I wasn't that tired last night even after systematically going through multiple servings of starch and turkey so, this is what I came up with...
While driving home from the Georgia Dome after the
Falcons 31-13 loss to the Colts I got to thinking about some of the key plays on defense that essentially went for naught as Peyton Manning and the defending Super Bowl champions pulled out another victory.
I kept coming back to one player's performance.
Michael Boley.
Nine tackles (and that's before the coaches' film review) and a career-high three sacks. That gives Boley close to 100 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and three sacks in what is become a breakout season for the third-year pro out of Southern Mississippi.
I hear some fans starting to get a little panicky about re-signing Boley. I say, yes, this is something to consider (and you know Rich McKay and others in the front office evaluate and consider constantly -- 365 days a year).
But don't get too excited just yet.
Boley is putting up Pro Bowl-like numbers. I, for one, am rooting for him to go to the big game and look forward to see what he can do in the final five games of the regular season.
I've seen a lot of great linebackers during my career, many of which tend to feed off their own energy. Boley has this trait (you could see it as he made plays all around the field last night).
He also has something much more valuable, however.
Consistency.
Win or lose you know Boley is going to bring his 'A' game.
With that, the turkey is catching up with me. Good game, Mike.
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