Falcons Have The Edge

So here we are, with four games left in the regular season the Atlanta Falcons are sitting in prime position for a playoff run. Now I know last week I made some lofty predictions for the Dirty Birds...and of course I hope that happens...but on a realistic note the Falcons have no reason not to snatch one of the Wildcard spots in the NFC. Currently, the Falcons have the 6th and final playoff (the other going to Carolina), but let's look at the week ahead. The Dallas Cowboys, who seem to be the biggest threat to the Falcons, have a tough road game at Pittsburgh...followed by games against the Giants, Ravens, and then at Philly. America's team truly could lose all four of those...but even losing just two of them would pretty much seal the deal for Atlanta if we take care of business.

Now Atlanta does not have to run the table to get in, but key wins against New Orleans and Tampa are a must (luckily Tampa comes to the Georgia Dome for the final meeting). This season has already been a monumental success...and with a win Sunday at the Superdome...the Falcons clinch a winning season...and many critics were predicting a winless season. I realize that San Diego has not exactly been a dominant team this year (and possibly still suffering from LT's foot injury), but holding Tomlinson to 24 yards on his home turf....simply amazing. If Atlanta can go into hostile territory and shut down the league's leading passer, Drew Brees, it will pretty much wipe away the memory of the collapse last year.

After Monday, we will all have a better picture of the playoffs as Carolina and Tampa will go head-to-head on Monday Night Football. If Carolina wins, and we take care of the Bucs when they come to Atlanta, I believe we will have a legitimate shot at taking the NFC South. Why you ask? ...well Carolina must go on to face the Giants, Broncos (which seem to surprise teams with their offense randomly), and at the Saints. It will be a tough road, and the Falcons will need a lot of help, but the division can still be theirs...

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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...

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