NFL Week Seven: Atlanta Falcons Gain Credibility Without Playing?

[BlacksburgHokie]

The Atlanta Falcons are the NFL’s version of Rodney Dangerfield and his famous line, “I don’t get no respect!!” These were the excuses given after each week so far this season.

Week One – Detroit at Atlanta (WIN)

The Falcons dominated the Lions 34-21, but instead of crediting Atlanta offense, most critics argued that Detroit’s ineptitude on defense was the reason for this opening game victory by the home team.

Week Two – Atlanta at Tampa Bay (LOSS)

Matt Ryan struggled in his first game outside the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome, and Michael Turner was held to just 42 yards rushing. Columnists argued that this was the Falcons team everyone expected to see and the learning curve may be too steep for Ryan to contribute immediately to help turn around this franchise.

Week Three – Kansas City at Atlanta (WIN)

Although the home team was favored by 4.5, as opposed to the Lions being favored by four in the first week, this was pretty much the same story as Week One, as far as the experts were concerned. The Falcons took care of the Chiefs by a final score of 38-14, but there was nary a peep heard about how well the home team played. Most of the attention was paid to a failing Kansas City team.

Week Four–Atlanta at Carolina (LOSS)

Given their first opportunity to help validate the 2008 season, Atlanta faltered once again at Carolina and failed to score a touchdown. Nearly everyone stated the Falcons could beat the bad teams, but were ineffective against the better teams.

Week Five –Atlanta at Green Bay (WIN)

A rookie quarterback is not supposed to go on the road and win in the NFL—especially at Lambeau Field. When he should have been rattled, Ryan began going no-huddle in “Peyton-esque” manner, and the Falcons took down the 5.5-point favorite Packers, 27-24. Commentators and columnists alike began to wonder if Atlanta was more than just a team that could beat bad teams.

Week Six – Chicago at Atlanta (WIN)

The Falcons couldn’t have and shouldn’t have won this game; but they did. Bad teams find a way to lose games, but good teams find a way to win them. The Falcons tried to lose the game with a missed Jason Elam field goal and a Chris Houston blown coverage in the waning moments of the fourth quarter, but somehow, a Harry Douglas kick return, a Ryan to Jenkins connection, and a Jason Elam redemption field goal later, Atlanta had found a way to win.

There have been excuses made every step of the way this season, from “the Falcons got some lucky breaks” and “the teams that Atlanta is playing are injured” to “the team can’t win in the NFC South.”

Finally, the Falcons gained some credit this past weekend during their bye-week.

While Detroit and Kansas City displayed just how incompetent they are, the Falcons did what good teams should do when they beat these two teams.

The two Falcons’ losses have been to teams with a combined 10-4 record. Both Tampa bay and Carolina showed their strength by winning handily in Week Seven.

In addition, Atlanta’s victories over Green Bay and Chicago were validated as both teams pushed their records to 4-3 with victories over Indianapolis and Minnesota, respectively.

So, how many more victories will it take for the Falcons to get some much-due respect in the media?

Right now, the Eagles are favored by 8.5 points at home. If the Falcons keep getting denied the deference that they have duly earned so far this season, they will keep fighting as the underdog until the team is given the respect that they have earned.

It seems as though the team is beginning to get some esteem from the masses, but a victory in Philadelphia this weekend would go a long way to making their statement loud and clear...and begin getting the respect the Falcons have coming their way.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/71398-n...without-playing

[smokey7]

IF and when we beat the eagles this sunday will make little difference to all the media experts. Until this franchise does two things.

1. win a superbowl

2. has back to back winning seasons.

Until this team does these things we will allways be viewed the same way. Losers. And although i love the falcons and there my team i have to say I can't blame them. Weve proved year after miserable year that we stink. It takes something serious to change that.

[falcontent]

This is definetliy the game that the Falcons can start to turn some heads. They don't have to win the game(I think they will) although, playing a close game into the fourth quarter and giving themselves a chance to win in the end should earn a huge amount of respect. Playing a tough Philly team at home is not an easy task. Much less coming off a by week. The truth of the matter is, is that we as Atlanta fans don't really know how good this team can play. All we know is that they are getting better week to week and where the ceiling of that progression is we will not know for some time. If they win this one then I think we can all say LETS GET IT ON !!!!

[michaelgee]

So far, Life has been GREAT under the radar, maybe we can stay there a while yet.

[chifalc]

IF and when we beat the eagles this sunday will make little difference to all the media experts. Until this franchise does two things.

1. win a superbowl

2. has back to back winning seasons.

Until this team does these things we will allways be viewed the same way. Losers. And although i love the falcons and there my team i have to say I can't blame them. Weve proved year after miserable year that we stink. It takes something serious to change that.

I can. Number one, they are supposed to be professionals and journalists.

Number two: This is demonstrably NOT the same team as last years, both in performance and personnel. SO linking the performances of previous years is a very bad logic error.

[War Damn Eagle]

In all fairness, to be considered a legitimate contender we have to beat Philly. It's been a long time since we beat a team of their quality. The Chicago win was impressive but it was at home. Good teams beat good teams on the road.

[Karst41]

I dont think that we are flying under the Radar any more.

The Barn Yard Animals are sitting quietly at their keyboards,

and have already typed up about how Bad we are, should be drop this Game.

However when we win this game of course they will say that the Eagles were not at 100%

and we just got lucky.

Yet another game that we have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Eagles have Everything to Lose, and their local Media will Crucify the Eagles when we get the W.

I feel like this game is a good match up and it will come down to execution of the Game Plan

for Both teams, and our guys are Hungry!

Cheers

[Robb4242]

I can. Number one, they are supposed to be professionals and journalists.

Number two: This is demonstrably NOT the same team as last years, both in performance and personnel. SO linking the performances of previous years is a very bad logic error.

To point number 1, as professionals and journalists, they have the responsibility to look at this team objectively. To a large extent, the media has done that. In the preseason, there were so many question marks surrounding this team that they were correct not to expect an immediate turn around. And, through week six, we've made a good run, but this is still a young team, and young teams do tend to fade during the long NFL season. That's not to say we won't keep bucking the trend like we have through week 6, but I still think there is enough of a question there that the questions can be raised about us staying this good throughout the season. Similar to the questions surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays around the all star break this past summer.

In reference to point number 2, agree wholeheartedly. You cannot link those 2 teams.

[Rockford]

To point number 1, as professionals and journalists, they have the responsibility to look at this team objectively. To a large extent, the media has done that. In the preseason, there were so many question marks surrounding this team that they were correct not to expect an immediate turn around. And, through week six, we've made a good run, but this is still a young team, and young teams do tend to fade during the long NFL season. That's not to say we won't keep bucking the trend like we have through week 6, but I still think there is enough of a question there that the questions can be raised about us staying this good throughout the season. Similar to the questions surrounding the Tampa Bay Rays around the all star break this past summer.

In reference to point number 2, agree wholeheartedly. You cannot link those 2 teams.

Looking at them objectively would mean being willing to question the assumptions they entered the year with instead of stubbornly insisting on them.