7 reasons to ‘Back away from the ledge’
Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones said he looked up too late for the ball. (Associated Press)
BIRDLAND – Here are my seven reasons to back away from the ledge.
I’m sensing that the Falcon Nation did not have a very good weekend after the 34-16 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday night. (I went to see my neighbor/season-ticket holder George. He normally likes to talk Falcons, but he was paying bills. Anybody would rather talk football than pay bills!)
It seems like folks are ready to jump off of buildings and bandwagons. Why? The Falcons, the defending NFC South champs, haven’t even reached the season-opener yet.
I watched the game again on the NFL Network on Sunday and came away with
The Vince Lombardi Trophy on display at the Super Bowl. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/AJC)
seven reasons to back away from the ledge:
- Jacquizz Rodgers can run without blocking. He made guys miss in the backfield and still was gaining yards. So, hmmm, what would he do with some blocking?
- Chris Redman can’t play quarterback without blocking. The reserve line made him look bad. Tight end Marquez Branson almost got Redman decapitated on one play. However, I don’t know what Redman was thinking on the pass to Kerry Meier. He tried to thread the needle with two defenders surrounding Meier? That’s how 95-yard touchdown returns happen.
- The Falcons have two punt returners. Eric Weems and Dominique Franks are electric on punt returns.
- Who’s the referee who called pass interference on tight end Tony Gonzalez? We need to check his ref card.
- The Falcons threw 42 passes in the first half because they were working on their no-huddle attack and pass protection. Normally, they would have worked on the no-huddle during OTAs.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward (86) tries to break a tackle by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Roderick Hood (26) during the first quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLIII football game, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. The former UGA standout is now an accomplished ballroom dancer, too. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
- It was Pittsburgh. They’re usually pretty good. I heard they’ve won at least a couple of those shiny Vince Lombardi trophies.
- Julio Jones will make that catch next time.
Here’s the rewind story from the game:
Most starters played deep into the third quarter, but the Falcons were thumped 34-16 by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night at Heinz Field.
The defeat dropped the Falcons to 0-3 in the exhibition season.
“We made way too many mistakes offensively, defensively and special teams,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “We gave up too many explosive plays there in the first half.”
What we learned
1. Pass defense must improve. Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger, who was on pace to throw for 428 yards, shredded the Falcons’ pass defense. On a 77-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown, Brent Grimes nearly made a spectacular pass breakup at Pittsburgh’s 45, but it was a score nonetheless. The swift Brown split safeties William Moore and Thomas DeCoud and outran them to the end zone. On a 44-yard TD pass, Brown was flanked to the left with Dominique Franks in coverage. He ran a post and got behind Franks. Roethlisberger stepped up in the pocket inside of defensive end Ray Edwards, who was on the ground, and threw to the end zone.
2. Julio Jones is fast. The fleet receiver can get open deep. He zoomed past Pittsburgh’s star safety Troy Polamalu, but dropped the pass in the end zone. “I looked early and put my head down, trying to make up some ground,” Jones said. “I just looked too late when I got to the end zone. That’s no excuse. I still have to make that play.”
3. Edwards will help the pass rush. Edwards did not record a sack in his debut with the Falcons, but he had some good pressure. With the Steelers worried about the perimeter rushers, John Abraham and Edwards, defensive tackles Jonathan
Matt Ryan completed 22 of 42 passes for 210 yards with a TD and an interception in a loss to Pittsburgh. (Associated Press)
Babineaux and Vance Walker broke free for sacks. Edwards and Abraham switched sides several times, with Edwards rushing from the right and Abraham rushing from the left. The Falcons also dropped Edwards into coverage at least three times. It’s reasonable to conclude that the Falcons didn’t sign him to a five-year, $30 million contract because of his coverage skills.
Injury report
No injuries for the Falcons were announced during the game. However, Smith said a couple of players left the game with injuries and did not return. Center Todd McClure (knee) was among them. Smith said he’d have a full report on Monday. Defensive tackle Corey Peters (knee), cornerback Dunta Robinson (hamstring) and defensive end Lawrence Sidbury (ankle) did not play. Peters likely won’t play against Baltimore in the exhibition season finale, while Robinson has a shot. Both have been rehabbing with the training staff.
The numbers game
42
The Falcons threw 42 passes in the first half. They wanted to unleash the passing attack and get a good read on Garrett Reynolds and Mike Johnson in pass protection against the Steelers’ vaunted 3-4 defense. Both held up well in their battle for the starting right guard spot.
23
Kicker Matt Bryant made all three of his f
These two have to get the pass defense figured out. Here, Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder emphasies a point with head coach Mike Smith during defensive drills with players in the first padded practice at training camp in Flowery Branch on Monday, August 1, 2011. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com
ield-goal attempts from 23, 30 and 46 yards. He has made all eight of his field-goal attempts in the exhibition season and, dating back to last season, Bryant has converted 23 straight field-goal attempts.
13
The number of players who caught passes against the Steelers, including Kevin Cone, the former Georgia Tech receiver, who had one catch for nine yards.
Sound bite
“Those are some of the plays that we just need to make. It was good really on both ends. We kind of got the ball to the right spot. We just have to come down with those. Julio has made those plays before in college and he’s going to make plenty of those plays for us.”
– Quarterback Matt Ryan on Jones dropping a deep pass in the end zone.
Loose ends
Ryan completed 22 of 42 passes for 220 yards with a touchdown and an interception. His 10-yard touchdown pass to Roddy White was his third of the exhibition season. … Eric Weems set up the Falcons’ lone touchdown drive with a 48-yard punt return. … Jones was the team’s second-leading receiver with five catches for 59 yards. … Running back Jacquizz Rodgers led the team in rushing with 38 yards on seven carries. … Wide receiver Harry Douglas, who’s having a strong exhibition season, had three catches for 31 yards and had a touchdown-saving tackle. … Safety William Moore led the team in tackles with six. … Tight end Tony Gonzalez was called for offensive pass interference to nullify a 2-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
What’s next
Atlanta (0-3) plays Baltimore (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Georgia Dome. The Ravens defeated the Redskins 34-31 on Thursday.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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196 comments Add your comment
GState08
August 29th, 2011
5:17 am
There were some positives but overall it was a lackluster performance. Hope they work out the kinks before week 1.
JIm
August 29th, 2011
5:19 am
I’m still a little worried about the O’line.
Charles
August 29th, 2011
6:13 am
The Steelers were playing backup corners all night. And Matty Slush completed slightly more than 50% of his passes. I’m going to be awful happy. When these bums start 2-7! Let the excuses begin!
Greg
August 29th, 2011
6:14 am
I was happy to see that Ryan didn’t get jittery feet nearly so much as he did last year (and Pgh’s rush will give them to most QBs). Still, he’s throwing too many inaccurate balls. A continuing problem. Many of his misses could not even come close to being touched by the receivers, and some of those misses were thrown without any pressure on him. Very disturbing. This has been going on so long, I’m not sure it “fixable” (the constant refrain from Smith and Ryan). The OL blocked well overall in pass protection, not so good on the run. Turner looks slow hitting the hole. LBs looked pretty good against the run. But the DBs were average at best, and based on last year, having Dunta in there would not have made them better. So, a pretty good team, probably 8-8 or, with some luck (like we had in three victories last year), 9-7. But I don’t see a near-term future in which we’re competitive with the better teams (NO, GB, Pgh, NE, etc.)
J
August 29th, 2011
6:29 am
People state that the steelers had their third string corners in……. news flash football is a team sport… their line and backers bring the pressure not their corners….. plus troy p roaming in the secondary……. some of these bums need to brush up on their football iq ……. take a class
Willy
August 29th, 2011
6:37 am
The Colts are 4-24 during the last several pre-seasons but usually find a way to win when it counts.
Roy
August 29th, 2011
6:41 am
Dropping lots of passes thats what i remember about Julio Jones at Alabama! Hope i’m wrong about him but i think we wasted lots of drafts picks!
MountainMan
August 29th, 2011
7:00 am
Turner runs like a Krispy Kream Doughnut.
BC
August 29th, 2011
7:00 am
When I saw JJ’s drop/ I thought Mike Jenkins was back.
Falcon James
August 29th, 2011
7:00 am
So we stuck with Tired Abe, Weak Arm Ryan, and Slow Turner, can’t cover nobody owens and franks? I still think I will jump.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
7:03 am
DLed, You are on the verge of asking an important question in the article, but just can’t do it. The questions is.
WHY SIGN EDWARDS AS THE SUPER PASS RUSHER AND THEN DROP HIM OFF INTO PASS COVERAGE?
My question is
Why are we throwing those short passes to Michael Turner?
Big Daddy
August 29th, 2011
7:10 am
My concern is that even though it is preseason most of the good teams have great series when the starters are in. They move the ball, play good defense and their special teams make plays. Only the special teams seem to have distingushed themselves so far this pre-season. The offense sputters and even though we are breaking in a couple of new players, Matt is running for his life, the running game seem stymied and the pass defense seems woefully inadequate. Meanwhile, the defense is getting torched for long plays every game.
I would like to think that the coaching staff is addressing the problems and making the appropriate adjustments. However, the progress has been slow in coming. And, although I think we will probably have a winning season, if things don’t get better, we will be looking at a wildcard instead of a division lead.
Collin
August 29th, 2011
7:23 am
Man everyone didn’t seriously expect flawless football in a preseason with almost no offseason did you? The falcons will be fine, but it may unfortunately take a few games to really get on a roll
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:24 am
HJones — I didn’t want to be too hard on Edwards in his first game back. I do know that he got off to a slow start last season. 1 sack in first 7 games or something like that. Falcons can’t afford a slow start from him with their schedule. Passes to Turner are last resort, check-down plays.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:26 am
Falcon James — Don’t jump! Back away from the ledge. Abe is fine. Ryan has a nice arm. Turner can still run (see Miami game), Owens is tough and Franks is talented.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:28 am
BC – Wow! Mike Jenks? My man Chris Vivlamore who’s going to help on the beat this year caught up with Jenkins for us. Just in case you missed it. http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/q-a-michael-jenkins-1145918.html
INDIAN BIRD
August 29th, 2011
7:29 am
after watching the game on NFL network yesterday I noticed a couple things that nobody mentioned 1- julio drop the pass because the defender grab his right arm just before he jumped for the ball, bad no call for PI. 2- the steelers never get call for big penalty’s just ask the seahawks. 3- O’l noodle arm as they call him threw a perfect 60 yard bomb that was not caught see #1 but big Ben threw a 40 yard duck (that look like it took all he had) and it somehow falls right into hte recievers hands. 4- on both big plays by the steelers Grimes went for the pick, in a real game I hope he just knocks the ball down. In others don’t panic just yet but I agree a solid nickleback would be nice even if it’s just for more depth.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:29 am
MountainMan — I like Krispy Kream Doughnuts!!! You can get them at QuikTrip now.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:30 am
Willy — Good point.
Falcon James
August 29th, 2011
7:31 am
LOL DOL
HJones
August 29th, 2011
7:32 am
Dled, The question needs to be explored by asking the Defensive Coordinator. Edwards does what the defensive scheme says. I have noticed many times in the past that our “rushing” ends drop into coverage. Is that the best use of their talents. Do other teams do the same?
chillax
August 29th, 2011
7:33 am
It’s pre-season. It’s about working out the kinks and figuring out who to cut. It’s glorified practice. Ask me again in 8 weeks and if we’re 2 – 5, then I’ll start to worry.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:33 am
Charles — The Steelers’ power is their front seven. Their first-team corners are not much better than the second-teamers. The Falcons moved the ball and had three TD drives stall. You are too hard here. Get another cup of coffee!
reebok
August 29th, 2011
7:34 am
revising my prediction from 9-7 to 7-9. unlike last year’s scheulde of cupcakes, the falcons play a lot of tough games this year. our ‘defense’ is going to get embarrassed.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
7:35 am
DLed,
QuikTrip stopped using them. They have moved their own substitute to the first shelf space.
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
7:37 am
““We gave up too many explosive plays there in the first half.”
Hey coach Smith, we heard that before. Going on 4 yrs now Sir…..Blah….
Turner “the former burner”= “ButterBall”
Dont ever try to run outside the tackles or you will have minus yardage….Blah
Hey MM your bags already packed? Kick tons of rock….
Dont panic? hows 2-4 sound? Chicago, Eagles, GB, (0-3) yada, yada, yada……
Ed
August 29th, 2011
7:37 am
Wow, offer a disagreeing comment and it gets blocked…
Jimmy Crack
August 29th, 2011
7:39 am
These are not the regular season Falcons, they are the preseason Falcons. Zero game planning up until this game, where Coach said there would be @ 75% game planning against the Steelers, with position battles and substitutions galore because of the shortebeen ned practice schedule.
Overall…Down by a 10-0 score early and the starters fought back to tie the score at 10-10. At that point I would be completely satisfied if they shut it down right there with the starters on the sideline.
One critical point…DeCoud looked like a rookie out there and we may seek FA Safety help soon.
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
7:40 am
60yd BOMB from Melt….look at the replay…he almost fell down after the throw…looked like he just threw a javelin with the arc he had on that one…bet he had to ice the arm after that throw…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:43 am
Chandler — Quite harassing the Falcon fans. Take the day off. Back off D3 too!
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:45 am
Ed — Not all the time. I’ll go to the spam folder. –Josef Stalin runs the blog filter.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:47 am
Chandler — The 7:37a.m. comment is fine under the Fairness Doctrine. I think they take the Eagles and Seattle. Key game in first five is Tampa Bay. They’ll need to Rise Up vs. Philly and Green Bay.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:48 am
HJones — Knock off doughnuts? No. We’ll have to protest that.
jerry
August 29th, 2011
7:48 am
What’s up with the kickoff guy? Is that as far as he can kick it?
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
7:49 am
reebok — Wow. That would be the first losing season under Coach Mike Smith.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
7:50 am
DLed, Just in case the worst happens, you may want to identify 2-3 ledges. The worst would be a loss to Chicago. It’s preseason but we should have seen 1 or 2 impressive offensive drives like the New Orleans Saints had last night.
Charles
August 29th, 2011
7:57 am
@ J, I’ve forgotten more football. Than you’ll ever know son..
HJones
August 29th, 2011
7:57 am
DLed, THE FILTER IS STOPPING MINUTE COMMENTS!
Ed
August 29th, 2011
7:58 am
HJones – and here I thoguht it was just me.
DC Falcon
August 29th, 2011
7:59 am
I quit trying to comment, either I have been banned or your filter wont let me in. Would be nice to know if I got banned as I dont recall doing anything inappropriate. Or are we censoring views here.
DC Falcon
August 29th, 2011
7:59 am
Now, odd that that that one went through.
Season Ticker Holder
August 29th, 2011
8:03 am
I am concern about the O-line. Both the starters and backups had problems with blocking assignments.
Charles
August 29th, 2011
8:06 am
@ D. Led, I wonder why they had 3 drives stall out?? Could it be qb play? And, no I don’t drink coffee.
dean
August 29th, 2011
8:12 am
Seeing Julio juke Head and Shoulders out of his jock was priceless.
Rodster
August 29th, 2011
8:14 am
I just have no confidence in the Falcons. I want to have confidence. I always pull for them. But it’s like a curse. It’s painful every season. The Falcons will win against some good teams, they’ve got enough play makers to do that, but they will not win the biggest games. Kudo’s to Mike Smith, he’s righted the ship and they are a ‘good’ NFL team. But they have not achieved upper echleon status.
The Man
August 29th, 2011
8:18 am
Really? Looking like the same team that got blew out the Dome by the Pack isn’t reason for concern? And like yuo say, THIS IS PITTSBURGH not NE or a high powered offense. The DB’s are once again terrible with tissue boy Robinson being the leader. And where exactly is Ray Edwards?
mike
August 29th, 2011
8:19 am
I thought I was reading a medical journal today considering all the excuses being posted for the falcons. I will check back maybe five games into the season.
rward
August 29th, 2011
8:19 am
I have observed the same thing for years. No news here. Undersized out of position secondary kills us way too often. Some things never change.
David
August 29th, 2011
8:24 am
The Sky is falling the sky is falling!!!
Whopper Dawg
August 29th, 2011
8:26 am
7 reasons to jump clear off the ledge
1. Yeah is was Pittsburgh. But the whole idea behind this season is to be as good as the best, hence the Jones trade and pick and the DE free agent signing. Question – do you think we are closer to Pittsburgh this year or further away? It looks like we are further away. Oh, and it was Pittsburgh but it was also Miami and J’ville.
2. Pass defense is shaky. Not only Pittsburgh, but J’villes ones looked very good against our defense. It is a passing league.
3. Nickel back, do we have one? If so, who is it?
4. Turner is no longer the burner, maybe we should call him Turner the simmer.
5. MM. Really no coordinate a wide open offense, but then again after three games, not sure we have one anyway.
6. The rap on Jones was the drops. Remember Gruden’s rant and video clips when Jones got selected. Looks like it is a valid concern.
7. Depth. DLine is OK, other than that we gots problems. Pittsburgh backups were manhandled ours. Let’s hope the injury bug stays away.
AtlantaDude
August 29th, 2011
8:28 am
Start Jaquizz
Mike is Back
August 29th, 2011
8:29 am
DLED, it obvious now what we need….we gotta get Samuels from the Eagles. Even if Robertson was healthy…which I doubt will happen for an entire season…WE NEED A VET LIKE SAMUEL…to shore up the DB position…it’s a problem that’s not going to go away.
Jimmy Crack
August 29th, 2011
8:33 am
It must be the XBox generation or FFL unleashed stat hounds looking at a preseason game.
“Brady isn’t producing right now! Bench him for Orton, he’s playing the Bengals!”
Not reality. Every season for every team is a crap shoot with injuries unknown and DID YOU KNOW that the football never bounces the same? You doomsayers need a hug or a drink or something.
ezra
August 29th, 2011
8:34 am
I think the Falcons should draft some 5′8″ receivers. The big guys just cant catch the ball or get open soon enough.
ezra
August 29th, 2011
8:35 am
Yeah with shorter receivers Matt Ryan can not throw the ball 4ft over their heard and expect them to catch it.
Dr. Warren
August 29th, 2011
8:36 am
And yet real Krispy Kreme doughnuts are available right here in Shanghai, the home of every pirated and knock-off product imaginable. Oh, the ironies.
Karl
August 29th, 2011
8:36 am
Bosher can’t seem to get kickoffs in the endzone like most other NFL kickers. That could be a problem.
SirReal
August 29th, 2011
8:53 am
D Led,
I dont know what the fuss is all about. The 1st unit offense looked pretty good except for the miscues. Ryan throws to Douglas a little lower and we have a touchdown. If the ref stops his stevie wonder impersonation then Gonzo has a TD. We were in this game and responded well being down 10-0. The D line is stout. We saw that on the goal line stance and they will get more pressure this year. I see it already. This was the defending AFC champs. It happens. I dont see the Bears fairing as well for a full 60 mins. Their D is aging and their O-line is swiss cheese. We’ll be fine.
phil
August 29th, 2011
8:54 am
Willy
August 29th, 2011
6:37 am
The Colts are 4-24 during the last several pre-seasons but usually find a way to win when it counts.
****************
We aren’t the Colts.
We’re the Falcons.
Defensively, we aren’t any good. Remember that Green Bay game early this year? Yeah, that one. We were exposed as pretenders then and ain’t nothing changed since then other than adding a sore-legged DE. What you just saw Saturday is sadly only a sign of what’s ahead.
I’m not falling for this team’s crap anymore. I’m done with it. I think we’ll be lucky to go 9-7 this year, but 8-8 is more likely. Sad.
Run4ever
August 29th, 2011
8:59 am
OK, hope I’m wrong, but I thought the Falcons were basing their pass game on establishing the run. It seems no one is talking about the O-line and the business of power running-wearing down the defense, then opening up the passing game. Unless-it’s a secret. I know Micheal Turner can and will run, but he’s not now, because other teams are focusing on stopping Matt Ryan and the passing attack. But the run will be in full effect on game 1 in Chicago.
El Bravo
August 29th, 2011
8:59 am
My 5 questions from last week were answered loud and clear: 1) Ray Edwards was mostly ineffective. Hopefully is just rust. 2) Turner continuous to look very slow. I doubt he will average 3 yards per carry this year. 3) The Falcons showed no imagination on offense sticking to base personnel and standard play calling for the most part. Thee offensive output was exactly what you would expect against the Steelers. 4) The revamped O-Line was manhandled all night. We were totally unable to run the ball which is supposed to be the staple of our offense. 5) Our d-backs were abused all night long. Our chances of stopping the top air attacks in the league are very dim…
Bozo the Troll
August 29th, 2011
9:05 am
A lot of you guys are tough critics. This is largely the same team that went 13-3 last year and won the NFC South. In areas where we are different, I think it’s a pretty clear upgrade. If you want to jump ship now, that’s fine, but this team is going to be very good this year. Go watch baseball…
Ed
August 29th, 2011
9:05 am
Ugh… A comments section is useless if your comments are never posted. No bad language, no personal shots, fairly short.. I don’t get it.
DHunt
August 29th, 2011
9:17 am
DLed you have to stop catering to all the carpet bagging, haterade pouring, transplant fans of other teams that come on here and disparage the Falcons. Real Falcons fans don’t bother to post over here because the trolls are just out of control.
Julio has one drop on a long ball that he outran a bit, now he’s a bust with drop issues, Really? O-Line was manhandled all night, yet Ryan was not sacked, Really? Falcons starters were on pace for almost 500 yards passing and over 100 rushing, but the offense didn’t do anything, Really? Ray Edwards plays part of one half and you can see that he is going to be useless the whole season, Really?
Intentionally dishonest is the most courteous description I can give most of this negative nonsense. The other descriptions wouldn’t get past the censor bot. When the team is winning all year, maybe the real fans will drift back over here because the trolls will be back in hiding like last year.
Tyrone Shulaces
August 29th, 2011
9:19 am
Wow. Ok, that was a Falcons game? Whew, I thought I was watching the Food Channel, what with all the Burnt Toast everywhere.
PMC
August 29th, 2011
9:25 am
One reason to be less than enthused is just how bad the depth players look. I know they have 10 extra guys this year, the cuts today and tomorrow should be very simple, but seriously, the high draft picks like Mike Johnson and Joe Hawley etc. All this line depth they’ve had, they haven’t done squat. Sidbury was a project, he’s going to be someone elses project after not making the team for what will be now 3 years.
The teams that are winning in the playoffs consistantly are KILLING the draft. We’re taking UDFA’s like Matt Bosher in the 6th.
I know they’ve had some hits, Ryan, for one and Corey Peters I feel like are knowns definately but so far Jerry’s been hurt… Spoon has been largely all bark and no bite; hopefully Jones is really good he looks it thus far. The secondary picks at corner haven’t looked good at all. The offensive line picks including Baker could all be improved. We heard all summer about Valdez, yeah he’s getting cut. This has been the luckiest team in the world healthwise, and they have 0 depth. The bench can’t play at all.
Guys, the Eagles are NEVER going to trade us Asante Samuel. They’re trying to win the super bowl and we’ve already traded the picks they would want for him.
PMC
August 29th, 2011
9:28 am
They are still winning at least 10 with the top 53, but they couldn’t weather a season like Green Bay did last year and a big part of that is the whiffing that’s been going on in the last few drafts.
Call it like it is
August 29th, 2011
9:28 am
They will have a good year, not a great one, but the Falcons are just not in the top echelon of the NFL, and changes made in the off season haven’t brought them any closer. New England, Greenbay, the Steelers are just playing a different game and the Falcons once again will not be in the big game, not even close.
Doesnt mean I want support them, but the talent level is not there.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
9:30 am
Some of you are so thick headed I wonder how you survive in the real world. Do you understand that the staff were evaluating the pass protection. That was more important to them than anything else. That is why they threw 42 passes in one half. If you are judging the team based on these games, you are ignorant about football.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
9:36 am
It just boggles my mind how some of you post the stuff you do. Turner washed up? So, in 8 months he went from leading the conference in rushing to being done? Yeah, you guys are smart. We don’t have enough talent on the team? We are the ONLY team to be ranked in both top 5 scoring offense and defense. That was with the talent we had last year. I think anyone would agree we have more talent this year.
TheeFalcon
August 29th, 2011
9:37 am
Hey DLed! Do you think the Falcons have more important plays than the ones they’re showing us?
Hardy Falcon
August 29th, 2011
9:38 am
The Falcons try to fix the Defense that has a GIGANTIC HOLE in it with a splinter repair. The defensive backs are short and undersized. TD didn’t learn anything or forgot it when he was in New England
SAMUEL
August 29th, 2011
9:43 am
I don’t see alot of weaknesses on this football team. However one in particular would be the Falcons secondary. And if it doesn’t shape up by game three, I believe Demitroff will address it sooner than later.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
9:51 am
I really don’t get why they don’t pick up another veteran corner. I am not talking Asante Samuel. He costs more than we can afford. I am just talking about someone good enough to cover most teams 3rd best receiver without giving up gigantic plays. I just don’t see what they see in Owens or Franks.
That being said, DeCoud had a really bad game. He isn’t a pro bowler, but he usually isn’t that bad. Grimes was playing the whole field. He was trying to make plays against guys he wasn’t even covering. I don’t really put much blame on him. I think he was trying to make up for Dunta not being there.
Even without another corner, we are still a top 5 scoring team, so we will be ok. We don’t need a great defense, just a good one.
Step
August 29th, 2011
9:57 am
Turner is a Krispy Kream doughnut. Now as far as the short passing game to Turner, we could throw a box of doughnut to him, I’d bet he’d catch them and make yardage. Start Jaquizz Rogers!!!!! I agree with “Mike is Back” get Samuels for philly!!! We need help in that secondary!
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
9:59 am
We were top 5 in points allowed last year. That is really the only stat that matters on defense. I don’t expect that to change. Smith plays a bend but don’t break defense. It drives some people crazy because they can’t see deeper than what the media tells them to see. As long as we are top 10 in points allowed, this will be a very very very good team.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
10:01 am
Yes, a doughnut who led the conference in rushing 2 out of the last 3 years… including last year… that you know, just ended 8 months ago. Thanks for paying attention
SawThat1nce
August 29th, 2011
10:07 am
The Falcons will be at least 12-4, this season.
D Rules
August 29th, 2011
10:11 am
The Falcons are loaded–they are just holding everything back in these practice games and don’t want to give anything away. When the real games start, this offense will explode with points! The falcons should easily win the division. New orleans and tampa don’t match up.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
10:15 am
Its not so much that they are holding back… they just have a different approach to the preseason. They are using these games as evaluation tools because they did not have OTAs. That is why I don’t understand why people are freaking out. You don’t throw 42 passes in a half unless you are looking at something specific. You don’t sacrifice plays to look at something specific if you care about your preseason record. I really don’t understand why that concept is difficult for some of you.
PMC
August 29th, 2011
10:19 am
They will pick up a veteran CB this week or next week after the major roster cut downs.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
10:27 am
D Rules,
The Falcons have not held anything back. It is the same team as last year with the same pathetic offensive strategy and predictable play calling. We will not have a running game against any of the better teams with Michael Turner at running back and his dedicated blocker Ovie Mughelli. I am a Matt Ryan fan and he passed 42 times for about 225 yards when he should have had over 400 yards with that many passes. He didn’t purposely miss passes to evaluate other players.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
10:28 am
Dled, What the hel@ is wrong with this filter? It will not let a 5 sentence paragraph post.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
10:34 am
I hope you are right PMC… it would just be a precautionary measure, but it would be nice. I don’t think they will though. They seem to be determined to make Owens or Franks fit the bill, no matter what.
Larry
August 29th, 2011
10:39 am
Please release my completely related, appropriately written, “on topic” comment, Mr. Blog COP, whomever you are!
Chop Buster
August 29th, 2011
10:44 am
PMC I totally agree with you. We pick our depth players like they are backups instead of guys that could come in and compete against the starter. The lack of talent is so subpar I say they shouldn’t even be playing in the NFL. I guess our coaches are so good at coaching UDFAs up that they could turn anyone into a baller–NOT! They can’t even get our starting secondary to play consistently.
D man
August 29th, 2011
10:45 am
Two things are obvious to me.
1. This offense will score 20+ points every week against any team in the NFL.
2. We still can’t defend the pass.
Please Thomas, go get some cornerback help. I have been saying this for over a year now. We are one shut down corner away from winning the Superbowl.
PlanB
August 29th, 2011
10:48 am
I just spent about 15 minutes typing a post agreeing with SAMUEL and Don’t Feed about getting a CB. What happened to it. I said good things about the team and no vulgar language.
mountain_jim
August 29th, 2011
10:50 am
Another vote for TD getting some more veteran CB help. We don’t have much chance against the spread-the-fielders like GB and Philly without better CB play. And the Dline still is not getting enough pressure, and the blitzes rarely work, and expose our CBs.
9-7 with this schedule and these coordinators will be about the best I can hope for…
PlanB
August 29th, 2011
10:51 am
DID YOU SEE THE SCREEN PASS!!!!! Beautiful!!!
RUDEDAWG
August 29th, 2011
10:57 am
Can we please get some freaking Db’s! Moore is the only one with potential, im tired of people hyping up Grimes; stop playing! Fustrated with the talent and coaching on defense.
Tell it like it is
August 29th, 2011
11:05 am
I for one,or own the Falcons bandwagon.The play of the QB looks mush improved compaired to last year,more arm strenth,and quickness.The o-line pass pertection looks better,and the run blocking will improve.The WR are some of the best in theNFL headed by Roddy White,Jones and co.The offence should be one of the best in the NFL.The defencesive line looked strong vs Steelersin first half with starters in.the defencesive backfield looks like were we need work at,im confident the Falcons will adjust, and wright the ship in that problem area before the season opener. Make no mistake about it,this team is a Superbowl contender,the preseason record means nothing.I am excited and ready for a Superbowl run!
JSS
August 29th, 2011
11:10 am
You guys are hilarious! This is “Snarky Central” at its best! The anti-Falcons crowd were not hiding from this blog last year. Ledbetter had the filter set on “High” and rarely ever checked the filter. People just stopped bothering and just stopped by after the January 13th bloodletting to say “I told you so!”
Turner has no problem consistent blocking cannot cure. Ryan is Ryan, he supposed to be highly accurate but is still sailing the out pattern into the bench when uncovered receivers are there for the taking. I like Jones, Rodgers, Douglass, Weems, and Grimes. White is special, but still has those moments, but so did TO in prime… Gonzalez, well I’ll leave that one alone… Let the myth have its day… The rest of this team is going to have to make a miracle leap… I called last years season after the Patriots team whipped them in the real test game. So go ahead name call, turn red, turn blue, say they are experimenting. But like DeCoud you’re chasing instead of leading…
Brian Hunt
August 29th, 2011
11:14 am
Good blog D.Led.
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
11:29 am
JSS, good stuff! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
D-Led, I have to repectfully disagree with your assessment that this Falcon team will defeat the Eagles.. The real dirty birds have been dismantled 8 of the last 9 in head to head matches with Philly.
And these defeats have been beatdowns! Falcons last won with you know who @ the helm? The great won will feast on that secondary on Sunday night 9-18-11 @ 8pm on NBC!
I will take your advice and cut the other blog some slack.. They deserve each other..In fact lets just ignore them and the excuses as they come forth……Let the games begin! Enough said………
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
11:30 am
respectfully^^^
dl
August 29th, 2011
11:38 am
And so what the Steelers aren’t NE. NE cheated most of their winning years by recording plays. They played very good last year and still didn’t make it to the super bowl. Bottom line is that the Steelers outplayed the Falcons and they did the same last year. The Falcons still have a way to go before being an elite football team. I am a Steelers fan but and I think Jones played very good.
Hollywould
August 29th, 2011
11:42 am
Dang folks, chill out. let’s play some real games and then see what happens. One thing I don’t like is the punter/kickoff guy (although he did make a great play on the opening kickoff) If he cannot get the kickoff out of the end zone that is trouble. Punts not good either.
J.J.M.
August 29th, 2011
11:52 am
This team still doesnt know how to throw a screen pass which is pretty sad
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
11:57 am
If they were willing to throw the ball 42 t i m e s in a game to evaluate pass protection and to decide which guard to start, what makes you think they didn’t tell Bosher, who is known for a strong leg to kick it short to evaluate the coverage there too?
Some interesting stats through the first three games.
Matt Ryan is ranked 3rd in passing yards
Harry Douglass is ranked 5th in receiving yards
Brent Grimes is tied for first for INTs
No other team in the NFC south has as many players as we do on the leader boards
We also have the second ranked rush defense
Not saying you should put a lot of stock in it, because it is preseason. But, it is not as doom and gloom as some of you paint it.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
12:12 pm
Also, to add to that:
Julio Jones leads all rookie WR in catches, yards, first downs and is tied for 1st in plays over 20 yards. By comparison, AJ Green does not lead in any category.
Hollywould
August 29th, 2011
12:12 pm
Did they tell him to kick 30 yard punts so they can cover those also?
buckhead benny
August 29th, 2011
12:18 pm
I just can’t wait to not see turner or snelling on third downs. Think how much more powerful that attack will be when the linebackers really have to have their eyes in the backfield to account for J. Rodgers? Tony Gonzales just became more open and so do several other receivers I bet. I just hope the Falcons don’t try and stick with Snelling for too long at the beginning of the season just because Jaquizz is a rookie- Michael Turner looks like Frankenstein coming out of the backfield and trying to turn his head to catch the ball.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
12:29 pm
Snelling is actually a really good 3rd down back. He can catch for a RB. He can run between the tackles. Not as shifty as Quizz, but he is a much better blocker. Not sure you are going to see Quizz on 3rd downs. His blocking is a liability on 3rd down right now. Not saying he won’t improve.
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
12:31 pm
@Don’t….talk about delusional…nice one Hollywould…and did they tell Melt to keep throwing those quick outs over the receivers heads to see how the ball boys can catch?….can’t wait to see Melt’s next ‘javelin’ toss into double coverage towards the end zone…
realitycheck
August 29th, 2011
12:33 pm
I guess my posts continue to be blocked unless they are one liners because I don’t buy into this “everything’s gonna be fine” garbage. Things aren’t fine and aren’t gonna be. Don’t want to write more because the post monster will eat it.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
12:36 pm
Right because no good QB ever overthrows a receiver right? Some of you are completely ignorant.
Me
August 29th, 2011
12:37 pm
HEY T.D. PLEASE SIGN ANOTHER CB OR MAKE A TRADE TO GET SOMEONE ! PLEASE !!!
Me
August 29th, 2011
12:41 pm
WE ARE A GOOD TEAM BUT WE HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE MAIN REASON WE LOST IN THE PLAYOFFS. OUR SECONDARY ! ! I LOVE THE FALCONS BUT HISTORY IS BOUND TO REPEAT ITSELF.
DHunt
August 29th, 2011
12:48 pm
Yep JSS, I remember you in here every week last season talking about how terrible we were on the way to a 13-3 season. In case you didn’t notice, all but one team lost their last game last season (happens that way every season), so only one team gets to spend the off season talking about their great final game of the season. If you are a Packer fan, you’re in the wrong place, but that would explain a lot of your comments.
Man of Reason
August 29th, 2011
12:51 pm
It is unbelievable to me how much some of you think you know compaired to what you actually know. You could put Tom Brady out there and if you ask him to throw 42 passes against that team in less than two quarters you are going to get similar numbers. Anyone judging this team off those conditions is an idiot.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
12:54 pm
Exactly, but trying to explain preseason to some of these people is like trying to explain quantum physics to a cave man. You believe what you want to believe, but any one who knows any thing about football knows that they were not putting the team in a position to succeed. They were putting them in a position to evaluate specific aspects of the team.
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
12:56 pm
@Reason….an idiot, or you could believe like Don’t…they were just ‘testing’ scenarios….
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
12:58 pm
just like Melt was ‘testing’ how GB would react to a sideline floater for the second half…
ASHCAN.
August 29th, 2011
12:59 pm
Dled,don’t try and find excuses for this team,facts are facts.they have no depth,there secondary will be toasted against pass happy teams and they don’t look very explosive to me.The offense is good but not explosive which tells me we will give up points as quick as we score points.
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
1:04 pm
Just Sayin, you aren’t sayin anything that makes any kind of sense. You have absolutely 0 football IQ. So, you honestly think that throwing 42 t i m e s in less than two quarters was the coaching staff trying to win that game? Really? You do realize that no coach in the history of the NFL has ever done that in a real game right? So, when the coach himself says they wanted to evaluate the pass protection against a 3-4 scheme, you think that is a big conspiracy too right? Yes, idiot about fits perfectly.
ASHCAN.
August 29th, 2011
1:11 pm
@ DONT FEED AINTS TROLLS,really???(about evaluation). So what other plans do the falcons have for this season???? since you were in the meeting.Looked like to me all the starters played a half and the better team shined.Edwards wasn’t even a factor,his name wasn’t called once.Grimes(who is super over rated) got toasted and will continue to get toasted this season.This tean addressed one side of the ball(Offense) but don’t realize that DEFENSE wins trophys!!
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
1:12 pm
@Don’t most knowledgeable fans know the coaches use the 3rd preseason game to get their players into ‘game condition’ mode…they use the 4th game to do their evaluations/scenario testing…not saying smith was hell bent on winning this game, but i’m sure he wasn’t testing whether Melt could over/under throw his receivers…but he certainly found out that Melt still needs some work….along with all of the DBs…
Man of Reason
August 29th, 2011
1:14 pm
They were just testing scenarios genius. They even said that. They were looking at pass protection and no huddle offense. What is so friggin hard to understand about that. If you wanted to see how your line pass protected against the best 3-4 defense in the league, something you can’t replicate in practice, what would you do? You would go out there and tell you QB to throw it and just keep throwing it no matter what. Is that hard to grasp?
ASHCAN.
August 29th, 2011
1:20 pm
Just like last season 13-3 all you heard is ifs,maybe’s and buts(excuses).Reading these posts is the same excuses different season.After this season you will hear more excuses.The excuses i hear already is “its pre-season”.If they(falcons) was un-defeated in this pre-season,you will be reading from most bloggers superbowl.So lets not act like something that needs to be fixed is not broke.GET ME A SECONDARY!!!!!!!!
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
1:21 pm
Dude, why are you so thick? You might do that IF you had a regular off season with OTAs where you work on… oh I don’t know…. pass protection and no huddle. They didn’t have that. The coaches felt it was more important to have a look at those things than to win a meaningless game. This isn’t hard to understand.
Man of Reason
August 29th, 2011
1:25 pm
I love how you guys say 13-3 season like it was something anyone could do. We lost to the Super Bowl Champs. Guess what… so did every other team that faced them in the playoffs. Wow, what do you guys eat for breakfast? Paint chips?
rm
August 29th, 2011
1:42 pm
Quick, bring a bucket! That secondary is leaking like nobody’s business! They are going to regret not making any changes to the secondary in the off-season. Owens needs to be released on the first round of cuts and they need to search the waiver lines for some help, please!
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
2:03 pm
We need that “Hide yo wife, hide yo kids” guy to post on here. At least if you are going to post that the sky is falling and a 13-3 team is going 0-16, you can be entertaining like that guy.
falcon
August 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
Is it too late for Mike Mularkey to find another job. 1st and goal from the 5 yard line and he calls for 3 passes, then a field goal. Are we doing to concede the run play all year long? 2nd down and 2, and we get Redman tossing a wounded duck down the field that is returned 95 yards for a score. Game over.
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
2:06 pm
good point, war…..@Don’t, to your point, you can forget about 2010 and 13-3…everybody’s 0-0 now…
Bocefus
August 29th, 2011
2:07 pm
If you guys are looking for a falcons message board where you have free speech, check out http://www.deviantsunderground.com. No, we don’t touch kids, we just have a terrible name. We are a diverse bunch, we have a gay, a black nationalist, a couple of fat guys, a basement dwelling, disfigured freak, an angry conservative that lives with mommy and a some awesome people who say awesome stuff, about cool topics.
Sid
August 29th, 2011
2:09 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter August 29th, 2011 7:24 am
HJones — I didn’t want to be too hard on Edwards in his first game back. I do know that he got off to a slow start last season. 1 sack in first 7 games or something like that. Falcons can’t afford a slow start from him with their schedule.
***********************************************************************************
Edwards took a couple of plays off, that has me a little concerned.
BLEED RED & BLACK
August 29th, 2011
2:32 pm
D – LED, Please stop giving us a false sense of hope…We looked bad in all facets of our game…O – play calling was lackluster, sure it was the STEELERS…BUT THE ELITE TEAMS that win “those shiny Vince Lombardi trophies” seem to not only get it right in preseason but also transfer that momentum over into the regular season….Sorry but Ryan needs to exude more confidence in the pocket….PLEASE REMOVE 70% OF THE DINK AND DUNK PLAYS FROM PLAYBOOK….We just bought a Porsche but scared to drive it over 50 MPH….D-LED making a comparison of our starters against Miami…DUDE REALLY? Miami is not a threat to win ANYTHING(THIS AINT ‘72)…BTW let the coaching staff know their zone D wreaks of garbarge… Don’t get me wrong, I support the franchise but we will never hoist Lombardi trophy in this town until we stop settling for meidocrity from this team and staff…I need to see something againt BMORE!!!!…Let you guys tell it….It’s only preseason….I can’t wait to hear the excuses the morning of 09/12….Our offense is going to need a ton a points to win this year…..We have local HIGH SCHOOLS with more explosive playbooks than ours…..Not backing away from the ledge….just stepping inside to make sure my sheet is tied tight enough to the radiator…
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 29th, 2011
2:35 pm
Hollywould — I will ask the punter about that. (I don’t believe so!)
Testes
August 29th, 2011
2:38 pm
Testes 123….testes 123
Dada
August 29th, 2011
2:41 pm
i’m wondering why DC does not go man to man more on 3rd down. I’m sorry, the Zoning on 3rd down has not, and will not work. Lets see how our DBs match up on man to man coverage w/ the Safeties covering up top.
Just a thought BVD. We’ve got fast athletes, lets utilize them. enough w/ this Read & React nonsense. Don’t believe me, check your 3rd down conversion percentage.
My 1 cent
Doesn't look good yet
August 29th, 2011
2:47 pm
I hope we are all overreacting, but after the GB game last year, we haven’t been given anything to get excited about. My panties have been in a wad ever since…all up in my va J J
A good thumping of Chicago game 1 would make me feel better.
HJones
August 29th, 2011
3:09 pm
Sid, Dled should have asked the defensive coordinator why Edwards was dropping into pass coverage. It doesn’t make common sense to me when we got him for the pass rush. I want to know why?
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
3:12 pm
Because it was a zone blitz and that is what you do. The goal is to rush from somewhere unexpected while dropping the person you expect to be rushing into coverage.
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
3:15 pm
Eagles 42, Falcons 24
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
3:15 pm
if you ask Don’t, Edwards was just ‘testing scenarios’ to see how the Steelers offense would react…you know, after game 4 and he doesn’t have any sacks, he can help Grimes cover the wide outs…
Man of Reason
August 29th, 2011
3:20 pm
Really? Because it looks to me like he said it was because it was a zone blitz… which is absolutely right. Maybe if you would actually quit trolling and learn something about football, you could contribute to an actual conversation
Peachy Red and Black
August 29th, 2011
3:23 pm
I see upside all the way. Not worried about the regular season. If there is place to make mistakes and have the coaching staff evaluate, teach and coach, preseason is the place. I am especially not worried since this is to be expected with practically no off season. I would like to see the Falcons make a move for Samuel, especially sharing a division with Drew Bree’s.
Man of Reason
August 29th, 2011
3:30 pm
Thank BaJebus! Someone else who understands this wasn’t a normal off season and that the coaches might have used this preseason differently because of that. Wow! Next we will get someone in here to post that you don’t throw the ball 42 t(i)mes unless you are more concerned with evaluating pass protection than winning a game that doesn’t count.
Mr. Swamp People
August 29th, 2011
3:32 pm
just sayin’ — i want you to test my scenario! u knoe wha m sayin?
just sayin'
August 29th, 2011
3:40 pm
didn’t know they had swamps in Mid Town…goes to show you, huh?
gill turner
August 29th, 2011
3:50 pm
decoud # 28 u need too give that money back to the falcons
Not too bad
August 29th, 2011
3:59 pm
Honestly, I was pretty happy about what I saw. We moved the ball at will against the Steelers, and if not for an errant pass to a wide open Harry Douglas, a dropped Touchdown by Julio on the bomb and and a pass inference call against Tony G. we would have put up 24 points in the first half on the mighty Steeler D.
Defensively, the Steelers basically scored on three lucky plays – two big pass plays on Brent Grimes where he was right there but just missed the ball and an interception returned for a TD on Redman.
I would still like to see us get a veteran corner to play the nickel, but I don’t think its the end of the world if we don’t
hiramsaint
August 29th, 2011
4:07 pm
@ don’t feed- you guys looked horrible-hehehehehehehehe
hiramsaint
August 29th, 2011
4:08 pm
@ not to bad- i was happy too! move the ball and settle for 3 pts….WD!!!!!
loel.
August 29th, 2011
4:15 pm
As I said last week, Take Turner out of there anyone else would be an improvement..
JSS
August 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
“”
1. I’m a professional football fan, I can care less about the petty dustups that most of you have going on in your fantasies in “Snarky Central.”Do I think the Falcons are a “terrible” football team? No, but they are 5 touchdowns or 2 field goals away from being 9-7 or 10-6. The previous season was the gift from Mark Sanchez in his first real bad weather game which broke the “streak,” not because Matt Ryan suddenly morphed into Tom Brady in the Meadowlands.
2. Great QBs make overthrows, but not the same throw in the same spot since Day One. Corners know it, that is way they shade that route and the really good ones Samuels, Clements, Barber and safeties like Reed and Polamalu jump it and make it regularly on Matt Ryan.
3. Try as he (Ledbetter) likes to tell you otherwise to the “great transition,” this team works best not when Matt Ryan is throwing it, but when Turner is running it… There is no great secrets in the Falcons playbook. Come on, most of you have you have been watching the game long enough to know that. Love him or hate him, Mularkey has not been hiding the playbook. he did not forget how to call a screen since his days in Pittsburgh. Smith wants so badly to impose his will on other teams, pooh on them for actually figuring out how to stop them… 13-3 means nothing, just like the 1980 team being 12-4. You carry fondness for the moment, but the actuality is that they lost… Do you think fans in Pittsburgh are going around bagging like Falcons fans about being AFC Champs? I can tell you, no! They know they lost the Super Bowl, it hurts them, but they went on and said it plainly, Ben can’t throw those INTs. Mendenhall can’t lay the ball on the ground. The Packers made a similar realization after losing to the Giants at Lambeau in their element in OT in the NFC title game. They did not get the taste slapped from their mouths. They had miscues along the way. The Falcons on the other hand out the so-called NFL elite have made the least change in terms of that place in understanding of any team… The proof will be in the pudding…
Don't feed Aints trolls (It isn't 2009 anymore)
August 29th, 2011
5:16 pm
Those teams weren’t built over night. This team is just now recovering from decades of mismanagement and poor ownership. The Petrino year is probably the worst year any pro team has ever had in the big scheme of things. In the last three years, this organization is building into a championship organization. You cannot compare this team to a team like the Packers and the Steelers yet, because this team is not run by an organization like that yet. It is becoming one, but that takes years of building on top of success. We had never had back to back winning seasons when Smith and TD got here. Look at what they have done. 3 winning seasons. Ranked in top 5 of both scoring offense and defense. More pro bowlers than any other team last year. This organization is building something elite.
In Ben’s third year he threw 26 interceptions. He has had double digit INTs for 5 out of his 7 years. If Ryan had a defense like that then he would have 3 rings by now. Ben is a mediocre QB who benefits from really good field position.
This team isn’t the Packers or Steelers or Patriots… but they are certainly doing a lot to get to that level.
Rufus1
August 29th, 2011
5:17 pm
b
KQuark
August 29th, 2011
5:18 pm
My only worries are the DB giving up the big play and our kicking game. I hope the rookie kicker will developed but for now Koenen will be greatly missed.
If I was Dimitroff and Smith I would be scouring that waiver wire for an experienced DB and pick up another player like Brian Williams like they did a couple years ago.
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
5:21 pm
JSS u DA MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Say it Dude!!!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ICEMELT AINT THE ONE……………..Yawn………..
Eagles 42, Falcons 24 Sunday nigh 9-18-11 on NBC. Let the games begin!
Chandler going Deep..
August 29th, 2011
5:25 pm
If Butter ball does not get off..Game over…
Brian
August 29th, 2011
5:49 pm
Earlier in the game, Gonzo had his defender beat, so the linebacker covering him held onto his jersey and tackled him as he went for the ball. Why was there no call on that one?
coleski
August 29th, 2011
5:56 pm
Fellows, we are talking about the Atlanta Falcons. The bigger the swagger, the sorrier the play. I said earlier
10-6 or 9-7, but I believe I need to drop it to 8-8. Sorry, I just don’t see the improvement. So it’ll probably be
another rough season.
falconfever74
August 29th, 2011
6:00 pm
coleski who is your team or they that horrible that u have to come into a falcons blog to see what it feels like to be a winner
falconfever74
August 29th, 2011
6:06 pm
most of u people in this blog would be great marketers for a wellbutrin ad. i mean come on csi isnt as picky. some of u keep saying the falcons gave up all these points against the steelers well the beloved patroits gave up the same amount this weekend
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
6:12 pm
test
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
6:12 pm
Hey Falcon folk.
I remember as a kid playing a game called Frogger. The frog would jump all over the screen trying to get across the street and logs. You smallish CB Brent Grimes reminds me of that frog. Watching the game I couldn’t help but notice how he was jumping all over the place trying to intercept passes. Alot of blame was placed on your safeties but this guy needs to calm down on the jumping for INTs. I think recent success has went to his head and he is trying to INT everything.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
6:24 pm
oh yeah..that lil Quizz Rodgers need some reps with the first team..he is very shifty
tom
August 29th, 2011
6:24 pm
You describe Grimes almost spectacular pass break-up as though it was great. Duh! Touchdown Steelers.
Killer
August 29th, 2011
6:27 pm
It was just a preseason game, so no one should get their panties in a wad. I have a feeling that these two teams will next meet in the Super Bowl. The Falcons did not look that bad considering they were still in a practice mode and were not looking to win the game. Overall a good performance as the next game will be played mostly by the reserves.
Cornerback Smurf
August 29th, 2011
6:35 pm
I wish I was taller.
Voice of Reason
August 29th, 2011
6:46 pm
I keep hearing reports of the Falcons secondary getting “shredded,” “destroyed,” “exposed,” etc… by Big Ben, and I’ve got to say that I don’t think it’s accurate. Green Bay exposed the Atl pass defense. They could not be stopped. Rodgers was completing at will. Big Ben, on the other hand, was 11/16 for 214 and two TDs. Two big plays, both inches from being knocked down / picked. INCHES. If those two plays are incomplete (77 and 44 yards) he’s 9/16 for 93, and maybe a pick. Those are pedestrian numbers. Granted, the plays weren’t made, but when the differences is that small between what he got and pedestrian numbers, that indicates that our pass D DID NOT get “shredded.” Relax.
rt
August 29th, 2011
6:47 pm
I think our kicker/punter may be a big downgrade.
Steven A.
August 29th, 2011
6:54 pm
Trade the “burner”while he still has value. 2nd round pick?
I would find a way to start Jaquizz Rodgers. Best 5th rounder this year.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
6:56 pm
Voice
if Aaron Rodgers would of missed on his 2 biggest plays his numbers would have been pedestrian as well….think about what your saying..that goes for any game on all levels
TDnoclue
August 29th, 2011
6:57 pm
Looks like we drafted the wrong Bama player. I think N.O. got the better player and we needed someone to replace Turner.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
7:00 pm
TDnoclue
the only thing concerned me on the Julio dropped pass and how ackward he looked. He didnt look comfortable at all going for the ball. He even banged his chin on the ground..he looked a bit hurt but I think it was more embarassing for him…he need to work on that..but your right..that Ingram kid does look nice.
woodie
August 29th, 2011
7:41 pm
Do we have a 1st round pick next year ?
Columbus
August 29th, 2011
7:45 pm
Panic? Who is panicing? It’s preseason of a lockout year. The starters look fine. It’s early. Are the little girlie-men panicing? It amazes me every year there are alwasy little girls talking about how the coaches need to be fired and this player needs to go and we need to get thsi and that and tdade this peroson and go get that person. It happens every year in every sport. baseball fans are the worst on these blogs. they know nothing about baseball and want to dismantle the team after 3 weeks. It’s preseason. Will the Falcons go undefeated? No. Will they have a losing season? No. Will they make the playoffs? Yes. Will their record be as good as last years? I doubt it. Will the team actually be better than last year? Absolutely Yes.
Falcons want to win, every team wants to win. But this is more about getting in game shape, trying different things with different players and putting the team together. Does anyone actually think that the Falcons will not be dominating at home again? Does anyone think that opposing defenses are going to have nightmares about our offense? Do you not think that our offense will wear defenses down and just get better and better as the game goes along and put up 30 points a game? Then show your intellect and your gender little girls.
Hobbler
August 29th, 2011
7:57 pm
I agree, we need a #3 Vet DB/Nickelback. No Owens or Franks in the lineup this year please or we will be doomed to repeat history.
Hobbler
August 29th, 2011
8:08 pm
We need to sign someone with a stronger leg to kick off like #5 from Pittsburg. Waters (I think) was kicking it too deep in the enzone for us to run it out. Bosher hits short line drives that will kill us this year.
Aints Got No Class
August 29th, 2011
8:17 pm
Columbus,
Best comment yet!
Matt Ryan overrated
August 29th, 2011
8:34 pm
0-3 don’t fool your self if it walk like a duck look like a duck and sounds like a duck it must be a duck. they are not looking like world beater or NFC south beater. Two big holes for the Falcons. one passing over the top of the defense. Two If run game go south so does the falcons. they have to keep a lead because Matt will not win it by him self. He will do a lot of look up from the ground this year!
Aints Got No Class
August 29th, 2011
8:49 pm
Matt Ryan overrated,
You sure know a lot about ducks. I bet you don’t like dogs though.
Delbert D.
August 29th, 2011
8:53 pm
Surely the roster cuts in the league will turn up a KO guy better than Bosher. Also, after 3 years it’s disturbing that Sam Baker almost got Ryan killed on a pass play.
Voice of Reason
August 29th, 2011
9:04 pm
Just looking –
You’re wrong about Rogers. In that playoff blowout, he hit 31/36 for 366 and 3 TDs. His longest pass was 30 and was not a TD His long TD was 20. Let’s say we take out 50 yards on two passes and one TD and we get 29/36 for 306 yards and 2 TDs. Hardly pedestrian. If we project Ben’s hypothetical 9/16 for 93 to match Rodgers’ attempts, we would get approximately 20/32 for 210. See the difference?
Reality Check
August 29th, 2011
9:28 pm
From Prison to 100 MILLION.
Just sayin……………
SeenThisB4
August 29th, 2011
9:42 pm
DLed: You think this week’s game will be the last push some of these guys that are on the proverbial ledge are going to need?
You know what blows my mind is the number of people who actually think that the falcan’ts can improve their squad by picking up some of the discards from other teams this week. How shallow can the depth problem be for the falcan’ts? Wow!
Mike
August 29th, 2011
9:45 pm
Ok so I am understanding this right…Ryan is weak, Julio is a bust, Turner is slow, the O-line can’t block, Edwards is no good, Abe is old, LB’s can’t tackle, DB’s can’t cover…our punter/kicker has a weak leg…. coaching is terrible, TD must be a total joke…while we are at it let’s have Blank sell the team to an owner that is passionate about winning. Fans in Cleveland will be happy to get the #1 overall pick in next years draft. Oh can’t stop there, I am sure there is even some criticism out there for Freddie Falcon. Oh yeah, our cheerleaders skirts are not short enough…. ok think that covers every one. Here’s to another terrible year of Falcon Football.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
10:10 pm
Voice of Reason
The bottom line is that in 1 half of footall Big Then went 11/16 for 214 yds. Yet, to make yourself feel better your saying the 2 big plays shouldnt count and if they didnt it would be 93 yards…..I’m sorry but that is stupid..the 2 big plays did count..that is why you play the game..they went for those plays..it wasnt a fumble it was a actual pass(es) that went for 6pts…
also see the difference if you take Big Ben actual numbers 11/16 and 214, you’d get 22/32 428 yds and 4 TDS…see i took his actual numbers for the game…not your whatif numbers.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
10:16 pm
Voice of Reason
Dude I can’t believe your actually trying to take away Big Ben 2 deep throws for 6pts and saying the defense was ok if you get rid of those…that is the craziest thing I have heard. We got to be more realistic then that. There was deep passes in the Miami game, Jax game and now the Steeler game…see the pattern….secondary issues with Green Bay exposed in the playoffs.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
Mike
The only sarcastic point you made that I sincerely believe is the one about the DBs. All 3 pre-season games the DBs/secondary have been burned
Voice of Reason
August 29th, 2011
10:30 pm
Just Looking –
I’m not saying our secondary is fine. Those kinds of plays are the plays that lose games. No question. And, as a Falcons fan, I hate to see it. To say, however, that that game is similar to getting burned in the playoffs is totally off. Green Bay couldn’t help but complete a pass. I don’t think Rodgers could’ve thrown an incompletion if he’d wanted to. The two big ones from the Steelers game would’ve bothered me a lot more if there had been separation or dropped coverages. That was not the case. CB was in position and almost, but did not, make the play. The sky is not falling.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
10:41 pm
Voice,
All I know is the last 4 games..playoffs and pre-season the secondary has been torched. Once the league figure our a weakness they will exploit it like he11. This offense better get explosive like they have been saying all off-season
DrJ
August 29th, 2011
10:41 pm
Went to the replay to check out the Gonzo “interference”, and the DB had his hand on TG’s arm, and when Tony pulled away the DB lost his balance and fell down, he wasn’t pushed. So the call went for the hometown crowd. Should have been a TD.
Ryan had a bunch of good passes, but two that stood out to me were the one to White in the endzone that was a laser past a DB that was covering Douglas and in between a few more in the EZ. And the 60 yarder attemp to Julio in the endzone was a perfect spiral all the way, on target, with no fade. Quite a throw. So I don’t think we have to worry about his arm strengh.
Just looking
August 29th, 2011
10:51 pm
DrJ
Yeah that was just a flat out drop by JJ. He didnt look to comfortable during that seqence of laying out for the ball. I hope he correct that. Looked like he was nervous. Nerves leaves to drops which was the dang knock on him…arghhhhhh!!!
(cursed) of rotten roddy white
August 30th, 2011
12:09 am
ur team is JInKs u r doomed 12 more days u see u a ll w ill s e e
DR. FALCON
August 30th, 2011
12:22 am
D-LED, WHO THE HELL IS ANTONIO BROWN? LOOKS LIKE OUR SECONDARY HAS NOT RECOVERED OR GOTTEN ANY BETER SINCE THAT GREEN BAY DEBACLE! 77YD TD’S IN THE 3RD PRESEASON GAME IS NOT COOL! WAIT UNTIL WE PLAY DESEAN JACKSON, OR CALVIN JOHNSON, OR GREG JENNINGS! SH@#T!!!
Drizzy Swagghard
August 30th, 2011
12:37 am
I think the offense will be pretty good & the defense will be improved because the starters have showed flashed of brilliance when in the games. I am very concerned with the kick off man/punter & the coverage units. They have been terrible. If you are not a true fan stay off the blog & ride some other teams bandwagon. Atlanta Falcons will be a playoff team in 2011.
Mike
August 30th, 2011
7:18 am
JUST LOOKING- I think the secondary is a valid concern. Spec teams looks shaky as well. Just reading some of the post in here you would think we were coming off the 2007 campaign. I am disappointed by the results of the last meaningful game that we played, however I am not looking to dwell on it. A new season begins with Chicago in a couple of weeks. I think this team is going to be better than last year…however the record may not reflect it due to their schedule.
Bird Dawg Country
August 30th, 2011
1:45 pm
Harry Douglas is faster…..somebody mentioned Julio dropped a lot of passes in school…haven’t seen too much to form opinion, but hope it’s not true. He sure did drop an easy one Saturday. Looked like he was thinking more of running than catching….
Funny, one of the picture captions reads “these two(Smith and DC) have to get the pass defense figured out”.
They should have one that says Smith and OC need to get the scoring opportunities figured out….this team should easily average 30 points a game with that offensive talent.
Bird Dawg Country
August 30th, 2011
1:48 pm
And how was that for some “long ball” that Matty threw to Julio in stride, on target…
Bite on that Matty haters
Chandler going Deep...
August 30th, 2011
3:19 pm
#7 live conference on ESPNews
Mrsbanks
August 30th, 2011
11:52 pm
I am a ride or die Falcon Fan but I just don’t have a good feeling about this year….Julio Jones was a great addition but what about the defense??? Specifically, the secondary….why wasn’t this addressed in the draft…free agency….is it too late????