Fire And Ice Bring Excitement To The Dome

This season was supposed to be a "rebuilding season" for the Falcons. We grabbed an untested (well to an extent) backup running back from San Diego, drafted a Quarterback for a starter, brought in a new coaching staff and management, and had a team that was still reeling from one of the most disastrous seasons in franchise history (which we do NOT need to revisit). For all intensive purposes, it would not have been a surprise to see the Atlanta Falcons in the same position as the Lions or Rams.

And then....the emergence of Matty "Ice" Ryan and Michael "The Burner" Turner. Not to say the rest of the team has not had an amazing year thus far, but these guys have been absolute studs in the NFL. I have been up North for the past few months so I have not had the good fortune of watching most of the games, but as I stared intently at my ESPN Gamecast screen yesterday....and watched the points pile up after Michael Turner brought in his FOURTH rushing touchdown of the afternoon (not to mention this was against the NFC South Leading Carolina Panthers)...I realized this team has got something special. These guys have a legitimate chance of pushing for the NFC South title and with the momentum on their side can have a nice run in the playoffs.

(Matt Ryan)

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

(Michael Turner)

(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

(Harry Douglas)

(AP Photo/Dave Martin)

I would be morally remiss if I did not give props to our new wideout Harry Douglas for his performance in yesterday’s game as well...simply amazing. If Matt Ryan gets to hold on to Roddy White and Harry Douglas as his receiver tandems....I can foresee some very exciting seasons for the Falcons. Here are some stat highlights from the game against Carolina (from Espn):

Atlanta Passing
	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT
M. Ryan	17/27	259	9.6	0	0

Atlanta Rushing
	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
M. Turner	24	117	4.9	4	19

Atlanta Receiving
	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
H. Douglas	4	92	23.0	0	69
R. White	4	70	17.5	0	30

Atlanta Punt Returns
	NO	YDS	AVG	LG
H. Douglas	3	93	31.0	61

Annnd here are the video highlights

With the final stretch of this season coming into view, the Falcons are in great position to make a run for the Playoffs. The remaining schedule is as follows:

11-30-08-at San Diego Chargers

12-07-08-at New Orleans Saints

12-14-08-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

12-21-08-at Minnesota Vikings

12-28-08-St. Louis Rams

Ok...crazy prediction time. I have made this playoff prediction based purely on my entertainment mind you.

• Atlanta will win the division at 11-5 (losing only at Minnesota for the rest of the season).
• Atlanta will be the 3 seed in the NFC behind the NY Giants and the Arizona Cardinals.
• Atlanta will win the wildcard round against the Washington Redskins.
• Atlanta will then go on to beat the Giants in the Divisional round.
• Atlanta will destroy the Cardinals in the NFC Championship
• Atlanta will beat Farve and the Jets on a last second field goal in the Superbowl (Don't forget where Farve started his career!)

My full playoff predictions as well as award predictions will be coming soon. I will give you a moment to take in that last prediction. Got a better scenario? AFC or NFC let us know.

More to come...