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.

GREAT PERFORMANCE!!!

All around excellent job by the staff and players. They showed up ready to play took it to the Oakland Raiders!! From the passing of Matt Ryan early to the dominant run game with Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, the offense looked very polished in the first half. I thought they got a little complacent in the second half, but not to the point that the defense was ever on the field for too long. The offense controlled the clock and kept the defense fresh all game. I believe they held the ball for over three quarters of the game!!
Speaking of defense...I do not care who you are playing but holding a team to 3 yards for over two and half quarters is awesome!!! John Abraham is a MAN among boys. He absolutely dominated the line of the Raiders! Six tackles and three sacks, as well as a creating an absolute nightmare for the raiders offensive line, he just took over the game. Jamarcus Russell looked scared to death back there and the needless to say the hapless receivers the Raiders have were no help at all!!
Now it is time to get ready for the biggest game of the year. We desperately need a win in our division. Here come those hated New Orleans Saints, coming off a bye week and a big win last week overseas. Let's get back home and keep the Dome Field Advantage for the next three weeks, beginning with da Saints next week!

Bye Week Stats

6 weeks have gone and the Falcons are 4-2 on their bye week. Great start and above where I thought they would be. There have been some surprises besides Matt Ryan. Michael Turner has been everything we paid for, Curtis Lofton is going to be a stud pro bowler one day, and John Abraham is healthy. The other surprise has been our OL. They have yeilded only 7 sacks all year. Good for 5th in the NFL. Ryan certainly helps by getting rid of the ball but this has been refreshing.

Here are the stats after 6 weeks:

TEAM

OFFENSE

YPG- 350 Rank 8th
Passing YPG- 187, 21st
Rushing YPG- 163, 2nd
Points- 23.2, 14th
1st Downs- 110, 10th (47 rushing, 52 passing, 11 penalties)
3rd Down Conversions- 37.5%, 20th
Penalties- 32, 18th most/ 256 yards, 18th most
KO Returns- 25.7 ypr, 6th
Punt Returns- 6.8 ypr, 26th

DEFENSE

YPG- 349.7, 25th
Passing YPG- 231.7, 24th
Rushing YPG- 118, 20
Points Allowed- 21.2, 15th
Sacks- 10, tied for 21st
1st Downs Allowed- 115, 27th (34 Rush, 75 Pass, 6 Penalties)
3rd Down Conversions Allowed- 42.7%, 26th
Penalties- 45, 30th/ 381 yards, 31st
KO Returns- 20.2 ypr, 6th
Punt Returns- 2.7 ypr, 1st


INDIVIDUAL

OFFENSE

Matt Ryan- QB Rating, 82.9, Ranked 17th
Michael Turner- 597 rushing yards, 2nd
Michael Turner- 4.7 ypc, 13th
Michael Turner- 99.5 ypg, 2nd
Jerious Norwood- 6.8 ypc, 2nd
Jerious Norwood- 280 rushing yards, 27th
Roddy White- 566 receiving yards, 2nd
Roddy White- 94.3 ypg, 4th
Jason Elam- 16-17, 94.1%, 8th
Jason Elam- 61 pts, 1st (kickers)

DEFENSE

John Abraham- 7 sacks, 1st
Curtis Lofton- 39 tackles, tied for 23rd


The stats that stand out to me are the special teams stats. We have maybe the best special teams unit top to bottom in the NFL. Great to see the desire and effort these young players are giving. Matt Ryan is an early ROY canidate and Mike Smith for Coach of the Year. We finally look, act, and play like an NFL team.