Post-Game Thread: Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 4:20 PM EST in Falcons News Comment 50 comments

Perhaps you'd like to visit our world class turf, Mr. Campbell! (AP Photo/John Amis)

One could argue that this was a really good game or a really terrible game, and I'm not sure I'd say either viewpoint was incorrect.

The Falcons got the win at the end of the day and moved to 5-3, so it's not like there's bad news to be had here. It just wasn't as strong of an overall effort as we might have hoped given all the background factors in this game (i.e. the Falcons' rage and the strength of our opponent). At the end of the day, I'm just happy to have this one in the W column, and I hope the team learns from their mistakes along the way.

A few thoughts to mull over for the afternoon:

Jonathan Babineaux was among those defenders who went absolutely nuts in this one. It was great to see the Tye Hill interception and the number of sacks we piled up, but Babineaux was determined to hold this defense together with his two-and-a-half sacks and 10 total tackles. Good man.
I'm just not worried about Matt Ryan. Sorry, guys, but I don't think the world's ending. He's struggling, yes, and he needs to improve his play, but I don't think he's doomed to be a terrible quarterback because of this stretch. Let's all relax.
Spoiler Alert: Michael Turner is my game MVP. When he's on, there are very few running backs in the NFL capable of his level of production. Very happy to see him turn the corner on his season.
The defense as a unit continues to have problems tackling and defending the short pass. We must improve there.

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Forget RELAXING ...

Unconditionally release Ryan before he ruins everything. Do it now. NOW!

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 8, 2009 4:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Why stop there?

Let’s just cut the head off this thing and fire Coach Smith!

"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 9, 2009 8:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jah!

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 9, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

5-3 at the halfway mark

If my math is correct, that’s on pace for a 10-6 record and a likely playoff berth. We’re not an elite team yet, but I’m pretty pleased where we stand, and like our chances.

by tom slick on Nov 8, 2009 4:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

THIS

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 8, 2009 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Panthers

are up on the Saints right now i wish both teams could somehow lose that would be perfect

by Erihury on Nov 8, 2009 5:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Brings up an interesting point

Against popular belief perhaps, I would argue we need the Saints to win this ball game for two reasons.

1) I don’t want to hear Panthers fans talking about how awesome they are after pulling off this upset.

2) With Green Bay’s loss and Chicago falling apart at the seams, we are starting to see some daylight in a shot at the wild card. The Saints with a three game lead are going to be tough to catch. Not saying we should be cheering to concede the division, but…

We really don’t want Carolina to get its horse back in the race. If they win this game, they’ll be 4-4 with some swagger in their home game next week. Say what you want about the Panthers, but they CAN win that game. We really don’t want them to have that motivation and we really don’t want them to get a hand back in on the wild card.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 8, 2009 6:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Tloz, Circle that Giants game in your next post

A road win there would go a LONG way towards our chances at the wild card

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 8, 2009 7:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

It just moved from Pay Attention to Serious Business.

But right now, I’m more concerned with the Panthers game in a week’s time. Just as I predicted, the Panthers are looking resurgent on this latter half of the season.

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 8, 2009 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

All hail tloz!

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Very True

Sweeping Carolina and Tampa would really help our chances as well.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 9, 2009 8:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The Saints need to keep beating the NFC East.

Realistically, we’re not going to catch the Saints this year unless we become Superman and they implode. Assuming that doesn’t happen, we can almost use the Saints as a pick to have them plow through the NFC East to make potential (but not likely) losses to them less painful to us in terms of a wild card. From what I’ve seen (on no research) the NFC playoff teams look like Cowboys, Vikes, Saints, Cards, Eagles, and Falcons.

Assuming the Giants keep going backwards, they shouldn’t be a factor so long as we keep winning. The NFC North consists of the Vikings and three teams that are taking each other out of the wild card, the NFC West is the same way except with the Cards. The NFC East is going to be a dogfight between Philly and Dallas before this season is over, and the NFC South is pretty much over, so long as Carolina doesn’t find itself between now and next week. What they have been finding is ways to lose games, see yesterday’s game.

Depending on which Philly shows up, we can secure the 5 seed and end up playing the 4 seed in an epic rematch of last season’s playoff game if they seed it 3-6/4-5 in round one which I think they do. If that were to happen, the Cards haven’t been playing well at home (Complete wishful thinking here) but if all that were to unfold, we could sneak into at least round two in the playoffs. What a dreamer I am, eh? :P

by Zippo729 on Nov 9, 2009 4:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another key point is that we get Philadelphia at home.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 9, 2009 8:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, posted too early

Probably like it’s kind of early to make these playoff speculations. But if Dallas wins the East, that head-to-head loss isn’t so crushing. Philadelphia would have to come into Atlanta and win a difficult, difficult road game at the dome, assuming we have the same or similar record at that point. If its close, that could be a big help for us.

One game at a time, and can’t overlook Carolina next weekend, who’s experienced a resurgence, but it’s fair to speculate.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 9, 2009 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I fanposted it, but: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/hall-plans-to-file-190110.html

What a JOKE …

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 8, 2009 6:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hall is, and always has been...

An idiot. He hasn’t figured out that talking means nothing and doing means everything. He looks stupid every time he opens his mouth.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 8, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Let him do what he wants

We were almost guaranteed to have him do something when we played him. I can’t imagine the NFL will rule in his favor.

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 6:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And by something, I mean something infuriating....

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't see Fish or Smitty lay a hand on him ...

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 8, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If they did, of course

He’d have a legitimate grievance and could pursue it, etc. Coaches should know better. I just agree with you, and I don’t think anyone touched him.

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If Smitty Did

He still doesn’t look that bad. He was emotional and trying to take care of his player. In a heated situation, he perhaps stepped over the line.

Of course, that’s only IF he did.

by LetsGoFalcons on Nov 8, 2009 7:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Did someone...

…hurt Halls feelings? I thought he was a grown man? I could care less if anyone wanted to cuss at me at work (I work with the Marines and its a part of the job), and doesnt Hall have million$ of reasons not to worry about it? If he is so concerned about his feelings being hurt by being yelled at, go play golf.

As for him helping Landry out, did he even get a hand on Landry to pull him out? I cant remember correctly but wasnt it Landry helping pull Hall out? (I didnt record the game and I cant remember exactly so I am really asking who pulled who out)

by muuzilla on Nov 8, 2009 10:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He went in to "pull Landry out" ...

but Landry ended up separating him from the Falcons’ players/coaches.

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 8, 2009 10:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. The Falcons traded him...

…to Oakland essentially for Matt Ryan. How could your feelings no be hurt, knowing that you’re a failure and were traded for the Rookie of the Year. It’s considered robbery by a ton of Raiderettes after watching Jamarcus Russell for the past couple years. Then, he was outright released by them, just to excise the cancer.

My feelings would be hurt too.

How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!!

by AnOldBird on Nov 8, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Come now ...

We didn’t trade him to Oakland for no good reason. First of all, if I remember correctly, he wanted to be traded. Even if his feelings were hurt, he should conduct himself like a professional.

He and Brook ought to form their own little fan club. Wouldn’t that be nice?!

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 8, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

smitty was probably yelling at the guy

who just put the late hit on ryan. of course, ME-angelo thinks it’s all about him.

Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that. - Bill Shankly

by armchair quarterback on Nov 8, 2009 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah...

I forget what game it was, but didn’t Smitty have an almost identical situation last year where he got in a player’s face for a late hit or something? It might have been against the Chargers, do you guys remember?

by Mountvillainy on Nov 8, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I remember what you're talking about

But for the life of me I can’t remember what game it was. I think it was this year at some point. The preseason sounds about right. It was either that or it was when Brooking ended up near our bench. I love the energy Coach Smith brings. It’s really what the doctor ordered, I gotta say.

by Zippo729 on Nov 8, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Here it is ...

“Head Coach Mike Smith was in the midst of the scuffle, which took about two minutes to break up. His facial expression and passion was reminiscent of a similar play in 2008, when he and Tampa Bay wideout Antonio Bryant exchanged words.”

From J.Mike’s Missives

by DirtyBird4Life on Nov 8, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That was it!

Few things in this world would scare me more than an angry Mike Smith

by Mountvillainy on Nov 8, 2009 10:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He's a very passionate man.

I’m glad he’s on our side.

by Zippo729 on Nov 9, 2009 1:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn’t the best way to “nip this thing in the bud” be to leave it in the past and not make a big deal out of it?

by Mountvillainy on Nov 8, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

DeAngelo Hall is not familiar with your line of "logic"

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hall's infuriating

He’s almost a caricature of everything bad about overpaid, egotistical athletes. Oh, to spot him in a crosswalk….

by tom slick on Nov 8, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Great win, great day, and our offense continues to misuse the opportunities they get.

The defense was plumb tired. I don’t know the TOP stats, but I’m sure the Redskins beat us in possession.

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 8, 2009 7:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Almost positive they did

I would dearly love to see Matt Ryan and Michael Turner play exceptionally well in the same game.

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 8, 2009 7:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Skins led in TOP by 7 minutes

They actually outgained the Falcons too, box score here. If we ever DO get Ryan and Turner going simultaneously, maybe we become like last year’s Arizona Cardinals (except with a little defense)!

by tom slick on Nov 8, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And more wins

by Mountvillainy on Nov 8, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Or more specifically, ONE more win.

One more very, very important win. hint hint

by Zippo729 on Nov 8, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Also, before we talk about overall effort

Remember that the Skins had their bye week last week as well, so they were fresh and we weren’t as fresh (especially after a Monday night game) plus the Skins D was ranked 2nd in the league overall, if I’m not mistaken. Don’t pull too many negatives against them, we hung 24 (not counting Hill’s TAINT) on a good defense and Turner went crazy, too.

I almost feel like this was designed, this being ‘keep the team realistic by losing a few and then start building momentum like fools up into the playoffs.’

by Zippo729 on Nov 8, 2009 9:47 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Good points

Scoring 31 on the Skins was big

Turner Burned bright

Babs was lights out

Lofton Hill Bierman and Coleman played very well

Gonzo had a big TD early

Great win I thought

by WarWolf on Nov 9, 2009 12:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. It was a great win.

Once we get Turner and Ryan firing on all cylinders, people better watch out. We’ll be as vicious as the Saints.

by Zippo729 on Nov 9, 2009 1:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

taint?

That must not mean the same thing to you as it does me.

Ahem, back to football. I’ll take the win but they really need to learn how to put teams away. The Skins won the 2nd half after essentially being blown out in the 1st. The Falcons need to develop a killer instinct in my opinion

by zooker on Nov 9, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

by Jesse28 on Nov 9, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you're right

that was juvenile. I’ll try to behave

by zooker on Nov 9, 2009 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RYAN

Ryan needs to improve! defense is ballin and turner looked great. the recievers get open he just isnt finding them. and his release looks bad. sup with the passing plys that we run?great game for babs. he really showed some heart out there. happy for tye. gotta get it done next week. pressure on delhomme! BUSINESS

by DEMBIRDZCUZ! on Nov 9, 2009 5:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Pressure will be key

If we can sack Delhomme six times or so, that’ll probably be the ballgame.

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 9, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well

I was there but I missed a lot of the game due to my friends and being moved to club level seating at haltime which was all the way around on the opposite side of the doem from my seats. It was very cool and a good game but I wish I had a damn DVR… LOL!

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on Nov 9, 2009 8:51 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

You and me both

by Dave the Falconer on Nov 9, 2009 10:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nice game

but I’ve got agree w/ zooker , Birds don’t seem to have that killer instinct . I sure would like to see them fire on all cylinders in the same game @ I still gotta believe that if they could get it all together in complete games that the are one hell of a talented team to have to contend with . I know alot of people don’t like Bellichek , but he has his players ready to play 60 minutes of FOOTBALL , I’d surely like to see our players go w/ full intensity from the first whistle to the last whistle .

by TRUBIRD1 on Nov 9, 2009 1:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs