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
Jimmy Crack
August 26th, 2011
2:15 pm
Tonight…
1. Score on the first drive.
2. Edwards gets a hand on the Ben early. A sack from him would be a plus.
3. Practice throwing deep balls. Ryan needs to throw at least 2 deep balls. Not just one.
4. Bosher punts more consistently and kicks off deeper, like OUT of the end zone.
5. Everybody leaves the game healthy.
C Carroll
August 26th, 2011
2:19 pm
#1: Attack Pittsburgh’s receivers at line of scrimmage to allow defensive line another second to get to
quarterback.
#2: Throw quick slant passes to receivers.
#3: Do not run Turner on first down, fake to him and pitch out to other running back.
#4: Run Turner off tackle and have tackle and tight end cross block defenders.
#5: Run more play action passes.
Ed
August 26th, 2011
2:28 pm
1. How much better does having Edwards and Abraham in the game together does that make the secondary?
2. I’d like to see some more of Harry Douglas in the slot just to get an idea of how huge his role is when it comes to freeing up Julio and Roddy on the outside.
3. What the running game continues to look like especially with the combo of Turner and Snelling and now adding Jaquizz Rodgers to the mix.
4. Who steps up at Nickel corner will it be Franks or Owens.
5. Don’t show too much playbook this is still only a pre season game.
elvis
August 26th, 2011
2:45 pm
1) NO out patterns to Roddy 2) Turner hit the hole QUICK 3) Abraham play the whole game without being carried off the field. 4) Defense off the field after 3rd down 5) at least 5 shots downfield
jerry
August 26th, 2011
3:13 pm
Sparkeled?……………Against Jax?…….Damn!
DawgFan
August 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
There are five things I would like to see. For whatever reason, my submissions are not being posted. Maybe I’ll see the five things I want to see, maybe not. Should be a good game, though.
DawgFan
August 26th, 2011
3:17 pm
Joker @ 2:12pm -
Are you one of those Falcons fans who think the worst mistake we ever made as a franchise was cutting loose Mike Vick?
jerry
August 26th, 2011
3:21 pm
I would like to see Ryan have a cool, calm, collected look, as in Brady, instead of looking like he is about to jump out of his skin.
pitty
August 26th, 2011
3:37 pm
Second best team is PA. huh? Pitt 6 Superbowls vs Phila 0. Pitt beat Philly last week in Preseason. You are a warped individual but most of you inbreeds are.
pitty
August 26th, 2011
3:37 pm
d
mark
August 26th, 2011
3:43 pm
1 nahmdi
2 nahmdi
3 nahmdi
4 nahmdi
5 nahmdi
Regina
August 26th, 2011
3:49 pm
1. I want the front office to see just how horrible Christopher Owens truly is and get us some help at CB.
2. Matt Ryan…its time to put up or shut up. Stop playing like a punk. If you are to be “elite”, you must play “elite” at the times it matters the most.
3. I want to see that Ray Edwards is really worth the money we are paying him. Abraham needs some help.
4. Peria Jerry…..havent seen enough of you. Earn your money….
5. I want to see us win at least one preseason game without anyone getting hurt.
I know I said 5, but honestly, we have 2 back up quarterbacks who are horrible. JPW and the rookie that no one else has a clue about. Get rid of them both for a durable back up to Redman.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 26th, 2011
3:57 pm
DawgFan – Nothing in the pending folder. I’ll check spam.
Henry D.
August 26th, 2011
4:00 pm
1. Somebody on defense who could cover somebody.
2. Someone on defense who could tackle somebody.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 26th, 2011
4:10 pm
Found a bunch of posts in spam. Approved them. . . Carry on . . .
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 26th, 2011
4:14 pm
El Bravo — Like your No. 4 and 5 questions.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 26th, 2011
4:15 pm
PMC — You are right, we are due an update on Peters. They said week to week, two weeks ago. Iwould suspect we would see him in the season-opener at the earliest.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 26th, 2011
4:17 pm
Joe — BOOM! Explosive . . . . .
RobbE33
August 26th, 2011
4:51 pm
This is, after all, preseason and as much as I’d like to see the Falcon air it out, Smitty and company won’t show much of their new playbook. I just hope they execute well on both sides of the ball and come home healthy.
SeenThisB4
August 26th, 2011
5:07 pm
Actually DLed, Since you asked in the title of the story: I’d like to see Pittsburgh’s defense mercilessly and violently, pummeling Matt Ryan, play after play.
HJones
August 26th, 2011
5:28 pm
DawgFan, looks like you can’t win for loosing. Must not have been anything in that spam folder. I had about 3 that weren’t posted.
Chucktown38
August 26th, 2011
5:49 pm
1. Cliff Mathews
2. R. Bush
3. Dent
4. Wall
5. Play calling on the O and the D. I know it will be Vanella but its been that flavor for years. Lets put some sprinkles on it or something.
John
August 26th, 2011
7:43 pm
Matty Ice isn’t going to get it done folks, he’s maximized his talents long ago..the best you’re going to get from him is first round of playoffs. He doesn’t have the arm to get you there..
jerseyfalcon
August 26th, 2011
7:48 pm
Can someone tell me what radio station is streaming the game online? I obviously can’t listen to any local stations…new jersey. Anyone know?
Bojack
August 26th, 2011
8:03 pm
I would like to see Matt Ryan throw deep with accuracy. Can he throw in a small window or can he throw through a tire? Matt Ryan is over rated!
DrJ
August 26th, 2011
10:26 pm
1. Will Quizz have more rushing yds than Turner?
2. Will the first play from scrimmage always be Michael up the middle?
3. Will we see thumper Walls at CB as well as at NB?
4. As long as it’s pre-season, can Ryan throw it North-South rather than East-West?
5. Bosher to bash it out of the endzone for a change?
Chandler going Deep...
August 26th, 2011
10:48 pm
Steelers will own the DirtyBirds….
What else is news?
Chandler going Deep...
August 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
Chandler>PattyMelt
Chandler going Deep...
August 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
Mularkey hope your bags are packed?
(cursed) of rotten roddy white
August 26th, 2011
10:51 pm
CURSED U R D O O M E D 15 MORE DAYS U S E E UR TEAM IS D O O M E D
Mike is back
August 26th, 2011
11:27 pm
DLed, it’s kind of disconcerting to hear Matt talking about the run…when we all know it takes forever for Turner to get through the hole.
MSmith should impose some type of weight limit on Turner…it’s just takes Turner too long for turner to get through the hole…BTW…fire Baker.
As long as we got Baker…Matt is going to have happy feet.
GET THE BALL to WHITE and JONES already…Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeez.
GO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CuseFalcon
August 27th, 2011
12:05 am
I just want everyone to come out healthy and get some good work against a quality football team. The only thing that matters right now is the Bears for game one.
Chandler going Deep..
August 27th, 2011
1:15 am
Falcons 0-4 preseason…
Chicago 1-0 , Falcons 0-1 Game 1… Welcome to the twilight Zone ICE Melt
IceFan
August 27th, 2011
6:47 am
1. Matt Ryan staying upright
2. Ray Edwards knocking Big Ben on his a#@
3. Preventing deep completions to Mike Wallace
4. Turner hitting the hole instead of dancing
5. Any receiver (or Tony G) making a big play because everyone else got the D’s attention
TLS
August 27th, 2011
7:34 am
1. No injuries.
2. Anybody got a cornerback?
3. Mr. Edwards, meet Mr. Rothlisberger.
4. Rowdy Roddy goes deep.
5. No injuries.
Remarkable
August 27th, 2011
8:07 am
Who is Ryan’s “Go to Guy?” Jones, Gonzalez, or White?
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 27th, 2011
11:27 am
Well, this post was actually really nice for the first 2 and a half pages. Actual intelligent football discussion. Then all the trolls came out or DLED took them out of the filter. DLED, if the filter is working properly, why would you take them out of it? We are FINALLY starting to get this blog on track.
Bad Drafting = Losing
August 27th, 2011
11:36 am
Turner is a non factor in the running game unless he has a gigantic hole to run through. What I’m looking for: 1) Can the re-vamped O line create holes for the running game. 2) How well Edwards knee holds up. 3) Will the play calling be bland or exciting given the talent at wide out. 4) Will Ryan telegrapth his throws. 5) Has the 2nd and 3rd string DB’s improved at all. Especially since they’ve are the reasons for the 2 blown leads. 6) One thing I would also like to see the Quizz running with the 1st team O line. Sorry I added an extra item. About Turner I like him but he just hits the hole to slow. If he hit the hole as hard and quick as Snelling he would be a monster to stop. GOOOOOOOO FALCONS.
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Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 27th, 2011
12:25 pm
Turner did NOT hit the hole slow in the Miami game. There were barely holes to hit in the Jags game. I also don’t know that you are going to see the play calling open up much in the preseason. The one thing the Falcons have going for them this year is that no one knows what the offense is going to look like. You aren’t going to show that hand until you have to.
Tony
August 27th, 2011
1:52 pm
if we come out in that I formation with 2 tight ends…That would tell me that nothing has changed with this offense.
Bird Dawg Country
August 27th, 2011
1:58 pm
Is that an NFL football DeCoud is trying to block in top picture?
Looks like an alien soccer ball or something at ankles length.
Bird Dawg Country
August 27th, 2011
2:00 pm
Is preseason over yet….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Real football starts next Saturday! Go Dawgs!
JB
August 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
1. Can OL protect Matt Ryan and open holes for Turner vs tough defense
2. How does Bosher do
3. How does P.Jerry do
4. How does Edwards do
5. How does Darrin Walls do (we still lack quality CB’s)
Sean Durity
August 27th, 2011
4:02 pm
Here are my things for which to watch: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-9011861
CEO Recordz
August 27th, 2011
4:22 pm
CEO Recordz will be giving away free tickets to the Falcons/Ravens game next Thursday. Just ‘LIKE’ at CEORecordz/Facebook and Follow via twitter @ ceo4lyfe. Tickets will be given away tomorrow and sent by email. This promotion has nothing to do with AJC or AJC.com. GO FALCONS!!!!
what
August 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
A good clean game.
JSS
August 27th, 2011
7:41 pm
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWeeeeeeeeeee-eeeeeeeeeeems!!! Touch back!
Savannah Fan
August 27th, 2011
7:45 pm
This could go either way-a close game or a Steeler blowout-guess what I have bets on
Matty Duckface
August 27th, 2011
7:46 pm
Matty duckface stinkin it up