Dirty Birds Daily

On this day 13 years ago - Jan 17, 1999

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:19:10 +0000

The Falcons won the NFC Championship by defeating the Vikings 30-27. Chris Chandler had 355 total yards and 3 touchdowns.That was the 4th playoff win in franchise history for the Falcons. They have won two playoff games since then.

Playoff wins
Points	Date	Opp	Result
NFC Wild Card Round	Dec 24, 1978	PHI	W 14-13
NFC Wild Card Round	Dec 28, 1991	NO	W 27-20
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 09, 1999	SF	W 20-18
NFC Championship	Jan 17, 1999	MIN	W 30-27
NFC Wild Card Round	Jan 04, 2003	GB	W 27-7
NFC Divisional Round	Jan 15, 2005	STL	W 47-17

Falcons Crushed by Giants, 24-2, Knocked out of Playoffs

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

With a subpar outing for Matt Ryan, the Falcons were crushed by the Giants, 24-2 in East Rutherford. With the loss, Atlanta is eliminated from the playoffs.

Ryan couldn't reach the end zone as he went 24 for 41 passing for only 199 yards and no interceptions. Eli Manning put up better numbers for the Giants, and ended up going 23 of 32 with 277 yards through the air, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Michael Turner was unspectacular running for 41 yards on 15 carries. Julio Jones snagged seven balls for 64 yards.

The Atlanta defense gave up 172 yards rushing and 270 passing. They brought down Manning for one sack.

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was impressive, racking up 115 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Running back Brandon Jacobs also had a good game with 92 rushing yards.

Falcons Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
D+	67	M. Ryan	24	41	183	0	0

Giants Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A+	100	E. Manning	23	32	270	3	0

Falcons Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
C-	70	M. Turner	RB	15	41	2.7	0
B	85	J. Jones	WR	1	13	13.0	0
-	-	J. Snelling	RB	2	7	3.5	0

Giants Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A	94	B. Jacobs	RB	14	92	6.6	0
B	87	A. Bradshaw	RB	14	63	4.5	0
A+	100	E. Manning	QB	2	13	6.5	0

Falcons Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	85	J. Jones	WR	7	64	9.1	0
C+	78	R. White	WR	5	52	10.4	0
B-	82	T. Gonzalez	TE	4	44	11.0	0

Giants Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	H. Nicks	WR	6	115	19.2	2
B	87	M. Manningham	WR	4	68	17.0	1
C-	71	V. Cruz	WR	2	28	14.0	0

Wide Receiver Julio Jones Probable to Play NFC Wild Card Round Against Giants

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Wide receiver Julio Jones is listed as probable and should be available for Atlanta against the Giants on the road this week despite a thumb injury. On the year, Jones has 959 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.

Doubtful

Linebacker Stephen Nicholas, Toe

Questionable

Cornerback Brent Grimes, Knee

Probable

Defensive Tackle Peria Jerry, Calf
Wide Receiver Harry Douglas, Groin
Wide Receiver Roddy White, Hip
Safety William Moore, Groin
Wide Receiver Kerry Meier, Groin
Running Back Jason Snelling, Knee
Linebacker Curtis Lofton, Ankle
Fullback Mike Cox, Fingers
Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, Head
Running Back Michael Turner, Groin
Tight End Michael Palmer, Knee
Cornerback Christopher Owens, Hand
Wide Receiver Julio Jones, Thumb
Defensive Tackle Jonathan Babineaux, Hamstring

Injured Reserve

Cornerback Kelvin Hayden, Toe
Mike Johnson, Foot
Linebacker Mike Peterson, Triceps
Fullback Ovie Mughelli, Knee

Stat of the Day: Fewest sacks in a season

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:19:10 +0000

Since 1982, the fewest sacks recorded by the Falcons in a season is 17 in 1987. Buddy Moor led the team with 4 sacks in that season.

Top 5 Fewest Def Sacks
Sk	Season	Record
17	1987	3-12
18	1982	5-4
25	2007	4-12
25	1986	7-8
26	1993	6-10

Atlanta Falcons (10-6) Face New York Giants (9-7) in NFC Wild Card Round

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:09:13 +0000

The Atlanta Falcons can advance to an NFC Divisional Playoff Game when they go on the road to face off against the New York Giants. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM ET and the game can be seen on FOX.

In their previous contest, the Falcons hammered the Buccaneers 45-24. Curtis Lofton registered 14 tackles, one interception and found the end zone once. Michael Turner also had a nice game, with 17 carries for 172 yards, reaching the end zone twice. In their most recent game, the Giants brought down the Cowboys, 31-14. Eli Manning put forth a terrific effort, completing 24 of 33 for 346 yards passing, three touchdowns and no picks. Another solid outing came from Victor Cruz, who pulled in six passes for 178 yards and one score.

Falcons Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A-	91.5	M. Ryan	348	567	4,187	29	12

Giants Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A	93.5	E. Manning	359	589	4,933	29	16

Falcons Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B+	87.8	M. Turner	RB	301	1,340	4.5	11
D	65.0	J. Rodgers	RB	57	205	3.6	1
D	66.5	J. Snelling	RB	44	151	3.4	0

Giants Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	85.2	A. Bradshaw	RB	171	659	3.9	9
C	76.6	B. Jacobs	RB	152	571	3.8	7
C-	72.0	D. Ware	RB	46	163	3.5	0

Falcons Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A	95.2	R. White	WR	100	1,296	13.0	8
A	96.7	J. Jones	WR	54	959	17.8	8
A	95.3	T. Gonzalez	TE	80	875	10.9	7

Giants Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	98.6	V. Cruz	WR	82	1,536	18.7	9
A	94.1	H. Nicks	WR	76	1,192	15.7	7
B-	81.4	J. Ballard	TE	38	604	15.9	4

Curtis Lofton Wins the StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week: 01-03-2012

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn was spectacular through the air, setting a personal season high for passing yards in a game to become the StatSheet NFL Offensive Player of the Week. Flynn threw for 480 yards, six touchdowns and one interception completing 31 of 44 passes in the 45-41 victory over the Lions. For the season, he has passed for 518 yards with a 67.3% completion percentage, six touchdowns and two interceptions.

This is the first time this season that Flynn has won the award. Quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Lions is the runner-up (36-59, 520 pass yds, 5 TD, 2 int). Honorable mention goes to quarterback Drew Brees from the Saints (28-35, 389 pass yds, 5 TD, 1 int). Running back Michael Turner, who finished 10th, was the highest ranking player from the Falcons (17 car, 172 rush yds, 2 TD).

Last Three Winners: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Drew Brees (NO), Tony Romo (DAL)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week: Curtis Lofton, Atlanta Falcons

Our own Curtis Lofton had a spectacular game, registering a personal season high for stops in a game and earns the StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week award. Lofton had eight solo tackles and one interception during the dominating 45-24 win against the Buccaneers. In total for the season, he has 147 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions.

This is the first time Lofton has earned the award this season. The runner-up is linebacker Daryl Washington of the Cardinals (11.0 tkls, 11.0 solo, 1.0 sack). Vikings defensive end Jared Allen receives honorable mention (5.0 tkls, 3.0 solo, 3.5 sacks).

Last Three Winners: Brian Cushing (HOU), John Abraham (ATL), Terrell Suggs (BAL)

StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week: Victor Cruz, New York Giants

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz played exceptionally well, setting a personal season high for receiving yards in a game. Cruz finished the game with six receptions for 178 yards and one touchdown in the 31-14 victory over the Cowboys. So far this season, he has 1,536 yards receiving to go along with nine touchdowns.

Cruz has received the StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week award four times this season. Redskins running back Evan Royster is the runner-up (113 rush yds, 52 rec yds). Honorable mention goes to Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (4 rec, 76 rec yds, 2 TD).

Last Three Winners: Victor Cruz (NYG), Greg Little (CLE), Julio Jones (ATL)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week: Sterling Moore, New England Patriots

New England Patriots cornerback Sterling Moore capitalized on mistakes, setting a personal season high for interceptions in a game. Moore racked up two interceptions during the decisive 49-21 win over the Bills. For the year, he has seven tackles and two interceptions.

Moore wins his first StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week award this season. The runner-up is Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (7.0 tkls, 6.0 solo, 1.5 sacks). Cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seahawks receives honorable mention (6.0 tkls, 6.0 solo, 1.0 int).

Last Three Winners: Jonathan Nelson (CAR), Chris Harris (DEN), Chris White (BUF)

Passing Yards
Value	Name	Team
520	Matthew Stafford
480	Matt Flynn
417	Carson Palmer
389	Drew Brees
346	Eli Manning

Rushing Yards
Value	Name	Team
191	Ray Rice
172	Michael Turner
169	Maurice Jones-Drew
145	Willis McGahee
127	Chris Ivory

Receiving Yards
Value	Name	Team
244	Calvin Johnson
178	Victor Cruz
162	Jordy Nelson
149	Larry Fitzgerald
145	Marques Colston

Tackles
Value	Name	Team
15	James Anderson
14	Curtis Lofton
14	Kevin Burnett
13	David Hawthorne
13	D'Qwell Jackson

Sacks
Value	Name	Team
3	Jared Allen
2	Jeremy Mincey
2	Brian Orakpo
2	Antonio Smith
2	Osi Umenyiora

Total Points
Value	Name	Team
18	Jordy Nelson
14	Sebastian Janikowski
13	Dan Carpenter
13	Josh Scobee
12	Julio Jones

Falcons Beat Buccaneers, 45-24

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Michael Turner had a big day, paving the way to a blowout win for the Falcons over the Buccaneers, 45-24, at home.

Chris Redman didn't find the end zone and came away 7 for 12 for only 71 yards and one pick. In comparison, Josh Freeman went 31 of 45 with 274 yards passing, two touchdowns, three picks and one fumble for the Buccaneers.

Turner was a standout player for the Falcons, rushing for 172 yards on 17 attempts with two touchdowns. In the second quarter, he got loose for an 81-yard score. Julio Jones was a weapon for the offense, catching four passes for 76 yards with two touchdowns.

The Atlanta defensive unit led the way to a victory, allowing 35 yards rushing and 259 passing, returning one interception for touchdown. They got to Freeman for two sacks.

Buccaneers wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe gave a standout effort with 53 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Kellen Winslow also had a good game with 56 receiving yards.

Buccaneers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
C-	71	J. Freeman	31	45	259	2	3

Falcons Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
-	-	M. Ryan	6	9	106	2	0
-	-	C. Redman	7	12	71	0	1

Buccaneers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
C-	71	J. Freeman	QB	3	14	4.7	0
D+	69	L. Blount	RB	6	12	2.0	0
-	-	J. Johnson	QB	1	5	5.0	0

Falcons Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	M. Turner	RB	17	172	10.1	2
C+	77	J. Snelling	RB	9	50	5.6	0
D+	68	J. Rodgers	RB	8	24	3.0	1

Buccaneers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	82	P. Parker	WR	4	74	18.5	0
A-	92	K. Winslow	TE	7	56	8.0	0
A+	98	D. Briscoe	WR	8	53	6.6	2

Falcons Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A+	100	J. Jones	WR	4	76	19.0	2
C+	80	R. White	WR	4	69	17.3	0
D	63	E. Weems	WR	1	8	8.0	0

Stat of the Day: Player with the most passing completions in a season

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:02:55 +0000

Since 1966, the most passing completions in a season by a Falcons player is 357 by Matt Ryan in 2010.

Top 5 Most Pass Comp
PComp	Name	Season	Record
357	Matt Ryan	2010	13-3
342	Matt Ryan	2011	9-6
336	Jeff George	1995	9-7
322	Jeff George	1994	7-9
297	Steve Bartkowski	1981	7-9

Regular Season Closes with the Atlanta Falcons (9-6) Battling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:10:48 +0000

The Atlanta Falcons finish the regular season by playing host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC South showdown. FOX will broadcast the game and kickoff is at 4:15 PM ET. Atlanta is a 12 point favorite and comes into the game with a 9-6 overall record and 2-3 division record. Tampa Bay shows up with a 4-11 overall record and 2-3 division record.

In week three, the Falcons suffered a narrow loss to the Buccaneers, 16-13. Roddy White racked up 140 yards on nine passes.

Last week, the Falcons were pummeled 45-16 by the Saints. Matt Ryan had 373 yards passing, completing 34 of 52 attempts with one touchdown and no interceptions. Julio Jones also had a fine game, with eight catches for 128 yards and one score. In their previous game, the Buccaneers were smashed 48-16 by the Panthers. Josh Freeman scored twice in addition to going 28 for 38 for 274 yards and one pick.

Buccaneers Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
C	76.3	J. Freeman	315	506	3,318	14	19
B	83.3	J. Johnson	19	36	246	1	2

Falcons Passing Leaders
Grade		Name	Comp	Att	Yds	TDs	Int
A-	91.5	M. Ryan	342	558	4,081	27	12

Buccaneers Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	83.6	L. Blount	RB	178	769	4.3	5
C	76.3	J. Freeman	QB	52	224	4.3	4
C+	78.4	E. Graham	RB	37	206	5.6	0

Falcons Rushing Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Att	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B	86.1	M. Turner	RB	284	1,168	4.1	9
D	66.1	J. Rodgers	RB	49	181	3.7	0
D	64.7	J. Snelling	RB	35	101	2.9	0

Buccaneers Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
B-	81.8	M. Williams	WR	64	740	11.6	3
B	84.6	K. Winslow	TE	68	707	10.4	2
C	74.5	P. Parker	WR	36	480	13.3	3

Falcons Receiving Leaders
Grade		Name	P	Rec	Yds	YdsA	TDs
A	95.9	R. White	WR	96	1,227	12.8	8
A	95.3	J. Jones	WR	50	883	17.7	6
A+	97.6	T. Gonzalez	TE	79	867	11.0	7

Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers Wins the StatSheet NFL Offensive Player of the Week: 12-27-2011

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had an outstanding game, propelling him to the StatSheet NFL Offensive Player of the Week award. Rodgers completed 21 of 29 passes for 283 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions in the 35-21 victory over the Bears. For the season, he has thrown for 4,643 yards in addition to a 68.3% completion rate, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Rodgers has won the award two times this season. Tight end Jared Cook of the Titans is the runner-up (8 rec, 169 rec yds, 1 TD). Honorable mention goes to tight end Brandon Pettigrew from the Lions (9 rec, 80 rec yds, 1 TD). Wide receiver Roddy White, who finished 21st, was the highest ranking player from the Falcons (11 rec, 127 rec yds).

Last Three Winners: Drew Brees (NO), Tony Romo (DAL), Ray Rice (BAL)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week: Brian Cushing, Houston Texans

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing was a playmaker on the field, taking home the StatSheet NFL Defensive Player of the Week award. Cushing recorded seven solo tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles during the close 19-16 loss to the Colts. For the year, he has 110 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions.

This is the first time Cushing has earned the award this season. The runner-up is defensive end Spencer Johnson of the Bills (6.0 tkls, 5.0 solo, 1.0 int). Bills safety Jairus Byrd receives honorable mention (7.0 tkls, 5.0 solo, 1.0 int).

Last Three Winners: John Abraham (ATL), Terrell Suggs (BAL), Justin Houston (KC)

StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week: Victor Cruz, New York Giants

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz had the most receiving yards in the NFC last week. Cruz finished the day with 164 yards on three receptions and one touchdown in the 29-14 victory over the Jets, 29-14. On the year, he has gained 1,358 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.

Cruz has received the StatSheet NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week award three times this season. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is the runner-up (12-17, 171 pass yds, 65 rush yds, 4 TD, 0 int). Honorable mention goes to Redskins running back Evan Royster (19 car, 132 rush yds). Wide receiver Julio Jones, who finished fourth, was the highest ranking player from the Falcons (8 rec, 128 rec yds, 1 TD).

Last Three Winners: Greg Little (CLE), Julio Jones (ATL), Cam Newton (CAR)

StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week: Jonathan Nelson, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers safety Jonathan Nelson was a force all over the field this past week. Nelson finished with five solo tackles and one interception during the decisive 48-16 win against the Buccaneers. For the season, he has seven tackles and one interception.

Nelson wins his first StatSheet NFL Defensive Rookie of the Week award this season. The runner-up is Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (5.0 tkls, 5.0 solo, 1.0 sack). Cornerback Jimmy Smith of the Ravens receives honorable mention (7.0 tkls, 7.0 solo).

Last Three Winners: Chris Harris (DEN), Chris White (BUF), Justin Houston (KC)

Passing Yards
Value	Name	Team
373	Matthew Stafford
373	Matt Ryan
350	Matt Hasselbeck
307	Drew Brees
304	Tom Brady

Rushing Yards
Value	Name	Team
158	Arian Foster
132	Evan Royster
121	Kahlil Bell
116	Rashard Mendenhall
113	Reggie Bush

Receiving Yards
Value	Name	Team
169	Jared Cook
164	Victor Cruz
156	Brandon Marshall
138	Wes Welker
128	Julio Jones

Tackles
Value	Name	Team
17	London Fletcher
16	Chad Greenway
15	E.J. Henderson
13	Jerod Mayo
13	James Laurinaitis

Sacks
Value	Name	Team
2	Robert Mathis
2	Jerod Mayo
2	DeMarcus Ware
2	Jonathan Fanene
2	Jason Pierre-Paul

Total Points
Value	Name	Team
16	Dave Rayner
14	Graham Gano
13	David Akers
13	Adam Vinatieri
12	Jordy Nelson