The Falcoholic

Opponent Series History Week 9: ATL vs WAS

2009-11-07T17:30:24Z

Gang, I'll be honest. It ain't pretty. To demonstrate how utterly ugly our series history is against the Redskins, here's a chart:

The X axis is the game number, the Y axis is the score differential. A negative score differential (see below 0 on X axis) indicates a loss. Yeah, it's that bad. Out of twenty-one games, we've won only five. The 'Skins have won fifteen. In '67 (game 2 on the chart), we somehow managed to tie with them, so at least that game's not hanging out in our L column...

The Facts:

Current Series Record: 5-15-1
Score-to-Score Totals: Redskins have scored 543 points to our lowly 379 for a difference of 164 or 23 touchdowns, give or take.
Old enemies: We've played the 'Skins since our inaugural year, and played them in stretches of years. Recent games have been hard to come by. We've only played them twice this waning decade (03, 06).
Stompin' em: I wish I could say the Falcons had any stomping games, but alas, they haven't. The Falcons' average win margin is a measly five points and haven't yet managed to win a game by more then ten points. The ten point victory, for those keeping up, came in our last meeting (2006).
Everyone scored: No shutouts exist in this series. I guess that's something positive to take away from this...
Running Away with It: 38% of these games have been won by a score of ten or more. That's 8 games. The Falcons only have one game to claim in that bunch.
Like Fish in a Barrel: The Redskins have beaten us by more than thirty points twice in the series. The margins, as the chart shows, were closer to forty...
Keeping it Close: 13 (68%) of these games came down to three points or less.

Saturday News And Notes: Tackling The Washington Redskins

2009-11-07T13:30:23Z

by Bill Feig - AP

Don't expect Matt Ryan and the Falcons to overlook at the Redskins. (AP Photo/Bill Feig, File)

View full size photo »

There's a danger with a game like this.

The Washington Redskins have been no one's idea of a great or even good team this season. Their fans are dealing with tragic missteps at every level of the organization with the impassiveness of true stoics, but it's clear that this is a team that's a mess. In a lot of ways, they may seem like the perfect opponent for the Falcons, who are reeling a bit after two tough losses against quality teams the last couple of weeks. Though I wouldn't dare suggest that Mike Smith & Co. would bring an unprepared team against Washington, it's still a very real danger that this team, coming off a bye week and with a lot to prove, could come out of the gate strong against the Falcons.

It's often said that good teams win the games they're supposed to, and a punishing effort this weekend would put us at 5-3 and firmly in that warm and cozy bracket. This is a game we definitely should win, but desperate teams can do interesting things. Hopefully the Falcons swing the hammer early on Sunday.

How about some links, gang?

Despite being banged up, both Sam Baker and Roddy White are expected to play this weekend. With all the negative injury news we've gotten over the last couple of weeks, this is like a fresh breath of air carrying a $100 bill your way.
To absolutely no one's surprise, Jerious Norwood isn't playing. If he's listed as questionable again this week, I'm going to laugh out loud. Jason Snelling is still a bit of a question mark.
Oh, heavens to Betsy, Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo are physical players! I hope Albert Haynesworth doesn't get the vapors from their rudeness. That would be horrid!

Seriously, though, it's just before the game trash talk. Nobody likes the way Big Mean and Clabo play the game of football, but it sure as hell works. Haynesworth will be a guy to watch this weekend, because he's still a force to be reckoned with.
Here's kind of an unofficial keys to the game list for the Redskins, courtesy of Hogs Haven. The likeliest might be that Fred Davis, who is taking over for injured tight end Chris Cooley, will blow up. The Falcons will have to keep an eye on him.
This Matt Ryan thing is getting out of hand. He's been far from perfect this season and I'd like to see him make better throws, but I'm not exactly worried about his future in the league because of a middling half-season. It's really too bad that we've all gotten into the habit of expecting instant results and changing our minds on the fly (myself included), because we all end up yo-yoing on some of these guys.

Remaining Opponent Records Week 9

2009-11-06T17:02:08Z

Since Sunday marks the halfway point for our season, I decided to take a gander at the current records of our remaining opponents. What did I gleam? We're (currently) facing only three opponents with winning records: NYG, PHI, and NO. The Jets are on the bubble at 4 and 4. Since they're on their BYE this weekend, don't expect any movement from them. Here's how the schedule trends:

As it stands, our next marquee game (if current trends continue) will be the game against the Giants. I'm not discounting our soon-to-come NFC bout with the Panthers on their own turf, but the Giants are likely the next team we face with a winning record.

Take note of the stretch of games after the first Bucs game. We face the Eagles, the Saints, and the Jets, all who (if they continue to win) will have winning records when we face them. That's a pretty brutal stretch, but keep in mind that two of those three games are in Atlanta.

Here's a breakdown of it all, for those of you that like numbers.

TEAM	W	L	%	NEXT OPP
Redskins	2	5	0.286	Falcons
Panthers	3	4	0.429	Saints
Giants	5	3	0.625	Chargers
Bucs	0	7	0.000	Packers
Eagles	5	2	0.714	Cowboys
Saints	7	0	1.000	Panthers
Jets	4	4	0.500	BYE
Bills	3	5	0.375	BYE
Bucs	0	7	0.000	Packers

Combined Remaining Opponent Record: 29-37 (0.439)

Games against winning teams: 3

Games against losing teams: 6

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: John Abraham

2009-11-06T13:15:35Z

More photos » by Paul Sakuma - AP

John Abraham SMASH! (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

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The topic today is one John Erasmus Ezekiel Awesome Abraham, our former pass-rushing master who has not quite lived up to his billing thus far this year.

What inspired me to spark this discussion, honestly, was a question from a commenter over at Hogs Haven about my expectations for Abraham on Sunday. While their question was light-hearted—at least I hope it was, considering they were asking if I predicted 3+ sacks from the guy—it got me to thinking about Abraham's relatively low sack total and whether he might be entering the decline phase of his career.

Rather than write a whole big post where I basically guessed, I thought I'd turn to you, the reader, for a more educated guess. Is Abraham slowing down after a run of excellence, or is it just a slow start to the season? Can he kill Jason Campbell on Sunday, or just maim him?

Your call.

Falcons Lose Long Snapper Mike Schneck For The Season

2009-11-05T16:59:07Z

Another day, another injury.

Many of you are probably relieved that these aren't star players going down, and with good reason. Still, Mike Schneck was quietly a very good player in his limited role, and replacement Bryan Pittman will have to do just as well. With a long snapper, invisibility is your best trait. If you do your job well, nobody notices you, and during his time on the time, Schneck was rarely visible. As a free agent after the season, he may not be coming back.

Still....these injuries, man. They trouble me.

A Look Ahead: Electric Boogaloo

2009-11-05T12:15:12Z

Well gang, the new layout has seemingly eaten my Observations post. The transition happened around the time I was doing the post and it's disappeared, lost forever in that great todash space between our servers and your minds. If any of you get that reference, five points to Falcondor. Here are my observations in a quick nutshell:

"Grimes. Air Grimes."
Heart, thy name is Falcons Defense.
Matty Ice gets rattled, Falcons lose game. Bad formula.
Coy Wire: determination, passion, hunger defined. On the fringe? Never again.
THE BURNER RETURNETH
Rematch is guaranteed. Outcome is not. Dwell on that, NOLA.
The Falcons are on a precipice. This is the turning point of the season. If Falcons come out determined, angry, vengeful, and spittin, cussin' mad, we've got a wonderful half season ahead of us. If they come out dejected, tired, and mediocre, we're in for a long, long winter of discontent.

Washington Redskins
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 8th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: We need at least one guaranteed win this year!

Importance: Serious Business. Why? We just lost two in a row for the first time since Smith and Co. took over. Do not, I repeat, do not expect it to happen again any time soon.

Notes: The Redskins D is perceived to be semi-fantastic. So was San Francisco's. Falcons are angry, determined. Redskins are a half-season away from an overhaul. Do the math. It ain't pretty.

The Falcons win if: they perform at least on a third of the level they did Monday night.

The Redskins win if: Falcons are tired after a short week. Trap game? Nah.

Prediction: Falcons demolish them, start very long winning streak.

Carolina Panthers Part Deux
Where: Bank of America Stadium
When: Sunday November 15th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business, so we can keep them at the near-bottom of the NFC South pile

Notes: Carolina may actually be gelling by this time. still...

The Falcons Win If: They continue to show the maturity and poise and outright bombasticness they showed Monday night.

The Panthers Win If: The Falcons lay another Road-Game Egg (tm).

Prediction: Falcons win.

New York Giants
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Importance: Pay Attention. A loss here won't exactly doom anything for us, especially our winning season. But a win here would be the second prominent road win after three prominent road losses. Let's bring that road record to 2-3, shall we?

Notes: Where'd the Giants' D go? If it doesn't return to form by this game, even with us as visitors, they're in for a long afternoon.

Prediction: The Falcons win. Yes, I'm flip-flopping because their D has shown me nothing to say we can't win it.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 29th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business. Tampa sucks. If they have a win by now, it'll be by sheer luck alone.

Notes: What more can I say? I truly believe they will be winless at this point and they will certainly not be getting one in the Georgia Dome.

Prediction: Falcons stomp 'em.

Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 6th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because Eagles and Falcons are natural enemies.

Importance: Serious Business. Let's avenge 2004's playoff loss.

Notes: Eagles have looked up and down all season. With them on our turf for a change, I do not expect them to be able to roll all over us.

Prediction: Falcons finally get their revenge.

New Orleans Saints 2: The Season Definer
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 13th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business. No more joking around. The Saints should have the division title. A win here does, however, almost guarantee a wild-card berth. Prepare for another toughly contested game.

Notes: Our Home Crowd better darn well show. I'll be there, screaming my eyeballs out. If we can almost beat the Saints in their own house, I have no doubt we can beat them in ours. Revenge is best served cold, but with the way Turner was scorching their D, I'd say give it to 'em piping hot.

Prediction: Falcons win a very close one. Yup, changing this one too. That's the beauty of week-to-week articles like this.

New York Jets
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday December 20th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because New Yorkers couldn’t get enough of us the first go round against the Giants.

Importance: Pay Attention

Notes: I still call this one a tough one, even if "Sanchize" isn't working out so well. Their D is monstrous and managed to reign in an admittedly battered Brady. Regardless, this one will be the only loss in an avalanche of W's.

Prediction: Falcons lose.

Buffalo Bills
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 27th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: CBS
Why: The Bills aren't looking too good. Uh oh...

Importance: Pay Attention. Our hopes of a wild-card record will be likely hanging in the balance after a loss to the Jets.

Notes: If we can corral TO and get pressure, we should have this one in the bag.

Prediction: Falcons win by a touchdown or more

Tampa Bay Buccaneers With a Vengeance
Where: Raymond James Stadium
When: Sunday January 3rd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Absolultely a Meh.

Notes: Tampa Bay may likely be looking for any win at this point in the season. Missing Gruden yet?

Prediction: Falcons win, even with third stringers. Yes, I said it.

Current season record: 4-3 (Wins against Miami, Carolina, San Francisco, Chicago; losses against NE, DAL, NO)

Current season prediction: 12-4 (Wins: MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS, CAR, NYG, TB, PHI, NO, BUF, TB; Loss: NE, DAL, NO, NYJ)

tlozwarlock's Current Prediction record: 6-1

Falcons Place S Jamaal Fudge On I.R., Sign S Charlie Peprah

2009-11-05T06:19:04Z

Some years even your depth can't escape the dreaded injury bug.

That's right, folks, that cursed little bastard has dug his plague-encrusted fangs into Jamaal Fudge, knocking everybody's favorite backup safety out for the rest of the season. This is especially unusual because the team never disclosed what happened to Fudge, who had mostly played his time out on special teams in 2009. We wish him well.

His replacement is kind of an intriguing guy, or at least he would be if he wasn't doomed to spend the rest of the season warming the bench. Charlie Peprah was an effective special teamer for the Green Bay Packers, jarring two fumbles loose in 2007 and generating 37 total tackles during his three years there, and he could be a valuable piece of our kickoff return coverage team. If nothing else, his name will be fun to say for the rest of the season. Peprah peprah peprah.

In the big scheme of things, this is a blip on the back of an atom zipping its way through the universe, but it does illustrate just how heavily we've been hit by injuries this season. Let's hope Fudge is the end of it.

Thoughts?

Grimes' Mega Leap via @lazmorph I will burn this into my memory. Brent Grimes makes Jordan's...

2009-11-04T14:43:28Z

Grimes' Mega Leap
via @lazmorph
I will burn this into my memory. Brent Grimes makes Jordan's half-court dunks look like child's play.

SB Nation Has New Format!

2009-11-03T16:27:00Z

SB Nation Has New Format!

My guess is that you already noticed that, but I thought I'd give you the opportunity for some feedback. If you like it or hate it, please send me an e-mail at davethefalconer@yahoo.com. Thanks guys.

Falcons And Saints Recap: Losing Is Never Easy

2009-11-03T13:15:36Z

I believed.

At various points in last night's game against the Saints, I really believed the Falcons were going to roar back and win it. All the signs were there. The defense was buckling down. The offense was moving efficiently. We looked nigh invincible some drives. It was a beautiful thing.

And then, as Chinua Achebe wrote, things fall apart.

It was a real gut punch of a game in that way. We weren't widely expected to be able to hang with the Saints, perhaps the league's toughest team, and yet that's exactly what the Falcons did. Losing a close game against a division rival is rough enough, but this loss may also have squashed our hopes of winning the division. I'm getting bummed out just typing that.

Still, as many of you pointed out, there's so many things we can take pride in after Monday. Not just that we kept the score close, but that we picked Drew Brees, managed a respectable defensive effort and finally unleashed Michael Turner. The fact that we played them so well that a win at the Georgia Dome in a few weeks suddenly seems eminently possible. The realization that we can hang in there with the very best is a comforting one as we continue our hunt for a playoff spot, and it's enough to make those losses against the Patriots and Cowboys sting a bit less. This is still a mighty interesting season, and I for one am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

HIGHLIGHTS

Those who have thought that Michael Turner was due to break out at any moment can feel free to crow now. With Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood out, Turner was operating without a safety net, and he absolutely destroyed the Saints on the ground all day long for 151 yards and a touchdown. You can't overstate how good he looked today and the confidence boost this had to have been for him, so hopefully he's returned to his world-annihilating form for good. Glad to have you back, Burner!
While we're at it, huge props to Roddy White. That 68 yard touchdown was a thing of beauty. Props also to Tony Gonzalez, who managed to make Matt Ryan's job a little easier Monday.
Coy Wire was awesome. His forced fumble almost gave us a chance to get back into it, and he managed to scoop another. A huge props to the Falcon defense in general for their ability to generate some turnovers, and Thomas DeCoud continues to win my heart by showing up to play every single time.
Speaking of turnovers, did you see that Brent Grimes interception? Kid scooped up a little cloud with his football on that one. Made me feel pretty good about the secondary for a few minutes, at least.
Curtis Lofton got hurt, came back and piled up stops. Can't knock his hustle.
Michael Koenen wins the field position battle most of the time. With two punts inside the 20, he was a limiting factor for the Saints offense more than once. You have to appreciate that.
The day I stop praising Eric Weems in this section is the day he runs to the moon.

LOWLIGHTS

Contrary to your likely first impression, I'm not putting Matt Ryan here because of the picks. Those were largely a combination of bad luck and a little bit of questionable decision-making. Ryan's here because he looked downright awful under pressure at times, and he never got into a rhythm. How much of that is on the New Orleans defense and how much of it is on Ryan I'll leave up to you, but it's clear this wasn't his finest hour. All part of the growth of a young quarterback, I guess.
Michael Jenkins has to go here despite an otherwise solid game because he had a critical, critical drop that earned him the temporary scorn of every Falcons fan in the country. That's right around the clinical definition of a lowlight.
All that talk about our secondary being a weakness and our cornerbacks being too short is, I think, somewhat overblown. That said, our biggest critics will point to last night and crow. Way too many passes where a guy either wasn't in the right spot or simply couldn't get up in the air enough to stop Marques Colston & Co. from hauling in the pass.
Up until the final quarter of the game, tackling was spotty at best. Harrumph!
I have a lot of respect for Jason Elam. I think he's a good guy and a great kicker. That said, it's time to give him some rest or figure out exactly what issue is causing these misses, because they were a game-changer Monday night. With some strong-legged young kickers ripe for the picking out there, it might be time to bring in a stopgap until Elam can work it all out. Tough break for him and the team, though.

THE WRAPUP

Game MVP: I'll give an approving nod in the direction of Coy Wire, but Michael Turner was a beast and deserves his due. Congratulations, Touchdown Vampire!

Game Theme Song: We went the distance!

One Thing To Take Away: We're good and tough and gosh darn it, people like us!

Next Week: Head over to Canal Street Chronicles one last time before saying hello to the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are capably represented by our very own Hogs Haven, so give 'em a visit.

Final Word: Soclose.

Post-Game Thread: Falcons Lose Heartbreaker To Saints, 35-27

2009-11-03T05:28:15Z

More photos » by Ryan Moore - AP

Moments like these were hard to watch. (AP Photo/The Clarion-Ledger, Ryan Moore)

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I really wanted to win this game, but if we were going to lose, at least we did it with a ton of dignity.

Coming in as heavy underdogs, the Falcons stepped up in a big way and almost delivered a win time and time again. This proved that we aren't one of the league's elite teams, for those who didn't know that already. It also proved that we are a damn good, damn tough team who can hang with anybody in the league, and that has a lot of value as well. It's just going to take a little bit to get past the fact that we really did have it in our grasp. Bah.

Either way, we're sitting at 4-3, with the divisional race pretty much gone and the wild card race heating up. There are a lot of crucial games coming up, so cross your fingers and let's continue this journey together. Use this thread to discuss anything you feel like.

Usually I'd do some bullet-point thoughts here, but I'm a little drained tonight. Check back in the morning for the recap.

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Open Thread: Second Half

2009-11-03T03:00:28Z

More photos » by Bill Feig - AP

Here's my wisdom, Drew Brees. Throw a lot of interceptions. I think I might be possessed by a Falcons fan! (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

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I wrote this before the game got very far along, but this is your second-half open thread. If we're winning, cheer some more! If we're losing, the second half will be better! If both teams have been abducted by aliens, Falcons win by default! I think.

Go to it!

Atlanta Falcons At New Orleans Saints Open Thread

2009-11-02T22:30:28Z

by John Bazemore - AP

A lot is riding on Matt Ryan's shoulders. Good thing you could park a Humvee on 'em. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

View full size photo »

There's nothing that can be said about this game that we haven't covered already. Any way you slice it, it's going to be a good one, and I'm excited. Here's hoping for a win!

As usual, keep things lively here in the game thread. I will join you as soon as I can, my friends.

What? Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, 8:30 p.m. ET

Where? Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

Weather? Still a dome. Still no weather. Weather bad.

Fun Fact? We rarely get to play spoiler like this. Ending the Saints undefeated season this far in would be a first-time accomplishment for the Falcons. Just something to chew on.

Injuries? We covered this a bit earlier in the news post, but there's a lot of questionables. Kroy Biermann, John Abraham, Sam Baker, Jason Snelling, Thomas Johnson and Ovie Mughelli are some standout names. I expect most of them to play, because otherwise we're pretty well boned.

The Saints will be missing defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and possibly linebacker Scott Fujita. Everyone else is probable.

Odds? New Orleans over Atlanta, 12.0, O/U 55.0

Foe? You all know our good friends over at Canal Street Chronicles. Enjoy our friendship now, because we may hate their guts after this game.

GO FALCONS! Let's defrock these Saints!

Monday News And Notes: Tackling The New Orleans Saints

2009-11-02T13:30:29Z

More photos » by Bill Haber - AP

The face of evil! (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

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In the immortal final words of the guy standing in the middle of the Tunguska event, this is going to be a big one.

Pretty much everyone thinks the Saints are going to win this game. Nostradamus predicted it years ago. The Mayan calendar ends with the inscrutable phrase "Saints by 10." Even the holiest of holies has issued a papal bull that states that the Saints will crush our beloved Falcons like Yahweh did the Egyptians. In short, no one really believes in us.

This would be a good time for me to give you a pep talk, but frankly this is the single most terrifying game on the schedule. I'm going in with my expectations firmly lowered, so that everything up to and including a victory will cause me to throw a one man party in my office. Some may accuse me of being negative or a non-believer or your term of choice—and I'm not totally going to dispute that—but it's also unrealistic to expect us to win every game on the schedule. With the New York Giants backsliding into oblivion, it's pretty obvious that the Saints stand between us and everything we desire. Unfortunately for us, they're pretty damn good.

In order to stop them, we'll have to put forth a balanced defensive effort that follows that lovely bend and don't break philosophy that we've been practicing for a long time. Keeping the Saints to field goals and getting a couple of timely turnovers could absolutely make this a winnable one, so long as our offense isn't gaining six yards and punting every time out. I'm confident we can do it. I'm just not confident we will do it.

Snap into the links with me, dudes and dudettes.

Woo! Get pumped!
Injuries could be a huge factor here, as J. Mike notes. If Jason Snelling is out, that leaves us with Michael Turner, Aaron Stecker and Verron Haynes. That's not great, honestly. There's a lot of questionables on the list in general, but I expect most everyone to play. Snelling really is the wildcard.
One of the things I truly enjoy about the Saints-Falcons rivalry is how generally civil it is. That doesn't mean it's not a good one, of course. If either team had any sustained success, it might be a more recognized one. With the Falcons drawing national headlines last year and again this season and the Saints dominating, it's bound to attract more attention. That probably also means more angry people. Yay.
The mere mention of a sophomore slump for Ryan is enough to make me grind my teeth. There are some causes for concern, certainly, but Ryan's numbers through six games this season are actually better than in 2008. Why are we supposed to be concerned about this again? And I really don't want to hear that Ryan's doomed and we made the wrong choice and OH NO! He's a kid in his second year in the league and he's already had one of the best seasons ever by a Falcons quarterback. Time to relax.
Matchup of the week? The two secondaries versus the two aerial attacks. Drew Brees is just plain scary right now, and it helps that he has a wealth of receiving options against a secondary that's banged up and struggling. On the other side of the field, the Saints have improved and have Darren Sharper, who can jump a route or two. They'll have to contend with Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Michael Jenkins, though, which is still reasonably fearsome. Whoever wins it through the air will win it all.
Saints fans don't fear the reaper, but they do fear Gonzo. Go figure.

A Happy Halloween From The Falcoholic!

2009-10-31T18:00:26Z

via www.whoateallthepies.tv

Yes, it's that time of year again. A time to dress up the kids as whatever ridiculous pop culture icon they want to be (ours were way cooler!), a time to wear a really terrible costume and get smashed, or simply a time to eat a lot of candy without being called Fatty McFatfat. Halloween really is pretty glorious.

With a huge divisional game coming up and a pretty intense six games under our belts, I thought this would be the perfect time to take a breather, especially because I'll be away from the computer for most of the day. Feel free to discuss the Falcons as usual, of course—it's what keeps me in business—but consider this an all-purpose holiday thread. Talk your favorite Halloweens through the years, the best costumes you wore, what you'll be wearing to whatever party you're headed to this year, or your favorite candy. I'm a Swedish Fish man, myself.

Have fun, kids!

Opponent Series History Week 8: ATL vs NO

2009-10-31T12:15:22Z

Matt Ryan prances into the Superdome's endzone via www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

We've got a long, long history with those black and gold clad gumbo guzzlers. It started in November of '67 with a close loss. That history includes one playoff game (which we lost...) and seventy-nine regular season meetings. That makes our MNF showdown in the land of the Mardi Gras our eightieth meeting with the ragin' cajuns. The history is storied, and offers lots and lots of data. Just don't expect to gleam much from them, outside of the fact that we're ten games up on them. That lead is likely to be whittled down a bit when all is said and done this season, so enjoy it for now.

As a side note, I've noticed something. The two games I missed doing the opponent history on (NE, DAL) are losses. Now I'm getting superstitious. Don't think I'll miss any more games...

The Facts:

Current Series Record against Dem Dastardly 'Aints: 45 - 34 (79 total), 0 - 1 Playoffs
Score-to-Score Totals: Atlanta owns the points scored category by twenty-two touchdowns and two safeties (157 points). New Orleans has a score total of 1585; Atlanta bests that with 1742.
Old enemies We first played the Saints in our second year as a team, 1967. We've seen them seventy-eight times since in the regular season. These teams know each other well. Still, somehow I don't hate them. I blame the other Dave (of CSC) for being too cool to hate.
Stompin' em, repeatedly: The Falcons hold an impressive lead in the "streak of wins" category with ten straight wins between 1995 and 1999. The closest New Orleans gets to that is a streak they started in December of 1986 that ran for six games (ending in 89). FYI, the Falcons also had the Saints' number between the years of '69 and '73, winning nine straight times.
Sharin' the Shutouts: Atlanta and New Orleans both have two shutouts each.
Running Away with It: 35 of these games (44%) have ended with a winning score margin of 10 or more
Running WAY Away with It: The Falcons have the highest score differential with 55 points. The magical day was the 16th of September, 1973. The Falcons ended the game with 62 points to the Saints' measly 7.
Like Fish in a Barrel: The Falcons have scored thirty or more points twenty-two times. The Saints have scored 30 or more just over half of that with 12 games.
Just Kick It: 22 of these contests were decided by a field goal or less. Hmm...

A Look Ahead: The Return

2009-10-30T21:28:09Z

New Orleans Saints

Where: Superdome
When: Monday November 2nd, 2009 @ 8:30pm
Network: ESPN
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business. If we want the Division, we have to go through Brees and co.

Notes: I am truly frightened by this game.

The Falcons win if: they play the most flawless performance of Coach Smith's/Turner's/Ryan's career.

The Saints win if: Drew Brees, laboring with stomach pains after revealing his true identity as Superman on Halloween night and gorging on candy for 48 straight hours, lays a big fat sweet-smelling chocolatey egg on the field.

Prediction: The Falcons lose, possibly by a bunch. The Saints are likely steamrolling their way to the big one.

Washington Redskins
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 8th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: We need at least one guaranteed win this year!

Importance: Meh. This will get ugly. Ew.

Notes: We should win this. We will win this.

The Falcons win if: they show up.

The Redskins win if: they don't lose by a bunch.

Prediction: Falcons demolish them.

Carolina Panthers Part Deux
Where: Bank of America Stadium
When: Sunday November 15th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business, for obvious reasons.

Notes: You know, I thought Carolina was getting better. Think I was wrong.

Prediction: Falcons win. Not quantifying it, but they win.

New York Giants
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Importance: Pay Attention. The Giants’ running game is superb. Hopefully our D can stop it. A great midseason test.

Notes: Really, the Giants have not looked that good. This is a swing game for me, but with our sloppy performance on the road in Dallas with a well prepared team facing us...We still lose.

Prediction: The Falcons lose, but manage to hang on till the 4th.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 29th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business. Tampa sucks. If they have a win by now, it'll be by sheer luck alone.

Notes: The Bucs are, in a word, sadsack as this point. Hopefully, they will have that win by now. If not, they won't get it in the Georgia Dome.

Prediction: Falcons stomp 'em.

Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 6th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because Eagles and Falcons are natural enemies.

Importance: Serious Business. Lots of history here plus You Know Who returns to the ATL.

Notes: Vick back, McNabb fightin for a job, Westbrook likely out. Home crowd likely loud (and divergent). I like our chances.

Prediction: Falcons finally get their revenge.

New Orleans Saints 2: Electric Boogaloo
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 13th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Serious Business. No more joking around. The Saints will have the division title. A win here does, however, almost guarantee a wild-card berth if we can manage to finish out strong (a 3-1 finish would be nice).

Notes: New Orleans could likely be lossless at this point. If so, the home crowd better be a factor. We have got to win this one to keep any playoff hopes alive. Too bad we won't.

Prediction: Falcons lose this one.

Importance: Pay Attention

Notes: After Dallas, putting this one down as a loss. Another tough road game against a nasty D. Maybe we'll show up? I just don't think so.

Prediction: Falcons lose.

Buffalo Bills
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 27th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: CBS
Why: The Bills are expected to be better this year, especially with TO in the fold. They still suck, though.

Importance: Definitely Meh.

Notes: Yeah, Buffalo's still Buffalo, and they'll be on our turf.

Prediction: Falcons win by a touchdown or more

Tampa Bay Buccaneers With a Vengeance
Where: Raymond James Stadium
When: Sunday January 3rd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game

Importance: Absolultely a Meh.

Notes: Tampa Bay may likely be looking for any win at this point in the season. Missing Gruden yet?

Prediction: Falcons win, even with third stringers. Yes, I said it.

Current season record: 4-2 (Wins against Miami, Carolina, San Francisco, Chicago; losses against NE, DAL)

Current season prediction: 10-6 (Wins: MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS, CAR, TB, PHI, BUF, TB; Loss: NE, DAL, NO, NYG, NO, NYJ)

tlozwarlock's Current Prediction record: 5-1 - Undefeated season gone :(

A Look At The Falcons Red Zone Performance, Week 7

2009-10-30T12:00:39Z

This post is sponsored by Comcast and their NFL RedZone channel. If you're looking to check out red zone action as it happens, then you need Comcast's NFL RedZone. That's right....take out your wallet...

Surely this is the week that our beloved Falcons and their insane streak of awesome in the red zone comes to an end, right? No, no it's not. And don't call me Shirley.

The Falcons only made it into the red zone twice against the Cowboys, but once again they scored both times. One was a short Matt Ryan pass to Roddy White on a third down, while the other was a short Michael Turner run on first down. That bumps our conversion rate up even further, hovering right around 95%. It's truly astonishing how well this team does in short yardage, and I'm amazed week after week by their consistency there.

Not to beat a dead horse with a stone that I'm squeezing but there's no blood coming out, but this really highlights why the Falcons need to do better in between the 20's. It also makes me wonder—because I am not an answer machine, somehow—why we can't march down the field with the same ease with which we can score at that range. Perhaps if we treated the entire field as ten to twenty yard blocks? Who knows.

Your thoughts?

DOL On Twitter: Jason Snelling Misses Practice

2009-10-29T19:44:31Z

DOL On Twitter: Jason Snelling Misses Practice

Good grief.

Talking Saints With Canal Street Chronicles, Part Two

2009-10-29T18:00:37Z

More photos » by Donna McWilliam - AP

Michael Turner, please prove our Saints-loving friend wrong! (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)

Browse more photos »

This is the second half of a discussion with Saintsational, el jefe bloggerio over at Canal Street Chronicles. This discussion is much lighter on the Chinese food, but heavy on predictions that will probably not even be close to reality.

Read along after the jump!

Saintsational: Alright, back to football. What are the feelings of the average Falcon fan regarding Michael Vick now? Happy for him? Still wish he was in Atlanta?

Dave the Falconer: I think the average fan is slowly forgetting him. Which is as it should be. He's in Philadelphia now, doing what he do.

Saintsational: Blessing in disguise for the franchise?

Dave the Falconer: In many ways, yes. It changed the course of the franchise.

Dave the Falconer: It was like reaching for the last beef teriyaki. And finding a gold coin.

Saintsational: : Nice callback.

Dave the Falconer: Haha. Thanks. I think I just want chinese food.

Saintsational: Apparently.

Dave the Falconer: But yeah. I'm happy with the team as it is. Same for you and Aaron Brooks?

Saintsational: Ugh. I hated Aaron Brooks. Thankfully, he didn't need to commit a crime for the Saints to get rid of him. Drew Brees could probably be the single greatest thing to ever happen to the New Orleans Saints ever.

Dave the Falconer: Well, I disagree. He committed some interception-based crimes.

Saintsational: Ha, yeah. And fumble-based.

Dave the Falconer: There were those as well.

Dave the Falconer: But somehow, I liked the Saints better back then. Wonder why.

Saintsational: But what about now? Do the Falcons really have a chance to be the first to take down the Saints?

Dave the Falconer: Short answer?

Dave the Falconer: Yes.

Dave the Falconer: Long answer?

Dave the Falconer: They have a chance because they're about as familiar with the Saints as any team in the league, and because they're built offensively to hang with them. But it's going to be exceedingly tough..

Dave the Falconer: Are you at all afraid of the Falcons winning?

Saintsational: Yes. I'm slightly afraid.

Saintsational: Just because division games are always interesting.

Saintsational: Now wait a minute. Back to your statement. Are they built offensively to hang with this years defense? Or are you referring to last years defense? Cause this is a different ballgame now.

Dave the Falconer: Such hubris!

Dave the Falconer: Your defense looks markedly better, but we're not usually slouches offensively. I think we'll give you a good game.

Saintsational: 6-0 has made me a little cocky.

Dave the Falconer: Let me tell you a little story. Two years ago, my fantasy team went 6-0. I thought I was unstoppable. I ended the season 8-6.

Dave the Falconer: There's a lesson there.

Saintsational: The Saints have learned that same lesson in the past, believe me. But this year just feels different. They're beating teams with efficiency. They remind me a little of the '07 Patriots.

Dave the Falconer: Except without the teeth-grinding annoyance factor.

Saintsational: Thank you. I will say this though: They haven't played any division games yet. And those are the key. If they really are a good team, they will need to take care of business when it really counts. That's probably the only question remaining for the Saints and we're about to get our answer on Monday night.

Dave the Falconer: Number of times the announcers say "Drew Brees is like a big kid out there?

Saintsational: If they're saying that then it means the Saints are probably winning.

Dave the Falconer: True.

Saintsational: Got a prediction?

Dave the Falconer: I'll go with the answer I gave earlier. 35-24 Saints.

Saintsational: Wow! Predicting your team to lose. Interesting.

Saintsational: Smart man.

Dave the Falconer: Haha. Reverse jinx.

Saintsational: I am obviously going to pick the Saints to win and I think the score will be 42-24.

Dave the Falconer: Oh ho ho!

Dave the Falconer: 18 points? Wow.

Saintsational: You're right.. What was I thinking?

Saintsational: 45-24.

Dave the Falconer: Haha. You'll get what's coming to you, Captain of the Titanic.

Saintsational: Thanks for chatting with me, Dave.

Dave the Falconer: Always a pleasure.

Thanks again to Saintsational for the talk. Hope you all enjoyed it.