OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense
Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and quarterback Matt Ryan are ready to expand the use of the no-huddle attack. (CURTIS COMPTON/AJC).
The Falcons are spending part of the organized team activities tuning up and expanding their no-huddle attack.
Offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey relied on the no-huddle as a quick change of pace attack last season.
When the Falcons jumped into the no-huddle, they never stayed in it for extended periods. Two plays here, two plays there.
An analysis of last season’s play-by-play gamebooks, reveals that the Falcons went into the no-huddle offense 16 times in five different games.
They scored seven touchdowns and two field goals while in the no-huddle.
Mularkey appeared to like going into the no-huddle to jumpstart the offense. The team was trailing on 14 of the 16 times he called for a no-huddle. The one time they were ahead and were tied, was against Tampa Bay in the season finale.
Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
The Falcons nearly pulled off two victories with the aid of the no-huddle attack.
Trailing 21-19 against Carolina, they used the no-huddle to get Jason Elam in place for 34-yard field goal attempt that would have given them the lead. Elam missed the field goal and was later released on Dec. 1.
Against the New York Giants, the Falcons went into the no-huddle offense a season-high five times. They scored three touchdowns and a field goal with the aid of the no-huddle.
With Mularkey pressing the gas pedal on the no-huddle, the Falcons stormed back from a 31-17 deficit to force overtime. The leaky pass defense failed them in overtime as the Giants marched right down the field — 49 yards in seven plays — for the game-winning 36-yard field goal.
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE NO-HUDDLE STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN
NO HUDDLE VS. NEW ENGLAND
1. DOWN 10-3, SECOND QUARTER
(1 play)
–Second down-3 yards-at NE’s 34 – 10:36 (No Huddle) M. Ryan pass incomplete short right to R. White (T. Warren). (Drive ends with touchdown)
2. DOWN 16-10, SECOND QUARTER
(2 plays)
Roddy White said the Falcons have about 30 plays to run out of their no-huddle attack.
–1-10-ATL 45 (5:19) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Jenkins to NE 47 for 8 yards (L.Bodden).
–2-2-NE 47 (4:52) (No Huddle) M.Turner up the middle to NE 41 for 6 yards (A.Thomas, B.Meriweather). NE-V.Wilfork was injured during the play.
(Drive end with fumble)
3. DOWN 16-10, THIRD QUARTER
(2 plays)
–1-10-NE 43 (8:32) (No Huddle) M.Turner up the middle to NE 36 for 7 yards (B.McGowan, A.Thomas).
–2-3-NE 36 (7:57) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass deep left to M.Jenkins for 36 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by
Penalty. PENALTY on ATL-M.Jenkins, Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at NE 36 – No Play.
(Drive end with punt)
4. DOWN 19-10, FOURTH QUARTER
(2 plays)
–4–1-10-ATL 36 (14:28) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to R.White to ATL 32 for -4 yards (A.Thomas).
–2-14-ATL 32 (13:50) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass incomplete short left to M.Jenkins (L.Bodden).
(Drive ends with punt)
NO HUDDLE VS.DALLAS
1. DOWN 34-14, FOURTH QUARTER
(2 plays)
– 1-10-ATL 32 (8:11) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short middle to J.Snelling to ATL 42 for 10 yards (B.Carpenter).
–1-10-ATL 42 (7:43) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short left. Pass thrown out of bounds.
(2 plays later in SAME DRIVE)
–1-10-DAL 30 (6:12) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short right. Pass was thrown away.
–2-10-DAL 30 (6:06) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to B.Finneran to DAL 25 for 5 yards (O.Scandrick).
3-5-DAL 25 (6:06) (No Huddle, Shotgun) PENALTY on ATL-J.Blalock, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at DAL 25 – No Play.
(Drive ends with touchdown)
NO HUDDLE VS. CAROLINA
1. DOWN 14-3, SECOND QUARTER
(4 plays, longest no huddle stint of season)
–1-10-ATL 42 (11:55) (No Huddle) M.Turner up the middle to ATL 46 for 4 yards (C.Johnson).
–2-6-ATL 46 (11:22) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass short left to R.White to CAR 39 for 15 yards (S.Martin; L.Johnson).
Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88). (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)
–1-10-CAR 39 (10:44) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass incomplete deep left to M.Jenkins.
–2-10-CAR 39 (10:37) (No Huddle) M.Turner up the middle to CAR 37 for 2 yards (E.Brown).
(Drive ends with touchdown)
2. DOWN 21-19, FOURTH QUARTER
(3 plays)
–1-10-CAR 25 (7:39) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Jenkins to CAR 20 for 5 yards (J.Beason).
–2-5-CAR 20 (7:05) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan up the middle to CAR 16 for 4 yards (J.Anderson).
–3-1-CAR 16 (6:44) (No Huddle) M.Ryan up the middle to CAR 16 for no gain (D.Lewis).
Atlanta challenged the first down ruling, and the play was Upheld. (Timeout #2.)
(Drive ends with missed 34-yeard field goal that would have given the Falcons a 22-21 lead.)
NO HUDDLE VS. NEW YORK GIANTS
1. DOWN 10-3, SECOND QUARTER
(1 play)
–2-8-ATL 35 (1:34) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short right to R.White (C.Webster)
(Drive ended with fumble)
2. DOWN 17-7, THIRD QUARTER
SO CLOSE - This long bomb to Falcons wide receiver # 12 Michael Jenkins is just off his finger tips for a sure touchdown as it falls incomplete during 1st half action against the Saints at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. Curtis Compton,ccompton@ajc.com
(2 plays)
–1-10-NYG 40 (14:15) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass incomplete deep left to R.White (C.Webster).
–2-10-NYG 40 (14:06) (No Huddle) J.Snelling up the middle to NYG 43 for -3 yards (B.Cofield).
(Drive ended with touchdown)
3. DOWN 24-14, THIRD QUARTER
(3 plays)
–2-4-NYG 44 (6:07) (No Huddle) J.Snelling right end pushed ob at NYG 39 for 5 yards (M.Boley). R15
–1-10-NYG 39 (5:40) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short left to R.White (C.Webster).
–2-10-NYG 39 (5:30) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass incomplete short left to R.White.
PENALTY on NYG-O.Umenyiora, Defensive Offside, 5 yards, enforced at NYG 39 – No Play.
(Drive ended with 25-yard field goal)
4. DOWN 31-17, FOURTH QUARTER
(2 plays)
–1-10-NYG 44 (11:16) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to M.Jenkins to NYG 46 for -2 yards (M.Boley).
–2-12-NYG 46 (10:39) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass short left to J.Peelle to NYG 46 for no gain (M.Boley, A.Ross).
(Drive ends with touchdown)
tlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) heads for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
5. DOWN 31-24, FOURTH QUARTER
(2 plays)
–1-10-ATL 34 (2:28) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass short right to T.Gonzalez to ATL 40 for 6 yards (D.Clark, C.Blackburn).
–2-4-ATL 40 (2:01) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass incomplete short right to M.Jenkins
NO HUDDLE VS. TAMPA BAY
1. DOWN 3-0, IN SECOND QUARTER
(3 plays)
–1-10-ATL 49 (12:57) (No Huddle) J.Norwood right end to TB 47 for 4 yards (B.Ruud, C.Hovan).
–2-6-TB 47 (12:22) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to R.White to TB 40 for 7 yards (A.Talib). P3
–1-10-TB 40 (11:57) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Jenkins to TB 33 for 7 yards (E.Mack).
–2-3-TB 33 (11:57) (No Huddle, Shotgun) PENALTY on ATL-S.Baker, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at TB 33 – No Play.
(Drive ends, turnover on downs)
2. DOWN 3-0, SECOND QUARTER
(3 plays)
–1-10-TB 38 (5:52) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to R.White to TB 30 for 8 yards (A.Talib).
–2-2-TB 30 (5:28) (No Huddle) J.Norwood right end to TB 26 for 4 yards (A.Talib). R7
–1-10-TB 26 (5:07) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to J.Norwood to TB 18 for 8 yards (G.Hayes).
(Drive end with field goal to tie game, 3-3).
3. SCORED TIED 3-3, SECOND QUARTER
(1 play)
–2-3-TB 34 (2:03) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to R.White to TB 23 for 11 yards (S.Piscitelli).
(Drive end with touchdown to give Falcons 10-3 lead on last play before halftime).
4. FALCONS UP 10-3, THIRD QUARTER
(3 plays)
–2-7-ATL 46 (12:07) (No Huddle) J.Norwood up the middle to TB 49 for 5 yards (B.Ruud).
–3-2-TB 49 (11:37) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to J.Peelle to TB 45 for 4 yards (B.Ruud). P14
–1-10-TB 45 (11:08) (No Huddle) M.Ryan pass deep right intended for M.Jenkins INTERCEPTED by T.Jackson at TB 28. T.Jackson to TB 47 for 19 yards (J.Blalock).
(Drive ended in by interception)
How much more should the Falcons use the no-huddle offense? Should Mularkey continue to use it as a change of pace? Should he use it to attack defense and not wait for the team to fall behind?
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71 comments Add your comment
Tweets that mention OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
June 7th, 2010
12:49 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Darryl Ledbetter, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense. The Falcons scored on 9 of 16 no-huddle drives last season. http://bit.ly/dq5xiJ [...]
FalconsFan284
June 7th, 2010
12:52 pm
I like the no huddle attack as long is it is deployedin the same fashion as the Colts have been using it.
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
12:52 pm
First
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
12:54 pm
Opps guess I’m not first, Second!
I think FalconsFan said it right. As long as we develop it in the same manner as the Colts have AND it’s overall successful, then we should open up the throttle.
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
My personal opinion is I’d like to see us open up the offense with more down field attempts.
Our conditioning my help us with the no huddle as well
osama
June 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
yes. they should incorporate it more like the K-Gun. they have the weapons. it shouldn’t be a base offense but definitely implemented to attack weaknesses & capitalize on mis-matches. they still need ball-control identity to grind clock @ the end of games. in a word: versatility.
PMC
June 7th, 2010
1:09 pm
This is going to be awesome. Ryan has seemed almost better and more comfortable in the no huddle than he has in the slower paced offense. There were times in the last few seasons I didn’t understand why they didn’t use it more. They need to put as much pressure on the defense as they can and the no huddle passing attack combined with a smash mouth running attack is just one of those tools to add pressure.
Manny
June 7th, 2010
1:17 pm
I would like to see a mix of the deliberate no-huddle and the no-huddle that the Colts use: cadence, check the D, and call a play.
Dave In Tampa
June 7th, 2010
1:27 pm
How about just having a game plan, plan of attack!
Hollywould
June 7th, 2010
1:30 pm
Stay in the no-huddle/ keep Mularkey out of the loop/ Maybe we could try a screen one time/ how about the backs out ofthe backfield/no more 6 yard outs on 3rd and 8.
Bootsie
June 7th, 2010
1:37 pm
I think we should have the quarterback scramble around for a few seconds before either taking off on a run (fumble), or overthrowing a receiver (interception). Oh wait, that was Gregg Knapp’s offense. Never mind.
truth
June 7th, 2010
1:42 pm
How about we let Mularkey run the offense? He’s earned it. He’s not the loser some of you think he is. If not, send in your resume and see how quickly it hits the bottom of the trash can. Just say’n.
Hollywould
June 7th, 2010
1:49 pm
Truth, are you Mularkey”s brother?
Tweets that mention OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
June 7th, 2010
1:54 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ATLHOMER, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense http://bit.ly/d198Dn [...]
BugKiller
June 7th, 2010
2:12 pm
How about Mike Mularky introduce a play to the Falcons’ attack called THE SCREEN PASS!?!?!?!?
You know, to slow the pass rush and actually USE our running backs’ excellent receiving skills and open field running ability???
Tell us, DOB, WHY THE HELL DOESN’T MIKE MULLARKY EVER CALL SCREEN PASSES???
Unlike his favorite reverses, screen passes don’t have quite a high rate of failure, and not only that, they won’t put you ten yards behind the line if they do fail.
I’m sick of haivng offensive coordinators on this team who don’t take advantage of their player’s skills.
Turner, Norwood, AND Snelling all have excellent hands and are great open field runners.
WHY THE HELL DOESN’T MULLARKY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT???
This is a bunch of Mullarky
June 7th, 2010
2:23 pm
What’s wrong with a huddle fellers? Heck, talk it over a little and catch your breath.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 7th, 2010
2:33 pm
BUG KILLER — It takes a lot of precision to properly execute the Screen Pass. Turner’s hands might be an issue. Norwood out runs his blocking. Snelling is your best screen person.
JB
June 7th, 2010
2:40 pm
The main problem with a huddle is that it allows the defense to make substitutions. As long as you’re in the no-huddle, the defense has to stay on the field with no subs.
JB
June 7th, 2010
2:43 pm
DOL, don’t assume the running backs are the issue – screen passes rely heavily on the o-line to pull off successfully.
Misses Mike Kenn
June 7th, 2010
2:44 pm
You must have an athletic offensive line to run the screen, and while this line is nasty and tenacious, it’s not very athletic. They don’t block well in space. Hopefully, the rookies can improve that.
A.Dylan Thomas
June 7th, 2010
2:50 pm
Mullarky the thing about the no huddle is it keeps the defense from making substitutions allowing the offense to create mismatches. The no huddle is like a sneak attack it leaves the opponent little to no time to get organized.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 7th, 2010
2:53 pm
JB — The screen is a thing of beauty, when run properly.
JTH
June 7th, 2010
3:00 pm
It was fairly successful for them so why not expand it? They should use it to attack, especially against weaker defenses. Jump on them early.
BugKiller
June 7th, 2010
3:00 pm
DOB…
Turner’s hands are an issue? Did you ever watch a Chargers game when he played there? Come on man, his hands are fine.
I’ll agree with you on Norwood. Norwood is a guy I’m guessing who just isn’t putting in time in the film room and maybe doesn’t take his practices as seriously as he should, because with talent like that, the only thing that is keeping him from being great is himself.
Still, Mullarky has no excuse for his lack of calling screen passes.
Screen passes would have saved Ryan’s butt in the Dallas game, especially.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
June 7th, 2010
3:01 pm
in a no huddle like the colts run isn’t Manning calling all the plays ?
I think Ryan is going to be great but I don’t think he is ready to handle all the play calling duties.
Ic3y
June 7th, 2010
3:15 pm
I agree we should throw more screens but i don’t know about turners hands. I mean he only has 22 career receptions.
BugKiller
June 7th, 2010
3:22 pm
DOB,
If the no-huddle is so good with Ryan running it and calling his own plays, why don’t the Falcons make like the Jim Kelly Bills?
The Falcons should run the “R-Gun Offense” (R for Ryan).
Ryan’s greatest asset is his brain. Let him call the plays from the line. The Falcons can tire out the defense and really dictate everything they can and cannot do, from tempo to substitutions.
And because the team runs the ball so much, they can still eat up clock, mixing in a true K-Gun-style hurry-up with a more deliberate, take every second of the clock Manning-style no-huddle.
Keep the defenses guessing. Hurrying them up when you want to get them in personnel mismatches and slowing it down when you need to breather.
Besides, to be honest, I trust Ryan calling the plays more than Mullarky, who has been a largely uninspiring as a playcaller.
truth
June 7th, 2010
3:25 pm
Hey……why don’t we just call back Mora and Knapp. We finally have things going our way in this franchise and we as fans still B**CH like we did before, thinking we know something when we really don’t have a clue. It’s apparent that this offence is yet set to run more screens. I’m sure they are working on that. Remember…..process.
truth
June 7th, 2010
3:29 pm
In 2009 Mularkey was a genius. One years and some major injuries later and he’s a dud.
Buggie……send in your resume.
truth
June 7th, 2010
3:29 pm
Excuse me in 2008 he was a genuis.
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
3:37 pm
Just read an article on NFL.com
Titled “20 break-out Player for 2010″
The Falcons had 3 player listed for a break-out this year.
Bierman, Decoud and Lofton
Check it….
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d818615a5&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
3:38 pm
Notice we didn’t have any Offensive players on there?
BugKiller
June 7th, 2010
3:44 pm
truth LOVED Willie Martinez, too.
truth thought Jim Donnan was AWESOME.
truth was Ray Goff’s biggest fan.
truth thought Jerry Glanville was the bee’s knees.
truth is yet another moron who is unable to think for himself and demand greatness from his sports teams.
truth is just a smarmy yes-man.
truth.if you agree with everything the coaches do all the time, why are you even posting on here? shouldn’t you be in Flowery Branch offering to kiss people’s butts?
Hollywould
June 7th, 2010
3:47 pm
I am with you bugkiller/ We haven’t run a screen in 2 years. i don’t want to hear about lineman not being athletic enough. You can have one man screens/ tight end screens/ the object is to get people in space.
Let Ryan call the plays/ 3rd year QB’s better be able to make decisions unless he is Yunel Escobar who has played what 3 or 4 years and still needs an interpreter.
Chop Buster
June 7th, 2010
3:54 pm
BugKiller, this sounds good as long as we run our plays out of different sets. If you’re running the same plays multiple times out of the same set over the course of the season it won’t matter–teams will recognize it whether you’re in no-huddle or not.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
3:55 pm
FalconTransplant, I think the only offensive player we could have set up for a breakout is Jenkins or another wideout opposite White, which I don’t really see coming. Gonzalez is well established, and I think Ryan and our RBs have already shown too much to be considered break out players. Anything Ryan or Turner could do would be considered a return to form, or, in Ryan’s case, a maturation. And you’ll notice that there’s only 1 offensive lineman on that list. They generally don’t get that kind of hype because they can’t really put up the gawdy numbers a lot of other positions can. Besides, our OL is basically a known at this point I think. A lot of tough but not the most skilled players for their positions. Someone would have to blindside everybody to break out there.
truth
June 7th, 2010
3:58 pm
Can’t handle the truth, buggie. Oh that’s it….you’re mad because I called you buggie. Ok, I’ll call you Lady Bug instead. My point was Lady Bug, if you would just calm your cute little lady bug butt down, is alot of things went into play last year that caused this team not to run on all cylinders. Not Mulakey’s fault. If we should get rid of anyone, by your own way of thinking, it should be coach Smith…he’s the one that went and got’m to run the offense and dumb enough not to keep him around. I guess Smith is unable to run a team………
BugKiller
June 7th, 2010
4:09 pm
looks like truth can’t handle himself.
how is he able to type with his lips pressed to Mike Mullarky’s backside?
again, people like truth aren’t even close to being real fans.
real fans have no problem pointing out the deficiencies in their team no matter where they lay.
truth also loved the Smiths.
truth was a HUGE fan of Ron Jirsa.
and truth is the biggest defender Don Waddell ever had.
truth
June 7th, 2010
4:10 pm
Ok DLed I’m done.
mountain_jim
June 7th, 2010
4:13 pm
Good column and subject Dled. Mularkey was too conservative last year, and not enough no-huddle was a part of that.
However, I agree with BugKiller that the lack of a screen game kills the offense at times. If it takes precision, then I would say that it is Mularkey’s job to install and instill that precision, Replace that role-out to right with only 2 options he calls every series and the inevitable Matt throw-away and wasted down with varied screen and draw plays.
truth
June 7th, 2010
4:15 pm
Lady Bug….do you need a hug? Not a real fan? Been one since 1980. I have seen alot of stuoid things from this franchise but stuck through it all when most left. Were you around in the 80’s 90’s 2000-2007? If you were you would have most likely jumped ship. I’m just glad to see a real sense of direction coming from my team. I don’t agree with everthing but from what I’ve seen the good far out weighs the bad.
And that’s the TRUTH. (you hated that part didn’t you Lady Bug)
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
4:22 pm
mountain_jim, a coach can’t increase the talent or change the abilities of the players he has. All he can do is teach and try to make them learn and call plays that he thinks will give the players he has the best chance to win. Mularkey got a lot of credit when the offense was successful in 08, so I have no problem with him taking some blame for the inconsistency in 09, but to say it’s a coach’s job to get the players able to run a certain play or a certain offense is over-simplifying a bit.
Hopefully, TD has improved our defense enough this season that he can start looking more at upgrading the OL next year.
mountain_jim
June 7th, 2010
4:33 pm
It may be over-simplifying, but one of the reasons Matt got beat up so much and hurt last year is because the Oline pass blocks poorly and no screen game existed to slow down the rush. Matt could not go deep much because he rarely had the time, and a screen game could have helped that alot.
08 and 09 was the difference between average and great defenses and it exposed the oline’s pass blocking and Mularkey’s screen-lacking gameplans.
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
4:38 pm
My point with that post was that our def is being recognized as an up and comer, but we really didn’t do much on the side of offensive skill set players this off season and it show with that article. I’m proud of our Def moves these last few years, but unless someone comes out of nowhere on our offense then we’re predictable. Only guy i see as potential on Off (considering a breakout) would be HD to take over at #2 and maybe one of our rokkie WR stepping up like HD did his rookie year.
However, because we’re all not sure how HD will return it’s not worth noting. I really hope regardless of our 2010 season outcome, we address some much needed Offensive weaponry for 2011.
I don’t see us going out during this off season and signing any veteran skills set player.
That’s not to say we can’t get it done this year, just making my point based on the NFL article
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
4:38 pm
That was for GT Alum
J.J.M.
June 7th, 2010
4:52 pm
Ok so the madden 11 team rankings came out…Falsons were 83 overall on madden 10 and on madden 11 they are 83 overall….WTFFFFFF how did they not improve?
truth
June 7th, 2010
4:55 pm
Do you want a bottle too Hiram? A grown man with dirty underware who sniffs jock straps. Do you also sit in one place for a long period of time , drooling, and rocking back and forth?
hiramsaint
June 7th, 2010
4:56 pm
’cause smitty is still the coach , blank is still the owner and matty slush is still at qb. where do you see any improvement?
hiramsaint
June 7th, 2010
4:58 pm
now who reeled who in hook line and sinker? thats right truth , i did. if you don’t want someone gettin’ your goat, don’t let them know where it’s tied.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
5:04 pm
JJM, without knowing the basis for the rankings, it’s hard to tell. Maybe they had the offense rated high last season based on the 08 season, but they dropped that based on 09, which negated any gain for the defense. Or maybe they had expected a decline from the offense last season, but they expected the defense to be better than it was. Or maybe they just want the defense to show it’s better than it was last year. There’s lots of potential reasons. Preseason rankings are pretty much a guessing game anyway, at least if there’s any level of parity within a sport.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
5:12 pm
FalconTransplant, I understand what you’re saying. The offense should have a lot of weapons already, though, especially if Turner can stay healthy and Ryan can progress. The defense was the glaring weakness on this team, so TD had to make it his top priority, the same way he focused on building the offense before 08. Unless the defense doesn’t really show improvement this season, I would expect him to look more evenly at both sides of the ball next offseason.
truth
June 7th, 2010
5:22 pm
All hail Hiram…all hail Hiram……
Falcons to host fishing outing for military veterans | Atlanta Falcons
June 7th, 2010
5:22 pm
[...] OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense [...]
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 7th, 2010
5:33 pm
Is Mularkey the Magic Man? And Ryan is Shake n Bake? From Talladega Nights.
DePlane
June 7th, 2010
6:57 pm
A chef can make a great stew if he has the right ingredients. Same with Malarkey. Perhaps he has been too conservative. But that may depend on the ingredients he has to work with.
The Falcon’s have added depth on the OL and understand they have to improve the pass blocking. It’ll be up to the coaches to decide when those guys are ready. But I don’t think they’re ignoring it by any stretch.
I believe we will see an improvement. So goes the line, so goes the playcalling. If he feels he can open it up with confidence, or add the screen passes and have success, why wouldn’t he? Ingredients.
SMART fan
June 7th, 2010
6:58 pm
Truth is the only one who might have football intelligence on this blog, first off bug, to run a screen you need an athletic offensive line, which we lack. Second you need a back capable of running a good screen. dont even say norwood because he would get hurt before catching the ball. Im sure the first thing on mularkeys mind with a old back up quarterback and Jason Snelling..WHOO?? that we need to run a screen. The no huddle offense was amazing in 08… perhaps it was because we had a healthy matt ryan in the huddle and not our backup qb. Think before you say stupid things bug. We’re not the colts, we are a rebuilding franchise.
DePlane
June 7th, 2010
6:59 pm
Funny how there’s a rash of posts just before people leave the office, haha!
FalconTransplant
June 7th, 2010
7:04 pm
Smart Fan
I must disagree with you on the rebuilding part. (unless you consider a team rebuilding until we win the Superbowl)
Maybe a transitional team at worst, but not rebuilding. That was ‘08/’09 but this year we have bigger dreams than just a winning season.
TLH
June 7th, 2010
7:19 pm
I think the screen pass would work better with Norwood. Just my opinion though.
Jeff
June 7th, 2010
8:02 pm
Text-styling tip: Be a lot subtler.
carpenter
June 7th, 2010
8:19 pm
we should definately run screens and draws no matter whose in the backfield. im sure turner knows how to run a draw even if he cant catch. the only thing norwwood can run is a screen because he is horrible at following blocks and letting the play develop and if he chooses to out run his blockers on the screen play that will be fine too because at least it will keep the defense from being able to pin their ears back on every third and 6. i dont care whose in the game— every nfl team should be able to run a screen effectively — just like evry mlb team should have plenty of great bunters! screen plays keep the defense honest and are an essentual weapon to every good offense. if mularky cant coach his offence to execute a screen play then maybe we should let BVG do it.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
June 7th, 2010
8:54 pm
Jeff – Thank you Jeff. Want to break up the gray with some BANG!
Carpenter — You can beat the blitz with some hot routes in addition to the screen and draw game.
florida falcon
June 7th, 2010
9:09 pm
Hey Dol- Change the headline! Oops, my mistake wrong blog!
A.H.O.M.P.
June 7th, 2010
9:15 pm
Awww, come on guys, it’s so simple maybe you need a refresher course. All we got to do is line up Roddy, Jenkins, Harry Douglas, Finnerman and Gonzo, with Turner and Northwood in the backfield, and we will be unstoppable!
drmondo
June 7th, 2010
11:36 pm
I have to admit I was leery of Mularky when he came to ATL, having had to see his work up here in western NY. His offenses did not inspire terror. I’d love it if someone a little more creative had some say in the playcalling. If he’s ready for it, give Ryan more input in the play. Do I think he’s ready to become Manning? No, but I think he’s intelligent enough to have that level of control some day.
Screen plays, hot routes, more options to audible to all would be welcome at this point. I have faith in the team (moreso now than anytime in the past 30yrs), but see nothing wrong in pointing out problems. Refusing to acknowledge the team’s shortcomings is almost as bad as the naysayers who question everything the team does. Being loyal doesn’t make you blind.
That said, here’s hoping for a 13-3 season and a trip to the SB!!!
NFL coaches walk fine OTA intensity and tempo line | Atlanta Falcons
June 8th, 2010
7:08 am
[...] OC Mike Mularkey is revving up the no-huddle offense [...]
NFL News and Notes – June 8, 2010 | The Other 31
June 8th, 2010
8:38 am
[...] Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey may use the no-huddle offense more in 2010, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta [...]
Gamer
June 8th, 2010
9:56 am
The NO-HUDDLE OFFENSE attack is great game planning weaponry against formiable teams scheduled to play Falcons in 2010.
The NO-HUDDLE OFFENSE ATTACK is the NFL’S FASTBREAK VERSION OF THE NBA.
It forces team to burn time-outs or causes the same defensive players to play every Down, causing fatigue to opponent’s defense.
NO HUDDLE-OFFENSE is a great offense-defense deployment. Great COACHING!!!!
And 1
June 8th, 2010
10:40 am
K-Gun
froggy
June 8th, 2010
10:29 pm
GT Alum makes this assertion:
“A coach can’t increase the talent or change the abilities of the players he has. All he can do is teach and try to make them learn and call plays that he thinks will give the players he has the best chance to win.”
Wow, I guess we are paying coaches millions of dollars for no reason. I’d urge him to read a really great football book, “When Pride Still Mattered,” about that little volatile fellow with the Bronx accent who inherited a woeful team up in Wisconsin and managed to win championship after championship. They named a trophy after him.
The purpose of coaching is to practice the skills and techniques necessary to successfully execute the play. Lombardi practiced the sweep thousands of times, and did pretty well by it. If Norwood outruns his blockers, correct that. The bigger question is why there is so little interest in running screens, or doing what is necessary to make them successful. This has been a common refrain among fans for a lot of years now — perhaps our OC has a compelling answer. DLed is the beat reporter — he’s the guy who can get an answer!
WOODBUTCHER
June 11th, 2010
10:22 am
I BEEN A LOYAL FAN SINCE 1966….NOBIS , CANNONBALL BUTLER,JUNIOR COFFEE,….ALL I WILL SAY IS I BELIEVE THERE IS EXCELLENT TALENT ON ALL NFL TEAMS…I MEAN HELL TAKE ALL THE COLLEGE PLAYERS ON DIVISION 1 TEAMS,WHAT 118 OR SO TEAMS NOT MENTION DIVISION 2 AND 3 TEAMS SHAKE THEM ALL DOWN TO 32 NFL TEAMS, YEA THERE IS TALENT..I THINK IT COMES DOWN TO CHEMISTRY AND MOTIVATION…ONE OF THESE DAYS ALICE TO THE MOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!