Weatherspoon out; Robinson likely to miss Bengals game, too
Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins (12) pushes off Eagles defender Ellis Hobbs (31). AP
FLOWERY BRANCH –Rookie linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who suffered a right knee sprain against Cleveland, will not play this week against the Cincinnati Bengals, Falcons coach Mike Smith said.
“He’s not responding as quickly as we thought,” Smith said. “We are going to rule him out for this week and hopefully get him back after the bye week.”
Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who suffered a concussion on the big hit he put on Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson on Sunday, will not likely be cleared in time to play against Cincinnati.
Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson on Monday, March 8, 2010. D. Orlando Ledbetter, dledbetter@ajc.com
“Right now, Dunta is in the league concussion protocol,” Smith said. “He will have to go through it this week and we’ll have to wait and see if he’s cleared by an independent doctor. That’s where we are with him physically.”
Smith went on to address the play.
“I think that we all know Dunta, he’s been in this league a long time,” Smith said. “He’s a guy that plays the game very, very hard. That was a bang-bang play in terms of the contact. From my vantage point, it looked like there was no helmet-to-helmet contact. But it was a bang-bang play. I’m glad that both of those guys are going to be all right. It was a big time hit.”
Smith is not sure how the league will interpret Robinson’s hit. He could be facing a fine or a suspension. He was called for a personal foul on the play.
“It’s a very complicated rule,” Smith said. “It’s not just head to head contact. It’s contact with the shoulder pads or the arm or any part of the body with the helmet or neck area. Again, a defenseless player, I’m not exactly 100 percent sure how they want to say a guy is defenseless. But again, it was a bang-bang play and I’m glad those guys are going to be all right.”
Smith was careful and picked his words carefully when talking about the play.
“That was two guys moving very fast, going for the same thing and that was the ball,” Smith said. “It was a very, very explosive play. I 
know that the rules are for the players’ safety.”
Here are some of the other subjects that Smith touched on Monday during his press conference with the local media.
ON HOW THE EAGLES TARGETTED THEIR TOP 3 RECEIVERS 13 TIMES AND COMPLETED 13 PASSES FOR 255 YARDS AND THREE TOUCHDOWNS: “They were using a lot of max protection. When you are using seven-man and six-man protections, the players who are going to be targeted are going to be the wide receivers. They threw the ball effectively. We had a plan that we hoped to execute more effectively and we did not execute. . . they wanted to make sure they protected the quarterback and that’s why the balls went to the wide receivers in the game yesterday.”
ON THE THIRD QUARTER REDZONE TRIP THAT COULD HAVE MADE IT 21-14 IF THE FALCONS DIDN’T HAVE TO
SETTLE FOR A FIELD GOAL: “On one of the plays, one of our receivers got tripped up. He was probably going to be open, but he got tripped up. On the second pass play we had down there, there was a blitz and we had to throw it hot and we ended up being short from getting the first down. Again, we’ve got to continue to address this. . . We know that this is something that we have to get better at in terms of red-zone efficiency. It’s not where it needs to be right now.”
ON GETTING MICHAEL JENKINS BACK: “It was good to have Michael back. Michael made a big play there early in the game. He caught the skinny post and got the ball down into the red-zone. . . He played approximately 40 snaps in the ball game yesterday. ”
ON SLOW STARTS THIS SEASON: “We’ve got to start faster. Historically, since we’ve been here, we’ve started fast and have out-scored our opponents significantly in the first quarter. We are not doing it right now and it’s a thing that we have to continue to work
Head coach Mike Smith was not happy with the pass protection against the Eagles. Quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is hit by Eagles defensive end Trent Cole (58). Associated Press
on. It’s not just the players. It’s the coaching staff. We have got to make sure we put our guys in the best opportunity to be successful and right now, we are not getting that done.”
ON ALL OF PHILLY’S MIS-DIRECTION PLAYS: “We have to be more sound in that area. It was not a good start to the ball game defensively, when on the second play of the game they run the ball for a touchdown on a reverse. It’s something we knew they were going to do. They were going to run reverses.”
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219 comments Add your comment
Redoubt
October 18th, 2010
10:14 pm
The NFL is out on thin ice right now… not the time to begin suspending players for playing a tough game.
This is a contact sport and these guys get paid just to doggone well NOT to give and take some hard hits. The league office should bear that in mind as they weigh out the looming strike/lock-out that stands to kill the whole professional game.
Just because we have some lame Dem in the whitehouse and a female thing leading congress, doesn’t mean we all have to turn in out testosterone at football season.
Let the boys play ball and leave them alone.
Mystikal
October 18th, 2010
10:35 pm
Where was all that creative offense for us? Why don’t we ever run reverses, screen passes, flee-flickers, double pass, etc? Do we just not have the personel to mix it up? Or are we just so live or die with our game plan that we lay down against the good teams. I know you need luck along with skill and preparation but we just can never seem to bring it all together.
Ueeediot
October 18th, 2010
10:46 pm
I wonder how many will come out of the woodwork on Sunday to support Duanta. The league and the sports writers are trying to weaken the game and they are going to use Duanta’s clean and straightforward hit as the scapegoat.
Like #52 Ray Lewis says….Its a man’s game out there.
You stood up for Mike Vick when he admitted he lied to the owner, lied to federal prosecutors, lied to YOU directly, and really did like to sit around smoking pot and fighting and killing dogs and thought of it kind of like a hobby. You know, a hobby, like blogging or playing Madden 11 on xbox.
Wonder how many will stand up when they suspend Duanta? I bet none. Just like they didn’t stand up for D Hall when he was suspended and not supported by even his own coaching staff and then run out of town.
Duanta, keep your head up, use a bag of them recalled frozen peas to keep the swelling down and hurry back to the field and keep balling.
Ueeediot
October 18th, 2010
10:50 pm
Mystikal
the simple answer is because at the moment, we have deficiencies on the O-line. Its difficult to run a screen when you have no protection. In a double tight end set, one TE is 88 and the other is in pass coverage along with the RB and FB.
Look at the left side of the line and be entertained by watching #72 get his butt kicked all day long..;when he isnt holding.
Big Ray
October 18th, 2010
11:01 pm
It’s not just the players. It’s the coaching staff. We have got to make sure we put our guys in the best opportunity to be successful and right now, we are not getting that done.”
Translation: Mike Mularkey, you are now officially put on notice.
Brian Van Gorder, you were doing pretty good for a while. Don’t follow Mike out the door, ’cause that’s where he’s headed.
THE CURSE OF BRETT FAVRE LIVES IN ATL
October 18th, 2010
11:57 pm
COME ON BENGALS,BEAT THE FALCANTS!
Falcon Jim
October 19th, 2010
12:47 am
THE CURSE OF BRETT FAVRE LIVES IN ATL
October 18th, 2010
11:57 pm
COME ON BENGALS,BEAT THE FALCANTS!
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Has to be one more of the many faces of Eve. Wow, Seen, have you sought professional help?
SawThat1nce
October 19th, 2010
1:05 am
There are a lot of dumb-a$$es on these blogs, that only come on them when the team loses, so that they can complain.
I have to agree with some of them(I suppose that makes me a dumb-a$$ also), that the offense needs to open it up, everyone knows what they are going to do, before they do it.
That is the only reason that the Eagles won, they aren’t any better than the Falcons.
The Falcons just flat-out got out-coached.
The Falcons are going to have to protect Ryan better, and give him an extra couple of seconds to let the plays develope.
I believe that Coach Smith will work out the problems.
tom
October 19th, 2010
3:41 am
Sounds like the coaches lost this game. Hmmmmm!
OHIOdirtybird
October 19th, 2010
4:02 am
ok well first off…….Chip Shirley- I will be honest, I am not normally on the AJC site for any more than to read about my birds and I am glad you posted that link, a very warming story and hope for nothing but the best for that young fighter!!…..NOW for the birds…..We got humiliated on sunday and I will not point fingers mostly because there would be too many to point. I feel we will be just fine as the season progresses and when it comes to the NFL there will always be adjustments made(I.E. people saying other teams will use what philly did as a blue print to beat us, we will use it as a way to improve on how they did). I look at how i thought our season was gonna pan out when the schedules first came out and how it i actually playing out and it is not too far off. We just have to keep to the plan and trust in the coaches that i guarantee have a lot more knowledge as to what is going on then most of us do, am I disappointed in the loss YES, am i disappointed at 4-2 by no means. There is still a lot of football to go and plenty of time for improvement but by no means am i disappointed in the results so far and i wish some of you so called “fans” would be patient and not judge everything when we drop 1 game(especially when we are in going into week 7 and there are NO undefeated teams!!!) every week is going to be tough, that’s how you there is parity and lets you know that a good staff will carry you to wins!!. We are 4-2 yeah it could be worse but as long as we keep winning, THATS ALL THAT MATTERS!!!!…..time to bounce back after a tough L on the road and bring it to them bungles IN DA DOME!!!!!….Lets Go DirtyBirdzz RISE UP!!!
Bill
October 19th, 2010
6:17 am
I have not seen this thought anywhere, so I will share it. Philly’s defensive backfield looked great. It seemed to me that Ryan was throwing either a little behind or right on the numbers instead of out front. It have the defense just enough opportunity to reach in time after time. He has a number of receivers who can stretch for the ball.
zinoDawg
October 19th, 2010
7:05 am
We will never win it all with Matty Overthrow at QB. He is like a scared child in the pocket. I’ve never seen such happy feet.
Johnny Fever
October 19th, 2010
7:13 am
it was a clean hit, if the football leauge wants to change the rules then basketball is the perfect model. Maybe flag football? Trent Dilfer said it perfect that these football players are paid well and there are risks involved with this sport. Its the nature of the beast. Daunta should NOT be fined or the falcons.
Johnny Fever
October 19th, 2010
7:20 am
Matty looked horrible, what happened to his arm??? His throws have bad spirals. Can someone explian Sam Baker?? This is why Matty is not as good???
papadawg
October 19th, 2010
7:22 am
Let’s hope we can win enough games the rest of the season so we can go 9-7 for the third straight winning season
Johnny Fever
October 19th, 2010
7:23 am
BTW, this and other teams, giants, colts, and new england are teams that will dominate us. I dont think we will beat the cowboys when we play them. This team is bad and was lucky that we have as many wins.
Joe Falcone
October 19th, 2010
7:47 am
The Offensive Line did not show up against the Eagles on Sunday, Ryan was rushed the whole time and did not have time to find his receivers. Also, that Mularkey guy needs to gather some wits and balls quick to orchestrate some explosive plays, he has to have faith in our passing offense or we will be in 3rd and long situations all day, i am tired of watching that game after game…
2nd Tier Team
October 19th, 2010
8:01 am
Lets admit it, just like the ATL Braves and the ATL Hawks, the ATL Falcons is a second tier team at best, if it gets lucky enough it may barely manage to make it to the playoffs , but then gets its butt wooped by the top tier teams (remember the recent disgraceful playoff performances by the Hawks and the Braves?). Live with that ATL fans…
Joe Tess Fish House
October 19th, 2010
8:13 am
It was a dity hit and Robinson should be band from the game. Both him and Witherspoon are turning in to busts this year. Great moves by Dimitri
2nd Tier Team
October 19th, 2010
8:22 am
Contrary to “Joe Tess Fish House”, ATL needs more players with balls just like Dunta and Spoon to make it to the top tier.
bj
October 19th, 2010
8:26 am
The hit that Dunta put on Desean was meant to send a message to the Eagles. Desean was having a field day up to that point, and DR wanted to break his spirit. One can debate whether it was a “clean hit or nor”. While it may be good smashmouth football to some of the spectators, both players could have been permanently injured. Is it really worth that????
The Eagles are simply too fast for the Falcons, and our OC needs to stop being so predictable!
2nd Tier Team
October 19th, 2010
8:28 am
The Testosterone levels of all of the ATL sport franchises are low comparing to those of the top tier franchises. Add more Testosterone to your teams if you want to rise up, or be dominated as you always have been.
FalconUGAFan
October 19th, 2010
8:28 am
@Big Ray I’m with you…I think Smitty just served notice…
Mike Jay
October 19th, 2010
8:32 am
Duantas hit while hard was not dirty. Jackson turned into it at the last second or he would not have hit his chin. If the NFL really wants to ‘fix’ these types of hits they need to pressure the coaches to teach and stress good, sound fundamental tackling. You know the kind, where you wrap your arms around the ball carrier and ride him to the ground. Everything is about the big hit these days and the NFL are being hyprocrites. How many sanctioned by NFL videos are there for big hits? I use to always get one with my SI sub. http://www.amazon.com/Best-Thunder-Destruction-NFLs-Hardest/dp/6302461944.
It’s either that are you shrink the pads and put them back in leather helmets. Players will learn pretty quick how to properly tackle after a few games with those on.
Mike Jay
October 19th, 2010
8:35 am
Oh and to add…
IF the NFL wants to start suspending players for hits like that then they better expand the rosters. They are pretty thin as is and if the suspensions happen you are going to have to have more players. Otherwise the playing time goes up for everyone, starters will be playing ST’s and more injuries will evetually happen further dilluting the pool of good players.
Sid
October 19th, 2010
8:55 am
Iron Head
October 18th, 2010
5:54 pm
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At least they quit trying the reverse.
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SeenThisB4
October 18th, 2010
8:31 pm
I gotta admit, I hate the falcan’ts but I’m really enjoying the competition between our two teams.
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Competition? ………………..didn’t we already beat you……………let’s see, what was that final score………..oh yeah, I remember, and I am sure you do too.
Our two teams? oh so you really do like the Dirty Birds…………!!!
Sid
October 19th, 2010
8:57 am
It was a great football hit…………..and it wasn’t helmet to helmet, but Dunta led with his helmet and that’s the foul.
Joe Tess Fish House
October 19th, 2010
8:59 am
He should be band from the NFL 4 ever.
Sid
October 19th, 2010
9:00 am
Enjoy it now boys, probably won’t be any football in 2011 after the SB…………………..!!
Sid
October 19th, 2010
9:02 am
Joe Fish, it is banned…………….not band. And what was your take on Vick, didn’t you say he should be in the Hall of Fame….?
Sid
October 19th, 2010
9:03 am
Wonder how many weeks Dunta put Jax out for?
Sid
October 19th, 2010
9:04 am
I love the hit, I wish more of our defensive backs would put a hurtin’ on these receivers, let them know if you come in our middle you will pay.
MR ZIZZLE
October 19th, 2010
9:13 am
I would like to see the Falcons throw the ball down the field!! When the Eagles have 8 in the box, why are we throwing 5 yard dump routes? I know Matt had pressure, but I would have liked to see more shot gun formations and and deep passes just like Kolb did against us! Plus, I hated the run plays right into plugged gabs. Let Matty Ice audible out of an obvious stuff! As far as Robinson, how can you penalize a player for a monster clean hit? That was sad! I think the NFL needs to pull their panties out of their backside! Football is a violent game. Protect our players from spearing, but let the clean monster hits go! This isn’t flag football folks!!!
PMC
October 19th, 2010
9:24 am
This is problematic this week. Big time. The pass rush had better be spectacular for the Falcons to win this one.
That…or a big day out of the offense. We could use a big day from the offense.
It would be nice to win this one going into the bye week.
I’m guessing they might sign some guys to play special teams in the next day or so with Spoon and Dunta inactive.
PMC
October 19th, 2010
9:25 am
Also, it worked for the Eagles…. The Falcons need to be helping out Baker with an extra TE on that side, how about more max protect for Ryan? Of course it means less guys in the route, but Roddy can and will get open if he doesn’t fall down.
PMC
October 19th, 2010
9:28 am
I was disapointed with the Robinson hit because it was 3rd down and he was late on it…causing the defenseless receiver penalty which extended the drive. Not only that Robinson took himself out of the rest of that game and the next one. All in all a bad play all around. I know he wasn’t trying to do that, but it was really bad timing. If that ball hits the ground there, the Falcons were going to get the ball back after a well earned stop. Instead, the drive was extended.
ctfalconsfan
October 19th, 2010
9:37 am
I loved the hit I’m just sad it also took our guy out of the game.
Goodell needs to resign as he’s making this once great league a weak and over commercilaized joke. I want hits on every player, QB included, I want celebrations in the end zone. Let’s have fun!!
ctfalconsfan
October 19th, 2010
9:39 am
I also would like to see Dunta put a hit like that on Mularkey so he’d sit out a game or two then maybe this offense could get rolling!!
truth
October 19th, 2010
9:44 am
The truth is the team needed a good swift kick in the butt to let them know we cant just control the t.o.p. and win games. We have to come out and smack someone in the mouth. We’ve all seen it, when Matt is given control, he more the not, gets it done. How many times in this year alone have we seen Matt lead the team to the redzone in the no huddle and then Murlarky takes over and it’s a sudden hault. Falcons should FIRE MULARKEY!
Millard
October 19th, 2010
9:45 am
Fans – Please stop talking about Vick. He doesn’t play here anymore. He brought that on himself. The Falcons had nothing to do with his downfall. Truly, I wish Vick well, but he doesn’t play here anymore.
SirReal
October 19th, 2010
9:45 am
Its about time he called out his coordinators. I STILL dont get running the ball up the middle when you’re down three scores! We’d better have something better this week. If not…4-3 may be a reality for this team. Sick of the good starts and terrible finishes from this team….we have too much talent to be middle tier. It starts with play calling. Mularkey isnt a creative offensive mind. We need fresh new ideas….but I think we’re stuck with him at least until the end of the year. Hope Spoon and Robinson come back soon. And for the guy that said Robinson cant cover….you’re crazy. He makes that secondary 10 times better….watch how Carson Palmer (who’s been struggling this year) gets back to Pro Bowl form against us. I’m sick of guys having career days against this team….
Millard
October 19th, 2010
9:48 am
The hit that Robinson put on the Eagle’s receiver was no more vicious than Pete Rose would put on a catcher if he were blocking the plate. The idea is to jar the ball loose. That is the way the game is played.
truth
October 19th, 2010
9:53 am
Seen, I’m glad the aints showed who the bucs truly are. As far as the NFC south goes it is the Falcons or the aints who will take it. Not sure which one will at this time because both teams are like roller coasters, up one week down the next. I will say this, if something is not done soon about the play calling on the offense, the NFC south will go to the aints. We need to see that change in offense this week.
Dunta Robinson unlikely to play in Week 7 » Feed Me Fantasy
October 19th, 2010
10:05 am
[...] Dunta Robinson unlikely to play in Week 7 The News Dunta Robinson (concussion) is not expected to play in Week 7, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]
Johnny Fever
October 19th, 2010
10:13 am
@ BIG TESS, That is absurd, why should that hit duanta give be led to a suspension??? The hit was clean. It was so violent, that the ref was compelled to throw the flag. Big Tess, why must you say things on this blog like you do?
ctfalconsfan
October 19th, 2010
10:14 am
SirReal I agree it always seems opponets have career days when playing ATL..
Matt Ryan is quickly headed down the path of Carson Palmer, just an average QB.
Matt needs to step it up and call more audibles. If Mularkey and Smith don’t like it what are they going to do bench their franchise QB and put Redman in? No. So Matt needs to step up and take charge of this lack luster offense NOW!!
papadawg
October 19th, 2010
10:18 am
Just face it and move on to the next game. Some teams just have your number and Philly has the Falcons. Forget this and go 5-2 next Sunday
ctfalconsfan
October 19th, 2010
10:19 am
Regarding violent hits, I haven’t heard one word about the MOST VIOLENT hits which are the de-cleaters you see on punt returns and interceptions. Those are very violent as the tackler thinks he is about to make a tackle until he is knocked into next year with a massive hit from his blind spot.
Will those hits be outlawed? If so then should the return team just let the tackler make the tackler? I think we all love a good de-cleatter..
I can only assume the NFL is working on some version of a flag football that we will be playing in this league soon..
Joe Tess Fish House
October 19th, 2010
10:19 am
That hit could of have perlized the Eegals player. It was dirty, cheep and against the ruls. He should be band form football 4 ever.
waynester
October 19th, 2010
10:22 am
Mike Jay
Absolutely right about the league and the networks wanting to have it both ways when it comes to big hits. All the sports sites have sections for “hit of the week” or some such and just a few years ago, we’d have been applauding the hit by Dunta since it did cause a fumble that we recovered. One of my buddies opined that the NFL is becoming the “pink panties league” while the fledgling UFL is still encouraging big hits and growing their audience. Football– a violent sport for violent men and bloodthirsty fans…embrace the carnage!