The Atlanta Falcons: Making Magic And Looking For Respect


The Atlanta Falcons are looking for an elusive and magical thing called respect. It’s hard to earn in the National Football League. It’s something that teams work years to get and then hold on to for life. Respect comes at the expense of multiple playoff runs and Super Bowls. It’s a moment filled with magic that every franchise wants to be a part of and every player wants to experience.

After gritting out two horrendous seasons, the Falcons started the year 5-0. In four of those five wins, the Dirty Birds had to scratch their way back from what seemed like defeat. Hopes for equaling the franchise record of eight straight victories was the talk of the town. Then, the ride was over.

Just as it happened in the magical 2012 season, the Falcons headed to New Orleans with a perfect record. The Saints robbed the Falcons then and repeated the thievery in Week 6. The magic stopped. The Falcons trailed in the game and never seemed to adjust to what was happening. The Dirty Birds faced a team that was hungry for a win. The Falcons lost 31-21

According to CBS Sports, in the two previous years, the Falcons were a combined 4-22 when heading into the fourth quarter. This year, they were 4-0. Sadly, the Falcons committed mental mistakes that ultimately cost them the game. The Birds weren’t able to work any of that magic.

The Atlanta Falcons
[Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]
But, the magic isn’t completely over yet. The Falcons are 6-2 and definitely in the playoff picture. A trip to the sunny shores of California looms on the horizon. The San Francisco 49ers are in the midst of a hurricane. Colin Kaepernick has been benched and general chaos has engulfed the team. Having Kaepernick out of the game won’t be a sweet revenge motivation. But, it can go a long way in getting the mojo back that was present until Week 6. The Falcons are 1-2 since going to Nawlins.

Having two losses, since starting so strong, may be the reason for the lack of respect around the football universe. Coming off two losing seasons is another factor that doesn’t do much for image in the NFL.

This is the dawn of a new age in Falcons football. Come from behind victories and spectacular performances are the norm. The lack of focus has been replaced by a desire to win when it seems impossible. The Falcons’ defense has been bend-but-don’t-break. Even though it is ranked in the middle of the pack at No. 20, they are allowing 21.6 points per game. To get respect, that number has to come down.

Playing with passion and mental toughness trumps everything. Falcons’ head coach Dan Quinn has cultivated the will to win. It was an untapped resource, waiting to be released upon unsuspecting opponents.

The Atlanta Falcons
[Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]
The magic will start again in San Francisco. The Falcons will get into a flow against a 49ers team that allows 403.8 yards per game, allows opponents to convert 65.4 percent in the red zone, and surrenders 25.9 points per game.

Matt Ryan will continue his monster year in completion percentage and start another winning streak. The Falcons’ signal caller is used to hiccups. He’ll bounce back stronger than before.

“I get there’s going to be criticism,” Ryan said. “I understand that. I understand that’s the nature of playing this spot. And I’m fine with dealing with that. But it comes down to, for me, you can’t worry about it. You can’t listen to it. It is what it is. We’ve got to focus on preparation and making sure that we’re ready to go week in and week out.”

The Atlanta Falcons will be fine. They’ll eventually get the respect they deserve. The Dirty Birds will rise up. Criticism comes with the game. So does winning. So does magic.

[Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]

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