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The Falcons team that took the field on Sunday was but a shell of what many expected this team to look like on the field this season. Matt Ryan took far too many hits, and beginning early in the game, he looked shell-shocked. Drops continued to plague the receivers. The team lost yet another starting center, just one more in a string of offensive line injuries that can only be described as the worst possible luck.
I wouldn't say that hopes were high prior to the game, but at least hopes weren't yet dashed to sad, sad pieces.
#LettucePray we have a good showing today... "@jeannathomas: It's game day. Rise up, Atlanta."
— AB (@MsBliss1212) October 19, 2014
Jonathan Massaquoi was a bright spot in the game, and Robert Alford's interceptions were as well.
Mass should play 600% of the snaps. I don't want to hear about your math.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
Mass with a big tackle. BENCH HIM!!! #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
CB Robert Alford with his first INT of the season and the third of his career. Flacco's 4th INT this year. #RiseUp #ATLvs
— Matt Haley (@FalconsMHaley) October 19, 2014
A good thing happened. I forgot how to smile.
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) October 19, 2014
Massaquoi again. That's why I don't trust this coaching staff.
— Kimberly (@TheFalconsDiva) October 19, 2014
Antone Smith, as usual, had a couple of nice plays on limited touches.
This 49ers fan just said "give it to ANTONE"
— Kristen (@kristenm2185) October 19, 2014
#AntoneSmith #TweetThePositives #Falcons
— AB (@MsBliss1212) October 19, 2014
— #FreeGurley (@TheBravesAddict) October 19, 2014
WHAT IS THIS SORCERY RT @vxmcclure23: 3 consecutive touches for Antone Smith.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) October 19, 2014
Antone Smith doing well? /falls over backwards in chair /dies of shock /face forever twisted in surprise
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
JUST RUN ANTONE EVERY PLAY IS IT THAT DAMN HARD
— #RiseUp #FreeGurley (@HashtagRiseUp) October 19, 2014
The defense looked marginally better across the board, but there were still plenty of shaky moments.
Where there is a flag, there is a Falcon. #RiseUp #DrinkUp
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014
Tyson Jackson isn't even aware there's a legal use of your hands.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
TD Baltimore, because ASDF;LKAHSG;LHASD;LJASDF;LKJASGFL;H
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
The Falcons are fully prepared to let Joe Flacco throw five touchdowns again.
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) October 19, 2014
Oh RT @DatGaBoi_: Mike Smith & Nolan having words
— DBN Foe Eva (@Justk3ish) October 19, 2014
Tyson Jackson with a pressure. I gotta go clean my glasses to confirm this. #ATLvsBAL
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) October 19, 2014
If Steve Smith called the Panthers "schoolyard kids," the Falcons must be embryos.
— Joey Jones (@ACjoeyjones) October 19, 2014
WHY would you pull Massaqoui off the field on 3rd and 15. I can’t emphasize how MONUMENTALLY STUPID that is. #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
Trufant’s hands are made of butter and olive oil. #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
And the offense couldn't get anything going. That was due in part to absolutely abysmal offensive line play across the entire unit.
Quick three and out for the #Falcons. Just like they drew it up.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
Ah. I see. I, unlike this team, am going back to work. "@TheFalcoholic: Consecutive three and outs. I weep."
— Below Standard (@CourtsBS) October 19, 2014
Ravens recover a Matt Ryan fumble. The state of this offensive line is deeply, deeply grim.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
Jackson skipping to his lou behind the line of scrimmage. I don't see Antone or D Free doing that nonsense
— Caleb Rutherford (@FalcoholicZippo) October 19, 2014
DOMINIQUE FRANKS???? Okay. That's enough.
— princey bortles. (@NFLBadwitch) October 19, 2014
You know how we talk about a line being held together by duct tape? This line is being held together loosely wrapped cloth bandages.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
#Falcons are so deep into their depth chart at so many positions (S, RT, C) and it shows.
— John Manasso (@jmanasso) October 19, 2014
Here's a checkdown for you and you and you and you and you
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) October 19, 2014
That fumble was the best way to convert a 4th & 32. #RiseUp
— Jason Henderson (@Ga_Jason) October 19, 2014
We recover fumble. So must let the sack our QB. Jesus Moses & Mary.
— FalconsNeedRing (@FalconsNeedRing) October 19, 2014
Ryan immediately sacked. This line couldn't protect a plate of broccoli from George H.W. Bush.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
#HeGonDie RT @JennaEarwood: #SaveMattRyan #HeGonDie
— Krissy Brierre (@krissybri) October 19, 2014
Over their last 8 quarters of play, the #Falcons have scored 20 points. That's 2.5 points per quarter
— Knox Bardeen (@KnoxonFox) October 19, 2014
@jeannathomas I watch because I plan to be a witness at the trial of whomever in the FO has put a hit on Ryan by injuring the o-lineman.
— Tia Fowlkes (@TiaRedandBlack) October 19, 2014
And the #Ravens get a safety. Do you have a hobby you really enjoy? I suggest you go do it.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
Matt Ryan is the only chance you have at winning the game and you choose not to protect him. BRILLIANT!
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) October 19, 2014
These tweets effectively sum up how most fans feel.
It's like watching the 90s Falcons over again and the last couple of years at Fulton Co... the dark days where there was no hope
— Take a guess (@MyNameIs_LEO) October 19, 2014
[expletives deleted] [lots of expletives] [all the expletives] [nothing but expletives]
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) October 19, 2014
*breaks tv* then cries like a baby.
— Bonnie Bowman (@b0nnie22) October 19, 2014
Falcons look like a high school team
— Shef (@cedricemil) October 19, 2014
Smell that? Fire and garbage.
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014
::faints::
— Liz Turcotte (@lizturcotte1) October 19, 2014
I like being a Falcons fan. On an unrelated note, I also like being kicked in the groin repeatedly.
— Andy (@ace3131) October 19, 2014
I had low expectations for this game. LOW expectations. And I'm still bothered beyond all hell right now.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) October 19, 2014
— F.I.L.A. (@joegreen23atl) October 19, 2014
blah blah blah. get this season over with
— Stephen Miller (@Falconfan804) October 19, 2014
Guys I'm starting to think the Falcons might not even make the Super Bowl this year.
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) October 19, 2014
Here’s a fun little game: Question: What’s the worst that can happen? Answer: Whatever the #Falcons do on the next play.
— Aaron Freeman (@falcfans) October 19, 2014
*Remembers that TWD is on tonight.* *Stops crying for seven seconds.* *Remembers the Falcons are on.* *Resumes crying.*
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) October 19, 2014
@jeannathomas hurts my liver
— Kristen (@kristenm2185) October 19, 2014
this is just some bulllllll #ATLvsBAL
— Ms. Rise Up (@Shantigo) October 19, 2014
My feelings are hurt #ATLvsBAL
— Kimberly (@TheFalconsDiva) October 19, 2014
Watching the offense 1. Anybody unblocked in the first two seconds? 2. Anybody open? 3. Did they actually catch it 4. Breathe @jeannathomas
— David Smith (@Falconz_101) October 19, 2014
Falcons don't really exist to me anymore tbh.
— Grant Harrison (@grantharrison91) October 19, 2014
. @jeannathomas I went over to Jaws on IFC. Less carnage.
— Rob M (@Bromodrosis) October 19, 2014
"@jeannathomas: My recap of that game is just one long, annoyed sigh." & some angry, hurt tears
— Angie (@Orabel3) October 19, 2014
The best part of the Falcons game being at 9:30 AM is that I'll get to get the disappointment over with earlier than usual.
— Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) October 19, 2014
But many fans are trying to stay positive and take joy where they can find it.
I haven't cursed at #oomf #TweetThePositives
— AB (@MsBliss1212) October 19, 2014
Even with so many mistakes and such ineffective offensive play, the game was well within reach in the first half.
We are doing very well to only be down by 7 right now. That won't stay true.
— Chris (@chrispcall) October 19, 2014
It's really frustrating that Matt Ryan doesn't play better defense and pass block effectively and catch his own passes. If he were elite he would do it all!
Guys, did you know that Matt Ryan is 1-4 in the playoffs and THAT IT IS SOLELY HIS FAULT!? THANKS FOX! #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
In case you haven’t heard it guys, MATT RYAN IS 1-10 ON THE ROAD AND ONLY MATT RYAN NOT THE TEAM AT ALL #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
The play calling, again, was not great.
Seeeeeee. RT @ATLSportsNate: A SCREEN ON 1ST AND 20?!?!?!? WHYYYYYYY
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014
You KNOW the blitz is coming and there's no quick slant or a slip screen. Annoying
— Take a guess (@MyNameIs_LEO) October 19, 2014
No, please stay in Crazy Town forever, Mike Smith.
.@jeannathomas Tone + Mass getting snaps?! MIKE SMITH COME BACK FROM CRAZY TOWN
— Kno (@Kno) October 19, 2014
The Falcons went into the half down 17-0. It wasn't pretty.
Remember, Ravens get the ball back to start the second half. /drinks all the alcohol #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014
Nothing short of a miracle the Falcons are down 17-0.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) October 19, 2014
17-0 at halftime. We knew this one would be tough, but this is still disappointing, somehow.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
But Roddy showed up in the second half. He was about the only offensive player to really do so.
There is the Roddy we know and Love #ATLvsBAL
— Ms. Rise Up (@Shantigo) October 19, 2014
Two consecutive first downs. GO FALCONS GO!
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
Things were so bad that it was difficult to even be happy about Alford's second interception.
Alford with 2 picks? I can't be seeing this correctly
— JW Of La Familia (@MidwestATLFALC) October 19, 2014
Alford. Thank you SO much for making that not 27-0. That's my gratefulness of the day.
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014
another interception to waste I see
— Ms. Rise Up (@Shantigo) October 19, 2014
another interception to waste I see
— Ms. Rise Up (@Shantigo) October 19, 2014
@jeannathomas If we got points for INT's we'd be doing alright haha
— Evan Birchfield (@EvanBirchfield) October 19, 2014
I've been hoping all season the #Falcons would get turnovers and then capitalize on them. Got half of that today, I guess?
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) October 19, 2014
But the Falcons narrowly avoided getting shut out, and they did score in the fourth quarter, breaking a significant fourth quarter drought, so fans should be grateful for that, I guess.
I just yelled "YEAH WE'RE NOT GETTING SHUT OUT, NOT TODAY" out loud because these are things Falcons fans celebrate now.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) October 19, 2014
#Falcons also avoid going 5-straight games without a score in the 4th QTR. #SmallVictories
— Wendy Adams (@wendyradio) October 19, 2014Of course, it was still difficult to be happy about the touchdown given how grim the rest of the game was.
I just put forth the least amount of effort possible into that TD celebration. Me: "Nice. "
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) October 19, 2014When I say that the rest of the game was grim, it's an understatement.
No shade, but if I worked in, oh, I dunno, Premium/Season Ticket Sales for a certain team, I'd be polishing up my resume.
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014I once broke my arm so badly, that I nearly had to have the bottom half amputated. THIS GAME IS WORSE THAN THAT. #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014Matt Bosher's still a badass.
Does Matt Bosher have to do everything? Wait, can Matt Bosher do everything? Should the Falcons try that?
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) October 19, 2014@jeannathomas "we wanna get Bosher more touches we are gonna evaluate and get him more involved" - Mike Smith
— Nick (@_NCramer20) October 19, 2014Truthfully, Matt Bosher could be this player.
The Falcons are really only one player away from a deep playoff run. Just need a guy who can kick 80 yard field goals worth 10 points each.
— Matt (@FalconsM5) October 19, 2014At least the rest of the NFC South is also bad. That's a small sliver of hope.
Since we suck, we just have to root for the rest of the division to suck for (perceived) damage control.
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014"Would you like to win the NFC South?" "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly. You go ahead." "No, by all means, take it." "No thanks, I'm good."
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) October 19, 2014Yall laugh but an NFC South team will host a playoff game
— Take a guess (@MyNameIs_LEO) October 19, 2014The 2014 season, summed up in a series of images.
I also have this standing by @jeannathomas It's gonna be a great time for twitter. We should all do captions tomorrow pic.twitter.com/FEdXB21EIF
— R.C.A.R. (@CrossonTheRyan) October 19, 2014— SportingATL.com (@SportingATL) October 19, 2014Super creepy Rob Lowe and I have the same reaction after that sack. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/8jw3137wxw
— Jason Henderson (@Ga_Jason) October 19, 2014"@SonofSolomon_: There's another half of this game?" pic.twitter.com/ELvGlHy7zv
— DBN Foe Eva (@Justk3ish) October 19, 2014My reaction to everything right now. pic.twitter.com/fT3c31cAXy
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) October 19, 2014@jeannathomas pic.twitter.com/CwKN7EXMes
— Ikaika Hall (@IkaikaHall) October 19, 2014GAH! RT @Lizzs_Lockeroom: RT @AdamSchefter: Who wants to win the NFC South? pic.twitter.com/f9hXGPWkLY
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014@jeannathomas Falcons arrive by train from Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/5xFlwd0z9D
— Carl Gustav (@CaptYonah) October 19, 2014#Falcons pic.twitter.com/UKZXtJQtWh
— Bonnie Bowman (@b0nnie22) October 19, 2014It's a rough season, but Falcons fans just need to stick together.
I love my #FalconsFam more than I love the team right now. A supportive community is valuable when you're going through some thangs.
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) October 19, 2014Listen, I know this season is rough. But I want you all to know that I LOVE YOU! We can get through this together. #RiseUp
— Krissy Brierre (@krissybri) October 19, 2014And when I say we can get through it, I mean with wine. Plenty of wine. #RiseUp
— Krissy Brierre (@krissybri) October 19, 2014Twitter may be the only thing carrying me through this dismal #Falcons season. Ya’ll are a great community.
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) October 19, 2014Immediately after Matt Bryant's missed field goal, truer and more tragic words were never spoken.
That thud is the sound track of falcons season
— Ronald T. Shields II (@MrShields2) October 19, 2014I would have a difficult time identifying a Falcons MVP for Sunday's game. I guess I am the real MVP.
If @jeannathomas can do this recap tomorrow with no scattered expletives thru it.. Girl u are the real MVP!
— .danielle. 2-5 atl (@danim0) October 19, 2014