Falcons: Ryan may have some limitations
Carolina's Richard Marshall (31) came down with Matt Ryan's high pass that was intended for Michael Jenkins in the fourth quarter. (David T. Foster III/Charlotte Observer).
ONE GAME FROM FIVEHUNDREDVILLE – The 28-19 loss to Carolina may be the low point for the Falcons under second-year head coach Mike Smith.
They have played hard in every game over the 26-game Smith era, but it may have been just the second time that they were defeated when they were favored. (You guys can look that one up, but I know they were favored to win on the road in Arizona for the playoff game last year.)
But the schedule doesn’t get any easier. They travel to rickety Giants Stadium for a showdown with Tom Coughlin and the G-men, who are 5-4 and have been stewing about it over their bye week.
When considering the Falcons schedule this season — four games against teams coming off byes -– and the aftermath of the DeAngelo Hall incident, it doesn’t appear that the Falcons have many friends at the league office. The schedule is atrocious and how Hall got away without being fined is one of the great mysteries of our time. Hall did say he was going to give his “peeps” a call.
After rolling back down I-85 late last night, I had a little extra time to think about the five things we learned from the game.
1. The Falcons still don’t have a left cornerback. The Falcons knew that Tye Hill probably wasn’t the answer when they traded for him, but were likely hoping that by acquiring him and Brian Williams before the outset of the season, that the other corners would step up their games. Brent Grimes played much stronger, but his man was still open. It’s probably time to go ahead and include rookie Christopher Owens in the rotation at left cornerback. At least get him some spot duty.
2. Matt Ryan may have some limitations. One NFL quarterback coach told me and a few other friends at the NFL
Get you a Matt Ryan Fathead image for your fan room.
Combine last spring that he wasn’t completely sold on Matt Ryan. Stunned and perplexed, we asked why? The coach said that Falcons offense was so simple last year that teams would figure it out. He said with a 1,700-yard back, that all Ryan had to do last season was find the single safety and throw away from him. The Falcons knew this. That’s why they spent most of their offseason working on the passing attack and why they went out and got Tony Gonzalez. One other thing, the second knock on Ryan coming out of the draft was that he sailed passes to the left. Both of the interceptions were passes to the left on Sunday. The No. 1 knock was he threw too many interceptions, but that was blamed on the quality of the Boston College receivers. (Matt has a Fathead deal. You can get a life-sized image of Ryan in the Falcons’ throwback jersey at Fathead.com.)
3. Where in the heck is John Abraham? With teams knowing that at least one receiver (usually the one guarded by the left cornerback) is going to be open, they are running their “quick game” stuff against the Falcons. Slants and quick outs to get the ball out fast. Rarely did Jake Delhomme take a seven-step drop and drive the ball up-field. So Abraham and the rest of the defensive line don’t have enough time to get to the quarterback like they did in the first half against Washington when they had five sacks. But still Abraham only has 3.5 sacks. I’m inclined to concur with Jeff Schultz that the 16-plus sack Abraham from 2008 has been abducted by aliens.
4. Long snapper might not be long for the roster spot. Had too much other stuff going on with Turner being hurt and Ryan’s picks and by the time I tried to find long snapper Bryan Pittman, punter Michael Koenen or kicker Jason Elam, they were on one of the buses. But clearly the timing was off on the 34-yard field goal kick and Elam wasn’t happy about it. But when you got four hours to drive you can come up with some theories. My neighbor George – a season ticket holder and Falcons road warrior – and I were wondering if the Falcons were trying to draw the Panthers offsides (they only needed an inch) and maybe somebody forgot to tell Elam? Maybe they weren’t supposed to kick it. Just line up try to draw them offsides and then if the Panthers didn’t jump, just take the penalty and kick it from 39 yards?
5. The Falcons can block kicks. A big special teams play got lost in the shuffle. Defensive end Chauncey Davis busted through to block a Panthers 51-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. The blocked field goal was the first for the Falcons since Nov. 30, 2008 at San Diego. Earlier this season, cornerback Brian Williams blocked a Carolina punt in Week Two. “Me, Jamaal (Anderson) and Babs (Jonathan Babineaux) had a great push and once we get those two steps we have to throw our hands up,” Davis said. “The ball was coming. We got a great push, got the guys knocked back and I got my hands up.”
The Falcons will find out more about Michael Turner's ankle sprain today. If it's a high ankle sprain, he could miss a lot of action. (Chuck Burton/Associated Press).
It had to be a long ride back to Flowery Branch for the Falcons. They kicked away a winnable game, running back Michael Turner might be out for awhile and their second-year quarterback has to find his magic for them to make a playoff run.
“It’s was real tough,” Davis said. “We had plenty of opportunities to take over the game. We just kept making mistakes.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
238 comments Add your comment
SWAT Native
November 16th, 2009
8:18 am
I hate to do this, but first?
humble(1)
November 16th, 2009
8:20 am
Rough game yesterday, one that scared me all week. I don’t see us winning in NY with the Giants coming off of their bye week. So that puts us at 5-5 with the Saints and Eagles coming to town. We could realistically be 5-7 after 12 games. Or we could be 7-6, this team is going to be OK, it just may not be OK this year.
SWAT Native
November 16th, 2009
8:21 am
…Now i know how that feels. Tough loss yesterday, and as you point out, it exposes a lot of questions going forward. The Falcons needed a split of these two road games, so hopefully they can get a win in New Jersey.
humble(1)
November 16th, 2009
8:25 am
Forgot about the Bucs, and that should be a win.
GEORGIADAWGG43
November 16th, 2009
8:35 am
FALCONS LOSE NEXT WEEK TO GIANTS.COLLEGE BOY DOESN’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN.ARTHUR BLANK YOU GOT BURNED AGAIN.MATTY ICE IS LAUGHING ALL THE TO THE BANK.
Rdhdkid
November 16th, 2009
8:36 am
Some say there’s no such thing as an ugly win, but there are definitely ugly losses and this was one of them. I swear sometimes it seems as if the Falcons are scared of Carolina and have resigned themselves to losing before the game even starts. And we still need to get rid of the itty-bitty cornerbacks.
EAAAASSY
November 16th, 2009
8:44 am
GEORGIADAWGG43 , so the kids struggling a bit after his second year. He’s got a bit of the int bug. So what? He’s still the face of this franchise and will turn it around.
BTW, talk about getting burned and laughing one’s way to the bank. How much are the Lions paying Stafford to not only sling picks around the field, but not even compete?
How about you think before you spew bs like that on these boards.
IceFan
November 16th, 2009
8:48 am
As on of Ryan’s most ardent supporters, I’ll be the first to say that he is playing like crap. He is sailing passes and lacks confidence in the pocket.
That being said, I put just as much blame on the playcalling as Ryan on his last INT. Can ANYONE explain to me why in the world we would call a play to chuck the ball 30 yds downfield on 1st and 10 from midfield with 4 min to score and win.
I think a 3rd grader could tell you that you run the ball in that situation. We had 4 min to move the ball 25 yds for a field goal or 50 yds for a TD. Why go for it all on the first play? That call just astounds me!
I truly believe this is a sophomore slump for Ryan. I think he and the team will bounce back and sneak into the playoffs. He WILL get better.
I know damn well there are guys who are licking their chops to bash Ryan on these blogs all week. I still can’t figure out why they love to hate him, but go ahead and let it out. He will prove you all wrong in the long run. Bank on it.
Kingtut
November 16th, 2009
8:50 am
Enter your comments here Have any body seen Mike Vick?
Craig
November 16th, 2009
8:55 am
Ok so Ryan isnt playing like a veteran, that makes him playing like what, a second year player? Matty Ice will be ok. The long INT might go in Ryans stats, but can anyone tell me why Jenkins stopped running and turned around??? If he would have kept running straight, I’m pretty sure that pass hits him in stride. Everyone loves Matt Ryan when he’s winning, but at the first sign of struggle, all the transplant Atlantans want to jump off the bus. Go back to New York!
The Real Falcon
November 16th, 2009
9:01 am
It was Ryan’s 10th interception over the last five games. He threw 11 in all of 2008.
He has now thrown at least one interception in each of the last six games. He’s thrown an interception in seven of the nine games this season. These are the facts. That’s extra possesions for the opposing team. The commentators mentioned that Ryan has some sort of “tell” which is letting defenses know when he will be passing.
Regardless what play is called it’s the QB’s responsibility to make the play or check it off.
The Real Falcon
November 16th, 2009
9:02 am
Born and raised here, dude.
itpdude
November 16th, 2009
9:07 am
Ryan is a second year player but he still seems to choke in the clutch. The INT near the end of the game yesterday killed the Falcons. I was listening on the radio so I didn’t see it but I’ve seen Ryan sail them to the left. This means Ryan is a right side of the field QB which means most NFL teams should figure out they can put their weak D-backs on the left side of the field.
That means more game-killing INT’s.
tidog
November 16th, 2009
9:09 am
Here is my take and sole consolation for the game and the remaining season. Falcons left far too many points on the field. You don’t convert 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 you can understand the loss. With that said, the team that gets hot down the stretch will usually get the job done. No team has yet to be the team everyone deems as hot. Should the Falcons run the table surely they’d be considered a hot team with superbowl implications. Someone will get hot(Cardinals last year)why not the birds.
Ron
November 16th, 2009
9:18 am
I have seen this before when a Quarterback looses his confidence he starts overthinking and he starts throwing interceptions, and it is hard to break that cycle. Joey Harrington was a good example of that, Joey got beat up so bad in Detroit he never recovered. Matt has the talent he just needs some success to get his confidence back, he is thinking about what he doesn’t want to do instead of what he needs to do.
Like in golf if you think I want to hit it down the left side with a little draw, or you think Don’t hit it in the lake, if you try not to hit it in the lake that is where it will go most of the time. Matt is thinking don’t throw the interception, and he should be thinking of where he wants to place the ball. Last year he was such a rookie that he wasn’t scared he didn’t know any better. I believe he is smart and talented and he will be fine, face the facts we overachieved last year and we had a lot of good breaks last year this year it is evening out. I believe we will finish the season strong and I think we beat New Orleans at home for a big win watch it happen.
Todd - Dacula
November 16th, 2009
9:22 am
Sooo, taking it easy on Matt Ryan, huh? Why dos this less than average QB et a pass? Do you guy’s want your poster boy QB ths bad? I get it; he’s the QB now. Anyone else would be run out of town. Me, I’d take vick anyday, even two years sitting on ice in the slammer. The Falcons and some of you Atlanta Fans tucked your tail and did what PETA whanted you to do.
It sure would be nice to have him [Mike Vick] on the field now, especially on 3 and 1 and 4 and 1
…
Manny
November 16th, 2009
9:25 am
Matt Ryan may be the face of the franchise, but Michael Turner is the heart of the franchise. This is Mike’s team. Think about it: dude took 9 carries and posted 111 yards. If he wouldn have stayed healthy for the entire game, this game wouldn’t have even been close. The Falcons would have won this game big-time.
That was disappointing. But here’s what we have: We have a shortage of talent at the DB spot. Tye Hill must step up and I think he will.
John Abraham has been shut out, but Babineaux has been picking up the slack. We need consistency on our D-Line.
On offense, we were really hurting not having Norwood in there. That change of pace takes some pressure off Michael Turner. Now that Mike’s hurt, I simply do not know what’s going to happen.
Our QB is average. He’s just OK. In crunch time, he melts. He lacks the mental toughness of hanging in there and making good, accurate throws when it counts. Ryan has the skills, and he has the football intelligence, but he’s skiddish. That knock has been on him since Boston College, and that’s why his INT record in college is so bad. That will be his struggle. He has to get better.
My question is this: When is Norwood coming back? If we can get Norwood back, we can run with him and #44 in the backfield. (Just can’t remember his name, but he’s a bruiser-back. I like him.) With those two back there, we can do the “Thunder-and-Lightening” thing, and that can take pressure off Matt Ryan. Therefore, we can win.
Bottom line is this: Wherever the Falcons running game goes, so goes the entire offense. And right now, our offense is sitting on the sideline, taped up and watching helplessly.
PMC
November 16th, 2009
9:26 am
I’m thinking a 1930’s style Notre Dame rushing attack is in order.
Run Run Run Run Run Run Run….and we’re not going to pass unless thier secondary comes up to close. The Running is fine…. lets ride it for a while. Screw the deep pass. just move the chains.
The injury bug has bitten this team hard this year. Tye Hill is an emergency backup. Trey Lewis, Vance Walker emergency. The defense is not as “urgent” as it was the first time these two played.
All is not lost. 5-4 another good team coming off a freaking bye. It’s tough to have consistant success in the NFL when everyone is so good.
Bill Musgrave is a good QB’s coach. They can fix that stuff. He helped Vick smooth out his feet in the pocket, now he’s got to get Matt to calm his lower body get out on his front foot so he won’t be sailing stuff left. Rolling him out more left might help. There are lots of things they could do but seriously 3 yards and a cloud of dust is working. 45 yard passes aren’t.
Matt
November 16th, 2009
9:29 am
Matt Ryan is my quarterback. Sure he is struggling, but I am confident in his long term future in this league. He’s smart enough and a hard enough worker to correct his flaws. (Hint: Stop always looking for Gonzalez first). My main concern is the porous Defense. The secondary is just horrible and watching Tye Hill is just painful.
So what if we lose....
November 16th, 2009
9:30 am
We’ve got our pocket passer!! LOL!!!
BOB
November 16th, 2009
9:31 am
Matt Ryan has the classic Atlanta syndrome best expressed by the Jeff Francouer situation: some regional/ethnic types want a hero so badly that the local “media” in hopes of garnering favor deifies the person out of proportion to their talent. Put simply: he was annointed the ant-Vick but the role became to small and was cast as the Leader.
We know how the Francoeur situation played out; what we don’t know is how Arthur Blank gets oout of another PR disaster?
Foracel
November 16th, 2009
9:33 am
Troy Bergeron should help the receivers,but hopefully the QB that the Falcons have now,should be able to think and react better.
gdg73
November 16th, 2009
9:34 am
You are 100% correct. When Ryan was throwing all those interceptions at B.C., the draft gurus dismissed it as the lack of talent at the WR corps. I think Mularkey and Co. have tried to put too much on his plate too soon. Maybe Ryan is not as smart as everyone thinks he is. All we hear about is how hard he works. Maybe he needs to start working “smarter”. The Giants game is HUGE now. This is make or break for him. Also, I don’t buy that garbage about the long-snapper. Elam has been shanking kicks for two years now. The Flacons should have signed Brandon Couto from Georgia last year and solved the kicking position for the next 12 years. I think he is kicking for Seattle now. Can’t blame this one on the defense.
Felicia
November 16th, 2009
9:35 am
Three stupid moves: 2 pont conversion – come on coach really – it was too early for that
Long pass in the 4th – coach you add ample time – what were you thinking
Last – Elam please – dude you are screwing up
I could care less up the Falcons are playing – it’s about heart. Get it done fellows.
midnite
November 16th, 2009
9:36 am
If nothing else, please Falcons break that damned no back to back winning seasons curse this year. That’s all I’m asking for right now.
#2 Hater
November 16th, 2009
9:39 am
Noodle + Arm = Matt Ryan
Fat Ryan
November 16th, 2009
9:57 am
I agree with your 3rd point. Abraham has been ineffective…Jamal Anderson, what is it exactly that you do? Tye Hill UGGGHHH…NO. He’d be better off playing flag football. Leave Grimes in at CB. We just got to get better at defense…no pass rush = plenty of time to throw. Snelling was some good news…that guy just want to play.
T.C
November 16th, 2009
10:00 am
Why is everybody blaming the falcons beatdowns on a tough schedule? Last i checked there an NFL team too who plays NFL teams.I said it once and ill say it again,the sorry falcons is this team since 1966 that gets your hopes up for you to bragg on them then make you look stupid to who ever you where bragging on them to.Sorry team and definately sorry fans.
Decatur Native
November 16th, 2009
10:07 am
The loses don’t take away from us being a good team, these are things that happen to any team, the response it the factor, how they man up and bounce back, but I truly feel that at full strength we would be a lot better, what if we had Douglass streaching the feld ALL year, and we never lost Jerry in the middle, I think those two units alone would be playing great, the only problem I see that worries is staying with the play calling that is working at the time.
San
November 16th, 2009
10:12 am
Blame yourselves for the “egg on your face” regarding Matt Ryan…..it was YOU, who crowned Matt Ryan the next Joe Montanna! At the beginning of the season many of you said Ryan and this offense would average 30 points a gain…..so STOP with the excuses!
Troy
November 16th, 2009
10:14 am
Stop blaming the defense…..the falcons hasn’t had a decent defense since they went to the superbowl.
FALCONS SORRY
November 16th, 2009
10:16 am
SORRY ATL FALCONS! YOU ALL GOT YOUR TAIL KICKED BY THE KITY CATS OF CAROLINA! HOW DID TAKING THE BUS UP TO CAROLINA ON THE CHEAP WORK OUT FOR YALL FALCONS! THAT SORRY FRANCHISE IS NOW TO CHEAP AND OUT OF MONEY TO GET AN AIR PLANE JUST LIKE EVER OTHER NFL TEAM! THAT TIGHT WAD OWNER AND SORRY LOW DOW SNAKE AUTHUR BLANK IS ABOUT BROKE NOW AND EVER BODY CAN SEE IT AND KNOW IT NOW! CALL IT THE CURSE OF THE REAL FALCONS QB BLANK! TALK ABOUT GOING ON THE CHEAP THE FALCONS ARE NOW SEEING THEY GOT WHAT THEY PAID FOR BY GETTING THAT NEW GOLDEN BOY QB ON THE CHEAP! IF YOU DONT PAY FOR QUALITY YOU DONT GET QUALITY FALCONS! IF THE FALCONS ARE SMART WHICH THAT AINT THEY WILL CALL UP THE TITAN AND TRY TO TRADE MATTY HOPELESS FOR VINCE YOUNG WHO SHOWED ONCE AGAIN TO THE WHOLE WORLD THAT HIS THE MAN! VINCE YOUNG WILL COME IN HERE AND SELL OUT THE DOME ON SUNDAY AGAIN AND KEEP THAT SORRY BLANK OUT OF THE POOR HOUSE AND FINALLY BRING A SUPPER BOWL RING TO THIS SORRY TOWN FULL OF HATER THAT DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL AND DONT DESERVE IT! ON PEARL HARBOR DAY NEXT MONTH # 7 IS GOING TO COME IN HERE BOMB THE HECK OUT OF THE DOME AND ALL THE HATER IN IT! VENGENCE WILL BE SERVE THAT DAY AND ALL THE HATER WILL BE CRYING LIKE LITTLE GIRL! DIVE IN YOUR FOX HOLE EVERBODY BECAUSE HERE COME THE AIR RADE! PEARL HARBOR IS COMING FALCONS! PEARL HARBOR!
James of Ball Ground
November 16th, 2009
10:18 am
I am a Falcon fan and have been since they first arrived many moons ago.Altho I was dissappointed yesterday I still have faith.I think Matt Ryan will get better.I do think “Ron” has a good point about Harrington .Its kinda like a puppy that gets beaten and for the rest of his life he cowers.I dont think Matt has been beaten enough yet to taint the rest of his carear but It could come at any time.The way the team played yesterday we will have a hard time getting past break even this year.Forget about playoffs.We do not deserve to go.The main reason I am writing is to garner support on getting those dork head announcers off of the television.I gotta tell you that one guy deserves to have his smarmy butt wipped.Did Mike smith beat his butt or something?
guy Wilson
November 16th, 2009
10:19 am
Falcons made some bad decissions Sunday. They played into panthers hands and when you add hurt to the mix they lost. Matt is a good qback and will be a great qback in a few years. Tell me which qback of the great ones playing today is in his 2nd year? Our offensive line is not giveing Matt enough time/ our running game is not the same al last year. Turner is great but no back today in the league can carry his team on his own. That said we need to remind ourselves that injury changes all teams, we will recover. I also remember how it was just a few years ago when Atlanta was a victory for all other teams. Those of you who think they remember “Vick” should take notice of what he is doing today. He’s not the same and never will be! Now the falcons need to heal their wounded and go to work doing what they were built to do.
falconian
November 16th, 2009
10:22 am
Jerious Norwood needs to get his little girl butt back on the field. I think the problems the Falcons are having right now, even affecting the offense, is we can’t get to the QB. I am starting to question the toughness of the players on this team. No one from the 2009 draft is playing right now…they are all holding hands on the sidelines right now. It would be nice to maybe take into account in next years draft to get some guys that want to play football and not draft a bunch of tampons.
James of Ball Ground
November 16th, 2009
10:23 am
And for all the M Vick fans let me say that even if Matt Ryan threw a thousand interceptions every game I would still spit on Vick and his sorry ass.If he came to my door he would get shot and hanged and electrocuted and whatever else that sorry piece of trash did.
Willie
November 16th, 2009
10:26 am
Our top receivers are getting bracketed. The Patriots showed everyone how effective that is. Ryan hasn’t developed the touch to drop a pass in, and the receivers aren’t creating enough lateral separation. Some people say Matt’s the next Peyton Manning (I don’t know about that) but it took Peyton Manning a few years to become Peyton Manning. Patience my friends.
Our cornerback play is less than acceptable, and something I hope we address in the offseason. We were so-so until the injury bug bit. I like Grimes effort, but he’s too small. Houston is improving, but we have no depth.
Thomas DeCoud has been a great surprise. Who knew he was going to step his game up to this level so quickly?
Everyone who expected a Superbowl in the second year was overreaching. We’re at least a couple more seasons from greatness. Two more drafts and free agents to fill holes, and we may be there. I have confidence in this management team and coaching staff. I’ve been waiting since 1966. Patience isn’t an issue.
Manny
November 16th, 2009
10:27 am
Let me clarify my above statement concerning Matt Ryan: Matt Ryan has football intelligence. He’s very smart and he plays smart. The problem with Ryan is the same problem that he had since college. He is skiddish. If you get to him early, his composure breaks down and he gets nervous back there.
A lot of QBs are like that. Mike Vick was like that. He still is. He gets nervous in the pocket. He doesn’t trust the protection enough to make accurate passes. But Mike Vick can (maybe still) run and run well enough to compensate. Matt Ryan doesn’t have that luxury.
Now let me tell you some possible inside-the-locker room stuff that you should look out for:
The O-line LOVES Michael Turner! It has been quoted as such. And I watched how much the O-Line respects and would probably do anything for Turner. The reason why is because they know that Turner trusts them. That sort of bond is huge for a team.
But if Matt Ryan looks nervous in the pocket on film, what message does that gives the O-line? See what I mean?
Matt Ryan needs to show confidence in the pocket and make accurate passes for more than just stats. When he shows that confidence, the O-line will actually block better. If not, there can be a spiralling of confidence in the offense.
KarenJill
November 16th, 2009
10:27 am
I’m with Todd-Dacula. I don’t dislike Matt Ryan at QB and I think he will settle down and improve over time, but MV7 had more all around weapons to worry the beJesus out of defenses and mess them up. Mike would still be here if Arthur Blank had not hung him out to dry fix his salary cap issues and the NFL Suits had not sold him down the river to appease PETA. God don’t like ugly …
Falcons Offense and Coaches, repeat after me – we must convert on 3rd and 1, we must convert on 4th and 1 …
Stop whining about offensive injuries – if I’m not mistaken, every man on the team is an NFL player and is receiving NFL pay, so man up and play NFL ball regardless of your spot on the roster !!
Elliot Garcia
November 16th, 2009
10:29 am
The Falcons might be just as sorry as the Dawgs after all….
wmatlanta
November 16th, 2009
10:32 am
No one said anything when Ryan and Elam came through to steal one from Chicago last year. This game is NFL Karma evening things out
We’ll be fine in the long run with Ryan.
Ballwood
November 16th, 2009
10:33 am
Reasons for the loss:
1. Matt Ryan is scared in the pocket. You can name a 1,000 reasons why Ryan isn’t performing and doesn’t mean squat because he is scared.
2. Two points attempt
3. Not using TE to stretch the field especially against the Cover 2. The OC did an excellent job in calling plays last year now he is too predictable.
4. No blitz
James
November 16th, 2009
10:33 am
This may sound like a drastic measure, but why not insert Chris Redman as the starter? He played well at the end of 2007 and seems to be a good decision maker who does not get easily rattled. This could serve another purpose in that it may light a fire under Matt Ryan.
Fat Ryan
November 16th, 2009
10:35 am
I agree with you falconian, we have too many man-ginas on the sideline. What the crap is this William Moore guy doing with himself? I thought he was supposed to be a stud? We have not got anything from this past draft…get me some guys who want to play 16+ games!
welikebaseball2
November 16th, 2009
10:35 am
Amazing how you guys ripped every other franchise QB we had for poor play, 2nd year or not. But Ryan seems to get the “it’s his 2nd year” pass. Wow. There’s a thick line between realism backed by hard facts & delusion backed by personal preference/bias. Ryan is a mere shadow of the “smart/accurate” QB the masses labelled him to be. Don’t get it twisted, I’m a diehard Falcons fan…always have & always will be…and I hope Ryan pulls out of this slump. Guess I’m simply yearning for an objective take on our problem at the QB position (among others). Then again, have these blogs ever really been filled with objectivity regarding our QB’s…no matter who they’ve been?
humble(1)
November 16th, 2009
10:35 am
San, we are averaging 24.6 pts per game which is 11th best in the league. So “their” not to far off. I can’t help but feel that a lot, not all, but a lot of the Ryan haters are Vick fans. Guest a guess. And lets not forget that our starting LT was out yesterday. Ryan was under constant duress all day. I’m not giving the guy a pass, he has not played up to the level we all expected him to.
I also think that Coach Smith had a bad day. The 2 pt conversion and the challenge were the mark of a 2nd year head coach. Everybody just needs to remember that this is still a VERY young team in all areas and a work in progress.
Ballwood
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
Oh and the challenge by Coach was stupid at best.
All I'm Saying Is...
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
Bottom line for me, despite everything, is that if Elam makes the kick, the outcome is probably different and we would be discussing how Ryan got his groove back in the second half and how we all hope that carries over to the Giants game. So, D. Orlando, we need you to find out the truth about what happened and why the snap count wasn’t communicated clearly to the one guy that had to know which was Elam.
Next, Ryan hasn’t played well for four games now and we all need to acknowledge it and stop making excuses such as blaming his troubles on other things —originally, it was because of the offensive line, then it was because of Turner not running well, etc. The kid (and he’s still a kid) has some serious problems that need to be corrected. If he’s sailing his throws, then he needs to work on his footwork and setting his feet before making his throw. If he’s locking in on Tony G. , then maybe we should try not having Tony G. in there on some obvious passing downs and go five wide or changing the play selection (like we did a better job of in the second half).
We all knew going into the season that we were vulnerable in the secondary. The Falcons brain trust elected not to sign the one solid corner we had and let him walk to the Ravens and we continue to pay for that financially short-sighted decision. Grimes may be a hard worker and good tackler but his physical deficiencies make him a liability as long as he plays corner and as long as he plays corner, he will be a marked man—-I know I would target him every time he was in man coverage if I were calling plays for the other team. So we have two options: figure out a way to get a better pass rush even on quick pass plays (zone blitz, Rex Ryan when he was Ravens d-coordinator type creative blitzing, etc.) or get some help in the d-back space by signing more out of work free agents and bringing them in to take a look as it certainly can’t hurt (assuming there is someone out there with some size even if their technique needs work).
Stop looking for excuses: we’re struggling and its not because of the schedule or because Meangelo didn’t get fined or some other line of bull.
Our GM made some decisions that are hurting us (see not signing our one solid corner), our coaches made some very questionable decisions against Carolina, and our QB hasn’t played well in four games really putting stress on an already vulnerable defense.
Going forward, pray that Michael Turner can play this Sunday and that Norwood can return to action too. The best way to solve whatever problems Ryan has is to max out the running attack and turn him back into a play action quarterback. We can beat the Giants (they didn’t lose four in a row for no reason), Philly is not undefeated so we know they can be had (goodness, Philly lost to Oakland—need I say more) and we can knock off the Saints at home with the support of a sold out Dome.
[And in case some of you are wondering why some people keep posting about MV7, its because (a) we have to play Philly this season, (b) MV7 was the starter the last time we won a playoff game, and (c) MV7 always got the blame when we lost, something that has been strangely absent with respect to Ryan.]
LET’S GO FALCONS!
welikebaseball2
November 16th, 2009
10:40 am
wmatlanta: Are you serious? We’ve been collectively singing Ryan’s praises before AND after the Chicago game last year. Please don’t make him out to be the kid getting dumped on & never praised. That couldn’t be further from the truth. No matter how he played last year, or even earlier this year, that doesn’t change the fact that he’s turned the ball over at an alarming these past 4 games or so. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s making horrible decisions NOW.
Sam
November 16th, 2009
10:42 am
Matt Ryan is having his “rookie year” this year.
welikebaseball2
November 16th, 2009
10:45 am
humble(1): Ugh. Can anybody defend Ryan’s poor play without tagging his critics as “Vick supporters.” That seems to be a bit of a wildcard. Let the record show, I’m not a “Vick supporter,” I’m a Falcons supporter & I’m excited by exciting play from our QB position…no matter who’s behind center. And we wonder where the divide comes? Folks like you continue to pair any Ryan critique with Vick support. You’re the one bringing up Vick. Is it fair to say anyone pro-Ryan is anti-Vick? Of course not. The two should have nothing to do with each other in terms of pure football talk. But then again, that’s too much like right.
washedup
November 16th, 2009
10:48 am
Welikebaseball. . .what are you reading? All I’ve read has been critical of Ryan the past few weeks. It doesn’t look like he’s getting a free pass to me. He has played poorly, and that’s what has been said. Personally, I’m starting to believe that getting Gonzalez is more of a curse than blessing. . .He’s so sure-handed,as opposed to #12, Ryan goes to him even when he shouldn’t. But clearly, Ryan has made some poor choices, and even worse throws since the first two games.
# 2 = Loser
November 16th, 2009
10:49 am
RE: Ryan *MAY* Have Some Limitations
MAY have?
MAY ????
Saying Ryan *M A Y* have some limitations is like saying you *M A Y* get your shirt sleeve wet if you stick your arm is a bucket of water.
Way to go on picking out a “FRANCHISE” QB, Mr. GM !
welikebaseball2
November 16th, 2009
10:55 am
washedup: I was responding to posts giving Ryan the “it’s his 2nd year” pass…and there have been tons of them. Wonder what I’m reading? Just read through the posts on this very board. If it doesn’t apply to you it doesn’t, As for your take on Gonzalez, good point. Ryan has tipped defenses that he’s zoning in on him. I don’t think Jenkins has played that bad actually. I’d definitely like to see the ball spread around like it was at the beginning of the season (1st couple games). We’re becoming a little too close to predictable. If it’s not a running play, they simply bracket Gonzalez.
rbrewbaker
November 16th, 2009
11:03 am
Did anyone else find the 3rd down QB sneak right before the missed FG a very odd call? Ryan has just got 5 years on the previous play and to have him run twice in a row seemed very strange to me.
T.C
November 16th, 2009
11:13 am
JAMES OF BALL GROUND,You have murder in your heart because of a football game and what someone did that didn’t effect you and all you know is his name and he plays football? You have serious problems and need to stay off your computer for the FBI want be knocking on your door.
North FLA Falcon
November 16th, 2009
11:14 am
A few thoughts … we need a reliable kicker. Maybe Elam needs to hang it up … did we ever look into picking up Edge James? would be nice to have another power back … one big problem with Ryan is that he can’t scramble. He is a bull running up the middle say on 3rd and short but he can’t run or make yardage on a busted play … we need a nasty agressive Dline for 60 minutes … I like our chances vs. the Giants they are fading and we have played well up there in the past. GO BIRDS!
Falcons73
November 16th, 2009
11:16 am
I watched the game yesterday (as well as every game this season) and Ryan is definitely a work in progress. He has clearly shown that he can and will be a very good quarterback, but he is in year 2 of that progression. The NFL is a very humbling league where every team has access to mounds and mounds of film. It’s obvious that teams have found Matt’s tendencies/weakness and have exploited them. The one thing that is truly disturbing is the development of “happy feet” and stepping out (instead of up) in the pocket.
A lot of this can be attributed the offensive line’s uneven play and the earlier lack of a consistent running game. It’s PIVOTALLY important for the Birds to RUN THE FOOTBALL well and CONTROL the clock (two elements that made them good last year). This defense is not built to be on the field for additional possessions and must rely on the offense to keep them on the sideline.
Our hope is that Turner can make it back in a few weeks and that the Falcons can squeeze out a win in NY this week. I didn’t think that we would go on the road and beat both Carolina & NY, so this Sunday is HUGE!!!!
Bill
November 16th, 2009
11:18 am
Good job Mr. Orlander.
The blame is not on just one person its a TEAM and we have many problems at present. Hopefully the GM and Coach Smith will work it out.
KingTu, Vicks in Philly riding the bench………..maybe he will return to his football skills self.
James
November 16th, 2009
11:19 am
Turner is out for a very long time. Pick up Larry Johnson. He has learned his lesson and the high character, Atlanta coaching staff will rub off on him favorably.
TMoney
November 16th, 2009
11:19 am
I think we might want to take a look at the stats from first season as starter to second year of some of the people Ryan is being measured against:
Peyton Manning Year 1 – 326-575, 3739 Yds., 26 TD, 28 INT, 71.2 Rating
Peyton Manning Year 2 – 331-533, 4135 Yds., 26 TD, 15 INT, 90.7 Rating
Tom Brady Year 1 – 264-413, 2843 Yds., 18 TD, 12 INT, 86.5 Rating
Tom Brady Year 2 – 373-601, 3764 Yds., 28 TD, 14 INT, 85.7 Rating
Drew Brees Year 1 – 320-526, 3284 Yds., 17 TD, 16 INT, 76.9 Rating
Drew Brees Year 2 – 205-356, 2108 Yds., 11 TD, 15 INT, 67.5 Rating (Lost job after 11 games)
Brett Favre Year 1 – 302-471, 3227 Yds., 18 TD, 13 INT, 85.3 Rating
Brett Favre Year 2 – 318-522, 3303 Yds., 19 TD, 24 INT, 72.2 Rating
Matt Ryan Year 1 – 265-434, 3440 Yds., 16 TD, 11 INT, 87.7 Rating
Matt Ryan Year 2 – 316-530, 3570 Yds., 25 TD, 21 INT, 78.8 Rating (ESPN Projection)
I’d say Ryan’s numbers so far are more equivalent to those of Brees and Favre’s early years, not Brady or Manning. Though it is interesting to point out that of all the players on this list, only Manning’s QB rating improved from year 1 to 2. The man is a freak of nature.
Ex wideout
November 16th, 2009
11:21 am
wmatlanta
November 16th, 2009
10:32 am
No one said anything when Ryan and Elam came through to steal one from Chicago last year. This game is NFL Karma evening things out We’ll be fine in the long run with Ryan.
The hell? Until Ryan can make plays and win the critical big games I’m not sole on this “franchise” quarterback. The reality is coming out about Ryan and everyone is getting tired of him saying he’s still young making mistakes. Him and the media needs to stop pampering himself and keep it real.
The media hyped this guy up when he was left Boston College and he always been average QB. Back to back winning seasons seems to be fading away, but Ryan the “franchise” QB needs to get it right before we say it’s time to pack up and leave town.
Roy
November 16th, 2009
11:22 am
The Falcons should have won that game and even though there were somemistakes on the field, there were some off the field too. How is it that with 2 minutes 39 seconds left; you are on the Panthers 40 yard line; the Panther’s rush has been hasseling Ryan all day; our running game working very well even with out Turner, you have Ryan throw the ball deep? And to the left side where he has more trouble completing passes. And he had been throwing high all day.
We could have easily picked up 15 yards, run the clock down and kicked a field goal and waled away a winner.
I know that they are paying Ryan the big bucks but the guys on the headsets aren’t being paid to shabbly either. Ryan does what he is told to do from the guys that wear the headsets. Before you serve up Matt Ryan question a coordinator first.
TMoney
November 16th, 2009
11:23 am
I have also noticed a very disturbing trend, and I’m not sure how to fix it. In his career, when Ryan throws 30 or more times in a game, the Falcons are 4-9 including the Arizona playoff game. When throwing less than 30 times, the Falcons are 12-1. It really seems like Ryan is best when he doesn’t have to throw the ball too much.
Falcons record based around Ryan passing:
40+ passes – 0-5
30-39 passes – 4-4
>30 passes – 12-1
North FLA Falcon
November 16th, 2009
11:23 am
The Falcons seem to pick up players in the draft and also free agents, who are prone to injury (Baker, Jerry). Plus we have a lot of guys who get hurt and who stay hurt for a long time (Norwood). I *know* football is a violent game and all that. But is there something wrong with our conditioning? Or is this just rotten luck? Seriously.
Andrew
November 16th, 2009
11:24 am
At least Ryan shows up early and stays late to try and correct his problems. Vick was always the last one to show up on gameday and to practice, and the first one out the door. I could care less about the whole dog-fighting thing, I was praying that the trade rumors surrounding him BEFORE he got caught were true. Ryan will be fine–he’s only 24, he certainly has the talent, and unlike Vick he has the desire and determination (not to mention the guts to stay in the pocket).
T.C
November 16th, 2009
11:25 am
Humble(1),whats the difference of someone being a vick fan and you being a ryan fan? they like who they like just like you do.vick is not a disease,he is a human being and had/have fans just like every other football player.
SirReal
November 16th, 2009
11:27 am
1) I dont care what anyone says, Ryan is playing SCARED and defenses can sense it. He’s not what everyone thinks he is. We bought into the hype b/c we made the playoffs last year. That was due to TURNER’S 1700 yard performance last year. All Ryan had to do was manage the game and make a few key throws.
2) TD whiffed on this draft. He rolled the dice on injury prone players and it backfired. Plain and simple.
3) Why is Jello-leg Elam STILL on the roster?! We arent even asking him to boot 50 yarders and he cant even make chip shots. He’s done. I dont understand why we keep him. It reminds me of when we held on to Adam Jennings last year. FOR WHAT?!
4) Mularkey’s offense has become predictable and basic. Teams know what we’re gonna do b/c Ryan gives it away.
5) Lastly, we have a swiss cheese secondary at the CB position. I say we dump all of them after the season is done. We cant do much worse with what we have. At least Williams was solid. Thats my take on all this.
Cannonball Butler
November 16th, 2009
11:28 am
The difference is Ryan plays for the Falcons.
NoleRick
November 16th, 2009
11:29 am
I cant wait for Ryan to prove all of you idiots wrong.
singndablues
November 16th, 2009
11:29 am
A two tight end set is not exactly the best option for a dynamic passing attack. Too often we only have two receivers out on a passing play. We rarely spread the field. That hardly pressures the defense especially a pass defense like the Panthers who have one of the top rated pass defenses. Our passing game seems to be very conservative compared to last years and much easier to defend. The commentator mentioned numerous during the game about how he was amazed at how tight the coverage was on every pass play even with our running game getting big chunks of yardage. I thought adding Tony would open up our passing attack but it seems to only have made it more conservative and predictable.
A Rod
November 16th, 2009
11:31 am
Matty Ice is like Vanilla Ice: 1 hit wonder baby!
T.C
November 16th, 2009
11:34 am
Tmoney,you can compare numbers until the sky turns gold.truth is,ryan will never be a manning,brady,favre,or brees.hell he will never be a mcnabb.
Navigator
November 16th, 2009
11:34 am
I can already see where these discussions are leading, after two years Matt Ryan is not the next coming of (pick your favorite). I think the solution might be simpler than most would say. Last year Ryan had an extra blocker at tight end, and now the tight end is being used too much as a receiver. Think about it, one less blocker, and a young quarterback, and of course the many times fired Mularky running the offense. Falcons get smart and put the real tight end back in to block.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:34 am
Typical Atlanta media report. Matt has a bad day and the falcons lose and what do we get. All the negative things about Matt Ryan come out. Everything he throws left is high..two int to the left that were over throws. Where was all the reporting prior to this game. Yes last year things were kept simple, rookie QB, weak schedule. The guy has played just over 20 games and you expect him to be a Manning. Like I said this morning on JS blog, Mr. Blank should not try to build a new stadium, he should move the Falcons to a city where the media and fans appreciate this team.
dawg fan 4 life
November 16th, 2009
11:34 am
What is going own with that defense we have? I think the Owens kid should start, because he can’t do any worse than the the other two jokers. I see a lot of fans are blaming Matt Ryan, but it’s also coaching. Why does the kid toss the ball out of bounds so much, that is a waisted down, they need to have check downs to the running backs that can at least get you a few yards, but tossing the ball out of bounds is not always the answer. Well I’ve been a fan for 38 years and it looks like I’m headed toward another disappointing season, but one thing for sure I will always love the Falcons.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:36 am
T.C, how in the hell do you know what he will be. I was here when Farve was with the Falcons and you could not keep him out of the bars and sober long enough to find out what he was going to be. You freaking people are clueless.
Puff the Magic Dragon
November 16th, 2009
11:44 am
T.C -
We would like for you go to to the home of “James of Ball Ground” with a big cake as a peace offering while wearing your #7 Falcons jersey. Hopefully, the two of you will have a good fellowship and will become the best of friends. If you are lucky, maybe you can even get the REAL M.V. to go with you, too.
Just be sure to carry a BIG KNIFE in one of your hands for cutting said cake when you ring the doorbell.
Peace.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:45 am
I think we should go back the way it was two years ago.
JASon
November 16th, 2009
11:46 am
Our offense has three great options-gonzalez, white, and turner- and yet we are still not getting it done. I think equal blame for this goes to Ryan as well as the coaching staff. Its just a little disappointing since we were all expecting the defense to be the achilles heal this season- but yet its the offense letting us down.
Many of us said 9-7. And that is looking more and more accurate as each week passes.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:46 am
Navigator, has it been two years. I did not know this season had ended.
Randy
November 16th, 2009
11:49 am
I know injuries are part of the game. But we seem to be having a rough year in this area. Add that to the schedule and Ryan’s sophomore slump, I think this team has done OK. I see hope for the future. I see a Super Bowl contender in a year or 2 from now. Ryan and the Falcons will fly high soon.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:50 am
Nobody wanted 9-7. Everybody wanted a Super Bowl appearance. Last year we won a couple games that we should have lost. 9-7 would have been good. This year we lost one we should have won. But since we have not made any progress since the beginning of the 2008 season…lets throw the entire team under the bus and start over….
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:51 am
Randy, at least somebody on the blog has some sense. Good job.
JeffC
November 16th, 2009
11:53 am
Having spent 9 hours in the car round trip in one day to see the game in Charlotte, I’ve got to vent. I put this loss completely in the hands of Ryan. Two momentum killing interceptions and he should have had a third on the goal line if Gonzalez hadn’t knocked the ball out of the defender’s hands. We had a great running game yesterday both with Turner and Snelling. Ryan had time to throw. It was a perfect weather. Even the crowd noise in Charlotte wasn’t that bad with the open air stadium. So what the hell is going on? Second year or not, yesterday all Ryan had to do was protect the ball and let our running game do the rest. We need to take a page from the Carolina playbook and turn Ryan into a caretaker like they’ve done with Delhomme… at least until he proves he can handle the added responsibility.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:54 am
SirReal for new GM of the Atlanta Falcons. He is so smart. He would have picked Dorsey in the 3rd round. Dorsey, where is he now. Who knows. Falcons win next week and these blogger will be praising the offense, defense, and special teams. Our coaching staff will be the best and smartest in the land. Fair weather fans and media.
nick deleo
November 16th, 2009
11:54 am
will norwood start next week against the giants or will the guy who played yesterday? apparantly norwood missed the game yesterday because of his kid being born, not the hip injury.
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:55 am
JeffC, fair weather fan. don’t go the next time.
iron head
November 16th, 2009
11:56 am
hey…these are the falcons. what do you expect? they’re losers! always have been, always will be!
MR
November 16th, 2009
11:56 am
nick deleo, what difference does it make if Norwood is there or not. Problem with this team is the QB.
Karl
November 16th, 2009
12:00 pm
I hate to be so negative, but folks, I have been hearing this all my life. I have followed the Falcons for 40 years since I was a little kid. There is always some problem keeping them from being a top team. It’s always either a bad O-line, or crappy defensive backs, or an idiot for a coach, or the Smith family not knowing what to do with a football franchise (thankfully we don’t have that problem anymore), or any number of other difficulties. It just piles up over the years until you wonder if this team will ever be one of the good ones. Is it the curse of Norm Van Brocklin?
nick deleo
November 16th, 2009
12:00 pm
yeah i hear ya MR, i was wondering who will start for fantasy reasons. Matt Ryan is a good QB though and he’s gonna be alright. maybe not this year but he’s gonna be putting up #’s in atlanta for a long time
tyger
November 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
The Great White Dope …
pisses in his pants and perhaps shts the season away. It’s as reliable as the Mayan calendar – everytime yoos guys go overboard with the great white hype, your self-annoited savior implodes. Reminds me of Gerry Cooney.
Question now is not how good he will be but how bad? Is he Ryan Leaf bad or Joey Harrington bad?
Or is he more Matt Schaub? Remember him, the pocket passer the Falcoons needed to get to the next level. Who happens to have laid every color egg in the Easter basket in Houston.
1. Matty Slice is good, not great. He has a pop-gun arm and happy feet.
2. He cannot throw the deep ball w/o winding up like Kyle Farnsworth.
3. His “intelligence” will not overcome his lack of physical gifts.
4. He’s a PR doll – but that won’t win games.
5. Eli is similarly situated but had a better overall team, especially the O-line.
FalconFan
November 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
If anyone sees Abraham anywhere, please report it to Falcons officials. He hasn’t shown up since week 1. I wonder if Grady Jackson had more to do with Abraham’s success than the casual fan like me knows?
Also, I am still not sold on Jenkins as the 2nd receiver. We don’t use 3 receivers much this year, instead using Gonzalez split out. Harry Douglas has been a huge loss. He was open down field to give Ryan another option – and they put Jenkins in the slot some when this happened, making him a mis-match for the other teams nickel corner. Gonzalez is a mis-match too, but not a downfield mis-match.
Am I the only one who hates the roll-out pass play that we never complete? The defense only needs to cover half of the field and gets to use the sidelines as another defender – it’s just a bad play and we run it 3 times per game.
JeffC
November 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
MR, you just agreed with me that the problem here is the QB. So what’s your point?
NativeAtlantanInDC
November 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
I thought I was watching Jeff George out there yesterday. It’s looking like a 7-9 type year….sad, but true…this team has too many holes and liabilities
Marvin
November 16th, 2009
12:03 pm
Man, this blog is unleashed and off the hook.
MR
November 16th, 2009
12:04 pm
MV is a felon and will never play football again. If he was able to perform the Eagles would be using him in some capacity. When McNabb was out he did not play. That should tell you idiots something. The one thing Atlanta does not need is MV.
EAAAASSY
November 16th, 2009
12:04 pm
bunch of fair weather fans. you’d think this was a UGA blog
nick deleo
November 16th, 2009
12:05 pm
come on atlanta help a brother out. Norwood or Snelling next week?