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 Morning......Volume 10.0

Happy Crappy Monday Morning……Volume 10.0

By: J-Shannon

It’s Christmas time people…. You have to love this time of year. You go to work on time, but only do about 60% of what you normally would do. No one gets work done over the next couple of weeks. People are planning family time, what they are doing for Christmas, and searching for some last minute Christmas gifts. What better way to kick off Christmas then with a Happy Crappy Monday Morning, the Christmas edition. Enjoy…..

1.       Dirty Birds Flying High –

12-2. Man that sounds good. I’ll admit, I was extremely skeptical about Matt Ryan being drafted when he did. But what the hell do I know? I think this team is special. They are good, but not great. They are confident, not cocky. They get things done the hard way, by pounding the ball with Turner and Snelling, and wearing down the defense. Matt Ryan doesn’t try and force plays, he just takes what the defense gives him. It is amazing how much better your team plays when you have third and short situations, as opposed to third and long. It seems every time the Falcons have third down this season, it is only 3 or 4 yards to go. This team is special. This team has an opportunity to do something special…. How big is that Monday night football game at the Dome against the Saints going to be? Does home field advantage throughout the playoffs mean anything to you?

2.       MV7 = MVP

Look, I know Tom Brady is a stud. I know his numbers are unreal. I know he is going to go down as one of the best Quarterbacks ever. But if you took him away from that team, would there be that much of a fall off? Yea, they wouldn’t have gone 12-2, but I think it’s safe to say they would have made the playoffs. Now, take Michael Vick away from the Eagles. You’re talking a completely different team. The guy is single handily leading the Eagles to the playoffs on fire. Their O-Line is shaky; doesn’t matter, Vick breaks a tackle or 2 and scrambles for 40 yards. Maclin and Jackson are killing it lately, because they have a guy with an arm that can use their speed to his advantage. This team is hot, and is being led by a guy who has completely changed from the player and person he was 3 years ago. I’ll put it to you this way, I’m excited to see how far the Falcons go into the playoffs, but I damn sure don’t want to have to play MV7 or the Eagles.

3.       All the Miami Heat and King James Haters, where Did you Go?

You know it is funny, the Heat lose a couple of games, and everyone thinks it was a huge mistake for King James to “Take his Talents” to Miami. Well, the Heat is starting to get their shit together. They have won 12 in a row. Actually, they haven’t lost a game this month, and it’s the 20^th of the month. The more time that Wade and King James spend together on the court, the better this combination is going to get. If you were hating on the Heat, and talking about how this combination wasn’t going to work out, then you might want to consider hating on some other team…..

4.       The Town – Solid Flick

I had a chance to lie around on the couch Sunday night, and decided to switch it up from my normal routine. Normally, it’s a night to get my column together, and watch Faith Hill kick off Sunday Night Football. But this Sunday, I decided to watch The Town. Great flick, I highly recommend checking it out. I’m normally not a Ben Affleck fan, but he rocked it in this movie. Anytime you have a movie that’s action packed, involves a bank robbery or 2, and somehow finds a way to incorporate a professional sports team, it’s going to be a winner. This movie is a solid Bro flick…

5.       57^th Fighter Group Restaurant Review…..

You know how it works, I rank based on the following categories: Atmosphere, Talent Level, Cheddar Factor, Drink Accessibility, and Playlist.

·         Atmosphere 9….. This place is great and unique. The restaurant is a themed restaurant, with the feeling of eating on a military base. From the military cars in the parking lot, to the guard gate at the entrance, to the sandbags on the walls, it really gives the feel of a military base. Also, don’t expect to hear music while in the bathroom, instead plan to hear famous war generals giving motivational speeches.

·         Talent Level 6…. One word, COUGAR! Cougars are on the prowl at this place. Keep your eyes peeled, and be prepared, because you will get hit on.

·         Cheddar Factor 7…. It’s a little on the high side, but it is nicer than your ordinary restaurant. The food was amazing. I recommend getting a steak. Also, if you are on active duty, just bring an ID. It is free, as a thanks for your service.

·         Drink Accessibility 8…. The place is a pretty good sized restaurant. There are multiple bars, and cocktail waitresses everywhere. I didn’t have any problem getting a drink in this place.

·         Playlist  6….. Yea, they had a DJ for the dance floor. But their music selection was a little more suited for the Cougars in the bar than anyone else. It is a little old school. Don’t expect to hear anything from the 2000 era.

·         FINAL SCORE = 36…. Translation: Check it out. It is definitely worth the atmosphere, at least once. Also, if you have anyone from the WWII Era, I’m told they have to go, because it is a solid reminder of the past.

6.       DeSean Jackson made the Giants his Bitch….

This won’t take long. Hey Giant fans, how did that make you feel? Look, 14 seconds left in the game, there should not be a remote chance that that punt lands anywhere close to in bounds. It’s that simple. Mr. Coughlin, there is a guy in North Carolina right now, and his name is Bill Cowher. He is preparing to put the old whistle around his neck again, and get back into Coaching in the NFL. That kick off your punter’s foot might as well have been your job if you don’t win the Super Bowl this year……By the way, if you missed it, here it is…..

7.       The NFL

Watch the clip below. You mean to tell me that Tyler Brayton gets fined 15k for that hit and the poor JETS assistant who makes about 80k gets popped for 25k?? Cmon Goodell this is embarrassing. Not only should Tyler Brayton be suspended, Curtis Lofton should take him out back and beat his ass. Have a look see:

8.       Get the Resume’s Ready, Vacancies Everywhere after Christmas

Come January, there are going to be multiple coaching jobs open in the NFL. Hell, so far there are already 3, with the Cowgirls, Broncos, and the Vikings open. But in my eyes, there are going to be a few more. Keep an eye on the Texans, who seem to add talent ever year but remain mediocre. The Titans, who look like they are going to make the stupid decision to choose Vince Young over Jeff Fischer. The Panthers, although who wants that job. The Giants, just because New York doesn’t put up with the type of crap that happened yesterday. (See #6). Other possibilities include Jacksonville and San Fran. Bad news for you Atlanta fans, don’t be surprised if your Offensive Coordinator is a head coach somewhere else next year.

9.       Greinke= From Shittiest to Just Shitty

Just a quick Congrats to Zack Greinke, you left the really shitty team you have been playing for, and now play for just a Shitty team. Congrats.

10. The Top 10 in the Top 10…….

Oh the Top 10. This week is special; it is the Christmas top 10. But the top 10 Christmas movies have been done, so I decided to switch it up a bit. I did the Top 10 Dysfunctional family members in a Christmas movie. Enjoy, and don’t act like you don’t have any of these family members in your family.

1.       UNCLE EDDIE – Christmas Vacation: Possibly my favorite Christmas Character of all time, How could you have a dysfunctional family without Uncle Eddie? Showing up in his horrible RV, with his dog Snots, Eddie somehow charms you into liking him. Everyone has an uncle Eddie in their family.

Favorite Quote:  “Shitter was full Clark!”

2.       BUZZ MCCALLISTER – Home Alone:  What a great older brother. Buzz was that annoying older brother who did anything he could do to get on your nerves. The fact that he ate an entire pizza just to piss his younger brother off is priceless. The downside to Buzz, his girlfriend…. WOOF.

Favorite Quote: “No, for three reasons: A, I'm not that lucky. Two, we use smoke detectors and D, we live on the most boring street in the whole United States of America, where nothing even remotely dangerous will ever happen. Period.”

3.       MR. PARKER- A Christmas Story: Don’t act like you don’t watch this movie at least twice when it is on for 24 hours on TBS. One of the best movies of all time in my book, Mr. Parker reminds everyone of their own father in one way or another. You have to love the old man, complaining about the neighbors dogs, loving his leg lamp, and having his special ways of fixing the problems in the house.

Favorite Quote: “What is a lamp, you nincompoop? It's a Major Award. I won it!”

4.       Dr. NEIL MILLER (Step dad)- The Santa Clause- Tell me you remember the Santa Clause? Tim Allen was great, but my favorite character in that movie was the Stepfather, Neil. Why? I want just one of those phenomenal sweaters’ he used to wear. They were better than anything Mr. Cosby use to wear.

Favorite Quote: “All I ever wanted for Christmas was an Oscar Meyer Weiner whistle.”

5.       BUDDY THE ELF- ELF: I know he isn’t a family member in a movie, but how can you have a Christmas list without adding Buddy.

Favorite Quote:” I thought maybe we could make ginger bread houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and maybe even hold hands”

6.       UNCLE FRANK- Home Alone: Everyone has the annoying cheap uncle in the family. Uncle Frank is that uncle. He doesn’t let you watch the good movies, and treats you like a child. Uncle Frank was an ass.

Favorite Quote: “Look what you did you little Jerk”

7.       AUNT BETHANY- Christmas Vacation: What a sweet old lady. She is deaf, and wraps her cat up as a gift. Every line she has in the movie is priceless. From the moment she is suppose to say the Blessing, and actually says the Pledge of Allegiance, to the part where she hears the squirrel. Everyone loves Aunt Bethany.

Favorite Quote: “Oh Dear, did I break wind?”

      8.       DENVER AND DALLAS MCVIE- 4 Christmases: Everyone has those siblings they want to just pound. Well Denver and Dallas McVie are training for the UFC so no dice when Brad rolls in for Christmas.

             Favorite Quote: "Hey Brad, lick my gonads."

       9.       SCOTT CALVIN- The Santa Claus:   What happens when you accidentally kill Santa Claus? You become him. Your boy Scott Calvin has got some serious stories to tell at his sons Career Day.

             Favorite Quote: "We shared a bowl of sugar, did some shots of brown liqour, played with my shot guns, field-dressed a cat, looked for women..."

        10.     THE KID- Bad Santa: Seriously his name in the movie is The Kid. Everyone knows that chubby kid who has the cheeks that look like they are going to explode. This is that kid.

              Favorite Quote: "It's a wooden pickle."

 Leave me your thoughts and comments on the facebook post…. Special shout out to Meghan McClamb for the help on the top 10. See you all Friday morning Suckazzzzzz.

Falcons Week 12 Recap and Top 5 in the NFC

The Falcons found themselves fighting for home field advantage in the NFC with a HUGE game against the Green Bay Packers. A win against the Packers and the Falcons would be in the drivers seat for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. As most of you know Matt Ryan is 19-1 at home as a starter and the Falcons have rarely lost at home over the last 3 years. Thus making Sundays game a HUGE one.

Quarterbacks: A

• Matt Ryan was 24/28 for 197 yards and a score. If I'm not mistaken he was 14-14 in the 2nd half. That is 4 games in a row the Falcon offense has not turned the ball over. Ryan is completing 65% of his passes with 19 TD's to only 5 INT's. Against a Packers defense that leads the league in points against Ryan moved the Falcons up and down the field. Would be an A+ but we only scored 20 points.

Running Backs: A

• Another Ho Hum day for Michael Turner. 23 rushes for 110 yards and a score. Sometimes Turner bothers me by the way he doesn't seem to hit the hole hard but I have to say that it is amazing how he ALWAYS seems to fall forward after the first hit. "I didn't like the way we tackled, but I knew coming in that (Turner) was going to be a challenge. He's so strong." - Packers DC Dom Capers

Wide Receivers: B

• Tony Gonzalez had a couple nice grabs as did Roddy White. A solid performance across the board but would have liked to see a few more shots deep. Not necessarily the WR's fault but overall a good game.

Defense: A+

• The Packers have one of the best offenses in the league and to hold them to only 17 points while turning them over at critical times is incredible. The play on the goal line against Rodgers as he was trying to sneak was one of the biggest plays this Falcons defense has made in years. As much as the bend but don't break motto bothers me its very true with these Falcons. Between the 20's the Falcons will allow you to move the ball but once you get inside their 20 they really stiffen up. 

Bro Nameth's Power 5 of the NFC

1. Atlanta Falcons: 9-2
2. NY Giants: 7-4
3. Chicago Bears: 8-3
4. Philadelphia Eagles: 7-4
5. NO Saints: 8-3

To not have the Falcons #1 is just dumb. Skip Clueless tried to say that the Falcons haven't beaten anyone of any value at home. I'm sorry, I didn't know the Ravens, Bucs and Packers weren't good. The 2 losses the Falcons have are against the Steelers and Eagles. Now the Steelers game was without Roethlisberger but the Steelers D is still the Steelers D. The game against the Eagles was bad I will give you that but they are still  very good team. The Falcons have also beat the Saints on the road. With 2 games left against the Panthers I would have to think that the Falcons have the clear cut advantage in the race for Home field Advantage.