J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons injury situation in the secondary took a turn for the worse Wednesday as the team placed recently re-signed safety Jamaal Fudge on injured reserve.

In his place, Atlanta brought in four-year veteran safety Charlie Peprah.

Fudge, who was with the team in 2008 and the preseason, was re-signed on Oct. 20 after the team placed starting cornerback Brian Williams on injured reserve. The team also lost second-round pick safety William Moore (hamstring) for the season last week.

Thomas DeCoud and Erik Coleman have started every game at safety in 2009 but injury concerns have hit the reserve unit hard with Moore and Antoine Harris, who returned to the lineup last week after missing four games with a knee injury.Wor

Peprah, 5-11, 203 pounds, spent the past three seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2006-08). He was released by the Packers following training camp this season.

In 37 career games (one start), the Alabama graduate has totaled 21 tackles (10 solo) and forced two fumbles on special teams in 2007.

At Alabama, Peprah played in 50 games (45 starts) at multiple positions in the secondary. He finished his career with 210 tackles, nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and 24 passes defensed. He was a first-team All American (The NFL Draft Report) as a senior.

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Antoine Harris, Brian Williams, Charlie Peprah, Erik Coleman, Green Bay Packers, injury, Thomas DeCoud, William Moore

For the second-straight week the Falcons put together flashes of success on the field only to fizzle at key moments in the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith did not hesitate when he talked to the media Tuesday — a little more than 12 hours after losing to the New Orleans Saints — about the team’s need for consistency.

“Looking at the tape I thought there were some good things and some things we did OK but there are some things we need to get corrected,” the second-year coach said, referring to the team’s 35-27 defeat at the hands of a division rival on Monday Night Football.

“We’re not hitting on all cylinders for 60 minutes and I think that’s the thing that’s evident over the last couple weeks. We’re not sustaining our level of play through the entire game… Not to make excuses, but — and this is not just on the offensive side of the ball, this is all three phases — we’re not sustaining the level of play to get the outcome we want.”

The coach said players and coaches alike must identify the issue and look to correct it before losses pile up on the team’s 4-3 record.

“We’re all responsible for the outcomes,” he said.

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

… Smith listed several positives from the game, including running back Michael Turner’s season-high 151 rushing yards. Turner had been struggling to put together a dominant game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on and trying to tweak and get going,” Smith said. “I think one of the biggest differences was Michael really running hard and down hill.”

Smith said the coaching staff added some new looks in run formations but a lot of the praise went to Turner, who took time to review tape of some of his big runs from a Pro Bowl season in 2008 prior to taking the field in New Orleans.

The head coach did not offer an injury update on running backs Jerious Norwood (hip) and Jason Snelling (hamstring), who were inactive for the game.

… Veteran kicker Jason Elam missed a pair of field goals Monday night, leading to questions about the position from the Atlanta media.

“Jason did not kick the ball like we’re accustom to seeing him kick the ball,” Smith said. “That’s something we’ll always be evaluating. We always have a backup plan in place already in terms of who would be our backup kicker. (Punter) Michael (Koenen) has done that in the past, but that’s something we’re always evaluating.”

… Cornerback Tye Hill, acquired in a trade just before the regular season, officially got the start at one of the cornerback slots Monday night but Smith said more changes could be in store as the team finds the right combination to replace Brian Williams.

Smith said Hill was consistent against the run and the pass, but added Brent Grimes and perhaps rookie Christopher Owens could see more time on defense as the season progresses.

Grimes got his first interception of the season — a leaping grab that made it into several highlight packages — Monday night.

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

… The Falcons will return to Flowery Branch for meetings Tuesday evening before getting Wednesday off. The team is on a short week to prepare for the Washington Redskins (2-5).

“Defensively, they are very strong. I think they’re a very aggressive team. They’ve had two weeks to prepare coming off a bye week,” Smith said.

J. Michael Moore News Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Christopher Owens, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

With proper respect and reverence to the 1927 Yankees, the Falcons are in the midst of a Murders’ Row when it comes to an NFL schedule: Five of seven games on the road from Oct. 11 to Nov. 22, including back-to-back road games at Dallas (3-2) and NFC-leading New Orleans (6-0).

Thus far the Falcons (4-1) have held their own.

That’s not to say Sunday’s trip to Cowboys Stadium will be a cake walk.

Dallas is coming off a bye week. Then again, so where the Chicago Bears (the Falcons victim last weekend at the Georgia Dome).

But the Cowboys are a healthy team with few plan-changing injuries. Every player listed on the injury report this week in Dallas is probable for the games and the Falcons need to figure out how to rebound from a season-ending injury to starting cornerback Brian Williams.

Those are just a few topics Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) and I covered in a new edition of Falconcast.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FALCONS-COWBOYS PREVIEW

But isn’t there some sort of daunting drama every week?

By now the Falcons are used to the underdog role and playing away from home. Afterall, the team is a perfect 3-0 in the Pacific Time Zone under Head Coach Mike Smith and playing on the road has a way of circling the proverbial wagons.

If that’s not enough, the winner of this game certainly moves closer to positioning itself for a run at the playoffs.

Keys to the Game?

• Get familiar with the environment. This seems simple, but it’s very complicated. Cowboys Stadium is new. Few teams — and zero Falcons — have played there. Everything from the location of the play clock to the layout of the locker room must be learned quickly and focus must stay sharp.
• Contain the tight ends. Two weeks ago the Falcons bottled up Vernon Davis. Last week Greg Olsen had a touchdown and a 41-yard catch. This week, the team gets the pleasure of defending Jason Witten — the Cowboys top receiver. He’s a weapon the Birds must account for to be successful.
• Stretch the field. Could the Falcons be changing identities on offense? Not likely, but consider this. Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White are certainly capable pass catchers and Michael Turner and the run game hasn’t produced to 2008 levels. The team has had success using the pass to setup the run (remember Turner’s three-touchdown game against the 49ers?).

MORE FALCONS-COWBOYS COVERAGE:

• SCOUTING REPORT:Details on the Falcons and Cowboys running game
• FALCONCAST: J. Mike and Matt preview some aspects of Falcons-Cowboys
• ADDITIONAL HEADLINES: Transcripts and more from game week
• WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Stats to keep an eye on for Sunday’s game
• NUMBERS, NOTES, COLORS: Additional notes to get you ready for Sunday
• VIDEO INTERVIEWS: Video interviews and more Falcons-Cowboys multimedia
• INJURY REPORT: Injury updates on the Falcons and Cowboys
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game and additional headlines
• FALCONS BLOGS: More game coverage — and a look back — on the blog site

J. Michael Moore Falconcast Brian Williams, Chicago Bears, Cowboys Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, Greg Olsen, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Witten, Keys to the Game, Matt Moore, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

If you’re looking for a history note to impress your friends, throw out the name A.J. Trapasso.

Trapasso, a practice squad punter for the Tennessee Titans, earned a nugget in football Jeopardy after he hit the over-field scoreboard at Cowboys Stadium in the preseason.

With the Falcons set to travel to Dallas and face the Cowboys — and the monster, 160-foot scoreboard that hangs just more than 90 feet above the field — punter Michael Koenen fielded a few questions Wednesday.

Odd, but it’s one of the few times a kicker gets face time.

“That will come in play if you try to kick down the middle, but hopefully we can go to the side of that a little bit,” said Koenen, a five-year veteran.

League-wide discussion bubbled after Trapasso nailed the center of the scoreboard. Would it be raised? No. Is it within regulation? Yes. NFL officials have an easy answer to any kick that hits the board — replay of down.

With that in mind, Koenen isn’t keen on providing his coverage team with extra work.

“I’m going to try my best not to hit it because I don’t want my guys getting tired and have to go cover another kick,” he said. “I’m trying to get the guys to do one kick at a time and we’ll go from there.”

He said any hit on the board pregame would be accidental.

Dallas expects Barber, Ware to play hurt against Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The biggest down side to playing a team after its bye week? Players getting healthy.

Quotable: Wednesday Locker Room, AF.com
Additional comments from Falcons players as they get ready to face the Dallas Cowboys.

Spider-man premieres for Atlanta Falcons in Sunday night win, Examiner.com
Add this to the “interesting player actions” category. You could write a book on all the weird stuff in the locker room but, for the sake of privacy, I won’t discuss it much.

Falcons’ Norwood doubtful for game with Cowboys, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Falcons should be OK in the kickoff return game since Eric Weems has emerged as a solid contributor. The running game is a different story, since no player can duplicate Norwood’s elusiveness and speed.

DeCoud named NFC Defensive Player of the Week, AF.com
A great honor for Thomas DeCoud and a tip of the cap to the entire Falcons defense. This is a team game, you know.

Falcons’ 2008 class continues to shine, ESPN.com
The 2009 draft class is off to a slower start but, when it comes to talent, the Falcons have a young pool.

Inactive cornerback Hill eager to debut for Falcons, CBSSports.com
It could be Tye Hill. It could be Christopher Owens. It could be Chevis Jackson. It could be a combination of all three cornerbacks replacing Brian Williams.

Falcons sign running back, release D.J. Shockley, AF.com
This business often requires sudden — and difficult — change.

Shockley had been off Falcons’ radar for a while, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The search has begun for Shockley and the AF.com team wishes him well.

Expert’s Take: Falcons at Cowboys, AF.com
One of these days the Falcons are going to crack into an expert’s list of top-5 teams. Just not there yet.

No. 3 running back a terrific Choice by Cowboys, (Wichita Falls, Texas) Times Record News
Remember Tashard Choice? He played at Georgia Tech and has been a solid player for the Cowboys. Of course, the big Atlanta tie this weekend is Keith Brooking playing his former team.

Protection vital to Falcons QB Ryan, Dallas Morning News
The Falcons offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack in four games.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed A.J. Trapasso, AF.com, AJC, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, Cowboys Stadium, D.J. Shockley, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Morning News, DeMarcus Ware, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Georgia Tech, Jerious Norwood, Keith Brooking, Marion Barber, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Tashard Choice, Tennessee Titans, Thomas DeCoud, Times Record News, Tye Hill

The Falcons made a roster move Tuesday to sure up the depth chart in the wake of a season-ending injury to defensive back Brian Williams

Tuesday the team signed free agent safety Jamaal Fudge and placed Williams on the injured reserve list. Fudge originally joined the team just before the start of the 2008 season. He was released on Sept. 7 of this year.

Fudge played in 10 games in 2008, recording 12 tackles and one start. He also stepped in for an injured Lawyer Milloy in Week 4 at Carolina.

For his career, Fudge has 27 tackles (21 solo), one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defensed.

In his Monday press conference, Head Coach Mike Smith said the team would make a move to sure up the secondary. He also talked about three cornerbacks currently on the roster — including former first-round pick Tye Hill — that will get a chance to fill in for Williams.

The situation is slightly more complicated because Williams started on the outside in the team’s base defense and moved to the nickel, or third, cornerback position on passing downs.

“This will be an opportunity for Tye Hill, as well as I mentioned for Chris Owens and Chevis Jackson,” Smith said. “Tye had not gone through our [offseason team activities] and really had not gone through training camp. He was a late addition, very similar to last year with Domonique Foxworth, so there is a learning curve and Tye has been working very, very diligently to learn our defense and he’s going to get an opportunity this week to step in and compete for that corner position.”

J. Michael Moore News, Roster Moves Brian Williams, Chevis Jackson, Chris Owens, Domonique Foxworth, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Lawyer Milloy, Tye Hill

Something about the Bears coming to town brings out the best in the Georgia Dome crowd and the Falcons.

It also stirs up a little storm of luck that, for now, seems to be on the Falcons’ side. But like a tornado slicing through the plains, luck can be a fickle friend. This is particularly true if, as FoxSports.com reports, Falcons cornerback Brian Williams (knee) is done for the season.

Williams hurt the knee defending a pass in the end zone in the second half of Sunday’s game.

He was replaced in base packages by Brent Grimes and in the nickel package, when Williams usually moves inside, Chevis Jackson came into the game.

Head Coach Mike Smith is scheduled to speak with the media at 3:15 p.m. Monday, but he usually does not discuss injuries until after practice on Wednesday.

Regardless, the Falcons have done well with the injury bug this season overcoming most if not all the major bumps and bruises they’ve encountered.

It’s part of being a successful team in the NFL.

It’s part of controlling the storm of luck.

Complete Falcons-Bears Game Coverage, AF.com
The Falcons improved to 4-1 with a win over the Bears with two tough road games ahead. More on the game and what’s on the horizon in other blogs.

Falcons withstand Bears in another thriller, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The NFL schedule makers might want consider pitting the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons against each other more often. This is getting to be fun.” That would certainly be nice… But I’m good for a while.

No ‘growing pains’ for Falcons defense, AF.com
Whenever the Falcons offense struggles the defense is there to save the day. That’s the way a team is supposed to work.

Breaking down Ryan by the numbers, ESPN.com
There’s a stat for just about anything.

Atlanta Falcons edge out a victory over Chicago Bears, 21-14, Examiner.com
It was a late night at the Georgia Dome, but time certainly flies when you’re having fun.

Falcons’ veteran linebacker finds groove, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At one point during Sunday night’s game @FalconsCreative turned to me and said ‘I’m glad we’ve got Mike Peterson.’ Yes. Me too.

Cutler, Bears come up short in 21-14 loss to Falcons, USA Today
Judging from the headline USA Today leans toward Chicago. I guess Jay Cutler is still the big name. At this point the Falcons are probably used to the lack of attention and perform well as an underdog.

Chicago Bears lose 21-14 to Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Tribune
The Bears did a good job protecting the football in three straight wins. Three turnovers in Game No. 5 didn’t do them any favors.

DeCoud, Johnson stand up for Falcons’ defense, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith talked Sunday night about younger players stepping up and making plays. DeCoud and Johnson joined the party against the Bears.

Stepping into starring roles, ESPN.com
“…But the game actually was won for the Falcons by an assemblage of lesser-known role players, guys who might enjoy a trip to Honolulu only if they pay for it.” If you blink, you miss this wonderful aspect of the NFL.

What We Learned: Bears-Falcons, SI.com
I know it’s looking ahead, but I’m wondering what the Falcons-Saints game at the Georgia Dome will be like. It’s shaping up to be the biggest game of the year. Then again, they’re all big games.

Norwood, Moore go down to injuries, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
John Manasso highlighted the Falcons injury situation in his morning blog.

Falcons And Bears Recap: Hanging Tough And Winning Big, The Falcoholic
Highlights and lowlights, though a win erases just about any bad feeling in the pit of the stomach, right?

The brand new Falcons play in prime time and find a way, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“These Falcons are not the feckless Falcons of old. They can look bad, yes. But they refuse to look bad for long.”

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brent Grimes, Brian Williams, Chevis Jackson, Chicago Bears, Chicago Tribune, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, FalconsCreative, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Mike Peterson, SI.com, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, Thomas DeCoud, Thomas Johnson, USA Today

Seven years ago this evening my life changed forever. It’s all thanks to a wonderful woman and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Mrs. J. Mike and I had our first date 2,555 days ago. The night included watching an old VHS copy of one of the best — or worst — horror movies ever made (who says I’m not a hopeless romantic)?

Today I find myself remembering all the stuff that’s happened to my family since my wife and I started dating.

• We’ve graduated from college
• Got married (duh)
• Have — alone and/or together — lived in six different states

And those are just the highlights. Topic headers for the countless stories adding to our lives. There have been challenges, joys, defeats and triumphs but we’ve done it all together.

I like to say my wife and I make a great team (she says she’s the coach). Well, with seven years in the same system, we’re getting more experienced and poised for success.

But, in relationships, it takes a lifetime.

And that’s fine by me.

Ask Brian Williams a Question, AF.com
In just a few months Brian Williams has gone from starting in Jacksonville, released for salary cap reasons, to starting in Atlanta. Ask a question about his journey and he’ll answer the best on Friday.

Falcons will try to dodge the bye-week bullet, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“According to Elias Sports Bureau, teams coming off bye weeks in the past three seasons won nearly 60 percent of the time (57-38-1, .599).” Since 2000, that number drops to closer to 50 percent.

Mughelli misses practice in prep for Bears, AF.com
Also in the notebook: thoughts on the running game and some fan information for this weekend’s game.

Cutler has conquered the Georgia Dome vs. Smitty, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I can safely say this marks the first time a photo of Fergie and Rush Limbaugh appear in the same blog. Nice work, D-Led.

Matt Ryan’s Best Throw?, The Beat Blog
I like to think the best throw of Matt Ryan’s career is somewhere in the future. He also had that nice strike in Philly that threaded a defenders hands.

Could Jamaal Anderson Start At Defensive Tackle?, The Falcoholic
A valid question (much better than those who want to see him at tight end).

Falcons vs. Bears Preview, CBSSports.com
Both teams are 3-1, but the stats seem to indicate a less-than-balanced matchup.

Yet Another Look Ahead, The Falcoholic
Taking a glimpse at future opponents in this schedule can be hazardous for your health. Sometimes I get a little sick to my stomach. Other times I get light-headed with excitement.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brian Williams, CBSSports.com, Chicago Bears, D. Orlando Ledbetter, family, Fergie, Free Agency, Jamaal Anderson, Jay Cutler, life, Matt Ryan, Ovie Mughelli, Rush Limbaugh, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Voices Heard

Atlanta got 11 wins in 2008 thanks to safe play from a rookie quarterback, dominant runs from a new running back and steady play from a work-in-progress defense.

It came together in the form of early scores and lead preservation.

Through the first quarter of the Falcons game at San Francisco Sunday, the team returned to that familiar formula.

And added a twist.

Running back Turner rushed for a touchdown Ryan took care of the football and found Roddy White for a touchdown. A defense built for speed got a turnover (Brian Williams interception) and jarred a few 49ers bones with big hits.

And that was just the opening period.

FIRST-QUARTER THOUGHTS FROM MANASSO

Now for the twist.

The big play.

Turner rushed for two more touchdowns in the second quarter and White turned a simple out route for a first down into a 90-yard catch and run.

He finished the opening half with a career-high 185 yards and two touchdowns while Turner scored three total touchdowns in a game for the first time since the Carolina game from last season.

The Falcons 35-10 lead also marked the most points scored in the first half in franchise history (34 against Detroit in 1980).

MANASSO ON HALFTIME AND NUMBERS

Atlanta also got more spirited play from the defense.

After a Jerious Norwood fumble, Kroy Biermann got a sack — his third of the year — that knocked the 49ers out of field goal range. Biermann also recovered a fumble on a kickoff (forced by Tony Gilbert) that led to Turner’s second touchdown.

And we still have a half to play.

Plenty of good photos already. Will we see more record-setting action?

J. Michael Moore Gameday Brian Williams, Jerious Norwood, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, records, Roddy White, San Francisco 49ers, Tony Gilbert

So, the much-anticipated Madden showdown didn’t go too well for me.

It seems the human behind the controls of an xBox 360 needs to have some actual skill to make things work properly. My abilities must have caught an earlier flight to San Francisco.

Sorry to let you down Falcons fans, but rest assured the 31-17 defeat last night at the hands of my 49er-fan brother-in-law was more due to my mental mistakes than the digital attributes of the Birds.

Take, for example, my “hitting of the wrong button” that allowed Glen Coffee a 40-yard run on second-and-10 at the Niners 2. That’s right… Let them out of a hole.

There were bright moments.

Trailing 17-3, Atlanta (or I?) tied the game with a 72-yard Matt Ryan to Roddy White touchdown pass and a fumble returned by Eric Weems on the following kickoff.

But the rest of the second half wasn’t as inspiring.

Let my defeat inspire a Friday Pep Talk.

Veteran addition makes difference for Falcons, AF.com
I know it’s early, but I’m going to say it’s safe to start chalking up the Brian Williams signing as another “Dimitroff Special.”

Shoppin’ with Tony, NFL.com
Tony Gonzalez would be horrified — simply panic-stricken — if he went shopping with me. Hot wings don’t fit with “The All-Pro Diet.”

Gonzalez wants to help Falcons’ running game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More in Falconcast about how Gonzalez and other linemen and tight ends are remaining accountable for difficulties in the run game. It’s a refreshing trend that’s sweeping the locker room.

Three and Out: Can Turner Top ‘08?, The Beat Blog
It’s the million dollar question we all want to know the answer to. But, wins and losses decide playoff positioning. Not rushing yards.

Fourth season of 49ers’ Davis looks like a breakout year, The Mercury News
So Vernon Davis is a late bloomer. It happens. Unfortunately, it’s happening at a time when the Falcons are charged with preparing for his freakish ability.

Falcons’ Moore ready to make NFL debut Sunday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I know I’m going to be shaking a little bit,” Moore said.  “It’s a different atmosphere, but I’m excited about it.”

49ers defense shining during fast start to season, Associated Press
I certainly had trouble with the 49ers offense, but that’s just the talk of a Madden newb. Defense is the real story this weekend, on both sides of the field.

Will The Cornerback Depth Chart Change Before The 49ers Game?, The Falcoholic
Let’s assume Tye Hill doesn’t get on the field this week. He certainly helped in preparation efforts, having gone against the 49ers many times in his earlier life in the NFC West.

Falcons owner Blank talks up need for new stadium, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m calling it… We’re going to average one stadium story every two weeks until further notice. Mark it down.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Brian Williams, Eric Weems, Falconcast, family, Friday Pep Talk, Glen Coffee, Madden 2010, Matt Ryan, NFL.com, Roddy White, San Francisco 49ers, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, Thomas Dimitroff, Three-and-Out, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Vernon Davis, William Moore

Matt Ryan threw his first interception of the 2009 season with 3:50 remaining in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against Carolina.

At the time, the Falcons trailed the Panthers 3-0.

But, before two more minutes of game clock elapsed, the Falcons had turned the momentum of the game and Ryan was on his way to a career milestone.

Cornerback Brian Williams blocked a punt with 1:46 remaining in the quarter. It was recovered by linebacker Mike Peterson and returned to the Atlanta 47. Ryan went 2-for-2 for 48 yards and a touchdown on the next series, hitting Tony Gonzalez for a go-ahead touchdown.

The reigning Associated Press Rookie of the Year threw two more touchdowns in the first half to give the Falcons a 21-13 lead at intermission.

It marked the first time in his young career he notched a trio of scores in a half.

It wasn’t the “throwback,” smash mouth, hard-nosed offensive performance some expected from the Falcons, who suited up in 1966 replica jerseys. Instead, it was the Panthers who ran the ball effectively, with DeAngelo Williams rushing for a touchdown and Jonathan Stewart working between the tackles.

Michael Turner rushed for 32 yards in the opening period, while Jason Snelling — filling in for an injured Jerious Norwood — rushed for 33 yards and caught a touchdown pass.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White recorded the Falcons other touchdown.

Carolina entered the game with what outsiders declared an all-out quarterback “situation.” Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions a week ago and turning the ball over simply isn’t an option when looking to win games and go to the playoffs.

Perhaps in an effort to get Delhomme in a groove, the Panthers took to the air and put together an early field goal drive. For his efforts, the quarterback finished the opening period 4-0f-8 for 54 yards (one sack).

Ryan threw for more yards in the first half (152). The Panthers rushed for a combined 115 yards.

It was a flip of the script few expected.

But, for the first half, the Falcons will take it.

SOME IN-GAME BLOG THOUGHTS…

… On the last play of the first half Delhomme threw the Hail Mary to the end zone. Th Falcons knocked the ball away and trotted into the locker room with a 21-13 lead but Panthers Pro Bowler Steve Smith stayed on the turf in obvious pain. As members of the Falcons 1966 squad was honored at midfield, trainers helped Smith to his feed and led him slowly to the locker room.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Brian Williams, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Roddy White, throwback, Tony Gonzalez