Atlanta Journal

The 2011 Atlanta Falcons




Mike Smith could not believe the beating the Falcons were receiving.

After a crushing defeat in the NFC Championship game to the Super Bowl champion Lions, Coach Mike Smith decided the Falcons needed a change to help his team reach full potential. He instituted a 3-4 defense after the 4-3 lost its effectiveness after the departure of John Abraham.

Many offseason moves were made to accomodate the change. DTs Jonathan Babineaux and Peria Jerry were converted to DEs. Star WR Roddy White was dealt to Patriots for Vince Wilfork, Jermaine Cunningham, Ron Brace, and a 2nd round pick used to draft MLB Kierre Roberson. A 1st round pick was also used on OLB Jeremiah Whitaker. Since the change, the Falcons have had one of the better defenses in the league and are looking to take their play to the next level.

The fan reaction to Tyerll Hilliard's return with no time remaining.

The 7-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers met the 5-2 Atlanta Falcons in a key division matchup in the Georgia Dome. This Bucs wore this falcon defense out. They held the ball for 22:28, while the Falcons had the ball for 9:32. The Falcons got on the board first with a Michael Turner rushing TD. The Bucs made a quick drive with a 2 yard TD to Kellen Winslow before halftime. The Falcons made 2 key redzone stops to hold the Bucs to 2 FGs in the 3rd and 4th quarter.



Michael Turner goes up the gut for a 24 yard TD.


After Legarrette Blount was unable to gain a first down to end the game, the Bucs punted with :16 as the clock rolled down. Tyerll Hilliard returned the punt for a TD with great blocking and moves. He ran parallel to the endzone to run down the clock as the Falcons would tie the game 13-13 with no time remaining. Pettrey hit the GW extra point to win the game.

Video will be up soon.

The Atlanta Falcons capped off a great season with a win over the jags and a 13-3 record, earning them 2nd seed in this years playoffs.

Offensive Leaders

Passing
Matt Ryan

QB Rating	Comp/Att	Comp%	Yards	TDs	Ints
102.2	167/289	57.8	3046	27	16

Rushing
Michael Turner

Att	Yards	Avg	TDs
154	1048	6.8	13

Brandon Boutte

Att	Yards	Avg	TDs
153	1013	6.6	8

Week 1
Play of the Game

http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/64430938

84 Yard Interception TD by Peria Jerry.

Falcons win 30-7.

Week 2
Play of the Game

http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/64431512

54 yard TD reception by Brandon Boutte.

Falcons win 34-31.