This is Why We Chop

For the past several weeks, I’ve been going to bed too late, which in turn makes me get up to late, which inevitably leads to me getting to work late.  For pretty much every game of the Braves recent west coast swing, I would get in bed around 10:30, say I wasn’t going to stay up late and watch the game and, after turning it on “just to check the score” find myself still watching the 6^th or 7^th inning after midnight.

Last night, I didn’t even turn the game on.  When my friend Robert texted me “fucking barves” early in the game, I checked the score and saw we were down 6-0.  To the Phillies.  To Halladay. Game over.  A little while later, I saw on facebook that McCann hit a grand slam.  Maybe the game wasn’t over.  When I checked the score again, we were down big again.  When I got in bed, I had another text from Robert, “if you still aren’t watching….” .  I turned the game on just as we were headed to extras.  I knew immediately I was going to be late for work today.

A few minutes after Chipper put a ball in the outfield seats, as I exchanged excited texts with some of my friends and saw my facebook newsfeed go crazy with exaltation over the game winner, I started thinking, “Why does this make me so happy?  Why do I care so much?” 

The answer I came up with will make no sense to sports fans.  Hell, it might not even make sense to a lot of people who like sports.  Other than my family, the Braves have been the biggest constant in my life.  1991, when I was seven, was a big year for me.  My family moved to Macon and we were able to get cable (including TBS) for the first time.  It was my first year of T-ball.  The Macon Braves, like me, were new to town and my parents took us a LOT.  We had my birthday party there.  Chipper Jones and some other minor league players carried my birthday cake out and sang me happy birthday.  It was a magical year for baseball.  I also went to my first major league games, at the old Fulton County Stadium.  Nothing will ever match those summer games against the Dodgers, sitting there next to my dad, learning the game, learning to love the game, and hating Darryll Strawberry, Eddie Murray, Brett Butler, and Ramon Martinez with every ounce of my soul.  Being in that stadium on the last day of the season, against the Astros, the day after I had watched on TV as Greg Olsen jump into John Smoltz’s arms as the Braves clinched, will probably forever be the biggest and best party I’ve ever been to.  Every single night that season, I would have to go to bed before the games were over.  I would wake up around 5:30 AM and run to the dining room table, where my mom or dad would leave me a note with the hopefully good (but occasionally bad news) of how the game had ended.

It has been over 20 years since that magical season.  Just last week was 21 years since I sat there and watched Chipper with that birthday cake (probably not that happy to be doing it.  Can you imagine any bonus baby that would be?  Also, that part of the birthday party program didn’t last long.  Go figure).  Chipper Jones has never been my favorite player, I’ve always been more partial to players like Mark Derosa, Charles Thomas, and Johnny Venter’s, but Chipper has ALWAYS been there.  The Braves have ALWAYS been there.  I cried like a baby the first time Chipper tore his ACL in 1994.  I handled it better when I watched him tear it again two years ago.  I was grownup, and grownups can’t cry about baseball.  So when I found myself watching Chipper’s postgame interview after his walk off homer that ended one of the best Braves games of the past 20 years, I was surprised to find my eyes welling up as I realized that Chipper was just as excited as I was.

I’ve grown up with the Braves.  I’ve moved around the state, gone to college, worked different places, made and lost friends.  Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, et. all have always been there.  They’ve gone with me everywhere I’ve gone.

 I’ve become a man and these days I can stay up as late as I want and watch the games.  I don’t have to wake up to a note on the table letting me know if the Braves won or lost.  But the Braves are like family to me.  They are a part of me.  And most importantly, they still make me feel like that seven year old boy, living and dying with every strike and every out.  That is why I care so much. That is why I love baseball.    

   

Week 16-Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Preview

Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints Preview - It's Hate Week, Christmas Edition

Somehow it's already week 16 of the NFL season which gives us the game we've all been waiting for, the Atlanta Falcons (12-2) and the New Orleans Saints (10-4) on football's biggest stage, Monday Night Football. This rivalry is viewed nationally and by saints fans as a one sided affair, but make no mistake this is far from a one dog fight. The two organizations have very similar histories and were birthed just a year apart, with the Atlanta franchise coming first in 1966. Falcons have an overall record of 288-392-6 (.424) slightly below that of the Saints' 285-382-5 (.427). Both teams have only one NFC championship each and as saints fans will quickly jump to let you know their visit brought home the Lombardi trophy.

The series holds different results, the Falcons hold a firm grip on the series record that stands at 46-37(1-0 postseason). The rivalry is on built deeply on hatred as anyone can tell you that's been to a contest where the two have done battle. It's not a series rooted in streaks or tendencies, however 1995 through the 2000 season never witnessed a New Orleans victory. Even during their championship run a year ago it's hard to argue, if you watched the games, that Atlanta wasn't their two toughest wins. Growing up I always heard accounts of the busses trips organized by rival fans for away games that almost always erupted into fights upon arrival. When these two teams square off you also don't see a lot of blow out, though there have been a few. The largest margin of victory came in 1973 when the Falcons handed the saints a 62-7 thumping. In 1987 the saints recoded their biggest win shutting out Atlanta 38-0.

Like in series past the 83rd addition of the rivalry saw a tough competitive fight in week three of this year. After forcing three and out To start the game the saints 1st quarter, got on the board after a big punt return by lance moore, who would be a thorn in the Falcons side all day. The away team quickly returned punches scoring on their ensuing drive to tie the game at sevens. Things got even better for Atlanta by intercepting Bresus' first pass of their next drive, but could not capitalize on the miscue and after punting were quickly bitten again by the man that wears eye black under only one eye....even in domes. The 2nd quarter only saw on score, but it was a prototypical Falcons' drive eating up over 10 minutes of clock, covering 70 yards on twenty plays, capped off by a Turner one-yard touchdown. After coming out of halftime all square at 14, the second half didn't help answer any questions as the two teams traded 7-3 quarters. The final score of regulation coming off the foot of, the soon to be goat, hartley wi under ten seconds left on the clock. In extra time the Falcon's offense gave the saints the ball after only four plays and sat back as they watched them drive nearly the length of the field before the aforementioned goat booted the would-be game winner WIDE LEFT. Not to be denied again Matty Ice and the offense overcame a 10 yard penalty to start the drive and orchestrated a drive to set up Matt Bryant from 46 yards and watched as the ball sailed throw the uprights. Falcons win 27-24

Fast forward to week 16 and a game where the two NFC South teams will face at the peek of health. Since their meeting in September the saints have posted a 8-3 record highlighted by a 20-10 win against the Steelers with loses at Arizona, to Cleveland, and last week in Baltimore. The weeks since their last meeting has also seen brees add to a season total of 19 interceptions,10 more than his counterpart, throwing at least one in his last 10 contests.

The Falcons have flown relatively under the radar while compiling a league best 14-2 record thanks in large part to a consistent offensive attack that eats away at the play clock and a very underrated 'bend but don't break' defense led by John Abraham and his 12 sacks, good for third highest in the NFL in spite of fewer plays.

This game is gigantic even without the playoff implications and the national spotlight and when you add it all together with the world war that's going on between fans online it is going to be an interesting battle Monday night. With a win on Monday or against Carolina in week 17, Atlanta can secure the number one seed in the NFC and Dome Field Advantage through the playoffs. The saints need a win to guarantee their spot in the postseason as well. This game comes down to if Michael Turner can get those tree trunks he calls legs to burn up yardage against the new orleans defense that gave up 153 yards on the ground to Ray Rice a week ago. The Falcons can also help their cause by limiting the big plays and wrapping up in the tackles as the saints an extremely fast offensive unit. I think brees attempts to go to their air very often and using his running backs as outlets routinely.

Falcons 37-29

NFL Week 15-Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks Review

This game is what most of us expected, a grind it out type of game. The Falcons were almost dead even on offensive plays mixing between 35 passing plays to 37 rushing. The Falcons were held to under 100 yards rushing as a team for the sixth time this season (Steelers, 49ers-98, Eagles, Ravens, Buccaneers). One popular belief of the national media is that if you stop the Falcons rush you shut us down, clearly not the case. That being said, when Atlanta rushes for 100 yards, and more importantly when Michael Turner eclipses the century mark the Falcons become a dangerous team, going 17-2 when it happens. Even without ever getting the going they won their third game road game and a league leading eighth overall.  

The defense looked shaky at best on the first drive of the game getting eaten up for yardage as the Seahawks offense went to work mixing between swing passes and runs up the gut. Van Gorder seemingly rallied his troops and took away the swing passes and receiver screens for the rest of the game. In the 3^rd quarter, when the defense has been susceptible to mistakes, they stepped up and forced 3 turnovers.

While we’re talking about the Atlanta defense that is constantly getting drug through the mud, I ask the question, who in the NFC is better on D? This same defense held the Seahawks to their third lowest yardage total on the season only allowing 235 yards. Two teams that some say are better than ATL on D are New Orleans, gave up 424 to Seattle, and the Chicago Bears who surrendered 353 yards both of these teams played their games against the Seahawks at home. I’m not saying that Atlanta has the best defense, but it is far from the liability it’s being called around the nation. They have only allowed over 25 points twice this season and it was to Cincinnati, who lit it up through the air after exhaling a little too early after heading to half up 24-3.Chicago has also only given up 25-plus points twice, elsewhere NFC teams New Orleans has done so five times, the Eagles seven times, Giants six times. The Packers have a great defense but right now they’re on the outside of the playoffs looking in.

Matt Ryan didn’t have a killer game, but he led the team in the most hostile environment in the league and communicated like a 10 year vet. His interception to lil’ Babs was about as bad as they come since he never saw him coming, but didn’t have many other poor throws. The Falcons’ signal caller now has 32 career wins as a starter in his first three seasons, the second-most wins of any quarterback to begin their career since the merger, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. His primary target, Roddy White had seven receptions to give him 106 for the season. White is the third Falcons player with 100 or more receptions in a season and is five shy of tying the single-season record set by Terrance Mathis in 1994.

With under 2 minutes to play in the first half Atlanta marched down the field and added seven points to the scoreboard and in true Falcons’ fashion did so using 13 total plays.

The special teams unit continued to play consistent football in all areas. One of the biggest plays of the game was Michael Koenenan’s 56-yard punt that pinned Seattle at their own 4-yard line and led to the Anderson strip of Hasselbeck that was recovered for a TD by big Babs. 

NFL Team's Christmas Wish List

With millions of dollars, free agency, and the draft for most teams their wish lists becomes a reality more often than not. This is an examination of what each team would like waiting under the proverbial tree.

1. Arizona Cardinals - Quarterback that doesn’t joke around. After watching Kurt Warner light defenses up and lead their teams for five years now the Cardinals have had to endure a season of Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and for a brief stint Matt Lienart. We all knew coming into the season Lienart didn’t have what it took. I haven’t and don’t expect to see Derek Anderson return to the year of greatness he had in Cleveland.

2. Atlanta Falcons - Dome Field Advantage. Two wins in the final three weeks can lock up home field advantage for a team that could us it the most.

3. Baltimore Ravens - Anti-Aging Cream. This defense is old, a really good defense, but about as old as I’ve seen in a while. They’re going to have to play a lot younger down the stretch. On Monday night they gave up two 90+ yard drives to Houston, both resulting in touchdowns.

4. Buffalo Bills - Divisional Win. They’ll get their chance this weekend against Miami, if they can’t beat the Dolphins it gets harder facing the Patriots and the Jets to close out the season. A divisional win would be big to build on for 2011, though a running back would help out more.

5. Carolina Panthers - Bill Cowher. With the Cats unlikely to resign John Fox they can only hope that Cowher is ready to return to coaching close to hope and leave Dan Marino, Shannon Sharpe, and the rest of CBS behind. John Gruden would be a nice option as well, especially with the ability to face his former Bucs twice a year, but Cowher should be their first choice.

6. Chicago Bears - Deluxe Sideline heaters. After facing the Patriots in a blizzard last week you would think anything would be better. Now they’re going to have to play Monday Night Football against the Vikings at TFC Bank Stadium, a stadium that has been covered in snow for three weeks and will be colder than Soldier Field was. After playing their last game of the season at Lambeau they might be looking forward to traveling for the playoffs.   

7. Cincinnati Bengals - Anyone at QB but a Palmer. I used to believe in Carson Palmer, but after his knee injury two years ago he’s getting progressively worse. To add insult to injury Carson’s back up is his little brother Jordan. They could also benefit from a Carolina win against Arizona that could help them get the first pick in the draft and Andrew Luck.

8. Cleveland Browns - 3 wins to finish 2010. Not only would ending the season on this streak get them to .500 it could also end the playoff hopes for one of their divisional foes the Steelers or Ravens. They could also benefit from a top notch receiver through the draft or free agency there will be plenty available from both.

9. Dallas Cowboys - Jason Garrett. I think their best move would be to take the interim title off their coaches name plate. He already knows the players, staff, and can create a smooth transition into the next chapter for America’s team. Hiring Garrett without interviewing others can also help alleviate the media madhouse that would be sure to follow.   

10. Denver Broncos - Veteran Leadership. Whether it’s through their new head coach or free agency, this team needs a veteran voice. The Broncos are a young and very talented team and the youth has shown in multiple blow out loses in which they were not at a talent disadvantage.

11. Detroit Lions - Resigning Megatron. If the NFL teams lined up to see Santa, the Lions would be the annoying kid with a two page list. They’re not nearly the worse-off team in the league, but with their history they want badly to turn the tables. They could use better luck, between injuries and losing 6 of their 10 losses by 5 points or less. I think signing Calvin Johnson is the most important. He has already come out and voiced his displeasure of losing, something that has become synonymous with Detroit. By resigning him before the last two years are up they can secure the Stafford-Johnson tandem and guarantee their core.

12. Green Bay Packers - Good Health. No team in recent history has been as hit so hard by injuries. The Pack hasn’t been bitten by the short term bug either placing 15 players on IR and losing others for various lengths of time.

13. Houston Texans - Secondary Help. No team has been worse at defending the pass than this group. Whether through the draft or free agency or both they have to improve this unit that’s giving up more than 275 yards a game through the air.

14. Indianapolis Colts - Return of the real Peyton. Like the Packers, they could benefit from better health, but Peyton hasn’t been Peyton lately. They could greatly benefit from a solid running back in the draft, but with the playoffs still very much in play for Indy, they need a solution for the rest of this season.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars - Return to the Postseason. A divisional championship is within reach and could lead to the Jaguars first playoff game since 2007. The odds increase with a win against the Colts on Sunday. Making the playoffs would be huge for first year GM Gene Smith and allow for instant gratification.

16.Kansas City Chiefs - Patience. Not only are the Chiefs currently leading the AFC West, but they’re doing it with an experienced coaching staff and a large crop of young talent. If the Chiefs fall early in the postseason or fail to make the playoffs, with the Chargers making their usual December run, the entire Kansas City family must realize they’re built for the long haul and not a one-year playoff run.

Rendering of the New Marlins Stadium

17.Miami Dolphins - A New Marlins Stadium. Nothing is worse than playing three home games with a baseball infield in the middle of your stadium. Getting the Marlins’ stadium built would be a big win to the Fins.

18. Minnesota Vikings - A New Roof. Having to move one game to Detroit and playing another outside and across town the Vikings will have the entire offseason to not only fix the roof, but to leverage local officials for a new stadium. They could also stand to erase any history of the Brett Favre debacle.

19. New England Patriots - Breakfast in Bed. What could the Patriots possibly ask for, they’re everyone’s early Super Bowl favorites, they have a stockpile of draft picks in 2011 (2 draft picks in each of the first four rounds), and all the pressure has shifted to the Jets.

20. New Orleans Saints - A loss to Atlanta on MNF. Nothing could be better for the Saints than a “L” in ATL…..right? Keeping their current coaching staff intact with all the likely head coaching position opening up would be big moving forward.

21. New York Giants - A Gameplan for Vick. A win against Philly on Sunday would keep the Giants’ hopes for a first round bye alive. It’s no secret to stop the Eagles, they must stop Vick. The Cowboys and Bears have slowed down number 7 and the Giants have the defensive speed to generate pressure.

22. New York Jets - A Delorean. From week 2 up to their bye in week seven New York was playing great football on both sides of the ball. Since their loss to Green Bay at home their offense has been anemic and their defense has gotten progressively worse thanks in large part to injuries. I’m not sure what during their week off, but it seems to be the root of their problems. They need Doc Brown to strap them in and take them back to mid-September.

Rex Ryan's Possible New Whip

23. Oakland Raiders - Quality Quarterback Play. Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski were serviceable this year, but are nowhere close to long term solutions. Would it surprise anyone if Al Davis went after Cam Newton in the draft or made a play at McNabb?

24. Philadelphia Eagles - Retaining Vick. Michael Vick will have suitor lining up to talk to him after the season, that could include, Minnesota, Tennessee, Oakland, Washington, Denver, Miami, and possibly others. With piles of debt and even more talent Vick should be looking for the best situation in terms of surrounding talent, money, and length of contract. You would figure that he will listen to Philly before all others for giving him a chance. Vick is also most likely to succeed in offenses with a wealth of speed…sounds like the Eagles to me.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers - Clone Polamalu. Hey, if anyone can do it its Santa right? You can’t have what you don’t ask for. Runner-up would have to be a quite postseason for Big Ben.

26. San Diego Chargers - An Entire Season Played in December. Under Norv Turner this team routinely comes slow out of the gate, but seems to always make a late run for the playoffs. Short of the firing, retiring, or resigning of Turner, this is their best shot of putting together a solid season.

27. San Francisco 49ers - Answers. The 49ers are going to be loaded with questions this offseason. Whether to keep Singletary, stick with either or both Smith’s at QB-both will be free agents in 2010, plan for the future at running back. Frank Gore will be a free agent in 2012, so they need to judge the likelihood of resigning him to plan for the draft. I don’t think management wants to answer any of these questions.

28. Seattle Seahawks - An Actual 12^th Man. The Seahawks are known for their loud fan base, known as the 12^th man, but they’d be better off with an actual twelfth man on offense and defense playing Atlanta this week.

29. St. Louis Rams - Extra Football. Making the playoffs this year would be at least a year ahead of schedule for St. Louis. Not only would they have an extra game to get better for next year, but likely an additional home game to help pay for all the high draft picks they’ve gotten recently.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Return of the Fans. The Pewter Pirates have played great this year, but even an increasing level of play couldn’t prevent blackouts when Pittsburgh and Atlanta came to town.

31. Tennessee Titans - Larry Hayes, Jr. “Larry Hayes, Jr. is a family law attorney in Nashville, Tennessee who focuses on divorce cases involving large estates or complex issues  at the trial and appellate levels.” Clearly this is where the Titans are headed with Vince Young and Jeff Fisher.

32. Washington Redskins - A New Owner. Let’s not kid ourselves by thinking Daniel Snyder is anything more than one of the worst NFL owner in the league in terms of putting out a quality product. Constantly overpaying for mediocre and aging talent, constant coaching changes, putting personalities that have no chance of messing together. Redskin fans have to be tired of this.

Agree or disagree with your team's wish? Let us know in the comments.

Week 15-Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons – Seattle Seahawks

The Falcons (11-2) could have a spot in the postseason locked up before they kickoff in Seattle at 4:15pm this Sunday, if the Giants lose to Philadelphia (1pm, FOX). Regardless of what happens around the rest of the league Atlanta can return to the playoffs by taking care of business against the Seahawks. Loses or ties by the Bears or the Packers will also punch the Birds’ ticket to extra football.

This game will be much tougher than the home team’s 6-7 record indicates. The Seahawks are still somehow fighting for a playoff spot thanks to the ineptitude of the NFC West and are coming off an embarrassing loss 40-21 in San Francisco so I expect them to come out focused and rather pissed off. The Flacons will also have to battle the “12^th Man” and avoid additional penalties after playing two straight divisional road games in non-sold-out venues. Qwest Field, known as being the loudest stadium in the league, does however have Fieldturf which will be a step up from the rather suspect fields at Raymond James and Bank of America stadiums.

The Seahawks have been up and down this year under first year coach Pete Carroll. Their team high came in week six when they traveled to Chicago and beat the Bears 23-20. Their other five wins have been much less impressive beating division rival Arizona twice and Carolina, San Diego, and the 49ers all at home. In their seven losses they have been outscores an embarrassing 241-91, and average of 34-14 be closest loss came in New Orleans by 15.

Long road trips are never easy as the saints proved earlier in the year with a loss in Arizona. The Falcons have shown focus on the road, in their last cross country road trips they traveled to San Francisco and handed the 2009 49ers a 45-10 defeat.

The forecast for this contest looks almost identical to last Sunday’s game in Charlotte, low 40s with a chance of rain. I look for a similar game plan on offense this week as we saw against the Panthers, the hopeful return of Jason Snelling should help Turner out with the carrying the rock, which he did 28 times in the game.

I expect Matty Ice to air it out early and often against the pass defense ranked 30^th allowing 266 yards passing per game. Last week this same pass defense made the otherwise incompetent Alex Smith look like an MVP candidate finishing the game with three touchdowns and a QB rating of 130.9 destroying his previous high of 92.8. Ryan should come out and distribute to everyone on the offense setting up Turner to gash the defense for a few long runs.

On the subject of quarterbacks Matt Hasselbeck is still lacing them up now in his 12^th year in the league. Hasselbeck has thrown EIGHT interceptions in his last 3 games giving him a total of 15 on the season. Conversely the other QB out of Boston College has thrown just 8 picks all year.

As prone as the Seahawks are to turning the ball over, the Falcons are just as good in creating turnovers. accumulating The defense should add to their total of 17 interceptions and at least  one in eleven games in 2010.

The Seahawks aren’t exactly blazing a path in the running game either. Their leading rusher is Justin Forsett who has 474 yards and only 2 touchdowns, though the numbers are a little low because they seem to enforce a run by committee style with Marshawn Lynch who has a whopping 5 scores with his new team.

The Falcons must stay focused on this road trip, needing to win two of the final three games to secure home field advantage through the playoffs. Otherwise they could be heading back out to Seattle in the first round of the playoffs, because someone has to win the NFC West.

Prediction: Falcons 29-13

Target Destroyed - Atlanta Falcons-Carolina Panther Review

Atlanta Falcons-Carolina Panther review

The Atlanta Falcons picked up yardage on the ground, through the air, created turnovers, and played an all around solid 60-minutes on their way to a 31-10 victory in the cold and rain. There aren’t many better ways to start a game than to force a fumble on the first play from scrimmage and cash it in for seven points three plays later. And I would be lying if my heart didn’t appreciate the week off from a stress inducing three hours climaxing in the final minute. There are some great things to take from the game and not much to complain about especially when the Falcons returned to Atlanta safely and with a league-best 11-2 record. The Falcons absolutely dominated the box score in the first half leading in total yardage; 202-33, first downs; 13-2, and time of possession 19 minutes to10.

During the game a couple of Falcons reached some milestones including John Abraham who recorded his career 100^th sack good for 26^th all-time it was also his 9^th in his last eight games. Atlanta became the first team in NFC to have a 3,000-yd passer, 1,000-yd receiver & 1,000-yd rusher this year, Houston is the only other team to have reached these numbers in 2010.

The second half run defense scared me a little bit and the lack of killer instinct on with the offensive and defensive play calling when the Falcons come out of halftime. Jonathan Stewart is an incredibly solid and explosive running back and with Goodson cleaning up, it’s not like we were run all over by Michael Robinson, Marshawn Lynch, and Justin Forsett (note is that happens this week, we have a problem). Before today, the rush defense has done a solid job this year only allowing 98.5 yards on average, good enough to be ranked 8^th in the league. Van Gorder’s group hasn’t exactly been going up against a “B” list squad of running backs either, they’ve faced Mendenhall (120 yards, only 70 before the long overtime 50 yard run), Hightower (115, 80 of which was on a busted coverage), Frank Gore (77), Peyton Hillis to (28), Cedric Benson (70), Steven Jackson (54) and Ray Rice to (59). They’ve allowed a few big runs this season to poor angles and did so today, but they’re playing the run solidly.

The defense, as predicted, got pressure early and often on Clausen and finished with 5 sacks and not just hurries like in weeks past, although Rogers, Freeman, and Bradford are more mobile than Ole Jimmy boy. Most of Clausen’s 107 passing yards came while the defense was in the prevent late in the game, almost exclusively to the rookie wideout LaFell.  

Harry Douglas looks to be closing in on or has finally arrived at 100% health, and said as much after the game. We so often see players returning from knee injuries in record time (Welker) that when a year passes and they’re not back to or better than before we tend to forget about the injury and assume there is something wrong with them. With a receiver of that skill set is built around blazing speed, it’s not a surprise that it has taken him a little longer to progress. Another thing to consider is that once an athlete is 100 percent back to ‘normal’ they have to regain confidence in their ability and their healed body. If HD is back to that level, it could add an extra kick to this offense that teams have to gameplan around.

Ryan did a great job of spreading the ball around and did so early hitting 8 different receivers while he targeted nine. All in all Ryan completed 20 of 34 (58.8%) for 227 yards. When you take away the unselfish interception thrown right before halftime while trying to put up additional points Ryan had a QB rating of 91.35 (up from 76.5 including the INT and the extra incompletion) which is good for Matty Ice on the road in the cold.

Michael Turner knew the game plan ran through him and he not only accepted it, but seemed to love it. Gartrell is serviceable in pass protection, but he's not even close to the same league as Snelling in the running or pass catching ability. If we can get away with it (assuming he's healthy enough) I'd love to practice him 2-3 days this week but keep him on the sideline in Coffeetown. Ovie provided the biggest shockedr of the day by dropping a pass, but made up for it and has shown how important he is since Snellings sidelining. Turner churned out 112 with a 4 yard average and 3 Six-pointers. For as bad of a rap left tackle Sam Baker received earlier in the year, this statistic is interesting to say the least; “Michael Turner rushed in the direction of starting left tackle Sam Baker six times Sunday and scored on three of those. Entering Week 14, Mike Tolbert led the league with four touchdowns when rushing towards the left tackle”(ESPN, Stats & Information).

There's not too much to say about this game, it's what we thought would happen. It was great to see the way Falcons fans showed up and traveled to Charlotte as there seemed to be more Red and black than teal.

The Falcons did a good job of limiting the stupid penalties, handling another divisional road game, and got out of Charlotte without any new injuries. The Falcons only had one penalty all day, an illegal block for 10 yards on a Panther punt, on 4^th and 11 that didn’t hurt the Falcons. One the ensuing drive the Falcons started at their own 15 and proceeded to drive 64 yards meticulously melting 8:48 off the clock on eighteen play, but only got a 39-yard field goal by Matt Bryant. The drive was huge in eating clock, but against better teams the offense needs to finish these drives with a throat stomping score that a touchdown would have been.   

Coming up a long road trip to Seattle for another important conference game against a Seahawk team that lost today 40-21 in San Francisco. 

Week 14-Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers

The I-85 Rivalry 


The Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers have battled it out since the cats were enfranchised into the NFL in 1995, both competing in the old NFC West. The rivalry has had its share of blow outs, close games, and big plays. The first meeting led to an overtime win by the Falcons 30-23 in Atlanta. Although many Falcons consider the New Orleans Saints to be their primary rival, Atlanta has come to be the biggest rival for the Panthers. I have read articles stating that Carolina’s biggest rivalry is with the Pewter Pirates, but I just don’t believe that, they didn’t start playing regularly until the 2002 realignment. One of the biggest reasons why the rivalry hasn’t grown even more is the fact that one team is usually significantly better than the other. If one team is leading the division the other seemingly is always bringing up the rear. The series has also seen its share of streaks, from 1998 to 2002, Atlanta punished Carolina winning 9 out of 10 matchups, including a streak of 6 Falcon victories from 2000 through 2002. The Dirty Birds lead the overall series record 18-12.

Some of the biggest plays have happened when these two teams square off. One of these big plays was what I consider THE superman play by Michael Vick, a play that made your jaw drop because some how his knee never hit the ground on the dive towards the endzone for the score to send it into overtime. If you want to see the play it’s #2 on the following highlight: 

One of the biggest plays in recent years came two years ago in the Georgia Dome when Harry Douglas returned a punt for a 60-yard TD to blow the game wide open. One of the biggest player rivalries if you will grew between Julius Peppers and Michael Vick, which reappeared in Chicago three weeks ago.

This year’s first installment is a perfect of the one team up the other down philosophy to the series. Sunday’s matchup pits an 10-2 Falcons team on top of the NFC heading to Charlotte to face the 1-11 Panthers, who have faced their share of injuries this season. It’s possible that the largest margin of victory in the series could be challenged after being set in 2002 with a 41-0 victory for ATL. One reason for a possible blow out is the rushing defense currently ranked 27^th in the league. If the Falcons can commit pound the ball, wearing down the defense and sucking the safeties for added support, the deep ball should open up nicely. The Panthers’ offense has looked anemic at best throughout the season. I look for Matt Ryan to put together a solid game on the road gaining confidence heading to Seattle in a week, while Turner adds 150-plus yards on the ground. The defense should look to pressure rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen all day and dare him to beat them through the air. Clausen ranks last in completion percentage (50.5), passing yards (1,056), TDs (1), and rating (55.3) among quarterbacks with at least 200 passing attempts.

Coach Smtih and the rest of the team are saying all the right things about staying focused, not looking ahead, and taking this road swing and season one step at a time. Even with the Panthers sitting at the bottom of the heap, the Falcons cannot overlook them.

Believe the team when they say they’re focused…Falcons win this divisional road game 32-13(Robert), 34-17(Dekalb).  

NFL Week 13-Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 13 Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Recap of the Green Bay game: Obviously this was a huge win for the Falcons, who control their own destiny for home field advantage through the playoffs. There were a couple of things that really stuck out to me in this game:

-The Jason Snelling hamstring injury, which I’m assuming came on his flight through the air on the goal line. He was held out of the rest of the game which may have just been precautionary, but the Falcons need him down the stretch. He was also held out of practice on Wednesday, but we’ll see that a lot over the last month to keep players fresh. How big would it be to miss Snelling? Just look at a 3rd and 4 at GB 38 play early in the fourth quarter. With a 17-10 lead the Falcons were driving looking to ice the game, three out of the first four plays went to Michael Turner. Naturally the 2^nd guy spelled Turner, but this time it was Gartrell Johnson instead of Snelling that was targeted and Johnson failed to gain the 1^st down and fumbled the ball out of bounds on a play that Snelling moves the chain on more often than not. Speedy recovery #44.

-A play before the huge “catch” by Tony Gonzalez made on 4^th down, Ovie Mughelli made an essential play on dump off pass on 3^rd and 19 to pick up 16 to even make going for it on 4^th a question. Ovie’s contributions, like Snelling’s to this team are unquantifiable; they show up big week in and week out without much praise. This time it lead to a significant touchdown by Gonzalez.

- It’s hard to complain about the three personal foul penalties when this team has been so well disciplined all season, but they all came at bad times that either stalled their drives or furthered Packer drives. The first one on Harvey Dahl for pushing a defended to the ground after the play directly in front of the ref turning a manageable 3^rd and 6 into a drive killing 3^rd and 20. All was not lost as we still got 3 points out of it, but we were headed towards putting the road team down by 7 before they even got settled. The second PF was on Corey Peters where the ball carrier had just gotten past him and his hand landed on the facemask, in all fairness it looked like Brandon Jackson was headed toward picking up most of the added 15-yards anyways. The final foul was on William Moore, a second year player, for giving the receiver an extra healthy shove out of bounds that gave Aaron Rogers an extra push on the drive. Moore’s penalty looked like it was brought about from frustration and should be fixed moving forward.

Week 13 brings divisional foe Tampa Bay at the Pirate Ship. This game is important as all games in December are, but it looms large because of possible tie-breakers with New Orleans based on common opponents. It is never easy to beat a team twice, especially on the road, though it appears that Tampa area could be headed towards a blackout.

The last meeting, less than a month ago, ended with a goal line stand by the Falcons defense to preserve a 27-21 win. Since losing in Atlanta the Buccaneers have played some good football beating cellar dweller Carolina 31-16, traveling to San Francisco for an impressive 21-0 win before losing at Baltimore on Sunday by one seven 17-10. Second year quarterback Josh Freeman has not throw an interception since the 2-INT performance against the Falcons. Freeman’s errorless streak is a little surprising because Tampa seems to be leaning more heavily on him than earlier in the season. One thing to keep an eye on Sunday is designed runs and scrambling from Freeman after watching Aaron Rogers picking up multiple first downs leading the Packers in rushing with 55 yards. Will Van Gorder leave a spy in the box to counter act this? The Bucs’ passing game is less threatening than Green Bay’s and likely won’t require the extra defender in coverage.

I look for the Falcons to attempt to strike early through the air and saving Turner for the second half to wear down the defense if Jason Snelling cannot go. If Atlanta can get up early they need to put the game away, by not relaxing on defense play-calling, like they have been prone to do.

The Falcons’ special teams must keep the momentum build in the win against the Pack as we all saw Michael Spurlock’s speed in Atlanta as the speedster racked up 209 yards on only 4 returns, one going the distance.

The Falcons can make NFL history by playing their fifth game in a row without a turnover on Sunday. If the Falcons can do that, reduce the inopportune penalties and prevent Freeman from beating them with his legs I think they take one more step towards playing in the Dome in late January.

Score Prediction:

Robert: Falcons 30 Buccaneers 21

Dekalb: Falcons 27 Buccaneers 17

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings

Week 13 NFL Power Rankings

We got another great week of NFL action, the only game that was close unwatchable had a legitimate fist fight between Andre Johnson and the NFL’s dirtiest player Courtland Finnegan. We’re getting into crunch time where every game is that much more important.

To preface this post one of the things that makes the NFL better than college football is that you don’t need rankings, but in years where there is this much parity it makes it interesting to cross conferences and divisions to see how teams stack up. Power rankings mean different things to different people, but everyone does them including espn, cbs, si, blogs, radioshows. Some rankers put teams in order based on what have you done for me lately ranking teams mostly on what they have done over the last week or two. Others rank them based on the entire season while some create an order of who they think will end the season the highest.

Dekalb:

There are so many ways to do rankings, but in the end, what matters is the likelihood that your team is going to play into February and win the Super Bowl. That’s why I decided to rank the teams solely on the likelihood that they win the Super Bowl, in my opinion, as of right now. That left out a few teams, KC, the Jags, and the Buccaneers; all nice teams, but teams that I would give almost no chance of going all the way. Without further ado, here we go:

12. Indianapolis Colts- Yes, I know that they are 6-5 now. Yes, I know that they are probably going to have to win the division to get into the playoffs with a wildcard being a longshot. Yes, I know there team has been decimated by injuries. You know what else I know, though? They still have Peyton Manning. As you will learn as the rankings progress, I put a lot of stock in having a top notch quarterback. I know he has thrown a heap of interceptions the past two weeks, but as long as Peyton is their QB and head coach, I’m giving them a puncher’s chance in the playoffs

11. Chicago Bears- The 2010 Bears have to be, in my opinion, probably the worst 8-3 team I have seen since I started watching football (around 20 years). I don’t trust their coach. I don’t trust them not having a serious injury. I don’t trust their offensive line. And last, but certainly not least, I don’t trust their pansy quarterback-Mr. Jay Cutler. With all that being said, they should beat the Lions and Vikings (especially if ADP is still banged up) which means if they can win one game out of New England, the Jets, and at Green Bay, this is an 11-win team, which would probably get them a first round playoff bye and a second round game at Soldier Field (maybe the most underrated home field advantage in football).

10. New York Giants- Kind of like the Bears. Good defense, serviceable offense, but I don’t really trust them. The only reason I have them ranked above the Bears is because Eli and Coughlin have done it before.

9. Green Bay Packers- If this were a ranking of who I think is the best football team on any given day, the Packers would probably be top 4 or 5. Since it is a ranking of who I think is most likely to win the Super Bowl, I have them here. If Ryan Grant hadn’t gotten hurt, they would probably be the best team in football right now but there is just no way I can see a team that can’t run the ball winning four straight playoff games. After watching them play the Falcons this week, I feel pretty confident their inability to punch the ball in when they get in the redzone and pick up short yardage 3^rd and 4^th downs will be this team’s downfall.

8. The San Diego Chargers- The Chargers are the lowest ranked team I can really see winning the Super Bowl this year. (Yes, that means there are 8 teams that I can legitimately see winning the title). If Vincent Jackson and an injured Antonio Gates can get back to full speed, their offense, which has already been good, could be silly. If Norv Turner wasn’t their coach, I would probably have them in the top 5. Even with Norv, I can absolutely see this team going all the way.

7. New York Jets- I know most everyone is drinking the Sanchize Kool-Aid, but I’m not yet. The Jets seem to win ugly a lot, and I don’t think they have what it takes to knock off two of the three teams in New England, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore, something they would almost certainly have to do to get to Dallas.

6. Baltimore Ravens-The Ravens have all the ingredients to be a Super Bowl Contender, but they just don’t quite pass the smell test with me. Something about this team just seems off to me and I can’t quite put my finger on it. With all that being said, I still couldn’t put them any lower than 6.

5. Philadelphia Eagles- This team is LOADED with weapons. DeSean, LeSean, Maclin, and most importantly the resurrected most exciting player in football-Mike Vick. The Eagles have failed to score more than 25 points only once this season and that was the game Vick got knocked out of against the Redskins. They have a good defense, a good coach (yes, I think Andy Reid is a good coach) and I would be absolutely terrified to face them in the playoffs, and that to me is the sign of a good football team.

4. New Orleans Saints- The defending champs seem to have been disregarded by a lot of people, but they are realistically two plays away from being 10-1 right now. If they can get Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush back, an offense that has been serviceable all year with Chris Ivory and Julius Jones at running back becomes downright scary. They finish the regular season up with a tough slate (@Baltimore, @Atlanta, and against Tampa Bay), but if they can knock off Baltimore and Atlanta and the road to the Super Bowl goes through the SuperDome, they have to be the favorites in the NFC.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers- Kind of the opposite of the Ravens; they have all the ingredients and just seem like a Super Bowl team to me. If I was going to point to a potential problem spot for them, it would be the passing game (they rank 22^nd in the league). With their defense and running game though, and with battle tested Ben Roethlisberger at QB, the Steelers have an awful lot going for them. Side note: Has there ever been a cooler coach in the league than Mike Tomlin? Just watch him call time out when he is trying to Ice a kicker. He doesn’t get excited, he doesn’t run around, he doesn’t even move his hands; he just leans over calmly to the side judge and whispers “time out”. I love it.

2. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons seem to have a complete team, and seem to be putting it all together at the right time. This team just seems to find a way to get it done every week and as the season goes on they seem to be overflowing with confidence. Most importantly, they don’t lose at home and if they can get by the Bucs in Tampa Bay this weekend, they should go into the week 15 Monday Night showdown with New Orleans at 12-2. If the Falcons win out, even if they lose that game and go 13-3, they would own a home field advantage tie-breaker over the Bears. They would also, I think, own a tie-breaker over the Saints since one of the Falcon’s losses (Philly) was against a non-common opponent whereas the Saints 3^rd loss came to a shared opponent (the Cardinals). Expect more in my yearly playoff scenario tie-breaker shakedown, coming near the end of the season.

1. New England Patriots- They’ve got the best quarterback. They’ve got the best coach. They have a huge home field advantage. Injuries don’t seem to hurt them (unless it is Brady). Next week’s Monday nighter against the Jets is an almost must-win (strange to say about a 9-2 team). I expect the Patriots to handle the Jets and roll on to the Super Bowl; they just have that feel to me.

Robert:


1. New England Patriots

Coming off a competitive game against the Colts they demolished the Lions on a short week. The game in Detroit was a show of exactly what the Pats do, pile up points and dare you to attempt to score as much as they do. The Lions gave it their best shot, but tired late. I think the stress on opposing offenses coming into games is a huge advantage, because other teams enter wondering if they can put up as much as New England does if their offense is clicking. The defense is improving, though no one knows anyone on the two-deep.
      2. Atlanta Falcons

The defense is improving every week and should continue to improve as John Abraham and Sean Weatherspoon get closer to 100 percent. They’ve already played the best quarterbacks they’ll face this regular season and have to play Drew Brees again. The defense will have to face some good teams, but outside of New Orleans on Monday Night, they don’t face a top tier quarterback or running back the rest of the way. 
3. New York Jets

I have yet to really be impressed by this team the defense is really good, but no near as great as we thought it would be. The offense is coming together and if they could bottle up what they can do after the two minute warning they’d be dangerous. Tomlinson looks to get more and more tired each week and Greene still can’t get it going, though I feel that opposing defenses key in on him while he’s in the game. Since the Green Bay loss they just haven’t put it together despite winning each game. Next Monday night is gigantic game against the Pats. 
4. Chicago Bears

They laid out the game play on how to stop the Eagles, have a horrible field to slow down their speed... The D is playing very smart football right now. Since Lovie Smith talk to offensive coordinator Mike Martz about dialing back the offensive risk taking it seems to have allowed Forte to do what he does best, wear down a defense and break a long run. The change in play calling has also helped Cutler who is already a big risk taker. I’m not sure they can keep this lofty ranking, but for now they deserve it.
5. New Orleans Saints

I’m still not seeing amazing team the national media seemingly watches each week, but they’re improving and continue to show glimmers of looking scary on offense. Early in the game in Dallas they were moving at will and suddenly just stopped. I’m not sure if their offense is easy to make halftime adjustments to or what. New Orleans probably should have lost against Dallas, but didn’t and that’s all that matters. The defense is stopping team, but not getting the turnovers like last year. The rest of their schedule is relatively easy save Monday night at the Georgia Dome and a trip to Baltimore.
6. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a team that people have seemingly forgotten about after losing to the Falcons in the last minute, but with only three losses of a combined 13 points including that game in Atlanta and an overtime loss at New England. The third loss was at Cincinnati coming off the opening MNF game against the Jets. The media might be intimidated by their upcoming schedule, Pittsburgh, Houston, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, but all of those games are winnable and they may be favored in all of them.
7. Green Bay Packers

Before the loss to Atlanta I thought the Packers were the hottest team in the NFL coming off some impressive blowout wins, leading to the firing of two coaches. Green Bay will continue to win games a manageable schedule the rest of the way, the last game of the year against Chicago could be do or die for one of the teams or it could mean home field and a bye.
8. Philadelphia Eagles

I think Vick would be getting a lot more MVP talk if he had started from day one and hadn’t gotten injured. I think his time in prison doesn’t hurt him any more than it helps. The Eagles defense is playing much better than I expected them to coming into the season. The offensive line, the weakest part of this team, has done enough to keep Vick on his feet and keeping pressure away allowing more time for the incredibly patient passer.
9. New York Giants

This is where I feel like the drop off in teams begins. These teams to follow including the Giants are very inconsistent. As good as the Giants have played, there are some days where they just can’t seem to get things going on either side of the ball. Eli has had a tough task trying to build a report with new receivers after almost every receiver is day-to-day. Both sides of the ball have played their fair share of great games, but they need more consistency.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Everything said about the New York Giants could be copied and pasted here. They should have lost at Buffalo, though it is hard to play there. None of their losses have been bad at all a big credit to their defense keeping them in every game. One thing I worry about this squad is that James Harrison is probably going to get handed a suspension with one more questionable hit. The game against the Bills was a trap game and they may have been looking ahead to a big Sunday night battle against divisional foe Baltimore. The lack of a great all around receiver has hurt this team somewhat. Hines Ward is headed to the Hall of Fame, but is getting old and Mike Wallace can spread the field with the best of them, but I’m not convinced be can run more than a couple of routes.
11. Kansas City Chiefs

I predicted the Chiefs to win their division coming into the year and that feat is within their sights if they can hold off the surging Chargers. I went back and forth between KC and San Diego for the eleventh spot, but came to the conclusion of the Chiefs based on having more confidence on their overall team and coaches.
12. Indianapolis Colts

I’m giving the Colts the benefit of the doubt on this one. Manning has looked horrible the past two weeks despite putting up a lot of yardage. There is no question that the lack of anything resembling a running game continues to haunt the Colts. Playing in a very mediocre AFC South division, despite looking incredible weeks into the season, I still like their chances of making the playoffs. The running game has to get started up, because this defense isn’t going to shut down high profile defense.

Agree/Disagree? Let us know what you think of our rankings.

NFL Week 12-Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers

It’s week 12 in the NFL which matches arguably the best two teams in NFC, the Atlanta Falcons (8-2) and the Green Bay Packers(7-3). This is a huge game for the Falcons as a win would keep at least a one game lead on division foes, New Orleans Saints (7-3) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-3), and would give the Birds the tie-breaker if it comes down to ATL and the Pack for home field advantage and first round bye. It’s been well documented how strong the Falcons have been at home with Mike Smith and Matt Ryan, as the duo is 18-1(.947) in the Dome and if you’ll remember that one loss was in 2008 against the Denver Broncos in a game the Falcons had no business losing (Falcons gave up the game winning score with five minutes to play and on 3^rd and 18 from around the 50 with little over a minute to go the now sure handed Roddy White dropped a wide open TD pass in the endzone). The Dome should be rocking, especially after head coach Mike Smith has implored the fans to come out early and be loud as well as the great pregame concession deals they’ve created this year.

It was just six weeks before their only home loss that the Falcons proved to me that they were on the way back. On October 5^th, 2008 the new look birds traveled to Lambeau and came home with a 27-24 victory. The last meeting between these two teams helped Atlanta take a huge step forward in their 2008 playoffs run and their overall rejuvenation as a franchise. I remember keeping up with the game on my phone (I was working) and checking the score in the first quarter with the Falcons up 10 and lighting up with disbelief and telling another Falcons fan in amazement that we were leading the mighty Packers in Green Bay with that rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan. I got to my car after work just in time to hear Wes Durham count down the seconds to a huge win, a win that would propel the Falcons to an 11-5 record and a playoff birth.

Green Bay has always been somewhat of a measuring stick for Atlanta when they have met. In the 2003 playoffs the Falcons rolled into Wisconsin as the sixth seed to take on the Pack who were 13-0 all-time in home playoff games, including 11-0 at the house that Lombardi built. If that wasn’t enough the Packers (12-4) were the three seed and just one week before lost home field and a first round bye with a loss to the Jets. The Falcons not only ended the home playoff winning streak, but in convincing fashion, 27-7.

Now fast forward to 2010 where the two teams meet again, in what could be an even bigger for the Falcons as they take a step towards their next overall goal, a date in Dallas. Also, a win would guarantee a third straight winning season.

The Packers have been battling injuries all season long but are currently been playing some of the best football in the NFL. Most recently the Packers, like the Falcons, have won four straight games beating the Vikings at home 28-24, the Jets 9-0 at the New Meadowlands, before putting the last straw in both Cowboys’ coach Wade Phillip’s (45-7) and Vikings coach Brad Childress’ (31-3) firing hats. Obviously the Cheeseheads’ passing game with Aaron Rogers and Greg Jennings will be the focal point for Brian Van Gorder and the Atlanta defense. The home team could gain a big jolt if John Abraham can go this week (he missed the St. Louis game with a groin injury). Having the Predator and rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon on the field together for the first time since Cleveland would be a major upgrade to an already stout D. On the offensive side of the ball there has been a lot of talk about the explosiveness of the Packers, but the Falcons rank higher in 4 out of five key offensive categories including points, total offense, rushing yards/game, and TOS, while only five yards behind them in passing yards/game.

The overall record between these two opponents is 12-13 with the Packers holding a one game lead in the series.  Here’s hoping the Falcons tie up the series and take that next step in the Dimitroff/Smith Playbook.

What are your predictions for the Falcons-Packers game?