The Falcoholic - Falcons vs. Saints Complete Game CoverageFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2022-12-18T16:24:37-05:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/48846292022-12-18T16:24:37-05:002022-12-18T16:24:37-05:00Falcons vs Saints Week 15 Postgame Show: The Falcoholic Live
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<p>The Falcons fell behind early and never quite recovered despite a spirited effort from Tyler Allgeier, losing to the Saints 21-18. Join hosts Kevin Knight and Allen Strk as they break down the game on our Week 15 Postgame Show.</p> <p id="LRwp2Y">Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to The Falcoholic Live’s Falcons vs Saints Week 15 Postgame Show! The <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> fell behind early and never quite recovered despite a spirited effort from Tyler Allgeier, losing to the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> 21-18. Join hosts Kevin Knight and Allen Strk as they break down the game on our Week 15 Postgame Show.</p>
<h2 id="te4g3G">Watch the stream below or on <a href="https://youtu.be/INg1sPuLOas">YouTube</a>
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<p id="JTpnIT"><a href="https://discord.gg/A2ybd2ywnd">Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here!</a> Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.</p>
<p id="4UQEcO">You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend <a href="https://youtu.be/INg1sPuLOas">watching on YouTube</a> for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!</p>
<p id="IqjuNR">We hope you enjoy the show! If you have comments, we’d love to hear them. Send them to us on Twitter (@FalcoholicLive), leave them below, or e-mail the show at falcoholiclive@gmail.com.</p>
<p id="8yIrZr">Thanks for watching!</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/12/18/23515502/falcons-vs-saints-week-15-postgame-show-nfl-2022-the-falcoholic-liveKevin Knight2022-12-16T14:00:00-05:002022-12-16T14:00:00-05:00Falcons vs Saints Week 15 Game Preview
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<p>Join host Kevin Knight for an in-depth preview of the Falcons Week 15 rematch with the Saints, including an injury update and top matchups to watch on offense and defense.</p> <p id="LRwp2Y">Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to The Falcoholic Podcast’s Week 15 Game Preview! Host Kevin Knight brings you an in-depth preview of the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> rematch against the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, including an update on the injury report and the top matchups to watch on offense and defense. How will Desmond Ridder fare against the Saints pass defense? Can the Falcons rushing attack replicate their success from Week 1?</p>
<p id="t1E9sX">Listen to the show in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below.</p>
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<p id="te4g3G">You can also watch the recorded video version of the stream <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HDS_fl2MBs">on our YouTube channel</a>, or by using the embed below.</p>
<div id="vkvEFz"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3HDS_fl2MBs?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="pnVRkN">If you’re interested in supporting the show, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/falcoholiclive">check out our Patreon page</a> to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!</p>
<p id="JTpnIT"><a href="https://discord.gg/A2ybd2ywnd">Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here!</a> Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.</p>
<p id="4UQEcO">You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HDS_fl2MBs">watching on YouTube</a> for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!</p>
<p id="IqjuNR">We hope you enjoy the show! If you have comments, we’d love to hear them. Send them to us on Twitter (@FalcoholicLive), leave them below, or e-mail the show at falcoholiclive@gmail.com.</p>
<p id="8yIrZr">Thanks for watching!</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/12/16/23513072/falcons-vs-saints-week-15-game-preview-nfl-2022-the-falcoholic-podcast-desmond-ridder-first-startKevin Knight2022-12-16T10:00:00-05:002022-12-16T10:00:00-05:00Interview with the Enemy: 5 Questions with Canal Street Chronicles Pt. 2
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<figcaption>Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>There are plenty of interesting questions surrounding the Falcons rematch with the Saints, and we’ve once again enlisted the help of Canal Street Chronicles’ Tina Howell to provide some insight into the state of the team in Week 15.</p> <p id="s8fQZ8">Week 15 is here, and we’re in the midst of Hate Week Part 2. The <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> (5-8) take on the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> (4-9) in a battle of two teams that are somehow still in playoff contention with four games to go. That’s because the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> lead the division with a 6-7 record. If the Bucs were to lose this week (which, against the Bengals, seems likely) and the Falcons were to win, they’d be tied atop the division once again.</p>
<p id="RszK5a">Here at The Falcoholic, we like to think we keep you all incredibly well-informed on all things Falcons. We’re not nearly as diligent in covering the Saints, so I’ve once again enlisted the help of a New Orleans expert: Tina Howell. Tina is a writer over at Canal Street Chronicles, SB Nation’s site for all things New Orleans Saints.</p>
<p id="IVnZCp">I brought five questions to Tina to try to get a feel for how the Saints have fared since we last saw them all the way back in Week 1. There’s been a QB change to Andy Dalton, and the defense has never quite gotten out of it’s early-season slump. Read on for Tina’s answers.</p>
<p id="m_-8003787381486265331docs-internal-guid-0803c512-7fff-b2b8-6543-a7e749e2cecc"><strong>Q1.</strong> The Saints are in a bit of an offensive slump, scoring over 20 points and going over 300 total yards just once in the past five games. What seems to be the biggest issue for New Orleans offensively?</p>
<blockquote><p id="SLpAne">Tina Howell: Poor play calling and the wrong quarterback starting. Which leads us to your next question...</p></blockquote>
<p id="LiyHD9"><strong>Q2.</strong> It sounds like Andy Dalton will be the starter this week despite Jameis Winston’s return to health. How do Saints fans feel about the QB situation in New Orleans?</p>
<blockquote><p id="SRSmXL">Tina: Fans are VERY unhappy about a lot of decisions made this season but obviously, the QB situation is the biggest. Dalton taking over when Jameis was not healthy enough to play was understandable but to hear him say he is ready to go yet still riding the bench is perplexing. When healthy, statistically Jameis has the better numbers. When we still had a shot at the division and playoffs, you should want your best option on the field. Yet, Dennis Allen rolled the dice with Dalton, and lost repeatedly. So, the fans feelings are valid, for more reason than one.</p></blockquote>
<p id="STiA2O"><strong>Q3.</strong> New Orleans’ defense hasn’t been bad this year, but seems decidedly average. That’s a big change after several years among the NFL’s elite units. Who or what is responsible for the decline, particularly against the run?</p>
<blockquote><p id="0LhhZn">Tina: I think it’s many factors... losing players, mounting injuries and Dennis Allen still trying to control all aspects of the team despite having 2 defensive coordinators. I think it all just took its toll.</p></blockquote>
<p id="9l2wik"><strong>Q4.</strong> Obviously, the Falcons weren’t lighting it up through the air with Marcus Mariota. With Atlanta turning to Desmond Ridder at QB, how do you feel about the Saints pass defense in this matchup?</p>
<blockquote><p id="luQClJ">Tina: I actually feel good about this matchup. The secondary has been playing well lately, Adebo and Taylor have really stepped up in the absence of Lattimore, who has been out a while but should be back this week. However, you should never overlook a rookie QB, especially given the Saints history against some of them.</p></blockquote>
<p id="iKdcoU"><strong>Q5.</strong> New Orleans is currently a 4-point home favorite in Week 15. What’s your prediction for the Saints-Falcons rematch?</p>
<blockquote><p id="ijK97e">Tina: Games between the Saints and Falcons are always interesting and unpredictable. As bipolar as the Saints have been playing, who knows what could happen, but I have to think playing at home in dome against their biggest rival, the Saints show up Sunday. So, I’ll say 27-17 - Saints win.</p></blockquote>
<p id="FyV1An">Many thanks to Tina Howell for taking the time to answer my questions. You can follow her on Twitter at @TheNoalGirl, and if you’re in the mood for a Saints perspective on things, follow Canal Street Chronicles at @SaintsCSC.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2022/12/16/23511594/falcons-vs-saints-week-15-preview-5-questions-with-canal-street-chronicles-pt-2-nfl-2022Kevin Knight2013-11-23T12:00:13-05:002013-11-23T12:00:13-05:005 Things We Learned From Falcons-Saints
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<p>Five things we wish we didn't have to learn, is more like it. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> lost a close one to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>, 17-13. We all saw how it happened, pored over the Matt Ryan run like it was the Zapruder film and weighed in.</p>
<p>Now I want to bring five things I learned—all things you likely learned, too—as we head into the long week before the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> game. The Falcons are just going to be evaluating players and attempting to coax some quality play out of this team going forward, as I've noted numerous times. Anything that they can take away from this game to help them get to a better 2014 is worth learning.</p>
<p>Five below.</p>
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<li>
<b>Leaning on rookies has its price. </b>Think about how remarkable it is that Matt Ryan's top target in the first half was Darius Johnson. He caught six passes for 67 yards against the Saints, which is way more production than anyone has a right to expect from a UDFA wide receiver.<br><br>Playing young players and getting them involved in the offense is a worthy goal. Asking DJ to carry such a major load comes with a downside: He's going to make rookie mistakes, like that fumble. A lot of people griped about his hands after that and the drop, but let's put that in its proper perspective: He's six games into his rookie season and he was, again, a UDFA. Expecting him to carry that load without the occasional error is asking too much.<br><br>We have to keep this in mind with all the rookies. They're learning on the job.</li>
<li>
<b>The Falcons aren't done shuffling the offensive line. </b>Plugging in <span>Joe Hawley</span> had a very positive effect. Hawley has been quite good at center these last two games, adding stability to a position that has featured a distinctly mediocre <span>Peter Konz</span>.<br><br>That means the left side of the line and center are okay, but the Falcons aren't done shuffling. <span>Garrett Reynolds</span> was awful at right guard, and <span>Jeremy Trueblood</span> was even worse at right tackle. Peter Konz got back in at right guard, but with <span>Harland Gunn</span> and <span>Ryan Schraeder</span> lurking in the wings, there's a chance things will change further. The Falcons have to find out if they have anything useful on that right side.</li>
<li>
<b>Antone Smith isn't getting more playing time. </b>The Falcons promised more touches for Antone Smith, but all he got was a single carry for 11 yards. Mike Smith can't say the flow of the game dictated that, given that it remained close throughout.<br><br>Whether it's <span>Antone Smith's</span> fumbling history in his limited chances in the past, his special teams value or sheer stubbornness, the touches aren't coming. No matter how many snaps they're willing to give rookies and young players elsewhere, they're not going to take that many carries away from Steven Jackson. Dirk Koetter was as good as his word.</li>
<li>
<b>This team's mistakes are not going away. </b>Whether it was missed tackles, penalties or <span>William Moore</span> nearly killing <span>Desmond Trufant</span>, this team just continues to make mistakes. At this point it hardly matters, I suppose, but I'd like to see them rounding into form as a fairly disciplined squad by the end of the season. I mean, it's one thing when a rookie does it, but some of these guys have been playing for years. It's an issue. <br>
</li>
<li>
<b>Winning one more game isn't out of the question, but it's going to be an uphill batt</b>le. You saw about the best the Falcons can reasonably offer this season on Sunday. Given that the only remotely "easy" game left on the slate is Washington, it's not out of the question that the Falcons go 2-14. One or two more wins would keep them in the hunt for the Top 3 picks and make the following Sundays a little easier to take, but I'm no longer anticipating it. <br><br>
</li>
</ol>
<h4>More from The Falcoholic:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/22/5131176/falcons-vs-saints-recap?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints Recap: It Got Better, It Got Worse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132320/falcons-saints-post-game-injury-update-desmond-trufant-suffers-leg?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons-Saints Post-Game Injury Update: Desmond Trufant Suffers Leg Concussion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132168/falcons-saints-recap-just-another-joke-added-to-this-routine?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons 13-Saints 17 Recap: Just Another Joke Added To This Routine</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132208/falcons-vs-saints-second-half-open-thread?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints Second Half Open Thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132032/desmond-trufant-injury-cornerback-exits-saints-game-with-thigh-injury?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Desmond Trufant Injury: Cornerback Exits Saints Game With Thigh Injury</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/23/5135004/5-things-we-learned-from-the-falcon-loss-to-the-saintsDave Choate2013-11-23T08:00:34-05:002013-11-23T08:00:34-05:00Falcon of the Week: Desmond Trufant
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<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The rookie cornerback impressed against New Orleans.</p> <p>This time of year, when your hope for the season has dwindled to nothing and you're looking for bright spots, it's always nice to have a quality rookie to point to. <span>Desmond Trufant</span> is that rookie.</p>
<p>The first round pick had one of his finest games of the season against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>, raising his passes defensed total for the season to either 14 (if you believe the NFL) or 12 (if you believe ESPN). If not for <span>William Moore</span> being always ready to jack up a teammate, Trufant may have grabbed an interception against the Saints, as well. He got PFF's highest grade of the week for the defense.</p>
<p>At this point, it's becoming routine to single out Trufant for praise around here. There will always be a section of the fanbase that zeroes in on the stiff arm he took from <span>Pierre Thomas</span> and decides that Tru isn't a physical enough player. I think he's a fine tackler, easily the best cover cornerback on the roster today and a promising piece of this team's future. <span>Robert Alford</span> is going to be phenomenal someday, I believe, but Trufant is getting it done every week right now.</p>
<p>So Tru's our player of the week. Who's yours?</p>
<h4>More from The Falcoholic:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/22/5131176/falcons-vs-saints-recap?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints Recap: It Got Better, It Got Worse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132320/falcons-saints-post-game-injury-update-desmond-trufant-suffers-leg?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons-Saints Post-Game Injury Update: Desmond Trufant Suffers Leg Concussion</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132168/falcons-saints-recap-just-another-joke-added-to-this-routine?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons 13-Saints 17 Recap: Just Another Joke Added To This Routine</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132208/falcons-vs-saints-second-half-open-thread?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints Second Half Open Thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132032/desmond-trufant-injury-cornerback-exits-saints-game-with-thigh-injury?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Desmond Trufant Injury: Cornerback Exits Saints Game With Thigh Injury</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/23/5134808/falcons-teammate-of-the-week-desmond-trufantDave Choate2013-11-22T08:00:32-05:002013-11-22T08:00:32-05:00Falcons-Saints Recap: Better, Worse
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<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>The Falcons keep it close and blow it late against the Saints, he wrote for the sixth time. </p> <p>Most of us came into last night with low expectations. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> are 8-2, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> are 2-8 and the season turned truly ugly about a month ago. That's why last night was such a pleasant surprise...initially.</p>
<p>The Falcons fought last night. If you asked to see some competitive fire and protecting of Matt Ryan, you got it when <span>Jeremy Trueblood</span> slugged <span>Akiem Hicks</span>. If you were looking for offensive aptitude, you got it as Matt Ryan found <span>Darius Johnson</span> over and over while Steven Jackson ran effectively. This being a 2013 Falcons game, naturally, things went wrong.</p>
<p>The pass protection broke down in spectacular fashion. The offense had troubles. The defense had troubles. Mike Smith certainly had troubles. Basically, everything went awry again. <i>Again! </i>Again. Even the last play of the game, with its botched laterals and stony Arthur Blank stare, was hellish.</p>
<p>As per usual, though, this Falcons-Saints game was awfully close. The Saints may well have been worn down from just playing a rough game and traveling on the road, but the Falcons gave 'em hell despite mistakes. It was the most watchable game in a while, so I'm mildly grateful for that. Seeing genuine improvement against a quality opponent <i>matters</i> to me this year.</p>
<p>Ultimately, with the season where it is, what we want to see is growth and quality play on the way to draft picks. We wanted a win over the Saints. We got a sample. It's not enough, and in terms of things to look forward to, 2014 is truly all that's left. Watch 'em the rest of the way, root hard but know that it's all about next year.</p>
<p>Breakdowns below. Fairly short again, because who wants to read 2,000 words right now?</p>
<h3>The Good</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matt Ryan returned to form a bit. He looked much more confident in the pocket and he abused Corey White throughout the first half, making crisp throws. It was much, much better than he's looked in a month. There were still a couple of poor throws (under duress, mostly), but it was progress. If DJ becomes a reliable option, that goes a long way. <br><br>Even when he has time, he's still locking in on his receivers at times. I don't think he's going to work out all the kinks in one week. </li>
<li>Darius Johnson is making gains by the week. He needs to run crisper routes and he's got a way to go in general before he's a complete receiver, but DJ's been nothing but impressive as a rookie UDFA receiver. Drawing that pass interference was a gosh darn veteran move. I'm hopeful we've found the Falcons' long-term slot receiver. <br><br>Unfortunately, he also had a costly drop and a <i>very</i> costly fumble. You can't expect too much more out of a UDFA. Mistakes are how you learn, but I wish it hadn't happened in <i>this</i> game. <br>
</li>
<li>Jeremy Trueblood got revenge on Akiem Hicks for the penalty I'm going to reference below...but it was a 15 yard penalty. It's nice to stick up for your guy, and I give Trueblood kudos for that, but it was costly. "Guts" on the field too often translate to these kinds of penalties. </li>
<li>Desmond Trufant left the game with an injury. Then he came back, flashing those nice coverage skills and contributing to a huge stop on third down with the Saints threatening to score. He'll have to improve his tackling a bit, but Trufant is already a terrific cornerback. </li>
<li>The opening drive of this game was a thing of beauty. The Falcons have made hay out of opening drives in the past, so it was like a return to form atop a shining unicorn. I will treasure it always. </li>
<li>There are ten days left until the next game, so that's plenty of time for me to share recipes and write poetry. You guys will love it. </li>
</ul>
<h3>The Ugly</h3>
<ul>
<li>Ryan's protection repeatedly broke down against a tough Saints front seven. Ryan got sacked on consecutive plays on the first drive of the third quarter, and generally was under consistent pressure. The right guard "battle" continued, with <span>Garrett Reynolds</span> hitting the bench and <span>Peter Konz</span> coming back in. <br><br>Not gonna sugarcoat it: They were awful. They were putrid. They were horrible. Whether it's by free agency or the draft, the line has to be drastically improved for the Falcons to contend in 2014. <br>
</li>
<li> <span>Desmond Trufant</span> may have had a pick...but <span>William Moore</span> virtually knocked him out. That play could have turned the Saints' second drive around and given the Falcons the chance to go up by two scores. That was a play that fits well with the rest of the season, wasn't it? <br><br>Moore was generally lousy in this one. He got burnt to a crisp after guessing wrong on the route <span>Jimmy Graham</span> was running in the second quarter, leading to a 44 yard touchdown and a 14-10 Saints lead. <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> gets hammered on the regular for his play, but Moore was worse last night. </li>
<li>The refs didn't screw the Falcons through this game. Far from it. But the missed penalty on Akiem Hicks in the second quarter for his hit on Matt Ryan proved costly, as the Falcons had to settle for a field goal. Hicks will probably get nailed with a fine, but that doesn't do the Falcons much good. Considering the controversy over the <span>Drew Brees</span> call a week before, it's amazing they missed another one. </li>
<li>Once more, the Falcons shot themselves in the foot. They're now -12 in turnovers for the year, Trueblood's penalty hurt and they just plain missed a couple of plays. Even when they play well enough to win in general, they take themselves right out of the game with those mistakes. It's crushing to watch. <br>
</li>
<li>If you wanted to make a case for Mike Smith being scared—and hoo boy, do people want to make that case—you'd point to this game. The Falcons had all their timeouts and a long field goal for Bryant. Going for it there may well have failed, but it was the aggressive move against the Saints. <br><br>Bryant missed the field goal, which was fairly rare. We all got violently angry. I'm too tired to care whether it was the right move or not. Given how close the team was, given how excited we were to see this team playing well, it <i>felt</i> like the wrong move to any. <br>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Wrapup</h3>
<p><b>Game MVP: </b><span>Matt Bryant</span>, I guess? He scored most of the team's points.</p>
<p><b>Game Theme Song: </b>Another close loss to the Saints? Well, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp15kxAE3ig">we gotta keep going</a>.</p>
<p><b>One Thing To Take Away: </b>The Falcons are capable of playing quality games, and then blowing them. This is not a surprise, but it remains sad.</p>
<p><b>Next Week: </b>The AFC East defensive juggernaut, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>, are up on December 1st. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com">Buffalo Rumblings</a> for more.</p>
<p><b>Final Word:<i> </i></b><i>Notagain. <br></i></p>
<h4>More from The Falcoholic:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5131322/week-12-picks-falcons-vs-saints?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Falcoholic expert picks: Week 12</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5130176/mike-smith-will-coach-the-falcons-in-2014?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Mike Smith Will Coach the Falcons in 2014</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5126076/falcons-vs-saints-4-critical-matchups-in-tonights-game?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints: 4 Critical Matchups In Tonight's Game</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5123814/falcons-vs-saints-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming-and-channel?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Saints: Game time, TV schedule, online streaming and channel</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/20/5125648/falcons-vs-buccaneers-three-pivotal-plays?utm_source=thefalcoholic&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Three Pivotal Plays</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/22/5131176/falcons-vs-saints-recapDave Choate2013-11-21T22:00:23-05:002013-11-21T22:00:23-05:00Falcons-Saints Second Half Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oZ3KesnzhsaA5pPUqr1e0l8e2Sc=/0x101:4000x2768/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23702769/451237525.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Falcons are down 14-13 and get the ball back after the half.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> played a much sharper first half than many of us expected, leaving them just one point away from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>. They get the ball back, and if they can continue to play reasonably well, they can at least keep it close.</p>
<p><b>Let's go Falcons!</b></p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132208/falcons-vs-saints-second-half-open-threadDave Choate2013-11-21T21:34:16-05:002013-11-21T21:34:16-05:00Desmond Trufant Exits Game with Injury
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zsu9ElY2T_uxHToJXB06o9Y4920=/0x0:2793x1862/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23701575/desmondtrufant_p_usatsi_7423805.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The talented rookie cornerback is questionable to return.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> may be without <span>Desmond Trufant</span> for the rest of the game, which would be mighty costly.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>INJURY UPDATE: CB Desmond Trufant has a thigh injury, leaves game in early 2nd Qtr. Return is questionable. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NOvsATL&src=hash">#NOvsATL</a></p>
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcons/statuses/403710609037864960">November 22, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Let's hope for his swift return, all.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/11/21/5132032/desmond-trufant-injury-cornerback-exits-saints-game-with-thigh-injuryDave Choate