Victory! – Falcons Edge Bears
Birds Triumph on Sunday Night Football
Complete Team Victory (Curtis Compton/AJC)
It wasn’t quite the barn-burner that occurred last year in the Georgia Dome between the Falcons and Bears, but it was pretty close. The Falcons had a total team win, one in which the oft-criticized defense, helped out the normally explosive offense. Special teams for the Falcons continue to be one of the best in the NFL in playing an extremely important role in the overall victory. The hard-fought game many predicted came to fruition where both teams took turns throwing and receiving punches throughout the game, needing all 59 minutes and 31 seconds to finalize the result. The Falcons came out on top against a talented and tough Bears team, that looks to make noise of their own in the NFC down the road. A total team victory that pushed the Falcons past a tough opponent coming off a bye and to a 4-1 record (Check out DOL’s new post).The defense had an outstanding night, locking down one of the game’s best young running backs and holding Cutler and his extremely talented receiving corps from scoring. A look at all sides of the ball:
Offense
Rushing
Winning TD (Curtis Compton/AJC)
The Falcons rushing attack had a very forgettable outing against a very solid Bears defense. The Falcons sputtered often and consistently in the beginning of the game, going for several 3 and outs, and having fairly predictable play-calling. The running game was put in many poor situations, where Coach Mularkey would elect to pass or play-action on first down, and when that failed, Turner would get the ball on the ground and be stuffed for a loss, no gain, or only a couple of yards.
The Nasty Boys (Falcons O-Line) drew one of the tougher assignments in the Bears defensive line, and didn’t create a lot of openings for Turner and Norwood. The insertion of Norwood seemed to help soften up the Bears defense a little until he suffered a hip flexor injury. The Falcons finished with only 68 yards of rushing offense, with Matt Ryan owning 8 of those yards, but the Nasty Boys kept their QB nice and clean not allowing a sack against Chicago’s excellent pass rush. The rushing attack never got a chance to get going, but Turner ran tough when it counted on the 5 yard touchdown scamper. Tough defense, but 60 rushing yards likely won’t get it done on a consistent basis. Grade – C+
Passing
Excellent Protection for Ryan (Curtis Compton/AJC)
As with the rushing attack, the passing assault was slow going and failed to net many positive yards in the early going. The vertical passing attack that was on fire against he 49ers failed to connect throughout the game, with receivers dropping passes and balls being poorly thrown by Ryan. The normally precise QB had a fairly rough outing against a tough Bears secondary, completing 57.5% of his passes and throwing for a fairly paltry 185 yards. Ryan had two interceptions, one where he tried to force a pass to a covered Tony Gonzalez and one on a tipped pass intended for Michael Jenkins. The second of the interceptions was a particularly costly one, where the Falcons recovered a game-changing fumble on their own one yard line and had a chance, in essence, to ice the game eating up clock and potentially putting the Birds up 21-7 in the fourth quarter.
Ryan did have two touchdowns, though, one where Roddy White made another fantastic catch and touchdown run for 40 yards. The other was a masterful throw to Tony Gonzalez with 4 second before halftime, in which the tight end made a beautiful double-move and settled in a soft spot in the back of the endzone. White finished with 56 yards and one TD, Gonzalez finished with 52 yards and one TD as well, including many huge 3rd down conversion catches. Jenkins, Turner, Norwood, Peelle, and Finneran also chipped in a couple of catches, but few of big implications. The Falcons have been unable to find a legit threat in the slot with teams being able to cover White, Jenkins, and Gonzalez. Credit Coach Mularkey for giving the passing offense a jumpstart and found some good rhythm with the no-huddle passing game. Matt Ryan got the job done when it counted, but it wasn’t his best night. Grade – C+
Offensive Game-Ball – Tony Gonzalez with huge 3rd down conversions and touchdown.
Defense
Rushing
What a game the defense had against one of the NFL’s best young running backs. The Falcons came out and hit early, hard, and often and caused the Matt Forte to run tentative in hitting the hole. Curtis Lofton again had a big game with 8 tackles and forced fumble, Peterson had a good game adding 6 tackles and one sack, and Coy Wire came up with the enormous fumble recovery at the Falcons 1 yard line where Forte and the Bears were threatening to score. The defensive line had another good game in stuffing the running game with particularly great performances from Jonathan Babineaux, Thomas Johnson, and Jamaal Anderson at defensive tackle, all collaring 2 tackles. Babineaux also had a big forced fumble.
Superb Night (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Although the defensive ends only came up with half a sack (Abraham), it pressured and hurried Jay Cutler all night long and forced him to make some errant throws, two of which were picked off by Thomas DeCoud. Anderson played both defensive tackle and defensive end, but made the play of the game by dropping back into coverage from DT and securing the win. The Bears game makes two weeks in a row that the quarterback was the leading rusher (Cutler – 34, Forte, 23). Great game all around on defense, but particularly in stuffing the run and helping out an offense that found itself struggling to find consistency most of the game. Grade – A+
Passing
Career Game (Elissa Eubanks/AJC)
In terms of statistics, the Falcons defensive secondary hemorrhaged yards by the truck load (300 yards) to Cutler and the Bears, but they put the brakes on the passing attack when it counted it most. Thomas DeCoud had a career night with five tackles and two enormous pick and Erik Coleman also had a big night with 7 tackles and 2 assists. The Falcons defensive backs did have a less than stellar night against some very fast and talented receivers Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, and Earl Bennett. Greg Olsen seemed to be open most of the night, but much of the credit goes to Cutler for making several excellent throws and his receivers for hauling in many tough catches.
There were several pass interference calls that extending many drives coming on third downs, one where Chris Houston got called for interference on Johnny Knox on 3rd and 8, which led to a score. The second being a potentially catastrophic play when Curtis Lofton was flagged for interference on Greg Olsen on 3rd and 17 on the Bears final drive with 1 minute and 12 seconds remaining. Brian Williams also had a solid game going as well before suffering a terrible season-ending injury, cutting short an excellent start to the season to date. The defensive line even got involved in the passing defense, with Jamaal Anderson making the play of the game dropping into coverage from defensive tackle and securing the win breaking up a pass on the final fourth down. Safeties continue superb play, and corners had a good game as well, but will need to tighten up their coverage with the high-powered Saints passing attack only two weeks away. Kudos to an excellent game plan by Coach Van Gorder and Coach Smith. Grade – B
Defensive Game-Ball – (Two) Thomas DeCoud for his two picks and Jamaal Anderson for the game-saving play.
Special Teams
This group continues to exceed all expectations and be one of the best and most disciplined units in the NFL. Although giving up a few long returns (Hester Punt Return for 33 and Knox kick return for 33 yards), the Falcons kept one of the fastest and quickest return teams fairly under wraps. Michael Koenen had a nice night punting, forcing Hester into several fair catches and his longest punt going for 61 yards. One of the biggest plays of the night came with Eric Weems returning a kickoff 62 yards after the Bears had tied the game with 6 minutes remaining. The play changed the momentum and reversed the field position within seconds. Another big game from what Falcons fans have come to expect from the Birds special teams. Grade – A+
Special Teams Game-Ball – Eric Weems for seizing the momentum back on his 62 yard kickoff return with the game tied in the fourth quarter.
Great win for the Falcons, showing they can win when they don’t play the best of games and gaining the victory. The Birds are 4-1 and have only had one game (San Francisco) where they put it all together on offense, defense, and special teams. Defense and special teams deserve extra praise for keeping the Falcons in it until the offense finally found some rhythm.
4-1 and headed to Dallas!
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Turn
-Give your grades and assign your game-balls
-What’s your thoughts on the rushing attack: tough defense or officially worried?
-How much will Norwood’s injury hurt the Falcons?
-Play-calling, running backs, O-Line, or all need to improve?
-Worried on Ryan’s tough day or good Bears secondary?
-Ryan’s inaccuracy a one-time deal or reason for concern?
-Anxious about lack of a threat from the slot?
-Defensive line dominated or Bears weak run offense?
-Coleman and DeCoud one of the best safety tandems in the NFL?
-Seriously alarmed on lack of man-to-man DB skill?
-How bad will Brian Williams injury hurt?
-Is there a better overall special teams unit in the NFL?
Check Out Fellow Fan Bloggers:
Hawks Fan Nest on Future for Hawks
Iceman on Thrasher Sabres Victory and 4-1 Start
Junkyard Blawg on UGA’s Win Against Vanderbilt
Ramblin’ On Reviews Tech’s Enormous W
Sports Talk on Falcons Victory
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182 comments Add your comment
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:09 pm
I will wait…
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
D3-
Nice new deal with giving game balls and everything.
So far, so good at 4/1.
Time to enter the tough meat part of the schedule.
If, the Falcons can come out of the next 5 games with only two or 3 wins, they will be in OK shape going down the stretch for a winning season and possible playoff spot.
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:25 pm
That said, the mounting injuries are a real concern.
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:29 pm
For what Boxcar???
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
I’ll skip #1 and go to
#2. Middle of the road on the rushing attack. We knew that Turner’s carries were going to go down, by design, so there is less of a chance to break off a 30-40 yarder.
#3. Norwood injury will have a minor effect. Snelling doesn’t have the speed, but can make the same medium yard plays receiving out of the backfield.
#4. Need to keep use of the no huddle the same amount, but start using it earlier in the game to gain advantage and avoid another SLOW offensive start.
#5. Everyone has an off day. That was Matt’s.
#6. See #5.
#7. Slot receivers will be OK.
#8 Great D Line play
#9. Safeties are pretty good. Dominant? Talk to me in four more games.
#10. YES!!! Scheme has helped out, though.
#11. TD pulls another TD move. See earlier post about veteran representation on defensive tiers.
#12. If we had a Hester, Yes. Very Very Good as is, though.
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
BC was waiting to actually say anything but indeed cutting you off at the pass to claim FIRST!
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:35 pm
Sarah B.
For you, girl.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:38 pm
Wasn’t sure if anyone was still out and about. I came across the opening, but didn’t want to utter the word “First”. It seems to upset some of the more sensitive members.
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
I don’t care about first. I care about Falcons…
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:40 pm
SD is falling apart.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
Sarah B.
That is what we all care about.
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
Hi Boxcar trying to recover from last nights big win…
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:42 pm
My voice is froggy.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:42 pm
I wasn’t really watching. Did Denver win or did SD lose?
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:43 pm
Nice rundown b4.
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:45 pm
It looks like the Bronco`s and Colts are the two best in the AFC.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:45 pm
Did Chicago and Denver both get the right QB? Word was Cutler was a whiner and Orton wasn’t that good. Both QB’s seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
BT,
Who are the two best in NFC?
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:47 pm
Or on a better question, NO and who?
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:49 pm
I think they both needed a change of scenery.
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:50 pm
Sarah,
Now we need for TD to find a DB who wants a change of scenery.
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
The Saints and Vikings right now as top NFC teams
BlackTalon
October 19th, 2009
11:55 pm
Good night, y`all
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
NO & Us
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
BT,
It seems that Farve is willing his team to win. Did he sell his soul for one more SB?
Sarah B
October 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
SD lost…
Boxcarar
October 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
Sarah,
You are right, Denver coach is a small guy.
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:00 am
Sarah,
Do you have any moves planned for your FFL team?
Dawson Devitt (D3)
October 20th, 2009
12:00 am
Great Late Night Cage Gents and Gals!
Got a day off tomorrow, so up a little bit. What a game, and the Bears are a pretty good team, I was particularly impressed with their young and talented receiving corps. With Hester, Knox, Bennett, and Olsen they have one of the better corps in the league. Defense played lights out 
, but our defensive backfield is still not up to par. Dimitroff is going to have to either pay much bucks for a big-time FA CB, or draft one first, because Houston is a number 2 corner at best, and really I’d go with a true nickel. It’s time to see Owens, Jackson, and Hill.
A win’s a win, but I was particularly disappointed with the early offensive play-calling
Very predictable: 1st down – play-action or regular pass, 2nd down – run up middle, 3rd down – long pass, 4th down – punt. Ryan was a little off last night, but I know he’ll get it corrected due to his work ethic.
Officially worried about running game at this point.
Save the Niners game, it has llooked very weak. My thought would be that the defense would be softer with Tony G. roaming around back there. Hope it gets corrected, because we’ll have to play run, ball-control offense to beat the Saints.
Trainwreck
October 20th, 2009
12:02 am
Gr8 win for the Falcons… but boy the more I see the Saints they scare me more and more… Idk how we are gonna handle them… but I know we can
Trainwreck
October 20th, 2009
12:03 am
Also, I’m wondering if we will see Tye Hill at all next week due to Williams’ injury
Dawson Devitt (D3)
October 20th, 2009
12:04 am
Box – Excellent answers to all questions
Sarah B. – My bro and I went to the Landing. Is it the place where all the kids games are and stuff? We had plenty of brews, but didn’t really feel like a party atmosphere. We headed down to the WCC courtyard and hung out.
BlackTalon – Agreed. Saints and Vikings in NFC, and Colts and Broncos in AFC
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:05 am
D3,
Remember that CH23 was a 41st pick overall in his draft. Is there that much of a drop from first round to second round?
TheManMike
October 20th, 2009
12:05 am
D3,
Excellent post. Agree with all the grades and Game Balls – nice touch. This Brian Williams injury will hurt, but I’m holding out too much judgement until I see what moves we make and I’m, for some reason, confident in Owens to step it up. We must bring in someone to help the competition – but whom? I have not seen too many names being thrown around. Anyone know of any CB’s out there, working or not, that could come in a give our young guys a run for their money?
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:06 am
D3,
Almost forgot, another top line post.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:06 am
Not a whole lot on the waiver wire Boxcar. I def. need help. Any ideas? I’m doing great in my work league so I’m not an idiot. But feel free to take a look. Bear in mind it is a lot of luck. You never know who will run wild each week.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:08 am
You have the sign in, take a look.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:09 am
I jinxed Cutler by playing him so maybe I’ll play Romo next week so we win again…
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:09 am
Sarah,
Would never call anyone in the Cage, especially you, an idiot. As anyone knows, even in our Sunday night game, luck is the great equalizer.
Wabe
October 20th, 2009
12:09 am
I completely agree with you D3 about the run game. Aside from maybe a game or two, the run game has just been non-existent.
I’ll say this, on paper, the Falcons offense is just ridiculous. We always talk about Ryan, Turner, Roddy, Jenks, Gonzo, but it’s just not translating on the field. We’ve really let a lot of teams slow us down and knock our offense out of rhythm. I think more of that has to do with playcalling than execution. The coaches really need to find ways to get Matt Ryan into rhythm early. Get him firing early and often and use the pass game to open up those running lanes. I think a slight shift in philosophy might help get this offense rolling.
I’m hoping the offense gets clicking and rolling on all cylinders as the season moves on. But know this, this season, the Falcons will get as far as this offense takes them.
The DEF seems to be a middle-of-the-road DEF, but it’s good enough if you pair it with the “high-powered” offense that we’re expecting to see out of this Falcons OFFENSE.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:10 am
It really is!
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:11 am
This team has just fallen to pieces, kinda like 2007.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
October 20th, 2009
12:12 am
Boxcarar – I guess you can’t really tell on CB talent, I suppose that they just drafted the wrong guy. Wonder if they call Glen Sharpe up to 53-Man Roster in William’s absence, or go out and either grab someone available, trade, or practice squad. I scanned the practice squad and keep an eye on this guy. Only thing is that we would have to sign him directly to our 53 man roster. I remember checking him out before the draft:
Mike Mickens (Cowboys Practice Squad) – 6′0, 186.
Pick Analysis: Mickens led his team in interceptions last season and was a track superstar in high school. He has speed and very good quickness. This is exceptional value for a pick in the seventh round. Mickens has a chance to be the third corner for the Cowboys.
Wabe
October 20th, 2009
12:12 am
You guys really think T.D. will make another move for a CB after seeing how long it has taken Hill to get up to speed with the defense?
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:16 am
Sarah,
BT was saying that you need WR help. I’m looking at FA screen. Can you choose anyone from this list?
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:16 am
I’m thinkin’ Hill was a mistake
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:17 am
Yes then you cut someone existing. Feel free…
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:18 am
Wabe,
I hope that TD won’t whiff twice on the same position. He got it right on B. Williams.
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:20 am
D3,
At least Mickens would quiet the posters with height issues. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:27 am
Boxcar why don’t you shop the waiver wire and set the line up for next week and see how you do. Really. I have to look for a job, go to the DR. b4 ins. runs out, go to unemployment… go for it, have fun, mix it up…
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:33 am
Sarah,
I was trying to take it all in, my head is spinning…
What are the deadlines for doing these transaction? I do not want to kill your team.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:37 am
It will tell you. You can do it.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
12:39 am
I will help…
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:55 am
Sarah,
Check email.
Boxcarar
October 20th, 2009
12:58 am
I,m done tonight. Nite Nite.
Ed
October 20th, 2009
1:25 am
As always outstanding work D3…glad you have a day off tomorrow. I get the sense that Matt has not been in sync as much as he’d like all year. Not saying he hasn’t played well, but it appears he starts off slowly or struggles to find his groove at times. So much is expected of him and it may be that he’s thinking too much. When he goes to the no huddle offense he just lets it go and plays very well.
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
1:28 am
Yes Ed, slow start fo sure
Sarah B
October 20th, 2009
1:29 am
Then Rockin…
Jmayne
October 20th, 2009
1:48 am
I dont know if anyones paying attention. But 4-1 so far. Dallas and New Orleans coming up, 1-1. 1 more with NO @ the terror dome. 2 wins vs. TB, 1 More with the Kitty cats, WSH is a joke, BUF is terrible, NYJ look average, that leaves philly and nyg?? 12-4 is very doable, 13-3? you think the aints are goiing 14-2?
WR
October 20th, 2009
1:59 am
Great job on the new post D3, my biggest concerns after this win is the running game and Turner’s no found disease of fumbling and bumbling everything inside the red zone.
WR
October 20th, 2009
2:00 am
no should be new
WR
October 20th, 2009
2:11 am
Jmayne, nice breakdown, the Falcons were considered to have one of the toughest schedules in the league when the season first started, the schedule is still tough but the birds are becoming a tough team of their own so the teams remaining on the schedule don’t look nearly as tough as they did at the beginning of the season.
WR
October 20th, 2009
3:05 am
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81386df6&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
John Waynesworld
October 20th, 2009
7:56 am
Outside of the Falcons stellar red zone D and our super special teams, my game ball goes to…THE FANS!!! It’s already been mentioned a couple of times on the national TV news (nfl network, espn) that the Bears 2 biggest miscues at the end of the game were directly related to the loud crowd noise. I wish I could have been there because you guys and gals literally ROCKED!!!
Now onto little “d” (Big “D” is now Denver, right?) I know it will be a tough game but I just don’t think the pokes got it this year at all, in fact it looks like the whole of the NFC East might be too much huff and puff and no stuff.
MarkATL
October 20th, 2009
8:39 am
Great Win Falcons!! BUT…Losing Williams is going to hurt. I hope Smith can find a good replacement for him. Another good CB will surely be need against NO. That will be a very tough game. Falcons should have a more explosive game against the Cowboys.
Black Cas
October 20th, 2009
9:01 am
What’s good people i’m a first time bloger but i want to give or lb’s the game ball they were all over the field like always and they played big.
AlternateReality
October 20th, 2009
9:35 am
It was great to see the hitting, especially on the goal-line stand where Forte fumbled twice. It didn’t look like he was having much fun after that
Defensive line pressure was encouraging as well. They forced Cutler to dump the ball off short of a first down quite a few times (a la Ryan in the NE game), and moved Cutler out of his comfort zone all game long.
As for Ryan’s accuracy, I think you have to give the Bears D some credit. There were a couple of times where he unloaded the ball pretty quickly and wasn’t in synch with the receiver – they turned the opposite way from where he threw the ball, or broke the pattern off when he expected them to keep going upfield – and other times the coverage was just plain good. On several other incompletions, he just threw the ball away when no one was open. I’d definitely prefer that to forcing the ball and giving up an interception.
AlternateReality
October 20th, 2009
9:41 am
Lots of people have been asking why Chevious Jackson hasn’t been playing. Notice who the Bears went after on the first play after Williams’ injury? TD Chicago. Offenses typically test the replacement right away, and Jackson obviously wasn’t into the flow of the game yet, so it’s hard to tell if this was a reflection of his abilities or maybe just a well-designed play by Chicago.
Lil'Dave
October 20th, 2009
9:51 am
Good morning crew!
Sarah and Boxcarar,
Check your e-mail or your FFL team. I made you guys a great trade offer. Its the best trade offer I’ve seen yet. Let me know what you guys think.
D3,
Great article buddy keep up the great work! D3 for President 1012!
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
10:16 am
D#,
Nice piece.
I’ll go back to my suggestion from bye week. Let’s put Weems in the slot and run drag routes behind Tony G. running the seam.
Get Weems free in space where he can do some damage. Use that asset!
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
10:16 am
###ps
Blue Fender
October 20th, 2009
10:20 am
As far as getting a DB off waivers or someone else’s practice squad, why not use Finnerin as a DB? He plays ST and can tackle. New England did it a few years ago with their receiver after many of their DBs went down.
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
10:28 am
I’m concerned with Romo’s mobility. He’s by FAR the most mobile QB we’ve faced and the last two games we gave up big plays to the opposing QBs on runs. Tony keeps a lot of drives alive with his legs.
We need to make him feel it every time he runs.
CBrass
October 20th, 2009
11:00 am
D3,
Once again great job. Great break down and insight on a hard fought game by both teams!!
Give your grades and assign your game-balls
Gonzo for his clutch catches
Weems for his special teams play
The entire DL and LB’s. Not taking anything from DeCoud but because of the pressure that the DL and LB’s put on Cutler is the reason that he threw the first interception. Also Wire for coming up with the fumble recovery
-What’s your thoughts on the rushing attack: tough defense or officially worried? Not understanding why they OL can’t create any holes for Turner or is it that he’s not hitting them fast enough? Turner fumbling is really starting to concern me now. You couldn’t play him to cough up the ball last season but now he’s giving it away at will. Grimes is doing better than I thought. Coleman and DeCoud both are doing an outstanding job at safety. Houston on the other hand is really starting to tick me off. This question if for anyone who has ever played the CB position…is it that hard to turn your head to located the ball? He has no idea when it coming. That’s all I’m going to say on that.
I will say that JA98 is playing his butt off at the DT position. He was in the backfield a lot on Sunday…honestly I think that’s the most I’ve seen him in the backfield his entire career.
-How much will Norwood’s injury hurt the Falcons? I think it’s going to have a big impact. You all saw how his speed really gave Chicago fits on Sunday and wear going to need him. Snelling has done great with the ball his given to him but he does have the speed that Norwood has. Norwood is a homerun threat each time that the ball is in his hands.
-Play-calling, running backs, O-Line, or all need to improve? Mad Mike had an off night. Very predicable play calling. The first couple of drives I thought Bobo was calling the plays. He needs to open things back up like he did in the Niners game. OL is doing an outstanding job of protecting Ryan but for some reason the run game has been MIA. All areas need to improve. We have alot of talent on O we should have not problem putting up 28 pts a game.
-Worried on Ryan’s tough day or good Bears secondary? Ryan was simply off on Sunday. He missed alot of throws and his receivers didn’t help him out at times.
-Ryan’s inaccuracy a one-time deal or reason for concern? I hope it’s a one time deal but he has missed them alot this year. He was sharp last week against the Niners so we know he can put the ball where it needs to go.
-Anxious about lack of a threat from the slot? Yea. I wish they would use Booker more. He’s more than capable of getting the job done or as someone pointed out earlier put Weems in the slot and let him get in space. Speeds kills and he has plently of it. Am I wrong in suggesting using Norwood in the slot when healthy? Think of that catch he made last season when he took it 60+ yards to the house!!! As I stated before he’s a homerun threat each time.
-Defensive line dominated or Bears weak run offense? The DL was on it. The didn’t let Forte breath. Each yard he got was hard earned.
-Coleman and DeCoud one of the best safety tandems in the NFL? I think they are but it’s hard to really say because I haven’t really seen any others play. DeCoud has a bright future a head of him.
-Seriously alarmed on lack of man-to-man DB skill? With CH23 he need safety help. I bet he can’t even cover his nose when he sneezes. Yea Grimes his small but he gets his head around to located and bat away balls. I just do not understand what is up with CH23.
-How bad will Brian Williams injury hurt? Very bad in my opinion.
-Is there a better overall special teams unit in the NFL? I think we are neck and neck with the Bears in the return game. As far as the cover game I think we are no doubt at the top and it all starts with Koenen.
Birdman
October 20th, 2009
12:32 pm
Great topic D3
CBrass very good read I agree with all you have said.Falcons got to bring the O game back in this game Sunday .If not for our D we would be looking at 3-2 right now. We no doubt dodged a bullet Sunday night .Turner being good in the red zone is good but thats the only place he was good .The ruining game just ant there.Without Norwood would be a big – in my opinion also.Don,t get me wrong Snelling is doing good and I think they need to use him but he is not a Norwood.
I have noticed when MR starts the game when he hits that first pass the game seems to always go his way and the O does very well.Sunday night his first throw was to TG on a straight up route in the middle about 25 yrds out well the throw was bad and MR did not have a good game.
They got to bring there game Sunday .They can beat the Cowboys and to me if they are playing for all the marbles they will.
Falcons 24 Cowboys 10 If the ice man is on.
John Waynesworld
October 20th, 2009
12:39 pm
CBrass good day to you! I agree with you on Houston and his face guarding of the receivers. He will NEVER get the benefit of any doubt when it comes to a questionable pass interference call if his back is to the play. Never.
With Jerious out for a spell, do you think there may be a Thomas Brown sighting? That would be great if TB could spell Norwood while he is nursing his injuries. The best thing about it is that TB is a good pass protector and protects the ball well, not to mention he can catch the ball out of the backfield. If we could save Jerious for the stretch run and the playoffs, opposing defenses who are banged up at the end of the season do NOT want to see Norwood all refreshed and energized.
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
2:30 pm
CBrass,
Good stuff. It was me who suggested Weems in the slot, but Norwood there is ALSO an excellent idea, whenever he’s back.
I laughed hard at “can’t even cover his mouth when he sneezes”. Nice.
Are you going to Jax?
Lil'Dave
October 20th, 2009
2:48 pm
Any trades yet now that were getting closer to 4 p.m.?
CBrass
October 20th, 2009
2:54 pm
Birdman/JWW/Sautee,
Thanks for the props.
Sautee,
Will not be able to make it down to Jax this year. I really want to but will not be able to do it.
chc4
October 20th, 2009
4:23 pm
Ex-UGA LB Will Witherspoon acquired by the Eagles.
zorro
October 20th, 2009
4:48 pm
Hi everybody,
Second time on the blog. I gotta question do any one have another name for THE NO HUDDLE.
It works when the O catches the opponent off guard. The falcons should have a name for when they run that no huddle just like other teams use the {wild cat} any thoughts.
Birdman
October 20th, 2009
4:51 pm
The Nuddle
Ravi
October 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
I’m glad you gave a game ball to #98. He made up for a lot of his average play to date with that 4th down pass breakup. He’s held his own on the D-Line the last two games.
hiramsaint
October 20th, 2009
5:06 pm
how about the “o crap what are we gonna do now” formation?
John Waynesworld
October 20th, 2009
5:19 pm
Von Ryan’s Express.
The Malarkian The Bird of Prey
The Falcon’s Thrust
The Hurry Up
John Waynesworld
October 20th, 2009
5:20 pm
Malarkian Bird of Prey.
Sautee
October 20th, 2009
5:32 pm
Black Wing
JJ
October 20th, 2009
5:33 pm
Birdman has it, hands down–The Nuddle or The NUT for short, as in we got to get our nut, sorry ladies. lol
John Waynesworld
October 20th, 2009
5:34 pm
Here’s a Cowboy injury report. Looks like they will be close to full strength:
http://www.dallascowboys.com/team/team_injuries.cfm
AlternateReality
October 20th, 2009
5:40 pm
All this newfound love for JA98….
Next thing you know we’ll be wondering why Bobby Cox didn’t send up Norton in that critical at-bat LOL.
Wabe
October 20th, 2009
5:42 pm
Just to respond a bit to the struggles of the running game. Last season, Michael Turner and this Falcons rushing game really benefited from playing alot of “SOFT” opponents (Rams, Lions, Raiders). I personally think that Turner’s stats from last season were really a bit inflated. Don’t get me wrong, Turner is a GREAT RB and he earned every one of those 1600 yards that he ran for. But, if you go back and look at Turner’s stats from last season game by game, he really didn’t run through everybody. He often struggled against good defenses (Eagles, Vikings, Bucs). Now, when Turner’s stats fall off a bit, people want to instantly assume something’s wrong with him. I really think Turner’s a great back, but we’re just playing some pretty good defenses AND you have teams really keying in on him. I think on some occasions he’s just too slow hitting the holes. Whatever the case may be, I think we need to concede to the fact that the Falcons may need to start putting more of the load on Ryan’s shoulders to help open up running lanes for Turner.
cutter
October 20th, 2009
6:09 pm
Jamal Fudge is back.
zorro
October 20th, 2009
6:23 pm
hiramsaint you got jokes
But Malarkian Bird of Prey I think that’s cool ,he’s perched up high and he’s looking down. That has merit. Like they say, you build it and they will come.And if we here in the ATL start saying Malarkian
Bird of Prey.It will catch on.
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:02 pm
zorro, I really dont care because their going to call it the no-huddle, but nicknames are shorter than the original, hence wild-cat instead of wild cat formation. You think it has merit to go from no huddle(8) to malarkian bird of prey(19)? Can we throw in a klingon? Just having fun, really dont care, you guys call it what you want. I’m sure it will catch on.
D3, great post as always buddy, so were 1-1 on ffl, got lucky with moss and a couple other guys, chin up!
CBrass, nice post, what happen to your Uncle?
CBrass
October 20th, 2009
7:13 pm
JJ,
Uncle?
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:15 pm
UBob, come on girl.
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:16 pm
mentor
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:17 pm
SW and U’Bob have been scarce, I know SW is work schedule.
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:19 pm
Rhetorical question, not sure on spelling, close i bet.
JJ
October 20th, 2009
7:22 pm
Just rented the new transformers2 that came out today. I’m sure its just eye-candy (action/megan fox) but i’ll give it a shot. Back after 10pm…cia cage.