Rewind: Falcons got back to power football
Falcons lineman Sam Baker blocks Carolina's Charles Johnson, giving Matt Ryan time to pass. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com
FLOWERY BRANCH — In Cam Newton’s homecoming as a professional, the Falcons intercepted three passes and finished strong to post a 31-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The win, coupled with Tampa Bay’s victory over New Orleans, leaves the defending NFC South champions one game out of first place.
What we learned
1. The run game still works: The Falcons put on a power-running display with 35 runs for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Michael Turner led the way with a season-high 139 yards on 27 carries (5.1 per rush). The Falcons keyed on working the outside creases of the Carolina defense and cut Turner loose on some toss sweeps. He ran with authority, barreling over defenders as he finished all of his runs strong.
2. Harry Douglas can make the big catch: Douglas, the fourth-year wide receiver, started for the injured Julio Jones and was a few missed connections away from having a mega-game. He had a favorable matchup against Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and the Falcons tried to get him the ball four times. He got open deep twice, but the passes were overthrown. He caught the other two passes thrown his way, including a 34-yarder on third-and-12 to keep the game-winning drive alive. Douglas normally plays the slot, but had to move outside. Falcons coach Mike Smith credited the offensive staff with getting Douglas ready for the position switch.
3. Pass protection is still a concern: The offensive line gave up one sack and five quarterback hits. They have given up just two sacks in the last three games, but Ryan is still getting hit too often. For the season, they have yielded 15 sacks and 40 quarterback hits. Turner did his part in pass protection, picking up a blitzing cornerback in the second half.
Injury report
No new injuries were announced during the game. Wide receiver Julio Jones (hamstring), cornerback Christopher Owens (concussion) and safety James Sanders (hamstring) were inactive because of injuries. The Falcons are hoping to get all three players back for the Detroit game.
The numbers game
25 — The Falcons have forced at least one turnover in each of their last 25 games, the NFL’s longest streak. They have 12 takeaways through six games.
3 — Ryan’s one-yard touchdown run was the third rushing touchdown of his career.
8 — Safety Thomas DeCoud led the defense with a team-high eight tackles.
67 — The Panthers converted on 8 of 12 (67 percent) of their third down opportunities.
43 –Punter Matt Bosher averaged 43 yards on three punts and placed two punts inside the 20-yard line.
Sound bite
“Cam Newton is a superstar.”
–Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez on Carolina’s rookie quarterback.
Loose ends
Ryan pushed his home record to 22-3 at the Georgia Dome. . . The Falcons played penalty-free football in the second half. They had four penalties for 57 yards in the first half. Safety William Moore (pass interference), left tackle Sam Baker (holding), wide receiver Roddy White (unnecessary roughness) and defensive end John Abraham (roughing the passer) committed the penalties. . . After dropping two interceptions in the season-opener against Chicago, safety Thomas DeCoud now has an interception in three of the last four games. His three interceptions ties his career-high set in 2009.
What’s next
Atlanta (3-3) travels to play the upstart Detroit Lions (5-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ford Field. This will be the 34th meeting. Detroit holds a 23-10 edge in the series. In the last meeting on Sept. 7, 2008, Ryan, in his first NFL game, threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Michael Jenkins on his first pass in the league and went on to lead the Falcons to a 34-21 victory.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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95 comments Add your comment
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
3:23 pm
•#Falcons coach Mike Smith said he’s fine with the post-game handshake. Once the clock goes to 0:00 the game is over. 32 mins ago
Coach Smith will knock out Detroit’s Head coach if he lays a hand on him…………..Coach Smitty is probably a mean one if you upset him !
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
3:26 pm
•#Falcons coach Mike Smith wishes #Saints Sean Payton a full recovery from knee surgery. 34 mins ago
Just after we escape with a Win against the Aints……………..that is !
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
People can say whatever they want about Ryan……but I take him over these other NFL QB s any time !
Hes a tough Kid to take the pounding he has and say after all of it he feels good . He is a smart QB too and he can run with the ball when he sees a opportunity and the Kid just simply has one thing on his mind and that is Win !
huh?
October 17th, 2011
3:55 pm
That poll has about as much interest as a cardinals-rangers world series.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
HAHAHAHAHA
October 17th, 2011
3:57 pm
Bye Bye Scam…..go home and kiss yourself in the mirror…..and take that stupid doo rag off
Preston Thompson
October 17th, 2011
3:58 pm
Michael M, nobody has taken the beating Cutler has. That man has a right to stay pissed. I don’t know how he takes it, for sure.
Like I said before, with the Falcons ahead 7 points, they have always got done to the twenty and inside and tried to run out the clock. Yesterday was an interesting time when MM had Mattie pass the ball. That has to be a first. The Falcons ahead late in the game and actually try to score. I nearly fainted. I checked my remote to be sure I was still on the Falcons game.
They can beat Detroit. I too watch what Mathew does but next week, he’s the enemy.
Dan
October 17th, 2011
3:59 pm
I HATE the soft zone defense!
Who in the world lives by the” let’s give up 8-12 yards per play and try and not give up 30-40 yards?”
We have the talent to be an aggressive style defensive unit
Just sayin……………….
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you watch the Green Bay Packers yesterday? That’s who. They gave up 400 yards of total offense giving up 8-12 yard passes and short runs but only 3 points.
Hit A Single
October 17th, 2011
4:00 pm
I am believer in that I Formation!
Great Falconi
October 17th, 2011
4:05 pm
Isn’t it funny how “Noodle Arm” tends to overthrow receivers on deeper routes? Ryan’s arm isn’t bad and it will continue to get stronger as he does the offseason work in the weight room. His accuracy has been more of an issue than anything else.
warfalcons
October 17th, 2011
4:06 pm
Where do you people coach football at? Go Falcons,Det.has been put back in it`s place.
john
October 17th, 2011
4:18 pm
Why do the Falcons not use Rodgers more often. He gains yardage with run and pass on each of his single use per half and you don’t see him again. MM is still in the ’70s and I’m not referring to his age.
Barry
October 17th, 2011
4:41 pm
Hey Y’all:
ONE GAME AT A TIME! ONE WIN AT A TIME!! This is a “MARATHON” and not a “SPRINT”. OUR FALCONS have to PREPAREA AND “PLAY” ONE GAME AT A TIME.
Yesterday’s victory shows our FALCONS are clicking in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” mode again. I feel sorry for the rest of the NFL with Turner “BLASTING through “HOLES” made by the OFFENSIVE LINE and “BLOCKS” made my the FULLBACK and THE RECEIVERS. Our passing game was AGGRESSIVE in ATTACKING the DEFENSE. THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE. JULIO IS NOT OUR ONLY OPTION IN GOING DEEP. RODDY, HARRY AND TONY ARE ALSO OPTIONS. We JUST HAVE TO HAVE PLAYS TO GET IT TO THEM. MAKE THE DEFENSIVE BACKS STOP IT OR “COMMIT A PENALTY.” OUR RECEIVERS ARE TOO FAST. AND YES, “MATTY ICE” CAN THROW IT!!! THE MORE HE DOE IT, THE BETTER HE WILL GET AT DOING IT.
OUR DEFENSE WAS “SUPERB” IN THE SECOND HALF. YOU COULD SEE THE DEFENSIVE ENDS CRASHING AND PUSHING THAT POCKET, MAKING SACKS, AND TACKLING RUNNERS. THEY BROUGHT SOME “PAIN” TO CAM NEWTON. HE was not the same after more than a couple of “HITS”. We “POPPED” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!” The LINE BACKERS and SECONDARY played “TENACIOUSLY”. They played together, “COMMUNICATING AND POPPING” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. Detroit have to be very comcerned with this bunch coming to town. This is a young, veteran bunch that is really “TICKED OFF” in slow start they had this season. I see everything going up especially with “SACKS for ABRAHAM and EDWARDS. It looks like they are starting to get into their “GROOVE”. THIS IS GOING TO BE “SCARY” AND IT AIN’T EVEN HALLOWEEN! LET’s DO THIS. LET’s DO THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”
GO FALCONS!!!
THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES- “ONE GAME AT A TIME” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!:
WE AIN’T PLAYING!!!!! NFL BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!
“WE RISE UP!” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!
…………….”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!”……………
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
5:38 pm
Innovator!
We need an upgrade of creativity to use our assets on offense, once the O-Line gets better, either by addition or subtraction. Matt’s life depends on it!
TorontoFalcon
October 17th, 2011
6:07 pm
The Falcons have a big problem in the name of Dunta Robinson. The man doesn’t want (or know how to tackle)! He seems focused on trying to level guys for the highlight reels, leading to missed tackles. late hits, and unneeded penalties. He does not have that Falcons class. Aswell Mullarkey (while not fully to blame) STINKS!
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
6:21 pm
Tough Game Sunday in the Lion’s Den………….Falcons Could win, Should win it, but Will they win it ?
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
6:23 pm
49ers on TV bragging..uhohhhhh..you know what that can get you, better shutup out there while you ahead .
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
6:27 pm
* seated on your right. LOL
jim
October 17th, 2011
6:33 pm
I see that the coward…aka Deion was in the dome Sunday.
He’s still the self serving joke he always was….
Peion Deion.
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
6:36 pm
I like football, just like the troll using my name. Who DOESN’T love those BEEFCAKES??
That hussy is a PURE HATER!!
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
6:43 pm
Man oh man …William Andrews was lookin old when I saw him on a interview the other day…has it been so long since he played?
Heck of a Running back I saw him dragging 3 defenders down the field about 20 yards trying to tackle him in one game
Greg
October 17th, 2011
7:36 pm
Here’s a shout out to Harry Douglas, who showed us we may not have needed the great Julio as much as TD thought. Harry was 1) quick, 2) fast, 3) showed his usual great hands, and most important, 4) he was consistently getting open (Ryan simply missed him couple times). What more do we f..k’n want? Now, if MM would just put some quick slants in the game plan, to TG and HD and Roddy, we might be able to get 5-7 or more yards on every 2nd and 7 we face.
Falcon in Seattle
October 17th, 2011
7:47 pm
Please keep using the throwback unis. They look much much better than what they wear now and they haven’t lost yet in them.
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
8:26 pm
“Cam Newton is a superstar.”
“–Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez on Carolina’s rookie quarterback”
He is the real deal!!
Lets swap him for Ryan…..Yeah!!!!
“Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
3:11 pm
Falcons have a tough 4 game stretch just ahead
1- Lions
2-Colts
3-Aints
4-Titans
Every one of them is a must win to get in first place in NFC South’
How does 0-4 sound? Yep. Even 1-3, its a wrap………………
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
9:04 pm
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
October 17th, 2011
11:47 am
“Atlanta lost to 6-0 packers
4-2 bucs
3-3 bears
2 of the losses were on the raod.
Who is going to cover Calvin J.?? uh-oh”
The Falcons have only beaten teams with losing records thus far. Only 1-2 on the road in the 1st 6 games.. They may go 1-3 after Sunday’s game..So enjoy this one..It will be fleeting feeling, a distant memory real soon.. You can handle the Truth? Thanks Peter King for screwing this team!
“MEGATRON” cannot be covered by this motley crew….lol
The real Matty Ice works in Detroit, MOTOR CITY! That new Cadillac CTS coupe is razor sharp..
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
9:18 pm
Falcons!
Perhaps now my Falcons can get on a contagious win streak. Just take it one game at A time and handle the Lions next.
richie
October 17th, 2011
9:49 pm
the lions have given up over 100 yards rushing in 4 of their first 6 games including over 200 against the 49ers. If the falcons can establish the run with turner this week then they have a good shot at winning
Brewmaster
October 17th, 2011
10:08 pm
Hey Scam worshippers, Scam already has 9 picks in 6 games. Matty Ice had 11 in his entire rookie season. Go ahead and pretend Scam is , as JC said, ” the greatest rookie qb ever.” Just like Jim Jones zombie followers thought he was the greatest preacher ever. Be sure to leave $180,000 in the collection plate.
Delbert D.
October 17th, 2011
10:09 pm
I noticed that the Falcons substituted early and often for Turner. He looked fresher in the late going.
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
10:32 pm
J-Rod!
Delbert D., great astute observation re: keeping The Burner fresh. Run J. Rogers and some Snelling in there for changes of pace and pressure on the run blockers.
Wear that unit down, then throw down fiel when it’s there across the middle routes. Where is the creativity from the offensive coordinator. If we can see it? What channel are they watching – Oprah Winfrey @ OWN?
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
10:36 pm
* field
Rewind: Falcons got back to power football – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | NewsFlash
October 17th, 2011
10:50 pm
[...] the Original article LD_AddCustomAttr("AdOpt", "1"); LD_AddCustomAttr("Origin", "other"); [...]
Burtron
October 17th, 2011
11:17 pm
Yes, the Falcons got back into their power game, and won – And that is what they did when they won 13 games last year. But when it comes to playoff time, when it’s a different kind of game played, are they going to be able to win that playoff game by grinding it out and throwing a bunch of sideline passes? I think not. They are going to have to have the kind of passing game down field that Green Bay has, with more play action, etc. This thing of handing off to number 33 when everybody in the house knows what’s going to happen, is flat out stubborn. You can’t just play that way in the playoffs and expect to win. And winning the first playoff game, and then more of them should be foremost in our minds.
jimmy W
October 17th, 2011
11:52 pm
im still looking for the o-line to get nasty up front
CGD..
October 18th, 2011
12:35 am
Blank shooting Blanks!
Don’t you get it yet Genius? You have to use the pass to set up the run especially in the PLAYOFFS! PLAYOFFS??? That is today’s NFL! See Brady…
Your QB flaws are MAGNIFIED in the PLAYOFFS! PLAYOFFS??? If he’s not accurate passer game set and match…Ah HA! Matty does not have it to take this franchise to an SB or even a NFC Championship…Sorry..You can handle it. Ya have for 46 seasons and counting already…
Flaco has won how many playoff games for less than half the 72mill given to Patty Melt who has not won his first one yet? I’m just saying..
Yes Flaco has a better defense, but he is also a superior passer….
Lets see if history which tends to repeat itself does actually repeat itself for the third consecutive season.. But first the Falcons need to win at least 7 of 10 to get into the playoffs! PLAYOFFS???
The more things will stay the same in the world of Georgia Professional Sports…
Andrew Luck, Andrew Luck, Andrew Luck!
Last Word n Sports
October 18th, 2011
7:21 am
Check out our Week 6 Rankings, Falcons move up.
http://wp.me/p1E3tD-3f
2 > 7
October 18th, 2011
9:18 am
I don’t think any two of our DBs will be able to cover Calvin Johnson. If we are going to win, it will have to be in a shootout. D-line will have to play better than it did against the Panthers. If we put the same (lack of) pressure on Stafford, he will torch us. I don’t think we match up well against this team at all.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 18th, 2011
9:21 am
richie – Good point on establishing the run game vs. Det.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 18th, 2011
9:53 am
“Didn’t it used to take at least a couple years for a receiver to develop in this league, like Roddy for instance?”
Roddy went to a small school where he could dominate using his athleticism and didn’t really have to learn fundamentals. Of course even AJ Green was an elite athlete in the SEC, but playing against tougher competition always gets you more prepared for the next level up, and the SEC is the toughest conference in college football. That is partly why Green and Julio Jones are excelling early in their careers.
CGD..
October 18th, 2011
10:05 am
7 is 3.5 x> 2 lol
RISE UP = sit down
October 18th, 2011
10:23 am
“got BACK to power football”? More like “just visiting” power football. AF will always let you down. Always.
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 18th, 2011
11:14 am
Moderated!
Mr. Leddbetter, thank you immensely for quickly removing the trashy comments from your blog. You are an awesome moderator for doing that. You are appreciated more than words can say. My ID has been jacked and abused on The Hawks blog for years and nothing usually gets removed until everybody on staff is cc’d, mainly Ray Cox, Jr.
Great Job, Sir.
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 18th, 2011
11:21 am
D. Ledd!
I did not post this comment here. Again, my user I’d was jacked by the troll:
“drmaryb .(*_*).
I like football, just like the troll using my name. Who DOESN’T love those BEEFCAKES??
October 17th, 2011
6:36 pm
That hussy is a PURE HATER!!”
___________________
Please remove & block this IP Address. The ban will only work temporarily, this guy goes to libraries and college campuses to get back on. 4 years and running now, but IT always comes back somehow.
_____________________
Let’s Go Falcons! Win in Detroit, we NEED a win streak!
Pocket_rocket
October 18th, 2011
1:06 pm
I hope Ryan can stop giving up the play when he is flushed out of the pocket to his right side. Defenses know he will do that. They put the speed rusher, with help if needed, on his left sholder and when he is forced to run right he throws the ball out of bounds. It’s 2 plays/punt to the opposition’s 3 plays/punt.
Also, when he runs out of the pocket, he needs to stop sliding and touching the 1st down line with his foot with the ball in his arm 5ft away. It is another way in his arsonal of giving up 3rd down.
If Matt Ryan can correct those two draw backs it will be an added weapon to his game and the team instead of a dissadvantage.
When Aaron Rogers, Tom Brady, Drew Breez, etc. are flushed either way out of the pocket, Falcon fans are holding our breath because we know the play is extended and something bad or good, depending on which side of the ball you are on, is going to happen. Not with Matt; we know the play is over.
Leeman Bennett
October 18th, 2011
4:25 pm
I agree with the coach!
I HATE the soft zone defense!
Who in the world lives by the” let’s give up 8-12 yards per play and try and not give up 30-40 yards?”
We have the talent to be an aggressive style defensive unit
We have got to be more aggresive and put some pressure on the QB, no matter who we play.
Run4ever
October 20th, 2011
9:55 pm
Fullback O. Mughelli and M. Turner should be ready to do whatever it takes to move the chain in a positive direction for 1st downs to control the clock and keep the Lions defense guessing. 11 guys on offense working in sync to move the chains. That’s what is all about. Let’s not have a whole lot of missed 3rd downs (3 & outs). Tony’s gonna have his hands full blocking and getting those needed 3rd downs. Everybody has to contribute. Roddy’s gonna have a breakout day. No-J.J. has to sit out & watch this one from the sidelines-he’ll be ok-though, cause we gonna need him the closer we get to putting a winning streak together. This game is downplayed, but is really a huge game on many levels. This is the kind of game John Madden talks about in his early season broadcast career where he talks about how a game like this will dictate how the rest of the season for a team will be. Now hear this: no team wants to go into a bye with a loss. Even Detriot-which has a winning record doesn’t want to go into a bye with loss. So this will seem like a playoff game, indeed. There are no moral victories. So this IS A BIG GAME. J.J. at this point-hasn’t been completely ruled out-and I know he wants to play, but he hasn’t practiced. Don’t rule him out. We’ll know probably at gametime. That was a smart move by coach-because you don’t want your opponent to be preparing for what you tell them, especially when they can prepare for what you may be wanting to do. Julio gives them the offensive equal in Megatron-as far as offensive weapon arsenals go. Something tells me that Detriot knows this, as well esp. when they know it’s the Falcons bye week. The drama continues…