Smith is pleased with Dunta Robinson’s play at cornerback
FLOWERY BRANCH – Falcons coach Mike Smith insisted that cornerback Dunta Robinson is fine.
But it seems like since returning from the concussion he suffered on the hit he put on Philadelphia’s DeSean Jackson that he’s been a little bit off. It might just be a matter of getting the right cleats.
In his first game back against Tampa Bay, Mike Williams scored on a 58-yard square in. Robinson said he slipped in coverage, which gave Williams enough room to turn the route up the field.
The same thing almost happened against Green Bay in the first quarter. Robinson came up on Greg Jennings and appeared to slip. He missed the tackle and Jennings turned what should have been a short gain into a 30-yarder.
Robinson plays a tough brand of corner. He comes up and smacks folks in the run/screen games. He takes playing his area with the utmost seriousness.
“Dunta is playing well,” head coach Mike Smith said. “He’s very active.”
Smith is not troubled by the plays Robinson gave up to Williams and Jennings.
“Again, when you’re playing at that corner position that’s a hot spot,” Smith said. “It’s probably the toughest position to play in the National Football League. Both of our corners are out there, you’re out there on an island.”
Robinson, who was the Falcons’ big pick up in free agency (six years, $57.5 million) has 33 tackles and no interceptions.
“I think that Dunta’s played very well,” Smith said. “The skill set that he brings is his physicality. We’re pleased with the way that he’s been playing for us. He’s a force out there at the corner position.”
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101 comments Add your comment
Falconstreet
December 2nd, 2010
7:06 am
Just remember, no matter how bad the corners have played this year the Falcons secondary are worlds better than last year.
Falconstreet
December 2nd, 2010
7:09 am
Dang, I hope I didn’t break any rules by not calling First.
Brian F.
December 2nd, 2010
7:12 am
I think Robinson is overrated. He gets beat way too much for a top flight corner. Not even close to a Darrell Revis. He is excellent against the run however. I am not saying he is a bad player, just over rated
Head-Mo-Fo
December 2nd, 2010
7:18 am
I’m not going to say that D. Robinson’s play has been terrible, however, I will say that there have been times in games that I have said that he was beat and the opposing team’s quarterback simply missed the receiver.
When D. Robinson was with the Texans he played closer to the line of scrimmage and not so much off corner. We need to play more bump and run to take advantage of his skill set and see what he can really do. We did pay shut down corner money to get him….
Hardy Falcon
December 2nd, 2010
7:21 am
I think Robinson is way overated. He gives up the little 5 and out play, which he plays to far back, where he can’t make a play. Also when big plays come his way he misses tackles. For the money he’s getting he should have a couple of interceptions by now, but when you play your receiver 5 to 10 yards away, its hard to get back to the football.
SirReal
December 2nd, 2010
7:24 am
He hasnt been bad. Ok no INTs but look how his presense has helped create them for others. No one can argue that we looked WAY worse w/o him in the line up. All corners are different. Some are more physical, some are better in coverage. He has been beaten a few times this year but so has every other CB in the league. It happens. These are world class athletes. I like the pickup and I think we’ll be fine eventually.
Real stats
December 2nd, 2010
7:26 am
The secondary is not better then last year, but the overall team is better. But no our secondary is still bad. Look at the stats.
FullTimeFan
December 2nd, 2010
7:28 am
NOT FIRST!!!
Dunta is fine. The entire defense, while still having a lot of room for improvement to become a Baltimore caliber unit, is much improved from years past. They will continue to grow as a unit, and they certainly believe in themselves, as I do. See you in Dallas!
Season Ticket Holder
December 2nd, 2010
7:40 am
The falcons defense is fine. I question some of the defensive play calling. For example against Green Bay the Falcons dropped eight men back in pass coverage and did not put pressure on the QB which gave him all day to complete a pass to tie the game. I would like to see more creative blitz and different defensive looks to confuse the opponents.
sleeze
December 2nd, 2010
7:45 am
Yeah.. you guys’ opinions are so much more relevant than that of Coach Smith’s..
jay
December 2nd, 2010
7:47 am
if you notice Dunta rarely gets thrown. hard to have INT’s when you get 2-3 targets a game.
jay
December 2nd, 2010
7:47 am
SeasonTicketHolder….Check the stats on Aaron Rodgers when he is blitzed. That’s why you don’t blitz him.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 2nd, 2010
7:51 am
Good morning! We are off to a good start here. Yeah, there were a couple of games where Dunta didn’t get any passes or 1 or 2 at most.
Terrell
December 2nd, 2010
8:02 am
Season Ticket Holder
The reason Atl dropped 8 back in coverage is because, believe it or not Rodgers is dangerous against the blitz. My take on the end of the game was that we knew they were going to pass, so if I flood the endzone with defenders it makes it harder for the QB to fine holes, and that’s what happended for the most part. If the DB hadn’t slipped and lost track of the WR in the back of the endzone we wouldn’t be having this discussion. If we could have blizted, Rodgers would’ve pick it up and a hot route which would’ve given them six. Look at what happened with the Ravens against us a few weeks ago. They blitzed, we picked it up and we scored.
Mike is back
December 2nd, 2010
8:03 am
Falconstreet, I agree your 7:06 am post…while the corners are still a liability on defense…the play at corner is much improved from last year…they play with a chip on their shoulderS…these guys have earned my respect.
I think our defense matches favorably with the defense the Aints won a Super Bowl with…now we just need to secure the same path…that they did…I’M sure MSmith…is all over this…Dude be on top of his game.
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Terrell
December 2nd, 2010
8:05 am
Season Ticket Holder
I do agree with you on the play calling. I would like to see more bump and run from our CBs.
Zoomie
December 2nd, 2010
8:13 am
Corner play is much improved from last year. The biggest problem now is the lack of pressure, giving opposing QBs plenty of time to throw accurate passes. Pass rush must improve. Abraham is doing well considering his age, injuries, and persistent double-teams. Beirmann showed a lot of potential early, but he’s being handled now. He hasn’t shown that he’s capable of being a starter in this critical defensive position. Don’t know what can be done about it, though. More blitzing is definitely not the answer against the NFL’s better QBs/offenses. Others have recommended starting J. Anderson at DE and using Biermann as a situational rusher. Since there’s no real drop-off in production between Anderson and Biermann at starting DE, this might be worth a try. Of course, you’d have to consider the domino effect this might have on the DT rotation.
(Sigh) Just doesn’t seem as if there’s an easy fix . . .
jay
December 2nd, 2010
8:15 am
Wow we’ve gotten spolied. We held the Packers to 17 points people. That’s hot stuff! And honestly it should have been less. If Lofton could have held on to that INT or had we converted that first down on our second to last drive.
Tweets that mention Smith is pleased with Dunta Robinson’s play at cornerback | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
December 2nd, 2010
8:16 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Myron Abernathy, Jon Abril and ATLHOMER, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Smith is pleased with Dunta Robinson’s play at cornerback http://bit.ly/fyEPPv [...]
jay
December 2nd, 2010
8:17 am
Zoomie, I agree. Our 4 man pass rush has become nonexistent. That’s why we should have spent the cash on Peppers, lol.
Willy
December 2nd, 2010
8:19 am
@ all you people saying over rated:
Nobody ever said he was Revis. He’s a very good corner with extra toughness. You don’t hear his name a lot, and that’s good. He was the best man available at a position that needed the most help.
Too many Atlanta fans expect too much from too many places. He may not be close to Revis, but if he weren’t here, we wouldn’t be close to 9-2 either. Shut up.
suwaneefalcon
December 2nd, 2010
8:22 am
In the NFL it comes down to the preassure on the qb. If there is none, chances are the pass will be completed. You look at the Giants secondary from their last SB team and you will find they were mediocre at best. However, their front 7 was one of the best and put preassure on the qb and aided the secondary.
ATLFALCONSFAN4LIFE
December 2nd, 2010
8:25 am
You can see some improvement in our 2dary but nothing over the top Brent Grimes gives up big plays every game DROB allows big gains and gets schooled by wr alot yet like Coach Smith said he plays a tough area in coverage do I think he is a bust no do I think we paid 2 much yes …But only time will tell I still love all our players and fans but I know we must still work on improvement on our 2dary this offseason cause our D Line is doing awesome …GO FALCONS
Blue Fender
December 2nd, 2010
8:25 am
You said it all, Willy.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 2nd, 2010
8:26 am
Good QBs handle pressure. Teams have to cover, too.
t ball
December 2nd, 2010
8:26 am
I agree with you season ticket
GO FALCONS!!!!
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
8:39 am
All want to criticize and exemplify the pass rush on the Packer’s final TD.
Nobody is mentioning the play before that – Abraham putting on pressure because the “weak” secondary had everyone covered and forcing a sack – fumble and NOBODY picking up the ball.
Geez you all don’t have the attention span of 1 play. The Falcons D was in position to make a big play and nobody stepped up. Sorry, but if the Falcons make that play, the TD you so like to criticize never happens.
mj
December 2nd, 2010
8:39 am
Why throw at Dunta when you can do at will on Grimes. Orlando look at the third and longs since pre season and I bet 80% are thrown on Grimes. He is always chasing the receiver no matter whom it is. Watch the game this Sunday and Freeman will pick on Grimes because of his loose coverage.
Mitch (the one in Rome)
December 2nd, 2010
8:42 am
Remember, a part of shut down coverage is a beastly pass rush. Ours is better, but it is best at shutting down the run. We rule the line of scrimmage, but the other side of that coin is we do give up some yards in the air. Not sure if it’s personnel or what, but we need a little bit more on one end to avoid doubles on Abe. Bierman is good, perhaps on his way to great, but not quite there yet.
All that to say we are much improved and you can’t hang it only on the corners. No “i” in team. Football is the ultimate team sport, and one break down at one part affects the whole.
Just defending the guys who play the hardest position on the field. A beastly pass rush would help them a bit.
D. Bell
December 2nd, 2010
8:44 am
He rarely gets thrown to, and the reason he gives up those underneath throws are because the Falcons play a lot of zone. I think they should mix in some bump and run coverage too, especially on early downs, just to mix things up. The pass rush has been lacking at times, but when they do get pressure the QB just has to wait a few seconds for his safe options to hit the weak spot in the zone.
VDeuce
December 2nd, 2010
8:44 am
You’re right D-Led but the Falcons aren’t gettng enough pressure from the front 4. And blitzing hasn’t worked the guy is always a step or two late. I think too much has been made of the corner play the last TWO years. INTs come when then QB is RUSHED into making a bad decision/throw. If the Falcons can address putting pressure/getting more penetration on the other teams, that when this defense will become elite. twitter.com/VinnyDeuce
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
8:50 am
@mj I hope Freeman does pick on Grimes. Last time it resulted in 1 pick and second dropped pick.
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
8:56 am
You all need to be corrected – the Falcons are not getting pressure on EVERY PLAY. As I pointed out at 8:39, a sack – fumble is a big play. Are you saying it never happened?
What about Lofton’s dropped pick that Rodgers threw under duress; was that a figment of my imagination?
I will remind again – the NFL will not schedule Idaho State. The Falcons D is fine these young guys just need to learn how to be more opportunistic. They held GB to 17 – a team that had “found its stride” and was scoring 35+ in the previous 2 games.
Get over yourself or alternately write a letter to Godell asking to schedule Vandy for homecoming.
Gamer
December 2nd, 2010
8:57 am
I think, Dunta’s performance have improved steadily as the season progress when considering him missing most of OTA, preseason play and early on practices with team due to hamstring injury.
He’s gelling with the team’s defensive schemes and with the abilities of defensive players around him.
The Falcons are much better than its stat sheets in passing yards yield in games. There secondary stood strong enough against some of the most prolific passing quarterbacks in the league, J. Freeman, J. Flacco, A. Rodgers and D. Brees.
All the quarterbacks mentioned above have strong arms and high passing accuracy but Falcons’ secondary prevailed against them.
Dunta is a big reason why the Falcons are edging out victories. Because most team quarterbacks are selective in play calling passes in Dunta’s direction. Which allows the remaining Falcons secondary players to cover the rest of the field, putting double coverage on other targets.
Now sometimes this style of defense will backfire on Dunta and the secondary, especially when Dunta misses tackles which he has done.
Once Dunta settles down and make all his tackles then the Falcons’ defense as a whole will improve. Give it time by giving Dunta more time to settle into the Falcons defensive schemes. By the postseason the Falcons will be very difficult for opposing teams to score TD’S on.
Good fortunes to Dunta and the Falcons defense.
FALCONS PLAYERS, STAY FOCUS AND PLAY HARD EVERY DOWN..SNATCHING VICTORIES OUT OF THE JAWS OF DEFEAT…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 2nd, 2010
9:00 am
MJ — Grimes is getting better. He has room for improvement. He needs to keep getting like Green Bay’s Tramon Williams, who was also an undrafted FA and got him big contract extension.
(We’ve got some good takes this morning.Way to go!)
Ueeediot
December 2nd, 2010
9:14 am
Front Row….
I know the sack/fumble you are referring to. Recovering the fumble would have ended the game right there.
However, I think you are a little harsh. That ball was on the ground for a new york second before linemen started falling on the ball.
And yeah, Lofton dropped that ball. I mean, really….are you saying that he should have caught the ball? It was a bullet pass that even the receiver didnt see, was tipped off of Lofton’s hand into the receiver and pinned between Lofton’s hand and helmet. Hell he did good to break up the play.
As for the front 4….please remind me who was it that stopped Rodgers on the 3rd n goal? Oh yeah, PJ did that. And if you go back and watch the replay youll find that the D Line was still setting up until half a second before the ball was snapped. PJ made an amazing stop. Very next play…who was it that knocked the ball out of Rodgers hands? Oh yeah…the D Line.
Do you guys expect a 3 man rush against 5 O-Linemen at the end of the game to actually pressure the QB? It was done so there would be 8 in the endzone. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the other guy. Rodgers made a bullet pass (and one helluva throw) to the receiver streaking across the back of the endzone.
The other team is trying too, ya know.
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
9:14 am
Hooray for Gamer – a Falcons fan indeed!
The D has played well all season but has yet to put it all together. Further, the team is built from the inside out and will continue this level or better for several years.
The potential exists for this team to start peaking about the time the playoffs start. The NFL is no different than the NBA or MLB – the game changes when the tournament starts.
As a 23 yr season ticket holder, I am quite pleased. We have never had a team this complete AND there is room for improvement for years to come.
Double Zero Eight
December 2nd, 2010
9:19 am
The secondary has been a plesant surprise. I just hope they can do the job during the playoffs.
Grimes has good technique, but I am concerned about his size when he matches up against big/fast receivers. Robinson is not a selfish player, and has been a vast improvement over D. Hall.
There appears to be good team chemistry in the secondary.
Double Zero Eight
December 2nd, 2010
9:21 am
Spelled “pleasant” incorrectly in my previous post.
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
9:31 am
Dunta is the man “PERIOD”! That being said, these past couple games he has gotten his body into true game shape, he will show the non-beleivers “you just be patient”. Our “D” is a very tight unit, NO individauls – NO “MeAngrelo’s” Thank God.The “D” will get appreciably more confident/better thourgh out the next 5 weeks and years ahead. This Falcon team, Ownership, Management, Coaching staff – they are the best we’ve ever had!
ATL – get ready too “PARTAAY” — “RISE-UP”
TB – NEXT
GO FALCONS
KEw
December 2nd, 2010
9:37 am
All I have to say is that our defense must of played better than 9 other teams we played this year because they gave up more points than we did – that’s why we are 9-2. And some of those teams is known for their defense which means our defense stood up to the test. Now there is nothing else to be said.
JuneBaby
December 2nd, 2010
9:37 am
Overrated????? Who? Dunta Robinson? Brent Grimes? Who assigned these guys a rating? The Talking heads who need something to talk about to protect their paychecks? Is that how some of you guys determine who’s worthy? Based upon what they determine is worthy? If Brent Grimes was a lock-down corner, he would be getting lock-down money, well he’s not, and you get what you pay for. Want a better pass rush, well you have to pay for what you want! Better recievers? ditto The Falcons can’t afford a team full of star players at every position, so they have to maximize what they get out of the players they have, and live with the occassional bigs plays against them!!!!!!
kaminari
December 2nd, 2010
9:38 am
You can’t look at stats as a good measuring stick in this case. Much of the yardage given up by our secondary occurred when teams were coming back. Just look at the last throw made by Rodgers last week. Our guys (including Finny) were 40 yards back. That big gain the Packers got will add 3 or so yards to our average over the entire year. That will probably drop us at least one or two spots down. Who cares about wasted yards. The one glaring problem is our soft coverage when we’re up. The play calling is too conservative, predictable. Even so, I’ve witnessed improvement over the course of the year, and I’ve watched every game on rewind at least five times (except that Eagles debacle).
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
9:44 am
So what is your “POINT” – June, if you have issue back-up your statement, “BUT” you are making NO point!!!!!!!!!!
TB – NEXT
GO FALCONS
Ueeediot
December 2nd, 2010
9:47 am
You should go back and watch that Eagles debacle again. You will realize just how good Matt Ryan is. In previous years 21-0 would have been lights out…lets get on the plane and go home. This year, even when down, I saw Matt fight and I saw a glimmer of a comeback brewing there….until the officials threw a bull**** penalty on Duanta. That changed the whole game.
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
9:49 am
When i go to Vegas i like to bet “The Crap Tables” – occasionally some knucklehead shows-up at the table and bets the “NO PASS LINE” — let’s see that person must be it’s got to be “JuneBaby”
TB – NEXT
GO FALCONS
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
9:54 am
As my friend Falcon Jim would say – this JuneBaby likes to “Chuck & Duck” out in this case – i know cowards are everywhere.
TB – NEXT
GO FALCONS
Joycee Banicheck
December 2nd, 2010
9:56 am
How many TD’s has Dunta given up this year. Stats guy where you at??
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
10:03 am
JuneBaby had NO point, realized he had NO idea what words he was churning out of his….He’s gone “GOOD BYE”
TB – NEXT
GO FALCONS ATL – RISE-UP
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
10:05 am
Ueeediot…The score was 14-0 when the “overpaid” Dunta made the game changing hit. Instead of a 4th down stop the Falcons got 15 tacked on because the smurf Jackson folded up like a lawn chair. The Eagles scored on the possession making it 21-0.
That play is what Dunta is paid for – don’t let the little smurfs run free in the secondary.
DR. FALCON
December 2nd, 2010
10:05 am
DESPITE COACH SMITH’S REMARKS, DUNTA ROBINSON NEEDS TO STEP UP HIS PLAY! WE MIGHT AS WELL HAVE KEPT CHRIS HOUSTON! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? NO INT’S OR SACKS, THRU 11 GAMES? THATS WHY WE SIGNED HIM WITH THAT BIG CONTRACT! TO MAKE PLAYS! LUCKILY, OUR OFFENSE IS BALL CONTROL, TO MASK OUR PROBLEMS IN THE SECONDARY! I BEG TO DIFFER, COACH SMITH DUNTA ROBINSON IS NOT FINE! WE NEED MORE PLAYS IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER!
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
10:10 am
Hmmmm….so we could have gone with Chris Owen? Did you see the last TB game? Let’s see if TB can do that when #23 is on the field.
take it from me.
December 2nd, 2010
10:14 am
I thank danta is fine,and grimes plays big for a small corner,but gives up to much to the big receivers! we need a pass rush to take pressure of the corners.we should have picked peppers up when he was there for the taking,now the bears look unbeatable on defence,and could end up in the superbowl instead of the falcons…..Defence wins superbowls……i could be wrong,but that play in the GB game were we sent 8 men back to cover the pass was kind of the telling tale.
North FLA Falcon
December 2nd, 2010
10:15 am
I watched the game last night from NFL network and the thing that scares me about our defense is MISSED TACKLES. Too many whiffs, bad angles, or tackles with your hands or the shoulder. This is the “DeAngelo Hall” school of (not) tackling. Wrap the guy up!
Ueeediot
December 2nd, 2010
10:23 am
There is no stat that I know of for “number of times burned for a TD”
You can however look up and find the Falcons defense has given up 209 points overall.
Ueeediot
December 2nd, 2010
10:26 am
Front Row, thanks for refreshing my memory.
Agreed that hit changed the game…not just ours either (unfortunately).
This team has fight that I havent seen before. Even the 98 team didnt have this kind of fight in them.
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
10:35 am
No, the ‘98 team just beat 14 teams into submission and lost 2 blowouts.
This team seems to have every opponent measured. I am willing the bet the d-block sideline conversation during the Eagles game went a little like this: “one of you guys needs to step up and knock one of those smurfs into next week”.
I’m sorry but when little fast guys are running free, you do EXACTLY what Dunta did.
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
10:43 am
FYI smurf = little fast guy that lays down or runs out of bounds to avoid the big hit.
See – DeSean Jackson.
Snelling Fan
December 2nd, 2010
10:55 am
I don’t care. That hit he laid on D Jackson says it all. He is exactly the kind of guy this team needs.
waynester
December 2nd, 2010
10:55 am
I agree that the back end is still a weak spot on our Defense but lots of folks are after Lofton for failing to make what would have been a circus grab while totally ignoring the one that hit DeCoud in the chest in the 4th Quarter. That would have truly been a back breaking pick but he dropped it and STILL had the nerve to showboat because he knocked it down. All ya’ll getting after DR and Grimes and ignoring DeCoud doesn’t compute. Overall, the unit as a whole has improved but individually we still have some weak spots to address (after we win the SB, of course)….
Brian Hunt
December 2nd, 2010
10:57 am
The only thing we need to know about Robinson is that the team he left now has the worst pass defense in pro football, and the team that he plays for now is better than they were last year. The Texans are going to miss the playoffs because they can’t stop anybody. Who doesn’t think that they would like to have him back?
The problem in Atlanta is the inconsistent pass rush. We need for somebody to step up opposite Abe on the pass rush.
Reality Check
December 2nd, 2010
11:22 am
Falcons secondary vs Eagles
You know the answer.
True Falcon Fan
December 2nd, 2010
11:24 am
Good hit by Snelling also the during the first quarter early minutes of Baltimore game- Snelling “nailed” “RAYRAY”
It was beautiful too!
GO FALCONS
FrontRow
December 2nd, 2010
11:25 am
Not ignoring that one waynester just forgot about that one. So far this year, IMO, DeCoud is the weak link (and doing the most showboating). Never mind Moore dropping the kill shot in the Rams game or etc, etc, etc
So we upgraded – last year Houston, this year DeCoud. My point is the YOUNG D is still learing how to kill. Yeah I want to see Lofton make that pick – in the playoffs.
Sarah B
December 2nd, 2010
11:28 am
This is Hilarious! Enjoy Falcon Fans…
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/101202&sportCat=nfl
Chop Buster
December 2nd, 2010
11:39 am
First thing is Dunta needs to put on some different cleats if he is constantly having slipping issues. Personally, I’d like to see him be more physical with the receiver on the line. He can also use his physicalness to keep the quick passes from turning into big gains (30 yard Jennings gain). I just don’t want to see Tampa’s young receivers running throughout our secondary and our guys are playing 10 yards off. If we have to use our LBs to bump them within the 5-yard limit then so be it, but we need to disrupt our opponents’ routes. We can’t jump routes and take the ball if we’re playing too far off. That’s what the zone is designed to do–allow you to face the QB and see the route developing. Let’s lock Tampa down this week. And for God sake get some pressure on Freeman. Go Falcons!!!
waynester
December 2nd, 2010
11:49 am
Sarah
That was funny–I especially liked the “Trading Places” reference–one of the funniest movies of all time…
ATL Shawty
December 2nd, 2010
12:02 pm
Hey Fans wanna hear something really crazy, guess what other sports team is using the ” Rise Up ” slogan this season. The Los Angeles Clippers! Check out their website, are you kidding me these guys look like a JV High School team , they should not to be mentioned in the same breath as the Falcons!
collegedude
December 2nd, 2010
12:10 pm
DOL, looking forward to hearing you at the Falcon Nation Charities Lunch with Legends as you emcee the event on Dec. 7th. Should be a fun day with former Falcon greats Steve Bartkowski, Bobby Butler, and Todd Weiner all receiving the 1st annual True Falcon awards as voted on by Falcon fans. The True Falcon award is in recognition of former players dedication to the Falcons while playing for the team and also their dedication to the community both while playing and after their playing days have ended. Check out http://www.falconnationcharities.org/2ndlunchwithlegends.html for more information about the event.
Supes
December 2nd, 2010
12:26 pm
He’s been fine against the run…but he’s gotten torched against the pass for big plays…and so far the money he is being paid does not reflect what the falcons are getting on the field. He is not a lock down corner in the NFL.
People wanna blame Grimes, but he at least has the ability to stay close to the WR and get some picks.
Here is the biggest hint that Dunta is not a top tier lockdown corner….other teams aren’t afraid to repeatedly throw at him…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
December 2nd, 2010
12:40 pm
collegedude – Thanks. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be blogging about the luncheon tonight or tomorrow. Hope we get a good crowd!!!
ATL Shawty
December 2nd, 2010
12:59 pm
Everyone in the ATL knows why our corners never look like probowlers every year. Besides Abraham, we have no pressure up front. All the QBs in the league look average when they have to hurry their throws & can’t get into a rhythm. Matty can’t win us any games, laying flat on his back. Whenever we generate a solid pass rush we look like a Superbowl team.
jay
December 2nd, 2010
1:27 pm
Grimes would be a great nickel corner, but he’s too small to be a starter. I love the kid, but I hope we look to upgrade in the summer.
Falcon James
December 2nd, 2010
1:40 pm
What?? Smith think Robinson play is fine??? What game is Smith watching? Robinson look overrated and overpaid!! My 6 year old could cover better than him. DeAngelo Hall look better than him. Bryant could cover better than him. He stink to high heaven. Smith get a grip!!!
You kiddin' me?
December 2nd, 2010
1:55 pm
What’s Smith supposed to say to the media? Do you think he’s going to trash the guy? “I’ve got no idea why we gave him such a big contract. He couldn’t cover a blister with a blanket”. Why would he trash the guy, creating controversy, especially when we’re 9-2?
We signed Dunta to improve our pass defense. The opposition tends not to throw to his side, but when they have (especially since the concussion) he’s fallen down on the job. Bottom line is that our pass defense is not significantly better.
Now, pass defense comes from having a good pass rush, and ours has been mediocre, especially when we only rush 4. Abe and Babineaux have been productive, but Kroy seems better suited to a 3rd down roll. I’m guessing starting tends to wear him down too much. Either that or bulking up to defend the rush has slown him down. Either way, we need more production from the defensive line.
Sarah B
December 2nd, 2010
2:03 pm
Get the Dude new shoes with good cleats and maybe he’ll stop slipping on plays.
Samuel
December 2nd, 2010
2:10 pm
Do you think Coach Smith is going say Dunta’s not up to par? I bet next year drafting a corner will be one of the Falcons top goals. Believe me they are hoping he Robinson improves, but the bottom line is the coaching staff knows it’s weaknesses and strenghts. Nobody is shaking in their boots because this guy is on the field. They know what to expect from Brent Grimes and his smallish frame. This guy grimes is an over achiever. Say what you will about him, he makes plays.
marcus
December 2nd, 2010
2:17 pm
dunta does come up and make open field tackles but on the other hand i would like to see a few int’s from him teams have been looking at grimes side more but this last few games i’ve seen teams going at dunta more when he gets his chance he need to make them pay for it
marcus
December 2nd, 2010
2:20 pm
yeah may be some cleats that say i got payed now make some plays
marcus
December 2nd, 2010
2:23 pm
theres a lot of good corners come out in this years draft but i say we get one in the second round this year
Parker
December 2nd, 2010
2:31 pm
My coworkers and I just noticed that B. Grimes covers the run as good as Robinson and plays coverage better. He’s not get all that $ ! We still need another guy.
Spud Webb
December 2nd, 2010
3:03 pm
Head-Mo-Fo, you’re 7 am post, I couldn’t agree more. Bring him up and let him bump and run more often, get the most out of the investment. He loves being physical. Lol, the texans are MISSING him badly. The guy is good.
Saints1Fan
December 2nd, 2010
3:33 pm
D-Robinson has never been a shutdown cornerback. He is a run stopping cornerback. Go back and watch the tape versus the Saints game when D-Robinson made a great tackle of Devery Henderson, who bobbled the ball and missed it because of the tackle. Even on that play, he was beat deep. He was brought in to stop teams like Carolina and Tampa Bay in the South, because they are physical running teams.
Ken Strickland
December 2nd, 2010
4:20 pm
For the most part, OFF’s have not made a habit of throwing at CB DRobinson. He’s also coming off a concussion and has to be a bit rusty and out of shape. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with our starting CB’s or secondary that a consistent pass rush can’t cure.
When your DC can’t come up with a way to consistently get to the QB, or limit the time he has to go through his progressions, why would you blame the secondary for not being able to shutdown 3-4 receivers, some of which are Probowl caliber?
There has to be something wrong with our overall DEF scheme or approach when DL, who’ve previously demonstrated their ability to rush the passer, are suddenly neutralized as soon as the become starters. And while some of you are questioning CB DRobinson’s abilities, would you rather have former CB CHouston back instead?
BOB
December 2nd, 2010
5:35 pm
Has any NFL team won the Super Bowl with a 5′6′ starting cornerback ?
DHunt
December 2nd, 2010
6:20 pm
I haven’t seen one mention of the real reason why Rogers was able to get off that last pass. Bierman spun into the middle of the field, lost contain and he had all that open space to work with. That happened on every three man rush. The ends have to keep contain better, make Rogers flush into a defensive teammate instead of the wide open area they were supposed to be covering.
But the sun even shines on a dog’s behind every now and then. Every team in the NFL makes plays. every DB gets beat. As long as we continue to make the one more play that matters each week, we’ll be just fine. This whole defense is improving each week. They will take another step forward in Tampa.
Tim Parker
December 2nd, 2010
6:38 pm
My only complaint is when we have our opponent down we are playing prevent in long passing situations, or what I like to call, “prevent you from winning” defense. Also, I would like to see us really drum the Tampon Bay defense Sunday by running the ball down their throats. I love seeing us go Four Horseman and would like to see more of it.
jerry
December 2nd, 2010
6:50 pm
Smith is not going to say he is lousy. That would make his boss, Mr. Dimitroff look bad. Dunta can do that himself.
jerry
December 2nd, 2010
6:52 pm
@Tim Parker…Do you think they can just run the ball down their throats just because you want them to? This is not one of the great teams of all time, believe it or not.
Mac
December 2nd, 2010
8:42 pm
I Would Like To Know What “smitty” Is Smoking?? D.Robinson Has Got To Be The Biggest $57M BUST This Town Has EVER Seen!! I Venture To Say He Will Be GONE By Season’s End!
Week After Week He Gives Up The Big One And Gets Called For Pass Interferance On A Regular Basis!
DrJ
December 2nd, 2010
9:13 pm
All I want to know is if Fox is going to call our 10 Milliion $ Man Dunta or Donte?
E
December 2nd, 2010
11:53 pm
The Biggest issue with the Falcons is first pass rushing; poor coverage and very poor tackling in the open field. If these things does not improve they want make it far in the playoffs. The great teams at this point of the season does a evaluation of their team if they have a shot at a super bowl run would make a trade to get them to the next level and win the entire thing.
Miles D
December 3rd, 2010
5:10 am
Just remember this Falcons fans! Dante is just coming off of a MAJOR KNEE INJURY!! I’d take Dante over D-Hall any day! Even though, Hall is having a good season with the skins! Most times it take a couple years before you really get your legs under you when coming back from those type injuries! Other than that he has been solid! Though he could get better on 3rd down route recognition! LOL
FHZ
December 3rd, 2010
8:19 am
If it wasn’t for Dunta, Abraham would not have 8 sacks, nor would the other D-Linemen have their…1 sack collectively..
Every consistently good NFL defense does not have a “Shut-down CB”, and this defense does not call for one.. It’s a cover 2, Zone-blitz, Zone dog defense.. The Falcons LBs and secondary spy the plays in front of them, and hit people.
Dunta Robinson and maybe FS Decoud are the “Pressure Valves” that stop even the most mediocre of NFL offense from bursting The Falcons bubble with long scores like previous seasons. If you really watch this team without bias you know that it must be Dunta that is providing The Falcons D-Line with 20 seconds to (finally) pressure the QB…(And they still do not as often as they should).
The can’t get to the QB…. Maybe their defensive staff are playing players at the wrong times or downs..
The Falcons have 4 interchangeable DTs, and 1 DT who also plays DE.. So what?
Sit rookie DT Corey Peters, and activate DE Sidbury. He was the fastest DE in The 2009 NFL Draft.
Sidbury is The Falcons only hope to add to their pass rush at this point.
Fastest DE in street clothes ever week.. (so that 5 DTs can “rotate”?) I could understand more, if The Falcons were (Top3 against the run), but they are not.
I really do not see a Super Bowl appearance unless some changes are made, or some player “grows” or steps-up his game further than expected. Maybe it’s a young DT like Peters. Maybe it is Weatherspoon at LB.
Even if The Falcons have Home-Field advantage:
Giants QB Eli Manning would pass deep on them when WR Hakim Nicks returns (Falcons probably do not face deep passing in practice.. They are not use to covering it.
Philadelphia Eagles
Green Bay Packers
Just because The Falcons are barely holding leads, doesn’t mean that what they have is sufficient on defense.
Its the The Falcons offense that is not turning the ball over, and is burning-up game clock before the other team gets a shot.
Falcons are prime for an upset loss in The GA Dome in The NFL playoffs because they did not do enough, or are starting players who cannot place pressure on the opposing QB.
#NFL News and Notes – December 3, 2010 | The Other 31
December 3rd, 2010
8:45 am
[...] Falcons head coach Mike Smith is pleased with the play of cornerback Dunta Robinson, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta [...]
Steve
December 3rd, 2010
10:34 am
Everyone is complaining about Dunta Robinson’s stats but you all have to realize that he plays a position where stats are pretty much irrelevant. Don’t compare him to a Darrele Revis because they play in two totally different systems. Revis has a very good pass rush which helps him out and makes him an even better corner. If he played in our system and had to play off the ball like Dunta im pretty sure he would get beat sometimes too. oh yea, and to make things clear, the best cornerback in the league is nnamdi asomugha, check out his stats, he hardly has any picks every single season because no one throws at him.
RM
December 3rd, 2010
10:40 am
He is way over-rated and overpaid. The only hit he has made all year resulted in a 15-yard penalty and a first down. The D is definitely better but there are still a lof of holes in the secondary. Don’t even get me started on Shorty…
welikebaseball2
December 3rd, 2010
12:45 pm
I hear you guys calling Dunta overrated. In terms of the league-view, he’s barely rated…so how could he be overrated? You could make the argument that he’s overpaid, but overrated? Hardly. Think on this: When there’s talk among the analysts about the top corners in the league, his name doesn’t surface. He’s considered a solid cover corner around the league, but not a shutdown corner. What I’m saying is, I believe he’s lived up to what the league has come to expect of him. It’s just that Falcons fans have higher expectations, & rightfully so considering what he’s making. As for him “getting beat,” even your shutdown corners are going to get beat from time to time. As for the lack of INT’s, he hasn’t had many balls thrown his way. QB’s have chosen to pick on Grimes. With all due respect to Grimes, I’d do the same thing were I an opposing QB. The popular stats don’t show how few times they throw to Robinson’s side of the field. Honestly, I think his side of the field should be the least of our worries regarding the secondary.
willie
December 3rd, 2010
1:10 pm
I like Dunta, but our pass defense is clearly a problem. The numbers don’t lie….27th in pass yards allowed and 21st in pass TDs allowed. It is hard to imagine going all the way with those numbers. I do like that we are stout against the run, though.
yo mama
December 3rd, 2010
6:01 pm
i am impressed with robinson. we could have chris houston back? do you want him, heeell noo! grimes gets picked on more, gets mis-matched, but teams are not throwing his way, and maybe three 3 td’s have been scored on him. but houston was giving up several per game. dunta is fine, we need more pressure on QB, like a julius peppers. thats all we lack on this team right now, no monster DE.
and i am out!
Teacher
December 3rd, 2010
11:56 pm
Dunta is absolutely terrible against the pass! The coaches won’t tell you this publicly, but he is a big disappointment!!!! We did not do a good job evaluating his skill!!!! He is ok against the run, but pathetic versus the pass! Guess what? The NFL is predominately a passing league!!! He has looked so bad so many times that he is a liability!!!! The Falcons secondary will be the reason they get beat when they get beat. Mark my words!!! He gives every receiver a big cushion, EVERY PLAY! If I was coaching the other team, I would isolate him on an island and you would see how pathetic he is!!!!!!!!!!