Opportunistic Falcons Back on Track

after suffering a last minute defeat to a team, who as a result of league investigations was since released by commisioner deathwish, the falcons were out to prove they didn't need hand outs to overcome adversity like their prior opponents. roy williams and jim leonard were currently under suspension for last weeks thrown performance are now looked upon on as team outcasts, but a last minute decision allowed the players to dress for a much needed road win vs the redskins although to no ones surprise got little playing time. their release is pending, but after the emotional game vs washington they both expressed the utmost gratitude and respect towards the falcons organization for offering a second chance for redemption.

sunny skies and cold temperatures set the stage for a seemingly rattled atlanta organization to try and overcome foreign outdoor conditions on the road in a divisional playoff rematch vs a redskins team loaded with talent across the boards. washingtons first drive was cut short when star rookie linebacker deshun ivory intercepted jimmy clausen setting up an 11 yard toss from bradford to veteran houushmandzadeh for the games first score. washington answered back, by quickly moving the ball downfield as mcknight finished off the drive with a 5 yard run to tie the game 7-7 at the end of the first.

sam bradford underestimated the raw skills of upcoming pro bowler eric berry throwing a game changing interception that caused a snowball effect for washtington who was able to feed off the momentum scoring quickly to go up 14-7. things only got worse as atlanta struggled on offense and after two long td passes to miles austin and larry fitzgerald the falcons found themselves in a 7-28 hole with just under 50 seconds remaining in the first half. if they were to prove themselves legitimate nfc defending champs, it was going to take a team effort to overcome such overwhelming adversity...sam bradford went to work. a 50 yard strike to T.J. set up a one yard plunge by bradford as time ran out in the 2nd, fueling hopes of what could be one of the greatest comebacks in team history.

after an inspirational halftime speech the falcons seemed to regain their old identity, and came out in the 2nd half a confident...and patient club relying on an opportunistic defense to set up the offense. something atlantas been very well known for, but all but forgotten in the 2010 season. a nice drive consisting of quick passes and tough running led to a falcons field goal to open up the half. ivory snagged his second interception from clausen to help atlanta tack on another 3 points with just over 4 left in the 3rd cutting the redskins lead down 20-28.

again washington started moving the ball, not shying away from the pass and methodically using jamaal charles to cut up yards off draws...however the redskins came up short and were forced to punt it away. with just 6:05 left in the game the redskins d stepped up and held atlanta to yet another field goal narrowing the lead to 23-28 after the falcons failed to even reach the redzone. with just under 5 remaining clausen had his team on the move again, but a rookie mistake would prove costly as he failed to recognize michael boley on the line who dropped into coverage on the opposite side of the blitz and took it for 6 the other way...giving atlanta it's first lead since the beginning of the game, and after a successful 2 pt. conversion the score stood 31-28.

clausen still had just under 4 minutes to redeem himself, but his streak of inaccurate deep balls would continue as an overthrown sideline pass deep to fitzgerald fell into the waiting arms of darrell stucky sealing the redskins fate as turner and the falcons were able to run for two first downs killing off the last two minutes of game clock. it was a great 21 point comeback which could carry the team the rest of the season as atlanta prepares for a veteran filled vikings team next week.

Damn. Not only was that a good read, it was a sick comeback too. Especially against CP. I'd love to know the last time he was held scoreless in a half, or even the last time he let up 24 unanswered points.

Great post falcon! I love reading these things. LOL!