The Falcons, losers of 10 straight games in outdoor stadiums, are on the road for their next four games. There were times Sunday at the Georgia Dome when it felt like they were already away from Atlanta.
Thousands of Falcons fans fled the Dome once the Bears took a two-touchdown lead. The large contingent of Bears fans stayed and were so noisy it was difficult for the Falconsâ offensive players to communicate before the snap.
âBelieve it or not for a home game, we had to go to a silent count because there was enough noise in the dome,â Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said. âNoise always echoes both for us and against us. Thatâs only the second time since Iâve been here that we had to go to a silent count at home.â
Koetter, who is in his third season with the Falcons, said he couldnât recall the other time that happened at the Dome. He said it might have been during their 33-10 loss to the Seahawks last season.
Quarterback Matt Ryan had to call a timeout in the fourth quarter because Falcons players couldnât hear once they lined up and the play clock was close to expiring. He said he canât recall ever having to use a silent count in the Dome.
âBut itâs one of those things where when you donât play particularly well ⌠â Ryan said, trailing off. âWeâve been good at home in the past and that gets our fans going. Our fans have been great since Iâve been here. But it was a tough one.â
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
