Falcons 23, Dolphins 6: Seven-game exhibition season losing streak snapped
Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons throws the ball prior to the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 24, 2012 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI — The Falcons’ dress rehearsal for the 2012 regular season was not a rousing success.
Facing a team with a struggling defense and a rookie quarterback not named Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, the Falcons stalled on offense and didn’t dominate on defense as they posted a 23-6 victory Friday night at Sun Life Stadium.
COACH MIKE SMITH’S OPENING STATEMENT: “I was really pleased with some of the things that we did tonight. The effort was good in all three phrases. I felt that we improved defensively, especially on third down. That was one of the things that we didn’t do very well in the last ball game. Offensively, I felt that we left some points out there. Not necessarily in the red zone all the time. Sometimes it was pre-red zone; just before you get into the red zone. I thought our special teams units played well. We had an opportunity to return a kickoff. I was very impressed with what Jacquizz Rodgers did. There are lot of things that we have to get fixed between now and next week as we go through the finish of the preseason. The toughest things is getting the roster in place over the next 14 days we’ll be doing that. Going to 75 and then to 53.“
Faced with a similar situation Thursday night, the Baltimore Ravens destroyed Jacksonville 48-17 in their regular-season tune-up. The Falcons did manage to stop their seven-game exhibition season losing streak and helped coach Mike Smith improve his record to 4-1 in the important third exhibition-season games.
While Matt Ryan was sharp, the offense couldn’t convert their drives into touchdowns. The unit settled for three first-half field goals and some of the same problems from 2011 surfaced.
Ryan completed 18 of 26 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown. For the exhibition season, he’s completed 45 of 60 passes (75 percent) for 549 yards, three touchdowns, an interception and has a quarterback rating of 111.
On the team’s first offensive drive, the Falcons elected to go for a fourth-and-2 from Miami’s 33, but running back Jacquizz Rodgers was dropped for a 2-yard loss.
Last season, Smith had a high-profile fourth-down call backfired against New Orleans in overtime. Also, the Giants stopped the Falcons twice on short-yardage situations in the wild-card playoff loss.
Smith plans to continue to go for it fourth down, but doesn’t appear to have a line that can get enough push in those situations. Also, the Falcons appear to miss the lead-blocking of former Pro Bowl fullback Ovie Mughelli.
They tried to run behind Cox and right tackle Tyson Clabo, but Miami defensive end Cameron Wake broke through and tackled Rodgers in the backfield.
The team saved $3 million by releasing Mughelli in May, but it doesn’t appear that he has been adequately replaced unless Lousaka Polite is a better lead blocker than Cox. After being released, Mughelli signed with the St. Louis Rams as a free agent.
The team is taking a close look at the offensive line. Rookie right guard Peter Konz was inserted for Garrett Reynolds and played two series with the first unit.
Also, rookie left tackle Lamar Holmes entered the game when the second-team took over in the third quarter.
Konz and Holmes were the Falcons’ top two draft picks in 2012, but they don’t appear ready to contribute immediately. Holmes’ play was particularly important because backup left tackle Will Svitek, who started 11 games in 2011, was lost for the season with an upper right arm injury.
The Falcons’ rushing attack continued to struggle.
Running back Michael Turner, who’s accounted for at least 1,450 yards in three of the past four seasons, was held to 14 yards on eight careers in the two previous exhibition games.
The Falcons tried to unleash Turner against the Dolphins, but he finished with 35 yards on 10 carries for a paltry 3.5 average per carry. Rodgers had four carries for 4 yards.
The Falcons elected to keep most of the same personnel from last season and ordered up a major retooling by hiring new coordinators in Dirk Koetter (offense) and Mike Nolan (defense).
The reconfigured offensive staff, with Pat Hill as the new line coach for Paul Boudreau, came up with a mock game plan as they treated the third exhibition game as a warmup for the season opener at Kansas City on Sept. 9.
On the second drive, Matt Bryant kicked a 45-yard field goal to put the Falcons up 3-0.
Miami, with rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill at the controls, answered with drive to the Falcons’ 4. Dan Carpenter kicked a 22-yard field goal to make the score 3-3.
Bryant added field goals for 44 and 51 yards to give the Falcons a 9-3 halftime lead.
The Falcons finally reached the end zone when Ryan connected with Roddy White for a 20-yard touchdown with 6:40 to play in the third quarter to give the Falcons a 16-3 lead.
On Miami’s next series, Carpenter added a 52-yard field goal to make the score 16-6.
Backup quarterback Dominique Davis continued to impress. He tossed a 39-yard touchdown pass to Tim Toone with 8:36 left in the fourth quarter.
Defensively, the Falcons revealed how they plan to play their cornerbacks.
Brent Grimes started on the left side and Dunta Robinson on the right side. When they went to their nickel package, Asante Samuel went to the left side and Grimes moved over to the right. Robinson went down inside to play in the slot.
The Falcons, who improved to 1-2, close out the exhibition season at Jacksonville on Thursday.
THE LATEST NEWS
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Should the Falcons trade with Jax/London Jags for MJD?
Falcons third-round pick Lamar Holmes set to make his debut vs. Dolphins
Coordinators hand out their exhibition mid-term reports; backups need to step it up
Running back Michael Turner still a weapon
Falcons thin at left tackle after Will Svitek goes down; out for season
Falcons finally get fiesty in practice; a couple of fights breakout
Akeem Dent returns to practice; will play against Miami
OTHER NEWS
Dominique Davis in hunt for No. 2 quarterback position
GAME STORY: Bengals 24, Falcons 19
SIDEBAR: Matt Ryan won’t call himself an elte QB after completed 18 of 21
Asante Samuel admits to relaxing on A.J. Green’s touchdown catch
A.J. Green and Julio Jones shine in exhibition game
VIDEO: Matt Ryan, Lousaka Polite featured after loss to Bengals
VIDEO: Post game presser with head coach Mike Smith
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68 comments Add your comment
Ignition
August 24th, 2012
11:55 pm
Dominique Davis impressed me the most tonight …
JSS
August 24th, 2012
11:55 pm
Ledbetter, what’s the deal next week? Davis and Wilson going to duke it out?
Surg
August 25th, 2012
12:00 am
Matt Ryan made some mistakes tonight… Sloppy win tonight, defense looked good outside of Dunta…
Seen This B4
August 25th, 2012
12:06 am
The falcan’t starting offense scored a total of 3 pts versus the Miami defensive 1s…yeah, that’s a grand demonstration of a high-powered offense dominating a mediocre defense. On a brighter side, it looks like the dolphins will be taking over from the falcan’ts this year as the dropped-pass capital of the NFL.
Just Wing It
August 25th, 2012
12:08 am
yeah love a win any which way u can
Still Rick
August 25th, 2012
12:10 am
I like the play of Ryan and these receivers!
JSS
August 25th, 2012
12:14 am
Only took him 30 to posts such insightful genius!!! Buck lives!!!
Tannehill’s latest struggles highlight Dolphins’ QB issue – USA TODAY
August 25th, 2012
12:18 am
[...] struggles in first game since being named Dolphins' starterYahoo! Sports (blog)Falcons 23, Dolphins 6: Seven-game exhibition season losing streak snappedAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Rotoworld.com -Washington Postall 246 news [...]
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
August 25th, 2012
12:19 am
Did anyone else feel that Dominique Davis looked better than Redman in the game tonight?
Hopefully Davis has solidified a place on the 53 man roster passing John Parker Wilson and also potentially passing Redman on the depth chart. Redman has not looked good at all during the preseason and JPW has not improved at all since he’s been on the team.
Definitely still concerned about the offensive line when it comes to opening holes for the run game as well as their ability to pass protect. Sam Baker was pushed around all night long when he was on the field…..just pitiful as a 1st round pickl!!!!!
Still Rick
August 25th, 2012
12:22 am
And yours is better? Clownfart beat it hater! Lol dont make me make you cry here….daddy is here in this blog!
Still Rick
August 25th, 2012
12:24 am
Davis is the #2 QB on this team. I want to see him have one series with the first team next week. And I want him to be able to throw the ball during that series. I like this guy and he will be the 2nd string QB for the Falcons!
Atlanta Falcons: Q&A with Falcons coach Mike Smith | Atlanta Falcons
August 25th, 2012
12:25 am
[...] GAME STORY: Falcons 23, Dolphins 6 [...]
Still Rick
August 25th, 2012
12:26 am
However I am glad to see you back John Nash…….JSS is John Nash for those who dont know.
Miami Dolphins sluggish against Atlanta Falcons in third exhibition game - MiamiHerald.com - Sync Spot - Exclusive
August 25th, 2012
12:31 am
[...] in first game since being named Dolphins' starterYahoo! Sports (blog)Rotoworld.com -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)all 258 news articles » « Court of Appeals rules cigaret… [...]
gl
August 25th, 2012
12:39 am
T Robinson, Bierman and D Davis should have good grades for the game. Did not hear Dent’s name called much. Punt return team needs more work. Franks was too hesitant. Both Smith and Nance ran well and hit the hole decisively. Jerry is also playing his best since becoming a Falcon.
OB/DB
August 25th, 2012
1:24 am
My biggest worry is that Coach Smith and TD will try to make their DRAFT Picks from the last 3 years look good and not try and get better players. There will be some go players available but TD probably won’t move. This team is trying to go to the SUPER BOWL, it is okay if Konz, Holmes, Dent, Johnson etc. take another year to get ready. They are nOT playoff team ready. I just pray they don’t blow it trying to go with their guys. Meir, Redmond, JWP TYPES. The goal has to be get the best players that can help this team. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!!!
JSS
August 25th, 2012
1:35 am
Ha ha, see me back? You were still rambling to your audience of 1 (yourself)… Grotkowski, you act like being compared to Nash is bad? He was brilliant, he was treated improperly for his illness, sad that you overlooked that point… Sorry Buck, I don’t hear voices or see things… However, I read your rage against folks… Need for me to get some groups for ya?
Billy
August 25th, 2012
1:40 am
Please tell me that Dominique Davis is going to be Matt Ryan’s back-up. He HAS to be able to hold a clipboard as well as Redman and JPW and has the arm and athleticism to make things interesting if Ryan gets hurt. Redman may know the offense better but is a statue and can’t break a pane of glass with his arm. JPW, as noted in prior posts, has not improved and didn’t have the arm at Alabama let alone for the NFL. Letting Davis go or relegating him to the practice squad would be a mistake that I hope the coaching staff won’t make out of knee-jerk conservatism.
Explosive!
August 25th, 2012
1:42 am
they won a preseason game! That means should they make the playoffs, they’ll at least score an offensive point (winless in preseason last year = offense shutout against the Giants)
D. Orlando Ledbetter
August 25th, 2012
3:25 am
JSS — I think we’ll have some news on JPW today. He might not be around to duke it out.
Video: Matt Ryan, Falcons handle Dolphins 23-6 | Atlanta Falcons
August 25th, 2012
4:03 am
[...] GAME STORY: Falcons 23, Dolphins 6 [...]
OHIOdirtybird!!!
August 25th, 2012
4:22 am
Myself, I am impressed with what the starters have done so far, how it translates I don’t know, time will tell!!…..Don’t think we will be seeing much more of JPW, but it might not be all that bad. As far as everyone jumping on the DD wagon, eh might be a little pre-mature, don’t get me wrong I think he has done an outstanding job this pre-season, BUT i’m not drinking the kool-aid just yet, remember he is going against 3rd and 4th string D. Would like to see him get some earlier reps next week for sure. Most important though, I can’t wait for some “REAL” football and see these dirtybirds torch some people!!!….RISE UP!!! YA DIG!!!
Video: Matt Ryan, Falcons handle Dolphins 23-6 | Another Video.com
August 25th, 2012
5:13 am
[...] GAME STORY: Falcons 23, Dolphins 6 [...]
jc_dawgs
August 25th, 2012
5:37 am
Mughelli was a big part of the rushing attack. Falcons looking too 1-dimensional now. On defense….with the loss of Lofton and with Peters out of the starting lineup right now….run D may take a hit this year. On the plus side….pass coverage will be better. Julio is no longer a rookie so he will be even more dangerous this year.
Overall….its a tough schedule….9-7 is staring this team in the face.
falcfvr
August 25th, 2012
5:55 am
I’m sure ESQUIRE will chime in today that Redman will be #2 because he has great IQ and more experience but once again he SU%KED and Davivs shined. 3
rd stringers or not a three step drop and perfect pass to Toon was spot on……….
Samuel
August 25th, 2012
6:29 am
If Dominique Davis is not on the roster, the Falcons are real stupid. I know it’s the preseason but our running game stinks. Way too many penalties by veteran players. The defense couldn’t stop the run.I’m still waitting for Ray Edwards to get a sack. Red zone play was not good.Too many field goals. Tim Tone should make this roster. I’ll see if they can clean some things up when they play kansas city.
cb795
August 25th, 2012
6:33 am
To early to jump on Dom Davis bangwagon and yet what impresses you after eight years with Redman as the backup? He hasn’t pushed Ryan in practice and is content with the clipboard. No team will sign him or JPW if the Falcons cut them both.
JSS
August 25th, 2012
6:36 am
Ledbetter, I hope your point is taken in Foxborough South, oops I mean Flowery Branch ends the poor boy’s misery… Too bad the UFL is going away… That is a place for folks John Parker Wilson…
redcoat
August 25th, 2012
6:54 am
JSS……..How successful do the falcons have to be for you to be satisfied?…….Please let all of us know and then just go away until they reach your expectations……..you’ll feel much better.
David
August 25th, 2012
7:09 am
Dunta will cost us some games, another meAnglo hall.
George
August 25th, 2012
7:17 am
please, get rid of the replacement officials.
One pass from Matt Ryan was deflected by a Miami defender and the Miami safety was called for pass interference. Please explain to me why Atlanta was given a first down on a deflected pass? The interference didn’t happen until after the deflection. Look at the film!
Paddy
August 25th, 2012
7:35 am
George………if you replace the replacement officials don’t you still have replacement officials?
FAILCANTS fans should be very worried
August 25th, 2012
7:43 am
Unimpressive team….think you will win a playoff game this year? Answer: NO!
SAINTS OWN YOU! Fact….must be terrible to be a jealous hater of our Super Bowl victory….and, the 2nd Lombardi we win this year…who dat, we dat, two dat….fact dat….
Big Daddy
August 25th, 2012
8:06 am
The Falcons looked good in most areas. The red zone is still a killer. We have to come up with plays that will help us getting pass consistently having to kick field goals. By the way, I hope the backup kicker got a good education. Going wide left on that short field goal sort of seal his fate. Maybe JPW and give him a lift today.
RB
August 25th, 2012
8:20 am
I heard Mckay say they would not use a rookie as a number 1 backup. Was Ryan a rookie? Are rookies starting these days? Why would Dominique not qualify as the number 1 backup if he earns it. It’s this type thinking that has kept the Falcons from being the best that they can be.
Esquire
August 25th, 2012
8:38 am
Looking at their first series ………………looks like same ol’ Falcons to me.
1-10-ATL 15
(12:29) 33-M.Turner right end to ATL 18 for 3 yards (55-K.Misi).
2-7-ATL 18
(11:51) 33-M.Turner up the middle to ATL 22 for 4 yards (53-A.Spitler).
3-3-ATL 22
(11:14) (Shotgun) 2-M.Ryan pass incomplete short right to 11-J.Jones (59-G.Guyton). PENALTY on MIA-26-T.Johnson, Defensive Holding, 5 yards, enforced at ATL 22 – No Play.
Unfortunately from what I saw last night isn’t going to get the Birds from being a formidable opponent to play on a level with the NFL elite. But, it’s still preseason, an exhibition. Who knows how they might plan to light it up at KC!! I doubt we’ve seen everything.
Esquire
August 25th, 2012
8:40 am
RB
August 25th, 2012
8:20 am
I heard Mckay say they would not use a rookie as a number 1 backup. Was Ryan a rookie? Are rookies starting these days? Why would Dominique not qualify as the number 1 backup if he earns it. It’s this type thinking that has kept the Falcons from being the best that they can be.
___________________________________________________________
That’s a thin line between #1 and #2 back up………….they are still your 2nd and 3rd string quarterbacks……………interchangeable in the shake of a series!
Mikey
August 25th, 2012
9:14 am
A little unimpressive… looked to me like several of the first string were pretty much taking it a little easy. Also, not mentally in the game… not unusual for a practice session but it could sure have been better. Peria Jerry is BACK! D. Davis deserves continued looks. He is earning a spot on this team and might grow into a solid backup soon. He is far outperforming his competition. It would be so nice to take this practice opportunity to see him with the first string offense. Roddy White quietly did everything right, including a brilliant TD catch! Julio is becoming a beast and the continued practice was good for him.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Lamar Holmes in action for the first time in his NFL career. He did his job and looks much more agile without broken bones. I think he might develop into a backup soon. He is big and he is strong. I really liked the play where he blocked his man and nailed a second outside rusher in addition on the same play. He definitely appreciates the QB’s blind side and does his part. He has a big reach and is tough to get around… need to see him against first string defenses soon. It is apparent that they are still working things out and they have two weeks to prepare… keep up the good work! GO FALCONS!
Esquire
August 25th, 2012
9:28 am
@@@@@FAILCANTS fans should be very worried
SAINTS are owned by the Falcons Fact….must be terrible to be a jealous hater of our Super Bowl victory….and, the 2nd Lombardi we win this year…who dat, we dat, two dat….fact dat….
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
who dat ?
dat is a gnat, a fat rat, team that go splat, a dat is not a cool cat, dat fall on a mat, face flat, splat,
nobody wants to chat cause you’re a dat gnat, and everyone knows…………..you aints, full of crap, you not even on the map, time to unwrap, aints got no chin strap, no lilly rap, may we gift wrap, for you NFC South splat, if you a dat, you need a bath
Thank You………….words and music by Sean Payton (hey, I’ve got nothing else to do)
2nd Lombardi……………? you mean you only have just one?……….oh hell, I thought you were some kind of dynasty or something. Well congratuations on that one and cherish it because it will be your only one. The NY Jets have been waiting since 1968………and not another one on the horizon…..just like you aints. FACT
Rick in Macon
August 25th, 2012
9:34 am
Robinson has to go…release him, he’s clueless in the defensive backfield. Am I the only one who thought that female sideline reporter during the game last night is 150% airhead? Where did they find her…cute, but she asked some absolutely stupid questions.
Flacons never learn
August 25th, 2012
9:39 am
Flacons got luckey cuz of all the droped balls from Dolfins.
Dolfan in Flowery Branch
August 25th, 2012
9:41 am
The Falcons shouldn’t be proud of their win last night…….they just beat the worst team in the NFL……that’s all!
Falcon James
August 25th, 2012
9:53 am
They were several thing I saw. First Ryan underthrow too many long ball. Second, Dunta has not improved at all. The defensive sceme did not help him at all. He still the weakeast link on the Defense. Bryant is still the best kicker in the league. Roddie still have a big mouth and Julio would do good to stop taking trips to Miami with him.
J from Sin City
August 25th, 2012
10:19 am
Should be concerned about the #2 QB and the OL. Hope that Ryan stays healthy. When Snelling returns he may prove to be more valuable to the running game than expected.
First time Season Tix Holder
August 25th, 2012
10:20 am
@ Falcon James
When you say Julio to stop making trips to Miami with Roddy, how is he supposed to play in the game?
Falcon James
August 25th, 2012
10:26 am
I was referring to the interview in the third quarter where Julio say he went to Vegas and Miami with Roddy.
falconhawk
August 25th, 2012
10:52 am
Skill players look average when you lack dominating line play. Looks like same story as last year. Smitty just doesn’t get it or so it seems. You need some beasts on both sides of the ball if you want to win the big games. Heck, when the Redskins had the hogs, I could have run for a 1st down on 4th down. lol
Esquire
August 25th, 2012
10:58 am
Glad ol’ Eugene Robinson wasn’t down there in Miami showing the boys the streets of Miami or his Bart Starr Award.
Who Me?
August 25th, 2012
11:00 am
This is a 9-7 team. tough schedule this year, middle of the road signings, Svitek out, Lofa out. There’s just not enough talent on this squad defensively and they don’t look coached up. Maybe they’re sandbagging, I don’t know. If Davis doesn’t make this squad holding the clipboard I’ll be stunned. Kid has played his butt off. Can’t win consistently though without a shutdown defense. We are still giving up too much yardage on the ground and too many gaffes by the DB’s. Not good.
mrbjgus
August 25th, 2012
11:08 am
Dominique Davis!!!!! Wake up coach Smith. Don’t be stupid and keep JPW. Redman can get tossed too.
True Falcon Fan
August 25th, 2012
11:28 am
ZERO, as I read these posts you haven’t lost any charm in your communication skills. Also you definitely failed 101 in communications! Hey, I thought you stated you were going to Disney world to sign checks and take a few days off??? Maybe you’ve done that with all those fast drugs you’re on…….. My guess maybe Nah is your only only for this blog…
Dled,,,, You are right-on about JPW he’s gone by next week. Davis hopefully moves to #2 — I like this kid and he & Matt will make a very good 1,2!!!!
Go Falcons!!
Decon
August 25th, 2012
11:36 am
@Who me? Dude we surrendered only 6 points last night. Defense looked pretty great to me. If you can hold an offense to 6 points in a game, you should be 100% of the time.
Decon
August 25th, 2012
11:37 am
*Win 100% of the time
Michael M.
August 25th, 2012
11:54 am
Looks like they still playing some Smittyball to me………..need to turn this team loose and let them play high octane football Coach Smith………let the OC and the DC run the team and you just stand there and gloat………………………………………………………………….
Michael M.
August 25th, 2012
11:55 am
but a win is a win and its more points than the Taints will score against the Texans ha !………………..
Chris Redman
August 25th, 2012
12:02 pm
Davis is the #2 QB
Who do you want in the game if Ryan cant play? Redman, who took 7 plays to score from the 3yd line against a pathetic TB team and then proceeded to lose 3 games in a row…with at least 10 passes knocked down at the line?
Or take a chance on putting Davis in the game….
I know what I get with Redman in the game….
1998 NFC Champions
August 25th, 2012
12:34 pm
Dang, DOL, what’s with the negative lede? The Falcons won a road game by 17 points, but if you didn’t know better you would have thought we lost by double digits.
Whadda Ya Know?
August 25th, 2012
12:34 pm
The game was very lackluster last night. Looked like the Falcons of last year. Ryan didn’t look as sharp to me…under thrown ball to Julio and still looked anxious when the defense got pressure. Dom Davis was the bright spot showing his continued improvement each week. That was a perfectly thrown ball to Toone. If McKay in fact said they won’t let a first year rookie backup Ryan, someone needs to go to the Falcon’s offices and put a foot in his a$$. DLed I think you’re in the best position to get near McKay for that task. I still can’t stand that McKay’s sorry butt is still associated with this team. What other GM gets fired and then promoted to President/CEO? He must have some compromising pictures of Arthur. Defense still looked vulnerable up the middle in just about all three games now. I hope they’re going to fix that and not really showing their hand in preseason.
technofalconeer
August 25th, 2012
12:35 pm
dled- why you always crashing on cox?? watch the play again on 4th down–he held that block nicely the play broke down from the INSIDE–I am a long time tech/falcon fan and you are wrong on part of your statement– overall-I like what I see in the falcons so far–I m excited about this team–GO FALCONS
technofalconeer
August 25th, 2012
12:36 pm
dled–tough run call on 2.5 yds to go–sweep off tackle to strong side with defense lined up strong–just watched it again
James
August 25th, 2012
1:02 pm
So the question of the moment is how will the Falcons try to utilize Dom Davis this season? I know that Smith is more of an X’s and O’s kinda guy, but wouldn’t the Falcons top brass be foolish NOT finding a role for Davis in the offense? Occasionally, coming in for Matt as a change of pace perhaps?
Chris
August 25th, 2012
1:19 pm
To all you Falcons fans despairing because they only scored 9 points in the first half, keep in mind that the ‘fins still have a strong D. I would say they have a much better unit than either the Panthers or the Bucs.
Of course the fins have a pop-gun offense and from what I saw last night they will be hard pressed to score in the twenties. You can’t always win in the NFL by throwing the ball. Turner is still a valuable piece IMO.
Tommy Maddox
August 25th, 2012
1:40 pm
It seemed that both offenses were playingdoen to a level equal of the opposing defenses.
Ivan
August 25th, 2012
2:11 pm
“Smith plans to continue to go for it fourth down, but doesn’t appear to have a line that can get enough push in those situations. Also, the Falcons appear to miss the lead-blocking of former Pro Bowl fullback Ovie Mughelli.”
Wait….I thought it was all Mike Mularkey’s fault!!…
DawgNole
August 25th, 2012
2:15 pm
Rick in Macon
August 25th, 2012
9:34 am
Robinson has to go…release him, he’s clueless in the defensive backfield. Am I the only one who thought that female sideline reporter during the game last night is 150% airhead? Where did they find her…cute, but she asked some absolutely stupid questions.
_________________________
She’s Laura Okmin and has been on FOX national and regional broadcasts the past few years. I was surprised to see her doing a local Falcons broadcast. Wonder if she got demoted? Based on her airhead questions last night, maybe that’s what happened.
heartofdarkness
August 25th, 2012
2:45 pm
The short yardage run game on 3rd and 4th down didn’t look a whole lot better than last year. The odds shifted to the defense when the Falcons needed less than 3 for a drive extender, because you knew Mike Mularkey wanted to test the line, the opposing defensive co-ordinator knew the Falcons would test the line, and the defenders knew the Falcon line couldn’t move them. For what ever reason, the Falcons have had a hard time replacing Harvey Dahl.
I would expect more throws on 3rd and short this year and better use of big bodied TEs in this situation. Throwing more to the backs out of the backfield should open space for the TEs. Even using the TEs as picks as possible, as all the principles are experienced veterans.
A successful season would be highly improbable without a large improvement in results in short yardage 3rd and 4th downs.
It will be fun watching how the coaches and players approach this problem.
JSS
August 25th, 2012
3:45 pm
Redcoat (worst band in the SEC)…
They still play that 1968 Led Zepplin to get y’all foaming at the mouth?
Every team should have the same goal in game 3, get touchdown points in and near red zone. Impose your offensive will on the other team… Baltimore and Green Bay did it the previous night…
Jimmy Crack
August 25th, 2012
4:54 pm
A rather biting article, DOL. You know, we were the ones with 23 and they other guys had 6 with no touchdowns. Additionally, I believe that the Dolphins starting defense was 3rd in the league last season in rushing defense. But you can go ahead and blame the O line and our RBs.