Atlanta Falcons: Todd McClure on struggling run game: ‘More to it than five guys up front’
By Michael Cunningham
FLOWERY BRANCH–Falcons center Todd McClure doesn’t want to hear about how Atlanta’s failure to convert short runs for first downs against the Saints yesterday paralleled their inability to do the same in the 2012 playoffs against the Giants.
Loading ...“That’s two totally different ballgames,” McClure said. “That’s what [ticks] me off more than anything is you guys are going to write about how bad we are up front and that we can’t get in the end zone. But there’s more to it than just blocking up front, and that’s all I’m going to say about that.
“I get really frustrated when I hear things and read things knowing there’s more to it than five guys up front but we take the brunt of the blame. I don’t want to talk about that anymore because I don’t want to say anything I regret.”
The Falcons managed 46 yards on just 18 carries against the Saints, who were the worst team in the league against the run entering the game. Atlanta running back Michael Turner, who was dropped for a loss of one yard on third down during the penultimate possession, gained just 15 yards on 13 carries.
McClure didn’t elaborate on the issues in the running game but said the struggles are about the offense overall not just the line.
“It is in every aspect of it,” he said. “But we get the ball on the one, we are expected to get it in. I just get frustrated sometimes the past couple years. There’s more to it than just lining up and blocking the guys wherever they line up. And that’s it. I can’t talk about it anymore.”
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305 comments Add your comment
BraveMan
November 12th, 2012
3:22 pm
2 Things On This –
1. It is of ultimate / critical / no doubt importance that the Falcons sign a strong running back in the offseason. Michael still has something left and has had a terrible year personally and professionally but he is also slowing down. He has taken a ton of hits the last 3-4 years, is not in shape, not hungry and getting older (football age wise). He still has something left in 2013 and beyond but we need to make a move for a bigtime running back. You fit that into this passing offense – a guy that can hit the hole quick, a runner that can make his own yards, a runner that can dive 2 yards OVER the line at the goal.
2. The 2012-2013 season is only half done and Turner, Rodgers and Snelling can get it done. Turner needs to get pissed – drop about 10 pounds and run like it is a contract year because he is on the fence.
Pip
November 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
Football Larry – twice you’ve posted that others don’t know anything but you must be the guru of NFL running, right? You’re right that the Falcons in a single back formation is an obvious and predictable play to defend against and you’re right that the OL – especially the C and RG – need to get a better push. But you are the idiot to defend Turner. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, on the blogs and on TV can see that Turner doesn’t have the side to side quickness nor does he have power to punch through and drag defenders. Not fast enough to be a scat back and not strong enough to be a go-to running back means he is worthless to this team.
DHD
November 12th, 2012
3:23 pm
“your a total idiot.” It’s YOU’RE a total idiot. Now who’s the idiot?
gdawgs74
November 12th, 2012
3:24 pm
We haven’t had a running game since Ovie Mughelli and Harvey Dahl left…..just sayin
KC Falcon
November 12th, 2012
3:25 pm
What I want to hear from Mike Smith is something specific that they’re going to be working on to fix this. Not just ‘We’ll fix it.’ I want to hear something about what they are doing wrong fundamentally. I want to hear that they may change some personel groupings. Give us something, so we have belief this will change and get better in the running game.
tyger
November 12th, 2012
3:28 pm
No power in the power game…
McClure is full of crappola…
No one likes to be criticized for failure but…
So, freaking what – this is not new…
Comparison to the Giants game is totally appropriate…
That’s exactly why no one outside Suwanee is excited….
They cant move the ball against good teams, bottom line…
How is it Turner’s fault, when there’s no hole?
It’s goaline, if you bounce outside, you could lose 5yds…
Just run over them huh? This aint pee wee league…
Falcoons did not address offensive line issues…
Still have Sam Baker, Reynolds, McClure, Clabo…
Kohn is a rookie that can barely bench 300…
The other rook has been hurt since spring…
Where is the road grader we needed for short yardage?
If you are no threat from the 1 yd line, you are no threat!
TDnoclue
November 12th, 2012
3:29 pm
They cut Polite. Now its time to cut Turner.
nfcchampsliveinga
November 12th, 2012
3:30 pm
The national media wants to find anything possible to criticize the Falcons. Its a catch 22. If they would have won, they played another lossing/struggling team, lose, like they did yesterday, and they are overrated. This team is 8-1. Stay focused Falcons, you are still in the driver’s seat. The media is the enemy not your teammates. Rise Up Run Game!! The Falcons and the fans need ya to Rise UP! We have something special in the A-Town!!
GameReviewer
November 12th, 2012
3:31 pm
The Aints know how to tackle “stumble foot” Turner. Just lightly touch his foot and the INSTANT he feels something touch his foot, he hits the turf. You can watch the replays time and time again he is BARELY touched near his feet, he goes down INSTANTLY.
Mike is Back
November 12th, 2012
3:31 pm
DLed, McClure is feeling the heat…I’m wrong for saying this…but I can run the Boston Marathon in the time it takes MT to get through the hole.lol
Anyway, THE aINTS are who we thought they were…the dang friggin Aints.
RISE UP…LET’S GO BIRDS…LET’S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fading RB
November 12th, 2012
3:32 pm
By the way, …..cant move the ball against good teams…. This was worst defense in league especially as to run and we cant pick up a yard.
McClure is full of it...
November 12th, 2012
3:33 pm
…yes, it IS, first and foremost, the 5 guys up front – it is called ‘moving he line of scrimmage’ – if they do that just one yard then ANY back scores, including #33 – instead the N.O. d line moved our guys back that one yard and the RB had no place to go.
Man up you O line guys and take the blame like a man instead of saying that it is not “just” your fault…
Dan
November 12th, 2012
3:34 pm
As much as I love the Falcons they had their moment yesterday and they failed. Anybody think the Steelers with a 3rd, 4th or 9th string back don’t get in the endzone? or Peyton? Totally agree you need a couple guys thyat are nasty on o line. I hope we get another shot at it and next time somebody grab a few facemasks in the huddle and let it be known we will score no matte what they do
Greg
November 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
the play calling was fine. Ryan put up 400 yards. that last throw to white should have been executed better. we lost by one play. we played like the better team and should have won. we got them in atlanta in 3 weeks. lets move on to arizona.
GameReviewer
November 12th, 2012
3:37 pm
Why doesn’t Turner do the DIVE UP AND OVER THE GOAL LINE trick? Can’t he get his FAT A*S up and over the line? He used to do it. What happened?
Gwinnett Fred
November 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
Up and down the field, I agre with McClure.
HOWEVER, it is almost totally up to the offensive line to produce when the defense knows you are going to run, which is what the comparisons to the two different games are all about. When an opponent knows we are going to run the last couple years, that play has no chance.
GameReviewer
November 12th, 2012
3:41 pm
The Falcons need to run the FAKE handoff to Turner and then Matt Ryan rollout play. This play almost NEVER fails. The defense HAS to respect the run and they all dive into the middle.
Cleveland Ave. Turk
November 12th, 2012
3:46 pm
PLAYOFF WINS……U people kill me. Weither we’d had won or loss dosent mean we wouldve won inbthe postseason. SO SHUT UP. Save ur critisims or your praises for when it REALLY matters. And I am out!
SilentCC
November 12th, 2012
3:46 pm
Last year Turner was highly spoken of. Gained a lot of yards. The line opened things up like they were supposed to.
This year? The line creates a BRICK WALL.
NOBODY goes through that. It’s on the O-line. Pure and simple.
RobbE33
November 12th, 2012
3:46 pm
McIntosh has a point. The o’line was built for zone blocking and seems to be pushed around by more physical guys. Having a plonding back doesn’t help nor would a quarterback’s constant cadence. They need a quick, aggressive, shifty back like Ivory.
SilentCC
November 12th, 2012
3:48 pm
Oh yeah — I forgot: It’s also on Coach Smith for letting those calls up the middle be called.
old man
November 12th, 2012
3:52 pm
Read my lips”
A-N-T-O-N-E S-M-I-T-H
4.25 40 YARD DASH
HITS THE HOLE FAST AND HARD.
Oh, by the way, he’s already on our team. Most of you probably don’t know that because he never plays.
Smitty, give Antone 5 or 6 carries, PLEASE. He can’t do any worse than MICHAEL THE DANCING BEAR:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1J73Ag3hU
Guys, you are very welcome. If you did not see the bear, look at the video again. He’s in there.
Here here
November 12th, 2012
3:53 pm
FYI McClure graded out terrible on PFF.
Aundrey Bruce
November 12th, 2012
3:55 pm
So it’s not the offensive line getting whipped up front?!! I guess my eyes are decieving me! Turner looks like he’s running in slow motion. Yes, I’ll take 8-1, but if we can’t figure out how to get short yardage 1st downs- it will come back to bite us in the playoffs.
Eric C.
November 12th, 2012
3:58 pm
you don’t see much mention…but the fullback position is really weak right now
Mark Bradley banned from Flowery Branch
November 12th, 2012
4:01 pm
It’s true. Ask him why…..If he has the guts to answer.
Layinlow
November 12th, 2012
4:01 pm
I have an idea. Lets move michael turner to the offensive line. Heck is plenty fat and slow enough to play offensive guard.
I’m not saying our line is the greatest but to not acknowledge that Turner is a big problem in our run game is total denial. The hole closes quickly in the NFL and Turner looks like he is running in quick sand.
GET THOSE PADS LOWER.....
November 12th, 2012
4:02 pm
SOOOOOOOO YOU CAN DRIVE THE D-LINE BACKWARDS!!! EVEN THE GUYS CALLING THE GAME ON FOX SUGGESTED AS MUCH!!
The Dwarf known as Brees
November 12th, 2012
4:03 pm
WE own the division!
Judge Smails
November 12th, 2012
4:08 pm
Wow…Just WOW!
Lose one game and the freaking wheels are coming off the bus!
Veteran OLmen are tossing teammates under the bus… The sky is falling!! Oh No!! the season is over!!
Get a grip guys. We have a ways to go and are stil the best team in the NFC (See 49ers, Bears and Giants from yesterday)
Oh'man
November 12th, 2012
4:10 pm
There is plenty of opportunities in the run game its just Turner being very slow. He doesn’t have his burst anymore. We need someone that can get to the edge because the middle isnt always going to be there. For example, in the one yard line yesterday he could have easily taken it outside instead of inside and he would have scored easily.
4BsihTneeS
November 12th, 2012
4:15 pm
In the picture above:
Ryan: Congrats Drew! Look, talk to Loomis for me, these guys aren’t going to pay me, ask him if I can come down here and be your back up.
Brees: I’ll try Matt, but they already got a lot invested in my salary.
Ryan: I don’t care, anything to get away from Smith, I’ll take the league minimum, anything!
Brees: Okay, I’ll talk to him and let you know.
Ryan: Thanks man! You’re my idol! Who Dat, not us!!!
Falcons 73
November 12th, 2012
4:17 pm
Falcons 73
November 12th, 2012
12:33 pm
I’m not surprised that the Falcons lost, but I am concerned that they still believe that Turner is the answer in the backfield. We all know that the o-line played horribly in the run game yesterday, but the fact that Michael’s inability to create ANYTHING at the line of scrimmage, kills this unit. While being such a physically imposing back (in stature), he seems incapable of moving the pile forward and creating any holes (much less hitting the holes quickly).
If you just look at the fact that the o-line isn’t going to magically improve overnight, then it makes most sense to put in back like Rodgers, who has the ability to mask some of the o-lines weakness. If the Falcons are going to improve this area of their offensive, it will take a bold move by Mike Smith to transition more of the carries to Rodgers (if not, this situation will repeat itself).
david
November 12th, 2012
4:17 pm
Mike needs to go north to south in the quickest possible fashion. Dancing around behind the line isnt working for him. he needs a good head of steam to make him hard to stop. When they catch him standing still they dont need to stop him, because he hasnt even started running yet.
KBP
November 12th, 2012
4:22 pm
AJC, why are my posts being rejected?
4BsihTneeS
November 12th, 2012
4:22 pm
Is Dumbta Robinson having his neck checked out today? Chris Ivory almost took his head off with a stiff arm on his 56 yard TD run.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
November 12th, 2012
4:24 pm
Ok i just want to start off by saying this, the last game when turner ran for over 100 yards i didnt defend turner, i said that turner has lost his ability to make plays and that turner only looks good when the d line is tired out or when the o line is able to make a perfectly huge hole. That being said, ill say it again turner has lost his ability to make plays. I said it last week and ill say it this week, its time to draft a new young feature back, rodgers isnt big enough to consistently slam defenders down the middle, again i love rodgers and wat he can do in space but we need a new feature back, turner is done. This is the only solution to our problems with the run game, and im not a turner hater, i love turner i just think hes lost it.
I don't care about a rocks opinion either!
November 12th, 2012
4:29 pm
Yo Todd, you guy’s can’t run block. Nuff said.
Da Truth
November 12th, 2012
4:31 pm
4BsihTneeS is a moocher
Answer This
November 12th, 2012
4:31 pm
thanks drew for the 4-5 record $hitthisb4 thinks its good…..lol
Da Truth
November 12th, 2012
4:32 pm
@The Dwarf known as Brees
“WE own the division!”
Oh, I just checked the standings. Never mind.
Answer This
November 12th, 2012
4:35 pm
Speaking of getting paid wonder how much that banned coach is going to get from Dallas?
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
November 12th, 2012
4:40 pm
Seen ur a dumba** ryan outplayed brees and drews interception was his own fault while matt ryans was the recievers fault, the only reason atlanta lost was horrible run play by turner and both defenses played like crap great game by both offenses otherwise
Whadda Ya Know?
November 12th, 2012
4:42 pm
Turner needs to go…ASAP!!! Arthur and Dimitroff needs to have a talk with Smitty about this crap where he constantly wants to run Turner up the middle. This guy has as much speed as a tortoise off the line.
loel
November 12th, 2012
4:42 pm
right “RIP” so why did we hand it to him in the first place. Remember the first play off the game…….a give to Turner and a a three yards loss. Turner is only good for the play where you take a knee. A good play for Turner is getting back to the line of scrimmage.
T
observer
November 12th, 2012
4:42 pm
The Falcons have no speed at RB. McClure knows this and everyone else on the Falcons know this. The best O line only opens a small hole and not for long. The RB has to run the play and hit that hole quickly to gain even a yard. Turner is not capable of doing this. He has zero quickness. They have O linemen with more quickness than Turner. Yesterday they gave him the ball about 15 times and every one was a wasted play. The Falcons also have no LB’s when Spoon is out; that is why NO was able to run so easily, and the TE was open all day. Dent needs to be on the practice squad or gone.
Blackcow
November 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
It’s just a bunch of thugs in the clubhouse anyway..who cares about “clubhouse chemistry”?
I buy it in baseball, but not football. Idc if you like each other, there are only 16 reg season games as opposed to 162. Just go out, score touchdowns, dance like a moron, have a bunch of illegitimate children, don’t pay child support, get some DUIs and win a championship. Who cares…
Matt Ryan is the man.
4BsihTneeS
November 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
Did you see that Drew Brees set the NFL record for consecutive games throwing a TD pass, 52 games, the previous record was held by Drew Brees! LOL! Drew loves seeting records against the fal can’ts!
Birdhair
November 12th, 2012
4:45 pm
Maybe Michael Turner shoud spend less time at magic city club downtown?
loel
November 12th, 2012
4:48 pm
someone wrote” the o line doesn’t block….. by the way,. that’s the same line that held up for Ryan to get over 400 yds…. hummmmm