Rude Notes/ Falcons
Fear & Loathing on Game Day (One Man's Ramblings)
by Christopher Rude

Falcons come out throwing! Love it, testing Dick Sherman on the first play of the game! Smart, send a message! Let their best cornerback from Compton know early on that he's going to be tested...and that your not afraid of him, even though he's from Compton. Next play, a running play to Michael Turner. Turner bulls his way for a first down. According to Brian Finneran, typically the first two plays of a Falcons game are scripted. Both plays exemplify what the Falcons have been trying to do all season, improve the vertical passing game and save Michael Turner's legs for the post season.

Hold on, time out, my mind wanders...I went to Waffle House this morning for breakfast. 4 teenagers came in and sat down in the booth next to us. One kid orders his hash browns "all the way." Hmmm? I thought "all the way?" I'm a smothered, covered and diced man myself. Then the waitress asked him if he wanted "chili AND gravy on those?" He said "Yeah!" I puked up a little bit in my mouth. I was young once, adventurous, willing to take a chance on chili AND gravy, but not anymore...sad

Meanwhile, back to the game...

The third play of the game, a pass play to Tony Gonzalez for yet another first down ! Do you like the way Jon Gruden says Gonzalez? Yeah, me too! Why say it like everybody else. Dare to be different! Even Tony Gonzalez doesnt say it like that. Wow, this is going amazingly well! "Swimmingly," as the kids at Waffle House would say. The 4th play is a running play to Jacquizz Rodgers and the Falcons are driving down the field at will. Surely this is a good sign! Then Dick Sherman rears his ugly head again and breaks up what should have been a TD to @roddywhiteTV, Dang it! (that's not what I actually said, I made a reference to something only someone who grew up in Compton would appreciate) Falcons forced to settle for a field goal. Dadgumit!

Seahags first series.

Marshawn Lynch's foot, the one that kept him out of practice for two days seems to be fine now? Dr Scholl has apparently done a splendid job. Then give it to Marshawh again! YES! 3 & 6, Russell Wilson overthrows his reciever. Pete Carroll over on the sideline is flat workin that gum. Chewing up a storm. No TMJ here...move along, nothing to see here

The Falcons second possession begins with (most) excellent field position, then Matt Ryan throws a pick to Bobby Wagner to kill the drive.

Seahags second possession.

Russell Wilson is getting excellent protectionand then when there's no place to go...he takes off! This is when the knot in my stomach feels like it might erupt or it might be the hashbrowns from this morning. Whew, glad I didnt get the Chili AND the gravy!  This recipe could be dangerous and very difficult for the Falcons defense to defend as the game wears on...As the football gawds would have it, Lynch fumbles on the drive and the turnover evens things up...Dr Scholl rushes in to check the gel-pad in Marshawn's shoe.

Falcons next possession.
Again, Matt Ryan tests Dick Sherman's territory to Roddy White. Ryan's throw is off target, now Sherman is starting to get cockey. After the play, he gives the "Ryan is loco for throwing into my territory" sign to the hostile crowd.

TV Timeout...this other guy came into Waffle House this morning and ordered the "Meat Lovers Special?" I've never seen that on the menu? A pork chop smothered in chili! I knew I had to leave soon! I'll be sure to order that next time. Quick, the games back on...

A thing of beauty. The TD pass to Tony Gonzalez in the back of the endzone following the Chase Coffman catch at the 1. Nice catch Chase! Tony Gonzalez is a beast. Do you think he'll retire? 8 plays, 61 yards 10-0.

Random thoughts...
1. Mucho Rude Congrats to Jacquizz Rodgers on that career high 45 yard run. Great smile on the sidelines too, BTW!

2. Lots of homerun attempts to Shermans
"territory" by Matt Ryan. Ryan had bombs, missiles, and rockets reigning down on Sherman and his troops. Hit him early and often! In coming!!!

3. The Falcons dont have an answer for Zach Miller, he was there go-to guy in the first half. Surely, it'll be Miller time again in the second half.

4. Even though the Seahags didnt come up with any points in the first half, I didnt like the ease with which they moved the ball down the field on their last 2 possesions of the half. Typical fan, up 20 points, still worried.

5. Seahags miss another opportunity to put point up and Babineux gets the sack to end the half

Caught the halftime interview with Colin Kaepernick. How many chin-beards will he inspire?
181 yards rushing? You think Russell Wilson is dangerous when he takes off with the ball...well look out!

20-0 at the half, good news, maybe I can get started hanging that new lighting fixture I picked up at Lowes. Been putting it off all weekend. If the Falcons can put the Hags away early I would still have enough time to get the new light up before it gets dark. I realize that the comfortable lead has allowed by mind to wonder. I wonder if Sherman has any extra Adderall? Kidding.

I think I'll just tweet my way to the end of the game...

gone in 75 tweets...

Tweets
12mChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
What's the difference between Peyton Manning & Tim Tebow? Tebow won a playoff game for Denver. @680tra @sportsandra

1hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
I need to grab a catnap (or pat nap) before the next game. Whew @680tra @sportsandra

1hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Can't wait to get in their tomorrow to talk to @bfinn86 about this game! @680tra

1hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Eddie Money for Geico is painful to watch @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
A little too close for me after being up by 20 points at the half...but I'll take it @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Falcons won a lot of close games this year...fortunately they finally won the won that matters @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Wow OMG!! @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
It's all on the Falcons bend don't break defense now @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Miller time? @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Come on Matt run out the clock @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Hey @bfinn86 remember that scenario I talked about on Friday morning? Oh boy! @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Falcons defense cap kaepernicked again @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Sherman just got his swagger back @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Crunch time @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
The Falcons have had no answer for Miller this entire game @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@TonyDungy you saw that poise in the last 2 drives of the first half. @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Seahawks 1 touchdown away from winning this game @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
There's that quick score I was worried about @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Will Matt Ryan find himself in familiar territory? Forced to win a game in the closing seconds?

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Falcons don't wanna give up a quick score here @680tra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Falcons need to hurry up and win this game because I got a light fixture to install @680tra @sportsandra

2hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Now the Falcons offense have to keep this game out of reach @680tra @bfinn86

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
tra @normmacdonald

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Kid walks into the Waffle House this morning orders the hash browns all the way! Waitress asked do you want that with chili and gravy ki ...

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Bend don't break falcons @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Even though I'd rather have @Bonnie Bernstein @jasoncofar @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@jasoncofar can we get @nor MacDonald on the show tomorrow to talk about the game? @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Impressive @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@normmacdonald is Norm MacDonald the only national media guy covering the Falcons game? @680tra you're the man norm!

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Is Sherman still giving the Matt Ryan is loco sign to the crowd? @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
To the Falcons credit the Seahawks were unable to punch it in both times @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
This should be interesting Seahawks had little trouble moving the ball down the field the last 2 possessions of the first half. @680tra

3hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@JohnKincade I noticed they're night lighting up the social media world either!!! @680tra must be sleeping in from yesterday?

5hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Here's to Matt Ryan having a better day than Manning and Rodgers! @680tra @bfinn86 #riseup

5hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
If the team with the most defense wins, who wins today? @680tra #niners #ravens

5hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Bad calls, Peter Tebow and Dan Dierdorf? Monday morning on The Rude Awakening @680tra

6hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Only 92 fans were ejected from the Niners/Packers game! @680tra #nfl

6hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@realmattlanta done riz up too! @680tra @sportsandra

6hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@bfinn86 lookin good on @fox5 Atlanta tailgate! #riseup @sportsandra

6hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
RT @normmacdonald All the hype is on Seattle's side but it will be an easy win for Atlanta. Free money.@680tra

6hChad Johnson‏@ochocinco
Quite pisstified that (Cox Digital Cable) isn't showing Arsenal/Manchester futbol.. how can a game of this magnitude not be of importance 😡

Retweeted by Christopher Rude
19hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Its funny, all week the talk was not trusting Kaepernick in a big spot @680tra

19hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Hawks lose to the Wizards. Ouch @680tra

19hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
I hope Rascal Flatts didn't hear that #missamerica

20hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Every timeout, tap dancing & baton twirling @680tra #missamerica

20hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Very impressed with Kaepernick in the first half @680tra #nfl

20hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@BarrettSallee nice run back on the arm punt @680tra

21hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
I have to agree with @bonnieberstein that first game wore me out. 2nd game looks like more of same! @680tra

21hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
RT @BonnieBernstein I'm emotionally spent. Don't know if I have the energy to watch Niners-Packers, lol.

21hESPN Stats & Info‏@ESPNStatsInfo
Peyton Manning is now tied with Brett Favre for the most postseason losses by a starting QB in NFL history #BALvsDEN

Retweeted by Christopher Rude
21hDJ Gallo‏@DJGalloESPN
Voicemail in Elway's office right now: "Hey. Just wanted to check in and see how you guys are doing. Hope you're well. Oh, it's Tim. Bye."

Retweeted by Christopher Rude
21hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
There goes my preseason Super Bowl pick. @680tra thanks peyton

21hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Peyton's pick...@680tra

22hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
2 critical penalties on the Ravens defense on that drive. still time for the Ravens to pull out their secret weapon play to Champ @680tra

22hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Ravens must employ their secret weapon plan it's the fourth quarter throw to Champ Bailey! @680tra

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Ravens have to go to secret weapon play. Throw to champ @680tra

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Replacement refs? @680tra

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@Danielpowell63 @680tra darned smart phones

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@Smillican sorry don't have time to check spelling too busy tweeting lol

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Do we need seat warmers in the new stadium? @680tra

23hChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Champs turn @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Champ Bailey better get it figured out because right now he is the weakest link @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Let Peyton get comfortable ...it won't be pretty for the Ravens d @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@sweatingmullets @sportspickle Former champ bailey

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Cut Champ some slack he's just pacin' himself, playin opossum @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@mortreport Refs are like kids. They should be seen but not heard @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Listening to Rory Gallagher @680tra #shuffle

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
With the first quarter coming to close and the sound turned down has anybody dug into the altitude? Lol @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
A Tummy Tuck Belt is a girdle, c'mon! @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
NFL fraternity doesn't allow for too many fresh faces in coaching @680tra

12 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Hittin the bar early this a.m. at another broken egg cafe @sportsandra #cheers

12 Janmark schlereth‏@markschlereth
Atlanta at home I don't care Seahawks pound out a ground assault with the Beast and RW it's close but I got the hawks

Retweeted by Christopher Rude
11 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Just Gangster Squad. Sean Penn is a beast! @680tra @bfinn86 @sportsandra

10 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
@680tra pic.twitter.com/Ou7Smlsv

10 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Trantula pic.twitter.com/LqsP6xeq

10 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Monte Kiffin to replace Rob Ryan? Still no interest in Lane! @680tra @bfinn86 @sportsandra

10 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Didn't John Edwards win Father of the Year a few years back?

10 JanChristopher Rude‏@ChristopherRude
Bill Clinton was named "Father of the Year," and No he doesn't mind being called Daddy