You Fix the Falcons
Bye Week Tune-Up
Play Head Coach for a Week (EA Sports)
Well, the bye week’s over and now the Falcons are ready to start their insanely difficult stretch run that will likely determine the fate of the season. It’s hard to speak in absolutes and negative terms while sitting at 2-1, but the performance in the Patriots game left a lasting, bad taste in most fans mouths. Add in the fact that our victories were not extremely convincing and were over two teams, Carolina and Miami, that are a combined 0-6, and there is certainly reason to worry on both sides of the ball. The issues are many and have been roundly recognized by fans throughout the start of the season. On the bright side, we have to remind ourselves that we are 2-1, and got beaten by the franchise of the decade in Foxboro, who just also beat the previously undefeated Ravens. The Falcons were also in that game until the very end as well, so all hope is not lost, but there are some areas that need fixing and in a hurry with the schedule we have on the horizon. A look at the areas to improve and time to take a little spin in Coach Smith’s (and possibly Thomas Dimitroff’s) shoes.
Run Defense
Although the Falcons held Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams under a 100 yards in the first game, they gave up almost 150 yards to Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and over 100 yards to Fred Taylor in consecutive weeks. The fact that Coach Belichick had the audacity to go for it on 4th down on their own 25 yard line was a pretty big slap to the defense in general, but particularly to the defensive line and run defense. Although the Falcons have faced some good running backs to date, they have the Bears Matt Forte, Marion Barber/Felix Jones/Tashard Choice of the Cowboys, the Saints Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush/Mike Bell, and the powerful Brandon Jacobs/Ahmad Bradshaw Giants running back tandem. The offensive lines will only get tougher as the season progresses as well. The season ending injury to Peria Jerry certainly didn’t help matters. Jonathan Babineaux has struggled so far without the big body next to him to occupy double-teams. Thomas Johnson has over-achieved, but is he an every down defensive tackle? Can Trey Lewis return to his rookie year, pre-injury form?
Possible Fix – Hope that Trey Lewis can return to his old form and reclaim the opening starting position, being a big, athletic defensive tackle that can plug holes and occupy double-teams. Outside of that, possibly moving Jamaal Anderson inside to showcase his run stopping ability, because he surely doesn’t have pass-rushing skills. Dimitroff is not likely to make a move after already giving up a 2nd rounder for Tony Gonzalez and 7th rounder for Tye Hill. Unless the compensatory picks would make up for it, than don’t expect a new defensive tackle in red and black.
Pass Rush
Kroy's Earned Staring DE Spot (AP)
The combined four sack total against the Dolphins may have got hope up a little too much, failing to register a sack from the defensive line since. Although the Falcons played two of the better offensive lines, D-Line has two find ways of getting to the quarterback more often. Tom Brady had all day to throw the ball and picked the Falcons apart accordingly, even though it took him a little while to get on track. John Abraham seems to be the only defensive end getting pressure on a consistent basis. Kroy Biermann has a high octane motor and should likely notch the opposite defensive end spot on a more permanent basis. Chauncey Davis has not proven to have the capacity to be the star many thought he may become. Lawrence Sidbury Jr. has only seen spot duty and should get a bigger look. The Jamaal Anderson experiment at defensive end is over. He generates no pass rush and has 2 sacks throughout his entire career. He doesn’t seem to have “turned the corner” as many fans had hoped. He may turn out to help at defensive tackle, but no at defensive end.
Possible Fix – Time to put Kroy Biermann in at the starting defensive end slot opposite from John Abraham. Lawrence Sidbury Jr. should get some serious playing time and rotate with either Biermann or Abraham. Jamaal Anderson may can help at defensive tackle, but his performance doesn’t merit more time at D-End. Chauncey Davis may help at defensive tackle and a backup role for Abraham.
Corner Play
Many blame Coach Van Gorder’s conservative play calling on defense as one of the big problems so far this year, particularly in the Patriots loss, but his lack of aggressive plays may have more to do with the overall pretty weak man-to-man cornerback coverage defense. Brian Williams was picked up off waivers and immediately became the Falcons number one corner. That is a big knock on the corners on the roster. Although Williams has had his moments of excellent play, he’s also had some not so great times as well. Chris Houston has not seemed to progress in his third year out of Arkansas. He did have that big interception against the Panthers, but has also given up catches and yards by the boat load. Is he a true starting level cornerback in the NFL? Dimitroff trading for Tye Hill and picking up Brian Williams off waivers sure wasn’t a vote of confidence. What is going on with Chris Owens and Chevis Jackson? Chevis Jackson played great as the starting nickel back last year, and has been beaten out by Brent Grimes. Chris Owens had some bright moments in preseason and seems to have good cover skills, but is only seeing action on special teams. Brent Grimes plays above his 5’9 frame, but is no Antoine Winfield. Its time to see what the Falcons have with Tye Hill. Can he regain the skill he had as a first round draft pick?
Possible Fix – Keep Brian Williams at starting corner, and time to see what Tye Hill’s got. Maybe work Chris Houston at nickel to see if he can regain his confidence. Hold an open competition of sorts at corner spots, and work in Chris Owens and Chevis Jackson. Time to play the best player and not let draft status cloud any judgment.
Running Game
Michael Turner has not been the Pro-Bowl running back from a year ago and there are likely many factors to the inept rushing attack, but he shares much of the responsibility with his indecision and failure to hit the hole quickly. The offensive line hasn’t held up their end of the bargains either. Although they have pass blocked well, they have hardly created big holes for Turner to hit in full stride anyway. Teams are likely stacking the box in attempt to the stop the running attack, but teams did that last year and the Falcons still found a way to get it going. Jerious Norwood has been hurt, and Jason Snelling should probably get some more looks after running hard in limited playing time.
Possible Fix – Turner just has to simply find his mojo he had last season when he rushed for almost 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. A source of strength last year, the offensive line should help the backs out by blocking better up front, particularly since all linemen returned from last year’s second leading rushing team. An injury-free Norwood may help add the missing element to the rushing attack by softening up defenses set on closing down the middle. Snelling had been a beast in limited snaps, and should see more.
Vertical Passing Attack
Time to Stretch the Field (AP)
Although Matt Ryan and the passing attack have certainly had their moments, many of the passes have been of the short and intermediate variety. The Falcons have failed to connect on any long passes to date, and Roddy White is not proving to be the deep threat he was last year. Tony Gonzalez had an amazing start until the Patriots game, and Coach Mularkey has to figure out a way to get the future Hall of Famer the ball, even when he is double covered. Having Gonzalez is that much more of a reason that the vertical passing attack should be rolling. Michael Jenkins has proven to be a solid number two receiver capable of the big play. The Falcons certainly miss Harry Douglas’ speed and intermediate catch and running ability, but the addition of Gonzalez should help counter the loss. Marty Booker has proven to still have some gas left in the tank in as the slot receiver.
Possible Fix – Time to start taking some big chances downfield and open up the vertical passing playbook, particularly when teams are dead set on stopping the run. Even if the passes don’t always connect, the Falcons can’t limit themselves to short, dump off routes as they did against New England. The hurry-up offense usually works well, and surely can help add some fire in the vertical passing game.
Coaching
Time to be more confident and more aggressive from top to bottom: offense, defense, and head coaching. Coach Smith’s lack of confidence and faith in the Falcons showed in the Patriots game where he seemed to be playing not to lose instead of playing to win. Take some risks and go for the gold. Time to be more aggressive in the offense and passing attack, particularly with all the weapons abound on the roster. Coach Van Gorder built his reputation on being aggressive and intense while defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia, and its time to regain that play-calling. Of all the cornerbacks on the roster, there has to be at least a couple able to cover man-to-man for a few seconds in attempts to blitz more often.
Your Turn
-Play the role of Coach Smith, Coach Mularkey, and Coach Van Gorder
-What’s your plan to “fix” the Falcons?
-Any areas of improvement left off?
-Who should be starting at defensive end? Anderson, Biermann, or Sidbury Jr.?
-What does your starting cornerback lineup look like?
-Should Houston and Anderson be afforded more time or time to move on?
-What’s your fix for the running game?
-How do the Falcons improve their vertical passing attack?
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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494 comments Add your comment
Sarah B
October 4th, 2009
10:44 pm
Ha! First but ya’ll know I think posting first is dumb. But oh well.
Boxcarar
October 4th, 2009
11:28 pm
Does that say a lot, or what? LOL,LOL
How did the Biotches do?
Sarah B
October 4th, 2009
11:40 pm
We got killed…
Boxcarar
October 4th, 2009
11:49 pm
No players on MNF?
Sarah B
October 4th, 2009
11:58 pm
Nope.
Boxcarar
October 5th, 2009
12:02 am
Concerning Matt Ryan, a lot of the no huddle has him calling plays. Either he doesn’t think that the deep ball is there, or doesn’t recognize it. Or MM isn’t giving him that option. This should fuel some comments Late Nighters!
Boxcarar
October 5th, 2009
12:03 am
Sarah B,
Are we the only late night posters, again?
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
12:09 am
Yes we are.
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
12:12 am
And I’m off to bed.
ATL FAN
October 5th, 2009
2:11 am
Matt ryan doesn’t throw a great deepball when he passes more than thirty yards he is very erratic which is by the way the only knock on the guy.imo. The defense will be smaller but presumely quicker than most offenses so we need to blitz way more and force the action on defense. I think we need to blitz, blitz, blitz, and you know what blitz some more. Go back to that 3-3-5 every passing down and zone blitz with all kind of stunts. I mean really whats up with this vanilla !@# defense we play. Offensively we need to use the pass to set up the run in the first half if we have a lead in the second half let turner rumble but still attack.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
4:03 am
WR, nice comeback.
D3, great job, you may want to check out last nights blog after you blogged.
Lil’Dave, great match.
FFL, anyone want Mcfadden?
Ed
October 5th, 2009
4:59 am
Tremendous breakdown D3 as you are right on the money. San Fran is going to be a really tough opponent as Singletary has them playing winning football. On defense thay take on his demeanor and play a hard-nosed but smart brand of football. Hopefully the extra week will play in the Falcons favor and we can eke out a victory.
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
7:48 am
D3,
An excellent breakdown on what is wrong with this years Falcons. It does start with our Coaching staff as game planning on both sides of the football have been woefully lacking. The vertical game has been nonexistent. M Booker has the longest reception this season, 27 yards, while R White averages 7.9 per catch. Why? I wish I knew why the ground game has been so anemic. M Turner is averaging 3.5 yards a carry and for a run first offense that’s disastrous. Perhaps our Coaching staff can get this corrected for our next contest with the ‘Niners, because the option would be a major loss.
For a Defense that was built to stop the run, we have not met expectations. In the last two games we have surrendered 312 yards rushing, and 885 total yards. Not a very good yardstick(yardstat). If our Defense continues to be a no-show, we are in for a very long and frustrating year.
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
7:56 am
WR,
Congrat’s to ya’. Mendenhall, Gates, and Harrison scoring 66 points, I did not see that one coming. Oh well. On to the next one.
Sautee
October 5th, 2009
8:07 am
One Perspective:
I realize that the Defense has not met expectations, and we’ve given up a TON of yardage, but a of this morning we are 7th best in the league in scoring defense at the rate of 17.7 pts / gm.
7th in the league, and BETTER than Baltimore, AND Pittsburgh, the two best defenses out there. Better also than the Patriots.
Of course we need to improve, just to STAY at 17.7, BUT with the offensive firepower we have, if we can keep teams under 20, we will win a decent share of our games.
D3 (as usual) covered the breakdown so well, that I have little to say other than how about trying Eric Weems in the slot and try to get him free in space. He’s the only receiver that has the kind of quickness we’re missing in Harry Douglas.
The Real Falcon
October 5th, 2009
8:29 am
Doesn’t help to have a 17.7 pts./ gm where you only average 19.0. and we’re 8th in points allowed.
DGM
October 5th, 2009
8:36 am
Peria goes down no run defense..scheme is for D line to occupy blockers and let lb’s make tackles.
Worked good for two games I was pleasently surprised after defenseless preseason. If your safeties are making the tackles on running plays you are in for a long season..Find RUN STOPPER at tackle
Big Mike
October 5th, 2009
9:10 am
Great overview but don’t forget #20 can’t cover anyone his size and strength is not working. Turner seems to be playing hurt. #63 you need to be consistant with your blocking. Our team needs to play aggressive offense and smart defense and wrap-up when tackling.
We're not winning the NFC South
October 5th, 2009
9:20 am
Give it up Falcon fans, our defense won’t get better and we’re not winning the NFC South. The Saints will be off and running while we’ll be trying to play catch up and fail. We will lose on Sunday, write it down, take a picture I don’t care what you do. San Fran trounce the Falcons 28-14.
Lil'Dave
October 5th, 2009
9:23 am
JJ,
Great match buddy! It come down to the wire but my running backs let me down. I tip my hat to you sir in a great game played. Let’s just hope Farve doesn’t throw up a goose egg tonight.
WR
October 5th, 2009
9:28 am
D3, great analysis on the state of the Falcons. Not to ruffle any feathers and definitely not to say I don’t have trust in Dimitroff and the coaches, defensively the team still lacks the players for the system their trying to run and the system there use to coaching.
Example one: Vangorder, thought to be a defensive genius at UGA upon further review I question that way of thinking: At UGA Vangorder always had studs on the defensive line, as a matter of fact some went on to be first round picks in the NFL, they also became ALL Pros. As a defensive coach at Jacksonville, they had studs on the DL which in both cases the Falcons do not have to this point.
Example Two:Smitty as a defensive coach for the Ravens had studs on the DL, as the DC at Jacksonville he had the samething, those defenses were highly productive if not outstanding. Once again its a case of personnel that the Falcons just don’t have.
Between these two coaches you get the bulk of your defensive game-planning and strategy, but neither has had to deal with the personnel or lack thereof in order to implement their style of defense. We might not want to hear it but unless Trey Lewis gets back into form in a hurry, or Johnson somehow turns into Marcus Stroud the defense will have to go back to there bend but don’t break mentally, they just don’t have the DL to hold at the point of attack, which limits there ability to play the aggressive style that both coaches favor. Vince Wilfork becomes a FA after this season and that could help big time, I think Cody out of Alabama is going to go to early in the draft for the Falcons to even consider him, but they have to get big young DT’s even if Jerry wasn’t hurt and of course he is.
WR
October 5th, 2009
9:33 am
Unca’Bob, great matchup this week, I believe my team stole some of your mojo from last week, because even though I didn’t give up hope, no way did I see those three players getting me 66pts last night. Those three alone out scored the rest of my lineup combined. Mendenhall definitely was a diamond in the rough, the funny thing is that I tried to get Coffee but Lil’Dave beat me to the punch, then I went after Bradshaw and you beat me to the punch, so I settled on Mendenhall so I guess that it all was in the hands of the powers that be.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:36 am
Lil’Dave, thanks but it’s not over yet. Besides our match, have you checked out SW vs BT match? Looks like they are going down to the wire as well. Cannot remember last time I’ve been this excited about MNF. This FFL really takes the game/players to another level!
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:45 am
WR, spot on analysis sbout DL. I know D3 doubts us giving up another draft position, but we are getting 4 or 5 extra pics next yr. We have to get help on that line now, not wait until next yr!
CFL
October 5th, 2009
10:11 am
Head coach on down needs to get aggressive. The Falcon D was just out there. It was a very poor performance. They did not want it. The play calling on defense and offense was sorry. Matt Ryan should not be rolling out on third down. It cuts the field in half. He is a good quarterback. Coaching staff need to gain confidents in him and the defense. Come on Falcons, you have a Championship team.
WR
October 5th, 2009
10:34 am
JJ, agree on the FFL, it makes the season seem even shorter then it already is. SW and BT are in a nice battle along with you and Lil’Dave. Looks like Dave put up a nice battle but it would appear that he doesn’t have many bullets left in the chamber, but you never know and trust me I know that all to well.
WR
October 5th, 2009
10:50 am
Now offensively for the Falcons I think I’m as confused as they are. On the one with the running game they didn’t focus on it as much during minicamps and training camp and thats showing big time right now. The passing game to which they claimed to focus more on is absolutely stagnant. As I said earlier there’s no way to double both Gonzo and White, its a pick and choose your poison situation and as fans we can’t tell, probably because so far other teams can’t tell.
I don’t know if many of you remember but earlier during OTA’s and training camp Mad Mike claimed he had threw out some of the pages in his playbook to focus on the core plays that work, it might just be me but I would suggest he go to the nearest landfill and dig those pages up because right now the offense isn’t getting it done. Besides that did Greg Knapp sneak back into the booth or what, I haven’t seen this many rollouts from a Falcons QB since MV7 was running the show, with running being the only real option used. The Falcons now have the so-called pocket passer teams covet but he spends very little time in the pocket, hell if that was going to be the case, they might as well had waited until Vick was released.
Offensively the birds need to get the ball down field, the running game will come, even if it didn’t they have the passing game to compete better than they are now. Look at Pittsburgh and Arizona last year and parts of this year, look at the Patriots, the Jets, the Ravens, and San Diego this year. Most of those teams dink and dunk you to death but they get it done with less efficient weapons save for the Patriots, but I don’t even think there weapons are better than the Falcons, so what gives, playcalling and a lack of confidence in the players, and that my friends is all on the coaches.
WR
October 5th, 2009
10:53 am
As a matter of fact, Detroit is passing more efficiently then the Falcons, yeah there 1 and three but they have played some decent teams and they have a rookie QB, this overconservative playcalling has to stop for the Falcons to have a chance because given the state of the defense, some shootouts will have to take place this year.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
10:53 am
D3,
As always great break down. It’s ironic that the Dawgs looks to be having the exact same problems. Anyways you doing a wonderful job!!!
-Play the role of Coach Smith, Coach Mularkey, and Coach Van Gorder
-What’s your plan to “fix” the Falcons? More aggressive on D. Take more chances on O. Most importantly do not leave points on the field.
-Any areas of improvement left off? You hit all of the important things. Can’t think of anything else right now.
-Who should be starting at defensive end? Anderson, Biermann, or Sidbury Jr.?
Hands down Biermann. He’s shown that he is more than capable of getting in the backfield a place that is a foreign country to Anderson. In game experience is a best way to grow and Biermann and Sid looks to be our future.
-What does your starting cornerback lineup look like?
Tye Hill and Brian Williams with a rotation of Jackson and Grimes at the nickel. Houston loves having his back to the ball which results in him not having a clue of where the ball is. This is his third year in the league he still shouldn’t be making rookie mistakes like that.
-Should Houston and Anderson be afforded more time or time to move on?
You all should know my answer to this one.
-What’s your fix for the running game?
OL has to do a better job of blocking. Turner needs to get that spark back from last season. There were times that he didn’t have a huge hole to run through last season but he still turned those runs into nice gains.
-How do the Falcons improve their vertical passing attack?
Easy answer throw the ball down field!! Ryan threw a 70 yard bomb to White last season therefore he can get the ball down field. I do not understand why we really haven’t taken any chances. Mad Mike has kinda went Mike Bobo on us. If something doesn’t work the first time he totally abandon it and never go back to it again. Case in point during the first game Ryan under threw White on a couple of passes and since then the deep pass has been MIA. Ryan was rookie of the year for a reason last season. The guy is a winner put the ball in his hands and let him take some chances. It looks as if he had more freedom as a rookie then he does this season. He has the weapons around him therefore scoring point really shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve heard that Mad Mike shrunk his play book but he needs to open it back up. I think the reason that he did was to use the short passes and the run game to chew up the clock in an effort to protect a young and inexperience defense. If that’s the case it’s really not working I can totally understand it but it’s not working. The O has left a lot of points on the field and the D has ironically been on the field a lot more than any of us would like. We have the weapons on O to keep a D honest but it’s look like with out the deep pass everything else is becoming non-existent.
I could totally be off base with the above assessment but that’s just what I see.
Mekias
October 5th, 2009
10:54 am
Biermann can bring pressure but his type of pass rush (outside speed rush) leaves us very vulnerable to running plays.
Anderson has actually played much better this year and there’s no way he deserves a demotion at this point. And while he’s pretty good against the run at the DE spot, that in no way makes him a good run defense DT. We need a big body at the DT spot to step up handle double teams. With the current personnel, all we can hope for is for Trey Lewis to shake off the rust. Without Lewis, we’re hopeless against the run.
JeanE
October 5th, 2009
11:49 am
Good & incisive comments…time to finally say the J. Anderson experiment is OVER. He stinks. Period. The “Beerman” should be the starting end opposite Abe. We need more big bodies inside, but I don’t know where we’ll find any at this point. The corners are just awful. As you said, it’s scary & sad when a guy we picked up last minute, B. Williams, is able to beat out our draft picks. Chris Houston, terrible. Brent Grimes would be great if he were about 5 inches taller!! We should’ve paid what Fox wanted but no….Michael Turner is performing exactly as you’ve said: hits the holes too daggone slow!! He’s a big guy, what is up with that??? I concur that Snelling should see more playing time, guy is tough & versatile, love his motor. We really miss Jerious, hope he’s back soon. We should be killing on offense, this team has many weapons we are not utlilizing. I knew once Roddy got his money he’d go back to dropping balls and sure enough, he is! But we’ve got Jenk, Finn & Booker. USE THEM!! Drives me up a wall when we try to force the ball to Roddy & Gonazlez. We have other weapons, make use of them! If we can’t keep up points wise with other teams, we are toast. It’s going to be a long season on defense. Go Birds!
analysis
October 5th, 2009
11:52 am
ATL FAN you’re right. Matt Ryan has a weak arm and is very inaccurate with the deep ball. That is limiting the offense. Also, I noticed several times Ryan missed open receivers including Gonzales
in the New England game. I say this as a Matt Ryan fan. Hope he gets better with the deep ball
or teams are going to handle us.We don’t have the personnel to impose our will.
Falconsforlife
October 5th, 2009
12:49 pm
hahaha bench Ryan good one.
Can you imagine what this team would be right now WITHOUT Ryan starting at QB? Disater.
Even if your LORD AND SAVIOR THE LYING DOG KILLER MR. VICK was starting here we would be, at best, 1-2. YOU FAIL.
RYAN WILL BRING THIS TOWN A SUPERBOWL VICTORY BANK ON IT VICK LOVING LOSERS
Atlanta Native
October 5th, 2009
12:55 pm
Hello JJ.
Good luck tonight.
Coop
October 5th, 2009
12:58 pm
Unless we change personnel at DT, we are in big trouble this year. We cannot anchor the point of attack to save our lives. Our LBs are getting blocked by O Linemen. Bad, very bad.
So your DE are JA55 and Beerman. Rotate Sid between them. Use Lewis, Babs, Davis, and JA98 at DT. Seriously consider playing 5 D linemen (from laft to right, JA55, Babs, Lewis, JA98, Beerman). I know we lose a LB, but speed isn’t our probalem, blubber is (we need more of it).
At CB, Williams and Tye Hill. Jackson plays the nickel. Houston and Owens rotate in. Grimes goes to ST ONLY!
Running game… It is time to impose our will on other teams. We have a good beefy line. We have a hall of fame TE. We have a huge FB and a bowling ball for a running back. Am I the only one who sees power I formation written all over this team? Two TEs, Ovie, and let them put 8 in the box. Show them we are meaner, nsatier, and want it more. Way too little Ovie in our running game.
Passing attack. I’m a big Matt Ryan fan, but he hasn’t looked great this year, and I’m sorry, but he doesn’t throw a good deep ball. Most times it is underthrown. That said, we have enough weappons. I like Booker in the slot and Roddy needs to stop being Roddy and catch the damn ball.
Coaching has been poor all season. Agree with earlier post that Mularkey should be looking to add plays, not take them away. Keep the other team guessing always. As for Smith, look duded, if you’re not gonna go for it on 4th down when the game is on the line, then just quit. I’d rather lose trying then go out like you did in NE. It was cowardly and embarassing. You’re a good motivator and influence on this team, but show some sack brother.
TD. Do whatever you have to get some meet on the interior D Line. Shaun Rogers in Cleveland looked damn good yesterday.
big foot
October 5th, 2009
1:27 pm
with all the [Brady] rules in effect and ref’s that are scared of new england fans it’s a no win deal
Birdman
October 5th, 2009
1:31 pm
Great topic D3
Man ya know the more I see these idiots blog with there stupid ,hate bait ,the more it shows me how worried stupid fools are about how good our birds might be and will become .The might be is because they are scared like a little snot nosed boy ,which they are ,That the birds have weapons of mass destruction and they might use them on one of there teams,like the good but also lucky Saints or Baltimore , LOL LOL LOL
D3 they just wish they had somebody like you to pull for them. Or be as smart a person as you are for there teams LOL LOL LOL.
WE got better than you do .
WE got better than you do
NA ! NA ! NA NA !!!
Hay I thought I wood stoup to there level,1st grade,so they can understand .
Now you idiots can reply like a kid and take up some more space.
GO FALCONS ….!!
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
3:41 pm
I see why I could not log on now. We’ve had a little clean up. Much neater, now.
CPat16
October 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
Start Bierman opposite of Abraham. Rotate Sidbury with Bierman and Davis w/ Abraham. Move Anderson to DT & rotate with Johnson, Lewis & Walker. Get Tye Hill in here as quickly as possible and rotate him w/ Owens. Rotate Moore w/ Decoud and see what he can do. Give Snelling the ball more and make Norwood your pass catching back. Problem solved.
BlackTalon
October 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
Good job breaking it down D3.
Lets hope the bye week came at a good time to get a few issues ironed out.
They will need it as they enter a tough scretch in the schedule.
The 9er`s, Bears, Cowboys and Saints (with only the Bears at home) will be tough.
Win 3 of the next 4 and I will be very happy with it.
A split and not all is not lost but hopes of a division title fade quite a bit.
Anything less than a split, well.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
7:55 pm
What’s up Cage. It’s been very busy here with some personal family issues on this front; keep the TeePee in your prayers as we work through some emotional, medical issues with the father-in-law. In addition, the TeePee continues to deal with a horrid streak of bad luck as the Posse and the Seminoles struggle incredibly. I have faith but darn; I may have to check myself into rehab if things don’t turn around soon.
If the Braves could hit as many home runs as D3 does in this forum, we may have made the playoffs this season.
I’m not going to even reference the offense in my remarks because the FEW issues that are present on that side of the ball will work themselves out as the season advances. We will get better at running the rock, the passing game will come into focus, and we will do a better job of controlling the clock.
This defense is lacking a scheme and apparently, someone to orchestrate a scheme. There are too many damned times when players look lost and confused. There are too many times when assignments are blown. I understand that we have a lot of “fresh” faces but we also have SIX players back that were on this defense last season. In addition, we made TWO key moves, Williams and Peterson, which were supposed to bring leadership and scheme familiarization to the defense. Both have made key contributions to the defense but they are at best, band aids on a defense that is bleeding intensely.
I’ve seen some troubling signs on defense before but this takes the cake. When you rank 30th in total defense, beating out those juggernauts Tampa Bay and Cleveland, you are in a sad state. When you are 27th in the league against the pass, having only intercepted two passes and FIVE sacks makes, you SHOULD be scratching your head. Hell, someone should slap you up side it!! Not in Atlanta; the symptoms of this illness are just beginning to show. When you rank 25th ranking against the run, allowing 136 yards per game, you should at least feel bad and want to get better. Not in Atlanta. We let cast off running backs and 3rd down specialist make us look like a JV team chasing cheerleaders. Speaking of cheerleaders, Freddie Falcon does a better job of tackling in his game time antics that the Falcons, who rank 25th in the league in total tackles. The lack of effort just weakens your total spirit.
Could it be that this defense is lacking a scheme and apparently, someone to orchestrate a it? Is it that BVG is simply in over his head? There are too many damned times when players look lost and confused. There are too many times when assignments are blown. I understand that we have a lot of “fresh” faces but we also have SIX players back that were on this defense last season. In addition, we made TWO key moves, Williams and Peterson, which were supposed to bring leadership and scheme familiarization to the defense. Both have made key contributions to the defense but they are at best, band aids on a defense that is bleeding intensely.
Back with more shortly….
BlackTalon
October 5th, 2009
8:04 pm
SW, our thoughts and prayers are with your father in law and his entire family.
On D they must step up third down efficiency and get off the field, allowing someone to poses the ball for 40 minutes is not gonna get it done
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
8:13 pm
SW,
Sorrying to hear about your father-in-law. I will definitely keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Great break down. Thanks for providing the numbers. I didn’t know that the numbers were that bad!!! You’re right something as to be done. BVG needs to bring that aggressive nature that he had at UGA to the Falcons.
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
8:18 pm
Seminole Warrior,
Please know you have our support and prayers.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:28 pm
Thanks Cage Fam for all the love and best wishes…
Wade Phillips will be looking for work in a short period of time. Could he come back to ATL and serve as the catalyst for a transition on the defensive side? I know that Smitty is a defensive guy but he needs to handle it totally himself or bring in a seasoned vet to handle it., i.e. the hiring of Mike Murlarkey to handle the offensive side of things.
The 3-4 is not as far fetched of a notion as it would seem. Nicholas and Adkins can be the outside LBs with Peterson and Lofton inside. Safety appears to be safe with Coleman and DeCoud. Williams and Hill could be the answer at CB if they can pass the mid-term exams. Biermann and Abe/Sidbury upfront with FA Vince Wilfork at the NT.
Just a thought..
falcon21
October 5th, 2009
8:30 pm
Seminole Warrior, hang in there buddy. Things will get better.
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
8:35 pm
JJ,
From what I’ve benn reading, McFadden is out for 2-4 weeks.
BlackTalon
October 5th, 2009
8:36 pm
Go Aaron Rodgers..beat the Vikes.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
8:37 pm
Seminole Warrior, you’re family are in our (playa and I) prayers!
Come on Favre and AP for you!
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:38 pm
The defensive line is in major crisis. They can’t stop the run with a Mack Truck assisting, they can not pressure the passer, and Aundray Bruce II (aka Jamaal Anderson) has a WHOPPING THREE tackles in THREE games. Way to go All-Bust!! Who would have thought that through the first quarter of the season that Koy Biermann would have a better bottom line than John Abraham and Aundray Bruce II (JA98) COMBINED!!
That my friends, is a truly telling statistic.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
8:38 pm
SW,
This Vince Wilfork is he the current NT for the Pats?
Unca' Bob
October 5th, 2009
8:38 pm
SW,
Don’t forget El Sid as an edge LB. He’s as fast or faster than our LB’s.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:39 pm
Cage Fam, I will be okay. It’s the CEO that is the issue. She’s a daddy’s girl. But again, thanks for all the love. You guys are the best!!
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
8:40 pm
SW,
Send her my best!!!
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:40 pm
UnCa Bob (Semper Fi)…great point. And Wade Phillips could turn him into a potential DeMarcus Ware or Shawn Merriman.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
8:42 pm
Unca’Bob, yea he’s gone. Learned my lesson, no oakland players except that shut-down corner, I will not even try to spell.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:42 pm
CBrass, yes. It is that very same Vince Wilfork. He is a FA next season and the Patriots are stacked at the postion so I do not think they will overpay for his retention. TD scouted him and knows him well. He could be the answer as the BIG we need in the middle.
And I will pass your thoughts on to the Queen Kitten.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:45 pm
BT and JJ, thanks for the love. And JJ, give the Playa an extra biscuit on me. I’ll pick up the tab…
Birdman
October 5th, 2009
8:47 pm
Seminole Warrior
I hate to hear about your father- in -law .I hope things get better for you and yours.
You and your family are in my prayers .
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
8:48 pm
SW,
Thinking back to the Pats game…he would no doubt be a great addition to the D. He went out of that game with and injury…he’s not an injury prone player is he?
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
8:50 pm
SW, yes we are thinking of you. Sorry all is not well in the Teepee.
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
8:55 pm
HA! I have the Viking’s D in my work FFL. Sack & strip for a fumble.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
8:59 pm
Thanks Birdman and Sarah…
CBrass, he is not injury prone. Was back on the field this past weekend.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:03 pm
SW,
Very good to know. I’m going to have to start keeping up with him more.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:05 pm
For Farve to be nearly 40 yrs old he still has a cannon of an arm!!!
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
Hey SarahB., even better, I have Jared Allen!
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
CB, here is his profile and stat line to date:
http://www.nfl.com/players/vincewilfork/profile?id=WIL059369
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
SW, playa just got a snausage, told him its from you. Dont give up on the posse tonight, AD is a man on a mission.
BT, not picking sides, may the best team win.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
SW,
Nice numbers and he’s only 27 meaning he looks to be still in his prime!!!
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:11 pm
JJ,
I love Jared Allen’s celebration after he makes a sacks.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
That he is CBrass…and could anchor in either the 4-3 or 3-4.
JJ, The Posse, like the Phoenix, shall rise again…I will be there when it counts in the end. Hope the Playa is enjoying the snack.
BlackTalon
October 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
I liked Rodgers 62 yd TD pass.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:14 pm
CBrass, ditto.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
October 5th, 2009
9:16 pm
Great Mon(dane) Evening Cagers! Hope all is well as we roll through the week and get yet another big test in San Fran. This will be a very, very tough game and let’s hope we’ve learned something over the bye week. Hate to be the eternal pessimist, but this is almost a “must-win” game, because the schedule gets tougher and much tougher.
Boxcarar – Ryan looked pretty good many times throwing the deep ball last year, but he hasn’t gotten many more times th throw it deep since the Miami game. Most defenses simply cannot stop the run, TG, Roddy and Jenks, can they?
ATL FAN – Good points on the defense. We have to have at least two corners on the roster that can cover WR’s long enough to allow some good blitz packages, because between Sidbury, Peterson, Lofton, Nicholas, Moore, and Coleman, we have the speed to send ‘em.
JJ – Thanks for the heads up. Viruses and bacteria find their way into the mainstream sometimes.
Ed – We HAVE to win the SF game if we want to achieve the goals we desired before the season started. Thanks for the props.
Unca’ Bob – Agree with you that we need another “big body” to fill the out the D-Line and help stop the run, because even though Grady provided no pass rush, he did help in the run game. Sure would be nice to have Ron Brace in red and black.
Sautee – Thanks for the ups, and those numbers look pretty good so far, particularly since we’ve already played the Pats and still have that number. I thought that having TG would off-set the loss of HD, but we are missing the speed that would eat up the middle after catching it, and maybe that was a reason defenses had to respect the middle of the field.
DGM – Great point need for big D-Tackle.
WR – Good points all around as usual and I totally agree with you that, even though we drafted 7 defensive players in ‘09, we still are several playmakers away from being a top tier defense. Looking like Babs may be dependent on that “big body” to be successful.
CFL – Excellent analysis on that roll out, it was a terrible call that seemed to have only option that was taken up.
CBrass – Thanks a lot. Dawgs future looks bleak, I’m sad to say. I personally think we should see what Gray, Murray, and Mettenberger have in an attempt to build for next year.
Mekias – Good point on D-Tackle analysis, but I simply disagree with you on Jamaal Anderson. He generates no pass rush at the defensive end position and is always behind the play. He may play the run well at DE, but he was drafted #8 overall in the draft to do more than play the run. Just my opinion.
JeanE – Thanks for the compliments. I’m right in line with you on Houston and Anderson. They have had all the opportunities in the world and I still think Houston may have some juice, but JA#98 just don’t got it. At some point TD will HAVE to spend some money on a Free Agent, because between Peterson, Williams, and Abraham being on up there in age, and some serious holes, we can’t fill out our DEF purely in the draft, in my opinion.
More in a little bit…………….
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:16 pm
SW,
If we are able to make this move do you think TD will give up draft picks or a player or two? I wouldn’t mind seeing JA#98 leave but I do not think that will be enough.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:22 pm
CBrass, it is critical not to give up draft picks. We must develop depth and talent through the process. FA can be just as much a hit and miss as the draft but staying power is on your side when you draft and do it well.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:25 pm
D3,
I say put Gray in (Murray will be the starting QB next season). At least with him you have a dual-threat qb. Mettenberger has the biggest arm of them all but the guy can’t scrabble to save his life…pure pocket QB but they should still give him a shot it couldn’t be any worse than what Cox is doing. Of them all I think Murray has the brightest future he shattered every record in Florida and he has a good set on wheels on him to. That’s why I think he will be red shirted this season.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:33 pm
D3 and CBrass, that game was stolen from the Dawgs on Saturday. That hokie call set LSU up with great position from which to start that drive.
Meanwhile, we are on the brink of a civil war in Tallahassee. Battle lines are being drawn as calls are increasing for Bowden. And with GT in the docket next, things are going to get VERY ugly quick if we fall to 0-3 in the ACC.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
SW,
So you think we will have to spend a lot of cash…looks like he’s well worth it.
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
9:41 pm
CBrass, not sure we could trick any other team into taking JA98 in a trade…
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:41 pm
SW,
I read an article that the SEC went back and looked at the call and said that it was a very bad call. That’s saying something when it’s coming from the top. People have been saying that we are whining about that call but it really put us in a bad position.
I hope you guys get it together and beat GTU. The are ridding high after not really beating anyone. However I will agree with an article that said they are at least moving up while we are basically going no where(I hope I didn’t just contradict myself) Hate to see that things are getting that bad down there. Never thought it would come to that.
Atlanta Native
October 5th, 2009
9:42 pm
Nice score JJ
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:42 pm
Sarah B,
We could tell them that he’s a practice squad body. Someone that their starting OL could push around in order to get ready for the game…ROFL
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
9:43 pm
Oh Oh CBrass you just angered WR.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:43 pm
Lil’ Dave,
The fat lady has been spotted at the game, but shes not ready to sing. She’s at the concessions loading up on beer and wings!
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:44 pm
I think he can be had at a reasonable price. If we are going to get to where we want to, we need that anchor up front.
JJ
October 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
Thanks temple of e., but it aint over yet…waiting on the fat lady.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
Sarah B,
He should know that I really do not care what he has to say or that he’s angry.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
Things are getting bad in Tallahassee. Even Coach Bowden’s wife is speaking out on the matter in defense of BB. It is going to be a hell of a situation. And it will hurt FSU for years to come. Personally, I think Jimbo is overrated and time will bear that out.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:50 pm
The mutiny is in full overdrive now…ESPN is reporting that the school is working on a five year deal to give complete control of the team to Fisher even if Bowden decides to return next season as his contract will allow. The plot thickens.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
Damned AD…
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
SW,
I read an article where somewhere on the board said that he would step down after the season. He’s had a great career and I head to see it end like this.
Growing Pains
October 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
I think that our defense is just young. The vets are playing well and the young guys are coming along. The same mistakes the falcons made against miami and carolina just came back to haunt them. Both those games should have been blowouts. I think the short-passing game was just an experiment and that the 49ers and the rest of the league will pay. Believe me, that loss was crushing to the falcons whole organization and the rest of the season we will be the team to beat. I’m kinda glad we lost because now teams are gonna go back to playing us like we are not a threat. By the way, how did we get a tougher schedule than the two superbowl teams? The whole league is frightened to see what the falcons are capable of!
falcon21
October 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
CBrass, Gray would probably be better than Cox or at least not any worse but when a QB is returning punts I think that shows that they have given up on him as a QB. They may only be trying to get him as much playing time as possible while he is there. Murray or Met. would be my pick but I’m wrong most of the time. Good MNF, I’m back to the game.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
Me too CBrass. Can Mark come home now?
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
10:00 pm
Growing Pains, I hope you are right but I do not see it at this time. I see regression on defense, not progression.
SeminoleWarrior
October 5th, 2009
10:02 pm
Looks like the officials in MN are the same ones that ripped off UGA this weekend. That call was BS!!
Sarah B
October 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
Growing Pains, the schedule is set years in advance with the exception of 2 games. I can tell you most of the teams we play next year already.
Growing Pains
October 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
By the way, Brian Williams and Tye Hill at corner with chevis, owens, and houston splitting time with whoever is playing better. Abraham and Biermann starting with Sidbury and the rest of the guys splitting time. Also let Nicholas and Adkins split time at LB. We might should even try decoud at corner and see what william moore has to offer at the other safety. And the offense just has to fix itself.
CBrass
October 5th, 2009
10:06 pm
SW,
I love you but no. You can have slick Willie and Bobo if you want.