Coach Mike Smith back in the fold...

Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith: Photo: J. Meric/Getty Images

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The Atlanta Falcons (8-5) went into yesterday's game versus the Carolina Panthers (4-9) needing a must win to stay a foot in the NFC Playoff picture. The Falcons did just that after showing a lack luster performance in the first half, only scoring seven points to the Panthers 23. But the second half was a different story. The dirty birds turned up the intensity in the second half to win 31-23. And with the Chicago Bears losing to the Denver Broncos, the Falcons move from the sixth playoff spot to the fifth spot. There is so much I could talk about from this game, but I'm not, because the Falcons found a way to win. I'm going to talk about why the game was unimportant after the lights had been turned off.

I was watching the Sunday night game last night, when at halftime, they reported that Coach Mike Smith had been rushed to a Charlotte area hospital with chest pains. I immediately logged onto my twitter page, and low and behold, almost every football analyst I follow was reporting this. The great news is Coach Smith was resting comfortably, and all signs showed he was in good health. The Falcons charter plane still left for Atlanta. Coach Smith stayed overnight for observation, and he flew back to Atlanta today. Monday afternoon's presser and even practice was moved back to this evening. I imagine the team is practicing and going over tape even as I write this post.

This entire situation is more important than any football game. It's just so amazing to see when a serious injury happens on the field, its as if both teams and even the fans seem to be on the same team in prayer hoping for the best. Of course, this situation didn't happen between the white lines. But it's still wonderful to hear that Coach Smith's tests were negative. But it was good he went ahead to the hospital as precautionary.

On a lighter note about this situation. The way the Falcons played in the first half would bring anybody to heartburn. The Falcons have a short turnaround as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) this Thursday. Jacksonville scored a team high 41 points as they defeated the downward spiraling Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-14. Coach Smith should be ready for the Jaguars game. But coach, get plenty of rest and just relax.