Falcons-Lions Series History

by falconplanet on Oct 20, 2011 1:56 PM EDT

Hi all, back again for another installment of the series history of the 2011 Falcons opponents. This week, the Lions. The Lions lead the all time series, 23-10, going back to 1966. The Lions won the first nine games of this series until the Falcons finally broke through with a 17-6 victory in the ATL in 1977. The 1978 affair also in the ATL, saw the Falcons get their first ever home shut out, 14-0. The 1980 game in the ATL, saw the Falcons blitz the Lions in short order in the second quarter with I believe 28 points enroute to a 34-6 half time lead, and go on to win, 43-28. The 1998 game in Detroit was special, without Dan Reeves, the Falcons struggled through most of the game, but were able to come from behind, to win, 24-17, and the NFC West. The 2002 game in the ATL, was a 36-15 laugher, with Michael Vick running all over the Lions. And, of course, the 2008 season opener, remember that one? Hmmm, wasn't the game when Matty Ice's first NFL pass was a 62 yard TD pass to Michael Jenkins? Always will remember that moment and game. The 2005 game in Detroit was the first ever Thanksgiving game for the Falcons, winning that one, 27-7. There has been some duds as well in this series, the 2006 game in Detroit, in which a 5-2 Falcons team, got crunched, 30-14, and then the roof fell in on that season. As for this game on Sunday, the Falcons have an excellent chance of winning, especially after last week's performance. The Lions are still a young team learning how to win, and they will make mistakes. Developing a pass rus is key against Matthew Stafford, force him into mistakes. As far as Megatron Calvin Johnson goes, well just let him go, can't cover the dude! The Lions are horrible against the run, and their secondary is so-so, so if the Falcons stick to the forumla from last week, they will win this game, 28-24. Minimize penalties and turnovers, and keep the potent Lions offense on the field, and the birds will have success. If you of came to me a couple of weeks ago, and said what are the Falcons chances against the Lions, I would said your were friggin' nuts! There will no be post next week, due to the bye, I'll be back in two weeks with the Colts series. Go Falcons, Good Luck!

This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.

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What makes matters worse for us

Is we didn’t get Ronnie Brown and Best may not even play the rest of the season. Our running back situation is not good, but Maurice Morris for the 3rd year in a row is still as steady as they come. He the one guy that remains reliable enough to throw in the game and win with.

He doesn’t have the speed of Best, the strength of LeShoure, or any special abilities, but he’s a well rounded veteran that won’t make mistakes and gets 4yd runs consistently. Not a bad blocker or receiver, just a reliable vet that you can count on.

With that being said, I originally had the Lions losing this one, but giving how well the Lions played and how mediocre the Falcons played, I’m taking the Lions to limit Turner to just a little over 100yds and a td while th d-line harrasses Matty “Vanilla” Ice into throwing interceptions.
This is our first bounce back game of the season and no better a team to do it to than a team with a struggling o-line and defense. That falls perfectly into going against our strengths.

Falcons 23, Lions 31

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Oct 20, 2011 2:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

A few weeks ago, I would of said the Lions would of smoked us, and they still might. You make very good points. We’ll see what happens on Sunday. You guys have a solid squad that’s only going to get better. We’ll see you Sunday!

Evil Falcon

by falconplanet on Oct 20, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

thank u

I appreciate the kind words. I don’t mean to come over here “proclaiming” a win or anything, but it seems like we will bounce back this Sunday. We lost last Sunday by a few inches at the end and it stung quite a bit. The Lions d-line hasn’t played as good as it can yet, believe it or not, but a lot of that is credited towards opposing offensive coordinator’s gameplan taking them outta the equation. We aren’t awful against the run like you guys seem to think, most runs have been less than 4.0yds a carry, but a couple huge runs here and there skew the numbers in opposing team’s favor.

I see Turner having a pedestrian day compared to that 08’ debacle in Atlanta where he put up 200yds on us. Matt Ryan has to play well in order to win because the Lions first priority is to stop Turner from getting hot.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Oct 20, 2011 5:09 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

You're Welcome!

I like talking football without either getting my head or someone else’s head getting ripped off. The Lions are one of my favorite teams, after the Falcons, of course, and root for them when they are not playing us. You guys stay healthy, there’s no telling what you guys can do. We, on the other hand, need to be more consistent, and cut back on penalties and mistakes. You guys have looked very good up to this point, should of won last week. Hey, what was the deal between Schwartz and Harbaugh after the game? Don’t take Turner lightly…

Evil Falcon

by falconplanet on Oct 20, 2011 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Harbaugh shook Schwartz's hand too hard and sorta pushed him in the back

Schwartz responded “What the f*** was that?!?” And after he said something to Harbaugh, Harbaugh then yelled an expletive at Schwartz, pissing him off even more.

The rest is history.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Oct 20, 2011 9:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

So,

Is everyone good now? Water under the bridge??

Evil Falcon

by falconplanet on Oct 20, 2011 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Seems to be but

I’m sure if we met in the playoffs there would be some bad blood between them. This incident will make some juicy storylines so I hope we do meet them again in January.

Schwartz had a dinner during the lockout with the Harbaugh bros and said to Jim that he wouldn’t be able to get his team ready because of the lockout and being a 1st year coach in the NFL and all.

I think Jim Harbaugh had some animosity towards Schwartz for doubting him and used it to fire his team up. Afterwards he celebrated like they won the superbowl and I don’t think his handshake/push was an accident. He even responded with an obcenity.

Both coaches were to blame for the bad behavior, but Harbaugh’s was pre-meditated, whether he realized it or not. He didn’t forget what schwartz said and wanted to prove him wrong.

He did.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Oct 20, 2011 11:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

just read this

the quote “Matty Vanilla Ice”- was that meant to sound demeaning? If so, that’s just garbage… a garbage quote.

I’ll stop my offensive at that, and I await your response.

One day....

by Kashberry on Oct 20, 2011 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions

not at all

Thought it just kinda had a ring to it, that’s all.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Oct 20, 2011 11:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If we don't generate offense with our run game

because we’re simply running it up the middle, predictable.. there will be no excuse- we’ll all jump on the ‘Hate Mularkey’ bandwagon again.

1st play of the game for the Falcons should just be a bomb to Douglas or White… will throw the lions way off, unless they read this.

Interesting history, as always.

Loved history class in school……………..

One day....

by Kashberry on Oct 20, 2011 8:30 PM EDT reply actions

It Would Be

Interesting to see what they might do. Wouldn’t suprise me.

Evil Falcon

by falconplanet on Oct 20, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm still on the hate MM&BVG bandwagons

I would like to think I’m one of the co builders of said bandwagons. But wow, I didn’t realize how bad a record we had against the lions! I mean, they were as bad as we were in the 80’s and 90’s weren’t they?

by aces666high on Oct 21, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions

People forget

the Lions used to be really good. It just so happens it was before this super bowl nonsense. Opposing fans throw this at us frequently: “you’ve never even been to a superbowl” Its true, but we have won championships. Multiple championships, just not recently, which honestly is the relevent point: why is it a huge deal that we’ve never went to a superbowl to a team that’s either been to one and not won, or won but over a decade ago?

Its really the same difference. I strayed from my main point, which is this: It may not have been in your lifetime, but the Lions were once feared as I hope they are starting to become feared again.

It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.

"Only a real man quotes himself in the 3rd person" - Nate D. circa 2011

"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy

by Leonuro on Oct 21, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec'd

And agree.

Evil Falcon

by falconplanet on Oct 21, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Used to root for u guys when Eric Hipple was QB

by aces666high on Oct 21, 2011 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Your right. Lion domination was before my time...and almost before my dads time.

1950’s were a good decade for you all. But it’s best to live in the now. Go around screaming 1957 champs!! people may talk. Super bowl nonsense is what we’re all shooting for now.

by aces666high on Oct 21, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions