Atlanta Falcons fans, it’s all your fault

“Atlanta Falcons fans, maybe if you cheered more, the Falcons would not have lost to the Minnesota Vikings.” – Sarcasm

Before I begin, let me be clear, I think Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is one of the greatest coaches in all of sports. His connection to his players is second to none and his ability to implement a culture is captivating. Furthermore, on a personal note, I have had the privilege of meeting Quinn a few times. He’s great. And just last year, he wrote my wife and I an awesome message for our wedding. Quinn is the best. Remember I said that.

Now, let’s discuss what has had Twitter in an uproar. Actually, not really an uproar per say. It is more like Twitter has responded to a statement I made in response to Coach Quinn’s recent comments. Someone even likened me to a crying Kim Kardashian GIF. I feel mocked and cool all at the same time.

In case you are not aware, as noted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Coach Quinn made the following comments regarding the Falcons fan base:

"“I used the analogy the other day: We built a billion-dollar house, and we need to throw a billion-dollar party. You know, a house-warmer? Sometimes we’re still using the coasters. We need to be as loud and fun as all we represent as a city. I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed. (But) I think there’s (fans) looking at the house, checking it out. Let’s hope this is the (game) that it turns. The home-field advantage is real. We’re calling (for) that from a team to see if we can get that even stronger, louder.” – Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn"

Is there anything wrong with Quinn wanting Falcons fans to get loud and have fun at games? No, absolutely not. I for one scream my head off at games and appreciate that Quinn desires a loud fanbase. I absolutely believe that fans should have fun at games and cheer their team on.

But here is the issue I have with Quinn’s comments and the reason for my Twitter uproar this morning. His comments regarding fan involvement (at home games) came less than three days after Atlanta’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. And while Quinn is in no way directly blaming the Falcons fanbase for the team’s loss on Sunday, I for one believe the timing of his comments draw an unspoken parallel. But then again, maybe he was not implying a parallel at all. Maybe I overreacted. Maybe not.

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As I noted, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Quinn wanting Falcons fans to get loud and have fun at games. It is the duty of fans to cheer for their team. And I for one will cheer on the Falcons no matter what. The timing of Quinn’s comments however is my issue. The Falcons should have beat the Vikings on Sunday. Point blank. Many may believe the Vikings are a better team, and certainly their record indicates as much, but I’ve seen what this Falcons team is capable of and they should have won that Week 13 matchup.

But more fan noise is not the answer nor would it have changed the outcome of that game. Nor will more fan noise change the outcome of Thursday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Can fans impact a game? Absolutely. Although the answer to more consistency for this 2017 Atlanta Falcons team is not more fan noise. And while no one said the answer to the Falcons woes is more fan participation, to imply anything fan related after a tough loss seemed in poor timing.

I love the Atlanta Falcons and always will. If you disagree with my opinion on the timing of Quinn’s comments, that’s fine. Let’s agree to disagree and focus on beating the Saints Thursday. But if you want to keep Tweeting me, that’s cool too. This team and fanbase could use a little fire and I don’t mind being the spark.