Task at Hand – Falcons @ Panthers Preview
Battle Up I-85 North
Can Coleman and Co. Sweep (Curtis Compton/AJC)
The Falcons are 5-3 at the midpoint and right in the thick of the battle for the playoffs, likely not for the NFC South Crown barring a complete collapse by the Saints. Assuming they might be looking at a wild-card run, the Falcons have to keep a serious focus on the task at hand and worry solely about the NFC South rivalry coming up in Charlotte against the Panthers. Granted the Panthers aren’t having the best of years, sitting at 3-5 at the midway point, but they are an extremely proud team that knows that anything is possible in the second half of the season. Many teams have overcome worse to make runs and get into the playoffs. To say that this is a needed win for the Panthers would be understating it since they’re already well under .500 and John Fox’s seat might be burning hot. To Mike Smith’s credit, the Falcons have done a pretty good job of winning the games they’re supposed to for the most part. The Birds still have many areas to improve upon and they are yet to put all three phases of their game together, save for the San Francisco game, particularly finding consistency in the passing attack. The Falcons surely have some enormous games coming down the pipe with a trip to New York looming next week followed by the Philadelphia Eagles in a couple weeks in the Terror-Dome. Ironically, as it stands now the Falcons are in a close heat with New York and Philly for the two wild card spots if the playoffs were to start soon. Of course none of that matters if the Birds can’t take of business against the Panthers in Bank of America Stadium on Sunday.
Match-Ups
Falcons Defense vs. Panthers Offense
DE – John Abraham vs. RT – Jeff Otah
DT – Jonathan Babineaux vs. RG – Keydrick Vincent
DT – Jamaal Anderson/Vance Walker vs. C – Ryan Kalil/LG – Travelle Wharton
DE – Kroy Biermann vs. LT – Jordan Gross
SLB – Stephen Nicholas vs. TE – Jeff King
MLB – Curtis Lofton vs. FB – Brad Hoover/RB – Jonathan Stewart
WLB – Mike Peterson vs. vs. RB – Deangelo Williams
CB – Chris Houston vs. WR – Steven Smith
CB – Tye Hill vs. WR – Muhsin Muhammed
SS – Erik Coleman vs. TE – Jeff King
FS – Thomas DeCoud vs. QB – Jake Delhomme
Nickel – Chevis Jackson/Brent Grimes vs. Slot – Dwayne Jarrett
Falcons Offense vs. Panthers Defense
LT – Sam Baker/Will Svitek vs. DE – Julius Peppers
LG – Justin Blalock vs. DT – Damione Lewis
C – Todd McClure/RG – Harvey Dahl vs. DT – Hollis Thomas
RT – Tyson Clabo vs. Tyler Brayton
RB – Michael Turner vs. WLB – James Anderson
FB – Ovie Mughelli vs. MLB – Jon Beason
TE – Tony Gonzalez vs. SLB – Na’il Diggs
WR – Roddy White vs. CB – Chris Gamble
WR – Michael Jenkins vs. CB – Richard Marshall
TE – Tony Gonzalez vs. SS – Chris Harris
QB – Matt Ryan vs. FS – Charles Godfrey
Slot – Marty Booker/Eric Weems vs. CB – Captain Munnerlyn/CJ Wilson
Six Searing Questions
1) Will Sam Baker Play and Will the OL Keep Ryan Upright?
Sam Baker was held out of practice this week due to an injury sustained against the Redskins. Although Baker was extremely injury-prone last year, he has started and played in all 8 games so far this season. Along with the rest of the offensive line, Baker hasn’t been a stout pillar of protection for Matt Ryan as of late. Baker was replaced by Will Svitek in the lineup against he Redskins and seemed to play well in relief. One of Dimitroff’s big goals was to shore up the offensive line in terms of depth. Svitek and Brett Romberg were two signings that flew well under the radar, but have shown to be good pickups to date. If Baker doesn’t play, will Svitek be able to handle All-Pro Julius Peppers in check or will the Panthers defensive line continue the hard knocks on Matt Ryan?
2) Can Ryan Rediscover His Mojo?
Back to Excellent for #2? (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Much has certainly been made of Matt Ryan’s slump or non-slump in the last few games. Ryan has seen better games after throwing quite a few interceptions in the last 3 games (6) and looking a little rattled from time to time. He’s on target for the same amount of passing yards as last season and his touchdowns are almost equal to that of his entire total from last year, but the Ryan has made some uncharacteristic decisions and seems to be locked onto Tony Gonzalez in spite of his other receivers downfield. Lack of a running game could have once been proffered, but that has completely gone by the wayside the last two weeks with Michael Turner ripping off some huge games against the Saints and Redskins. Although Ryan has appeared to not throw the ball deep, he’s on par to meet the same goal of +20 passes as last year. Ryan had a paltry 135 yards passing last week, but he did complete over 70% of his passes. Ryan was 21 for 27 last time against the Cats for 2 TDs, may the Panthers be his cure for what’s ailing him?
3) Can Turner Continue His Scalding Streak?
Running back Michael Turner has absolutely been on fire the last couple of weeks, racking up over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns in the last two weeks and not against the weakest of defenses in New Orleans and Washington either. The return of Ovie Mughelli has surely been a welcome addition to the running game, particularly with Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling being sidelined recently. The Panthers defense may not be on their normal dominance, missing Thomas Davis and starting DT Maake Kemoeatu going down for the season early in the year, but they are playing at home and have their backs completely against the wall in this one. If they’ve seen the game tape from the last two weeks, they probably will be loading the box up and forcing Matt Ryan to beat them through the air. Aaron Stecker proved formidable in the passing game, but obviously lacked the speed of Norwood to be a true complement to Turner’s thunder.
4) Can Falcons D-Line and Defense Keep the Williams-Stewart Combo in Check?
As expected, Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have caught fire as of recent with the Panthers determined to run the ball first, often, and always. Williams, in particular, has been on a great streak of late going over 150 yards rushing in three of the last four games. Stewart’s numbers are down a little bit, but he’s edged up close to a 5 yard per rush average and is a tough runner, especially around the goal-line. The Falcons defense has done a much better job of keeping some of the better running back tandems in check in the Cowboys Marion Barber-Felix Jones-Tashard Choice and Saints Mike Bell-Reggie Bush-Pierre Thomas. Jamaal Anderson’s move to the middle has fortified the rush defense and the emergence of Vance Walker coupled with the return of Trey Lewis has meant better rush stopping. They have their work cut out this week.
5) Will Tye Hill and the Falcons Secondary Limit Steve Smith?
Big Game for Jackson and D (Curtis Compton/AJC)
The Falcons secondary has rebounded very nicely in the last two weeks after a complete meltdown in Dallas. Admittedly Jason Campbell and the Redskins are pretty inept in the passing attack, but there’s no question they played well when they held Drew Brees, arguably the NFL’s best QB this year, to his worst passer rating of the year. Chris Houston has been playing better in man-to-man coverage and Tye Hill has been a nice surprise after learning the defense for several months after his trade from St. Louis. Chevis Jackson seemed to play like his old-self from starring in the nickel role a year ago. Jake Delhomme has had an up and down year, but he’s a cagey QB who can do good things if he gets into a rhythm and his running game is working well. The biggest question will be if the secondary can hold Steve Smith relatively in check. He had another big day against the Falcons DB’s in the second game in the Georgia Dome, going well over 130 yards receiving and exposing one the Falcons big weaknesses. And the nightmares still run rampant of Brent Grimes getting manhandled by Muhsin Muhammed last year in Charlotte.
6) Will the Falcons Get Caught Looking Ahead?
If past results under Coach Mike Smith are any indication, the answer is not likely. Smith’s teams are generally well-prepared and show up ready for the task, notably in rivalry games. Smith and Co. have done a good job of keeping the team in a mindset of playing week to week and refusing to get caught looking ahead. There are surely some big games ahead on the schedule with an away trip to the Giants in New York and the Eagles at home, both looking to be in direct competition for the wild card spots. All of that will be for naught if the Falcons can’t take care of business against a tough, but less than stellar Panthers team.
Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Turn
-You Answer the Six Searing Questions
-Will the Falcons take care of business in Charlotte?
-Are the Birds vulnerable to looking ahead to next week?
-Will the Panthers come out firing with their backs against the wall?
-Can the offensive line keep pressure off Ryan?
-Is this Ryan’s game to get back on track?
-Will Turner continue his hot streak?
-What will the Falcons defense do with Williams and Stewart?
-Who should be on Steve Smith: Chris Houston or Tye Hill?
-What’s your final prediction and score?
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468 comments Add your comment
John K
November 12th, 2009
9:49 pm
I am very worried about this game. I like our chances against the Giants better than the Panthers.
Birdman
November 12th, 2009
10:15 pm
We are gona take the panthers . Smith and the team know its a must win to have a chance at the wild card race.Its do are die.So look for a W on this one
Falcons 24 Panthers 17
Oh yea great post D3 once again and thanks for the happy B day man
Birdman
November 12th, 2009
10:28 pm
I think they will be focused on this game .They should have enough since to know what the outcome will be if they turn there backs. I really think we take them.Also Smith is going to bring the Birds out fighting .The man has got to be upset with the NFL and this low blow of a fine he was given .He will prove something here .And I think his team owes it to him .
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
10:28 pm
Well, having road tripped to Charlotte 5 years in a row until last year, when we attended Tampa instead, we have a very good track record there. I think Delhomme melts down again and we win. In other news, I was sooo happy we pulled one out against the Bears a few weeks ago but watching this game we should have creamed them.
D3, I will check out the Movie Tavern Sunday and report in. I too am biased as I live about 3 miles myself. But a free giant screen & bucket of beer sounds really good. Not sure we can beat that.
Thank God I didn’t play Cutler this week…
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
10:35 pm
Where is everybody?
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
10:43 pm
Jeesh, should have used SF’s D this week – 4 picks???
sportaree
November 12th, 2009
10:50 pm
D3 Good stuff as always. Go 49ers beat the Bears!
Wabe
November 12th, 2009
10:53 pm
I like the Falcons. I think we’re gonna see a duplicate of what we saw earlier in the season. Turner will continue his dominance in the run game, which should help open things up for Ryan and the receivers.
CAR plays a lot like us on defense. They really try to generate a pass rush with their front four and drop back into some soft zones – so Ryan needs to be careful when throwing the ball.
Defensively, lock up that 2-headed monster and get pressure to Delhomme. Blanket Steve Smith and force those other receivers to beat us.
Like I said, I think it’ll be a carbon copy of what we saw in Week 2. I’ll predict a 28-17 Falcons win.
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:13 pm
CAJ,
Posted on other post as well. I ended up at Ridgeview.
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:20 pm
Shawty,
Had to ace a quiz in psychology. I’m here for a little while. From other post, did you ever go to Buckhead Cinema\Drafthouse?
D3,
If we have to use back up help at LT, then we may need to use TE help to minimize Peppers. It will work, especially on third down when they will expect TG to go into a pattern. Protect Matt and let his confidence return. Let TG go into pattern on more first and second downs and let Turner rumble. IMHO.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:21 pm
Box, so glad we didn’t play Cutler this week.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:24 pm
Yep Box I did. I live right close to Lenox too.
OMG 5 INTS??? I think this a record of suckage.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:25 pm
Oh the service was bad there. Heard it’s much better at Movie Tavern.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:27 pm
My big dog came up limping this afetrnoon, do I take her to the Vet tomorrow or give it a minute? I gave her a tylonol. Was that bad she weighs about 65lbs.
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:29 pm
Shawty,
Why? And go Falcons!
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:32 pm
Shawty,
I have always used an infant or childrens medication because they use weight in their dosage instructions, but I am not a veterinarian.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:39 pm
My smaller young dog and her were playing and she came up limping, I didn’t see it.
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:50 pm
Shawty,
You have mail. I hope.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:53 pm
Nothing yet. I’m having Outlook issues though. Try s_brainerd@yahoo.com.
Box
November 12th, 2009
11:55 pm
I just want Matt to stay in the pocket a little longer. It seems that he bolted a little too early the past few weeks and is trying to escape up the middle and goes down when the pocket hasn’t really collapsed. IMHO.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:57 pm
I’ll be getting the Outlook disc tomorrow. Yahoo is working just fine.
Shawty
November 12th, 2009
11:57 pm
True I was thinking that especially against NO.
Box
November 13th, 2009
12:00 am
I tried again with new address. I had an extra “_” in your address.
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
12:05 am
Got and replied.
Box
November 13th, 2009
12:14 am
Injury report: LT Sam Baker (DNP, ankle), RB Jerious Norwood (DNP, hip), WR Brian Finneran (DNP, knee), WR Roddy White (limited, knee), DT Thomas Johnson (limited, calf), RB Jason Snelling (limited, hamstring), LB Curtis Lofton (full, knee and ankle).
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
12:18 am
Same as last week.
Box
November 13th, 2009
12:19 am
Again.
Box
November 13th, 2009
12:28 am
Shawty,
I’ll repeat your 22:35 post. Where is everybody? Have we offended anyone?
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
12:32 am
Beats me, must have something better to do.
Box
November 13th, 2009
1:00 am
Not much better than a Falcons blog. Their loss. Good night Lady Sarah and the Cage.
Ed
November 13th, 2009
3:14 am
Excellent breakdown D3. Must say this game really worries me as the Panthers are playing much better than when we faced them before. The way the Giants are playing looking ahead shouldn’t be a problem. I think our defense will do fine, it’s the offense that needs to step it up. Call it what you want but Ryan’s in a funk and not clicking with his receivers.
Samuel
November 13th, 2009
6:55 am
Yeah, I Think we can get a win, but we must stop the run and force Jake into passing situations John Abraham must show up in this game. He has’nt played well of late. Can we get Eric Weems to run one all the way back? We have’nt had a kickoff return run back all year. Matty Ice needs to fake pump the ball and stop looking for Tony G to bail him out all the time. What happen to Marty Booker? If Jason Snelling is healthy I’d like him to be a part of the offensive plan. I believe our defense is a little better than the last time we played them. Tye hill has the speed to keep up with Steve Smith but will he keep him in check? If our offensive coordinator can keep the panthers off balance the sky is the limit. Go Dirty Birds!!
stendec
November 13th, 2009
8:07 am
Thank you Coach Mike Smith! A fiery sideline leader is worth his weight in gold or other precious metals. Just wish you would have knocked piece of shet thug DeA$$hole Hall out! Worthless oxygen waste that he is/always will be! State fans blessed with you plus a certain gentleman who coaches college football in the same city! Such emotionalism is good for two or three victories per season. Unmotivational robots who may know x’s and o’s but little else are liabilities. Certain truck salesman in Athens comes to mind! Oh well. Thanks again coach. When thug Mike Sick comes to town with Eagles slug him once for me! My check will be in the mail. Keep on fighting! ++STENDEC++
Gamer
November 13th, 2009
8:19 am
Reiterating the importance of a strong Falcons’ running game is never an understatement. Turner the Burner must continue his powerful scorching runs in order for the Falcons to win this one.
Hopefully, Ryan can relocate his long balls to the WR’s, especially to Roddy. Why have a Ferrari(Roddy) running at half speed nearly every down. If only to keep the opponents defense guessing, take some safe shots down field.
Ryan stop locking onto T. Gonzalez. Don’t become another Vick to Crumpler syndromatic. Tight ends are not built to stretch the field. Remember that!!!
So far, I like the recent improvements of the secondary play and the Front Four pass rush. The line-backers have played solid every game.
If the Falcons can eliminate silly turnovers at critical points of the game, then the Falcons should win. If turnovers happens then let it come at the expense of outstanding play by opposing defense, let’s not hand them the ball!!!
Falcons play with a passion to win on every down and play with a strong distaste for losing!!!! Demonstrate the heart of champions!!
CBrass
November 13th, 2009
9:46 am
Love Smitty comments at the beginning.
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media_library/Videos/Coach_Press_Conferences/2009/11/Mike_Smith_Interview_11-12-09.aspx
CBrass
November 13th, 2009
9:49 am
Preview
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media_library/Videos/NFL_Network/2009/11/NFL_Network_-_Facolns_at_Panthers_Preview_11-12-09.aspx
DHunt
November 13th, 2009
10:47 am
Excellent matchup analysis D3. Possibly the best SPORTS analysis I’ve seen in this publication in years.
Put simply, Falcons have the better team and should pull it out. Onus this week on coaches to put better team in better positions to make plays, and keep them motivated for 4 quarters instead of the usual 2.5-3 they have been giving.
CBrass
November 13th, 2009
12:22 pm
D3,
Great job. You hit on all the points/questions that I have. I’m sure Smitty will have the guys ready. I like the fact they are taking the bus up to Charlotte in order to save time(less time traveling more time to rest). We need this game to keep pace with NO.
Ryan have to settle down and just need to get in a rhythm like you did when he completed 13 in a row in week two. During that stretch you could tell that his confidence was through the roof. He was decisive with his throws, had 1000% trust in his OL, and wasn’t second guessing himself. Hope that Turner can keep things going. He’s on a tear and hope to see him keep running over and by people. I’ve noticed that he has been having a lot of success when he runs outside then later in the game run between the tackles. With T. Davis out I hope to God we attack his replacement. If I’m not mistaken he covered Gonzo alot during the first game so Gonzo should be able to give Davis’s replacement a nice workout. I just hope Ryan doesn’t zone in on Gonzo and forget about White and Jenkins on the outside like he did last week.
We have to contain the two headed monster in Williams and Stewart. We did it with the three headed monster out in Dallas but we let Romo beat us with his arm. I think the most important thing is we have to put Delhomme on his butt. If we do that I’m sure Hill and DeCoud will have at least on pick a piece. If you notice the Philly game they harassed him the entire game and we need to do the same. I would love to see the D from the 2nd half of the NO game. If the D play with that mind set there is no doubt that we come away with a W.
Oh yea I hope to see Hill line up on Smith. He appears to have more speed and more awareness(he get’s his head around) then our dear friend Houston.
Again D3 great job.
Greg
November 13th, 2009
1:45 pm
I agree with JohnK…this game has me worried. We should win it, especially with the Panthers’ injuries. But three things are in question. Can we cover Steve Smith if he shows up big (which he can do any Sunday, against any team)? Arguably the greatest 5′9″ player ever to play in the NFL in my adult lifetime (I’m 61), Smith can be a game changer—he can easily throw up a 200-yard game. If Delhomme is given time, and he and Smith put us behind early, we need to really keep our composure up there. I’m particularly worried about Smith getting inside Chris Houston’s head, and Chris getting flustered. Second, and related, how do we handle the excellent Panthers’ O-Line? They block very well for their two great running backs, and they pass protect very well. Delhomme is very good dumping off to his backs if we put in blitz packages and they pick them up. Third, which Delhomme will show up? If it’s Delhomme on a good day, it’s gonna be a real battle.
Wabe
November 13th, 2009
1:53 pm
From Bill Simmons on ESPN.com:
Falcons (-1.5) over PANTHERS
My top six looks like this right now: New Orleans, Indy, New England, Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Dallas. The Falcons are 5-3. Their three losses? No. 1, No. 3 and No. 6 on the list … all on the road. In other words, they might be better than we think. It’s conceivable. Meanwhile, the Panthers are 3-5, they don’t have a No. 1 pick next year, they’re one defeat away from their fan base freaking out about this and their best player (Steve Smith) blessed his quarterback two weeks ago by saying, “I just work here. If Jake’s the guy, Jake’s the guy. It’s not my call.” I think I’ll take the Falcons.
CBrass
November 13th, 2009
2:51 pm
Very cool gesture by some fans.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-fans-raise-funds-196457.html
Birdman
November 13th, 2009
3:37 pm
Hello cagers
Great things the people are doing there raising the money and all but the money is already there in the franchise as is with all organizations for these types of things . But all said and done I think its great .
Hope we win this game I Will miss the game because I will be going to a youth retreat as a sponsor with my doughtier and church .Leaving today to north Georgia .
Ya’ll keep it coming.
GO FALCONS
John Waynesworld
November 13th, 2009
6:18 pm
Hi Cagers! Well it looks like we may get a reprieve from having to face Carolina’s RB Williams. He was off Wed and Thu and he tried his knee today and apparently he is not comfortable. That is great news because ever since I saw him at Memphis, Deangelo always had a extra gear and a half. Now all we have to worry about is Steve Smith…again. I hate to say it but I am a huge Steve Smith fan. If Smith was playing in Indy, we would all be saying “Reggie Wayne who?” He is without a doubt the best pound for pound receiver in the league.
I think Mr. Turner will continue his good work and Roddy will take one deep after we give the Panthers a big dose of Ryan to Gonzalez. I would really like to see more of Mike Jenkins this weekend and maybe Marty Booker will see the end zone. If we score early, as has been the case, and we can make it a ball possession game, there will be no hope for Delhomme and the Carolina Panthers.
BT
November 13th, 2009
6:41 pm
Hi y`all.
Points number three and four are the biggest keys, IMO
Get burner on track for a big game (again) and do a good job with slowing Williams and Stewart.
I have a feeling this game is going to be some what close but Abe and Babs provide the difference with pressure on Delhome.
Matt Ryan should have a reasonably sucessful day getting the ball out to his playmakers.
Falcons 24 to 17
Coop
November 13th, 2009
7:05 pm
Evenin’ Cage. I have a feeling that we are about to explode on the NFL. I see another SF game. I think Smitty has the boys knowing this game is huge. We are going to start the 2nd half of the season by blowing out the Panthers. I’ll say 35-3. You watch, we’ll be favored in the meadowlands next week.
falcon21
November 13th, 2009
8:47 pm
I agree Coop, I think the Birds will win the game and I hope your score is close to the final but I’m thinking more like 34-17. The Birds can make a statement with this game and I think they will.
About atlanta falcons, practice, smith, deangelo williams, carolina panthers | Find me About
November 13th, 2009
9:40 pm
[...] The Falcons are 5-3 at the midpoint and right in the thick of the battle for the playoffs, likely not for the NFC South Crown barring a complete collapse by the Saints. Assuming they might be looking at a wild-card run, the Falcons have to keep a …Read Original Story: Task at Hand – Falcons @ Panthers Preview – Atlanta Journal Constitutio… [...]
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
10:38 pm
Went to my 1st HS football game since HS and it was pretty fun. St Pius advances.
sportaree
November 13th, 2009
10:55 pm
Hope I fall to 8-1 in my preseason prediction this week. Glad you had a good time Shawt, obviously you are still popular.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:06 pm
sportaree,
You are perfect, so far? Wow.
sportaree
November 13th, 2009
11:18 pm
Shawty, have you read the Jeff Schultz article today @ 1:02 pm 11/13? I hope those first few bloggers are not referring to the Bird Cage.
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
11:23 pm
Nope but now I will.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:29 pm
sportaree,
I looked but can’t find. I looked on Schultz’s latest and cannot find anything from 13:02.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:32 pm
Sportaree,
Found it.
sportaree
November 13th, 2009
11:38 pm
Am I reading that wrong?
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
11:41 pm
Actually after reading I think they were referring to his picks column with all the Sarah Palin comments – not me for once.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:41 pm
Sportaree,
I couldn’t find the 13:02 blog, but then I did. If you are speaking about my post. I don’t want to cloud the issue.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:44 pm
Shawty,
A great relief. How is our girl Lily?
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
11:46 pm
Still limping but not as bad.
Shawty
November 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
I didn’t stick around long on his picks blog due to all the Politco crap flying around.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:47 pm
sportaree,
What are views on this week’s game?
sportaree
November 13th, 2009
11:49 pm
Good. Thanks Shawty, Box for helping me out with that.
Box
November 13th, 2009
11:51 pm
One big Cage family here.
Shawty
November 14th, 2009
12:02 am
Let’s hope Shakey Jake has a Cutler like afternoon.
Box
November 14th, 2009
12:15 am
Lack of a running tandem will help our DL to bring pressure, I hope. Contain Steve Smith and we should win this one, pulling away.
About carolina panthers, smith, game, deangelo, atlanta falcons, panthers nfl | Find me About
November 14th, 2009
9:34 am
[...] The Falcons are 5-3 at the midpoint and right in the thick of the battle for the playoffs, likely not for the NFC South Crown barring a complete collapse by the Saints. Assuming they might be looking at a wild-card run, the Falcons have to keep a …Read Original Story: Task at Hand – Falcons @ Panthers Preview – Atlanta Journal Constitutio… [...]
WR
November 14th, 2009
11:29 am
Morning Cagers, with regards to all the postings about the Carolina Panthers, I hope they bring there A game, I hope Jake’s not shakey and I hope the running back tandem of Williams and Stewart is on full display. Sounds like I’m rooting for the Panthers but I’m not, its that time of year, the time when pretenders are separated from contenders, we all want the Falcons to win each and every week but it means nothing if they make the playoffs and its a one and done, two and done or whatever beyond a SuperBowl win. Soft schedules translate to soft teams, the Falcons have played a tough schedule and made it through even when they weren’t preforming at their best, now is the time to start building to get into peak condition for a deep playoff run, do I expect a Superbowl this year, no, but I want to see this team put themselves in position to be a force this year and in the years to come, beating the best when there at their best is the best way to begin that journey. I want the Panthers to throw everything including the kitchen sink at the Falcons, I want the Falcons to take there best shot and leave Carolina with a victory. There are tough games remaining on the schedule, lets not hope to get the worse of a beat up, down team, lets hope for the best, it will only make the Falcons better.
John Waynesworld
November 14th, 2009
12:11 pm
Searing question #6, will the Falcons look ahead, is a no brainer. No way. Coach Smith already has them locked and loaded for the Panthers, all the way. The G Men are in a whole different playbook.
Starting last night I am looking for across the board wins for our local sports teams this weekend.
Be about darn time.
Ken Strickland
November 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
The Panthers have no other choice but to stack the box to stop MTurner from having another dominant performance. They will also try to use their rushing attack to control the ball and score early. They don’t want to end up having to depend on JDelhomme carrying them with his passing.
If our DEF controls their rushing attack, especially on 1st downs, it will take away play action, force Delhomme to drop back, and eliminate the element of surprise for WR SSmith. If our OFF is successful in consistently creating 3rd and short situations, we can use play action to create havoc on their stacked DEF and slow their pass rush.
We’re definitely the better team, but that advantage can be neutralized if we turn the ball over like we’ve been doing the past few gms. If they get the ball 1st, the outcome of the gm could be determined by whether their OFF is successful at running on our DEF or our DEF is successful at stopping their rushing OFF.
We have to win this gm, especially conference gms like this one, if we want a chance to win the conference title. Remember, we have a rematch with the Saints, and they are just an injury to QB DBrees away from becoming an average football team.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
Great College GameDay Cagers!
What an absolutely beautiful day today. Started off with a little chill, but has warmed up to be an amazing day. Supposed to head up to A-Town for The Oldest College Rivalry in the South, but the Lil’ WR drew another little sickness 
, so family always first. All good, got some serious yard work done and now hanging with my boy and watching some good College Ball today. Hopefully little booger will get better in a hurry. Anyway I digress…………
Touch Worried – Due mostly to being a UGA Dawgs fan, I have a hard time not thinking pessimistically because goodness knows they come out flat and can easily get blown out at the drop of a hat since Van Gorder left. But Coach Smith and Co. have a different regime and I can rarely recall when the team is not prepared to play, but this game worries me. It shouldn’t, but you never know.
Sarah B. & Bird-Cage Meetup – If any of you guys are heading down to the Movie Tavern for the game tomorrow, let me know because I might join for a half and get a little preview to see if it would be a good place to do our “1st Annual Bird Cage Gathering” against the Giants.
John K – Right with you my man. Panthers are way beyond having their backs against the wall and this could be their season.
Birdman – Gotta take of business in Charlotte. If we want to make the playoffs, we must win these types of games. How was your B-Day?
Box – Excellent points about keeping Peele in for blocking. Mularkey likes those Double TE sets anyway.
Ed – Thanks for ups my brother. I agree that Ryan is in a funk. True that other factors are at play, but he’s over-thinking it I think. He’s at his best when he’s just natural with his play-making, such as the No-Huddle. It think he doesn’t want to throw a pick and he’s playing it too safe.
Samuel – Abe may have had some injury issues, but he’s a shell of his self from last year, where I thought he got completely robbed of a Pro-Bowl nod. There was a stat from last year that he feasted on weak teams and was a famine against good teams. We’ll see. Good insights as always.
stendec – My man, where you been? You hit the nail right on the d@— head. Truck salesman in mind for sure, look what’s happened to the Dawgs since the “Fire” of Van Gorder left. And the good thing about Smitty is that he’s not just over-the-top like Lil’ Kiddy Jimmy Mora, but just picked his spot to get a little “juiced” and that will pay huge dividends with his players.
Gamer – Totally agreed. Ryan has got to get his mojo back. I think Mularkey can help him out by getting him a few throws early and help his rhythm: slants, deep outs, etc. Not that friggin’ bootleg play that’s never open. No excuses for Ryan since the running game is back in a big way. He can’t be scared to throw a pick.
Alright Cagers, I’ll be here watching a little College Football if any of you are interested in chattin’ a little college ball or Falcons Football. Otherwise, have a great day
And on that note…………..
21 HOURS, 41 MINS, AND 8 SECS UNTIL A SHORT DRIVE UP I-85 NORTH MEANS A HUGE BATTLE IN THE NFC SOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
November 14th, 2009
7:40 pm
Congrats GT, impressive and love that WR (Devitt?)! Hopeing for a trifeca with a dawgs/falcons win!!!
WR, you got to be proud my man, maybe top 5?
Shawty
November 14th, 2009
8:09 pm
D3, Kick Azz and myself will be there at 12:30.
Shamus Thacker
November 14th, 2009
9:15 pm
Falcons, 34-10
sportaree
November 14th, 2009
11:06 pm
How you doing Shamus Thacker? Hope your prediction is correct, I look for a somewhat closer score though, I mean after all we only beat them 28-20 at home.
Shawty
November 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
The Panthers have played the Falcons 28 times in their history, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com, more than any other team in the NFL except for the Saints (also 28). The Falcons are the only team to have played the Panthers more than 10 times and own a winning record against them (17-11).
Shawty
November 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
Hee Hee Hee… let’s make it 18!!!
Box
November 15th, 2009
1:21 am
Good evening Cage! Are we ready for some football? Looks like Bergeron finally made the team.
BT
November 15th, 2009
5:55 am
Jenkins has an undisclosed illness, Finneran is questionable for Sunday and Roddy has a sore knee.
The Falcons have cut Aaron Stecker and signed Troy Bergeron off the practice quad, with the news that Jason Snelling is good to go.
I am hoping to see both Snelling and Bergeron get playing time. Snelling to keep from over using Turner.
Bergeron because he is an underrated asset.
Unca' Bob
November 15th, 2009
6:45 am
I’d like to see Weems get some field time. He reminds me of H Douglas type player.
Coop
November 15th, 2009
8:32 am
I think this is a statement game. I agree with WR that it is time for our team to start oulling away from the second tier and move into the realm of legit contenders. We don’t have to catch NO, but we can becaome that team no one wants to play. We need to dismantle this Panther team.
On a note of concern, we seem to be getting much more nicked up than last year. You can’t keep going when you lose the number of folks we’ve been losing. We have very little depth across the board. God forbid we lose Ryan for a game or two.
WR
November 15th, 2009
10:18 am
Morning cagers, today’s game should be rather interesting. The injury riddled Falcons against the injury riddled Panthers, who over has the least amount of players on in the victims unit at the end wins. The Falcons lost a close game to a really good Saints team two weeks ago, they beat up on a mindless Redskins team last week, now they get an improving Carolina team. I believe the birds will stay the course and win this game, but I’m hoping Ryan starts to shake off some of the sophomore slump symptons, so that the Falcons can begin to build and prepare for the Eagles and Giants within the next couple of weeks. Remember both of those teams are in somewhat of a slump, and with the way the NFC playoff picture is shaping up those two games could determine the Falcons playoff future.
Coop
November 15th, 2009
10:47 am
With NO playing so well, there is no way to make the pllayoffs if we lose this game. This best not be a struggle. We need to go in and put Carolina away early. They aren’t the Redskins, but we should handle them easily. If we can’t, it says something about where our team is in the process.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 15th, 2009
11:32 am
Great Gameday Cagers
The sentiment is good throughout the Cage that we need to not only take care of business, but need to start getting into a “playoff team” mode. If we struggle in games like this, as WR and Coop have noted, then we WILL NOT make the playoffs and if we did would be one and done again.
Love the move of bringing up Troy Bergeron. The guy has speed, runs good routes, and catches like glue so I’d love to see him get a shot. I think that Weems, HD, and Bergeron could make a nice, young receiving corps. Bergeron actually is 6′2, and not the short guy many like myself thought he was.
Don’t really understand the Stecker cut. I thought he played OK out of the backfield in the passing game, even though he’s no burner, but I guess that Snelling is back and Norwood might be coming back as well. Roddy White and Michael Jenkins are both expected to play today, according to Adam Schefter. Deangelo Williams also expected to play.
WR
November 15th, 2009
11:33 am
Wow, what a week for the FFL weekend predictions, sickness broke out and we had to close it down, then we got over the sickness and the boss left a pink slip on the desk of our editor, but we’re back and the acts of the faithful from UGA will not go unnoticed at least until Thanksgiving weekend when all bets are off, but the engine on the wreck will be humming. Yes its that time of week again where the men are separated from the boys, the women are separated from there mouths, yes we discriminate occasionally, and the Jackets are separated from the Dawgs, that one’s kind of obvious, bet the Dawgs fans didn’t see that one coming, neither did Willie Martinez or his twin Dave Wommack, come to thing about the Falcons defense isn’t exactly the steel curtain, what is it with the state of Georgia teams not playing defense, well what can you expect we let Alabama and Florida take our water supply, obviously we don’t believe in defense.
On to what we’re here for another chaotic week in the first annual birdcage FFL. The season couldn’t have turned out any better, with 4 games left to play everyones still in contention for their division title. Well almost everyone, but its no time to quit, anything can happen, just make it to the playoffs baby, let the dogs out, scratch that one, thats what got the Arsenal in trouble, I’ll send over a bottle of bee honey later, can’t afford another pink slip, now to the matchups:
This week team kickazz now the Jeffersons(Gene) take on the Makers(Lil’Dave). Fitting how kickazz started getting tired of getting its arse kicked and changed to the Jeffersons and now their moving on up. The Makers have put together a strong team in the same time frame but George Jefferson was an alcoholic in real life and this week the makers are overly consumed as the Jeffersons down Makers mark in a contest that won’t be close.
Sarah’s Bitches (shawty) vs. the BlackTalons(BT), shouldn’t it be shawty’s bitches, no wait that sounds like a pimp, and up unto the last couple of weeks there was definitely no pimping going on with the bitches. But Sarah got her groove back, we wonder has the maintenance man or gardener been putting in a little extra time around the house or was it the additional of Box as an extra GM, whatever it is “the bitches are back and there’s going to be trouble”, started to sing the lyrics but we quickly realized that the Talons had a hand cocked back ready to pimp slap the bitches, as they come back down to earth for another week in a loss.
The WarEagles(JJ) vs. the Raptors(unca’bob), the weekend ffl predictions seemed to be headed toward closer until JJ pulled up in a US postal service truck, noticing a dark look in his eyes we quickly preceded to vacate the premises, haven’t quite figured out what that was all about but we got our jobs back, but we’re keeping an eye out for the postal truck as we predict the Raptors to take down the WarEagles this week.
Teepee City Posse(Seminole) vs. the Arsenal(D3), we’re not even going to touch this one, let’s just say the Dawgs are not even this bad.
Bendover(WR) vs. the Gullah Geechees(Stirg), its been quiet times between these two coaches since an off season where tempers flared, or at least keystrokes in the birdcage flared, but now they get to take it to the field. The Geechees have continued to hang around all season and are in striking distant of taking the division, Bendover has hovered at the top all season but their starting to show kinks in their armour, the Geechees need a win to stay in the race for the division, Bendover is desparate after suffering their first back to back losses of the season, desparate times call for desparate measures, desparation takes over in this one as Bendover gets back on track.
WR
November 15th, 2009
11:35 am
D3, I think the blog monster ate this weeks weekend predictions
BT
November 15th, 2009
11:45 am
Unca Bob,
I think we will see some of Weems at WR today along with some two TE sets, might even see some two RB`s and two TE, one WR sets?
It being imperative to establish the run.
WR,
Good point about the Giants and Philly games being key match up, we need at least a split there, along with a win today.
Coop,
Forget about the Saints until we play them.
The Falcons best hope to qualify for the post season is a wild card slot.
The Falcons can qualify with a loss today but they will likely have to take both the Giants and Eagles, with beating the Saints have a good chance of going the distance.
The slot to shoot for (now) is the 5th seed.
That way they would open against the winner of the NFCW (Cards) instead of going to Dallas, that will be the 6th seeds hoe to row.
The Cowboys will win the NFCE but it looks like the Saints and Vikings will earn byes.
WR
November 15th, 2009
11:59 am
Thanks D3, I tried to post it two other times, hopefully you can stop them from popping up if you have control over the monster
Coop
November 15th, 2009
12:00 pm
BT – Agree with all you said. I posted the very same this past week. Today’s game is huge. My point earlier about NO is exactly what you said, forget about them ’cause we can’t catch them.
Coop
November 15th, 2009
12:01 pm
Mark my words, lose this game today and we will NOT make the playoffs. We might win 9 or even 10, but we CANNOT afford to lose another conference game. Tiebreakers will stack against us. Gotta have this for the playoffs.
Box
November 15th, 2009
12:40 pm
WR,
Shawty gets all the credit. I have been of no help, just support.
Ronb
November 15th, 2009
12:57 pm
hi guys let win one today
Ronb
November 15th, 2009
1:00 pm
cbrass you call the game and it a sure win
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 15th, 2009
1:02 pm
Here we go Cage Gents and Gals!!!!! Big one today as always. Nice to have a regular 1 pm away game for a change.
LET’S GO DAMN FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CBrass
November 15th, 2009
1:03 pm
Ronb,
Probably will not be doing a play by play but I’m here.
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 15th, 2009
1:03 pm
Alright, kicking off. Love kicking off first for a change. Here we go DEF!!!!!!!
Ronb
November 15th, 2009
1:04 pm
ok let get a 3- out
CBrass
November 15th, 2009
1:05 pm
Is Tye Hill covering Smith?
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 15th, 2009
1:05 pm
Nice drop…………….does the Panthers helmets have glitter colored paint?
LET’s GO DEF!!!!!!!!!
CBrass
November 15th, 2009
1:06 pm
D3,
I was about to ask the same things.
Nice 3 and out not it’s the O’s turn!!!
Dawson Devitt (D3)
November 15th, 2009
1:07 pm
Nice stop by Chevis, but Coleman made the play. Hells Yeah!
3 and OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let’s Go Matty Ice…………Get your mojo back