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Around SBN: Events Cause Mariners To Lose To Rangers

One Falcon To Watch: Matt Ryan

I actually think the Falcons are going to pass heavily against the Saints, so Matt Ryan is the obvious choice.

The Saints are capable of bringing a little bit of pressure. They're capable of occasionally covering a wide receiver, but for the most part the secondary can be picked apart like carrion. With a nice stretch late in the season, Ryan's shown himself capable of preying upon poor cornerbacks, especially when Julio Jones and Roddy White are running good routes and not letting passes drop to the ground.

The ground game should be a factor with Turner ready to play and Jacquizz Rodgers coming on, but again, the Falcons are going to have numerous opportunities to get it done through the air and are likely to take any they can get. I'd fully expect Ryan to have 35-40 passing attempts in this game. If he's on point, the Falcons stand an excellent chance of winning. All it takes are a couple of long bombs to break the back of this defense.

So Ryan's my pick. Who's yours?

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pass all day

forget the run

put the defense on their heels like we did when we needed ten points to force overtime, beginning with about 7 minutes left in the game.

Simple breakdown:
On the first drive, we scored a touchdown. We passed 7 times, ran turner up the middle once for 2 yards, and ran turner to the right once for 2 yards. Scoring play was a 20 yard touchdown pass to Gonazalez.

On the second drive, Roddy dropped the game winning touchdown and we settled for a field goal. We passed 12 times and ran the ball zero times.

While we were doing that, the saints defenders looked as confused as any team could. We were doing whatever we wanted to, and it was through the air.

Ditch the run first, pass later option. Let’s not turn this into a grind-it-out game that any team can win in the end. Let’s blow this team out. We’re more than capable of doing that.

One day....

by Kashberry on Dec 26, 2011 1:06 PM EST reply actions  

I'm in total agreement

If there was ever a game to rely on the passing game, its this one. The Saints’ D could not slow us down in the 4th qtr of the earlier game. We always try to play keep-away from Brees and it really hasn’t worked. Their secondary can be torched so we should be focusing on the pass this game and trust our D to slow down Brees.

by leonw92 on Dec 26, 2011 4:47 PM EST up reply actions  

And lets be honest...

We drafted Julio so we could compete offensively with the Saints. We lost Julio early in that 1st game but he’s healthy now. It seems like the Saints overachieve on D when they play us, but I don’t see them being able to slow down Julio, Roddy, Gonzo, and HD in the passing game.

by leonw92 on Dec 26, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions  

Every time I read the word "carrion" I get hungry

The Saints have been awful in the Red Zone (defensively) this year and we didn’t take advantage of that. One thing we know; Tonight on fourth down we’re going for it. I think tonight we come out of the closet offensively. We can throw and have just as many weapons as the Saints. Falcons 37-34

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 1:08 PM EST reply actions  

is that with a Saints missed or a Falcons made FG at the buzzer (buzzard?) ha ha

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

not trying to troll, I just love wordplay

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 1:33 PM EST up reply actions  

That's O.K. it was funny and I just posted on Canal Street

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions  

yeah

I buzzed into your post, as well

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:01 PM EST up reply actions  

Sure but tonight it's Birdplay!

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions  

and if we win, it'll be like we flipped you the "word" with our middle frozen finger...

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

John Abraham

Matt Ryan’s a great choice obviously, but Abe has to pressure/hit/hurry/sack Drew Brees to help shut down some of the Saints’ offensive drives and force mistakes. Of course, you could insert Edwards / Babs / Peters etc. into Abrahams’ slot — the front four have to play effectively against the Saints’ O-Line — but usually if Abraham has it going everything else falls into place.

by kman_722 on Dec 26, 2011 1:29 PM EST reply actions  

I was reading DOL talking about your spontaneously-appearing hurry-up offense

and how it works, and they are tinkering with doing it more. And it gives me a bit of fear, because our D is always on the verge of giving up a big play, I feel, and that up-tempo just intensifies that feeling for me.

I’ve always liked when the Saints have fired theirs up in the middle of a quarter, “I want tempo!” Coach Payton says, and I wonder why they don’t do it more…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 1:32 PM EST reply actions  

You're kidding...Sean's the

best (well one of the top two) play callers. As great as Drew is I still wouldn’t give him the keys solely. Atlanta’s more of a “Here’s Turner up the middle see if you can stop him” type of offense. Payton is a we’ve run play X out of formation Y sixteen times in this down and distance so lets give ‘em formation Y and run play Z. He’s a thinker and scary.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

so you're saying DOL of the AJC is full of it? making something out of nothing? preposterous, he's a legitimate media member!

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Hans? You're not by chance

SeenThisB4 are you?

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

no, I'm not

are you Clayton?

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

No, is he a guy who comes over to Saints blogs?

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions  

it's kind of a thing on CSC

Once I thought I heard a guy named Clayton call into a Saints post-game podcast, only it was a guy named Chad, and after calling Chad Clayton a few times, he finally asked me “who the hell is this Clayton guy you keep calling me, my name’s Chad.” and ever since, I’ve been searching high and low for this Clayton fellow, who may or may not (my imagination could be tricking me) have called into the podcast…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions  

DOL is an oaf.

Wouldn’t call him legitimate. Do you read his stuff? It’s terrible.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Dec 26, 2011 3:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

I link to his articles/blgo entries

when I do my “Falcons’ Crest” section of my “Fleur-De-Links” posts

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions  

blgo = blog

and I usually just skim them

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 3:18 PM EST up reply actions  

I didn't mean he'd relinquish the play calling all the way

although that tempo would make it difficult to get play calls in before the snap…

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Julio Jones

he needs to run good routes, not drop passes and remain healthy… Matt can get him the ball but he needs to do these things so Matt can do his job…

we really need the USS Babs to get pressure up the middle on #9 for the Saints…

by AlexanderTheFalcoholic on Dec 26, 2011 1:40 PM EST reply actions  

with him being a rookie

has he had any trouble with the rookie “wall”?

You know, when rookies run out of gas by about Week 14 because they never played that many games in a single season in college?

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions  

because I wouldn't mind if he was out of gas tonight

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:03 PM EST up reply actions  

You know he was injured and kind of got out of his rythmn

crucial drops in the Texans game.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:04 PM EST up reply actions  

oh yeah, so he's also rested

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Rested I don't know but he's a rookie

so who knows how he plays tonight. Good thing he’s played there before.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

JJ is a good choice

maybe tonight we get to actually see just what his affect will be in big games like this. Was it worth it to get him? Will he make that difference we’ve been needing? Will he torch dem aints?? lol

Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.

by ATLsince1972 on Dec 26, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions  

Weatherspoon

If you want to beat the Saints, you have to stop Sproles and Graham. Weatherspoon will likely see a ton of both. I think he’s ready to “announce his presence with authority”.

If the Falcons can hold them to 23 like last time, I think the Falcons win. And that will be up to Spoon.

by Hawes on Dec 26, 2011 2:04 PM EST reply actions  

Unless we get an early lead like last game

and Abe or Bierman will be in coverage. It is what it is.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 2:07 PM EST up reply actions  

and Falcs did a great job snuffing out our screen game last time

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions  

Mine is HD

For some strange reason Harry has disappeared for long stretches this year but I’m looking for him to have a good game tonight. NO has problems covering the #3 WR and slants are great against blitzes. Now if MM will plan a good attack.

by mwalex on Dec 26, 2011 2:33 PM EST reply actions  

Played well in earlier game after Julio went out

but we know that MM loses focus.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 3:17 PM EST up reply actions  

I fully expect Tony G to have a monster game

Look out for Ja Quizz and Antone Smith

by JT131 on Dec 26, 2011 3:11 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

I'll take

a couple of forced fumbles on special teams

I know where the bodies are buried.....I buried some of them myself. - David Stern

by a hooter's baby on Dec 26, 2011 5:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

As what a RB or on STs?

As a running back Antone Smith sucks. Has for two years.

by mwalex on Dec 26, 2011 6:24 PM EST up reply actions  

Hans and MississippiSaintsFan

Nice to see you guys here on several of our posts and keeping it all fun. Good luck tonight and I hope no injuries come out of it. Go Falcons!

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Dec 26, 2011 3:44 PM EST reply actions  

thanks!

glad the spirit of our visit’s intent is shining through!!

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions  

Falcon WEEK? OMG..I think

you love us!

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Dec 26, 2011 6:55 PM EST up reply actions  

right now

he loves us because we are padding his teams stats.

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Dec 26, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions  

ill say its Abe

we need to generate pressure on Brees somehow either with the blitz or Abe.

by Erihury on Dec 26, 2011 4:15 PM EST reply actions  

I don't know if Quizz will have a good game,

but every time he has a decent play I wish the crowd would make a buzz sound like “ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.”

We’ll see who brings in more honey!

by introvertedGSUfan on Dec 26, 2011 4:23 PM EST reply actions  

wouldn't that just sound like everyone's asleep?

oh, no, now I get it – you mean like the vuvuzelas from the World Cup

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Dec 26, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions  

I say 'Ole Abe.

Abraham will have at least 2 sacks and put pressure on Brees all game.

On a side note, I’ve played a few games of Madden 12 of Falcons @ Saints. The two games have resulted in:
1- Falcons 14 Saints 73
2- Falcons 38 Saints 3
So it really isn’t a good simulator, but I don’t think I have the right starters in there, since Michael Turner has played basically all game for me in both. I’m sorry if I seem needy, but could any of you tell me some of the key injuries, their positions, and the players that will be starting in place for tonight? I’d like to do one more game and report some stats. I play my games on All-Pro difficulty, the second hardest out of, I believe, 5 different levels of difficulty, if anyone on PS3 would like to add me; my username is marbyaugusta.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 28, 2011 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

"Here in the National League where we play REAL baseball, DH means double-header." -Me.

Dawg Sports -Georgia Bulldogs. When life gives you Gators, make Gatorade.

RIP Larry Munson. I hope there's a lot of hobnail boots for you to wear.

by ChopMaster on Dec 26, 2011 4:44 PM EST reply actions  

I went ahead and did another one, and the result was Falcons 21 Saints 28.

My dad taught me how to make meat for sloppy joes and my mom let me turn over hot dogs on the grill.

by ChopMaster on Jun 25, 2011 7:25 PM CDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 28, 2011 9:50 PM EDT reply actions

"Here in the National League where we play REAL baseball, DH means double-header." -Me.

Dawg Sports -Georgia Bulldogs. When life gives you Gators, make Gatorade.

RIP Larry Munson. I hope there's a lot of hobnail boots for you to wear.

by ChopMaster on Dec 27, 2011 5:03 PM EST up reply actions  

My pick are our safeties

This is one game where we absolutely must keep everything in front of us and control the middle of the field. The onus is on Moore and Decoud to get that accomplished.

by jcaustic on Dec 26, 2011 5:26 PM EST reply actions  

Moore

Will get burnt on a play early. I hope MS doesn’t him pull him for Sanders straight after. He is essential.

by ChrisWells on Dec 26, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions  

The way I remember it...

… we had won that first game. we shut them down on the ground but couldn’t break Brees’ leg before we screwed up that last play.

Seriously, I respect the saints as a good team.. which is more than we get from their fans. We gotta win this one.

My heart is on the line.

"There's nothing wrong with Florida that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Dec 26, 2011 5:55 PM EST reply actions  

If the Saints score on their first possession, I see the Falcons keeping up but eventually falling off: 45-32

If the Falcons score on their first possession and hold the Saints on theirs, I suggest the game stays close and the Falcons pull out the W riding a nice wave of confidence: 27-23

by Caviarhound on Dec 26, 2011 5:58 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah... prolly something like that

"There's nothing wrong with Florida that a rise in ocean level wouldn't cure."

by Redoubt on Dec 26, 2011 6:06 PM EST up reply actions  

William Moore

and Tony G. Moore’s gotta play well and this is the kind of defense Tony should eat up

You'd think I was Travis Tritt struttin my FINE ASS on down to Florida

by Fatvirus on Dec 26, 2011 6:47 PM EST reply actions  

Let the Big Spoon EAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Everybody has a plan until they get hit" Iron Mike Tyson.

by CaptJackSparrow on Dec 26, 2011 6:50 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

////////////

Tonight’s Falcons inactives: QB Wilson, CB Hayden, LB Nicholas, C Romberg, OL Chambers, WR Meier, DE Matthews. CB Brent Grimes will start at cornerback.

"Everybody has a plan until they get hit" Iron Mike Tyson.

by CaptJackSparrow on Dec 26, 2011 7:14 PM EST reply actions  

With Meier out

I’m wondering if we called up one of the guys from the PS in Cone or Davis

"NLDS or bust" - Bobby Cox

by DopeFalcons on Dec 26, 2011 7:18 PM EST reply actions  

coverage

Why are the Falcons always 5 yards or so off the other teams receivers while the other teams players are within a step of the Falcon receivers every time?

by Rippers on Dec 26, 2011 10:36 PM EST reply actions  

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