/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38216364/20140907_tcb_gb1_203.JPG.0.jpg)
Welcome to Victory Monday, and the first Falcoholic tweet recap of the 2014 NFL season. It's time to relive the magic of that thrilling overtime win over New Orleans.
An accurate preview of the game.
A duet of fire explosions. A Falcon named Fred. A breakdancing huddle. An unbeatable rallying cry. A team that deserves it. Do it. #RiseUp
— Abby Diaz (@AbbyDiaz1) September 7, 2014
Come on, y'all. Get it together.
Falcons fans, you're slippin'. "@DOrlandoAJC: Didn't see any eggs on the buses."
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 7, 2014
I wasn't lying--this really was me after the game.
This is going to be me after this game. https://t.co/Q33wxcSpJx
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 7, 2014
Jenna's unborn baby got a pretty wild introduction to Falcons fandom yesterday.
I am so sorry tiny baby in my stomach. You're about to truly feel what fandom is like from the inside.
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 7, 2014
The defense in the first half in particular was not good, yet somehow they did seem to bend and not break for the most part.
Defense is getting carved up early.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Lol neat. Y'all are giving me contractions. LOCK IT UP.
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 7, 2014
That is a win for the #Falcons defense. Hold them to 3. Take it all day.
— Matt Chernoff (@RealMattlanta) September 7, 2014
New season same defense
— JW of La Familia (@MidwestATLFALC) September 7, 2014
I'm not seeing anything different from this #Falcons defense. Can't pass rush. Can't tackle. Can't stop 3rd downs.
— Mitch Evans (@TheMitchSports) September 7, 2014
12-0 Saints. I shouldn't be surprised by the performance thus far, but I'm surprised by the performance thus far.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Keep your head on a swivel, Knox.
Paul Worrilow really is EVERYWHERE. I wonder if he's behind me right now?
— Knox Bardeen (@KnoxonFox) September 7, 2014
Ra'Shede Hageman should sing a song about it.
Zach Strief feeling on those facemasks.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
A tweet that is appropriate every day.
Go to hell, Sean Payton.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
The offense really didn't look particularly good early, either.
Defense has been on the field for 26 plays. Falcons offense just 11 plays. #Saints 13, #Falcons 0
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) September 7, 2014
#Falcons WR Julio Jones has fumbled 4 times in his career, three times versus the #Saints. The other was against the Patriots.
— Knox Bardeen (@KnoxonFox) September 7, 2014
I have no words. Actually, I have words, but they're all profane. #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) September 7, 2014
Matt Ryan looked willing to do whatever he needed to do to put the team in a position to stay in the game, including scrambling when necessary.
MATTY FOOTBALL
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) September 7, 2014
Ryan running like a moose that just remembered it left its oven on.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
When the offense started coming together it was a thing of beauty to behold.
Devonta. All heart. Roddy. That ball was not coming out of his hands. Marty being Marty. Quality drive. Thank you.
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 7, 2014
The offensive line held up well overall. The pass rush was another story.
On the bright side, Matt Ryan has been hit zero times all day. On the dark side, Drew Brees has been hit the same amount.
— Scott Carasik (@ScottCarasik) September 7, 2014
The Falcons D-line was the unit that was supposed to have the most improvement, but we're only seeing it in fits and starts so far.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Falcons fans everywhere nearly suffered nervous breakdowns toward the end of the half. For what it's worth, NFL Network reported this morning that x-rays on Jake Matthews' ankle were negative, which is great news.
Falcons drive down for a field goal...and then Roddy and Jake Matthews might be hurt. WHAT DID WE DO TO YOU, FOOTBALL GODS?!
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
There were defensive lapses throughout the game.
We have to find a defense. I am available. And likely tougher #ATLvsNO
— Shannan O (@shannanunc) September 7, 2014
Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey was honored at the half, and this was a totally legitimate question considering the lack of pressure Atlanta's defense was getting on Drew Brees.
Is Claude Humphrey available to play today?!
— Bonnie Bowman (@b0nnie22) September 7, 2014
Usually when Jimmy Graham is targeted, this is a common reaction.
WHY. IS GRAHAM. WIDE OPEN.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) September 7, 2014
But on this particular Jimmy Graham target, the only appropriate reaction was laughter.
Oh my God. Someone please gif that. Graham was SCARED of the ball.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) September 7, 2014
I'm not a receiving coach but this can't be right..... pic.twitter.com/9jVMKIcXm7
— Rumplestiltskin (@SleepytheJoker) September 7, 2014
Third quarter lull? What third quarter lull? The Falcons scored two touchdowns while the defense shut out the Saints for the entirety of the quarter.
Can't do much better as an offense to come out after halftime and move it that well. Defense has to respond now. #NOvsATL
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
Bizzaro world Falcons. Showing up in the third quarter.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) September 7, 2014
And there was actually a rushing attack. That's not something we're used to seeing.
Steven Jackson went up the middle and was like, "lol jk" and went outside for a 10-yard gain. #NOvsATL
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
@FalconsJAdams Umm.. Best receiving corps? How about this four-headed monster of RBs?
— David Kosmos Smith (@davidkosmos) September 7, 2014
I was skeptical of how the Falcons would utilize their running backs.Jackson, Freeman, Smith, Rodgers all getting touches. Love it #ATLvsNO
— Allen Strk (@Allen_Strk) September 7, 2014
@FalconsJAdams best RB on the team? Stevequizz Freesmith. The UN is gonna invade Atlanta for having too many weapons! #RiseUp
— vance adams (@PandemikHBI) September 7, 2014
@FalconsJAdams pic.twitter.com/UXVK8uIkBs
— Ikaika Hall (@IkaikaHall) September 8, 2014
A valid question.
how you gonna be on hard knocks and then not be crunk enough to go for it on 4th
— Rembert Browne (@rembert) September 7, 2014
While the defense was not very good overall, they came up with a couple of big plays at crucial times, starting with Robert McClain's interception in the end zone.
ROBERT MCCLAIN I TAKE EVERYTHING BACK MOVE IN WITH ME TO A TASTEFUL SUBLET!
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Robert McClain gets some redemption with a pick on Brees in the end zone. Where is this defense coming from? Huge halftime adjustments.
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) September 7, 2014
How about Antone Smith's reception that he took for a 54-yard touchdown?
LET ANTONE EAT, BABY!!!! TOUCHDOWN!!!!! #NOvsATL
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
seriously this dude gets eight carries a year and they all look exactly like that
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) September 7, 2014
I'm woke!!!! My boy Smith!!!! Omg omg omg omg I'm hoarse!!! 17 unanswered points!!!!!
— WonderJaye (@WonderJaye) September 7, 2014
The momentum swing here has been truly freaking incredible. #Falcons up 24-20, and Antone Smith will never buy BBQ in this town again.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
That Jacquizz Rodgers touchdown run was unbelievable, too.
THEY JUST FAILED THE HELL OUTTA THAT POP QUIZZ!!!!!!! #NOvsATL
— Angie (@Orabel3) September 7, 2014
Quizz hits the B button at the perfect time. RT @GrahamBarfield: @alexmwelch (@gifdsports): https://t.co/oZCSlNeSP9
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) September 7, 2014
You mad, bro?
Mark Ingram just blew off Sean Payton on the sideline after that last TD. Payton extended his hand to congratulate him & Ingram ignored him.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) September 7, 2014
As stressful as the game had been through three quarters, it was difficult to believe that there was still another quarter (and then some) left to play.
This is a typical Falcons-Saints game. 4 more heart attacks on the way and the 4th quarter has barely begun.
— Demetrius (@fergoe) September 7, 2014
Can't breathe. And that's not good considering there is still 8:46 left in this game. #NOvsATL
— Morgan Alverson (@FalconsMorgan) September 7, 2014
It warrants repeating that Matt Ryan played an incredible game.
Matt Ryan has been showing loads of heart today. Nothing but guts. You can tell he wants this. #NOvsATL
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
Matt Ryan is showing up today extending plays. That's never been what he's good at, but it looks great right now. #NOvsATL
— Alge Crumpler (@Alge_Crumpler) September 7, 2014
❤️"@TonyGonzalez88: Matt Ryan is playing lights out."
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 7, 2014
I better not hear jack about Matt Ryan from ANYONE. This man is money!!! #riseup
— HometeamBrandonLeak (@Hometeam_BLeak) September 7, 2014
Bless his heart.
Rob Ryan's hair is so mad right now.
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 7, 2014
Quizz's touchdown gave the Falcons a four-point lead with 2:50 left to play. Too much time to leave on the clock for Drew Brees, right? New Orleans answered, taking a three-point lead with 1:20 left to play, which everyone should know by now is too much time to leave on the clock if they want to beat Matt Ryan and Matt Bryant.
I'm not worried, actually. I've seen Matt Ryan win so many games this way.
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 7, 2014
That doesn't mean it wasn't stressful.
Heart rate at about 837380229732 BPM right now. #NOvsATL
— war - low (@rarehighfives) September 7, 2014
My nerves have sprouted other nerves that are jangling.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
But Matt Bryant is my hero.
We gotta name something around here after Matt Bryant
— Jason Kirk (@JasonKirkSBN) September 7, 2014
I love Matt Bryant more than 80% of my friends
— Rembert Browne (@rembert) September 7, 2014
And courtesy of Matt Bryant's leg, the Falcons would take it to overtime with a chance to win this thing.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
YESSS! YESSS! YESSS!
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
I LOVE EVERYTHING
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 7, 2014
I LOVE YOU AND I LOVE FOOTBALL AND I LOVE AMERICA WOOOOOO
— Jeanna (@jeannathomas) September 7, 2014
Just broke a couch. Make it worth it #Falcons
— Adam Schultz (@AdamLSchultz) September 7, 2014
The Saints won the toss to start overtime, and things were looking grim, but William Moore forced a fumble and Joplo Bartu recovered it to save the day. Falcons win!
I'm going streaking. Falcons on top.
— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) September 7, 2014
FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN FALCONS WIN
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
THE ATLANTA FALCONS WIN! Matt Bryant drills a 52 yard field goal and Atlanta takes it 37-34! Best Falcons-Saints game of my lifetime.
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Surely there were many NFL analysts who were shocked by the outcome.
ALL THESE FOLKS WHO SAID WE WOULD GET BLOWN OUT pic.twitter.com/G986C4Bwnx
— Nathan Butler Jr. (@ATLSportsNate) September 7, 2014
Apropos of nothing and keeping with general theme of negativity, the #Falcons are the worst team in the NFC and won't win five games.
— Michael Salfino (@MichaelSalfino) September 6, 2014
I can't believe I have to deal with #Falcons fans now. I stipulated my 4-12 could be 8-8. I mostly said the defense stunk. Ryan is above avg
— Michael Salfino (@MichaelSalfino) September 7, 2014
@TheFalcoholic so @warrensapp... I guess that's not 1 of our 12 losses... #RiseUp
— JAHakaAceDollarSign (@AceDollarSign) September 7, 2014
And now back to Warren Sapp for his thoughts. #DUMB pic.twitter.com/LZRCWnPDGO
— Aaron Siders (@AaronSiders) September 7, 2014
No one picked the Falcons. EAT THE CROW. EAT IT.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) September 7, 2014
Were Saints fans happy about the outcome? Haha, no.
— drtybrds ❗️1-0 (@danim0) September 7, 2014
THEY MAD DAWG. SAINTS FANS pic.twitter.com/39fFI8efAj
— T'Challa (@itzJusQ) September 7, 2014
the falcons still suck ass idc
— lord cris (@crissstian_) September 7, 2014
I can't get one Saints fan to answer my phone calls or text messages. I love it! #RiseUp
— HometeamBrandonLeak (@Hometeam_BLeak) September 7, 2014
Falcons fans, though--Falcons fans were overjoyed.
What happiness looks like right now. Wow! pic.twitter.com/AmN0Ld3W6T
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) September 7, 2014
Who DAT.... WHO DAT SAID THEY GONE BEAT THEM SAINTS!? #FALCONS 37-34
— Ronald T. Shields II (@MrShields2) September 7, 2014
Falcons fans chanting WE DAT. Love it. #NOvsATL
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 7, 2014
Life is awesome. Football's awesome. I LOVE EVERYTHING.
— Kendall Jackson (@projectjax) September 7, 2014
the past does not matter Today. We are 1-0. Yall. 0-1. Go cry in you cornbread
— Todd Mcclure (@ToddMcclure62) September 7, 2014
@Atlanta_Falcons @sryan03 @TheFalcoholic @DOrlandoAJC #RiseUp #WeDat @rockorocky @roddywhiteTV @juliojones_11 pic.twitter.com/74JLyAcuWP
— Tony (@tonykirkland19) September 7, 2014
Did the Saints win? N O O o o o o 。 。 . . . .
— Telfo (@Telfo1) September 7, 2014
Awesome! MT @TOLYATHAT: this how you #RISEUP http://t.co/Ef7ixN3puk
— Jay Adams (@FalconsJAdams) September 8, 2014
Falcons players were pretty thrilled as well.
Great win 1-0 great start #falconsRiseUp
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) September 7, 2014
This picture of the celebration and aftermath of that Antone Smith 54-yard touchdown reception is ridiculous hahaha pic.twitter.com/TNQ4d2XPOh
— Craig Sager II (@CraigSagerJr) September 8, 2014
#WeDat! pic.twitter.com/XIbeNr7Fj9
— JacQuizz Rodgers (@Qui22Rodgers) September 7, 2014
HBO and NFL Films should really make this happen.
Can we please get one last episode of Hard Knocks?! I want to see what the locker room is like after this game
— Ari (@nemixtli) September 7, 2014
Or maybe they shouldn't.
Still can't believe the Falcons decided to be on Hard Knocks. What a distraction.
— Alex Welch (@alexmwelch) September 7, 2014
Double rainbow--what does this mean?!
#Falcons win and this beautiful double rainbow shines over the ATL. All is good in the A. #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/4T8uEtH7UX
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) September 7, 2014
The Georgia Dome has not been that loud and lively since the playoff win against the Seahawks following the 2012 season.
OH MY GOODNESS! 12th man take a bow! You took it to a new level today! The Dome was ROCKING! That's how you Rise Up! #RiseUp #NOvsATL
— Roddy White (@The_Other_RW) September 7, 2014
Can we just talk about how great Matt Bryant is again?
I hope Liam Neeson plays Matt Bryant in "Balls & Dollars: The Matt Bryant Story."
— The Falcoholic (@TheFalcoholic) September 7, 2014
Btw Matt Bryant is a beast
— Roddy White (@roddywhiteTV) September 7, 2014
Matt Ryan's no slouch, either.
Matt for MVP. Both of them. #Falcons
— The DW (@TheWalkerman) September 7, 2014
Matty ELITE
— Alec Shirkey (@AShirkey) September 7, 2014
The Falcons had 568 net offensive yards, yet Julio Jones had this to say after the game.
From Julio Jones in the Falcons locker room after the offense rolled up 568 of yards of offense: "We left some yards out there tonight."
— Reggie Roberts (@FalconsPR) September 7, 2014
This is simultaneously the least surprising and the most awesome thing ever.
Met Coach Cox after the game. of course a cigar was in his mouth. Love him #riseup @ The Georgia Dome http://t.co/pe6FTm8pkr
— Ms. Rise Up (@Shantigo) September 7, 2014
Probably the most important thing the Falcons demonstrated on the field yesterday was a refusal to give in, no matter how grim things looked.
What makes the win so sweet, besides beating the #Aints, is the team overcame early and late adversity to do it. A sign of greatness...
— KMarch (@KMarch_) September 7, 2014
I'm pretty sure Saints fans have one more reason to add to their list this morning.
New Orleans papers are really embracing hate week. pic.twitter.com/YNzsb85WYg
— Matt (@FalconsM5) September 5, 2014
It's okay, man. You guys needed that alcohol more than we did yesterday.
Weekend recap: atlanta stole a win and completely ruined my voice. But I'm pretty sure we drank all their alcohol.
— 2R's and 2T's (@GarrettLee6) September 8, 2014
I leave you with this, Falcons fans.
Good night, sweet prince. pic.twitter.com/1drMMqkZ5j
— Jenna Bannister #DBN (@JennaEarwood) September 8, 2014