Atlanta Falcons: Finding A Reason To Believe

If I listened long enough to you
I'd find a way to believe that it's all true...

You know the disappointment is there.

You don’t really have to look to know it but, if you must, it can be read in nearly every article and comment by every Falcon beat writer and fan from Columbus to Savannah, Dalton to Valdosta, and all points in between.

The loss to the Patriots last Sunday was more than just painful; it was the ghost of promising seasons past, when the gridiron gods would once again have a big belly laugh at your expense. Aside from just wanting to win in this league, the Falcons are also out to shake an old monkey from their backs. In all the years since 1966 and the first day of this NFL franchise, there has never been more than one single winning season in a row.

And every other season since, when the previous one sported anything above .500, we’ve all waited patiently to see if THIS would be the year.

Well, THIS year is no different... except that with the sea change in ownership, coaching, personnel, and even the uniform, there is an ocean of hope where there was once only barren wasteland.

But yes, we’ve been here before, too.

If I gave you time to change my mind
I'd find a way just to leave the past behind

It was just back in 2005 when those same pigskin deities rolled merrily on the floor from leaving us with a strung-out and then disappointing 8-8 season. Before that, it was 2003 and before that, 1999. From Super Bowl to super fold, they said. (Hear that? They're still laughing!)

Somehow it always seems that there is no right answer to this except that, perhaps, THIS could still be THE year.

I mean, after all, it is only ONE loss out of three games played so far in a 16-game regular season. Even most Super Bowl teams will lose a few on the long journey to Mount Olympus and the Lombardi Trophy, you know?

Heck, let's break out the beer and grill and have bye-week tailgater!

Ahem. Excuse me but... that is how it always begins, too. You convince yourself that there is that light just ahead. The end of the tunnel brings daylight and fresh air.

So, perhaps this is that year, finally, and the end of the bitter ends. One loss is nothing!

Right! The ribs are on the fire and the brew is in the cooler. Help yourself!

Still I look to find a reason to believe...

You see... hope springs eternal here. It has to.

(*Quoted lyrics: "Reason to Believe" - Rod Stewart)