Atlanta will be ready this week

[goshan]

I live in Atlanta. There are a lot of things pointing toward Atlanta being ready to play this week.

1. Jim Mora is getting hammered in the media and by the fans on the talk shows. He blew up after the game (threw a microphone) because a reporter challenged him on the last series in OT when they threw deep on 3rd and 2 and then decided to punt.
2. They want to finish with back to back winning seasons for the 1st time ever. If they lose, they will be 8-8.
3. They have a rivalry with Carolina and Algie Crumpler stated yesterday on Radio that they want to knock them out of the playoffs.
4. In general, the team is getting severely challenged by the fans and media. Everyone is saying they have been playing soft and are a huge disappointment.

Doesn't mean they will win-but I do expect them to give a strong effort.

 

[CactusCowboy]

Hall is definetely out, this will not help.

 

[Doomsday101]

I live in Atlanta. There are a lot of things pointing toward Atlanta being ready to play this week.

1. Jim Mora is getting hammered in the media and by the fans on the talk shows. He blew up after the game (threw a microphone) because a reporter challenged him on the last series in OT when they threw deep on 3rd and 2 and then decided to punt.
2. They want to finish with back to back winning seasons for the 1st time ever. If they lose, they will be 8-8.
3. They have a rivalry with Carolina and Algie Crumpler stated yesterday on Radio that they want to knock them out of the playoffs.
4. In general, the team is getting severely challenged by the fans and media. Everyone is saying they have been playing soft and are a huge disappointment.

Doesn't mean they will win-but I do expect them to give a strong effort.

I expect that as well and it would not come as a big suprise if Alt did win this game especially being a home game.

 

[Swat]

I hope you're right, but you could make a case that the Panthers will be ready as well.

You have to figure Steve Smith will have a huge chip on his shoulder . . . and with DeAngelo Hall out . . . it could get ugly . . .

 

[jsond]

I think Atlanta has a decent chance too and I live here also so have been listening to all the team reports. Hall out is bad but I think the players will play tough and maybe steal one. I do know I have much more confidence in the falcons than in the iggles, who have had the look of a team that just wants this season over. I do worry, among other concerns, that Carolina was one of the hottest teams in fb last yr and lost in the final game vs the saints to keep them out of the playoffs and I am sure they do not want a repeat of that. But regardless they want in no matter what and just have to hope the falcons can keep them out. Sure wish I could actually go to this game as I will be one the biggest falcons fans in the city come sunday afternoon.

 

[wileedog]

I'm counting on Atlanta a lot more than Philly quite frankly.

Not that I'm counting on much from either....

 

[CrazyCowboy]

CrazyCowboy say Atlanta must jump on Carolina early.....so they can turn their defensive line loose on Delohome sp?

 

[Doomsday101]

I hope you're right, but you could make a case that the Panthers will be ready as well.

You have to figure Steve Smith will have a huge chip on his shoulder . . . and with DeAngelo Hall out . . . it could get ugly . . .

I agree Carolina will be ready but I also think Alt will be ready and will not have much pressure on them. I think if Alt can get off to a quick start that will be enough to get the crowd into the game and some extra motivation for the players to go out on a winning note.

 

[CactusCowboy]

I also agree. The key is to get an early lead, if not, I believe Carolina will win easily.

 

[morasp]

To our advantage, the Eagles and Falcons want to be the spoilers and the games are road games for the Panthers and Skins. The odds are in our favor that either the Falcons or Eagles will win this weekend. Add to that we are playing at home and the play-offs are a real possibility.

With Ware getting better, Gurode showing what power can do for the right guard position, Julius getting confidence in his running again who knows what could happen for us in the play-offs!

 

[TheSkaven]

I'd be shocked if Carolina blew Atlanta out in Atlanta, where they haven't won (even the year they went to the SB) in years.

 

[Canadian BoyzFan]

I will be the biggest Philly fan ever.......yikes what a scary thing I just said.
I would like to see both teams lose, then we get the 5th seed, I believe.

 

[lane]

atlanta will win this game.

 

[silver]

I'm counting on Atlanta a lot more than Philly quite frankly.

Not that I'm counting on much from either....

me neither. i believe we're in a pickle. we won't get any help.

 

[vicjagger]

Atlanta can't stop the run.

 

[Woods]

atlanta will win this game.

I really hope you're right. Otherwise there is going to be a lot of heartache come January 2nd.

 

[31smackdown]

Is Dan Morgan playing?

 

[Hoov]

Atlanta can't stop the run.

But they do put a lot pf pressure on QB, the knock on their run defense is that they are small but fast on Dline and LB. Carolina is not a great rushing offense so i see the advantage going to falcons here, especially since they are at home with the crowd. I think its going to be a lot of pressure on Delhomme, he will have to win this game for the Panthers.....of course having Smith helps a lot, but can those 2 do it all themselves ?

The way we ran the ball on the panthers, i expect atlanta to have a good day running and playing ball control, if Atlanta takes a lead early its going to be a long day for Jake.

 

[BigDInCharlotte]

Maybe Atlanta isn't great against the run, but really, does Carolina's run game scare anyone, right now? For someone going into Free Agency, I would expect Foster to be doing alot more to stake his claim to the #1 back position in Carolina, but he is average. Most of his good performances (only 1 game with 100 yards rushing), are more a result of poor defense and tackling than anything he has done well.

Stephen Davis is done. Nick Goings and Brad Hoover are their other backs. Sorry, not scared of any of them breaking a long one.

As far as Dan Morgan playing, he may play, but he'll stub his toe early in the game, and be done for the season. I have never seen someone as injury prone as that guy. He may be a good player (some will go as far as to say Great), but it doesn't matter if he can't stay on the field.

 

[The30YardSlant]

DeAngelo Hall is out for the Falcons