Atlanta Falcons: Birds Squeak by Raiders to 6-0
Another Win with a Sloppy Effort
Thank Goodness for Abe (AJC)
The Atlanta Falcons are the only undefeated team in the NFL, so why do fans feel so nervous or unfulfilled? After roaring out of the gates to a 3-0 start and looking excellent in all phases of the game, the Birds have come back to Earth a bit and looking pedestrian in all areas of the game, especially on offense. On one hand, the team is showing mettle, heart, and determination in finding ways to win, even if very ugly. However, if it continues for several weeks, a disturbing trend begins to take shape and what once was a strength starts to become a weakness because the team is putting itself in positions to have to win at the last minute due to the overall poor play. The fact is that the Falcons are 6-0, even though they’ve not looked very good lately. But isn’t getting a win, however you attain it, better than losing? Many teams thought to be “dominant” by the media elite talking heads have suffered losses to teams believed to be at the bottom. That speaks to NFL’s parity and winning the first 6 games, however it’s done, is a testament to the Falcons, their coaches, and their players. Whether or not it will serve to benefit or harm in the future is yet to be determined, but the reality is that the Falcons are undefeated and 31 other teams are not. A look at the Raiders game……….
Once a Strength is Becoming a Weakness
At first, it was a great strength showing determination, mettle, and finding a way to win at the last second. The Falcons didn’t play great against an inspired Panthers team coming off a bye week. They willed themselves to a win with less than a minute. Then came a Redskins game that was filled with major mistakes, slogging around, until they finally put together a TD drive and subsequent defensive stand to win the game. OK, it’s on the road and the Redskins have shown a lot of promise. A third week in a row of not playing good is a disturbing trend and is now becoming a weakness. Fact is, the Falcons are putting themselves in these situations where they must scratch and claw from behind to win the game. No other series identifies it better: Asante Samuel makes a beautiful pick six to seemingly put the game away. Then the Raiders offense commences to go right down the field to score with two minutes and not needing any of their 3 timeouts. Once a great strength of character and will is simply becoming a product a weak and sloppy play.
Matt Ryan’s Bad, Bad Day
This is About Right (AJC)
Let’s all hope it was just one of those days because it was a really bad one. Ryan threw 3 interceptions (all weren’t necessarily his fault), but some were. He seemed to have happy feet due to poor offensive line play. Not all was on him, but he had plenty of bad throws and misfires all on his own. He missed open receivers, threw the ball high, and generally had an awful day all around. Maybe it was just a bad day against a well-schemed defense. Perhaps the play-calling didn’t help any. The lack of running game surely isn’t helping and neither are the drops. Ryan’s had an excellent year to date, but he needs a game like he had vs. San Diego to erase the Raiders performance.
Abraham the Ageless Wonder
Thank goodness the Falcons found a way to keep John Abraham. The guy is a complete stud and is warming up his Ring of Honor flag as we speak. We as fans always mention Tony Gonzalez when discussing a Falcon that defies age. But Abraham deserves that praise too. He turned 34 this year and many (including this author) wondered how much he had left in the tank. Well, he’s proving once and for all just how awesome he is and by default how anemic our pass rush is without him. He notched 3 sacks, forced a fumble at a crucial time, and got several holding calls against him. In short, he was unblockable. Already, he has 6 sacks in 6 games. Abraham is the man.
Does the Offensive Line Need a Shakeup?
No, it wasn’t the worst performance of the year (that would be Carolina with 7 sacks in one game), but this offensive line is causing heartburn for Falcons fans looking forward on the schedule when they play really good defensive lines. They weren’t outright terrible in pass blocking in the beginning of the season, but now they’re looking as bad as last year. And run blocking is another nightmare altogether. But really, how much should have been expected with the EXACT SAME starting offensive line as last year?
Baker is a little better, but not dominant. Blalock is the only rock on the team. Todd McClure is on the downside of 35. Garrett Reynolds is only slightly better than last year and that’s saying very little and many think he would be better at his natural position of tackle anyway. And then there’s Tyson Clabo. He has had an absolutely atrocious year. They’re just not getting it done and it shows. Sure, Michael Turner and the running backs aren’t making plays and the play-calling seems mediocre at best recently, but this is what most fans expected when literally no changes were made. Thomas Dimitroff deserves some criticism for the past of the this line, but he used his first two picks (2nd on Peter Konz, 3rd on Lamar Holmes) on offensive linemen. Why not try these guys out for a few series and see what happens? Why not mix it up some and move some of these guys around? Is one of the best overall linemen in the entire draft (Konz) really not good enough to start somewhere on this offensive line? Of all the issues that’s most maddening fans: Mike Smith and the coaching staff’s refusal to try anything different regarding the offensive line two years running.
Speed Needed at Running Back
This may just be an excuse in trying to make up reasons why the offense has been doing so poorly, but here goes: the Falcons need more speed in the backfield. It’s been well documented here in The Cage about Michael Turner and his slowing down or not fitting in this new offense among many other things. The Falcons coaching staff decided to go with Turner as their feature back this year and, even though a few times he’s done OK, mostly he’s looked completely out of sorts with this new offense. Gone are the days of one of the best lead blocking (and highest paid) fullbacks in the league clearing holes, the days of a power-run first offense, and offensive line opening “garage-sized holes” as Cage member SOMEBODY said. The best running backs in the league simply slow down as they approach 30 years old and especially with Turner having so many carries in such a short amount of time.
Running Game is Anemic (AJC)
The issues go beyond Turner, however. Jacquizz Rodgers was thought to be somewhat of an answer and may even contend for close to 40-50% of Turner’s touches, but that surely has not been the case. Maybe it’s play-calling or just lack of playing time, but Rodgers has not turned into the player many fans expected. On the 3rd and 1 toss play to Rodgers, he had room to get the first down, but was easily caught and dropped for a loss. Even his specialty of catching the ball in space had issues when he bobbled a well-timed screen that could have gone for many yards. The odd man out has definitely been Jason Snelling. Many ream the call to give Snelling the ball on 3rd and short, but many times he tends to run just as hard as Turner and does a better job of hitting the hole. The cold truth is that the Falcon simply don’t have speed at running back and haven’t for quite some time. Antone Smith has shown some serious speed in pre-season only to never get touches in a game. What could it hurt? Look no further than Alfred Morris of the Redskins and Andre Brown of the Giants (filling in for Ahmad Bradshaw) tearing it up this year alone. Like the OL issue, that’s a major thorn for fans as well, a refusal to mix it up and give some guys a few chances. From where it stands now, running back surely could be a candidate for a 1st or 2nd round pick in 2013.
Defensive Tackle Could Use a Corey Peters Boost
Peria Jerry, Jonathan Babineaux, and Vance Walker have done a good job getting penetration in the backfield so far this season. Thought to be a possible weakness, they’ve done an admirable job overall. But they sure could use a boost, especially in the run game from a guy by the name of Corey Peters. Believed to be the best overall defensive tackle for the Falcons by many fans, Peters has been out the entire season going all the way back to training camp. He may not be ready for the Eagles game, but getting him back on a defense that could tighten up will be a nice shot in the arm.
More Issues at LB
Not having Stephen Nicholas at full strength really has shown just how fragile the Falcons linebacking corps is. Akeem Dent and Mike Peterson were on the field at the same time many times throughout the game, with Dent playing the entire game. Dent occasionally shows some promise as a very young player in the run game, but he’s just as lost as Curtis Lofton was in pass coverage. As the season wears on, the decision to not sign a linebacker for backup purposes may end up biting the Birds at some point.
Why is the Offense Digressing?
Happening Much Less than it Used to (AJC)
Is it the anemic run game? Is it the offensive line? Is Matt Ryan simply coming off his hot start? Are defenses figuring out what the Falcons want to do? Is it just execution, or is it bad play-calling? Who knows exactly why the Falcons have continued to devolve on offense the last three weeks, but this much is certain: it definitely has. The Falcons looked unstoppable against a pretty good San Diego defense, but has hit a wall of sorts since. They left many points on the board vs. Carolina and gave up 7 sacks. They played 3 quarters of weak offensive football in DC before finally getting it together. And they looked as bad as they ever have against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Whatever the reason, the coaching staff and offense better get some things figured out before a tough part of the schedule starts coming up.
Harry Douglas Needs More Snaps
This is nothing new and it has nothing to do with that spectacular off-the-helmet catch he made on the ground, but Harry Douglas should get not only more snaps on offense, but more touches as well. The idea is that it’s impossible to cover all of the Falcons aerial weapons, but despite only a few occurrences, Douglas just doesn’t get that many looks. Either that or Dirk Koetter doesn’t know how to use him correctly. Seemingly, it would be a coordinators dream to have such an explosive slot man (and to his credit, he’s giving him more looks than Mularkey did), but he never seems to get chances to do what he does best which is to catch and run in space. Perhaps this is more of a critique on formations (3 receiver, 1 TE, single back) sets than anything else, but if you’re going to be an explosive passing team, you have to maximize all your weapons and the slot doesn’t seem to be getting enough snaps or targets. No disrespect intended, but do we really want to see Mike Johnson / Joe Hawley as a 3rd TE, Lousaka Polite, or Tommy Gallarda get on the field instead of HD?
The Tight End Cupboard is Bare After Gonzalez
This is really more about going forward than this year, but Sunday’s game brought to light just how bare the tight end cupboard will be when Gonzalez does finally hang up his cleats. Michael Palmer is hurt and there’s a belief that he can at least bridge a gap until a new tight end is developed, but after that, there’s not much. Tommy Gallarda is about exactly what he was coming out of college: an undrafted free agent. And this is really more on Dimitroff than anyone. He’s not invested any consequential draft picks on tight ends since 2008. In fact, the only tight end he’s ever drafted was Keith Zinger in the 7th round. Palmer may can get it done, but the position as a whole looks to be getting a huge hit when Gonzalez leaves.
Falcons Must Develop Another Defensive End
Bryant Makes Another Late Save (AJC)
As mentioned above, thank goodness for John Abraham, because without him, the Falcons wouldn’t have much of any pass rush from the DE spot. As with tight end, the Falcons have failed to develop any significant production or player from the defensive end spot not named John Abraham. This is year 5 of the Mike Smith / Thomas Dimitroff regime and despite all the supposed talent at DE, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of promise. Ray Edwards appears to be looking more and more like a weak free agent move (as many fans, including this author admit through gritted teeth). Kroy Biermann should move permanently to linebacker, his natural position, most fans believe and is too light to make an impact at DE. Then there’s Lawrence Sidbury who some thought may see an increased role under Mike Nolan, only to continue his disappearing act in 2012. Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews may hold some talent, but they’re always ending up on the inactive list every Sunday. The Falcons signed Abraham to a 3 year contract, so theoretically they have a few more years, but they’ve already had 5.
Fans Seem to Be Pretty Evenly Split
Here in The Cage, it appears to be pretty evenly split among fans and their beliefs / opinions. Some feel that the NFL is the most parity-driven sport in the entire world and that “Any Given Sunday” is a true reality in that each win is special in the National Football League. Hard to argue when you see teams like the Patriots, Packers, 49ers, and Steelers losing games many think they shouldn’t. The Falcons may not be flawless, but they’re finding ways to win and are, so far, the only undefeated team in the NFL. It’s hard to argue against that belief.
On the other hand, fans rightly point to similarities to 2010 when the Falcons were “finding ways to win” as they are now, while not playing great football, went 13-3, and got downright embarrassed in the Debacle in the Dome. In other words, not only losing in back-to-back playoff appearances, but getting blown out and humiliated has corroded the idea of “getting the benefit of the doubt.” There’s nothing the Falcons can do about the postseason right now but win and get there, but those 2010 Falcons seemed to be getting worse as the postseason approached, not better. It’s also hard to argue that point as well.
The Bird Cage Faithful’s Turn
1) Simple Kickoff – where’s your confidence level after week 6?
2) Are the come-from-behind wins still a strength or are they now a weakness?
3) What was up with Matt Ryan’s bad day: one awful game or disturbing trend?
4) Is John Abraham nearing potential Ring of Honor status soon? Can he keep up this pace all season?
5) Is the Falcons offensive line finally due for a shakeup? What would your starting 5 be at Philly?
6) What should the Birds do @ RB? Is more speed desperately needed?
7) What’s your thoughts on the DT play?
8.) Are the LB issues keeping you up at night? Thoughts on Dent?
9) It’s an impossible question, but why is the offense digressing so bad?
10) Should Harry Douglas or others get more touches?
11) What should the Falcons do about TE after Gonzalez retires?
12) What is the deal with the Falcons failure to develop ANY OTHER defensive end?
13) What side do you fall on: happy to 6-0 and plenty of time to correct problems or seriously worried about what the future holds?
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468 comments Add your comment
Matty Bicep
October 18th, 2012
3:03 pm
but the front office has shown it is not afraid to go out and get guys.
Agreed. more concerned about potential problems next week, not in 2013, or maybe even 2014.
Coop
October 18th, 2012
3:24 pm
I haven’t studied every snap just like you have no idea what Smitty, TD, or any of the personnel are doing or thinking either. It’s an opinion…
You opine tha Konz hasn’t been ABLE to get on the field. I opine the coaches haven’t developed him or given him a chance. Either way, I see it as a flaw that we spent a 2nd round pick on a guy that we REFUSE to use. And, 19 snaps on special teams, as a fullback, TE, or cheerleader don’t count in my book.
I’m not certain about Welker either. He does run different route patterns though. We very rarely implement crossing routes. I think “Slant Pattern” has covered this before. Regardless, HD is much quicker and faster than Quizz.
JB Falcon
October 18th, 2012
3:40 pm
This is an excellent read by John Manasso of Fox Sports;
http://www.foxsportssouth.com/10/16/12/Odds-favor-Falcons-to-capture-NFC/landing_falcons.html?blockID=805485&feedID=4354
Coop
October 18th, 2012
3:41 pm
From profootballfocus.com:
Atlanta – Three Performances of Note
Ryan Takes a Shelling
He may not have seen much more pressure than he is used to — pressured on 33.3% of his drop-backs against a season average of 30.5% — but when he was under pressure yesterday Ryan was under heavy pressure. He was hit or sacked 11 times by Raider defenders, and on 12 pass attempts under pressure he had a miniscule passer rating of 11.1. That stems from the fact he completed only four passes for 60 yards while throwing two interceptions. As good as Ryan’s season has been, he is still not comfortable under pressure in spite of taking some strides since last season. Under pressure his passer rating is dropping by more than 30 points, and his completion percentage drops by nearly 20%. Usually this means the Falcons’ offensive line must simply stand up to an opponents’ base pass rush, as Ryan is usually very efficient against the blitz. This week, however, Ryan was only comfortable with no pressure and no blitz. In an unusually poor performance against the blitz Ryan completed only six of 13 passes for 56 yards, with one interception for a passer rating of 26.4. If the Raiders hadn’t backed off and played such a soft prevent defense on the Falcons’ final drive, would the national media be throwing a microscope on Ryan’s performance in this game?
One-Man Wrecking Crew
The Falcons didn’t exert an exorbitant amount of pressure (pressure on 13 of 36 drop-backs) on Palmer in this game, but when they got there it was telling, and John Abraham (+7.4) led the charge with three sacks. His third was merely a case of touching down an already fallen Palmer, but his first two were telling examples of his ability to dominate either of the Raiders’ offensive tackles. In the first quarter he ripped to the inside of RT Willie Smith to almost immediately sack Palmer at the top of his drop-back, which put the Raiders into a long-yardage situation they didn’t risk seriously trying to convert. While in the third quarter, he tore to the outside of Veldheer to take down Palmer as he wound to throw, which forced a fumble that was returned to the Raiders’ 2-yard line by Ray Edwards. The Falcons may have failed to punch the ball into the end zone, but this got them back on level terms and Abraham had made his presence known on the game. In combination with another four pressures, drawn against four different Raiders, and a pair of holding penalties (one each drawn from the Raiders’ tackles) Abraham and Mike Nolan ensured that the Raiders could never scheme to tie down and take away his threat from just one spot on the defense.
Asante Samuel in a Nutshell
If you’d never come across Samuel before yesterday’s game then he showed, almost completely, the player that he has always been and still is. Equally adept at giving up big plays as making them, Samuel was as infuriating as he was game-breaking for the Falcons. He let up two long gains, including one when he tried to break on a short route that wasn’t even faked for, but made the pivotal play for the Falcons late in the fourth quarter. Without that pick-six, his trademark play jumping a route in front of him, the Falcons almost certainly would have lost this game (though who’s to say the Raiders wouldn’t have played soft with a touchdown lead had they finished that drive) and all that Samuel would have been remembered for from this game was the long gains allowed to Moore and Derek Hagan. The only thing Samuel didn’t provide in this game that we are used to after a shoddy start to the season, was a missed tackle — he missed six tackles in his first four games for Atlanta. Samuel has now gone consecutive weeks without a miss. That’s the first time since the middle of last season that he has managed that feat.
Game Notes
– The 10 quarterback hits recorded by the Raiders’ defense in this game nearly doubled their season total. In their first four games they recorded only 14. The two recorded by Philip Wheeler takes him to eight hits in his past four games.
– Atlanta’s expansive use of three wide packages ensured that Rolando McClain played a career-low 18 snaps — evenly split between run and pass defense.
– With 11 missed tackles (tied for a season high) in this game the Falcons have now missed 52 after six games. At this pace the Falcons are on course for 138 missed tackles this season, 31 more than they missed last season.
PFF Game Ball
The only Falcon pass rusher who appeared to show up in this game was John Abraham who inflicted on Jared Veldheer the Raider LT’s worst performance since his rookie season. Abraham’s contribution was pivotal in both run and pass game.
JJ
October 18th, 2012
4:55 pm
Coop, tks, great find. Thats the 2nd present you’ve given the cage, the first happend at 4:30am,
.
Love to see the stats from PFF to backup what we all saw. MR didnt have his best game but he also got drilled from the OL sh!ty blocking. MR is holding on to the ball a little longer this yr (maybe trusting the OL decent performance in first 3 games) vs last yr when hed chuck it out of bounds at first wiff of bakers gas. This yr Clabo has the stinky gas and its time to try another widebody at
RT.
HD, Thought cotter was going to use him more in quick slant passes (holla) or skinny post for his YAC abilities. Last yr (against NO ?) he had a beautiful 10 yd catch in stride that went for a 70 yd TD.
Turner (until 4th qt mop up duties) is done without a quality blocking fullback. But cotter still forces it, bet its not his choice. Witout a lead blocker, would like to see more snelling or quiz. They can at least cut once before performing a colonoscapy on our much deserved front line!
Coop
October 18th, 2012
5:05 pm
JJ – When your sitting atop the FFL heap, you have no choice but to drop good players to fill bye week holes. Best part is, he was my 4th best WR…
You also sparked another thought. Agree on the lack of FB hurting Turner. But why is it that we’re willing to try Polite, Snelling, and even Hawley at FB, but we can’t TRY Konz at OC or TRY Reynolds at RT or TRY Holmes at LT or TRY Kroy at LB? They must all suck…
JJ
October 18th, 2012
5:44 pm
Coop, enjoy the view my friend…it wont last long…lol, hope ur recovery is doing well.
. Love goes out for the Nixon Family in starting the healing thats very, very tough.. Lost my dad many decades ago and there is never a day I dont think about him. Actually had a convo (text) with Unca’Bob (tks buddy) that has helped n not my healing but more of my understanding. my dads role in military back in the 50’s. I have no military affiliation except my dad, sorry. If Id known 30 yrs ago ith the military friends Ive made on the cage, Id prob would have joined.
My dear friend Roddy, Rock and I are so sorry for the lost of your ANGEL! !!
Of course Ive been updated of her health over the last yr or so but it just seams so unfair when they leave us. HE has a greater calling for them and thats why HE called them home. I know my dad is playing golf everyday with his buddies up there and looking fwd to playing around with me again.
That (for me) gives me piece of mind. I will see him and Sarahb and many others in time.
Sorry cage, went off tagent…rezome local blogging….
JJ
October 18th, 2012
5:49 pm
ps- didnt prof read and dont care…got some keys that stick…no, redtube viewing only on tablet!!!
waynester
October 18th, 2012
6:30 pm
More than any other player group, the O-Linemen have to work well as a unit. Any personnel changes have a ripple effect. Our core group has been together for a while so the younger guys have to earn those jobs– if they can take them. Coach Hill may be reluctant to screw around with team chemistry unless one of the newbies is clearly outperforming a vet during the week….
JB FALCON
October 18th, 2012
7:10 pm
waynester, I agree with your 6:30 but I have to wonder why, if Clabo is hurt/underperforming/ hurting the team, why not give even Travian a couple of shots. Bigger, stronger, younger, with less experience. How much can cohesion does it take to have the guy next to you pushing his gay out of the way and helping you with yours?
falcon21
October 18th, 2012
7:40 pm
Ok, I will buy into the coaches not wanting to start a rookie on the O-line, that’s understandable but just how bad are these rookies if that they can’t beat out a couple of these guys? Atleast one of them should be ready, isn’t that the reason TD drafting them!
falcon21
October 18th, 2012
7:45 pm
Proof read and I still screw it up!
JB FALCON
October 18th, 2012
8:00 pm
21, same here.
Sportaree
October 18th, 2012
8:15 pm
falcon 21 and JB FALCON, No matter how hard we try we will never be prefect.
JJ
October 18th, 2012
8:16 pm
f21,since this issue with developing, coaching and actually using these draft picks has gone on since ‘08, …its of course MS. Cover your eyes BL n BM.
Doesnt mean we dont love MS but we have a bye and looking at faults we wish as fans our team would improve on!!!
at aAs a late OLdisciple (like d3) , pray they look at the tapes , look at the tapes!!!
WR
October 18th, 2012
8:16 pm
Whoa, now who’s atop the FFL Standings, miss being able to chop it up as much with you guys, especially still miss chopping it up with the former 1st lady of the cage, but its still fun.
Coop makes a good point about Konz, hard to comment beyond a 2nd rd pick not getting more action, especially if that’s where Ryan’s beat down is coming from, but we too have to consider, Clabo is less stout then Baker this year, and the entire line, can’t point a finger at this time just isn’t opening much running lanes for an RB. Its early in the season, good to know these flaws exist at 6-0 then to notice them at 0-6, especially considering there’s a new Offensive scheme, and new Defensive scheme being introduced. If the Falcons were 3-3 we would chalk it up to the new schemes, but there 6-0, and at times not all that impressive, actually statistically wise, they have taken a step back. In sum, that means they are adjusting to a new scheme, their learning and growing within those schemes, but somehow they have managed to go 6-0, I’m liking it.
D3
October 18th, 2012
8:39 pm
Love that media elite. This one coming from a frackin’ town that DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A GD FOOTBALL TEAM……………..
Parity has leveled the playing field all over the league. Underdogs were 12-2 against the spread in Week 6. The only undefeated team, Atlanta, barely beat one-win Carolina and Oakland
Who gives a F—! WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D3
October 18th, 2012
8:42 pm
WOW…………
– With 11 missed tackles (tied for a season high) in this game the Falcons have now missed 52 after six games. At this pace the Falcons are on course for 138 missed tackles this season, 31 more than they missed last season.
Thought Mike Nolan was supposed to fix this. Yikes.
Paddy O
October 18th, 2012
8:45 pm
one comment on our rookies, past and present: the Falcons (Mike Smith – a key, frequently overlooked element of SMITTY BALL) APPRENTICESHIP program. Makes it tough for rookies to get playing time. Even in blowouts.
Paddy O
October 18th, 2012
8:46 pm
even with back up QB’s in the game.
JB FALCON
October 18th, 2012
8:53 pm
No matter what we say or what we worry about, the FACT remains, the Falcons are SIX WINS AND ZERO LOSSES. The NFL doesn’t judge a team by “style”. At this point no other team in the entire NFL can match our record and statistics already say the the road to the SB will come through Atlanta. I don’t care how we get there and how we win each game. If we end up in the big one and there is 3 seconds on the clock, I will know that the Falcons have proven that they have the capability to win it, style doesn’t count.
Matty Bicep
October 18th, 2012
8:57 pm
I would have to think if Hill wanted to make some changes on the O line, Smitty would let him, especially if the guy was ourperfroming the vet in practice, weight room, and doing well in the class room. Same goes with Beerman at LB, if Nolan wanted him there.
DePlane
October 18th, 2012
9:10 pm
JB, if I’m not mistaken Travian is a DT right, not an o-line man?
JB FALCON
October 18th, 2012
9:37 pm
DePlane, big and strong is big and strong. If I were an NFL coach I would know the difference. I know that we have identified a weakness and FA’s and the draft are over. I grew up drag racing and when you get to the track, the saying was “you run what you brung”. Anything that will help me win, with what weapons I have, is what I will use.
Actually, I think we can win with what we have. I do appreciate your response to my blathering post, and believe that we have the best team, and more importantly, the best organization in the NFL.
I will wallow in my optimism and keep on hoping until I am proven wrong. The only defense of anything that I post in the cage is “That’s just the way I am.”
phil
October 18th, 2012
9:55 pm
Pretty good piece. I have my concerns, like we all do, but it sure is fun to be 6-0.
Obviously we have to shore up some stuff to go anywhere in January, but maybe this will be the year that we do? I sure hope so…
falcon21
October 18th, 2012
9:57 pm
Matty, Smith has been here since 2008 and not many rooks have had much of a chance to step up and play under him, other than Matt Ryan and Bosher, There may be a couple more but fact is the rookies are not living up to what we drafted them for. Smith or TD, take your pick. I agree with JB, we are 6 and 0 but we have a chance to make changes to make this team better during the bye week. I hope we are not 6 and 4 after game10.
Big Ray
October 18th, 2012
10:00 pm
SP ,
Oh, I remember the guy clamoring for Isaiah Pead…and the clamoring was on target…
Big Ray
October 18th, 2012
10:02 pm
Matty Bicep ,
What makes your claim of HD being overrated validated in any way is HD’s inability to catch the ball and make a move every single time he has the chance. I’ve seen a couple drops out of him this year where the ball was placed perfectly, and he just damn dropped it.
So yeah, he could be overrated. At the same time, I’ve seen him get separation in the slot just fine. But I don’t think he’s ever more than the 3rd or 4th read, and NO, I have no clue where he fits in Ryan’s progressions from play to play.
I do know this – if he doesn’t start catching those wide open passes, it won’t matter how much speed or elusiveness he has. He’ll soon be overtaken by some prospect. Like Drew Davis or somebody.
Big Ray
October 18th, 2012
10:05 pm
WOW…………
– With 11 missed tackles (tied for a season high) in this game the Falcons have now missed 52 after six games. At this pace the Falcons are on course for 138 missed tackles this season, 31 more than they missed last season.
Thought Mike Nolan was supposed to fix this. Yikes.
Execution. This is why Asante Samuel is so harsh on his grading of our defense. He’s right.
Unfortunately, we need more veterans to speak up. And guess where some of this is coming from? Veterans.
Look no further than Dunta Robinson. Love the licks he puts on guys, but not every “hit” is a tackle, now is it? I watched the Oakland game. I watched our guys “hit” McFadden several times…some of those hits he bounced off of.
Stop hitting…start TACKLING.
Nolan can only preach so much. These guys gotta get their heads on straight. If not, they will get their bells rung. A week from now.
Big Ray
October 18th, 2012
10:07 pm
Big Lou ,
You make a good point about Philly’s DL. I recall how they busted us up last season. I just cringe at the thought of the RG/RT combo of Garret Reynolds and Tyson “how can you be THAT big and yet THAT soft” Clabo against the Philly DL.
Big Ray
October 18th, 2012
10:08 pm
Unca Bob ,
As usual, you are right on the money, my friend. Wish you posted more, but you never waste a single word. Bravo…
falcon21
October 18th, 2012
10:22 pm
LOL Big Ray, UB has toasted me a couple of times and helped me change my ways!
Michael
October 18th, 2012
10:37 pm
D3 I am more concerned with the Offense as well. I think the Defense is doing well and hope that continues. The D has given up fewer points on avg in the second half than the first half of games, indicative of Nolan’s ability to make the necessary adjustments. We just have to cross our fingers for no further devastating injuries there.
As for the offense, sadly, the line play needs to improve. We finally get Baker playing at a decent level and now Clabo has deteriorated (though I think he is greatly injured and Smith is being tight about it as is his nature). Much as I hate to say it because I am a fan of his, perhaps it is time to yank McClure and give Konz a try at center. And like you, I have been screaming that they need to get Douglas more involved! He has speed and needs to be targeted more if for no other reason than to force opposing defenses to have to account for yet another receiving threat, thereby opening the run game up more.
I had not considered your thoughts on more speed at the RB position, but I agree, give Smith a chance to hit the hole faster as its obvious the line can’t keep it open for very long. And please don’t get me started on Snelling. This guy runs hard every time he touches the ball. What does the coaching staff have against this guy? Really! Or, let him serve as a lead blocker out of the backfield. He is an all purpose guy. Maybe the OC needs to watch old game film of the Joe Montana led 49ers when they involved Rathman in both the passing game as well as a lead blocker and runner without sacrificing the explosiveness of Rice and Taylor and Brent Jones downfield. It can be done.
Slant Pattern
October 18th, 2012
10:39 pm
“SP ,
Oh, I remember the guy clamoring for Isaiah Pead…and the clamoring was on target…” – BR
I don’t really give anyone a chance to forget now do I
? It kills me to think what we would look like with him around here. Not to be, but I still don’t understand not addressing the need at all. You and D3 are right about the tight ends. We got to get a threat faster than TG at some point. I’ve been watching the Niners/ Seachickens, pretty good game so far. Must say I’m jealous of teams with O-lines.
Big Lou
October 19th, 2012
1:40 am
Big Ray is correct about the defensive tackling and it just adds upon what I have been preaching: execution, EXECUTION!
Falcons lead the lead in dropped passes and miss tackling. That’s not a coaching issues; that’s a mental issue. Players need to step up and preform the game plan accordingly. I have a feeling that they will not be there next year if they don’t. Especially with el Jefe(A. Blank), the Sheriff(Nolan), and Deputy Dan(DK).
Coaching can only do so much:
Number one in penalties(not committed).
Top ten time of possession.
Falcon players just need to tweak their gameplay and focus up. Stop trying to be perfect/make the home run play and just do their jobs. Less mistakes will be made.
Unca' Bob
October 19th, 2012
5:46 am
Big Ray,
Thank you. Im not only flattered, I’m greatful.
falcon21,
The only time I have ever “toasted” you the word skoal was involved with the distinct sound of crystal ringing in the background.lol
JSS
October 19th, 2012
10:43 am
Don’t you guts want to hear all about me?
Paddy O
October 19th, 2012
11:14 am
well, just a reminder that those of us not-pollyanna addicted may be taking some of our success for granted: remember, despite our huge success in 2008 and 2009, at that point the opposition should be highly game planning for our trends. Yet, what happens? in 2010, we kick everybody butt -although 2 wins were pure luck (a lot like 2012). In 2011, we really needed JJ to add a new stretch option. In 2012, despite play lackadasical in the last 3 games, we are 6-0 – and our opposing teams – after 4 long looks at MR2 and our offense – still have a really tough time containing him – especially in the 4th quarter. Why do I say this? Look at SF – last year Alex Smith looked like the 2nd coming of Joe M (a little hyperbole), but now that teams are game planning more effectively for SF – Smith & Harbaugh – success is not as easy. If we had signed Sproles 2 years ago, I think our offense would be absolutely unstoppable. As it is, if we reprogram Mike Turner to be our FB for Snelling or Quizz, I think we still have too many options. Granted, Mike Shanahan is top flight coach. But the Oakland game makes me nervous, despite the bye week benefit they had. I guess I’m just saying that as an overall team, TD, HCMS, MR2 and all of our players have demonstrated sustained excellence. I am taking it a little for granted – but, the first game we played so electric, I’m disappointed that we have not built off that. But, it is possible we have been marshalling our game plan innovativeness to shock & awe our tougher opponents on the schedule. I’d really enjoy knocking Mike Vick out of the game again.
Matty Bicep
October 19th, 2012
12:00 pm
Paddy, I take offense to the term “pure luck”? There are over 100 plays in a game, why focus on the obvious plays that effect outcome as being the product of luck, but ignore the rest?
For instance, in the Carolina game, JJ catches a critical ball and is OB by an inch. Then later in the quarter, before Cam throws the go ahead TD pass, we swat the ball out his hand on the pass rush, but Hartzog Carolina’s TE recovers it. What bad “luck” that a TE we cut happens to have the ball bounce feet, what are the odds? Then Cam tosses a harmless out and catches us in an all out blitz for a TD, bad luck again?
We hear enough about the “luck” crap from the media, but us fans who actually watch the entire games need to stop that talk. And Matty leading 19 4th quarter drives, thus give him the all time NFL record for winning drive conversions, passing Tom Brady, is hardly luck.
All the rest I agree with, every team has off the charts talent and adjusts to you. I don’t think we had any more talent than the last 3 teams we played. Cam? RG3? McFadden? I actually can argue we had LESS talent in key areas. It is all about finding a way to win.
I am not pollyanna, I just see the big picture.
DHunt
October 19th, 2012
12:14 pm
I see a lot of revisionist history going on up in here, like CMS not willing to play rooks. I positions where the vets were underperforming he has giving several rooks the opportunity. I’m just happy you don’t see a long line of Falcons castoffs going to other teams and becoming impact players which would be far more indicative of inability to assess or develop potential.
Got to co-sign again with Unc and PFF about the Falcons lack of execution being more of a problem than personnel or coaching. However I’d love to see a professional analysis of how our receivers are being used and performing (other than the focus on drops). It always seems like I can see other teams plays and routes, either in real time or slo-mo replay, and I rarely see a two or more receivers clustered up in the same area making it easier for the opposing defense. I also often see other teams using route combinations that are designed to get a specific player isolated in space or at least one on one. Seems like the Falcons receivers are either always running streaks, or they get a little credit for coming back to the ball. That’s not going to cut it if we really want to be more dynamic (notice I did not say explosive) in the passing game.
Wings
October 19th, 2012
12:25 pm
Paddy O ..pollyanna…. what about Carnac?
Unca' Bob
October 19th, 2012
12:27 pm
They always give drops in numbers and not in percentage. Why? Team A throws 100 passes and drops 15. Team B throws 20 passes and drops 5. Who drops the most passes?
Big Lou
October 19th, 2012
12:35 pm
Unca’ Bob
Nice try. But, a lot of teams throw more than the Falcons and still have less drops.
LRD
October 19th, 2012
1:08 pm
I am just hoping going into Philly , that Asante Picks Vick for Six. Asante is going to have a chip on shoulder bigger than usual, to show his old team and that hateful crowd what they are missing out on.
And that additional swagger is needed, as we havent exactly been stellar playing in Philly….
Since Philly jettisoned its D coordinator, and if we come in, beat up Vick and take the game down their throat, we set the tone for games against Cowgirls and the sAINTS
Unca' Bob
October 19th, 2012
1:51 pm
Big Lou,
I posed a question. Pure and simple.
Coop
October 19th, 2012
3:03 pm
DHunt – Cosign your comments on the passing routes. I’m not a professional, but the combinations do often seem to be fairly simple. I will say, they have improved this year, but I would like to see more crossing routes.
As for CMS playing rooks, I’ll stick by my assessment.
Paddy O
October 19th, 2012
4:56 pm
Matty – the pure luck was referencing 2010 – the SF game and the NO game where their kicker missed a chip shot in OT.
Paddy O
October 19th, 2012
4:58 pm
dhunt – that is the question I have – are we running dynamic, spread the field plays with our WR, or not? Tough to demonstrate.
Paddy O
October 19th, 2012
5:01 pm
last year, I asked the guys who attend the games – where you can see the entire field the entire game – whether we ran innovative, complex & integrated WR routes, and the answer was no. So, the question remains. I still enjoy the fact that we somehow traded for Asante and Tony G. Very nice moves by our FO.
Paddy O
October 19th, 2012
5:02 pm
matty – on the JJ out of bounds play, I consider that BAD luck! But, as stated, I realize JJ is still pretty much a rookie. Still, expect great things from him!