J.Mike's Missives

Who says there’s no good news coming out of Flowery Branch?

Thursday Head Coach Mike Smith confirmed running back Jerious Norwood returned to the practice field. The fourth-year pro was limited, but it’s a welcome sign of progression for the speedster, who suffered a concussion earlier in the season and, more recently, hurt his hip.

Norwood hasn’t played in a game since Oct. 18 and has just 19 carries for 78 yards on the year.

However, no additional good news on Pro Bowl running back Michael Turner (ankle sprain), who missed a second-straight day of practice. Smith said Wednesday Turner had “made a lot of strides” since injuring his right ankle Sunday afternoon. Thursday, Smith said a time table for the back’s return has not been set.

If the team doesn’t have Turner’s services, the sting would be lightened with Norwood in the lineup. The Falcons got a good day from Jason Snelling in the backfield last week and re-signed 10-year veteran running back Aaron Stecker for depth.

“It was good to get Jerious Norwood back out there,” Smith said (video). “That was a positive. Now we just have to wait and see how he responds to the work he got today.

“He looked good. You see that speed and Jerious’ smile out there breaking in and out of the huddle.”

Norwood certainly puts another big play threat into the offense. He’s averaged 5.7 yards per carry over his career, has shown skill as a slot receiver out of the backfield and was a centerpiece in the Falcons version of the “wildcat” formation in 2008, where the running back takes a direct snap with the quarterback split out as a wide receiver.

He’s also been a fixture in the “Birdseed” formation, which hasn’t left the blog-room drawing board yet…

What to Watch For in Week 11, AF.com
If you’re going to pay attention to just a few things in Sunday’s game, make sure you look at this page first.

A Look Ahead and the Shrinking Schedule, The Falcoholic
Will 10-6 get you into the NFC playoffs? Tough to say, but 11 wins would certainly be a safer bet.

Ryan is working through a ‘rough stretch,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Matt Ryan watches the office? This opens up endless opportunities in the blog when it comes to YouTube clips and satire. Must… Contain… Funny… Bone…

Falcons share early Thanksgiving with students, AF.com
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday of the J. Mike Family. Too bad it always sneaks up on us.

If Michael Turner Is Out, Let’s Discuss Our Other Options, The Falcoholic
Still waiting for a time line on Michael Turner’s return to the field. So now is as good a time as any to start figure out what the options are in the running game in case of a long-term absence.

Snelling ready to try to fill Turner’s cleats, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Norwood returning to practice, Falcons fans can be hopeful the team will have a compliment of three running backs on Sunday — Norwood, Snelling and Stecker.

Sophomore slump slowing flight path of Falcons’ Ryan, USA Today
“I think there are ups and downs of every season,” Ryan said. “There are a lot of things to learn from. You have to learn from your mistakes, bounce back.”

Falcons Coach on Parting Ways With Boley, The New York Times
It seems the former Falcons linebacker will also be the Giant responsible for shutting down Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Turner not ruling himself out for Giants game, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
And, so far, neither are the Falcons…

Numbers, Notes and Colors for Week 11, AF.com
White jerseys, winning streaks and more in this notes column from New Media Intern Vance.

Falcons’ video crew sees all, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Make no mistake, the video, equipment and public relations staffs have some of the hardest working men in Flowery Branch

Bergeron rejoins Falcons practice squad roster, AF.com
The former Georgia Force receiver has quickly become a fan favorite.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed Aaron Stecker, AF.com, Georgia Force, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Matt Ryan, Michael Boley, Michael Turner, New Media Intern Vance, New York Giants, NFC, The Falcoholic, The New York Times, The Office, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Bergeron

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

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

A tip of the cap to “Sesame Street,” which today celebrates its 40th anniversary. Apparently, more than 1,000 studies have been done to prove how watching the famous children’s show is good for you. No research is scheduled to prove if this blog has any long-term value. Nonetheless, today’s edition of Birdseed is brought to you by the letter ‘B’ and the No. 2…

Falcons LIVE with Head Coach Mike Smith, AF.com
Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff was the guest Monday evening. In case you missed the live broadcast, here’s the archived piece:

Smith ready to move on, past sideline incident, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think it’s safe to say if this incident involved any other play in the league it might not have the same publicity. The NFL acknowledged the scuffle in question is being reviewed for possible disciplinary action.

Gonzalez is still cleaning up here, The Kansas City Star
Players move frequently in the NFL so it’s nice to see such a strong connection to a city that did so much for Tony Gonzalez’s career.

Falcons wait word on Finneran’s knee, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This is the first injury to hit the Falcons group of wide receivers since Harry Douglas was lost for the year during training camp. If Finneran misses time, Matt Ryan would lose a key, third-down target.

A rainy-day question: Who’s better, the Falcons or Hawks?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An interesting question considering the long-barren sports landscape in the city of Atlanta. I do not follow the NBA as much as the NFL (no brainer) so i can’t really offer an opinion.

Falcons say they feed off Smith’s enthusiasm. Philadelphia Enquirer
Players are one group, but I can say I know plenty Falcons staffers who are equally willing to support Head Coach Mike Smith in anything he may ask.

Panthers in trouble, Falcons on track as second half looms, The (Anderson, S.C.) Independent-Mail
This is not the matchup we expected when these teams began the season.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Brian Finneran, DeAngelo Hall, Harry Douglas, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Kansas City Star, Matt Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer, Sesame Street, Thomas Dimitroff, Tony Gonzalez, video

I finally figured out what makes Michael Turner so good.

He’s actually a sophisticated football robot sent from the future to power the Falcons through the rest of the 2009 season. Or maybe, simply, he’s one of those FOX Sports‘ machines with skin.

Whatever the true identity — or superhuman ability — the Pro Bowl running back and his Terminator-like qualities were appreciated at the Georgia Dome in the Falcons 31-17 win over the Washington Redskins Sunday afternoon.

Turner rushed for 166 yards and a pair of scores, including a 58-yard run that put the game out of reach for a Washington team that still hasn’t scored more than 17 points in a game this season.

“I was trying to get some explosiveness and spark the team a little bit,” Turner said. “We just go out there and make big plays. It was just happening out there. I really can’t explain it.”

Maybe the secrecy is to protect the Falcons trade secret. After all, this is a team that finished No. 2 in the NFL in rushing yards last season. But, for whatever reason, the run game was slow out of the gate in 2009.

Turner had just one 100-yard game before last week. Now he seems to be the Turner of old giving the Falcons an offensive weapon on the ground, a decoy for the passing game and a battering ram to run out the clock.

With Turner setting up the play-action passing game, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for an efficient 135 yards and a touchdown (81.1 passer rating). Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez had the team’s lone receiving touchdown. He was also the team’s leading receiver (five catches for 41 yards).

Atlanta took a 24-3 lead into halftime but the Redskins re-tooled the run game in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points before the Falcons held the ball for more than 2:15.

Turner’s second touchdown run came with 11:23 left in the fourth quarter and proved enough to put the game away. On the next drive, the Falcons defense got a stop on fourth-and-1 and, further contributing to the Redskins continued offensive futility.

Atlanta recorded five sacks in the game — all in the first half — and got an interception return for a touchdown by cornerback Tye Hill.

“There was some great pressure by the defensive line, the defensive backs and the linebackers” defensive end John Abraham said. “I think we did a great job of containing him and and keeping him in the pocket. We let him get out of the pocket a few times, and he got a few yards on us but, all in all, we did a good job in the first half.”

The “him” Abraham refers to is Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, who twice left the game with an injury (the second time for good) and threw for 196 yards and a score. He was also the team’s second-leading rusher.

All-Pro running back Clinton Portis left the game in the first half with a head injury after compiling 4 yards on four rushes.

With the win, the Falcons bounce back after losing back-to-back games for the first time in the Mike Smith era. A date with division foe Carolina awaits next week.

“I talked to (the team) about the importance of coming off a short week that we were going to make sure that we were physically ready to go and in practice we did not practice in pads,” Smith said, mentioning the team’s Monday night loss in New Orleans. “We wanted to make sure that we were mentally ready (and) prepared for the ball game. It wasn’t a big message; they were aware of it. I thought that the guys came out and played extremely hard and they were mentally on top of their game.”

The win comes with hard work from all three phases of the Falcons’ game.

But the revival of Turner’s big play ability has Falcons fans looking back to the success of 2008. Ironically at this point last season the Falcons were 5-3 and getting ready to face a divisional opponent.

“The important thing is that we’re in the mix,” Ryan said. “Now it’s going to come down to how we play in November and December. These last two months are crucially important to our football team and we’re excited to take the challenge head on. Our goal is to make sure we win as many games s possible down the stretch.”

Having Turner’s game firing on all cylinders certainly helps the cause.

We all knew he’d be back.

MORE FROM THE FALCONS-REDSKINS GAME:

• GAMEDAY LIVE: Complete game coverage from AtlantaFalcons.com
• GAME CENTER: Stats and more in the NFL.com Game Center
• FIRST TAKE: Exclusive interviews from the Falcons-Redskins game
• INTERVIEWS: Postgame interviews and more from AF.com
• J. MIKE’S MISSIVES: Thoughts on the game from the AF.com managing editor
• GAME NOTES: Milestones and more from the Falcons-Redskins game
• GAME QUOTES: Falcons postgame locker room | Redskins
• INACTIVES: Game inactives and starting lineups
• IMAGES: Photos from the game from photographer Jimmy Cribb
• FORUMS: Talk about the game with other fans on FalconsLIFE

J. Michael Moore Gameday Clinton Portis, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

This just in  from the “Did that Just Happen?” department…

The Falcons took a 24-3 lead into the locker room at halftime of Sunday’s matchup against the Redskins but not before fisticuffs nearly erupted on the home sideline.

With 1:37 left in the opening half, quarterback Matt Ryan scrambled for a first down and stepped out of bounds in front of his bench. Redskins safety LaRon Landry made the stop and pushed Ryan down out of bounds. A flag was thrown for a late hit and, quicker than a slant pattern, Falcons players found themselves in the midst of a pushing and yelling match with former Atlanta cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

Head Coach Mike Smith was in the midst of the scuffle, which took about two minutes to break up. His facial expression and passion was reminiscent of a similar play in 2008, when he and Tampa Bay wideout Antonio Bryant exchanged words.

During the chaos, defensive tackle defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was also flagged for unnecessary roughness.

Atlanta went on to finish the drive with a field goal.

The event was a physical manifestation of emotion that built throughout the first half. The Falcons sacked Washington quarterback Jason Campbell five times, tying a team record. The Redskins defense also kept pressure on Ryan, sacking him three times and forcing an interception.

Other Atlanta scores came off an interception return by Tye Hill, a touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez and a 30-yard Michael Turner run.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Albert Haynesworth, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Campbell, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

One of the biggest problems the Falcons faced in back-to-back losses over the last two weeks was a lack of intensity past the opening drive.

Through the opening quarter of Sunday’s game against the Redskins, the Falcons kept the foot on the accelerator and held a 14-0 lead. That included an offensive and defensive score.

Atlanta took the ball to open the game and marched 74 yards over 10 plays before Matt Ryan found Tony Gonzalez in the front corner of the end zone with a 2-yard touchdown pass. The drive was kept alive on a fourth-and-1 play inside the red zone where Ryan successfully drew Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth offside with a hard count.

The Redskins went three-and-out on the next drive but on their next possession, Atlanta cornerback Tye Hill — a player acquired via trade in the last week of the preseason — intercepted Jason Campbell and returned the ball 62 yards for a score.

A single blemish hit the Falcons offensive stat sheet — a Ryan interception. But the team recovered from the detour and stayed on the highway of success.

Campbell completed just two passes for 9 yards in the opening quarter. Washington rushed for 25 yards (4 by All-Pro Clinton Portis, who left the game with a head injury not to return). Campbell was sacked once by Kroy Biermann, pushing his team-high total to four on the season.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Albert Haynesworth, Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell, Kroy Biermann, Matt Ryan, Tony Gonzalez, Tye Hill, Washington Redskins

If I had a nickel for every time I read a message board post or hear a fan comment on the “disrespect” of the Falcons in the national media I’d have about $1.20 (takes a lot of nickels to build revenue).

But that doesn’t change the fact that, when it comes to one piece of recognition, fans have a vote.

Voting for the 2010 Pro Bowl is underway (click here for a ballot).

Two Falcons went to the annual all-star game last season: Michael Turner and Roddy White. Fan voting isn’t the only factor in selection (players and coaches also get a vote), but it can build publicity.

These numbers will change, but take note of a few Falcons who could be featured on Pro Bowl ballots across the country:

• Roddy White — Leads team with 33 catches for 435 yards and five touchdowns.
• Michael Turner — Leads team with 118 carries for 403 yards and seven touchdowns
• Matt Ryan — A Pro Bowl alternate last year, currently has 11 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 90.2 passer rating.
• John Abraham — Tied for team lead with three sacks.
• Curtis Lofton — Team leader with 49 solo tackles, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
• Tony Gonzalez — A new favorite target of Ryan’s, currently has 33 catches and three touchdowns.
• Mike Peterson — Four tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, four passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

J. Michael Moore Awards, Fans, News Curtis Lofton, Fans, John Abraham, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Mike Peterson, Pro Bowl, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez

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

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