The NFL is back folks!! Instead of an off-season full of lockout mumbo jumbo we were blessed with a true NFL off-season. One filled with Tebow, Peyton Manning re-location, more Tebow, bounty scandals, and then more Tebow. As a long time Falcoholic I am used to not getting any type of media coverage unless it has to do with a certain Mike Vick. I prefer flying under the radar, but its only going to be a couple weeks until the media is all over our Julio Jones' leaping catches and Sean Weatherspoon's SPOOOON antics. That being said it has been a long time since we've had a meaningful Falcon game and I for one am happy that we are back for this promising season. We are opening up against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, which is a daunting task in itself. Being that Kansas City is most notorious for their BBQ I figured we would open this beautiful season up with some ribs! I did the ribs last year, but the thought of a game in Kansas City without any representation of BBQ just seemed wrong. So here we go!
Food:
You can't go wrong with ribs for a tailgate, just as long as you know how to properly prepare them for the grill. The fact that the game is in Kansas City only makes this notion right. Here is a quick list of items you would need to prepare the ribs, and the steps to grill as well:
-2 racks of baby back ribs
-2 cups brown sugar
-1/2 cup dry mustard
-1 tbsp. cayenne pepper
-1 tbsp. smoked paprika
-1 tbsp. garlic powder
-1 tbsp. onion powder
-1 tbsp. salt (I prefer kosher salt)
-2 teaspoons black pepper (I use mixed pepper)
First step is to remove the membrane on the under side of the rib. Slice down the middle and tear back to remove all of the membrane. Much harder than it sounds. Before I mix the rub together in a bowl, I like to coat both sides of the rib in spicy mustard. This coating will make it easier for the rub to stick and also give the rib a good crust. When applying the rub make sure to fully rub it in and make sure all parts of the rib are covered. Once done applying the rub, cover with aluminum foil and place in the fridge for overnight. In the morning take out the trey of ribs and let sit in room temperature for about an hour. Set your coals up on the grill for indirect heat. Place the ribs down meat side first for about an hour. Turn and check the ribs every half hour after that, making sure to apply your bbq sauce every time. After roughly 2 1/2-4 hours your ribs should be perfectly cooked for greatness. Enjoy!
Falcons game:
I have always liked opening the season on the road, because the team has to be in the right frame of mind to get a W. This isn't more true when having to play at Arrowhead. This stadium is one of the loudest in the league, right up there with Seattle, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh. It may not be the biggest stadium but the crowd is always rowdy and the tailgating scene is incredible. Us Falcoholics could learn a thing or two from these fans. Here are a couple of things I am interested in seeing from this game:
- Defense, defense, defense! The talk all last season and all off-season was on improving our defense. We know that the talent is definitely there, we just need a defense that is able to clamp down when the offense is in need of a first down. This opening game will be a good test for our starting unit. The Chiefs are very fast and intelligent on offense. I am looking for our trio of cornerbacks to be able to hold their receivers to a minimum. More importantly though I am really looking forward to our safety combination of Moore and DeCoud to take a big step forward in their 3rd and 4th seasons respectively. If our back unit is working together that can only mean good things are to come with our pressure up front and linebacker corps having to deal with the shifty Jamaal Charles.
- On offense, the talk is always about our receivers. In order for Roddy, Julio, Gonzo, and HD83 to get loose the offensive line has to hold strong. In the season opener last year the Bears created terror up front leaving Matt Ryan to be tossed around like a rag doll. There has not been much change along the front, but our unit has always been a very productive one when everyone is healthy and communicating. We may not have the most talent along our front line, but we are a group that has been together a long time. This is a huge key in not only the outcome of todays game, but also how far we can go this season.
- Lastly, on offense Matt Ryan is going to need to do what he does best. Communication! Matty Ice is one of the best at being able to still call a game no matter what the condition is. We have been witnesses to his ability to block out the crowd noise and still drive down the field. This is going to be very important in today's game as noted before, Arrowhead is absolute mayhem on the field. This is when I think the familiarity with each other and Ryan's knowledge of each players tendencies plays a big factor.
Here We Go folks! I didn't think it would ever get here to be honest and now that the season is upon us, I don't think I could be any more hype. As far as individual games go I am looking for Gonzo to make a triumphant return to KC, Weatherspoon to break out the SPOOOON, and the Asante Samuel to have a big first game as a DIRTYBIRD! I hope you all check back every week as I will have a new recipe and breakdown of the Falcons games here for you. Get ready, get hype, and put your jersey on because its time to RISE UP ATL!!!
-Bon Appetit, Long may you eat
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