Report card: Falcons’ grades for loss to Saints
Here are the Falcons’ grades for the 31-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
B — Quarterbacks: Matt Ryan passed for a career-high 411 yards and had a passer rating of 100.7. It marked the first time that the Falcons have loss when he’s had a passer rating of more than 100. They are now 29-1 in such games. Ryan had the team poised to win despite the running game being closed for business. He completed passes to eight different receivers including lineman Mike Johnson, who caught a 1-yard touchdown pass as a tight end eligible. Ryan completed 34 of 52 passes, had three touchdowns and one interception. The inability to get 1 yard wasted this fine effort.
D — Running backs: The Falcons were held to 46 yards rushing. Outside of an 18-yard run by Jacquizz Rodgers, they were stuffed. Michael Turner was held to 15 yards on 13 carries. Rodgers had four catches for 33 yards receiving. Jason Snelling caught two passes for 12 yards. There didn’t appear to be much available as the backs were hit in the backfield often.
B — Receivers: Tight end Tony Gonzalez and wideouts Roddy White and Julio Jones stepped up to help Ryan carry the one dimensional offense. Gonzalez had 11 catches for 122 yards and touchdowns. White backed up all of his talk with seven catches for 114 yards. Jones, who missed 28 plays with a leg injury, had four catches for 75 yards. Gonzalez became the eighth player – and the first tight end — in league history to catch 100 touchdown passes on a 2-yard touchdown grab with 6:27 left in the second quarter. The Falcons knew scoring in close would be a problem early as they may have used their tackle-eligible pass play to Mike Johnson too early in the game.
D-minus — Offensive line: The coaching staff clearly doesn’t have any confidence that the unit can knock back the line of scrimmage. Repeatedly, in short-yardage situations, the Falcons elected to pass the ball. The unit couldn’t open any holes in the running game. However, the unit was near flawless on 52 pass drops. Ryan was sacked once and the Saints had just on quarterback hit.
C-minus — Defensive line: The defensive ends couldn’t take advantage of Saints backup right tackle Charles Brown, a former second-round pick who has struggled in the past. He was starting for the injured Zach Strief. John Abraham played a season-low 32 snaps and was on the field for just 52 percent of the defensive snaps. He was a non-factor. Ray Edwards played 20 of the 62 snaps (32 percent) and Kroy Biermann played 46 snaps (74 percent).
C — Linebackers: Akeem Dent led the defense with nine tackles, but the unit didn’t have a good day against the run or in coverage. The Saints ran for 148 yards and tight end Jimmy Graham was on the loose all day. Veteran Mike Peterson had a strong five-tackle day while playing on 30 of 62 snaps (48 percent). Stephen Nicholas had the team’s only sack and had a tackle for a loss.
F — Defensive backs: Asante Samuel had come up strong in run support all season, but he lost containment on Chris Ivory’s 56-yard touchdown run and made a feeble attempt to push him out of bounds. He also cost the Falcons field position with an unsportsmanlike penalty after his interception. The normally sure-tackling group didn’t seem to want any parts of Ivory, who they made look like Eric Dickerson in his No. 29 jersey.
A — Special teams: Matt Bryant bounced back from his two misses last week against Dallas to make a 37-yarder and a 20-yarder. Punter Matt Bosher had a strong day. He averaged 46.7 yards on three punts and placed one down inside the 20.
D — Coaching: The Falcons rush to turn into a passing team caught up with them. As they were adjusting, they needed to take the power rushing game with them. (Who’s got Ovie Mughelli’s phone number?) On the key plays at the end they went with a 21 personnel (two tight ends and one running back) with Julio Jones and Roddy White flanked. That’s a passing formation. They have been creative in the past and put a lineman in the backfield for some power. They also used their tackle eligible play too early and couldn’t use it late in the game. The decision not to go for two points after cutting the score to 28-23 was dubious. What’s the difference in being down four or five points because you still need a touchdown? If they would have converted the two-point conversion they would have only needed a field goal. They haven’t fixed the missed tackling on defense and need to get the ground game going to balance out the offense.
NEXT UP: The Falcons (8-1) host the Arizona Cardinals (4-5) at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
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106 comments Add your comment
I don't care about a Monkey's opinion
November 12th, 2012
12:25 pm
@Esquire
nfcchampsliveinga
November 12th, 2012
12:28 pm
@Esquire, I think AS22 made a huge play there. His celebrations was uncalled for but the guy made a play. I have not seem many other Falcon corners cover with the skills that Samuels has. The run game and run D are more of a concern than Samuels play, in my opinion. Even without the run game, poor run D, penalities,and lack of goal Line Offense, the Falcons still had a chance to win the game. The passing game carried the team, and I believe if JJ11 could have came back earlier than the middle of the 3rd Quarter, Atlanta would have won. This Offense can be lethal, if the running game can be average or better.
Esquire
November 12th, 2012
12:30 pm
Over Analyst
November 12th, 2012
12:22 pm
Turner just doesn’t seem to have the explosive burst when he hits the hole. But yesterday, in those goal line situations, the run and pass blocking was as bad as you will ever see it.
With all of the “issues” of this team, they had a 75% chance of getting the winning TD on that last series, 2nd and goal from the 1.
Even with all of that horrible blocking, on the last possession, if White keeps running instead of back peddling, he has a TD.
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Man, incredible insight. Are you sure your not on one of those TV shows like Gurney Shore or Beyond the NFL. I’m calling Chris Berman!!!
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).
Tell it like it is
November 12th, 2012
12:39 pm
Amazing how after this loss we decide to point out all the imperfections of the team. No wonder they cant win consistently. Our fans cant show consistent support. We gotta support through good and bad games.
I don't care about a Monkey's opinion
November 12th, 2012
12:41 pm
@Esquire.
80sFalcon
November 12th, 2012
12:41 pm
@ oldtimer- Don’t worry about some of these guys. they’ve only been around when the Falcons have been semi successful. They don’t remember the very lean years
Over Analyst
November 12th, 2012
12:49 pm
@80sFalcon
I remember the 80’s well. 1 or 2 playoff appearances, then into the abyss. Just because you remember the team ‘foundly’ doesn’t mean they were any good. They would have no chance against the teams of today.
Chill
November 12th, 2012
12:51 pm
Also am i the only one who that thought Harry Douglass should have scored on that pass he caught at the 3?? Its very hard to score a touchdown when you turn your back at the Goaline cause your scared about getting hit…
Esquire
November 12th, 2012
12:52 pm
I don’t care about a Monkey’s opinion
November 12th, 2012
12:25 pm
@Esquire
****************************************
Solid information about your prosimian background!! Can’t thank you enough!
I don't care about a rocks opinion either!
November 12th, 2012
1:01 pm
@Esquire..
old timer
November 12th, 2012
1:08 pm
@ Esquire
That was a fun year…
btw Over Analyst….My point was, wouldn’t it be nice to have an O-line of that Quality today. As much as I would like to see Turner gone, there aren’t many backs that could gain many yards when you’re getting hit behind the line of scrimmage. But you would think that a 250 lb. would be able to gain 1 yd. when your team needs it the most!…
Connor
November 12th, 2012
1:14 pm
Man, sometimes I think fans can be really dumb. Everyone overreacts way too much. This team isn’t much different from last years. I do they think they may get a playoff when this year, but this is not a Super Bowl team yet. I don’t think anyone really thought they would go 16-0. I said this same thing when they were 8-0
Jeff Yates
November 12th, 2012
1:15 pm
Why are we not signing Ovie Mughelli to a contract today????
Elvis
November 12th, 2012
1:21 pm
How many more times does Smitty have to run Turner in critical situations and get nowhere b4 he sees what we all see? Its a wasted down. I keep wondering what happend to Jason Snelling as well. I disagree with some of the other bloggers, the holes are THERE! Turner just cant or won’t hi them. One particular play leaps to mind where Turner on first down takes the handoff and one guy just grabs him by the waist and he goes down for a loss….he wasnt even hit and the guy didnt wrap up Turner just went down period. William Andews and Jamal Anderson (the good one) were not high round picks in the draft but served us well…we can find another RB…but please give snelling, quizz or even Antone Smith some chances!!
JonathanFalcons
November 12th, 2012
1:39 pm
How can you grade the RB’s that low? I felt so bad for Turner every time he got handed the ball and there were 2 defenders in his face. There was truly nowhere for him to go. O-line did a nice job pass blocking but the run blocking was abysmal and Arian Foster couldn’t have found room to run yesterday.
falconsrus
November 12th, 2012
1:41 pm
old timer Warren Bryant just committed another false start lol
RainMaker
November 12th, 2012
1:43 pm
Ledbetter….I don’t know how you can’t give the running game an F, the offensive line an F and goal line playcalling an F!
Your a freakin’ homer and that’s all there is to it.
robo71
November 12th, 2012
1:45 pm
my 9 year old runs harder than turner. what a waste as a tailback he has become.
Getaway
November 12th, 2012
1:46 pm
I’m mixed on the Oline play yesterday. Run blocking was weak, too much penetration, but Ryan rarely hit. That one play near the goal line where Ryan was about to get crushed and in the blink of an eye, Blaylock, I believe turned around and flattened that defender. I was thinking that if they come back and win this game, that play could have been the turning point.
Getaway
November 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
JonathanFalcons – the difference is Foster has a full back opening holes for him and he’s quick enough to get through before they close.
RainMaker
November 12th, 2012
1:52 pm
Ok…I take that back Dled…I’m just still fuming from yesterday. Shouldn’t be taking it out on you sir.
SimpleDawg
November 12th, 2012
2:13 pm
Falcons O-Line is soft….very soft. If they were toilet paper, they would never rub one’s arse raw.
3rd & 1 is the Falcons Achilles Heel.
oldbird
November 12th, 2012
2:16 pm
@ oldtimer
I remember that line very well. My mom can evern recite “Holding, number 66, offense”. Good old Warren Bryant could plow the road but dang he was bad to hold in passing situations.
JFKDawg
November 12th, 2012
2:28 pm
Not Turner’s fault when he had the defense draped on him before he can get to what should be a hole that never was. OL is mediocre at best. Its time to let McClure retire. I would select OL for the first 3 rounds and lay off picking a WR first round. Again.
Esquire
November 12th, 2012
2:30 pm
I don’t care about a rocks opinion either!
November 12th, 2012
1:01 pm
@Esquire..
******************************************
Man, what a battle of wit you are…………!! A little unarmed ain’t ya?
Esquire
November 12th, 2012
2:40 pm
JFKDawg
November 12th, 2012
2:28 pm
Not Turner’s fault when he had the defense draped on him before he can get to what should be a hole that never was. OL is mediocre at best. Its time to let McClure retire. I would select OL for the first 3 rounds and lay off picking a WR first round. Again.
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No doubt Turner was getting hit in the backfield.
Here are some draft prospects for 2013.
http://tinyurl.com/yg8wc3s
Looks a little thin at RB………..!!! I wonder who will be available @ the 32nd pick!!
Techster
November 12th, 2012
2:44 pm
Am I the only person that is starting to get frustrated that Julio can’t seem to stay in the game? He’s been in the training room or on the sidelines for chunks of both of his seasons. I don’t think Roddy ever misses a snap – big difference between those two. Julio = great talent. Too bad, great talent is useless if not in the game.
Jay
November 12th, 2012
3:01 pm
micheal turner is slower then a 90 yr old man that can’t see. Man slow slow slow worst then tj duckett tip toe tip toe
Jay
November 12th, 2012
3:16 pm
Enter your comments hereneed to find a back that can hit the whole with size like an adrian peterson,arian foster from texans . Nfl is a lot more faster now so teams dont rely on big backs over 250 anymore. Turner needs to lose bout 25 pounds and learn how to hit the hole and get some cut back ability and vision. Too bad rodgers is so small
busman333
November 12th, 2012
3:17 pm
except for a few the most lackluster game i’ve seen in a few years,,,a shame because a few tried so hard
Banned by Mark Bradley
November 12th, 2012
3:57 pm
My grade:
Mark Bradley for being a thin skinned baby, unable to take critique by first holding my remarks, then not allowing any of my remarks to post during the game.
Nice work…..Of course, this is typical for AJC bloggers.
Banned by Mark Bradley
November 12th, 2012
3:57 pm
Grade is F
Greg
November 12th, 2012
4:06 pm
THE FALCONS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MATT RYAN, ARE A CLASSLESS BUNCH OF HOODLUMS.
Eric C.
November 12th, 2012
4:10 pm
Enough on the 2pt conversion…they had about a 20% chance of converting. Also, 13 minutes left between those two sorry defenses was like having two quarters left.
RainMaker
November 12th, 2012
4:47 pm
Yes, I said that already, but it wasn’t posted so I tried again.
Loyalfalconfrmthemississippi
November 12th, 2012
5:27 pm
Hey tampa bay likes to trade away their best players for later draft picks lets trade for doug martin
Mike Franklin
November 12th, 2012
7:49 pm
I do think that the Falcs loss to the S.aints was basically in the same turn as Alabama’s loss to Texas A&M. Here we saw two teams playing above their levels and two that failed to play up to their own. The outcomes were two close upset games and a media feeding frenzy on both.
Next week, we will probably see the Crimson Tide come out a cremate W. Carolina and the Falcons pluck the Cardinals of their red feathers before feasting on the carcass.
Falcon James
November 12th, 2012
9:09 pm
Right on D-Led. You were a little too kind with the Defensive Line, Offensive Line and Running backs Grades. This was by far the worst game of the season for the Falcon. We lost to an inept, sorry and over rated team. Tackling was poor. How many times do we have to tell Dunta and Asante that you need to wrap up. You can’t shoulder tackle anyone. The Saint made us look worse than we actually are. Its not such a big deal that we lost, but the Saint have a decent Running Back and a pretty good QB. Thats all they have and we made them look like Super Bowl contenders, which they are not. Let’s take this experience, taste what it feels like to lose now, and get it right next week. The Falcon are still the best team in the NFL and we need to show it every week.
technofalconeer
November 12th, 2012
10:10 pm
watched turner- dances to the line– does NOT stay near his fullback ot tight end etc- he needs to GET there quick and plow ahead!! get that one yard
DR. FALCON
November 13th, 2012
1:18 am
LEDBETTER, I WOULD’VE GIVEN MATT RYAN AN A! WITH THE LACK OF A RUNNING GAME, ON THE ROAD NO LESS, HE DROVE US DOWN THE FIELDFOR A POTENTIAL 20TH GME WINNING DRIVE! RYAN THREW FOR A CAREER HIGH 411YDS, TO TRY AND SAVE OUR TEAM! A “B” IS TOO LOW! YOU SHAFTED HIM!
dre
November 13th, 2012
1:59 am
Relax guys, you lost to Drew Breesus. It happens to everyone. Especially to the Falcons, every time. He’s just that great..
dre
November 13th, 2012
2:00 am
Relax guys. You lost to (Drew) “Breesus”. It happens every time.
j-dawg
November 13th, 2012
2:44 am
FREE SNELLING!!!! All he does is perform when given the chance…
Samuel
November 13th, 2012
7:19 am
The Coaching staff has to do a better job of getting the players ready to play and getting the most out of players. Drew Davis wasn’t ready for primetime.
fuzzybee
November 13th, 2012
8:00 am
Please people, get some perspective. I agree with DOL’s grades which gives the team overall a C. And you know what? Despite all that, the Falcons were ONE PLAY AWAY from winning that game. In games past this season they made that play. This time they didn’t.
What does this mean? The Falcons have some big problems, starting with the running game but they are still good enough to play with the top talent in the league and have a chance to win. That also happens to describe all the rest of the best teams in the NFL right now. They all have some weaknesses.
The coaching staff has done a great job working around the team deficiencies up to this point. In this game it caught up to them. I am sure that the best teams figured out what they were doing and adjusted. Hopefully the Falcons can find some new players or schemes to hide their weaknesses and play to their strengths for the second half.
And another thing, this team is being slowly whittled away with injuries, starting with Grimes and then moving through the rest of the team. I have been amazed that Mike Smith has managed to plaster over those holes so effectively up to now. This team is very good and better than last year due to coaching and Matt Ryan’s improved play. We know they will show up to play every week and be competitive and win a lot of games. The only question is whether they can win the big ones.
papadawg
November 13th, 2012
8:49 am
Passing for 400 yards between the 20s means nothing when you can’t score TDs from inside the 20 especially the one.
Mikey
November 13th, 2012
9:04 am
A tough day for our Falcons. Looks like most of them had a real bad day all at the same time. They looked afraid to tackle on defense all day just ike you would se in an elementary school game. In spite of what may be their worst game in four years, they nearly pulled out a win had Roddy hauled in that beautiful pass in the last second. This may be a blessing though. It may serve as motivation to hunker down and continue improving as fast as they can. We don’t want to see this happening in the playoffs… GO FALCONS! YOU DROPPED LIKE A LEAD BALLOON IN ONE GAME BUY YOU ARE RISING UP!
maddawg
November 13th, 2012
9:06 am
Id give the DB’s a “Not Ranked” …. They did sho show up other that whining and flipping their dreads at the camera.
Samual gets his arse burned… basically a no show…. then makes one play (pick) and is interested only in showing out to the camera as j-ass “ME” playa. Here I am guys … get this picture of “ME”. He was truely classless on Sunday. Showing his arse. Would love to have seen Smith jeark him. Showed a real case of the Deion but without the play to back it up.
This attitude has killed the Falcons before… We dont need it A.S. Nore from you Moore. Get your heads right
Preston Thompson
November 13th, 2012
9:16 am
What in the world is going on with Robinson and Turner? Those two are the real drag on the team. Like the article said, the running game was closed for business. Demi cut Edwards for not performing. He missed those two. Turner has no fire and Robinson is just like Samuel, two much into himself. When a player is willing to hurt the team for his little, petty celebration so everybody can see him, he is of no value to the team. I don’t recall Grimes ever getting a penalty after an interception. But one thing is for sure, they dearly love the worms hanging out from under their helmets. The Falcons have to have players not so egotistic as to hurt the team with their self aggrandizement. The Falcons have two their that love self.