Falcons secure playoff spot
December 22
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"Now that the Falcons have done the improbable, they are set on doing something most thought utterly impossible.
Making the playoffs after a season of turmoil is just fine. But now, with a taste of success, they want the whole thing.
They want to bring the first Vince Lombardi trophy to Atlanta.
With Minnesota treating the football like a steaming hot potato, the Falcons capitalized on four turnovers for a 24-17 victory Sunday at the Metrodome.
"I don't think there is a team out there that we can't compete with," center Todd McClure said. "I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a lot of fun."
The win secured at least a wild-card playoff berth for the Falcons, their first trip to the playoffs in three years. They could still claim the NFC South crown, following Carolina's loss Sunday night. The Falcons (10-5) host St. Louis on Sunday. The Panthers (11-4) play at New Orleans.
In the Falcons jubilant locker room, one thing was clear. Just making the playoff is not enough.
"Especially for the older guys, you don't know how many times you are going to have this opportunity to get in again," McClure said. "So we have to make the most of it."
The Falcons, predicted by most to be NFL doormats and in a rebuilding mode, are back in the playoffs for the first time since after the 2004 season. They reached the NFC championship game in Jim Mora's first season before losing to Philadelphia.
That was followed by seasons of 8-8 season and 7-9 and Mora's dismissal. Then there was last season, which started with a federal dogfighting investigation that landed Michael Vick in prison and ended with new coach Bobby Petrino leaving to coach the University of Arkansas.
"It's been a long four years, up and down," Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White said.
Most of the players were thinking big, White included.
"It means you're going to be in this thing until the end," White said. "It means you're going to have a chance to win the Super Bowl. You're in the tournament."
Running back Jerious Norwood, who scored on an 8-yard shovel pass to make it 14-7 early in the second quarter, was also considering the possibilities.
"It's a great feeling, just to have chance," Norwood said. "All you can ask for is a chance."
With a new general manager, new head coach, rookie quarterback, a re-tooled offensive line and a young secondary, most had the Falcons winning between one and four games this season.
They heard the naysayers.
They want to bring the first Vince Lombardi trophy to Atlanta.
With Minnesota treating the football like a steaming hot potato, the Falcons capitalized on four turnovers for a 24-17 victory Sunday at the Metrodome.
"I don't think there is a team out there that we can't compete with," center Todd McClure said. "I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be a lot of fun."
The win secured at least a wild-card playoff berth for the Falcons, thei"
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