J.Mike's Missives

Jason Elam knows the life of a kicker is often lonely.

But when he gets attention, it’s for one of two reasons: A game winning kick or a miss that could have made a difference in the outcome of a game.

Elam missed a 34-yard field goal attempt in the fourth quarter Sunday that would have given the Falcons a 22-21 lead. Sunday night and Monday morning, he found himself in the spotlight as the Falcons eventually fell to the Carolina Panthers, 28-19.

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/193029/193029_2009-11-16-124947.flv
Click here for more reaction from Panthers-Falcons

Replay of the kick clearly shows a timing issue between snapper, holder and kicker. Elam said he would watch video of the play with holder Michael Koenen and snapper Bryan Pittman.

“Yeah, I got going a little too early; bottom line the ball was down and I didn’t make it,” Elam said Monday. “I’m fine with taking the blame on that one.”

Elam made it clear he’s taking responsibility for the miss, though he did mention the process involved — snap, hold, kick — and how even after hundreds of tries mistakes can happen.

Pittman was playing in just his second game as a Falcon on Sunday, joining the team two weeks ago when Mike Schneck went on injured reserve.

“The missed field goal yesterday we did not handle the operation of the snap, hold and kick very well and when that operation does not go smoothly, it puts stress on the attempt,” Head Coach Mike Smith said. “Jason has not kicked the ball as well as he has in the past. And it definitely is a concern for us.”

Elam, who has missed five kicks this year, said the only way to fix problems is with repetition, film study and trusting the process.

“You just have to keep swinging,” he said. “History tells me that’s what you need to do. Keep doing what got you there and, more times than not, it’s going to work. It just didn’t work on that one particular play…

“You just keep going.”

Simple advice for just about anyone I suppose.

Now let’s all keep going on some Birdseed and put this game in the past.

Complete Falcons-Panthers game coverage, AF.com
It wasn’t a game you want to relive many times, but the only way to learn from mistakes is to watch them… Multiple times if necessary.

Falcons RB Turner will undergo tests on injured right ankle, NFL.com
For more on Michael Turner’s ankle injury, check out The Beat Blog.

Falcons won’t go anywhere if Ryan doesn’t figure things out, CBSSports.com
Amazed at how opinions change so quickly in the NFL. I know players aren’t allowed to break down, make mistakes or otherwise slump but sometimes I wonder if George Burns was right (thank you, Bart Simpson)…

Post-Game Thread: Falcons Get Dropped By Panthers, 28-19, The Falcoholic
You can have ugly wins and you can have ugly losses. But only one makes fans happy.

Falcons melt down on the road against Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To quote the head ball coach: Falcons made “way too many mistakes in all three phases.”

In first career start, Will Svitek held his own for Atlanta Falcons, Examiner.com
Much like Todd Weiner in 2008, Will Svitek is called upon to backup — and play well — at right and left tackle.

Falcons And Panthers Recap: When Everything Goes Wrong, The Falcoholic
When everything goes wrong, you circle the wagons and figure out how to escape the situation. The Falcons have had their backs to the wall before. Maybe not so prevalent, but it’s happened. And success is an option.

Falcons’ defense was no match for Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curious how the Panthers, a running team, installed a robust no-huddle offense. Teams that face Carolina down the road will look at the Falcons game take for guidance.

Has the (Matty) Ice Age ended?, ESPN.com
Great headline. Story isn’t the favorite reading of Falcons fans, but I have to give love to the blogger and copy editor.

Three keys to the Falcons loss to the Panthers, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Smith said removing Tye Hill from the game was a coach’s decision. Sometimes at cornerback you have to play the matchups.

Harvey Dahl: Catching up with ‘the NFL’s meanest,’ Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Get to know one of the toughest guys on the Falcons roster and see how looks, off the field, can be deceiving.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AF.com, AJC, Bryan Pittman, Carolina Panthers, CBSSports.com, ESPN.com, Examiner.com, Harvey Dahl, Head Coach Mike Smith, Jason Elam, Matt Ryan, Michael Koenen, Michael Turner, Mike Schneck, The Beat Blog, The Falcoholic, The Simpsons, Todd Weiner, Tye Hill, Will Svitek

More cameras than usually filled the media room in Flowery Branch Monday afternoon for Head Coach Mike Smith’s weekly press conference.

It wasn’t long before questions moved toward a very non-football topic.

Smith was asked again about an incident on the sideline in Sunday’s win over the Redskins where former Falcons cornerback DeAngelo Hall got into a scuffle with Atlanta coaches and players. The skirmish broke out after Redskins safety LaRon Landry was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Matt Ryan.

After the game Hall said he was accosted by coaches and he would file a formal complaint with the NFL.

Smith said he watched film of the game multiple times and he hasn’t thought about Hall’s comments.

“Our quarterback was hit late out of bounds on the sideline and we were trying to restore order on our sideline,” Smith said. “I haven’t even thought about (Hall’s comments). Today is Monday and we are on to the Carolina Panthers.”

http://video.atlantafalcons.com/video/189337/189337_2009-11-09-153855.flv

“I watch all three phases of the game at least two and sometimes three times every week,” added Smith. “We’re finishing up our work on the Washington Redskins and at about 4 o’clock we’ll be moving on to Carolina. I just work like I normally do and watch the tape.”

With that the Falcons turn attention to a division opponent that has won only three games this season. The Panthers got additional bad news Sunday when it was announced starting outside linebacker Thomas Davis will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Smith spoke more of the Panthers effectiveness in the running game but with the Falcons play on offense and defense over the last two weeks, fans have reason to be excited.

The coach said defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux (10 tackles, 2.5 sacks) may have “played his best game as an Atlanta Falcon” against the Redskins. Cornerback Tye Hill, starting his second game with the team since a preseason trade, also got an interception and a score.

Smith declined to name a starter at left cornerback for this week’s game but said the team is growing more comfortable with Hill, a former first-round pick.

“Tye continues to progress,” Smith said. “That was a big play for him on the 64-yard interception return and he’s continuing to become more comfortable in our system and we are continuing to become more comfortable with Tye.”

On the injury front, Smith did not reveal details on wide receiver Brian Finneran, who left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. Left tackle Sam Baker (ankle) also left, but Smith was encouraged by the play of reserve offensive lineman Will Svitek, who had a key block on Michael Turner’s second-half touchdown run.

The coach is “very hopeful” injured running backs Jason Snelling (hamstring) and Jerious Norwood (hip) and defensive tackle Thomas Johnson (calf) will be able to return to the field soon.

J. Michael Moore News Brian Finneran, Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Hall, Head Coach Mike Smith, injury, Jason Snelling, Jerious Norwood, Jonathan Babineaux, LaRon Landry, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Sam Baker, Thomas Johnson, Tye Hill, video, Washington Redskins, Will Svitek

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH

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

CLICK HERE FOR THE PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE INJURY REPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OTHER NOTES FROM THE MONDAY PRESSER…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AS FOR THE REDSKINS…

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

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

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

The Falcons 80-yard touchdown drive to open the game was slow and methodical.

Quarterback Matt Ryan used surgeon-like precision to convert on four-straight third downs and place the ball exactly where his receiver, Roddy White, could get a hand on it for a score.

On defense, the Falcons started with speed and aggression.

The Cowboys went three-and-out on their first offensive possession and didn’t record a first down in the opening period.

But in the NFL, a sense of comfort is often rewarded with a Texas-sized dose of reality.

Dallas scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter, including a 59-yard touchdown from Tony Romo to Miles Austin one play after a Ryan fumble. The Cowboys also added a field goal and ended the first half with a Houdini-like play where Romo escaped the grasp of three Falcons defensive linemen to find Patrick Crayton in the back of the end zone.

In all, Romo had 185 net passing yards in the first half. He had zero in the first quarter.

The Falcons allowed three quarterback sacks in the first half after going four games keeping Ryan upright and healthy. Michael Turner started to find some daylight, but it wasn’t enough to keep the offense in gear.

ADDITIONAL IN-GAME THOUGHTS…

… Tye Hill and Spencer Adkins (my neighbor on the bus ride to the game) are active for the first time this season. Hill didn’t get significant playing time in the first half while Adkins worked on special teams.

… Jamaal Anderson blew up a run play and tackled Marion Barber for a loss on the Cowboys second drive of the game. Notable mostly because he made the play from the defensive tackle position. Anderson put together a nice first half.

… It may seem odd considering the Cowboys three-headed monster at running back (Barber, Tashard Choice and Felix Jones) but Romo was the leading rusher in the first half — one attempt for 17 yards.

J. Michael Moore Gameday Dallas Cowboys, Felix Jones, Jamaal Anderson, Marion Barber, Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Patrick Crayton, Roddy White, Spencer Adkins, Tashard Choice, Tony Romo, Tye Hill