DC Brian VanGorder plans to stay on the attack
Cardinals running back Tim Hightower is smothered by Atlanta Falcons defenders as he is gang tackled to the ground during 1st half action. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH – Late in the 41-7 rout of Arizona, bewildered quarterback Derek Anderson was seen leaving the field and yanking his chin strap off in disgust.
It was a long day at the office for him as the Falcons basically blitzed him into submission. The Falcons only had two sacks, but they put almost 20 hits on Anderson.
“I know that me and (Kroy) Biermann together had 11 hits,” defensive end John Abraham said. “Hits are good, but with Drew Brees hits don’t matter. If you watch on tape we got a lot of hits on him last year, but he was still completing balls for five or six yards. We have to get him down.”
The Falcons have blitzed Dennis Dixon and Anderson relentlessly and that led to turnovers, too.
Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder was asked if the defense planned to continue the attacking brand of football against Brees.
He paused, then said, “Yeah.”
Here are some more thoughts from VanGorder heading into Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints and their vaunted offense.
ON DREW BREES: “He’s an extremely intelligent quarterback. He’s very involved in the game-planning and schemes, right from the beginning of the week. He gets extremely familiar with the defense and he’s always been a great rhythm quarterback. . . he’s very much aware of the spacing on the field.”
WHAT HAVE YOU WORKED ON TO AVOID THE BIG PLAYS IN THE RUNNING GAME: “You sit there and you’re good against the run, good against the run and then let out two explosive runs. We just have to make sure that our fits are solid and sound. You get 25 running plays and you can be perfect on 24. That one that you’re not, it can lead to that kind of explosive play. We just have to be consistent.”
IS THIS THE FIRST BIG TEST FOR RE-TOOLED PASS DEFENSE?: “We’ve changed up some personnel. We think we’ve improve from a personnel standpoint. I think the emphasis on it has definitely helped from a season ago. Between better personnel and more emphasis on that situation, it’s been good so far. The mark of being really good is consistency. . . we have to be consistent in everything that we do.”
ON COREY PETERS: “He’s a very good leverage player. He’s provided us with some size. He’s impacting the running game up inside. He plays with a very good pad level. He was a natural coming out of college. He’s really helped us shore up the inside which at times for us over the last three years has been a little bit of an issue for us.”
ON WILLIAM MOORE: “William has great size and speed. He’s an explosive player. There were times when you saw him run to the ball and finish on the ball. That’s the most impressive part of his game right now.”
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95 comments Add your comment
whodat70816
September 24th, 2010
10:31 pm
I’m sure the Falcons will bring their A game. I’m sure it will be a hard fought game. I’m also sure that the Saints will win. Might be a close game, but the the Saints will get the W.
Then all you falcon fans, especially FRONTROW, can begin with touting all of the same old “IF ONLY” excuses.
Falcons are buzzard meat Sunday. Glad you guys are on this great high, because that will make it much more entertaining when I return here on Sunday afternoon.
Good luck Falcons…you’re going to need!
Bird Droppings
September 24th, 2010
10:34 pm
I’m getting real worried. Jerry is the weakest link? Oh, man. I’m getting real worried I am.
tim
September 24th, 2010
11:10 pm
after seeing VanGorder screw over georgia southern the way he did, I have great confidence he will take the falcons down the same road.
Guess Who
September 24th, 2010
11:19 pm
Wow. I dont usually comment on opponents blogs, but guys c’mon. Even if you beat the Saints in the Dome 31-0, the Falcons will still be more “aints” than the Saints. Lets put that term away until a time at which they truly deserve it. The Saints shed that moniker with SB44.
Look, I know Saints – Falcons has always been one of the best rivalries in the NFL. I know that there are a record number of freakin Band Wagon Jumpers that have been maquerading as Saints fans. Making it hard for the rest of us. It sickens me personally. I live in TN and you are correct….they are popping up everywhere. People wearing shirt, jerseys, hats and cant even name 5 players from the current Team. I have actually been a fan since the days of Deon picking off Herbert to dash our best hopes to make it to the Superbowl. I really wish all those fake Who Dats would go find some other team….hell go back to liking the Cowboys, Colts, or Patriots….anything.
On behalf of the REAL Saints fans I would like to say best of luck Sunday. It is a different year, and both teams are different…but the same. It should be another barn burner. These tight games are making me old before my time.
ATLboi08
September 25th, 2010
12:42 am
All I know is…that superdome is going to be mighty quiet come sunday. The Falcons are coming away with a win..period. It’s fun to see how much sAint fans are taking the time out to talk trash to us. Might as well get ready for a dog fight and quit the trash talkin. We going in and coming back with a WIN. Let’s go Falcons! Rise up!
Tuna
September 25th, 2010
12:55 am
BVG will end up the head man in Athens if Richt doesn’t get it together.
Big Ray
September 25th, 2010
1:13 am
Somebody forgot to turn the Saints fans blogs back on after Katrina…
ATLboi08
September 25th, 2010
1:22 am
LOL @Big Ray—-Haa!!! I like that one!! lol
jubamon
September 25th, 2010
3:41 am
got i hate atlanta. … oh and the falcons blow too.
ATL krusher
September 25th, 2010
4:39 am
god i hate new orleans….oh and it smells like trash there too.
ATL krusher
September 25th, 2010
4:40 am
Falcons win this game and take back the NFC South.
Ackshun
September 25th, 2010
4:41 am
Lombardi Gras ends tomorrow! nuff said
Samuel
September 25th, 2010
5:39 am
The Falcons have to keep that crowd quiet.
Nawlins Fan
September 25th, 2010
8:16 am
Unbelievable how Falcon fans believe the AJC media hype. You guys have only beaten a bad Arizona team for crying out loud and lost to a 3rd sting QB in Pittsburgh. So now you are going to be Super Bowl 45 Champions! Give me a break. Brag and boast and talk crap after you win a significant game. Yourteam is not equipped to win a title yet, you are getting closer, but not quite there yet. Saints will win Sunday in a close one, last year was last year, this is a new season. Mark Bradley is an idiot and so is Leadbetter, don’t believe the hype.
O. G. Falcon Fan
September 25th, 2010
10:02 am
D-line needs to get their hands up while rushing the pocket. Batting down his balls. also play sound run defense.
BT
September 25th, 2010
10:12 am
The Saints are about to have that SB trophy snatched out of their hands and the Falcons will be beating them over their heads with it!
BTW, Nawlins Fan where are the Saints quality wins THIS YEAR?
Beat a poor Viking team and almost had their azzes handed to them by an average 49`er team.
This will be the Saints first true test.
The Falcons are THERE NOW, you just don`t know it, YET!
Keith
September 25th, 2010
10:27 am
Saints are still the team to beat in the division in my opinion. While I do believe the Falcons CAN win and I hope they will…I’m excited to see if they will actually do it.
We came pretty close to beating them both times last year (once with our backups in), and I think this year is a different year. Going into the Superdome and beating them would make the case that the Falcons are a great team this year (instead of a good team).
GO BIRDS!
ejj
September 25th, 2010
10:28 am
Not convinced in BVD, really believe our best chance is to control game clock with offense, keep Brees on the sideline. Not a fan of best past rushers dropping into coverage. Think Moore should stay starter, coleman is too slow.
Ken Strickland
September 25th, 2010
10:29 am
Not having RB RBush takes away a lot of the passing options QB DBrees enjoys when he’s available, and it also impacts their return gm. Even if Brees successfully checks down to RBush’s replacement, the threat of going all the way, or making a big play out of it is greatly diminished.
You can’t tell me the confidence factor for their entire OFF won’t be affected by his absence. We have 2 big, strong and talented RB’s that their weak run DEF will have to deal with. We’ll have our full compliment of WR’s available. The key to us winning this gm will be determined by the play of our OL & DL.
If our OL and DL get it done, there’s nothing much the AINTS can do to deal with us. Over the last 3yrs their overall OFF, particularly their passing OFF, has proven to be superior to ours. But our overall DEF has definitely proven to be superior to theirs. If our DEF contains their OFF, our better balanced OFF will definitely have its way with their DEF.
Their DEF is not talented, quick, strong, fast or quick enough to consistently stop opposing OFF’s. However, they are definitely aggressive enough, and thrive on their ability to create timely turnovers. Eliminate the turnovers, and our OFF will turn their DEF into one big liability.
On DEF, we have to contain their rushing OFF and eliminate the big plays they ultimately rely on to score. Their rushing OFF is far more finesse than power. So, when in the red zone they rely more on passing, rather than running, to get into the end zone. Even the AINT players we’ve talked to admit they had a difficult time with the Falcons last yr. And that included the 2nd gm, a 3pt loss, when we were without our starting QB, LT, RG, DT, #1 & 2 string RB’s, and both CB’s.
They did nothing to improve their OFF, and so far it hasn’t come close to what it was last yr. Their DEF was ranked 25th overall last yr, and not only did they not make any improvements, it’s actually become less talented, due to the loss of 3 key play makers.
If the Falcons hadn’t exploded against Arizona last Sunday, AINT fans wouldn’t be so nervous. The only thing that gives them any sense of confidence is due to the gm being played in New Orleans. Other than that, what worries them most is the fact their DEF has been pushed all over the field, their OFF has so far underachieved, and RB RBush, one half of their 2 man OFF, is out.
This could be the makings of a Falcons rout over the AINTS, but the pride factor of both teams, and the fact that it’s the Falcons, won’t let that happen. I’m certain AINT fans were confident the AINTS would rout the Falcons after finding out we’d be playing without 4 OFF and 3 DEF starters. Regardless, this is going to be a every good gm.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2010
12:27 pm
Van Gorders response to the two big sweep TD plays was a bit flip – you need both safeties & the CB on un-attacked side on a sweep to disengage and run down the field to prevent a TD – the second one was worse, because we had seen the 1st and should have taken SOME corrective action. The key is not to over commit the 2 safeties – hence the position title.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2010
12:30 pm
this should be better than either the super bowl, or the championship game – these two teams dislike each other a lot more than those 2 past opponents – I say again, if we keep the saints under 20, we win. Provided of course our O line gets a decent push.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2010
12:30 pm
I will be miffed if we lose like 10-7 or 10-3 or 10- anything.
hiramsaint
September 25th, 2010
12:33 pm
how miffed will you be if it’s 17 or more? count on it
MikeyD
September 25th, 2010
12:37 pm
@Tuna:
UGA would cement their standing as a sub-mediocre team for years if vangoiter ever became the head coach there. He has a losing record as a college head coach — 4 seasons, his only winning season was 6-5. He did good things at UGA with the superior talent that Donnan had recruited, but he’s in way over his head as anything other than a college assistant.
Rarest Falcon Collectible
September 25th, 2010
12:44 pm
THIS IS THE RAREST FALCON COLLECTIBLE OF ALL TIME. APPRAISED AT 9,000.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220673256385&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
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conrad smith
September 25th, 2010
1:02 pm
To the Falcon Avenger: We buried the “Aints” when we won the Super Bowl. The only “Aints” we have in the NFC South is the Carolina Panthers and the so called dirty birds from Atlanta, because you “aint” won a Super Bowl. Until you win one jump on the WHO DAT BANDWAGON!!!!
Vick Supporter
September 25th, 2010
1:31 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/09/23/vick/index.html
MB
September 25th, 2010
2:25 pm
Conrad Smith: You are right and this is coming from a Falcons Fan since 74/75. The N.O. Saints are a very good football team and until someone takes the crown away from them they are the Champs of the National Football League. Look, if it was as simple as Falcon Avenger is saying then the *professional coaches* would have figured that one out, but they haven’t. I do think constant pressure on Drew Brees is and running the ball is the way to attack the Saints but that’s how you beat anybody at any level. The problem with N.O. is that, that is hard to do because they are so good and you can find yourself playing from behind in a hurry. I have two thoughts about tomorrows game: First, I think its cool that the Falcons/ Saints rivalry is finally of significance in the NFL. Secondly, If the Falcons want to be a real contender this year they need to find a way to win with Bush and Gay out. Please Falcons fans show some dignity. The Saints have won a Super Bowl. We haven’t. Act like you understand what your talking about
FrontRow
September 25th, 2010
3:00 pm
Of course the Saints have a trophy but, despite the tone of the Saints bloggers here, it is not the 2011 trophy.
We can give due respect for what they accomplished (past tense) but so far this year they are not exactly blowing everyone out (56 point dropoff after 2 games against 2 LOUSY teams).
Are the Falcons and their fans supposed to lay down just because they have LAST YEARS trophy?
Falcons almost made it to the top and it got us 12 more years of mediocirity. 1 SB does not make a dynasty and the Falcons have:
1. Gave the champs 2 of their toughest games last year.
2. Added pieces specifically targeted at the Saints strength.
Looking at how the Saints got their trophy, I like are chances. These guys are not the 70’s Steelers, 80s 49ers, or 00’s Patriots. They are the Saints and they look like it.
hiramsaint
September 25th, 2010
3:11 pm
thats right front row- look at how we got it! coaching-players- off and def backing each other up-takeaways. i’ll give it to you , tommorow is gonna be a tough game , could go eitherway for either team but home field advantage and better personnel all around in a team sense and you have to say the saints have the edge. good luck tommorow and no more injuries for either team. if it goes your way , i’ll be here like i always am for my come-upins’
FrontRow
September 25th, 2010
3:20 pm
Amazing….from the WhoDat fans all the way up to the top coach, the game plan is to sit back and wait for the turnovers.
I expect the blustering from the Saints fans but the mentality goes all the way to the top.
Falcons had turnovers last week. Is that the result you are looking for?
SeenThisB4
September 25th, 2010
3:44 pm
Since you fools are always saying that I’m dreaming, here’s a little wishful thinking for ya’lls reading enjoyment:
NFL Fox Sports Announcers: Thom Brennaman (TB) and Brian Billick (BB) from the Louisiana Super Dome Pressbox, Fox Sports Network broadcast, Sept 26, 2010:
TB: Well Brian, the Saints are off to a very fast start today, their opening drive took less than 30 seconds to go 75 yards for the early touchdown lead.
BB: Brees was 7 of 7 on that drive, and he hit 6 different receivers Thom.
TB: He’s a master of spreading the ball around, isn’t he?
BB: Absolutely Thom, no one spreads the ball around better, and it just keeps the defense on their heels.
TB: Brian, the atlanta offense is coming on to the field for their first possession of the game, getting a very hostile welcome from Saints fan.
BB: Yes Thom, the Saint fans are always vocal for this game, listen to that! Amazing. This is one the biggest, most heated rivalaries in the NFL and these fans are going to make it as hard as possible for Ryan and atlanta today.
TB: Listen to that noise, amazing. And here we go, Ryan lines up behind center, Turner in the backfield with Finneran in the slot, White’s the flanker,….Saints are filling the box……..Ryan’s trying to change the play, ….play clock winding down,… he get’s it off, Saints! are coming, lookout!
BB: Oh, Ryan takes a huge hit from the blindside! And the ball’s out! (Large scrum in the backfield, Background whistle, huge crowd eruption)
BB: It appeared for a monment that Ayodele fell on the loose ball, but they’re still being pulled out of the pile.
TB: Looks like Will Smith got past both Gonzalez and Baker and just leveled Ryan, just leveled him, He never saw him coming…and the referees are signalling…. Saint’s ball on the atlanta 14 yard line! (Crowd erupts, even louder, announcers pause to take in the crowd roar, camera pans the crowd)
BB: Saints ball. Yeah, it was a big hit, …. and Ryan isn’t getting up Thomm.
TB: OH he’s in a lot of pain, looks like he’s grabbing at his knee, and that could be bad news for this atlanta team. (Referee signalling for timeout and sideline trainers.)
BB: Well, it was a clean hit Thomm, you can see here on replay, Will Smith just sheds Gonzalez’s chip and literally just bullrushes past Baker, and he gets a clear, unobstructed shot at Ryan, who looked like he was looking downfield in the direction of White who was covered by Grier and Jenkins, and Smith just chops at the arm with the ball and takes him down, it looks like Ryan got his legs tangled up with McClure’s!.
BB: Thomm, Ryan just had nowhere to go with the ball……this is very bad news Thomm, this team was poised to challenge the Super Bowl Champs for the division,..
TB: Well, the trainers look like they’re calling for the cart, they’re looking at his right leg, could be the knee, we’ll take a time out and try to get an early injury report on Ryan when we come back.
Final: Saints 34 – Falcants 9
GEAUX SAINTS! OUR TIME!!
hiramsaint
September 25th, 2010
5:19 pm
@ front row- the falcants call them turnovers , we call them takeaways. there is a difference
hiramsaint
September 25th, 2010
5:22 pm
@ b4- i hope your wrong on that. we’ve got a much better chance with matty slush throwin’ picks than with redman who can actually run the O or john parker wilson who can scramble and make something happen!
SeenThisB4
September 25th, 2010
6:12 pm
HiramSaint: The Saints will win because the falcants will have Smith on the sidelines….
hiramsaint
September 25th, 2010
6:47 pm
i’m wit ya on that
SeenThisB4
September 25th, 2010
7:18 pm
But, I am weary of falcant fans always saying they need to get to Brees and get him out of the game. As if the falcant defense has a defense with the experience in taking out opposing QBs like the Saints do. Say what they will, the Saints defense will go after their QB, regardless of who is behind center. And they will go after Brees, I know that. But the Saitns will get to Ryan more often than they get to Brees, because Ryan is a second slower than Brees in getting rid of the ball, and that is a major advantage.
STB4 is out….
MB
September 25th, 2010
10:26 pm
I’ve been a Falcons fan a very long time: 35 plus years. The Saints are the reigning Champs and they are currently undefeated as of 9/25/10. We really have no room to talk. Until we have a ring they have done something that the Falcons never have.
FrontRow
September 25th, 2010
11:31 pm
MB…true but it doesn’t mean we call them a dynasty or give them the next SB. Alot of teams don’t have a ring but guess what they still keep playing the games.
Apparrently the Saints are willing to live and die on “takeaways”. Good luck trying to strip Turner while he steps on their hands.
Falcon Jim
September 26th, 2010
12:43 am
GEAUX home. In about 15 hours it will be time feaux yeaux teaux shuteaux upeaux.
Falcon Jim
September 26th, 2010
12:45 am
Good night guys……………..I seem to be the night-owl……eeeerrrrr…FALCON ! ! !
Flo-Ri-Duh!
September 26th, 2010
8:18 am
Falcons will need 7 extra points just to overcome the “home” calls the refs will make for the Saints. It’s like the Saints are playing with twelve guys when the are in New Orleans. The Saints can be run on and the Falcons need long consistent drives on offense to keep Brees off the field. The fact that Reggie is out helps. Wiliam Moore and Dunta Robinson and a pass rush will be the keys on defense. Moore is very inexperienced and Dunta doesn’t seem to be up to par yet after missing most of practice with an injury. Falcons have not shown a strong pass rush and Abraham is still good but no longer a dominator. The Falcons haven’t played a decent offense yet but they will get the best today. On offense the key is the offensive line. They were manhandled by the huge d-line of the Steelers but played well against the smaller d-line of the Cards. These guys are undersized and a little over rated but they are tough and disciplined and well coached. This is an area that needs to be upgraded in the next draft or through free agency. Mike Jenkins is still out at WR which will cause Roddy White to be constantly double teamed. Falcons must get at least 150 running yards to win this game and have no more than ONE turnover. If they go for field goal on 4th and one again at the five yard line they will lose this game. They are on the road and must be aggressive. Go for TDs not field goals. This should be a game that is decided by 7 points or less.
#NFL News and Notes – September 26, 2010 | The Other 31
September 26th, 2010
8:53 am
[...] Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder plans to put some pressure on Saints quarterback Drew [...]
jerry
September 26th, 2010
9:22 am
It’s boxer Smith vs. slugger Payton. Patyon by a knockout.
savannahdawg
September 26th, 2010
5:36 pm
Want a great job at UGA???????