Report card: Falcons’ grades for ugly win over Cardinals
Here are the Falcons’ grades for the 23-19 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
F – Quarterbacks: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had a woeful day with five interceptions. He had thrown three interceptions just twice before in 71 regular-season NFL games. He had three earlier this season against Oakland on Oct. 14. He had three against New Orleans on Nov. 2, 2009 in a 35-27 loss. Ryan finished with a passer rating of 40.9, his lowest mark since the second game of his rookie season when he had a 29.6 against Tampa Bay on Sept. 14, 2008.
C – Running backs: Michael Turner had 15 rushes for 46 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run. Overall, the Falcons had 24 carries for 48 yards as they struggled to run the ball again. Jacquizz Rodgers had five carries for 16 yards. However, they were able to hammer out enough yards to help run out the clock in the fourth quarter. Turner’s touchdown run was his fifth and the 55th with the Falcons. He’s the team’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns and has posted 56 total touchdowns (55 rushing and one receiving) with the Falcons. On Sunday, he tied wide receiver Andre Rison for second place on the franchise’s all-time touchdowns list. He trails wide receiver Terance Mathis (57) by one score for a share of the record.
B – Receivers: With Julio Jones clearly slowed by his right ankle injury, Roddy White picked up the slack with eight catches for 123 yards. Harry Douglas chipped in with five catches for 48 yards and Rodgers had five catches for 35 yards. On the season, White has 62 catches for 946 yards with six touchdowns. He needs 54 yards to record his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season.
B – Offensive line: The line was very strong in pass protection, but did have a few breakdowns against Arizona’s relentless blitz package. Ryan was sacked just once on 46 drop backs. The Cardinals had five quarterback hits. The run game continued to struggle as the running backs both averaged under 4 yards per carry. Turner averaged 3.1 yards per carry and Rodgers averaged 3.2 yards per carry.
A – Defensive line: Defensive end/tackle Jonathan Babineaux had a heads-up play on John Abraham’s sack-stripe of Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley. His touchdown was key to the victory. Also, Babineaux was the main beneficiary of the departed Ray Edwards’ snaps. He played defensive end in the base 4-3 defense, while Cliff Matthews and Jonathan Massaquoi also received snaps. Lawrence Sidbury was one of three players not to see any action in the game. (Backup quarterback Luke McCown and recently signed wide receiver Tim Toone did not play.) Abraham had two sacks to give him nine for the season and 121 over his career. He is the NFL’s active sack leader and is one of just 15 players in the NFL to record 120-or-more career sacks.
C – Linebackers: The second level is expected to stop any runs that get by the defensive lineman. This unit let out runs of 40 and 52 yards to the LaRod Stephens-Howling (22 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown). The 5-foot-7, 185-pounder has some speed. Akeem Dent and Stephen Nicholas had four tackles. Mike Peterson had three. Nicholas also dropped Arizona quarterback Ryan Lindley for a 14-yard sack when he ran over the top of fullback Anthony Sherman. “There were some big plays in the ball game,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “I thought the sack by Stephen Nicholas, basically to get them out of field-goal range was one the turning points in that ball game.”
B – Defensive backs: Robert McClain filled in well at left cornerback with Asante Samuel going down with a right shoulder injury. McClain led the team in tackles with seven. Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks came on to play in the nickel and dime packages. Safety Thomas DeCoud appeared to hesitate on Howling’s 40-yard run instead of blowing up the ball carry with a big hit. With the ineffective Arizona quarterback play, the unit basically had the night off in pass coverage. The Falcons held Arizona to 13 percent third down conversion rate (2 of 16).
B – Specials teams: Franks broke loose for a 28-yard return in the third quarter. It was his longest return of the season. “The guys on the outside picked up their blocks and gave me a chance to get started,” Franks said. “That was the biggest key. We wanted to make a big play in the return game and we made one in the kickoff and the punt return game.” Rodgers had a 30-yard kickoff return. Bryant made all three of his attempts and has made 25 of 28 this season, including the last eight in a row. Bosher averaged 47 net yards on four punts. He placed two down inside the 20. Bryant moved past kicker Norm Johnson for sole possession of fourth place in the team’s record book for made field goals. Bryant has made 87 field goals since joining the club in 2009. Johnson (1991-94) made 84.
A-plus – Coaching: There is some genius in the fact that the Falcons were able to win when so much went wrong. From coach Mike Smith’s bad challenge flag toss to Matt Ryan’s uncharacteristic five interceptions, nothing seemed to work. Take the win and move on.
NEXT UP: The Falcons (9-1) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) at 1 p.m. Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in an NFC South showdown. With six games to play, the Falcons have a three-game lead over the Buccaneers and a four-game game lead over the Saints (5-5). The Panthers, who are 2-8, are out of the title race. A win over the Bucs and the Falcons would take a four-game lead with five to play.
LATEST NEWS
Struggling Falcons survive turnovers, Cardinals in 23-19 victory
Falcons coach Mike Smith admits to challenge flag blunder
Abraham, Babineaux make heads up play to score much-needed touchdown
Falcons quoteboard after 23-19 win over the Cardinals
Matt Ryan discusses his five interceptions
OTHER LATEST NEWS
Video: Falcons will try to regroup against the Cardinals, who have loss 5 in a row
Julio Jones held out of practice with an ankle injury
LaDainian Tomlinson, Marshall Faulk weigh-in on Falcons’ sub-par run game
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter on struggling run game: ‘Mike Turner . . . had no chance’
COACHES ALL 22 FILM REVIEW: 6 key plays in the 31-27 loss to the Saints
Falcons pull out 19-13 victory over Cowboys to improve to 8-0
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107 comments Add your comment
Sly Boarders
November 19th, 2012
6:33 am
This win was like having to go to the bathroom (not #1) right after taking a shower. You’re still clean, but you feel horrible about it.
Hope Weatherspoon and Jones get well soon.
GO FALCONS!
Me Too
November 19th, 2012
6:35 am
A-plus – Coaching my @SS!!
LACK OF COACHING ESPECIALLY BY THE HEAD COACH IS EXACTLY WHAT GOT THEM INTO THIS MESS.
Give kudos to Mike Nolan but F to all others. How could a coaching staff so utterly fail to prepare a team for this game.
Mr. Panic Button
November 19th, 2012
6:36 am
A+ for coaching? No way! They get a fat D. Coaching is the reason many of the plays stalled. Coaching did nothing to move Ryan out of the pocket when passes were being batted down left and right. Can we get more playmakers on the field with Julio still injured? Play calling has been very conservative lately. What’s the insistence on running Turner? He’s done. Jacquizz and Snelling need the majority of carries. Smitty is never going anywhere with his conservative mindset. And how did he not know a turn over is automatically reviewed? He’s real bright I tell ya.
F for Ryan is appropriate. He still reverts to playing like a rookie whenever he has pressure in his face. This is Big Boy football Matt, man up. You’re going to meet defenses like this in the playoffs (if you make it there).
robertussen
November 19th, 2012
6:37 am
lets just forget about this and move on. we have three divisional games in a row coming up then giants lions and finish with the bucs again. lets finish strong and lock up home field for the playoffs. this is still our year!
Whadda Ya Know?
November 19th, 2012
6:38 am
Me Too, exactly! They are responsible for the lack of creativity and reverting back to Smitty/Mularkey ball.
Whadda Ya Know?
November 19th, 2012
6:45 am
robertussen, how can we forget about this? It’s the HC that is going to hold this team back. Arthur and Dimitroff needs to have a sit down with him TODAY and tell him to let the coordinators call the game. He’s there to motivate his team…that’s it. I’m so tired of seeing that slow Turner until it’s not funny. Ryan staring down receivers like a rookie. Cardinals picked up on something about his tendencies in 2008 and they still see it in 2012. He has improved but he still doesn’t do the little things. Also, why are there no double-moves from our receiving corps? When you have aggressive man to man defenses and can’t shake them you need to go to the double move to burn them a few times. We have too much speed on the outside.
The Real Falcon
November 19th, 2012
6:51 am
An OL that id woeful in the running game can not receive a B. Just protecting the QB is not their only job. The highest score available is a C-.
The Real Falcon
November 19th, 2012
6:53 am
Double moves require an OL that give the QB time to wait for the move to occur. Again not with this OL. Also Turner cannot run where there are no holes. What game are you watching?
Whadda Ya Know?
November 19th, 2012
7:00 am
The Real Falcon, I’m watching the same one you are. Turner couldn’t get to the hold even if it was open. He’s the slowest RB in the league. Ryan has time, he just goes into premature release of the ball when he still has protection. You’re the one that needs to watch the games HOMER.
Whadda Ya Know?
November 19th, 2012
7:08 am
“hole” you know what I mean. As in he can’t find one.
4BsihTneeS
November 19th, 2012
7:24 am
“One and Done”, coming your way soon.
Jim
November 19th, 2012
7:30 am
This team plays down to the level of their competition and play horrible when favored.
Mike Franklin
November 19th, 2012
7:54 am
At the end of the day, a win is a win in this league. No media-based style point tyranny here.
That said, the schedule doesn’t get any easier and another performance like this and it may not come out in our favor.
Big Daddy
November 19th, 2012
7:56 am
First, let me say, I am really happy we were able to pull a win out of that game. That said, our offensive line did a decent job of protecting in pass protection but not very good in run blocking. Too many times there was appeared to be a lack of pulling guards, tight ends in motion, etc to allow the running back to get into the secondary. The blocking setup did not account for blitzers too often which resulted in pressured throws. Something that Matt does not do well.
Harry Douglas really stepped up when needed and the secondary did a good job in coverage. I hope this gets ironed out in this week’s practices or we are going to get our helmets handed to us in Tampa.
coleski
November 19th, 2012
7:57 am
The o-line is still a disaster. Holes for the backs were almost nonexistant. These folks lay
all the blame on Turner for the poor running game. But did you see Snelling or Quizz gain
a whole lot of yards. I did’nt. Matt Ryan was shaken by the rush the Cards put on. I believe
Matt does get nervous when pressure is put on him.
Now the defense, too many big plays allowed. When they come up against a pretty good
team It will be Katy barred the outhouse door. This team can’t get by on luck forever.
But of course I ‘m glad they’ve won nine games and hope beyond hope they win more.
MTGUMMIBEAR
November 19th, 2012
7:58 am
I get as frustrated as anyone, but slow down, take a deep breath. The “almighty” Texans needed OT to win at home against a terrible Jacksonville team; Tampa should have lost to Carolina; it happens to good teams every week.
We all know that Falcons are still a little short when it comes to real difference makers and 2 of their best spent most of the game on the sideline. Every team has to deal with injuries, but this is a much different Falcon team when “Spoon” and Julio are full speed.
You can’t win playoff games in November so lets just hope Falcons are at full strength when it counts.
wtf
November 19th, 2012
8:04 am
Heres two excerpts from a guy making his living writing:’John Abraham’s sack-stripe of Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley.’ Whats a stripe? Oh,you mean a STRIP.
‘ This unit let out runs of 40 and 52 yards to the LaRod Stephens-Howling (22 carries for 127 yards and a touchdown). The 5-foot-7, 185-pounder has some speed.’ The La Rod Stephens-Howling? How about just plain ol LaRod?
Far be it from me to correct a PRO…
meh
Rick in Macon
November 19th, 2012
8:11 am
We must’ve seen two different games…the offensive line was horrible. Sam Baker was pitiful again and there was pressure on Ryan the entire game…this led to a number of the interceptions. Dunta Robinson once again showed he was totally worthless…he got beat again on a pass that went for 20 or 30 yards and missed several tackles. All in all, this is a team waiting to implode.
Bill
November 19th, 2012
8:12 am
Two things:
1) Ryan is throwing behind his receivers, allowing defensive backs to make a play. It happened twice in the endzone against NO, once to Gonzalez and once to White. He did it again on the pass to White that was intercepted to open the game.
2) Lots of talk about Turner and the number of reps. I think we are all overlooking something. Turner was effective when running behind a lead blocker. Why not line up Babineaux or Bierman at Fullback and let one of them lead the way.
nfcchampslieinga
November 19th, 2012
8:13 am
The ZB scheme that the OLine is using is holding up well for pass protection, but not for the run game. In the past we used a Power/Man to Man Scheme in the run game and it worked very well. The OLine is trying to open holes, just havent happened yet. Oakland has the same issue with McFadden, since they have changed over to a ZB scheme. His numbers are down, and its not because he is old or slow. I do know, that run game has to materialize at some point.
Fan since 66
November 19th, 2012
8:18 am
@MTGUMMIBEAR…agree completely. I was as frustrated as anyone else during the game. Saw some glaring faults, which will hurt us badly in the next couple of games, if they’re not corrected. However…we DID win! Ugly only counts in Ice Dancing, and though parts of yesterday looked like our players were playing on ice, it’s still one in the win column. Find it funny that Franks is getting props for a 28 yard return. Unless I’m misreading the stats, that’s the only return for him this year. What about the other 15 fair catches he has made this year? And the times he fc’s on the 5, but lets it bounce on the 25? I thought I knew a little about football, but guess I’m missing something. Why is he still returning punts for us? Somebody help me, please!
Hope next week is a pick me up game! Go Falcons!
Buddy Landel
November 19th, 2012
8:30 am
….yet, despite playing a horrible game, Atlanta won. Matt Ryan can’t look and worse, and the team won. Move on.
MG3
November 19th, 2012
8:33 am
I’m still excited to be 9 and 1, and in the mix for post season but someting definitely looks off with the team. Where’s the creativity in schemes that we were seeing earlier this season. I agree with some of the posts here about how we seem to be going back to conservative ball all of a sudden.
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
8:43 am
@ Sly Boarders
“This win was like having to go to the bathroom (not #1) right after taking a shower. You’re still clean, but you feel horrible about it.”
CLASSIC and FUNNY AS ALL GET OUT!
Ugly win but I guess we cant ge the prom queen every night? Got to date the fat chick every once in a while! It makes you better, and it show you are human!
Answer This
November 19th, 2012
8:44 am
@ Sly Boarders
“This win was like having to go to the bathroom (not #1) right after taking a shower. You’re still clean, but you feel horrible about it.”
CLASSIC and FUNNY AS ALL GET OUT!
Ugly win but I guess we cant get the prom queen every night? Got to date the fat chick every once in a while! It makes you better, and it show you are human!
LDawg
November 19th, 2012
8:47 am
Coaching was an A+? What game were you watching?
My grades after Falcons ugly win
November 19th, 2012
8:51 am
DOL – F – More spelling errors. You’re a paid journalist. You should not have spelling errors in every blog.
What is a sack stripe?
The Big Fat Blogger
November 19th, 2012
8:52 am
I agree with most of the posts on here, I (too) am excited that we managed to win this game, but at the same time, as said several times this year, we will get our a$$ kicked in the playoffs if we:
A) Don’t figure out how to stop the run
B) Don’t figure out how to run the ball ourselves
C) Don’t Create any pass rush (outside of John Abraham)
D) Don’t do better on special teams (Franks, I’m looking in your direction when I say this….)
MG3
November 19th, 2012
9:07 am
Abraham is the only playmaker we have on Defense. The guy is incredible and this team owes a number of games to him. He always seems to come up with a huge play when we need it most. How good could this D be if we could ever get another compliment to that guy on the other side.
okeetee
November 19th, 2012
9:11 am
Ok, we’re 9-1. We are in position to once again, gain home field advantage throughout the playoffs and get a bye week as well. Yesterdays debacle is over. We KNOW there will not be another game this year where we turn the ball over 6 times and Ryan throws 5 interceptions. It is now up to the coaching staff to prepare us for the games ahead, try to minimize the damage that can be inflicted on us by our flaws both offensively and defensively…..and to maximize the damage we can cause on our opponents by using our strengths to our advantage! Play calling must improve! We cannot continue to be predictable. We need to expand our play calling to include more than just the basics. I’m not saying load up on “trick” plays, but how about some pitchouts, screens, bootlegs, end-a-arounds, etc??? We need more yardage on first down! We get way too many 2nd and 8’s that turn into 3rd and long! In conclusion? Our coaching staff has to STOP smoking dope…..and come up with something that works!!!
The Falconer
November 19th, 2012
9:12 am
The Falcons 9-1 record is not an accurate portray of this team’s ability. They’ve only played 1 team with a record above .500. As a Falcons fan I feel that the NFL should not be allowed to hand out such weak schedules. Every team should have a balanced schedule. It just sets fans up for playoff disappointment. The Falcons are only playing 3 teams this year that had above .500 records LAST season when the schedule was made. That’s HORRIBLE! They are still only the 4th, 5th, or 6th best team in the league. NE, Chicago, Houston, Baltimore, and GB will all be very tough to beat in the playoffs for this Falcons team. Lets see how the Falcons finish out the season against NO, TB, and NY, and that will be a better indicator of where we’re at. But I am proud that his team finds ways to win despite not playing their best. Its a total team effort. GO FALCONS!
Big Daddy
November 19th, 2012
9:26 am
@MG3, I can’t agree with you that Abraham is the only playmaker. Babs, William Moore and especially Kroy Biermann have been exceptional in the last several games and A. Samuel has made a couple of critical interceptions. Most of the times the runs have been made on the opposite side of the line where Abraham and Biermann have lined up. They have defended well against the pass.
Whadda Ya Know?
November 19th, 2012
9:32 am
Big Daddy, I can agree with you on Babs and Biermann, but Willie Mo and Samuel have been very inconsistent this year. Now Samuel has hurt his wittle arm and can’t play. Willie Mo is not the banger he once was and needs to learn to wrap up players instead of hitting with his shoulder and trying to strip every ball. We have some sorry safeties. Nothing is constant with these guys. In fact, the defense hasn’t been constant all year. Play disciplined ball and wrap up and tacklet the opponent. They get blown off the ball and are always out of place (LBs caught up in the line with OLmen).
phil
November 19th, 2012
9:37 am
Pathetic and embarassing….
We’re done.
Mikey
November 19th, 2012
9:39 am
Congratulations to the Falcons for pulling this one out! It was impressive to see that they never got down in the face of adversity. The whole team kept their head in the game and kept pitching all the way through. In the end, it proved to be successful and earned them a win. The NFL is a little different than high school or college football in that there are top notch professionals on both teams every week. There is no such thing as a bad team although some teams end up with a losing record and some teams end up with a winning record. The trick is WINNING and that is not easy. Our Falcons found a way to win another one. I give credit to Nolan and the defense for keeping this one within reach after six turnovers. They still need to improve in tackling but they NEVER quit. Even Matt Ryan who was having a terrible day seemed to put the bad plays behind him and keep the pressure on for the whole game.
9-1 is looking pretty sweet! What a season! I know that our great coaches are learning from this team’s performance and with continued advancement on tackling and O-Line blocking they will have the domination that is needed. GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
G
November 19th, 2012
9:41 am
First of all, I’m satisfied with an “ugly” win over any loss……any day! 9-1 looks a lot better thatn 8-2. Ugly wins build character, pretty wins build facades.
Now to drill down on the concerns:
1. QB – Matt Ryan needs to minimize the turnovers against tough defenses.
2. QB – Matt Ryan needs to find a better way to score in the red zone.
3. DL – Obviously need a pass rusher other than Abraham.
4. Coaching – Koeter needs a better scheme for his RBs.
5. Coaching – What happened to the ellaborate blitz schemes?
4BsihTneeS
November 19th, 2012
9:47 am
Go Bucks! Beat the fal can’ts!!!
D man
November 19th, 2012
9:52 am
DLed – pretty harsh rating for Matty don’t you think? I’de give him a C- based on the facts that several of the interceptions were tipped passes and hit while throwing. He did continue to lead his team and managed some key drives in the win with a 301 passing yard day.
Also, we are so good this year that we can turn the ball over 6 times and still win…
Mike is Back
November 19th, 2012
9:53 am
Dled, I’ll take the bad one alone with the good one…JUST WIN BABY…after all…it’s adversity that prepares you for the playoff…not easy win…against lesser opponent.
MS might want to get the behemoth some snaps @ LT…just in case he is thrust into action due to injury…better to get him out there, and see what ya got…then to have to throw in the fire…because Baker performance of late…maybe the back is starting to bother him again…just saying.
We can count on teams coming after Matt the rest of the season…the ICE MAN is clearly a different QB when he is under duress…heck, so are the rest of the QBs. The thing that puzzles me is that…Matt has the foot speed to escape the pocket…AND MAKE FIRST DOWNS…when the pocket starts to collapse…I just think he’s become a little pass happy.
WAY TO GO DEFENSE…THAT WAS ONE HECK OF AN EFFORT!!!
RISE UP BIRDS…BEAT THEM BUCS…LET’S GO…LET’S GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D man
November 19th, 2012
9:55 am
neeS (formally known as Seen) – its Bucs, not Bucks. We’re playing Pirates, not deer. And it’s FalCans…
bowfan
November 19th, 2012
9:56 am
Matt Ryan, “good company to be in”? It’s not about you, it’s about the team that surrounds you. Bart’s ‘67 team won the SB and that’s not done without a good defense and supporting cast. 5 interceptions is bad company to be in.
You’ve gotten overconfident and sloppy the past 2 games. That first tipped pass intercept was on RW, but those tipped at the line are on you. Glad you recognized it and look foreward to your continued success!
Coaches A+ ? really?
4BsihTneeS
November 19th, 2012
10:06 am
D man: I call the fal can’ts: the fal can’ts; and the bucks: the bucks. There is no admiration lost between me and the fal can’ts and/or the bucks. buck fans get really annoyed being called the bucks, perhaps you’re a closet bucks fan! (Let me guess, only when the bucks are playing your team’s primary rival.)
G EAUX SAINT S !!!!
1stn10
November 19th, 2012
10:09 am
bowfan…really?
Falcon James
November 19th, 2012
10:55 am
An A+ for Coaching? That would mean they had a perfect or near perfect game! Did you see Mike Smith throw the Challenge Flag to stop a drive and effectively turn the ball over himself? That is not a perfect game. I blame that all the entire coaching staff.
Other than that- grades are on the money.
Falcon 3107
November 19th, 2012
11:03 am
I think the OL was terrible Matt was running for his life the whole game. He has proven if he has time he’s one of the best. We still don’t have a decent pass rush. If JJ wants to be an elite receiver he needs to get and stay healthy.
Big Crimson 75
November 19th, 2012
11:08 am
Mike Smith doesn’t get an A+ yesterday!!
I understand the win is a win argument, however the Falcons looked woeful yesterday.
Nolan saved Smitty.
2 guys named John Skelton & Chad Lindsay helped tremendously!!
Esquire
November 19th, 2012
11:21 am
@4BsihTneeS
November 19th, 2012
10:06 am
Closet Bucs fan? …………….heck no, we openly pull for them every time they play ya’lll
BK
November 19th, 2012
11:22 am
THAT WAS THE WORST WIN I HAVE EVER SEEN , BUT ILL TAKE IT. WE GOT TO GET IT TOGETHER TWO BIG GAMES COMMING UP. WE CAN NOT PLAY AGAIN LIKE THAT AGAINST TAMPA OR WE WILL GET BEAT DOWN.. ATL RISE UP!! GO FALCONS!!!!
Falcon James
November 19th, 2012
11:26 am
Just curious here…..how many people rolled they eyes and were not surprised by the result each and every time Turner was handed the ball. I would love to see a Stat on how many of Turners carries this year went for 1 yard or less. I know we can’t pass every single play, but to me, handing the ball to Turner is a waste of a play.
Marcus
November 19th, 2012
11:42 am
LOL @ Sky Boarders …
why is everything in BOLD?!?!?
DOL …. on the coaching grades …. Nolan busted the curve, Koetter, I guess, musters a ‘C’ (if Matty got an ‘F’) and Coach Smith was peeking at somebody’s paper during the test.
Good thing there is no BCS for the NFL. We would have dropped in the polls due to style points. HOU almost got snuck from behind by JAX.
Also, we need you to get on TV and holla at ya boy on Mike & Mike (ESPN). Jets get all the talk when they are draggin @ss in the AFC. Sad state of affairs.
Cedric
November 19th, 2012
11:44 am
2 things; Why is the offense not using the no huddle hurry up mode when offense not getting anything going early and also when is Spoon 56 coming back to field. Need that swagger vs the run next few weeks. Go Birds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harpie
November 19th, 2012
11:52 am
You have to be kidding with that A+ for coaching! What game were you watching?
1998 NFC Champions
November 19th, 2012
12:04 pm
This is the third stinker the Falcons have laid at home this year against a lousy team (Carolina, Oakland, and Arizona). Give credit to the Birds for gutting these games out and finding ways to win, but an elite team should bury competition like that.
I really need to see a good performance in Tampa this week to feel better about the Falcons. It seems like we peaked early against Denver and San Diego and haven’t been the same team since.
Calvin G. Sims, Sr.
November 19th, 2012
12:30 pm
Me Too
November 19th, 2012
6:35 am
A-plus – Coaching my @SS!!
@Me Too
You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.
How many snaps did the coaches take?
Go Falcons
Starship 1
November 19th, 2012
12:31 pm
John Abraham cannot be the only Falcon, whether offense or defense-that has the mental wherewithall in a game to recognize what he did that made a huge difference in that game. I saw other Falcons just standing around, even though the whistle had not blown. What does this say? It says that many a Falcon player thinks that a win will or should be automatic for them-just because of their 8-1, now 9-1 record-but that is a very dangerous way to be thinking. I know I’m right-because the Falcons really are better than what they displayed, but you would’nt know it because of their attitude about the game. Forget New Orleans-the Cardinals game has got to be the “wake up” call for this team-it better be period.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
November 19th, 2012
12:31 pm
I totally agree that handing the ball to Turner is, 95% of the time, a wasted down.
I specifically watched yesterday the O-Line when Turner was handed the football. On several of those plays, there was a small hole opened by the O-Line but by the time Turner got there the hole had already closed with defenders. He is just too slow hitting the holes with the limited ability of the O-Line personnel that the Falcons currently have to even open a running lane. If the coaches keep utilizing Turner the team won’t be successful past the regular season. Don’t like saying it BUT….It is just a fact!!!!!
Sly Ty
November 19th, 2012
12:36 pm
Dear Fans, we have 9 wins and 1 lose. Sounds like we think the Falcons are the Cleveland Browns. No, according to our record, we are the #1 team in the NFL. The only team that played well yesterday was the Patriots. The same team who’s coach allowed his Probowl tight end to break his arm. WE WILL BE FINE…
B'Red
November 19th, 2012
12:36 pm
Matt Ryan gets frazzeled under pressure and thats when he make mistakes, other teams have picked up on that and will be putting he heat on him.
B'Red
November 19th, 2012
12:41 pm
He does not have the pressance in the pocket to step up or move to the side to avoid pressure and still make a play, he loses his composer under pressure.
1998 Was Our Year
November 19th, 2012
12:48 pm
No Team in the NFL has ever went deep into the Playoffs and won Super Bowl without a running game. Another great season for the Falcons but another playoff bust for the Falcons.
Rick James
November 19th, 2012
12:58 pm
One game and out for the Falcons again this season in the playoffs….
abby normal
November 19th, 2012
1:00 pm
Still can’t believe the Falcons won that game. Against just about anyone else we get waxed by at least two touchdowns. As for the grades, I would give Nolan an A for his second half adjustments. The head coach, however, no more than a C. How can you not know the rule regarding challenges? Cost us a good chance of keeping the drive alive.
And, another thing. Mike Smith is famous for saying “we’ll get that fixed” everytime something goes wrong. The run game is still pitiful and has been for a long time. How about it, Smitty? Tick tock, tick tock.
Man...
November 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
Anyone notice how, when Ryan starts throwing picks, he can’t stop?
3 in the first against the Raiders, and 3 in the first against the Cards.
I understand some were tipped, and etc.
But come on now.
These defenses seem to have his tendency down.
He’s not great when he rolls out either, threw one right to the DB on one.
Really needs to work on his passing lanes.
warfalcon
November 19th, 2012
1:21 pm
The OL is soft,that`s it.ONE GAME AT A TIME LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
warfalcon
November 19th, 2012
1:29 pm
Matt Ryan still does not have that wife thing down yet,he comes home from out of town and gets it put on him.He plays better on the road,he gets more rest. ONE GAME AT A TIME,LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Angry Carolina Panthers Pop off in Public, and More NFC South News | :: Sparxxrx LLC ::
November 19th, 2012
1:35 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution posted its report card from Atlanta’s 23-19 win over the Arizona [...]
Flacons loose the next 7 games
November 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
What a embrassment 4 the Flacons.
They need 2 strat the back up QB next week.
Turner needs 2 lin up at FB
Why havet they sighed Ovie yet?
This the worse I seen teh Falcons in years.
Maybe it time 4 a new caoch.
Say what
November 19th, 2012
1:45 pm
Why has the Falcon offense reverted to Mularkey/Smitty ball? This needs to be fixed ASAP. We’ve seen that show before. Use Turner late and Snelling and Quizz early.
What an idiot analyst
November 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
Offensive Line B.
ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….ROTFLMAO….
only in the mind of someone who is afraid to speak the truth.
When Ryan wasn’t running for his life he did fine. The Cardinals were able to put consistent pressure on Ryan right up the middle. No NFL QB is effective when pressured up the middle.
Editor
November 19th, 2012
1:48 pm
The offensive line is a joke.
Editor
November 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
@Man…
Just watch the film. Complete breakdowns on the offensive line. Falcons run deep routes which take time to develop combined with no blocking on running plays means heavy pressure on the QB. When Ryan has time to throw, he does well. Like most other elite QBs. The difference is the other elite QB’s have offensive lines that block. What is surprising is that Ryan isn’t injured.
RUSSELL
November 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
DO ANY OF YALL EVEN WATCH FOOTBALL…WE PLAYED A GREAT PASSED DEFENSE THAT WAS ON THERE A GAME I READ A POST AND IT SAD MATT RYAN PLAYING LIKE A ROOKIE WHEN HE UNDER PRESSURE…SMH EVERY QB GET RATTLED WHEN PRESSURE IN UR FACE..IM SURE NUN OF THOSE CRITICS EVER PLAYED AND TO SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE BUCS AND CARDS DEFENSE IN THE SAME SENTENCE IS DISRESPECTFUL TO THE CARDS BECAUSE HE BUCS HAS THE WORST DEFENSE PASS WISE IN DA LEAUGUE….MATT WILL PUT UP 4 OR MORE PASSING TD AGAINST THEM…WE PLAYED A HECK OF A GAME AGAINST A SOLID DEFENSE I TP MY HAT TO THEM THE FALCONS NEVER PLAYED THIS GOOD EVER SINCE 98…RISE UP WE GOING TO NEW ORLEANS AGAIN AND WE GONE CELEBRATE…
G
November 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
Matt Ryan threw most of those picks flat footed. The OLine did a pretty decent job blocking for the pass. Matt just took too long to let it go. But Matt has GOT to do a better job in reading defenses and going through his progressions. Hold the phone in calling this guy an “elite” QB.
Flacons loose the next 7 games
November 19th, 2012
2:24 pm
I say it time the Flacons bench Rayan and strat Mcnoun
Loose Caboose
November 19th, 2012
2:28 pm
Looks like Fish House is back…
Mike Morowski
November 19th, 2012
3:24 pm
Ryan had a terrible game, but you should probably only give the QB an “F” if his team loses.
Esquire
November 19th, 2012
3:25 pm
F – Quarterbacks: I dunno DLed, not all of the interceptions were Ryan’s fault….I go F+
A-plus – Coaching: I dunno DLed, Coach about cost us the game. Genius……? Naw, he promised the defense a 30 Oz T Bone Steak dinner if they got him out of that situation. That’s not genius, it’s bribery.
Esquire
November 19th, 2012
3:26 pm
Falcon James
November 19th, 2012
11:26 am
Just curious here…..how many people rolled they eyes and were not surprised by the result each and every time Turner was handed the ball.
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I rolled my eyes so much I thought I was getting a case of vertigo.
Esquire
November 19th, 2012
3:36 pm
Flacons loose the next 7 games
November 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
What a embrassment 4 the Flacons.
They need 2 strat the back up QB next week.
Turner needs 2 lin up at FB
Why havet they sighed Ovie yet?
This the worse I seen teh Falcons in years.
Maybe it time 4 a new caoch.
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Is this Joe Tess Fish House……….?? Buddy how we have missed you!! We’re workin’ on that new caoch situation really hard…….!!
Sighed Ovie? Ok, everybody together, a group sigh for Ovie…..!!
They need 2 strat the back up QB next week. OMG, didn’t they do that when they eviscerated William Wallace in Braveheart?
Dude, you are cruel.
mark
November 19th, 2012
3:53 pm
nolan for head coahc next year let smith go! he dosent have any cojones
GregKennesaw
November 19th, 2012
4:02 pm
reading these posts, you would never know that the Falcons have the best record in football!
mark
November 19th, 2012
4:04 pm
we got trick on spoon, low ankle injury? 3 weeks out? pfff lies. plus what is going on in the dome!!! we where used to see big games over there not bad games and matt ryan 5 int at home?, something is not working, they thought arizona was an easy game i bet they even train hard for that one, if kolb was playing we sure L the game, we got lucky very lucky that it was a 3 string qb, playoffs get real if u dont think so, look what have happend before!
Done
November 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
Are you helping Payton pack his bags for Dallas, ha ha ha !!!! The Aint’s will never amount to nothing. Coach is leaving and an old man for a QB tick tock tick tock ……
Done
November 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
Seen ^^^^^^^^ or neeS boy that will fake everyone out
Chris
November 19th, 2012
4:56 pm
48 rushing yds, 5 qb knockdowns and the O-line gets a B? A tad generous I’d say!
fishbone
November 19th, 2012
6:04 pm
I think the Cardinals went in to New England and used that pass defense to win…….and beat down Brady………..
D man
November 19th, 2012
6:49 pm
Seen – I’m with Esquire, we do pull for the Bucs when they play y’all…
Adogg36
November 19th, 2012
7:33 pm
Sign of a goood football team? Is a team dat can cme bac in clucth sitaution like yesterday.Falcon are a good team.But we have thing to work on.But Im inpressed wit da falcons.Falcon for life!!!!
Herpes Butter
November 19th, 2012
8:15 pm
Wow…..
Samuel
November 19th, 2012
8:21 pm
I think the play calling was a result of Julio Jones not being a hundred percent. He’s such an intergral part of what they want to do.However this guy continues to get bitten by the injury bug. down the stretch he has to stay on the field.
Hawes
November 19th, 2012
8:47 pm
Wow, can I go to your school? What an easy grader.
Three of Ryan’s picks were tipped passes, including one at the LOS that should be on the OL for letting the guy not only get his hand up, but get six inches of elevation.
No one on the offensive side of the ball deserves more than a C.
Joe
November 19th, 2012
10:16 pm
The QB gets an F? That is a little rough dont you think, he did win the game. Yes it was as ulgy as anything I have seen, but still, he won. I would say a C-
Barry
November 19th, 2012
10:36 pm
FALCONS DON’T RUN A “RUN ZONE BLOCKING SCHEME!! I WISH THEY DID. BRING BACK JOE GIBB FROM HOUSTON. HE WOULD FIX THIS LINE RUN BLOCKING THAT IS NON- EXISTANT RIGHT NOW. THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE SCHEME AND THE PERSONNEL. WHAT THE FALCONS DON’T REALIZE THST THEY CAN’T RUN LIJE THEY DID IN THE PST WITH TURNER , ESPECIALLY AGSINST DIVISION FOES, IS THAT THE OPPOSITION UPGRADED OVER THE YEARS TO STOP TURNER WITH THIS SAME LIBE. THEY HAVE BECOME BIGGER AND STRONGER WITH NEW PERSONNEL TO OVERPOWER THIS OFFENSIVE THIS OFFENSIVE LINE. I KNOW WE CAN’T CHANGE THIS YEAR. BUT NEXT YEAR WE HAVE TO REPLACE 75% OF THE LINE AND INSTILL A ” RUN ZONE BLOCKING SCHEME. BIGGER AND PHYSICAL LINEMEN.
zamot
November 19th, 2012
11:42 pm
They seem distracted at home…
DR. FALCON
November 20th, 2012
12:06 am
LEDBETTER, I WOULD’VE GIVEN MATT RYAN A D-! ONE OF THOSE INT’S BOUNCED OFF RODDY’S CHEST! RYAN DIDN’T MEAN TO THROW THE OTHER 4PICKS! YOU ARE TOO HARD ON HIM!
Ledbetter blocked me
November 20th, 2012
12:59 am
DOL proves that he is a homer at best and retard at worse to give coaching an A+ ..clearly his bow tie is too tight.
C from Marietta
November 20th, 2012
1:14 am
You guys need to chill out. The anger on this blog is just stupid. If a GAME gets you this angry. You need help.
BubbaDaBaller
November 20th, 2012
7:16 am
Outside, on grass, balmy weather, 55 yr old Ronde Barber prowling the deep zones and a College Coach who doesn’t realize he isn’t ” On the Banks of the Old Raritan” anymore…Could be trouble…Matt Bryant 47 yarder with 0:05 to go…”it’s up, it looks good” have to wait til Sunday to find out if its “good”…as time expires at RJS…
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
7:43 am
4BsihTneeS or SuxThisBZero
November 19th, 2012
7:24 am
“One and Done”, coming your way soon.
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Wow, you’re a regular Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary. Who knew Punxsutawney Phil was a stinkin’, smells like vomit on Bourbon Street, Caints fan.
Hey Phil, stick to the weather.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
8:21 am
Barry
November 19th, 2012
10:36 pm
FALCONS DON’T RUN A “RUN ZONE BLOCKING SCHEME!!
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Actually they do.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
8:30 am
Hawes
November 19th, 2012
8:47 pm
Wow, can I go to your school? What an easy grader.
Three of Ryan’s picks were tipped passes, including one at the LOS that should be on the OL for letting the guy not only get his hand up, but get six inches of elevation.
No one on the offensive side of the ball deserves more than a C.
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Tipped passes are on Ryan. Sure, the OL should shove a defensive man that has gone vertical but Ryan picked the lane. Difficult to not let him get his hands up and not get called for holding.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
8:43 am
If I combine your post:
G
November 19th, 2012
9:41 am
First of all, I’m satisfied with an “ugly” win over any loss……any day! 9-1 looks a lot better thatn 8-2. Ugly wins build character, pretty wins build facades.
Now to drill down on the concerns:
1. QB – Matt Ryan needs to minimize the turnovers against tough defenses.
2. QB – Matt Ryan needs to find a better way to score in the red zone.
3. DL – Obviously need a pass rusher other than Abraham.
4. Coaching – Koeter needs a better scheme for his RBs.
5. Coaching – What happened to the ellaborate blitz schemes?
with the first post:
Sly Boarders
November 19th, 2012
6:33 am
This win was like having to go to the bathroom (not #1) right after taking a shower. You’re still clean, but you feel horrible about it.
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then you get: NO $HIT
and I’ll add a SHERLOCK to the end of that.
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9:18 am
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Barry
November 20th, 2012
10:55 am
IF THEY ARE RUNNING A ” ZONE RUN BLOCKING SCHEM” , IT LOOKS TOTALLY DIFFERENT THAN HOW WE RAN IT IN ATLANTA WHEN JOE GIBB WAS HERE AND WHAT HE IS RUNNING NOW IN HOUSTON. GIVE ME A BREAK! WE ARE NOT RUNNING A “ZONE RUN BLOCKING SCHEME” LIJE GIBBS. IT DOES NOT EXIST. WE ARE DOING TRADITIONAL. BLOCKING PLAYS ON THE LINE WHEREIN THE PERSONNEL WE HAVE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS EXECUTING.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
3:25 pm
I’m listening to Dan Reeves on the radio yesterday and that is exactly what he said the O line was doing. I wouldn’t argue with the guy myself.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
3:25 pm
I’m listening to Dan Reeves on the radio yesterday and that is exactly what he said the O line was doing. I wouldn’t argue with the guy myself.
Esquire
November 20th, 2012
3:28 pm
@Barry
November 20th, 2012
10:55 am
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It just hit me…………….when did Joe Gibbs coach in Atlanta? Are you taking about THE Joe Gibbs??