The Atlanta Falcons' ABCs of Thanksgiving

'Tis the season for giving thanks. With 12 weeks in the books and Thanksgiving upon us, it's time to look at the Atlanta Falcons and decide for what they should be thankful. Of course, they're all thankful for health, employment, and family, but a closer look reveals 26 other things.

So with an attitude of gratitude, I present the ABCs of Thanksgiving.

Abraham, John. "The Predator" has returned to dominance. The coaching staff has limited his snaps on the field, thus keeping him fresher longer. He's responded with 12 sacks, tied for second most in the  NFL.

Burner, Michael Turner. The free-agent running back languished in backup hell behind All-Pro LaDainian Tomlinson for four years. Finally getting his shot to start, Turner is making the most of it. He's currently on pace to break most franchise rushing records.

Conversions. Atlanta's third in the league in third-down conversions. That success on third down is a major reason why the Falcons' offense is ranked sixth in the NFL in points and yards per game

Dirty Bird. The dance that swept a city 10 years ago. It epitomizes the 1998 Atlanta Falcons, the only team in franchise history to appear in the Super Bowl. The 10-year anniversary is being observed by this year's Falcons team as they put together another memorable season.

Emmitt Thomas. 27-year career coach. 13-year player. If you listened to his Hall of Fame induction speech this past summer and didn't get teary-eyed, you don't have a heart.

FM 92.9. DaveFM. I enjoy listening to Wes Durham and Dave Archer call each game. While I watch the game at home, it's not uncommon to turn the volume down and put the radio on just to hear the guys. I also enjoy 18-year Atlanta Falcon Jeff Van Note doing the pre- and post-game work. I'm especially fond of Durham since I grew up listening to his father call UNC basketball games. It's uncanny how much he sounds like his dad.

Game Day. Whether you're at the Dome or home, is anything better?

Hometown Huddle. A great program that gets the Falcons' players out in the community. This year's event, also called the "fan blitz," had the team visiting sites around the city, mingling with fans. None of it was announced, so every visit was a surprise. That fan interaction, early in the season, went a long way towards endearing this team to its fans.

Interception. Three to be exact, against New Orleans' Drew Brees, set the tone for the entire game. Chris Houston added one in the fourth quarter, and rookie Chevis Jackson's, with less than two minutes remaining, which he returned for a touchdown, sealed the win. The Falcons are ranked 18th with nine interceptions, but many of them have been timely.

Jerseys. The black ones were dusted off for the win at home against Carolina in Week 12. They looked so fast in them.

Kicker Jason Elam. Signed as a free agent in the offseason, the native Atlantan immediately solidified the kicking game. After missing a field goal in Week Six against the Chicago Bears to put the game out of reach, he atoned for that with a last-second field goal to win the game after a deep pass from Matt Ryan to Michael Jenkins with 11 seconds remaining.

Leads. Atlanta has been able to jump to early first quarter leads, which has enabled them to control the tempo of games. Atlanta's 5-0 when they score first.

Mughelli, Ovie. The fullback may find himself in the Pro Bowl after a season spent opening up holes for Turner.

Number two. As in Matt Ryan's number. It makes you forget about other number twos in franchise history, like Clarence Verdin and Todd Peterson.

Owner Arthur Blank. When his big splash signing of Bill Parcells fell through, he made the smart decision to bring in General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, who learned from the best in New England, and Head Coach Mike Smith, a nine-year NFL coaching veteran, the last five of which were spent as the Defensive Coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. His commitment to building a winner in Atlanta is appreciated and appears to be materializing.

Paul Boudreau, Offensive Line Coach. Brought in to improve a young and inexperienced offensive line, the job he's done has been nothing short of outstanding. Not only has he improved the line, but it's also become one of the strengths of the team.

Quotes from Coach Smith, such as this one: "The big thing is that you have to be yourself. Everyone has their own style and the way that they do business, and that is very important. I don’t think there is a mold to say who a head coach should be. This group of four new head coaches all come from different backgrounds. It basically says that there is no mold needed to be a successful coach...I am thankful for my health and my family’s health. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to work with these men. They are a great group of men, not only on the football field, but out in the community. I think the folks in Atlanta can be proud of this football team.” Yes they are, Coach Smith—yes they are.

Roddy White. Fans in Atlanta have gotten used to hearing about the Ryan-to-White connection. Pretty soon the dome will be seeing RXR signs.

Stats. The nickname of Michael Wallin, winner of the AJC and Atlanta Falcons' loudest fan contest. His passion is contagious and admired.

Three sixty-five, the Falcons' retail shop. Currently featuring a 25 percent off sale which will ensure all of Atlanta can be outfitted in Falcons gear during these troubling economic times.

Unique training and fitness programs. Gone are the days of power lifting and pulling small cars down the road. The Falcons employ a flexibility conditioning program that features Pilates and a focus on agility.

Vegan GM Dimitroff. While uncharacteristic in his appearance and beliefs, he clearly knows what he's doing. Impact rookies Ryan, Jackson, Sam Baker, Harry Douglas, and Curtis Lofton are all his guys.

Weiner, Todd. A nominee for the Man of the Year award, but also just a tough player. Weiner started the season as a backup, still recovering from offseason surgery, but injuries have found him in the starting lineup. He's played courageously for the thin offensive line.

X-rays are positive. Something Falcons' fans haven't had to hear a lot of this year from any key players.

Yardage. Atlanta's on pace this season to gain 5,781 yards, the most in franchise history. They're currently sixth in the league with 364 yards a game. Gone are the days of a deceptively good, yet unbalanced offensive attack.

Zero. The number of points given up to the Oakland Raiders in Week Nine. In what looked to be a turning point in the season for the defense, Atlanta not only held Oakland to zero points but also just 77 yards of offense.