9 WINS!

Sunday was another gutsy performance by a real tough and physical Atlanta Falcons football team. Who would have thought we would have 9 wins and control our destiny for the playoffs at this point in the season. I just want to hit on a few points of the game and why I think if we get into the playoffs we could make some noise.

1. Mike Smith- If ever the saying, "a team is a reflection of it's coach" was ever more true then I dont know about it. I mean, the attitude he brings to his job is so refreshing. The players love to play for him and his staff. Just the simple fact that he is not going to tolerate any kind of bull crap like Antonio Bryant tried to pull, in the Dome, makes me want to suit up right now for free. Punch the bully in the mouth and see what happens. Atlanta is no more a door mat for the NFL. You come in our building a try to wipe your feet like you own the place and Coach Smith is going to cut them off at the ankles.

2. Matt Ryan- His poise is what makes him the next great NFL QB. Even on a not so good day throwing the ball, he simply competes. The runs he made were huge and so under control. Smart, smart, smart.

3. Offensive Line- If there is a meaner bunch in the NFL, then ours is not far behind. I mean, we have some nasty attitudes on the line. Tyson Clabo is a pile cleaner. He will cheap shot you late just to set the tone. We are not the most talented yet. We are simply just too young to be that, but I love the way they play with fire and nastiness we havent had in forever.

4. Brian VanGorder- What a coach. What he has done with the youth on the defensive side of the ball is deserving of an assistant coach of the year award. The fact that we have not been blown out this year is a testament to our defense. Maybe the best defensive scheme coach we have had in our franchise.

5. John Abraham- Maybe the best defensive football player in the NFL. I know. I am just saying. He makes the biggest plays at the biggest times during a game. The tackles simply cant contain him by themselves. Just imagine if Jamaal starts to get it together.

6. Michael Turner- Ryan seems to get all the pub because of his play, and rightfully so. But Turner is the meat of this offense. I think Matt would agree that he would not be as successful as he has been without Turner. Michael bring his lunch pale everyday so the opposing team had better be ready for an all day job trying to stop him. So much for the "they overpaid for used goods" thing. Pro Bowler all the way.


If we get to the playoffs we could make some noise because our show travels well. Now we havent played great on the road, but what I mean is toughness is toughness anywhere. We can play in the sun, on the turf or in the snow. Bring on anyone as far as I am concerned. Because I know a few things for sure. We will be prepared, we will play well, and we will play tough.