Even after a
dramatic final drive capped off by a game-winning Matt Ryan to Tony
Gonzalez touchdown reception, Atlanta has been mathematically eliminated
from the postseason. The Cowboys surprising victory over the previously
unbeaten Saints the night before was the nail in the coffin. However,
that doesnt mean this young Falcons team is going to mail it in. With
the Buffalo Bills on the docket this week, these guys have something to
play for.
Weve got to play for a winningrecord and weve got to find a way to
get that done. was star receiver Roddy Whites answer when asked what the
Falcons were playing for now that they had officially missed the
playoffs. He continues:
It will be the first time in the history of the Falcons. Weve got two
more to go and we need to end up on a winning streak. That will help us
going into next year if we win three in a row. It will just lead us to
good things. We need to go out there and win.
By all accounts, this Atlanta team is definitely on the rise. The
defense, led by anchor Curtis Loftons 10 tackles, held the Jets offense
to only a single touchdown last week. The Falcons offense scored just 10
against a stout Jets defense, but came through when it mattered most
when quarterback Matt Ryan threw a strike to Tony Gonzalez for the game
winner. Even more significant than last weeks close win was how
indicative it was of the type of future this team has. The foundation is
in place for continued success. Former Patriots executive Thomas
Dmitroff has helped lay the groundwork for a dynamic team since he
arrived before last season, and confidence in team leadership is high.
Young stars Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Curtis Lofton
carry lofty expectations with them into next season.
This week against Buffalo however, the goal is simple. Atlanta is 7-7
and needs to win their final two games in order to get that coveted
winning record White mentioned earlier. It would mark the first time in
franchise history that the team accomplished that feat, and it means a
lot to this group of players.
It all starts on the football field this Sunday, but the Bills have some
motivation of their own. Newly-anointed starting running back Fred
Jackson is just shy of 200 rushing yards away from his first 1000 yard
season. Receiver Terrell Owens is a free agent again at the end of the
year, and wants to impress scouts and NFL execs as he prepares for what
should be his final contract. However, Buffalo will probably be relying
on third-string quarterback Brian Brohm due to injuries to both Ryan
Fitzpatrick and Trent Edwards. This means stopping Fred Jackson and the
Bills rushing attack will be the key to the game, a key which will need
to be held and turned by the Falcons front four along with Lofton and
the linebacker corps.
Coach Mike Smith said the following about Buffalo earlier this week:
I see a very tough team. Five of their losses have been by seven points
or less. Three of them have been by three or less. They play a very
physical style of football, both offensively and defensively. They run the ball very
well. They have two physical running backs. Defensively, I really like
the way that they play. They play with a lot of energy. Perry Fewell,
who was their Defensive Coordinator and is now their Interim Head Coach,
I think does a really nice job getting those guys ready to play.
No doubt Atlanta will come in focused and ready themselves. It all boils
down to heart and execution, and what we see this Sunday will tell us a
lot about what these guys are made of. Chances are the ascension to
consistently winning in this league will continue on for this Falcons
team, and theyll ride into the sunset Week 17 with one last goal to
accomplish.
