Good QBs are torching the Falcons’ secondary
NEWARK – There is one thing that is becoming clear as the Falcons hit the .500 mark.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning had his best game of the season, passing for almost 400 yards against the Falcons. (Associated Press).
Teams with above average to great quarterbacks are going to feast on the secondary.
Falcons coach Mike Smith won’t single out the secondary, but tighter and more instinctive coverage would probably get more passes batted down or defense.
“We gave up a lot of passing yards,” Smith said. “That’s very obvious. Way too many passing yards. It’s team defense. It’s not just the secondary. It’s a combination of the secondary, linebackers and defensive (linemen). We’ve got to make plays on third down. We continue to struggle on third down. It’s a combination of a number of things. But we can not give up, those type of yards in the passing game and expect to have the success that we want to have.”
Domenik Hixon pulls away from the Falcons secondary. (Associated Press)
The Falcons have been beaten by Tom Brady (277 yards passing), Tony Romo (311), Drew Brees (308), Jake Delhomme (195) and Eli Manning (a career-high 384). (Brady, Delhomme and Manning have started in Super Bowls).
The Falcons have beaten Chad Pennington, Delhomme, Shaun Hill, Jay Cutler and Jason Campbell.
If this “good quarterback” theory holds up, the Falcons will be in trouble against Philadelphia’s Donovan McNabb and Brees and the Saints. They should be OK against Josh Freeman (twice), Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick. If this hold up, the Falcons are headed for a 9-7 record which would snap the 44-year curse. However, that will not likely get them into the playoffs.
THE SECONDARY WOES: The secondary was exposed in the preseason by Philip Rivers and more importantly by Baltimore reserve John Beck.
The Falcons signed Brian Williams, but he suffered a knee injury and is on injured reserve. They traded for former first round pick Tye Hill, who received a shot, but got a quick hook against Carolina last week and did not even grace the field against the New York Giants.
The Falcons had opportunities to address the problem.
- They could have signed Domonique Foxworth. He was the team’s best corner last season. They elected not to over pay for his services. Maybe over pay was the move to make.
- They could have drafted Vontae Davis in the first round with the 24th pick. He went on the next pick to Miami at 25 after the Falcons selected Peria Jerry.
- They could have signed Ty Law. The five-time Pro Bowler was signed by Denver on Nov. 7.
- They could have signed Chris McAlister. He was signed by the Saints last week and was inactive on Sunday.
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) comes down with pass for a first down as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Houston (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
ABRAHAM SPEAKS UP: Defensive end John Abraham has not had a full sack since the San Francisco game in Week Four. He has just 3.5 sacks after racking up a franchise record 16.5 last season.
He had a quarterback hit against Eli.
“The D-line has to do a better job of getting (Manning) down,” Abraham said. “The pressure was good, but we weren’t getting him down. If we get him down, you don’t have to worry about that stuff (the passing yards).
Q & A WITH BRENT GRIMES
Q: How can you all tighten things up in the secondary?
A: “Just do the fundamentals. Do our techniques and make plays when we have the opportunity.”
BAKER PLAYED STRONG: Left tackle Sam Baker returned to the lineup and appeared to have a strong game.
“It was not the outcome that we wanted,” Baker said. “We fought hard until the end. It’s just frustrating right now, but I came out OK.”
The offense was proud of how they rallied in the second half.
“It’s huge,” Baker said. “We had a chance to show some character at the end, just to get back in the game and put ourselves in position to win it, was huge for us.”
COIN TOSS BLUES: Matt Ryan called tails in overtime. The ref dropped the coin, picked it up and then flipped. Ryan didn’t now if it was tails on the drop.
“If we would have got that ball, things would have been different,” Tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “That’s the way the luck strikes. You have to give them credit. They took the ball, which you would think that . . . the team that gets that coin toss gets the ball and they usually win. That’s what happened.”
Ryan was not kicking himself for not calling heads.
“Those are the rules,” Ryan said. “You can’t be frustrated with the system.”
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196 comments Add your comment
MV6
November 24th, 2009
3:44 pm
Sign Coutu, I promise you he wont miss any from inside 40 yards, Eric Berry would be a great pickup, all he does is make big plays but what makes you think he’ll be available when the Falcons pick, hes probably the top rated DB in the draft & will be long gone, maybe to Cleveland poor guy lmao lousy team & freeze his butt off. The Burner should just rest & try to comeback for the Eagles game, we need him for sure & we can beat the Bucs while he rests up this week, anybody seen a Abraham sighting hes doing his best imitation of Casper disappearing like a ghost! Go Falcons
Shamus Thacker
November 24th, 2009
4:36 pm
Why the Hell did we bring in Haushka for a kicking tryout?
He couldn’t kick from 10-yards away and hit Stone Mountain…
Shamus Thacker
November 24th, 2009
4:37 pm
Wide-right…
Shamus Thacker
November 24th, 2009
4:42 pm
Is Nick Mike-Mayer dead? Hell, lets bring him back…
If Morten (Big Fix) Andersen comes back, I’m staging a devastating one-man boycott!
WW
November 24th, 2009
5:19 pm
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
I just hope we are bad enough this year to be able to pick him up.
Black Lab
November 24th, 2009
5:28 pm
Good writing Orlando. I was not aware of all those available players. Someone in player personnel needs to wake up. At least they brought in kickers today. I agree on the corners….they are never looking for the ball….They are near it…but don’t make a play on it.
Falcon 8211
November 24th, 2009
6:01 pm
hey mike i see where GB lost kampman and harris on defense they will fade down the stretch .we do need to beat philly and hope romo fades down the stretch like he always does. they still have to play the gaints and philly which i think they lose plus they have to play the aints. that’s why i think 5 out of 6 with the loss coming against the aints or philly but would love to win out. i see they tried couto out today wander how long it will be before they sign him
tyger
November 24th, 2009
6:49 pm
Inside with the experts
1. Patrick Robinson, Florida State, 5-11/193
He is an elite athlete with the quickness, explosiveness and speed NFL coaches covet. He can run with the fastest receivers downfield and shows good receiver speed if he takes a false step. He shows good ball skills and burst to close on passes in a blink and go for the interception. He has all the physical tools and shows good competitiveness and instincts to consistently make big plays. Projection: Top-15 pick.
2. Joe Haden, Florida, 5-11/190 (junior)
If he shows as much improvement this season as he did last season, he could vault into the top five of the 2010 draft. He is a rare athlete with quickness, explosiveness and speed. He can run with any receiver but shows the loose hips to change directions in coverage with ease. Most star players are reluctant to play special teams, but he seems to relish the assignment and makes big plays there, too. Haden could become an NFL star with some improved technique. Projection: Top-20 pick.
3. Jerome Murphy, South Florida, 6-0/186
He is tall and athletic with rare speed. He seems to enjoy playing physical bump-and-run coverage and never hesitates to put his hands on receivers. He shows good smarts and instincts to read the quarterback and close aggressively. He is willing to go over or through the receiver to make the play. He shows good ball skills to make interceptions. Murphy consistently makes big plays all over the field and is consistently around the ball in key situations. Projection: Late first- or early second-round pick.
4. Trevard Lindley, Kentucky, 5-11/177
He is not a flashy prospect with elite speed, but he plays with impeccable technique and shows good quickness. He must add bulk to deal with big, strong receivers. He is smart, reading and reacting well to the quarterback. He shows the athleticism to make adjustments easily in coverage and shows great ball skills to break-up passes or intercept them. He will slip down draft boards because of his lack of elite speed, but there is no denying his consistent production against SEC receivers. Projection: Second-round pick.
Falcon 8211
November 24th, 2009
8:26 pm
hey d. led we did not try out any corners today
shortdogg
November 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
When A DB feel that he’s beat, he’s not going to look for the ball.
redbird
November 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
the latest on this subject:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8GuH9oDHrU
Keep it real
November 25th, 2009
8:34 am
Also another corner that we could get for cheap that is way better than our corners , Is Adam Jones, he has stayed out of trouble and he wont mess up again! Character does not win games! We have a lot of character on our team but what is that getting us! In the words of Joey Porter who would you rather walk down the alley with?
Why is Elam still on the team?
YA Tittle
November 25th, 2009
9:11 am
Defense is weak. Needs more talent as has been noted by all and definitely hurt by injuries. We knew this in the preseason. Falcs have actually done better on defense than I expected.
Wasn’t it great to see the offense, and especially Ryan get agressive and confident in the 2nd half. That has been missing for several weeks. They have been letting the pressure get to them and instead of beating the weakness of the pressure defense. This is a learning experience, as is every week.
Not there yet, but getting there.
BS artist
November 25th, 2009
9:44 am
hiramsaint
The Saints will fold like a cheap lawn chair after the Patriots put an a$$ whooping on them. Just like always, some things will never change. LMAO
HATinGA
November 25th, 2009
2:05 pm
Why is it we blitz and bring pressure on 1st and 2nd downs to get in good 3rd downs {8to 15 yards} but then on the pressure down 3rd and long we rush 4 and somtimes 3, thats when we need to bring it!! I would rather give up a big play every now and then to get the rewards of getting off the field or a sack fumble. There is nothing worse for your defence than to let a QB sit back there and convert on 3rd an 13!!
SilvesterCrenshaw
November 25th, 2009
3:29 pm
Im hoping that when the Falcons play the Phillies in a couple of weeks, McNabb is unable to play and Vick steps in and passes for 400 yards AND rushes for 200 yards. That would be the ideal scenario and revenge for Vick for getting blasted for being BLACK.
JoyceBrothers
November 25th, 2009
4:13 pm
Jason Elams job is finally in JEOPARDY. Thats after he (single-handedly) has cost the Falcons a playoff berth. We need to run the table in order to make the playoffs. We still have Philly (Vick) on the schedule and New Orleans, both games we most likely are going to lose. If we win the other 4 games, which we should, our final record will be a whopping 9-7. That will end the curse but keep us out of the playoffs. If Jason Elam doesnt blow the chip shot field goals against Carolina and the Giants, we end up 11-5 and make the playoffs again. Elam should have cut already but if he were to straighten out his problems, he has an incredible range of 55 yards. But you cant have a field goal kicker that makes 45-55 yard field goals, but misses extra points and chip shots (20-35 yards). Elam needs psychological help or we will have no other alternative than to cut him. Now that Elam and Ryan have slumped (I hate to say this because I think most of the CHOKE fans are hanging on my every word to see if I will mention Vicks name) I almost wish we still have Mike (Dogfighter) Vick on our roster. If Vick were here we would have gone undefeated this season.
LuwellaThornton
November 25th, 2009
4:42 pm
Our season has disappeared quickly. What started out so promising at 4-1 has quickly gone down the drain at 1-4. We should be 10-0 right now, because I think the Falcons are every bit as good as Minnesota, New Orleans, Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots (the elite teams of the league). I didnt mention Philly, Dallas and Carolina because I think they are mediocre. The falcons this year are one of the elite teams, but they just havent proven it so far. They will though if they run the table at 6-0 and finish at 11-5. This will be the only way our season will be a success. We must because even if we have a single loss and finish at 10-6, we wont get in the playoffs because Dallas, New Orleans and Philly will own the tie breakers against us. If we fail to make the playoffs there should be drastic personnel changes next season. Coach Smiths job is safe at least for another year.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 25th, 2009
5:38 pm
BS artist
November 25th, 2009
9:44 am
hiramsaint
The Saints will fold like a cheap lawn chair after the Patriots put an a$$ whooping on them. Just like always, some things will never change. LMAO
“You mean like the one they gave the Falcons this season”
Falcons Fan
November 26th, 2009
6:43 am
I’m starting to wonder about Arthur Blank’s hiring process because the last two head coaches that he has hired. They both were defensive coordinators for their former mediocre teams. Maybe the next great defensive coordinator hired will actually know how to coach defense because the other two do not know what a defense looks like. Another thing for you Matt Ryan fans you’ve been fooled again!! Matt Ryan against bottom feeding teams makes him look like Peyton Manning but when he goes against the big boys he looks more like Ryan Leaf of San Diego
Albert Patterson
November 26th, 2009
7:03 am
The problem with the Falcon’s Defense is coaching. For some strange reason, the defense backs have not been taught to try to locate the football when it is in the air. I have watch the Falcons consistently since 1987 and I have never observed the DB’s trying to locate the football. You really don’t have to be an outstanding quarterback to defeat the Falcons as long as the Falcon’s secondary continue to play this way. Winning teams have secondaries that always try to locate the football. I am a loyal Falcon fan primarily because I was raised in Georgia and I will always support the home team. However reality tells me that as long as the DB/s do not try to locate the football, The Falcons will never establish a winning tradition.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 26th, 2009
10:10 am
Enter your comments here
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 26th, 2009
10:12 am
The Falcons are respected so low, that the horrible bucks are 56 percent favorites if they have zero turnovers………..
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 26th, 2009
10:13 am
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nfl/nflpreview?gameId=291129001
Matt "Choke" Ryan
November 26th, 2009
10:16 am
Somebody needs to visit the fashion police.
DAVID
November 26th, 2009
12:26 pm
I’ve been saying this for the longest, the Falcons need a defensive end and a over 6ft corner… When that happens, the Falcons will be ready to compete for it all… We are a pretty good team now, lost a couple of game we should have won (New Orleans, New York) watch how much better we will be if we work on these 2 positions….Chris Houston should remain a starter, Brent Grimes and Ty Hill are a no no… Good Qb’s with tall recievers will have a field day with them… If you dont apply pressure to a quarter back I dont care if it’s Deion Sanders a corner can cover for so long…….
Edward
November 26th, 2009
2:17 pm
The secondary is pretty wretched but all hope is not lost if we can’t win 4 of our next 6 against the likes of Tampa Bay twice, Buffalo, and NYJets then we don’t deserve to have back to back winning seasons. All that being said I think the key down the stretch is along the defensive line. A swift pass rush can make even a bad secondary look good, but the best news is that we are back at home now where we are nearly unbeaten under Coach Smith.
jeff p
November 26th, 2009
3:09 pm
You still have to look at the great coaching of this team – other than the game in Dallas, the team has been competitive in every game. If you look at the schedule, the only extra win you would think they could have gotten was at Carolina, but Matt Ryan made some bad decisions which shifted field position.
I like Roddy White’s attitude – playoffs start now. This team should be able to win 5 out of 6 games down the stretch and make the playoffs. They key game will be against Philly.
They can control their own destiny and just focus a game at a time but I believe their tough stretch of the schedule is behind them – especially when the next three are at home.
This team is what it is and the record reflects that – defense is not that great and management took those chances in the offseason which is showing in these recent games.
I still like the “process” of this organization and these definitively are not your father’s Falcons or even your Vick/Mora Falcons of recent memory.
Let’s pack the GA Dome the next three weeks and show some passion and get this team heading in the right direction again.
cdog
November 27th, 2009
1:26 am
put chris owens at the corner. and anyone else. you can’t do any worse than that mess they have had at the corners. houston and grimes act as though they never been on a football field before. both does not have any pride or heart. both are a waste. each week they get beat like a drum and they just laugh about it. along with decoud. when you play secondary for the falcons, you forget how its played. makes you wonder about everything including the coaching
ltdbrave
November 27th, 2009
8:28 am
One big mistake the Falcons made was not signing Keith Brooking. I understand the youth movement, but he cpuld have really helped.
JYD
November 27th, 2009
9:28 am
The Falcons are what we knew they were, total defense = swiss cheese, Offense was too over hyped by the media, our receivers can’t seem to get open. One would have thought the offense was supposed to put up points like NO. Can’t total blame the D, Ryan looked like the second coming of Joey.
david
November 27th, 2009
9:33 am
we have got to retrain our corners to turn their heads and see why the guy they are covering is all excited, THE BALL IS COMING!!!
Michael
November 29th, 2009
1:44 pm
WAY TO GO ELAM!
Michael
November 29th, 2009
1:46 pm
Just noticed the sound of chirping crickets. This is obviously not the Falcons’ live-game blog…
Tammycga
February 8th, 2010
11:20 am
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February 8th, 2010
11:23 am
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
12:53 pm
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February 8th, 2010
3:21 pm
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
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February 8th, 2010
4:16 pm
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