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.”
LATEST NEWS
Falcons’ dream of undefeated season ended by Saints, 31-27
Roddy White: Falcons ‘gave’ game away
Video: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after the 31-27 loss to the Saints
Saints 31, Falcons 27: Q&A with Falcons coach Mike Smith
OTHER RECENT STORIES
Mike Smith says no major injury for Peria Jerry
Goodell met with Gov. Deal, Mayor Reed to discuss stadium deal
Falcons’ playtime percentage chart vs. Cowboys
Roddy White becomes all-time reception leader
Post game comments from the Falcons locker room
Falcons pull out 19-13 victory over Cowboys to improve to 8-0
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
305 comments Add your comment
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
November 12th, 2012
10:36 pm
Yep atlanta falcons official websites confirms that ray edwards was released ppl, and in my oppinion its about time the guy has been absent nearly every game
FalconForever
November 12th, 2012
10:37 pm
Turner is too slow. He should have been released last season. He is way past his glory days.
Ron Roberts
November 12th, 2012
10:42 pm
Give Jason Snelling the damned ball, already. The most effective and least utilized power back in the NFL. Who’s he pissed off on that staff? Sheesh…
phil
November 12th, 2012
10:43 pm
Release the rest of that pathetic D line too…..except Abe.
phil
November 12th, 2012
10:44 pm
Glory days?
Burner? Please….
Kyle
November 12th, 2012
10:45 pm
It is a shot at Turner and he should have just come out and said if you can’t get one yard in the NFL you don’t deserve a spot on an NFL team. He should have been sent packing today. There is no way that Snelling could do any worse and I would be willing to bet he could get a yard.
phil
November 12th, 2012
10:45 pm
Edwards is official….gone.
old qb
November 12th, 2012
10:47 pm
Thanks EXQUIRE your observation was right on. When Ryan ran the quarterback sneak it could have gone for five yards. The line blew them out of there. Turner has been great for Atlanta, but he’s too slow and can’t break a tackle in the backfield before he gets a head of steam up. Snelling is better tha Turner on short yardage–period.
And like I said at the beginning of the season, I hope Mike Smith will eventually let Antoine Smith out of the doghouse because he fumbled last year in pre-season. Antoine Smith can break to the outside if the hole isn’t there–Turner can’t see the outside because he’s got his head down looking for the ground. Time to make a change if they won’t to do something in the playoffs.
Overall, our offensive line is improving in every game–it ain’t there fault. Now somebody tell Smitty togive Smith a chance to run with the ball.
Antman
November 12th, 2012
10:55 pm
No need fooling ourselves again. It is what it is. line getting pushed back, and backs to slow to adjust. Thing is, what is Smith going to do about it. It’s nothing new. We can’t win a play-off game when you can’t stop the run, and can’t run the ball. So don’t fool yourselves again, maybe next year.
Next Man Up
November 12th, 2012
10:56 pm
Smitty needs to attach/dangle a doughnut down in front of Turner’s helmet when at the goal line so maybe he will chase after it.
Pigskin
November 12th, 2012
11:04 pm
Released Edwards?
Yep, panic has set in now.
It’s officially over….only halfway through the season.
Pathetic.
Keeping it real
November 12th, 2012
11:06 pm
released Edwards,should have happen last year!
Next Man Up
November 12th, 2012
11:15 pm
Oh, was Ray Edwards on our roster? I watched all the games and never saw him make a play. Do we have any running backs or kick returners that have under 5.5 speed? We have a fat turtle and a midget turtle. Why can’t we get a 4.5 speed running back?
Great Falconi
November 12th, 2012
11:42 pm
McClure didn’t say it, but he said it. Turner is stinking it up.
Great Falconi
November 12th, 2012
11:46 pm
Turner’s YPG is down under 4. He has three 1,300-yd-plus seasons and was well on his way in 2009 to doing the same, but he’s thirty years old and too damn heavy to take the strain off of his weary legs. If he doesn’t care enough to stay in shape, then the Falcons have to use their other backs more often. This game should be the last straw for a number of players whose flaws were masked by the avalanche of victories.
Rip
November 12th, 2012
11:52 pm
Todd McClure are you in a strength program, that O line is very soft, I see large bellies.And take that hot dog out of your mouth on your interviews
Creaky
November 13th, 2012
12:03 am
If Turner situation is not handled soon it could split the team or cause Smitty to lose the team altogather.
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
12:29 am
We need to start Antone Smith as RB get some fresh feet in our backfield
meme
November 13th, 2012
12:31 am
the only hole Turner can get to is at magic city
columbus
November 13th, 2012
12:31 am
Enter your comments here
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
12:32 am
Our O-line is doing a great job protecting Matty on the pass but they do need to push forward for the run
columbus
November 13th, 2012
12:35 am
Turner dont get low enough and/or just dont have a good center of gravity or use leverage. Ive always been amazed at all the yards hes gotten.
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
12:37 am
Also Coach need to take Franks off punt return he had poor decision making
realfalconfan
November 13th, 2012
12:58 am
McCLURE is right it is not all on the o-line ,our fullback’s have been terrible.we need OVIE BACK ! Dimitroff is a great GM and i expect him to step up,if the falcon’s want to win a championship they need a real fullback.If ovie is healthy he knows the offense and he would make turner ,rogers and snelling look good once again.
DR. FALCON
November 13th, 2012
1:02 am
TURNER, NEEDS A VERBAL KICK IN THE ASS! HIS “TAKEOFF” IS SLOWER THAN SOMEONE’S GRANDMA! OFFENSIVE LINEMEN, DON’T LIE! THEY JUST GET BLAMED ON! I FEEL YOU MCLURE! GOOD JOB!
FenderMan
November 13th, 2012
2:45 am
Where is Antwon(?)Smith. This guy looked great in preseason. I cannot recall a single carry this season for Smith. If Turner does not have a hole large enough a truck through nothing gets done.
Use Snelling, Rogers, the big guy and for pete’s sake give Smith a chance.
Agent009
November 13th, 2012
3:34 am
Do we not have a jumbo package? Why not bring in a big ole defensive tackle at fullback to generate that push near the goal line like Belichik does?
joe
November 13th, 2012
5:53 am
With everything being said who could we bring in to replace Turner if we could. I like Snelling but he has been prone to fumbling. Quizz is awesome too but is no POWER back. Also I would love to see Ovie return in a perfect world
jerry
November 13th, 2012
6:44 am
If the majority of the fans on here are right about Mr. 2nd and Long, Mike Smith must be wrong. I have to agree with the fans, although Smith appears determined to prove them wrong. Turner should be deactivated, but that would probably piss off the veterans on the team who are his buddies.
rfgh
November 13th, 2012
7:37 am
For those of you suggesting McClure should have “kept it in the house” and not thrown Turner “under the bus”, wouldnt you want to tell your side of the story when people are blaming you for something you know isnt all your fault?
Buckeye
November 13th, 2012
8:13 am
A house divided cannot stand.
Issues on D with Edwards, obviously.
Issues on O with Turner, obviously
Smitty’s best work will take place in the locker room
old man
November 13th, 2012
8:28 am
On the bench sits poor Antone, he’s the man.
Just one carry his entire 3 year span.
Quick, tough and fast?
You bet your dam @ss
Put him in coach, gain yards, yes he can!
old man
November 13th, 2012
8:40 am
On the bench sits Antone what a mystery.
Never seen his entire three year history.
Four two five in the forty,
That sounds pretty sporty.
On the gridiron it’s speed downright blistery.
old man
November 13th, 2012
8:41 am
I wonder if some clever journalist might tell us who this Antone Smith kid is.
Nah, probably not.
old man
November 13th, 2012
8:58 am
Dancing Bear or Antone, that’s the choice.
Listen closely, there it is, whispered voice:
“Bears can’t dance,
Give Smith a chance.”
He’ll hit holes fast and hard, all rejoice!
Todd McClure on Struggling Rushing Attack: “There’s More to it Than Just Blocking Up Front” « The Falcon Project
November 13th, 2012
9:39 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure is not happy. [...]
Handyman
November 13th, 2012
9:46 am
The problem with the running game is there is no fullback. Somebody’s got to make a hole.
North FLA Falcon
November 13th, 2012
9:48 am
Turner is toast. He tried to do a “cutback” on Sunday but he FELL DOWN. He’s a plow ahead, Earl Campbell type running back who is scary when he gets in space. But when the line is getting pushed back and he’s starting slow there are too many -1 yd plays.
BartBuzz
November 13th, 2012
10:11 am
Sounds like McClure is in denial. The Falcons couldn’t score from the 1 yard line…period. The run should have been their first option. It’s time to find a runner. Turner has passed his prime I guess.
LawDawg
November 13th, 2012
10:59 am
“:What is wrong with the Falcons’ short yardage rushing attack?”
Turner is old and slow and the Falcons will be one and done in the playoffs because this O-Line is simply not good enough for a Super Bowl team.
Tim
November 13th, 2012
11:25 am
Bring back Eric Peagram.
shannyeight
November 13th, 2012
11:46 am
I mean, it only makes sense…if the O-Line is doing a great job protecting Ryan on the pass, then they should be doing good on the run. It either has to be A) the schemes/line blocking that they are using or B) the RB. Since they havent really deviated much from the playbook from years past, I’m gonna go with B.
I think after this year, they should just stick with Snelling, Quizz, and add Antoine Smith to the line up. Time for Turner to go…his contract is up.
leeroyo
November 13th, 2012
11:51 am
give Antoine Smith a little love and see what happensssssss!
joja boi
November 13th, 2012
12:08 pm
I think the blame is to be shared. 1st if everybody in the world knows you are going to run maybe they should trust the QB to audible out of it. If you don’t trust the QB then maybe the QB should just make the call since he is the coach on the field. 2nd the line have to prevent penetration. They are not low enough, no running back can run without his feet, and if D-lineman are swiping at the feet of the RB then it will be tough (not impossible) to get beyond the line of scrimmage. 3rd-the tailback has to get those knees up high to avoid swiping hands and arms. Maybe try going over the top! I know MT probably isn’t the first person to think of such a move but going over the top, with his weight would be hard to stop from continuing in that direction, especially if everyone is going low! So I think McClure maybe eluding to all of those factors when saying it’s deeper than just the line play.
D man
November 13th, 2012
12:09 pm
Ok everybody haters, knock it off. It’s a team effort and this team will make adjustments and get it corrected. Have faith…
Barry
November 13th, 2012
3:10 pm
When McClure is stating that it’s more than the 5 guys up front to be blamed fovthe lines inadility to move blockers, he is referring to the offensive line coaching techniques. You have to understand, McClure coached under great line coaches, including Joe Gibbs, the Houston Texans offensive line coach who is the Guru of the “Zone Run Blocking Scheme, when he was the offensive line coach for Atlanta. McClur knows there are certain techniques and strategy to running the ball that involves thebline that is not being practiced nor instituted by these line coaches. He is not the coach so he is not saying anything, except for today. I hope Coach Smith looks into this and try and Fix it. He needs to check and see what these offensive line coaches are teaching these guys in how to”Run Block” advanced offensive line. Maybe we nee to try and get Joe Gibbs back. Does anyone have his number? Last I heard he is with the Houston Texans teaching those linemen how to “Run Block” and move people, and rack up yards.
beezit
November 13th, 2012
7:25 pm
Can’t say as I blame McClure for bristling over the topic….I’d get pissed too if someone kept pointing out my lack of ability week after week…
Jim
November 13th, 2012
8:10 pm
like the quarterback the o-line often gets too much credit or too much blame. A great
back that hits holes quick & hard makes a line look good. A slow back makes the line
look bad cuz the hole is closed & he’s still tap dancing in the backfield. I remember
the old days when the defensive line had to tackle him from behind & sometimes he’d
drag 2 or 3 guys. He sure WAS great. The cuts were there & late in the game the
defense looked like they wanted no part of him. Ahh the good ol days! I sure miss em!
Posts about The Falcons From Other Great Blogs issue #1 | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
November 13th, 2012
9:29 pm
[...] needed one play to go their way and they would have won. But the greater question more… Atlanta Falcons: Todd McClure on struggling run game: ‘More to it than five guys up front’ – blogs.ajc.com 11/12/2012 By Michael [...]
Wiff
November 13th, 2012
9:54 pm
It’s not the o-line. your QB doesn’t get 3 TD’s and 411 yards if your o-line isn’t doing their job. Coaching decisions and the number one RB is the offenses problem. The coach gets too predictable on short yardage. they need more misdirection, outside running. trick plays. what about using that jump pass. The statue of liberty that Boise state against Oklahoma. I loved that QB when he did that. Turner is a tub of goo and he’s slow. tackling him is like tackling the staypuft marshmellow man. Jaquiz is the man. use him more. OSU, OSU, OSU, Go Beavs