Atlanta Falcons: Birds Crush Chargers
Falcons Roll on West Coast
Happy Times in the ATL (Gregory Bull)
The Atlanta Falcons are 3-0 and it feels so good as fans to see our team playing so darn well. Some in the media and others around the league tried to downplay the significance of the Falcons good start by saying the Chiefs win was way overrated after their week 2 performance and that the Birds big Monday Night win was more of a product of Peyton Manning’s errors than the Falcons fine play. Well, it’s hard to keep that line going when they are only one of 3 remaning teams that are unbeaten and they traveled out to the west coast and utterly dominated another of the only remaining undefeated teams. Yes, it’s early, but the Falcons are looking as good as they ever have and must be considered one of the best teams, at least for now. A look at the big road win……….
Thomas DeCoud is a Beast
Last week it was William Moore’s turn for a huge night and this week it was Thomas DeCoud’s turn. Some fans wondered if DeCoud would even be re-signed as he was set to become a free agent this past offseason as he’d floundered somewhat after a great start in 2009. Those worries are no more. Many wanted to see him in a more aggressive system with a more experienced coordinator and the dividends are paying big time right about now. DeCoud was all over the field, pulling down two interceptions (one being an amazingly acrobatic pick) and recovering a fumble. Some thought 2010 would be the year DeCoud was primed for a Pro Bowl season, but it turns out that this may it if he keeps up his pick parade.
Better Running Balance
Michael Turner notched 80 yards, a touchdown, and looked much, much better overall. Maybe the offensive line was blocking better, maybe he was running harder, maybe the passing game opened up him some holes, but it was also a very nice mix and balance of carries in the RB backfield. Turner still got most of the carries at 14, but Jacquizz Rodgers also got 10 carries as well. The Falcons coaching staff said they planned on cutting back Turner’s workload, while also giving younger guys like Rodgers more chances. It’s a win-win across the board. The running game is less predictable and you truly get more of a complementary rushing attack. Rodgers numbers weren’t eye-popping, but it does offer a more diverse running scheme and also gives Turner a chance to rest more. Combined, the two went well over 100 yards rushing, with 150 total yards when you throw in Rodger’s receiving yards. One of the questions posed in the offseason here in The Cage was what percentage do you foresee the running back touches being? In perhaps the Falcons most impressive win to date, the breakdown was Turner 58% and Rodgers 42%. Not bad.
Matt Ryan is Surgical
Matty Surgeon (Denis Poroy)
It’s already been covered many times this year so far, going all the way back to preseason, but Matt Ryan is taking that next step right before our eyes. He’s currently ranked as the highest rated QB in the NFL according to quarterback rating. He’s passed for almost 800 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 interception, completed 72% of all his passes, and has even rushed for almost 50 yards and 1 TD. Beyond all the numbers, Ryan is sharp, accurate, and above all, supremely confident in his play this year. He is directing drives with ease, keeping plays alive, and simply getting it done. Some are even throwing around some MVP talk. It’s way too early, but that’s not out of the realm if he keeps up his torrid pace.
LB Corps is Outstanding
Everyone expected Spoon to be fantastic as he is of course, but the big surprise this year has been Stephen Nicholas and the overall excellence of the linebacking corps. Weatherspoon and Nicholas have been outstanding in coverage, rushing the passer, forcing fumbles, and making sure tackles. Akeem Dent hasn’t been included very much in Nolan’s nickel-heavy scheme, but he’s been a good run stopper and is progressing in pass coverage. One thing that always seemed to lack in past Falcons defenses was making plays from the LB position. That’s a problem no longer. Nicholas has 27 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble. Spoon’s got 22 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 passes defensed, and 1 sack. Even though it’s a touch on the thin side relating to depth, this linebacker corps is looking like one of the best.
Takeaway Defense
This Defense is Storming (Gregory Bull)
This Falcons defense is looking spectacular so far this season and has fans as excited as they’ve ever been. Mike Nolan has inspired this defense to be one of the most opportunistic in the NFL so far. Even though it’s still very early, the Falcons are ranked 1st in the NFL in interceptions and tied for second in forced fumbles. It’s not surprise the Falcons are 3-0 with a takeaway margin of +10 (11 takeaways, 1 interception). The Birds aren’t the highest in sacks right now, but the pressure has been there and that’s a main reason for many of the turnovers, not to mention they’ve played two of the best quarterbacks in the league in back-to-back weeks. The Falcons probably won’t or can’t keep up this pace, but it’s safe to say there’s a dramatic difference from the last few years on defense.
Turner Redeems, Runs Hard
It was a tough week for Turner. It’s been a slow start for the Pro Bowl running back and of course the news only got worse when he got a DUI only a few short hours after the Monday Night Football game. Many (including this author on many occasions) have called for Turner to see his workload cut down and regardless of the reasons or excuses, the facts were that he simply wasn’t producing. Whether it be the lack of OL blocking, him not hitting the hole as hard, defenses keying in on him more, or him just slowing down hitting the 30 year old wall, Turner just hasn’t been effective to date. That changed a little on Sunday vs. his old team. The former Charger ran tough and hard and made some decisive runs, including a nice touchdown run. Even though many have called for Turner’s workload to decrease, very few feel that he doesn’t have some role in this offense and getting a 60-40% split with either Rodgers or Snelling will only help him in terms of endurance through the long season and doing what he does best.
Spreading the Targets
Fans are finally seeing all the Falcons weapons utilized pretty close to full capability. The idea was always that it would be next to impossible to stop all the offensive talent the Falcons possess. Dirk Koetter and Matt Ryan are doing a great job of spreading the targets around. Ryan threw to 8 different receivers on Sunday, including 3 wide receivers, 2 tight ends, and 3 running backs. Everyone’s getting involved in the offensive explosion and there’s even more talent if they want including Kevin Cone, Drew Davis, and Antone Smith. It’s a great feeling as a Falcon fan finally seeing the offensive distribution come to fruition.
Kudos to the “Smitty Gas Pedal”
The debate has raged this week in The Cage over the idea and philosophy known as “SmittyBall.” It’s been a constant worry in the back of fans heads that even with all the talent for an aggressive team at his disposal, Head Coach Mike Smith may decide to go back more in the direction of Mike Mularkey’s slow and methodical ball-control type of offense (there’s no hint to conservatism to the new defense). Some felt that Smith came close to costing the Birds the game against the Broncos when they went hyper-conservative after building a big lead. Others had no problem with the pulling back of the reigns when you’ve got a good lead heading into the 4th quarter. They have an argument because Smith was 33-1 (now 34-1) when he has a lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Gonzo the 3rd Down Machine (Denis Poroy)
So in terms of all the criticism that’s been heaped on Smith and his conservative nature at times, including the SmittyBall references from right here in The Cage and this author, he gets enormous credit not only for his outstanding record when getting a late lead, but also for keeping the acceleration on in San Diego. It was 20-3 and the Falcons had just gotten the ball back near the goalline. Many would’ve settled for 3 straight runs and kicking a field goal. A bad play call ensued and Matt Ryan threw his first interception of the season. Some fans were upset at the aggressive nature and others were just upset with the play-call. For all the criticism Smith, here’s a massive amount of praise for the intent of the play-call. Many fans have wanted Smith to show a more aggressive nature and a killer instinct and that’s exactly what he was doing. The defense has been dominating and it’s a chance to end the game. An interception there was as good as a punt and the Falcons defense were never really threatened since the 1st quarter. Sure enough, the defense got the ball back and the Birds marched right back down field to score the TD on the ground. Kudos again for trying to get that long sought killer instinct.
Those Hard Hitting Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks are not only covering well and having an excellent year so far, but they are really bringing the wood. Dunta Robinson has always been known for a hard hitting CB, but now he’s been joined by Asante Samuel who has shown several times he’s still got plenty of pop left. This defense is not just about takeaways, but also about a hard-hitting attitude that has led to excellence on defense.
Fantastic Safety Tandem
The Falcons have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL, at least right now. In consecutive weeks, William Moore and Thomas DeCoud are showing the NFL that they should be considered as one of the best. They are tough, hard-charging, and ball-hawking safeties that are taking full advantage of Mike Nolan’s new system and the sky’s the limit for this young duo.
Your Turn
1) Simple: How happy are you as a Falcons fan right now?
2) Are DeCoud and Moore the best safety tandem in the NFL right now?
3) Your thoughts on the run balance?
4) Is Matt Ryan entering MVP territory?
5) How good is this linebacker corps?
6) Is the Takeaway Defense due for a slowdown?
7) Are Koetter and Ryan taking full advantage of the offensive arsenal?
8.) Are you worried about a trap coming soon?
9) How about that Smitty Gas Pedal?
10) Love or hate the aggressive play-call intent that resulted in interception?
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781 comments Add your comment
Matty Bicep
September 28th, 2012
3:30 pm
I think Clabo might be getting long in the tooth, and he did benefit from Dahl…..Holmes has all the tools, and he looked good in the pre-season. But they don’t run safety blitzes and stunts in the preseason. But I know Smitty and our OL coach is giving him some good coaching, and hopefully he is ready to step in on either side when he is needed….Clabo is a little long in the tooth, Holmes might end up there, or maybe move the guard over and plug Konz in at RT.
Either way, it comes back to Ryan….Interesting too because the new trend this year is knock the QBs head off, and if that holds and the teams start copying that…. being able recogonize the pressure, and everyone being on the same page as to how much time each is needed for the QB to get rid of the ball given the different blitz schemes, is key. Exhibit 1A: MV7.
LRD
September 28th, 2012
3:59 pm
Flexibility vs Muscle training. It appears more and more players are now heading to building the body, then being able to flexiblity training for longevity. And as Ryan has stated few times in interviews, he feels if not for the flexibility training he would have been injured worse or more often.
Next will be the Guru of Flowery Branch out there teaching them yoga…
LRD
September 28th, 2012
4:01 pm
Matty B. with the regular refs back in, the amount of head hunting on the QBs drop. And the DB;s are going to have to go back to playing patty cake with the rcvrs.
LRD
September 28th, 2012
4:05 pm
SP = Simple Plan, Standard Procedure (ie Smitty ball) , Systolic Pressure (keep that blood pressure down) …
PoolerSpirit
September 28th, 2012
4:12 pm
SP: How ’bout…. Seldom Punting?
PoolerSpirit
September 28th, 2012
4:58 pm
Scheming Perfectionist?
Scheming Perfunctorily? Or has somebody said that already?
falcon21
September 28th, 2012
5:32 pm
SP being SP, he needs to call himself “Heres Your Sign” because he can come up with some funny stuff! No disrespect intended at all SP, Anyway, my score for the game is 34-13 Falcons,
DHunt
September 28th, 2012
6:02 pm
A lot of top players on teams that are basically hot garbage. That’s another point in the Falcons favor this year. It’s a TEAM effort. We aren’t performing at a high level because one or two guys are balling out of control (although several are). We don’t have an offensive lineman in the top 100, but MR2 has all the time he needs to throw. Spoons stats are at least as good as some of the linebackers on the list, and his play has had a significant impact on games when it mattered most. And just because a QB like Brees has big stats doesn’t mean he is a top player. Just means he’s always on the field cause their defense can’t stop anyone, and he’s throwing the ball 60 times a game which means he’s bound to get some stats.
snacktastic
September 28th, 2012
9:17 pm
DHunt: Well said.
Birdman
September 28th, 2012
11:46 pm
DHunt
I agree with what you have said. To me the team this year has a look I have not seen with them before. To start with this team has never performed the way it has this year when they have gotten injuries with Key players . I have never seen the secondary move up and the safeties do so well as they have when the CB’s are not that good . A whole new transition with M N .And he is the up most reason this defense is doing so well . Just hope his scheme is not found out before to long .
There Offence is another story . I think Matt Ryan from day one was meant to be a passing QB . He has just now got a O C that can play him that way and give him the go ahead to do so in the no huddle . Look at the weapons that he has . Most QB”s that are good at the passing game do not have as many options as Ryan has . I said a while back on a post that its time for MR to shine and what he and the OC has done so far has shown that he has.And with these weapons will get even better before the end of the year. With the right help from his coaches and the way they can scheme these games the sky is the limit.
Also i see a team Offense and Defense playing to win together . A fire I ant seen in each game so for as I did the Green Bay game with Vick and Crumbler in years past . But there is a deference here also This team is much better and loaded.
Trap game . I don;t think so I think Sunday we are gonna see what is taking place before our eyes once again
Big Ray
September 29th, 2012
12:11 am
Matty Bicep ,
Konz at RT? I was thinking successor to Mud Duck since Reynolds seems to be doing okay at RG….
Birdman
September 29th, 2012
12:38 am
I wil also say this tho Cage
The running game for the Birds just is not what it used to be . And it makes me wonder if that will hold them back down the road to are at the Big dance. Turner is not the RB of past to be honest I don’t know how he did as good as he did last year . It seems that teams just for the most part know where and how he will run the ball and they stop him And I don’t think Snellings will do a whole lot better . Lets face it he is injure pron . And Rogers is good for a skatt he just really ant a big power runner
But with the pass weapon MR has then there kinda week running game may just be enough to get them by this year . I hope
DHunt
September 29th, 2012
1:48 am
Birdman, Quizz may not be quite the load Ray Rice and Pocket Hercules are, but he’s more than just a scat back. He’s proven that he can make tough yards at this level, break tackles at this level, and make people miss at this level. Give him some holes or get him the ball in space, and I think he can (and will) be just as effective as Rice, Jones-Drew, or Sproles. Another Warrick Dunn in the making,
Ken Strickland
September 29th, 2012
10:03 am
Unless they are injuries along the way, it looks like our OL is set for this season. However, that won’t be the case next yr, because there will definitely be a changing of the guard at OC. Either PKonz or JHawley will take over. LT SBaker will be a FA after this season, so we could see a change there as well. The question is, will RT Clabo and RG GReynolds be able to fight off competition for their positions?
If our rushing OFF doesn’t improve at sometime during the season, OL changes will definitely be in order, regardless of how well we continue protecting MRyan. The best way to protect Ryan, and stop our OFF from becoming one dimensional, is to establish a solid rushing OFF, and we need better run blocking from our OL to do that.
Next yr we could very well end up seeing an OL made up of Holmes at LT, Blalock at LG, Konz at OC, Hawley or Reynolds at RG, and Baker, or even Johnson, at RT. Just consider the wonders OL coach PHill has done in upgrading the pass blocking of the same OL that grossly underachieved in pass protection last yr. Then think of what he can do with another off season and OTAs, to go along with a training camp and preseason.
I think Holmes, Konz, and Hawley have a lot more potential and upside than Baker or Reynolds, and Hill just might be able to turn that potential into definite upgrades by the start of next season.
Ken Strickland
September 29th, 2012
10:11 am
DHUNT-What impresses me the most about JRogers’ running is his ability to stop on a dime and immediately shift it outside. In the last gm I remember him coming to the line on an inside run, suddenly he planted both feet, stopped on a dime and took it outside. He didn’t gain much yardage on the play, but he didn’t lose any either. MTurner probably would have been dropped for a loss on that play because he doesn’t have the speed, quickness or athleticism to do what Rogers did.
And don’t worry about Koetter not doing certain things that Koetter said we’d do. There’s no sense in revealing everything we’re capable of doing just for the sake of doing it. We’ve done quite well doing what we’ve done so far, so when we get scouted by certain teams who scheme to stop what we’ve been doing, we’ll do the other things we’re capable of doing.
Fired-up Falcon Fan in a Fall Football Frenzy (F6)
September 29th, 2012
12:07 pm
Back for a sporadic weekend gander at the cage, I must confess that just ain’t no way I can go back and read 6 pages of posts in detail, sorry – so if any dups, apologies.
1) SP – need a new moniker? I picked a pen name a while back coining a phrase like “screen pass” and scrambled the letters. SOOO, Screen pass, scramble the letters and lots of optons are there for the taking.
I suggest for your perusal:
1) Naps Recess – When offering suggestions for Saints fans for their Superbowl Weekend
2) Senses Crap – Seems to fit to me, just reading what I can
2A) Craps Sense – sorts of like #2, like you are imparting common sense to MM, BVG, etc. while watching them cram on the talents they have to work with (harsh I know, but within the parameters of the anagram task)
ORRR, if you wat to base it off an entirely different anagram, I suggest:
3) Sack It Suns, Us Sac Stink, Cats Sink Us (when the Saints play the Panthers)
I would tell you what phrase I used to get those last anagrams, but blog monster may not like it
Fired-up Falcon Fan in a Fall Football Frenzy (F6)
September 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
2) Falcons should roll this Sunday, but I am still worried about our Run game, and our decimated CB corps. still concerned about JJ’s apparent hand injury as well. Kitty Newton should provide some INT’s, but his scrambling may challenge our D for yards and first downs (not necessarily points).
Falcons by 3 Td’s+
Fired-up Falcon Fan in a Fall Football Frenzy (F6)
September 29th, 2012
12:12 pm
Putting on my Karnak pointy hat for a bit, I see the Falcons going into the bye week 6-0, but stumbling out of the break with 4 really tough games lined up awaiting (can we PLEASE keep our players out of jail during a bye week?? PLEASE???).
Screen Pass
September 29th, 2012
3:46 pm
“1) SP – need a new moniker? I picked a pen name a while back coining a phrase like “screen pass” and scrambled the letters. SOOO, Screen pass, scramble the letters and lots of optons are there for the taking.” – F6
Need might be too strong a word, however the reason for the name has left so it is time for a new one. “Screen Pass” was a poke at MM and his love/ overuse of screen passes…since MM is Jax’s problem now, the name doesn’t fit anymore. Staying with SP as the starting letters is too make things easier for the board…I have a few non-SP names to honor the magic precog abilities of certain leathery animals, but that is an inside joke that most would never get.
JJ
September 29th, 2012
3:52 pm
The hairy lizard club!
JJ
September 29th, 2012
5:00 pm
Sticky Paste, its a 420 lingo.
Ken Strickland
September 29th, 2012
7:16 pm
I don’t think Cam Newton has worked very hard on becoming a better QB, much like Vick didn’t do when he was here. He’ll have to face the same DEF that totally confused PManning and the Denver coaching staff for an entire half. I seriously doubt if he can handle the ORGANIZED CHAOS that’s coming his way tomorrow.
DHunt
September 29th, 2012
7:54 pm
Cam doesn’t have the physical gifts that MV7 had to carry him through the lack of preparation. You can’t figure out how to defense speed and agility like that. You can figure out how to stop a tight-end sized running back posing as a QB. If Cam can’t learn from the line of big mobile QB’s that preceded him in the last few years, but never managed to develop into NFL caliber players, he won’t be long for the Not For Long.
The organized chaos will put another nail in his coffin tomorrow if he didn’t use the past ten days to learn some new tricks. The key to the game tomorrow is put the Kittens in a situation where they feel like they have to abandon the run. Down by 14-20 early, and they won’t have any choice but to rely on supercat’s arm, and that’s basically a choice between electrocution or lethal injection.
Remember when we used to wait anxiously for a week to see how the Falcons would manage to (almost) snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? I find myself on pins and needles wondering what new wrinkles the offense and defense will bring to elevate the game this week. I actually saw a national analyst rolling with the Falcons as the best team in the league (thus far) this year. I’m hoping they believe it and bring it to the field like they intend to stay on top.
JB FALCON
September 29th, 2012
9:46 pm
Just now got time to catch up. More talk about trap game than I think is warented. There is a slight chance that Carolina could win the game but it is so small that it is not conceivable and borders on ridiculas. I’m more inclined to agree with DHunt and I can’t wait to see Super Kitty totally brought down several notches. The kitty is not what he thinks he is and we are going to prove it, big time.
Ken Strickland
September 29th, 2012
9:52 pm
Watching our OFF and DEF play the way they’re playing, and the style they’re playing, just drives me crazy with excitement. Even before we changed coordinators and OL coach, I had absolutely no doubt whatsoever that for the last 2 seasons we’ve had the talent and ability to do what we’re now doing. We simply lacked the coaching, preparation, schemes, and competence.
If fact, that’s why we’ve been able to turn everything around in just one, and OL coach brought to the team after the Vick and Petrino fiascos.
falcon21
September 29th, 2012
10:01 pm
D3, we gave Tennessee 20 points today and we still won. I can live with it. My comment was off subject Cagers, sorry.
Matty Bicep
September 29th, 2012
10:45 pm
Not sure I would call this a trap game, nobody looked at Carolina at the beginning of the season and thought they would be pushovers. Nor did I think anyone could forsee the bazaar events of the stemming from week about Thursday. I think I feel curious as to what we will see out of the Panthers, I don’t automatically assume they are going to come in here and lay an egg like their last game, I actually expect a pretty good effort out of them, and I believe the Falcons do too….But if we get out early, and Cam makes some mistakes, it could get ugly for the Panthers….The question is, is the Carolina D really that bad?
JB FALCON
September 29th, 2012
10:51 pm
21, off subject or not, that was one hellva game. Hard to figure out whether Tennessee lost or Georgia won, but I think TN screwed up more than we did.
MB, agree totally. “Any given Sunday”. I think MS will be prepared.
Matty Bicep
September 29th, 2012
11:41 pm
Yea, I believe Smitty has been preparing for this game since the schedule came out. It is a game against a division opponent, coming off 10 days rest, who many concidered potential division champs. I don’t think the recent events will cause him to forget about that. If we lose, I expect it would be because Carolina comes in breathing fire and Cam plays up to his potential., not because CS overlooked and underestimated them….but I don’t see Carolina staying in the game if Cam turns it over.
Big Ray
September 29th, 2012
11:42 pm
Carolina D might be without Beason….
Big Ray
September 29th, 2012
11:44 pm
Smitty never relaxes….he’s a “one week at a time” kind of guy.
Cam is all but guaranteed to turn it over. The Panthers might come out focused, but I’m not so sure we’ll see that. I think they are distracted right now. Their defense seems confused, and Cam is not going to stop being an INT machine against a talented defense with a very talented Coordinator….all in one week.
We should crush them, and there should be no excuses.
Matty Bicep
September 30th, 2012
12:20 am
BR, that is my read based on current events, but I did as confident a month ago…Fact is, it is the biggest game so far this season, a division game….don’t expect Smitty to overlook that.
Birdman
September 30th, 2012
8:28 am
Morning Cage
41 to 14 ——4 and 0
Come on 1 pm . Until then its time to go and worship the one who gave us this game and every thing else.
Cagers Have a Blessed Day .!!!
D3
September 30th, 2012
8:53 am
Great Gameday Cagers! — Will miss live-blogging with you homeboys today because I’m going to my first game of the season and will be raising tee-total hell as only we Cagers know how.
I’m expecting a really tough and close game. Call me a negative nellie, but I think that the Kitties are backed against a major wall and will come out “fighting” for their embattled, spoiled brat QB. Maybe I’m just having flashbacks of yesterday seeing my Dawgs give up a 17 point lead and seeing them look utterly dominant, only to barely escape.
But then I think, “oh yeah, we do have Mike Nolan and we can shut down two of the best QB’s in the game, then we surely can shutdown Headcase (s)Cam “Super(INT)Man” Newton. I do think they’re going to try and come out to run the ball to take as much pressure as possible off of (s)Cam and let him ease into the game. The theory goes that they should have one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL with Deangelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, and (s)Cam, but that has no materialized at all.
I’m thinking it’ll be pretty close to the Chiefs game, where it’s tight for a long while and our Birds will pull away at the end. Hate to give any type of points predictions, but I say we win by 10 in the end.
To bad we won’t be able to get our hands on either Todd Gurley or Keith Marshall, those two guys are some of the best d@mn running backs I’ve ever seen. I mean, WOW!
falcon21 — Yeah, wife went to the game and I watched the boys. Should have been a blowout, but they let them back in. Gotta win games like that if you want to win the title. I think this is our best chance to win a Nat’l Title since the Herschel days: one of the most talented teams ever, good schedule, etc., but we’ll find out next week whether we’re truly for real or not in South Carolina.
Jimbo73
September 30th, 2012
10:31 am
There are four contributors out for today’s game: Christopher Owens (Concussion), Antone Smith (Hamstring), Lousaka Polite (Hamstring), and Michael Palmer (Shoulder).
Since the Falcons usually have 3 TEs on the active roster we may see Chase Coffman on the field today. He may not bring the blocking skills that we see from Palmer but if he gets PT we may see the Falcons use him like the Pats use Hernandez. Coffman has good hands and would present more difficult match up problems than Gallarda as he has a bit more speed than Gallarda. Plus you always like to get unscouted looks which the Panthers defense have not game planned for. I’ll be curious to see if he’s utlized today.
Snelling will take the field more today than in previous weeks with Polite out he will assume the FB responsibilities in 2 back sets. The OC will have some new wrinkles today using Snelling more than in previous weeks which may bode well for future weeks as Koetter will have more of an opportunity to see Snelling in action and consider how to most effectively use him.
I think we will see the Falcons step on the gas early and continue the trend of opening drive touchdowns and look for us to have the game under control by half time. However, I think there will be a greater concentration of delivering the knock out blow to Cam and the boys in the 3rd quarter. The Falcons are aware there is room for improvement in 3rd Qtr offensive output and I look for them to correct that this week.
All in all, this will not prove to be a competitive game and the Falcons will win by at least 3 scores. Go Falcons ! ! !
LRD
September 30th, 2012
11:10 am
Ok. So land in Baltimore yesterday and the rental car check out guy is wearing a #28 Falcons Jersey… IN baltimore… of all places…
Wish was at the game today though… gotta find a place to watch it in annapolils.
Ken Strickland
September 30th, 2012
11:29 am
FOOD FOR THOUGHT-Last yr MRyan received a lot of pressure and took a lot of hits and sacks. Yet, he still managed to have a career yr and get his team into the playoffs with a winning record.
Maybe all of you who have questioned MRyan in the past, along with his status as an elite QB, can now put things into perspective and appreciate what we really have. He overcame adversity last yr by having a career while DBrees and his team have so far completely fallen apart.
snacktastic
September 30th, 2012
12:05 pm
Shannon Sharpe saying we’ll have the division by Thanksgiving. Hard to disagree with that.
Also, off topic: How did C.J. Spiller get back so quickly? They were saying he’d be out for two weeks.
JB FALCON
September 30th, 2012
12:19 pm
Oh great, the Aints are the biggest flop in the NFL this year and the main subject of Fox NFL Sunday.
Matty Bicep
September 30th, 2012
12:20 pm
Ken, the debate round Ryan was not did he have the right makeup and toughness, but did he have the physical attributes to be an elite QB. That was the debate, but regardless of your thoughts before, he did go out and take it to a new “physical level”. He is quicker, and the ball has more zip, and really, if he had a shortcoming before, he has addressed it. As I have said, he is the #1 qb to come into the league in the past 8 years, and as the older guys decline and retire, he might become the unquestioned #1 qb in the league.
Big Lou
September 30th, 2012
12:59 pm
Let’s go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
snacktastic
September 30th, 2012
1:02 pm
Game time! FALCONS ROLL!
snacktastic
September 30th, 2012
1:06 pm
Wow…uncharacteristic start.
Matty Bicep
September 30th, 2012
1:07 pm
Yea, that start make me think that running Turner is not that bad after all….I expected Carolina to come out on fire…
Big Lou
September 30th, 2012
1:09 pm
Where was the hold!?
snacktastic
September 30th, 2012
1:11 pm
Good grief. That didn’t go well.
Big Ray
September 30th, 2012
1:12 pm
Piss poor.
We do not need to give Cam his “comeback” game.
Birdman
September 30th, 2012
1:12 pm
Alright Birds ..
Wake Up !!!!!!
Big Lou
September 30th, 2012
1:13 pm
That drive would have ended if the ref called that hold on Dunta.
Fox called it a good block…
Wabe
September 30th, 2012
1:15 pm
Still early…but the Panthers looks like they had 10 days to prepare and we look like a team that came into this one overconfident and overlooking these guys a bit…
The atmosphere itself feels pretty dead in that Dome right now.