Curtis Lofton and the Atlanta defense knew theyd have their hands
full coming into this past Sundays match with the Eagles. Aside from
being a homecoming of sorts for embattled former Falcons QB Michael
Vick, this game presented some unique challenges for the team.
When asked about the Eagles offense, Lofton replied: Theyve got two
receivers, Maclin and DeSean Jackson, who have great speed and can
really stretch the defense vertically. Theyve also got a rookie running
back, McCoy. Hes a very talented slasher and hes very good. Its going to
test our defense on all aspects of the game.
While DeSean Jackson missed the game due to post-concussion symptoms,
fellow wideout Jeremy Maclin capitalized and hauled in 4 catches for 83
yards. Atlanta did manage to limit rookie RB LeSean McCoy to less than
30 total yards, but much of the Atlanta defenses pain came from a
familiar face.
The Falcons only allowed Eagles starter Donovan McNabb just over 200
passing yards and a single touchdown, but this game ended up being
decided in large part by the backup quarterbacks. Old friend Michael
Vick scored 2 touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground. In
contrast, new Atlanta starter Chris Redman could never get it going.
After being asked about his performance, he had this to say: It was
tough to get into the groove out there. You have to give the Eagles a
lot of credit because they kept us off-balance. The defensive line made
sure to get their hands up to tip some passes. But we understand it is
nobodys fault – we all accept responsibility...They came with tough
pressure which was something we knew going into the game. It seemed like
we could not get into a groove because of their various defensive
schemes. We all made mistakes today and we will take this loss as a
team. At the end of the day, we will learn from our mistakes and move
on.
Future Hall Of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez echoed that sentiment. When
asked about the Falcons playoff hopes, he responded: Were very
frustrated but we still have four games left. If we can win all four, it will place us in a good position
but we have to take it one game at a time. On all levels, this was not a
good showing for us. Even with a New Orleans win, I think that anything
can still happen. We still have four games left and we have to learn
from our mistakes, and get better this week. Well have to put this loss
behind us because failure is not an option.
The Falcons have been hurt by injuries as of late, and Lofton and the
Falcons defense has a lot to overcome. However, this team has too much
heart to go away quietly, and have the talent and drive to get it done
down the stretch. Curtis said it best himself:
Im ready to go. Its toward the end of the season and this is where you
start hitting your home stretch. Ive been sitting in the cold tubs and
eating right and doing everything I need to do to be fresh and I feel
pretty good.
Thats good news for Falcons fans, wholl need every last ounce of
production out of their star linebacker to get to the postseason and
make some noise.
