But one thing the Falcons never seem to do anymore is lose two straight games. They extended the NFL's longest active streak since consecutive defeats to 49 games, going back to the 2009 season.
''Our focus was heightened from other weeks,'' coach Mike Smith said. ''We've got a lot of great leaders and mentors in that locker room. They took the message from the meetings and took it out on the field.''
After thoroughly dominating the Giants, the Falconshave surely sent a resounding message to the rest of the league: beware of this team in the playoffs.
''Last week everybody was talking smack about us,'' defensive end John Abraham said. ''We just continue what we're doing.''
