Atlanta Falcons: Todd McClure on struggling run game: ‘More to it than five guys up front’

Trainwreck

November 12th, 2012
2:17 pm

Sounds like a shot at Mike T. Just saying

Trainwreck

November 12th, 2012
2:20 pm

In my mind I’m thinking a running play’s success is about 1. play call 2. Blocking & 3. RB play… making someone miss or hitting the hole when it is there. So he has to be either questioning play call or Turner’s ability to hit the hole.

Escaped from Email Purgatory

November 12th, 2012
2:21 pm

Agree with McClure. At some point, your money back has to step up big in the clutch.

Michael Turner should be able to move the pile back enough to score from the one. But he can’t.

Tpeg88

November 12th, 2012
2:22 pm

I agree Trainwreck. McClure is a vet and him saying stuff like that carries a ton of weight.

robo71

November 12th, 2012
2:24 pm

i agree with mcclure. turner only hits the hole hard when it’s wide open. he runs like a 185lb running back instead of a 260lb fullback. he’s soft from drinking and partying all night.

REAMing aints

November 12th, 2012
2:25 pm

Yep, I defended turner long enough. He thinks he has outside speed, or he knows better than the play design, searching for holes before committing. He’s older, lost his speed, and needs to use his drive to make holes. Having a decent fullback wouldn’t hurt either.

eddie willers

November 12th, 2012
2:26 pm

Its hard to be at your best when you are hungover. Turner’s DUI points to a bigger problem.

tay

November 12th, 2012
2:26 pm

TURNER AND OL NEED TO STEP UP………… IT A TEAM SPORT LETS NOT FORGET THAT…. YOU GUYS WAS KISS TURN ER BUTT WHEN HE GAIN 100 YARDS LAST GM…..

tay

November 12th, 2012
2:28 pm

I HATE FAKE FANS AND FANS THAT DONT KNOW $HIT BOUT FOOTBALL

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
2:30 pm

Sounds like a VET calling out MT33! Glad he did it! Maybe now Turner will know that it is his job to get the 1 frigging yard! Heck they pay me $100 bucks I promise I can get a yard so that I can be the HERO!

Football Larry

November 12th, 2012
2:34 pm

Turner -Turner-Turner!!! Come on people, Coach Smith; are you aware that the are plays called end around, that’s right run the ends, why up the middle , up the middle, up the middle– on inside the 5 yard lines. PS if that’s all you know then use a full house backfield with Snelling too. Quit blaming Turner .
WAKE UP COACH. YOU LOST THIS GAME WITH BACK CALLS.

Big Donnie

November 12th, 2012
2:36 pm

I hope Michael Turner never takes another snap in the city of Atlanta. He is the worst running back in the entire league in my opinion. When you’re 230+, you shouldn’t tip toe, and you really shouldn’t be hitting the turf every time someone slaps yous ankle. His inability to pick up three feet when we need him has made him completely worthless to this team.

I’d rather hand it to Quizz, who can at least break tackles. Turner goes down at the point of contact every time. What a joke – the game has passed this boozehound by.

12 carries, 15 yards. At least 4 of those carries came on 2nd and 1 or 3rd and 1. EARN YOUR PAYCHECK LAZY AZZ!

mike

November 12th, 2012
2:36 pm

This doesn’t seem to be the popular opinion here, but I don’t like McClure throwing Turner under the bus. McClure is a vet and knows better. Turner is a vet as well and should’t be called out like that. Keep it in house, fellas.

I’m not a big fan of Turner’s production either, but no reason to McClure to say to reporters and destroy our locker room chemistry.

Ronnie

November 12th, 2012
2:38 pm

Maybe McClure shouldn’t have missed a block on 1st and goal from the 5 in the 4th quarter that allowed the DT to fill the hole.

Big Donnie

November 12th, 2012
2:41 pm

McClure has every right to say “hey, don’t hang this on us every time” — meaning, the RB has to make plays sometimes.. not do a faceplant at the line everytime he gets the ball.

THANKS FOR A FEW GREAT YEARS TURNER, now don’t let the door hit you in that big, soft butt on the way out. Lazy AND soft don’t work in the NFL.

Football Larry

November 12th, 2012
2:48 pm

Big Donnie, What the hell do you know about Pro Football. NOTHING, your a total idiot.!!!
Mike doesn’t call the plays, single back behind Ryan is so obvious, The play selection on Sunday was a total disaster. That game was lost by our Coaching staff with just dumb-dumb play selections.
Get off Mike’s back cause you know absolutely nothing about running plays.

Esquire

November 12th, 2012
2:51 pm

Trainwreck
November 12th, 2012
2:17 pm

Sounds like a shot at Mike T. Just saying
*****************************

“Almost” triggered both barrels……..!!

Tpeg88

November 12th, 2012
2:51 pm

The OL isn’t going to take crap. They are professionals and take pride in their jobs. If you want to believe they can’t produce the run, then don’t look at the runs Quizz had in his carries. He may not be an every down back, but Quizz/Snelling can be.

And Tay, everybody has been calling for turner regardless of his 100 yards. Most of us said he got luckily because he sure wasn’t trying. No fakeness in most of us, we’ve watched the games, we’re just critical thinkers.

Starship 1

November 12th, 2012
2:54 pm

I’m going to see if I can watch the game-then I’ll return for my opinion; I wasn’t able to watch it on Sunday.

cdog

November 12th, 2012
2:54 pm

tay, he needs to show up for all games especially this one.hes not disclpline enough to be a featured back anymore. the falcons should seriously cut his carries and try rodgers who wants to win. you can”t tell me a 265lb running back can”t make a yard against a 190lb db, c”mon

Gatorzone

November 12th, 2012
2:54 pm

Sure Turner is overweight, slow and dances around… However, there is no denying that the line gets ZERO push when we need it!!! Mcclure had no room to say jack about their push yesterday on several short yardage situations…
BTW Turner is FAT and SLOW!!!

Stevie

November 12th, 2012
2:54 pm

It’s been like this all season. Can’t run or stop the running game. Twice 1st and goal and they can’t score. They need the wake up call and yes it is a team effort. Maybe this will do it.

Here here

November 12th, 2012
2:55 pm

Football Larry-I approve that message. The O-line did not block worth a crap on that 1 yard play. Do you guys even what the plays or do you just cheer when they score?

Tpeg88

November 12th, 2012
2:57 pm

I’m wondering how much is scheme though, if you saw the QB sneak, there was wicked push from the center.

Super Bowl Shuffle

November 12th, 2012
2:58 pm

I’ve said this once and I will say it again. A running back is only as good as his offensive line. With that being said, Turner is DONE!. He takes entirely too long to get his motor running on every play. That is not exceptable. Please run Jaquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling more. Also, I haven’t questioned the play calling much all season. But, twice in the last two drives on goal to go situations, we chose to try and run the ball on second and third down, respectively. Just sayin’. Questionable. One more note. Could the Falcons have underestimated the value of Ovie Mughelli? Just sayin’.

Esquire

November 12th, 2012
3:00 pm

mike
November 12th, 2012
2:36 pm

This doesn’t seem to be the popular opinion here, but I don’t like McClure throwing Turner under the bus. McClure is a vet and knows better. Turner is a vet as well and should’t be called out like that. Keep it in house, fellas.

I’m not a big fan of Turner’s production either, but no reason to McClure to say to reporters and destroy our locker room chemistry.
************************************************
He didn’t throw Turner under the bus, he just said there is more to it than 5 guys up front and didn’t want to say anything he would regret. And if he was saying it to Turner maybe it needed to be said.

“Keep it in house, fellas”? Yeah, probably.

scottg

November 12th, 2012
3:01 pm

Hard to get that one yard when the offensive linemen are consistently pushed backwards for at least 2 yards. I lay the blame TOTALLY on the 5 who imitate a blocking line in short yardage situations.

singhisking

November 12th, 2012
3:01 pm

everybody knows …… turner is the problem ! he dont care about team if he did , wouldnt showup overweight . its time for snelling and rodger to start and bench turner . other teams will do it right away ! falcons probably not ….. we are screwed …..

Esquire

November 12th, 2012
3:01 pm

Tpeg88
November 12th, 2012
2:57 pm

I’m wondering how much is scheme though, if you saw the QB sneak, there was wicked push from the center.
************************************
Thank you for reminding me of that play. The best QB sneak Ryan has ever run………..are we sure he was the one under center?

Sherman to the Sea

November 12th, 2012
3:02 pm

If Michael, Dancing Bear, Turner could get to hole quickly without doing his Dancing with the Stars routine, maybe the line would look a little better.

tidog

November 12th, 2012
3:02 pm

Turner doesn’t play on the offensive line. The surge begins with the line but if there is no surge and the line is pushed backwards own it.

WD

November 12th, 2012
3:03 pm

McClure is right.
Sorry but its on Turner. The holes are there, not long, but they’re there.
I slow-mowed several of the botch runs and Turner absolutely takes too long to get to the line.
You have to hit them quick and he is slow as Christmas now.

rivercard

November 12th, 2012
3:04 pm

First to Mcclure- hard to take you serious when that DLINE camps out on your backfield most of the game.
Turner still a productive back at times but even on his best day he wasn’t a good short yardage back. Bad scheme/play calling. If Snelling or FB can’rt serve as a short yardage guy then time to find someone who can.

bo joe ellis

November 12th, 2012
3:05 pm

TURNER is not the BURNER anymore!
Why does turner line up 8 yds back…takes him to long to get to line. Falcons did a Graham ….

Here here

November 12th, 2012
3:05 pm

I think McClure is upset because somebody on the O-line is about to get benched. Maybe himself since he is complete horse hockey in getting push in the run game. He is not just throwing Turner under the bus here he is throwing coaches under the bus as well. Very unprofessional. I would bench him and start Hawley. McClure won’t be back next year anyway at what 38 yrs old. He’s too old. Time to move on to Hawley.

Trainwreck

November 12th, 2012
3:08 pm

Just from reading the comments so far I think McClure’s point comes to light. You can’t just put the blame on the O-Line or RB solely. O-line is getting pushed back and RBs are not hitting the hole. Both are at fault as far as I’m concerned.

NorthGaFalconFan

November 12th, 2012
3:09 pm

Turner is a big reason the game wasn’t won yesterday. Don’t blame it all on the O line.

Tpeg88

November 12th, 2012
3:09 pm

Esquire, who knows, maybe we need an instant replay to find out. A strong push and Matt Ryan running it? We may have been duped.

Heard It All Before

November 12th, 2012
3:10 pm

I Would Love 2 Blame Turner Also,However If Ur Getting Hit Before You Arrive @ The Line Of Scrimmage,It’s Probably Not The RB Fault… Penetration And Negative Rushing Plays,Simply Can’t Be The RB’s Fault,Jeez We Can’t Evan QB Sneak 4 More Than 3inchs,SIMPLY NO MOVEMENT/PUSH From The Middle Of Our Line!!!

UGABrave

November 12th, 2012
3:12 pm

It is Mike Turner..the guy runs like like he has concrete shoes on..He is slow and has no burst at all..Not sure why he is still on the team.. The Falcons need an Adrian Peterson type back…Turner is a bum

Michael McIntosh

November 12th, 2012
3:12 pm

Todd McClure needs to check himself becasue I watched the game and he and Claybo had a rough go of it. They are not getting the push simple and plain! Redzone play Tony is wide open but Matt could not set because Claybo got beat AGAIN by Cameron Jordan and he had to throw to Roddy. The OL is an OK line not a great line but there are two weaknesses that needs to be addressed center and right tackle.

tmc

November 12th, 2012
3:12 pm

Translation: Michael Turner is slower to the line than the Titanic trying to make a turn. And the line can only create/hold a block for so long.

Get rid of the problem!

Is the Falcons line the best o-line in the league? no, but they are not the worst either. There are many running backs who dodge a tackler or run away from a potential tackle using vision. MT does neither of these. He runs right into a tacklers arms without variation. I saw him twice yesterday run away from where the blocking was supposed to go and lost yardage.

He’s slow, doesn’t make initial people miss and rarely breaks a tackle within the first 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. If he were breaking off 10-20+ runs as the norm, i could live with the occasional loss of 1 yard. But he is the opposite. For every 10-20+ run, he has 20-30 no-gain or 1 yard loss runs.

He’s KILLING drives!

Dan

November 12th, 2012
3:12 pm

Long for the days of William Andrews that guy was money….Gerald Riggs blasting guys…..would probably take Bubba Bean at this point

Dan

November 12th, 2012
3:14 pm

Can we PLEASE find a guy that can actually return or at least threaten a return of a kick??

scottg

November 12th, 2012
3:15 pm

maybe they have’nt figured out that to get that one yard, you actually have to move forward.

Gatorzone

November 12th, 2012
3:15 pm

Mcclure is worried about Konz taking his spot? Something needs to change on both ends… Line needs a better push, but coaches need to get with Flabby and inform him he is too heavy to do his dance act on running plays and he needs to hit the hole with authority… Jerome Bettis played at a heavy weight, but he did not dance, he pounded… I think Tubby Turner doesn’t want to play that game…

Heard It All Before

November 12th, 2012
3:16 pm

The Runnin Game And OL’s Toughness,Grit,Determination & Intimidation Factor Left Town With Harvey Dhal!!!

Ryan

November 12th, 2012
3:17 pm

DOL – Do you know if the team is thinking about letting Snelling run the ball more often and in short yardage situation in particular? He was decent a few years ago, and I find it hard to believe he could be any worse than Turner.

Rip

November 12th, 2012
3:21 pm

Todd McClure is a joke, thje guy is just to old and the rest of the lineis just weak. I too think Turner is to slow to the line but, I do not think that is the issue, the defense was all ready in the back field.

Gatorzone

November 12th, 2012
3:21 pm

Turner proved his dedication when he arrived at camp again 40 lbs overweight… Look at Ray Edwards… At 37, he lost 35 lbs in the offseason to be more dedicated to his craft… Turner has NONE of that and it shows! The man lacks Heart, plain and simple! To be great, you have to out work everyone else and tubby does not do it!

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

Man.....

November 12th, 2012
4:49 pm

See Quizz’s move he made to get down inside the redzone?

That’s what a back is suppose to do.

If you’re gonna run the ball at the one, try Quizz, try Snelling, try Ryan even.

Why is it that the best running teams in the league are that?

Because they have HBs like Foster, Forte, and Adrian Peterson.

Guys who are fast, and can cut back.

The only thing Turner cuts nowadays is his steak………..

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
4:50 pm

So i guess you saying Matt Ryan is a thug Blackcow, who does not pay child support and dances around?

Blackcow

November 12th, 2012
4:59 pm

Nope, Matt Ryan is one of a few on this team who is not a thug. It’s not even so much the Falcons, just the entire NFL. It’s really no secret, is it? Most of these players are coming straight out of the hood anyway…that’s just become football in America.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:00 pm

Go ahead put your sheet with the eye cut out on……..at least tell us who you are without the code name “Thug”

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:01 pm

BTW Seen have you seen Drew lead his team to a 4-5 record this year? That guy is blasting and setting records. He is the man!

WTF#33

November 12th, 2012
5:01 pm

Why does everyone keep blaming the OL for our horrible running game. If I am not mistaken, this is the same OL with the exception of one player that had MT putting up huge rushing numbers back when he was not slow and out of shape. So now that he can’t atleast get back to the line of scrimmage due to being touched on the foot and falling down so easily, so all of a sudden that same OL has forgot how to block. The holes are there for a few seconds but it takes MT so long to get started that the DL has now disengaged the initial block while he is still dancing in the backfield like he is Barry Sanders or something.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:02 pm

And as far as your “hood” reference, last I checked they came out of college. Like I said put your sheet on so we can see you coming. At least be proud of who you are. Dont hide behind code words.

robo71

November 12th, 2012
5:08 pm

if turner appeared to be giving maximum effort he may not receive so much negative attention. let him see a open hole and he runs hard. if he has to make a cut or contact he is 1/2 speed at best. there has to be a player on a practice squad somewhere that wants to make a name for himself running hard. our line didn’t play that well but damn turner pick up the pace….

4BsihTneeS

November 12th, 2012
5:09 pm

AnswerThis: LOL! Your team got exposed yesterday, watch Arizona take advantage of that game tape and gash your team’s soft defensive belly. LOL!

Falcon Fan 30291

November 12th, 2012
5:10 pm

Fudge That Skit! Even if the O line did run block the greatest a good to decent back can get 1 yard on his own. Not to mention a 250 lb back. Turner is finished, to many cup cakes and trips to Magic City. Its not like he got gang tackled he lost every one one battle. Goes down on the first hit every play its time to run a more Hungary back how bout Selling / RODGERS SPLIT THE CARRIES.

jaz

November 12th, 2012
5:10 pm

Just wondering if a vertical skycan video of the goal-line play exists, that would help determine what the line and back did (or didn’t) do?

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:10 pm

Watch my team have a 8-1 record…….whats your teams record?

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:13 pm

And like I said Seen…….its hard to beat New Orleans in the Dome……………………..

Unless you Kansas City

Just saying………………

4BsihTneeS

November 12th, 2012
5:13 pm

8-1, LOL! And nobody is in awe of it, certainly not in New Orleans!

4BsihTneeS

November 12th, 2012
5:14 pm

It’s hard for your team to beat my team, anywhere!

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:18 pm

1. you dont have to be in awe, you just got to get out of third place
2. 8-1 = 1st place
3. 4-5 = third place……….
just saying, we did not beat you. and we still got a 4 game lead…….dont be in awe just do something to get out of the cellar!

Falcon Fan 30291

November 12th, 2012
5:22 pm

Like i said i don’t care if the o line blocked or not Fat Boy should be able to get 1 FkN years on his own. He is not dancing 8 man fronts. No team can play us like that with our passing game and like my 1st lost he never wins the 1 on 1 battles. Play Selling and Roggers b4 it cost us in the playoffs.

Blackcow

November 12th, 2012
5:24 pm

Oh these gangsters are given college scholarships, don’t go to class, most barely make passing grades, and they’re not thugs anymore? Right.

I love football but the NFL really needs to focus on getting quality people and role models like Tim Tebow. Tebow isn’t the best player in the league by far, but he’s a great person. And what does he get? Made fun of and ridiculed while these classless losers are praised and looked up to.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm

In your opinion! not going to go back and forth with you its a Falcon football blog not a code bait so you can talk about people that you have formed an opinion on blog. Your comments show who you are and what you are about. Feel bad for you. RISE UP NATION.

Delbert D.

November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm

How about a big offensive lineman at fullback?

Blackcow

November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm

Thank you. Please pray for me.

PMC

November 12th, 2012
5:29 pm

last column should be all of the above.

The Front 5 is doing a great job of pass blocking and a bad job of run blocking. Turner doesn’t fit this scheme. He isn’t bad but he needs space to run in, he’s a guy that requires lead blocking.

For the 5000th time, the personnel with this team is not quite good enough at tackle, the center is long in the tooth, and the linebackers are nowhere close to as good as they need to be.

We missed on some guys, Robinson isn’t as good as he’s paid to be, the safeties don’t understand that they are the last line of defense, and Ray Edwards is an incredibly worthless bum who may be the softest defensive end to ever collect a paycheck.

Turner requires a lead blocker, because he’s not quick enough. Jacquizz Rodgers is not strong enough to run inside.

USE JASON SNELLING! It’s not a magic elixer but he can actually catch.

papadawg

November 12th, 2012
5:30 pm

I thinking if your OLine can’t push the other team 1 stinking yard then you are right. The whole running game is pitiful and has been since that meanest lineman in the league left.

Blackcow

November 12th, 2012
5:30 pm

If you’re implying I’m a racist, you’re just reading into what you want to hear. There’s no denying that there are a large percentage of NFL players who are complete gangter wannabes. Sorry if you are insecure about your race, but I’m just stating the obvious. Nobody ever said anything remotely racist..

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:31 pm

A
N
T
O
N
E

S
M
I
T
H

Falcon Fan 30291

November 12th, 2012
5:31 pm

How bout start snelling at hb.

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:32 pm

R
U
N
S

N
O
R
T
H

A
N
D

S
O
U
T
H

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:33 pm

ANTONE
SMITH
RUNS
A
4.29
40

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:34 pm

ANTONE SMITH IS ON OUR ROSTER RIGHT NOW.

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:34 pm

WHY NOT ANTONE?

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:35 pm

Hit dog will holla! BTW I am white! Just saying!

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:36 pm

DID YOU HEAR WHAT THE SECOND ANT SAID TO THE THIRD ANT?

WHERE IS ANTONE?

GET IT? ANT ONE?

Falcon Fan 30291

November 12th, 2012
5:36 pm

Get this Blackcow looser off the blog. Its supposed to be about the run game all this loser wants to talk about is football players wanting to be rappers. I don’t care what the player looks like as long as he can play you are on the wrong blog loser.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:37 pm

By the way I would love to know where you got those figures…..complete gangster wannabes? LOL. They look like complete millionaires to me………..just saying

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:37 pm

By the way, I don’t know cr@p about football. But could someone tell me why we have not given the rock to Antone just a few times? Is there some “football” reason I just don’t understand???

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:38 pm

Thanks Falcon Fan…….I could not put it any better!
@ Old man
That is FUNNY!!!!!!
Who did Ant one piss off? Can he not get one touch?

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:40 pm

My wife said, “How can they be so lousy run blocking when they are good at pass blocking? That doesn’t make any sense.”

Even the wifey knows.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:41 pm

Smart woman! I still think its Mr. Two Piece Thigh………AKA……….MT33……..AKA……..A8/285/After magic city!

Grimey

November 12th, 2012
5:41 pm

Bench Turner, start rodgers. Draft explosive running backs

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:42 pm

Is Smitty worried about nepotism charges if he plays Antone?

PMC

November 12th, 2012
5:43 pm

All for Antone, do SOMETHING.

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:45 pm

Answer this:

Oh, he can get “a” touch–WHICH IS WHY HE HAS ONE REGULAR SEASON CARRY IN THREE YEARS. That was his single touch.

He always looks good in preseason to me.

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:47 pm

Remember “Where’s Waldo?”

Well dangit, I’m starting “Where’s Antone?”

I’m going to start printing bumper stickers.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
5:48 pm

RISE UP FOR ANTONE!

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:49 pm

Maybe it was just random luck, but every time I tuned in a preseason game over the past 3 years, and he got the ball, I would say, “dang, who is that guy?” Maybe I just went to the bathroom ever time lost 20 yards, fumbled the ball, etc.

Does anyone else remember seeing him play these past 3 preseasons?

100%

November 12th, 2012
5:50 pm

One loss and the players and the fans are throwing everyone under the bus, lol. Crumble. Reminds me of Smitty not being able to handle pressure, guess coach leads by example and everyone follows…

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:53 pm

Heck, maybe Antone is one of the guys who practices like cr@p, but brings it on game day. I’ve heard of guys like that before. So how do we know if he never plays?

Honestly, anything is better than “please, God, don’t let them run the ball here.” When all the fans are saying this prayer every time you need one yard, you know you have a problem.

If you have ever been praying this on critical short yardage, raise your hand.

I thought so.

old man

November 12th, 2012
5:54 pm

Where’s Antone?

E Love

November 12th, 2012
5:55 pm

The o line needs to take responsibility for not be able to open a hole for one yard. Man to man blocking. Zone blocking. I don’t care knock someone on his butt and get one yard. Fix this problem now

Falcons line doesn’t want all the blame for run game

November 12th, 2012
5:57 pm

[...] of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “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 [...]

E Love

November 12th, 2012
5:58 pm

Third and one and fourth and one is about WILL and PRIDE. Knock somebody on their butt

rocket pocket

November 12th, 2012
5:59 pm

mike are not makin anything happen with the ball in your hands unless the whole is big enough for a mack truck to go through. also anytime we need short yardage we have to run a trick play to get it. you cant tell me that the 3rd and one play when he was stopped by a corner coming from the outside should be able to stop dough-boy for a loss by his self

E Love

November 12th, 2012
6:01 pm

Falcons I am a big fan? Make no mistake about this statement. You have let a dangerous team back in the playoff race and we will have to deal with them a third time in January? O line get it together

Falcon Fan 30291

November 12th, 2012
6:03 pm

Turner should be benched. We have 2 other backs i feel could get it done on the roster all ready.

E Love

November 12th, 2012
6:07 pm

O line show some pride a guts when it is time to run the ball. We can’t miss the Super Bowl over lack of effort to hit and push the man in front of you so a back can make a play

Lesa

November 12th, 2012
6:07 pm

I am so surprised that McClure is throwing MT under the bus like this. Sheesh! The Falcons lose one lousy game and they start turning on each other?? I hope this is not a sign of things to come. I really thought they had good team chemistry and had each other’s backs. Wow, just wow.

E Love

November 12th, 2012
6:14 pm

We have to live with the backs that we have this year and i hope that we can survive our shortcomings this year at RB by coaching up the backs and the line

CHUCK

November 12th, 2012
6:14 pm

the real problem here is GM . how you do not draft a running back or quarterback in seven rounds of the last 2-3 drafts is just stubborn ( hard headed ) . we are lucky to be where we are from our fruits or lack that of from our last few drafts.

adamreyn

November 12th, 2012
6:14 pm

The Skins have RG3 and the Birds have MT3….Michael Twinkle-Toes Turner. He does not run with a lick of authority or decisiveness. If you compare him coming out of the backfield with most other running backs, you easily see his timing is out of sync with the blocking. He’s too slow and indecisive.

E Love

November 12th, 2012
6:17 pm

Adamreyn. I agree

old man

November 12th, 2012
6:19 pm

Where’s Antone? (2)

Heat Check

November 12th, 2012
6:20 pm

11-2…. enough said OWNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SawThat1nce

November 12th, 2012
6:21 pm

The Falcons could have easily won this game, with just a little bit of a running game.

Heat Check

November 12th, 2012
6:21 pm

“They do all the talking, we do all the hitting! We own this division!!!!!!!!!!!”

-Drew Brees

Heat Check

November 12th, 2012
6:21 pm

Matty Ice Your membership has been accepted

Sincerely,

The 1 & Done Committee

Heat Check

November 12th, 2012
6:23 pm

Anybody know the difference between the “dirty” birds and a dirty bath tub?

Give up?

A dirty batch tub HAS a ring!!!!!! hahahahahahaha

SawThat1nce

November 12th, 2012
6:24 pm

The Falcons are still 8-1, and will more than likely win the Div.

I doubt very seriously that the Taints will even make the playoffs.

GregKennesaw

November 12th, 2012
6:26 pm

Start Snelling against Arizona, at least he tries.

GregKennesaw

November 12th, 2012
6:27 pm

NFC South Champions, own the division

Heat Check

November 12th, 2012
6:33 pm

GregKennesaw,

and as this season is still not complete… who are the reigning NFC South Champions?

Don’t worry I’ll wait for your answer

old man

November 12th, 2012
6:33 pm

Where’s Antone? (3)

LakeDawg

November 12th, 2012
6:36 pm

There is plenty of blame to go around. The OL is getting ZERO push. Turner is tip-toeing to the line looking for a crease, when there will be no crease on 3rd or 4th and one. He needs to hit the hole hard on short yardage situations. Finally, I find the play calling on the goal line to be too dependent on ryan and perfect execution. How about some bubble screens to Julio to spread the D? Maybe some fakes into the line and then a flare to Quizz. In other words, the Falcons are too predictable. Other teams know they can just stack the line and come hard.

ATL/UGA #1 fan

November 12th, 2012
6:39 pm

story of the game…lets face it…
THE DEFENSE WAS AWFUL! NO D ENDS, LOUSY PASS COVERAGE AND RUSH…FOLKS THE DEFENSE LOST THE GAME…LIKE OLE ROY SAID…OFFENSEI SCORED 27 POINTS…WE SHOULD VE WON!

WONTWINITWITHMIKESMITH

November 12th, 2012
6:44 pm

Coach smith isnt capable of winning big games. Too conservative. He’s Tony Dungy. we need JOn Gruden.

ATL/UGA #1 fan

November 12th, 2012
6:45 pm

ATL COACHES ARE YALL LISTENING…IF US FANS KNOW THE PROB..SURELY YALL DO OR ARE YALL GONNA BE STUBBORN LIKE BOBBY COX AND KEEP LETTING AN O FOR 97 HITTER KEEP STARTING IN THE LINEUP…GOOD GRIEF..TURNER DOES NOT HAVE ANY POWER..TOO MUCH ALCHOHAL.AND NO TELLING WHAT ELSE…

Sophie's Man

November 12th, 2012
6:48 pm

Hate to even throw this one out there, but we all know that running up the middle isn’t cutting it with MT.

How about the wishbone?

Run to the ends. We’d need speed – we have no “break away” speed in the backfield at this time, but we can get some from the college ranks.

There was once a famous coach in Green Bay that made a killing in the league by the “toss sweep”.

playmeortrademe

November 12th, 2012
6:48 pm

Where is TJ Duckett when you need him?

I wish we could get endzone views of Turner’s 3rd-and-1 runs yesterday to see the gaps he did/did not have. I think on the one after Samuel’s INT a corner or nickel came up and played the edge. I think the 4th quarter goal line was about the line push and Turners inability to bounce outside.

I also think Ryan’s cadence needs to improve in short yardage. Sometimes I think the defense knew the snap count and could get off the blocks quicker as a result. Throw off the timing. If the D-line is forced to wait and react rather than jump the snap. the O-line’s job gets much easier.

phil

November 12th, 2012
6:51 pm

Mcclure can talk all day….

That’s not gonna fix one thing.

Talk, talk, talk and no results in the end. Same thing every year.

It’s clearly coming yet again.

keith

November 12th, 2012
6:59 pm

I love what he said, without saying too much.

coleski

November 12th, 2012
7:31 pm

I must not have seen the same game some of you saw. It looked to me like the whole o-line was
getting their butts kicked. So Turner is not so quick we see that, But there are no holes to run thru
I don’t care who the running back is. I like Quizz, but he is definetly not the answer. Also ,Snelling
has not had holes to run thru when he has played. The game with Dallas he was thrown to no
hole for a run. Sorry guys, I believe it is 95% o-lines fault.

ct

November 12th, 2012
7:31 pm

so matt ryan can get a 3rd and one with the line and turner cant lets be real we all know mike should not be starting anymore and we all know this is his last season with the falcons, i just get tired of him running soft problem is when the line block he looks like a star but when they dont he looks less than average the line was blocking yesterday enough for him to get a year instead he dances around like he is i a hip hop video and lose a yard

james

November 12th, 2012
7:32 pm

God we lose 1 game and all you crybabies come out,get your mommies to put you to bed with your bottle.

Nativebird

November 12th, 2012
7:35 pm

McClure is right. Michael Turner has completely lost it. What’s worse, is mike smiths inability to recognize it. Kinda like holding onto what is clearly now proven two wholly ineffective coordinators for 4 years. This organization has some big big “problem recognition” issuers all the way

Nativebird

November 12th, 2012
7:36 pm

McClure is right. Michael Turner has completely lost it. What’s worse, is mike smiths inability to recognize it. Kinda like holding onto what is clearly now proven two wholly ineffective coordinators for 4 years. This organization has some big big “problem recognition” issues all the way up to and including the GM and owner.

Riser Upper

November 12th, 2012
7:37 pm

@LakeDawg, I was thinking the same thing. Falcons are WAY too predictable in goal line short yardage situations. I was BEGGING the TV for a screen or a play action or something different. Coaches are WAY too stubborn sticking with a non-existent running game inside the 5. And without the threat of a screen or other trickery it becomes WAY too easy to play the pass. Mix it up!

And I agree with most about MT33, I despise watching Turner the “anti-Burner” run the ball. He looks like he’s got on cement shoes. Remember the last drive last week. Who was dancing outside breaking tackles? Sure wasn’t the Burner.

tfalcon

November 12th, 2012
7:38 pm

Its clear our run game sux!,maybe we should be more creative if we are going to always run up
the middle.But guys they had plenty of chances to win this game other than at the end of it.as bad as our run game was,Im more concerned about the tackling on the D,just seems to me if u been playing ball almost ur whole life,how can u forget how to tackle,Maybe DOL could ask them if they
were afraid of something

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
7:39 pm

Hole? What hole? I saw at least 5 or more plays were there were 2 or 3 Saint defenders in the backfield before Ryan even handed the ball off to Turner. That is not Turner’s fault. It’s only one loss people calm down and continue to root for your team. I hope nobody thought we were going 16-0. There will be bumps along the way, this is the NFL. Everyone is good and sometimes we will get outplayed and out coached. But we still have the best record in the NFL and our team needs our support. I want to apologize for bashing this organization last year. They know more football then all of us combined and our team is not as talented as most elite teams especially on the O line. Coaching has got us this far so bashing them after one loss sounds crazy to me.

techduck

November 12th, 2012
7:39 pm

Hey Todd,am not even going to read on your commets either.it wasn:”t just this game nor the giants game last year.You over paid grown so be pro. are way over paid anyway players.its been like this since Turner has been here.He will never be what all NFL people on espn and all of sports on T.V. say he is.Now this is where you can get a lot done just by talking and get a lot of respect and be one of the best player in the nfl and never be able to pick up a yard when you need only half a yard.Then you lose the game when only a yard was needed.Sick man,sick man.But i can say you are right on its not just you 5.all of you 11 guys are accounted for.With this Coach and This Q.B. and both lines or a disgrace to all of us.

Joe

November 12th, 2012
7:39 pm

We definitely need a change at RB, Turner’s inability to make a short yardage play just isn’t there, 15 carries 12 yards? cmon! and you lose yardage against the worst rushing defense in the league? Please start Snelling against Arizona. Turner has flopped so many times this year.

techduck

November 12th, 2012
7:41 pm

SICK

techduck

November 12th, 2012
7:46 pm

Hey Joe, not just this year ,every year he has been here.not worth the time. HE looks like he could get it done.But from the shoulders up he cant.

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
7:50 pm

Man you guys are disrespectful. You run into a brick wall 20 times a game for 5 years or however long Turner’s been here and see how your body feels. It’s not that easy or I would have had my application in a long time ago. Turner is one of the best FA pickups this team has ever had. How many times do top flight FA’s diss Atlanta for other cities or use us as bait to get more money from other teams? Turner actually came to our team when he probably could have broke the bank from another team or at least got into a bidding war.

old man

November 12th, 2012
7:52 pm

coleski:

It did look our O-Line was getting their butts kicked on running plays.

Here’s why:

If you are on the defensive line, and you know that the RB has ZERO ability to bounce outside, you know that your angle of attack against the guy trying to block you should be . . . INSIDE.

I see other teams have “great” blocks replayed on TV, and the announcers will talk about how smart the blocker was because he just took the defender in the direction he was going. That’s what Jiu Jitsu is about, right? Use your attacker’s weight and momentum against them.

Our OL does not have that option. If the play in the playbook says MT is going to run to the 4 gap, they are going to have to block their opponents in a specific direction to open up the 4 gap, because they know MT cannot bounce it to the 6 or 8 gap, or cut back to the opposite side. Defenders know that as long as they fight against a block, they will be headed . . . TOWARD MICHAEL TURNER. When other teams play against a legitimate running back, they know that if they fight the block, the offensive lineman might just take them right where they are trying to go, because they know their running back has the agility and speed to take it to a hole that was not diagrammed for that play.

Here is my point: A SLOW IMMOBILE BACK MAKES THINGS HARD FOR YOUR OFFENSIVE LINE. And, the defensive line knows that if MT somehow bounces outside, the odds are that a linebacker will track him down pretty darn quick. So they have every motivation to key on MT, fight the direction of the blocking lineman, and they know the play will just break down for us every time.

THIS EXPLAINS WHY OUR OFFENSIVE LINE WAS “FLAWLESS” (according to Mr. D. Orlando Ledbetter) IN THE PASS GAME, BUT SUDDENLY TURN INTO CR@P IN RUN BLOCKING.

D-Led, when we run 75% passes, and so our O-line is “flawless” on 75% of the total plays, how do they get a D minus??? Really????

Look at MT. He is overweight, slow, no flexibility, no agility. JUST LOOK AT HIM FOR GOD’S SAKE.

techduck

November 12th, 2012
7:54 pm

No excusees Grown Boys and weighs 300# and can:t get a half yard. FIRED all of them. PUT some (high schoolers in there) and paid them their money.

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
7:54 pm

Falcons RB Michael Turner has 60 career rush TD’s and needs 1 to equal totals of OJ Simpson & Herschel Walker. Not a bad career at all if you asked me.

old man

November 12th, 2012
7:55 pm

Falcon Fan

Read my post above. I agree it looked like our OL was getting their butts kicked on running plays, but I think my post makes sense.

How can they be great on pass plays and stink on run plays. An athlete is an athlete.

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
7:57 pm

Old man I agree, I know what my eye saw. I also watched the Sunday night game and the hole’s Houston were blowing open for Foster were enormous!

tom

November 12th, 2012
7:57 pm

run Turner off the tackles instead of up the middle. Check the stats this year and last and see the difference.

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
7:59 pm

I have faith that this coaching staff will figure it out.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:00 pm

FalconFan

I will bet you that TONS of Foster’s runs were into HUGE holes that were NOT IN THE PLAYBOOK BECAUSE HE HAS THE AGILITY TO HIT A HOLE THAT IS NOT IN THE PLAYBOOK.

It may look like the Houston OL just blasted open a huge hole, but lots of times its the defender going to the intended gap, and Arian Foster cutting it to the spot he just vacated.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:02 pm

It may not look like a cut from the standard sideline camera, but from the end zone camera, just a deviation from one gap to the next makes a huge difference.

AND IT ALLOWS YOUR LINEMAN TO TAKE THE DEFENDER WHERE HE WANTS TO GO.

techduck

November 12th, 2012
8:02 pm

Hey old man, right on the money.

Whynot Us

November 12th, 2012
8:04 pm

Let me begin by saying that I absolutely HATE losing to the Aints. I remember many seasons where my sole consolation was “at least we’re not New Orleans.” Then we got to the Super Bowl first, but blast it, they won one first. This is the perspective from which I write.

This was NOT a bad loss for this team. First, they did not do the little things that they have done consistently since MS became head coach. They beat themselves with too many little (correctible) mistakes. Since the game came down to the last play, the players got a powerful learning tool in why consistency with the little things that can be controlled (beyond physical ability) matter. The Falcons, in the MS era, have been a team that does not usually beat itself. In this game they beat themselves. This is correctible, and I trust that MS and his staff will do so! The Aints are still undisciplined and resultingly gave the Birds ample opportunity to pull out the game.

Second, we were missing key players who are assumed to be back (or more healthy) before the playoffs. Yes, the Aints were missing Sproles, but our team is a little different with Spoon and JJ at full speed. That provides hope for a different result in big games going forward.

Third, this game came at a good spot in the schedule: playoffs already a comfortable liklihood. (Not many expected that this early.) The coaching staff has seen vulnerabilities exposed. They have sufficient time to plan and scheme for how to best use the available personnel to stregthen our vulnerable areas. After this loss, they should have a very enthusiastic group of learners to work with. They can be shown on film that if they correct just a few of their mistakes, it can make a difference in the outcome of the game. Good lesson to learn and a good time to learn it. We have always known that this year will be judged by what happens in the playoffs

In terms of our personnel issues, for this year we have the players we have. I trust this staff to get the most out of the personnel available. They know they need some form of running game to keep teams honest in the playoffs. They will do what they think gives them the best chance to win with the guys they have to work with.

Longer term, I am personnally comforted by the fact that we have AB as an owner. I can envision him watching the game with TD and saying “the right tackle position is hurting the team, we need to do something about that going forward.” (For example.)

I hate losing to the stinkin’ Aints, but I am still very optimistic about this team now and going forward!

Whynot Us

November 12th, 2012
8:06 pm

P.S. – TG is a beast! It has been fun watching the latter part of his career. He has spent years working very hard on his body to stay at his Hall of Fame caliber play for so long. And he’s smart about taking hits. He’s the kind of guy I want to go into battle with.

Finally, getting the undefeated monkey off our back helps us get back under the radar a little. That is not necessarily a bad thing. The most important thing for this team now is don’t lose back to back and hit their groove late in the season

FAILCANTS =pedigree of failure

November 12th, 2012
8:07 pm

Stinking Aints and Caints kicked your a.zz yesterday loosahs

FAILCANTS =pedigree of failure

November 12th, 2012
8:09 pm

Lmao…no SB ring FAILCANTS….biggest 8-1 losers in the NFL…

100%

November 12th, 2012
8:10 pm

Squeaking by sub-par teams (.350 or so avg) with the easiest schedule in the league and buying into all the out of control hype and bs. Maybe the Falcons just finally ended up where they really belong, not quite able to compete against the best teams in the league playing only middling football. Should be proud to have taken advantage of cake schedule though, really.

Falcons RiseUp

November 12th, 2012
8:14 pm

We need to start Antone Smith as RB get some new feet on the field

techduck

November 12th, 2012
8:14 pm

Hey Falcon fan,YOu must have some kin folks on this pittyful team to say(Turner) he has been the best thing that has happen to the Falcons.LOOK at his carries verse yardage.How in this world can you say this.STUPID<STUPID.

Mikefalcon63

November 12th, 2012
8:14 pm

Time to dump Turner… Though it is not like Rodgers is busting through the line for huge gains either. Would like to see Snelling get some looks.

Esquire

November 12th, 2012
8:15 pm

Great Survey! Where is the option for *All of the Above…………??

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:15 pm

In a proficient running attack, I’ll make a wild guess and say that the RB takes a gap NOT intended in the diagrammed play AT LEAST 50% of the time, probably more.

And that makes the times that you DO hit the intended gap even more productive. If MT can’t create a question in the mind of the opposing defensive line about which gap he is going to take, that makes your offensive line’s job almost impossible.

It’s like playing 5 card stud. You’re the OG, and you only get three cards, and the DT gets 5 cards. You’re going to lose every time.

I will guarantee you this is what McClure is talking about.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:17 pm

Where’s Antone? (5)

Falcons RiseUp

November 12th, 2012
8:19 pm

Antone Smith is on the bench

Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired

November 12th, 2012
8:20 pm

The O-Line has not been able to open running lanes for the RBs all year. Sure Turner has lost a step or two but McClure needs to own up to the fact that the O-Line can’t move the defenders off the line. The Falcons’ O-Line is simply too small against larger/stronger defenders.

I also blame the coaches for continuing to try to run Turner up the middle and not use Smith, Snelling or Rogers on a sweep off the edge…..anything but keep running up the middle for a one yard gain.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:24 pm

Falcons RiseUp

That’s not possible. If he was on the bench, that means he’s on the team. And if we can’t gain one yard with the players not on the bench, it would not make sense that we have a different RB sitting on the bench, not playing.

So your idea does not compute. I think Antone is an illegal immigrant, and they keep him locked up in Suwanee on game day to keep out of hot water with the INS. That’s the only logical explanation.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:25 pm

Where’s Antone? (6)

Falcons RiseUp

November 12th, 2012
8:26 pm

Yeah we waste talent in Atlanta because Antone Smith is a great RB look how we had Houston QB on the bench for years now he leading his team to the playoff

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:27 pm

I’ve been bringing his name up all year. I have never gotten a single logical explanation of why he does not get a couple of carries. I haven’t even gotten an illogical explanation.

D-Led obviously doesn’t have one, or he would have replied to me by now.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:28 pm

Falcons RiseUp:

I hadn’t thought of Schaub. But your are exactly right. Excellent point.

Falcons RiseUp

November 12th, 2012
8:28 pm

Antone Smith is on Atlanta roster he just being wasted

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
8:29 pm

Hi i am a Aint fan and we are 4-5….hehehehhe4-5! In third place but we will make a run at 4-5 in 12th place in the NFC….we can make the playoffs….right? I think…right! We only give up 475 yards a game but we can stop anyone and that means you Falcons! We made all the plays! All the plays, except giving up 400 to Ryan, 100 to Julio and White and Gonzalez but we prevailed because you had three chances to score 21 more points but u got 9…so what we only scored 3 in the 4th quarter we won.

Whynot Us

November 12th, 2012
8:34 pm

Answer This – I much prefer our position to your position. Which is the better team will be decided in the playoffs… if the Aints make them.

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
8:37 pm

And somehow you are 8-1…..because you did not play Kansas City at your house and we did and we…ahmmmm we….lets move on. We are 4-5 only 4 games behind you and we are coming althoughwe must play you again…in Atl….hmmmmmm…and the Giants, Cowboys, 49ers, Raiders, tampa and the panthers left! We are on a roll at 4-5! Those defenses dont scare us! At 4-5 we have shown that we can……can not stop anyone. Only 6 teams to climb over for that wild card! Our D will lead us to victory….hehehehehehe!

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:38 pm

I’m beginning to think no one knows a single thing about Antone Smith.

I know he ran a 4.25 40 at Florida State.

I know he looks pretty good every preseason as a RB.

That’s all I know. Oh, I know he has one carry in 3 years of regular season.

Does anyone know ANYTHING ELSE about him?

Answer This

November 12th, 2012
8:39 pm

@whynotus
i like your position at 8-1…….at 4-5….our Super Bowl was beating the Falcons

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:40 pm

Is Antone Smith related to Mike Smith?

Whynot Us

November 12th, 2012
8:44 pm

Everybody has to play the schedule they have and the best teams will be sorted out in the playoffs. I am still optimistic about our chances.

SirReal

November 12th, 2012
8:46 pm

1) O line is soft against the run for some reason. Thats been glaring even when we went on our nice run. We also miss Mughelli. I said it earlier but AJC blocked me I guess….I’ll say it again. MIKE COX ISNT AN UPGRADE OVER OVIE!!! IRONICALLY OVIE AND CURTIS LOFTON HAVE THE SAME AGENT. HMMMM….
2) Sigh….I hate to say it but Turner’s about done. He just seems kinda blah these days. I dont know WHY we dont let players lower on the depth chart get more of a shot? How else will you ever discover hidden gems? ALL other teams do this. This is how you find the DeMarco Murrays of the league!
3) Clabo is the suspect lineman this year. I think his hip is hurting him pretty badly. He’s not the same guy right now. Baker is barely more solid but solid nonetheless. I’ll give him his due. Blalock is clearly our best lineman though. Did you guys see how he cleaned that guy’s clock and saved Ryan from what looked like a potential turnover? Konz is learning on the fly. The kid has promise. Mud duck? Come on…I know you’re frustrated but lets but honest. You are a GREAT caller at the line…but you are a center-lite. You’re not quite a hog my friend…at least at this stage in your career. Way to make the locker room tense with your dry shots. Be a man and tell Turner or the coaching staff to their faces.LOL

Whynot Us

November 12th, 2012
8:50 pm

@SirReal – good points on Blalock and Mud Duck.

Falcon Fan

November 12th, 2012
8:50 pm

Old man I’m not saying your wrong, but on Falcons replays I see them laying on their backs from being pushed back or standing there watching Matt Ryan or Turner get pummeled. I see Houston’s O line pushing forward and road grading, even double teaming the defensive line.

old man

November 12th, 2012
8:55 pm

If we came out and lined up with Antone as the lone back on the first play against the Cards, I wonder what their D coordinator would do. Probably go change underwear, because he would not know what was up.

I would alternate MT and AS, have JQ as my change up back. I would then go with either MT or AS, whichever seemed to be getting yards.

And on that first play, with all eyes on Antone? I would throw a bomb to JJ.

old man

November 12th, 2012
9:08 pm

Falcon Fan

You are getting above my pay grade. But I said a lot over the last several years that all MR2 was lacking was an extra half second in the pocket. I think this year shows that’s true. In the NFL, a half second is a long time.

In the trenches, I’ll bet the opposing linemen have maybe half a second–if that long–to figure out where they are going to go. If I’m Todd McClure, and I know I have only one option for taking a defender one direction or the other, it is only a matter of a split second before I’m back on my heels, off balance, and then landing on my @ss. If I’m Todd, and I know I can just take the opposing defender in either direction and use his own momentum against him, and my RB has the agility to adjust, well I’m going to be more successful in keeping my balance and gaining the advantage over my opponent. Plus, if my opponent is tentative from the get go, because he does not know where my RB is going, I can also gain advantage for that reason.

It’s obviously not all one or the other. But if I’m Todd McClure, and I have the choice of forcing a 340 lb lineman to go the way he is already moving, versus trying to change his direction, I’m going to look a lot better on TV if I can just move him right toward the gap he is going to, and let my RB go to the empty spot.

But yes, I agree with you, the end product on TV looks like the OL hasn’t moved anybody. And Arian Foster makes it look like his line opened a huge hole. But I think Arian opened some of those holes for himself before he even walked on the field. The opposing DL knows what he can do. And they know what MT can’t do.

confidence builder

November 12th, 2012
9:09 pm

304 lb. Mike Johnson looked good on that TD reception.

keith the falcon

November 12th, 2012
9:22 pm

It starts with the O Line…33 seems to be winding down, not much for this team as far as what they need NOW, has been great for the Birds the years he’s been here. The O Line is not giving 2 enough time needed, same for the 33, they have to push the D Line back…if the Falcons are going to win in the postseason…gotta give 2 the time and 33 the holes.

SirReal

November 12th, 2012
9:26 pm

Thanks WhyNotUs. And I think you were spot on with your previous posts sir.

Ryan

November 12th, 2012
9:28 pm

It’s sad to see Turner lose a step this season. I’m not sure if he’s complacent or if he’s just slowing because of wear and tear. He put in a few great years for us, but his play this year might cause this to be his last season as a Falcon.

Pigskin

November 12th, 2012
9:28 pm

Since this season, for all intents and purposes, is basically o-v-e-r after this loss, lets evaluate the rest of the team with some playing time.

We had a decent year at 8-8. Lets shake it up.

old man

November 12th, 2012
9:28 pm

Where’s Antone? (7)

J

November 12th, 2012
9:30 pm

The truth hurts! I wouldn’t place blame on anyone person. But, we’ve got way too many 4th and 1’s that spoiled last year’s playoffs and yesterdays game. They went to the well too many times, Tony Gonzalez had an amazing game. And all that taunting and celebrating at the beginning of yesterday’s game didn’t help too much either. In closing here goes. The Falcons front-line can’t match up with the physicality of the Giants, New Orleans, Bears, Green Bay. And if they don’t solve this equation fast, aside from getting some feelings hurt? There won’t be any playoffs or Super Bowls just a huge new stadium.

wisconsinfalcons fan

November 12th, 2012
9:31 pm

just my say granted it d take a TEAM effort to get the job done no matter what it is, turner is not our back of the future I think he is still productive but not as much I think we need a running back like Stephan Jackson some who is not just for speed but with power as well, just saying now as for the OL we need to get better as for a push for more yardage I mean with out the OL no one will go forward for-any yard rather it will be a running back or QB or wide receiver, with out a OL you can’t go anywhere and thats is on any team if I could I would just ask Walter Payton or Emmitt Smith or any great or todays players, every play starts with your Offensive Line be it bad or good

Pigskin

November 12th, 2012
9:34 pm

“… And if they don’t solve this equation fast, aside from getting some feelings hurt? There won’t be any playoffs or Super Bowls just a huge new stadium. – J

Exactly. This current squad is soft. This goes along with the whole Atl. pro sports culture. Laid back & soft.

Sick of it.

Falcons RiseUp

November 12th, 2012
9:40 pm

No Antone Smith is not related to the coach & you don’t hear anything on his behalf because they don’t give him any play time

TommyP

November 12th, 2012
10:20 pm

I believe Ray Edwards has been released.

Keeping it real

November 12th, 2012
10:27 pm

Like i said before the falcons don’ play with any intensity,the lines are to soft!

Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi

November 12th, 2012
10:28 pm

@tommyp yeah i just got a tweet saying that from my Bleacher report app. Have you found any other articles confirming that?

Tom(Independent Viet Vet-USAF)

November 12th, 2012
10:29 pm

I will tell you why we keep playing Michael Turner at RB, don’t we still owe him about 8-10 million over the last two years of his contract? Is this true or not? Thanks

Tom(Independent Viet Vet-USAF)

November 12th, 2012
10:32 pm

Another question, why in the hell did we let bad boy Harvey Dahl get away?

62-39-5

November 12th, 2012
10:35 pm

it is true ray edwards has been cut

FalconForever

November 12th, 2012
10:35 pm

Pass rush was MIA, too. Can’t blame it all on the Offense. And, what about that stiff arm to Dunta on the TD run. That has to be embarassing.

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

Eskoballa

November 13th, 2012
10:50 pm

and that will be a priority for offseason. drop or trade turner, and get a new hammer hitting running back from free agency or draft. same can be said about the defensive end positions. and dont forget the tight end position too as tony G wont be back next season.

Barry

November 14th, 2012
9:09 am

TURNERS PROBLEN IS THAT HE CAME INTO CAMP OVERWEIGHT AND LOST HIS SPEED AND POWER. NOW THIS IS IMPACTING THE OFFENSIVE RUNNING GAME. FOR THIS YEAR, THE TEAN WILL HAVE DEAL WITH IT UNLESS HE IS DISCIPLINE ENOUGH TO REALIZE HIS PROBLEM AND START LOSING WEIGHT NOW, AND MAYBE HE WILL GET TO HIS NORMAL RUNNING WEIGHT BY SEASONS END OR THE PLAYOFF. AFTERWARD, HE MUST REMEMBER HE IS AN ATHLETE THAT MAKES LIVING ON RUBBING FAST AND FOR HIM DISRESPECT HIS PROFESSION BY COMING TO THE. SEASON FAT AND OVER WEIGHT, AND HIS MAJOR ROLE ON THE TEAM, IS TRAGEDY AND UNPROFESSIONAL. HOPEFULLY, HE IS LEARNING FRON. THIS. HE IS A MAJOR PART OF A TEAM. HIS RUNNING, KEEPIBG IN RUNNING SHAPE IMPACTS THE TEAM WHEN HE IS OB THE FIELD. GET PROFESSIONAL TURNER. STAET LOSING SOME WEIGHT AND RETURN TO “THE BURNER”.

Jimmy Crack

November 14th, 2012
9:12 am

George Washington: “It wasn’t me, it was this darned axe that did it!”

Fine Todd, it was BOTH YOU AND TURNER that can’t do your jobs.

Atlanta Falcons: Ghosts of past short-yardage failures still haunt | Atlanta Falcons

November 15th, 2012
9:40 am

[...] The offensive line took much of the heat for the Giants game and center Todd McClure doesn’t want that narrative to gain steam again. [...]

Amaurice

November 18th, 2012
10:39 am

I agree with McClure, It’not a line problem, back problem or scheme probelm. It’s all the above. Yes, i agree with you all on Turners behalf. He is not the type or style of running back the them needs today because of the change in the teams scheme and make up
Turner is a volume runner, who get’s better as the game progress. The falcon’s are no longer that team. The team will need to use rodgers more offten and early. We should run more out side and off tackle with a mixture of screen passes and quick slants from the slot to soften up oppossing deffences in the middle. Then spread the field when in the red zone and let ryan determine to run or pass with both options open at the line of scrimmage. This way you have a tired and confused deffence. It’ no all on turner. We should only use him in the 4th quater when we have established a lead to use clock or in the spread formation as an up back on a quick dive, a singal back setting while using the spread for a delayed draw play or as a decoy for play action or blocking. Turner still has value in this offenese. It all depends in how the birds decide to use him. So far he is not comfortable in his postion. Falcons, please stop using turnet to catch passes! He is not reggie bush, darren sproles, LT or AD. I rest my case. Go Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons: Todd McClure on struggling run game: ‘More to it than five guys up front’

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Atlanta Falcons: Todd McClure on struggling run game: ‘More to it than five guys up front’

Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.

305 comments Add your comment

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