American writer Ruth Boorstin once uttered, “be bold in what you stand for, but careful in what you fall for.” Well, I only stood up two or three times during the Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game today (televised by Fox). Falcons running back Warrick Dunn made the only touchdown for Atlanta in the very bottom of the second quarter. In fact, Dunn’s TD would be the only time the Falcons would put any scores on the board.

Falcons quarterback Joey Harrington was sacked seven times, if I recall correctly–sometimes back-to-back sacked. There was a series of plays in the bottom of the third quarter where Harrington was throwing the ball efficiently enough that the Falcons could’ve gotten another touchdown. Alas, no.

Kicker Matt Prater couldn’t quite deliver the two field goal opportunities he had, which would’ve given the Falcons six more points by the end of the game. The second of these field goal attempts ended that decent drive which Harrington helmed. From that moment on, the Jaguars were re-energized and got ten more points by the end of the game (one TD by wide receiver Reggie Williams and one field goal; they had already put three points on the board in the second quarter with a field goal). The Jaguars beat the Falcons 13 to 7.

Observations & Miscellania:

1. Jaguars cornerback Brian Williams was charged with a pass interference penalty at about the half of the third quarter. He was chasing after Falcons wide receiver Roddy White when it happened. After the official threw down the yellow handkerchief and informed Williams of the infraction, the Jaguars cornerback growled, “Oh come on, man.”

2. After Prater was unable to get the second field goal attempt, the camera cut to Falcons coach Bobby Petrino (in a replay I think), and he did one of those “damn” snaps. His left (?) forearm moved downward as though he were going to scoop up some sand or ice cream then added a snap of the fingers on the way up.

3. The Jaguars mascot paid tribute to former Jacksonville offensive tackle Tony Boselli (one of the commentators) by flipping through enormous photographs–and then he proceeded to make-out with the picture of Tony’s wife. There was something oddly adorable about the way the mascot was moving and nodding his head.

4. After the game, I drove to Perimeter Mall to get a pair of pants and to get my caffeine fix for the day. I was thinking about how I feel when I watch football games. Of course it stinks when the team you like doesn’t win a game–and the manner in which they don’t win significantly affects the degree to which you’re upset or disheartened. Did they lose because they made mistakes? Did they lose because the other team simply played more efficiently and Lady Luck or Sister Serendipity was on their side (especially in cases where the winner only outscored by three to seven points). Sometimes, I think i prefer to watch a game between teams that I don’t like or dislike, because I’m able to focus on the plays as feats of physical agility and grace. I don’t get my emotions involved. Then again, when the team I do like wins, it feels great.

For a game recap, stats, and play by play, click here.

I also watched bits and pieces of the Indianapolis Colts vs. the NY Giants game that was televised by CBS. Good lord, that line of scrimmage was so blue. And, the Colts won the game. For a game summary, stats, and play by play, click here.