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
Coop
September 26th, 2012
8:14 am
Mike – Hello governor… Sorry, too much TV about London with out a visit. Haven’t seen you post before, so if it’s the first time, welcome to the cage. As for your post, concur. I think it’s obvious that the coaching and schemes have made a huge impact on both sides of the ball. From the comments the players have made to the play on the field, it’s pretty evident.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
8:17 am
BR – Thanks for “policing” the Cage.
D3 – My biggest worry about the Panthers is their running game. If the D has shown any weakness, it’s in defending the run. Add Cam’s ability to break contain and we could have a full day of chasing on our hands. I’m very interested to see how Nolan plans for the cats.
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
8:17 am
SP ,
LOL….I needed that…..good one, dammit….
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
8:23 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
Couldn’t have said it better. Tune in next week when BVG fails to shut down a lesser defense and shows what I believe to be an aberration, or should I say exception to the norm….oh wait, maybe his guys just needed 4 weeks to put it all together…yeah that’s it…
Mike from London
September 26th, 2012
8:26 am
No problems Coop and thanks for the welcome, sometimes people arent far of with their assesment of Londonders some people do still speak that way, me personally I like mixing it up
I’ve only posted once or twice before, mainly due to the time difference (its 13.19 here at the moment) but always read the posts and watch all the games.
One of my mates, who lived in Indianapolis as a kid got me into American football a while back, I was wtaching a game where a quater back was scrambline and doing things that running backs and wide receivers were more acustomed to doing, thats when I realised I found my team, but when he let the team down I soon realised it wasn’t him I supported it was the team and will always be.
The NFL coverage in the UK is pretty good these days with two Sunday night games shown every week however if the Falcons are not the featured games I will always find a way to stream the games live, even if that means staying up till 5am (like last Monday).
Simply put Love the Falcons and Love the Bird Cage
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
8:30 am
Coop ,
I was trying my darn hardest not to go there. But it went in that direction, so my instincts took over…what can I say?
Agreed on the Panthers. I suspect Nolan has more than one set of tricks up his sleeve for Cam. The guy will make mistakes and right now his team is a bit down on him and his attitude/actions. No time like the present to strike at a weakness.
I definitely worry more about the RBs, they’re the best RB combo in this division….when healthy and when Cam isn’t hogging the ball. But the Panthers also haven’t been the most consistent in run blocking…something WE can identify with. The key will be to try and make them bear the brunt of the offense. The Giants already showed they can’t do that without Cam making plays. We can force him into thinking he has to make more plays than he really does…it’s what he would naturally try to do. That’s where the mistakes will come in.
But I don’t think they can beat us on the ground. They would have to get scores on the ground and then that would open up their air game…which is limited by personnel (Steve Smith and Olsen is about all Cam really has) and by…well, Cam himself…as has been proven.
Our run defense has some issues, but I do see it coming together. Dent will get some action and our secondary loves to hit, plus our two OLBs have some serious speed/playmaking ability.
I think this starts where you probably feel it starts – Babs and Jerry getting penetration. If they do this, we are on it. Because Abe, Edwards, and Biermann are all solid against the run. Abe and Biermann have the speed to get to RBs from behind and Edwards has the strength to hold the point of attack. He’ll get some work thsi Sunday.
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
8:31 am
Mike from London ,
Glad to have ya. Watch out close…you might be inheriting the Jacksonville Jaguars…there has been some speculation of such a move in the not-so-distant future…
Mike from London
September 26th, 2012
8:44 am
Thanks Big Ray,
As lovely as that sounds, Falcons will always be my team
although the idea of having a franchise over here is an interesting one, they would definitely get the crowds as every game that has been held here has been a sell out and people have really taken to the sport however most American Football fans in this country have their own teams so although you would get sell out’s im not sure you would get the atmosphere that you would back in the states as people would see it more as a day out, but I for one wouldn’t mind.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
8:46 am
Mike – Good to hear you survived the Vick era. Been a fan my whole life being raised in Atlanta, but understand streaming games. The year Vick went to prison, I was deployed and had to watch that horrible Petrino season online.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
8:49 am
BR – You know I concur that it starts with the DTs. I love the way Babs and Jerry are playing. Time to see what Dent has…
Mike from London
September 26th, 2012
8:55 am
Very true, Coop, my friend has an NFL game pass which he has given me access to but only one person can login into the account at a time and as he is a Bears fan I can’t watch the Falcons on it while he is watching so I just stream instead, I will say I really dont like the ESPN coverage.
I agree that the Pertrino era was not a good time but there were some positives, for one Roddy White became the WR that he had the potential to become and from what I understand Petrino is not having a great time of it back in college football, well his personal life anyway.
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
9:43 am
Big Ray and Coop,
Excellent observations, as usual. I expect Nolan to have a defensive player to spy on Newton the whole game(like the Bears did when we had Vick). We will definitely see more Dent this week due to their heavy rushing abilities. The benefit of playing Cam Newton is that he beats himself quite often. So, if we play aggressive, disciplined Falcon’s football… I except another couple turnovers on Sunday.
As for their defense, it seems quite lackluster to me so far. Not to mention, we will be in the dome…
I expect Matt Ryan(my bold prediction of the week) to have close to 300 yards with 3-4 touchdown passes. His MVP caliber performance will continue.
Now that said, I do not take the offense of the Panthers likely. Yet, I am EXTREMELY excited to see Nolan’s game plan for Cam.
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
9:50 am
Couple of articles and links that made me smile:
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/48910/afc-west-stock-watch-20
“San Diego Chargers’ status as a top team: Last week, the Chargers were one of six 2-0 teams. They looked terrific on both sides of the ball after early-season wins over the Oakland Raiders and the Tennessee Titans. However, now they look ordinary team after being whipped 27-3 at home by Atlanta. The Falcons are one of the best teams in the NFL and they toyed with the Chargers. San Diego did not belong on the same field as Atlanta.”
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/63927/atlanta-falcons-big-on-first-impressions
Like the fact the Falcons always throw the first punch, but now… we even give the final blow!
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
9:57 am
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066247/article/matt-ryan-taking-his-game-atlanta-falcons-to-the-next-level
Nice article on Matt Ryan and his improvements.
http://search.nfl.com/search/?&sortBy=date&query=Atlanta+Falcons&mc_Video=5564&mc_Image=4569&mc_Text=3589&mediatype=Video
NFL insight on one of their drives against SD.
D3
September 26th, 2012
10:35 am
Matty — I could be wrong here brother, but it seems as though you’re arguing for arguing sakes.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
10:38 am
Mike – Conur on RW. Petrino leaving heped more than the time they spent together though. He did break out that year, but he matured under Smith. I love him too, but I wish he’d stay off twitter… Jeebus he says some dumb things.
Big Lou – Nice links. I too think Nolan will have something for Cam. I’m excited to see it. All three teams we faced had running games, but were definitely known for their passing. This is really the first game where I think stopping the run will be the most important.
D3
September 26th, 2012
10:42 am
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. – MB
I’ve defended you as much as I can, but now you’re just going out of your way to start $hit on this blog. It seems as though you’ll take any position necessary to come up with a reason and way to argue with someone, evidently about anything. If you think that I drive this train called The Bird Cage, you’re dead wrong. I simply provide a forum for all these awesome, intelligent, and respectful Falcons fans for discuss all things Falcons and Football. THEY DRIVE THIS TRAIN, not me. You can ask almost anyone on here and I’ve disagreed with them at one point or another. Big Lou and I went round and around for awhile and then a mutual respect was born and even if we don’t agree, we respect each other’s opinions. I’m not sure you’re getting that. You have very insightful opinions, but you’re also getting the badge of being “inciteful” as well.
D3
September 26th, 2012
11:02 am
Mikey — Your post is out.
SeminoleWarrior
September 26th, 2012
11:32 am
D3, don’t give the clown the satisfaction of thinking he can get under your skin. The Cage is a pulse that is not unique to one person….as you stated, it is what it is; a collective heartbeat.
SeminoleWarrior
September 26th, 2012
11:34 am
On a side note…D3, what the hell is going on there in CC?
SACS coming in again? Do I need to send you some literature on fine home availability here in middle GA? We could use a quality educator here and our system is rock solid with no issues here…and growing too. Only 115 miles from my front door to the GA dome…lol.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
11:35 am
D3 – Agree with SW. Let it go brother. Put the trolls in the dingy and ignore them.
SeminoleWarrior
September 26th, 2012
11:44 am
SuperPunk, aka Cam, will find it rough this weekend. Teams are slowly finding out while yes he is a fine runner and possesses a cannon of an arm, he struggles still with pressure and reading defenses. Mike Nolan knows this and will adjust accordingly.
Speaking of Cam, props to the Charlotte Observer for this piece….lol.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000066380/article/carolina-cartoon-mocks-cam-newtons-superman-pose
snacktastic
September 26th, 2012
11:58 am
SW, that made my day.
Newton has lost every game in which he has thrown at least one interception. A defense as good as ours stands to pick him off at least three times, in my opinion. Two for Moore, one for Decoud…maybe a pick-six for Samuel for good measure.
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
12:38 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/20376425/tentative-deal-between-nfl-regular-referees-is-at-hand-officials-could-work-week-4
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
12:42 pm
delusionalism is usually obvious to the outside observer; the one who IS delusional is rarely cognizant of the fact. Bias exists. Some hide it via arrogant elitism, and pretend that elitism (arrogance, condescension) gives their bias authority. Occasionally, they have a pertinent point – which is why freedom of speech and the written word is essential in a free society. Credibilty however, is not an automatically conferred upon characteristic. I am still 99% sure we lose the Denver game with MM & BVG. Personally, I think TD did the coordinator hiring. BVG was a bust in the NFL. MM got a promotion. Time will tell. I’m just glad MM is not with US anymore – however he was ejected..
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
12:46 pm
matty – not having the ability to link cause and effect is NOT rational thinking.
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
12:53 pm
I never liked the superman thing and saw it as a lack of focus and immaturity. I also remember him doing the Deon dance, and then coming back and throwing a terrible pick that cost them the game…RR should benched him the next game.
But last week he brought it to a new level, doing the superman thing while trailing by 30, then sulking on the bench 5 minutes later says it goes beyond immaturity and focus, but down right emotional issues. If you have a weakness, football will expose it, that is for sure….When the best player on your team questions the QBs manhood, look for RR to take the ball out of Cams hands and test our run defense, but I sense the Falcons win this one going away.
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
1:05 pm
Paddy O, not interested in getting into it today. But BVG D’s had a career winning percentage among the absolute best during his stint in the NFL.
His Ds held 4th quarter leads 33-1, that does not go into bust territory in my book. Read your defination of Delusion again, apply to your best statement in light of the facts I presented above. No disrespect intended.
Did his teams fall apart in the playoffs? Yes, does that mean he will never learn? I don’t know, but he is young.
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
1:14 pm
I’m hoping Carolina brings the same defense to the Dome. We should, based on first 3 games, eat that D alive. We have had some problems stuffing the run – but that comes with improved pass rush, which appears to contribute to turnovers. You harass the the key guy who has the ball every down while the offense is on the field, you usually get nice results. We held SD to 3 points. That is excellence. I’m hoping we put Cam on his butt at least 3 times. GO FALCONS!
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
1:21 pm
MATTY – BVG’s defenses – as posted by others – routinely got smoked by mediocre QB’s – remember Tavaris Jackson with Seattle? Also, our D RARELY made 2nd half adjustments; we occasionally brought intensity via our defense – the Ravens game and 2nd NO (loss, but our D was frenetic). Personally, I thought our defense succeeded due to us having a good deal of player talent, and essentially excelled DESPITE BVG’s vanilla. How about our 3rd down conversion rate? Impressive? Something you would want other teams to emulate? You are cherry picking minutiae facts to support your position, if I was a brain dead liberal, I might gobble up those disparate facts and attempt to cobble together a conclusion. Alas, i am not – i generally reach conclusions based on the predominance of observed reality. Take it as you will. Your facts are what are typically considered ANECDOTAL. They would be better received if that BVG D you laud held GB to less than 48 points. We shall see if BVG is still working at Auburn in 3 years.
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
1:32 pm
Do I try to pick arguments?
“how often did we see Ryan actually get 40 attempts in a game with Mularkey at the helm?”
This was a post by an esteemed cage member, I saw it and went Hmmm. I wonder…so, I did some research, and…through 3 games, Ryan has put the ball up an average of 35.6 times per game. Last year, he put it up 35.4 times per game.
So, for a blog that prides itself on knowledge, why am I the only one who wants to address this? Am I picking a fight? I don’t look to argue, if the numbers his his statement, I would say, hmm, good point. But when the number don’t….Should I just let that type of stuff go if numbers don’t support what I think you guys want?
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
1:32 pm
Last time.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/20376425/tentative-deal-between-nfl-regular-referees-is-at-hand-officials-could-work-week-4
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
1:38 pm
Pad, again, did not come looking to pick a fight. But every DC has thier ups and downs. You don’t think I can dig through Nolans career and find some really bad games? Again, I guess we have different defination of what a bust is….I agree to disagree.
John Waynesworld
September 26th, 2012
1:40 pm
Thanks, UB. Great news, if it happens quickly. Hochuli better be working on those guns!
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
1:47 pm
matty – you remind me of my grand mother. She ALWAYS had to be right. She wore out her welcome visiting after about 2 weeks – drove my dad nuts. selah. I’m thinking that delusional thought again.
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
1:57 pm
I just go by facts over the long haul, not the popular trends of today.
Greg Mendel
September 26th, 2012
2:35 pm
“It’s still early” is a sensible, cautious attitude regarding the Falcons early success. Another point-of-view, however, is that we’re undefeated after three games — and it IS still early. None of those three wins was a struggle, and we didn’t beat “gimmie” teams. The Falcons took control and won.
That’s what excites me about this 2012 team. Obviously 3-0 isn’t a guarantee of anything, but it’s a pretty good opening statement that suggests good things to come. I’m optimistic because I see strengths being maximized and weaknesses being corrected or minimized. At some point, opponents will have seen enough to be better prepared. That’s when we’ll see how well the Falcons can adjust. I think they can and will, which may be the key that unlocks the door to post-season success.
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
2:41 pm
http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=nfcsouth&id=39575
Article deticated to Screen Pass… literally.
Also, shows a difference between MM and DK as OCs. It has produced two touchdowns already.
LRD
September 26th, 2012
2:44 pm
Big Lou, you just beat me to the punch man… Was hoping Screen Pass would see that. He may have to change his handle…??
LRD
September 26th, 2012
2:50 pm
Maybe I am jinxing us here, and do not want to come across as being glib… but has anyone missed Grimes?> Again, not being a smarty here, but Dunta has been playing good. Asante has impressed, and Decoud/Moore (well you all know that story)… and we havent seen tons of mistakes from Owens when he is in…. I mean, I am honestly surprised. I though losing Grimes would allow our DB’;s to get lit… so far though.. pleasantly pleased
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
September 26th, 2012
2:55 pm
Matty Bicep, you’re beginning to come across as Matty Gluteus Maximus…
JB Falcon
September 26th, 2012
3:10 pm
Somebody, every day I go back to my last post and read until I catch up so I will know what the subject is, etc. Some folks evidently do that.
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
3:12 pm
LRD
Makes me think how scary out D would be WITH Grimes still in there. O.o
Yeah, maybe he should change his name to Foot on Pedal.
John Waynesworld
September 26th, 2012
3:12 pm
I don’t think it’s too early for anything…UNDEFEATED BABY!!!!!
Two, count em, TWO games in front of the NFC South pack!! 3 GAMES in front of the only team that has a chance of giving us any problem, the New Orleans Pickyounose Alsoran Cheaters! Go Green Bay, take that ref game headache out on the team that tried to KILL your Quarterback!!
I say rest the starters for the playoffs right now (or at least until this Sunday)!!!
p.s. Abe, git yo azz a back entrance!!!
Coop
September 26th, 2012
3:28 pm
MB – I read your 12:53 post and thought, wow… Finaly a good post and worth responding to… Then I see you went back to your old ways. Paddy O is right, you nit pick arguements and select one fact to make you’re entire point. It’s like promising to bring oyur prom date hme by midnight, then depositing her drunk, now-pregnant carcass on the door step at 11:59 and claiming yourself a success. There is more to BVG than 33-1. BVG had nothing to do with the O that got those leads. But say, hey I got her here at 11:59, so BVG is ALL good.
Again, MR’s attempts are only up a tick, but you IGNORE the facts that we were up early and big in those games and he didn’t need to throw. I suggest if we had BVG and let teams get back in the contest, DK would let Matt throw over 40 times to lengthen or maintain the lead where Smitty and MM tried to grind out the clock. But IGNORE everything alse and say, she’s here at 11:59, I’m ALL good.
Seriously dude, it’s just aggravating as hell. It’s not that you have a disparate opinion, it’s your arrogant way of saying scoreboard… therefore nothing else matters. Again, 11:59 and I’m all good. But she’s drunk!?!?!? 11:59; But she’s pregnant!?!?!? 11:59
there is more to discuss than the end rsult. The process, the atitude, and the “feeling” maters. That’s my opinion, and we can disagree. But I can’t have a discussion with “11:59″.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
3:34 pm
Greg – Excellent post. Completely agree.
LRD/Big Lou – I’m not a Grimes fan and didn’t want to resigne him. I recognize what he’s done and his talent, but I got the feeling he cared more about Grimes and Grimes’ wallet than winning a ring. All that said, I was concerned when he went done. I posted “to hell with him”, but I admit, I was very concerned. So, extrememly please with how our secondary has played.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
3:52 pm
From ESPN MVP Power Ranking… Matt Ryan #1:
The Falcons’ franchise QB is on pace for 42 touchdown passes with only five interceptions. He has never had more than 29 TD passes in a season. Only two QBs in NFL history have finished a season with at least 40 TD passes and fewer than 10 INTs. Tom Brady had 50 and eight, respectively, during his 2007 MVP season. Aaron Rodgers had 45 and six during his 2011 MVP season. Ryan is also leading the NFL’s 33 qualifying QBs in completion percentage.
Big Lou
September 26th, 2012
3:56 pm
Coop
I am glad too. It’s that coaching. He has his troops believing in his process. Heck, even Franks is doing average.
Falcons 8th in the league in passing defense after playing two pass heavy QBs. Who would have thought it? BVG, chew on that.
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
3:57 pm
NP Coop, just agree to disagree and move on…I am done with MM and BVD…On another note, it am taking bets that Cam might not be on the Panthers roster by seasons end. I sense a mutiny, I just don’t know if he can handle it emotionally. Like I said, the sideline sulking, the super man down 30 pts by themselves are one thing, doing both within 5 minutes suggest a real issue, and I don’t know if he can do what he has to do if they keep losing. I just wonder of RR has the kahunas to bench him…
Coop
September 26th, 2012
4:12 pm
MB – That would be a tall order to dump the #1 overall pick and rookie of the year. That said, it could be the smartest move they could make. I agree, his antics are bordering on bizzare. Hell, when Steve Smith calls you out, somethings afoot.
I can’t see them giving up on him and taking the financial/PR hit, but what if they got the number 1 pick??? What do oyu do with Matt Barkley starring oyu in the face?
Perhaps, we as Falcons fans are lucky in a sense. Both he and Josh Freeman lit it up their first year. Then the sophmore slump… and for Freeman, who knows.