Got to give you your props. Back at the end of this year's preseason Mike Bell (790 The Zone), you had a rant about how the Falcons could really end up with a string of wins at the beginning of the season.
You talked about the quirk of scheduling that conspired to deliver several Ws to start the season, maybe even 7 or 8 in a row. Damned if you weren't right on target. And getting off to that fast start has done several things for the Birds, I believe.
First, it has enabled us to put 8 wins in the bank half way through the season. Getting into the playoffs is now a process of a few more Ws, particularly given our current standing in the division and record (8 & 1). With still more of those Ws comes home field advantage. Wouldn't want to play our first playoff game at Soldier's Field (brrrr)!
Secondly however, the fast start gave us more confidence in our execution. We understood that we knew how to execute in tight situations, and had to prove it in wins 4, 5 & 6 (all last minute, come-from-behind victories). We really got it that our array of weapons (along with Matt's freedom to use them) give us a very formidable offense that can score on demand and probably win in a shoot-out.
We've still got some serious exposure in terms of our red zone efficiency, our pass rush and our ability to mount a consistently effective run game. But the fast start string of 8 victories before being defeated by the Saints (ugh!) has really positioned us well for the playoffs.
Mike Bell, keep calling them the way you see them!
