Spring Break
Falcons preview
Kyle DeVito
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Sports
As the 2008 season continues, Matt Ryan storms through his rookie campaign winning three of his first five games, but more importantly, winning the hearts of the traditionally heartbroken Atlanta Falcon fans.
The surprising Falcons cemented their legitimacy on October 5 when they visited intimidating Lambeau Field to square off against the Green Bay Packers. They entered the game with a record of 2-2 and a whirlwind of questions surrounding them. After beating two terrible teams (Detroit Lions 34-21, Kansas City Chiefs 38-14) and losing to two talented teams (Tampa Bay 24-9, Carolina Panthers 24-9), the Falcons needed a signature win to announce to the league that they were a legitimate threat in the NFC South.
That win came at Lambeau Field as the connection between Ryan and Roddy White exploded, accounting for one touchdown and an impressive 132 yards. Michael Turner continued his impressive 2008 season, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons systematically wore down an otherwise impressive Packer defense. While the Falcons may have needed all four quarters to put away the pesky Packers, this win would have been nearly impossible a year ago and demonstrates just how far new head coach Mike Smith has taken this ball club.
This amazing transformation has been achieved by following a blueprint as old as professional football itself: start an efficient quarterback, run the ball effectively, and don't stop rushing the opposing teams quarterback. Ryan has done an excellent job of not losing football games and consistently putting his team in position to win. The offense has really found its groove through the running game, particularly Turner, who has accounted for 543 of the Falcon's league-leading 903 yards on the ground. John Abraham, the NFL leader with seven sacks, has also hit his stride at defensive end for the Falcons. His pass rushing skills have gotten the team out of dangerous situations, making the secondary look better than it has played. Using this run-first offense, coupled with the dangerous blitz schemes implemented by the defense, the Falcons are riding their new confidence to new expectations.
The enthusiasm has rubbed off on the typically pessimistic fan base, finally giving the Falcons faithful something to be proud of. "I am finally not ashamed of admitting my allegiance to [the Falcons]. They are playing football the right way now and not just relying on one thug to carry the team," boasts Andrew Fortenberry, a lifelong Falcons fan and GSC Oconee student. "I don't have to lie about what I'm doing on Sundays anymore. I can watch the Falcons knowing they are heading in the right direction now."
It is not out of the question that the Falcons continue their winning ways and finish their so-called rebuilding year 8-8, which may be just good enough to earn a wildcard playoff berth in the NFC. And no, that was not a mistake. The words "Falcons" and "playoffs" were just used in the same sentence and it wasn't the punch line of a joke.
The surprising Falcons cemented their legitimacy on October 5 when they visited intimidating Lambeau Field to square off against the Green Bay Packers. They entered the game with a record of 2-2 and a whirlwind of questions surrounding them. After beating two terrible teams (Detroit Lions 34-21, Kansas City Chiefs 38-14) and losing to two talented teams (Tampa Bay 24-9, Carolina Panthers 24-9), the Falcons needed a signature win to announce to the league that they were a legitimate threat in the NFC South.
That win came at Lambeau Field as the connection between Ryan and Roddy White exploded, accounting for one touchdown and an impressive 132 yards. Michael Turner continued his impressive 2008 season, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns as the Falcons systematically wore down an otherwise impressive Packer defense. While the Falcons may have needed all four quarters to put away the pesky Packers, this win would have been nearly impossible a year ago and demonstrates just how far new head coach Mike Smith has taken this ball club.
This amazing transformation has been achieved by following a blueprint as old as professional football itself: start an efficient quarterback, run the ball effectively, and don't stop rushing the opposing teams quarterback. Ryan has done an excellent job of not losing football games and consistently putting his team in position to win. The offense has really found its groove through the running game, particularly Turner, who has accounted for 543 of the Falcon's league-leading 903 yards on the ground. John Abraham, the NFL leader with seven sacks, has also hit his stride at defensive end for the Falcons. His pass rushing skills have gotten the team out of dangerous situations, making the secondary look better than it has played. Using this run-first offense, coupled with the dangerous blitz schemes implemented by the defense, the Falcons are riding their new confidence to new expectations.
The enthusiasm has rubbed off on the typically pessimistic fan base, finally giving the Falcons faithful something to be proud of. "I am finally not ashamed of admitting my allegiance to [the Falcons]. They are playing football the right way now and not just relying on one thug to carry the team," boasts Andrew Fortenberry, a lifelong Falcons fan and GSC Oconee student. "I don't have to lie about what I'm doing on Sundays anymore. I can watch the Falcons knowing they are heading in the right direction now."
It is not out of the question that the Falcons continue their winning ways and finish their so-called rebuilding year 8-8, which may be just good enough to earn a wildcard playoff berth in the NFC. And no, that was not a mistake. The words "Falcons" and "playoffs" were just used in the same sentence and it wasn't the punch line of a joke.
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