Falcons vs. Saints Recap...The NFL rules are wack

The Falcons hosted the Saints in what was the biggest home game in Atlanta Falcons history. With a win the Falcons lock up the division and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Saints on the other hand needed a win to secure their spot in the playoffs. The Dome was rocking and definitely had a playoff atmosphere. My take on the game:

Quarterback: C-

• Matt Ryan was pretty dreadful all night. Multiple times it looked like the pressure was getting to him and he wasn't setting his feet and making strong accurate throws. He completed only 15/29 for 148 yards and a score. For as bad as he played we still had a chance to win which is a sign that this is not the Falcons of old.

Running Backs: D

• Michael Turner for 99% of the night was http://www.nonexistant.com/MIA . He had 48 yards on 17 carries for a measly 2.8 average and a COSTLY turnover at the goal line. I will not jump all over Turner since that is his first fumble in a year and a half or so. Its imperative that the Falcons get Turner going. When Turner runs the ball well the Falcons almost never lose. Now you have to give the Saints some credit but the Offensive Line needs to man up and grab a snickers. Starting to look like a bunch of Betty White's out there.

Wide Receivers: C+

• Roddy White had an average day with 5 catches for 43 yards and a score. I thought they needed to try and get the ball to Roddy more but I know you cant just lock in on 1 receiver. I was surprised Tony Gonzalez wasn't targeted more. With the way the saints were stuffing the run you would think the down field passing game would be more open but it wasn't. Michael Jenkins had some nice catches and caused the pass interference in the end zone that was fumbled away by Michael Turner.

Defense: A+

• The defense was outstanding! Drew Brees completed some passes but his yards per attempt for 3 quarters were under 5. We consistently got pressure on Brees and made him have to move of his spot which was a goal of Mike Smiths going into the game. We forced 2 turnovers one of which was returned for a touchdown by Chauncy Davis and the other was an incredible pick by Jon Abraham in which he he could have taken it to the house if it wasn't for Drew Brees making the tackle.

Overall: C

• For the offense to play as poor as they did and still have a chance to win the game you have to be somewhat pleased with that. I am very very happy with the way the defense played and in a way I am glad that we lost. A friend of mine brought up a good point that is is very difficult to beat a team 3 times in a year and had we won last night more than likely we would see the Saints again in a few weeks right back at the Dome. The Dome from what I could tell was rocking and that is the kind of crowd we need at EVERY home game. Once we dismantle the Panthers next week we will earn our bye and home field throughout the playoffs. RISE UP!

I have a quick beef with the NFL and their rules committee that I would like to pick real quick. What is the point of instant replay if it cant be used when it is needed most?? Someone explain the logic to me that under 2 minutes a review can only come from the booth but only certain plays cant be reviewed. Last night Pierre Thomas was down a yard back from where the ref spotted the ball. Since the spotted ball was still an inch short of the first down, it could not be reviewed. Let me get this straight. You have a review system that 1000000000% shows his knee down a full yard back YET you go with the spot of the ref who is watching the game in real time?? Oh and because it wasn't a first down its not reviewable?!?!?! Get a clue already. There is going to be a time where something like that happens at an absurdly critical time in a huge game and the NFL is going to look like a bunch of morons when they have to explain themselves to an entire fan base why its not a reviewable play. Whats the point of having a review system if you are going to let certain plays be reviewed and let others stand that are wrong?

Happy Crappy Monday......Volume 11.0

Happy Crappy Monday Morning……Volume 11.0

By: J-Shannon

Christmas has come and gone, and it’s now time to look forward to the New Year’s Eve weekend, and big Bowl Games. I myself will be in Jacksonville, FL, for the Gator Bowl. I’m going to watch Mississippi State battle with the Wolverines of Michigan. Personally, I don’t care who wins the game, as long as it is a good game, with some good Weather, and a couple of ice cold Brews.  

1.       Monday Night Football Countdown

It’s another Monday Night, and that means there is another game on Monday Night Football. Normally, I would watch the game no matter who is playing, but this game is an exceptionally large football game. The Dirty Birds are battling their arch rival Saints, with the opportunity to win the division. Even if the birds lose tonight, they will have an opportunity to wrap up the division next week against the pathetic Panthers. But I think by winning tonight, the Birds would be making a solid statement, a statement saying they are the team to beat this year in the NFC. I’m hoping the Dome is packed and rocking, and hoping that the fans of the Birds are preparing themselves for some playoff football! Let’s make a statement, and make it possible to rest a couple of starters next week.

2.       Blizzard up and Down the East Coast

Did we get a white Christmas in the South East? Well not really, but we did get a day after Christmas snow storm. It was nice to see the family out playing in the snow, and having a good time. I’m actually surprised, usually the South East panics when there is a snow storm. It didn’t seem to crazy this year. My home town ended up with about 4 inches, which isn’t too shabby…..

3.       Deuces Tom Coughlin…

Coach Coughlin, go ahead and start sending your Thank You Cards out. Here is a little suggestion as to what his Thank you cards might look like…..

Dear Eli- Thank you for continually throwing pick after pick. Those 2 turnovers a game sure do help your team get a head start on the opponent.

Dear Matt Dodge- For Christmas, we should have got you a hearing Aid. If I’m not mistaken, I told you to your face not to kick the ball to DeSean Jackson. Thanks for not only kicking it to him, but kicking a line drive to give him plenty of time to see the field and pick and choose his way to the end zone.

Dear Brandon Jacobs- You have one main job on the team: Hold the football, and run with it. How about in the off season, work on part one. HOLD THE FOOTBALL. Thanks.

Dear Justin Tuck and the Rest of the D- Thanks for nothing. Although you have the reputation for being a tough D that knocks out opposing QB’s, you got scorched for 45 points against the Packers Sunday afternoon. Not only did you possibly cost the team the playoffs, but you may have also cost me my job. I think it is only fair for you to pay the $21.95 monthly membership fee for the Gold Membership to Monster.com for me, so that I can post my resume….

So Tom, when you received your pink slip and are about to head out the door, throw up your “Deuces” because you should be a little bit bitter. You would think your team would give you a little more effort on their part to help not only save the team’s season, but also save your job.  

4.       24 Hours of A Christmas Story…

Possibly one of the best Idea’s ever. In my household, when Christmas Eve rolls around, 24 Hours of a Christmas Story is on constantly. I honestly feel like I have seen it over 100 times, but when the movie is on in our living room, that’s how I know it is Christmas time.

5.       LeBron wins the first Battle, but Kobe will win the War…

Congrats LeBron and crew, you did your thing on Christmas Day. You took down the Lakers. But it was just one game. I hate to tell you, but if you want to win the ship, you have to beat the Lakers 4 out of 7 times. That’s assuming you get past the Celtics and the Magic. By the way LeBron, keep away from Ron Artest. What were you thinking getting in your little scuffle with him? That dude is from the Bronx, and would beat you down faster than you can say “What should I Do?”

6.       To Catch a Predator, best Show Ever….

If it is late night, and you cant sleep, or if you are feeling bad about yourself and need a moral boost, change it to MSNBC and check out “To Catch a Predator.” This show is priceless. What better people to make fun of than a 46 year old married man, who is chatting about sex to a 13 year old child. I love when the loser shows up at the door, with a 12 pack of “Mikes Hard Lemonade” and some condoms. When the host, Chris Hanson, asks the predator what he is doing at the little girl’s house, the usual reply is something along the lines of: “we were just going to hang out, or we def. weren’t going to have sex.” It makes it even better when the host reads the transcript from the online chat. Check it out if you have nothing better to do, it will def. make you feel better about yourself.

7.       A look back at the 2005 NFL Draft

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, to the 2005 NFL Draft. Why the 2005 draft? Well I was watching a game this weekend and it reminded me of the 2005 draft. Think back to who was picked first that year….. You remember? Alex Smith was taken first by the 49ers. They had a choice between him and a guy named Aaron Rodgers, and chose Smith…. Sucks to be the 49ers. It goes to show you that knowing the draft class inside and out is so vitally important to an organization. Some teams get it (Falcons and Patriots) and some teams don’t (Lions and 49ers).

8.       TUESDAY night Football…. Yea I’ll take it…..

So the Blizzard in the North East did do one thing, it rescheduled Sunday night’s game to Tuesday. That works for me, as it looks like I’ll watch NFL games Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this week. Hey, no complaints here, the more NFL the better in my book By the way, it will be an Eagles Beat down over old man Favre and the Vikings….

9.       Reality TV…

OK, I am willing to admit I am a sucker for some reality TV. I’ve got a few shows I have been watching lately that I need to pass along….

-Auction Kings-Filmed a block from my house in ATL, follows an auction gallery. Pretty Solid.

-Pawn Stars- Filmed out in Las Vegas, following the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop.

-Storage Wars- Follows guys who buy Storage Units not knowing what’s inside in order to make   $$$

 -Swamp People- Follows Hillbillies in the Swamps in Louisiana as they hunt for Gators.

10.   THE TOP 10 in the TOP 10….

In honor of Number 7 above, we have a unique Top 10 this week. Sometimes teams find gold in the first round of the draft, and some teams are lucky enough to find gold in the 6^th and 7^th rounds. Here is a top 10 list of NFL Players who went UNDRAFTED in the Past 10 YEARS…..

2010- LEGARRETTE BLOUNT-Oregon- The verdict is still out, but it looks like so far Blount is the guy teams are wishing they would have looked at a little harder. Of course his punching a guy in the face post game incident is ultimately why he was passed up, but the Bucs are sure enjoying his hard nosed running…..

2009- ARIAN FOSTER- Tennessee- Who knew an undrafted RB who had a mediocre college career would be starting in front of a guy named Steve Slayton. Foster has killed it all year for the disappointing Texans, and looks to be their back for the next few years. Keep in mind they are paying him next to nothing for all of this work, because he went undrafted.

2008- BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS- It is no surprise that the Patriots discovered an undrafted gem. The team has been the model franchise for the past 10 years. They are known for finding guys who fly under the radar, but deliver on the field.

2007- PIERRE THOMAS- Illinois- What has this undrafted RB done for the Saints? Only lead them to the Super Bowl and helped win the game. Thomas has been a nice compliment to Reggie Bush, doing the bulk of the heavy carrying up the middle.

2006- MILES AUSTIN- Monmouth State- It took a couple of years for this one to develop, but Miles has turned into the big play threat for the Cowboys. The guy Is on a team with 2 First Round receiver picks, yet is the Number One guy.

2005- Joshua Cribbs- Kent State- Ask any casual football fan to name a player that plays for the Cleveland Browns, and the majority of people can only name Joshua Cribbs. I actually feel bad for him for being found by the horrible Browns. The guy needs to finish out that contract and get out of their ASAP….

2004 WES WELKER- Texas Tech- I know what you are thinking, another good find by the Patriots. Actually no, the Chargers found Welker, but somehow let him go to New England. Welker is the ultimate possession receiver, slashing up opponents defenses left and right. You don’t think he is valuable, look at Brady’s numbers with him and without him…..

2003 ANTONIO GATES- Kent State- Another Kent State player, Gates has been one of if not the best TE in the past 5 years. Phillip Rivers uses the guy as his security blanket. The man will catch anything thrown in his vicinity, and blocks with the best of them….

2002 JAMES HARRISON- Kent State- I have learned 2 things in doing this list. Number 1, the 2002-2006 Kent State team had some studs playing for them. Number 2, if you are looking for some hidden gems, check Kent State. If you watch Sportscenter, Harrison is no one new to you. He is the guy who gets fined weekly for lighting people up like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The man can flat out play linebacker.

2001 ANTONIO PIERCE- Arizona- Antonio was the rock in the middle of the Defense that lead the New York Giants to the Super Bowl. Yea he is out of the league now, but he was one of the best LB’s in the NFL for about 8 solid years.

2000 SHAUN O’HARA- Rutgers- Look at the Giants doing it again. Shaun O’Hara is a stud who to this day anchors the O’Line for the Giants. The man goes to Pro Bowls like it is mandatory in his contract. What a steal for the Giants.

I will be adding the "Non Bro" of the week. This goes to someone who no matter what they do from here on out will never be a Bro no matter what because of something that has happened in the past. This weeks award goes to this guy:



As always, it has been a pleasure. Leave me your thoughts and comments on the facebook post…. See you all Friday morning Suckazzzzzz.