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
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:11 pm
I’m still a little concern about the very looooose zone,and what happens when a team commit 9, 10 players in the box, can we connect to our WR’s. I think it’s going to be important to really plan well for the Lions on both sides of the ball.
run the ball
October 17th, 2011
12:12 pm
first
run the ball
October 17th, 2011
12:12 pm
@#@$! second
run the ball
October 17th, 2011
12:13 pm
We’re just a pretty good football team. Nothing to really get excited about. Just pretty good.
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:14 pm
Is there any particular reason the defense doesn’t play a lot of Cover 2 vs. the very relaxed Zone defense?
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:17 pm
pretty good @ beating a 1-5 squad? lol
Hollywould
October 17th, 2011
12:21 pm
Good 2nd half running the ball. I see where the 9ers ran it down Detroit’s throat. Need to do the same
but can we please throw in a screen?
#1SaintsFan
October 17th, 2011
12:21 pm
Congrats Falcons:
I said I would come back and “eat my words” if you guys won and you did, So congrats,,Enjoy the win!.Our boys clearly has some problems to fix and I think we will!!
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:23 pm
Non playoff team big deal..Lets continue to see how the Falcons match up when they hool up against playoff bound teams.. So far not so good? But 10 games left…Then they the playoffs..PLAYOFFS?
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:23 pm
hook^^^^^
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:25 pm
will meet in^.C’mon CGD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ivan
October 17th, 2011
12:26 pm
I know it’s hard to believe, but not every team in the league is like the Packers. You have to beat the 1-5 teams too.
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:29 pm
We will not be able to run against the lions like we did Carolina unless we are able to back up the Linebackers with some quick short throws. I think if they plan some quick short slants to the slot receiver Harry Douglas), and outside WR’s it’ll open up. Also because of their ferocious D-line and our subpar O-line we’re going to need some screens to Rodgers. They should also consider putting Kerry Mieir in the slot a couple of times to complete some 8 to 10 yard inside curl routes to give a new look to the Lions Defense.
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:29 pm
The Falcons will never be like the Packers..Just freaking sad…………..
But thats okay..Theres always the Hawks?
Ivan
October 17th, 2011
12:30 pm
SaintsFan,
I actually think the Saints win that game had it not been for the fluke injury to Payton. It would have been a different game had he been calling the plays in the 2nd half.
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:31 pm
Its time for Mularkey to step up his game big time…
CGD..
October 17th, 2011
12:33 pm
Football coaches evey where take notice. Always pay attention to the action on the field when a play is being run so you dont get hurt out there on the sidlines! Those jokers are huge!
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
Mularkey didn’t step up his game, they didn’t do much. The Offense just ran the ball and completed only 15 passes. That’s not going to work against the Lions. Murlarkey is going to have to have a plan to keep them in the game and another plan for when they adapt after the half.
Preston Thompson
October 17th, 2011
12:44 pm
Give Mularkey credit if he’s the one that call the plays in the second half. Finally they didn’t curl up in the fetal position and give up the game. The first time I can remember the Falcons called plays as though they wanted to win instead of not lose. I know it was a 1-5 team but this is about the Falcons. I was impressed and after how many years?
lowdownjj
October 17th, 2011
12:51 pm
I love the fact that we got back to smash mouth football on offense. I am worried that it wont contnue once Julio gets back. We are a run first team. Yesterday proved that once again. I still don’t like the soft zone on D. I would love to see more of an attacking defense. When we got aggresive with the rush(blitz) and pressed up on the recievers the results were great. RUN BURNER RUN
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:56 pm
They didn’t do nothing special or different and yes us playing a 1-5 does matter. Mularkey has yet to plan a game and make ajustments in the second half after the D coordinators on the opposing team make their ajustments. He has not even attempted a play that utilizes all his weapons or put them on the fill at one time. They need more four wide sets with the running back staying in the backfield to block, with the option to run a delay or screen. The WR’s have to run 3 short routs and 1 long route.
LDawg
October 17th, 2011
12:58 pm
That soft zone crap ain’t gonna work against Stafford – not by a longshot. We will be picked apart!
Cal
October 17th, 2011
1:00 pm
Julio is not the problem, play calling is the problem. He was drafted not just for speed but for his run blocking ability to, that’s what he did in Alabama. A coordinator knows how to use him even if you have a run first pass second team.
Cal
October 17th, 2011
1:01 pm
Oh yeah, We haven’t been able to run against the good teams we played. Do you ever wonder why?
nathan
October 17th, 2011
1:11 pm
Congrats on the wins, Falcons!
Hey, can we bring back the 80s throwback unis, red hat/shirt, gray pants? Thanks!
drmaryb .(*_*).
October 17th, 2011
1:25 pm
Just Win Baby!
“pretty good @ beating a 1-5 squad? lol” -CGD-
___________________
Am I missing something here? Didn’t the 1-5 team board a plane and a bus with a game plawn drawn up to beat the Falcons yesterday?
Would this knuckle head suggest that we not defend the turf and draw up some losing plays purposefully?
_________________
I just don’t get it? Last time I checked, Aren’t you supposed to win the games that you are supposed to win, (all home games and split on the road to be considered a winning ball club? Or does that only apply to the NBA?
(she smirks)
JayCool 4DABirds
October 17th, 2011
1:30 pm
You guys sound like some haters. The Falcons play calling has never been the problem as much of failure to execute. The Falcons executed the game plan really well Sunday and that’s why they got a win. Detroit’s offense is not all that hot, especially if you take away a few big plays that Stafford and Megatron connected on. They are a big play offense just like Carolina, stop the big play and you can beat them. Their DL is superb but that’s about where there defense stops. Remember teams have been scoring on them all along but just surrendering the lead to very deep pass plays to Megatron.
YES
October 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
Falcons smacked that stupid freaking doo rag right off of Scam!!!!!
YES
October 17th, 2011
1:46 pm
What happened Scam? How come you didn’t run to the crowd looking for your look at me, me, me adulation after all your interceptions and sacks?
Jerry Glanville
October 17th, 2011
1:48 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SirReal
October 17th, 2011
1:52 pm
Needed the win. Still say we have a lot of work to do. I HATE these schemes on 3rd down….i mean it’s like the D NEVER gets off the field. Now I see why we run a time management offense. We wanna do the explosive, attacking scheme but with this D, you do better sometimes keeping them off the field. Smitty whats up with YOUR defense b/c at this point I cant just blame BVG anymore when you are supposed to be a defensive minded coach.
YES
October 17th, 2011
1:58 pm
Matt Ryan showed class on how you act after scoring a touchdown…unlike Scam.
YES
October 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
Scam fans are probably same sick fans of #7
YES
October 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
Any computers missing from the dome after Scam was there?
Falcon James
October 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
it aint bad enought that roddy be dropping balls all year, been known for hurting the falcon with his mouth, but then yesterday, gave a cheap shot after the play on the opposits side of the field!!!! Who he think he his, Mike Tyson?
guess who's doing better!!
October 17th, 2011
2:19 pm
AJ Green is having phenomenal year in Cincy….the catches he’s making are even more spectacular than his amazing ones at UGA….definitely best rookie out there…
Didn’t it used to take at least a couple years for a receiver to develop in this league, like Roddy for instance? rookie qb’s and receivers the past few years are putting that myth to rest….proves you can and must get a player that can make an impact in his 1st season.
You know that's right
October 17th, 2011
2:26 pm
Now comes Matt Stafford…..love ya, but you’re gonna be the enemy this week….hint, hint MV fans, that’s how you treat a player you’re a fan of when he plays your so called team…like an enemy for that game…MV fans are so stupid.
Stepchild
October 17th, 2011
2:41 pm
Most MV fans were never real Falcon fans.
Ivan
October 17th, 2011
2:42 pm
“Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
Mularkey didn’t step up his game, they didn’t do much. The Offense just ran the ball and completed only 15 passes. That’s not going to work against the Lions.
Cal
October 17th, 2011
12:42 pm
Mularkey didn’t step up his game, they didn’t do much. The Offense just ran the ball and completed only 15 passes. That’s not going to work against the Lions.”
Yea. It will. Ask Frank Gore.
Tell it like it is.
October 17th, 2011
2:45 pm
Hey,The NFL is a passing leage! You have to throw the pass,or defend the pass!
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
2:49 pm
If Atlanta takes what they did yesterday into Detroit the Motor City will be de-motorized ! Carolina has a good football team. Their record may be bad but they have been in all their games except late in the second half of yesterdays game.
The Lions have been a cinderella team so far this year…are they really that good ? 49ers exposed them yesterday but the 49ers are playing good too this year. A few more weeks will settle down the NFL and who is who this Season.
GB better look over their shoulders cause other Teams are right behind them tapping on their shoulders !
As for Atlanta, was a Super Win yesterday with a whole Team involved effort ! If they continue playing this way they have as good as a shot as anyone to their own fate this year !
Aints HC needs to learn to get outta the way and not stand there like a tree……look like a bowling ball pin going down yesterday..still laughin here !
newkid
October 17th, 2011
2:49 pm
Wasn’t it ‘Dirty Harry’ who said a man has gotta know his limitations? Apparently Matt Ryan listened and learned (as well he should). To a casual observer it seems obvious he doesn’t hold his arm strength in high esteem, consequently he opts for 5-15 yard routes rather than electing to air it out a la Rodgers, Romo, et al. That bodes for fewer mistakes in the passing game, but far fewer big passing plays. When there are big plays in the passing game, they’ll likely come from ‘run-after-catch’ (RAC) opportunities. For a team without a real break away threat in the running game, we shouldn’t expect very many come-from-behind victories during the remainder of the season. This also makes for somewhat boring football from the home side. Nevertheless, in tribute to Al Davis, ‘just win baby’.
Bear
October 17th, 2011
2:55 pm
If Turner can keep doing what he did yesterday we can get on a roll and win a lot more games. Peters INT was the best play all day.
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
2:57 pm
I love boring Football when it has a W for your home Team……………Coach Smitty was seen at local Gym taking Boxing lessons for upcoming bout with Lions head coach next Sunday in Detroit.
Michael M.
October 17th, 2011
2:59 pm
Smart play by Corey hanging on to the ball with both hands it was a game changer !
Tell it like it is.
October 17th, 2011
3:05 pm
Teams that are winning games like Detroit,and Greenbay are pass happy teams,they use the run spairingly to keep pressure of the QB,to be able to beat these teams,you have to have a balanced attack.Same thing applies to the Patroits
yeahsure
October 17th, 2011
3:06 pm
Ok. We got back to playing power football. Nice job. But we haven’t answered the question of… can we move the football when teams stack the box and stop the run. It seems like we took 2 steps back, then 2 steps forward to where we were before.
MM needs to find a way to incorporate Julio, Roddy, Gonzo, Quizz, and HD into the gameplan. We still haven’t played a balanced complete game yet. If/when that happens, we will be dangerous.
SteveO
October 17th, 2011
3:08 pm
Getting McClure back has helped the run blocking schemes ……I think we passed blocked better last year because we used more 2 tightend sets which gave us an extra blocker….but now with all the “spread offense” crap, and so called explosive plays tried, ryan is taking more 5 and 7 step drops and holding the ball longer…thus the hits and sacks…..why change from what got you 13 wins last year……but we will not go anywhere until we get some leadership on defense…they look like a chinese fire drill at times….we have no “calming force” on defence….someone with more than just atheletic ability….maybe some brains!!
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
Tell it like it is.
October 17th, 2011
3:20 pm
We have got to up our play in order to stay with the Saints and Bucs.Its vital that we streach the field,and get the runing game going,and the defence has got to play like yesterday,for us to have a chance for the NFC south title.
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…