The Atlanta falcons squared off against the Detroit Lions in Wembley stadium as part of the NFL England series. After an adequate version of Star-Spangled Banner and obviously better version of God Save the Queen- it was time to take the field. The Falcons looked to be in good spirits even though they are giving up the advantage of one of their home games to play in London. They started the game by beating the pants off the lions in the first half. 21-0. Troy Aikman the announcer seemed baffled as did everyone else. Was their a mix up in jerseys? This cannot be the same team who has under performed all year after allowing the rest of their opponents the advantage of watching their preparation for the season on the HBO series hard knocks.
Back in the studio Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw had to ad lib their way through the halftime commentary as no one was sure how or why the falcons could build such a lead.
The second half the momentum shifted decidedly back to the lions who scored the next 13 points with ease. When asked if he could believe what he was seeing coach mike smith said, "of course we always lose badly in the second half dating back to the tremendous letdown against the niners in NFC championship 2012 and let's not forget the giants game earlier this year."
Smith who already saw the fate of the outcome was seen surfing monster.com and hotjobs the entire 4th quarter.
Quarterback Matt Ryan said everyone thought we had the game in the bag after those 2 first downs and pinning the lions back under 2 minutes in the 4th quarter with no time outs, but we knew better. Where there is a wheel there is a way my grand dad always said," Ryan said assuredly.
After somehow getting a holding call on a dive play designed to run the clock and then dropping a 3rd down pass also stopping the clock the falcons knew if they continued to work really hard they may still just lose this game.
The falcons defense played an extra soft zone allowing the lions to get 40 yards in just a few seconds. The next few plays coach mike smith said he can't remember because he was working on the special skills portion of his resume.
After Detroit kicker missed the game winning field goal the falcons all stood in solidarity -quiet and introspective. After working diligently the whole second half to allow a Detroit win they couldn't believe it would end this way. The refs threw a late flag after watching the ball sail wide right. "Delay of game let them try it again" the referee announced. It is reported but unconfirmed this same ref bet against a heavy on the falcons to implode in the 2nd half on sportsbook.com. The second try zoomed through the goal post fulfilling the falcons desire to give the game away.
"Now that we set the record for allowing largest come from behind win against us in franchise history I'm going to see Big Ben as I've always been a steelers fan." Julio jones said.
At the post game interview Coach mike smith was asked how his team could have allowed that 59 yard touch down strike on a 3rd and 25. Overcome with great emotion Coach smith cried quietly for 15 straight minutes.
