Falcons: One of the best NFL stats blogs, Cold Hard Football Facts, very highly approves of Matt Ryan's 24-of-28 sniping against the Green Bay Packers. Especially since they've rated the Packers the NFL's second-most efficient passing defense. Ryan continues to gain fans around the league, especially from observers who want something in a quarterback besides 300 yards and two interceptions every week. At times it hasn't been clear whether Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith's vision of a power running team could succeed long-term in the modern NFL, but it's starting to look like genius. Ice is a big reason why.
↵Braves: Sports Illustrated's Michael Bamberger names former Atlanta Braves closer Billy Wager as his Sportsman of the Year for his consistent work on and off the diamond.
↵Wheeeeeee: It's fun every Monday to read Canal Street Chronicles' collections of New Orleans Saints players on Twitter as they pray and pray for Mike Smith's downfall. Best: DE Alex Brown lamenting the Falcons' luck.
↵Hawks: Via Both Teams Played Hard, Marvin Williams dropping the hammer on Amare Stoudemire and Ronny Turiaf as Marvin Gaye coos and Josh Smith catches the Holy Ghost on the bench. Beautiful.
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