J.Mike's Missives

BLOGGER’S NOTE: For additional coverage of Sunday’s game against the Panthers, visit AF.com and The Beat Blog, powered by John Manasso.

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense continued to have their struggles Sunday in Carolina, but the sophomore quarterback had the ball when it counted, halftime adjustments erased an 11-point lead and Atlanta a chance at what would have been a key division win on the road.

Ryan went 8-of-10 in the third quarter and found tight end Justin Peelle with a 3-yard touchdown pass to pull the Falcons to within a score of taking the lead.

But the chances found a way to collapse in the second half.

Atlanta lost the game 28-19 and fell to 5-4 on the season (1-4 on the road and 1-2 in the division).

It wasn’t the game Ryan or his teammates expected or wanted. The first half included Michael Turner running wild over a Panthers defense that recently lost outside linebacker Thomas Davis (111 yards on nine carries certainly sounds nice).

But the Falcons Pro Bowl running back left the game with an ankle injury, not to return.

Atlanta trotted into the halftime locker room down 21-10, but halftime adjustments, including a healthy dose of running back Jason Snelling along the edges and Ryan on quick passes, paid off.

Ryan’s throw to Peelle had the Falcons in place to take the lead with 6:35 to play on a 34-yard Jason Elam field goal attempt. The kick sailed wide left, forcing the team’s defense to get a stop.

That happened, but Ryan’s second interception of the day — and the resulting 45-yard touchdown run by Jonathan Stewart — ended hope for this day.

Ryan now has 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over his last five games. The second-year quarterback finished the game 22-of-41 for 224 yards, a touchdown and the aforementioned interceptions.

Playing for Turner, Snelling rushed for 61 yards and a score.

The loss is surely perplexing to Falcons fans and the team alike. The Panthers were better than the 3-5 record but, if the Falcons are to make a run to the playoffs, they can’t afford too many losses to teams with a sub-par winning percentage.

That will be discussed at length in the media but likely only in passing in the locker room and team meetings.

A loss is a loss.

And the 24-hour rule is never broken.

Though it may be easy to point fingers, I’ve been in the NFL long enough to know the “win as a team, lose as a team” attitude is heartfelt and true. Too short is the turnaround before facing the New York Giants (another 5-4 team) on the road.

There will be additional struggles — the season’s too long to be perfect — but there will also be successes.

And there will always be chances.

MORE FALCONS-PANTHERS GAME COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete Falcons-Panthers coverage from AF.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more on the game from NFL.com
• GAME SIDEBAR: John Manasso looks at key moments from the game
• BEAT BLOG: Game updates and insight in The Beat Blog
• GAME NOTEBOOK: Notes from the Bank of America Stadium press box
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive postgame interviews from AF.com
• MULTIMEDIA: More Falcons-Panthers game interviews and highlights
• QUOTABLE: Postgame thoughts from Falcons players | Panthers
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the managing editor
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Panthers game inactives and starters

J. Michael Moore Gameday Carolina Panthers, Jason Snelling, Jonathan Stewart, Justin Peelle, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFC South

Jason Snelling and Thomas Johnson were limited, but the running back and defensive tackle returned to the Falcons practice field Wednesday according to Head Coach Mike Smith.

Snelling, who led the team in rushing yards two weeks ago in Dallas, has been nursing a hamstring injury. Johnson, who took over as starting nose tackle when Peria Jerry went on injured reserve, has dealt with calf problems the past two games.

Smith talked about the team’s health and most of the Panthers defensive personnel when he met with the media…

Other injury concerns are on offense, where left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) and wide receiver Brian Finneran (knee) missed practice. Smith said Finneran, who has undergone two major knee surgeries in his career, “moved around a little bit in the walk-through” but it could be a game-time decision on his playing status.

Running back Jerious Norwood also missed practice for personal reasons. According to Smith, the fourth-year pro welcomed a new baby Wednesday.

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM WEDNESDAY…

… Tight end Tony Gonzalez and many of his offensive teammates were quizzed about a new ad campaign featuring the Pro Bowler and his wife, October. It will certainly raise some eyebrows. Most interviewed said they can appreciate the passion Gonzalez has to support a unique campaign (this one is for PETA). “We should be protecting animals, not sacrificing their lives for the sake of fashion or luxury,” Gonzalez said in a release from PETA. “October and I have changed many of our habits in light of the inhumane treatment of animals that occurs not only in the fur industry but also on factory farms.”

… Smith did not speculate on how many wins his team may need to make the playoffs in the NFC. Too early to tell. This was, of course, the answer everyone expected: “There are so many things that can happen in the second half of the season and when you get into November and December there are so many people that are still in the mix,” the coach said. “I don’t know of anyone who is mathematically eliminated at this point in time.”

… The Falcons practiced indoors Wednesday because of soggy field conditions. According to Smith, more than 4.5 inches of rain fell in Flowery Branch Monday night and Tuesday.

… When it comes to the Panthers offense, the Falcons are looking at the running game. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for more than 1,100 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. In a Week 2 meeting between the teams, the backs combined for 144 yards and a score. Of course, it’s never easy to beat a team twice in one season. “They get up for you,” linebacker Mike Peterson said. “No one wants to be beat twice. They’re going to look at the tape and I’m sure the coach is going to be on them hard this week but we’re ready.”

… Carolina spent the time since the last game with the Falcons improving the defensive line. Preseason injuries took their toll, but now the Panthers have added veteran Hollis Thomas and traded for former Chiefs starter Tank Tyler at defensive tackle. “They’re playing well right now,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “We felt like it was a good defense when we played them the first time… With that said, they’re playing well right now and we have our work cut out for us.”

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hollis Thomas, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Peria Jerry, PETA, playoffs, Sam Baker, Tank Tyler, Thomas Johnson, Tony Gonzalez

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

My colleague Matt Moore (@FalconsMMoore) has a story about the Superdome he tells before big games in New Orleans.

He says the only time he’s been concerned about the structural integrity of a stadium due to crowd noise was the Saints first home game in 2006 — the return to the building after Hurricane Katrina.

New Orleans blocked a Michael Koenen punt in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. At that point, according to Matt, the dome teetered with cacophony.

The Falcons didn’t win the game. In fact, the team hasn’t won in the Superdome since 2002.

Tonight’s game between the Falcons and Saints doesn’t carry the same emotional weight as the 2006 matchup but, when it comes to the NFC South standings, the contest is monumental.

I don’t need to get into the details, except to say a Saints win creates a three-game lead in the division with nine games to play. In order to make up the ground the Falcons would likely have to get a win over the Saints at the Georgia Dome next month, hope for additional New Orleans losses and (of course) win as many of their own games as possible.

I can’t tell you exactly what the Falcons did this week to prepare for such a big game but I will say, in the NFL, it pays to treat games in two ways: home and away. Home games you’re supposed to win. Road games are tough. It’s an easy mental hurdle to understand and allows for proper focus on technical aspects of each game.

The Falcons know this one won’t be easy.

They know the Superdome will be loud, maybe as loud as Matt remembers it.

The Falcons also know it pays to win games when you’re charged with adrenaline. If not, winning the division could come down to simple — and unfavorable — math.

Complete Falcons-Saints Coverage from AF.com
Stats, video, game week coverage and more straight from Flowery Branch.

Falcons-Saints Game Center, NFL.com
The eyes of the nation and, more importantly, the NFL world, will be on the Falcons this evening. Plenty of eyes were on the Birds last week in Dallas, too. Let’s all hope for different results. In case you’re wondering, the NFL Network crew picks the Saints.

Falcons WR Finneran talks up rivalry with Saints, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You’ll find few players in the locker room with the tenure of Brian Finneran. Perfect player to talk about the Falcons-Saints rivalry.

A Look Ahead: The Return, The Falcoholic
A brief, good breakdown of the remaining games.

Falcons-Saints as big as a matchup can get, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Superdome hasn’t been one of the most consistent places when it comes to hostile territories. That’s mostly because the Saints have had just as many down as up years. But right now, New Orleans has one of the best home-field advantages in football. They certainly have a fan following.

Sedrick Ellis out vs. Falcons, ProFootballTalk.com
You’re probably paying a lot of attention to the Saints offense. Nothing wrong with that. But injuries on the defense, which is emerging as one of the best in the league, could be big.

Falcons dazzled by Saints array of weapons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s a fine line between “respect,” which is needed and “dazzle,” which is odd.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed, Gameday AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Georgia Dome, Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Superdome, Matt Moore, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com, Sedrick Ellis, The Falcoholic

Happy Halloween, Falcons Fans.

I’ll open with a horror story.

In recent history, the Saints in the Superdome have been the Lucy to the Falcons’ Charlie Brown. The football is there to be kicked — the game is there to win — but it’s pulled away at the last minute.

The Falcons haven’t won in New Orleans since 2002 and, excluding a win over the Saints in San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina, have lost those five games by an average margin of less than 10 points.

Now for the treat.

Difficulties on the road are part of this great NFL rivalry, but overall the Falcons have won more road games against the Saints than they’ve lost. In fact, Atlanta holds a 44-35 advantage in the series that, at least this season, appears to be an early battle for the NFC South title.

A win on Monday Night Football would certainly be the sweetest candy but it’s going to take some creative trickery to get past the 6-0 Saints.

Keeping with the “Peanuts” theme, let’s draw some inspiration from Snoopy.

He’s the beagle we all love.

And he’s the beagle that’s always trying to be something he’s not.

But with a little imagination — and a red scarf — Snoopy could turn his doghouse into a Sopwith Camel. And with a little creativity — and focus — the Falcons can defeat the New Orleans Saints.

What mask will the Birds wear Monday night?

Showdown set with NFL’s top offense, AF.com
No one ever said this game was going to be easy. Click here for more coverage from AF.com as we get closer to kickoff.

“Who Dat Ded?,” The Canvas, By Superfan
I’m really starting to love the work coming from Superfan these days. Special thanks to the contest winner who provided the inspiration this week.

NFC rankings: Falcons drop, Vikings hold, Saints (duh), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good to see an actual separation between the Rams and Bucs at No. 15 and 16. But I did like putting them at a tie for last place.

Mughelli Practices, Snelling Doesn’t, The Beat Blog
Injuries are numerous, but I wouldn’t say they’re piling up. For more injury updates, visit the Piedmont Healthcare Injury Report.

Saints’ Brees outworks, outplays, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As a fan of football, I’m happy for Drew Brees. It’s good to see success, especially on a second stop in a career. As a fan of the Falcons… Not so much.

Is it time for the Atlanta Falcons to hit the panic button?, Examiner.com
The cover is still closed and locked on said panic button, if there even is one in Flowery Branch.

Falcons’ Ryan trying to shake sophomore slump, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve seen a lot of veteran quarterbacks put a couple of rough games together. What do you call it then when you can’t call it a “sophomore slump?”

Final Word: NFC South, ESPN.com
“I’m real interested to see how flexible Atlanta coach Mike Smith and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey are. The Falcons are supposed to be a run-first team and that worked out just great last year.”

New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons, what they’re saying, The Times-Picayune
A run down of Falcons-Saints stories from the New Orleans paper of record.

Sharper, opportunistic defence(sic) create worries for Atlanta Falcons, The Canadian Press
I’ll admit, when Darren Sharper signed with the Saints, I got a little worried. He’s one of the best safeties I’ve ever seen in person.

Saints/Falcons rivalry deserves more national respect, The Daily Comet
Was it the Daily Comet or Daily Planet in Superman? I can’t remember.

Stecker predicts ‘crazy’ scene for Falcons-Saints, The Associated Press
Interested to see how much playing time newly-signed (and former Saint) running back Aaron Stecker gets Monday night. Most of that depends on how banged up the Falcons backfield is.

Talking Saints With Canal Street Chronicles, The Falcoholic
When these two bloggers get together, one post just isn’t enough: Part One | Part Two

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, AJC, Charlie Brown, Darren Sharper, Drew Brees, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Friday Pep Talk, Halloween, Head Coach Mike Smith, Hurricane Katrina, injury, Jason Snelling, Matt Ryan, Mike Mularkey, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Ovie Mughelli, Peanuts, Snoopy, Superfan, The Associated Press, The Beat Blog, The Canadian Press, The Daily Comet, The Falcoholic, The Times-Picayune, video

Let’s take a look at the NFC South as the Falcons get ready for just their second division game of the year.

At first glance, the division-leading Saints have a relatively easy schedule the rest of the way. New Orleans has a home game next week against the Panthers, followed by road games at currently winless St. Louis and Tampa Bay. In a remarkable lucky stroke of scheduling, the Saints return home to take on the New England Patriots (on Monday Night Football) and have the Cowboys in New Orleans in Week 15 (on NFL Network).

I hate to be the messenger of bad news but, excluding the Falcons, just two teams in the Saints final 10 games currently have winning records.

But this is the NFL.

We’ve seen teams with improbable starts (looking at you 0-6 Tennessee Titans).

We’ve seen teams with low expectations succeed (how’s it going 6-0 Denver Broncos)?

We’ve seen reigning division champs look as if they’re falling apart (good morning, Carolina).

The Panthers won the NFC South last season with a 12-4 record (may take more wins than that this season), powered mostly by success at home and one key road win. You likely remember Carolina winning at New Orleans in Week 17 to become the only division team to win a road game inside the division. The Panthers finished 4-2 in the South, the Saints 2-4 and Tampa and Atlanta won three at home and three on the road (3-3).

Parity like that still exists. It doesn’t disappear because the Saints get off to a 6-0 start or the Bucs fall out of the gate.

The logic applies to any game played against the Panthers (2-4, third place in the division) or the Buccaneers (0-7). Let’s also assume the odds of a team getting better as the season progresses are still high and that the NFC South schedule is back loaded.

The Falcons have played just one division game, as have the Bucs. The Panthers have played just two in the first six games. The Saints? Monday night is the first NFC South game on their schedule.

There are some stories to be added to these rivalries.

And never forget… Plenty of football to play.

J. Michael Moore Commentary Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, St. Louis Rams, standings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans

We all have bad days. But what about those bad days that include watching a highly-publicized defeat for your employer followed by a late-night plane ride?

Let’s just say it’s an interesting combination.

Sometimes after a tough loss, like the Falcons 37-21 day at Dallas, I find myself trying to get in the heads of players. I focus more on mental toughness than in-game decision making. I’m fascinated by professional athletes who, in the wake of plays good and bad, can refocus on the next pitch, snap or shot. With football’s weekly opera and buildup we’re left with the additional variables of time.

And redemption.

“We’ll get ‘em next time.”

Mondays after a loss aren’t completely different from Mondays after a win in Flowery Branch. There’s no time to be mellow, but you’ll spot some long faces for the first couple hours. If anything, the mood is slightly more positive than you’d expect because a chance at a rebound is just six or seven days away.

Today on my trip for morning coffee I passed Head Coach Mike Smith. As always, we greeted each other with a warm, “Good morning, how are you?”

Same thing happened after a Week 6 win over Chicago. Same thing will likely happen — win or lose — for the rest of the season.

The dynamics may be a little different, but you can never lose sight of the defining characteristic of the NFL. It’s a business.

Complete Falcons-Cowboys Game Coverage, AF.com
One final look before we hit the 24-hour mark. It’s not just a “rule of thumb,” it’s a way of life in the NFL.

Brooking: ‘It was a big game for me personally,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve received some Web-based messages from fans who weren’t too pleased with Keith Brooking on Sunday. I think this article does a good job summing up how emotion drives everything between the white lines. If you stop to think, it’s what makes the game great.

Romo, Austin hook up for 2 scores in Cowboys’ win, ESPN.com
Anyone who thought Miles Austin’s 250-yard game against the Chiefs was a fluke is eating a little crow.

Week Seven Morning Aftermath, ProFootballTalk.com
On next week’s game: “Win, and the NFC South is up for grabs.  Lose, and it’s time to jockey for a wild-card berth.”

Whatever happened to Michael Turner?, ESPN.com
Until today I think most Falcons fans didn’t consider the slowdown in the run game a huge problem, especially since the passing game was working well. Today things feel a little different.

Cowboys rip Falcons’ secondary to shreds, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well that headline isn’t very nice.

This is the Cowboys team we expected, FoxSports.com
This is certainly a case where the Cowboys started to live up to expectations. But, given the Falcons 80-play touchdown drive to open the game and solid, three-and-out on defense a few plays later, you have to think something fell apart.

Romo frustrates Falcons defensive line, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Frustrated? Yes. Things started to unravel when Tony Romo escaped three defensive linemen to find Patrick Crayton with a first-half touchdown pass.

Defense contains Gonzalez, White, (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram
Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are still Pro Bowl receivers. Sunday’s game was an example of the true importance of offensive line play.

5 things we learned from the Dallas game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Something tells me more than ‘5′ things will be on the board when Smitty speaks to the team this week. Learning opportunities aren’t always easy.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Dallas Cowboys, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Keith Brooking, Michael Turner, Miles Austin, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Patrick Crayton, ProFootballTalk.com, Roddy White, Star-Telegram, Tony Gonzalez, Tony Romo

Any Given Sunday won’t be the feature film on the Falcons flight back to Atlanta Sunday evening.

But it would be appropriate.

The Falcons flew to a new height in a Week 6 victory over the Chicago Bears, but just as quickly swooped back to the ground against the Cowboys Sunday in Arlington, Texas.

You can find examples on paper of why the Falcons should have defeated the Cowboys. You can rewind the game film to see the masterful, 80-yard touchdown drive to open the game. You can even point to specific plays and moments and know the opportunity to do better existed.

But, on any given Sunday, NFL teams can rise and fall.

The Cowboys defeated the Falcons 37-21 at Cowboys Stadium, taking over the game by capitalizing on what seemed like every Atlanta miscue.

By the time Patrick Crayton returned a second-half punt 73 yards for a score, the game was all but locked for the Cowboys and Falcons nation was left to star at Tony Romo’s 300-yard passing day.

The Falcons allowed four sacks on Sunday after allowing just two sacks in the previous five games (both in Week 1). The offense also managed just 298 net yards, with 80 coming off that first-quarter drive.

After the game the Falcons locker room — as expected — was filled with frustrated faces. It’s not a pretty site, especially considering next week’s NFC South game against the division-leading Saints staring you down.

But as I sit on the bus waiting to head out to the Dallas-Fort Worth airport I’m reminded of two things.

First, the Falcons have never lost back-to-back games under Head Coach Mike Smith.

Second, you simply respect the power of the NFL. It’s any given Sunday. Better to get that reminder now than later.

MORE FALCONS-COWBOYS COVERAGE:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive interviews from the Falcons locker room
• VIDEO CONTENT: More video interviews and highlight reels
• BEAT BLOG: In-game thoughts and a final breakdown
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts from the AF.com managing editor
• IMAGES: Action photos from AF.com team photographers
• GAME NOTES: Game notes taken from the Cowboys Stadium press box
• TRANSCRIPTS: Thoughts from the postgame locker room
• INACTIVES: Falcons-Cowboys game inactives and starters
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Chicago Bears, Commentary, Dallas Cowboys, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, New Orleans Saints, NFC South, Tony Romo

BLOGGER’S NOTE: I’ve been away from the computer for a couple of days for personal reasons, but I’m returning with fresh typing fingers and a great matchup to write about. Falcons… Patriots… Insert Tom Brady reference here. Thanks to the AF.com crew for holding down the fort while I was away. Special thanks, as always, to those of you reading.

Some bad news for the Falcons while the blog was on autopilot: Peria Jerry out with a season-ending injury. Additional sad news for the franchise, as the team’s first quarterback — Randy Johnson — passed away at the age of 65.

Not every day in the NFL is thrilling. Sometime reality sinks in and the “real world” finds a foothold in the joys of playing — and covering — a game for a living. Season-ending injuries come with equal parts frustration and pain. The death of a former player comes with grief and realization.

Realization that, at the end of the day, all athletes are people first.

Notebook: Assessing impact of Jerry injury, AF.com
If there’s a silver lining to find, it’s the Falcons are deep at defensive line.

Falcons’ show ready to hit the road, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s been more than a month since the last time the Falcons hit the road. I’m going to have to shake some dust off my travel bag. And, yes, I also have travel rituals. You develop them over what, to date, has been 49 trips on the road. I guess that makes New England my 50th. Cake and ice cream?

Jets’ Sanchez among young QBs playing well; old guys keep up, too, SI.com
Some interesting thoughts on the youth movement at quarterback.

Gonzalez proving to be a good catch for the Falcons, PatriotLedger.com
The Patriots will focus on Tony Gonzalez (every team does). But if you pay too much attention to him, watch out. Someone else will beat you.

Ex-BC coach Tom O’Brien in touch with ‘real’ Matt Ryan, Boston Herald
To think, Matt Ryan used to be a tall, skinny guy throwing a football. Wait…

Power Rankings: NFC South getting powerful, ESPN.com
Everyone expected the NFC South to be a strong division in 2009. I think the teams were in a different order, though.

Home Victories Set Up First Road Test, Time Machine
Can the Falcons make more history in New England? Perhaps pick up a win in the first trip to Gillette Stadium?

Patriots to host Atlanta in Foxborough, Patriots.com
“New England holds an all-time record of 25-4 against first-time visitors to Gillette Stadium and has won 21 of its last 22 games against teams making their inaugural appearance there.”

Matt Ryan returns to New England as a star, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What’s the bigger story? Ryan returning to the city where he grew up (Philadelphia) or the region he played college football (New England). You be the judge.

Tony Gonzalez presents problem, Boston Herald
You can put all kinds of schemes in to slow an offense but, when it comes to a tight end, sometimes the best option is a one-on-one matchup.

Mid Week Quick Hit – Defense, Jerry, and Game Flags, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Still a laundry list of things to discuss and analyze from the last game. But we’re running out of time. The team, after all, has moved on to Week 3.

Falcons And Panthers Recap: This…Is…2-0!, The Falcoholic
What the heck, we’ll throw in one more recap for Birdseed. Just for good measure.

Falcons having success on third downs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Note: Key third down conversions to Gonzalez and Marty Booker. Not only are they new targets, they’re savvy veterans. Coincidence? I think not.

Falcons sign DT Clark to practice squad, AF.com
Injuries require shuffling of the roster which often includes a promotion from and/or addition to the practice squad.

Falcons’ RB Snelling makes most of his chances, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More on Jason Snelling coming up this week from AtlantaFalcons.com’s John Manasso.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed 1966, AF.com, AJC, Boston Herald, ESPN.com, Gillette Stadium, injury, Jason Snelling, Jeremy Clark, John Manasso, Marty Booker, Matt Ryan, New England Patriots, NFC South, PatriotLedger.com, Patriots.com, Peria Jerry, Randy Johnson, SI.com, The Falcoholic, Time Machine, Tony Gonzalez