NFL: History of the Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons was established in 1966. For one year, they only played in the Eastern Conference of the National Football League, before they were moved to the Western Conference. Before the NFC and AFC were established, they played in the Western Conference in the Coastal Division for 3 years.
Over those 40 plus seasons, Falcons have compiled a poor record. While losing 400, they while losing 400 in their existence. Along with those wins and losses, there are also 6 ties to go.
In 1971 came the Falcons first winning record. For a few years, they weren’t able to take their success to the next step, but eventually they were able to make the playoffs.
In 1978, came the first playoff appearance in franchise history. After making into the playoffs, the Falcons were scheduled to square off against the Eagles. They won the game by 14-13. In a 27-20 defeat, they were stopped the next week against the Dallas Cowboys.
With a 12-4 record in 1980, the Falcons went on to win their first division title. In the history of the franchise, that division title is one of just three titles.
Jamal Anderson, superstar running back led the Falcons in the late 1990’s. By doing a dance called the “Dirty Bird”, they would celebrate in the end zone. In 1998, the team went on to a 14-2 record and paved the way for success in 1999.
In 1999, the Falcons made the playoffs again. The Falcons ousted the Vikings and in Franchise history, the Falcons would make their way to their only Super Bowl.
With the troubles and potential of Michael Vick, the Falcons since then have been up and down. With a young, talented quarterback that could lead them back to the big game, they now appear to be on the upswing.
Dallas Cowboys: Up for New Picks
Posting an 11-5 record on the season, and winning the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys were a solid team last season. However, as we approach the NFL draft, they do have plenty of room for team improvement.
The Cowboys struggled to put points on the board all season in spite having a solid offense, led by Tony Romo and their solid receiving core. This can be partly attributed to their lack of dominance in the running attack, led by Marion Barber. Barber has never reached 1000 yards in his career and has yet to prove that he is a 20-30 carries a game running back even though he is a solid back. Running back Ryan Matthews from Fresno State could be the solution for the Cowboys and their pass-first mentality.
Combining with a 4.4 time in the 40 yard dash and a 36 inch vertical leap, Matthews proved to be a solid athlete in the NFL. Allowing him to influence the game on the ground and in the air, he has shown the ability to make plays in the receiving game.
The Cowboys surrendered just 250 points in the NFC last year, and sported the best defense in the season, yet there were areas where they could have been stronger. For example, on the entire season their safeties Gerald Sensabaugh and Ken Hamblin combined for just 1 interception. Reshad Jones, a safety from Georgia, could be a partial solution for the Cowboys in the 2nd round.
The Cowboys could look to another safety in the 3rd round to finish off their needs in the secondary. For the Cowboys with the 90th pick, Major Right out of Florida could fill that hole.
The NFL’s Free Picks for Week 9
I’m betting against Dallas again, even though they were my only video pick loss last week. I also like the Houston Texans to continue their winning ways, or at least cover at Minnesota.
NFL Pick Video Weblog Week 4 2008
I’m taking the Green Bay Packers as an underdog because anywhere outside of a game against the Cowboys, that’s a steal.
Undefeated NFL Teams Headbutt
The New England Patriots came calling on the Dallas Cowboys Sunday in a highly anticipated NFL showdown between two 5-0 teams. Oddsmakers had fun with this one. They knew it was going to be a good game and promised to show lots of action at the sportsbooks. The hype was intense, beginning with the sign Terrell Owens made up 3 weeks ago and posted on his locker for the media:
“Dear Reporters,
Due to the magnitude of this week’s game and high volume of questions for the Original 81 about the other 81. I will be taking all questions immediately following Sunday’s game.
Sincerely, Terrell Owens
p.s. Getcha Popcorn Ready.”
Randy Moss was the other 81 Owens was talking about, but the game didn’t really feature either Wide Receiver — Moss had 59 yards for New England while Owens had 66 for the Cowboys.
Tom Brady had a career day with 5 touchdown passes and, although the Cowboys did their best to stay in the game, the Patriots took control late in the 3rd Quarter. When the dust settled, the AFC Patriots had walloped the NFC Cowboys 48-27.
Vegas currently has New England favored 5 to 2 to win Super Bowl XLII with Indianapolis sitting in 2nd at 6 to 1. Those two teams get to play pigskin in Week 9 in a rematch of last year’s AFC Conference Game, which Indianapolis won 38-34 on their way to becoming Super Bowl XLI Champions. And you can bet there’s a good chance we’ll see another clash of the undefeateds. New England will probably be 8-0 by then while the Colts shouldn’t have a hard time arriving at game time with a 7-0 record.
