Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons had a dismal showing in the Wild Card round of the 2011-2012 playoffs. In what was arguably the worst playoff showing in NFL history the Atlanta Falcons lost to the New York Giants 24-2. Atlanta Falcons offense which was compared to the St. Louis Rams “Greatest Show on Turf” of the early 2000’s by NFL Legend Warren Sapp during the 2011 preseason on NFL network. Warren Sapp quoted the Atlanta Falcons as the “Greatest Show on Turf Part II” while sitting next to Marshall Faulk, to his credit the Atlanta Falcons offense looked renewed, refresh and exciting during the 2011 preseason.
What happened to the Falcons offense? Mike “full of” Mularkey the offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons lost touch with the Falcons offensive players. Mike Mularkey’s play calling has been more than questionable on several occasions during the 2011-2012 season, the offensive play schemes on 4th Down and 1 or 4th Down and inches has been putrid. Putrid and depressing for Falcons fans to watch a offense with Michael Turner, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones and Matt Ryan consistently not get the job done on 4th Down.
The greatest example was watching Michael Turner on the sideline while the Falcons offense called a Matt Ryan QB sneak play on 4th and inches during their Wild Card playoff lost to the New York Giants. Michael Turner watch idly on the sideline during the play not because he was injured, hurt or tired he was on the sidelines because Mike Mularkey had diagramed an offensive play (in the playoffs) on 4th and inches that did not involve the Atlanta Falcons All Pro running back and the stern frustrating look on Michael Turners face spoke volumes.
In a post-game interview with future HOF Tony Gonzalez mentioned the Giants defense and the Falcons offense “They did a great job of defending us, especially in the second half,” veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “That shouldn’t happen to a team like we have. We’re a lot better than this.”
Yes, the Atlanta Falcons are a lot better than what Mike “full of” Mularkey displayed in the 2011-2012 Wild Card game but the truth is Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has a few offseason decisions to ponder. Since the year 2000 every NFC South team (except Atlanta Falcons) have won a Super Bowl or made a Super Bowl appearance. Atlanta Falcons defense and offense has become stale “stuck in the rudder”. Next season Falcons team leaders Tony Gonzalez and John Abraham ‘s bodies will be one year older, one more season removed from greatness. The question for the Atlanta Falcons organization is what will happen next? now is the time for the front office to RISE UP! and create key coaching and coordinator personnel decisions and changes.
Clenaure Carter contributes to Yahoo! and Our Town Stone Mountain. Follow him on JMCSPORTSBOOK Twitter and Facebook. Also please leave Clenaure Carter a question or comment for potential use in a future column or radio broadcast.