To paraphrase the motto of the Legion Etrangere — Sleep or Die!

G’night Cagers.

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#10. I’m still worried about this O-line. It will get us into the playoffs but how will it stand up against a good D-line or just a good aggressive defense? Carolina made them look like rookies and it was Carolina.

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#11 I mean!

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You raise some good questions D3. As far as the run defense goes, I lean on the side of optimism and believe as the season wears on, the D-line will get better as they get more time in Nolan’s system. As for the main problem with the run defense (Akeem Dent), I was never high on him and as I’ve noted time and again, when your hopes are built around 3rd, 4th and 5th round picks, you are in trouble. (see exhibit 1; Falcons run defense).

What I would love to see (and I am no expert) is Biermann as an OLB standing next to Abraham or Edwards. then its a “take your pick as to who to block” from the outside. Biermann is clearly at his best when he’s turned loose and flying around the field wreaking havoc. Then slide Nicholas to the MLB spot as he is emerging as a tackling machine. This way when Nolan wants to use his hybrid nickel package, he can only use one DT, two DE’s and Biermann to rush the passer (4 guys) while either blitzing someone from the secondary or an extra LB and/or just dropping 6 in coverage.

As for throwing the ball to O-lineman, I agree, enough is enough. Besides, you can’t run the same gag forever. Teams will catch on. Why aren’t they using Snelling more as an extra TE if needed or at FB? What is up with the staff that they just don’t use him properly. Everytime he touches the ball, he runs hard. He blocks hard. What does he have to do to get some respect from the coaching staff? Good grief.

Finally, I still think JJ’s hand is still bothering him. But as Mike Smith is very tight lipped about injuries, no one is saying anything. If you watch him when the cameras cut to him on the sidelines, he is often seen holding his injured hand up as if to keep the blood from rushing down and throbbing. But he has to be out there or they double down on both Roddy and Gonzo. What I was hoping to see (or hope to see very soon) is them intentionally feature Douglass for a game. I think when that happens, teams will truly be nervous because there is no way they can game plan to double Gonzo, JJ, Douglass, and Roddy while also trying to stop Turner or Rodgers from running. Hope springs eternal.

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I’m not worried if DeCoud and Gonzo are not worried. I would like to see Nicholas back at full strength. PLEASE don’t let Raiders be a trap game. THAT would be embarrassing. If Matty Ice 2 and Matty Ice 3 can keep it rolling … I think we’ll have a nice bye week just reveling in the possibilities.

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The big tests for the Falcons are Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, and Saints. I only put the Saints in the list because of the rivalry. I consider the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants as the BIG GAMES that the Falcons seem never to win in previous years.

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Thanks, D3…

1) What are your overall thoughts on the Falcons win? It was a good win, a solid road victory against a decent team. 5-0 and undefeated!

2) How concerned over rush defense? Not concerned AT ALL. We have encountered a number of good rushing teams in this early season, and the only fact I see in this game is that we allowed a 100+ yard rusher. Other than that, the Redskins offensively scored only 10 points, they had 12 first downs to our 28, they were 1 for 9 on 3rd Downs, and possessed the ball for 15 minutes less than we did. We were solid defensively.

3) Do you think Gonzalez is rethinking his retirement after all? Yes, definitely. Unless we don’t win a playoff game (or we win it all), he will be a Falcon for one more year. He may postpone retirement because of the benefit to his vitamin company with all the interest in his longevity. After all, what are all the announcers on TV always saying, “Where did he find the fountain of youth?” and Tony will say, “Go to my All Pro Science website!”

4) What object were readying to throw after the Hawley passes? I wanted to throw a tube of stick ‘em to Hawley for his hands. No harm, no foul on the odd play calls.

5) Please explain the “Extra OL as 3rd TE” mess, if you can. It just provides another blocker much like the jumbo package, or it gives the opposing defense the look of using an extra blocker for another propose. There is quite a bit of deception that goes on from play to play with real OCs, so who knows.

6) Is Julio back after a few missteps in games? The only thing limiting Julio in the NFL is that he is only in his second year and he needs to learn all the nuances of the WR experience, such as individual opposing player tendencies and even referee tendencies. Julio is way ahead of the curve.

7) What’s your thoughts on Akeem Dent, MLB overall? Overall, I think…Is E.J. Henderson still available? I’m not happy about anything from UGA right now.

8.) Are the comeback wins a sign of mettle or slowing down? For teams with a winning record, getting “ugly” wins are a sign of mettle.

9) Are the drops starting to worry you? No, as long as they aren’t coming from Roddy, and that Julio is catching most of his. Matt throws such a soft pass that the drops from Turner and Quizz are just a matter of focus. After all, the RBs are new to this passing game stuff. Harry needs to step up, though, as he doesn’t get enough looks to drop even one pass.

10) What do you like about your 5-0 Falcons? The fact that they are the only sports team in town with BALLS enough to seize victory, instead of being a passive frontrunner.

11) What worries you most about your 5-0 Falcons? The fact that we may get talked about too much in the media in coming weeks and months, and it will go to our heads. Other than that, what’s not to like? 5-0 BABY!!

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it’s going to take a good while before Dent is really up to it. He’s replacing a guy that was awesome against the run, so he’s bound to suffer by comparison. If Clabo has a hip problem, that would explain a lot–the loss of power and flexibility would be significant. That run “D” could be a problem vs. OAK–their run game is pretty good…Overall, I’m happier than a pig in slop…..

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I’d like to 2nd MIchaels notion of essentially targeting HD for a game, just to get an idea of how open/productive he can be. The key I get out of the Hawley thing is opposition manipulation – get the opposing team to NOT take Hawley for granted – thus reducing coverage on our regular playmakers. I’m hoping Tony G keeps on playing.

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I think the most impressive thing abot the Falcons record so far is that we have 3 wins on the road. The last few years haven’t been kind to us on the road. I like the aggressive playcalling on both sides of the ball, and it looks like special teams have been solid so far.

This is a really good football team. Let’s beat the Raiders, have a week off, and go onward!

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Every one is downing Dent without giving him a far shout just last year everyone was like get Dunta out of here and asking way did they resign Thomas DeCoud but now everyone is happy on what they are bringing to the table you have to give people a chance to develop in the scheme that they are playing I think he can be a decent player but in due time give hime more then 5 games into the season with only one game where he really played in to say how he is doing or did I’m just saying give people a chance before u just bash them

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how about the Texans looking pedestrian last night? I guess they have crappy coordinators too, eh?

Bingo. The thing about the NFL is, the other teams have mundo talent, and good coordinators too. That is what makes it so good. The days of the 49ers of the 80s are over. There is not “new” schemes, just wrinkles, but only well coached teams find what I call a winning combination, and it goes way beyond scheme.

Really, for all the consternation of the 13-3 season, BJEEESUS, we went 13-3. But yea, so “we got lucky”, so, lets say we to 10-6…So I say YAY….But then what did we do?

Ahh, go 11-5,

now we are 5-0. My point, 13-3 was not fluke. we have a WINNING PROGRAM.

I know, playoffs….PLAYOFF? PLAYOFFS?

Really, every NFL teams have concerns, every team is beatable, and every team plays in peaks and Valleys. Hopefully we peak when it matters the most. Scheme Scmeme.

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Run on sentences aside, awright is correct.

The bashing on dent is FANaticism at its finest.

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MB — I agree with you on the parity in the NFL. That’s something that took me awhile to come to the conclusion of coming from mainly a college fan growing up. The highest team is not THAT far from the bottom teams and that’s why we see upsets on a weekly basis. I’ve come to appreciate a win anyway you can get it, but sometimes (at least in the past), the close games were self-induced.

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MB

Glad you understand my point. It’s hard to get it through thick skulls, though. Falcons were 1-2 last year in games decided by one touchdown or less. We are 3-0 so far this year. They are focused and BELIEVE in themselves.

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waynester

I do not think Ken’s point was we would be a worst team. It’s more that he wasn’t worth the massive amounts of money, and that we have our own talent here. If we would have signed Mario, we wouldn’t have any cash left to resign Abraham, Decoud, Grimes, ect.

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Thoughts:

-Home/away alternation aside, I think the schedule has worked out favorably for the Birds. We’ve had two ugly games in a row, but it’s good that they’ve been against sub-par teams whose flaws we could exploit and beat in the end. We’ve also had a few statement wins to give us some confidence. With the Raiders coming up, we should be able to handle them with ease and then cruise into the bye with some momentum, get Peters back, and fix our mistakes.

-Gonzo is probably gone after this year regardless of the result. He’s having a great season and expressed his desire to go out on top, so another year might be tempting fate.

-The drops worry me, but I don’t think it’s a problem that will hang around.

-Run defense is a pretty glaring problem, considering that it’s in direct contrast to our awesome pass defense. Not sure if it’s a personnel problem or a scheme problem, though.

-On the plus side, the defense did shut the Redskins offense out in the first half.

-How ’bout that O-line?

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Ken — You got that right!

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BIG LOU-You nailed it, both on your previous post and your assessment on my meaning. Some of our fans have to start realizing what other teams already realize. We’re an elite team, and regardless of their record, teams are going to play us tough and go all out to defeat us. Defeating us now gives the lesser teams creditability.

Nolan constructed and schemed our DEF to compete with the type of teams we’ll most likely meet in the playoffs, like the Eagles, Packers, Giants, AINTS/TAINTS, Lions, which are basically passing teams. We lost DT CPeters, and we haven’t missed a beat with PJerry. When Peters does return, we’ll be even deeper and more talented at DT.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we’ve see our CBs and OLBs make more big hits and create more big plays in 5gms than former MLB CLofton made in his 4yrs here. It’s really made a big differece.

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D3 – I would be embarassed to admit this, except I’ve come to expect it from Richt. When we went down 21-0, I turned the game off. I had no confidence he could lead them back.

We’re stuck with him, because of the idiotic logic that he’s better than what we used to have.

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How about FFL? Not top shabby for a guy who missed the draft.

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Guess i misunderstood what you meant. Obviously we didn’t (and don’t) have very much below the cap–my concern is for the future at DE. Even if our DC’s philosophy foresees QB pressures coming from a lot of different guys(that’s good) other than J Abe our Ends leave a lot to be desired(that’s not good). Can we win with the guys we have now? Obviously, YES! Could our “D” be better with a realistic threat opposite Abe? Again, I say yes. Houston has the right idea (IMHO) stacking the deck with young talent in Wade’s 3/4 that can make a QB wake up with cold sweats in the middle of the night….Still dreaming of fielding a dominant “Gritz Blitz” defense again….

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Houston has the right idea (IMHO) stacking the deck with young talent in Wade’s 3/4 that can make a QB wake up with cold sweats in the middle of the night….Still dreaming of fielding a dominant “Gritz Blitz” defense again….

Waynester, you better believe that our defense scared QBs and opposing offenses just like the Texans do, but in a different way. The Texans have a STOUT running defense, and tremendous pass rush, but their secondary is suspect. So, when they play GB, they will get torched. I am calling that game a loss already. Hold me to it.

But, the Falcons, teams have a different fear. They are afraid of interceptions. Receivers are scared to catch the ball because they know Dunta/Asante/Weatherspoon is coming to lay the wood(have you seen the dropped passes against us?). QBs are studying tape late into the night trying to figure out how Mike Nolan is disguising his blitz packages/coverages. They are an opportunistic defense. Yes, they will allow you to get yards, but they also take huge chances to get the big play. The Falcons remind me of Chicago’s defense. Also, the Falcons committed three sacks Sunday. Yeah, it isn’t because of the pass rush only, but that’s still getting pressure.

The Texans and Falcons have different philosophy on defenses, but you better believe the league is giving them the same amount of respect overall.

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Coop

Let’s try to have civil banter here. I never said that the O-line was perfect, and in my previous posts I even said the Eagles would be the first true test. I am saying that the O-line did a great job protecting Matt Ryan against the Redskins, and the run game was decent(we didn’t run the ball much). Lack of execution and mistakes is what made the game closer than it should be.

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Let me point of a few things when I say POOR EXECUTION:

1. Remove the pick-six from Ryan: Score would have been 24-10.

2. Remove the fumble by Ryan that lead to a field goal: Score would have been 24-7.

3. Remove the boneheaded play by the secondary against Curt Cousins: Would have been a shut out.

The Falcons also left points on the field by two dropped pass by Julio Jones(one was more PI, that wasn’t called–don’t blame him for that one).

Game could have easily been 31-3 if the play-makers executed their opportunities correctly–just saying.

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MB

I agree. I am surprised they did not run the ball more often, because obviously they were pulling the LBs out for coverage. Yet, I felt that it was more Matt Ryan changing the plays and trying to make a home run play. When they settled down and ran the ball in the second half, it opened up our passing attack even more.

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It is the classic argument of scheme vs execution. I am an execution guy, the NFL is the copy cat league. There has not been a new idea in 20 years, all you can do it put in wrinkles and hope to catch the other team off guard in order to “out scheme” them, but they figure out exactly what you are doing. and know how to stop it soon enough…. But execution is what it is all about, getting 11 guys lined up correctly, everyone knowing their assignments. It is like a symphony, it is not the music you play, but how you play it. Everyone has to hit the right note at the right time….Funny I use that anologoy, because our D relies on timing. All our blitzes, coverage schemes are timing.

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Can you tell me who is NOT having problems on their offensive lines?

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“What would the score have been if we had thrown to Rodgers instead of Hawley? That’s probably Hawley’s fault for dropping. Poor execution instead of poor play calling, right? Hell, we should throw to all our Centers. Then we’ll have them fooled!”

We did throw to Rodgers on a check down play, and guess what? HE DROPPED THE BALL! So did Tuner.

The whole point of throwing to Hawley(if he made a catch), is to force a defender to guard him or keep an eye on him later in the game, so we would have more one versus one opportunities down the field.

This is, again, where arrogance/emotional opinions come in. The reasoning behind it makes sense, and if he caught the ball… it would have helped us in the long run. I am not saying it is a play we need to make constantly. It’s just a play to throw off the defense.

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Matty Bicep

I agree. There is a difference between these coaches and the previous ones. I can see the adjustments made during and after the game we play. It is evident in Matt’s progression this year/how the defense if preforming against the pass. Players need to execute, plain and simple. It has been this way the past couple of game on offense.

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BL – I completely concur that coaching is way better. More in game adjustments. Ryan is clearly improved and team seems hungry and determined.

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Big Lou – your need to remind yourself of your apparent vacuous claim to desire civility. Just because somebody does not agree with you, should not prompt you to assert “where arrogance/emotional opinions come” – that is classical marginalization of anothers opinion, and it most circles amounts to condescension.

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MB – Your thought makes sense, but I side with Paddy O. I htink it’s too cute. Plus, I’m with you… glad he dropped it versus fumbling. In the end, I really think an opposing D would just ignore him and take their chances. Maybe if he had caught it… but if I’m a DC and see him in the backfield, I’m thinking he’s a blocking FB and playing that percentage. If he beats me in the flat, OK. But I’m not putting my MLB on him. It’s like splitting Sanchez out to WR when Teebow is under center. No way I beleive they are throwing it to Sanchez.

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Paddy O

Don’t forget Ken Strickland and Dhunt. They usually agree with player execution.

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Big Lou – Can’t have it both ways. If it’s on players to execute, then you don’t need cute gimmicks. Hell, I’d rather you fake a punt if you want a gimmick play. That was a questionable coaching call. Didn’t say the coaches were doing a horrible job. In fact, I’ve praised them this year much more than I predicted. Unlike your portrait of me, I never claimed anyone (player or coach) has to be perfect everytime. I just don’t want to be predictable or overly conservative. That and some questionable (to me) draft choices is all I’ve complained about. All the while, praising the team for their overall great play.

It is possible to be supportive and happy while maintaining objectivity and expressing opions of concern.

I have no issue with your points on execution. You are 100% correct. If we execute every play correctly, we cannot be stopped. But we’re not going to. The enemy gets a vote too.

Just because I say the Hawley play is stupid, which I beleive it is, doesn’t ean I disagree that Julio shouldn’t have dropped the ball. They’re independent thoughts. One PLAYER didn’t execute, the COACHES drew up a dumb play.

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Check this BS out………….

Dungy’s comments are timely, because even though the league is shifting to becoming more of a passing operation, some of the top teams in 2012 are running the ball down defense’s throats.

The Falcons may be 5-0, but clearly they are not winning in the national broadcast court of public opinion.

I get Ditka’s comment, but I’m so GD sick of hearing that bulls!t I can scream. Who gives a flying f–k if you win in the playoffs but don’t win a Super Bowl? And it’s Week 6, but yet you have clowns bringing that sh!t up all the time. Does it make it easier for Ravens fans because they “win” in the playoffs, but never get to the big dance? (speaking of Flacco / Harbaugh Era).

And the “get Michael Turner involved” garbage is preposterous. Comparing us to the Giants (Bradshaw), 49ers (Gore), Bears (Forte). The New England is fair comparison and how has being one of the top rushing teams in the league worked out the last few years?

The Bears and 49ers run the ball so much because they have subpar, game-managing QBs. Let’s see if the Patriots continue to take the ball out of Brady’s hands that much. The Giants run because they have a pretty good (but really old) OL, and Manning just had like 400 yards passing the other day……………… Stupid!

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MB – I agree that it is possible to draw off a potential defender from one our genuine playmakers. But as indicated, I’d prefer we use Snelling or Quizz in this role, as he will be more proficient at catching, and both have shown adequate prowess on the blocking front.

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Damn, reminds me of my EX bitching all the time…oh well were allpassionate about our falcons!

Coop, congrats on FFL, D3 hardly ever talks about it…but I bet Ill get him to after this weekend!!!

, smack is coming buddy!!!

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Big Lou – I had read the timeline of comments. If you can’t live up to your own asserted standards, that gives the impression you are a bit hypocritical (2 wrongs generally do not make a right). typically, if you say something stupid/biased/condescending, you’ll get a sarcastic retort from somebody. Coop and SP are the most negative guys on here. (However, for pure acerbicness, Honest Abe took the cake) Ken S WAS pretty negative, but Nolan and Welcome Back have solved most of his negative problems. Personally, I’m 99% sure most of the folks here are sharper than I regarding football – which makes me winning the draft contest 2 years ago pretty ironic – Akeem Dent got me the trophy!; but, I have decent ability to observe cause & effect. Dhunt is a tougher guy to read. In general, I am far more critical of coaches based on long term bad habits – Ken S called it SMITTY BALL, I called it the Molasses Gang due to our glacial in game adjustments the last 3 years. From our limited observation of JJ, I’d say he has a developing problem with drops. I’ve never though MR2 had much of a problem – either holding the ball too long, or scrambling. I’ve also defended Turner when others were ready to kick him to the road – hard to dismiss 1300 yard running season. Our WR corps is the best in football. I think Snelling is underutilized; and, I have apologized for running down DeCoud – it appears he was profoundly misused by BVG. I too think Bierman would work well as a LB, and wish Sidbury would get more playing time. I also think there is an apprenticeship program with Smitty, but the Falcon KGB is tough to get good info out of. From here, considering how little we knew of Bakers 2011 injuries, it is highly likely that Clabo has a similar tough injury he is playing through. After the Carolina game, I suggested we use Quizz & Snelling the I, let Snelling provide chipping outside help for Clabo. We shall see. Being 5.- 0 is pretty fun!

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Paddy O

Define stupid? Stupid/Biased in THEIR opinion, right?

A lot of individuals thought it was STUPID/BIASED to keep Decoud… and look what he has done under Mike Nolan. Again, calling a comment stupid/biased doesn’t make the others correct. Just because I do not agree with the norm of negativity, even though I have been as critical as most on here, does not make me less knowledgeable. I try to bring an objective view to the comments made.

As for Ken Strickland, yes… last year he called it SMITTY BALL. Then after we got DK and Mike Nolan, he realized it was not Smith, but MULARKEY BALL. If anything, Ken is the biggest defender of our coaching right now– more than me.

I do agree they should use Snelling more on check-down plays. I feel he would be a better option than Turner, since he has better elusiveness. I am still worried about Rodger’s inconsistency, though. It is his second year, so like JJ, I expect mistakes.

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Was going to jump off this mtn in maggie valley after LRD luck with RG3, but then I saw D3 on the schedule…thank you lord…no gimmies in ffl unless its the hotspurs!!!

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lol, there you go…a little smack. Now quit crying in your beer like a little sorority girl from UGA and work the waivers wires, work the trades and man up!!!!!!!!

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D3, after all these yrs you know wise and I have never met. Consequently, I will repeat my SarahB championship this yr!!! Thin air up here in the mtns…lol.

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JJ — I would talk sh!t about your Panthers, but it’s not even like shooting fish in a barrel, it’s as easy as just looking at a barrel.

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the playoff failure – sadly due to it having occurred in 3 consecutive games, and the only 3 games MR2 has played in – it makes our team suspect for being failures in high pressure games. If we go conservative, we could be in trouble. I still remember that Eagles game in 2010 – I thought we’d stomp the manure out of the Eagles – blam, blam, blam – game over and we look like road kill. If we employ SMITTY BALL in the playoffs again, we’ll have a nice size hangover. D3 – nice article again, BTW.

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My panthers???? What you talkin bout willis? (tv sitcom)
Im on vaca up here in the mtns but live in alph/roswell…but you know this.
Why would you think Im a panther fan?……
Did draft Owens last wk just to block LRD ,sorry buddy, but thats not it.
hmmmmmmm……………………………………………………………..
Got it, your delusional in anticipation of all the smack coming your way before and especially AFTER my war eagles kick butt over your hotspurs…and what the F with a bball team name???

It’s all good my friend, you know I love to smack a little football.

Same goes to BL, wabe and whoever else is bitcharguing, never take anything personal on a blog…but we all will roll down ptree soon, first rd on me!!!!

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LOl JJ, I was starting to think that JJ forgot what College he went to,

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Yeah, I kinda figured that out. Just joking my friend.

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f21, need to join our sarahb league. We have enough hard core bird cagers to have 2 -10 or 2-12 league teams andthe winner ofeach league goes at it on superbowl. Just a thought.
But D3 and SW would not like 20+ above them in the standings…

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As UB says, the pillows calling my name, but leave you with yet another reason to love those Atlanta Falcons and Arthur Blank…………

http://www.ajc.com/gallery/sports/football/falcons-visit-area-schools/g5kB/#2766900

Look how happy those kids are……

Nite ‘all!

Be nice Cage Brothers!

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Reality BITES only if your satisfied with your past. Your like NO and Bressus, thk the lord you won one.

Im going for the repeat MR. MATH teacher…j/k buddy!

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Has anyone noticed how little we’ve used the the NO HUDDLE, especially after the 1st gm? With Koetter’s excellent play calling, there has been little need to switch to it in order to jump start the OFF. Our average PPG isn’t that much higher than last yrs 25.2PPG. However, the difference in our record and the way we’ve played can be attributed to our very much improved pass DEF and pass rush.

We’ve had players capable of making plays for the last 2-3yrs, but our DEF scheme, approach, and system seldom put them in position to make many plays. TDeCoud 4 INTs in just 5gms equals last yrs total.

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JB FALCON-I am sooo glad you brought up the absence of BIG RAY AND SEMINOLE WARRIOR, because I’ve missed them as well. I rely heavily on these blogs and you CAGERS to get me through the day. I’m dealing with family situations that are very stressful and at the same time disappointing. How do you deal with 2 extremely stubborn, and suddenly very vindictive, parents in their 80s? Both need around the clock care, yet both are battling each other for control based on issues that took place yrs ago.

I’m caught in the middle of 2 elderly parents, both of whom want to control everything, even though they can barely control their own bowels. Can you imagine an 85yr old mother, who’s still recovering from a recent stroke, and a stepfather with advanced Parkinson’s disease, thinking they’re competent enough to run the show indepently? Anything that I say, that doesn’t adhere to what they want, is met with I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.

I’ve gotten to the point where I am sick and tired of hearing my name called every few mins, really. Anyway, back to football and our beloved Falcons.

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Ken — Best wishes and thoughts my friend. You are in my thoughts buddy. Got a similar situation with a member of my family as well, so I know the struggle you’re going through.

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Getting late Cagers but we better be ready for Oakland, they did beat Pittsburgh! Later.

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@Ken: I hope you can get things worked out with your family. Hang in there.

@D3: Just more proof that this organization has been built to be successful in the long run.

@falcon21: It’s been said that you don’t know which Raiders team you’re going to get in a given week, but when I see one win versus Pittsburgh and three losses, two being against teams we outclassed, I think “fluke”. After a pair of ugly wins, the Birds will take care of business and grab that AFC West crown.

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above post talking about 08 season when Ryan and CS were rookies.

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MB,

I’ll buy what you’re selling in your 10:42 post. I do think Smitty’s a good coach.

It does suck for him and all of us that the Falcons are 0-3 in the playoffs during his tenure, but, I think what makes things worse is the way that we’ve been getting bounced from the playoffs. In the past 2 seasons, we haven’t even played like a team that deserved to be in the playoffs. We’ve suffered our worst losses of the season at a time where we need to be playing our best ball. I think that is why Smitty has gotten the heat he has gotten.

Say what you will, but it’s justified to a degree. You can’t get stomped in back to back years in the playoffs, playing your worst football game of the season in both cases, when all the chips are on the table. You can scream execution all you want, because that’s also needed. But, it’s the coaches job to get these guys prepared. I think Smitty’s conservative ‘play not to lose’ style has proven to cost us in the playoffs when everybody’s coming at you, not playing hoping you make the first mistake.

I think coaches in general, like Smitty, deserve longer leashes. If they’ve proven they’re capable and consistent winners in the regular season, I think they’ll learn a lot about their weaknesses and shortcomings over the years and eventually push through. That’s one reason why I think organization’s like PITT can win consistently. They stick with their guy, making tweaks along the way, and have proven to be a model of consistency, something I think we’re building here.

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Falcons Chic

It was a play action screen to Harry Douglas. What was suppose to happen is that the offensive lineman or RB should have chipped Kerrigan to slow him a down a bit, then let him go. It seems that they never touched him, which surprised Ryan when he turned to throw. Ryan has the tendency, like most QBs, to sometimes turn into a robot of the offense and just throw the route on the play, instead of looking first. I feel that is the only reason why he has 3 INT this year is that he gets too anxious and throws with tunnel vision.

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FALCONS CHIC-Thanks for the China support. I’d give anything to be in China, although my reasons likely wouldn’t go over well with the Chinese. I’d want to visit the the remote mountains of Southern China to see the decendants of China’s original inhabitants, who established the 1st 2 dynasties in China, the Xia and Shang. They were called NAKHI, and they originated in West Africa.

They built the worlds largest pyramid(1000ft tall) in China, which was earthen.They were discovered by the outside world in 1923 when a US state dept official discovered their existence. At the time there were over a quarter of a million of them, with their culture and language still intact. They have been traced directly to West Africa, as well as South America and Olmec civilization, which is the 1st recorded high culture in America.

I know all of this because I’ve been studying Ancient African history for 30 yrs. I would deeply appreciate any info you can give me on the matter.

You guys don’t know it, but just getting my personal issues out in the open, and know that I’m not the only one among us with simular issues was uplifting. I really feel so much better. It’s like a weight has been taken off my shoulders, at least for now anyway. But every little bit helps. Thanks again CAGERS.

I’ve been seriously contemplating a complete life change after I get these family issues resolved. I’m thinking about selling everything and buying a 5th wheel RV, a pickup truck, and taking my time while seeing the US. Can anyone give me any info on what that’s like? I’ve become intoxicated over the idea of living and traveling anywhere I want, staying as long as I want, and leaving whenever I want.

I wish I could find a road partner, besides my little Dobe Man of course, but I’ll go it alone if I have to. Of course, as soon as I start talking trash about my Falcons, I’ll probably get run out of town sooner than I’d like, but what else can I do, WE BAD!

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As for CMS, I agree that he has been an outstanding coach. I love Smitty and will always revere what he, TD, and MR2 did for this franchise after the Vick/Petrino debacle. I have often stated that he was brilliant in his approach. The Falcons were a team with a ton of holes, but he committed to playing mistake-free football. Cut down on penalties, run the ball, stop the run. That was exactly what this team needed in 2008. Fundamentally sound, SAFE, football.

I submit thatif Cleveland, Oakland, or any other crappy team subscribed to this methodology today, they would instantly become a contender to win 8 or 9 games. As much as I hate Smittyball, MB and BL are correct that it is very effective. At the point this franchise was in, that’s what they needed. Don’t get too high, just get consistent. We won some games we should have lost, lost some games we should have won, but basically, we were consistent.

My issue with Smittyball was that I felt (and feel) that CMS went too long with it. Why not? It was wildly successful other than the playoffs. However, I think that the team got inculcated with the belief that they couldn’t make a mistake or they’d lose. However, the players had gotten better (or we got better players) and they were developing to a point where it was time to move beyond Smittyball. You don’t abandon EVERY aspect. You still want to limit penalties and turnovers, but take the reigns off more and more and trust your players to make some plays. Don’t wait for 4th and 1 to be aggressive, be aggressive on 1st and 10.

I honestly believed that CMS was the eason we played conservative O and BBDB D. To me, the HC is responsible for everything the team does or fails to do. If it was MM and BVG, then CMS was culpable for not firing them or demanding they change. When those two left, I never once thought (still don’t) that it was Smitty’s decision. Either Arthur or TD forced him to make that change.

Perhaps Smitty figured it out on his own, or Arthur forced him to, but he is definitely coaching different this year. The one thing I never thought he culd do was change. So, I give him all the credit in the world for this 5-0 start and the change in the demeanor of this team. Others have said it, you just see a different team on the field this year. Smitty deserve HIGH PRAISE for this.

I am honestly glad that I was wrong in believing Smitty could change. I hope to see more of what we’ve seen the first 5 weeks from the HC.

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If all we can be critical of is dropped passes, then I am happy. Why? What would be easier to fix than dropped passes? For there to be a dropped pass, the line had to block, the QB had to recognize the open receiver, he had to deliver the ball to the receiver, and then the receiver had to drop it. Three things went right and one thing went wrong. Easy to fix.

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COOP-I complained because I had no shoes, until I met a man with no feet. THANKS A MILLION COOP!!!!

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Coop

Love the MS posts, and I totally agree. It’s time to take more risks. I’m happy that MS is going in the right direction. They just need to be more effective in the run game by the playoffs.

I agree on the Raiders game, too. The only way the game will be close is if they shoot themselves in the foot. I have been pretty good on my personnel predictions so far, and I think the Burner will have a huge game.

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JB — How awesome would it be if ended that @sshole’s streak? Just so hard because he passes the ball 50+ times a game and could care less how many INT’s he has.

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Oop! I wuz wrong. Reading the wrong chart.

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I found my original prediction. I’ve done well in the W/L, but some of my analysis was off. Plus, going forward I don’t think I would predict Cardinals to be easy anymore.

1) Falcons @ Chiefs – Win: Agree with D3 that we are finally focused. This could be tough however. New coordinators means growing pains. Very interested to see how we hold up against the run without Lofton. Do we play Smittyball? Can we get to Cassel? If the answers are No and Yes, we win easy.
2) Falcons vs. Broncos – Win: Again, agree with D3. This is a win. Disagree that Manning will “get his”. I predict Peyton struggles early on this season. He didn’t look good during the preseason. Falcons win big.
3) Falcons @ Chargers – Win: The Falcons are absolutely the better team. Chargers are trending down. Normaly, teams traveling from East to West don’t fair well. But look at Smitty’s record… we do very well going West.
4) Falcons vs. Panthers – Win: I predict Cam has a sophomore slump. We play a solid game and MR2 shows he’s knocking on the elite door, not Mr. Fig Newton.
5) Falcons @ Redskins – Win: I like RG3, but the rest of that team STILL sucks. Falcons beat a better Redskins team in DC with Vick. They’ll blow this team out.
6) Falcons vs. Raiders – Win: This will be an very tight game just like D3 said. The issue here is looking ahead to the bye week and being a “surprise 5-0 team”.
7) Falcons @ Eagles – Win: Vick will be out for this game. Bank on it! I think Reid is a very good coach, but his light is starting to flicker. If I’m right above and Smitty has his team 6-0, it means he has learned how to use his talent. Falcons have more of it than the Eagles.
8.) Falcons vs. Cowboys – Win: If we lose this game, I may kill myself. I’d feel better if this game was in December when the Cowboys and Romo play like idiots, but the Boy’s are simply a retard organization like the Jets. Don’t lose to this embarassment.
9) Falcons @ Saints – Loss: I don’t think we go 8-0. So my prediction above is pretty crappy. It’s definitely what we can and should do, but I don’t believe in our HC. So I know I need to put some L’s on the board. Hear is the first one. Our rival plays with more heart and identity than we do. It makes me sick.
10) Falcons vs. Cardinals – Win: Easily.
11) Falcons @ Bucs – Loss: Smitty can’t get this team to recognize it’s potential. It shows again in Tampa.
12) Falcons vs. Saints – Loss: By now, the Cage is about to go off the cliff. after starting 8-0, we’ve lost 3 of the last 4.
13) Falcons @ Panthers – Win: Finally, someone at the branch grabs this team by the balls and injects some life into it! Falcons start epic run…
14) Falcons vs. Giants – Win: This will be an epic @sswhopping! The Birds will finally have their identity and will use this game to erase memories of the playoff losses and anounce their intentions for January!
15) Falcons @ Lions – Win: I see a lot of folks picking this as a loss. No way. Lions D is not improved and our D shuts down Megatron and knocks Stafford out of the game.
16) Falcons vs. Bucs – Win: Avenging an embarassing loss, Birds finish the season 13-3. Enter the playoffs with the #2 seed.

The schedule worries me more than anything not named Smitty. I have never seen a schedule without back-toback home games… That’s concerning.

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No sweat UB. I have winning loto numbers to…

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JB – Good point… D@MN!

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Hello Cage
I hope all are well and Gods blessings are shining down.
Ken I am sorry for your problems, But nothing but God himself is stronger than the power of Prayer . And you have mine.

Great win for the Falcons .Why great? Because there 5 and 0.

J Jones drops. A little concern but I think he will work it out . If you guys remember the one thing he had problems with at Alabama . Was drops.But he was still very good .

The Birds coaching staff is far greater than before and they are the biggest part of this team winning the last 2 games. UNLIKE THE WAY IT USE TO BE !!

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Regarding playoffs…

Curious, I went to web page below. I found that from 1966 to 1977, the Falcons didn’t have a single playoff appearance.

From 1978 through 2004, they made the playoffs 8 times. Of those 8 times, they were “one and gone” 3 times. They got to the Super Bowl once, and lost.

From 1966 through 2007, they had 8 playoff appearances in 29 years, averaging an appearance every 3.625 years.

From 2008 — 2011, they were “one and gone” each time, but they made the playoffs 3 times in 4 years.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/playoffs.htm

My math may be a little off, but to a Falcons fan since ‘66, the Smith Era shows a significant trend. If a team makes the playoffs every 1.3 years, the odds are on optimism.

(Yeah, I’m a homer.)

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Question: Talent wise; the current roster for the Falcons – who get credit for assembling? I’d say TD.

Getting the most out of that talent, who is responsible? Mike Smith. I also agree with others who stated that Mike Smith coaching emphasis – mistake free, penalty free football, was essential for the team he inherited in 2008.

However, from 2008 to 2011, I don’t think we added a ton of wrinkles to our team scheme; heck, on defense, we seemed to be going backwards. So, the question at that point after 2011 – was the talent lacking? Or was the scheme fundamentally (BVG, MM – SMITTY BALL; The Molasses Gang) flawed?

From our 5-0 start, I’d say the scheme of MM and BVG was fundamentally flawed – too many opponents dissecting your team for tendencies and predictability. And, our talent level was adequate to be a good, possibly close to, elite team.

Have we witnessed perfect execution? No. But, a reliance on the pass vs. the run allows the team, even when having an off game, to quickly correct and get back into the game, as shown recently.

Who is the MVP on offense from the TD era? MR2? Turner? Tony G? As shown, even when an opposing defense “shuts down” your two wide outs, with a TE like Tony G, you can still effectively move the ball. If we were to go all in and start utilizing our RB’s more effectively in the passing game, I think we could win even when they manage to cover RW84, JJ & Tony G. It is good to be a Falcons fan.

At this point, I think most folks should conclude that TD is a very good, perhaps excellent, talent evaluator/team assembler.

As Coop I think stated, the fact that Mike Smith has adjusted his own personal philosophy to better exploit the talents on this current edition of the Falcons indicates he may just BE THE MAN to get us to the promised land.

Final hurdle – when convincingly in the playoffs. Assuming of course, that the wheels don’t come off the rest of 2012. Imagine if Ewing had not gotten hurt (one aspect of our player development that really needs deliberation – we have a bad habit of getting our draftees hurt early).

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I can usually figure out what’s causing a certain football problem if given enough time. But I just can’t figure out why our OL can master the more complicated and different art of pass blocking, and in just one off season, but fall way short on the more fundamental and easier run blocking. Unlike in the past, nobody is stacking the line of scrimmage and daring us to beat them with the pass.

We certainly can’t blame the RBs, especially MTurner, because none on our RBs have been very effective. Maybe Hill and Koetter spent the OFF season, OTAs, training camp, and preseason, trying to concentrate on improving our OLs pass blocking skills and technique at the expense of run blocking.

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Ken, I read you post last night, shortly after mine, but did not know how to respond, so I didn’t. I’m glad Coop helped you to understand that more won’t be put on your shoulders that you cannot carry. If you feel burdened ask for help, and you will be helped by the Almighty, who works in mysterious ways. That has been done.
On the motorhome idea? I had the same idea before I sold my MH but it is very possible. There is a whole new type of world out there consisting of folks who make it work. Do the research and you will find that anywhere you go, in any park, you will likely find a Falcon fan. It can be done, if that’s what you want.

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To any of the Cage family who find yourself going through rough times, I can tell you what my Grandmother taught me. You have to go through something to get to something. And when you are in the midst of the most trying times, just know, this too will pass.

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Morning cage .

Coop I to had the Birds picked to win 13 games this year but you never know they may do even better.

After there bye they go to see the other Birds . Who will have also just came off a bye . Could be our first loss. But maybe not . \

Cage I hope you all have a blessed day.

GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!

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Coach Smith,

“In terms of a head coach, there are different philosophies, but I believe in you hire an offensive coordinator, you hire a defensive coordinator, and you hire a special teams coordinator. They can devote so much more time than you can on looking at the offense, the defense, and the special teams and you allow those guys with the staff to work with the guys. I don’t believe in micro managing. I believe that you’ve got to have a back row view. When you are a position coach or a coordinator you have to have a micro view. You have to concern yourself with one thing and not really worry about anything else. I’m very fortunate that I have a great staff. Guys around me that do a great job in preparing their groups. When I started, I would never call a play on offense, never call a play on defense or special teams on game day. “

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In other words, Smitty’s saying put it on BVG and Mularkey…

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Ka-bump! Ka-bump!

The Smitty Bus just ran over two coordinators, and didn’t even slow down.

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D3, nice writeup. I totally agree on your opinion of Dent. I’ve been on him for a few weeks now. In my opinion from watching the DL, our guys are consistently winning their 1 on 1 matchups and controling their gaps. The job of the MLB is to read the play and fill where needed and Dent is just nowhere to be found. He pretty much might as well not be in the game.

I’m not as keen on Beirman as some of you other guys. I see him consistently getting handled by opposing TE’s 1 on 1, particularly on running plays, and I just don’t think he has the speed for LB.

I’m definately in agreement that Atlanta will be in the market for a LB come draft time. As for this year, I’m thinking we could start to bring in another safety and let William Moore play outside linebacker on some running downs, moving Spoon to the middle.

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DOGGONE IT, I knew it would happen someday, but I’ve finally posted on the wrong blog.

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Ken S- what have you written about the Falcons on the Hawks blog?

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KS, I thought for a minute that you had done cought a case of serious dimentia!

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Can’t wait for this home game….looking forward to seeing our juggernaut in the dome!

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http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/10/12/atlanta-falcons-run-defense-needs-to-improve-quickly/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

Interesting article on our run defense, which points toward failed execution, instead of scheme. Yet, I would rather teams try to beat us with the run because it takes the QB out of rhythm. Not to mention, Atlanta is doing a good job on time of possession. I really feel the defense will strive more if the Falcons score first.

I really think defending the run is overrated, unless you are dealing with a QB like Cam/RG3/Vick. I’m excited to see what Mike Nolan/Players do to adjust for Oakland. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Our offense has had more issues than our D. Don’t turn into a BVG defense that (overrated) blocks the run well. Like that matters versus teams like the Saints, Green Bay, Giants, Cowboys, and Patriots. Our only weakness with be the 49ers, Ravens, and Philly, IMHO.

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It looks like we will have Lousaka Polite back in the line up as he didn’t appear on the injury report this week. Michael Palmer will not be back giving us just two true TEs on the active roster. It will be interesting to see if they still try to do something with the “Tackle Eligible” out in pass patterns, as a decoy as they have shown a willingness to go that route in the last couple of games.

I would love to see them use Harry Douglas more in the game plan this week and get him on film more to give teams in upcoming weeks another thing for which they have to prepare. Harry is used more to clear out space for our other WRs and I think teams my be overlooking him. Right now, it’s pick your poison with the passing game and it would be nice to add some cyanide for them to worry about. Go Falcons ! ! !

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JB Falcon

Beat me to it. Matt Ryan is on the front page of espn…. WHHHHHATTTTT?

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http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap1000000079426/Preview-Oakland-Raiders-vs-Atlanta-Falcons

NFL preview of Oakland versus the Falcons. What I like is the part where Matt Ryan is talking to his offensive line and was like:

Good job, good job, you… not so much… LMAO (Panther’s Game)

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The Falcons are looking good right now at 5-0, but if they dont win the rest of their games and go undefeated at 16-0, sweep through the playoffs and tie the Miami Dolphins of having a perfect season and win the superbowl, they have essentially wasted their time.

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Yea15-1, 14-2 with NFC South title would be wasting there time.
What an idiot!!!

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stats wise, the “best of the NFL” list is littered with Falcons – all of our key skills guys on offense are on the top Ryan is #2; Gonzo leads in catches, along with Julio and Roddy; Gonzo and Julio lead in scoring (topish); so, you would think with all this passing, our running would be in the dumps – not really, pretty high there too. We have a dynamic attack – when harnessed. I really liked what I saw that first game. The D played out of this world against Peyton and SD. Ryan lead a comback against Caroline & the Skins. Contributions from the entire team. Sweet.

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BIG LOU-I agree with the idea that our failures in run DEF are the result of poor execution rather than scheme. If you review the gms, or can remember those running plays, you’ll notice we’ve usually had players in position to make the play, but they just didn’t effectively fight off their blocks. We also have to accept some concessions in our run DEF, since we don’t traditionally utilize a MLB on most downs.

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Ken

I am glad you noticed that. We usually only have two LBs out at a time. It completely changes Dent out of his natural position. I’ll give him till the end of the year to catch on.

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“SP,

I feel he has had it all along. Perspective.” – UB

If that is true he could have spared many headaches by making that quote sooner. Of course, getting rid of MM a year earlier would have proved that outright in a much more convincing fashion. I’m more worried about Koetter than Smitty, and I’m not really worried about Koetter just yet. Since we can’t do pictures here, this link ( http://boards.atlantafalcons.com/topic/3958354-atlanta-adjustment-to-double-coverage/ ) and thread does a good job of showing what I was getting testy about last game. If Smitty and Co. wanna keep scoring, gotta crack the whip and get Koetter adjusting to the adjustments.

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saved. SP. it took me a minute, so if you don’t know what I mean, you ain’t SP.

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SP, your posts’ content gave you away. The content is the key.

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some folks just have that controlling attitude. OK; I’m officially worried – anybody got contact with Big Ray? The article and quote from smith on ESPN mag was nice; but then I read past the Falcon story, and it started looking mighty NE Connecticut stupid. Gee, is it surprising that Doctors and Researchers discovered a potential connection between chronic (and in the past, most likely untreated) concussions and cerebral problems later in life? Do folks think that the NFL has a cadre of medical researches on staff 24/7? The NFL is not the federal gov’t – they cant just print up some dough, hire some highly degreed professionals and still retain profitability. Selah. Asinine idealism. However, anybody shocked that playing professional football could possibly cause long term health problems, cranial and other? It is called assumed risk. And, in the NFL, it is quite high. I would not want 3 or 4 300 pound + guys chasing me and then ALL landing on me; heck, even 1 – who most likely is FASTER than I, would provide all I need to know about potential risk.

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Big Ray you ok? We’re thinking about you big guy….

Also, anyone hear from SW lately?

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I, too, am worried about Big Ray and SW. I hope they are doing well.

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ok

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Searching for Ray… I went through the past week’s Obits on Savannah Now and only saw one Ray… assuming Big Ray wasn’t lying when he talked about his “big, black a$$” then that wasn’t him. He was in Memorial Hospital… if anybody knows Ray’s last name, I’ll go by and check on him tomorrow…

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No reason not to blow out the Raiders tomorrow…

I expect a blowout, anything short of that would be somewhat disappointing. I get it, wins are wins. But, you can’t play down to your competition week after week. Gotta smack some folks around, and we play one of those teams that we should smack tomorrow.

The Raiders running game hasn’t been all that effective this season. McFadden is a good back, but, for whatever reason, they haven’t been able to run he football. I’d hope we’re not the team that McFadden has a coming out party against.

Not really much to break down in this game, IMO. Blowout. That’s what better happen.

35-14. Falcons get to bye week at 6-0.

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I hope to see the Falcons get better each week, correct a weak point each week, and peak out at the NO swamp with the final win.

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The Birds will go into the bye 6 & 0 If all goes the way it should .

After there bye they go to Phill and face the other Birds. And they also will be coming off a bye .You can bet that the Eagles are going to be studying the Falcons on there week off and working on our weaknesses.
This will be our OC and DC:s biggest challenge so for this year

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D3, one last time. you have Big Ray and SW’s em address, could you check on them for us, or is that asking too much?

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JB ,

Sorry bro’, been hanging out a bit on the Hawks blog, as Ken S can attest to…stirring the pot, as it were…LOL.

I’m fine, just been overdoing it a bit lately and have to get back to recovering the right way. Couple of comments on your recent opinions.

1) Yes, I do think somebody will beat us, we won’t go 16-0, but it’s all good. Rather lose in the regular season and get into the postseason and make a run. HOW will they beat us? It’s as likely that we will beat ourselves, but my guess is we will get outsmarted by a team that matches up well with us. Matchups and stategy make up for a LOT in this game. Brings me to my next point…

2) The Pats going undefeated and then losing in the SuperBowl was EXACTLY about matchups and strategy. They came across an opponent with the right matchups, which allowed them to employ the right scheme against them. As we all know, it was the Giants. The game still could have gone either way, but the Giants had enough of the right stuff to compete in that game against a team that was making it look like there WAS no competition for them.

Matchups, my friend…it’s what will take us as far as we can go. We learn to take advantage of our matchups from game to game…and that’s how we win.

There is a lot of work to do, a lot of stuff to correct. Koetter in particular has work to do. He has to learn which matchups work best in which games. Last week it was Julio and TG more than most. But he had other favorable matchups as well, and did not exploit them.

Like you said…fix a piece of this or that each week…

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From ESPN Insider scouting report:

After watching film of both teams, Scouts Inc. breaks down key elements of the Week 6 Raiders-Falcons matchup.

• Oakland needs to eat up the clock: Atlanta coach Mike Smith is a firm believer in ball control and counts time of possession as one of the keys to a win each week. In last week’s win over the Washington Redskins, the Falcons owned a 37:01-22:59 advantage in time of possession. With the Falcons’ ability to eat up yards and sustain drives with a solid combination of passing and running, it is imperative that the Raiders use a strong ground game that eats up the clock and keeps the chains moving.

• Look for Falcons to create one-on-ones for receivers: The Raiders are not only struggling to cover out wide, but their defensive front hasn’t been able to mount much of a pass rush. If Oakland can’t pressure the pocket, it will give Atlanta’s receivers time to run more combination or double-move routes. When he sees his wide receivers in single coverage, Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan loves to throw balls up high where his tall receivers can catch the ball over the top of shorter cornerbacks.

• Crowd the box: Atlanta’s defense has been built more for speed and the kind of wide-open passing games it tends to face in the NFC South. The Falcons are often exposed a bit when facing a strong ground game; they are ranked 31st when it comes to stopping the run. Raiders running back Darren McFadden hasn’t exactly embraced their new zone blocking scheme, but he can still put up yards when he gets off to a quick start. Look for the Falcons to crowd the box with an eighth defender as they try to plug up the running lanes and limit McFadden’s options.

• Home QB: Ryan has really come into this own this season and is doing a great job of reading defenses and protecting the football. He is completing 68 percent of his passes and has connected for 13 touchdown passes while throwing just three interceptions. He is making a good case for inclusion in the class of elite quarterbacks who can be game-changers and lead their offenses to new levels.

• Away QB: Carson Palmer is a quality quarterback with a strong arm and good field vision but has limited foot quickness and ability to extend plays. He is limited to throwing from the pocket to be effective. While he has thrown only two interceptions, he also has thrown only five touchdown passes. He can be very effective when backed up with a strong ground game and is most effective when the play-action fake manages to momentarily freeze the coverage as it makes its reads.

• Key positional battle — Falcons’ ground game vs. Raiders’ LBs: One thing we can count on is Smith’s commitment to the run. While the Falcons might not pour on the yards early on, he will keep pounding the ball knowing Michael Turner is apt to break one eventually. Atlanta is more explosive with its passing game, but it’s the ground game that wears opponents down. The Raiders’ linebackers, especially MLB Rolando McClain, are much stronger defending the run than they are in coverage, and it may end up being a matter of which team can force its will on the opponent early that decides this game.

• Featured player: For the Raiders to have any kind of chance, they will need a huge game from McFadden. He can be a dominating running back when on his game but has not looked like the McFadden of years past so far this season. The Falcons are giving up 5.4 yards per rushing attempt this year and could be exposed if the Raiders can get their backs off to a fast start. McFadden needs to run with his eyes up and an aggressive downhill style that commits early and hits the hole at full speed.

• Film room nuggets: Atlanta TE Tony Gonzalez is not as fast or explosive as he once was, but few tight ends — or receivers for that matter — run as precise routes and do as good a job of finishing their routes off. He goes to the ball and doesn’t just sit and wait for the ball to come to him. … Oakland’s cornerbacks have struggled in man coverage and just don’t do a great job of playing the ball in the air. They could be in for a long day against these receivers that excel at catching the ball over the top of defenders. … Turner may have lost a step over the years and is not quite the workhorse back he once was, but he still runs with a great base and tacklers often end up just bouncing off his thighs.

Prediction

Atlanta 31
Oakland 20

While the Falcons did not enjoy one of their better passing games against the Redskins in Week 5, they shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball on the Raiders. Look for a big game for Ryan and his stable of receivers.

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Speaking of throwing…

I figure our “out of the backfield” game improves dramatically next season. No, I’m not necessarily talking about kicking Mike Turner to the curb, though it may well happen.

I’m talking about Bradie Ewing. The guy can catch the ball out of the backfield, but he can also block. He’ll have all of this season and all of next offseason to get stronger. While the FB position won’t be used heavily if Turner isn’t around next season (or even if he is), the FB who can catch and block is a guy who allows you to do two things:

1) Add extra pass protection without adding another OL player (and subsequently using them as an eligibile receiver).

2) Create another credible dump-off receiving threat…especially after a chip-block or something like that.

And to be honest, we’ve seen this play attempt enough times to know that we do need that option with a better catch-and-run threat than Mike Turner gives us. Turner has to be wide open and squared towards the QB to make that catch, but then he’s got to turn all the way around and gather some steam to make anything of the play. Guys like Snelling, Quizz, and yes…Ewing…can catch more like receivers, body slanted away from the QB and pointed upfield. This allows them to gain yardage after the catch unless the defender is already on them.

It does make a difference….

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true that

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31st against the run?

Man, I knew we were bad, but didn’t know we were almost dead-last in rush defense. Gotta work on that through the bye.

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Big Ray, good to hear that you are recovering well. Waitin’ for the game to start and hear a 14-2 SB win prediction on the pre-game show. That’s what I’m talking about!

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Lawd, Lawd JBF, undefeated and Big Ray is back.

My mom used that term all the timne.

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Ryan wastes no time.

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Good to have polite back.

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SP ,

Thanks, good to be around! Agreed on the offensive possibilities.

Meanwhile not a good start. Ryan’s over-the-middle pass picked off…

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Bad pick, but we got it right back!

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Why is Matt Ryan throwing really bad int? WTF?

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Stop staring down the receivers!

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And Bryant missed? Somebody done flung a spell on the Birds

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Disturbing start…

Don’t want to even give these dude’s a hint that they can come here and win this game…

Supposed to start strong, and put these dudes in their place.

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Nice penetration. Babs been bustin’ through the middle of that line.

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The Predator strikes!

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That’ll be there all day…

Twice now we’ve seen big plays on post-out routes.

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That’s two picks. This one looks like it’s going to get ugly yet again.

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On the pick, I’m sure somebody can point out what Ryan should have done…but I also know that the defender sniffed the play and was right on the ball.

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Great throw from Palmer, great catch by Moore…but Asante blew that one. Had the speed edge, but then slowed up and didn’t make a play on the ball.

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Ok, it’s obvious, Abraham’s gonna have a career day. They can’t block him.

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Was the crapapple joe in the stands? lol

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The Falcons seem to have gotten a swolen head a bit. Matt threw into double coverage on the last pick and stared down the receiver on the first one. They have to go out and play the games and put in the work. If we get arrogant the same thing will happen to us that is happening to Green Bay right now.

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LOL…. Wabe beat me to it. Hey, I’ll take it.

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Time to settle down and figure this crap out, Smith needs to get in their face and fix the problem. Quit trying to hit a grand slam every play and be smarter than these guys like we know we are. I mean come on, a sweep toss on 3rd and 1. Stop overthinking things and just play the damn game.

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I think Abraham is having his best season in several years.

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Big Turner looks good today.

Maybe this is a game where Matty Ice comes back to earth…much to the delight of ESPN.

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You said it Chris, get a couple of singles before hitting the home run.

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Switch to the no-huddle was a good move.

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AWESOME throw. Julio damn near drags three DBs into the endzone.

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Or not…lol…

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Another bullet. TD this time.

Yep…nothing like the no huddle.

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Impressive drive by the Falcons with no-huddle.

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Come on, Dunta. Wrap up!

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Got to give them props for that screen. No red jerseys anywhere.

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I’m sorry…. but our defense looks like ASS out there even with the holding calls.

Raiders offense is ranked 30th in the NFL, we’re making them look like they’re a top 10 offense. They average less than 17 ppg game. I know we’ve held them to a FG, but that ain’t gonna be the case if we keep bleeding yards.

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Another first down.

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Almost a turnover…

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watch the fake

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Now that’s the Babineaux I got used to. AWESOME stand.

Raiders are idiots. We won the battle of the trenches, otherwise it’s 6 points.

That tackle for loss was every bit as good as a turnover.

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Big Lou,

My concern is it only takes one break or missed tackle for McFadden or one of those other speedsters to get ahead of the defense….and then they are GONE.

It’s no different than pounding Turner over and over, knowing he may break one any moment. Raiders suck in the redzone, and their OL got ZERO push against us. Thank God or that silly “sweep left” play would have been a TD.

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Wabe, I have to agree with you.

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Even at 6-0 there will be a ton of things to fix.

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wow…

this what a 5-0 team looks like at home?

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Wabe and Snack,

There are always things to fix. Otherwise coaches would have a part-time job.

Right now, we’re “fixin’” to lose the lead…

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Are just trying to make this game entertaining or are we just giving the game away to get that first loss out of the way? I’d prefer we lose to a much better opponent.

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Two-minute D drill.

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See….. that is exactly what I’m talking about

One missed tackle and all that speed beats you.

That’s where BEND turns into BREAK.

I have nothing further to say.

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Horrible execution by the defense and offense today. I think players were reading into their press clippings too much. I’m sick at what I’m seeing right now.

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Big Ray

Mike should have made the tackle. Can’t blame that on Nolan. Bend don’t break requires disciplined play.

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It’s simple.

Either we have a much better second half, or we lose this game.

Period.

What I’ve seen so far has been a cross between “awful” and “oops.”

And I disagree about Ryan taking the sack. He was hit as he threw, and he had a guy open.

If he takes the sack, somebody would be yacking about how he held the ball too long and had a guy open, should have made the play.

Protection broke down…as it just did a moment ago.

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Go figure…Clabo.

The flaws are showin’ up big time here.

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Mike should have made the tackle. Can’t blame that on Nolan. Bend don’t break requires disciplined play.

Where did I mention Mike Nolan? This isn’t about Mike Nolan, so I don’t know where you’re getting that idea.

Like I said before “one missed tackle” and you’re in trouble. Clearly tackling is an execution thing.

That’s the problem with all the “bending”…you break when you don’t make the tackle…as we just saw. My point stands, I’m afraid…and I don’t like it one bit.

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Alright, I’m not predicting blowouts anymore. Are we about to be down at the half for the first time this season?

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The Falcons must open up a touch down or better lead in the second half…if they allow the Raiders to be within a couple of points in the latter stages of the 4th quarter, we’re in trouble. Janikowski will break our hearts with 50+ FG’s…

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I think we need Carson to step his game up and start throwing his usual pick sixes

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Can someone please explain to me what the heck is wrong with these guys? I am still of the mind that they underestimated the Raiders and aren’t taking every team seriously. Therein lies my comment on arrogance. They need to be grounded and return the focus that has been missing in the last 2 1/2 games.

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Big Ray

You played defense. It’s always about tackling, no matter what type of defense it is.

I really think the players need to look at themselves in the mirror during half-time.

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Wabe ,

You’re right, I sure hope folks who have been giving you ish now see what you see. Because that will surely make a difference in how the Falcons play if all bloggers agree to be critical at the same level.

Now if you’ll just send that note to the CS…

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Big Lou ,

I seriously think they have become enamored with their own SportsCenter highlights.

Oh, it’s great when you can throw a shoulder into somebody or slap at them and make them fumble. But those are plays that happen once, twice, MAYBE three times in a game. The rest of the time, it’s all tackling.

I’m sick of watching these guys “throw” hits at the opposition, only to watch the guy shrug it off and get 20 more yards…making us look like azz clowns on the field.

I’m also sick of all these failed shoe-string tackles. Quit grabbing guys by the shoe laces and start wrapping them up .

WTF…you learn that in high school for crying out loud.

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This team has been one of the least penalized teams again. This team goes as its discipline goes.

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Wabe,

That’s right…bring the smack down!

I also think this is exactly why Asante Samuel rated the defense a “mere” 5 out of 10 last time he was asked.

Seems he was right.

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Wabe

I am going to concede that the offensive line is not cutting it this year. It’s truly pathetic to watch 2 INT by Ryan due to poor protection. This team has a long way to go before even making noise in the playoffs.

I’m looking for half-time adjustments. I’m still very disappointed in the players do far this game.

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Now there’s the defense that has pride.

Nolan got in somebody’s ass with a hot poker, I bet.

Either that or a veteran spoke up.

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Actually, I’m betting Smitty lost his damn mind in the locker room, LOL.

“This is what I get for letting y’all off on Monday and Tuesday after the last win??!!!”

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And the offense starts with Turner getting shoe-stringed in the backfield.

sigh

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Offense is still bogged.

Why are we not running the no huddle?

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Once again we are playing down to our competition. We shouldawouldacoulda be up by 14 but not executing and see no fire in the team…need the leaders of the team to kick some asses…starting with cooter!!!

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I’m trying to keep thing objective, but these Falcons are really starting to piss me off. But, if they lose, I’m glad it will happen now, before the bye week. Then the coaches can get in their azz for 2 weeks.

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Papa Lion sighting

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Big Lou ,

I knew you were human….LOL.

I agree completely, it’s kinda like I was saying earlier…better for this to happen NOW…and that’s regardless of all the inevitable “But it shouldn’t have happened!” comments…

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Dent just nailed McFadden, who thought he had an open hole.

NOPE!

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Until I see the Falcons come out (play) with a sense of urgency on both sides of the ball at start of games…we’re not a Super Bowl caliber team!

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Sooo many people predicted the Falcon win with the raiders scoring 13. They’ve upheld their side, its time we do our part. Oakland, this year, has been outscored 30 trillion to nothing in the third 3rd quarter. We need to play like we know we can and get this suspense over.

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I’ll take it…

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HD! Talk about a lucky break!

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that is kinda break that can get the Mo bug on ourside….

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empty set…

just keep him in it man.

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What is Ryan DOING?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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wow man….

this unbelievable.

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Ryan did well to evade the pressure, but we’re leaving way too many plays out there.

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Ok…so here’s the game plan for the rest of the game.

1) Play good defense, don’t let the Raiders score…not even a FG.

2) Dink and dunk until we get within Matt Bryan’s range. He’s the only reliable offense we have right now.

3) Two more FGs gives us a squeaker of a win. Wait…better make it three just in case.

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Yeah HD dropped it…

But even if he caught that, we’re still 4 yards short of the 1st down.

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EDWARDS SHOWS UP!

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Plus the strip by the Predator!

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Hell yeah…great play by Abe and Ray Edwards.

Time to punch this one in.

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Wabe

True. But it’s closer field goal range.

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Guys, I hate to break it to ya…the gig is up! Our offense has been found out…we’ve been effectively, defensively schemed dating back to the panthers game. Our wonderboy Koetter hasn’t made the necessary adjustments to counter. Just my opinion.

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they missed that…

that was a false start.

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Really?!

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How many ways can you possibly fail to SCORE A TD??!!!!

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you’ve got to be kiding me man.

patheticccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

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Yes, really.

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Just about had it with this crap. After 4 years and we still cannot move a ball 2 inches forward…it is time for heads to roll.

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Well, why was Snelling running in that situation? That’s a Turner type run. That’s on the coaching staff.

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Bad playcalling was what we saw LAST week.

This week, no play has a chance because we can’t freaking block.

And we can’t give the credit to the Raiders because they aren’t THAT good on defense…although they are ranked ahead of US.

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D will have to win this game with turnovers, as BL prophesised.

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More ankle tackling…and we’re bleeding yards again.

Need another turnover. But we won’t get it if we keep letting them run the way we are.

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We need to get our D off the field.

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This is where great defenses shine. Let’s see what they got.

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Don’t give up a big play on 3rd.

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Id still bet my last penny that we will win because of mattyice but this is embarrasing. Playcalling, OL and Dent have all underperformed. Some flak has to go to HC Smith for the team coming out flat AGAIN. Yea players are not executing but little fire or urgency on both sides!

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Good job D. I believe in you.

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The offense today looks like a cross from last year’s offense and the offense that the Falcons can actually become. Where are the swing passes to Quizz and less Turner.

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We got some big boys on the sidelines ready to play on the O-line, why in the hell will we not let them play? This O-line sucks!!!

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No huddle for the rest of the game,dont trust cooter!

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Hell of a throw!

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dam nice snag… now lets do something with this… way matt is walking around.. he is looking/acting like he is a hurtin

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Matt is a soldier. He is getting creamed out there.

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Ryan may as well try out for “Dancing with the Stars” with this gawdawful excuse for blocking…

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Now we punt out of the end zone.

Defense has to stand up for us once again.

Meanwhile Matt Bosher proves that TD knew what the hell he was doing in the 6th round a couple of years ago.

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Ha…that’s called KARMA Oakland…

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Hell yeah…defense pushed McFadden back and out of bounds.

Weatherspoon started all of that.

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It’s 0-0, who has the best team?

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Wow…

Where was the blitz?

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Really?

WTF….the defense is looking tired. Need a PLAY.

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Good play by Spoon. Excellent closing speed.

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3rd down stop!

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BR, there you go.

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Defense giving us a chance. Offense has to step up.

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Raiders winning time of possession and total offensive yards. We need to do something about that, because it’s just shameful.

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Nice run by Ryan. He usually slides too soon to get the first down, but not that time.

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Matt that made up for one of your INT’S!

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TonyG has only 19yds…come on cooter!!!

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how is that not interference?

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Bosher continues to give us a chance by making sure the opposing offense has a LOT of real estate to cover.

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What? We didn’t go for it?

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Time for a turnover to seal lthis game!!!

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D has been on the field too long already. I can’t believe they’ve kept them from scoring this long.

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Predict SP going “ape sh!t over cooters playcalling…but half the blame has to be on OL.

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#52 can’t shed block…make a tackle!

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Yeah, well it would be easy to jump all over Koetter for this.

I maintain that you can’t even judge playcalling when your QB has little more than a second to make a decision with the ball. Sometimes he’s had literally less than that.

I blame MORE than half on the OL.

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WHJOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoo

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THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

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oh wow… and almost very embarrassing for samuels too. but wow…

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YEA BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6-0

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WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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OH YEAH, YOU TOO ASHATE…..

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Not gonna go apeshit lol. I’m just not gonna send the “win” mojo this time. We derserve to lose and lose we shall. Koetter won’t ever get fired if I keep pulling out wins at the last second .

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WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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Blog blah monster blah go away

Not gonna go apeshit lol. I’m just not gonna send the “win” mojo this time. We derserve to lose and lose we shall. Koetter won’t ever get fired if I keep pulling out wins at the last second .

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Blog blah monster blah go away

Let me post please

Not gonna go apeskittles lol. I’m just not gonna send the “win” mojo this time. We derserve to lose and lose we shall. Koetter won’t ever get fired if I keep pulling out wins at the last second .

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Keep our O-line off the field and we have a chance!

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ALMOST had the second pick!

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Mac with the pick… oh man…..

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SP ,

Ha. Lose to fire a Coordinator. LOL….

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SP

I still want the Falcons to win. Everyone and their momma knows the Falcons have work to do.

Still, you got to give credit to the defense.

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Le sigh

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I don’t want this to go to overtime. Make the stop.

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MF’er Sh!t!!!

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Damn.

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so… can we get down down into Bryant range in 40 secs…

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And yes, I made that word up.

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So can our OL give Matt Ryan protection for 35 seconds?

They haven’t for the last 59 minutes and 20 seconds…

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Big Ray

Not really, defense played a heck of a game. If they win, it’s due to the play of then, not the offense.

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MATT BRYANT TIME.

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BOOM! 6-0!

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holy snikies…

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YES….6-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Wabe, dominant kicking game

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