'Tis the season for giving thanks. With 12 weeks in the books and Thanksgiving upon us, it's time to look at the Atlanta Falcons and decide for what they should be thankful. Of course, they're all thankful for health, employment, and family, but a closer look reveals 26 other things.
So with an attitude of gratitude, I present the ABCs of Thanksgiving.
Abraham, John. "The Predator" has returned to dominance. The coaching staff has limited his snaps on the field, thus keeping him fresher longer. He's responded with 12 sacks, tied for second most in the NFL.
Burner, Michael Turner. The free-agent running back languished in backup hell behind All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson for four years. Finally getting his shot to start, Turner is making the most of it. He's currently on pace to break most franchise rushing records.
Conversions. Atlanta's third in the league in third-down conversions. That success on third down is a major reason why the Falcons' offense is ranked sixth in the NFL in points and yards per game
Dirty Bird. The dance that swept a city 10 years ago. It epitomizes the 1998 Atlanta Falcons, the only team in franchise history to appear in the Super Bowl. The 10-year anniversary is being observed by this year's Falcons team as they put together another memorable season.
Emmitt Thomas. 27-year career coach. 13-year player. If you listened to his Hall of Fame induction speech this past summer and didn't get teary-eyed, you don't have a heart.
FM 92.9. DaveFM. I enjoy listening to Wes Durham and Dave Archer call each game. While I watch the game at home, it's not uncommon to turn the volume down and put the radio on just to hear the guys. I also enjoy 18-year Atlanta Falcon Jeff Van Note doing the pre- and post-game work. I'm especially fond of Durham since I grew up listening to his father call UNC basketball games. It's uncanny how much he sounds like his dad.
Game Day. Whether you're at the Dome or home, is anything better?
Hometown Huddle. A great program that gets the Falcons' players out in the community. This year's event, also called the "fan blitz," had the team visiting sites around the city, mingling with fans. None of it was announced, so every visit was a surprise. That fan interaction, early in the season, went a long way towards endearing this team to its fans.
Interception. Three to be exact, against New Orleans' Drew Brees, set the tone for the entire game. Chris Houston added one in the fourth quarter, and rookie Chevis Jackson's, with less than two minutes remaining, which he returned for a touchdown, sealed the win. The Falcons are ranked 18th with nine interceptions, but many of them have been timely.
Jerseys. The black ones were dusted off for the win at home against Carolina in Week 12. They looked so fast in them.
Kicker Jason Elam. Signed as a free agent in the offseason, the native Atlantan immediately solidified the kicking game. After missing a field goal in Week Six against the Chicago Bears to put the game out of reach, he atoned for that with a last-second field goal to win the game after a deep pass from Matt Ryan to Michael Jenkins with 11 seconds remaining.
Leads. Atlanta has been able to jump to early first quarter leads, which has enabled them to control the tempo of games. Atlanta's 5-0 when they score first.
Mughelli, Ovie. The fullback may find himself in the Pro Bowl after a season spent opening up holes for Turner.
Number two. As in Matt Ryan's number. It makes you forget about other number twos in franchise history, like Clarence Verdin and Todd Peterson.
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about 1 month ago
Great write, Daniel. The Falcons are very good this year, and the fans in Atlanta (and around the country) deserve this team after everything they've been through. Ryan gets my undisputed Rookie of the Year for his amazing performances, but the team's success doesn't just stop with him. Like you very clearly point out, the team is playing well (and managing well, and coaching well) from top to bottom.
Excellent job and good luck with the rest of the season.
from about 1 month ago
monk, i appreciate that. thanks for reading and for your comments. while the season has been surprising, the expectations have now been set. it is exciting though. very exciting...
about 1 month ago
Daniel, the Falcons will need to feed the ball to Turner and then hit White/Jenkins and the rookie on some big plays in the passing game. Defensively, I don't see them completely containing the Chargers' offense but I do see Atlanta doing just enough to pull out a close three-point game at the Q. http://profootball101.org/2008/11/28/nfl-picks-week-13/
from about 1 month ago
josh, yep, the falcons and their fans have a lot to be thankful for.
as for the chargers, i've not had a lot of time to think about it. the game's on now so it's probably not right to prognosticate at this point.
by the way, "the rookie"'s name is harry douglas. :)
thanks for reading!
about 1 month ago
Great Job Daniel, keep up the good work and Go Falcons!
from about 1 month ago
chris, thanks my friend. i appreciate you reading. keep me posted on what you're doing. us atlanta folks gotta stick together...
about 1 month ago
Fabulous article, Daniel. Matt Ryan is the No. 1 reason by far, but I never thought Michael Turner would be so good. And as good as the Falcons are, they very likely will finish in the bottom half of their division.
from about 1 month ago
cody, thanks for reading. turner's numbers looked so good it was hard to believe he wouldn't have SOME success. but i don't think anyone quite expected this.
bottom half of their division? there's only four teams man. even if they finish third, there's still a chance they make the playoffs. that's alright in my book.
about 1 month ago
I really enjoyed this article, Daniel! Very creative idea; I love it! 5*'s, POTD!
from about 1 month ago
eric, i appreciate that. thanks for the pick. and thanks so much for reading. i always appreciate your support.
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