Report card: Falcons’ grades for win over Raiders
Here are the Falcons’ grades for the 23-20 nail-bitter over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
C-plus — Quarterbacks: Ryan has his worst game of the season. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 249 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. His passer rating of 59.4 was his lowest since he posted a 50.6 in a 17-10 loss at Houston on Dec. 4, 2011. This would have been a ‘D’ if he didn’t complete 5 of 6 passes in the game-winning drive.
F — Running backs: The Falcons have their power rushing game in moth balls somewhere. They had 15 rushes for 45 yards and quarterback Matt Ryan had the longest gain, 15 yards. Sounds like Michael Turner is getting tired of all the pass-happiness. Jeff Schultz column.
A — Receivers: Julio Jones (15.8 yards per catch), Roddy White (12.0) and Tony Gonzalez (10.5) averaged more than 10 yards per catch. White’s 4-yard touchdown catch was his fourth of the season and 49th of his career. He currently ranks third on the club’s all-time receiving touchdowns list behind Terance Mathis (57) and Andre Rison (56).
B-minus — Offensive line: The unit gave up just one sack, but did allow nine quarterback hits. The protection was solid on most throws, but was a factor in Ryan’s third interception when a linebacker – Ex-Georgia Tech standout Philip Wheeler — was not picked up by a back. The team’s inability to run the ball in short yardage situation was exposed when they couldn’t run it in from the 2-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Turner picked up a yard and Jason Snelling was dropped for a yard loss.
A — Defensive line: Defensive end John Abraham and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux had strong games. Abraham had five tackles, three sacks, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble. “John Abraham had a monster game,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. Babineaux had five tackles, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
C — Linebackers: Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon and cornerback Dunta Robinson tied for the team lead with nine tackles. Stephen Nicholas, who was coming off an ankle injury, played only on special teams. Mike Peterson played in the base defense and Akeem Dent took over for Nicholas in the nickel. Peterson whiffed on a tackle on Denarius Moore, who went on to score a 25-yard touchdown. Dent had eight tackles.
C-minus — Defensive backs: Asante Samuel picked a perfect time to get his first interception with the Falcons. He returned it 79 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Raiders passed for 353 yards. Denarius Moore had five catches for 104 yards and one touchdown.
A — Special teams: Matt Bryant’s 55-yard field goal was his second game-winner this season. The kick was the second longest of his career and his longest as a Falcon. It was his 14th game-winning kick. Since joining the Falcons in 2009, Bryant has connected on 21 of 28 field goal attempts from 40 yards-or-deeper, including all five of his game winners. Punter Matt Bosher had a good day striking the ball. He had excellent hang time on his punts and averaged 52.8 yards on four punts.
B — Coaching: The Falcons managed to get a win while playing some sub-standard football. The tackling was shoddy, Matt Ryan tossed three interceptions and they are searching for a rushing attack. With all of that, the Falcons still found a way to become the league’s only undefeated team.
NEXT UP: The Falcons (6-0) travel to play the Philadelphia Eagles (3-3) at 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are also on their bye week.
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112 comments Add your comment
Getaway
October 15th, 2012
9:40 am
6-0 but a very troubling 6-0.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
October 15th, 2012
9:48 am
It was an ugly win but congrats to the team on being 6 and 0; and to coach Smith for tying Dan Reeves win record.
DLed – Just for the record….I can’t understand how you would rate the offensive line a B minus. Ryan was rushed all day long in the pocket and the offensive line still hasn’t been able to open any type of crease for the running backs. We’re stuck with the line that we have for the year, but the coaches need to come up some creative way to utilize their talents so that they can be more efficient.
Getaway
October 15th, 2012
9:53 am
Okay, it seemed early like Turner was getting yards, then they went with Rodgers who wasn’t. But they stayed with him anyway for a number of series, then went back to Turner. I’m not sure it’s just the passing that’s getting to Turner or ‘quiz getting carries in situations that traditionally have been Turner’s.
I disagree with the coaching grades. I think there was a distinct lack of a game plan offensively for the Falcons and I think Smith missed a couple of challenges. That near interception at the end was very close, too close not to challenge. I’m also not sure that Turner didn’t break the plane on that 1st and goal. I can understand not challenging that one since it was a risk, but the booth has got to get on the ball and tell Smith what he can challenge.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 15th, 2012
9:56 am
Sick — You might be right. That B -minus is probably too high for the Oline.
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
9:58 am
B minus offensive line……………….very generous!!
PMC
October 15th, 2012
9:58 am
much more disappointed in Quizz than Turner so far. We’re having issues blocking everything right on the line which is no real suprise, but we are 6-0. I’d like to see more of Snelling as well.
Less Stretch plays more draws more counters. Our backs do not have the speed to get outside.
DR. FALCON
October 15th, 2012
9:59 am
GETAWAY, ON A DAY WHEN THE EAGLES, TEXANS, 49ER’S, & CARDINALS, ALL LOST AT HOME, I’LL TAKE A “TROUBLING” 6-0, ANYTIME! DON’T WORRY, WE CAN FIX OUR PROBLEMS!
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
10:00 am
Ryan got hit a lot yesterday and at one point I thought he was down.
PMC
October 15th, 2012
10:01 am
We knew before the season started that they were going to be weak at MLB (pretty much abysmal so far for Dent) and on the Offensive line, because they didn’t do anything to improve the talent this year, they just got rest and a better coach and play caller.
It’s still going really well. No team is perfect, but one teams record is unblemished.
dean p.
October 15th, 2012
10:02 am
Real dissapointed in QUIZZ, not very productive and should not run in between tha tackles ,get him out in space! where are the screen passes?
He also does not look that fast to me….
We need a much better rushing attack to go far into playoffs…….
tonyb
October 15th, 2012
10:03 am
D, I agree, you way over rated the O line. At least one of Ryans picks ( the Wheeler hit) was clearly on them. Goes the coaching staff have no faith that they cant block enough to get a ball two yards on 3 downs? I’m starting to get really concerned about the Oline…if they can’t block more effectively, we are got going to win a championship.
But it is great to 6-0.
DR. FALCON
October 15th, 2012
10:04 am
LOVE YOUR GRADES, LEDBETTER! COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT ANY BETTER! THIS IS THE LEAGUE! IT’S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO BE PEACHES, AND CREAM! WE’RE STIL 3-4 GAMES UP IN THE DIVISION! BY THE WAY, HAVE YOU SEEN, HIRAMSAINT, AND SEENTHISB4?
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
10:04 am
Trivia –
What do you call a man with no arms at a Falcons game?
Dunta Robinson……..OK….It looked like he had no arms trying to make tackles. Instead of wrapping up, he launches himself towards the ball carrier and does not make the tackle…..He may have led the team in tackles, but he sure missed a lot trying to be a head hunter.
tonyb
October 15th, 2012
10:06 am
DeanP Quzz is what he is, a mid round pick at running back. He has been, since he was taken, highly over rated by the fan base. His biggest problem is that he can’t make people miss in the open field. He has improved at that this year, but still its lacking. If used properly, like on screens or getting him on the edge, he is effective. But if your looking for a between the tackles runner, he is not your man.
Joe
October 15th, 2012
10:14 am
D-Leg, that B- for the O-line is being really nice on your part, I think its more like a C
Joe
October 15th, 2012
10:14 am
D-Leg, that B- for the O-line is being really nice on your part, I think its more like a C
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
10:16 am
R. FALCON
October 15th, 2012
9:59 am
GETAWAY, ON A DAY WHEN THE EAGLES, TEXANS, 49ER’S, & CARDINALS, ALL LOST AT HOME, I’LL TAKE A “TROUBLING” 6-0, ANYTIME! DON’T WORRY, WE CAN FIX OUR PROBLEMS!
***************************************
Absolutely…………….!!!
geoff cobb
October 15th, 2012
10:20 am
I think that your last two grades for the offensive line are way too generous. If the offensive line had done its job the falcons would have scored at the goal line and Ryan would not have had at least one of is picks.
Turner gets criticized for being too slow, but a lot of his inability to gain yards is down to poor line play and lack of push against the defensive line.
PMC
October 15th, 2012
10:20 am
We have rich mans problems here.
coleski
October 15th, 2012
10:28 am
The O-line can’t block. What is there to say. When the Falcons go against the better teams, they are
going to be in deep trouble. As for Quizz, he just can’t get the job done. Where is Smith? He sure seemed to have the speed that is lacking among the other backs. I know he was injured but I hav’ent
heard about his condition in a while. 6 and 0 is mighty fine but I’m afraid we are in for a downturn if
corrections are’nt made. The schedule is going to get much tougher.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
October 15th, 2012
10:29 am
Joe — Yes, way too generious.
coleski
October 15th, 2012
10:30 am
The O-line can’t block.
DawgDad
October 15th, 2012
10:39 am
Didn’t look like Ryan had much zip on the ball yesterday. As for the problems, a team cannot let pro-bowl caliber players like Dahl, Lofton, and Mughelli walk and not suffer consequences. All three of those positions are current weaknesses, each was apparent yestederday. The salary cap has to be managed, but the Falcons are treading water in the process. Can’t trust this team is really improved until and unless they win in the playoffs.
What 6-0 does is give the Falcons a lot of cushion as they move into a more difficult stretch of games. The danger is it may breed complacency. Does ANYBODY really believe, after yesterday, the Falcons are ready to take on the Giants or Packers in the playoffs?
TroupDawg
October 15th, 2012
10:41 am
Baker is doing a better than expected job at LT ….But Clabo? he’s getting whipped way too much in these last 3 games. On a couple of plays yeterday, he was at least a step to slow against the wide 9 stance that the DE would check to from time to time during the game. Since Philly deploys that type of wide 9 DE play regularly, Matt might be in for a long day if Clabo can’t step it up. Clabo is looking very slow off the snap.
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
10:43 am
Really?
DawgDad (the usurper)
October 15th, 2012
10:46 am
We have two DawgDads posting here. The 10:39 am post – I’ll take credit for that one.
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
10:48 am
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
Perspective
October 15th, 2012
10:49 am
@ Getaway
You said that Mike Smith should have challenged on that “almost” interception toward the end of the game… I think it was McClain that just about made the circus catch. At first I was wondering the same thing about why he didn’t challenge but realized that Smith probably didn’t want to lose a timeout if it wasn’t overturned.
Ultimately, he wound up making the right call because he ensured the Falcons were able to hold that last timeout for the very end of the game… which allowed Ryan to use the entire field to set up the game-winning Bryant field goal.
A tough call to make either way with only 30 seconds between plays to decide. However, that extra timeout was HUGE in decided whether with :40 on the clock if they should go for the win or play for overtime.
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
10:49 am
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
10:43 am
Really?
**************************************************
You started it.
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
10:54 am
Playoff wins. None of this matter if we dont win in january. Still. WE IN THIS B@#%&!!! Big win. Way to go on da 6-0…..Shot out to Terrance Mathis and Wallace Francis.
TroupDawg
October 15th, 2012
10:56 am
The Rodgers comment 10:43 not mine. Seems someone has hijacked my handle. As far as the Tony Romo remark? That’s the only thing he can win.
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
10:56 am
Dent aint putting a dent in nothing!!!
mark
October 15th, 2012
10:56 am
DLed where is Peter Kontz I thought he was going to be an upgrade the guard play and help the the power run game? I think the problem is the O-line, it has been pushed around the last 3 weeks by some pretty bad d-lines, I think off season we are going to have to upgrade talent level. What’s going on with Clabo, he is not right physically. Turner is not getting any help up front, but he is also not quick to hit the hole. This is not a gloom and doom post, some of those problems can be fixed mid-season. I love the way these guys never give up on any play and hustle the entire time.
TroupDawg
October 15th, 2012
10:58 am
Esquire! TOO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
11:00 am
Esquire……… you wack. And that wuz a wack joke only a undercover guy would tell. Mr. S.S. iz wat u are. The first S stand for Secret. U can figure out wat the second one means cuz ur one.
The Falconator
October 15th, 2012
11:05 am
The O-line is a problematic mess of inconsistency and deserved a D grade. Where is the coaching? Can these guys even be coached up? We’re all sick of seeing Falcon RB’s bounce off nonexistent holes in short yardage situations because the opposing D-line shoved the Falcons O-line back into Ryan’s face. Smitty–take action. Arthur– expect much, much more from these turkeys.
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
11:11 am
TroupDawg…. Haha!!! U must be his cheerleader. Pull ya skirt down. Ya panties showing.
Dave
October 15th, 2012
11:11 am
coaching – F
a) never let Quizz run the ball ever again
b) enough with the shotgun. Matt Ryan is not Drew Brees. which leads to
c) Run Turner up the middle 10 more times a game please.
ESPECIALLY ON 1ST AND GOAL FROM INSIDE THE 5, I’M SICK OF THIS PLAY CALLING
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:14 am
Prose for the Caints trolls and fans!!
“The Past”
BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON
The debt is paid,
The verdict said,
The Furies laid,
The plague is stayed,
All fortunes made;
Turn the key and bolt the door,
Sweet is death forevermore.
Nor haughty hope, nor swart chagrin,
Nor murdering hate, can enter in.
All is now secure and fast;
Not the gods can shake the Past;
Flies-to the adamantine door
Bolted down forevermore.
None can re-enter there,—
No thief so politic,
No Satan with a royal trick
Steal in by window, chink, or hole,
To bind or unbind, add what lacked,
Insert a leaf, or forge a name,
New-face or finish what is packed,
Alter or mend eternal Fact
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:17 am
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
10:55 am
How about.. Four gays taking a bath in a tub, a wad of cum surfaces the top, one jumps out and yells Who just farted??
**********************************************
@Cleveland Ave
Lol, wasn’t me dude. Just my fan club!
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:22 am
You can tell the Caints trolls are sick of losing and sick of the MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS winning.
6-0 BABY!!! FEELS GOOD DON’T IT!!!
GameReviewer
October 15th, 2012
11:25 am
You better enjoy the 6-0 record because the Falcons got just FOUR first downs against the 28th ranked defense in the league. With that type of output, you can pencil in a LOSS at Philly.
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:25 am
I was just looking at the Standings……………….Atlanta gets an ” A+ ” over there because it sure looks darn good to be 6 – 0 and all the competition is way below you with losses………………………………………………….6 – 0 is just perfect !
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:26 am
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
10:53 am
My earlier jole was stupid, how’s this What do you call an Italian with no arms?? Hearing impaired.
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
10:54 am
I meant a Speech Impediment
***************************************************
Maybe you should take a break…………..lol…….!!!
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:27 am
What will the Trolls think if Atlanta comes out after that bye week and picks up where they just left off ???……………………….lmao………………………
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:27 am
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:22 am
You can tell the Caints trolls are sick of losing and sick of the MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS winning.
6-0 BABY!!! FEELS GOOD DON’T IT!!!
******************************************************
Whoops………..did I already say that…………..Feels Good Don’t It!!
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
11:29 am
@The Real Esquire………..Well if it wasnt u den my bad. …..That wuz a sick joke.. Dis blog iz for REAL FALCONS FANS ONLY. No fakes allowed!!!….And yeh. Where wuz all these so called fans at win we lost last year.
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:29 am
It is one game at a time ………….onward and upwards, win after win…………….lmao
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:30 am
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:27 am
What will the Trolls think if Atlanta comes out after that bye week and picks up where they just left off ???……………………….lmao………………………
**********************************************
Fact is I don’t care what they think, they haven’t proven to be very intelligent. But they are gonna FEEL the pain of the MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS beating the Eagles and then Dallas for an 8-0 record.
FACT
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:32 am
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
11:29 am
@The Real Esquire………..Well if it wasnt u den my bad. …..That wuz a sick joke.. Dis blog iz for REAL FALCONS FANS ONLY. No fakes allowed!!!….And yeh. Where wuz all these so called fans at win we lost last year.
******************************************************
No prob……………..let ‘em jump on the bandwagon, there’s plenty of room.
Cleveland Ave. Turk
October 15th, 2012
11:32 am
Shot out to the real!!!!……Kill Yaself to the frauds..
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:33 am
STB4 must being staying drunk off that whiskey he was trying to sell……..hehehehe….must be on his knees with head in his hands in dispair knowing his team can’t catch us now…………………………………..
Now I know Falcons have problems here and there, but at the end of the game and you got the W is what counts ………………………
Esquire
October 15th, 2012
11:35 am
Make it a Fantastic Flying High Falcon Day!!
Esquire out!!!
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:35 am
Atlanta takes the Eagles and Cowboys they will still swear Falcons have not played anybody………………………..hehehehe
monty
October 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Offensive line was offensive! C- at best, and only due to not completely abandoning Ryan when passing. Most troubling was who they were playing so bad against. Pass defense was good at times and atrocious at times. Raider receivers running loose with no one within 10 yards of them way too often?Smoke and mirrors so far. Hoping for the best but we’ve been down this road before, anyone remember getting exposed by Green Bay?
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
11:44 am
Green Bay played lights out on the Texans last night,of course I already was expecting Houston to lose and leave Atlanta undefeated………………………..all alone.
Lick Skillet
October 15th, 2012
11:52 am
This is not the BCS this is the NFL and the HOMETOWN is 6-0!!! Style points don’t matter just W’s… The party is at my house if yall aint scared to come to the westside to Da ‘Ville!!! Adamsville for all yall that don’t know!!!
Big Crimson 75
October 15th, 2012
11:54 am
MeAngelo is at it again.
Adrian Peterson says Hall slapped him in the face during the game yesterday.
Ray
October 15th, 2012
11:58 am
O-line deserves an ear full after yesterday.
Matt Ryan did mess up throwing the 3 ints, but 2 of them happened because of the o-line getting man handled and MR2 got hit twice was what I saw.
Cause I know that third int either he was trying to get it out of bounds or to TG(Tony) on the sideline, but you could tell he got hit with that one cause the ball was wobbling and floating.
Look I’m glad for 6-0 don’t get it twisted, but this 6-0 doesn’t feel good with me because I realize we can’t keep living on the edge every week especially against bad teams.
THE REF'
October 15th, 2012
12:11 pm
please get a MLB “please”
THE REF'
October 15th, 2012
12:14 pm
Stick with TURNER
Falcon James
October 15th, 2012
12:20 pm
In all honesty, the Falcon has seemed to digress the past three games. The teams have not gotten tougher but the Falcon have struggled for the victory. I was pretty upset that the Falcon could not score a TD from the 1.5 yard line and could not move the football 6″ on the same drive. I like the 6-0 start, but we cannot ride that for long. Reality says, we need to get back to playing hard nosed football. The minute we relax is the minute a team like the Eagles will make an example out of us. Nice to be undefeated, but to keep it that way will take some work. The Falcon have a target on them and every other team in the NFL wants to be the one that say they beat them.
Joshua
October 15th, 2012
12:29 pm
There is no such thing as a troubling 6-0. Good grief.
Joshua
October 15th, 2012
12:33 pm
The Raiders were coming off a bye week and had twice as long to prepare for us, so nobody should be surprised at all that they played a tough game. It would have been a surprise had they not pushed us.
The fact is the Falcons are capable of utterly dominating good teams on the road and winning their bad games – which is the mark of an excellent team.
The Falcons should be considered a legit SB contender, if not the favorite.
If you don’t like that, go root for a team that has lost a game already.
Grape Nuts are neither grapes or nuts
October 15th, 2012
12:37 pm
I have an imposter.
My humor is far more sophisticated.
Joshua
October 15th, 2012
12:44 pm
Funny guy ^
If you can’t rebut an argument, just make homosexual jokes. Good strategy, for a witless wonder.
A letter to the Falcants fans
October 15th, 2012
12:57 pm
Dear false hubris fans:
Win something first…start with a playoff game and then try and make it to the SB, which we all kow is a long shot…..until then, you can’t talk smack….you have NO TROPHIES…sssshhhh…man, the truth hurts, huh?….you will NEVER have the stigma removed as a perennial loser until you win the SB like the Bucs and the Saints…so again, ssshhh….
Sincerely,
Well, you know who….
A letter to the Falcants fans
October 15th, 2012
12:59 pm
No SB trophy, no respect…fact….truth hurts…lmao…6-0 and you think you’re a championship team….lmao…
A letter to the Falcants fans
October 15th, 2012
1:00 pm
Trolling, trolling, trolling….FAILCANTS are so insecure and so easy to tweak…must be that lackofringitis disease..lmao…
FHZ
October 15th, 2012
1:02 pm
No Sidbury, Konz, or Holmes..
O-line is wearing down..
Among the top 3 Falcons DEs in their rotation:
Nobody gets sacks other than Abraham.. Yets their fastest DE/OLB gets no snaps..
DT Walker, but the Raiders do not have All-Pro guards..
They need to trade for another CB…
Packers, Giants, or Bears could still beat them in The GA. Dome if they start slow like that again..
Julio is a physical freak, but can he read coverages?
Can Ryan pass the ball to them in-stride without the WRs being pounded by opposing defenses?
Will their O-line not be pushed backwards?
FHZ
October 15th, 2012
1:03 pm
Do not get arrested during The Bye!!!!!!!!!!!
On track
October 15th, 2012
1:04 pm
Panthers and Raiders were coming off of a bye. Falcons just seemed to come out lackluster yesterday. O-line is definitely not doing their job. Don’t blame Ryan for any of those INTs… how can he throw when the line is getting pushed back into him? Whats up with the right side of the line Clabo? Is he injured? If so, put in Konz….Can’t believe we’re back to where we started last year. Great job being 6-0…lets keep it rolling.
FHZ
October 15th, 2012
1:06 pm
lol
Do not go hunting during the bye!!!
No crawling through the forests in their ranches..lol.
No “Beach Frisbee Football” in the Tropics!!!
No taking guns to clubs…
No taking drugs!
No fighting with the mothers of their children after being with another woman all week!
Jimmy Crack
October 15th, 2012
1:19 pm
So many problems! GAME OVER, MAN, GAME OVER!!
My grade on the ajc’s reporting on this team: D- (and it would have been an “F” if it wasn’t for spell check and the comment section).
6-0.
The Big Fat Blogger
October 15th, 2012
1:22 pm
Let’s forget about the O-Line issues for a minute and discuss the issues with the D-line and Middle Linebacker, we are very VULNERABLE against the run…… and minus John Abraham, we have zero pass rush!!!! Not trying to sound negative, but a little constructive criticism is needed in hopes that these problems are fixed…. before it comes back to bite us in the azz!!!!!!
Greg from Marietta
October 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
Don’t get me wrong I am a diehard Falcons fan and I am both astonished and proud of their monumental accomplishment of being 6 & 0. BUT they have given the good teams that they have yet to play a comprehensive film library of their glaring weaknesses. I have the utmost respect for coach Smith and his two coordinators BUT if they don’t do some radical changes and soon then the last two quarters of the season will be as ignominious as the first quarter has been ‘Glorious”!
Falcons Rule.
October 15th, 2012
1:42 pm
Greg from Marietta…..shut your pie-hole. This is the year folks….destiny is on our side. There is no biting us in the azz….Wake up people and appreciate this great team in front of your eyes!!! Mattie Ice is ELITE…..He brought the team to FG range in less than 40 seconds. Give the man his props.
Falcons Rule.
October 15th, 2012
1:45 pm
You clowns just keep doubting all the way to the superbowl……Falcons 19-0….Ice Man for MVP. Book it!!!!
Jeff
October 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
D. Led
O & D lines are struggling except for a couple of decent performances. No running game, especially when it counts – same as last year. D Line gave up a bunch.
What’s the latest on Corey Peters – we need him back in there.
Thanks,
Jonathan Vilma Heads Back to Court to Stop Suspension, and More NFC South News | Football Betting
October 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
[...] For the first time this year, both Matt Ryan and the running back corps got less-than-stellar grades from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]
St Simons
October 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
we need large, vicious tackles & guards, and a pass rusher. Thats it.
they’re close- but yeah another quick exit in playoffs looms. really thats it
Getaway
October 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
Joshua – I get where you’re coming from, they’re 6-0 and there are no bad 6-0’s. I’m super excited about the Falcons. I think it’s a great statement about the completeness of our team that all three phases – offense, defense and special teams – can be counted on to contribute to the win.
My thing is, though, that with each win, my expectations have risen, right or wrong. They are a better team from top to bottom than the Raiders, and I think they should have played like it.They won and that is the important part, but I hope – no, I know – that they realize that they played down to their competition yesterday.
This one’s in the book, now let’s set the stage for taking it the Eagles and do to the NFC East what they did to the AFC West.
Jonathan Vilma Heads Back to Court to Stop Suspension, and More NFC South News | Scripting4You Blog
October 15th, 2012
2:34 pm
[...] For the first time this year, both Matt Ryan and the running back corps got less-than-stellar grades from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]
Jonathan Vilma Heads Back to Court to Stop Suspension, and More NFC South News | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
October 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
[...] For the first time this year, both Matt Ryan and the running back corps got less-than-stellar grades from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [...]
Joe
October 15th, 2012
2:37 pm
Im gonna go ballz deep on you DLED!!
don treply
October 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
B-minus — Offensive line:
Wow. Who has pictures of you?
Terrell
October 15th, 2012
3:59 pm
It’s so funny on these boards. Las year we complained about Turner running up the middle too much and begging to let Rodgers play more now people are doing the exact opposite. The truth is our oline has gotten better technique wise but they are not better talent wise. No holes to really run through and they don’t get to second level consistently enough to have a really good screen game.
old qb
October 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
Congrats to the Falcons 6–0 start. The bye couldn’t come at a better time. What have we learned at thispoint in the season? There’s a lot of talent is the good news.
The bad is just as I’ve said before the first regular season game is the Falcons are sooo vulnerable to injury in two critical areas. Abraham is still the only real pass-rush threat. If he goes down we’re in real trouble.
The second is at llinebacker. Nobody talks about how much Smitty and Nolan were hoping Tatupu would be the starting middle linebacker. Dent may someday become a force, but even with eight tackles they all took place beyond the line of scrimmage. There’s just no depth at this critical spot o the team.
DOL–Are there any linebackers worth a damn sittinng at home?
WS
October 15th, 2012
5:20 pm
We were worried about Baker, He is the best of the O-line. Clabo is bad, is he hurt? If they keep protecting Ryan like they did against Raiders, Ryan will never finish season, he will be Injured!
I do not think Reynolds is a guard, move him to right tackle an put Konz in at right guard or as they did last year, and let Hawley fill in at right guard.
Why draft this o-line and not play them.I think Smitty falls in love with his older players. You have too cut when they are finished, check out Pats and see if Belcheck keeps them!!!
DK is going to get usa beat my calling stupid plays, third and one, all big lineman in game and he throws a deep pass to Tony. Tony is a great TE, put he is not going to beat anyone deep. If you going to try why not Whie or Jones. I think get first down and go for it all.
Our last three game has been luck. Those teams should have never been in game at end. If we play the better teams like we played last three, we will get beat!!!!
WS
October 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
When Ryan goes down McCown will not take us to playoffs. He could not keep Gabbert on bench with Jags. And Gabbert is a bad QB. I would bet MM wish he had a Ryan for his QB!!! just saying
WS
October 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
There is not a runner on any NFL team that can run behind Falcon O-Line. I do see any improvement in line under Hill . I think they have regressed. Turner, Rodgers or Snell is not problem. I give Falcon line a grade of D!!! they are bad.
WS
October 15th, 2012
5:40 pm
I see you fans are still dreamng about falcons going to a superbowl. They have to be alot of changes on O-line and defense before that will happen. Maybe one and done in playoffs. Weak at linebacker, Abe only pass rusher, Samuels and Roberson only corners.
Give up almost 400 yards with Palmer at QB. I hate to see what will happen when Brees or Eli faces them!!!
Th
October 15th, 2012
6:29 pm
Did the Falcons give Biermann a series at OLB in the first half? Did anyone else notice they were playing four linemen plus him? Was this due to injuries or is Nolan trying out something?
rhaize r. Blaide
October 15th, 2012
6:35 pm
We wont go far (maybe not even win a game) in the playoffs if we dont do a better job of running the ball…..All season and even last we cant make 3rd and short…..Michael Turner leads the league in 1 and 2 yd runs……How about lets go get Jamaal Anderson back or even Jerious Norwood or Ernie Wheelwright or William Andrews…..I appreciate the fact that Turner doesnt fumble but he does not have any explosiveness anymore……Yeah, and about our OL……Where is Big Bob Whitfield these days or John Zook or George Kunz?????
Atomic B
October 15th, 2012
7:13 pm
How do you give the defensive line an “A” when they gave up 149 rushing yards to the 32nd ranked rushing attack in the NFL? If the linebackers got a “C”, the d-line deserved at a “B” at best, regardless of the pressure they got on Carson Palmer all day. Maybe the defensive ends deserved an “A” and the interior linemen deserved a “C”?
R OReilly
October 15th, 2012
7:34 pm
A win is a win. The Falcons have been on the other side of the coin. They are winning the games that that they are suppose to win.
phil
October 15th, 2012
9:39 pm
Fire someone!!
phil
October 15th, 2012
9:44 pm
No, a win is not a win when it foretells the doom to come….
coacht
October 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
This thread is gayjacked.
old man
October 15th, 2012
10:32 pm
What is up with Antone Smith? I’m a big fan, but are there some issues with him that prevent his preseason flashes from translating to the regular season? I have been a MT doubter, but I admit he has done better than last year. Quizz has fizzed. Very ineffective. Why not give some of his snaps to Smith? I would love to hear from someone who knows more than I do about Smith’s history with the club, why he has only 1 regular season carry with us, etc. I know he had a hamstring three weeks ago. Is that OK?
Hobbler
October 15th, 2012
10:35 pm
I thought Koetter called plays like Mularky. And…Why can’t we ever run the ball in from 1st and goal at the 2 yrd line or 4th and 1 yrd?
Magic Mike
October 15th, 2012
10:41 pm
Turner need to go back to jail for a day or two. For some reason Jail helped him because he ran like he was running from the cops in Charger game. Case in point….Abraham. He is playing much better since spending some time in the pokey. Maybe we should lock up the entire O-Line and Lock up the linebackers the following week. If they don’t improve, lock them up another week.
B'Red
October 15th, 2012
11:11 pm
Why cant we find a running back at this stage of the season, I hear about other teams picking up players just about every week. They are players making making positive contributions to the team with just being with the team for a week, be a running back, line backer, or defensive lineman. Jacksonville had a pretty good free agent running back that ran all over us in preseason. I know their are player out there that can help our team. They maybe be young players, but I say bring them in and give them a shot. We will not go far in the playoffs with this running game. I believe the defense can hold up, but the running game is having is having a major negetive impact on the entire offense. I hope we do something about the running game during the bye week.
old man
October 16th, 2012
12:02 am
No info on Antone Smith?
Stumpknocker
October 16th, 2012
10:11 am
I know I’m not the only one that sees Turner as being a step slower that a couple of seasons ago. They (the coaches ) keep running the same slow developing run plays and Turner keeps running into a wall………often for no gain. All this does is put Ryan into a tougher passing situation.
zbulldawg
October 16th, 2012
10:40 am
What’s so troubling about being 6-0. All your great QB’s have a bad day. But what a great QB (team)can do is find away to WIN. That last drive Ryan put together just proves how good he is. This team is for REAL get use to it. Let’s quit trying to pick it apart & JUST GET USE TO IT. The dirty birds are back. But stronger & faster than ever before.
single white dove
October 16th, 2012
11:16 am
DLED,
How would the backs get a F when the line is not opening holes???
single white dove
October 16th, 2012
11:18 am
The off line sux. They are barely blocking for the pass and no blocking for the run. What gives?
Starship 1
October 16th, 2012
11:50 am
Monday Night Football:I like the Falcons, but what we fans witnessed (at least what I witnessed) on Monday night was what of a lethal quarterback Peyton Manning is and what a hall of fame quarterback looks like. Every quarterback in football worth his salt was in awe of this spectacular show of dominance and footwork by one individual technician with character in a Peyton Manning. Just look at his post game interview-he delivered that just like he throws the football. As far as Matt Ryan is concerned: he’s not Peyton, but Matt works hard and actually looks up to Peyton-and if Matt continues to emulate Peyton’s work ethic-that could be the difference the between the Falcons of old and the 2012-13 Falcons. The quarterback position is the star position and with a superstar under center-that can make average players around him shine and affect ALL phases of the game. Peyton did it with his former Colts and I would’nt want to play against his team at any point at this juncture, especially after last night’s debacle. Big up to the Broncos. Just sayin.
Th
October 16th, 2012
3:52 pm
Antone Smith has hamstring problems.
Th
October 16th, 2012
3:53 pm
And I am still glad I don’t have to watch Lofton every Sunday. Get better, Dent.
Report card: Falcons’ grades for win over Raiders | NFL Online News
October 21st, 2012
1:22 am
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