Your 2011 Best Atlanta Falcons Game: Triumph Over The Eagles

by Dave Choate on Feb 15, 2012 12:00 PM EST in Falcons Talk

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 18: A football fan holds a cut out with pictures of (L-R) Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons and Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles at Georgia Dome on September 18, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This was a surprise.

I figured the huge comeback against the Panthers—I'll admit I voted for it—would capture your hearts. Or maybe the tough win over the Lions. Heck, even the critical beatdown of the Jaguars.

Instead, you all defied convention and propelled the Eagles game to the top. I think this had a lot to do with trouncing the Eagles, a team that has traditionally slapped Atlanta around and beat them in the NFC Championship game in the last decade, because the game itself was incredibly ugly.

Nonetheless, it was a win against a tough team, and it was the Falcons' first win of the season. It was also one of their better offensive performances, when Michael Turner was fresh and Matt Ryan was throwing bombs and the Falcons were beating Michael Vick. Kind of the total package, when you look at it that way.

Congratulations (?) to this game. Tomorrow, we'll start voting on the worst game of the season.

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I voted for the Carolina game (since it essentially saved our playoff bid) but the Eagles game was my second choice. 88’s catch was insane and the Dome was rocking that night.

by Pete E. Tong on Feb 15, 2012 12:07 PM EST reply actions

I agree, Panthers game was much more exciting

But there was just something about watching No. 7 getting knocked on his a$$ all game that made the Eagles game so very enjoyable

"My parents do a lot of things behind the scenes that go unnoticed"- Cam Newton, Heisman acceptance speech.
http://twitter.com/#!/AShirkey

by TurnerTheBurner on Feb 15, 2012 1:03 PM EST reply actions 4 recs

I voted the Detroit game...

But I’m not really surprised at this choice. There was a good bit of hype about this one nationally, and it was nationally televised. Considering how we’ve struggled in those “big stage” games, this was a nice win. It all really depends on how you judge a game…importance? impressiveness? excitement? or other?

I’m already wanting to talk about the worst game…but I suppose I should keep this thread positive.

by ChardeeMacDennis on Feb 15, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions

Emotional satisfaction.

I’ll admit I skimmed over the options and picked the Jax beatdown. But upon second thought, I’ll probably remember beating the Eagles the most.
Good job Falcoholics!

by YokoFalcon on Feb 15, 2012 1:53 PM EST reply actions

I actually did not like this game.

It showed how bad our defense was, especially when their backup came in and still lit us up. Add that to the fact that I don’t believe we would have won if Vick hadn’t gotten injured, and this was a poor showing imo.

'Each of us is a mixture of some good and some not so good qualities. In considering one's fellow man it's important to remember the good things ... We should refrain from making judgments just because a fella happens to be a dirty, rotten SOB.' John Wayne, Playboy Interview 1971

by jcaustic on Feb 15, 2012 1:59 PM EST reply actions

I was tempted to think that too...

But Vick being out didn’t make a difference – as you said, their backup came in and still lit us up. If anything, it may have been a confidence booster for our team, but I don’t think it had any material impact on the game.

Normally, I don’t like seeing people get hurt. I felt bad for Vick when he was spitting blood, but as soon as I heard he was pointing at the scoreboard, I felt a little better about his pain. Loved that win, even though it wasn’t the prettiest.

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on Feb 15, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions

Jumping the gun here

I’m predicting that the winner of the worst game we played this season will either be the Bears or Giants game

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 15, 2012 2:19 PM EST reply actions

Sorry, I realize I should keep this thread positive

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 15, 2012 2:37 PM EST reply actions

Dunta with another dirty hit, vick going down with a freak injury, ATL being gifted an interception that clearly hit the ground. Not surprised you falcons fans are proud of this game.

Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive

by Eaglesadvocate on Feb 15, 2012 2:42 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Haha

I will give you the interception. That was a bad call. Usually we get the bad calls on us. Vick going down is a common thing not freak. He is your problem now. He simply cannot stay healthy.

by Pmall2000 on Feb 15, 2012 3:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I’d rather stay in denial about Vick’s injury history. This is the year he starts all 16 games! (kneels and prays)

Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive

by Eaglesadvocate on Feb 15, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions

Thats nice

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 15, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

I like your signature.

Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive

by Eaglesadvocate on Feb 15, 2012 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately for us

Vick will probably have a better, healthier year next season. If you look at his history he’s never had back to back winning seasons and he’s only played all 16 games once in his career. So next year will probably be better for you guys.

"People in this country used to look at a successful person and ask what can I do to have that kind of sucess. Now a lot of people look at a successful person and ask what can I do to take what he has."
- Tommy Beam

by Adam_S on Feb 15, 2012 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

I'll give you the interception...

…but I really don’t believe the hit was intentionally dirty (just like the DeSean one). We’ll never agree on this, but he didn’t launch himself, and Maclin lowered his head into the path of Robinson’s lowered helmet. As far as Vick’s injury, I don’t think it mattered because Kafka kind of lit us up (and didn’t fumble the ball, lol). Our offense just started to click when it needed to. Peace out, homie!

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on Feb 15, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions

I agree on not agreeing about Dunta. I don’t know if he’s dirty, or just simply doesn’t know correct tackling form.

But your right. Kafka was doing well in the 4th and had it not been for a key drop on 4th down (by Maclin, I believe) the Eagles might have won.

Regardless I look forward to this years Eagles v Falcons matchup. (Seems like they play nearly every year.)

Luxury rap, the Hermes of verses. Sophisticated ignorance, write my curses in cursive

by Eaglesadvocate on Feb 15, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Yea, cannot wait!

The Eagles matches are only second to playing the Aints.

by Pmall2000 on Feb 15, 2012 4:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

We've played every year since the 04 playoff game I beleive

by dirtybirds233 on Feb 15, 2012 7:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

fair enough, Eaglesadvocate

Yep – that Maclin drop was the nail in the coffin for sure. You guys have beat us regularly in recent history, which is part of the reason why it felt so good to win that one. See you next year!

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on Feb 16, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions

Thats why coaches are given red flags

by leonw92 on Feb 15, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

That was meant as a reply to Eaglesadvocate

by leonw92 on Feb 15, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

That game was payback for all the BS we put up with for Vick.

That night couldn’t have ended better. I don’t hate the eagles like I do the saints but I loved seeing Vick spitting blood. It definitely wasn’t the best the Falcons have played but it was damn sure the most rewarding.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Feb 15, 2012 10:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Loved seeing Vick spitting blood after bashing his face into one of his players

That alone made that game memorable because we were pitiful. I know it’s not a nice thought but to quote a Diamond Head song made popular by Metallica, “Am I evil? Yes I F$&king am!!”.

He’s dead inside anyway. He didn’t feel it.

by aces666high on Feb 15, 2012 4:41 PM EST reply actions