by Ray GlierFiled under: Atlanta Falcons, Packers, NFC North, NFC South
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Is it really a meager two points that separates the Falcons and Packers?Roddy White, the Falcons' receiver, thought about that for a moment and the perception the button-downed Falcons do not have enough juice, despite a 13-3 record, to beat down Green Bay on Saturday night in an NFC playoff game.
"We have to win this game and some things will change," White said.
There are a few of the Falcons who will actually be drawn into the debate on the point spread. They are following the lead of coach Mike Smith who, publicly, shrugs at outside perceptions of this team.
White will actually admit to being a little perturbed at the national perception Atlanta is unworthy of getting into the Super Bowl. The Falcons are not being called a fraud, but all the close wins at home this season did not make their case to the public of being an elite team. It has seemed to hurt Atlanta that it has not smoked somebody.
White opened his eyes wide and said, "This is our first playoff game at home with Matt. We're really excited to get out there and show what we really can do."
What he was saying is the organization has a chance to take a step and it can't let this chance get away.
Two years ago in a playoff game at Arizona in Ryan's rookie season, the Falcons lost to the Cardinals, 30-24. It was the first season for Smith, but they felt they let a winnable game slip away with a turnover early in the second half.
"It was a tough loss for us because we were right there and we didn't come through," White said. "We all watched the film and saw what we did good and what we did bad."
In fact, some of the Falcons came to their complex the day after the loss to Arizona and watched the film.
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