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Good morning, everyone. With the election finally behind us, our country can return to normal and get back to discussing football.
Here are today's headlines.
With a perfect 8-0 record and one of the most exciting rosters in the NFL, the Falcons are gaining momentum in the local market. Fans have been packing the Dome the way they did during the Vick era—averaging more than 70,000 in attendance for the first time since 2006.
“The Georgia Dome is officially sold out for the upcoming Arizona Cardinals game on November 18th,” said Felina Martinez at online ticket marketplace BuyAnySeat.com. “Fans in Atlanta are turning out in droves to support their unbeaten team. That’s why we’re proud to be able to offer Falcons fans a complete selection of cheap Atlanta Falcons tickets, with a worry-free guarantee to protect their purchase,” said Martinez.
Matt Ryan vs. Saints Pass Defense
The Saints have the worst defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 471.2 yards per game. This is great news for the Falcons, who are racking up 376.6 yards per game on offense—good for eighth in the NFL. For New Orleans to have much of a chance next Sunday, they're going to have to find a way to contain Atlanta's air attack. Yes, the Saints did a good job shutting down Eagles offense; however, Mike Vick is a very different QB than Ryan. But you already knew that.
Falcons Felt Polite Wasn't an Elite Lead Blocker
As reported here yesterday, the Falcons cut ties with full back Lousaka Polite and have re-signed Mike Cox. After losing former Pro-Bowler Ovie Mughelli to injury last season and seeing rookie Bradie Ewing tear an ACL, Atlanta was left without many viable options at the full back position. Here's to hoping Cox can do more to help Turner find more holes and continue his strong play from the second half last week.
Goodell Promotes New Stadium to Fans
Talks of a new stadium in downtown Atlanta are starting to heat up. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was on hand for last Sunday's game against the Cowboys and spoke to a collection of season ticket holders. The commish discussed the path towards moving the Falcons out of the Georgia Dome and into a brand new facility, which would take quite some time even without major speed bumps. Personally I love the Georgia Dome, but the league is facing better and better competition from the "home experience:" high definition picture, 3D TV, smart phones, etc.
“One of our biggest challenges in the League is the experience at home,” Goodell said. “H-D is only going to get better. It starts with a great facility,” Goodell said, adding that it was important for fans to feel safe going to games, for there to be latest technology with scoreboards and mobile devices. “There’s nothing better than being in a stadium with 70,000 people.”
Rock the Vote! ...For the Pro Bowl
In the spirit of election season, I urge everyone to take a few minutes out of your day to vote our Falcons into the 2013 Pro Bowl. Yes, the game itself is horribly boring, but many of this year's Birds have played well enough to receive the honor. Let's make sure the likes of Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones, Sean Weatherspoon and others get the recognition they deserve.