GAME STORY: Jaguars 15, Falcons 13
Quarterback Matt Ryan was under pressure against Jacksonville on Friday. (Associated Press)
JACKSONVILLE – If there was any remaining doubt about wide receiver Harry Douglas’ knee, he put it to rest with his second scintillating performance of the exhibition season.
Douglas sparked an otherwise shoddy offensive performance with a 76-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the 15-13 loss to the Jaguars at EverBank Field on Friday night.
The Falcons dropped to 0-2, while Jacksonville, which was humiliated by New England 47-12 in its last outing, moved to 1-1 in the exhibition season.
“It just seemed like we were out of sync offensively,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. ”We have some things that we definitely have to correct and that’s what the preseason is for.”
Other than Douglas’ big play, the Falcons did not mount another touchdown drive. Also, they failed to take full advantage of great field position after two first-quarter turnovers.
“When we get the ball on the plus-side of the 50, we have to make some hay and get some points,” Smith said.
The starters played the entire first half and could amass just three first downs. Running back Michael Turner had seven carries for 14 yards. Julio Jones had two catches. Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez had one catch each.
On Jacksonville’s opening possession, cornerback Brent Grimes intercepted Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard and returned the pick 62 yards.
The offense had the ball at the Jaguars’ 42. They picked up one first down, but the drive stalled at Jacksonville’s 21. Kicker Matt Bryant put the Falcons ahead 3-0 with a 40-yard field goal.
On Jacksonville’s ensuing possession, wide receiver Cecil Shorts fumbled on a reverse. After a mad scramble, linebacker Sean Weatherspoon recovered the ball at the Jaguars’ 37-yard line.
The promising drive stalled after Ryan was called for intentional grounding on third-and-2 from Jacksonville’s 31.
“Our defense did a great job,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “As an offense, we always like to capitalize on those turnovers.”
Punter Matt Bosher came on and booted a 50-yard punt when the Falcons wanted him to pin the Jaguars inside the 20.
Jacksonville put together a 13-play drive that was capped by Josh Scobee’s 26-yard field goal to tie the score, 3-3.
There was an exchange of punts before Douglas got loose. On a third-and-5, Douglas was open over the middle, he shook a defender and then broke outside. Jones gave him a block and Douglas was sprinting up the sideline for the score.
“I’m here to do whatever they ask me to do — inside, outside, slot — whatever,” Douglas said. “I love the offense.”
Douglas also had a nice touchdown grab last week against Miami.
The Falcons added a field goal in the third quarter to move ahead 13-3. But like in the exhibition opener when they blew a 17-0 lead, the reserves couldn’t hold off the Jaguars.
The Jaguars added two quick field goals, one after Antone Smith fumbled on a kickoff return and then received a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Luke McCown to wide receiver Armon Binns to move ahead. They held on for the victory.
Cornerback Dominique Franks, who is having a spectacular training camp, started for Dunta Robinson. He played strong, but missed a couple of tackles during Jacksonville’s touchdown drive.
“I left some plays out there that I should of have made, but that’s something that I can correct,” Franks said. “I need to get a better feel for what receivers like to do in certain coverages.”
It was Franks most extensive action as the Falcons are trying to decide who’s their No. 3 cornerback. Franks was getting his chance to move past Christopher Owens.
“I didn’t want to look at that too closely and get myself over-excited,” Franks said. “I just wanted to go out there and make plays. I should have made those two missed tackles. They were big on that drive to take the lead. That’s something that is easily corrected.”
Franks doesn’t need to beat himself up for the missed tackles. He wasn’t the only defender missing tackles. Some contend that the lack of live tackling in practice leads to those type of plays in the preseason.
“We have to just get back in there and get more reps to get really focused on tackling,” middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said. “We don’t do enough tackling. When we get out there, it’s preseason and you know guys are not ready for that.”
The Falcons will now point to their third exhibition game at Pittsburgh next Saturday.
The game will be heavily anticipated as defensive end Ray Edwards, the team’s prized free agent signee who is recovering from knee surgery, may make his Atlanta debut.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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167 comments Add your comment
GHunt
August 20th, 2011
12:28 pm
Somebody please tell me what the hell is going on? Kickoff and punt coverage is disgraceful. I am beginning to believe that Noodle Arm Matty Ice will have trouble accurately throwing the deep ball. The Oline look more like Swiss Cheese than road grinders. Most of the backups on defense can be given their release immediately.
Here is a suggestion for the Pittsburgh game. Let the backups play the entire game. We will probably lose 60 to 0 but at least there will be no injuries to the starters.
BVG’s bend but don’t break scheme is at odds with the quick strike offense that the Julio trade was suppose to create.
The philosphy of wait until next game, next season etc is our theme song.
swampfox59
August 20th, 2011
12:32 pm
for those of you putting value in pre-season games rmember Jerry Grandview
BooBoo
August 20th, 2011
12:33 pm
It looked like the Falcon defense has been practicing a lot at getting to the ball carrier in the backfield. I think they did a great job of doing that. Now, I think it is best they start practicing tackling the ball carrier in the backfield. Can they practice that? It might hurt someone.
Once Recent Reader
August 20th, 2011
12:36 pm
One poster indicated another was moronic for saying 2-0 with the starting unit. I don’t understand that. Does anyone here really care about the pre-season record? I look at how the starters perform and how they progress. I didn’t see last night’s game, but definitely against the Dolphins all looked pretty good with the Starters. Trust me, the fans down here in SE Florida were not chirping about the preseason “win” against Falcs. They thought the Falcs O torched them with the starters in. They thought Dolphins starting O did not look good against Falcons D. NO ONE was marveling over a 1-0 record in Dolphin Land on Sports Radio. Quite the opposite. They were impressed by Falcs and unimpressed by Dolphins. Dolphins played better last night so it should be a happy week for the fans. Didn’t seem like the Jaguars scored much against Falcs in first half. But sounds like some bad tacking by D. We’ll see. O-2 . . . .who cares.
Jerome
August 20th, 2011
12:39 pm
Calm down people. There have been many teams in the past that went 0-4 in the preseason and went on to go deep into the playoffs and even win the Super Bowl. Number 1. Teams do not show their true playbook in the pre-season. Number 2. This is all about building technique and stamina, Number 3. Teams are trying to keep players healthy especially this year. I am sick of the pessimistic fans game after game nitpicking every little thing about this team and not realizing that we finally do have one of the elite teams in the NFL and it is better than what we had going on in the 80’s and 90’s. Have you not heard the playoff talk on ESPN and the NFL Network and the Falcons are always in the conversation? So please people smoke a joint and calm down.
Hetch Hetchy
August 20th, 2011
12:42 pm
I see it’s going to be a frustrating year watching Matt Ryan under throw White and Jones. What a waste of speed. Just once I’d like to see Ryan hit Roddy in full stride on a fly pattern. Just once!
Runner-
August 20th, 2011
12:53 pm
Bosher is awful at kickoffs. With the new kickoff rule it should be easy to get it deep in the endzone, but players are having easy chances to make big returns and give our defense unnecessary pressure. I say give Bryant a try at kickoffs, if not, sign another kicker for this duty.
Debbie
August 20th, 2011
1:00 pm
Matt Ryan has certainly improved in articulating excuses for the offense, but not much on the field (see Packers playoff game). I could care less about the preseason record, but if you couldn’t see problems in last night’s team performance, you don’t know much about football. If MR doesn’t develop some toughness, we’ll be looking up from the bottom of the NFC South pile.
jerry
August 20th, 2011
1:11 pm
Peria Jerry appeared to play the entire game after he came back from the injury. What was that all about?
loel
August 20th, 2011
1:41 pm
My Lord,,,,, pleasssse get rid of Michael Turner… What a dud. Secondly he can’t catch a pass…. and to get outside,,,,, absolutely impossible. I know others think this but won’t say it. Such a boring offense. When they line up,,,you already know if its a pass of run from your living room. Surely the other team knows.
Reality Check
August 20th, 2011
1:42 pm
Those 4 draft picks will be felt in the next 2 years.
Just sayin………….
Mystikal
August 20th, 2011
1:47 pm
Tough break, but that’s what Pre-season is for. Now we see we need to work on special teams coverage, tackling, and the O-line continuing to get. But should we come into a lot of injuries I am worried about the depth for the entire team. The backup and 3rd string guys looked utterly horrible. I hope Turner is able to have the same success running with the changes(Dahl) to the O-line.
On a positive note, that Quiz Rodgers is pretty quick huh! I’d like to see more of what he can do. I know we aren’t showing everything in the pre-season, but I hope our offense looks smoother and more dynamic when the real season begins.
Mystikal
August 20th, 2011
1:49 pm
I know we like to bring in good character guys here, but do they all have to be injury prone (Jerry)?
Freddie G
August 20th, 2011
2:04 pm
It is preseason so I am not going to get too bent out of shape on the performane of the Birds. However i expected more from the first team offense. Look at what New England did to Jacsonville and to Tampa Bay. I new the O-Line was an issue and thought TD would have addressed it from last season with a stand-out left tackle, but I am sure he knows what he is doing. The line has never pass protect well and Matt always look scare so same old, same old thing.
Ken Strickland
August 20th, 2011
2:06 pm
SEENTHISB4-Do you even know what the word FICTION means? To call my comments FICTION is to say I was completely wrong and the AINTS really did defend their 2009 NFC South title, and defended their Superbowl title, or actually won their 1st rd playoff gm against Seattle? You’d also have to be saying the Seahawks’ 25th ranked OFF really didn’t score 41pts against your 4th ranked DEF?
You’d also have to be saying I was wrong about Seattle having a losing regular season record this yr, or that they were the 1st team in NFL history to make the playoffs with a losing record? Just for the record, please tell everyone what significant FA moves have the AINTS made to improve your poor run DEF, poor pass rush, and poor secondary play.
You see, this is the type of HEAD BURIED IN THE SAND type of response that are always characterizes you delusional AINT FANS. You can’t indulge in intelligent discourse about the AINTS or the Falcons because you’re always overly sensitive and on the defensive when it comes to logical, well thought out and well presented opinions and facts about your beloved AINTS.
To call my OBVIOUS FACTS fiction is proof positive that you’re totally incapable of dealing with any facts about your BELOVED AINTS, and that you’re also incapable of indulging in intelligent conversation about either team. The Atlanta Falcons were better than your AINTS were last yr, as proven by our record and NFC Divisional Title, and we’re considerably better than you are this yr than we were last yr.
You and your fellow AINT FANATICS are polluting our blogs with the same preseason BS that you polluted our blogs with last yr, and look at how that turned out for you. PEOPLE THAT ARE TOO STUPID TO LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT THEM.
JERRY-I think our coaches want to give DT PJerry every chance to establish himself, get his mojo back and win back his starting DT spot. He’s certainly quicker, faster, more athletic, disruptive, and a better pass rusher than CPeters. I also saw an awful lot of OT GReynolds in the 2nd half.
In gm 1 of the exhibition season, we saw WR JJones featured, and in gm 2, we saw WR HDouglas and RB JRogers featured, and all 3 delivered. I believe RB ASmith’s fumbled kickoff return killed his chances of making the team.
COLESKI-Do you remember last yrs preseason when we also lost our 1st 2 exhibition gms, and there was a heated battle for the NCB slot, which CB COwens eventually won, and people just like you were predicting doom and gloom and another 9-7 season, at best? Can you possibly get your mind and memory to recall how last yrs regular season actually turned out?
Freddie G
August 20th, 2011
2:10 pm
My spelling above is atrocious, s/h/b Performance and Jacksonville.
Reality Check
August 20th, 2011
2:11 pm
Why do some people on these blogs type long winded columns but don’t get paid for it?
Just sayin…………….
Bird Dawg Country
August 20th, 2011
2:19 pm
Please don’t let Nike F up Falcons uniforms like they keep doing with UGA….thought we were done with that crap.
Bird Dawg Country
August 20th, 2011
2:20 pm
It’s called preseason for a reason….don’t put too much stock into it people.
Jimmy Crack
August 20th, 2011
2:32 pm
Reality check, just tell us now, who’s going to win the Super Bowl? While you’re at it, when’s the next hurricane gonna hit the U.S.?
You’re just guessin…
You should try guessing the lottery it would be more profitable than guessing a random draft pick’s potential.
Falcon James
August 20th, 2011
2:36 pm
I just gots to say. the falcon defence looking sorry. Caint tackle and caint cover. if I is the opposing team coach, i is throwing the 20 yard pass every singal play. the falcon caint cover. that the end of the story.
steven A.
August 20th, 2011
2:52 pm
Falcons also need a better number 2 quarterback. Chris Redman is very near his end. Cut John Parker Wilson as well.
steven A.
August 20th, 2011
2:57 pm
Cut Antoine Smith and Gatrell Johnson. Bring in Noel Devine quickly, if you have any idea of creativity?
Tony Gonzales was once a great TE, HOWEVER, what can you expect from a 59 year old playa?
Tyrone Shulaces
August 20th, 2011
2:57 pm
Smell it? that smell, the smell of Burnt Toast.
They ought to wear black every game. If they’re
gonna be burnt toast, they might as well look
like burnt toast. Its the talk of the NFL. The
Falcons’ secondary is BAAAAAD. 4-12 if they
don’t fix it.
SeenThisB4
August 20th, 2011
3:38 pm
Jerry–The real reason Peria played so much was cause Corey got hurt in practice this week. LOL!
A$E3k
August 20th, 2011
3:40 pm
We (the Falcons) really need to address 2 issues if we want to win a super bowl, 1)we need a offensive coordinator 2) we need some BETTER cornerbacks!! Until we address these issues we are going to be in the same position each and every season!
SeenThisB4
August 20th, 2011
3:46 pm
Ken: What I said was that your facts were irrevelent.
The fiction, is your declaration that the Payton didn’t improve his #4 ranked defense, because he did,…a lot. At the very least they used their #1 to draft a DE. And that is only for starters. I know it, and you know it. LOL!
Truth Speakz
August 20th, 2011
4:24 pm
somebody please explain why they picked up a free agent who is recovering from a knee surgery…im sorry…i dont care what he did in the past….the dude has an injury………
Bird Dawg Country
August 20th, 2011
4:40 pm
it’s preseason….calm down people….half the people that played aren’t gonna be here in September.
And the others that are will get it together…These are glorified scrimmages…that’s all…turn it off till September….it’s meaningless right now
Lesa
August 20th, 2011
4:51 pm
Okay, where is the “explosive” offense the Falcons are supposed to have this year? The starters played for the entire first half, and the offense looked just like it did last year. I agree with “Who Me?” about Ryan’s play: “His rookie year he was fearless and made clutch play after clutch play staying in the pocket and releasing the ball at the last possible moment . . . he’s been a puss for the last 18 months.” I keep hoping to see Ryan get back to that kind of play, but haven’t seen it yet. I’m bummed out and frustrated with my team today. Hope they step it up before the regular season starts.
SeenThisB4
August 20th, 2011
5:00 pm
They picked up a gimby DE as an act of desperation.
PlanB
August 20th, 2011
5:02 pm
Until we start reg season I’m only worried about NCB. I think this is a big problem like when we had Chris Houston and first year CB, Brent Grimes. One needed experience, the other needed to be gone. That happened but wasn’t fun until it did.
A little off subject but I was watching a tape of the GB & Arizone game. First series Rodgers uses a hard count and gets 5 yd. penalty on tha Cards. We used to use the hardcount alot and it helped. Not only did we get an extra 5 yds. but we got some easier 1st downs and kept the ball moving. We also got the defenses holding back a little worrying about it happening again. Extra 1/2 second each play helps. My point is, we seem to have forgotton or quit using so many little things that mount up, and this can only be blamed on coaches and coordinators. Example: screen passes. Lack of imagination. 1st down = Turner up the middle. 2nd down = same. Atlanta…. we have a problem. MM used to be better than this. Is MS too conservative and holding him back or what? That extra 5 yds always meant alot more than 1/2 a first down to me.
PlanB
August 20th, 2011
5:18 pm
@ Ken S about NCB. I hope you’re right and I’m wrong about Owens. He had some decent games last year while gaining experience but has apparently has lost some confidence.
SeenThisB4
August 20th, 2011
5:38 pm
After the Packer game, Owens has been suffering from PTSD.
GHunt
August 20th, 2011
5:51 pm
DOL, what is the injury status of Cliff Matthews?
BiggdawgK
August 20th, 2011
5:55 pm
Anyone who doubts the city of Atlanta is made up of pathetic bitter transplants need only come to the AJC blogs. All the hate filled inane comments obviously spew from dirt stupid trash that couldn’t find work or just fled their rust belt ghettos because everyone there were scum like them.
Thanks to Atlanta and Georgia being such a great place to live all these carpetbaggers brought their “I hate everyone and everything” mentality to our great state.
Mystikal
August 20th, 2011
6:11 pm
Reverses, Screen passes, flee flickers, double pass, draw plays, wildcat to Julio, tight end screen, hit the deep post or long crossing pattern, etc.
I’m hoping to see some of all of this when the regular season really begins.
loel
August 20th, 2011
6:12 pm
whatever we gave up to get Michael Turner, please see if we can get it back.
Ken Strickland
August 20th, 2011
6:20 pm
And you call drafting a DE in the 2nd rd an noticable improvement? All that does is demonstrate how sorry the DE he’s replacing must have been. Tell me SEENTHISB4, how does starting a rookie DE that wasn’t known as much of a pass rusher in college going to improve your pass rush?
You have a habit of making statements about your team that can’t be supported by facts or common sense assumptions. You’re also starting a DT that’s accumulated a grand total of 4 sacks in his entire 7yr career. Please explain how these 2 moves can be considered improvements of any kind? And your best pass rushing DE will be replaced by a backup who’s totaled 7 career sacks in his 5yr career, because he has to serve a 4gm suspension. Please do everyone a favor and at least try to explain how any of these moves can be considered improvements of any kind, especially to improve an already poor pass rush?
All I really expect from you is another of your song and dance routines, because you’re too delusional and deep in denial to even make an honest attempt to answer any of my questions. The truth is, I’m not convinced you’re even capable.
REALITY CHECK-Why would someone repeatedly read these long winded posts and then complain about them being long winded? Do you have difficulty reading and comprehending more than a few sentences? I guess it takes an idiot to understand that idiotic attempt at logic. Have you ever heard of a scroll button? JUST SAYIN……………HEE, HEE, HEE!
Mike is back
August 20th, 2011
6:21 pm
DLed, I said it’s preseason…I said I wasn’t going to get upset…but yo hype…ant matching the BIRDS performance…We got Roddy and HJ…U GOTTA GET THEM THE BALL…then Turner can eat.
We don’t have the type of OL that can feature Turner…BTW…Turner got lose some weigh…it takes too long…for Turner to get through the whole.
NOW Roddy and HJ…U gotta get them ball…WORD UP!!
Mike is back
August 20th, 2011
6:30 pm
Geeez, yeah…I read that too…ANYWAY we gotta get Roddy and HJ the ball!!!!
Mystikal
August 20th, 2011
6:40 pm
DOL,
That is a good question. Which Michael Turner do you think we’ll see this season? the 225-230lb pro bowl version or the slow 250ish plodder?
And I couldn’t tell exactly, but what was up with the O-line yesterday? I know McClure was out, but how did Reynolds look?
whodat70816
August 20th, 2011
6:47 pm
Here’s a FACT for you Ken….
Matty Ice and his offence stunk it up last night. Preseason or not…..deal with that Fact.
Don't feed Aints trolls (damn right)
August 20th, 2011
7:57 pm
Ray Edwards “MAY” make his Atlanta debut.
Fan
August 20th, 2011
8:05 pm
The Falcons have some problems. We are giving up too many big yard plays and long drive on defense. We cannot get off the field. There seems too be not much pressure on the QB and on offense the same play calling. If we do not get some help at safety and CB we are in trouble. We have too many holes and no answers. TD,& MS we got too get it right or else.
lower case b
August 20th, 2011
8:36 pm
The Falcons could have signed bigger names for the defense, but I don’t think they could have gotten faster, more agile or deeper. Maybe it’s the the scheme. Maybe VanGorder has taken this defense as far as he can. Maybe it’s the same with Mularky & the offense.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 20th, 2011
9:47 pm
Yeah, those Aint’s looked sharp tonight. Two games in a row that the starting offense looked horrendous.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 20th, 2011
9:55 pm
FACT: Falcons have look far superior in the first two games.
FACT: If my team’s offense looked like theirs, I would not be commenting on another team’s blog
Me
August 20th, 2011
11:17 pm
Remember the oline was without McClure. That to me was the real problem on the oline. And the defense was without Ray Lewis. Calm down preseason champions wanna be’s.
IceMelt
August 20th, 2011
11:34 pm
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