Week 17 Recap: Falcons Go 9-7, Break Futile Streak At Last
by Dave Choate on Jan 4, 2010 8:00 AM EST
in Falcons News
145 comments
Happiness reigns in Falconville today.
It's not a Super Bowl, but you knew that. What the 20-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 9-7 record and end of a four decade streak without back-to-back winning seasons brought fans of the Atlanta Falcons is a sense of better days ahead, and the certainty of better days right now. If you built an elaborate time machine, traveled back to December 2007 and told the 23 year-old version of your dear friend Dave the Falconer, I would've stolen your time machine and come back riding a stegosaurus. But I also would've laughed at you, because c'mon. Back-to-back winning seasons after the Bobby Petrino mess? Impossible.
And yet it happened. I'll admit to getting a little choked up yesterday, thinking about it. I can't imagine what it was like for those fans who have been doggedly following this team since 1966, waiting for a brighter tomorrow, but I'm sure there's enough of them out there who would be happy to share the tale. Speaking only for myself, it's great to get rid of a stupid streak that had come to define the entire franchise. It's even better to feel, somewhere deep in my feeling-place (the spleen), that this isn't the greatest heights the Falcons will aspire to. Next year could very well mean a return to the playoffs, and I'm awfully excited about that.
I'm sorry I can't come up with something more eloquent that would really tie the whole experience together, but I think that's the nature of the monumental. It's something too large and too varied for each person to be accurately capture. With that in mind, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. Now we turn our faces to 2010, and before we move into the recap proper I leave you with this quote from one Matt Ryan:
"It was a huge win for us today. To finish the season off with three wins in a row says a lot about the guys in our locker room. To have two consecutive back-to-back winning seasons is huge for the organization. I am happy for Mr. (Arthur) Blank and his family, for everything they’ve done for us the past couple years. Also, for all the former players, all the guys we get to meet at practice, during the offseason and training camp, you get to know and see they have gone through in their time here. To have this not be a question from this point on is something I’m very proud of."
HIGHLIGHTS
First off, a note about the format. I can't bring myself to do lowlights, even though there certainly were some, but feel free to discuss them if you'd like. Given that it was such a historic day and the end of the season, I think focusing on the positive is a good idea. Don't expect that to become a trend with me, though. My middle name is Negative, after all.
- It wasn't Matt Ryan's best game. Heck, it wasn't Matt Ryan's best season in a young career. Still, he was mostly healthy and he made a couple of nice throws when it counted, including what looked like a jump shot over the line to Justin Peelle. Look for bigger things from Matty Snowballs next season.
- I'm not sure what the Falcons will do with Jerious Norwood, but Jason Snelling is making a convincing argument that he deserves to complement Michael Turner next season. On a day where the Bucs defense looked pretty good, Snelling was the unquestioned offensive star, going well over 100 yards and chewing up the clock at the end of the game to help seal it for the Falcons. Though he hasn't been consistently close to great, it's amazing to think that our seventh round pick a couple of years ago has turned into such a quality back.
- Okay, his catch rate wasn't great for the season as a whole, but there was Roddy White again, doing what he does. There's few receivers in the game I'd rather have right now, and White wraps up his third straight season of nice numbers. Give him a few more good seasons and he'll be the greatest Falcon wideout of all time.
- Tony Gonzalez managed to gut it out and play, and he fell just short of hitting 1,000 career receptions. Still a quality game at 3 and 30 for him, though. Special mention to Justin Peelle, who showed us he's a great backup option.
- Matt Bryant missed a kick (and nearly gave me a coronary), but still managed a pretty good day against his former team. Not sure he'll be back in 2010, but he brought stability to the position after the Falcons cut Jason Elam, and I'm glad for that. I wish him well either way.
- When it comes to job security, Chris Houston couldn't have picked a worse time to get hurt. Chris Owens and Brent Grimes each managed picks against Josh Freeman Sunday, and Owens has proved to be more physical than expected given his height. Both could start next year, though I'm willing to bet the Falcons will target the position in the off-season. There's still some concerns with Grimes, his height and his awareness, but the Falcons would be insane not to give him a serious shot at a starting spot in 2010. He's a ballhawk and he's almost supernaturally athletic.
- Nice sack, Chauncey Davis!
- Thomas DeCoud forced a fumble, of course. I feel very comfortable with him as a starter going forward, and William Moore will hopefully be an excellent complement on the other side.
- We won! Yes!
THE WRAPUP
Game MVP: You could make a good case for Snelling, Owens and Grimes, but I'll go with all three. Share and share alike, right?
Game Theme Song: Loud exuberance. It's music to my ears.
One Thing To Take Away: The end of 40+ year streak of futility. I couldn't love it more. To quote Tracy Jordan in 30 Rock, "I want to take it behind the middle school and get it pregnant."
Next Week: The off-season. Join us. Tlozwarlock and I will be serving up hot, fresh content all throughout the slow months, and you know you'll want to be here when I do draft time. It's fun! I swear!
Final Word: Happiness.
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Great writeup, Dave.
I’m so happy for the team and us fans.
You made some good points in the highlights section. I really like the Owens/Grimes combo. Both of them seem to have great awareness and athleticism. It will be interesting to see how Dimitroff approaches that position in the offseason (1st rounder? FA?).
Great job Snelling! Me and Ovie knew you were special all along…
Looking forward to the season review post, and then the offseason speculation (until I’m sick of it!).
Tom
There'll be plenty of that
The off-season is a good time to throw stuff at the wall and see what sticks, so you’ll see a lot of good/weird pieces here going forward.
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Poop sticks to walls too...
Will we be seeing some of that?
You should be used to that by now
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LOL
This is such a good blog…for meee to poop on!
I’m already regretting these shitty jokes. Whoops.
Your contributions are really going down the toilet
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Let's just hope this doesn't end with...
the Browns going to the Superbowl.
by TomQ on Jan 4, 2010 4:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is it still Christmas
What a gift the Falcons gave there fans and the state of Ga. I’ve pulled for them since 1966. Through the good,bad, and the ugly. I’m happy for all the Falcons fans, who stuck with the Falcons teams through thick and thin. I’m new to Falcoholic. And I’m thankful for a place to huddle up. Congrat’s to the Falcons And a real big thanks to the people behind the falcoholic. Falcon fan forever. Grey Rider
Welcome aboard!
It’s a heck of a time to be a Falcons fan, playoffs or not!
You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.
You and me both
since 1969 at least.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 4, 2010 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
cant remember what year exactly
but been a falcon fan since my first game in fulton county stadium.
Norm van brocklin was coach.
zook and humphrey were my hero’s
Glad to find an outlet for my Falcons needs!
Great read! My first read/post here at Falcaholic. I always appreciate a sense of humor with good insight (I want a stegosaurus too!). I was listening to a guy on 790 this morning saying “Well, I don’t want a team that has a winning record, I want the playoffs! I’d rather have a losing season this year and go to the playoffs next year!” I smacked my forehead. Seriously. I don’t think people like this realize that NOT having a losing season this year means that we have a much better chance of going to the playoffs NEXT year. Considering the personnel issues we had this year with injuries, youth movement (especially in secondary), I’m amazed we did it. Good coaching job kudos to Smith & Co. I’m actually excited about the draft this year.
Go Falcons!
http://s825.photobucket.com/albums/zz178/unclefestus/
Welcome to the site!
And I couldn’t agree more. I understand not being totally satisfied without a playoff spot, but this is history and a positive step for the franchise. It’s definitely not a bad thing.
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whoever
said that deserves a kick to the nether regions…
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 4, 2010 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
Someone on ESPN
Doug Gottlieb, I think, just went over how the Falcons had a better season than the Jets, despite the fact that the Jets weaseled their way into the playoffs.
I do agree. We would’ve made the playoffs in the AFC this year if we were there. We have a bright, bright future in this league. I’m excited.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Yeah just like last year
in 2008 the Patroits was the best team to NOT make the playoffs you could say the Falcons were that team in 2009, with the Panthers a close second after they dismantle two good teams. (The Panthers are always dangerous in the last few weeks of the season.
by brotherbrown on Jan 4, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
i also forgot
The Houston Texans finished with four straight wins, and should also get honorable mention.
Congrats to the Falcons and their Fans!
You really have a leader in Matt Ryan. For him to come back and lead this team after being eliminated from the postseason says alot. I am equally impressed with the Defense.
Good Luck next year and Go Braves!
Thank you, sir!
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We're all happy today
….I think.
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Yes yes
I am very happy. I am pre geeked for next season. I think our schedule will be at least a little easier. the opponents are already known except for maybe 1 I think. I will see if I can get that and post it somewhere.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 4, 2010 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Next year's schedule...
We’ll see. I don’t think you can determine in advance how difficult a schedule will be – at least not until part of a season has been played. A lot can happen in the offseason that makes supposedly “easy” games “hard” and “hard” games “easy.” That said – it does have to be a little easier than this year with all the opponents coming off byes, etc. Hopefully we’ll be healthy throughout the year.
I agree
in theory, but I dont think that cleveland is going to get much better… maybe im wrong, but im just sayin.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 4, 2010 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
There are some teams...
that you can get a good feel for (maybe the Browns), but others that will shock you with either their success or failure. I think you’re main point (that next year’s schedule will be easier) is probably more than likely going to be true.
if Cleveland builds around Josh Cribbs
and nothing bad happens to him nor he departs, the Browns may be at least competitive like the bucs was in both games to the Falcons.
and it doesn't look much easier at this time:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8157a75c&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
One thing I’d like them to do is win at Philly to somehow compensate for the worst game of this season.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
I'm not so sure about the Bengals...
Cincy is now the owner of the longest current streak of non-consecutive seasons.
They’re limping into the playoffs. And the Steelers don’t look so hot either. We won’t know anything for sure until we have the schedule and see who does what in the offseason.
Its true. I'm a Falcoholic! I just can't live without Falcohol!
by phoenix falcoholic on Jan 4, 2010 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
anything
is possible
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 5, 2010 7:44 AM EST up reply actions
AFC North
will be tough no matter how you look at it. yes, this year they blew it against AFC West with Pit and Cincy losing to Oakland and KC, but they all feature tough defenses – something we struggled against most of the time this year. And Clevelend might be back strong next year with new management.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Sure
it does. most of the better teams we play are at least home games. We do have a couple of good teams on the road but mostly the teams we are used to playing (division games).
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 5, 2010 7:44 AM EST up reply actions
division games will be key
if we want to achieve anything great other than simply winning seasons or reaching playoffs we need to do well in our division. we went 3-3 this year just like last year. and I have a feeling Carolina and TB might improve next season. If we go at least 4-2 within NFCS we’d have a good shot at winning our division.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Ahhh, the afterglow...
In a way, the end of this season feels even better than last year. The playoffs are what all teams strive for, but the Falcons may have accomplished even more by helping establish a long-term winning culture for the franchise. Building a foundation for the future is arguably more important than any single postseason appearance.
Unlike last year’s playoff loss, I got out of bed today with a big ole sh!t-eating grin on my face! Well done, Falcons!
Great Point!
I had not even thought about the comparison but I think you are right. Do you think next years draft class will have more rookies that make an immediate impact? I kinda think so. I really think we could have a super season if it happens!
by Gjmoody on Jan 5, 2010 8:08 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
same with me
no matter how the season goes (unless you suck really bad) it’s the last game or a stretch that is remembered in the offseason. winning three in a row to finish above .500 in such adversity is better than making playoffs and losing to, say Dallas or Arizona in the very first game.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
tis bad that the season is over
after the way they finished
But next season I see the Falcons still have a lot of quality games.
Ravens, Bengals (when they are healthy), Steelers, and a hot Browns teams. I really feel the NFC South will be very competitive like 2008, Bucs and Panthers Defensive, Moore and Freeman looks impressive. And the Saints Offense. The Nivers Defense, the Cardinals, Packers, and Eagles. The only easy games I see is probably the Rams and Seahawks for 2010
Yeah
the Browns discovered a running game and Cribbs is just amazing, wouldn’t call that one a lock anymore. Next year’s schedule scares me more than this year’s did. The top 3 in that AFC north are going to be DAMN good next year and like I said I don’t think Cleveland is a slouch either.
What a great season, and thanks for the work on this blog.
Prior to discovering this site I had to deal with the morons on the ajc blogs and on the official Falcons message board. I no longer have to deal with those people and am very grateful that there is a community here that can rationally discuss our favorite team. I can’t wait for the draft!
by LongSufferingFalconsFan on Jan 4, 2010 12:39 PM EST reply actions
Our Draft coverage will blow your mind
Or, at least have you somewhat happy.
You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.
Monkey officially of the Falcons back
The thing I feel best about is how the team continued to play hard the last three games. It would have been very easy to mail the rest of the season in after the Eagles game but they didn’t. I think that means a lot going into the off season and next year. We are going to be a stronger team next year.
Out Here in Toronto
couldn’t watch the game but this makes me really happy
I'll Have A Matty Ice Please.
by IllHaveAMattyIcePlease on Jan 4, 2010 3:07 PM EST reply actions
More Positives For You
1) We just went through the pre-season third most difficult schedule in the NFL by win percentage with a 9-7 record.
2) We had injuries over the course of the year to starters at QB, RB, FB, WR, TE, G, T, DT, CB, K and P, played four teams coming off their bye weeks including 3 of those games on the road, and still managed to have back-to-back for the first time in our 44 year history.
3) Though we lost two defensive picks who were slotted to start (Jerry, Moore), we saw our starting free safety spot filled by a quality player (DeCoud), saw Curtis Lofton develop into a PRO BOWL and I repeat PRO BOWL caliber middle linebacker, saw U.S.S. Babineaux develop into a PRO BOWL and I repeat PRO BOWL caliber DT (when he stays out of trouble), saw improvement throughout the year from 2nd year defenders (Biermann, Decoud, Grimes, Lofton) and 1st year players (Sidbury, Owens, Walker), saw the jelling of a solid linebacking corps (Lofton, Peterson, and Nicholas) and saw us surrender a 100 yard rusher once the entire season.
4) We get Harry Douglas, Jerry, and Moore back next year.
5) We have up to 9 picks in next year’s draft.
6) We have a lot of cap room (assuming the salary cap even exists next season).
7) It’s unlikely we’ll have much in the way of coaching change (Mularkey and Van Gorder will probably remain our coordinators).
8) Our schedule shouldn’t be nearly as bad (that was about as bad as it gets).
9) We have way fewer question marks now than we did at the beginning of the Smith/TD/Ryan Era. And finally….
10) We are actually building TOWARDS something rather than tearing things down and starting all over. We are a young, gutsy team who isn’t aging out. I can’t wait to see what year 3 of “The Process” holds.
by LetsGoFalcons on Jan 4, 2010 3:47 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
And lets not forget TD's eye for role players
Thomas Johnson, Weems, Peele, Bryant, Booker (at times), SNELLING.
Truly amazing when you think about how crucial some of those personnel decisions were.
by LetsGoFalcons on Jan 4, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent post!
You made me feel even better than I felt after the game. Great post!
by Gjmoody on Jan 5, 2010 8:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Just fantastic
I think getting the back to back winning seasons means more to the fans but finishing 9-7 and not 8-8 is huge for our guys in the locker room. I’m not saying it doesn’t mean a great deal to our players to be part of the team that broke the curse but winning 3 to finish the season with all our injuries is gonna mean alot come next years training camp. I fully expect a fire to be lit in our Falcons like you’ve never seen before. Does that make sense to anyone but me?
Up and down
I don’t remember a season where things have been so inconsistent for the team and for the fans. Started off great, then we soiled the bed, then came back pretty strong. In the end a pretty memorable season.
Man, I need to spend more time around here.
In a way, each of us has an El Guapo to face.
One of us! One of us!
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Hey Dave they changed the schedule format for the West AFC/NFC
Example for next season the falcons will visit the Rams instead of hosting them.
And Host the Niners instead of visiting them
They changed the pairings from
Rams/Cardinals
49ers/Seahawks
Chargers/Raiders
Broncos/Chiefs
To
Rams/Seahawks
49ers/Cardinals
Chargers/Chiefs
Broncos/Raiders
I think they did that to prevent teams from making so many west coast trips like the Patroits did in 2008.
I'm perfectly fine with that
Playing the Rams is never a bad thing.
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yeah it isn't so bad either when I think about it
in 2008 we hosted the rams because they both ended up in fourth place in 2007 and south was the host a west team and 2009 the opposite and the niners evened us, so we visited them, so now they visit us and we go to the rams. We visted the Cardinals in 2008-9 and hosted the seahawks 2007.
So it’s kind of a equalizer.
Other teams not quite as lucky and will have to wait a little longer.
cont
such as the Raiders for the second time in four years will have to visit the Niners, and it will have to be 12 years (2014) before the niners go visit Oakland (although in this case the two venues are close enough)
Figures...
Figures they would play the Cards and 49ers in ATL. I live in southern CA and every time they have played out here I had to work overtime or was in the field with the Marines and I am now at a point I could’ve made sure to get the time for the game…and they play in ATL…
yeah I see
sucks for you. Well can you make it over to the ATL?
Not really
Although I will be flying in for some job related things in Alabama on the 18th. So at least I get to get a few more hats and shirts while I am there.
Wonder if the Falcons will choose this year to make one splash signing
With the picks stockpiled because of our subtractions last year, could TD make a big signing in the offseason to supplement draft picks?
The win is huge, but the future is more exciting
For the past two years the Falcons have been building toward become a truly elite team. Mike Smith is instilling these guys with the mentality that they can take on any team in the league, and the players have been stepping up. In 2008 the Falcons were a scarily promising set of young upstarts who exceeded all but the most unrealistic of expectations. This year they proved themselves to be a team who refuse to quit, even in the face of a borderline-comical IR and even when there was nothing to play for but pride. A good percentage of the football world still sees the Falcons as scrubs, but this team continues to find its identity and move in the right direction, and I can guarantee you that they will come out next season stronger than ever and ravenous for a championship. Anything can happen, of course, but it makes me a little tingly to think that maybe the Falcons are on track to become a legit football dynasty to be feared and respected.
Quick question, fellows
As a Cowboys fan, I can’t begin to say how much Keith Brooking has meant to the D this year. Was curious as to how, after the regular season, you all feel about letting him go? Not being snarky or anything, genuinely curious.
maybe at best mixed feelings
The way our defense played to end the season, we are probably better off without him, but while he was here, he did his job well, and was here since superbowl 33. But in any event, it’s good that he’s helping your Cowboys have a chance to break their curse.
agreed with that
if our linebacking corps had been terrible, i might feel different, but we have a solid, young group of linebackers. so i don’t think it was a mistake at all for Atlanta to let him go. the concern at the time was whether our D needed his veteran leadership, but that didn’t end up being the case.
the Brooking move was good both for us and him. i think he needed a change of scenery as the Atlanta fanbase seemed to be turning on him for his declining play, and it did no good for us to keep an aging LB around if we were trying to build a young D. so i think that one worked out nicely for everyone.
by cheshire falcon on Jan 4, 2010 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
Well, cool.
Thanks a lot guys! Best of luck to the Falcons next year, I’d expect to see ya’ll in the playoffs very very soon.
by robolundgren on Jan 4, 2010 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
Truth be told
I dont think we missed him much myself. He is in decline (noticed the frankenstien tackles yet?) and the other old guy we got to replace him played as well as Keith would have anyway. I like Keith, but his best days are definately behind him.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 5, 2010 7:49 AM EST up reply actions
The Schedule.
Courtesy of JMike at atlantafalcons.com. Based on how we’ve played recently, this is how I think it should go, in a nutshell, of course.
Home Opponents
Baltimore – Winnable. Glad this one is at home.
Cincinnati – See Baltimore.
Arizona – See Cincinatti
San Francisco – They’re improving, but again. We’re at home.
Tampa Bay – They’ll be better, but not by much.
Carolina – New Quarterback? Bumps and bruises will show this year.
New Orleans – Depends on what happens in the playoffs.
Green Bay – This team is secretly dangerous. Glad this one is at home.
Road Opponents
Pittsburgh – Oh boy.
Cleveland – Glad this is a road game and not a wasted home game
Seattle – See Cleveland.
St. Louis – …….lol.
Tampa Bay – We just beat them in their house. Both teams will be improved, however, I think we can still beat them
Carolina – Will be a tough game, but winnable.
New Orleans – See Home New Orleans
Philadelphia – See Pittsburgh.
Depending on how the season goes, I could see 12-4 in 2010, with losses to NO, PHI, and PIT away, and a durka loss somewhere in between.
I could also see 9-7. It really depends on how consistent we are.
This schedule is much, much easier than last year’s, though. I’m excited.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Definitely a more favorable schedule
I can’t wait to see when our bye week is (hopefully later and not week 4) and how many teams we face coming off of the bye. It has to be less than 4. We had to be one of the only teams that had to face that many teams coming off of the bye and 3 of the damn things were on the road. (too lazy to look that stat up, but it just felt like an insane amount to me).
Depending on the moves this offseason, I can certainly see us with double digit wins next year. Hopefully we’ll be luckier with injuries, and theoretically we don’t have to wait for the D to gel like it started to down the stretch. Getting Douglas back too is going to be amazing. He is going to open up the offense again. Losing HD hurt more than the average fan realizes.
Also hell yeah for the Ryan vs. Flacco match up at the dome. I can’t wait for that game. I hope our boy steps up and has a monster game that day.
by LongSufferingFalconsFan on Jan 5, 2010 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
Also
I have a feeling that this team isn’t going to let those damn Eagles beat them 3 years in a row. The boys should be out for blood for that game.
by LongSufferingFalconsFan on Jan 5, 2010 12:08 AM EST up reply actions
I agreed with as good as 12-4 to 9-7 again, and the opinion of each game
but, 2010 at this point to me looks like another tough schedule.
Philly has never been easy for Atlanta. I wouldn’t sleep on Cleveland, Carolina, or Tampa. The only given I see is the Rams who should be 0-16 if the Lions wanted the rams to share the embarassment of last year.
Thanks for agreeing with me
on the schedule. Some people dont see it that way.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Jan 5, 2010 7:51 AM EST up reply actions
wow ...lots of west coast teams we can beat up on.
but seattle can be a hard game on anyone at their stadium.
I'm baaaaaaaaaaack
After a long and needed vacay, I’ve returned. Hope y’all missed me.
What can one say about the Birds going 9-7? I’m speechless. Happy. Thrilled. And so damn proud.
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.
Welcome back!
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We've waited on you!
Hope your holidays didn’t do you in!
by Gjmoody on Jan 5, 2010 8:20 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
19 Wins in 2010 I predict !
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
oh yeah
don’t forget the meaningless preseason.
to be honest
its WAYYYYYYY to early to be making predictions…the 2009 season isnt even over yet for some of the teams on our schedule…but i gotta admit it is still fun to do.i would say we go 10-6 losing every road NFC South game but winning all the home games. we go 7-1 at home losing only to green bay (i was gonna say the cards but warner is leaving after this season, he said it himself). we only win 3 games on the road against rams, browns, and hawks. the steelers are gonna be good next year and so will the eagles.
BTW they were showing on NFL NETWORK that if ATL played in the AFC, they’ed be in the playoffs
"i didnt no they gave out rings at the holocaust."-allan, The Hangover
I agree
we should be having this discussion some time in February at the earliest. and there way too many if’s – imagine what went through the minds of Oakland and KC fans when they saw Pitt in their schedules for 2009? Or how SAints fans thought about their TB home game.
I agree with your prediction – if we go 10-6 next season it would be (based on current stregth of teams) fair – and most likely be enough for a wild card. So if they manage to go 11-5 it would be beating expectations. Something we hope we can count on, given how unfortunate some things went this year (and knowing these things tend to even out in the long run).
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
OMG!!
i thought or CB’s (especially Grimes) did excellent at the end of the season. or DB’s had 8 INT’s in the last three games and grimes got 4 of em. still, we need just one more CB and guess who;s a Free Agent, Dunta Robinson. Him and Grimes would start with Owens and Houston as the backups..wow i cant stop fantasizing about Dunta Robinson as a falcon now!!!
"i didnt no they gave out rings at the holocaust."-allan, The Hangover
I don't think Houston will let him go
He’s just too good of a corner for them to let him walk. It’s a shame.
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He played poorly this year, didn't he?
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Being in Texas, I catch most of the Texans games, so..
He’s overrated, not worth franchise-tag money or the contract that was offered to him in the offseason. Fans of the Texans absolutely despised him for a while after his giant holdout and he came out and play horribly in the first week against the Jets, earning him the moniker Cunta.
This season he had 0 picks and 9 PD’s. Also had 8 PI’s called against him.
Also, for what it's worth
There was the whole incident of him writing “Pay me, Rick!” on his shoes for the first game (Rick being Rick Smith, GM). So along with mediocrity (to be fair, this season was one of his worst, he’s had better years) he has somewhat of an attitude problem.
yeah...
INT really increased in the past three games. For a moment I couldn’t remember the last time we had an INT. There was two by Decoud in the Bears game. One in the New Orleans game and Giants game by Grimes, then a long drought. Finally at least two picks in each of the last three game, and Grimes had five of them.
!Five count them Five INTs!
true
i keep forgetting that we still have brian williams, but i still think that the CB is our weakest spot…if not then get LE or a DT because peria jerry has been injury prone since college and jbabs is more than likely going to jail. abrham is gettin to that age where the career just slides away but beirman is a good fill for him. jamaal anderson is definately on the top 5 busts of the decade, davis is better but not by much.
"i didnt no they gave out rings at the holocaust."-allan, The Hangover
We don't "have" Brian Williams
He was signed to a 1-year contract. He will be a 31 year old Free Agent, coming off a torn ACL. I’d actually be a little surprised if he did come back.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Given that we already have....
Grimes, Houston and Owens in the starting mix, and Chevis Jackson as a very solid backup, and the team almost certain to draft another corner, I’d say the chances of B-Will returning are near zero.
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i would like to see if Bwilliams has another year or 2 of quality play in him
but not expecting it.
just found out
that brent grimes is tied for second in the league for most interceptions. jarius byrd, asante samuels, and charles woodson are all tied for 1st
"i didnt no they gave out rings at the holocaust."-allan, The Hangover
I have to admit
in 2008 Grimes looked talented at best, I wasn’t sure his size and inexperience could get the job done, and he was virtually done for when Foxworth replaced him.
But now he seems worth it!
Also any CB we have that wears 21 always seems to play well by skill
Deion, DeAngelo, and now Christopher
20 21 22 (the good fast open field tackler) 23 needs work 24 needs to find himself..
Uhh......
Without looking.
20 Grimes
21 Owens
22 Jackson
23 Uhh………………………………………………………………………Fudge? It’s not Peprah. Crap. Ima have to cheat and look.
HAHAHAHAHAHA. It’s Chris Houston. I fail so hard. I didn’t even notice he was gone. Chris Houston deserves the Price is Right fail music for that. Oh man. I’m laughing too hard right now.
24 T. Hill
The DB play since Houston went down has been exceptional. I expect Chris Owens to be a force for years to come. The kid’s been impressive since he began starting. What an eye Comrade has. Holy smokes. I’m tellin ya. I have no words to describe this.
"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, time on his side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham
Owens has been impressive
But let’s not go overboard (I’d rather have expectations fairly low, then be pleasantly surprised by a great performance). He’s looked great against the incompetent Passing Offenses of the Bills and Jets (and got burnt deep by Braylon Edwards), plus Tampa’s extremely raw rookie QB twice. But he also played fairly well against the Saints (Robert Meachem got the best of him a couple times) and the Eagles (the ball was only thrown his direction twice).
He may turn into something special, but I’m not ready to say he’s there yet.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
when both Owens and Grimes were on the field
which one of them was usually covering the opponent’s #1 receiver?
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
That's a great question
The first game they were both starting was Week 14 against the Saints. I’d have to chart all these final games (which I haven’t done yet) to watch for who each one was covering on every play, but we can use Pro Football Focus to see who they were covering on their “Targets” (complete and incomplete passes).
Wk 14 vs. Saints:
Grimes – Marques Colston (2 Targets), Devery Henderson (2), Robert Meachem (1), Pierre Thomas (1)
Owens – Henderson (1), Meachem (3)
This game is a good example of how a creative opposing offensive coach can force us into mis-matches – on Colston’s 7 Targets, he was covered by Grimes (x2); Stephen Nicholas (x2); and Chevis Jackson, Thomas DeCoud, & Mike Peterson once each.
Week 15 vs. Jets:
Grimes – Braylon Edwards (2 Targets), Jerricho Cotchery (1), Dustin Keller (1), Danny Woodhead (1)
Owens – Edwards (4), Woodhead (1)
Week 16 vs. Buffalo:
Grimes – Lee Evans (7 Targets), Terrell Owens (2), Corey McIntyre (1)
Owens – T.O. (2), James Hardy (1), Marshawn Lynch (1), McIntyre (1)
They don’t have Week 17 up yet, and I’d hate to guess from just the play-by-play, but here’s either A) Intended receivers on Passes Defensed or Interceptions, or B) Guys who caught the ball and were tackled. They do not include incomplete passes with no defender listed in coverage, and the tackles may or may not be on guys they had in coverage:
Grimes – Antonio Bryant (3), Kellen Winslow (2)
Owens – Maurice Stovall (1), Cadillac Williams (2)
This quick look makes it seem like Grimes was on #1’s more often…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Jan 5, 2010 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
wow - you are trully The One Who Has All The Answers!
for a while I thought it was Owens who covered most of the #1 guys, for two reasons – it seemed to me every time our defender got burned on a deep pass it was Owens, so I felt usually he covered a #1 guy. Also, although Grimes had many INTs lately, most of the time he’d pick a pass intended for someone else’s guy, coming out of nowhere.
Great research, orange3b! but it raises additional questions:
- can we see the same thing for our offense – just to check whether Mularkey was able to exploit mismatches in the opposing defenses? my quick take on this is – NO. at least it seemed to me the opposing offenses were able to capitalize on our defensive deficiencies better.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
That's a good point about Grimes
Several times he would float away from his guy (usually when they’re in what looked like a Cover-3) to pick off or knock away a pass to a receiver that the Safety was covering closer to the middle of the field.
As for Mularkey, I’d have to dig deeper to see the coverages like I did for Colston… but just from memory, I’d say his favorite move for getting a mismatch is to motion a WR into the backfield pre-snap. At the snap, they’d be either in an H-back position, or as a FB in an offset I-formation, and would flow to the flats (usually to the opposite side of play-action). Good news? Usually an easy 5 yards. Bad news? It’s almost always only 5 yards before a LB pushes them out of bounds…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
schedule from a 2009 perspective
Just to put the schedule into perspective: The 2009 schedule looked vicious based on the 2008 results (only one team with a losing record on it, 4th toughest of the league, etc.), but looking at the actual 2009 results it was mediocre at best: Atlanta’s schedule was 17th of the league with an opponents combined record of 129-127. Most of that shift probably comes form the fact that Bills, Bucs, Redskins et al. underperformed.
Next year’s schedule? 127-129. The diff is barely noticeable. Also keep in mind that while we got the easiest NFC division for the intraconference games (West) we still get to play two playoff-teams, two 11-5 playoff-teams to be precise, out of the other two NFC-divisions and the second-hardest AFC-division. Looking at only the 2009 results, next years’ schedule looks really close to the one we had this year, at times it even looks harder:
Games against winning record teams: 6 (this year; record: 1-5) vs. 8 (next year)
Games against losing record teams: 6 (this year; record: 6-0) vs. 5 (next year)
Games against playoff teams: 6 (this year; record 1-5) vs. 7 (next year year)
The one difference between 2008 and 2009 looking at the schedule in my opinion was that 2009 the falcons weren’t able to pull off wins against winning-and-or-playoff opponents (like they did in 2008 against the Vikings, Bears, Chargers, Bucs and Panthers). This year the Jets-victory is the only one we can book in that column. Since half of our schedule will have a winning record next season, this could turn out to be a crucial factor, motivation- and psychology-wise for the team: Start beating good/better opponents again. :)
(The other side of that argument is of course, that the Falcons only had “meaningful” losses: While they didn’t really upset anyone this year (except maybe for the Jets), they also lost only to “worthy” big guns and din’t give up an upset themselves.)
But of course, while the 2009 schedule became softer as 2008 led us to believe, the same thing (or the opposite) could turn out to be the case in 2010. The 127-129 could turn out to be a 115-141 (if good/okay teams collapse like the panthers, Bucs, Redksins etc. did this year), or it could go the other way and we could end up with 140-116 (for instance, if the Browns continue their ascend and Spagnuolo turns the Rams around). You never know.
by wiesengrund on Jan 5, 2010 5:58 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
that's surprising
never thought our schedule actually turned out to be mediocre based on the year-end standings.
what, however, made the difference was where we had to play those winning and losing teams. from the top of my head, most of the winning teams on our schedule were on the road and we lost all but one of them. conversely, most of the losing teams on our schedule were home games and we naturally beat them (at least this was a show of consistency – something Philly and AFC North fans hoped for). This contrasts what NO had this year – while the opponents record for them may have been only slightly worse, they had to play top teams at home.
Another important factor is when we have to play the better teams on our schedule – ask the Jets how lucky you can be by playing two playoff teams at the end of the season – but it’s not predictable at all.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Strength of Schedule isnt perfect...
The Saints apparently had one of the easiest schedules, and Tampa had on of the hardest. But they only had 2 different games. Rams/Seahawks and Lions/Packers. So really only the Lions/Packers makes the schedule harder.
But because the Saints beat so many of their opponents their schedule looks harder, while on the otherside Tampa lost to so many their schedule looks harder.
Also the Saints don’t have to play themselves twice and neither does Tampa.
Yeah
But those 2 games are huge (and I think you’re mixing up who they played), and I think you’re under-estimating the Head-to-Head matchups.
TB: GB 11-5, SEA 5-11, NO 13-3, NO 13-3, for a (+20)
NO: DET 2-14, STL 1-15, TB 3-13, TB 3-13, for a (-46)
That is a huge swing…
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
very true
The question where we played them is really essential. Just look at the group Jets, Giants, Patriots, Cowboys (combined record 38-26). We (and Panthers) played all four games at their stadiums, winning only one. Saints played those four teams at home, losing only one.
Next year there will be a little reversal of that situation: Look at the group Arizona, SF, Baltimore, Cin. Combined record 09: 37-27. We (and Panthers) play all at home, Saints and Bucs on the road. It’s not a locked-in, certain advantage (after all, teams can over and underperform expectations drastically, and just look at Arizona who seem to play on the road like other teams at home) but it could turn out to be a nice tipping point.
also
One thing I noticed momentum-wise this season is: Playing weak opponents at home always has the potential to be a trap game. A close win at home against TB is called an “ugly” win. I still think, if we’d have beaten TB in that home game by 10 points the result of the eagles and saints game after that could have been very different.
when you have "weaker" teams on home schedule and "tougher" teams on away schedule
the outcome depends on how strong we are. take NO for instance. they were really strong this season, and were able to take out most of the tough teams at home, and their home crowd helped a lot. and they had to play “weaker” teams away, and still beat them on their class.
conversely, if you are a “weak” team, this can actually hurt your chances of a decent record, because you lose to strong teams away anyway (unless you are a Buc team playing at NO), and there is no guarantee you beat another “weak” team at home.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
those are the killers to anyone
we were very close to losing to the Bears in the lone home game against a team coming off its bye week. And these Bears actually sucked this year!
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
A poet that doesn't know it...
Dave,
This may be your best work! Eloquent, yet illustrative, a post that deserve a much greater audience than this ole Falcons loving posse!
by Gjmoody on Jan 5, 2010 7:44 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Great Stuff!
It’s been a while since I have posted but wanted to say good work on the post. It’s nice to get that monkey off our back and here’s to looking forward to a successful 2010 season. Go Falcons!
did anyone notice
this year in the regular season we only had 5 games that we scored under 20 points.
Of those 5 game we won 2 of those.
even with our hobbled offense we were a scoring machine.
Get healthy guys, next year can be the one everyone talks about us going undefeated far deep into the season.
yardage statistics for these Falcons were misleading
this year, especially at the year end – we were in the 20s in many defensive and offensive rankings but we were much better in points scored and allowed. And it was funny to read those Jets and TB blogs saying “these Falcons are rated 20-something against the run, so expect us to run over them…”
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
finally...
now if only we could get that 3 consecutive winning season monkey off our backs…
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
Beginning in 1966, the Cowboys had a 20-year stretch of winning seasons.
I move we break that record, starting last year!
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!!
Ok just a question for next year
who is gonna be kicking i mean is Bryant gonna be our kicker next year or do we go F/A or draft just curious? I mean this year i thought Elam would be the guy but he cost us way to many games
I bet we pick one up as an Undrafted Free Agent
and with TDs eye, I bet we’ll like him too
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
I predicted at 13 games...
…that the defense would be a supremely powerful unit at the end of the year and they would draft a kicker instead of a giganto D-Tackle in the 1st round.
I really liked Matt Bryant. They should re-sign him.
How many more days, Lord, must I walk through the wilderness?
GO FALCONS!!!
I remember you telling about this dream of yours
somehow it got into my mind during every one of those 3 games. your dream came true, the first part at least. I’m hoping the other half does not come true, but I have an eerie feeling something will happen in the offseason to at least partially justify your dream…
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Good bit of kickers
that are going to be FA after this season Matt Prater, Shane Grahmn(misspelled), the New England kicker can’t spell his name and some others.
Congrats on back to back winning seasons
I hope you go 9-7 next year to make it 3 in a row
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 7, 2010 12:38 PM EST reply actions
Thanks, I think...
Hopefully we do much better next year. If we don’t make the playoffs and get at least 10 wins it will be a disappointment.
It was a real compliment
But I cant say i want you to do better then 9-7 next year because i’m greedy and i want the Saints to win the nfc south again
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 7, 2010 2:15 PM EST up reply actions
Even if the Saints do win NFCS next year
which is unlikely based on the history of NFCS, they won’t be able to run away with the crown and clinch it halfway into the season – expect both us and the Panthers give it a fight.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
I always do
And the way things go in the NFC south where teams always go worst to first you have to watch out for the Bucs next year
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 7, 2010 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
it may be a little too ealry for the bucs
just like it was little too early for us last year when we went from last to… mmm… not the first but second. so may I suggest the following standings for next year – 1. Falcons 2 Bucs 3 Saints 4 Panthers. Good?
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Thats close
But i prefer 1)Saints 2)Falcons 3)Bucs 4)Panthers
by mississippisaintsfan on Jan 8, 2010 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
Matt Ryan
i need someone on this site to make me feel better about Matt Ryan. i bought into the hype last year that he was gonna be a superstar in this league, but after watching him this season, i’m not sure anymore. i’m not about to declare him a bust because i think that would be a little crazy, but my fear is that he’s just gonna end up being an average QB who has the occassional great game but throws horrible interceptions over and over again that either lose the game or put it at risk.
please my fellow Falcoholics, ease my pain!
How 'bout the fact that he's only 24
1) He works his tail off and wants to win.
2) Despite the bad throws he did make, he made almost an equal number of huge ones (Giants, Jets, etc.)
3) He is way ahead of the curve in terms of 2nd year QBs. This is where we need to step back and think a second about what we’re expecting. It isn’t like Matt Ryan came out and played like Jamarcus Russell. He threw some untimely picks, but he also made some beautiful throws. He isn’t a 4000 yard passer, but he’s got the desire and work ethic to become one. It’s just year two, give him time.
by LetsGoFalcons on Jan 7, 2010 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Well
Tom Brady, on a much better team than the Falcons in his 2nd season as a starter threw 14 picks and lost 5 fumbles. Ryan also threw for 700 less yards while playing in 3 less games (cant really count the Bucs game where he was out after the 1st series). The stat line between the 2 isnt much different overall and once again, dont forget the team Brady has always had around him…they made Matt Castle look like a elite QB….
Oh man...
I sort of felt the same way. But to be honust you have to remember the quality of opponents in Year 1 Vs. Year 2. As well in Year 2 teams were ready for us and had a tonne of film on us. For Matty to throw +20 TD’s is evidence that he was trusted to make more bigtime throws. He can only improve, next year may be his year.
I wouldn’t say he’s the next Brady or Manning, he is the next Matt Ryan, lets see what he’s got!
Australian Atlanta Falcons Fan EST 2003
Many are bummed Atlanta missed playoffs, but compare Falcons to other teams that also had 9 wins or just one more – the 10 win crew
We were in some good company and just a bit shy of making the playoffs
z- Arizona Cardinals NFC NCW 10 6 0 .625 375 325 50 46 4-4 6-2 4-2 .667 8-4 .667 2-2 1L 3-2
z- Cincinnati Bengals AFC ACN 10 6 0 .625 305 291 14 34 6-2 4-4 6-0 1.000 7-5 .583 3-1 1L 2-3
z- New England Patriots AFC ACE 10 6 0 .625 427 285 142 50 8-0 2-6 4-2 .667 7-5 .583 3-1 1L 3-2
Atlanta Falcons NFC NCS 9 7 0 .563 363 325 38 44 6-2 3-5 3-3 .500 6-6 .500 3-1 3W 3-2
y- Baltimore Ravens AFC ACN 9 7 0 .563 391 261 130 47 6-2 3-5 3-3 .500 7-5 .583 2-2 1W 3-2
Houston Texans AFC ACS 9 7 0 .563 388 333 55 46 4-4 5-3 1-5 .167 6-6 .500 3-1 4W 4-1
y- New York Jets AFC ACE 9 7 0 .563 348 236 112 37 4-4 5-3 2-4 .333 7-5 .583 2-2 2W 4-1
Pittsburgh Steelers AFC ACN 9 7 0 .563 368 324 44 41 6-2 3-5 2-4 .333 6-6 .500 3-1 3W 3-
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
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