5 things you want to see vs. Pittsburgh?
110801 Flowery Branch - Atlanta Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud flys to block a ball in a simulated punt drill during the first padded practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH — What are the five things you want to see in the Falcons’ dress rehearsal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field?
Here’s my list:
1. How do defensive end Ray Edwards and John Abraham look playing together?
2. Can they spring running back Michael Turner against the defense that was ranked No. 1 in the league against the run?
3. How will they get Roddy White involved in the offense?
4. How will cornerback Dominique Franks perform in his second start?
5. How will they get tight end Tony Gonzalez involved in the passing game?
Feel free to leave us the 5 things you would like to see.
Here’s the story on how the Falcons used their regular-season trip to Pittsburgh last season as a spring board into the 2010 season:
FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons’ trip to Heinz Field to open the 2010 season was fruitful.
After standing up to the rugged Pittsburgh Steelers in a hard-fought 15-9 overtime loss, the Falcons went on to win 12 of their next 13 games on their way to the NFC South championship.
The Falcons hope their meeting with the Steelers in the key third exhibition game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, which will serve as their dress rehearsal for the 2011 season, can propel them on a similar run to start the new season.
“We have an opportunity here to go against a great defense,” tight end Tony Gonzalez said. “It’s a good chance to see how we stack up.”
The Falcons’ first-team units have sparkled in the two exhibition games. The starters built a 17-0 lead against Miami and helped forge a 13-3 margin against
Falcons coach Mike Smith and owner Arthur Blank will be watching this one closely.
Jacksonville.
Last season against the Steelers, the offense managed only three field goals from kicker Matt Bryant. Running back Michael Turner was held to 42 yards on 19 carries, and Gonzalez caught two passes for 35 yards. All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White caught 13 passes for 111 yards.
Saturday is the Steelers’ tune-up game, too, and the defending AFC champions want to toss their A-game on the field. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan would like to see the Falcons’ running game get rolling against the Steelers, who had the No. 1-ranked run defense (62.8 yards per game) last season.
“Pittsburgh is certainly notorious for being stout against the run,” Ryan said. “They’ve got some talented guys in that front seven. Again, in the preseason, it really is nice to have a good physical test like this. It’s going to get us right for when we gear up and go in September.”
The Falcons believe they are taking more offensive firepower to Pittsburgh this time. They added wide receiver Julio Jones in a big draft-day trade with the hope of adding more long-gainers to the attack.
110812 Atlanta - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws a pass to Julio Jones during 1st quarter action at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Friday, August 12, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
While the brief outings against Miami and Jacksonville were solid, the Falcons know that the Steelers’ 3-4 defense and their wily defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau can slow their operation.
“It can only help us,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a real positive for us from the way I’m looking at it. As long as we respond to it and go out there and play the way we are capable of playing.”
Gonzalez believes the Falcons will be up to the test.
“We are a good team,” Gonzalez said. “We were good on offense last year. We are going to do the same things that we did last year and add to it.”
The defense is expected to receive a stiff test, too.
In last season’s opener, Pittsburgh played without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
Falcons cornerback Christopher Owens has a hamstring injury and will be a game-time decision. Here, he looks for the interception during a coordination drill while players run through the first padded practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
But he’s set to play in this exhibition game. The Falcons’ revamped pass rush, which will feature prized free-agent signee Ray Edwards and All-Pro defensive end John Abraham together for the first time, will get tested.
Roethlisberger is noted for shaking off tacklers and scrambling before launching deep and accurate passes.
But center Todd McClure cautions against stacking too many chips on what happens during the third exhibition game.
“You’re preparing like it’s a regular-season game,” McClure said. “But if you go out and you have a lot of success, or you have not too much success, you don’t put too much weight on it. It’s still the preseason.”
The Falcons host the Baltimore Ravens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Georgia Dome in their exhibition-season finale. They open the regular season Sept. 11 on the road against the Chicago Bears. While they want a good test against the Steelers, they want to avoid a rash of injuries.
“Ultimately, it’s about being healthy going into that first game against Chicago,” McClure said. “We want to have everybody healthy to go up there and win one when it counts.”
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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247 comments Add your comment
DawgFan
August 26th, 2011
9:44 am
There are five things that I’m watching for, but apparently I’m not allowed to share them with the group. I’ve submitted them five times and they never show up. Oh well. Maybe they’ll happen; maybe they won’t.
D man
August 26th, 2011
9:46 am
1. Will Matt complete a long pass to Jullllliiiiiooooooooo?
2. Can the pass rush with the addition of Edwards wrap up big Ben when they get to him?
3. Will the offense finally “break out” like we have been expecting with all of the weapons?
4. How well will the o-line protect Matt?
5. Will the Steeler fans be waving those annoying yellow snot rags?
PoolerSpirit
August 26th, 2011
9:56 am
I want to see us, with the addition of Hoo-Hoo Julio and Jaquizz, be able to move the ball downfield against a 3-4 defense. That will have to include stout play from Sam Baker and Garrett Reynolds/Mike Johnson.
just sayin'
August 26th, 2011
9:57 am
1) can Melt throw farther than 10yds?
2) can juliet hold onto a pass after being rocked by Polamalu?
3) can abraham play without limping off the field?
4) can the ‘flame out’ out run the pitt D line?
5) can quizzno block when the steelers blitz?
Die Hardy Birdie
August 26th, 2011
10:12 am
Simply that we walk away with 0 injuries regardless of outcome. It’s the preseason.
Eugene
August 26th, 2011
10:16 am
I am interested in knowing:
1. Has Ryan’s arm gotten stronger? At times he to throws floaters.
2. Can Ryan consistently throw deep balls accurately?
3. How long will the offensive line hold to allow pass routes to develop?
4. Has the Defensive Coordinator come up with unpredictable sack packages?
5. Will Rogers make defenders miss in space?
Dwayne
August 26th, 2011
10:17 am
watch your heads Falcons if you try to dink and duck it down the field. Polamalu is lurking. No need to get hurt in a pre season game. Stretch the field with White and Jones. Go Falcons!!!
Falkin Phraud
August 26th, 2011
10:21 am
It’s the pre-season, which means it’s meaningless except for evaluating back-ups. I mean, that’s a how a real good NFL team looks at it, which the Falcons are not. But, this is an opportunity for
buzzard-baiters to view a real NFL team, one which defeated yours less than a year ago in a game which counted. Remember your 3 pitiful field goals? Remember the Mendenhall OT run? And the Steelers played without a QB!
Ed
August 26th, 2011
10:32 am
weird looking ball he’s trying to block
waynester
August 26th, 2011
10:40 am
Lots of those posting on here seem to think it’s all on MTurner but the O-Line has to blow open some holes and that’s a tough task against these Steelers under LeBeau. “PoolerSpirit” said much the same thing earlier. I’m looking at the O-Line play since I believe games are won and lost right there up front. Other than that, stay healthy and don’t show all our cards—just glimpses of the playbook to give Chicago something to think about…..
Die Hardy Birdie
August 26th, 2011
10:50 am
I guess Pittsburgh fans have to come hate on an Atlanta website…now that they are the second best team in Pennsylvania.
Pete
August 26th, 2011
10:50 am
Compared to the Steelers, the Falcons are a NCAA Div. II team. Not even close. It will be embarrassing.
Steelers 34
Falcons 13
joe white
August 26th, 2011
10:56 am
1. I want to see good play calling from our oc and the qb to put together good drives with a mixture of run and pass or which ever one is working best.
2. I want to see our line be able to handle a 3-4 defense in pass coverage.
3. See how the line looks with ray in there, so far i am impressed with koy and the others.
4. Come out the game with no serious injuries, next week we wont see the starter for week 4. Start 9-11 at full strengh.
5.See how the players come out and see what kind of urgency they have, we can blame the coach allday but they dont play the game.I want to see the players play with a supberbowl attitude like the steelers do week in and out.
C from Marietta
August 26th, 2011
10:57 am
1) Will I actually bother to watch ?
2) Is my life that meaningless that I have to watch preseason football?
3) If I do watch the game. Will the results actually mean something to me?
4) If I do watch the game. Will I actually be able to stay awake?
5) Isn’t there something else we can talk about?
those are my five questions. Not trying insult anyone. Just trying to be funny.
C from Marietta
August 26th, 2011
10:59 am
@ Pete
Are you really talking trash about PRE SEASON FOOTBALL? Man you need a life.
PMC
August 26th, 2011
11:06 am
So the Steelers won the Super Bowl last year Pete?
Mike Mularkey
August 26th, 2011
11:07 am
C from Marietta– you better watch, because i took my playcalling talents all the way to Pittsburgh
PMC
August 26th, 2011
11:08 am
There are no homers like Pittsburg homers.
Without question the greatest homers in the league.
Falconsfan13
August 26th, 2011
11:17 am
1) I will be watching to see if the defense can get consistent pressure, and when they get pressure they GET SACKS. 2) I will be watching the playcalling by both coordinators to evaluate the level of aggressiveness. 3) I will be watching to see how the O-Line holds up against Pittsburgh’s front seven. 4a) How will the WRs fare against Pittsburgh’s secondary? 4b) How will our secondary fare against Pittsburgh’s WR Corps? 5) More involvement of offensive skill players, particularly Roddy, Tony, Jacquizz, Snelling. 6) Bosher NEEDS more TOUCHBACKS. 7) No-Huddle Offense
finish the game HEALTHY 9) Take some shots downfield. I would like to see at LEAST 3. 10) Bliztes MUST get HOME & MUST produce SACKS. Let’s go Dirty Birds
Saint troll Hater
August 26th, 2011
11:21 am
1. Don’t be bullied by Steelers. Hit em back hard!
2. Open up the passing game. Get Roddy, Harry and Julio the ball.
3. Pressure and sack the QB.
4. Cover their wideouts and the safety’s make em feel it when the croos the middle.
5. Protect Matty Ice.
Greg Mendel
August 26th, 2011
11:21 am
Dunno about five things, but what I want to see is the offense look competent and sharp — and leave the field healthy. I’d like to see Ray and Abe gel. I’d like to see more Quizz.
I’d like to see the Falcons come up with some razzle-dazzle, some long bombs, long returns, multiple sacks, interceptions and a lot more — but not until we play the Bears.
gbal
August 26th, 2011
11:23 am
Open up and confuse the Pit secondary with all of our options. RW, JJ, TG, and other receivers as well as the run mixed in well. More receiver options should help open up the run some.
Also stretch the field out a bit. Hit longer routs with multiple reveiver options.
Pass rush from DE’s.
AlanFalcon
August 26th, 2011
11:27 am
Tony, its called football and the last thing you want is a vanillia defense, the run has to be shown in order for the passing game to be effective and vice versa also this will be a good test for the offensive line to establish themselves.
Sid
August 26th, 2011
11:28 am
Pete August 26th, 2011 10:50 am
***********************************************************
The loss to Greeen Bay was embarrasing, the loss to Philadelphia @ home with Vick scoring was embarrasing. Trust me, an exhibition loss to the Steelers would not be embarrassing….but I guarantee you the final score won’t have that large a differential.
AlanFalcon
August 26th, 2011
11:28 am
Tony, correction a vanilla offense. Its easy to make a mistake even in a preseason blog.
Sid
August 26th, 2011
11:29 am
Pete August 26th, 2011 10:50 am
***********************************************************
The loss to Greeen Bay was embarrasing, the loss to Philadelphia @ home with that QB from Virginia scoring was embarrasing. Trust me, an exhibition loss to the Steelers would not be embarrassing….but I guarantee you the final score won’t have that large a differential.
mountain_jim
August 26th, 2011
11:31 am
I would just like to be able to see the game live (here in WNC)…
At least I can see it later on the NFL network.
Sid
August 26th, 2011
11:38 am
1) Edwards and Abraham helping the secondary
2) The O line performing as a unit
3) Special teams showing some grit
4) Go ahead, kick the touchback, make them start on the 20.
5) Protect the QB, let the offense show their firepower
Ackshun
August 26th, 2011
11:54 am
Empty set , Reverse formation Jones left Meier right fake reverse to Jones toss to Meier strike downfield to White running a post easy 6.
Just a side point – Anybody else think that Rich Mackay is just as worhtless on the competition committee as he was as GM? The new kickoff real sucks. Footbal is played by big tough men who get hurt and who hurt each other. Next thing you know everyone will be wearing flags.
THM
August 26th, 2011
11:58 am
1. Cover 2, Man-underneth w/Owens getting physical at the line of scrimmage to disrupt the timing of the WR and QB.
2. Send the LB up the middle on the blitz…please!
3. Tackle, Tackle….Tackle
4. CBs can’t get deeked into looking in the backfield. That’s why we have LBs.
5. NO Injuries.
HJones
August 26th, 2011
12:02 pm
AlanFalcon, Tony or no one else is saying “not to run” the football. We are saying run it when it is not expected. There are too many first down runs with M. Turner gaining zero, one, two and negative yards. The other teams know the tendencies of the Falcons play calling. Then when it is time to pass, it is usually third and long and Matt Ryan is limited to the short passes because of the rush.
ATL Football Fan
August 26th, 2011
12:06 pm
Basically it all boils down too VanGorder’s scheme, if those guy’s are paying attention in practice & his schemes are solid we should not see those breakdowns in coverage like the first two exh. games. Don’t forget fans we also had terrible breakdowns in our last official game of last season against GB. I hope & pray that VanGorder has addressed this issue & we can finally get our pass defense on par with that tuff run D….. Go Falcons !!!!!
HJones
August 26th, 2011
12:06 pm
AlanFalcon, No one saying “not to run” the football. We are saying run it when it is not expected. Even an idiot can figure out the sequence of the Falcons run plays. Then when it is time to pass, it is usually third and long and Matt Ryan is limited to the short passes because of the rush of the other team.
jack allbritten
August 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
i would like to see jones show his worth.he has not been tested anywhere near what he is supposed to show from all the hoopla he has had he should be ready to shine.
turner it seems has not shown anything near to his potential and neither has white. whats holding them back.
i’m really concerned with our offense and i’m ready for a real breakout against pittsburg. this is a huge game for the falcons and they better be up for it.
the falcons need to man up quite a bit from what i’ve seen so far.
Make the Defense Guess
August 26th, 2011
12:11 pm
AlanFalcon, Tony or no one else is saying “not to run” the football. We are saying run it when it is not expected. A non football player can see the tendencies of the Falcons play calling. If you know when the run is coming, you know when the pass is coming. Mix it up!
ATL Football Fan
August 26th, 2011
12:13 pm
Oh Yeah D-Led
I don’t think that Roddy has been taking a backseat or that Gonzalez has not been involved. I think those guys understand the grind of the 16 game season & the fact they did not get extra reps because of the lockout, so I look for those guys to ratchet it up now that we are almost about to start the season. I also see this a sign of great maturity by Roddy by letting Julio & Douglas get those needed reps for a rookie & a guy trying to get back to 100% after a knee injury.
Time To Earn Your $$$
August 26th, 2011
12:21 pm
1. The OL form a pocket and actually give Ryan time to pass.
2. The OL open running lanes for Turner and not let Pittsburgh’s defense run through like a turnstile.
3. Ryan stand tall in the pocket and throw the ball accurately; and for God sake slide up in the pocket and stop running scared.
4. Our DL get after the QB with the front four.
5. Our LBs plug holes and be the tackling machine I know they are.
6. Starts show dominance on both sides of the ball. Need some sign that this team is ready to pickup where they left off last year.
Duane
August 26th, 2011
12:24 pm
My 5…1) Will the offense actually use the passing game to set up the run? Implicit is my thought that it’s the only way the run game is going to be successful. Also implied is my concern about play calling. 2) Does Ray Edwards have the kind of positive affect on pass coverage (by limiting the QB’s time, etc) that our DBs play effectively? 3) Does the O line give Matt Ryan time to be what we all know he can be? 4) Can Franks hold up for 40-50 snaps? Especially when Rothlisberger extends the play? 5) Are we going to get to see Rodgers in the 3rd down role he is supposedly so well suited for?
M10
August 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
I wanna see Matt Ryan step his gm up and stop playing scared.No More excuses he has all the weapons he needs to be sucessful.
Pete
August 26th, 2011
12:38 pm
To all the “stary eyed” Falcon fans out there, I really don’t want to rain on your parade…………not at all. I also know my words here and my opinion means zilch, nada, zip, nothing. All I know is………I’ve been down the “Yellow Brick Road” of the Falcons Hope and Hype, so many times I could dance to it………in my sleep.
They are a nice group of football players, great team chemistry, and all that good and noble stuff. But in the NFL, the world they have to compete in, they are soft, predictable, and don’t even come close to having a toughness, attitude, or moxie to win against the best when the chips are on the table. They just can’t…………and won’t. I don’t care what season it is………pre-season, regular season, or post season. I wish the opposite were true but it ain’t so. Sorry.
Enjoy the chemistry, the promise, the “process”. It in itself is almost entertaining. But for the BIG games, prime time, center stage………..not in that league.
Sorry.
The Joker...
August 26th, 2011
12:50 pm
1) Ray Edwards… nuff said…
2) Deep Passes… nuff said
3) Not just the DE’s, but how much pressure will the interior lineman get????…. nuff said
4) Jacquizz running up and down the throats of the steelers… nuff said
5) Matty Ice not looking like a deer in the headlights when under pressure.. nuff said
Icepack
August 26th, 2011
12:53 pm
NOBODY COMING BACK ON IR…ALL FIVE THINGS.
Bird Fan
August 26th, 2011
1:13 pm
Matt looking a little shaky back there. It’s time to man up, he has to many weapons. Remember, Steelers barley beat Birds last year in overtime after a sick interception by Polamalu. Mularkey not going to expose his Offensive system for the season on a preseason game. The back up QBs scares the hell out me though.
Sid
August 26th, 2011
1:14 pm
The Joker… August 26th, 2011 12:50 pm
5) Matty Ice not looking like a deer in the headlights when under pressure.. nuff said
*****************************************************************
Joker, surely you jest…………………..Matty ICE? deer in the headlights look? Get your glasses prescription checked buddy.
SirReal
August 26th, 2011
1:36 pm
Honestly, as far as offense I’d like to see Ryan light it up. We all know we’re gonna be a more pass happy offense this year….and PIT’s secondary is middle of the road at best when you take Polamalu out of the mix so we have to exploit when possible. I dont see our 1st unit getting knocked around too bad. My concern is the O-line. The OLBs OWNED Baker last year (just like almost every other OLB/DE he faced last year. The guy is not that good. Period. There are quite a few LTs better than him who dont have a team to play for right now and I dont understand why we still keep him around.)
SirReal
August 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
@ATL Football Fan Yeah we all hope BVG has. I STILL think he’s garbage as an NFL D-Coord. GREAT college coach but he’s clearly still not ready for the big boys. PIT’s O-Coord is gonna make him look stupid and the legendary LeBeau is gonna sit him on his knee like he raised him. We need a new COORDINATOR…we have plenty of talent. They just dont scheme very well.
Time To Earn Your $$$
August 26th, 2011
1:46 pm
Where’s my post DLED? Dig it up!
Greg Moundine
August 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
1. Super Bowl
2. 3rd and short drives
3. Play action pass and end arounds with White or Jones!
4. No huddle Offense against tough and weak defenses
5. Peyton Manning decisions (catching a person running off field on oposite team.)
kojak
August 26th, 2011
1:53 pm
I would like to see the quizz but since our offense does not have a screen pass I guess we will just run his little butt between the tackles
The Joker...
August 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
Sid
August 26th, 2011
1:14 pm
The Joker… August 26th, 2011 12:50 pm
5) Matty Ice not looking like a deer in the headlights when under pressure.. nuff said
*****************************************************************
Joker, surely you jest…………………..Matty ICE? deer in the headlights look? Get your glasses prescription checked buddy.
Yep, went to wal-mart the other day for an eye check, they said I had a slight Astigmatism, I said ” Okay, Cool” then that they said the glasses would be 300 bucks!!!! I said no, I’m okay… But I can still see better than Matty when under pressure….