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
Whynot Us
September 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
Greg Mendel – loved the 10:05 a.m. post.
af fan
September 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
Carolina coming to town.
With only 4 days to prep for the Giants, the final score clearly indicated they were out coached. They’ll have 10 days to prepare for us.
Tinker bell sulking on the bench has problems. It’s tuff being an “all about me” player, playing in a sport that’s all about team.
Atlanta coaches/players will be ready for this important division game. Falcons, 4 – 0.
Coop
September 27th, 2012
12:19 pm
Just read DLed’s article about the S tandem. I remember DeCoud as a rookie and thinking he was going to be great. Then he dropped off for a few years. When he started, he had Erik Coleman playing the other S position and asI recall Moore started there in DeCoud’s 2nd year (may be off a bit). Regardless, I think that DeCoud needs a certain level of “something” from his S partner. whether that’s direction, trust, whatever. I think Moore has finally gotten that for DeCoud and that (along with Nolan’s scheme) has helped him explode so far.
My point is that I kept supporting DeCoud based on what I saw his rookie year. While we are giving Nolan a lot of deserved credit, let’s not overlook the maturation of the tandem. I think if Moore got hurt tomorrow, Decoud could disappear again.
Big Lou
September 27th, 2012
12:24 pm
The game is at home.
Matt Ryan should have a great game, and I expect Turner to get his, as well. My reduction score is not as ambitious as others, due to the fact I respect Carolina’s run game and our defense hasn’t had a true test to it as of yet. If we get two quick scores, it might force Carolina to go with passing, which can turn ugly.
I am thinking 31-13.
Matt Ryan with 3 TDs, Turner with 1, and a field goal due to conservative play at the end of the game.
I am sure that Cam should get a touchdown against us, most likely a running one.
As I said before, I trust in Mike Nolan, but am apprehensive on dismissing the run offense of Carolina. I need to see how our team responds to a heavy run offense.
The key to this game is to have Carolina play catch up. If we punch them in the mouth early, it will be another San Diego like beat down.
LRD
September 27th, 2012
12:51 pm
keys to sunday game..
Jerry and Bab’s must clog up the middle and shut down the run.
Spoon and Moore need to get to Cam. If I was Nolan, the first time Cam is in a shot gun, I would go all out with Moore and Spoon coming at him. We need to get into his mind early and often.
More Harry Douglass. Yeah, Ryan is spreading the ball around, but 83 so far is at the low end of that list. We need more HD.
Did I mention hit Cam?
Cam right now is in a slump, he will come out looking to take over the game immediately. If he gets the momentum early, then we are in for a slog.
John Waynesworld
September 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
I see interceptions…
Right now, Cam is catching it from all sides (the national and local media, his own team) and he has family and friends who live in the area that will be at the Dome for this game. Additionally, his Panthers are 0-3 and he knows as well as his teammates that another loss will sink this team for the year. Therefore on Sunday Cam will be the definition of “pressing”. I see many interceptions in my crystal ball. Actually it’s a snow globe but it’s rarely wrong except when I bet money.
John Waynesworld
September 27th, 2012
2:05 pm
Oops, 1-2.
LRD
September 27th, 2012
4:10 pm
SI Pick is 27-20 Falcons… interesting blurb
” I see where Cam Newton admits no wrongdoing, no weakness, in the wake of his meltdown a week ago. Can’t anyone in Carolina teach him something about growing as a person and a player? “
Paddy O
September 27th, 2012
5:36 pm
Cam Newton = narcissism. Reality can be a cold dose of water. I hope we win.
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
5:42 pm
JWW, right on. Cam is under so much scrutiny right now that all it will take is one early mistake for him to start wavering. Then it’s game over.
D3
September 27th, 2012
6:05 pm
Great Thursday Cage Family! — Can’t wait for a huge weekend of football, starting tonight (even though I wish it were a touch better game). Taking family up to UGA-Tennessee this weekend in Athens and as many of you know, it’s a house divided. Even though I win because my sons are decked out in red and black. Both Falcons fans and that’s all that matters. Heading to my first Falcons game of the season and I’m JACKED! SW, LRD and any other Cagers, my tailgate parking spot is behind the Tabernacle. I’ll have my Spoon jersey on and brew in tow. Ya’ll are always welcome!
SW — Shoot me your phone #, when you get a sec. Time to finally meet up!
LRD — Not sure if you followed sCam Newton in college, but the guy has done whatever he’s wanted to his entire life and gotten away with it. He steals (or just buys it, yeah right) a laptop and tosses it out the window. Gets booted out (or leaves) Florida, (which should say something with all the hooligans they have on their teams for chrissake) and goes to a community college. His dad is caught asking for money from Miss St. and Auburn and the belief is that sCam knew about it all. Above anything, there is not one ounce of humility to that young man and now he’s finally getting it. RGIII is light years ahead of him in terms of maturity and humility as it approaches the NFL. If the sophomore slump hit Matty Ice with a vengeance, imagine what it does to someone like sCam. Really looking to whip his tail good, but………
D3
September 27th, 2012
6:15 pm
Trap
Maybe it’s just the nervous nellie coming out in me, but I can’t say I’m not a little worried about a trap game coming up this week. It has all the makings for it in the NFL. One team flying sky high, one of only 3 undefeated teams in the NFL, their QB rated this highest in the NFL, a defense that is rivaling to be one of the best in franchise history in only a few games (I know, too early). The other team is in the gutter. QB humiliated on national TV. The team in turmoil after one of the mainstay players calls said QB out. Said QB admits no weakness or regret for such thing. But all that being said……………..if we can shut down Phillip Rivers to no TD’s and Peyton Manning to 3 interceptions in the 1st quarter, we can handle headcase, spoiled brat (s)Cam Newton. Especially when said spoiled brat seemingly has no remorse. Would love to see HD get a huge game on Sunday. I think it’s time for Spoon to break loose to. Maybe 2-3 sacks, 2 passes defensed, an INT, and 10 tackles.
snacktastic
September 27th, 2012
6:30 pm
@D3: I might agree with you if the Panthers had some momentum going into this game, but this is a team that would be 0-3 if not for the Saints actually being worse than them this year. Even though I was ready to write the Panthers off the moment Kalil bought that idiotic newspaper ad, the Falcons will not underestimate them. Not even after we swept them last year and they got embarrassed by the Giants last week. If this is a trap game, it’s a mousetrap–and the Falcons are a steamroller.
Paddy O
September 27th, 2012
7:11 pm
I like scam newton. I think the late interception should help keep ryan grounded going into the kitty game. but, we still need to take care of business. GO FALCONS!
Whynot Us
September 27th, 2012
7:36 pm
SP = Solutions Proffered?
WR
September 27th, 2012
7:37 pm
I’m not in the cage as much as usual, trying to get back there, but I noticed some are talking meeting up and I know I’ll be at the game, my sons middle school band is playing at halftime, so meeting up sounds good, as much as I’d like to meet everyone, hope my buddy JJ will be at the game, always been a good connection between he and I as well as others especially SW.
As for the Falcons, while absolutely ecstatic about there early season success, especially how its getting done, I will not over rejoice, its only 3 games into the season. That being said, more then the 3-0 start, more then the opportunistic D, more then the more diversified playcalling on both sides of the ball, I’m most excited about Ryan confidence. I as many could argue its early in the season, and its how you finish the season that counts. Thats actually the truth, but in the Falcons current 4 successive seasons of finishing with a winning record, I have never seen Matt Ryan so confident. Its not just his completing passes to a dynamic receiving corps, its his demeanor in general, when have we ever seen him take off, as non-athletic, as he’s supposed to be, for some really nice gains, he’s totally taken charge of the offense and the team. As happy as I would be to see the Falcons in the SB and win the SB this year, personally I’m excited to have the feeling that they will finally win one, and not just hope. However this year shapes out, this team is really headed in the right direction in my opinion, that’s what I’m most thank full and looking forward too.
Birdman
September 27th, 2012
7:57 pm
Good Eve Cage
Unca, Bob , Big Ray , Pooler
Thanks for the words I hope all are well . Got home about 5.15 today . I get to watch this game before I head out . Beautiful there at Hilton head but there’s no place like home . My Girl came back from Abac today For a visit ‘ been three weeks since I’ve seen her .
So its sit back and enjoy my gifts this weekend and enjoy the Bulldogs and Falcons games .
Cage thanks for the very good reads you all put out on this Blog .I pray God will poor down his blessings to all in need.
GO FALCONS !!!!!!!!!
falcon21
September 27th, 2012
9:06 pm
Joe Flacco said he is one of the best QB’s in the NFl. Not buying it here!
JB FALCON
September 27th, 2012
9:17 pm
21. I’ll give Flappo a “good”, only with the consideration that MR is “elite”. Don’t think Flappo will ever achieve that level but he does have a good team behind him. Since Flap and MR were drafted in the same year they will always be compared so I guess we will have to wait and see which one wins the SB. My money is on MR, perhaps this year!
falcon21
September 27th, 2012
9:30 pm
Agree JB, Joe F can look like one of the best QB’s in the NFL at times and the next game he will look like he never picked up a football. Matt Ryan brings it every week, even when his O-line is having bad game, Matt Ryan still finds a way to keep us in the game. Most of the time anyway.
Matty Bicep
September 27th, 2012
9:50 pm
Flappo not consistent, but he is a little dissed by Ravens. He is not being paid NFL QB starter money, so I can handle him tooting his own horn. I agree he has a good team, but he has a good resume….But I agree, I think the Ravens would trade for Matty in a baltimore minute.
Matty Bicep
September 27th, 2012
9:58 pm
Kinda impressed with Weeden…..will be interested to see who of the new generation QB to win a SB….IE, QBs drafted within the past 5 years.
PoolerSpirit
September 27th, 2012
10:48 pm
I like the guy from Wisconsin that SW wanted us to draft…
I can’t see us getting 58 points… That’s 8 touchdowns and a safety… so I’ll go with 56 points… throw in 10 points for the Kitties… 56-10…
Screen Pass
September 27th, 2012
11:33 pm
Old refs back= meh…giving game to Ravens since Flacco can’t win it.
“SP = Solutions Proffered?” – WhyNot Us
TY for suggestions, tho some might say “Sarcastic Problemchild”
. I thought “Slant Pattern” was kinda cool…”Slanted Patterns” could work too lol.
DHunt
September 28th, 2012
1:27 am
I vote for Slant Pattern. Screen Pass worked so well, and I can’t wait to see the Falcons start using the slant with Julio and HD.
Not buying the trap game theme at all. That butt whooping the Giants put on them was enough motivation to last two or three seasons. This is a team that gets mad when opponents score anything, and pissed of when we don’t score every possession. You can almost see the energy sparking off the Falcons players. To a man they are driven. It’s even starting to rub off on Franks, who I’m still not sure belongs on the field at all.
Stats do lie. The Falcons are playing the best football in the league right now, and I’m watching a lot more games than usual to have a better perspective on that. Flacco and the Ravens are considered a high powered offense, but they rack up stats on a big play here and there, while the Falcons just steadily beat down their opponent. It’s not hit and miss for us, it’s hit and hit and hit…. and hit ‘em again for good measure. The analysts aren’t going to figure it out until the second half of the season, because they only want to remember the Falcons last game in 2012. Dieon Sanders said it again tonight, the Falcons always hit a stumbling block. But he’s thinking about a different era of Falcons. We are concerned about them sustaining this level of excellence, when we should be eagerly anticipating them getting better. They haven’t played nearly as well as they are capable of playing on either side of the ball. In fact, the only player who is clicking on all cylinders right now is Tony G, who always plays at 110%. DeCoud and Moore are getting close as well. The O-line can be better in the run game, Julio, Quizz, HD all have far more to offer than they’ve shown so far. The defense is missing tackles, and a half step away from making many plays in the backfield. Danta and Asante can be better in coverage. We haven’t had to pull out all the stops because the A game is working so well. Let’s say they are at 90%. The A+ game (95-100%) is going to be something to behold.
Maybe the Panthers give us a run for our money this week, because they are capable of stepping it up, and playing in the division tends to bring out the best in teams, particularly in the NFC South. If that happens, I predict we will see even more brilliance as the Falcons actually find it necessary to knuckle up and elevate their game.
Big Lou
September 28th, 2012
1:43 am
Coach Smith = No trap games
He usually gets his guys focused for the games. Falcons have usually beat the snot out of lesser teams, like Carolina. I would be worried about the Bucs being a trap game. I just have a feeling it will be closer than people think. I am predicting a three touchdown win, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they scored more and made it a one touchdown win.
D3
September 28th, 2012
5:42 am
DHunt — Good post. The part about not even clicking at 100% right now is excellent. HD has been involved some, but not nearly to the capacity he can, as you said. Same goes for Quizz too. I’ll throw another few in there too: Antone Smith and Kevin Cone. Both have game-breaking ability that the others don’t have, except for Julio. If they’re dead set on giving Turner the majority of the carries, then why not at least try and giving Snelling’s carries to Antone. And there’s even another one: Snelling. You know it’s good when you’re scoring at a high rate and you haven’t even peaked yet.
Birdman
September 28th, 2012
7:24 am
Morning Cage
I think the Dome will be rocking . And I think our Birds will be on fire once again . One thing to consider is we will have our real refs back and that could have more to do with this game than some think . Just saying that the Falcons as other teams got away with a lot in these first 3 games and a lot of calls that I was not so sure about in our favor .I doubt that it would have had an outcome of the games anyway tho . We still see the Cats go down in a high scoring game for our Birds
41 to 14 Atlanta 4 and 0
Cage have a blessed day . I’ll check back in and read your thoughts as the day burns away
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Wabe
September 28th, 2012
7:58 am
Heard the Falcons are ranked 3rd in the league in scoring offense thus far. Not too shabby, but as you all point out, it’s scaryyy because there’s still plentyyy of room for improvement. I still haven’t seen us be that ‘vertical passing team’ that Dirk was brought in here to help us become. I think we’ve still be somewhat in the middle of what we were with Mularkey and what we’re trying to become. Not a knock at all on what we’ve been doing, just sayin’ that we’ll still some ‘growth’ from this unit.
In terms of this weekend’s game, although I understand the premise of why some might buy into this game being a ‘trap game’, I just don’t see it playin’ out that way. I think we’ll be plenty focused, mainly because it’s a divisional game. Our 1st three games consisted of all AFC West teams. I think Smitty’s made it a point that this is a divisional opponent, so there’s no room for slacking here. This is a rare opportunity for the Falcons, have the opportunity to really kick any competitors out of the running for the division in Week 4?!?! I mean, a lot of folks picked Carolina coming into this season as the team that’ll reign champions of the NFC South because of their lack of faith in a ‘coachless Saints team’ or a Falcons team that was ‘moving backwards’. I heard that countless times. Man, are we proving those chumps wrong.
I think our offense will exploit that Panther defense, or ‘lack of defense’. I don’t think we’ll have any problem moving the ball or scoring points. Defensively, it’ll be interesting to see how Nolan plays this one. In previous weeks, we’ve been engaged in that pass defense. Newton is a great QB. But, coming off a terrible week last week, and a rough season in general, does Ron Rivera scale things back this week and focus more on running the football with those talented backs and Newton himself on some keepers to limit the turnovers? I mean, you’re QB’s coming off a 3 turnover game and now he’s forced to play against a team that leads the league in forcing turnovers, that’s gotta spell worry for Rivera. I think they’ll definitely come out looking to run the rock vs. our defense. Our defense has been somewhat middle of the road in stopping the run. We haven’t been terrible, but we haven’t exactly been ’stout’ as of yet either. I attribute that more to our keying in on QB’s and the passing game. With us playing as much nickel as we do in our attempt to shut down opposing passing offenses, opponents will squeeze a few big runs out of it (IE – McGahee with those shotgun runs). We can literally neutralize this threat if we jump on them early as we’ve been doing to other opponents.
It’ll be interesting. I don’t see us losing this game. This team looks focused to prove the naysayers wrong this season. They look like they’ve got BIG GOALS. It’s not just talk. They know it’s a different team, and we’re witnessing something special in the works.
35-14 Falcons
Greg Mendel
September 28th, 2012
9:41 am
Good posts this morning! I agree with Wabe and others who mentioned Carolina’s running game and our difficulty with it — on both sides, really. We need to stop theirs, and improve ours.
I also agree with DHunt’s point about the Falcons not clicking 100%. That’s what I had in mind when I posted that I’d love to see a game where everything working the way it’s supposed to. To be fair, that may be hard to do, because every opponent prepares to disrupt. If enough components click even 90%, though, we win.
My one concern about Sunday’s Panthers game is the health of Weatherspoon. I keep hearing he’s banged up, but he keeps playing, and playing well. Spoon is a huge factor overall, and especially against the run. If he IS banged up and keeps playing, his effectiveness may start to drop off. We can’t afford that.
Matty BIcep
September 28th, 2012
10:21 am
Look panther will run the ball to take the pressure off Cam, and really test Dent. I think we are about fo find out what we have in him.
Good article on pass blocking out by Dled…For all our consternation about who was going to play where, and all the criticism on Smitty playing favorites, it seems to be for naught. I put Baker in the same catagory of all the others who have been criticized harshly, he was good enough to hold down LT to do what they did the past 4 years, so he could not be that bad….He has had a few injury problems, but has shown this year what he can do when healthy. He is hardly a bust, and the story is not over. He very well might be that 10 year guy TD envisioned.
Really, pass blocking is more a team and communication thing than a physical thing. Sure, you got to man up and hold your ground, but more sacks are due to blown assignments than physical mismatches. Again, it is a new philosophy this year, it is like, OK, if you are going to throw downfield, and you are NOT let us hit the recievers, we are gonna come after the QB. the NFL is a copycat league, but the trendsetters win superbowls.
But once again it goes back to the maturation of Ryan, he is calling the blocking schemes, and he is just seeing everything. TO THIS POING , he is the best QB to come into the league since Rogers, I feel very comfortable saying that, and when it is all said and done, who knows where he will rank.
Its great to be a Falcon.
Birdman
September 28th, 2012
11:36 am
Good read on the top 100 so far this year .A lot of our Birds herre.http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1343701-the-top-100-nfl-players-so-far-this-season/page/100
Birdman
September 28th, 2012
11:37 am
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1343701-the-top-100-nfl-players-so-far-this-season/page/100
Coop
September 28th, 2012
11:43 am
Moring Cage – Great posts all the way around.
BL – As much a s I get on Smitty, I agree, he almost never let’s the players succumb to the trap game. I believe he’ll have the team focused.
DHunt – I’m wondering if our D will have to falter to push our O to function at the A+ level…
D3 – You usually complain when we win the toss and take the ball first, but I like it. I do like the philosophy of going out first and establishing the lead. Let’s get up early to negate the Carolina running game. Just make sure to keep the pedal down.
GM – I’m concerned about Spoon and JJ. Nagging injuries can mount up.
Bicep – Totally agree on Dent. I admit concern. We haven’t missed Lofton one game so far, but if Carolina runs all over us and Dent can’t hold up, we’ll be telling the entire league how to beat this spectacualr Nolan D. I’m sold yet on Baker. He has been solid and played much better, but he’s still a borderline bust as a 1st round LT. I’ll concede that the juries out, but I can’t see resigning him to play LT next year… not yet.
As for Ryan vs. Flacco, I htink Flacco is a very good QB and he and Ryan will be linked. Ryan is better, but Flacco’s no slouch. They might get to decide who’s the best in the Superbowl this year.
As for Ryan vs. Rodgers, I believe in the long run Ryan will proove to be the better QB. Rodgers has only really had 2 good years. I’d give Ryan 3 of his first 4. Very debateable point and Rodgers killing us twice and haveing a ring certainly is hard to argue with. However, 10 years from now, I think they’ll be saying Matt Ryan is one of the best QB of all time. He’ll be compared to Peyton more and more as the years go by.
Coop
September 28th, 2012
11:51 am
Birdman – Thanks. Surprised no Spoon and no JJ…
They’re both playing better than Ryan Fitz or Tony Romo..
LRD
September 28th, 2012
11:57 am
D3: I would love to join.. I am going to be in Maryland for a wedding… too bad the wedding is not weekend as one of my fraternity brothers has season tickets for the Skins.. and could have gone to that game.
Birdman
September 28th, 2012
11:58 am
Agreed Coop
Jimbo73
September 28th, 2012
12:24 pm
Here are a couple of post you might fnid interesting, the link is to the Home page of the blog but they do a nice job there. There’s a nice article on Gonzo:
http://www.atlantafieldreport.com/
Pat Yasinskas has a real nice article on Sam Baker that’s worth a read:
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/39620/falcons-faith-in-sam-baker-paying-off
It’s a nice human interest piece that provides some good insights that translate into what we are seeing on the field. I especially like what it says about our HC.
Matty Bicep
September 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
Well, blocking is like a symphony, and Ryan is the maestro. Just like they said in the article, you don’t have to hold blocks forever.
What the QB has to do is KNOW is how long he can expect the linemen to hold the blocks given the defensive scheme, and,
What the line has to KNOW is how long the QB EXPECTS them to hold the blocks, and to hold it.
They don’t have to be maulers, but they all have to read the same sheet music….Communication…
I agree that Baker does not have “shut down LT” physical talent, especially after watching Joe Thomas push poeple around last night, but I give him props for dealing for adversity and hold his ground, to this point anyway. It will be interesting to see what the new guy can do if given the opportunity, he looked good in the preseason, but he also did not have to make adjustments and pick up stunts.
And finally, I have not opened the top 100 list, but I expect to see Ice on there somewhere….That is why I don’t take any rankings with a grain of salt.
Matty Bicep
September 28th, 2012
1:23 pm
And was baker 1st round talent? No, nor do I think TD thought so.
BUT, talent vs round is market driven, and the market was grabbing LTs left and right, and TD was very much in the market, so, he did what he had to do.
Now a question, were there any LTs in that draft taken after Baker in 08 that would have been a better choice? Then we can say TD might have not made the best choice, but if not, TD just did what he had to do.
Big Ray
September 28th, 2012
2:21 pm
Matty Bicep ,
A healthy Sam Baker has proven many of us wrong. Of course, that was my main gripe with him…couldn’t stay healthy.
But he’s doing fine now.
Tyson Clabo is a different matter. That Pro Bowl season is looking very much like a farce after last year and so far this year as well. Methinks he misses Harvey Dahl more than anybody.
Big Ray
September 28th, 2012
2:27 pm
Baker wasn’t 1st round talent, but TD knew we needed a credible LT in the same draft we took Ryan. There was a run on the position and they couldn’t take a chance on a guy who might be able to move over from Guard and play Tackle, so he moved up and grabbed Baker.
The rest is history, as they say. Right now, Baker is rewriting his history.
I still believe that Holmes, if he keeps learning and working hard and can maintain good health, takes the LT job inside of 2 years.
Or, he replaces Clabo, who is not impressing anybody and is the worst guy on the line right now. I know the line was bad all over last season, but Clabo showed no leadership, was called for penalties often, and gave up his fair share of sacks (and then some). Same trends this year, though the penalties haven’t been there for the most part (I think Reynolds got called for one).
Big Ray
September 28th, 2012
2:31 pm
Kudos to Smitty for sticking with Baker, though you have to wonder how much longer that would have lasted if he hadn’t gotten healthy and played well in camp/preseason.
You can tell the OL is playing well. How do you know? Nobody is complaining about Peter Konz not starting….
However if that changes at Center or RG, the subject will come up.
Big Ray
September 28th, 2012
2:32 pm
BUT, talent vs round is market driven, and the market was grabbing LTs left and right, and TD was very much in the market, so, he did what he had to do.
Now a question, were there any LTs in that draft taken after Baker in 08 that would have been a better choice? Then we can say TD might have not made the best choice, but if not, TD just did what he had to do.
Ooops, beat me to it….
Big Lou
September 28th, 2012
2:38 pm
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8434708/the-numbers-never-lie-ravens-fueled-their-defense
“After Brady and Manning are the likes of Steve Young and John Elway, but just behind them is a surprising candidate: Matt Ryan. Like Flacco, Ryan had a reputation as the guy who handed the ball off to a successful running game during his rookie season, but he appears to have grown into a more complete quarterback than Flacco by now, playoff performance (and win totals) aside. Ryan’s won a bunch more games than you might think. In 61 starts (excluding a three-pass outing against the Bucs), Ryan has won 42 games. An average passer with Ryan’s same points allowed would have won just 33.3 games, giving Ryan a difference of 8.7 wins, or 2.3 wins above expectation per 16 games.”
Matt Ryan > Joe Sacko
If Matt Ryan had Ray Rice and Baltimore’s defense, he would have been in a Superbowl by now.
Big Lou
September 28th, 2012
2:39 pm
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8434708/the-numbers-never-lie-ravens-fueled-their-defense
“After Brady and Manning are the likes of Steve Young and John Elway, but just behind them is a surprising candidate: Matt Ryan. Like Flacco, Ryan had a reputation as the guy who handed the ball off to a successful running game during his rookie season, but he appears to have grown into a more complete quarterback than Flacco by now, playoff performance (and win totals) aside. Ryan’s won a bunch more games than you might think. In 61 starts (excluding a three-pass outing against the Bucs), Ryan has won 42 games. An average passer with Ryan’s same points allowed would have won just 33.3 games, giving Ryan a difference of 8.7 wins, or 2.3 wins above expectation per 16 games.”
In other words, Matt Ryan > Joe Wacko.
Imagine if Ryan had a Baltimore like defense behind him… Superbowl(s)?
Big Lou
September 28th, 2012
2:40 pm
Grrr blog monster!
Big Lou
September 28th, 2012
2:40 pm
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8434708/the-numbers-never-lie-ravens-fueled-their-defense
“After Brady and Manning are the likes of Steve Young and John Elway, but just behind them is a surprising candidate: Matt Ryan. Like Flacco, Ryan had a reputation as the guy who handed the ball off to a successful running game during his rookie season, but he appears to have grown into a more complete quarterback than Flacco by now, playoff performance (and win totals) aside. Ryan’s won a bunch more games than you might think. In 61 starts (excluding a three-pass outing against the Bucs), Ryan has won 42 games. An average passer with Ryan’s same points allowed would have won just 33.3 games, giving Ryan a difference of 8.7 wins, or 2.3 wins above expectation per 16 games.”
John Waynesworld
September 28th, 2012
3:00 pm
Skinny Post?
Shanked Punt?
Simultaneous Possession?
JB Falcon
September 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
MB, Just our of curiosity I looked up the tackles drafted in the first round of 2008. The #’s were 1,5,7,12,14,15,17,19,21*,26, and 29. Then dropped off to 2nd round 47,65, etc. #26 was Duane Brown/Texans and #29 was Kentwan Balmer/49′er’s.
So, it looks like Baker was the best tackle available. TD had to get while the gettin’ was good, or something like that.