggest challengers are the Packers, possible AZ (b/c I got the 49ers winning the division), cowboys, and giants to fight off for a wild card spot.
While the Redskin offense is anemic at best there defense in my opinion is still a force. Were coming off a two-game skid where Matt Ryan has underperformed and the skins have been on a buy studying for us. This game won’t be a “gimme” I just hope our Offense remembers how to put the ball in the endzone.
W/R/T Grimes
It might be because the kid can literally touch the roof of the dome when he jumps. Did you not see his INT? Grimey has serious ups.
"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
I think that's the ideal kind of situation the coaches want Grimes in
He can’t win in man coverage straight up against someone, but if you put him out in that zone it’s dangerous to underestimate his athletic ability. The Falcons would ideally like to get greater pressure, make opposing QBs throw the ball up in the air, and then let athletic corners make a play. That’s why they like Grimsey so much, because if the ball is free and he has some room to react to it, he can make plays like that happen.
I hope the coaches don’t drop Tye Hill back into oblivion. Colston made one heck of a grab, and Hill had good coverage. We need athletic corners.
Chris Houston, you played pretty well. I’ve ragged on you a lot, but tonight, you weren’t half bad.
by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 3, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
Great point on Tye Hill
He played good even though he gave up that TD. Brees did a good job of throwing it to where only his man could make a play on it.
But....
On the play Marques Colston abused him on he was covering him in man coverage.
5’8 v. 6’4
Okay grimes has some “bunnies,” but do we easily forget the size mismatch and the skills of colston?
If your going to play grimes on colston…why not have grimes underneath and saftey help over the top?
I don't know why
everyone is so ready to to concede the SOUTH to the SAINTS . Their schedule stil has them playing NEW ENGLAND and DALLAS , and I know people are looking past the PANTHERS , but now that PEPPERS has gotten his head out …. I expect them to congel into a much better team . WE still have a long way to go , but I believe( sorry) that we beat anyone. There were two very good teams on the field last night , the Saints just happened to be the ones walking away w/ the W . If the Birds had believed in the 2nd quarter what the believed in the 3rd and 4th quarters , we would have been the walking away w/ the W , officials or no officials ( don’t forget about the nocall on interference on the 48 yd pick 6 )
Or...
the Pass interference on Roddy White’s reversed TD catch.
Or...
the non-called PI on Roddy White on that Pick-6.
"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
good
the game was a great effort. if only we got the win. for the rest of the season we need to be focused on playoffs or wilcard but WE NEED TO BE THERE. I think Ryan did an ok job but Mike Jenkins HAS 2 STEP UP. i think he really is the missing element in the offense along with the slot recievr. (playcalling 2!) he has so much potential to b great he has to start producing. the d played a hell of a game. i like the blitzes and the coverage was there. Grimes playes his heart out and im behind tye hill like someone said b4 he was in position. we need 2 keep working with him. terrible call on peterson and ryan just had sum bad luck. elam has 2 get healthy we will need him. run game controles the offense must keep it up. consistancy is key. dnt sleep on the skins either they’re fresh off the bye we need to give the same effort and start improving week to week. all business now once the playoffs are here its a new season evry game is important.
by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Nov 3, 2009 11:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Weems should take Jenks' spot and Jenks could go to the slot.
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I dunno
I don’t know that Weems is ready to be our #2 receiver yet. I’d rather ease him into the slot, frankly.
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He is.
Let’s at least experiment.
You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.
I think we should put weems across from white and jenkins in the slot.
HE IS FASTER AND HAS BETTER HANDS!!!!
Great Game!
If the Falcons would have played in Dallas with that kind of intensity, the Cowboys would have been toast.
Atlanta took the best team in the NFL to the limits in their own house on Monday Night Football. The Saints had to play a terrific game to hold on — they made some amazing catches and had to go through their whole arsenal of plays to beat us.
Turner was running with a vengeance, White made a stud play, and the defense came up with some huge turnovers.
Lofton and DeCoud will anchor our defense for a long time. Both guys play with a lot of heart. Our cornerbacks are going to get beat this year — no doubt about it. But if our D can make big plays, we’ll hang with anyone.
I’m still concerned about the offense. I think defenses have adjusted to Ryan’s game since the second half of last year, and he’s still trying to adjust to them. A couple of times he had happy feet and seemed lost. If they are only going to send two receivers out, they need to have a backup plan if those guys are covered.
Don’t get me wrong, Ryan showed great poise and leadership in keeping the team in the game, and I’m glad he’s our quarterback. I just think the offense will not be elite until he progresses to the next level.
I do think we’re going to get better this year. We need to keep that level of intesity up against the Redskins and get some momentum going.
Coutu
sat on the bench for seattle because of his kickoffs could barely reach the 10 yardline at best.
Wire
2 fumble recoverys in final minutes impressed me that he wants to win every second of every game.
I wish our defense could play like that all the time...
The first game against Miami and the second half against the saints is by far the best I’ve seen them play all year, i wish they could play like that every game. If they could then our offense would only need to score 20 points a game!!! It’s ok though I see us gettin gon a 3-4 game winning streak run for the month of November!!!
LETS GO FALCONS!!
L-DAWG
We will go at least 5-4 the rest of the year...
Could be as good as 8-1 even, if we really get on a roll offensively AND defensively. Our 4 tough games are @ carolina(they are getting better and better every week- they demolished the cards), @ the NY giants, and 2 home games back to back against philly and the saints. The other 5 games should be wins, home vs the skins, tampa, and buffalo, with road games at the jets and tampa – all five of these are winnable games that we should win, we just need to beat 2 of the 4 hard teams we have left to play and then we’ll be in the playoffs as a wildcard, cuz we’ll be sitting at 11-5. I think thats what our record will be at the end of the season- yes you heard it here first 11-5 and a wildcard team in the playoffs!!!
LETS GO FALCONS!!!
L-DAWG
You guys are overly excited about this loss.
The final score was closer than it should have been. The Saints turned the ball over repeatedly, including a rare INT by Brees. And without their best defensive lineman, Ellis, the Saints weren’t able to create enough of a push up the middle so they supplemented with a linebacker. This left the edges open for Turner to bounce outside. What I’m saying is that a close win was actually a sloppy C- game from the Saints and an A+ ridiculous breakout game for the Falcons.
That int grab was amazing. But it should have been a TD if the ball was thrown on target and not behind the receiver.
Gonzo was a great pickup for the ATL. Wow that guy is a pain to cover. I thought they should have used him more. I also don’t understand why they didn’t try for Jenkins and Finnerin more because they are tough to cover based on their size.
White pushed off to get open on his TD. I thought that was a pathetic non-call.
The sketchy defensive holding penalty against ATL…no idea what that was about. ATL still had a chance to make some plays but they didn’t get it done.
Falcoholic was a good enemy moderator as usual. He made a great thread on the Saints fanpage.
The officiating was pretty awful for the entire game. What was the deal with them not blowing plays dead until someone was essentially pinned to the ground? This time around the poor officiating probably benefit the Falcons more because Turner got a TON of yards off of those instances.
I am a Saints fan and I just want to see them put together one game that isn’t sloppy. Well, I’d like 3 non-sloppy games…in the playoffs. This kind of pathetic performance was so disappointing to me. We have a long way to go and a lot to work on. And hopefully some of the guys can make it back from injuries that are keeping them sidelined. Going 7-0 to start is a real waste if you end up with a 10-6 record in the end and limp into the playoffs.
Who Dat!
Im not sure you can say it was a "A+ breakout" game
when Matt Ryan dosen’t complete 50% of his throws
In Dimitroff we trust
and as for the INT
aren’t all balls thrown behind the reciever untill they catch it?
In Dimitroff we trust
It's a breakout game because the Falcons played pretty well
At least as well as they did against Dallas, anyway. The Dallas fans thought that their team had a better performance against the Falcons than the Saints. So they saw Atlanta’s performance as their victory against the undefeated Saints team. I thought Matty Ice did a reasonable job of running the offense. He did really well escaping the blitz.
Seriously, did you really make the INT comment?
Bah
The only way you’re going 10-6 is if Brees gets hurt. I would be shocked if the Saints lost more than 3 games with that remaining schedule…
And yes, the Linebackers may have been pinching inside to compensate for Ellis, but several of Turner’s long runs were simply because the Linebackers and/or Safeties took bad angles (even though they started in good position to be able to make the play).
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Bad angles.
Yeah, I have to agree that the linebackers often had chances to get Turner and he just got away from them. It’s embarrassing. The only mobile linebacker we have is Vilma and he was always clogging up the middle and missing out on the tackle.
I’m really worried about the remaining schedule. The Panthers are better than their record for sure. They scare me and they really like to hit opposing teams in the mouth. Plus it’s going to be difficult to get two wins against the ATL! I keep waiting for Jenkins or someone to step up. When that happens it’s going to be really tough! Heck, even with just Gonzo and White you guys did pretty well.
Yeah
I’m waiting for Jenkins to step it up, too… He was very good last season, I’m not sure what’s going on there.
And I agree with the Panthers comment. They seem to be showing signs of life. Our second game with them (@ CAR) is gonna be tough. I’m pretty sure the Saints defense can force Jake into some mistakes. I wouldn’t be too worried about them if I were you.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
It's too early to say this, but what the hell
We may end up regretting the Jenkins extension, as reasonable as it is. He’s a fine blocker and he should be a very competent #2, but he’s not really built for the slot in my mind, so if the team wanted to promote somebody else to his spot he’d jet down the depth chart.
Hopefully he just turns it around.
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