Falcons handle their business vs. Bears
The cheerleaders weren't the only folks dressed in pink in support of Breast Cancer awareness. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC)
DIRTY BIRD LAND – In the aftermath of the victory over the Chicago Bears, the Falcons were not rejoicing like they’d won a big game.
It was more a business-like tone in the locker room after the game.
Coach Mike Smith was in a good mood, but noted that several mistakes were made.
Pro Bowler Roddy White wasn’t too impressed with the victory that pushed the Falcons to 4-1 for the first time since the 2004 season.
“We just did enough to win I think,” White said.
The biggest play for the Falcons might have been the 62-yard kickoff return by Eric “The Whizzer” Weems. He received good blocks on the return from tight end Keith Zinger and cornerback Chris Owens.
“That was key for us,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “Eric did a great job all night. That was a great play by Eric.”
The offense got out of a funk when it went to the no huddle in the second quarter.
“It was the spark that we needed in the first half,” Ryan said.
PINK SHOES: Ryan wore pink shoes against the Bears in support of the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer awareness program.
“They felt pretty light,” Ryan said. “Nike did a great job of creating some light pink shoes. It’s for a great cause. I think
Tight end Tony Gonzalez gave the Falcons a lead with his 10-yard touchdown catch right before halftime. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
it’s a great initiative . . . I was happy to be a part of it.
THE RUN GAME: Falcons running back Michael Turner only had 30 yards, but they were well-earned. The Bears appeared to have a copy of the Falcons’ playbook.
The Falcons rushed 23 times for 68 yards overall.
“The Bears had a very good plan to defend the run, but we just kept chipping away at them,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
DAILY DOUBLE: Free safety Thomas DeCoud had two interceptions and got some praise from the coach.
“Thomas was playing the ball very well in the air,” Smith said. “He went through his reading of the route progression and he played the ball. It’s good to see Thomas, a young player, third round draft pick, second year in the league, make plays like that. These young guys continue to progress.”
BURNING THE BLITZ: White’s 40-yard touchdown catch came when the Bears were blitzing and in Cover Zero (No safeties). Tight end Tony Gonzalez, wide receiver Brian Finneran and White were in a trips right formation.
Gonzalez and Finneran made good blocks to create a lane for White, according to White.
“We kept battling,” White said. “There were too many three and outs, especially early in the game. It seemed like they knew what we were doing and they kind of had our number. We couldn’t break the funk. We needed one big play. That’s what we kept saying in the huddle. Somebody make a play. Somebody make a play, right here.“
Matt Ryan has thrown 123 straight passes without being sacked. (ELISSA EUBANKS/AJC)
THROWING A NO-HITTER: The Falcons’ line has not allowed a sack over the last four games.
They have only allowed two this season. Three of the five starters were on the line in 2007 that allowed 47 sacks. Some of those were from Joey Harrington holding the ball and from ex-head coach Bobby Petrino’s designed “unblocked looks.”
But the Falcons’ offensive linemen don’t want to talk much about the sackless streak.
“That’s like when a man’s throwing a no-hitter, you can’t talk about it,” center Todd McClure said.
During the streak, Ryan has dropped back 123 times without being sacked. He’s helping them out by getting the ball out on time and throwing it away if he has to scramble out of the pocket.
Ryan was last sacked by Jason Ferguson with 9:06 left in the third quarter against Miami in the season-opener.
“I thought our guys up front did a nice job,” Smith said.
CATCHING THE DRAFT: Good luck up in Buffalo to former Falcons Chris Draft. He had a sack in the Bills’ victory over the New York Jets.
The St. Louis Rams cut him when he didn’t want to take a pay cut. He’s a “F.O.P.” – friend of the program. He helped us out with our rookie symposium story over the offseason and is a tireless worker in the community.
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82 comments Add your comment
Juan
October 19th, 2009
3:44 pm
Isn’t Ronde Barber up for sale in Tampa bay. Maybe we can get him.
Saints=Falcon lose
October 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
This Falcon team has no chance to beat the Saints.
The Cowboys are gonna expose you loosers better than the Pats did.
Saints 45
Falcons 10 (maybe)
Falconless in Seattle
October 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
Are the Cowboys still a team?…… Plus did I really just read someone comparing Tony Romo to Tom Brady??????………. REALLY? NO REALLY???? You think Tony Romo will out perform Brady???? WOW!!!!!
Falconless in Seattle
October 19th, 2009
4:22 pm
What are we going to do about our secondary????? Think TD will pull off some sort of trade?
Russ
October 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
Is it too early to officially label Vick’s comeback a bust?
TheManMike
October 19th, 2009
5:27 pm
Anyone know of any available CB’s, working or not?
Barry
October 19th, 2009
5:30 pm
“ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. “ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!!” That is what I saw last night. “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” I saw a team, UNIFIED TO THE CORE, with their FANS, playing as “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” The OFFENSE, the DEFENSE, and the SPECIAL TEAMS were “BRINGING THE WOOD” to Chicago. They, emphatically, let Chicago know, especially on DEFENSE, they were in the GEORGIA “TERROR” DOME: THE HOUSE FO PAIN. When the defense made their running back fumble on hard hits, first by middle linebacker CURTIS LOFTON, and then by defensive tackle JONATHAN BABENUIEX, I knew the Bears were like saying to themselves “I AM NOT GOING BACK OUT THEIR AGAINST THOSE GUYS. THEY AIN’T PLAYING. THEY ARE CRAZY!!. THEY ARE HITTING AS WITH WOOD.” THAT’S RIGHT!! OUR FALCONS WERE “BRINGING THE WOOD” OUT THERE. They were “POPPING” the heck out of the Bears. WHAT A SITE TO SEE!! And guess, what?? The team is still “JELLING”, especially on DEFENSE. It is really going to be a “SCARY” site in the NFL when they do??!!. THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES. I give “KUDOS” to COACXH MIKE SMITH and COACHING STAFF. They have these players “HYPED UP’ and “PREPARED” for every game. THEY HAVE THEM PLAYING WITH “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” It is a joy to watch!!! ONE GAME AT A TIME. ONE GAME AT A TIME. THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”
GO FALCONS!!! KICK THAT DALLAS BUTTT!!!!!! IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………..”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!!………………
Uh Oh.....
October 19th, 2009
5:33 pm
Russ
October 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
Is it too early to officially label Vick’s comeback a bust?
“Yes, but it’s not too late to announce Ryan is a bust that can’t win in the playoffs”.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 19th, 2009
6:42 pm
During the media session today, coach Mike Smith said Tye Hill, Chevis Jackson and Chris Owens will get a shot at more playing time with Brian williams out for the season.
rickypr
October 19th, 2009
6:44 pm
Mr Dimitroff go get the raider’s cornerback for a 6-7 rounder and a couple of practice squad players. Than you, also give Mr Snelling more carries. He has earned them
Rdhdkid
October 19th, 2009
6:44 pm
Nobody can win in the playoffs when the zebra crew allows the opposing defense to jump offsides every friggin’ play.
aTL FAN
October 19th, 2009
6:53 pm
I agree with rickypr that we should see if we can get Nnamdi Asomugha (if thats wat hes talkin buot) or something like that im a bit scared for the next couple of games
Sautee
October 19th, 2009
6:55 pm
I haven’t seen anyone mention it, but BVG made a GREAT call having JA98 drop back in a zone blitz on the last 4th down play. Cutler tried to throw around JA and missed.
GREAT defensive call!
Falcons 4 Real
October 19th, 2009
7:29 pm
The Williams injury is a blow, he really had been rock solid however on the plus side we’ve already had people step up in injury situations this year. When Douglas went down Weems has really stepped up on returns and Booker has been a surprise when everyone thought he was washed up last year. Snelling has been very productive filling in for Norwood and Johnson (and hopefully Andserson) have done a good job cementing the tackle position after the loss of Jerry. We’ll see if Jackson, Owens or someone yet to be named can fill that void at starting CB. Injuries are part of the game and good teams overcome them. We have thus far and I have the greatest confidence in this coaching staff and front office.
Big Ray
October 19th, 2009
8:25 pm
Another defensive starter lost? What is this world coming to? Hope Tye Hill can get whatever his malfunction is fixed, or TD picks up another useful addition.
Either that, or Chevis Jackson is good enough to get the job done.
Falcon 8211
October 19th, 2009
8:37 pm
i sure hope TD gets some help in our secondary. i was afraid that williams was done. thanks for helping us because you were our best corner. not giving up on TD he needs to work a trade already.
Goldenglove002
October 19th, 2009
9:19 pm
I’ve gotta think Arthur Blank would bring out the check book to acquire a CB if TD has an opportunity. This is a team that is a serious competitor this year and getting a big time CB instead of putting out the current options could really solidify this team. Of course I think the Falcons will live if Chris Owens gets a few more shots
Hill Ogletree
October 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
On the first stop at the goal line of the Bears Matt Forte | #22 | RB, what was the Falcons Thomas Johnson | #93 | DT doing arguing with a Bears offensive lineman with his helmet off? Luckily one of his Falcon teammates pushed him away from the player, probably stopping him from getting a penalty. Even one of the officials was pushing him back. He could have cost them the game.
Russ
October 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
Uh Oh – Remember how you said the Eagles were saving plays for Vick for games when they needed them? Wouldn’t some of those plays have come in handy to avoid losing to the lowly Raiders? Or was the negative four yard run the big secret they’ve been waiting to spring on the NFL?
Ken Strickland
October 19th, 2009
10:16 pm
After seeing the outstanding safety play we’ve had so far this yr, do you see why we made absolutely no attempt to resign former SS LMilloy? BGrimes will replace Williams and CJackson will take over the nickel back position. If we continue getting pressure on the QB, our CB’s won’t have a problem. Our DEF philosophy seems to be geared around blitzing the QB and forcing him to make perfect throws or mistakes under pressure. Yesterday, JCutler did a lot of both. Dallas’ QB TRomo isn’t the QB JCutler is, especially when pressured.
While I’m not surprised that JAnderson has had so much success since being moved to DT, I am very surprised our coaches made him a starting DT. They obviously were concerned about our interior problems against the run, and he has been a rock against the run, even when he was playing DE. However, his strong interior play seems to have energized the other DT’s because we’re seeing an reemergence of JBabineaux and a definite improvement in the play of both TJohnson and TLewis since the switch. In addition to him having the speed, quickness and athleticism to drop into pass coverage, he seems to be responsible for forcing QB’s out of the pocket, which certainly wasn’t happening before he became a starting DT.
The Saints OFF has been awsome, but isn’t this basically the same OFF that led the NFL in passing, scoring and total OFF last yr? And didn’t we split with them last yr as well? Playing a high powered OFF like the Saints is where the bend but don’t break philosophy comes in. There’s no way we can stop them from making plays, especially pass plays, but we have to stop them from making big pass plays that get them into the endzone, especially when they’re in the redzone.
Last yrs DEF wasn’t nearly as strong against the pass or the run as this yrs, but it managed to stop them in the rematch, which we won. This yrs Saints OFF isn’t any better than last yrs, but their DEF is, and that’s been the difference. But, is their DEF good enough to stop our more versatile and much improved passing OFF for 4 qtrs? I believe we’ll end up repeating last yrs home and home split, since both teams are very good.
drmondo
October 19th, 2009
10:56 pm
I noticed Brian Finneran lined up at FB. Is there anything this guy wouldn’t do to help his team? To me, he sums up all the intangibles that make this team great. Need him to play WR? No Prob. Hands team? Sure coach. Kickoff coverage? You got it. TE? FB? Whatever I need to do to help.
The guy’s one of the unsung heroes of this team. He does everything.
Victory! – Falcons Edge Bears | The Bird Cage
October 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
[...] team victory that pushed the Falcons past a tough opponent coming off a bye and to a 4-1 record (Check out DOL’s new post).The defense had an outstanding night, locking down one of the game’s best young running backs and [...]
JB
October 20th, 2009
12:32 am
The key to beating the Saints will be to get the running game going and control the ball and the clock.
Dandy D
October 20th, 2009
8:40 am
Let’s give JA a little love. After we literally peed on him and his DE play for the past two years, he’s suddenly played big in the middle. Also, when are we going to see an ESPN clip on Curtis Lofton? The dude can flat out dominate play at the MLB position.
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
10:26 am
I’m concerned with Romo’s mobility. He’s by FAR the most mobile QB we’ve faced and the last two games we gave up big plays to the opposing QBs on runs. Tony keeps a lot of drives alive with his legs.
We need to make him feel it every time he runs.
Greg from Marietta
October 20th, 2009
12:53 pm
That was a great game Sunday night and the Falcons are looking more and more like a professional team on a mission. I honestly think that they come out each week EXPECTING to win. A positive attitude is a powerful motivator. One other thing, is it just me or did the Falcons cheerleaders look EXTREMELY HOT in the pink and black outfits Sunday night. I think that not only did the Falcons do our city proud on national T.V. Sunday night but that our cheerleaders were absolutely gorgeous as well (eye candy one and all).
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
2:40 pm
I’m a Michael Vick fan AND a Matt Ryan fan.
The most important stat in football is winning %.
Here’s how these two did in their first 21 games starting:
Mike Vick: 12-8-1 .571%
Matt Ryan: 15-6 .714%
Ryan is off to a great start for his career.
I MUS WRITE
October 20th, 2009
7:41 pm
Terrel-I know who Mathis is,but i didnt know he went to BCC….I mean its not like their an NFL hot bed. When u use 6 of 7 draft picks on Defense -One of them has to be productive. I dont think thats too much to ask,especially when you have Dimitroff and his scouts on the job.
Knox didnt need time to develope now did he…5th round pick is what im say’n
John masters
October 21st, 2009
2:28 am
The Bears have a young new quarterback who showed he could throw the ball.On the flip side ,throwing it to the other team is not good.They turned it over 3 times .I saw them fumble twice in a row from the 1 yard line.That might be a record.So they are a good team ,but not good enough to go to the big dance because of turnovers.The falcons defence was putting good hits on them.The defence showed who had a good defence .Yes,as tough as the da bears.I think the falcons season hinges on if the defence can stay healthy.If they can play that good against Dallas they will win.Because Dallas is another team that turns the ball over.I hope the Falcons can keep stripping the ball when blind siding another player .So the dallas game will be a good one if they put pressure on Romo.He’s a man who dropped a fieldgoal snap that would have sent them to the superbowl.They have to bring it to Romo—-HARD!! Falcons 31–Dallas 28.
planb
October 21st, 2009
10:40 am
I think Weems read the blogs and started running harder. Maybe houston will read them and turn his head around to look for the ball. If not, he needs to go. Don’t see how Fudge is going to help that much with Williams gone. If I had to give up my #1 draft choice for a proven #1 corner, I would do it. First, you are getting someone that’s proven. The #1 draft choice might be a bust or take a couple years to be helpful, so why not go get a #1 corner now in a trade instead of with the 2010 #1 draft choice. JA is looking good at DT. I hope during the next contract negotiations the he will understand that he is a good DT and not a great DE. Defensive 7 looks real good. Hope they can get a good pass rush and save our secondary.
PaulWinchester
October 21st, 2009
3:10 pm
The key to beating the Saints will be to keep Drew Brees and the Saints offense off the field. That will allow the Falcons to win both games against the Big Easy.
Fire Marshal
October 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
It’s cute how Mr. Sensitive goes back later and deletes anything critical of him.