Atlanta Falcons: Smith to ramp up bye-week practices
By Michael Cunningham
FLOWERY BRANCH–Phase one of coach Mike Smith’s plan to keep the Falcons rolling into the playoffs backfired badly.
The Falcons still can get the next part right.
The idea was that the Falcons would go all out to win against the Buccaneers on Sunday even though they already had the NFC’s No. 1 seed wrapped up. So the Falcons played their starters from start to finish and still suffered a 22-17 loss to NFC also-ran Tampa Bay in the Georgia Dome.
Instead of being buoyed by victory, the Falcons were cut down by a bad loss. Rather than maintain momentum, the Falcons saw it halted—and they couldn’t shrug it off to sending out their backups.
The Falcons won’t be able to do anything about it until opening the playoffs on Sunday, Jan. 13 against either Minnesota, Seattle or Washington at 1 p.m. at the Georgia Dome. But Smith has a plan to keep his players and coaches sharp until then.
The Falcons had a bye week in the 2010 playoffs before the Packers pounded them 48-21 on their way to the Super Bowl title. Smith said the lessons learned from the bye-week preparation that season prompted him to come up with a new plan this time.
“We are not going to do anything like we did last time,” Smith said.
The Falcons will practice more frequently — holding four practices — this week. They also will spend less time in practice emulating the schemes run by their potential playoff foes and do more “Falcons on Falcons” work.
The idea is that the different schedule and practice strategies will keep the Falcons primed when they have neither an opponent on which to focus nor a game to get ready for next weekend. Falcons players from the 2010 team said they relaxed back then.
“We probably thought back then like we arrived,” Falcons running back Michael Turner said. “We thought we were better than we were. We didn’t approach the week like we should have, looking back on it. Hopefully we learn from that mistake and will be ready to roll.”
It starts with more work days this time around.
After the Falcons defeated the Panthers in the final regular-season game of 2010, players didn’t have to report to Flowery Branch for practice until Thursday, four days after the game. They then then had the next weekend off.
“The work load is going to be different in terms of the number of days that we work and when we work,” Smith said on Monday. “We did not spend a whole lot of time on the field during our bye week (in 2010). We used it to rest. This year we’re going to spend more time out on the field. We’ll be out on the field four days this week. They won’t be long practices, but we’ll be out on the field.”
With the bye week after the sixth game, breaks after Thursday and Saturday games, Smith believes the team is well rested. With the extra work, Smith plans to sharpen up on the fundamentals of blocking and tackling, which he found lacking in the loss to Tampa Bay.
The Falcons will face the lowest seed to advance from the wild card run. They could see Minnesota if they upset Green Bay. If Green Bay wins, they’d face the winner of the Seattle at Washington game.
The coaches will start preparing for all three teams this week.
Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, who wasn’t with the team in 2010, said it will be “weird” to practice without knowing the next opponent.
“I’ve never been in that situation before and I don’t care for it,” he said. “I like to focus on one team. It’s hard when you have as many as four teams you are preparing for. The flip side is there’s no pressure. I look at it as it’s bonus work.”
Ultimately it’s going to be up to the players to make sure they stay ready. The Falcons have said all season they are a different squad after recent playoff failures and this is another way to prove it.
“We just got kind of lax in that week off [in the 2010 playoffs],” Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud said. “We lost a little bit of our momentum in 2010. It’s something that we’ve learned from. Now we just have to be mature enough to do what you have to do in that week off to make sure you can be at 100 percent that following week.”
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101 comments Add your comment
d
January 1st, 2013
8:12 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES, I am encouraged to see your prediction because you have not been right one single time. Thanks man and keep up the good work.
Esquire
January 1st, 2013
8:17 pm
OPEN YOUR EYES
January 1st, 2013
2:04 pm
AND YES GUYS AND GALS THE OPEN TROLL IS BACH AND READY TO MAKE YOU GUYS LIFE MISERABLE!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! (EVIL LAUGH FOR ALL YOU SLOW FANS OUT THERE)
******************************
Dumb A$$, if you have to tell us your a troll then you aren’t a very good troll…………..jeez.
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS!!!
Doughnut
January 1st, 2013
8:22 pm
Well it still looks like Michael Turner failed the team again this year. He still thinks he has arrived, he thinks he is better than he is and he didn’t approach this year like he should have (lose weight and get quicker feet and speed to get through the line).
Atlanta Falcons: Smith to ramp up bye-week practices FEATURED NEWS ARTICLE | Falcons - NFC South Daily | Atlanta Falcons Blog
January 1st, 2013
8:29 pm
[...] The rest of the article can be found here: Atlanta Falcons [...]
Don't be delusional
January 1st, 2013
8:48 pm
Fred Garvin
This is the 9th season without a playoff win, therefore you are correct.
Esquire
January 1st, 2013
8:52 pm
5-6-7-8
Everywhere we goooO,
Everywhere we goooO,
People wanna knooOw,
People wanna knooOw,
Who we aaa are,
Who we aaa are,
So we tell theem, So we tell theem,
We are the FALCONS!! We are the FALCONS!!
MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS, MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS !!
OHH AHH OHH YEEAHH
UGA ECONOMICS MAJOR
January 1st, 2013
9:26 pm
JOSH…STRONGLY AGREE………..GEORGIA DOME………GET LOUD…………LIKE A JET LANDING ON THE RUNWAY AT HARTSFIELD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whopper Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:10 am
Man, the exact response you would expect from an overmatched coach. We are doing nothing the way I thought we should the last time, we are going to practice the hound out of them against ourselves and hope like hell that is the right thing to do. He can’t handle it.
Truth
January 2nd, 2013
6:26 am
I hope they can, but don’t think the Falcons will make the Super Bowl. They have no running game, or run defense for that matter, and lately the play calling looks like Mularkey is still the OC. Unless they have purposely been going vanilla on offense lately, they simply don’t have the schemes to baffle elite defenses and advance in the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons: Smith to ramp up bye-week practices | NFL Online News
January 2nd, 2013
6:33 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons This entry was posted in Atlanta Falcons and tagged Atlanta, byeweek, Falcons, practices, ramp, Smith. Bookmark the permalink. ← Report: Syracuse’s Marrone to meet with Browns, Bills [...]
JUSTSAYING
January 2nd, 2013
6:44 am
I was listening too Espn live and NFL channel. its funny how they see the falcons with same eyes as the old falcon fans from the beginning. That is one and one. All the new cheerleader that down us for speaking the truth above Falcons and Mike Smith. It will, be I told you so
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
6:58 am
Fred Garvin
January 1st, 2013
11:52 am
I didnt like Dirk saying “there’s no pressure”,, I beg to differ.
**************************************************
I doubt he meant what you think he meant, who knows with the way writers take things out of context, re-position sentences, etc…….
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
7:18 am
JUSTSAYING
January 2nd, 2013
6:44 am
I was listening too Espn live and NFL channel. its funny how they see the falcons with same eyes as the old falcon fans from the beginning. That is one and one. All the new cheerleader that down us for speaking the truth above Falcons and Mike Smith. It will, be I told you so
***********************************
One and one……………….what the hell is that dunce hat? You arrived at a highly educated posting via the “experts” from both ESPN Live and NFL channel, too bad you can’t think for yourself, you certainly can’t write for yourself, get some help clown.
Just sayin’ ……………….
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
7:32 am
Whopper Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
1:10 am
Man, the exact response you would expect from an overmatched coach. We are doing nothing the way I thought we should the last time, we are going to practice the hound out of them against ourselves and hope like hell that is the right thing to do. He can’t handle it.
****************************************************
He didn’t say what you say he said. If you can trust the quotation marks from the writer Smith said,
“We are not going to do anything like we did last time” meaning they are doing it differently than how they did it when a loss occurred.
Over-matched coach? That is not what the Won-Loss records indicate over the last 4 years. Practice the hound out of them? Not really sure what that means but the new NFL PA doesn’t allow the letting loose of any hounds.
Samuel
January 2nd, 2013
7:37 am
Mentally the Falcons can’t take their three loses in the playoffs to this game. They have to stay focused and realize that they can beat anyone they play. I’m not concerned about the talent on this team. The only enemy the Falcons will have is themselves, When this team executes and plays at a high level their hard to beat especially in the dome…
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
7:43 am
Truth
January 2nd, 2013
6:26 am
I hope they can, but don’t think the Falcons will make the Super Bowl. They have no running game, or run defense for that matter, and lately the play calling looks like Mularkey is still the OC. Unless they have purposely been going vanilla on offense lately, they simply don’t have the schemes to baffle elite defenses and advance in the playoffs.
**************************************************
Tell me Truth, can they win that first game against either Minnesota, Redskins, or Seattle?
IMO they win any of those matches with Seattle being the toughest test. The Falcons have the talent to get to the NFC Championship game. To win that they will have to gut check and dig down deep. Then in New Orleans they will have to dodge some eggs as Caints fans have them and Goodell in their cross-hairs.
WE ARE THE MIGHTY MIGHTY FALCONS
………………………………and we are SUPER BOWL BOUND!!!
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
7:46 am
Samuel
January 2nd, 2013
7:37 am
Mentally the Falcons can’t take their three loses in the playoffs to this game. They have to stay focused and realize that they can beat anyone they play. I’m not concerned about the talent on this team. The only enemy the Falcons will have is themselves, When this team executes and plays at a high level their hard to beat especially in the dome…
*******************************************
Mostly I concur. 2 of those 3 losses this team was coasting. When they turn up the burners they are as tough as any team in the NFL.
Macongo
January 2nd, 2013
7:50 am
I wonder if the Falcons were playing an all girl team they could tackle better?
Loyal Falcon
January 2nd, 2013
8:08 am
I only have one word for my beloved Falcons….EXECUTE!!!!!! If the players execute and do their jobs there is no stopping this team.
Loyal Falcon
January 2nd, 2013
8:10 am
The OL and DL has to play aggressive and smart(no penalties).
CDFALCONS
January 2nd, 2013
8:24 am
GREAT regular season Guy’s…. Now that is over with here is the new season. Will Konz be the weak link on the O-line. Just a question because Konz is a center now playing guard. I seen games where he was just blown backward’s. Is he the weak link on the O-line? D-Led you maybe able to answer this. Thank you!
Whadda Ya Know?
January 2nd, 2013
8:46 am
I don’t really know what to think of this team. They play lights out one game and disappear the next. One thing that Smitty does not do is bench guys for screwing up. Maybe they’re the best we have and he just doesn’t want to lose, but some type of consequence is required to wake up some of these guys with their half azzed effort. That’s why no one takes this team seriously…you don’t know which team will show up from week to week. I hope they prove me wrong and turn on the azz kicking machine for good to win this thing.
Whopper Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
8:51 am
Esquire -
He didn’t say what you say he said. If you can trust the quotation marks from the writer Smith said,
“We are not going to do anything like we did last time” meaning they are doing it differently than how they did it when a loss occurred.
Over-matched coach? That is not what the Won-Loss records indicate over the last 4 years. Practice the hound out of them? Not really sure what that means but the new NFL PA doesn’t allow the letting loose of any hounds
————————————————————————————————————————————————
Obviously I was paraphrasing, you dolt. And what I said is the message. As to the comments on the hounds, I am sure you don’t understand it. Anyone that would select a handle like “Esquire” would not.,
jerry
January 2nd, 2013
9:07 am
The Falcons two biggest problems are a lack of a pass rush, which they can do nothing about since they don’t have the personel, and the notion that Turner actually adds something to the offense.
single white dove
January 2nd, 2013
9:55 am
In the end it boils down to the players. If they dont play great, we cannot win. I have a mesage for the Falcons team: If we have more points than the opponent, we win.
single white dove
January 2nd, 2013
9:55 am
In the end it boils down to the players. If they dont play great, we cannot win. I have a mesage for the Falcons team: If we have more points than the opponent, we win.
warfalcon
January 2nd, 2013
9:56 am
NO MORE BAD GAMES,LETS GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday morning one-liners | Sport Snapback Hats Sport Snapback Hats
January 2nd, 2013
10:02 am
[...] Falcons won’t be taking it easy at practice during the bye [...]
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
10:49 am
Whadda Ya Know?
January 2nd, 2013
8:46 am
One thing that Smitty does not do is bench guys for screwing up. Maybe they’re the best we have and he just doesn’t want to lose, but some type of consequence is required to wake up some of these guys with their half azzed effort.
*****************************************
This isn’t college football, benching for performance doesn’t work………..if it did Ray Edwards would have been on the bench so much his a$$ impression would still be there.
With regard to the half-ass efforts these Falcons only coasted in games of little consequence. Specifically, Carolina and Tampa Bay. And that was mostly the defense, the offense played hard but not hard enough. I think you will see an amped up Falcons team thru the Super Bowl.
YOUR GONNA DO WHAT.
January 2nd, 2013
11:01 am
Better hope its not minnesota or its another long offseason..falcons can’t tackle anybody. And mike smith doesn’t have a clue..he’s guessing, wishing, and hoping.
Esquire
January 2nd, 2013
11:07 am
Whopper Dawg
January 2nd, 2013
8:51 am
Esquire -
Obviously I was paraphrasing, you dolt. And what I said is the message. As to the comments on the hounds, I am sure you don’t understand it. Anyone that would select a handle like “Esquire” would not.,
*****************************************************
You would best be served by looking up the definition of paraphrase, it will aid you in further communications with those you have trouble matching mentally. And you didn’t say anything, you wrote you dolt. And regarding those hounds WHIMPER DOG, it was humor (the new NFL Players Agreement doesn’t allow the letting loose of any hounds- c’mon man, that’s funny)
Whopper Dog – did you think that up all by yourself?
Rise up or sit down fake fans
January 2nd, 2013
11:21 am
RISE UP!!! support the birds, I predict a beatdown cause you can tell by what their saying, their approch its different this time, believe that, no team respect us and tried week after week to shut us down, we finished 13-3, all of our losses can within the division, nuff said if your a REAL football fan, and every presure game or statement game this year what did we do, WIN WIN WIN, this team has learned the hard way how to handle pressure, they wont blink this time around, watch how the score just rise up to the 25ppg while Spoon and the crew hold em to 18 ppg, I ain’t got no worries*in my lil wayne voice*
Dan
January 2nd, 2013
11:23 am
I guess all the know it alls on here like the 4-12 seasons better. This team could go 16-0 and some would find something to complain about. If your life is that pathetic do everyone one else a favor and go kill yourself
JUSTSAYING
January 2nd, 2013
11:24 am
Esquire! You are the only person that is on this blog, that thinks they have a higher IQ than everyone else. In my years, dealing with people like you, they can not stick their finger in their a$$.
JUSTSAYING
January 2nd, 2013
11:27 am
Esquire, the one and one was a typing error. One and done , High IQ.
Eric C.
January 2nd, 2013
12:14 pm
Esquire, you are not very bright…just some dry humor my fellow Falcon fan.
Eric C.
January 2nd, 2013
12:18 pm
I love (sarcasm) that the 5th seeded Seahawks, who have to play an extra game and at least two road games, are being given better odds than the Falcons to win it all. I know that is the trendy thing to do in light of recent years, but that should be a slap in the face to the Falcons.
North FLA Falcon
January 2nd, 2013
12:23 pm
I believe in this team. GO FALCONS
K Conway
January 2nd, 2013
1:01 pm
FALCONS WILLL STINK IT UP IN THE PLAYOFF!
D'OH!
January 2nd, 2013
2:39 pm
This will be so hysterical when the FalCant’s lose their playoff game by 21 points. The choke is coming… wait for it……wait for it
Vu Ḉa Avant
January 2nd, 2013
3:30 pm
One and done, as usual. If you don’t see that coming, it’s because you don’t want to see it.
Decatur Falcons
January 2nd, 2013
3:39 pm
Truth: Mike Smith is realizing that he may lose his Defense Coordinator Mike Nolan to another team, so he has to force the issue. The Defense of the Atlanta Falcons has to step up big and the run game on Offense has to come to life. I don’t know if Atlanta Falcons can win a Playoffs game, but I do know that you need all three phrase to come together Special Team, Offense, and Defense. Matt Ryan has step up his game, get his timing down and play with confidents from start to finish. Mike Smith has to out coach whoever he has to face Washington, Seattle, and Minnesota. Defense has to stop the run, so Dent has to wake up and play. Spoon has to wake up and play and get some interception. William Moore has to hit and get some interception. Matt Ryan has to see the whole field and convert on 3 downs. When DE come in at him Matt Ryan need to step up in the pocket. Turner has to run hard and pass block. It is no I in team, it is everyone doing their job. I feel good about January 13, 2013, play hard or go home. GO FALCONS!!!!
Sheffield
January 3rd, 2013
11:01 am
I agree josh!!! Fans have to do their part. Do not worry about the haters. Let’s just do like the falcons are doing this week and focus on ourselves and beating the other team!
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