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
Screen Pass
September 26th, 2012
4:26 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
I did see it, TY. Good article, I can’t believe the Falcons are gonna surpass MM’s 16 game highest screen yard total in like 4 games lol. I have been considering changing my name to Shovel Pass…not many teams use em so I could keep it and yall can still say SP. I’ll prolly switch after this game if we break MM’s “record”
.
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
4:39 pm
If you watched Cam in that game, prior to his TD run, he handed off to another RB – the guy got stuffed – and Cam came back to the huddle with a very emotionless, resigned look on his face, then did that TD act. I don’t see much leadership in this fellow.
BobbyDawg
September 26th, 2012
5:12 pm
Sp — They’ve obviously got a bad memory or something, but I ain’t gonna say nothin’!
Coop
September 26th, 2012
5:19 pm
SP – I’m in favor of the name change (though I’ve grown accustomed to Screen Pass); however, Shovel Pass seems a bit uninspired. Unforunately, I don’t have a creative suggestion to offer. So… uh… yeah…
Screen Pass
September 26th, 2012
6:23 pm
“SP – I’m in favor of the name change (though I’ve grown accustomed to Screen Pass); however, Shovel Pass seems a bit uninspired. Unforunately, I don’t have a creative suggestion to offer. So… uh… yeah…” – Coop
I got nothing to poke fun of Nolan about, he is a guru and master of his craft. Koetter might offer a few opportunities down the road but for right now I got nothing to really work with. We actually have good coaching so far this year, that limits my options of being a smart-ass. If someone has an inspired idea, I’m all ears.
D3
September 26th, 2012
6:28 pm
Man, you guys are just killing it this week. Coop gives me a belly-laugh yesterday and SP does it today………
We actually have good coaching so far this year, that limits my options of being a smart-ass.
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
6:33 pm
personally, I enjoy a good debate – you usually learn something. and, the 46 defense comment is highly complimentary to the impact our new coordinator is having on our defensive prowess. However, “I don’t look to argue” is the best evidence of distinct delusionalism. And SW thought there was a disconnect in flowery branch; irregardless – this game has the good makings of a trap game; we should win by 28 points based on our teams’ performance thus far. however, you would think that RR – who is a pretty wet behind the ears coach (and working with the Panthers 2nd rookie QB in a row – not counting hasselback), would have read Cam the riot act about working on becoming an elite QB – not just a guy who pretends to be superman when he scores. If that happened, and we again put a 1st class butt whooping on Carolina, Cam could be in trouble. Irregardless again, I am hoping & praying the NO is 0-4 come Monday. GO FALCONS!
JB FALCON
September 26th, 2012
6:56 pm
PO, even better, NO 0-4 and the
falcons 4-0!
Paddy O
September 26th, 2012
6:58 pm
Indeed. Typically, the cage looks at the season in quarters – if we can come out of the 1st quarter undefeated, I’d be ecstatic. BTW, which defense has DeCoud played better in? Dunta? Bierman? The list goes on.
Birdman
September 26th, 2012
7:19 pm
Hello Cage
I hope everyone is having a blessed week . What a game . I am here in Hilton head at work and will be here for at least a couple of months . But I get To see the little Lady every weekend back home in the Metro .
Abe and Mike are not being good leaders as they should be but I hope that they will learn and move on . Every one has made mistakes .
Our Birds sure put a whopin on the Chargers as I had to listion to the game on the Radio on the way out here . But what a way to ride the I 16 . I sure hope that the game Sunday will be a blow out for our Birds But just another win will be nice . Football is like a box of chocolates sometimes ? and with these ref’s who knows
Still see a win tho at the Dome . Birds 41 to 14
Get to come home thusday at noon . Then Sunday its back here again . Ya’ll stay cool and keep the All Mighty in your hearts . If you have had a bad week I pray it gets better . Talk to you all later .
D3 KEEP IT COMING ….Thanks for the reads.
GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!
snacktastic
September 26th, 2012
7:48 pm
Midway through last season, there was a post in the Cage titled “What’s wrong with the 2011 Atlanta Falcons?”
This year, we’ll need one titled “Why do the 2012 Falcons ball so hard?”
It’s really hard for me to see us losing the next three games. And if Vick keeps turning over the ball like an older version of Cam Newton, you can make that four games. It will be interesting to compare our dominance over the AFC West to future games against division opponents and the NFC East, but for now, it’s just good to have a 3-0 record and a pretty badass team.
Things I’ll be watching for next week:
-More run game consistency. Last week @SD was a good start.
-Better third down defense. We still give up too many big plays.
-Red zone efficiency. It’s not like we’re scraping by to get wins, but I’d still like us to score enough TDs to win by a comfortable margin.
-Deep throws. We haven’t opened things up downfield very much so far.
Maybe once the run game solidifies, Smitty and Koetter will pay more attention to the other aspects. And the D is getting better every week, so that’s less of a concern for me.
Given the NFC South team schedules, I think we’ll have this division wrapped up by the end of week 7. Do I sound smug?
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
7:53 pm
Birdman,
You are always a refreshing breath of air. Work hard and make lots of money. Being retired, I can use a raise.
honest_abe
September 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
being wrong never felt so right. heh
ken s, ray, everyone else maybe i was off on some maybe most of my criticism. i’d like to say i’m all sad about being wrong, but i’m enjoying every second of it.
let’s just hope i didn’t jinx the whole damn thing!
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
8:08 pm
snacktastic,
You point to a lot of things that I have questions about. In the league per stats we are mediocre at best. My question is, should the turn-over rate drop off do we still have the where with all to maintain? I know everything looks like roses in the bloom, but, can it be sustained?
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
honest_abe,
Here’s to looking up your address. Good job.
Unca' Bob
September 26th, 2012
8:15 pm
Cage,
Please have a great night. Once again, I hear my pillow calling my name.
Michael M.
September 26th, 2012
9:20 pm
Birds Crush Chargers……………..DEMOLSHED ! FLATTENED! DERAILED! PULVERISED ! HUMILIATED! PEARL HARBORED ! DEFEATED !
BATTERED !BEAT!………………………………………………………..
Help me out fellas………………I can’t think of nothin else……………………been having too much fun bashing the Trolls on the other blogs………………………………
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
9:36 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…
Gotta give you props for bold predictions….that one tops most….
Don’t know that the Panthers give up that quickly on a guy. They just went through that with Jimmy Clausen or whatever the kid’s name is, and if they do this again ….well, not sure how it’s going to be received.
I do think Cam has some hard, hard lessons to learn. Maybe he learns them, maybe he doesn’t. I don’t and never have liked the guy, so I have no horse in this race. But I do think it behooves the organization to do two things –
1) Take a hard look at who they have mentoring him on this team, be it the QBs coach or the OC. Not blaming a coach, but there is such thing as bringing in a different guy who is able to reach a particular player better than the previous guy. I think we all know what that looks like.
2) Draft another QB next year. With one of their top 3 picks. Because if they bench Cam now, who are they handing the team over to? It might work, but may or may not be worth the risk. That, and recent drafts have proven that there are starting caliber worthy QBs well beyond the usual first three to four names on the big board.
The Panthers running game can be good, but right now their OL isn’t dominant and they have yet to really explode on anybody. Teams can load up against the run and then clamp down on whatever passing game is left.
They hitched their wagon to Cam. As he goes, so they go.
Greg Mendel
September 26th, 2012
9:44 pm
Michael M.:
Here’s something else: “Falcons Humiliate Superman 32-9″ on Sunday.
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
honest abe ,
You better not have jinxed it, LOL
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
Birdman ,
Much respect…enjoy HHI….but if you go to a beach, make it Huntington State Park…far less crowded than other places on hilton head island and far more enjoyable. You park underneath trees…can’t beat that.
I’m right across the bridge….first exit in GA.
Michael M.
September 26th, 2012
10:23 pm
Greg…………….I gave the Panthers 13 points and was nice………………..Falcons – 38 over Panthers-13 , but I am sure Coach Smith will call off the dogs if the Panthers give it up and accept the loss in the 4 th quarter and decide to let the Falcons run the time off the clock……………………… more like 27 – 12 in the fourth quarter……………………..coach Smith has a heart not like some of the others in the NFL……………………
Michael M.
September 26th, 2012
10:32 pm
Can I get a witness ? I say the Falcons will be 6 and 0 in a few more weeks but the Redskins will be a tough one…………………………….I will read results later …goin to bed…………………………
Jeremiah Wright
September 26th, 2012
10:34 pm
Jeff Schultz and JSS have mastered Saul Alinsky. According to Alinsky, the main job of the organizer is to bait an opponent into reacting. “The enemy properly goaded and guided in his reaction will be your major strength.”
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
10:45 pm
Well, I don’t think they will give up on Cam, but I see a his teammates losing confidence in him as the team has to figure out how to save face as pressure builds. I just don’t see him being the starting QB if they get to 4-8, I think he just might quit trying.
I agree that coaching is an issue, I think RR is inexperienced and is too careful to try and not upset him. He needs a Bill Parcells type who will just sits his ass down, tells him like it is, and make him truly earn and appreciate his next opportunity. I don’t think he respects RR, that is obvious.
If he wins, and they are in the hunt, he will be OK, but if this is a trying season, it is gonna get ugly, it already is, and it is only game 3…..
Matty Bicep
September 26th, 2012
10:53 pm
Again, looking at Cam, I am just so thankful for Matty Ice. Nobody has ever even suggested that he was anything less that the exact guy everyone on the team wants leading them. He is not the most physically gifted guy out there, but dang it, if he did not go out and do everything he can to get the most out of everything he has, and it is really paying off so far.
Coop
September 26th, 2012
10:55 pm
MM – I concur. I picked the Falcons to start 6-0 and finish 13-3 overall. Redskins have lost a lot of starters. Not concerned until we play Philly. That said, keep playing this way and we’ll be the hardest team in the NFL to beat.
My hope for Sunday is a devastating blow-out. 45-3 Falcons would be perfect. MR throws for 3, Turner runs for 1, and D account for 2 TDs.
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
11:06 pm
Matt Bicep ,
Well said on both posts. We’ll see what happens with Cam…never did like the guy. I think he’s got too much potential to turn into a Vince Young type, but then…I never saw Vince Young deep-sixing himself the way he did.
Yeah, Rivera isn’t cutting the mustard with this kid. But then, does that mean Rivera is the problem?
Any team without a top QB who has already gotten a SB ring would be lying if they didn’t say they’d like to have Matty Ice.
I will take great pleasure in seeing Ice help bring u a ring before the “self-acclaimed” Joe Flacco does. It’s a draft class thing, LOL…and I can’t stand Flacco. Cam’s arrogance without the mobility…
Big Ray
September 26th, 2012
11:08 pm
Michael M. ,
I don’t know if it’s about Smitty having a heart as much as it is being a bit old-fashioned and unwilling to risk starters when the game is clearly won. Can’t blame him for that. Hell, as much crap as I’ve given him for coming off the gas pedal, once we had the Chargers beaten down, I was ready for him to take Ryan out of the game midway through the 4th quarter….
Big Ray
September 27th, 2012
3:45 am
Well, we get the regular NFL refs back…..thank God….
Big Ray
September 27th, 2012
3:49 am
The Saints have talked a fair amount about how it’s going to take time to master coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive system. Gerry V asks if it’s really necessary to make a defense so complicated. I’m not so sure Spagnuolo’s defense really is that complicated. I think the bigger problem is that the Saints don’t have the type of personnel in the front four to really make this defensive scheme work. That’s something that should have been addressed in the offseason.
Yeah, well when your franchise QB is coming off the best season he’ll ever have and is going downhill (some folks didn’t believe me when I said he was in decline) and demands to be paid like he’s going to win two more SuperBowls….heh…kinda hard to fix the defense.
So how’s that working out for them right about now?
Barack Obama
September 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Jeff Schultz and JSS have mastered Saul Alinsky. According to Alinsky, the main job of the organizer is to bait an opponent into reacting. “The enemy properly goaded and guided in his reaction will be your major strength.” ………………………………………………………………………….
Matty Bicep
September 27th, 2012
9:26 am
Don’t know if Brees is in decline as much as the NFLs seems to be adjusting to the downfield passing game. The 3 top teams in the NFL right now, in my opinion, are Atlanta, Texas and Seattle, and they are all 3 playing brusing defense. There seems to be a movement under foot, that says, OK, we can’t hit your recievers, were gonna hit the QB.
Now, i know putting Seattle up there is a stretch, for they should be 1-2, but they are absolutely a hard hitting football team; maybe I should just say Seattle is one of the top 3 teams nobody want to play…I think Aaron Rogers would agree…. Plus, when you see how Lynch is running…I love their QB, he’s a winner, I don’t know if he is going to be a long time starter in the NFL, but I just love the guys attitude and determination, he seems to be the perfect fit for that team, just a bunch of guys trying to earn respect.
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
9:26 am
What’s happening to Cam is inevitable. The sophomore jinks is the result of a player coming off a solid rookie yr and then having teams watch film of he and his team and scheming for what they did. Very few players in that situation make the adjustments to the adjustments. Like Cam, they continue to try and do what worked so well the previous yr and get lost.
It’s especially difficult for players who let their rookie success go to their heads by thinking what worked so well last yr will continue working for yrs to come. If it took an entire half, plus a halftime, for PManning and his coaching staff to figure out how to attack Nolan’s DEF schemes, which I call ORGANIZED CHAOS, there’s no way in hell Cam Newton will be able to solve it.
Has anyone else noticed how our DBs have suddenly become sludge hammers? They have been laying the wood to RBs and WRs like crazy, and creating a bunch of turnovers in the process. I’ve also seen SWeatherspoon and SNicholas get into the backfield a number of times and just miss making a play for a loss.
I see the Panthers giving us a very heavy dose of their rushing OFF, while relying far less on Cam’s passing as a solution to their problems. I’m certain our less than stellar run DEF will also play a big part in their decision.
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
9:39 am
The lockout is over? FINALLY!
It should never have happened, but at least now I know the Birds are less likely to lose a game due to poor officiating.
Not that it would have changed the outcome of Sunday’s game. Falcons will roll regardless.
Greg Mendel
September 27th, 2012
10:05 am
Michael M.:
My 32-9 prediction vs. Carolina was made after exhaustive research, complex mathematical calculations, notations of celestial alignment of stars and planets, consumption of three bottles of Blue Moon beer, and a long talk with my dog. The dog didn’t say anything, but she had an unmistakable look in her eye that said “32-9, Falcons.”
Upon reflection, that look in her eye may have actually said, “Go bother the cat.”
Seriously, my prediction was based on a scenario that contains a bit of logic. I think the Falcons will show up confident and hungry for more. Playing at home against a division opponent that is somewhat in disarray, they may overwhelm the Panthers early — Cam in particular. I don’t underestimate Cam’s abilities, but I think his response is more likely to be desperate than cool. If that happens, Carolina mistakes will multiply, and the Falcons will take advantage of every one of them. In this scenario, the high, lopsided score would be the result of too many gifts being offered, not Smitty going for the throat.
Maybe I should check with the cat.
Paddy O
September 27th, 2012
10:55 am
Despite the glowing reviews last year, Cam threw a ton of interceptions. Our MR2 is a company man. A smart, resilient “tough irishmen” (who now wears a knee brace) who understands the chain of command and understands that unless HE commits himself to making self improvements, no amount of coaching will make much of an impact. I was exceptionally impressed with Cam – but, unless he gets humble and strives to make the TEAM better, he will Vince Young. Cam does not have the wheels that Vick did, so his running won’t throw off team defenses as much as Vick had the capacity too. Should we start examining Cam’s pet ownership ways, too? I think a good score would be 38-6. Hoo-ah, lightfighter!
PoolerSpirit
September 27th, 2012
10:58 am
SP: Just so you’ll get at least one suggestion from the Cage… How ’bout Stopthe Pass in honor of what Coach Nolan’s done for us this year?
I’ll also suggest that the Cage should take up a collection, send the man some kind of gift… a cake, green fees for a foursome at one of Atlanta’s nicer courses, something, anything, to show him the fans appreciate what he’s done, and hopefully encourage him to stay here until he retires from coaching.
Birdman, hope you’ll stop in Pooler long enough to grab a Spirit…
MB: If you’ll focus your posts on football and The Falcons, you’ll be one of the top five posters in The Cage by the end of the season. You’re an agitator, seemingly looking for the other point of view on topics, and that can be a very welcome thing in the Cage. Just don’t ever cross that line into personal attacks… Just sayin’…
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
10:58 am
The beatdown is imminent…58-0 Falcons. Yeah, I went there.
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
11:15 am
To add to my last post, the Carolina Kittens will run the ball often to eat time off the clock in order to keep MRyan and our explosive OFF off the field as much as possible. We need to concentrate on stopping the run and force Cam to try and beat us with his arm.
JB Falcon
September 27th, 2012
11:16 am
snack, 58-0 is not impossible but, my middle name being optimism, I have a hard time envisioning that score, not that I wouldn’t take it. MS has already said “If we are able to.” meaning something like 28-3 at half time, he would start giving some other some playing reps. I can go for 38-10.
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
11:25 am
JB, I guess I’d just like to see the Birds put up some astronomical numbers for once. While they have plenty of big play potential on offense, the Falcons are more accurately described by the word “efficient” than “explosive”.
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
11:26 am
JB, I guess I’d just like to see the Birds put up some astronomical numbers for once. While they have plenty of big play potential on offense, the Falcons are more accurately described by the word “efficient” than “explosive”
Coop
September 27th, 2012
11:27 am
Mendel – Funny post. Keep it up. Aside from the humor, I agree with your logic. I predict a lopsided score too (45-3). I think our O comes out fast and puts up a couple quick scores (MR TD throws) and then the panthers start to unravel leading to short fields and even 1 defensive TD this week. So I have Matt throwing 3 TDs and no picks, 2 rushing TDs (Turner form inside the 5, and Quizz breaks one for 35+), and then one defensive. Probably a pick 6, but maybe a strip fumble.
Coop
September 27th, 2012
11:30 am
snack – I would like to see a huge number once too. I know my prediction won’t happen if the D doesn’t get invovled in the scoring. Actually, think about this… maybe our big wins so far are actually hurting MR2’s MVP chances?!?!?!?
If Manning and rivers had kept up, maybe Ryan throws for 350 and 4 TDs and game????
Paddy O
September 27th, 2012
11:54 am
JB – 38-10 is mighty close to 38-6. IT is an excellent opportunity for us to attempt to stuff the run.
Paddy O
September 27th, 2012
11:56 am
If I remember, we put 40+ last year on – Cards and Carolina? let me check this. beware the trap!
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
11:57 am
Coop: I wouldn’t be opposed to William Moore getting the MVP nod. Still, he’d have to turn into a pick-six machine to beat Ryan, both because Ryan is on a roll and because defensive players getting the MVP is like sci-fi films getting the Oscar for Best picture…just doesn’t happen much.
Greg Mendel
September 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
I’m an optimist, not delusional, and I find it interesting that others consider a Falcons blowout possible. The potential is there, based on evidence we’ve seen on the field. I just want a win, but it would be nice to see — just once — all that firepower work like it’s supposed to.
Whynot Us
September 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
SP = Solved Problem?