Atlanta Falcons: Birds Escape vs. Panthers
No Caption Needed (AJC)
It was an ugly, ugly win, but the Atlanta Falcons stayed perfect with their come from behind win against the division rival Panthers. Even though it wasn’t pretty, the Falcons showed some serious resolve in finding a way to win when they weren’t playing their best. The bottom line is that the Falcons are 4-0 and they beat a division rival primed for a good game after being embarrassed on Thursday Night Football and having 10 days to prepare for them. A look at the miraculous win…………
Matty Ice
It’s been said a million times over, but the cool-as-ice quarterback willed his team to win against absolutely impossible odds. Having to drive 99 yards in less than a minute with no timeouts is the stuff legends are made of. Backing up to the end of his endzone, he chunked the ball 60-65 yards in the air and Roddy White made a huge catch. He engineered the drive against impossible odds and this one has to rank up there with one of the best. The guy is taking the step before our eyes and did all this despite getting beat to death and sacked 7 times.
Roddy Clutch
Roddy Clutch (AJC)
Julio Jones has gotten a lot of the hype about the next great wide receiver, but Roddy White is the one who to turn to when you need to make a play. Julio Jones has gotten the TD catches to date, but Roddy finally got both the yards, touchdowns, and huge plays. Not only did he help rescue the game with his amazing catch, he also had a fantastic touchdown catch where he had to adjust mid-air to haul in the pass. Jones may be the future,
The Second Matty Ice
Enough can’t be said about someone who may get overlooked on an offense loaded with weapons and that’s Matt Bryant. Matt Ryan already has the Matty Ice nickname, but Matt Bryant has been absolutely money in clutch situations since he’s been here. Luckily, he hasn’t been needed for a game-winning field goal until Sunday, but making those unbelievable comeback drives mean nothing if your kicker can’t finish the deal.
The OL Nightmare Returns
Was it just a mirage or was there some credence to the offensive line actually looking better in the first 3 games? Right now, statistics have to fall on the side of it being just one bad game against a very hungry defense. And maybe it had something to do with the Panthers scheme seeing something in their 10 days of preparation to confuse Ryan and the offense. But this much is certain: it was a complete nightmare on Sunday, leading to 7 sacks and bringing all those bad feelings about the offensive line roaring back in terrible fashion. Ryan was sacked almost double in one game (7 sacks) that he had in the first three (4).
Sam Baker has always been the lightning rod of criticism, but the left side of the line is doing OK with Baker having a good year and Blalock always being the solid rock with little to no issues. The problem, as many all knew, was the right side of the OL. It comes from a somewhat surprising place in Tyson Clabo. To be sure, Garrett Reynolds is getting the job done but is surely not dominant in the least and still doesn’t project as a long-term option. Clabo has given up a majority of the sacks this year all on his own and has looked downright terrible all year, going back to preseason. Maybe it’s his age catching up or maybe he’s just missing a solid force next to him at right guard, but he’s simply not getting the job done. They made a change with Sam Baker last year, how long will they give Clabo? Lamar Holmes looked just fine in preseason and many Cage members would love to see Clabo move inside to RG (where his size could potentially dominate) and Reynolds move back to his old natural position of right tackle. Todd McClure hasn’t been the worst, but he had some problems on Sunday, as many fans thought would happen as the season wore on. Is the nightmare here to stay or was it just one bad game?
Time for an OL Change?
Gotta Stop the Run Better (AJC)
As mentioned above, the offensive line has to get the benefit of the doubt so far in that they did a pretty good job in the first three weeks (even though their run blocking was weak). However, how long will the coaching staff give this OL before a change is made? Last year, Sam Baker got some opportunities in different spots but was yanked in favor of Will Svitek and Joe Hawley, respectively. Same goes for Garrett Reynolds. As fans discussed in the preseason, the likelihood was very great that the same offensive line with so many problems in 2011, would start exactly the same in 2012, with literally no changes made. Sure enough, that’s been the case. If this becomes a trend, fans will at least want to see something change on the OL, including getting looks at Peter Konz and Lamar Holmes, and maybe moving Clabo inside to right guard?
Worries at LB
The Panthers exploited one of the Falcons biggest weaknesses in defending the run. The option-give that Newton did was hard for the Birds to stop. Their outside linebackers, Sean Weatherspoon and Stephen Nicholas, have been outstanding, but they’ve operated mostly in the nickel defense. The base 4-3 defense include middle linebacker Akeem Dent and he didn’t have the best of days on Sunday. It’s way too early to make a call on Dent and his future since he’s basically a rookie getting his first live snaps, but it does need to be addressed. Throw in the fact that the Falcons are razor thin at linebacker anyway and it may be time to take a look at one of the defensive ends, like Kroy Biermann, at OLB, allowing Spoon or Nicholas to move inside.
Trap Game or Cause for Slight Concerns?
This game had trap written all over it. The Falcons were flying high. The Panthers were humiliated on national TV. Their sophomore Super(interception)Man was called out. The Panthers had 10 full days to prepare for the Falcons. The Birds had a short week in traveling back from the west coast. It may not have been a trap game, but the Falcons surely weren’t at their best and the Panthers knew the importance. On the positive side, the Falcons won a game ugly and that’s all that matters.
However, potentially on the negative side, as longtime Bird Cage member Unca’ Bob said, we may be benefitting from a pretty easy spot of the schedule. We’ve played and won 4 games, but 3 of them have been against the roundly considered weak AFC West. The other was against an NFC South team with 2 losses to show, one of them being a blowout. You can’t control your schedule and the Falcons have won the only games they’ve played, but this game brought many fans back to Earth a little bit and realized there are a ton of areas to improve upon.
Turner the Stud
Turner the Stud (AJC)
Often beleaguered Falcons running back is showing an rebirth the last two weeks with excellent performances against San Diego and Carolina Panthers. Turner has made some fans (heavily including this author) to eat some major crow. And it will happily be done. Turner may not be the best fit for the offense going forward, but he’s still a major cog on this team filled with explosive offensive weapons.
Sometime You Have to Win Ugly
The title says it all and an ugly win is better than the prettiest of losses or as some call them “moral victories.” The Falcons played their worst football of the year in all aspects and they met a team playing with a major hunger knowing the importance and having plenty of time to prepare. The Falcons found a way to win and that’s a testament to this team’s character in finding ways to win and special seasons are made up of those.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
848 comments Add your comment
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
9:24 pm
By By Mark . The beginning to the end
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
9:26 pm
Wait
Alabama no 1
Caroline 2 sorry SW
FSU 3
Big Lou
October 6th, 2012
9:35 pm
snacktastic… no way Redskins game will be a blowout. It will be a competitive game/shootout.
Are the Falcons offense line protecting Murray? Looks like it. :p
I jest.
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
9:35 pm
I leave out once again tomorrow right after the game.
I think the Birds are gonna come out strong as I think the D will be much better as Nolen makes adjustments after last week . And I think Ryan will have another 300 plus yard game in the Air .
Look for Jones to be in better shape this week not to mention the way the media knocked him last week . Also our great TE Gonzo will be very good . Ryans fire power will be better and protection .The Birds will go to 5 and 0
JB FALCON
October 6th, 2012
9:42 pm
I think that little Sanders guy for SC could out run my dog! No, not them Dawgs, my dog, and he’s fast! The other Dawgs ain’t lookin’ good a’ tall.
Unca' Bob
October 6th, 2012
10:00 pm
JB FALCON,
I’ve made mention that Ace Sanders is a fooball player.
JB FALCON
October 6th, 2012
10:08 pm
UB, you are correct. He ain’t gonna have to eat no cold biscuits for dinner.
falcon21
October 6th, 2012
10:19 pm
Unca’ Bob, I have to humble myself here, my Dawgs got shaved. We got out coached, out played and out everythinged. I guess it is time to agree with D3 and Coop. A Mark Richt team is never prepared for a big game. Anyway, good game for you guys buddy!!!
BIG DOG
October 6th, 2012
10:32 pm
Somebody please tell me there is no curse in the city.
BIG DOG
October 6th, 2012
10:34 pm
I’m so hurt right now i forgot 2 say BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE, JUST DAM
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
BIG DOG
October 6th, 2012
10:37 pm
Braves had 12 hits and scored 3runs yesterday.
Cardinals had 6 hits and scored 6runs, SMH
Somebody please tell me there is not a curse in Atlanta Sports.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Unca' Bob
October 6th, 2012
10:40 pm
falcon21,
I don’t think anyone saw this game coming, including myself. Y’all aren’t that bad and we certainly aren’t that good.
I look forward to Sunday and the Skins. It could be very close.
I hear my pillow calling my name. Stay safe and as always, go Falcons. Night all.
BIG DOG
October 6th, 2012
10:41 pm
Falcons had the best team in NFC with homefield advantage in 2010 and was blown out at home.
Braves fans throw bottles all over field last night like there was a demon in the air whispering say throw bottles on the field, JSUT DAM.
LOOSER VILL CITY, HA
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
11:32 pm
Yea what a bad reaction by the Braves fans . Its bad enough they get it handed to them let alone the 1st grade fans.
You will here me say this just once . Georgia will never win a championship tittle under MR . How long has he been there now. Its time for the alumni to take notes and move on.
But all hope ant lost for Atlanta. The Birds will win Tomorrow 38 to 21
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
11:41 pm
Unca’Bob
I saw this coming for the fist 4 games. Anyone who has watched them play has seen it coming to be real.
I mean lets face it they may not be tearable but they are far away from being good enough
Birdman
October 6th, 2012
11:44 pm
And SC is that good this year . I think they have a chance to go all the way
Paddy O
October 7th, 2012
12:28 am
seeing the horror of that infield fly call – called by the post season ump located in LF, i DON’T blame braves fans for venting. however, after the initial bottle toss, some knuckle heads kept tossing stuff. I thought the crew chief should have over ruled the LF ump. infield fly rule was NOT applicable in this instance – and, is designed to provide protection to the offense from shenanigans. selah.
Atlanta Falcons update: Atlanta Falcons: Birds Escape vs. Panthers... - NFL Team News
October 7th, 2012
7:53 am
[...] Atlanta Falcons: Birds Escape vs. Panthers It was an ugly, ugly win, but the Atlanta Falcons stayed perfect with their come from behind win against the division rival Panthers. Even though it wasn't pretty, the Falcons showed some serious resolve in finding a way to win when they weren't … Read more on Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
10:12 am
Gameday versus the Redskin.
It’s raining. It’s pouring. Will this change the scoring?
This is a new test for the Falcons to play in the elements.
Wabe
October 7th, 2012
10:16 am
I feel for the fans in Atlanta, matter fact, Georgia as a whole right now. All hope to salvage this weekend from being a complete debacle of a weekend in Georgia sports rest with the Falcons now.
After watching the Braves kick off the rocky weekend with that debacle of a performance, then watching whatever that was on the field last night from UGA, GT losing, it’s up to the Falcons to right the ship. An opportunity to go 5-0 for the first time in this franchise’s history. That’s no joke.
This game won’t be easy. I’m not predicting a blowout. Hear that it’s raining in Washington. That’ll be a factor if it is. Wet field, wet ball, expect turnovers. The Redskins can run the football with Alfred Morris coming out the backfield and with RGIII’s QB keepers. I expect this to be a legitimate test for our defense, and our offense for that matter. I know the Redskins pass defense has been under criticism, but, with bad weather conditions, I’m not sure we’re gonna be able to chuck it all over the field.
I’m not sure how the defense will hold up. I expect adjustments from last week. At least I hope there are. The offense will have to carry them this week, IMO.
I’ll say 28-24. I hope we run away with it, but, that Redskins offense can move the ball. They’re scoring around 30 ppg. They’ve been in every game they’ve played. I don’t think they will necessarily slow us down with their defense, but the weather may have something to do with it. We’ll see.
Make it happen…5-0.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
10:36 am
I have the aura of confidence that I feel from the Falcons this Sunday.
They seem confident. They seem hungry. Baring injuries and mistakes, I really feel that the Falcons are going to give it their all today.
And a word from Matt Ryan:
http://slumz.boxden.com/f16/matt-ryan-message-panthers-get-f-k-off-my-field-pic-1823040/
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
10:38 am
Any questions if Matt Ryan is intense? There you go.
D3
October 7th, 2012
12:41 pm
Great Gameday Cage Family! — I’m going to go college for a minute if you don’t mind, as I see some of you did yesterday and last night. First things first………
UB — As I agreed with you this week, you were dead on about the Dawgs. They were paper tigers all the way. I didn’t think we’d win, but I sure as the hell didn’t think we’d get our tails whipped like that. By far and away, the most embarrassing and most humiliating loss in the Mark Richt Era, and that’s saying a lot. Your boys had a great game, and I’m pulling for them to win the east over those hated Gators. Great game, great coaching, and great performance. I’ll have my crow with hot sauce, pepper sauce, and a side of ranch!
What Do You Want UGA Fans? —
Look, I’m not going to go on the rant of FireMarkRicht.com or anything, because those of you who know me, know my position, which is the same way Coop feels. I’m going to lay it out like this instead. Many realistic UGA fans have lost enthusiasm a while ago because statistics paint a terrible picture since 2005. And before I start my diatribe on Richt and Dawgs, I’m going to say that Mark Richt “WAS” one of the great UGA coaches in history, and will go down that way. But that being said………..
Stat that popped up last night and I took a picture on my phone……..
Georgia Struggles vs. Teams Which Finished Season Ranked
Since 2008 — 2-14
Last 2 Years — 0-9
vs. SEC since 2008 — 0-9
vs. Top 12 since 2008 — 0-9
That stat alone is what I’ve been pointing to for the longest time and it’s simply INDEFENSIBLE……..period.
I said earlier in the year that this is as talented team that GA likely has ever had, certainly under Richt. And then you have that humiliating defeat that couldn’t have been more embarrassing. 35-7 and it could have easily been 56-0. Spurrier pulls his 1st string out and intentionally doesn’t run up the score (guess older age has softened him up a little).
Next >>>>>
D3
October 7th, 2012
12:51 pm
I could go on for days here, but I’ll just leave it at this before I switch to Falcons. What do you want as UGA fans? If you’re completely happy to win 9-10 games a year, go to a crappy bowl game (which we can’t even win anymore), than Richt is your guy and he’ll be here for 10 more years, but……….. don’t whine and complain when you never win big games and when you do play big games you get absolutely destroyed.
I think that’s what UGA, the AD, and many fans want. If so, so be it .
But if you want to compete for SEC AND NATIONAL TITLES!!!!! than it’s time to make a change, plain and simple.
That’s one reason I’ve been more juiced about the Falcons for many years. Mediocrity will not be tolerated by Arthur Blank and I appreciate that. That is the exact opposite of the Dawgs up in Athens.
D3
October 7th, 2012
12:52 pm
OK guys and gals, got some stuff to do today, so I’ll be watching on delay. I’ll probably catch up at halftime.
GO DAMN FALCONS!!!!!!!
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
12:52 pm
It’s almost game time, and I’m on the couch with the computer warmed up. Things to watch for against the Redskins.
1. The O-Line stepping it up and stopping the outside pass rush. They’ve shown they can do it in 3 of 4 games. But they couldn’t seem to run block. then last game they make good holes in the run game, and are a holy mess in pass protection. It’s not just the line, as play calls, QB play, and WR getting open and making correct blitz adjustments all factor in. But the result can’t be more of last week’s debacle.
2. Last week we looked OK against the read option, but still let Cam get free for three or four big romps. That’s about gap discipline. Somebody said it earlier, but when you pressure a running QB, it’s about more than sacks. Sacks are great, but getting the QB off his rhythm without sacrificing gap control is critical. RGIII is more likely than Cam to beat us through the air, and at least as likely to make us pay for poor gap discipline.
3. YAC. The Falcons have the ability to get a lot of YAC yards from everyone except Tony G. Yet we are in the bottom third of the league in YAC, while the Redskins are in the top 5. Redskins YAC is largely due to RGIII scrambling and getting the ball to open receivers when coverage breaks down to account for him. The Falcons won’t get YAC unless they start getting the ball in the hands of Julio, HD, and Quizz (and to a lesser extent Roddy) ON THE RIGHT KINDS OF PASS PATTERNS. Will we see more slants, crossing routes, bubble screens, and passes designed to get the playmakers the ball with room to run? Or will we continue to rely on stop routes? Ryan throws the stop routes much better than the moving routes, but for the passing game to really be high powered, we need to do a few things different.
4. Defensively, stop the YAC with great tackling. Stop the run with great tackling. Who would have thought our defensive backs (notably the corners) have been the best tackling group on the defense? The talent and ability is there and needs to be on full tilt from the start of the game.
No prediction today, other than the Falcons find a way to get to 5-0. Ugly or pretty doesn’t matter, but hopefully we will see some progress in some critical areas (OL, DL, run game).
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:01 pm
Forgot one.
5. Can Nolan confuse RGIII? Didn’t seem like we tried to confuse Cam much last week, and maybe you have to be a little more straightforward against running QB’s. But we need to see a better combination of pressure and coverage this week. The Skins don’t have the offensive weapons that Carolina has, outside of RGIII. It would be really impressive if the Falcons defense could pull off another game like they had against the Chargers.
snacktastic
October 7th, 2012
1:03 pm
FALCONS ROLL!
falcon21
October 7th, 2012
1:04 pm
I hope the O-line shows up ready to play, if not Matt better be ready to move like Jagger!
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:07 pm
Julio on the crossing route for the first down. Problem is MR2 threw it behind him so he didn’t have a good chance to make a bigger play.
Still the Falcons can dink the ball all day against this defense.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:12 pm
Drop by Julio again.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
Why didn’t HD just keep running? I don’t get why he jumped for that pass.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
Julio should have caught that deep ball. But it should have been thrown a bit more into the field of play. The a little bit of an overthrow to HD. Receivers are getting open, so it’s just a matter of time before we make them pay. O-Line stepping up so far. Let’s see how the defense does
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:15 pm
Big Lou, I wondered the same thing, but it seems like the ball got on top of him really quickly. Unlike the deep ball that Julio had to wait for.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:16 pm
Didn’t I say good tackling? Dent misses sure tackle.
snacktastic
October 7th, 2012
1:17 pm
WHAT A HIT!
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
October 7th, 2012
1:17 pm
There’s ya boy Dent…can’t make a tackle.
falcon21
October 7th, 2012
1:20 pm
It doesn’t matter if JJ had to wait or if the ball was thrown more into the field of play, it hit him on the hands.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:20 pm
Dhunt
It would have been better if he extended outwards… but whatever. That’s why he is slot.
Screen Pass
October 7th, 2012
1:20 pm
Loving that hit by Dunta. Run D, especially Dent, looks weak. Koetter with a nice job suckering the D in with the short stuff early, JJ gotta catch that pass.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:20 pm
The defensive backs tackling, making big hits, Decoud with a great open field tackle on Morris, D-Rob with a great blitz sack, and Willie Mo with a big hit on Fred Davis to separate him from the ball. Mkaing me look like a prophet in my own time.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:22 pm
Falcon21 the problem is it didn’t hit him in the hands, it hit him in the chest and he’s got to start catching with those hands.
Screen Pass
October 7th, 2012
1:25 pm
Absolute crap. Going three and out on this shite defense is not acceptable. Coach needs to fine every offensive player 10k for 3 and outs in this game. Offense looks timid and apathetic so far.
falcon21
October 7th, 2012
1:25 pm
All I am saying is the throw was there but I get your point.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:25 pm
Gonzo is too slow for that Ryan Pass.
Let’s go D!
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
If you saw that game break showing the deep pass by the Browns, that’s what I need to see more from MR2. Let the ball go a little earlier so your receivers can run to it, rather than losing momentum to wait for it. And throw the ball in the field of play so they aren’t always worried about making the catch and getting their feet down. It wasn’t like there was any inside coverage on Julio on that deep ball.
Two less than stellar passes by MR2 led to that 3 and out, but nice to see the special teams with Bosher big leg and Chris Owens making a good play to flip the field.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:26 pm
And again, bad tackling by Babs. got to make those plays in the backfield
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:28 pm
I’m predicting points this possession.
Big Lou
October 7th, 2012
1:29 pm
Dhunt
You really get on Matt’s case a lot.
Two passes on the first possession were on the receivers, not him.
It was a bad pass to Gonzo, though.
DHunt
October 7th, 2012
1:30 pm
Franks running sideways for 0 yards when he had 10 yards of open space in front of him. There has to be a better option for punt returner on the roster. HD isn’t so critical to the offense that he can’t do that job.
Defense with a good three and out. D-Rob wasn’t there to defend the pass, but Skins receivers aren’t running free either.