Atlanta Falcons: Birds Beat Broncos on Big Stage
Falcons Notch Big Win on Monday Night Football
Moore = Beast! (AJC)
The Atlanta Falcons finally won on the biggest of stages after falling flat the last few times, and every time in the Mike Smith Era. The Birds welcomed one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time full of hype after beating the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers. It was an entertaining and very long game that was filled with plenty of turnovers (for the Broncos) and a bunch of stoppage times from the replacement refs. We can talk all day long about how the Falcons almost let a big slip away, but the fact remains that they didn’t. In fact, this was a big win for no other reason than help the Falcons themselves, the organization, and their fans psyche in believing they can win the big ones. A look at the huge win……….
William Moore’s Breakout
No Caption Needed (AJC)
There were plenty of great performances to go around, but it one player had to be chosen it was safety William Moore. The former Missouri product has become a quick fan favorite for his hard-hitting and many have been waiting for his breakout season. If last is any indication, we might be seeing it in 2012. Moore started the Manning pick party by making a great play on the ball, bobbling it, intercepting, and taking it all the way to the one yard line. Moore had his hands on several more and was all over the place, making huge hits, batting balls, and making key stops.
With Falcon fans shaking in their boots seeing Manning start to heat up, Moore made one of the biggest plays of the game by sacking Manning on 3rd and 6 in Falcons territory. He blitzed off the edge and dropped Manning like a cold stone. Some though guys like Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, or Sean Weatherspoon would benefit the most from Mike Nolan’s aggressive defense, but Moore might be the guy after all.
This was a Big Win
Some of the NFL Media elite have tried to downplay the significance of the win after the fact, saying it was more Manning making mistakes than it was the Falcons getting the huge win. Wrong. Matt Ryan and Mike Smith had never won on Monday Night Football and everyone loves to talk about the times the Falcons have come up short. In fact, someone should create a Mike Smith-Matt Ryan-playoffs-0 and 3 drinking game with the sheer redundancy all media parrot the tired description. Peyton Manning was back. He beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and couldn’t be stopped in the talking heads beliefs. More than anything, the Falcons proved they could win a tough, tight, and big game against a very good defense and an elite quarterback.
The Falcons Defense FORCED Those Picks
Nick Had a Huge Game (AJC)
The headlines were quite succinct after the Falcons big win: “Manning throws 3 picks,”Manning can’t overcome turnovers,” and “Manning fails in late comeback.” Was there another team playing? One reason many Falcons fans have tuned out and turned off the “NFL Media Elite” is because of this very reason. All we heard in the post-game was how Manning made the mistakes and that’s why they lost. Dead wrong. Mike Nolan and the Falcons defense played lights out and FORCED those interceptions from one of the greatest to play the game. Nolan had a fantastic scheme, coached his players up, and they executed to perfection. The vaunted Steelers defense didn’t force an interception. The Falcons forced three in the first quarter. I’m sure they were all luck, right? To be fair, there were a few pundits who gave Mike Nolan and the Falcons defense due credit, but not many. The Falcons played hard, tough, and aggressive and deserve every bit of that victory.
Best Defense in a Long Time
It’s only the second game of a long season and this isn’t meant to denigrate past defenses, but the defense against the Broncos facing one of the best QB’s of all time was one of the best in a long, long time. They were aggressive, tough, hit hard, and opportunistic in their defensive effort. They had picked off Peyton Manning 3 times in the first quarter and didn’t relent until they finally started getting a little tired after the offense had 3 weak series in a row. The Falcons have now forced 7 turnovers in the first two games. The blitz schemes and disguises were superb and confused one of the best of all-time. As mentioned earlier, there’s still a long way to go, but the sky’s the limit for a defense long looking for someone to help them turn the proverbial corner.
Great Pass Blocking, Weak Run Blocking
The long beleaguered Falcons offensive line have done an excellent job protecting Matt Ryan through two games in the season. Sam Baker was singled out several times by Jon Gruden for his excellence in stopping one of the best pass rushers in Elvis Dumervil. Garrett Reynolds has done well working at right guard, as have Justin Blalock and Todd McClure. Tyson Clabo has struggled a bit this year, giving up the only two sacks, but there’s no reason to think he can’t turn it around. Major congrats on a job well done so far this season protecting Matt Ryan and giving him time to run this new aerial offense.
DeCoud in Manning's Pick Parade (AJC)
For as good as their pass blocking has been, their run blocking has been anemic. Matt Ryan was the leading rusher at one point in both the games against Kansas City and Denver. It’s surely not all the offensive lines fault (Michael Turner we’re looking at you), but they haven’t opened up hardly any holes for any of the running backs. It’s true that maybe Jacquizz Rodgers or Jason Snelling could squeeze out a few more yards than Turner, but not much. Something has to get fixed in the run game and the offensive line shares the blame.
Please stay tuned, plenty more to come very soon………..
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
721 comments Add your comment
Wings
September 19th, 2012
7:09 am
Big Ray – “I saw Quizz struggle with obvious runs as much as Turner did. But one thought – what happens if you give a quicker RB the ball a few more times? Might he make something happen? At least he has the chance! ”
And, why is Quizz running the same exact plays as Turner? If a team only has two running plays, it is not difficult to stop the running game. Some better/different plays should be called for the backs other than Turner.
For those who think HC Smith is not involved in calling the plays, he is obviously involved in designing the overall game plan which identifies approach. That was Smittyball on Monday night.
knievel
September 19th, 2012
7:24 am
Great Post, as usual. The Falcons played a great 1st half. The only thing should have done better on in the first half is to score touchdowns after the interceptions. A team does not get that many opportunities to intercept the ball from the great Peyton. The interceptions were awesome!! A few first down passes were dropped and the touchdown pass to Julio should have been caught. In all I felt the offense looked like a machine. That dang running the darn ball, FRUSTRATING!! Especially when we go backwards, or only make 2 yds. Ryan had great protection from the line Monday night, which allowed him the time to make great plays. Defense couldn’t seem to handle the run, but sure as heck did a great job on pass defense. Go FAlcons!!! 2-0!!!
I must also say that I’m still not buying the hype of the DAWGS, but I am happy to say 3-0!!! Let’s see what we can do against VANDY, who isn’t a push over anymore. GOO FALCONS AND DAWGS!!
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
7:56 am
Let the talking heads talk man…
I think most of us knew it coming into the season, there’s no way the Falcons will earn a shred of respect, especially through the regular season. Until they make a statement in the playoffs, this team will continue to be overlooked and claimed to be be ‘overrated’.
I heard over and over after the Denver game about how Manning had “only one bad quarter” and then looked pretty good. Ok, if your definition of ‘good’ is that they didn’t look nearly as ‘bad’ as they did in that 1st quarter, fine. But, you’re kidding me if you think Manning and the Broncos just ‘figured out our defense’ as they’re suggesting after those 3 early picks.
The game was 20-0 until about 6 seconds left in the 2nd quarter. Manning and company got a defensive holding call on 4th and 1, got 11 yards (WHY???) off that penalty, and then punched in a TD that drive with 6 seconds left before halftime. 20-7 going into halftime.
If they suddenly figured us out after those 3 INT’s, they sure didn’t show it in the 3rd quarter. How could you say they figured us out? Especially when their first 1st down didn’t come until about a minute left in the 3rd quarter?
The game was 27-7 going into the 4th quarter. Even in that quarter, folks want to say they ‘figured us out’, ignoring the great field position Manning and Broncos were starting their drives from + the PI call they got on Asante Samuel on a 2nd and very long.
But it’s whatever man. I’m not in it for the talking heads this year. Let the haters hate. Even if we earn their ‘respect’ at some point throughout the season and then fail to accomplish what we wanna see accomplished (SUPERBOWL), it’s not worth it. A Superbowl’s the only thing that’ll shut all these media bums up, so, till then, lettem talk.
I’ll say though, never have I been as confident in this team as I was and am after this Broncos game. Having a guy like Nolan coaching up this defense is a ‘gamechanger’. I feel much more confident playing the likes of Rodgers, E.Manning, M.Vick, Romo in the playoffs with this guy at the helm. Now if the offense gets rollin’, this team will be scaryyyyyyyy.
Mike from London
September 19th, 2012
8:01 am
I agree with Big Ray our offense does need a strong, quick and elusive running back, kind of in the mold of Demarco Murray but a little bit stronger. With the way the Falcons have set up it would add another weapon he could get to the edge and take it to the house and has good hands out of the back field on screen passes.
SirReal
September 19th, 2012
8:31 am
Good posts Cagers. Lots of good points made. I liked the pass protection by Baker. He honestly stepped up. I dont know what Clabo’s issue is this year…I know he’s kind of dinged up already from what I’ve read. Great pass protection but they need to also remember they’ve been road graters too for the last 4 years. Maybe its lack of FB? i dont know. I also agree that the media STILL doesnt want to give ATL any respect. Manning this Manning that, bottom line is we played very admirably. Nolan’s group showed up and showed out. (Talkin to you Willy Mo!!) Offense wasnt clicking. Julio didnt seem focused with all the drops but we can say Ryan has been putting the ball where it needs to be. Sometimes the D has to carry a team, sometimes the offense. We seem to finally have a philosophy in place to do so. I just wish Smitty would have kept the up tempo aggressive drives on O instead of getting conservative but I’ll just chop that up to them trying to establish our run game since we had a bit of a lead. Overall though, 2-0 is 2-0. Ask the Eagles, you take it how you can get it. Looking forward to seeing us face the Chargers. We handled them pretty nicely a few years back and with what we have now vs what they have….we should be even better. Have a good one Birdland!
snacktastic
September 19th, 2012
9:24 am
@Ken Strickland: I will definitely be looking out for Rodgers/Snelling/Smith next week. If we still insist on putting Turner on the field dozens of times and he still doesn’t produce, then it will be irrefutable proof that Smitty has no interest in giving other RBs a chance, regardless of Turner’s on- or off-the-field mistakes. If Smitty thinks one solid run at the end of the game is proof Turner can still produce consistently and effectively, he’s out of his mind.
I think the passing game will move back to the forefront in SD anyway, since Rivers (allegedly) can score a lot of points through the air.
snacktastic
September 19th, 2012
9:31 am
Run blocking still bothers me, though. I wonder if the OL excelling at pass blocking so far has affected their run blocking.
Augustabred
September 19th, 2012
10:13 am
Great post D3! I find it most interesting the scheme Nolan used kept Dent off the field against a qtr back who supposedly picks apart defenses. Dent is a big liability in the passing game. That was just great game planning using Willie Mo as the hybrid S/LB!
It still bothers me though how Smitty refuses to get other backs involved in the run game. I kept saying that i thought we should have tried to trade Turner during the offseason and get a pick in return while he still had some value. After this year there is none! We have 3 other capable running backs still kindof just here. I guess we shall see Sunday!
Paddy O
September 19th, 2012
10:46 am
irregardless of what anybody at ESPN says, Nolan came with a tremendous game plan. The run up to the MNF game indicated that Nolan did a good job of containing Manning. I think if you asked Nolan to man up and tell us what he thinks about the talent on the Falcons team, he would state he was exceptionally satisfied with what he has to work with. All 3 interceptions were based on defensive players making excellent plays – especially McClain who came OFF his guy, around the intended receiver and undercut the pass. Manning himself has repeatedly stated that he is NOT 100%, and I think his throws are NOT as crisp. We moved the ball with ferocity when we passed on the 1st or 2nd down, then threw in turner for play action coverage. However, Roddy White made some fantastic catches on high velocity throws – he and Matt are simpatico. HD provided some nice plays – but having HD block Dumerville was one of the dumbest things I’ve seen – you need at least Snelling in there – he can lay some wood. If Nolan brings this much creativity in consecutive games, we should have one of the leagues BEST defenses (I remember the BVG Ravens game – my first reaction was – “where has this Falcon defense been all year?” – then the next game, where did the Ravens defense go?). I think we will miss Weems. Or, we need some serious schooling on Franks – don’t run horizontally on the field – get 5-10 years straight up – OR, fair catch the friggin ball. That is what started our run of bad field positions, but it was compounded by SMITTY BALL’s untimely return.
John Waynesworld
September 19th, 2012
10:48 am
Great stuff, D3.
You are correct, it was a GREAT win for this group, the franchise and this city. No sports player wants an “0 fer” on his professional record for any prime time televised event, especially Monday Night Football. Mark it as officially checked off for Ryan & Co.
I was pleased that a few ex-NFL guys did say that it was more the Falcons defense than Peyton’s rust that caused the turnovers. Manning gave the knee-jerk, non-player pundits that ammunition in his post game interview with his “it’s all my fault” speech that all great QBs mimic after losses.
Moore was awesome and should be on his way to the Pro Bowl with a few more games like this one. His sack of Manning, causing a 4th and 19, was arguably the most important play of the game as the Broncos would have gone for it at that time in the game on 4th down if the first down marker was within a dozen yards or less. However, 19 yards was way too much to go for it and the Broncos were forced to punt. Huge play by Wham-Mo.
The offensive line was solid and kept Ryan verticle for most of the night. The rushing attack was pedestrian but, unlike you and others, I put the blame solely on Turner. If Snelling or Jaquizz had as many attempts (see chances) as Turner had I daresay one of them would be pushing 100 yards. Turner is just incredibly slow to the holes (yes they are there for brief moments) and realistically for Turner to have success he needs at least 3 or 4 steps to get enough momentum to break the tackles that he used to break with his second step. Now it seems all a defender has to do is grab his ankles at the line of scrimmage and Turner goes down like his shoelaces are tied together. Additionally for those wearing homer-trifocals and no matter what Falcons coaching says, Michael is NOT suited for the screen game and opposing defenses know it already, so they lay in wait single-mindedly when Turner is in the backfield. As I see it his presence is still a limitation for our offensive game planning, and perhaps Turner is the one who Mularkey was referencing in his seemingly ridiculous comment last season about not having the personnel for the screen game.
It will be interesting how Smith handles Turner on this matter as I have heard the Falcons management is really puckered over this. I don’t believe there is a suspension for the first DUI offense, so my guess is Smitty holds Michael out of the starting lineup and brings him in, very hungry, after a few offensive series.
Paddy O
September 19th, 2012
10:51 am
Enter your comments here
John Waynesworld
September 19th, 2012
10:51 am
D3,
Blog monster…
Paddy O
September 19th, 2012
10:52 am
I thought Assante had some Deon in him, but he had a great night on run support. Looks like everybody is on fire!
Paddy O
September 19th, 2012
10:58 am
all accolades aside, our smitty ball crutch in the 4th quarter came VERY close to losing this game. Our game plan against the Giants killed us last year. I hope Welcome Back recognizes the loss of intensity can lead to very bad outcomes – jugular and pedal to the metal mentality is what we need.
Greg Mendel
September 19th, 2012
11:01 am
I have little to add to D3’s blog and the good comments already made. However, I’ll toss in an observation/question that came to me based on those comments:
Individual issues and details aside, do you think the two new coordinators (and even Smitty, to a degree) are still in the process of “digesting” exactly what they have to work with, and how to use it? I’ve seen quotes from both Nolan and Koetter suggesting, relatively recently, that both were anxious to see how the players would execute their schemes in real games.
I’m guessing they’re still finding out. I’m also guessing that, overall, they’re finding that the players are not only executing well, but are capable of even more complexity and impact. Frankly, I’ll bet they’re absolutely thrilled with their new toys.
If I’m right, the talking heads may keep yawning, but opposing coaches are going to have heartburn and migraines all week before facing the Atlanta Falcons. Despite some unevenness during the first two games, the Falcons appear to me to be on the same page — a huge change from what I saw last season. The bottom line, I think, is that many of the flaws mentioned in Cager comments can and will be corrected.
One final thought on Monday’s game: In fairness, criticism of the Falcons offense should take into account that Denver’s defense is not bush league. Plus, conservative calls — in that particular game — wouldn’t be unreasonable, given Manning’s “comeback” reputation. To minimize the risk of turnovers, a running-game tilt makes sense. That our running game was awful didn’t help, but failure can teach, which can lead to a solution.
Coop
September 19th, 2012
11:07 am
D3 – Excellent work as always. Still the best writer at the AJC… Too bad they don’t recognize it and pay you. The only reason I go to that rag of a website is for the intelligent musings here in the Cage.
I am thrilled with everything I saw Monday except one thing, and that’s Smittyball. I will say, that it didn’t look like Smittyball in the first half, but there is no doubt that’s what happened from about 10 minutes in the 3rd quarter on.
Fo all the critics of those of us who criticize Smitty, I’ve yet to hear a single, reasonable argument. I hear, “he’s won more gaes than any coach in Falcon’s history”… “he doesn’t call the plays and isn’t responsible for drops or poor run blocking”. To this I say that it is perfectly acceptabel to use your eyes and make some logical conclusions based on history and what you’re actually seeing before you.
On the second drive, JJ drops the ball in the endzone on a great pass from Ryan. That’s not Smittyball. That’s an aggressive, go for the throat play. Perhaps Smith called that (I’ve never said he ALWAYS plays Smittyball). However, later we have a 4th and 1 in Denver territory and have been absuing the Denver O all night. Smitty punts… uh-oh… he’s starting to go conservative. Yes it could backfire, but those of us who hate Smittyball hate the persona. You can feel when Smitty starts to get conservative. He starts to play not to lose. It’s like you can feel him running the numbers in his hea of how many more possessions versus time left in the game, etc.
Now, I will be the VERY first to say, that when Smitty took over this team, that was EXACTLY what we needed. We had a horrible roster and horrible identity. What Smith did for this franchise was remarkable. He also showed, that if you play safe, mistake-free football, you can probably count on winning 8 – 10 games a year. We needed that after Vick/Petrino.
But this is NOT that team anymore. There is talent littering the Branch! I submit and have before that Smith hasn’t changed to adopt a KILLER instinct. I admit, you see it sometimes, but all too aften, he fets up two scores and WHOOOOAAAAAA nelly. It’s palpable.
In my opinion, that mentality soaks into the psyche of the team. Matt Ryan looks like he is petrified to make a mistake in the playoffs. the team plays tight on big stages. That to me is a result of Smittyball. Versus, I’d like to see him play with an Assassins mentality that we will DESTROY every oponent and show no mercy. That way, our players go into the playoffs withg a mentality that they can’t be beat. That they are b@d @ss mfrs!
The second have of the Denver game was pure @ss smittyball. If he continues to do that, we’ll lose a gome or two in the regular season. More important, we won’t have the mental edge we need to win when it counts.
LRD
September 19th, 2012
11:26 am
D3. thanks for posting this up!
On offense. I sit in the upper deck of the dome, and one of the reasons I like it up there, as you can see the entire field, see the developments etc. better than I think lower deck and even better than on TV.
One thing about the running game.. I will not blame it solely on the blocking. Several times the hole was there. Turner was slow getting to it. It was really obvious from where we were sitting. And after the Snelling sighting in the first qrtr, I was hoping we would see more of him. But nope. And with Quizz, his initial burst would have gotten him thru the holes before they closed up. Turner may be weighing less this year, but it does not appear to help gain back the speed he has lost.
On Franks and the punting situation. I found it interesting that after ever punt Dunta was in Franks face. And granted couldnt hear the conversations, but the non verbals pretty much summed up what was going on. I expect to see more attention on this aspect in San Diego.
Defense….. can you say we actually have some swagger now? It sure seemed like it. And I am not the biggest DeCoud fan, but he seems to be thriving under Nolan. This bodes well to have him and Moore really playing up to what everyone believes their potential to be.
Team overall: Yes, 2 games in. We saw the O perform, we have now seen the D perform. Could we actually be turning into a balanced team? And wasnt it nice to see our O not have to be our D by keeping the opposing team off the field?
FFL Alert… Owls tied for first.. and where is JJ? Anyone seen that team? HA
Chop Buster
September 19th, 2012
11:30 am
Coop, 11:07 am: I completely agree with everything you said. I would even add that once we go into Turner mode, it seems to disrupt the timing and momentum of the offense. Ryan gets in rhythm, SOMEONE decides to give Turner the ball 3 times in a row, we have to punt and our offense looses it’s mojo. I can see clock management late in the 4th qtr, but the starting early in the 3rd qtr is just ridiculous. It almost looks like Smitty is determined to keep running the ball even though it’s failing. Like I said the other night, running is a must but we have the wrong RB to accomplish this. We need pocket hercules here when he becomes a free agent next year–or at least a RB with speed, power and elusiveness.
Chop Buster
September 19th, 2012
11:32 am
Also, Snelling needs to start. He filled in great while Turner was injured before. Jacquizz should be used out of the backfield as an additional receiver–he dances in the backfield and misses his holes. He’d be best as an edge runner.
Chop Buster
September 19th, 2012
11:33 am
D3 the monster got my post. Plz release when you get a moment.
Ken Strickland
September 19th, 2012
11:42 am
I’m beginning to think the problems we’ve been having running the ball is much more involved than just poor OL run blocking. Our inability to consistently run the ball started when FB OMughelli went down for the season. No one could clear a hole the way he did, which allowed Turner the time to get to and through them. Polite is the 3rd FB, along with Ewing and Cox, Turner has had since Mughelli went down last season.
We drafted EWing, who was noted for his hole and run clearing blocking ability, but he also went down for the season. Another issue is this. The best run blocking alignment has your OLinemen spead out and creating gaps, which spreads out the DL and creates better blocking angles.
The best pass blocking alignment has your OL bunched close together, simular to FG and extra pt alignments, which is designed to eliminate gaps, angles and penetration. Koetter has our OL in pass blocking formation to better protect MRyan, since we now pass most of the time. This makes it more difficult to run block, especially when we’re still running most of our plays inside the OTs.
We’re not getting stopped at the line of scrimmage for no gain on the majority of our runs. We’re just getting very little yardage after hitting the line of scrimmage, and that’s due to not having a Mughelli or Ewing type of FB to clearout anyone filling the hole.
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
11:45 am
Coop’s right on with the lack of a killer instinct. It’s time to quit worrying about being the nice guy and, as was well put in last week’s broadcast, ‘go for the jugular’. Never be contempt with where you’re at in the game unless it’s absolutely certain that the game is well in reach (IE – 5-6 minutes left and your up like 35-7. 27-14 in the with more than half the 4th quarter left doesn’t qualify as being ‘out of reach’.
I honestly see this as being the vast difference between the way Smitty coaches his team versus say a guy like Sean Payton. I’m no fan of Sean Payton, but he’s aggressive and will not hesitate to get as many points up on that board as he pleases.
Smitty must have this team develop a killer instinct. I think it was D3 who rightfully pointed out the chunk of games where we were comfortably up in at some point in the game, and then as a result of the conservatism, we find ourselves in a ballgame again.
LRD
September 19th, 2012
11:47 am
FFL Update.. JJ I did the deal.. cept you cannot use him against me when we play here in a few weeks. HAHAHA I have a feeling that trade will come back to bite.
DHunt
September 19th, 2012
11:55 am
Anybody know when the NFL rewind of the MNF game is scheduled? I want to watch that whole game again, just to marvel at the transformation of the defense. I don’t give a damn about the national media anymore, but I like listening now just to see how wrong the will be. The whole MNF crew said, “Falcons got no defense, best corner gone won’t be able to stop the pass, gets no pressure on the QB.” Not one of those crabs had anything to say about that on Tuesday.
We often talk about all the playmakers and talent that has been compiled on the offensive side of the ball. I think there is just as much talent available on the defensive side of the ball, and we are now bearing witness to it. Ballers up and down the roster, and now a coach that knows how to use them, is a recipe for success.
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
12:18 pm
Funny, you guys love to say that Smittyball is the cause of our playoff losses. But lets analyze:
08: It was a miracle to just be there, no complaints about our coaching, Ryan was a rookie playing against one of the greats, and Warner showed why.
10: Turning point was the pick 6, so that should be a reminder that someimes the turtle into the line is not exactly the worst thing that would happen. It was not conservatism that lost this game, it started by a pick 6, then became a D meltdown…now if GB had lost the next game I might feel differently, but since they went onto win the next, of 100 games or so, I don’t feel so bad.
11: Ryan looked timid, scared to make a mistake, you think the pick 6 might have had something to do with it? Also, entire team was flat, but now we know both coordinators had one foot out the door.
New year now looks like we might turn it up a notch, but Smitty goes back to what he knows to do with a lead during the regular season, HOLD IT. The guy has NEVER blown as much as a 7 point 4th quarter lead. How do you criticize that?
The coach in Tampa looks good, but he already blew a 7 point 4th quarter lead in his 2nd game. Geeez, you guys are not grounded in reality.
You guys just don’t see greatness when it smacks you in the face…
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
12:22 pm
Also, teams that lead the NFL in passing rarely win superbowls. Notice that both New Orleans and Green Bay neigher made it as far as the league championship game?
You don’t win superbowls by being like other teams, you win them by being unique.
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
12:39 pm
Neither, not heigher…I really outta start proof reading.
Fact is, Ryan is probably the #1 reason we have not won a playoff game, he has not had the defensive support, nor has he been good enough to take over a game….But I have seen some really good growth out of him this year.
And for the record, I could care less about winning a playoff game, it is about winning a superbowl. I believe the entire playoff crap was started by anti-Ryan people who just needed something to pick on. I am sure before it is all said and one, barring injury, Ryan will have won several playoff games, but that is not what I want anyway, it is about superbowls.
JJ
September 19th, 2012
12:40 pm
LRD, preesh both bench warmers anyway.
Coop, your next buddy, come on, good trade!
LRD
September 19th, 2012
12:50 pm
Matty: Afraid of greatness.. I think it is more being afraid of disappointment…again. So far this season shows promise.. and its making some of us fans very nervous. Did we turn the corner with new Coordinators? Are we going to the playoffs? or will the injury bug keep biting us, and will we have an epic collapse after a promising start?
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
LRD, exactly, all a fan can expect really is to have a dog in the hunt, a ticket to the tournament. From there, it is a crap shoot…How else does New Orleans win one year, then lose the next to a 7-9 team?
Paddy O
September 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
bicep: the Giants game we lost due to a VERY BAD game plan – we thought we could run it against the G men; and our run D blew out. The 2nd GB game, GB made a ton of adjustments from the 1st game we played and were victorious, Mike Smith made zero or little adjustments. Mike Jenkins fell down; and then Matt Ryan threw that bad interception. the game was TIGHT until about 2:22 left in the first half. We did NOT have Quizz or JJ then, and I don’t think HD played in 2010. You see a definate difference player attitude when we are chucking the ball around, as opposed to trying to shove Turner through the middle of the line. What were your impressions of the Seattle game last year? Seattle was clearly an inferior team. If you don’t see the cause & effect, that is your failure.
JB Falcon
September 19th, 2012
1:00 pm
“You guys” ? Meaning everyone on the blog except you? Love the positive attitude but how do you win a SB without winning any playoff games?
Coop
September 19th, 2012
1:14 pm
Matty Bifocals…. Sigh. It’s not all balck and white, but I’m done trying to explain it to you guys. Smittyball exists and can be damaging… it already has. Uugh, it’s futile.
JJ – Seriously brother. That’s a horrible trade. So I countered with something much more appropriate.
LRD
September 19th, 2012
1:24 pm
FFL: JJ cannot trade with Coop until after this weekend… dont want you handing him any gifts. Projected total right now is my Owls over the Assassins by 12.. Granted Coop having Eli is a crap shoot on its own… but dont think he needs any help… HA
Coop
September 19th, 2012
1:27 pm
LRD – I’m down 12 due to injuries. I otta find a way to field a team.
JJ
September 19th, 2012
1:29 pm
Coop, your killin me, almost fell of ladder, RGIII and JJ for kibbles n bits? When CJ comes back down to earth and goes back to splittin carries with Fred, you may want both!
Greg Mendel
September 19th, 2012
1:31 pm
Blog Monster ate my last post. Basically, I said that I was wondering if the two new coordinators are/were still finding out what they have to work with, and its potential. And whether some of the flaws noted by cagers will be corrected by adjustments. Maybe I’m too optimistic, but I’m guessing Nolan and Koetter are very happy.
Some things we’re stuck with, but, after two games, I see a big improvement over last season. More cohesion and imagination, with some dormant players stepping up. I also think I see a team capable of rapid adjustments. The media talking heads yawn, but opposing coaches are going to have heartburn and migraines all week before they play the Falcons.
JJ
September 19th, 2012
2:01 pm
LRD, shopping Fred around, hes out for another 2-3 weeks then hes going to body slam Spiller back to the bench!!!
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
2:53 pm
Smittyball exists and can be damaging…Agreed, as can any philosophy.
When I say you guys, I mean you guys who feel Smitty “holds this team back”. I personally think he build this team.
And what do I think if the Seattle game, I think we won. Were they inferior to the Saints in 2010 when they knocked them out of the playoffs? Or, maybe, like every other team in the NFL, they are capable of playing a good game.
And why is noboby wanting to discuss Smittys record in the 4th quarter with a 7 pt lead. Does that lend SOME credibility to Smitty Ball?
Matty Bicep
September 19th, 2012
3:00 pm
The only failings we have is due to our inability to win in the playoffs. Again, I maintain in 10 it was just that we got beat by a better team by a QB with a hot hand, and the benefit of highsight bears that out. He did what he did to us to everyone else for the next year.
Last year, we had bad karma, our coodinators were looking to jump ship. Sure, we could not run the ball, but we could not pass block either. So, our problems went way beyond play calling.
Also, so you notice the game clenching play the other night? Yea, a run to the Turtle.
Jimbo73
September 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
Tyler – I like your earlier post regarding the definition of Smittyball, except from what I’ve been reading you forgot to mention the yellow streak running down his back when he arbitrarily takes over for the OC/DC and in a cowardly fashion begs them to kindly accept his uneducated point of view. That would then define Smittyball.
These folks ought to be grateful for the hard work he puts into bringing us a product we can argue about instead of all the former regimes that have been head coaches for this team, Thanks Tyler. BTW D3. overall, freat stuff as usual.
Jimbo73
September 19th, 2012
3:33 pm
freat = great
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
3:33 pm
It’s halftime now and the Falcons lead 20-7. That score is somewhat misleading because the Falcons should be leading something like 35-0, but Atlanta’s offense has been strangely inconsistent.
That offense also has been way too conservative. It’s almost like coach Mike Smith saw the early Manning interceptions and went to offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and said, “Let’s play it safe’’.
- Pat Yasinksas of ESPN.com
———-
It may not be the best ‘evidence’ of others seeing what Coop is talking about, but others see it. Before with Mularkey, we couldn’t really identify who it was that was ‘holding us back’ at times with the conservative style of play. You can say what you will about the playoffs, but you’re failing to see the total picture. If the team ‘plays it safe’ and their style, as it has been, is to ‘play it safe’, and then you resort to the ‘dink and dunk offense’ to be safe, of course you’re gonna get trashed 48 to whatever in a playoff game versus GB. You’re accustomed to dinking and dunking all season and ‘playing it safe’ and then you run into an offensive juggernaut who won’t allow you to play it the way you’re accustomed to playing it.
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
There are other ways to assure you don’t lose a 4th quarter lead, like maybe, build on it? I’m not saying go out and be wild with the football, stick to what’s been working. Have faith in your players that they won’t make a mistake. Because there’s evidence upon evidence that suggests this method of ’scaling things back’ will eventually bite us bigtime. Do you not remember the Seahawks game last season? We’re up like 27 to 3 at halftime I think, the entire 2nd half we scored 3 points while they came storming all the way back. It was like 30-28 at the end of the game and they went to kick the GW FG which they missed…
Why did they get that opportunity? Why couldn’t we just keep them in their place?
The Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. We were up going into the 4th quarter pretty comfortably, and then we got conservative on both sides of the ball. Flacco was eating up our soft cover 2 and the offense just sputtered as a result of conservatism. The Ravens come all the way back, and I believe retake the lead 24-23 or something like that. We get the ball back with less than 2 minutes to go, and are forced to make plays to win that game, when wouldn’t have had to been in that pressure situation in the 1st place.
The Titans last season, same deal. We’re up like 20-3 or something like that, and we scale things back. They ultimately decide to put in John Locker. Now, say what you will about us not being prepared to play against John Locker and how we didn’t gameplan for him, fine. But, why didn’t our offense keep building on that lead? Why’d they just stay put and allow Locker to make a game out of it?
There are games upon games. Sure, we didn’t lose these games. But, the evidence is there that Mike Smith tightens up and in his attempt to kill time, ultimately puts us, or I should say, puts them, right back in the game.
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
3:45 pm
*Jake Locker
Wings
September 19th, 2012
3:47 pm
Matty Bicep – “Also, teams that lead the NFL in passing rarely win superbowls. Notice that both New Orleans and Green Bay neigher made it as far as the league championship game?”
I’m not sure what you are saying. If you look at the 2011 team stats on ESPN, you will see that the Super Bowl winner New York Giants were dead last (32nd) in Rushing Offense.
Terrell
September 19th, 2012
4:05 pm
tyler
When it comes to Biermann it’s not just about making plays (sacks) but it’s about creating pressure and allowing your teammates to make plays. That’s one thing he has done. He has allowed other guys to make plays because he aplies pressure.
I just want to make a comment in regards to this “Smitty Ball.” There was a coach in San Diego that the term “Marty Ball” was coined for. This team had a great QB in Rivers but an even better runner in LT. They were a playoff team. There was no question that they weren’t good, but along comes Norv Turner that wants to leave the running game and that was when the inconsistencies started. I know this is a passing league now, but “Smitty Ball” was what has gotten us to this point. People, we are successful in the passing game because teams still respect “Smitty Ball.” They have to account for Turner running the ball. So for those who say we lacked the killer instinct because of this look at the game again. There were times we tried to pass the ball but we weren’t completing them which stops the clock. The Broncos did not get back into the game because of Smitty ball it was because they stopped the pass. The sack by Von Miller wasn’t because we called a running play I know that much.
Wabe
September 19th, 2012
4:06 pm
What else I didn’t like: The way Atlanta coach Mike Smith and/or offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter got so conservative with the play calling. The Falcons had a chance to blow the Broncos out early. Instead, they let them hang in way too late. It didn’t result in disaster this time, but it’s extremely dangerous to go conservative when you’re playing against someone like Manning.
- Pat Yasinksas of ESPN.com
————–
I mean, I’ll say it again, folks here aren’t the only one’s noticing this ‘conservative’ nature of the Falcons.
Screen Pass
September 19th, 2012
4:11 pm
“And why is noboby wanting to discuss Smittys record in the 4th quarter with a 7 pt lead. Does that lend SOME credibility to Smitty Ball?” – MB Troll
Because you let your troll agenda slip in this post and it’s “oh look I’ll have to repeat it” posts;
“Fact is, Ryan is probably the #1 reason we have not won a playoff game,” – MB Troll
Your useless vague macro stat of “Smitty’s lead” is simply a by product of close games (less than 7 points) in the 4th quarter and the fact the large leads blown were cut by the 3rd quarter by going passive. We were up 27 – 7 (sound familiar?) against Seattle until they were allowed with a rookie QB if I’m not mistaken to comeback to 27 – 21 in the THIRD QUARTER ( http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110020sea.htm ). A late Bryant FG was the difference between us losing 28 – 27 due to Smitty taking his foot off the gas and allowing a comeback. Next week MM actually scripts a decent gameplan using different looks and we go up 14 – 0 on the Pack ( http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110090atl.htm ) then we revert to Smittyball and give up 25 unanswered points.
You sound alot like a troll named “Swift” from the official troll board but there are so many I don’t bother keeping up. Good luck and try not get sprayed…we have a moderator in D3 here that is vigilant and does his job unlike where your coming from.
JB Falcon
September 19th, 2012
4:13 pm
Wabe 3:43, very good post but the sad thing is and “The beat goes on.” The game should have been 35-0 at half time, before the D really kicked in. Our offense was off in the first half and got even worse in the second when we started to play not to lose. Thank goodness the D kept them in check because they were coming and one more posession for them would have won the game for them. I often compare football to drag racing and the thought of taking you foot off the gas before you reach the finish line is unheard of.