Talk About the Falcons RSS

Weather forecast PERFECT for game Sunday

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:41:14 +0000

Sunny & 54 deg. at game time.

Perfect football weather.

GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!

What's happened to Abraham?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:34:27 +0000

Amidst all the "let's lynch Ryan" or "let's kill Mularkey" posts, why is no one mentioning anything about John Abraham?

This guy has been a shell of his former self this year. Outside of the first game of the year he's been completely non existent. I know he's aging but did he really get that old in one offseason to go from 16.5 sacks to this? Is he nursing one of his groin strains again? I can't remember seeing him on an injury report but for the life of me I can't see how this guy went from being a beast on the pass rush to the shell he has been this year.

Distibution maps?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:32:06 +0000

Can someone put them up for this week??

PETER KING on Matt Ryan

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:27:34 +0000

Under Pressure

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta

You know the old quarterback line: "The quarterback gets too much credit when you win, and too much blame when you lose." Most often, I buy it. But Ryan's getting bashed a little too much for my taste in the Falcons' precipitous slide, seeing that he's still put up 22 points a game in Atlanta's 1-3 skid.

But he's also not seeing the field as well, and part of being a great quarterback is finding a way to extend drives to keep a poor defense off the field. And make no mistake about it: The Atlanta defense has slid since a solid 4-1 start.

I also think as much as Ryan's gained with the addition of tight end Tony Gonzalez, he's lost with the subtraction of slot receiver Harry Douglas, who was a revelation as a rookie last year, as Ryan was. I think he needs to be checking down more, particularly if Michael Turner's out this week with his ankle injury. It's early in his career to have the weight of the team on your shoulders, but that's exactly what Ryan will feel Sunday in New Jersey.

Lets stop babying Matt Ryan....

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:27:05 +0000

It's time for this kid to step it up....Yeah he might be the future but In my opinion the future is now. He has a lot of tools around him he needs to do his part and stop throwing into double coverage, pick six once a game, and start reading coverage again. He is for sure hearing it in the media these days so he know how important it is for him to lead this team out of this mess. Im ready to see him tomorrow lead by example and take advantage of the giants secoundary. ANYTHING ELSE WOULD BE JUST MAKING EXCUSES FOR HIM. He gets paid to perform......so lets go to work Matt Ryan and rally your team.

wild prediction

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:25:10 +0000

I predict we will see Brian Billick as the OC in 2010.

I think this is MM's last year with the Falcons.

Any thoughts?

Five Things This Team Must Do Better

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:49:04 +0000

Even though we can't agree on many things, I think it's safe to say we all agree on one thing: We want a Lombardi. Well we are headed in the right direction but there are five things we must do much better to get to a Bowl where they hand out a Lombardi to the winner. They are:

STOP THE RUN
We absolutely sucked last year and are ranked at #25 against the run again in 2009. This must change. Now!

WIN THE TURNOVER BATTLE
Turnovers influence the outcome of a game more than anything else. We were awful last year ranked at #20 with a -3 Give/Take. This year much better ranked at #10 with a +2 Give/Take but all of a sudden headed in the wrong direction.

WIN DIVISION GAMES
If I'm not mistaken no one has won the NFCS division with less than a 4-2 division record. We were 3-3 last year and have started off 1-2. We would need to win our last three division games to put up a 4-2 division record

WIN ON THE ROAD
We are 5-9 on the road under the current regime. This must change now!. You want to be at least at .500 on the road if you want a Lombardi

BEAT WINNING TEAMS
All the championship teams do. So far under Smitty we are 4-7 against teams with winning records. This could improve if some of the teams we beat this year end up with winning records (SF, CHI, MIA), but we can't count on this. We need to beat the winning teams that remain on our schedule (NYG, NO, PHI)

Please for the love of God, ban WeakNoodleArm Matt Ryan

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:47:48 +0000

Mods,you need to get on your job and ban this fool. I thought that is what the whole reputation is for. Dude comes on here just to start trouble and us fans shouldn't have to deal with it. Alot of other boards are so much stricter and you can get banned for anything and I don't want this board to be like that but come on man enough is enough! Everybody bump if you agree.

POST YOUR GIANTS SUX PHOTOS

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 03:36:49 +0000

post em up! BUMP for a key win in NFC race!

Drew Brees Mother's death

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:31:49 +0000

I know this will probably be moved but, this is just sad.

Mina Brees died of drug overdose
Comment Email Print Share
Associated Press

GRANBY, Colo. -- The death of the mother of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been ruled a suicide.

Drew Brees

Brees

Mina Brees, an attorney from Austin, Texas, died Aug. 7 while visiting Colorado. Grand County coroner Brenda Bock concluded this week that the 59-year-old Brees died of a prescription drug overdose and ruled the death a suicide.

Bock said Brees died while staying at the home of a friend in Granby near Rocky Mountain National Park.

It took longer than three months for autopsy results to be released, but Bock said that's typical for cases involving toxicology tests.

The Austin American Statesman reported that three days before Brees died, the Texas attorney general's office subpoenaed her business records.

She had allegedly sent letters to some restaurants in Austin and Houston stating that they had lost their rights to use their names to a company she represented, Chicksports, but they could win the rights back by paying up to $25,000. She was also the president of Chicksports but that wasn't mentioned in the letter.

Relations between Drew Brees and his mother were strained at times and the quarterback asked her to stop using his picture in TV commercials touting her candidacy for a Texas appeals court seat in 2006.

Mina Brees said she had not anticipated upsetting her son and sent out replacement commercials omitting mention of him.

At the time, Drew Brees called his relationship with his mother "nonexistent," saying it crumbled six years earlier when he refused to hire her as his agent.

Austin attorney Marty Akins, the brother of Mina Brees, declined comment late Friday.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Let's support Matt Ryan and the whole Falcons team!

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:31:33 +0000

Come on let's support Matt Ryan and the WHOLE Falcons team! I'll kick it off!

Bump til Ryan Carves up the Giants Defense like a thanksgiving turkey

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:30:55 +0000

So Ryan has been in a slump, teams have figured out his tendencies and the play actions no longer work as well. I think some of our players, maybe Ryan, maybe our line are giving away if it's a run or pass play on some of the plays. Other plays Ryan hasn't been setting his feet, then lets the ball sail so high that only the guy playing deep safety can catch it. We know Ryan can be an accurate passer, and he usually does make good decisions with the football. We also know that most Quarterbacks go through some kind of slump where they have to make adjustments to what they are doing, so they can get better. Even though Ryan isn't playing well and is going through some "adversity", we are still looking good in the playoff hunt at 5-4.

Here's to Ryan and our offense settling down, and making the giants fans and players question their coaches after their extra week to get ready for this game.

Message to Gazoo

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:25:54 +0000

OK bro, pop your popcorn and put some wienies on the grill cause I believe tomorrow is the day you've been praying for.

You heard it here first. Don't ask me why but I have a sneaking suspicion that Busterson will finally have a breakout game. No, not one of those average games that you've been calling a break out. A real breakout game!

I'm talking 4 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a PD. Yep that's right. He will equal his career sack total in three hours.

Look for him to play mostly at DE tomorrow.

Anyway I hope I'm right. If I am please promise us you won't crash the server with I told you I was right you stupid haters posts. OK?

Emmitt's week 19 prognastyfications

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:22:56 +0000

Sorry for the Belray, but it good oil back in the day. I be in the bed with 102 degree shrimp tempora. My ole lady say she goin to stick that thermometer up my tallywaker and slap it till it break if I gets out of bed to prognosticate. But I loves you and need to keep the gojo gong so I skunk out for a quick word on this weekend games.

As most of you knows, I 6 and 5 on the seasons, but not vise versa, so to speak. I realin like pam anderson's kids when they kid in high school and watch mom in a movie, but hey I a fighter. So here the scope on this week game

Falcon O vs giant d:

Falcon O struggling, but I here Norwood be available for this game contest. Look for the Falcon to try and use Snells in the power run game. He on loan from Brookword country club. You know how some team just play good against other teams. Kind of like my Hawks and those pesky bobcats. That one just karma though.

As boy of around 12 I was hunting in the woods and saw a bobcat in a tree. I was just going to let him be but, I decided to shot him in his ***. I been cursed by them **** bobcat since. Oh yeah this supposed to be football....

Anyway the last few times these teams face of the Falcon kick that ***. I suspects it be the same again.

Falcon d vs giant o

Melvin Ely is an under estimated qb. He ain't got much skill him self, but he do have a brother that can play. So that good enough for giants and their fan. Look for the Falcon to put some heat on Ely cause he never been able to shoot much just a week side shot blocker.

Falcons:
Ryan 24/19 for 289 yard, 3 td, 17 int, 2 cup of poweraid
Snells: 123 yard on 20 carries and an *** woppin from some caddie on the sideline looking for a college scholorship, but he change his mind to get with Snells neice on a new boat.
White: 9 reception for 188 yard, 2 td, 86 cup of poweraid
Gonzoles: 5 receptions, 3 td, 22 cup of h2o, 2 cup of poweraid

Score:
Falcon 28, Cheifs 13

Uh oh, gotta go old lady coming with that thermometer.

Emmitt

ESPN Chat: Pat Yasinskas, November 20

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:22:36 +0000

Jeff (Charleston, SC)
Hey Pat. Do you think Norwood will play on Sunday? If so, do you think Snelling and him put down a solid performance?

Pat Yasinskas (12:55 PM)
Jeff, I think we'll see some Norwood, but mostly Snelling.

Bruce (Atlanta)
What's Turner's status for this week and the rest of the year? High ankle sprains can be pesky. He's saying all the right things, but how bad is the injury? Thanks.

Pat Yasinskas (12:58 PM)
It's not a severe sprain, but I think he'll miss a game or two.

CP (BROOKLYN, NY)
Pat don't you think it's a combination of play calling, teams having more film, and an extra week in some cases, that is contributing to Matt Ryan not playing very well right now?

Pat Yasinskas (1:04 PM)
Yep, all of the above. Plus, I also think he locks in on Gonzo too much.

abe (chicago)
is this week a true must-win for the falcons?

Pat Yasinskas (1:09 PM)
I think that would be fair to say.

Allen (New York)
Hey Pat, one of the few Fridays I get off from school, so happy to ask a question? You have seen a few Falcons games live what do you think is the case for John Abraham's lack of production?

Pat Yasinskas (1:17 PM)
Age is catching up to him.

Blake (Tempe, Arizona)
Some ATL "fans" (translation: bitter Vick fans) have designated Ryan a bust. What's your take?

Pat Yasinskas (1:19 PM)
I'd call them bitter Vick Fans.

Nathan (NC)
I was completely unaware that bitter Vick fans existed. Are they also bitter Petrino fans?

Pat Yasinskas (1:21 PM)
Let's find out.

Carlton (Brooklyn, NY)
I'm getting no love today Pat, what's up with that??? Just wanted to know what you thought is leading to Matt Ryan's struggles...

Pat Yasinskas (1:24 PM)
My thought?

Michael (SC)
Why do you think Atlanta can't win even though they have all that talent?

Pat Yasinskas (1:25 PM)
The schedule is a big factor.

Allen (New York)
Tough day huh? I would really like to know your take about John Abraham's lack of production

Pat Yasinskas (1:27 PM)
He's aging.

Jeff (Charleston, SC)
Why did Dimitroff let Foxworth walk?

Pat Yasinskas (1:28 PM)
Didn't really let him walk. They wanted to keep him, but Foxworth wanted to go to where he grew up.

Ray (Connecticut)
Do you believe that Mularkey is a big factor on their offense doing a little poorly these past few weeks?

Pat Yasinskas (1:29 PM)
Yes, think he's got to make some adjustments.

Johnathan (Washington, DC)
Biggest issue on the ATL defense, corner or defensive end?

Pat Yasinskas (1:33 PM)
Hmmm, tough one. I'll go DE. If you've got a good pass rush, you can make CBs look better than they are.

Cecil (Acworth Ga.)
Pat, Can the Falcons win on the road in New York Sunday? No one gave them a chance in New Orleans and Falcons played them tough.Also the birds in Atlanta will be in the big game but those birds may just be the Hawks!!

Pat Yasinskas (1:34 PM)
Interesting stat -- the road team in the Falcons-Giants series has won the last 12 times. Pretty amazing.

Allen (New York)
Would you vote for Babineaux to the Pro-Bowl. Maybe I rate him too highly, but I just think he is starting to really shine

Pat Yasinskas (1:36 PM)
Yes, I would. Think he's most underrated player in NFC South. Plus, he's doing it without having Jerry next to him, which would have helped him even more.

James (Temple, GA)
Listen Pat, ALOT of people are hating on Ryan and the DEF right now but the Falcons are one of them most injury riddled teams in the NFL right now. They haven't had Norwood for awhile, Mughelli missed several weeks, Harry Douglas has been gone most of the season and we've lost 3 starters on DEF for the season(Jerry, Williams, and Moore). Can we start being optomistic and say Matt Ryan and Brian Van Gorder have both done a great job even keeping us above .500??

Pat Yasinskas (1:38 PM)
Some good points.

Allen (New York)
Who would you say is a bigger breakout player for the Falcons this year? Kroy Bierrman or Thomas Decoud? I am leaning toward DeCoud more

Pat Yasinskas (1:40 PM)
I'm with you on DeCoud.

Jeff (Charleston, SC)
The Falcons have shown a lot of intensity in a number of games this year. Do you think this game in NY will display the most intensity thus far?

Pat Yasinskas (1:48 PM)
Probably, this game's very important for them.

John (Melbourne FL)
Is Allen from New York the only one you are taking Falcon's questions from? Also would you consider a 9-7 and missing the playoffs still a good season for the Falcons considering they have never had back to back winning seasons and Atlanta was considered a 3-4 Project anyway before last year?

Pat Yasinskas (1:49 PM)
9-7 wouldn't set off any celebrations, but it would be respectable and show that they're close -- with another good offseason.

Michael (Atlanta)
Pat, why didn't Atlanta pick up McAlister with all of their DB problems?

Pat Yasinskas (1:52 PM)
He's only a short-term fix or insurance.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/29460/nfl-with-pat-yasinskas

I JUST HAD TO MAKE A THREAD ABOUT THIS

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:15:29 +0000

I won the big blowup poster of Gritblitzer's painting - put on the heavy duty outdoor material.

It just arrived. It IS huge!

I have never seen anything so amazing in my life - you guys - the picture of this does no justice to it.

It is unbelievable - beautiful - high quality - and I'm just speechless.

THANK YOU GRIT - CHARLIE AND REV FOR THIS ONE OF A KIND WORK OF AMAZING ART!!!!!!

Jason Snelling

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:04:35 +0000

What do you guys think the chances of Snelling having a monster fantasy game with Turner out however many games he will miss? Considering you can pick up the Falcons starting back up in almost any league now it sure sounds good.

No reason we shouldnt torch the giants secondary

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:38:14 +0000

Every team this season has been torching the giants secondary. We all know Ryan only won one game on the road against the sorry 49ers. We're really gonna need him not to give this game away like he did the Carolina game. Hopefully we can win the giants are horrible this season.If Ryan doesnt give the game away. If Turner dont play we're in trouble cuz we all know Ryan can't carry this team. I really hope Turner can Play. Now would be the perfect time to throw some deep balls to Roddy. I just hope ryan doest mess this game up.

THE FALCONS ARE LUCKY TO HAVE MATT RYAN

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:56:50 +0000

Quote

By Adam Schefter
ESPN.com
My linky dink

Not in any recent season -- and maybe never -- has football seen two teams in one season this offensively inept. The Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders are challenging, and could set, the NFL 16-game regular-season record for fewest points scored in a season.

Adam Schefter blog

Check out Schefter's Insider blog for more NFL coverage. Insider

The 1992 Seattle Seahawks, putrid to watch, set the mark with 140 points. Through nine games this season, the Browns (78 points) are on pace to score 138.6 points. The Raiders, with 88 points, are on pace to score 156.4 points. Either team could set the record. Maybe both will.

It's amazing how similar the two teams are. The Browns have 1,929 passing yards, the Raiders 1,998. The Browns have 883 rushing yards, the Raiders 931. The Browns have seven touchdowns, two of which have come on returns, and the Raiders have seven, as well. These also happen to be the two teams that drafted what were thought to be the top two quarterbacks in the 2007 draft: JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn.

Think about how much time was wasted debating which quarterback was better. It's not unlike how much attention was given last summer to wondering where quarterback Michael Vick would play this season. This is the time of year when NFL teams are competing for division titles, playoff spots, home-field advantage. In Cleveland and Oakland, they're relegated to being in the running for records for offensive ineptitude.

The Falcons are very lucky. Even though they are not the team I root for, I truly think they will be a GREAT team for years and years. This is due to a great GM, brilliant Coach, wonderful owner and certainly an amazing QB in Matt Ryan. They could have drafted a player like Russell or Quinn, or had another Vick on their hands....oooof. Instead, they have a stud like Matt Ryan.

You Atlanta Falcon fans, one of which I am not, are very lucky.

Coach Smith Fine/Charity Collections EBAY AUCTIONS

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:46:04 +0000

Gang,

Starting today, we are going to open some auctions on EBay to spuuort the charity drive in honor of Coach Mike Smith. When the items go live, I will post the link to each auction here.

As always, cash donations can be sent via PayPal to https://www.paypal.c...tton_id=9617074

All auctions can be viewed at http://shop.ebay.com...=&_trksid=p4340

Atlanta Falcons Custon Artwork Banner - http://cgi.ebay.com/...em=280422756378

Some of the items that are going on auction include:

Framable prints of all of Superfan's 2009 artwork
15 High gloss 24" x 36" Posters with the banner artwork shown below

A 4' x 5' Facons artwork banner:

Collectable football cards:

3 D. Hall rookie autographed cards
Chevis Jackson rookie autographed card
Sam Baker rookie autographed card
J. Norwood rookie autographed card
Michael Turner (jersey card)
William Moore rookie autographed card

More stuff coming!

Instead of doggin' Matt Ryan, let's find the real problem

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:30:36 +0000

After the Dallas game, I made a post stating how Ryan had nowhere to throw. It's tough to see on TV but is very clear when you're actually at the game.

Noboby is getting open. How many times did Moose mention this last weekend? More than I can count. It's true.

Matt has made some horrible throws and most all of his throws have been high. That being said, he could sure use a lot of help from his O.C. and receivers.

The one throw he does VERY well is the slant. It worked every time they tried it last week and didn't go to it enough.

Ryan is FAR from the biggest problem on this team.

Game Discussion

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:17:27 +0000

Discussion is in the "Troll Free Zone"

Cheers

Antonio Pierce out

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:15:00 +0000

well this kind of nulifies us having turner out a little, as snelling will be running up the middle into a backup middle linebacker.

just saw on NFL network that Pierce is out this week with a neck injury, he has bulged disc.

don't know if this has been posted yet, if so, sorry.

ASSOCIATED PRESS LINK

Watching Online?

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:05:47 +0000

Hi All...

Greetings from Russia... I mean Seattle... Whatever, same thing...

Does anyone know a good site to watch the game online??? And I'm not talking about channelsurfing or justin... I've pretty much given up on those

I downloaded and paid for "Live TV", for the Dolphins game the other night, and I got a bunch of spanish channels and even Al-Jazeera!!!

But no Football... Is there any Atlanta stations that live PIRATED VIDEO IS ILLEGAL games for those of us that cant watch??? I'm sick of the cartoon game on NFL.com

Running vs Passing

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:36:20 +0000

First 4-5 Games our passing game was working better than Running game because teams were preparing for Turner. Stop Turner and we can beat Falcons. But it didn't work. So Team started paying attention to Passing game because they thought Running game isn't working for FAlcons but it opened the lane for Turner. All Ryan has to play mistake free game and we could win most of the game..

Go Falcons

Falcons roll to the Playoffs

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:20:54 +0000

No doubt....you heard it here first! Matt Ryan will take this team to the promised land. I have 100% confidence in him leading this team, not only to the playoffs, but to playoff victories....plural!
I see the NFCCG in the Falcons future!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - Coach Smith Charity Drive - Where the funds are going!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:19:38 +0000

Good morning folks. Below is an email that went out to all of teh contributors of the Coach Smith Charity Drive. I wanted to include it here so that all can see where the raised funds will be going. Please not that you can contribute up until Sunday night, and see below for another way you can directly participate in this project.

Thanks, Hal

Good morning. I hope this email finds you well.

You are receiving this email because you contributed to the Mick Smith Charity fund or purchased one of our items from eBay. First off, I want to thank you from the bottom on my heart. The generosity of the Falcons fans has been amazing. There are people at all ranks of the Falcons and the NFL that are amazed at what we did in support of coach. As far as anyone can remember, nothing like this has ever occurred � the fans jumping in to symbolically pay their coach�s find. Congratulations � you were part of a historical event!

I wanted to take a moment now to let you know where your contributions are going. I have been working with the Arthur Blank Foundation, and we have found a project that I think you all will love.

The Blank Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children in Atlanta. With this in mind, there is an area within sight and walking distance of the Georgia Dome where the foundation is planning to build a playground for local children of the area. The Falcon Nation will be partnering directly with Mr. Blank in the creation of this park. Our donation will go towards equipment for the playground. There will also be some sort of small plaque or notation on the playground acknowledging the fans of the Falcons for helping make the playground possible.

Our contributions will directly help the kids that live near the home of our team! This will be a place that you will be able to visit, and you can see the direct results of your contributions.

The project is awaiting final approval. I hope to have an artistic rendering of the playground in the next week or so. The plan now is for the playground to be created in the first quarter of 2010.

This project will give the Falcon Nation another chance to contribute. When it comes time to build the park, we will help put together a team of volunteers to come one Saturday and physically help build the playground. This will be another chance for you to directly help the children of those less fortunate. As details and dates are finalized, I will post them on the message board.

Thank you again for all you have done. Know in your heart that no matter the size of your contribution, what you did was special. Please don�t let any detractors downplay the importance of this effort. We have shown the NFL and the nation that the Falcon Nation has a huge heart, and we are willing to stand up and give to a great cause.

I�ll send out more details on the project as I get them. Have a great day, and GO FALCONS!!!!!!

Hal

Media is SUGGESTING that Vick makes the Playoffs; FALCONS DO NOT

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:06:06 +0000

This will truly be a travesty if our Beloved Birds don't make the playoffs. Arthur Blank spent alot of $$$ on those Spielberg Directed "BIRDS OF PREY" Commercials.

But it now seems like the REAL Birds Of Prey are going to make the playoffs and Win a Superbowl over our Falcons. I will be so disgusted if Vick hoisted the Lombardi Trophy

Here is the Article:

Eagles, Packers� futures brighter than Giants�
Charles Robinson

By Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports Nov 19, 2:21 pm EST

*
Buzz up! 58
*
Print

You can follow Charles Robinson on Twitter at @YahooSportsNFL

With seven weeks left in the NFL�s regular season, it�s time for the annual glance into the crystal ball. Mathematically, we�re looking at a wide-open race for the postseason. But realistically, the 17 teams with a winning record have all but eliminated any dark horses in the playoff race.

This year, elite level quarterbacks will play a major role in how the remainder of the season plays out. Indeed, I think 10 of the 12 playoff teams this season will be represented by a Pro Bowl-level quarterback, and the other two � the Ravens� Joe Flacco(notes) and Packers� Aaron Rodgers(notes) � are having upper-echelon seasons.
Related Coverage

* Game-changers in the NFL

More From Charles Robinson

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* 'Salute' by Adams deserves a reprimand Nov 16, 2009

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With that in mind, here is what the crystal ball sees for the postseason seeding, as well as a handful of teams that will narrowly miss out �
Brees was sacked a season-high five times by the Dolphins in Week 7.
(Jeffrey M. Boan/AP Photo)

NFC

New Orleans
1. New Orleans Saints (14-2)
No 16-0 for this team. Not with the number of troubling injuries starting to mount, or with New Orleans already having been seriously challenged into the fourth quarter of its last four games. The Saints will trip up against the Patriots and then one more time in the back-to-back games against Atlanta and Dallas. Drew Brees�(notes) 69.4 rating against three AFC East teams is the troubling stat that I just can�t get past this season. His penchant for feast or famine games will bite the Saints eventually, but not enough to jeopardize the No. 1 seed.

Minnesota
2. Minnesota Vikings (13-3)
The three-game run against Arizona, Cincinnati and Carolina in early December is far tougher than it looked a month ago. The Vikings will slip up in there, and I have to believe there will be another fluky loss somewhere on the schedule, particularly with Adrian Peterson�s continued ball security problems. And Bernard Berrian�s(notes) hamstring issue is going to linger all season long. One more injury in that set of receivers and it starts to get extremely thin.

Arizona
3. Arizona Cardinals (12-4)
So long as Anquan Boldin(notes) continues to improve from a health standpoint, I�m buying this team getting its act together in the second half. Steve Breaston(notes) is that X-factor who has finally started to click in a major way again in the last three weeks. And the emergence of Beanie Wells�(notes) big-play ability has the potential to make this an even better offense than it was one year ago at this time. Two road games at Tennessee and San Francisco are sandwiched around a home tilt against Minnesota. That�s the stretch that will make or break a top seed for the Cardinals.

Dallas
4. Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
Dallas will complete the season sweep over Philadelphia in the finale and secure the division title via head-to-head. The Cowboys are the only team in the NFC East right now with a winning record at home and on the road, and that�s more impressive than it sounds. The loss of right tackle Marc Colombo(notes) hurts, but Dallas made a very good decision to move Doug Free(notes) into the starting lineup rather than move guard Leonard Davis(notes) outside and endanger the line�s chemistry. Other than the Colombo injury, this is actually one of the healthier playoff contenders right now, and that will pay big dividends in the second half. A 3-1 mark against the Giants, Chargers, Saints and Redskins prior to the finale would deliver the NFC East.

Philadelphia
5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6, wild card)
The Eagles will split back-to-back road games against the Falcons and Giants and drop the season finale in Dallas, but win everything else, including the Week 16 game against Denver. With Brian Westbrook(notes) out of the mix for a sustained period, rookie LeSean McCoy(notes) will finally be allowed to work into a groove. But it�s the health in the back seven of the defense and the offensive line that will make the difference. The Eagles simply can�t afford to lose any more linebackers, defensive backs or offensive linemen. Donovan McNabb(notes) has to improve his accuracy on the road, too. That 56.9 completion percentage away from Philadelphia is more troublesome than it looks.

Green Bay
6. Green Bay Packers (9-7, wild card)
Green Bay will qualify for the final wild card with a tiebreaker over Atlanta, thanks to a better record inside the NFC. The mercurial play of the defense is what is going to make the difference in the remaining seven games. The unit was abysmal in back-to-back losses against Minnesota and Tampa Bay, but it turned around with its best game of the season against Dallas. Gaining momentum in the next four weeks against San Francisco, Detroit, Baltimore and Chicago is a must. The Packers will also benefit from a season finale that will likely see the Cardinals resting some of their starters. Beyond the sacks and the defense, the health of linebackers Aaron Kampman(notes) and Brandon Chillar(notes) will be paramount down the stretch.

Narrowly missed: Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants
The Falcons� injuries and road struggles will ultimately be their undoing, while the Giants� offensive inconsistency and brutal remaining schedule will keep them from the postseason.

AFC

Indianapolis
1. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
Colts fans may not want to hear it, but a loss is coming, likely in the next three games against Baltimore, Houston and Tennessee. Indianapolis has flirted with defeat three weeks in a row now, trailing at some point in the fourth quarter of all three of those games. The pass defense was spread out and exposed a bit against New England, and the running game is too fragile and inconsistent. At some point, Peyton Manning(notes) is going to struggle and Indianapolis is going to pay. And I have to believe there will be a second fluke loss in the there at some point, possibly in the short week when the Colts play at Jacksonville on a Thursday night in Week 15.

New England
2. New England Patriots (13-3)
That�s right: despite a bothersome 1-3 road record and a collapse against the Colts, I don�t think the Patriots will lose again. And that includes the Monday night game against New Orleans on Nov. 30. I think the first three quarters of that game against the Colts were more representative of this team than what happened in the fourth quarter. And nobody responds better to a game like that than Bill Belichick and Tom Brady(notes). More importantly, this team has remained in good health through the first nine games of the season, and the schedule isn�t overly challenging. A run to the postseason is definitely in the cards.

Photo Benson was the AFC�s second-leading rusher before the hip injury.
(Ed Reinke/AP Photo)

Cincinnati
3. Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
I nearly gave this team a 13-3 record and the No. 2 seed via tiebreakers, but the Cedric Benson(notes) hip injury is worrisome. The team and Benson are downplaying it, but an abductor strain can be a nagging, long-term problem without sustained rest. Atlanta�s Jerious Norwood(notes) missed four straight games with the same injury. And I think Cincinnati tipped its hand a little by signing Larry Johnson(notes), who is certainly not fodder for the bottom of the depth chart. He�s a potential playoff starter if Benson�s hip doesn�t hold up, plain and simple. Benson�s hip is the only thing that scares me about this team. You take him out of the mix, and that offense becomes far more one dimensional. I think it trips up the Bengals in road games against Minnesota and San Diego.

San Diego
4. San Diego Chargers (10-6)
The schedule isn�t exactly cake, but all the Chargers need to do is beat Denver this week, and win home games against Kansas City and Washington, and a road game at Cleveland. With the way the Chargers are playing right now, and Denver�s sudden spate of injury concerns (on top of a lagging offense), that shouldn�t be a problem. And if the pass rush keeps steadily improving the way it has in recent weeks, the Chargers should have no problem competing in their three-game run against Dallas, Cincinnati and Tennessee. I like the Chargers a lot in the second half of the season, particularly with the way quarterback Philip Rivers(notes) has played on the road (a 99.4 quarterback rating with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions).

Pittsburgh
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, wild card)
Getting swept by the Bengals hurt, particularly when the defense dropped some turnovers in last week�s loss. But Pittsburgh�s second half matches up well for the defense, which will face a litany of quarterbacks who are either inexperienced (Bruce Gradkowski(notes)), have been roughed up (Aaron Rodgers) or shown a penchant for making mistakes under a pass rush (Brady Quinn(notes)). With the Dolphins� injury situation, it looks like there is only one tough road game left: in Baltimore on Nov. 29. A series split with the Ravens is an absolute must. Perhaps the biggest plus going into the stretch run is back-to-back games against Oakland and Cleveland, which should allow the Steelers to build some momentum heading into the stretch run of Green Bay, Baltimore and Miami. Safety Troy Polamalu(notes) is expected to be back for that stretch, which will be a boost.

Baltimore
6. Baltimore Ravens (10-6, wild card)
The offensive struggles the last two weeks give me pause about this team, particularly a passing game that�s not providing the vertical production that was so prevalent before the Ravens� bye. There are simply a lot of inconsistencies on both sides of the ball, from the cornerbacks and the occasional problems with the run defense, to the inconsistent nature of Ray Rice�s(notes) workload. That said, I think the Ravens are capable of solving a lot of those problems. The key to the postseason will be the games against Indianapolis, Green Bay and Pittsburgh (twice). The Ravens have to split those games 2-2, and take care of business versus Detroit, Chicago and a season finale against an Oakland team that will likely have the vacation suitcases packed and the car running. The Ravens will pull it off.

Narrowly missed: Denver Broncos and Houston Texans
I think both Denver and Houston will manage nine wins, but that just won�t be enough. Denver�s offensive struggles since the bye, along with Kyle Orton�s(notes) banged up ankle, will come back to haunt them in games against the Chargers, Giants, Colts and Eagles. For Houston, the loss of Owen Daniels(notes) and the lack of a reliable pass rush will spell doom in the second half.

Stephen Nicholos really hasnt shown me much

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:05:11 +0000

Something about his play leaves much to desired about . I thought Nicholos would shown some development at his position like how Thomas Decoud has at his. He really hasnt generated much game changing plays , he was terrible last week vs the Panthers. One play that stood out last week was that lil dump off to DeAngelo Williams that truner into a big gain of 30 yards. Nicholos was responsible for Williams on play had ok coverage but was outran to the corner ..

I wouldnt be thrilled with making a switch to Coy Wire ..He is not a every down LB in this league but I would like to see some more playing time from Tony Gilbert he showed me something in pre season ,. He might not have the speed as a young Nicholos but seems to make plays.

MichaeL Turner looking "great"

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:04:08 +0000

Quote

Good to see Michael Turner walking down the plane to his seat without a limp. He's still recovering, of course, but looking great.
about 1 hour ago from Tweetie

Link
Even though he's probably not playing tom., this is great news!

Roddy

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:54:17 +0000

Roddy is questionable for Sunday.

Have the coaches stepped up their game

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:41:40 +0000

I was watching the game in '08 against the Buccaneers, where Matt Ryan had a horrible first half but returned with alot more poise and made a pretty good comeback (personal comeback that is).
Ofc it wasnt only him that made adjustements but the coaches, on all areas.

I remember some people mentioned this earlier this season, questioning Smith & Co's ability as coaches to make adjustements at halftime.

Imho I think they improved this since the start of the season. You could however argue that the starting level wasnt that great but meh

Curtis Lofton vs Brandon Jacobs and A. Bradshaw

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:24:12 +0000

Im really looking forward to this matchup. Its gonna be good to see how he fares against a powerfull 1-2 punch.

Would have loved to see him against Jerome Bettis as well

What would happen if Coach Smith ever goes for it on 4th and 2 on the 28 Yard line?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:49:49 +0000

I was just wondering what would happen to our fan Base if Coach Smith pulled that move on 4th down? I have been listening to sports radio and hearing people bash Belichick, a coach who has won multiple Super Bowls and is considered to be one of the best coaches ever, and was wondering what the reaction would be on these boards if Coach Smith had made the same move. I mean I thought it was a bit of a risky move at the time, but the guy knows what he is doing better than I do. I wonder how many of our asteemed board members would be on their roof ready to jump?

Falco hits a snag at Hartsfield-Jackson...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:44:50 +0000

Gonna need a BIG STICK!

Possible Hire?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:32:02 +0000

I think the majority of you guys will admit that the falcons offense isn't quite where we thought it would be. We all expected and salivated over an offense favorable to the 2007 New England Patriots, we all felt that we had the necessary tools, including a future hall a fame tight end in Tony Gonzalez, a stellar running back in Michael Turner, a pro bowl receiver in Roddy White, and a young, rising quarterback with ridiculous intangibles in Matt Ryan, to reach the unprecedented. However, the offense of our dreams is not developing on the field. And I think the main person to blame is Mike Mularkey. His play calling just isn't conducive to success. I remember hearing him say that the playbook was being compressed, so that the team can become more efficient utilizing a select number of plays. Instead, it should be expanded, allowing Matt Ryan to become the quarterback we know he can be, commanding the field with an arsenal of plays at his demand. I feel like I can predict every play that Mularkey is about to call. And he continues to make Matt roll out, essentially negating a whole half of the field, which almost always ends up in a throw away or a forced ball into a tight hole. Defenses are keying into the plays we are doing because we have like 10 plays in our playbook. Mike Mularkey's offense thrives on a strong, pounding running game, but quite frankly, I think we have the weapons more suited for a "pass-happy" offense with a good running game to back it up. I want to see ryan throw the ball 40-50 times a game and have a plethora of plays to choose from. We need a new offensive coordinator because sadly enough Mike Mularkey has become too predictable, which ultimately doesn't win in the Nfl. Who can we bring in? I think it's safe to say that Charlie Weis's firing is imminent. He didn't do too good of a job as a head coach, but that doesn't mean he can't be an effective offensive coordinator. So could it be Charlie Weis? There's a that New Engalnd connection between Thomas Dimitroff and him. He did wonders for Tom Brady, can he rekindle his career here?

Those of You Foolishly Wanting Vick Back

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:27:43 +0000

This is incredible. How could you guys honestly want Vick back? Besides the fact he's been out of Football for 2+ years and is over 30, he cannot win games like he used to for us. In the end, a rushing QB CANNOT win the big games as was completely evident in 2004-2005 NFC Championship game against the Eagles. I seem to remember Atlanta fans calling for Vick's head after we flopped in 2006 because, "we need a true pocket passer." And this truth is absolutely self-evident. Brady, Manning, Elway, Aikman, Favre. Did these guys win by picking up first downs with their feet? NO, they won because they threw bombs down the field to a WR and scored touchdowns and had the intelligence and passing-skills to get it done in the big games.

All of you want to throw Ryan under the bus because he didn't come out playing like Drew Brees in his 2nd year out of college? Are you kidding me? Get out of here and please don't resume or pretend to be a fan of the Falcons because you are nothing but fickle fairweather fans. Matt Ryan is special and yes, he is struggling, why don't you take a look at the stats Peyton Manning had his first 2 years and see whose record was better? He is trying to make too many things happen because Turner was invisible for the first 1/2 of the year and winning any games on the road in the NFL is almost impossible. Give the kid a chance and stop calling for his head. We were staring down 4-5 years rebuilding last year and we were blessed (maybe even cursed) with 11-5 and Wild-Card berth. Take a look at where we are and let Ryan develop into the great QB he will be someday.

Ryan will take this team where it needs to go.

I am so sick of reading this bullsh** on this message board hating on Ryan and crying for Vick. Grow up and get over it please...

TAP TAP

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:14:38 +0000

So Noorwood is Tap Tap number two according to Dukes on NFL Network. Addai is ofcouse Tap Tap number one. So does Norwood really tap out allot. Come on Dukes Turner is the starter.

5�11 205lbs Charlie Peprah

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:10:23 +0000

some felt like Charlie Peprah could play Safety or CB until he ran a 4.6 at the combine... The guy was a really good safety in college.

Combine numbers
Height: 5107
Weight: 206
40 Yrd Dash: 4.66 (4.5 at his proday)
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.63
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 15
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'11"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.10
3-Cone Drill: 6.81

Draft profiles

Quote

BIO: Started 38 games at Alabama after moving in with the first team as a freshman. Senior numbers included 43 tackles after 51/1/2 as a junior. Career-best totals of 69/4/19 came as a sophomore.

POSITIVES: Hard-working safety with a good degree of upside. Quick-footed in reverse, fluid transitioning with opponents and works to make plays. Possesses a burst of closing speed and effectively reads the action. Aggressive in run defense, takes good angles to the play and stays with the action until the whistle blows.

NEGATIVES: Lacks lateral speed and range to the sidelines. Does not display a decisive move to the pass. Marginal ball skills.

ANALYSIS: A well-built defensive back, Peprah's play has leveled off since his sophomore season. Has starting abilities for the next level, though he must quickly elevate his game to prior levels.

Quote

Charlie Peprah DB 5�11 200 Alabama
By: Robert Davis

Charlie Peprah is what a student athlete is all about. He has already graduated from Alabama, and is playing this season while working on his masters. On the field, he made an immediate impact as a freshman corner with a team leading four interceptions to go along with 47 tackles. As a sophomore, he had four more interceptions to go along with a career high 69 tackles. As a junior, Peprah made the switch to strong safety and racked up 51 tackles and an interception. He didn't make any big plays this year, but he still managed to be in on 43 tackles, three of them coming behind the line of scrimmage.

Peprah is a very good athlete, and has the ability to play both corner and safety at the next level. His experience at both positions should help his adjustment to the league, and gives teams two ways to utilize his talents. As a corner, Peprah has the natural athleticism and cover skills to move with the receiver. His experience at safety has helped him because physical and active in the running game. His time at corner definitely helps him as a safety, where his cover skills are excellent.

Even though he has played strong safety lately, he will not play that spot in the NFL. He lacks the size and the strength to play there at the next level. If he is a safety, he will play free, but he does not have the experience at that spot. As a corner, he has not played the spot full time since his sophomore year and may lack the development to provide an early impact at that spot. Wherever he plays, Peprah lacks the speed to keep up with the fast receivers deep down the field.

Peprah is an intriguing talent. He has the talent to play two spots, but will be labeled a tweener by most. His size is that of a corner, but his skills might be better served at free safety. Since teams value corners more, Peprah may get a look as a corner, but even if he does not make it there, his versatility in the secondary and ability on special teams should find him a home on an NFL roster.

this thread is to help recognize the hater on our board

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:48:31 +0000

all these profiles are 1 guy, a bears fan that came here after we beat them. he is embarassed to go to his own forum. all these profiles are phatryan originally and he is here to sabotage our morale and some people are letting him. if you see him on please post his profile so we may recognize him. this is not alot of new people it is 1 guy that hates our team and we should be able to stop him if we work together.
1. phatryan and mattryannoodlearm will post more as i see him

Falcons can win in NY

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:14:02 +0000

Giants are 5-15 after bye weeks. Giants are on a 4 game losing streak for a reason.They've given up a ton of sacks in their losing streak, a bunch of big plays on D and given up 33 points a game in the streak.

They can be taken. I see all these gloom and doom- "we don't have a chance against the giants" posts and they are just wrong- Falcons have the talent and coaching to win this game.

I am NOT saying they're going to win , but its entirely possible.

Ryan has to have a mistake free game, settle down -stop throwing off his back foot and take what the D gives him.

Biermann and Abraham have to put pressure on Eli.

Somebody has to make a big play or two on D.

Giants are not the team of two years ago and neither are the Falcons. Falcons can win this game.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Coach Smith Charity Drive - $3,469.63

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:05:02 +0000

Donations link- https://www.paypal.c...tton_id=9617074

Ebay auctions - http://shop.ebay.com...=&_trksid=p4340

First off, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the Coach Smith Charity Drive in the past week. We have already exceeded our initial goal of $2300, and will finish well past the $3000 mark. This initiative was driven by you, and your contributions will touch the lives of children in Atlanta.

I personally want to thank all of the people who have shown their support not only financially, but through positive feedback and encouragement. Your statements not only inspired me, but many others as well. Thank you.

The Coach Smith Charity Drive will run through this Sunday night. Next week, we will deliver a check to the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation. The check will officially come from the Falcons Nation in the name of Mike Smith.

I am speaking now with representatives of both the Falcons ad the AFYF on how the money will be used. It appears that there may be a special project that this money will go towards that will be visible to you and others. I think it is really awesome that you will be able to know exactly where your contributions will be going. I will share more details on this when the plan is finalized.

There will also be news in the coming weeks about future charity opportunities that the AFMB will drive, and how our fundraiser can become an annual event. This is very exciting, as we will have the opportunity to work directly with personnel from the Falcons on future charity drives. More details to come.

There is still some work to be done. We are accepting donations up until Sunday midnight. If you want to contribute something after that date, PM me and we can discuss this.

Also, we have several great items still on eBay that are still up for auction, including the magnificent 24" x 36" posters but GritzBlitzer and professional prints from Superfan. We also ahv autographed Falcons rookie cards and other items. PLEASE LET NO ITEM GO WITHOUT A BID!!!! Check out all of the eBay auctions at http://shop.ebay.com...=&_trksid=p4340.

As always, cash donations can be made via PayPal at https://www.paypal.c...246201019c8adab.

Finally gang, I wanted to let you know that not only I appreciate all you have done. But the Falcons are deeply grateful for your outpouring of support for your coach and your generous donations. Everyone in the organization is now aware of your efforts, and they are truly astonished at what you have done. One representative from the organization told ne that they had never heard of a fan base coming to the defense of a coach like this, much less turning into an opportunity to help the less fortunate. When the time is appropriate, you will hear some of the thoughts from personnel at the organization. They are very proud of you, and they want to show the rest of the league that the Falcons Nation is truly one of the best fan bases in the nation.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Hal

Injury Report

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:02:18 +0000

Injuries
Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants
Name Position Injury Practice Status Game Status
ATL
Brian Finneran WR Knee Did Not Participate In Practice Out
Michael Turner RB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice Doubtful
Erik Coleman S Knee Limited Participation in Practice Questionable
Jerious Norwood RB Hip Limited Participation in Practice Questionable
Roddy White WR Knee Limited Participation in Practice Questionable
Sam Baker T Ankle Full Participation in Practice Probable
NYG
Aaron Ross CB Hamstring Limited Participation in Practice Questionable
Eli Manning QB Foot Full Participation in Practice Probable
Ahmad Bradshaw RB Ankle Limited Participation in Practice Probable

ANTONIO PIERCE - OUT FOR THE YEAR

BVG ..if you dont bring the blitz this Sunday

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:34:54 +0000

Clearly we have not applied the constant pass rush with our front 4 . When we go on attack mode our defense looks so much better but when we settle and let a offense dictate th pace of the game that is when the yards compile. BVG has to bring the blitz and force Manning to get ball out of his hands quick. Giants dont have the world burners at wr or the wrs that break a ton of tackles for YAC and I can trust our corners to step up make a tackle

Bring the blitz ..if we get beat ..it happens but if we sit back and do nothing ..you are worthless as a DC

Vick might be a free agent next year

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:16:56 +0000

and start Vick in his spot. Seriously, Matt Ryan, every week i watch him play i start to hate him more and more. Poor decisions with a weak Chad Pennington Noodle Arm. He's the new Joey Harrington 2.0 minus the pick 6.

NFL.com Greatness on the Road

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Falcons set for Gigantic road win, as are three other teams

Game: Atlanta at New York (1 p.m. ET)

Venue: Giants Stadium

Last time at site: Michael Vick had 104 yards rushing as the Falcons held off the Giants, 14-10, in Week 11 of the 2004 season.

Reason for road optimism: In one of the NFL�s strangest trends, the road team has won every Falcons-Giants game since 1979. So while Atlanta�s 1-4 record on the road this season would seem to be an ominous sign, the remarkable history between these teams outweighs anything that has happened in just 10 weeks of 2009. It should also be remembered that Atlanta had similar struggles at the beginning of last season, starting 1-3 on the road, before rebounding to finish 3-1 away from the Georgia Dome. Roddy White possesses the kind of elite skill at receiver that has given the Giants difficulties all season, and given the background of these teams and the playmaking ability of White, Atlanta will head into New York with confidence.

Since Eli Manning became the team�s full-time starting quarterback in 2005, the Giants have made the playoffs every year. Another staple of the Manning era, however, has been the team�s mediocre play in the month of November, specifically at home. New York is 9-9 overall in November since 2005 and is 4-5 in front of its fans over that time period. Throw in the fact that the Giants are in the midst of a four-game losing skid, and New York will enter the game with little positive momentum. If the Falcons are able to get off to a fast start and put even more doubt into Giants� players heads, it could be too tough for New York to overcome.

I forgot that we started last season 1-3 on the road before finishing 3-1, I can see us finishing 3-0 for a 4-4 record on the road this season. I believe !

Antonio Pierce out indefinitely

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:37:13 +0000

Link

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.

The Giants said their defensive captain underwent the test in New York and was examined by team physician Dr. Russell Warren and Dr. Frank Camissa, chief of the spinal surgical services at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The 31-year-old Pierce originally sustained a burner when the Giants played Arizona on Oct. 25. He had very little discomfort until practice this week, when the club's medical staff scheduled the MRI exam.

"I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon," Pierce said in a statement released by the Giants. "I had no idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field. I didn't think it was that serious.

"I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can get back out on the field as soon as possible."

The Giants (5-4) will host Atlanta on Sunday. New York, coming off its bye week, has lost four straight games.

Pierce, in his ninth NFL year and fifth with the Giants, has 55 tackles one sack, and one forced fumble in nine games this season. He was looking forward to trying to help New York snap its losing streak on Sunday against the Falcons (5-4).

"This game means a lot to us," Pierce said earlier Friday. "For one, we need a win to get out of this four-game slump and, two, it will help us in the playoff hunt. We are tied for one of the wild card spots and you always want to win the head-to-head battles."

Pierce played in 15 games last season after appearing in all 16 contests each of the previous two seasons. He has led the Giants in tackles for the last three seasons and missed only four regular-season games since leaving the Washington Redskins to join the Giants.

He spent much of the past year in the spotlight after helping former teammate Plaxico Burress when the wide receiver accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York nightclub.

2009 prediction.....9-7

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:34:55 +0000

My thinking is that our offense and STs are good. Also...our run D will be ok. But...obviously....pass rush and pass coverage will be weak.

So...when we face teams with good qbs...we will have trouble. Yes....I do have us losing to the Saints twice. But before you slam me....understand that D Brees is a top tier qb. We just dont match up well. If we can obtain a good fa CB and blitz more...then maybe a 10-6/11-5 season.....maybe. OTW......the following will come to pass

MIA W
CAR W (close)
ne L (could get ugly)
sf W
CHI W (close)
dal L
no L
WASH W (blow out)
car L
nyg L (close)
TB W (blow out)
PHL L
NO L (close)
nyj W
BUF W
tb W

The schedule is tough....but it is tough for every team in our division. Carolina will go 9-7 as well.....NO 8-8....TB 6-10.

It will come down to tie-breaker between us and Carolina for the division. Most of our losses are against teams with above average qb's.

The WCs will come out of the NFC east which means that the nfc south winner will most likely host a NFC east WC team. AZ wins the west...Min up north. Giants win the east.

Chase Blackburn

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:28:52 +0000

This will be his third start at MLB in 5 years for the Giants. Even though Pierce is not the player he once was, Chase Blackburn is far less athletic than Pierce. Hopefully we can exploit him. Also, the Giants will use a lot of Nickel on Sunday.

I HATE THE SAINTS #4

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:17:46 +0000

i just wanna feel like i fit in

Which do you think is harder?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:01:07 +0000

I know it seems like Mike Smith came in and went from a subpar offense, to a what we have now which is not amazing but it is alot better than what we had. So my question is do you think its harder to build a Great offense like Tom Bradys 07 Patriots or to have something like the Baltimore Ravens when they won the Superbowl?
not which one you would prefer but which would be harder to build...

appreciate it if you would answer the poll

FLAME ON!

Falcons Trivia cause it's better than working on a Friday.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:29:27 +0000

Two part question

What 2 teams have the Falcons shut out twice? One should be easy.

What team has accounte for 30% of the shutouts that the Falcons have suffered?

Giant's LB Antonio Pierce out indefinitely

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:14:46 +0000

Linkage

Didn't see it posted. He is the captain on their defense. I see this as a huge blow to whatever game plan they had for us tomorrow. Look for Tony G & Snelling to have a huge day!!

Am I the only one thinking Snelling has what it takes to step it up?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:05:44 +0000

We shouldn't be in panic mode yet, at least about Turner missing afew games. Snelling has proved himself to be a hard working back who gets the job done and is dependable. Im fine with Snelling for 2-3 games, as long as we get Turner back for the playoffs where we need the depth, but Snelling can fill in fine for now.

Im more concerned with BVG's ****** playcalling and Ryan forcing the ball because he wants to get it to Gonzalez.. Turner missing afew games isnt a huge loss when you have Snelling and Norwood coming back, as long as Turner gets rested up and ready to be back at 100% in afew weeks.

Vick huggers on NFL Network

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:54:23 +0000

On NFC Playbook on NFL Network, Joe Theisman, Baldinger, Sterling Sharpe was talking about how bad Matt Ryan has been playing. How dare they!!! They didn't say one nice thing about Matt Ryan. Don't they know Ryan is only in his 2nd year?
So does this make them Vick huggers cause they were criticizing Matt Ryan?

russredner

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:51:42 +0000

A Word about the Thanksgiving Day issue. It�s nice to see all this wonderful Thanksgiving Day spirit really. My hope is that this will spread to the up-cpming game for the Falcons on the raod in the Big Uneasy.(Apple). But that said I also would like to see a word about this Thanksgiving Day extended towards the First Americans more carefully and with a idea towards forgiveness.

The first Thanksgiving celebration really never happened and history shows that the Tribe was removed a short year later. Today one team imn the NFL sports a mascot that refers to this removal by force in the term �Redskin.� In the SEC, the Florida State team sports such a mascot, and this unholy list goes on.

This needs to be halted. The best way is too acknoweldge the real historical fact and, of xcourse, give thanks for family, friends and team but with a aire of decency and real honor.

The First Amwericans, even within the State of georgia in their history speaks to these dialgoues of shame with the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation in what was called the Trail Of Tears and that legacy, which is of America too, continued towards Wounded Knee in 1890.

Give Thanks for the barvery of those that fought for their freedom and showed everyone who would come later how to do that with fierce, tencious dignity.

Not revisionism but truth in action and thought as deed.

Stop mascoting that depicts the unholy grail and begin to uplift all at this time of Thanksgiving for family, friends and the Team.

Thank you for allowing me this time to share a deep thought and hope for the better.

Saludos

How come there's no 6'7 or up WRs in NFL?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:43:16 +0000

WR's usually are 6'5 as being the tallest, how come there's no athletes in the NFL that can play WR that are 6'6 or taller? NBA has some quick and strong 6'7-6'8 basketball players as in Kobe or LeBron. When will we see a WR that is 6'7-6'8 that dominates the field?

If the Dolphins did it..............so can we

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:35:56 +0000

The Dolphins went into Charlotte Thurs. nite without their stud RB Ronnie Brown...........underdogs.........with a young and very inexperienced QB.
Chad Henne, Ricky Williams and supporting cast stepped it up BIG TIME. They made a statement to the football world that they are for real and that they have HEART.

Can the Falcons do the same ??

Why not ??

Stay tuned.

Falcons Giants playbook

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:04:48 +0000

http://www.nfl.com/videos/atlanta-falcons/09000d5d8145a3eb/WK-11-Playbook-Falcons-vs-Giants

1. moose really owns brent grimes. he's just not physical enough to play corner in this league.

2. ryan had roddy open on the INT against the skins. roddy would've torched hall.

3. why in the **** did we only send 2 WRs out on the INT against carolina? c'mon mularkey...

Falcons are heavy underdogs without Turner

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:27 +0000

Falcons are heavy underdogs without Turner

10:38 am November 20, 2009, by D. Orlando Ledbetter

Michael Boley is the latest ex-Falcons to run some smack at the team. He didn't like being told he wasn't aggressive enough when he got benched for Coy Wire last season.

The normally quiet Michael Boley is the latest ex-Falcons to run some smack at the team. He didn't like being told he wasn't aggressive enough when he got benched for Coy Wire last season.

THE BRANCH – Can’t find any prognosticators who are picking the Falcons to fly up to New York and hand out a smackdown to Eli Manning and the New York Giants.

Even the great Swami Schultz has the Falcons losing, but covering the 6½.

In SportingNews Today on Thursday, all seven members of their panel picked the New York Football Giants. All seven – Vinnie Iyer, Steve Greenberg, my main man Clifton Brown, Todd Wright, Real Scouts, Russ Lande and Dennis Dillion – had the NY insigna under their names.

Ken Moll of Scouts, Inc. has the Falcons losing 24-20. He gives the Falcons position advantages at wide receiver, linebacker, defensive back and special teams. He gives the coaching advantage to Tom Coughlin and the quarterback advantage to Manning.

That’s usually when things are most interesting in the NFL. When a team is given absolutely no chance to win an important game, they often times come through.

The Falcons margin of error will be slight with Michael Turner not expected to play. (INJURY ASIDE: The Falcons are hoping that Turner is a fast healer and can bounce back from his high right ankle sprain like he did back in 2001 from a left ankle sprain he suffered at Northern Illinois. “(Turner) Played in 10 games in 2001 and missed one with a sprained left ankle. . .” according to Pro Football Weekly’s 2001 draft guide.)

Here’s a look at some of the issues the Falcons must overcome to pull off the upset in Gotham City:

COVER THE GIANTS RECEIVERS: Steve Smith is their main guy, but the unit has some depth.

“Coming into the year, they were talking about the receiver corps was untested,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “The rookie from North Carolina (Hakeem Nicks) is getting a lot more looks. (Domenik) Hixon is a big, fast and strong guy, who works on their special teams. I think that they’ve started to gel as far as the receivers working with Eli.”

ATTACK THE O-LINE: Some contend that New York’s offensive line man is slipping from the Super Bowl standard of a few years ago.

“I think that unit works very, very well,” Smith said. “They remind me, watching them on tape, of our offensive line. They really play hard and they play well as a unit. They are a bunch of guys that really understand their blocking schemes. They are efficient in both run and pass blocking.”

STOP JACOBS BEFORE HE GETS ROLLING: The Falcons play a one-gap scheme, but they should just let middle linebacker Curtis Lofton key on Brandon Jacobs and give him the green light to go blow him up in the backfield. Once the big fella (6-4, 264) gets rolling, he’s tough to get down.

The Falcons are ranked 26th against the run (130.3 per game) and 28th against the pass (240.7). To have a chance they need to stop one aspect of the Giants offense and make them one dimensional.

“This is a very good running team and we know that,” Smith said. “This is a team that’s got really three backs. They talk about Brandon. They talk about Ahmad (Bradshaw) but Danny Ware is also a very good running back. It’s going to be very important that we are very gap sound. To defend the run you have to make sure that you are gap sound. You’ve got swarm to the ball and play with good leverage. If we can eliminate explosive plays in the running game we will enhance our chances this week.”

GET OFF THE FIELD ON THIRD DOWNS: The Falcons have also been pretty leaky on third downs. Teams have converted 61 of 125 third downs (49%).

Smith is aware of this major problem.

“We’re not very good, plain and simple,” Smith said. “We are not very good on third down.”

Smith and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder have a plan.

“We have to do a couple of things better,” Smith said. “First we have to play better on first and second down. We are in way too many third down-and-shorts and third down-and-mediums. In those situations you are putting yourself at a big disadvantage on third downs. It’s very important that we stress having good first and second down play to get us in those third down-and-longs.

“That’s something that you don’t want to see very often because the odds are in your favor defensively in those down

and distances. There are going to be certain times they are going to make good throws and good catches, but statistically those are situations that the defense definitely has the upper hand.”

WIND SHOULDN’T BE A PROBLEM: Got the weather update from the folks over at The Weather Channel.

“The Weather Channel has your NFL football forecast for the weekend – we would love to let your readers know:

Atlanta Falcons @ NY Giants

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

Gametime Weather Index: 10 (Light winds; 50s)

November and December games in the Meadowlands can be notoriously windy, thanks to both cold fronts sweeping out of the Great Lakes and an occasional coastal storm. While the latter scenario will be in play Sunday, the coastal low should be rather weak, by East Coast standards, and high pressure should remain sufficiently nearby to minimize rain chances. More importantly, the proximity of the surface high should keep winds generally less than 10 mph.”

GASH ‘EM IN THE RUN GAME: Perhaps the Giants will take the Falcons backup running backs lightly. But Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood are very capable.

Perhaps one of them can pop a 66-yarder like Philadelphia’s LeSean McCoy’s 66-yard touchdown run against the Gaints in Week 8.

SCHEDULE GRIEVANCE: Before leaving New York, the Falcons need to file a grievance at the league office over this bye-week booster schedule they are playing. Here’s the address: 280 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017. You know, you they can put it in the GPS.

Mathematically, the Falcons rank fourth in strength of schedule this season with their opponents combining for a .588 winning percentage in 2008 (150 wins, 105 losses and one tie).

Considering that they play four teams coming off of bye weeks — including the rested New York Giants – they might just have the toughest schedule in the league is year. (They are 2-1 so far, beating San Francisco and Washington, while losing to Dallas as they were coming off bye weeks).

“This is the fourth one is six weeks,” Smith said. “The schedule is made and we’ve got to go play the games. Up until this point, I think we’ve handled it very well. It’s a little bit tougher when you are coming off a bye week and you’ve got to go on the road than coming off a bye week and having to play that opponent at home.”

2010 DRAFT PREVIEW OF CORNERBACKS: It’s OK to take a peak ahead to the 2010 draft. It’s a pretty good bet that the Falcons will be giving every draftable cornerback in the nation a workout.

It would be wise to start compiling a file on Florida State’s Patrick Robinson. If the Falcons land somewhere in the 20s, he could be available. Robinson will be rated behind Tennessee’s Eric Berry of Creekside High and Florida’s Joe Haden, the consensus top two corners in the draft.

Here’s a look at some of the other top cornerbacks around the country.

Remaning Schedule Predictions

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:49:38 +0000

Sun 11/22 New York Giants at NY Giants - L 27-13
Sun 11/29 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay - W 28-24
Sun 12/6 Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia - L 31-21
Sun 12/13 New Orleans Saints New Orleans - L 28-20
Sun 12/20 New York Jets at NY Jets - W - 24-17
Sun 12/27 Buffalo Bills Buffalo - W - 27-13
Sun 1/3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Bay - W 24-13

So we will finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs, but will have the franchise first back2back winning seasons.

Matt Ryan is the BEST QB EVA!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:38:07 +0000

He's the 2nd coming of Peyton Manning/Tom Brady, his work ethics is off the chart, and with his accuracy and poise to win the games is unbelievable!

Woot Woot! Go Matt Ryan!!

I amazed in the lack of Giants trolls here this week

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:07:21 +0000

is it only in division games that they come out of their caves??

NY Giants MLB Antonio Pierce Out Indefinitely

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:45:39 +0000

Just saw this on NFL.com. This could be a HUGE difference-maker. He calls all the shots and is the unchallenged leader of that Giants' D. Doubt we will know whether he is playing or not until 12:00pm or later Sunday morning, but I cannot imagine a Doctor would let him play with that severe of an injury (could be life-threatening). This may open up the run game a bit if he's out.

For sale

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:02:08 +0000

Im not sure if this is allowed on here but i am selling an autographed Michael Turner ball and i am selling it with the last 4 games of the year.2 tickets section 234 row 4.the ball comes with a clear falcons case.pm me if interested and so i dont get a TAFT Snelling might have aneasier task.antonio peirce is out for sundays game

"Falcons-LOST"

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:17:28 +0000

ok here it is guys.... all the footage we've been collecting and editing to this point! Hope you guys like it..

It is ENTIRELY original footage shot by falcons fans at both home and away games....only the music is borrowed ( from ABC's LOST).
and DEFINETLY NOT for viewers who are too young LOL.

Easiest Way to watch is do this Start Here:http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dtSWKqhRsas and after that, click the link in the description field to go to the next part

For your future reference though, here are all the links in the Correct order

Episode 1: Pilot:
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=dtSWKqhRsas -Part 1
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=VJC9R80wHIk -Part 2
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=aINiTGBJIaI -Part 3
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=XCq0rLAY6Fw -Part 4

Episode 2: Fedora Falcons

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=vS5pctHrfRM -Part 1
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=iYbG1larfp8 -Part 2
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=5Skaa-yhK_M -Part 3
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=o7gwSHOteLM -Part 4

Episode 3: New England, Old Patriots

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=h5xk7ptVxU8 -Part 1
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=U3UfMRY4VXk -Part 2
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=fLfRZgpdCoo -Part 3
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=MPYWvCjqVuM -Part 4

Episode 4: Land of the Lost

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=-NrW_hZ46eY -Part 1
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=Z3DZhvUJ-F0 -Part 2
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=YXQZQpRbKBY -Part 3
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=DXd5We3WhGg -Part 4

** 9 of these 16 Parts are actually BANNED in 7 european countries! LOL Let me know what you guys think!

*I'm gonna add new videos to it as they come in and get edited. Leave comments so others will check them out too!

Anyone Think Turner Could Play Through Pain?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:52:58 +0000

I know its a sprained ankle, and that hurts, but its not unbearable by any means. He is a tough as **** too. The thing that comes to my mind is putting him in harm's way unnecessarily and Smith will not let that happen. But, think about it, even if he only got like 10 snaps, with the way he has been running lately... NY is game-planning against Snelling, not Turner. We could show them some looks they haven't seen and get Turner in there for some key Red-Zone TD's.

I'm definitely not one to put Turner in harm's way, and no, this is not a must win, but lets be realistic here. We are in need of a big tim victory...

Either way, what do you think Smith will do?

Troll control... if you want our boards back please read

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:49:37 +0000

We all know there are a handful of users on here whose sole purpose is to incite people and cause fighting. The more you keep responding to these idiots, the more you egg them on, the more they post and flood our board with garbage. If you want them to go away, IGNORE THEM!

Responding to a troll's post by calling them an idiot or to tell them that they don't deserve your time does nothing more than bump their post up over and over again where more people will fall victim and respond. You've done exactly what they want you to do; respond and make sure their posts stay at the top of the list and force legitimate topics down. Responding to the trolls makes you just as responsible for flooding the board with garbage as the trolls themselves.

If you, like myself, want to come to these boards and have honest discussion about the team, it's players (both positive and negative) and our opponents without having to wade through a mountain of garbage, then learn to use the Ignore feature of the board! That is why it is there.

For those who don't know, there is a button up along the top of your screen:

Signed in as YourUserName � My Settings � Messenger (0 New) � Manage Friends � Manage Ignored Users � Sign Out � Help

Click the Manage Ignored Users link and enter the name of the troll you want to ignore in the Add a new user to your list box. Click the Save Changes button and ta da, no more troll.

From that point on, any time that users posts something all you will see is:

This post is hidden because you have chosen to ignore posts by UserYouIgnored View it anyway?

Please, don't perpetuate the problem. Ignore trolls and they will go away for lack of attention.

Lets cut to the chase.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:04:29 +0000

Hello my little Cabbages.

Y'all like to Rant and Runt your puny little thoughts
on These, Thats, Thems. and Those.

So let me just ask all you chest beating Pontificators
one simple question,and lets see if you are capable of
a clear and concise answer.

Would you rather see Matt Ryan struggle now and let him
learn to Win (work through it) against the Good Teams and Tough Schedule,
or see him Flounder later on against these same good teams in the Playoffs?

Full injury report & a quick poll

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:28:43 +0000

GIANTS
Player Injury 11/18 11/19 11/20
RB Ahmad Bradshaw Ankle/Foot DNP LP P
CB Aaron Ross Hamstring LP LP Q
QB Eli Manning Foot Fp Fp P

FALCONS
Player Injury 11/18 11/19 11/20
S Erik Coleman Knee DNP LP Q
WR Brian Finneran Knee DNP DNP O
RB Jerious Norwood Hip DNP LP Q
RB Michael Turner Ankle DNP DNP D
WR Roddy White Knee DNP LP Q
T Sam Baker Ankle LP Lp P

How bad does Atlanta suck?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:20:04 +0000

At the start of this year Falcons were playing a lot better, we were supposed to improve over the 2nd half not regress. I really don't think regress is anywhere in the "process".....this weekends game is almost a must win...but this team has been hammered by injuries, and poor play on offense, yes offense has lost these games as bad as the defense has been the O has been worse. Does anyone think we even have a chance of winning Sunday??

The falcon gods have blessed us!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:15:59 +0000

http://www.giants.com/news/headlines/story.asp?story_id=43728

woooo

The Official AFMB Week 11 Look-a-Likes

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:01:00 +0000

The very first Giants look-a-like I ever started was epic. Many board changes later caused it to be lost in the shuffle. Let's see what we can do about making this one just as good!

Roster

Eli

and Jimmy

Antonio Pierce is out! Abit of help at least..

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:17:36 +0000

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/20/antonio-pierce-out-indefinitely/

"The New York Giants are on a four-game losing streak, and now they've been dealt another blow.

Giants middle linebacker Antonio Pierce was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck this afternoon and is out indefinitely, the team announced today.

"I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon," Pierce said in a statement, via Pat Hanlon on Twitter. "[I] had no idea what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the field."

Pierce has started all nine games for the Giants this year."

-- We can use every help we can get, and I hate Pierce with a passion.. Hes my most hated player in the NFL maybe (After Steve Smith for being such a *****) - but Pierce ALWAYS took cheap shots at Vick after the plays, im glad hes not there to beat up on Ryan too after the whistle this time.

I HATE THE SAINTS!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:23:18 +0000

I HATE THE **** SAINTS!!!! I HATE MY LOCAL FOX STATION. ALWAYS LETTING ALL THOSE ******* REFUGEES THAT MOVED UP HERE FROM NEW ORLEANS VOTE TO SHOW THE SAINTS INSTEAD OF SHOWING THE FALCONS LIKE THE NFL SAYS MY FOX STATION SHOULD DO. CAN I PLEASE HAVE MY FELLOW FALCON FANS VOTE FOR THE FALCONS GAME EACH WEEK? IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

PLEASE VOTE HERE!

Falcons RB issue

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:48:58 +0000

My link
not good

I HATE THE SAINTS! #3

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:29:21 +0000

Thats all

I HATE THE SAINTS #2

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:05:18 +0000

The Aint's

I HATE when they do this but you must admit its pretty cool.

We need something like this!! SIKE!!!!!!!!!

Possible Trades...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:51:36 +0000

I think this should go into the NFL Draft and FA Board but I thought I would post this in this board....

We shall find out what our falcons are made of.

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:16:50 +0000

We will find out what our TEAM is made of this sunday. I say it like that because thier is about a ten percent chance Turner will play. So for the first time in almost two years our team will not have the burner to lean on. This in my opinion that will define what kind of quarterback Ryan is. In this game he is going to have to be the man. I mean THE MAN, the guy that is going to make or break this team. He has not had to carry this team yet and this will be the game in my opinion that will make him or break him. If he comes out and shows he does not crack under the pressure and can show the leadership and good solid play this team needs then he will have passed the test of becoming an elite quarterback, if he comes out and does not play very well i think this could very well linger with him and put some doubt into his mind that will be tough to shake. I think this may be the game where Ryan and this team as a whole learns alot about themselves and where they are as a team and see how they stack up against the rest of the NFC playoff teams. Without Turner, we could very well be an average team,or we come out and show that we are not a one trick pony and absolutely put it to the giants from every aspect of the game. It is time for this team to come together and play as a whole and they can achieve anything. This could very well get us rolling if we get this win and we very well could possibly not lose again. If our defense plays solid and gets some confidence back and gets on a role, they could be very good come playoff time, and i would like for our special teams to become a threat again because we could very well use some great special teams play the rest of this year. Lastly, if Ryan can come out and get the passing game going early and just light it up, it could help snelling and norwood play solid as well as making turner a very happy man when he gets back and does not see eight or nine guys in the box every play. So point being this game in my opinion is going to be the turning point of this season either for better or worse.

Any web developer Falcon fans out there... ?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:30:50 +0000

Anyone on here a Web developer with some free time on their hands? This is a Falcons related project....

PM me if you can help.

EMMIT!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:24:41 +0000

Man. A week without a prognosistalism is like a bye week.

Where you at Emmit? Don't let the trolls scare you away. Bust 'em with a hickory stick, or vice versache...so to speak

anyone have the injury list

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:21:17 +0000

anyone have this weeks probables, doubtfuls, and outs list for our game

Hey guys. Does anyone have a good unbiased blog about the Falcons?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:30:59 +0000

I read the blog on here all the time, but I was just wondering if there was a falcons blog, that isn't done by a Falcon employee that is worth bookmarking.

Thanks in advance.

GO FALCONS!!

you can rest easier tonight

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:25:27 +0000

my panthers are no longer breathing down your neck. But I will take a win over the falcons anyday...Dont care if we don't win another game this season as long as we beat the falcons....we have done good in this division.

Free Gonzalez Fat Head?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:23:26 +0000

At the Dome yesterday they were advertising that you can get a free Tony Gonzalez fathead if you test-drive a Ford.... I was wondering if anyone has tried this promotion?

Well, It's just about that time of the year to play with my favorite gadget.

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:19:51 +0000

I could mess around with this thing all day long... lol

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/playoffscenario?algorithm=WinningPct

Pretty Funny Team Fail Names

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:42:11 +0000

Cincinnati "Bungles"
Cleveland "Frowns"
New Orleans "Aints"
Tampa Bay "Succaneers"
Indianapolis "Jokes"
New England "Faketriots"
Washington "Deadskins"
Dallas "Cowgirls"
Carolina "Panties"
Green Bay "Slackers"
Detroit "Cryin" (ehhh....not so much a rhyme but it WORKS )
New York "Pets"
Miami "Coffins"
Oakland "Taders" (like tader tots lol)

What's up with Turner's ankle?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:41:17 +0000

Give me a heads-up on his condition. Is he out for any specified amount of time? I don't really feel like looking it up right now.

Norwood returns to Falcons practice

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:37:32 +0000

Link

Norwood returns to Falcons practice

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Falcons backup running back Jerious Norwood participated in his first practice in almost five weeks Thursday.

He suffered a right hip flexor against Chicago on Oct. 18 and has missed the past four games.

"Even though I've been hurt, I still feel like I've got that little step that I need," Norwood said. "It won't be too much longer."

The Falcons will need Norwood on Sunday against the New York Giants because the team's leading rusher Michael Turner might be out with a high ankle sprain.

Turner has not practiced since suffering the injury Sunday against Carolina.

"It was good to get Jerious Norwood back out there," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "He was able to participate in practice today. So that was a positive. So now we have to wait and see how he responds to the work that he did today."

Norwood passed Smith's "look" test.

"You can see that speed and Jerious smile out there, breaking in and out of the huddle," Smith said.

No passing fancy

Tight end Tony Gonzalez doesn't buy the theory that an excessive reliance on him has led to Matt Ryan's recent rash of interceptions.

"If nobody else is open, I'm there for Matt," Gonzalez said. "If nobody else is open and we need a play, I hope I can come up with that play."

Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White, who leads the team with 47 receptions, remains Ryan's top target. He has had 82 passes thrown his way.

Gonzalez, who is second on the team with 44 catches, has had 70 passes thrown his way.

"Roddy is still the guy, and he should be because he's an unbelievable talent," Gonzalez said. "He's a threat. He's a lot more of a threat than me to take it the distance if he catches it."

Ryan has thrown 51 percent of his 298 attempts to either White or Gonzalez.

"This year he's a getting a taste of what it means to be that big-time quarterback, where he's throwing it 40 times a game sometimes because we have to," Gonzalez said. "I think he's doing well. It's never as bad as everyone makes it out to be, and it's never as good as everyone makes it out to be."

Respect for Manning

Ryan likes one of Giants quarterback Eli Manning's traits.

"He wins," Ryan said. "He does it in different ways. Some weeks he's handing it off. Then in other games he's throwing it all over the place. But he seems to make plays at the end of games, when you need to make plays to win. I certainly respect that about him."

Free Tony Gonzalez Fathead

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:35:39 +0000

No link. I just heard it on the Coach Smith/Wes/Archer radio show on Dave FM. Not sure if it is a full size or the smaller ones. This is an exclusive that isn't available through the fathead website. I am going to call around and see about participating locations. Hopefully you can just stop by and tell them you are there just to get it and dont care about buying a new car.

EDIT: I just heard it again and Tony says they are "lifesize" in the promo.

A good feeling

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:29:47 +0000

The biggest concern I've had about this game is being the better team and still losing due to the extra rest NYG has gotten. I've been worried that we will simply get out-physicalled. But for some reason I just have this feeling that our DBs and pass rush are going to show up and make BIG PLAYS. Don't know why, but I just feel real good about Abe, Biermann, Babs, even Sid and JA98. I think our dbs will benefit from some poorly thrown balls and come out with a couple of ints.

This team just seems like they have been close to having things dialed in. I think we'll continue to run the ball well and that our coaches are gonna simplify things a little for Ryan. Coughlin is predictable and we can take advantage of that. I think we'll see both our offense and defense run a lot of basic schemes but really execute well.

ATL 24
NYG 16

A 64.3% won't get you out of high school...and probably not kindergarten either!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:21:20 +0000

If the world operated on the basis where a 64.3% success rate is acceptable, we'd be back in the stone ages. Just think, if your flight to Atlanta only had a 64.3% chance of making it to its destination, would you fly?

Link

Why do some of you think we should draft a RB early?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:59:42 +0000

This isn't a personal attack on anyone; I am just curious as to why some people think we should draft a RB in the first round of the draft. We have a top 3 back in Turner, Snelling and Norwood. Now to be honest I don't know if Norwood is going to be here next year but I'm sure Snelling will be.

I understand that this is a league now where all teams pretty much have 2 running backs that take alot of carries. But, we have so many holes on the defense that taking a RB in the first round just seems moronic. We need to get a CB and LB before we even think about a backup running back. (I think we also need to get a veteran corner in FA as well because a rookie won't make an immediate impact.)

I am not opposed to drafting a RB, but not before the 4th round.

Just wanted to get some thoughts on this to help me understand.

DeCoud is starting to get noticed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:53:47 +0000

I think we are set at the safety spots for the future with him and Moore as long as Moore can stay healthy. I
think Moore will come back next year with kind of a chip on his shoulder so to speak. But DeCoud has played well
this year and especially in our primetime games against Chicago and NO. This is from the Giants scouting report.

Thomas DeCoud now plays free safety and makes more plays than anyone in the secondary.

SAM BAKER amongst leagues elite...

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:02 +0000

As well as Will Svitek did filling in for the injured Sam Baker the past two weeks there is no doubt Matt Ryan is resting a little easier going into this weeks game, now that 'T-rex' has taken up his customary role on the left side of the line.

This is not a knock on Svitek but I don't think Matt trusts him as he does Sam at the all important LT position... And it is a trust that appears well earned.

Here's a list of the top 5 LTs this season in terms of sacks and QB hits given up. I've also added in a few notable others (all have played at least 8 games this season)

1. Sam Baker- Sacks 1 Hits 2
2. Orlando Pace- Sacks 1 Hits 4
3. Ryan Clady- 2 2
4. Michael Roos- 2 4
5. Charlie Johnson- 2 5

Notable others:

Jason Peters- Sacks 3 Hits 1
Jake Long- Sacks 3 Hits 3
Bryant McKinnie- 3 4
Joe Thomas- 3 4
Flozell Adams- 4 4
Marcus McNeill- 5 6
Jordan Gross- 7 5

Anyone tailgating at Giants Stadium this weekend?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:37:22 +0000

I know this is a bit strange, and I know there are other threads similar to this, but I was wondering if any Falcons fans were going to be grilling at the Meadowlands. I have an extra parking pass, but unfortunately no car this weekend. Obviously, if anyone obliges, my friends and I would bring our share of food, but we dont have the essentials, ie, the grill.

Coaches Tape: PANTHERS OFFENSE V. FALCONS DEFENSE

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:16:31 +0000

Coaches tape by Greg Cosell:

PANTHERS OFFENSE V. FALCONS DEFENSE

* Jackson the Falcons nickel corner, He played inside over the slot
* DT Babineaux showed initial quickness and burst as an inside gap penetrator
* Panthers went no huddle on their second series, They did it out of �21� personnel: 9 play, 80 yard TD drive � Delhomme was sharp and decisive, Falcons defense was reactive
* Panthers continued to utilize the no huddle at times on their next series, which was a 12 play, 80 yard TD drive � Excellent tactic: When you have a struggling QB, it lessens the thinking and they just react and play
* Panthers clearly felt most comfortable with �21� personnel (2 backs, 1 TE and Smith and Muhammad) and �12� personnel (1 back and TEs Rosario and King) on the field
* Gross got hurt in the second quarter, Panthers moved LG Wharton to LT and played Bernadeau at LG
* Panthers rarely played 3 WRs in this game, Maybe only a couple of snaps in the first half; They predominantly aligned with 2 TEs
* Panthers pass game very simple, Very little in the way of route combinations, Limited reading progressions for Delhomme
* Delhomme does not see things very clearly, He�s not a very good progression reader � He left a few throws on the field, throwing to the wrong receiver
* Panthers continued to utilize the no huddle in the second half, with different personnel packages: 1 back and 2 TEs, with Rosario at times aligning as an �I� FB
* Stewart really impressive: Very quick feet laterally, Naturally powerful to shed tacklers � He runs with a lot of juice
* Panthers ran a primitive offense in terms of personnel, formations and play calling; I felt like I was watching a game from the 1980s when almost every offense was 2 back and 1 TE, or 1 back and 2 TE
* Falcons defense did very little to change the tempo of the game, They rarely blitzed and they played a lot of zone coverage � They seemed reactive and back on their heels most of the game
* LG Bernadeau played well in this game, That�s bodes well for the Panthers as the season progresses
* On the 3 plays of the final TD drive, which ended with Stewart 45 yd TD, the Panthers had �22� personnel (2 backs and 2 TEs on the field); On the first 2 plays, the Falcons matched up with 4-4 personnel � On the Stewart TD, the Falcons matched up with 4-3 personnel; They played the 3rd + 4 down and distance, not the Panthers personnel
* This game showcased the Panthers offensive profile, the only profile that can work for them because of the limitations of Delhomme

OVER THE PAST 13 YEARS WHO HAS BEEN THE BEST FALCON QB?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:11:35 +0000

CHRIS CHANDLER QB'ED US TO OUR FIRST AND ONLY SUPERBOWL

MICHAEL VICK ELECTRIFIED THE DOME, CREATED A SEASON TIX WAITING LIST. WON 2 PLAYOFF GAMES, TOOK THIS TEAM TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. AND BY THE WORDS OF SNITCHES RECEIVED JAIL TIME FOR KILLING SOME DOGS THAT NO ONE REALLY CARES ABOUT

JOEY HEISMAN HAD A HOT WIFE

CHRIS REDMAN IS THE ONLY MAN IN ATLANTA THAT SENDS BOBBY PETRINO CHRISTMAS CARDS.

MATTY RYAN WON A BUNCH OF GAMES AGAINST SCUBS HIS FIRST SEASON. WON NFL OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, AND WENT TO THE PLAYOFFS WHERE HE TOOK AN "L"

Thomas Dimitroff 680 the fan interview

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:23:38 +0000

Thomas Dimitroff 680 THE FAN INTERVIEW