Atlanta Falcons: Birds Crush Chargers
Falcons Roll on West Coast
Happy Times in the ATL (Gregory Bull)
The Atlanta Falcons are 3-0 and it feels so good as fans to see our team playing so darn well. Some in the media and others around the league tried to downplay the significance of the Falcons good start by saying the Chiefs win was way overrated after their week 2 performance and that the Birds big Monday Night win was more of a product of Peyton Manning’s errors than the Falcons fine play. Well, it’s hard to keep that line going when they are only one of 3 remaning teams that are unbeaten and they traveled out to the west coast and utterly dominated another of the only remaining undefeated teams. Yes, it’s early, but the Falcons are looking as good as they ever have and must be considered one of the best teams, at least for now. A look at the big road win……….
Thomas DeCoud is a Beast
Last week it was William Moore’s turn for a huge night and this week it was Thomas DeCoud’s turn. Some fans wondered if DeCoud would even be re-signed as he was set to become a free agent this past offseason as he’d floundered somewhat after a great start in 2009. Those worries are no more. Many wanted to see him in a more aggressive system with a more experienced coordinator and the dividends are paying big time right about now. DeCoud was all over the field, pulling down two interceptions (one being an amazingly acrobatic pick) and recovering a fumble. Some thought 2010 would be the year DeCoud was primed for a Pro Bowl season, but it turns out that this may it if he keeps up his pick parade.
Better Running Balance
Michael Turner notched 80 yards, a touchdown, and looked much, much better overall. Maybe the offensive line was blocking better, maybe he was running harder, maybe the passing game opened up him some holes, but it was also a very nice mix and balance of carries in the RB backfield. Turner still got most of the carries at 14, but Jacquizz Rodgers also got 10 carries as well. The Falcons coaching staff said they planned on cutting back Turner’s workload, while also giving younger guys like Rodgers more chances. It’s a win-win across the board. The running game is less predictable and you truly get more of a complementary rushing attack. Rodgers numbers weren’t eye-popping, but it does offer a more diverse running scheme and also gives Turner a chance to rest more. Combined, the two went well over 100 yards rushing, with 150 total yards when you throw in Rodger’s receiving yards. One of the questions posed in the offseason here in The Cage was what percentage do you foresee the running back touches being? In perhaps the Falcons most impressive win to date, the breakdown was Turner 58% and Rodgers 42%. Not bad.
Matt Ryan is Surgical
Matty Surgeon (Denis Poroy)
It’s already been covered many times this year so far, going all the way back to preseason, but Matt Ryan is taking that next step right before our eyes. He’s currently ranked as the highest rated QB in the NFL according to quarterback rating. He’s passed for almost 800 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception, completed 72% of all his passes, and has even rushed for almost 50 yards and 1 TD. Beyond all the numbers, Ryan is sharp, accurate, and above all, supremely confident in his play this year. He is directing drives with ease, keeping plays alive, and simply getting it done. Some are even throwing around some MVP talk. It’s way too early, but that’s not out of the realm if he keeps up his torrid pace.
LB Corps is Outstanding
Everyone expected Spoon to be fantastic as he is of course, but the big surprise this year has been Stephen Nicholas and the overall excellence of the linebacking corps. Weatherspoon and Nicholas have been outstanding in coverage, rushing the passer, forcing fumbles, and making sure tackles. Akeem Dent hasn’t been included very much in Nolan’s nickel-heavy scheme, but he’s been a good run stopper and is progressing in pass coverage. One thing that always seemed to lack in past Falcons defenses was making plays from the LB position. That’s a problem no longer. Nicholas has 27 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. Spoon’s got 22 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed, and 1 sack. Even though it’s a touch on the thin side relating to depth, this linebacker corps is looking like one of the best.
Takeaway Defense
This Defense is Storming (Gregory Bull)
This Falcons defense is looking spectacular so far this season and has fans as excited as they’ve ever been. Mike Nolan has inspired this defense to be one of the most opportunistic in the NFL so far. Even though it’s still very early, the Falcons are ranked 1st in the NFL in interceptions and tied for second in forced fumbles. It’s not surprise the Falcons are 3-0 with a takeaway margin of +10 (11 takeaways, 1 interception). The Birds aren’t the highest in sacks right now, but the pressure has been there and that’s a main reason for many of the turnovers, not to mention they’ve played two of the best quarterbacks in the league in back-to-back weeks. The Falcons probably won’t or can’t keep up this pace, but it’s safe to say there’s a dramatic difference from the last few years on defense.
Turner Redeems, Runs Hard
It was a tough week for Turner. It’s been a slow start for the Pro Bowl running back and of course the news only got worse when he got a DUI only a few short hours after the Monday Night Football game. Many (including this author on many occasions) have called for Turner to see his workload cut down and regardless of the reasons or excuses, the facts were that he simply wasn’t producing. Whether it be the lack of OL blocking, him not hitting the hole as hard, defenses keying in on him more, or him just slowing down hitting the 30 year old wall, Turner just hasn’t been effective to date. That changed a little on Sunday vs. his old team. The former Charger ran tough and hard and made some decisive runs, including a nice touchdown run. Even though many have called for Turner’s workload to decrease, very few feel that he doesn’t have some role in this offense and getting a 60-40% split with either Rodgers or Snelling will only help him in terms of endurance through the long season and doing what he does best.
Spreading the Targets
Fans are finally seeing all the Falcons weapons utilized pretty close to full capability. The idea was always that it would be next to impossible to stop all the offensive talent the Falcons possess. Dirk Koetter and Matt Ryan are doing a great job of spreading the targets around. Ryan threw to 8 different receivers on Sunday, including 3 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, and 3 running backs. Everyone’s getting involved in the offensive explosion and there’s even more talent if they want including Kevin Cone, Drew Davis, and Antone Smith. It’s a great feeling as a Falcon fan finally seeing the offensive distribution come to fruition.
Kudos to the “Smitty Gas Pedal”
The debate has raged this week in The Cage over the idea and philosophy known as “SmittyBall.” It’s been a constant worry in the back of fans heads that even with all the talent for an aggressive team at his disposal, Head Coach Mike Smith may decide to go back more in the direction of Mike Mularkey’s slow and methodical ball-control type of offense (there’s no hint to conservatism to the new defense). Some felt that Smith came close to costing the Birds the game against the Broncos when they went hyper-conservative after building a big lead. Others had no problem with the pulling back of the reigns when you’ve got a good lead heading into the 4th quarter. They have an argument because Smith was 33-1 (now 34-1) when he has a lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Gonzo the 3rd Down Machine (Denis Poroy)
So in terms of all the criticism that’s been heaped on Smith and his conservative nature at times, including the SmittyBall references from right here in The Cage and this author, he gets enormous credit not only for his outstanding record when getting a late lead, but also for keeping the acceleration on in San Diego. It was 20-3 and the Falcons had just gotten the ball back near the goalline. Many would’ve settled for 3 straight runs and kicking a field goal. A bad play call ensued and Matt Ryan threw his first interception of the season. Some fans were upset at the aggressive nature and others were just upset with the play-call. For all the criticism Smith, here’s a massive amount of praise for the intent of the play-call. Many fans have wanted Smith to show a more aggressive nature and a killer instinct and that’s exactly what he was doing. The defense has been dominating and it’s a chance to end the game. An interception there was as good as a punt and the Falcons defense were never really threatened since the 1st quarter. Sure enough, the defense got the ball back and the Birds marched right back down field to score the TD on the ground. Kudos again for trying to get that long sought killer instinct.
Those Hard Hitting Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks are not only covering well and having an excellent year so far, but they are really bringing the wood. Dunta Robinson has always been known for a hard hitting CB, but now he’s been joined by Asante Samuel who has shown several times he’s still got plenty of pop left. This defense is not just about takeaways, but also about a hard-hitting attitude that has led to excellence on defense.
Fantastic Safety Tandem
The Falcons have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL, at least right now. In consecutive weeks, William Moore and Thomas DeCoud are showing the NFL that they should be considered as one of the best. They are tough, hard-charging, and ball-hawking safeties that are taking full advantage of Mike Nolan’s new system and the sky’s the limit for this young duo.
Your Turn
1) Simple: How happy are you as a Falcons fan right now?
2) Are DeCoud and Moore the best safety tandem in the NFL right now?
3) Your thoughts on the run balance?
4) Is Matt Ryan entering MVP territory?
5) How good is this linebacker corps?
6) Is the Takeaway Defense due for a slowdown?
7) Are Koetter and Ryan taking full advantage of the offensive arsenal?
8.) Are you worried about a trap coming soon?
9) How about that Smitty Gas Pedal?
10) Love or hate the aggressive play-call intent that resulted in interception?
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781 comments Add your comment
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
3:58 pm
I am not looking to “Credit”, or “Discredit” anyone, other than maybe Ryan, he just looks stronger and faster. And I mean physically athletic. I credit him for that.
JB Falcon
September 25th, 2012
4:07 pm
I guess my last post about says it all. Maybe they should put “Start you debate here” instead.
The cage sometimes turns into a debate instead of a discussion. There is a difference, ya’ know. Some folks would argue with a stop sign. My ex was like some posters on here whereas all I had to do to start a debate was say “Good Morning!”
“What makes you think it is so good?” Notice I said “ex”.
A debate is another word for an arguement and discussion is another work for conversation. JMHO.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
4:10 pm
1) Simple: How happy are you as a Falcons fan right now? Ecstatic. I was very concerned with Koetter and have been xtremely pleased. I was also afraid that Smitty was the problem more than the OC/DC. First off, Nolan smokes BVG. Second, Smitty seems to be changing and less conservative. Hopefully the trend continues. I think the SD game was the perfect blend of aggressive without being chaotic. I thought Denver was still a bit conservative, so the arrow is pointing up for Smitty which gives me great hope for the season.
2) Are DeCoud and Moore the best safety tandem in the NFL right now? I think so. Maybe the two in Seattle? Pittsburgh?
3) Your thoughts on the run balance? Personally, I’d like to see more Quizz and less Turner. Love that Turner had a better game, but would still rather see him in short yardage and goa line. Overall, mch improved though.
4) Is Matt Ryan entering MVP territory? Through 3 games, he is the clear MVP. Long ways to go, but if he throws for 40 TDs and 5 INTs, he’d win in a landslide. Don’t expect 40 TDs, but wouldn’t we be dissapointed with less than 34 (averaging 2 a game the rest of the way) at thois point? He has at least one TD throw in his last 18 games. He is simply on fire. Plus, I love our D, but imagine if he were in shootouts…
5) How good is this linebacker corps? Both playing great! I say both, cause I haven’t seen enough of Dent to render an opinion. System is working great now, but I’m still concerned about our MLB. We haven’t looked great against the run. If we have an off day on O and another team takes the lead and runs on us, will we be able to shut that down? Otherwise, LBs are playing fantastic.
6) Is the Takeaway Defense due for a slowdown? Statistically you’d have to say yes. ButI think Nolan is really confusing the hell out of OCs and QBs. I also don’t think he’s shown his full bag of tricks. So for now, I think it continues. I also think we start seeing more sacks. The pressure has been outstanidng and will start to pay off in sacks.
7) Are Koetter and Ryan taking full advantage of the offensive arsenal? I actually believe there is more. HD could be used more, but it’s simply not necessary yet. It almost seems like no one can cover JJ, TG, or RW. Plus, the screen game has been really well timed and executed. So other than wanting to see my Jonesboro alum get more receptions, I can’t complain.
8.) Are you worried about a trap coming soon? Aren’t these the Falcons? Hell yes. When they finally lift the Lombardi trophy, I’ll be worried that someone drops it.
9) How about that Smitty Gas Pedal? I really like where Smitty seems to be gravitating. I’ve argued ad nauseum about this, but it isn’t about running or not running. It’s being unpredictable, aggressive, and instilling a killer instinct into your team. I really felt that this Sunday. I saw it in KC too. I want to see more as we go forward. When Smitty coaches like that, I believe we are unbeatable.
10) Love or hate the aggressive play-call intent that resulted in interception? Love it. See 9 above. Matt will throw some picks. We’ll fumble. We won’t make every 4th and 1. Also, you have to pick your spots. You don’t onside kick to start the second half in the superbowl )It worked for Payton, but if it hadn’t and they’d lost, he would have been crucified). To me that’s chaotic. But at that place in the field, with the score the way it was, it was a perfect time to be aggressive.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
4:16 pm
JB, maybe, but how much fun would it be to come on here and just drink the D3 Koolaid? And you don’t have to agree to discuss. My entire point is, it is too early to tell jack as to how this season is going to do.
My 2nd point is, there is NOTHING that says you have to win the “big” games during the regular season to be successful in the playoffs. That is a made up cage “fact”.
And I got one of those ex wives too, so I do feel ya, lol.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
4:19 pm
JB – Concur. I get sucked in myself. Agree to disagree and let it go.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2012
4:27 pm
matty – it does NOT teach – it proves you CAN accomplish it. sad such fuzzy thinking. some folks just come with a stirrer attached.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2012
4:29 pm
3 losses in a row in the playoffs – indicates nothing of what?
JB Falcon
September 25th, 2012
4:31 pm
MB, some folks enjoy argueing, I don’t. Like Coop said, “agree to disagree and let go.”
Screen Pass
September 25th, 2012
4:33 pm
“Again, MM and BVG hit the roadblock and adversity ate them up….Until we hit that obsticle, I don’t know how things will work out with these guys….but I think Ice is just better than he ever was, and that alone might push us to the next level.” – MB
I agree with alot of what you are saying, but I tend to think alot of the “adversity” MM and BVG faced was brought on by themselves. I never went off on BVG too much as there were games where our defense really played well and were used aggressively. I still can’t tell you why he normally stayed so passive and didn’t learn to toss that Abe into coverage nonsense, but I can say I’m pretty sure the “talent” aspect of the debate has been put to bed. Nolan has made our “questionable” talent look unquestionably good, ewspecially at safety and CB.
MM had a very similar history in alot of ways to how Koetter is shaping up. The first year with a new team the offense responds well and a good year is had. Every year after that gets progressively worse until the pink slip comes a knocking. The relation between talent and scheme can always be subjective, but in MM’s case there is way too much evidence from him prior history and his performance in ATL that he just couldn’t adjust when teams figured out and adjusted to his tendencies. I hope Koetter turns out different but I agree we won’t truly know for quite awhile.
The new people may get discouraged about the arguments and debates that go on here but stick with it. If what you say or think has merit it will prove itself, even if much disbelief and debate precede that time. KS and I have been “bashing” each other forever but make no mistake there is a form of respect born of such things…it becomes addictive and fun even. I have been holding on to this video ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekf3RGWwqMQ&playnext=1&list=PLAAB123F579140391&feature=results_video ) for awhile awaiting our next ZBS debate, but it is too good and informative to wait any longer. Learning can happen for anyone here at any time and I think that is what most here love to do…learn more. Hope this video helps with understanding offense schemes that employ ZBS style running and look forward towards more debates whether this is something we should switch to.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
4:41 pm
matty – it does NOT teach – it proves you CAN accomplish it. sad such fuzzy thinking. some folks just come with a stirrer attached.
It is not fuzzy thinking, it is rational thinking. Once the playoffs start, everyone is 0-0, what you did in the regular season means nothing.
Now, if you suffer a lack of confidence, winning “big”games can prove you “can”, but NFL players and coaches who suffer a lack of confidence tend to not last very longs.
Anyway, lets just agree to disagree and move along.
JB Falcon
September 25th, 2012
4:47 pm
SP, now that link’s what I’m talkin’ about! Kick butt and take names.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
4:48 pm
SP – I checked your link and it looked very interesting. Unfortunately my dang work computer can’t stream fast enough. Anyway, I got through about half of it and the thing that jumped out to me was that the pre-snap formation basically gave away the play to the D. Again, I did not see it all, but did he address why oppossing teams couldn’t stop it?
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
4:50 pm
Paddy, 3 losses means we lost 3 in a row, nothing more, nothing less. That could be as far as Matty ever gets, or he will burst through just like Manning? Time will tell, I think he will, and I think he would have regardless of the OC/DC as long as they are competent.
Actually, I hate the 3 playoff loss crap, it was started by Vick fans to try and discredit Ryan, I don’t know why you guys buy into that crap…Hopefully, this is the year, could not be off to a better start, keeping fingers crossed.
Screen Pass
September 25th, 2012
5:01 pm
“SP – I checked your link and it looked very interesting. Unfortunately my dang work computer can’t stream fast enough. Anyway, I got through about half of it and the thing that jumped out to me was that the pre-snap formation basically gave away the play to the D. Again, I did not see it all, but did he address why oppossing teams couldn’t stop it?” – Coop
Try googling “Fishduck” and see if it streams better from the guys homesite. He goes into full detail with high quality and production breakdowns…one of the best made videos I’ve come across. It is pretty cool I must admit but I can’t see us running it with M. Ryan. I can see us running it some with DomDavis however…that would really frick our opponens up I bet.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
5:03 pm
SP – Thanks. I’ll give it a shot!
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
5:05 pm
NP Screen. Sometimes a new voice and a new face is what is needed. I think Nolan is running a scheme that is relevant to todays NFL, and not a scheme that he has ran in the past, so he is not doing what is on tape, and is catching teams off guard. I mean, who ever ran a high pressure 4-2-5? But teams will adjust with short timing routes and try and hit their recievers before we can get to the QB, or back into coverage. However, in the end, I believe we live and die on Ryan’s growth, maybe it is the scheme, maybe it is his offseason workout program, but he is playing like an elite QB, if he plays like this in the playoffs, he will get his W regardless of who our coordinaters happen to be.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2012
5:05 pm
matty – if you had BVG and MM, you would have had “adversity” which you appear to be addicted to as a crutch during the Denver game. While not 100% sure we would have lost that game (I seem to remember us getting whooped by an average Chicago team last year), I am 99%. As stated, you have the delusions you cling to. Why you continue to support the 2 guys you do is your problem. BVG held this team back. MM was serviceable, but his own comments indicated he self imposed restrictions on this team – and his offensive schemes were pretty lacking – ask Screen Pass what standard aspects of an offense MM appeared to ignore. I’m glad both MM & BVG are old history; we peaked in 2010 (along with some outrageous luck and exceptional 4th quarter play by MR2 & RW84); with no team design adjustments in 2011, we fell back to the pack. I considered GB exceptionally good in 2010 – especially with the TE out; but, in game 2 – they made adjustments – ate our lunch, and of course they had that fictional momentum going. The 2011 butt kicking by an inferior Giants team sealed the vanilla coordinators fate. Adios, boys!
Paddy O
September 25th, 2012
5:07 pm
3 loss crap? That is crap? Or more delusional denial of reality? Not many Vick homer fans post here, yet we DID INDEED lose 3 playoffs in a row. That prompted the brain trust to move out our coordinators – if they did not have new jobs, I dont’ think we would still be employing them..
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
5:09 pm
Also, MM is doing a great job in Jacksonville, his best player held out, he inherited the worst QB in the NFL last season, and has a W, and almost beat a much better than we realized Vikings team.
And BVG is back where he belongs, his team had an impressive weekend too.
I truly wish them both the best.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
5:12 pm
if they did not have new jobs, I dont’ think we would still be employing them..Agreed,
After the Giants debacle, it was obvious they were gone either way…Actually, as fast as they found jobs, they had one foot out the door when we played that game, hence the result…goes back to my adversity thing….How did they deal with it? Went and found other jobs…
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
5:50 pm
Analyze the 3 losses….In 08, a 7-9 season would have been a success, but we lost a playoff game, so that “counts” against us? A rookie Ryan going againt a HOF QB? Really?
In 10, it was a shoot out, until we threw a pick 6, then the dam broke…I am pretty sure the pick 6 was not part of the game plan….
And last year, like I said, both coordinaters were one foot out the door, and you generally don’t do well in that circumstance. And that “inferior” Giant team be EVERYONE….Why? Because they played the best when it mattered the most. Call it coaching, call in momentum, call it whatever you want, but don’t call them inferior, because they were not.
Again, 3 losses are just that, same thing happened to P Manning, we will just have to see.
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Wings
September 25th, 2012
6:13 pm
MB – “Also, MM is doing a great job in Jacksonville, his best player held out, he inherited the worst QB in the NFL last season, and has a W, and almost beat a much better than we realized Vikings team.”
Using ;your previouos logic, one game doen’t prove MM is doing a good job.
Wings
September 25th, 2012
6:15 pm
JB Falcon,
You have been posting with great insight during the past weeks.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
6:24 pm
Using ;your previouos logic, one game doen’t prove MM is doing a good job.
What do you mean? I never said K or Nolan are not doing a great job, I just don’t think they have done anything we have not seen before in winning regular season games.
Funny though, ask what Jacksonville people think if Koetter?
JJ
September 25th, 2012
6:51 pm
falcon21
September 25th, 2012
7:37 pm
JJ, that is a Cage fact!
Big Lou
September 25th, 2012
7:38 pm
“What do you mean? I never said K or Nolan are not doing a great job, I just don’t think they have done anything we have not seen before in winning regular season games.” MB
*Blows whistle and throws flag on the play*
Sorry, MB, but you are extremely incorrect here. I agree to some points you have made in the past, but this is down right… delusional. For one, everyone would roll their eyes and give a sigh every time the falcons went on the road to play teams, especially is if was not in a dome in the past. The Falcons have down right dominated on both sides of the ball against two up and coming teams ON THE ROAD. That has never happened with MM and BVG. EVER.
BVG never, and I mean NEVER, came out with the schemes that Mike Nolan has blessed us with. The illusion of coverages, the up tempo safety play, and the adjustments made DURING the game is already leaps and bounds above that DC we had before. Don’t take it from me… even the players like Mike Nolan more, and that in itself–the yearning to fight for your coach–is a HUGE improvement mentally.
As for the OC, Matt Ryan is extremely comfortable in his scheme. It has been mentions by Tony Gonzalez that DK simplified the playbook to his strengths. As for the amounts of passing and rushing, no they have the same amount as before, but the difference is that we are spreading out the ball more, which was caused by the change in philosophy by our OC. I mean, just look at the comparison of passing touchdowns to running touchdown so far this year… ‘nough said.
DK had crap talent in Jacksonville. All he had was pocket Hercules–AKA MJD. Blane Gabbert was in his rookie season last year. He did well with QBs when he actually had one. So, what if they just beat the rookie lead Colts…. it means nothing.
For a final point, the game-play of your players dictates your coaching abilities. Before Mike Nolan, Decoud was a bust, Jerry was a bust, Stephen Nicholas was okay–nothing special, Dunta was a bust…
Look at them now. Best turnover ratio in the league.
Before DK came to the offense, no SCREEN PASSES(the first touchdown versus the Chargers was one), barely ever passed it in the red zone on first down, Matt Bryant was our offensive MVP…
Oh, they never used Rodgers or Snelling either. Barely EVER spread out into 4 receiver sets…
Yeah, so… I do not know what you’re thinking on that. I do agree that the season is early, and I am not ready to crown them division champs… but they are extremely better MENTALLY than years past.
D3
September 25th, 2012
7:42 pm
This gave me a d@mn belly laugh, and is up for consideration of funniest post of the year……….
Are you worried about a trap coming soon? Aren’t these the Falcons? Hell yes. When they finally lift the Lombardi trophy, I’ll be worried that someone drops it. – Coop
I literally laughed out loud.
D3
September 25th, 2012
7:44 pm
Big Lou — @ 7:38 PM — Here, here. Great post. I don’t care if it’s three games or not, this is a different team.
JB FALCON
September 25th, 2012
7:52 pm
BL, Amen brother and anyone that believes otherwise has a way different opinon, for whatever reason.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
8:13 pm
For one, everyone would roll their eyes and give a sigh every time the falcons went on the road to play teams, especially is if was not in a dome in the past.
We are 6-0 on the West Coast, so winning on the road is not all that new. And I understand everything you are saying, I was the one who originally compared Nolans D to the 46 of Buddy Ryan, I get it, we are playing different and at a high level, but once offenses get our D on tape, they will attack with short timing passes, and we will see how Nolan adjusts.
As for players being more productive, Peria Jerry was injured, you could see in the pre season that he was finally physicall recovered and when we were running vanalla defenses. If you want to credit Nolan for that, well, who is delusional.
The safetys play? goes back to your scheme, it ain’t the tampa 2, but when offenses adjust, we will see exactly what we have there.
Finally, as I said, we have accomplished anything that we have not already before. We have come out strong, looking like the best team in the NFL after 3 games….but had the best record in the NFL after 16 games in 2011.
Hopefully, we keep it going, say away from injuries, and make the proper adjustments when teams attack is differently. In my opinion, it just ain’t time to start the parade or looking where to place the trophy…..Again, my entire point is it all comes down to Ryan, if he performs like he has been, its in the bag, and if you want to credit K for that, fine, personally, I just think Ryan is finally coming onto his own. Funny though, his YPA is still lower than his rookie year, and his YPC are almost 2 yards less. But I guess you will attack me for that.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
8:21 pm
* 2010
Big Lou
September 25th, 2012
8:42 pm
“And I understand everything you are saying, I was the one who originally compared Nolans D to the 46 of Buddy Ryan, I get it, we are playing different and at a high level, but once offenses get our D on tape, they will attack with short timing passes, and we will see how Nolan adjusts.”
They have been trying short, timing passes. During the SD game, Asante covered two of them extremely well. What Mike Nolan is doing, is not exactly rocket science. The difference is that he forces the offense to adjust to our schemes, instead of vice versa–which, BVG use to do. Also, Mike Nolan is great at playing at player’s strengths, while BVG tried to make them play HIS way. Also, who was the head coach of San Diego again? Didn’t he play YEARS with Mike Nolan on different teams? If any coach knows how he works, he would be the guy. This isn’t the first defense EVER to do this. Point blank is… the players are playing to their strengths and making plays. I linked a video on the previous D3 post, where Decoud leaped through the air to block a TD pass from Rivers. That right there, is a mentality of confidence and swagger that the Falcon’s D has not had in a long time–scheme or not.
“As for players being more productive, Peria Jerry was injured, you could see in the pre season that he was finally physicall recovered and when we were running vanalla defenses. If you want to credit Nolan for that, well, who is delusional.”
So, you pick on one of the players that I listed to make your agreement correct? You should run for politics. I yield on Jerry for the example, point to Griffindor; YET the d line looks like it is getting way more penetration this year.
“Funny though, his YPA is still lower than his rookie year, and his YPC are almost 2 yards less. But I guess you will attack me for that.”
Don’t act like the victim. I have agreed with your posts in the past. YPC mean nothing in the NFL, just ask Steve Young, John Elway and other QBs who dinked and dunked to the Superbowl. Accuracy is what matters. Having the clutch gene is what matters. Ryan’s deep throws down the field will always get negated by the surgical movement down the field with mid-short passes. Why? It eats up the clock. It is like an easier version of running Turner up the middle.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
8:51 pm
D3 – Thanks for the nod. I’m no where in your class, so to give you a chuckle is a huge feather in my cap.
I love this team and always will, but seriously aren’t you always a little worried. I mean, we’ve seen some weird ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Big Lou – Concur with your post. Coordinators have made a huge difference. In my opinion, Smitty is coaching looser too and it really shows. Team has just improved in almost every aspect.
Coop
September 25th, 2012
8:57 pm
JJ – Migraine brother. Just skip it.
Paddy O
September 25th, 2012
9:01 pm
now one thing to be pretty happy about – I saw no MR2 misfires on grass – typically, he has a bad habit of throwing HIGH on natural grass, and that problem was corrected – at least at SD. Another nice sign of progression.
Matty Bicep
September 25th, 2012
9:04 pm
So, you pick on one of the players that I listed to make your agreement correct? You should run for politics. I yield on Jerry for the example, point to Griffindor; YET the d line looks like it is getting way more penetration this year.
- I referenced the Safety as benefiting from this scheme. It is a safety scheme.
- Yes, Turner was familiar with him, and he was familiar with Turner, so he outsmarted Turner…I will give him that, lol…
And hey, I agree with you too on some points, but it we agree on everything, don’t that make it boring?
And I just tossed the YPC out there as a red herring. Ryan has not needed to throw deep, he has had every game won by the end of the 3rd quarter.
Every year a team looks great early, and some teams look bad and turns in on down the stretch. Right now I don’t even know who is good, and how is not, So to declare a “big” game against a quality opponent is moot. Really, it looks like Houston, Seattle and us are the 3 best teams and we are all playing lights out D…Kinda different than last year, who woulda thunk?
Whynot Us
September 25th, 2012
9:20 pm
Great read, D3! Fired up about this season. Glad to eat a portion of crow for picking this one as a loss. (Shoulda done some research – under MS the Falcons don’t lose the game after a Monday night game or on the west coast).
WR
September 25th, 2012
9:31 pm
These birds, again these birds look so good. I know its early, but, finally, finally again, they appear to be taking advantage of their players. As a long, long, time suffering Falcons fan I definitely want this to be the year, but being realistic, I’m ecstatic because this is the first time in the team’s history that all hope and a prayer was’t based on a single player, a coach, or for that matter just a prayer, this organization flat out looks good. It’s too early to tell how far the Falcons could or may go, but its not to early to say that for the 1st time in some time, on both sides of the ball, this team at least wants to dictate the game, haven’t been able to say that in quite a while if ever.
Wabe
September 25th, 2012
10:10 pm
This team is a different group. Plain and simple. I’ll say that without facts, and I’m sure the majority would agree.
You can say what you will about how you think Ryan has taken the step, and how he himself can get us over the hump, but, how often did we see Ryan actually get 40 attempts in a game with Mularkey at the helm? The mere fact that Koetter is allowing Ryan to carry this offense is a drastic difference from what we’ve seen in the past. This has been Michael Turner’s offense for years, and Ryan’s been the guy that’s been benefiting from having a running game. This season, without much help from the running game, Ryan’s carrying this team. I agree, Ryan has progressed, and he does look like he’s taken ‘the next step’. But, the scheme and the confidence the coaching staff has in him now is also something you’ve gotta take note of. Ryan has been chuckin’ that ball around, something we just didn’t see enough with MM.
The defense, don’t even start with BVG man. Seriously. We were making guys like Jake Locker and Tavaris Jackson look good last season. I understand that we’ll have to see how things play out as the season goes on. But, the pass defense this year is way beyond where it’s been at anytime under BVG, and with the same group of guys (minus Lofton; plus Samuel). Credit the 11 turnovers to Mike Nolan. He’s getting his guys in places where they can succeed. Thomas DeCoud’s quote about BVG pretty much sums up what the players themselves thought of BVG. Dude may have had some success, but lets not get it twisted. BVG also benefited from a ‘ball control style offense’ that helped limit the time his defense spent on the field. They had some success, but we had some major flaws and failures along the way. The 3rd down defense was atrocious for the majority, if not all, of his time here.
Bottom line, this team is completely different. The main reason being the philosophy. This team is far more aggressive than any team we fielded with Mularkey or BVG. I understand we have to wait and see how it plays out. But, through 3 games, there’s enough evidence to see the apparent change in philosophy. They’re attacking, rather than playing it safe. The coaches are showing more confidence in the players than any other time under Mike Smith. To be completely honest, I saw all I needed to see in the Denver game. That game ALONE BY ITSELF showed me we weren’t the same team, mainly because of the defense. And Ryan will definitely be pivotal if we wanna get to the next level, and get that Lombardi Trophy, but I have more confidence now going up against the likes of Rodgers, Eli Manning, M. Vick, Brady, Brees than I ever had with BVG. And that’ll also have a big role in our postseason success.
JB FALCON
September 25th, 2012
10:12 pm
WR, I agree exactly with your 9:31 and it really pisses me off when some so call fans want to get on here and throw out negative garbage just so someone will argue with him, or her.
I was here in 1966 when the Falcons came to Atlanta and have had many , many hopes and dreams squashed but have never lost faith.
Any true fan does not continue to throw out negative garbage, agains all hope and dreams and are too stupid to realize trying to turn the cage into a negative crowd is pissin’ on his, or her, shoes and calling it a rainstorm.
The cage has a lot of BCM’s but if your will look over the posts on this particular post you will find who has the most posts. I haven’t done that and I don’t need to. It’s easy to tell the difference between a fan and a troll. Not mentioning any names of course. I may be wrong but it ain’t worth my time to count.
Mikey
September 25th, 2012
11:13 pm
1. Elated!
2. Great safety play so far this year… don’t know of anyone who is having a better year but good 4-5 Man defensive line charge sure makes safeties look better. I hope they keep it up. I really admire the safeties’ speed and aggressiveness.
3. Run balance is great. They are working others in enough that defenses can’t key on the play and I am optimistic that they can keep Turner in top health for the long haul. I seem to be in a minority but I feel Turner is a beast and we should be very happy to have him. The whole run game started slow this year but it is criitical to success. The O-Line is progressing and soon they will be a force we can count on.
4. Ryan is on a great trajectory. He is one of the most intelligent and capable QBs playing and I feel he is turning the corner with enough experience and confidence to provide strong leadership. He is also knowledgeable enough to play alongside the cereberal QBs like Peyton, Brady and Rodgers. He is having a break out year and it is fun to watch. He is just about but not quite dominating. However, if he continues to improve at the rate he is going, he will be the best in the league by mid-season. If they win the Super Bowl he will emerge as the MVP. This is only his fifth year… he is way ahead of Peyton Manning in results. You don’t get that kind of respect as a rookie… you have to earn it in the NFL and Matt Ryan has earned it. He is getting to the level where he can intimidate defenses and by the end of the season, he will be there.
5 Our linebackers are a force. It is great to see a healthy Nicholas acting like Dick Butkus or just like Spoon. I hope they stay healthy because depth is still a concern here.
6. No. This is a great defensive scheme and we have the young fast and smart players to excel with it. I anticipate that with the return of Peters, and additional on-field experience, the D-Line will continue to have even more impact. Like the 85-86 Bears, 46 defense, this defense will continue to improve and demonstrate agressive disruption providing the championship impact of a shutdown defense. Can you say “shut out”? YES!
7. Yes! They are doing it all. I expect to see variances depending on personnel availability and opponant tendancies but they are using everything in their arsenal when appropriate. They are becoming more confident every week in trusting the strengths that they possess. They are continuously improving execution and, based on results to-date, should reach very high levels of maturity by mid-season.
8. The NFL is a mine field of traps. They come every week. This team top-to-bottom has demonstrated excellent scouting, game planning, execution and focus on the “trap” of the week. They are contenders and will win more than their fair share of trap showdowns.
9. Can’t fault success. I like to see them pour the coal to the opponent but feel they are just getting to the point where coaches have the confidence in passing execution. I also think that they are beginning to realize that the defense can hold and even take the ball away so aggressiveness pays off better on both sides of the ball. I hope we will see enough continuous improvement so they can put the peddle through the firewall. At the current pace, that could occur by mid-season.
10. Loved it! Once we get a top notch defense like the one that showed up on Sunday, we can take those risks. When they stop the opponent with a three and out, it is still not too far from pay dirt. They demonstrated that this is the case and I hope to see such strength defensively that we can afford these risks. It is so nice to have a strong enough defense to attempt these plays.
Great job DLed.. nice article and GO FALCONS! YOU ARE RISING UP!
DHunt
September 26th, 2012
1:58 am
Like Denny Green said, “they are who we thought the are”. I think they are very good. I think we have yet to see really how good they can be. I’ve been chuckling through reading all these posts that almost make it seem like the Falcons are struggling instead of flying high. We’re fans. We are going to turn on Nolan and Koetter just as soon as the team shows a marked drop off in production or loses multiple games. Until then, they can do no wrong. We’re fans. Of course we expect the team to win every game by 30, hold every team to less than 7 points, throw for 350 and run for 150, and win the Super Bowl every year. We’re fans. If we didn’t have unrealistic expectations, we wouldn’t qualify as FANS. It’s damn good to be a Falcons fan right now. I’ve been a Falcons fan many a time when it wasn’t so good, so ain’t no amount of bitching or moaning gonna shake my high.
WhyNotUs, don’t worry about that pick, I said the same thing in the pickem blog post before the season started. Luckily, I changed my tune after the Monday night game so no mea culpa needed. In fact, I’m going back on record again. That Miami Dolphins record is falling this year. 19-0, and all the prognosticators are going to swear it was some kind of dumb luck, and I won’t care at all because we are going to win it all! Deangelo Williams will run for 125 on us this weekend, and we still win by 21. Take that one to Vegas baby. Unless Julio’s hand is much worse than we’re being told, then we only win by 13.
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
2:23 am
Here is the deal, our players grew tired of our old coordinators, who are good football men. BVG just shut down the #1 college team in the nation, and MM is has notched a W, and been competitive with what was the worst starting QB in the league last year. Nor reason to blame them for our past failures.
Well yes, I imagine they did, especially when certain things simply did not work.
I had to laugh when you said BVG just shut down the #1 college team in the nation. Looks to me like LSU on that game, so what good did that do? Furthermore, that only proves that his a$$ belongs in COLLEGE…as that game has nothing to do with what he can or can’t do in the NFL. What I do know is he can’t get the kind of production from our personnel that Nolan is getting, fresh voice or no. I see differences. You don’t….yeah maybe we should drop the issue….
learning how to beat the good teams during the regular season TEACHES you how to beat the postseason teams…Now see, that is a birdcage made up “fact” to justify the “reasons” for our post season woes. There is nothing to support that statement, on the contrary, The last 2 superbowl winners LOST 7 regular season games, so if they were beating all the “good” teams, who were they losing to?
Umm…no….this is not a “bird cage fact” and I find it funny that you keep referencing this particular terminology. What that was, is my own personal opinion. Seems to me that you have an issue with opinions on the bird cage blogs. If so, why post here? Take issue with MY opinion if you see fit, don’t give the “umbrella” or “blanket” treatment.
But let’s get back to the point – if there is nothing to support my statement (which is an opinion, after all), then what’s the answer? What IS the reason for our postseason woes? Come on, out with it. If you know all the “cage” answers are wrong, then surely you know the right answer and I’m ever so eager to hear it. I’m guessing based on what you’ve said so far that it just comes down to Matt Ryan for you. But don’t let me put words in your mouth. By all means, speak up.
In 2010 WE BEAT the eventual superbowl champion, the exact team that beat us in the playoffs 3 weeks later, where was the lesson learned there?
First of all, let me say this – I said “teaches” not “guarantees.” The lesson in that win should have been this – “we know how to beat them, we know how to win playing our game.” Unfortunately for us, the Packers also learned from that game on how NOT to beat US. They adjusted, and it showed. Did we? No. Didn’t know how. Got punched in the mouth and didn’t recover. And that has been the complaint from fans (no, not just the Cage participants thankyou very much) under Mike Smith’s tenure (not blaming him solely, either).
Nolan and K are off the wizbang starts, but there is a very long, long way to go. And sure, all the players are all smiles, but we won’t know who we respond to adversity until adversity hits. We all saw what happened to MM and BVG when adversity hit, hence, the needed changes. hopefully these two new guys will fare better.
I actually agree with this. But I think that adversity is also well responded to when players have confidence in each other and in coaches, and vice versa. It does take time to build this and a mere offseason and three games is not enough. However, one cannot ignore the articles that just keep on coming out, referencing the differences in the Coordinators’ style. You can call it “Cage Fact” or whatever if you want, but the fact is that it is coming from everywhere BUT the Cage. If you think coaching changes don’t matter this much even in a short period of time, then you probably didn’t buy into what Jim Harbaugh was doing in San Francisco, either….
I’m not saying Koetter and Nolan are guarantees of success in the postseason. I’m saying we have a better chance with them on the staff. Apparently Smitty felt the same way – he hired ‘em, didn’t he? You gonna argue with THAT? LOL…
JB, maybe, but how much fun would it be to come on here and just drink the D3 Koolaid?
I actually had to laugh at this one. I’ve disagreed with D3 enough times to where I lost count. There is a significant difference between being thankful for a well written blog piece and a blog to actually discuss Falcons football and simply “drinking the koolaid.” If you don’t get it, hang out on Ledbetter, Bradley, and Schultz’s Falcon article/blogs for a couple of weeks and you will get it soon enough….
My 2nd point is, there is NOTHING that says you have to win the “big” games during the regular season to be successful in the playoffs. That is a made up cage “fact”.
Again….that was an opinion I posted. Where is it written that this is a “made up cage fact?” Are there some “cage bylaws” that I missed out on? I’ll tell you what’s made up, and that’s your accusation. I don’t see anywhere on any of these blogs where it is written that “we cagers” have agreed that you must win the big games in the regular season games to be successful in the playoffs.” A few people have shared the same opinion, that’s about all I’ve seen. Ditch the cage conspiracy theory, will ya?
This ain’t M. Night Shymalan’s “The Village”……
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
2:25 am
There ain’t one damn fan on here that hasn’t said “proceed with caution” every time this team has started off well.
So why out of the middle of nowhere this ish comes from as if it’s new thinking is beyond me….LOL.
But whatever. I’ll drop it. Now that I’ve said my piece yet again (yes, my hypocrisy only goes so far, LOL).
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
2:26 am
I can be one piss ant devil when I get a bone in my teeth….and being on midnight shift just does NOT help….
BobbyDawg
September 26th, 2012
2:59 am
It’s a good thing that BVG’s defense did hold LSU’s score down last week after giving up 80 points in their first three games including 28 points to Lousiana-Monroe or he would probably be looking for a job this week. BVG WAS the problem with our D, and we all should be happy that he’s gone. Thanks Auburn I love you and I hate you. GO BIRDS
Screen Pass
September 26th, 2012
3:20 am
“This ain’t M. Night Shymalan’s “The Village”……” – BR
It could be the devil farts in the elevator one tho
.
Mike from London
September 26th, 2012
8:05 am
Hi Cage Family, I although I am from London and have only been to two live games (one in the UK and the other Colts vs Jets at the Meadowlands) I have supported the Falcons for over ten years and followed the Bird Cage over the last few years and will continue to check out the Bird Cage blogs by D3 which offers the most insightful views on Falcons football anywhere. I see there has been a debate about whether the coaching changes have resulted in the Falcons improved play. I would say so far yes the coaching changes have made a difference, why? are the plays that different? in some cases yes and in some cases no, but more so I think its belief, if they players don’t buy into what is being preached it will come across on game day which was quite evident over the last few years. Now you can see from the players in their play on the field and in interviews that they have bought into the coaches ideas and they are having fun executing.
Obviously we are only three games in and it remains to be seen whether in game changes can be made when we are not functioning on Offense and Defense, but I for one am hopeful that is something that has changed from the last few years but I am just enjoying the ride at the moment.