Atlanta Falcons: Birds Fall to Saints
Too Little, Too Late
That's About Right (Bill Feig)
All the media-elite-talking-heads should be ecstatic, the Falcons finally lost and they lost to everyone’s favorite darlings, the hated Saints. But hey, it’s only the regular season and, as we all know, the regular season doesn’t matter, right? The late game magic finally ran out and, frankly, the Birds deserved to lose. They started fast, blew way to many opportunities, and allowed the Saints to dictate the entire game, save the last quarter. Even Falcons fans and Bird Cage members knew they’d lose at some point, but it just had to be to the Bountygate Saints. A look at the Falcons first loss……….
Blew a Fast Start
The Falcons couldn’t have asked for any better start to the game. They had some big plays, scored on their first drive, and literally intercepted the first play of the hated Saints. Even though there was a shadow, garbage penalty on Asante Samuel for “excessive celebration,” the Falcons bogged down and settled for a field goal. Sure, it was points, but the chance to go up 14-0 was definitely a wasted opportunity. After a hot start, the Falcons evidently went back into conservative mode where Drew Brees had enough time to bake a cake and do his taxes and the offense was hell bent on running Turner through a brick wall and taking losses on first down. It looked as though the game may get out of hand until the defense finally found a way to stop the hated Saints and the offense pulled themselves out of their hyper-conservative funk. Fact is, the Falcons had been living on borrowed time with their comebacks, and that magic finally ran out.
Let Matt Ryan Carry This Team
Defense Shredded (Bill Haber)
Ryan had a career high with 402 yards and 3 touchdowns and yet the Falcons offense always finds a way to bring it back to Turner. This is a new day and it’s a new Falcons team. Michael Turner has done a magnificent job for the Falcons since he’s been here and may be on a track for the Falcons Ring of Honor, but his time has passed. Not sure whether it’s Smith or Koetter, but the truth is that most times when Turner gets the ball instead of Ryan, it’s usually not as good. This doesn’t mean that the Falcons have to throw the ball 50 times every game, but at some point, Ryan should be allowed to do what Brady, Manning, Rodgers, and Brees do with their teams.
ZERO Pass Rush
For the longest time fans were able to blame Brian Van Gorder and by extension Mike Smith. Well, we have one of the best coordinators in the game and it’s true that Sean Weatherspoon was surely missed, but the Falcons don’t have much of anything in terms of rushing (or even disrupting) the quarterback. Drew Brees had enough time to cut the grass, do the dishes, and plan his Bountygate party in the pocket on Sunday. The Falcons mustered one sack, but rarely was pressured whatsoever. The defense stepped up some in the second half, but overall it was another pitiful display by the defense in pressuring the QB. Fans no longer know whether it’s the defensive tackles, the defensive ends, the linebackers, or the scheme to pressure the QB. They were sent on bltizes on Sunday, but most times they looked pedestrian and were easily picked up. John Abraham is the lone exception and how long does it take to get him some help. This did not look like the defense who confused and stymied Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers at all. Somethings got to give with the defense and lack of pressure.
Wasted Plays
400 Yards, 3 TDs = Loss (Bill Haber)
This is not a hatchet job on Michael Turner. The guy has done wonders for this franchise and likely will get a look at the Falcons Ring of Honor, but fans can easily see and call a wasted play coming on first down to Michael Turner. Given first and goal and a chance to go ahead in the game, the Falcons predictably go to Turner (as they always seem to do) to not only a stop, but a loss on the play. It was brought up in the offseason whether or not Turner fits in the offense and it becomes painfully clear every single week that giving the ball to Turner on first down is a wasted play. It’s not necessarily his fault, but seeing undrafted Chris Ivory run like a man possessed makes Turner seem like relic on the Falcons offense.
Franks Not the Answer
This is not meant to be slam against Dominique Franks, but the punt return game has become nothing more than catching the punt with a fair catch and surely is not threat to return it and get some yards. Perhaps Eric Weems was undervalued after all (this author admits). Dominique Franks had a blast on the scene in preseason with his dynamic punt return for a touchdown, but ever since he seems tentative at best and weak at worst at returning punts. The Birds put Harry Douglas back at punt returner with the game on the line and he offered little more.
Shadow Calls
The Falcons deserved to lose. Period. But of course this will come off as sour grapes and may have not made a difference in the grand scheme, but there were some pretty bad calls in New Orleans, a city known for it’s penultimate honesty (Bountygate’s the same as the Iraq War, right Brees?). There was the first part of the game and the “excessive celebration” that Fox never showed. Antone Smith evidently made a penalty on special teams, also not shown at all on Fox. There was the catch that Harry Douglas made as we all saw on tape, but they couldn’t overturn because the initial call was botched to Hades. Again, the Falcons deserved to lose, but the calls all seemed to go the Hated Saints way.
Chris Ivory vs. Michael Turner
One of Most Pitiful Plays on D EVER! (Bill Feig)
This is not meant to be a hatchet job on Michael Turner. It really isn’t. Turner has been a rock, a stud, and one of the main reasons that the Falcons have been one of the most consistent teams in the National Football League. The argument is always that Turner isn’t very good because the offensive line is so bad. That is an accepted truth with Falcons fans. We all know how poor the OL is. It’s been that way ever since Bill Fralic and Mike Kenn retired. However, one needs to take one look at Saints running back Chris Ivory and the way he runs the football and how Michael Turner runs. Ivory was an undrafted free agent and ran like a man possessed against the Falcons, running tough, delivering blows, refusing to go down, and generally carrying the ball with force. Flip over to Michael Turner and you see the exact opposite. Turner has never seemed to fit in this offense and evidently Coach Smith is afraid of upsetting Turner because after he seemed frustrated with his lack of carries (and subsequent production), Smith and Co. have been committed to giving him the ball regardless. Again, it’s not a hatchet job on Turner, but the fact is that Turner is the exact opposite of dynamic.
Make Changes or Expect Insanity
Even though the media elite are salivating over the Falcons loss and their emphasis that these are the “same old Falcons,” the coaching staff have control over that. Although they seem to overdramatize the Birds issues on the offensive line and running game, they do have a point. The Falcons had woeful losses last season and in the playoffs because they couldn’t muster a few yards. That point couldn’t be any more true, but it can be broken down into a few areas. Albert Einstein said that “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” is the definition of insanity. The Falcons have changed only one thing in moving Peter Konz to right guard (only after Garrett Reynolds was injured) on the offensive line from last year’s OT debacle to the hated Saints and Meltdown in the Meadowlands. Why did fans expect anything different? After a supposedly “open competition” in the offseason, the offensive line looked exactly the same. Some were holding onto a new “OL coach and new offensive coordinator” in making all the difference. Please. Same goes for the running back situation.
At Least Mike Johnson Scored (Bill Feig)
Thomas Dimitroff hasn’t done a great job of drafting offensive linemen or invested hardly anything in the running back corps, but he did draft two potential-laden OL and it took Garrett Reynolds getting injured to get Peter Konz in the lineup. For all the talk of other running backs getting looks, that’s become a distant memory. It’s the Turner show and all others are lucky to get scraps. Jacquizz Rodgers has shown he can run the ball and we all know that Snelling can too. Antone Smith has speed, but is never seen. After seeing the Saints plug in a new offensive lineman at right tackle and bring up their 4th or 5th running back to look fantastic (Ivory), the Falcons seem stuck in their same old, same old. There’s evidently a refusal to make many changes on the Falcons offensive line or in the backfield, so Albert Einstein’s looking pretty correct.
What Happened to the Defense?
The same defense that held a slew of quarterbacks in check and forced Peyton Manning into three interceptions in the first half, looked just as pedestrian as any Falcons defense that’s lined up in recent years. The Falcons produced no pass rush whatsoever, only mustering one sack and never pressuring Brees at all. How many times will defenses allow elite QBs to pick them apart. Great teams and defenses have proven that pressuring the quarterback is the only way to knock them off their game. While it wasn’t quite reminiscent of the Debacle in the Dome seeing Aaron Rodgers pick apart the defense, it wasn’t far off. Not only that, but tackling was as bad as it ever was under Brian Van Gorder. That long TD run by Ivory has to go down as one of the worst defensive meltdown plays in Falcons franchise history and completely jumpstarted a struggling Saints team. After being so creative with his multiple and different looks, Nolan’s defense was a mirror image of it’s failed soft-zone predecessor. Why not try William Moore in some linebacker looks, for instance. The Falcons defense of old was not good, and especially not good against the Saints. The thought was that Mike Nolan was supposed to change all that.
Overrated? Sure………….
C'mon Smitty, It Was Time (Bill Feig)
A word of advice to Falcons faithful would be to tune out the MTV Sports, Entertainment Tonight Media Elite for the next few weeks. They finally got everything they wanted: the Falcons lost, they’re overrated, they should be 1-8 instead of 8-1, the Bountygate Saints are back on top, and it’s the “same old Falcons” as everyone always says. Too bad Mary Hart and Mario Lopez can’t give their opinions on the NFL, football, and those terrible, overrated Falcons.
Bird Cage Brothers Fallout Corps’ Turn
1) Simple Sack – how bad of a loss is this: just a loss or a reason to believe the Falcons are the worst team in the NFL?
2) At what point did you get a bad feeling on the game? How tough was blowing a good start?
3) Is this Michael Turner or Matt Ryan’s team? Are there still handcuffs on Ryan?
4) Please, please help fix this anemic pass rush.
5) Why has the Falcons pass rush remained so terribly poor?
6) How about those Turner playcalls right up the gut?
7) Anyone else at punt returner?
8.) Thoughts on the Mercedez-SuperDome officiating?
9) Please explain the Curious Case of Michael Turner.
10) Has Albert Einstein pegged one Coach Mike Smith?
11) What happened to Mike Nolan and his defense? Yikes
12) Promise yourself a prize if you can ignore the MTV Sports / Entertainment Tonight media-elite-talking-heads-experts for a few weeks………..or maybe ever.
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1,221 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:02 pm
SW ,
You really think so? Because if it wasn’t Smitty’s call or he didn’t at least agree with it…then there’s more than a disconnect. If somebody higher than Smitty made that call and it didn’t have anything to do with a financial transaction, then I have to say Smitty is not long for his position. That’s all I can think of on that front.
If Smitty doesn’t make that call and TD or McKay does…and they don’t have plans to bring in another free agent…or something like that…then Smitty isn’t losing the locker room. He’s losing his office.
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:03 pm
SW ,
Oh man…you are SO speaking my language with the 3-4 transition talk. I have waited and waited for this. Can’t happen this season, but it sure can happen next season.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:06 pm
Let the payoffs begin…..
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-agencies-falcons-owner-chip-in-tickets-for-l/nS43M/
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:06 pm
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8625620/ray-edwards-cut-atlanta-falcons
I have no idea if this means anything different. Why wait until now to cut a guy you have guaranteed to pay a couple mil to? I still don’t think this move stands on its own. Even if it just means more PT for another guy on the roster (Sidbury, maybe?).
Must be a more long term move…as SW suggested. But still….
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:08 pm
Payoffs is right….but all of this will be forgotten by the masses if the Falcons become and remain a perennial powerhouse that wins playoff games…and a SB.
Here’s the thing. As much as Blank wants to win a SB, he also wants to host one. Or two. Or ten.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:10 pm
BR,
It will be interesting to see how it is spinned. Why release him now? You know it will raise eyebrows. You know questions will be raised.
They did not think enough of Biermann to leave him in as the starter long term, thus the move to get Edwards anyway. SIdbury is in witness protection and there is no way that a rookie (Matthews or the Troy University kid we drafted) is ready to step in right in the middle of a playoff run.
I think that the front office is probably seeing the success of the Houston 3-4 and TD knows that he could get the players needed to take off in that scheme. This upcoming draft is loaded with them. And some of the key pieces are already in place on the team.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:12 pm
Mud Duck’s comments and this move suggest that there is an issue, a rising element of discord, at the Branch.
Think about it. When have you EVER know McClure to vent to the media about anything? Hell, he was quiet during the Vick and Petrino scandals. If he said nothing then, you know he really must be pissed to comment so strongly now.
Just saying…
Michael
November 12th, 2012
10:13 pm
First, D3 you nailed it regarding Turner. We greatly appreciate the quality he gave us but his time is past. I almost kicked in my TV after Douglass caught that ball on the 1 yard line and I’m screaming for them NOT to put Turner in the game and give him the ball. And what do they do? Give him the ball 8 yards behind the line of scrimmage and he actually loses yards. Rodgers is quicker and Snelling has proven he can run hard between the tackles. Why not them? And yes, let’s give the speedster Smith a chance.
As for the return game, I was thinking the same thing you were. Why is this guy fair catching everything? They need to give Chris Owens a chance. The guy has tremendous speed and vision. Why does Smith hate this guy so much? Or, they should let Antone Smith give it a shot. Anything is better than waving for a fair catch all game long.
As for the defense, I’m not too displeased. Once again, Nolan did a masterful job in making halftime adjustments only giving up 10 pts in the second half. They were also hurt by not having Spoon out there covering Graham. He is the only linebacker capable of adequately doing that, so not having him crippled what Nolan was able to scheme. Given those constraints, I would say he did excellent considering the hand he had to play. Also remember Peters is not yet fully back to full strength. And, he wanted the trio of Grimes, Samuel and Robinson specifically to match up with the Saints receivers. The loss of Grimes cancelled that as well. Given that his D has faced Romo, Manning, Rivers,RGIII, and Cam, I’m not ready to shift the burden of this loss to his shoulders, not even a little.
As for the O-Line, I have to say I did see a few holes at times, but unfortunately, by the time Turner got to them, they had been filled. As McClure stated (recent post by ESPN’s Yasinskas) it’s not all on the OL.
At the end of the day, Mike Smith is a totally incapable head coach. I wanted him out last year and nothing has changed in my view. He is about as worthless as a milk bucket under a bull. Perhaps instead of taking notes on the sidelines during games for Monday meetings, he should actually watch the game, motivate his players, and when necessary, pull a Bill Parcells and get in Matt Ryan’s face when he does something stupid. He lacks the leadership skills to aid players in elevating their games to another level and developing a cold, calculating killer instinct. I don’t say this because they lost one game. That has always been my assessment of Smith.
At the end of the day, it’s just one loss and the additions of new coordinators will make the difference this year between losing and winning once we get into the playoffs. Rise up!
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 12th, 2012
10:15 pm
Have to admit, I’m not entirely surprised of Edwards release. IMO, I don’t think we will make a deal, or bring in someone off the streets. I think we will bring up Travian R. to help stop the run…and try out Mattews or Massaquoi at DE. IMHO.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:17 pm
BR, I have no problem with him wanting to host the Super Bowl. But the cost to the average Georgian is not viable at this time. In a time when everyone is tightening their budgets, how in good faith can we look to spend $300 to 600 million dollars of tax payer money to build a damned stadium?
If there are issues with the Dome, then why not remodel it and update it to satisfy those issues? Give the State a sizeable check towards those renovations like he did before in excahnge for more revenue. Also, pick up the tab for the new College Football Hall of Fame that will be built on GWCC land near the Dome.
It is not the “ice storm” that cost ATL another Super Bowl. It is not the issues with the Georgia Dome that cost us another game. Hell, the NFL told Tampa that RJ Stadium is not viable anymore. If you have ever been there, you know they are full of crap!! Ray Jay is a fine venue!!
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:21 pm
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Transcript-Mike-Smith-Monday-News-Conference/0effe9f1-e16f-4df8-8063-63a9f4178ac3
These comments do not sounds like a head coach that was looking to release his starting defensive end by the end of the day.
Wabe
November 12th, 2012
10:22 pm
Man, SW talkin’ bout 3-4 defenses has me geeeeeeeeeeeked.
Been wanting it for a while, but, still plenty of season left, and we gotta make noise *this season*.
falcon21
November 12th, 2012
10:24 pm
As much as I agree with you SW, the new stadium is gonna happen. Our concerns or worries don’t mean crap.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 12th, 2012
10:24 pm
Edwards was expendable…and if this move was not facillitated through Smith, It was meant to put him on notice…and other players that aren’t performing to their capabilities.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:25 pm
If his partner Bernie Marcus can give $250 million dollars for the construction and equipping of the Georgia Aquarium, surely AB can give up the same to facilitate a comprehensive overhaul and refresh of the Georgia Dome.
Hell, it only cost $185 million ($114 million FEMA dollars) to refurb the SuperDome and it is hosting the Super Bowl this year.
Just saying..
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:28 pm
Wabe, it would be a gift to make that transition. And it would work in ATL. Trust me. The 3-4 is the way for this team to go defensively. The talent is out there to grab in the draft and secure it for a quick transition. Wade Phillips did it; MIke Nolan can do it too.
F21, I agree. The stadium is on the way as are the PSLs. My days as a season ticket holder are numbered. And the Falcons are going to find out that PSLs are not a wise move in the ATL market in my opinion.
Truth, I certainly hope so.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 12th, 2012
10:31 pm
Yeah SW, I’m starting to buy in your “disconnect” theory too.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:34 pm
Truth, we will see. But the TeePee simply calls them as I see them. There is something brewing at the Branch.
Wabe
November 12th, 2012
10:35 pm
If anything, I hope this sends a message to Smitty…
The guys upstairs can see whose not performing. So, being so insistent on this loyalty you have to guys who aren’t performing ain’t gonna cut it [IE - M. Turner]. Shake things up, or we will for you.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:39 pm
Wabe, I feel you. But I want to hear from the Branch tomorrow. How will they spin this? And most of all, I want to hear from Edwards. I am sure he was shocked and will most likely say he is nothing but a sacrifical lamb.
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:39 pm
SW ,
Agreed on the stadium…but once Roger Goodell began meeting with some folks about this new stadium/dome…I knew the fix was in. You have a million valid points, but you’re preaching at the choir, I’m afraid.
On the 3-4 defense…I pray you are as right about that move as you were about us getting Sean Weatherspoon. Seriously. (Let’s hope you don’t have a Ziggy Hood moment, LOL…I still think we missed on that one at the time, but I guarantee we wouldn’t have used him properly either).
I have no idea what the deal is with Smitty and this release. He’s not much of a talker and I can’t see why he’d have anything to say about releasing a starter/veteran. Schultz’s article is somewhat revealing…he talks about how few snaps Edwards was playing for us this year, particularly in light of what Nolan has been able to do with Biermann. Hmmmmm.
I don’t know if Smitty will even try to spin this one. I couldn’t guess at how much or how little he had to do with Edwards’ release.
But I do know that if he had almost nothing to do with it and it was predominately about Edwards’ production…then Smitty is losing a hold on the power he’s supposed to have. That’s why I’m not so sure about this one way or the other.
You can’t have a HC in a tenuous position and have the team succeed in spite of it. Just doesn’t work that way. But I guess that since we won’t have the info, all we can do is choose to believe whatever we choose to believe. I don’t know what to believe.
But we will know something soon enough…
I agree…kudos to McClure for telling it like it is without telling on someone.
Michael
November 12th, 2012
10:39 pm
Before the season began, I suggested they move to a 3-4 scheme with Biermann as a Kevin Greene type standup DE/OLB type to rush the passer with Spoon on the strong side, Dent and Nicholas on the inside. You play to your strengths and that is far better than what they are doing in hindsight.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:40 pm
As far as a running back, the TeePee has had an early eye on Stanford’s Stephan Taylor. I like what I see in him as well as his upside/versatility.
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:44 pm
You also have to wonder how much input Mr. Nolan had on this.
How well do he and Smitty see eye-to-eye?
See, now we have opened up the conspiracy theory pot. Of course, it’s not a “theory” if it’s real…
But I’m not gonna go there right now. We’re dealing with the KGB…we can speculate til our nads fall off, but that will get us nowhere (except our minds off of the lone season loss, I suppose).
I’d have been more interested if Turner had been kicked to the curb. As it is, THAT is what really needs to happen. Probably won’t, though.
My guess is that if Smitty and his staff are listening and really seeing what they should on tape, they’ll start games off with Quizz behind the quarterback.
I mean, wasn’t it Mike Smith himself who said he thought Quizz was a three-down RB? Time to put your money where your mouth is.
I’d even try Snelling in that role to shake things up. Leave/save Turner, if he’s to remain on the roster, for the second half and big leads.
Big Ray
November 12th, 2012
10:45 pm
Anyway, I’m out for now.
Wonder what will be said tomorrow. Or the next day. Or whenever. Wonder what else will happen?
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:46 pm
Michael, Try this one.
Bier Truck at the strong, Spoon and Dent inside, and Nicholas on the outside. Dent, I think could be a force inside in the 3-4. Correct me, UGA fans, but that is where he exploded onto the scene with UGA, right?
Spoon can play any LB position and the other two are better in coverage with Bierman the best in run defense and blitzing from the strong side. And Nicholas would be a nice compliment at WLB.
Nicholas is not in the mix for me in the 3-4. Took light in the paints, not effective enough in covera
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:48 pm
BR, you know I have been on that disconnect train for well over a year now.
Nicholas would be an interim for me in the 3-4; would move him to special teams where he could be my ace in the mold of Coy Wire a few years ago.
SeminoleWarrior
November 12th, 2012
10:48 pm
Breaking right myself, Cage. See you all on the other side.
Coop
November 12th, 2012
11:04 pm
I am surprised by Edwards release. I agree with others it was a sign to put the team on notice. I think Smitty gets fired if the Falcons don’t play for the NFC championship and at least get real close to winning. I have a sense that Arthur is tired of Smitty’s excuses. Maybe he’s saying win, or I’ll grab Gruden.
Coop
November 12th, 2012
11:15 pm
Ok, I’m not a huge fan of Edwards. Never really thought it would work. Digressing, all the problems with any D start with DT. I’ve been preaching this for 5 years going back to when I wanted Dorsey over Ryan. Anyway, DEs are normally only as affective as the anchor in the middle.
Regardless, this move is a bit disturbing. Cutting a guy 9 games into the 2nd year of a 5-year deal smacks of problems. We’ll almost certainly have dead money next year if not longer…
He’s not the worst DE we have…
He’s good for backup or trade in off-season…
Either he pissed someone off, or we are making a roster move. If the latter, what? Was it just to save money? Surely there is someone else we could cut to make a roster spot (James, Cone, etc.). Or was this simply to send a message? Again, couldn’t we cut Clabo or Turner to send a message? Less costly, right?
Finally, who the hell are we go an bring in who isn’t already on the roster?
No, something is way off here. This could be FB knee-jerking or the signs or fracture in the locker room.
Maybe Lofton was right…
Smitty has me concerned.
darrell starks
November 13th, 2012
12:13 am
Coop, I totally agree you cut Ray Edwards in the middle of the season, this make no sense at all.
You already is struggling with the lack of depth on defense why cut another body with only 7games remaining ?
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 13th, 2012
12:20 am
Sidbury Time ? Finally after 4years maybe he could shine or are the Falcons trying get Steven Jackson ? I hope both.
IF THE FALCONS STEVEN JACKSON TRUST ME THEY WILL GO 2 SUPERBOWL THIS YEAR.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael
November 13th, 2012
12:57 am
SW,
Yeah I wrote Dent should be inside, not outside. But I still like Biermann outside on the weak side with Abraham. That way, for the LT, it’s pick your poison as to who you choose to block. And if the offense rolls over help, it creates problems for them up the middle for Peters and Babineaux to capitalize. Spoon is better in coverage because of his atleticism…lind of a Derrick Brooks type who can play run and cover a TE. And if they float Moore a little more toward the line, he could cause even more havoc.
DHunt
November 13th, 2012
1:03 am
I really am going to try to keep this short and sweet. And I apologize in advance that I haven’t had time to read all the exceptional responses thus far, but seeing as how it’s already up to seven pages, I guess I have a weeks worth of reading to catch up on. Another great installment D3, and let me commend you for not going off the deep end while still hitting some nails squarely on some heads.
1) It’s not a bad loss by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a division game, on the road, against a team that has played well below it’s potential for most of the year, and said team had everything to prove in this one and brought their A game. Yet, but for several totally unforced errors, The Falcons played more than well enough to win. Anyone who reads more into this loss than that, has an ax to grind and and agenda that involves hating the Falcons.
2) I honestly never had a bad feeling about this game. The whole time I expected that we would find a way to win. I didn’t really think we would lose until Tony G dropped that last pass. We gave up the lead after a good start, and I think we did an excellent job of getting back in a position to still win the game.
3) This is obviously Matt Ryan’s team. That also means Matt Ryan has to take a lot of the critique when the team doesn’t perform up to standards. Matt Ryan had over 400 yards so to some people that means he had a helluva game. But playing from behind for most of the game will tend to allow you to pad some passing stats (one reason why the Falcons defense is low in that department, because other teams have played from behind all year). And I know there were extenuating circumstances, but MR2 had several chances to win the game yesterday, and he didn’t make it happen. Both passes into the endzone on that fateful goal line situation were not placed where they should have been to give Tony and Roddy a chance to make the play.
4) Firing Ray Edwards won’t do the trick. We’ll see if the personnel change is accompanied by some schematic changes. I still think Jerry was playing better than Vance or Cory, just based on the fact that he routinely got into the backfield. The entire line (except John A) is getting stood up far too often.
5) The Falcons defense has got to want it more. The line needs to step it up, and we can’t let receivers run free for quick passes. We also need to send extra pressure up the middle more often.
6) Turner up the gut is fine when it works and anathema when it doesn’t. Turner getting hit 2 yards in the backfield is not necessarily a Turner problem, although a case could be made that he should be able to see that penetration and avoid it, which he seems incapable of doing. I can’t believe the same line that made him a 1300+ yd running back is all of a sudden totally inept, so I have to think he has lost the ability to do whatever he was doing over the past few years. I’m more than willing to give the next man up a shot to get the job done.
7) The coaches aren’t stupid. When the game was on the line, they put the guy back there who should be back there. And even though he wasn’t able to make the big play happen, we all knew he at least was going to give it a try. I wonder, especially with Julio being dinged up, if they are willing to make that a full time thing now, but I doubt it.
8.) When you can’t even get a replay showing what the penalty was, and you can see that the official making a bad call is completely out of position to make said call, it makes you wonder what is really happening. But we’ve had to overcome the officials in a number of games this year; they don’t respect the Falcons any more than the media. They didn’t cost us the game.
9) Time to make a change. And again, other than the one failed shot at the goal line, the Falcons did not have Turner on the field when the game was on the line. That indicates that they know they have better options. Time to give those better options a more opportunities.
10) Coach Smith does not call the offense or the defense during games. He isn’t even holding a play sheet. Stop blaming him for what goes on in game. If anything, I wonder if it wasn’t his call to keep Turner out when the game was on the line, and to put HD back to catch that punt instead of Franks.
11) Some great adjustments were made at the half. The sAints only had 41 yards rushing in the 2nd half, and other than the one big play by the Jimmy Graham, which was actually a big blunder by Willie Mo for biting so hard on the underneath route, the defense shut down the sAints most potent offensive weapon as well. Nolan played it a bit too safe against Brees in the first half, but a lot of that was execution, and Nick was totally mismatched against Graham for far too long which basically gave the Saints 14 first half points. Hopefully that part of the learning curve will not be repeated.
12) Tuning out all the media for the entire week. Didn’t even realize Ray Ed was gone until I saw someone post a half nekkid photo of him on FB. The media mostly picked the Falcons to win this week (even though most of the Cage picked this as a loss earlier this year). The media has once again been made to look foolish by the Falcons not doing what they should have done. We can expect nothing but disinterest and disgust from them for the rest of the year, until we win that first playoff game. So be it. The road to the Super Bowl still runs through the GA Dome.
That qualifies as short for me. I’m out.
Big Ray
November 13th, 2012
1:28 am
We’re 8-1 and just cut a guy who was doing practically nothing for us.
Yep, things are coming apart at the seams and doom is on the way.
Pardon me, I’ll step to the left and wait for the nuclear explosion. See ya after the fallout.
Big Lou
November 13th, 2012
2:21 am
Big Ray
Lol! The sky is falling! There is mutiny in the locker room. As the world turns…
I just think it was a message, to be honest. What better way to get others to preform than to fire one of your underachieving peers? I bet you there won’t be missed tackles against the Cardinals. I bet there will be a little more push on that Oline. I bet a certain RB will hit that hole faster than when he was speeding that night of the arrest.
Zero tolerance is being shown. Bout time this organization grew some cajones.
Matty Bicep
November 13th, 2012
6:04 am
My theory, Nolan had it with the guy, and probably wanted to cut him 4 games ago, but they did not want to take the cap hit. If there was contention, it was because the underling coaches wanted him gone, the players leaving their guts on the field were feeling dissed because they are killing themselves, and you got a prima donna half @zzing it. Fact his, he only played 14 plays last week, 4 on ST. I would love to see the tape of that, I bet Nolan went to Smitty and said, I don’t want this guy on my team.
Second, Mr Edwards is a Magic City guy. Anyone see the picture of him and his GF and his Underwear model calender? Puhleese.. Who else got a DUI going home from Magic City? I wonder who was with him that night. Hmmm. Any of this starting to make a little sense? Sure, a high priced free agent not putting in the effort, partying it up a Magic City? Maybe a little message to Mr Turner embedded in all this? You know, high priced free agents not giving it their all?
Next, we have some talented D ends on the roster that might get a little playing time, who might be motivated, and who might get a few snaps. Sidbury? Massaqui? Mathews? Hell, we got too many DEs. I disagreed with D3 about the “give the new guy a shot, what can it hurt” about our LT position, but Baker is leaving it on the field giving the effort, if I have a high priced FA who is suppose to be a leader dogging it, what could it hurt.
Got to hand it to he Mud Duck, what leadership, and Smitty and TD for reading the signals, and took action.
All you guys trying to read this as a rift between TD and our coaching staff are silly. If there was one, it is because Nolan wanted him gone, but TD did not want to take the cap hit.
Finally, remember how MT7 ran after the DUI? He came out and ran like the old M7, I say the odds are about 50/50 MT7 makes is on the roster by playoff time, he is down to his last chance.
honest_abe
November 13th, 2012
6:50 am
hey i was right about one thing. edwards sucks. 1 out of 100 ain’t that bad.
Wings
November 13th, 2012
7:28 am
honest abe, wow, you were right. And hello!
Wings
November 13th, 2012
7:30 am
It’s great that Edwards is gone, but M Turner needs a direct message too. On the bench.
From one of the other blogs, this was a funny post:
As for Turner, when his # got called on that last 3rd down, I couldn’t believe it. The Saints must have tampered with Matty’s earpiece.
Wings
November 13th, 2012
7:40 am
Smith is getting some complaints from ESPN re too conservative and timid:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8622858/the-falcons-seal-their-own-fate-rest-week-10-news
John Waynesworld
November 13th, 2012
7:46 am
Hey, every NFL team has their Stanford Routt or Jake Delhomme in Free Agent fails, and every year every NFL team can hear the sucking sound which is millions of dollars of cap money going down the drain. In Ray Edwards case, the comparison would be closer to Dana Stubblefield going from the 49ers to the Redskins, leaving one team riding a wave of acknowledgment and immediately crashing into invisibility. For us, Edwards will be a salary cap reminder for a couple of years.
The good news is that we have some serious overachievers at the DE position, so we won’t be lacking in effort. If I were TD and Smitty I may even bring up Micanor Regis from the PS and try more 3 DT looks. The D line obviously need more beef with balls, and the release of Edwards is evidence of that.
Wings
November 13th, 2012
7:51 am
I watched the first half again. The thing that is obvious about the run game can be seen on the first play of the game.
As many said last year and the year before, the other defensive teams know when Micheal Turner will run the ball.
On the first play, NO sent what looked like three LB’s at the snap of the ball toward the middle of the back field. There was no other direction for Turner to run. There is no way for the OL to block all of these defenders. The left and right were “walled off” and he goes down for -3. The play design and predictability is terrible. It continued this was throughout the game.
harleyman
November 13th, 2012
8:26 am
D3-Thanks for the well thought out article. Really appreciate the coherent grammar and feedback unlike some of the other Falcon reporters. Keep up the good work.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 13th, 2012
8:36 am
@MB-6:04am comment:
“Maybe a little message to Mr. Turner embedded in all of this” Turning the phrase “emBEDded” and Magic City (M. Turner) in the same sentence is priceless.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 13th, 2012
8:57 am
@Wings 7:51am comment:
“As many said last year and the year before, the other defensive teams know wheen Michael Turner will run the ball”
I don’t necessarilly disagree with that…but, more importantly, IMO, the defensive teams know WHERE, rather than when, he will run the ball. They know he will try ploy it up the middle, don’t have the speed or agility to bounce it to the outside.
Unca' Bob
November 13th, 2012
9:14 am
From what I have read R Edwards had become a distraction and was apathetic with his attitude.
There are no decisions that come from the Branch that are made in a vacuum. That’s why it’s call an organization.
elephanthead
November 13th, 2012
9:15 am
I thought I was the only one who missed Eric Weems. I can’t figure out what Franks problem is, but he looks terrified to run upfield. I’m afraid he may cost us a close game with something stupid like a fair catch on his own 3 yd line like he has already done.
The defense look more VanGorder-ish every week. What happened to the defense we saw in the first 3 games? Attacking, weird confusing looks, etc?
The OL obviously needs to be addressed. I know I’m not the only one who sees McClure getting tossed like a salad. The penetration that kills Turner is coming between the guards, and that can’t continue. This is what you get when you dont use you high picks on quality linemen.
As far as the use of personnel, look at what the Patriots do. They will have a play or 2 that is designed to fit whatever backs or receivers they have in the game. You think Danny Woodhead or Julian Edelman would ever see a snap on this team? No way. Antoine Smith, Snelling, Quizzy – they all have SOMETHING they could bring to the table if the coaches would find a way to use what they have. But no,… Not going to go off on MT today since everyone on this blog knows the deal o him.
They are still on the good track, but the coaches need to take a hard look at who is not performing (I’m looking at you O-Line) and replace as necessary – without regard to seniority of feelings getting hurt. Block or sit.
Coop
November 13th, 2012
10:06 am
MB – for someone who bags on every opinion you don’t like with the notion that, “you don’t know what’s going on at Flowery Branch” oyu sure o portend to know a hell of a lot. But then, nothing is ever wrong. Every decision is always best. Heck, even when we lose it’s for the best of the team. Your idea of logic is anything that supports your point regardless of how ridiculous or how often you contradict yourself.
BR – you and BL can laugh all you want, but fractured locker rooms are not unheard of. My suppostion of conjecture could certainly be wrong, but there is a ton about this move that smells bad. Call it a hunch. I’m sure in your line of work, you’ve had a hunch before. Sometimes they’re right, sometimes not. But hey, no one at FB EVER gave misinformation or used the media to get THEIR story out. So, you guys are right, I’m the one out in left field.
D3 – Good read. I did watch several members of the Cage vacilate between this game pointing out serious problems and, nah it’s all ok. Heck, we’re 8-1! Life is good. Go back and look at what has been said since LAST year. We can’t runthe ball and we can’t get to the QB and Smitty gets too conservative too often. Things are better this year, but the NOLA game showed that we still have flaws that good, playoff eams can expose.
I know, the regular season means nothing. I kow, we’re 8-1. But it sure as hell seems that a few of us have said that team is gpoing to exploit our flaws and it would cost us. Well, it just happened.
Finally, some members like SP and myself (and others) have taken heat from JJ, BR, SW and others about engaging with other members, specifically BL and MB. I sat back and watched for a few days and thought about those comments from the OBCM. I don’t think that my opinion or SP’s opinion, or any other’s is less (or more) important than yours. Some on here have been accused of HATING the team, not being fans, and wishing the Falcons would fail. To me, that’s a fairly blatant personal attack and I feel that our retorts to this idiocy is warranted. But if the OBCM don’t like it, then scroll on past or ask D3 to block us. But I’m not listening to censorship when I’m defending myself from being called non-fan.
Coop
November 13th, 2012
10:12 am
D3 – Blogmonster