J.Mike's Missives

As expected, mid-season television numbers for the NFL are through the roof.

You can check out some of the details with Falcons Biz blogger Dan (the numbers and anecdotes are mind-boggling). For example, The second-most watched sporting event since Super Bowl XLIII was the Falcons-Cowboys game from earlier this season.

Stats don’t lie and the increasing popularity of the NFL is something to get excited about. Strange to think about the times in my youth when I would sit down to watch football and, though it was No. 1 on my radar, it wasn’t near the level of prominence it is today.

As a special recognition to the history of the NFL on television, I hit YouTube for gems.

Oh how far television technology has come. Luckily football has stayed pretty much the same. Nothing like the comfort of consistency to help popularity.

Despite locker-room joking, Gonzalez happy with ad, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s get this one out of the way. Now… Deep breath… On to football.

A Look Head: Look Harder, The Falcoholic
The second-half of the Falcons season doesn’t look as daunting as some other teams but the trip to Carolina and a pair of games in New York won’t be easy.

Panthers vs. Falcons Preview, CBSSports.com
That’s right. Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme has five touchdowns to an NFL-high 13 interceptions. Had to double check that eye-opening stat.

Finneran takes part in walk-through, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If the team doesn’t have Brian Finneran on Sunday the wide receiver depth chart goes from healthy to thin pretty quickly.

Midseason Report: Falcons, ESPN.com
We all knew the Falcons would have growing pains coming into the season. But some creative coaching and personnel moves have kept the team on track.

A Very Falcoholic Discussion: Curtis Lofton, The Falcoholic
“Curtis Lofton is the man.” Enough said.

Forbes unkind to Atlanta teams (especially Thrashers, Falcons), Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you’re concerned with X’s and O’s, this doesn’t interest you much. But an appreciation of the business of sports can actually make it more fun to watch.

The All-NFC South midseason offense, ESPN.com
Congrats to Ovie Mughelli, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez

Falcons are not getting much mid-season love, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve thought about the “lack of love” myself. Perhaps the Falcons aren’t getting recognition (despite a solid 5-3 record) is because of raised expectations. Hard to get rewarded for something everyone expects you to do. For a different spin on mid-season awards from NFL.com, click here.

Best free-agent moves also were the most understated, NFL.com
The Falcons may have been quiet in free agency, but the moves they made are panning out.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, Curtis Lofton, Dallas Cowboys, Dan Levak, ESPN.com, Falcons Biz, Forbes, Jake Delhomme, Mike Peterson, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, PETA, Roddy White, Super Bowl XLIII, television, The Falcoholic, Tony Gonzalez, video

Falcons running back Michael Turner is up for FedEx Ground Player of the Week on NFL.com for his performance in a victory over the Washington Redskins Sunday at the Georgia Dome.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the 31-17 victory. He also caught two passes for 14 yards. Turner is going against Titans running back Chris Johnson (135 yards and two scores) and Bengals running back Cedric Benson (117 yards and one touchdown).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TURNER ON NFL.COM

Turner was named NFC Offensive Player of the week three times in 2008 and then-rookie quarterback Matt Ryan was named NFC Rookie of the Month for October. Wide receiver Harry Douglas also won an NFC award last year, being named Special Teams Player of the Week after a touchdown on a punt return against Carolina.

Earlier this year, safety Thomas DeCoud was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

DeCoud, a second-year player out of Cal, earned the honor after his two-interception performance against the Bears in Week 6.

He was the first Falcons defensive player to earn conference honors since 2006, when efensive end John Abraham (Week 1) and safety Lawyer Milloy (Week 13) earned won the award. Twenty-three Falcons Players have earned NFC Defensive Player of the week in franchises history, with the first coming in 1988.

J. Michael Moore Awards, News Awards, Cedric Benson, Chris Johnson, Harry Douglas, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFC, NFL.com, Thomas DeCoud, Washington Redskins

Much easier to identify key points from a Falcons loss than list all the accolades from a big win.

“Win as a team, lose as a team” seems very appropriate after the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon. We can highlight Michael Turner’s big runs, but that was the talk of gameday.

Instead, let’s take a moment to give some props to the defense.

The unit entered Sunday’s game ranked 17th in the league in opponent points per game (a key stat to remember before poring over pass or run yardage). Sunday the Falcons got their second defensive score in as many games and helped the Redskins extend a less-than-flattering streak of not scoring more than 17 points in 2009.

The Falcons have recorded at least one interception in six of eight games this season and, entering Week 9, helped the team to a plus-4 turnover margin (eighth in the NFL). Atlanta has just one game without a sack this season and Sunday tied a team record with five sacks in the first half.

All this with a new starter at cornerback (Tye Hill) and two Week 1 starters (Brian Williams and Peria Jerry) on injured reserve.

Not bad at all.

Before we get into Birdseed, here are some things to look for in Head Coach Mike Smith’s Monday press conference:

• Injury updates. Smitty usually doesn’t reveal details on injuries on Monday, but we may get a little more info on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left the game with a knee injury.
• The skirmish. Likely some follow-up questions on the incident on the sideline between DeAngelo Hall and the Falcons bench after a late hit penalty.
• Second half slowdown. Smith talked at length last week about his team’s need to play for 60 minutes. Whether it was good adjustments by the Redskins or a letdown, the Falcons had only one possession in the third quarter and the Redskins scored 14 unanswered points. I guess that’s what 24-3 halftime leads are for.

Complete Falcons-Redskins Coverage, AF.com
For additional stats and highlight videos, visit the official NFL.com Game Center.

Smith leads Falcons again — in game and rumble, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The Falcons responded to their first two-game losing streak under Smith by doing what good teams do. They beat a bad team.”

Redskins’ Hall accuses two Falcons coaches of misconduct in melee, NFL.com
Going to throw this into Birdseed for record-keeping purposes. My gut is that the whole thing is going to fade into the background.

Falcons End Uneven Effort With 31-17 Win Over Redskins, The Falcoholic
I almost forgot about Jonathan Babineaux! Actually, I did until The Falcoholic reminded me. Great game by the defensive tackle.

Turner busts Washington for 166 yards, 2 TDs, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Turner fantasy owners rejoice!

Hill’s interception boosts Falcons, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Not only the interception, but the interception return… The Falcons defense is doing something it didn’t do much last season: scoring.

Zorn cautious about Portis’ return, The Washington Post
Great photo of the hit that put Clinton Portis out of the game after the link.

Atlanta Falcons end two-game losing streak with 31-17 win over Washington, Examiner.com
Ending the losing streak was crucial at this point of the season. With two road games ahead, the Falcons are in position to make a run.

Falcons’ Archer to speak at TD Club,  Macon Telegraph
Mark your calendars for color analyst and former Falcons quarterback Dave Archer.

Redskins go down fighting, The Washington Post
Some thoughts on the game from the Redskins paper of record.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Brian Finneran, Clinton Portis, Dave Archer, DeAngelo Hall, Examiner.com, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jonathan Babineaux, Macon Telegraph, Michael Turner, NFL.com, The Falcoholic, The Washington Post, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

After more than two NFL seasons of full-time blogging I’m running out of things to say. Shocking, huh?

So, for today’s edition of the Friday Pep Talk, I’m going with a clip so short and easy a caveman can understand it.

If this is, as Dwight Schrute says, “the most inspiring thing” he’s ever heard we can rest assured nothing will ever go wrong on The Office. Luckily for the Falcons, sitcom television has no bearings on football (episodes get moved for the Super Bowl, remember)?

As the Falcons prepare to face the 2-5 Washington Redskins, we’re reminded that no team can be overlooked on an NFL schedule. Of course, “not being an idiot” is sometimes easier said than done.

But with the right amount of focus mixed with a dash of frustration from back-to-back losses the Falcons can do the same thing they did when faced with a 4-3 record in 2008 — win.

Atlanta won seven of it’s last nine games last season to secure a playoff spot.

A victory Sunday won’t be easy. The Redskins have a top-10 defense and, at least when it comes to sound byes, a chippy personality the Falcons tend to answer on the field.

I look for the Falcons to come out with the necessary motivation because, for 24 games, Head Coach Mike Smith’s team didn’t lose back-to-back contests.

Three in a row seems unlikely.

Just don’t Schrute it.

Redskins defense an area of Falcons focus, AF.com
With a defense as good as the Redskins’, where would the team be with an offense that scored more than 13 points per game?

Falcons version of “Saving Private Ryan,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I forgot Terry Robiskie was once a Redskins interim head coach. Blast from the past.

Turner taps into his old mind-set, The Augusta Chronicle
Watching film doesn’t have to be about the opponent.

What to Watch for in Week 9, AF.com
Last year the Falcons won ball games by dominating in the first quarter. Could struggles in the second quarter be a sign of a struggle in 2009?

Falcons-Redskins sold out, no blackout, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Blackouts aren’t a thing of the past in the NFL. But Falcons fans take note. This isn’t 2007 or the start of 2008. The Falcons have announced their presence on the national scene.

I Think I Remember This Guy, J. Mike’s Missives
A little self-promotion never hurt anyone.

Falcons CB Tye Hill hopes to contribute more, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For more on Hill, who got his first start as a Falcon last week, watch…

Redskins’ tackle job may be left to Jones, The Washington Times
On a team built around an All-Pro running back and ball-control passing game (not to mention a good defense), injuries at offensive line aren’t an option.

‘Misunderstood’ Hall in midst of an overhaul, The Washington Post
This is a story line that changes by the day. Good thing kickoff isn’t far away.

Blache passionately defends Redskins owner Snyder from criticism, NFL.com
Speaking of story lines… I think Michael Jenkins said it best this week when he told reporters the Falcons can’t concern themselves about what goes on in an opponents’ front office. Words to live by.

Matty Ice mired in a bit of a slump, Yahoo Sports
Plenty of football left. Interceptions get added to the stat sheet at some point or another. Maybe Matt Ryan’s come in clumps.

Haynesworth calls out Clabo, Dahl on radio show, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Again with the talk! We got comments from Tyson Clabo, too, if you’re interested…

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Dwight Schrute, Friday Pep Talk, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Terry Robiskie, The Augusta Chronicle, The Office, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Tye Hill, Tyson Clabo, Washington Redskins, Yahoo Sports

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

If for some reason you’re looking for a way to get pumped of for Sunday night’s game between the Falcons and Bears, look no further than AF.com’s Vantage Point highlight from last year’s game between the teams.

A lot has been made this week of the Falcons, last-second, 22-20 win over Chicago in 2008. It’s not misplaced enthusiasm, but it does tend to get a little out of control.

Matt Ryan’s throw to Michael Jenkins to set up Jason Elam’s game-winner was an instant classic. It will be replayed for the rest of Ryan’s career and set the tone for what was to become a playoff season for the Falcons.

It made Ryan more of a household name and it got people talking about the Falcons.

Immediately.

Of course the 2009 version of the Bears and Falcons are different than a season ago. Chicago has a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and the Falcons have a new, Pro Bowl tight end (Tony Gonzalez).

But one thing hasn’t changed — The Falcons team attitude.

Falcons-Bears Preview, NFL.com
Is this a Cutler-Ryan matchup? Maybe it is, but I’m going to keep an eye on Matt Forte and Michael Turner.

‘Village Idiots’ key to Falcons offensive success, AF.com
Fantastic work from John Manasso and an interesting look at what really makes the Falcons offensive line tick. Some of the info may surprise you.

Tech, Falcons issue ticket warning, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the season progresses Tech and Falcons tickets could become very hot items.

Ovie Mughelli To Miss Chicago Bears Game?, The Falcoholic
Head Coach Mike Smith made it clear Wednesday if — and that’s a big if — Mughelli misses the Bears game the Falcons won’t be forced to change much on offense.

You make the call: Bears at Falcons, Chicago Sun-Times
The Bears defense may have some questions. You can’t lose a player like Brian Urlacher without some problems. But Sunday Night Football can be a great equalizer.

Jamaal Anderson’s successful move tackle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometimes it takes a new perspective to find success.

Bears, Falcons both feature strong special teams, Daily Herald
Devin Hester and Johnny Knox highlight the Bears threats on special teams while the Falcons look to continue success in kick coverage. Don’t leave your seat on a punt or kickoff.

Chicago Bears likely to go with just 2 running backs, Chicago Tribune
Interesting call. Forte certainly can get the job done, but if one player gets banged up it drastically changes the approach on offense.

Falcons don’t believe Turner has a fumbling issue, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Too often in football there’s a lack of focus on the big picture. Sure, the timing of the fumbles isn’t great but compare it to the rest of Turner’s career. Still solid.

Clemson judge was an original Atlanta Falcon, UpstateToday.com
Important to keep up with former Falcons, especially from the early years.

Falcons To Raise Money For United Way, CBSAtlanta.com
You can also make donations online via the United Way’s website.

Atlanta and Chicago fans are having the most Super Bowl dreams, Yahoo Sports
Check back with me after the halfway point. Buzz is just that… Buzz.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, CBSAtlanta.com, Chicago Bears, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Devin Hester, Friday Pep Talk, Georgia Tech, Head Coach Mike Smith, highlights, Jamaal Anderson, Jason Elam, Jay Cutler, John Manasso, Johnny Knox, Matt Forte, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, NFL.com, Ovie Mughelli, Sunday Night Football, The Falcoholic, The United Way, tickets, Tony Gonzalez, UpstateToday.com, video, Yahoo Sports

Falcons running back Michael Turner recorded his best game of the season against the 49ers — 97 rushing yards and three touchdowns — and, with a little help from the fans, he can get some national recognition.

Turner is up for FedEx Ground Player of the Week for his performance in San Francisco. He’s competing against running backs Cedric Benson (Bengals) and Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants).

Turner has the most touchdowns of the trio. All teams won their respective games.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR TURNER

The running back was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week twice in 2008. He also earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors on three occasions en route to a spot in the Pro Bowl.

Winners of NFL.com’s weekly awards are announced Friday evening.

J. Michael Moore Awards Ahmad Bradshaw, Awards, Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals, Michael Turner, New York Giants, NFL.com, San Francisco 49ers

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

Not sure if I can stick around Flowery Branch much longer. The team is long gone, starting personal expeditions of relaxation. With the Fall sun warming a soft breeze it’s hard not to day dream out the window.

Let’s throw some random Birdseed together to get the other creative juices flowing.

Then, it’s time for a few days of R&R.

Weems turning heads in return game, AF.com
The injury to Harry Douglas was bad and put a kink in the Falcons plans. But the play of Eric Weems has made fans feel just fine about the team’s return game.

Falcons’ Norwood returns from concussion, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jerious Norwood is healthy and the bye week is at hand. Time to get back into a rhythm before a key trip to San Francisco.

Atlanta Falcons Stats, NFL.com
Look at this positive from the bye week. With just three games down, stats are a little easier to work with (not as many big numbers).

From the Examiner’s Desk: Did the process for the Atlanta Falcons ever end?, Examiner.com
We all can agree last week’s game in New England shows the Falcons haven’t reached the ultimate goal. Considering the process won’t be “over” until a Super Bowl win, we’ll have to wait at least until February.

Power rankings: Saints climbing, Bucs falling, ESPN.com
Is there an adjective more descriptive than “falling” to associate with the Bucs?

NFL Power Rankings, Week 4, SI.com
Hard to argue with the top six (undefeated teams). How does an undefeated team like the Broncos fall out of the top 10? I understand the question marks. Heck, I have a few of my own. But until you fall to the ranks of the one-loss crowd, you deserve some recognition.

How I See It: NFC South Stock Watch, ESPN.com
There’s really nothing wrong with a 3.5-yard per carry average. Just depends on what the offense does around it.

The Falcons say they don’t practice censorship – really!, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
No comment.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Eric Weems, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harry Douglas, Jerious Norwood, NFL.com, San Francisco 49ers, SI.com, stats, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady thew for 277 yards and a touchdown and the Falcons did not record a quarterback sack for the first time this season.

Atlanta lost to New England, 26-10 Sunday in Foxborough, Mass.

It’s a simple correlation the most novice of football fans can make.

With time to survey the field and throw, Brady found nine different receivers and piloted the Patriots on scoring drives of 15, 6, 12, 13, 16 and 6 plays. New England held the ball for 10:46 in the fourth quarter and just less than 40 minutes for the game.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Falcons defense which won’t shrug and accept getting beat by a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Teams will always find ways to deal with John Abraham off the edge. Many times, the Pro Bowler will find a way through the mess. But, winning with defense isn’t about one player dominating at the line of scrimmage and forcing sacks and turnovers.

So there you have it… The focus of many an armchair quarterback this Monday morning trying to find a reason for a disappointing — but not season-ending — loss.

A few reminders:

• The Falcons are, after three weeks, right where they were at this point in 2008 (2-1)
• The defense ranked 15th in overall defense after Week 3, 2008. Heading into Monday Night Football this year, the ‘D’ is top-10 in points allowed and has a better average against the run.
• The team has forced more turnovers thus far than this point in 2008 (6-5)

The numbers won’t blow you away. They’re similar, even though 2009 is better in many categories. But be reminded, it’s only Week 3.

And a bye week ahead allows time to work out the kinks.

Complete Falcons-Patriots Game Coverage, AF.com
Game coverage including Falcons First Take (and Take Two) and locker room transcripts. Click here for NFL.com’s Game Center.

The Falcons suffer a thumping loss but learn a needed lesson, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first fan comment in this blog described the post as “a sobering analysis.” Many would say that’s what the Falcons needed at some point. Better Week 3 than the postseason. Long way to go. For more from Mr. Bradley, click here.

Wrap-up: Patriots 26, Falcons 10, ESPN.com
“The schedule doesn’t get any easier, but maybe it will make the Falcons stronger. Maybe that’s all part of the process.”

Falcons falter late against Patriots, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You shy away from identifying “turning points” in football because the game is long and the players many. But the pass interference call on Michael Jenkins in the third quarter was as close to a turning point as you’ll see.

Matt Ryan can’t hit same Heights at Gillette, Boston Herald
I must say, the gameday hype about Ryan’s return to Boston was subdued. Just another game for the Falcons quarterback.

Matt Ryan handles homecoming with ease, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When you think about it, Ryan is lucky. In his first two years in the league’s he’s played in his hometown (Philadelphia) and his college town (Boston area). He lost both games, so that’s rough, but at least it’s out of the way.

Brady throws TD pass as Pats top Falcons 26-10, Associated Press
Is it just me, or is this a pretty bland headline?

Mailbag: Atlanta Falcons edition, ESPN.com
The Falcons do like what they have at defensive tackle in the wake of the Peria Jerry injury. Case in point, promoting one of your own from the practice squad — former Georgia Tech lineman Vance Walker.

Patriots double up on Falcons’ Gonzalez, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a copycat league. I’m sure other defenses will try to recreate what the Patriots did with a new flavor. Of course, the Falcons offense has some change ups in the arsenal. Click here for more on the Patriots defense.

The New England Patriots control the clock and the Atlanta Falcons, win 26-10, Examiner.com
After Peyton Manning and the Colts won last week holding the ball for just less than 15 minutes, anything is possible. But that’s an anomaly in the world of time of possession.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Associated Press, Boston Herald, ESPN.com, Falcons First Take, Indianapolis Colts, Matt Ryan, Michael Jenkins, New England Patriots, NFL.com, Peria Jerry, Peyton Manning, stats, Take Two, Tom Brady, Tony Gonzalez, Vance Walker