J.Mike's Missives

The Falcons aren’t dwelling on a tough loss at New Orleans for two reasons:

It’s not good to get caught in the past and — more simply — there’s no time to be upset.

Playing on Monday Night Football has its pros when it comes to national attention and spotlight. But it’s a problem for resting and focusing on the next opponent.

The Falcons Thursday practice was the first of the week in preparing for the Washington Redskins. Friday will be a combination Thursday/Friday practice and Saturday will feature a light, day-before-game workout.

Though peppered with questions about Monday’s division loss in the Big Easy, Falcons players and coaches focused their attention on the next opponent.

“The vibe in the locker room is always different after a loss than it is after a win,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “But from my end it’s always about staying the course — continuing to do the same things week-in and week-out (and) trusting your preparation.”

Ryan threw three interceptions against the Saints and has fielded questions for multiple weeks about the state of the offense, which got Michael Turner back over 100 yards rushing last week but has fought a turnover bug of late.

“You have to be more judicious with the football (and) make better decisions,” Ryan said. “It’s something I ‘m working on (but) you don’t want to lose that sense of aggressiveness; you have to go out there and make some plays.”

Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, whose three touchdowns have come at home, said the Falcons must be concerned about a letdown against the 2-5 Redskins, but it’s tough to completely overlook an opponent in professional football.

“Sometimes guys will look at the other team’s record and relax a little bit,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t expect that will happen to us. Our coaching staff is too good to let us go out there and relax… It’s important we don’t take any team lightly.”

WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH

According to Head Coach Mike Smith, running back Jerious Norwood (hip) worked on a side field with trainers on Thursday while reserve running back Jason Snelling (hamstring) was limited in practice.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

Injuries forced the Falcons into some game-week roster moves, but Smith likes the players the team brought in.

Wednesday night the Falcons announced the signing of Charlie Peprah to take the place of Jamaal Fudge (injured reserve). Thursday the team put long snapper Mike Schneck on IR (broken ribs), but filled the spot with Bryan Pittman, a veteran of 92 NFL games.

“He’s done it in the NFL,” Smith said of Pittman. “He’s an experienced guy so we don’t anticipate they’ll be any problem.

“Charlie Peprah started in this league. In fact, he actually was a starter when we played Green Bay last year so we have some familiarity with him… He was also a good special teams player for the Packers last season.”

Peprah could get some time on defense, but likely will get his snaps on special teams.

Defensively, the Falcons have to keep an eye on Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis and wide receiver Santana Moss, though Smith said the Redskins have not been as explosive down field in recent weeks.

Quarterback Jason Campbell has completed 66 percent of his passes but has been sacked 20 times (10 fumbles).

“They’re going to take their shots so we have to do a good job with their receivers,” cornerback Tye Hill said. “(We have to) try to manage the game well and tackle Clinton Portis, he’s still a good, Pro-Bowl caliber back.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Pittman, Charlie Peprah, Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jamaal Fudge, Jason Campbell, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, Santana Moss, Tony Gonzaelz, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins

If you’ve taken a look at the updated Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report, don’t be alarmed.

Because of Monday Night Football (loss at New Orleans), the Falcons altered preparation for the Redskins and Wednesday was an off day in Flowery Branch. However, the NFL requires an injury report be issued on Wednesday for teams playing on Sunday.

Thus, the Falcons injury report reflects the status of players as if the team practiced. Keep in mind the Birds are not quite two full days removed from a game. Normally, Monday and Tuesday are good for recovery and practice availability increases.

The Falcons return to the practice field on Thursday and we’ll have interviews and other features on AF.com.

J. Michael Moore News, injury injury, Monday Night Football, Washington Redskins

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

I’ve decided pretty much anything I write here won’t make Falcons players, staff, coaches or fans feel better.

You don’t lose 35-27 to a division rival on Monday Night Football with so much emotion and passion on the line and wake up chipper the next morning (or, more accurately, later the same morning).

“Especially with the Saints, you know you’re going to have a tough game,” quarterback Matt Ryan said after the game.

Click here for more Falcons-Saints interviews

That about sums up why things happened in New Orleans. The Falcons expected a hard game. But it doesn’t really explain all the details and how the team will rebound from a 4-3 record on a short week and take on a struggling Redskins team.

“That’s the way the game goes sometimes… They’re going to make some plays,” Ryan said when asked about his team’s turnovers and the chances to snatch victory away from the undefeated Saints. “A credit to them; They’ve been making those kind of plays all year.”

Still too early in the season for a must-win game, but the Falcons can’t afford too many more losses if they want to keep the playoff dream alive.

“The focus now has to be getting back to work and getting ready for the Redskins,” Ryan said.

The focus will include a game plan that features the Falcons strengths. After Monday night, there are additional positives to build on including 151 rushing yards from Michael Turner, a defense that is increasingly opportunistic and crafty when pressuring the quarterback and a special teams unit that has some tricks ups its sleeve.

But let’s see what the media at large thinks…

Complete Gameday Coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
We’ve all seen games like this. But we haven’t seen them over the last two seasons with the Falcons. I’m talking about passion. What does the rebound look like with so much left on the field in New Orleans?

Falcons can’t close the upset deal against Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta certainly looked like the upstart team looking for an upset. But, as the game played out, it looked more and more like a heavyweight bout between balanced opponents.

Saints’ remaining schedule is league’s easiest, ESPN.com
Well, that’s not good news.

Crowd was part of Saints’ arsenal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get ready New Orleans, you have two nationally-televised games left. They happen to be against the toughest teams left on the schedule.

Saints Beat Falcons and Tie Best Start to a Season at 7-0, The New York Times
More notes from NFL Week 8 and the Saints (Version 2009) have a piece of franchise history.

These truly aren’t the Saints of old, ESPN.com
“Everything that could go wrong pretty much did — and the Saints still won.” Credit to the Saints and a lesson for the Falcons.

Saints have realistic shot at 16-0, SI.com
Plenty of eyes with the Falcons organization, mostly coaches but also everyone at home, took notes from this one. I expect a similarly intense battle next month at the Georgia Dome.

Falcons sought running back help, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Plenty of injuries going into the game, but it doesn’t look like the Falcons suffered any other major setbacks.

A night of fire from the Falcons, but not much Ice, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few words about Ryan’s Monday night interceptions. The first was to a spot on the field that was to be occupied by a receiver, who was thrown off his route (penalty or not doesn’t matter). The second was a tipped pass (another great play by Jonathan Vilma). The third was a classic Hail Mary pick. I’m not saying there should be additional stat lines to describe interceptions, but I am saying…

Rapid Reaction: Saints 35, Falcons 27, ESPN.com
We certainly have a clearer picture of how the playoff race in the NFC South could shape up.

Former Falcon Hall still no fan of Petrino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is there ever a game in the NFL without a sub-story line.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, DeAngelo Hall, ESPN.com, Jonathan Vilma, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, SI.com, The New York Times, Washington Redskins

For those that stayed awake into Tuesday morning to see if the Falcons could finish off an unlikely comeback and tie the game off an improbable Saints turnover and successful onside kick recovery, here’s what you missed.

In one word.

Effort.

Undying, unbridled, passionate, effort.

This game was more than an NFC South rivalry duel. It was also more than a simple loss, which is what got recorded to the Falcons schedule in New Orleans: 35-27.

Effort manifested itself in a number of ways, including four Saints turnovers forced by the defense, halftime adjustments that resulted in closing a two-score gap to just four points in the final quarter and reserve linebacker Coy Wire coming out of the pile for what could have been a game-changing fumble recovery and exploding from another mass of bodies with the football on what could have been a game-altering onside kick recovery.

All experts polled on ESPN prior to the game picked the Saints. Many thought the contest — pairing one of the league’s top offenses against a young, in many ways unproven defense — would be over quickly.

Not the case.

The Falcons defense played with heart and put pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees, even scoring off a sack-forced-fumble combo and intercepting the Pro Bowler to end another scoring chance.

That created opportunities for the offense, led by a resurgent Michael Turner (151 rushing yards and a score).

But it doesn’t take long for a game to take a sudden — and frustrating — turn.

For close to 55 minutes the Falcons (4-3) were in a position to give the Saints their first loss of the 2009 season. But for two brief stretches at inopportune times with unfortunate moments, victory was unraveled.

In the matter of 24 seconds in the second quarter of Monday’s game at New Orleans (7-0) the Birds watched as tie game devolved into a 14-point deficit. That’s what happens when Reggie Bush has an opening for a touchdown run and, two plays from scrimmage later, Matt Ryan throws an interception to Jabari Greer that’s returned for a score.

After solid halftime planning, the Falcons closed the gap to 28-24.

Then, more pieces fell into place.

A Saints turnover. A chance to take a fourth-quarter lead.

But that, too, was vanquished with a tipped pass and goal-line interception. The Saints attempted to put the game to bed with another touchdown, but the Falcons effort does not know quit.

It is ironic that, for the most part, each team did what it set out to do. There will be positive with negative to review on film and plenty learned for when these teams meet again in December.

It wasn’t the shootout experts suggested or the defensive battle that can arise from spirited play.

It was an in-between game between teams with something to prove.

And they did it with effort.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Coy Wire, Drew Brees, Jabari Greer, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Reggie Bush

In about two hours the Falcons will embark on an Atlanta-sized community mission.

You could call it the community “Super Bowl.”

Most of the team will give up a day off today for Hometown Huddle — a citywide community event that features a few surprise appearances around town and other trips to elementary and middle school physical education classes.

The AF.com crew is out in force and will bring you video, stories and blogs.  I’ll also be working the Twittersphere (sp?) to bring you some pictures and updates from a special stop on the north side of town. (@FalconsJMoore).

Look for more this afternoon and Wednesday morning on AtlantaFalcons.com.

Now… Off to surprise a few citizens.

Some Birdseed while you wait?

Ask Justin Blalock a Question, AF.com
The Falcons big offensive guard has agreed to take fan questions this week. New Media Intern Vance will follow up and select your questions on Thursday.

Falcons put rushing attack under microscope, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At some point, the Falcons will need to run the ball — to kill the clock or put together the offense. It’s been on the radar all season. Was the bye week a time to fix it?

Falcons’ Norwood says concussions ‘a serious deal,’ Associated Press
Study some of the science behind concussions and you’ll get a headache (seriously). The mind is an amazing thing and jostling it around in the skull isn’t good for business.

Run game a bye-week focus for Falcons offense, AF.com
Additional thoughts from Michael Turner and offensive lineman Harvey Dahl.

Falcons to workout three defensive linemen, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rumor has it…

The Quarter Season NFC South Landscape, The Falcoholic
I hate to break it to you Falcons Fans, but the Saints are good. Very good. Just a while longer before that big, Monday Night Football showdown.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Falcons in the Community AF.com, AJC, Associated Press, Falcons in the Community, Harvey Dahl, Hometown Huddle, Jerious Norwood, Justin Blalock, Michael Turner, Monday Night Football, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, The Falcoholic, Twitter