Atlanta Falcons: Nolan thinks Eagles’ offense is a ’sleeping giant’
Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan (right) talks with head coach Mike Smith during a June practice. He has not had much success against Peyton Manning in past. JASON GETZ / JGETZ@AJC.COM
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan would like to see the defensive line become more active in stopping the run.
Too many runs are reaching the second level of the defense and that has contributed to the missed tackles and unit’s inability to stop the run. The Falcons are giving up 143.8 yards rushing per game, which ranks 28th in the league.
Here are some excerpts from Nolan’s weekly media session:
Q: What makes the Philadelphia offense tick?
A: They have very good skill players and a very good scheme. They’ve been good for a long time. …They’ve got very good wide receivers. Michael Vick has been a very good addition. They are very explosive on offense. The West Coast offense is geared to get the player the ball as quickly as possible. I think they do a great job of that. Outside of the deep balls that they throw, it’s a diverse attack.
Q: How do you view DeSean Jackson and Macklin as a wide receiver tandem?
A: They are as good as there is in the league. They have their own strengths and weaknesses. They are different from our guys. But I think they are very good. Jackson has outstanding speed. I remember when he came out of Cal. He was right across the Bay from us at the time. He’s probably as quick and fast down the field as anybody. He’s very good in that respect. Macklin also has very good speed, but he’s a bigger guy. They are very competitive players. A guy that is not mentioned that much who does a great job for them is (Jason) Avant in the slot. He’s an outstanding player. He doesn’t start, but does start in their 11 personnel (1 back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) and that’s their base personnel anyway. They’ve got three very good ones on the field most of the time.
Q: The Eagles have compiled a lot of yards (379 per game), but haven’t scored a lot of points (17.2 per game). Do they have a hard time finishing drives?
A: It’s surprising when you watch the tape. It’s surprising to me that they haven’t scored as much because they move the ball very well. I don’t know exactly what their issue is. They’d know best what it’s been. They are a sleeping giant in a lot of cases as far as their offensive output. They have always been good on offense. They have been good since Andy (Reid) got there. Marty Mornhinweg, who does a lot of the offensive work, but doesn’t get much credit for it, does an outstanding job game-planning. He’s one of the top coordinators in the league. I think he’s got as much to do with their prowess as anyone.
Q: How do you fix the missed tackles?
A: For one, you don’t want as many balls on the second level. There are a lot of balls on the second level. But outside of that, a lot of it takes focus. It’s no different than stripping the ball and getting turnovers. If you’re not thinking about the ball, it surprises you when it becomes available. It’s the same thing with tackling, if you’re think you’re a secondary kind of a player and not a primary guy then sometimes a tackle will surprise you and you won’t have a great path to the ball. We did do a poor job last week and it hasn’t been a strength for us this season. We’ve had some better games. We’ve missed our share. It’s just something that you have to keep working on.
Q: Can the return of Corey Peters help the run defense?
A: It’s good to see him back out there. I’m kind of anxious to see him work. I’m kind of eager to see how he practices as well, but he did have a significant foot injury. We have to ease him back into things. But like I said, I’m eager to see him out there. It’s uncertain right now if he’ll be (active) or not.
Q: Are you worried about Asante (Samuel) going against his old team and maybe trying to do too much?
A: I worry about everything. From my point, it’s just a big challenge to play these guys. But it’s a thing where they are going to feel that they can do some things on Asante as well. They are going to come at him with things that they think are his deficiencies. You have to always take that into consideration when they are on offense. If you just look at what you do well and try to do your thing, they are looking at you in a different way. You have to turn it around and get in position to have a good game, which I think he’ll do. He’s great. Asante is a Pro.
Q: What is your evaluation of Eagles new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles?
A: I think Todd is one of the more intelligent coaches in the NFL. He’s very smart. I believe he’s a Temple grad. He is smart. I’ve coached with him twice. I coached with him at the Jets for a year and I coached with him the last two years in Miami. The very first thing that comes to mind is that Todd is a bright guy. He’s been hoping to get the opportunity to be a coordinator. He’s interviewed over the last several years a few times and it just hasn’t worked out. I think he’s anxious to do it and eager to do a good job, which I think he will. Until a guy does it, it’s hard to really say what his capabilities are because putting it together is one thing. Calling it, is another thing. So, we’ll have to wait and see. As far as, the Xs and Os, that type of thing, he’s as good as anybody.
Q: Is Michael Vick playing much better against the blitz?
A: Michael does a good job of moving around. He keeps plays alive. The thing with Michael and the blitz is that he’ll make two or three guys miss. That’s the challenge when you do blitz. That’s why some guys don’t blitz him as much. It would be the same against Cam Newton. It would be the same against any guy who can move. …When the player is an elusive guy you. … have to pick your poison.
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130 comments Add your comment
Just Sayin.....
October 24th, 2012
1:16 pm
The Falcons opponents are 12-22 and Matt Ryan has thrown 6 picks in the last 4 games, 3 in the last game. His qb rating has since dropped 17 points.
Just Sayin.
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:17 pm
And the D player made a play after giving up 35? That a boy and the relevance is that your D stinks! Smells like wet baby poo!
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:18 pm
Falcons 6-0
Just saying
to real
October 24th, 2012
1:20 pm
31-17 FALCONS eagles dont take care of tha football we score 2 td’s off turnovers and maybe cause vick to loose his job on sunday we will rise up!!!!!!
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:20 pm
Sounds like you mad STB4….the Nation is rolling and yet you are here? Is that a Nation of 1 Aint fan or you dont have a Aint blog?
Just asking and saying………..
kd
October 24th, 2012
1:23 pm
what are the saints even good at this year? commenting on our blog? Im willing to bet that they will tear down the stuperdome and build one beside it after we win the superbowl there
SeenThis B4
October 24th, 2012
1:23 pm
The relevance is: that on that particular play, both our corners pushed their respective receivers out of bounds.
Michael M .
October 24th, 2012
1:24 pm
maybe drinkin the whiskey claimed we would be drinking at this point of the Season……………do us a favor STB4 and go stick the sack on your head and point the pistol at it and make yourself another eyehole and be done with your misery………………………………………..
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:26 pm
Or do we get the cricket link?
Just Sayin.....
October 24th, 2012
1:27 pm
I believe Ryan is going to struggle this Sunday. First of all it is an outside game in Philly. Second Philly has two big, fast physical cornerss that plays bump and run press coverage. DRC runs like a 4.2 or 4.3 forty and is very athletic. Third, their rookie LB Kendricks is a fast athletic linebacker that covers tight ends like a safety and he is a tackling machine just like Demeco Ryan. Up the middle Turner will not have any running lanes because their other rookie Fletcher Cox was the best DT taken in the draft plugging the middle.
Just Sayin….
Michael M .
October 24th, 2012
1:28 pm
I dread the week when we play them cause the Atlanta blogs are just going to be lit up with Caints garbage the whole week long……………………………………………. and I am out here…………………………………………..
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:32 pm
You still talking about how it took two guys to make one play? Come on STB4 it was the last play of the game! Why it take so long? After 35 points? And you proud?! Hehehehehe. Guarantee you will need more than one play to win this weekend!
We have won outside twice now if memory serves me correct….or is it three times?
Just saying……
Vick Supporter
October 24th, 2012
1:36 pm
EAGLES offense a sleeping giant….that’s exactly right. If our O-line can protect, look out.
kd
October 24th, 2012
1:37 pm
@ seen- the stuperdome is already centuries old
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:39 pm
@kd
And it sits in a swamp!
SeenThis B4
October 24th, 2012
1:40 pm
Last play of the game? What about that run down of their reciever at the 1 yard line by Jenkins. That was hustle! We might have given up 95 yards, but not 96, which would have yielded a TD, then they stopped them cold on the 1 and they turned the ball over on downs. Sure we got a mediocre defense, but it’ll be good enough to beat your team.
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:41 pm
@ Just Saying
Every week we have played you have given us a reason why we will lose….this week it is no difference. I guarantee you we will lose this year…..probably 3 times. Keep coming up every week with your reasons we will lose and I know sooner or later you will get the correct week! Its like playing the slot machines….its bound to give you a few coins and make you feel like you were winning all the while.
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:45 pm
Can we put you down for that and we meet up at a bar and you pay the tab when you lose? BtW I dont watch the Aints so not sure about a 95 yard run…..but you do watch the Angry Birds….closet fan!
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:46 pm
Much better than that hurt ankle TE you got! Check the stats, I think TG just got open again!
retired
October 24th, 2012
1:49 pm
Poll in Philly.com yesterday on Ryan(now) and Vick(in his prime) 75% of those polled said Ryan better. Go Falcons
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
1:50 pm
As for that TE you were referring to, he leads the leauge while yours is #12
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=1&statisticPositionCategory=TIGHT_END&season=2012&seasonType=REG
aint hater
October 24th, 2012
1:55 pm
6-0 vs 2-4..hmmm wonder which fan I had rather be.
GregKennesaw
October 24th, 2012
1:55 pm
The ain’ts coaches broke the rules and then lied about it, so they are sitting on their butts at home, talk about relevant!
kd
October 24th, 2012
1:55 pm
@ seen-hahahaha do you mean our first ballot hall of fame tight end who has shattered all but 1 major receiving record but one while playing the tight end position??? Thats probably just another old geriatric who doesnt have as many pills in his medicine cabinet as old sean payton
aint hater
October 24th, 2012
1:56 pm
I got to go back to work. I think SeenThisB4 ran out of his 30 minutes on the library computer.
Esquire
October 24th, 2012
1:56 pm
SUXThisBZERO
October 24th, 2012
11:52 am
Is the season over?
*******************************************
Yep, pretty much………………at least for you.
GregKennesaw
October 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
Go Broncos!
aint hater
October 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
Oh…. he got back in line and has another 30 minutes. Why don’t you go to a Aint’s blog and read the misery over there. We have a lot to look forward to and you guys only have the off season and hopes for next year.
aint hater
October 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
Go Broncos!!!!!
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
2:00 pm
Sure you dont STB4….sure you dont.
Answer This
October 24th, 2012
2:02 pm
Go head link it up see what he leads the leauge in! Heheheheheheheh.
GregKennesaw
October 24th, 2012
2:03 pm
And Scam plays the Bears, so we get to see his mopey dope routine in the press conference again.
Esquire
October 24th, 2012
2:10 pm
GregKennesaw
October 24th, 2012
1:55 pm
The ain’ts coaches broke the rules and then lied about it, so they are sitting on their butts at home, talk about relevant!
******************************************
What is really really hilarious is confirmation of the bounty program came thru the Caints attempt at immortalizing the Falcons punter with his very own statue at their dome.
DJ
October 24th, 2012
2:13 pm
DONT HAVE A NATION!!!!????THIS COMING FROM A FAN(WHO PROB WASNT A FAN TILL 09) WHOS ORGANAZATION WAS THE LAUGHING STOCK YEAR IN AND OUT FOR 40 SOME YEARS!!!!!STARTING TO BECOME THAT ALL OVER AGAIN!!!RISE UP OR LAY DOWN BITCHES!!
to real
October 24th, 2012
2:14 pm
31-17 FALCONS OVER EAGLES we 6-0 saints 2-4 we way better seen will be on tha outside looking in all year tha highlight of dis guy season is a nail bitr game ova tha tampa bay buccs good for him lol
kd
October 24th, 2012
2:18 pm
@seen thisb 2 and 4 :shouldnt you be talking to some bronco fans since thats the team your beating comes from next? The nfc south division champion title is coming home to Atlanta.
@answer this : can we just dj jazzy jeff this guy out of our house?
Esquire
October 24th, 2012
2:21 pm
SUXThis BZERO
October 24th, 2012
1:59 pm
@ Esquire: You still upset that I would rather cheer for any team that plays the falcan’ts, even if that team was Al Qaeda? Sure seems like it.
*********************************************************
Come on over to Fort Benning little man, you can be an al-Qaeda fan all you want.
kd
October 24th, 2012
2:23 pm
is anyone worried about the nfc east? i mean we have always been considered one of the best divisions in football prior to this season along with the nfc east. If we show up agains the she-gles the giants and the cowboys will we be solidified as the hands down pick to win the superbowl?
kd
October 24th, 2012
2:25 pm
whooooa man esquire sound like his real name may be John Rambo- I wouldnt mess with that guy if i were you seen
Esquire
October 24th, 2012
2:30 pm
SUXThis BZERO
October 24th, 2012
1:40 pm
Sure we got a mediocre defense, but it’ll be good enough to beat your team.
******************************************************
Mediocre defense? ROFLMAO And that’s being very bounteous…….!!! Deplorable would be more accurate. Of course there’s pathetic…..oh wait, we reserve that word for you.
Capt. Kangaroo
October 24th, 2012
2:49 pm
Can anyone answer my question @12:20pm?
SeenThis B4
October 24th, 2012
2:51 pm
Esqueer: And when the Saints whip your team again, “pathetic” is the word that you’ll be using again.
Capt. Kangaroo
October 24th, 2012
2:51 pm
BTW, STDB4/Just saying…….You are a joke, a very unfunny and bad joke.
Just use one moniker, moron.
Mikey
October 24th, 2012
2:55 pm
It’s so nice to have Mike Nolan focusing on the development and game time operation of our defense. They are getting progressively better. He has been doing his homework, teaching the players, creating great strategies and reacting with great intelligence. This defense has some great players and some that need further development… just like all football teams. All NFL teams need to play with what they have and very few have a perfect roster. Therefore, if you want to win, you need to have a guy that plays the hand he is dealt with perfection. Nolan is the pro’s pro… I still don’t understand why coaches aren’t the highest paid guys on the team because they really make a BIG difference. If he can keep it going at the curent pace, he will really have something.
I also really hope that Corey Peters can come back soon and healthy. That front four is really important to their future. We need the depth and his talent has been demonstrated. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
SeenThis B4
October 24th, 2012
2:59 pm
@Capt. I only use one handle. Of course lots of your buddies impersonate me, cause that’s all they got.
As for your question about pushing receivers out of bounds. I think the answer is related to the QB leaving the pocket. At that point, when he goes beyond the tackles and still has the ball, he is then considered a running back, so to speak, and therefore, his receivers, even if downfield, are considered blockers, and they themselves can be blocked. It’s not that they are being pushed out of bounds, it’s that contact with them then becomes legal. If he were in the pocket, any contact with them (beyond incidental contact, is considered pass interference, but you know that). The second part of that play is, that a receiver cannot leave the field, on his own or via a push, and come back in and be the first to touch the ball.
LOL at The Aints
October 24th, 2012
3:06 pm
LOL,, STB4 still talking smack with a 2 and 4 team and the worst d in the league,,, LOL!!!! ITS ONLY A FLESH WOUND!!! lol
SeenThis B4
October 24th, 2012
3:12 pm
LOL at the falcan’ts. Six and O and not even favored to win this week. Maybe cause the experts know the falcan’ts are a mirage.
kd
October 24th, 2012
3:13 pm
@mikey- i agree man, i think having nolan if we can manage to hold him in atlanta for at least 4 years will help us build a perennial dominate defense. Especially having him there to find talent to suit his defensive schemes in the draft
kd
October 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
or we could be 2-4 and not favored to win
LOL at The Aints
October 24th, 2012
3:14 pm
What happened to your little buddy Hiram Taint,, havent heard much from him lately LOL!!