Atlanta Falcons: Koetter on struggling run game: ‘Mike Turner . . . had no chance’
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons offense coordinator Dirk Koetter, in his first interview since the offense repeatedly failed in short yardage situations against the New Orleans Saints, acknowledged that the short yardage offense is a major problem for his unit.
Also, unsolicited, he noted that on a majority of Michael Turner’s 13 runs that he “had no chance” because “we had free runners at the point of attack.” Turner finished with 15 yards and was stuffed on key third-and-goal from the Saints’ 1-yard line.
The question was if Jacquizz Rodgers had earned himself more carries.
Here are the highlights from Koetter’s interview session:
ON THE SHORT YARDAGE OFFENSE: “We’ve got to do better. It’s highly unusual that you have a higher percentage on the season , 60 percent and third and 4 to 5; and we’re 50 percent on third and 1 to 3. That’s very unusual. To be third or whatever we are in the NFL in third down conversions and be only 50 percent on third and one is not what you’re shooting for. But we’ve got to do a better job. On a couple of them you have to give them credit for what they did on defense. Coaching-wise we’ve got to have a better plan.”
WHAT MAKES THOSE SITUATIONS SO CHALLENGING?: “They are challenging because you need one yard and everybody knows you need one yard. That’s what makes it challenging. It’s like you’re trying to make one yard and they’re trying to defend one yard. Maybe we ought to just pretend its third and 10 and we might be better off.”
HOW IS IT SUPPOSED TO ALL WORK TOGETHER?: “There’s always multiple parts. Sometimes we have checks on. WE are checking for different looks. The very first one the other day, we just didn’t block it right. We blocked the look wrong. We either didn’t prepare them good enough or they didn’t recognize it good enough. The second one we threw a pass and they ran an all-out blitz on one side, so we had some protection issues. The second time we threw a pass and I’d call that play in a heart beat. We didn’t execute it that time. Any single play out there, you can never just say it’s this guy’s fault or this group’s fault. There is always multiple reasons.”
IS THIS A BAD THING?: “Yeah, it’s a bad thing. If you had a magic wand and could wave it, then it would be easy to fix everything if you had that magic wand. Again, that’s one part of the game. We came up short in that part and eventually that added up to us coming up short on the score board. Your goal is on offense, you break it down into different segments. You want to be good on first down. You want to be good on third down. You want to be good in the red zone. You want to be good in short yardage. You want to be good on goal line. You want to protect the passer. You want to run the ball good. It’s hard to do all of those well all of the time. We definitely came up short in that area.
HAS JACQUIZZ EARNED HIMSELF SOME MORE CARRIES OR WILL THE SPLIT STAY THE SAME: “We never go into a game. We only ran the ball 18 times. We need to run the ball more efficiently as a team. It doesn’t matter who the runner is. When you look at the tape on the majority of Mike Turner’s runs in the game the other day, he had no chance. We had free runners at the point of attack. Jacquizz did a good job when he was in there. He touched the ball, but some of that could be luck of the draw. We’ll see how it plays out. Touches on this team are always going to be an issue because we have so many good skill guys. One guys increase in touches is going to come at the expense of another guy. Who is that? That’s the million dollar question.”
HOW DID RODGERS 18-YARD RUN LOOK ON FILM: “That was a nice run. He did a nice job. That was a pretty play. We needed one more. We needed one more of those.”
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186 comments Add your comment
VON TRAPP
November 13th, 2012
9:55 pm
TAKE DAS CONCRETE BOOTS OFF VON TURNER’S FEET AND THEN VE SEE POSITIVE RESULTS IN DAS NEXT GAME
Esquire
November 13th, 2012
9:56 pm
Falcons first play from scrimmage………………70% of their defense is shooting for #33 and he’s stuffed for a loss. Not how you want to roll when you’re trying to make a statement.
datruf
November 13th, 2012
9:56 pm
At the end of halves and the end of games…defenses know we’re going to pass but they can’t stop us.
This is the OC’s fault.
savannah buzz
November 13th, 2012
10:26 pm
It was my fault that Turner did not get those goal line touchdowns. I had him in my fantasy lineup, which pretty much guaranteed that he’d come up short.
kenfuller
November 13th, 2012
10:31 pm
MT is an expensive joke. An anchor dragging the team down. Release him.
Ed
November 13th, 2012
10:39 pm
Everything will work itself out against Arizona this week. I think Jaquizz Rodgers definitely needs more touches, he’s just way to sneaky not to get more PT.
buckhead benny
November 13th, 2012
10:40 pm
They MClure was getting pushed back several yards by Sedreck Ellis- I think when Konz takes over cent next year and they need to get a quality guard ever since they let Harvel dahl go its been a nightmare at that spot- Garrett Reynolds is a quality back up-
I personally think the DT spot needs to be addressed I thought it going into the season and everyone laughed at me but they need a john jenkins type dt to go next to Babineaux those rb’s from the other team will find it much harder to run thru that gap moving foward-
Next Man Up
November 13th, 2012
10:48 pm
We gave that game away numerous times. And when you can’t score from the 1 yrd line in 3 plays to win the game, you don’t deserve it anyway. Only one bad game out of every 9 we can live with. Can we get one of those Aints running backs? They run with energy and quickness like they want the ball (unlike ours). How can you leave Graham open all day? Did our DEs lay a hand on Brees (other than the congrats hugging after the game?). What happened to the Hartsfield D moving around to confuse the QB reads? Are we saving that for the playoffs?
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
10:48 pm
Yes it’s not just Turner the offensive line can do much better at protecting the run & Coach can switch it up a little use all our RB’s especially Antone Smith give Matt that extra run he need in the backfield
Slaw Dawg
November 13th, 2012
10:56 pm
Turner is absolutely the worst starting running back of any NFL team. He reminds me of an old Falcon running back from Tennessee, Haskel Stanback, good for a few years but after taking a beating year in and year out the only hole he wanted to find was in the turf. You could breathe on him hard and he would fall down in order to not take an unnecessary hit, it’s the same with Turner he is looking to get down and avoid getting hit, he has turned soft from the abuse of the last several years. It is now time for the Falcons to admit it and move on with another running back. Turner has realized that little ball mostly certainly draws a rowdy crowd. I have been looking for the Falcons to draft a running back now for a while, especially after last year.
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
10:59 pm
If we want to win football games in the NFL we have to let our players use their talent take the handcuffs off & let them play their game just remind them to keep it professional this not college football & Coach need to use our players quit letting great talent ride the bench like Antone Smith as RB keep Spoon on the field when we need him call trick plays a couple bootlegs lets get it together coaching & staff Atlanta is due a Super Bowl none in history so let’s make history we have a great team of players it’s time to start calling the right plays, using our talent & making the shots at least calling them anyways
Mikey
November 13th, 2012
11:02 pm
Take look at the re-play of the 3rd and one where M. Ryan did a quarterback sneak. See the offensive line surge forward, pushing the defense a full two yards down field. The Falcons made that first down. Then look at any 15 running plays. See the O-Line get pushed two yards into the backfield, with at least three players within a yard of M. Turner as he gets the handoff. The O’Line is dong a MUCH better job of pass blocking this year and Koeter is slowing down the pass rush considerably by using screens and draws. However, our O-Line needs to improve the run blocking if they are to win in the playoffs. I did see Konz push forward on several occassions but it was rare for anyone else. I think they might be able to do it but stronger personnel would certainly help. You can see that in this game they just did not have the strength or technique to overwhelm the defensive opposition. The New Orleans defense looked pretty good on Sunday, however their track record shows them so far this season to be one of the worst defenses in the history of the NFL. I hope that this provides motivation at O-Line pracice this week.
Falcons RiseUp
November 13th, 2012
11:04 pm
D. Orlando Ledbetter take my opinion all the way to the coach & I guarantee we win a Super Bowl
Next Man Up
November 13th, 2012
11:06 pm
Dirk Koetter came up short in the red zone by using the Mularky playbook.
backatcha
November 13th, 2012
11:11 pm
We are pathetic supporters of our sports teams. They have played lights out for 8 straight games and lose 1 which they were bound to do! We treat them like they’re not prone to error! Yes, it was 1 yard and we definitely blew opportunities; however, this is a defining moment for our guys. Yes, Roddy needs to shut up and play ball but we all know that’s not going to happen. Yes, we got a little arrogant and needed some humility. Hopefully, we takeaway from the experience. Technically, we should be 6-3. Everybody chill & pray! I would rather it be now than later! NO was the last time we wanted to lose to, but we did! Are we gone “put up or shut up?” Gut check time!!! Go D-birds
bo joe ellis
November 13th, 2012
11:25 pm
The Burner has burned out.
SCFalcon
November 13th, 2012
11:49 pm
Tom, I think Harvey Dahl set the attitude for the whole O line. He was nasty. Turner ripped off big runs when he was on the right side.
SCFalcon
November 13th, 2012
11:51 pm
Backatcha nobody is complaining about 8-1, we just don’t want to see it 8-2 or 8-3………..
JBIRD
November 14th, 2012
12:03 am
I think your right too on the play calling!
We’re still way ahead of other teams,but i think
Less penalties and less trash talking and more action
FALCONS RISE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
atlfalconsfan0125
November 14th, 2012
12:09 am
I hope this isnt a sign of implosion.
Atlanta Falcons: Koetter on struggling run game: ‘Mike Turner . . . had no chance’ | NFL Online News
November 14th, 2012
12:09 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged Atlanta, chance, Falcons, game, Koetter, Mike, struggling, Turner. Bookmark the permalink. ← Jaguars’ Shorts could be primed for big finish (Pro Football Weekly) [...]
Arizona Cardinals Defense
November 14th, 2012
12:21 am
Hello Matty Ice can’t wait to beat you down.
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12:40 am
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Ovie M
November 14th, 2012
12:43 am
Umm, I’m available.
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November 14th, 2012
12:53 am
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November 14th, 2012
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November 14th, 2012
1:10 am
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Curtis Payne
November 14th, 2012
1:18 am
Can’t wait to see the Bears tear that a$$ up in the playoffs and mike smith is fired
tom
November 14th, 2012
1:41 am
So much talk about not making one yard. What about the breakdown in the Falcon’s defense. Missed tackles, non-tackles. blown coverage. They put up to many points.
Esquire
November 14th, 2012
1:54 am
I am a blind Falcons wonk, that believes that we are going to the Super Bowl…
BBQ MAN
November 14th, 2012
2:08 am
whatever happened to offtackle and toss sweep calls?
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November 14th, 2012
2:09 am
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FalconJim
November 14th, 2012
2:13 am
Yep, Michael Turner never had a chance! And as long as he’s in a Falcon’s uniform WE’LL NEVER HAVE A CHANCE at winning a Playoff Game. Get him the heck outta here….we can do better at RB, than a slow, overweight, over-the-hill player like Turner!!!
Now, I would be the first to say that I appreciate MT33’s contribution over the last 4+ years….he was a “work-horse” for us….but his time has come and gone. Sorry, Mike….it’s all about production, and giving ourselves the best chance at winning games.
So with that said, I hope Smitty and Dimitroff realize this, and get their heads together and find us a running back, SOON!!! Time’s a wastin’, and the Playoffs will be here before we know it, and we desperately NEED a Premier back with some speed…
Arizona Cardinals Defense
November 14th, 2012
2:15 am
Esquire its about time you woke up and smelled the coffee. I still remember the 2 picks, safety, and fumble the last playoff game we played.
Creaky
November 14th, 2012
2:21 am
He can make all the excuses he wanys to, but the fact of the matter is MT looks like he’s running in plowed ground.
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November 14th, 2012
2:39 am
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The Burner Turner
November 14th, 2012
2:39 am
Listen you ppl stop complainging bout me. My legs feel good. I can crash a hole harder than Magic city. I dont drink no more so dont put that on me. Tonight I had 4 large cheeseburgers, 3 pepsis, a huge salad, and a lemon pie my mama made me. I hate my diet. Anyway my legs are huge. When I cant make a yard you complain. When I cant make 20 yds you complain. Hey I got 200 carrys and 433 yds this year. At least I am getting off on the ball. I hate when I run into them big guys so quick. Its like bam and I am looking at the sky. I remember when I could have bounced off ppl and run over ppl. No more. I told coach, I needed to put on some more weight so as to knock ppl off me. He said I needed to lose weight, and I was slow. Can you imagine the gall of that.
Oh well, I got to get to dinner now. we are having prime rib and mashed taters. I got a buddy of mine in the kitchen to slip me a primo early . I just ate it . Now I can go to chow and not have ppl look at me when I down 2 lbs of the ground round.
Can we go to the SuperBowl with this team and win. Yeh if we get a running game. hahahahahaa. Oh thats me .
oh well. See ya at the club
GaDawgsEamOut
November 14th, 2012
3:03 am
Atlanta still has a hard time getting the A gap open for turner. As the competition has increased and we’v seen close games already, just happened the Aints played the best Defense they have all yr. Though it can and will be a issue, as our Falcons will see more physcial dlines bringing pressure. Spoon was missed considerably, considering that bree’s used his TE whenever he felt the need. Lots of mistakes to clean up before the next matchup with nawlins in the Ga dome!
jerry
November 14th, 2012
6:06 am
A damning indictment of Mike Smith.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8622858/the-falcons-seal-their-own-fate-rest-week-10-news
Buddy Landel
November 14th, 2012
6:49 am
Dennis
November 13th, 2012
8:26 pm
I’m not a defensive co-ordinator and I only missed ONE call the entire game (where the play called was Turner up the middle).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Bullsh!+ alert!!!
drew
November 14th, 2012
6:57 am
How about spreading it out on short yardage instead of bunching up and trying to shove Turner through 11 guys in the box? When we line up tight, everyone in the stadium knows what’s coming. Spread it out and pass it, or sneak it, or QB draw…or SOMETHING other than our 11 guys trying to push their 11 guys back a yard.
Buddy Landel
November 14th, 2012
7:00 am
QB sneak on quick silent count.
vesaversa
November 14th, 2012
7:56 am
BS Turner look as if he tip toeing he is not busting the holes like he once did . It is time that the Falcons find themselves a bigger more diverse running back .
Nativebird
November 14th, 2012
8:10 am
BS. Turner is done.
BobDawg
November 14th, 2012
8:35 am
It’s not that hard… Line Julio Jones in the backfield along with Quizz and you can either Launch Julio up and over the pile or toss sweep to Quizz on a quick count….