Atlanta Falcons: Birds Stumble to Ugly Win Over Cardinals
Going for Ugliest Win in NFL History?
One of Those Days (AJC)
Goodness gracious. This is one of those games that sees the Falcons win a game they shouldn’t even been close. How can a team turn the ball over 6 times and still win a game? Well, the Falcons found a way to do it. A win is a win is a win, but if the Falcons play like they did today it’s going to a bad collapse ready to happen. A look at one of the ugliest wins in NFL history……..
A Win, But…………….
The Falcons once again found a way to win the game, especially at home, but goodness gracious, the idea of winning an NFL game with turning the ball over 6 times is unthinkable. Gone are the days of feeling good about coming back and winning the game. The Falcons put themselves in that position and it was just an ugly display of awfulness for 95% of the game. Matt Ryan threw 5 , yes FIVE, interceptions in one game and somehow won the game. The Falcons better improve in a very quick manner because a their schedule gets infinitely harder in a hurry. However, the ugliest win in the world is always better than the prettiest loss in history.
Despite All the Bad, they Find a Way to Win……Again
It was one of the worst imaginable games, but the Falcons still somehow found a way to win the game. They are continuing to win the games even though not playing nearly close to their best. Although much in the post may sound negative, the underlying point is that this team keeps finding ways to win and that’s surely helping them in confidence. Watch out if this team ever puts together 60 minutes of their A game.
Ryan’s Collapse Day
Was This One Picked? (AJC)
Maybe it’s the case that 2 or 3 of the interceptions that Matt Ryan threw weren’t his fault, but good Lord it was a terrible display by the franchise quarterback. It started by his first play from scrimmage that was picked from a tipped pass. Another pass was tipped, but overall this looked like the QB from 2009 that was tentative, worried, and unsure of himself. The lack of running game, rather the insistence of running Michael Turner regardless of the circumstances, likely is taking it’s toll. Ryan found a way to win the game in the end, but everyone’s new favorites Tampa Bay Bucs are ready to celebrate Ryan’s career interception day next Sunday.
Loss Hangover
You can’t call it a trap game when you lose the week before, but the Falcons suffered from an ugly game seeing a team that saw a weaker opponent and played accordingly. The Falcons came out flat, executed poorly, and generally played awful. It wasn’t a deal of coming off a great game that you won and celebrated as such, but rather a game that was awful and you felt just as terrible. It was a tough game to get up for, but the Falcons nearly blew an opportunity to win one at home.
Questionable Play-Calling
Let’s get past the point of starting and running Michael Turner in spite of what actually works, but the play-calling and route combinations were pretty horrid to say the least. It seemed as though once the Falcons started moving the ball with Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling that a stall flag was raised and Turner was inserted back in the game. Although painfully clear to most Bird Cage members that the new way to dominate on offense is with versatile and responsive running backs, Koetter, Smith and Co. are bound and determined to force Michael Turner regardless of what the circumstances say. Not only that, but there were several times where the WR route combinations were terrible. Several times it was seen receivers and tight ends were running into each other’s zones. There is so much talent to be seen, however it seemingly gets minimized by a somewhat decent defensive coordinator. Better get it fixed or it’s going to be a bad slide to end the season.
To Turner Do Us Part
Turner, Turner, Turner (AJC)
Evidently Mike Smith is attached to Michael Turner and feels that he can’t make success without him. It’s not a smash against Turner himself, but the fact remains that when Jacquizz Rodgers or Jason Snelling are the feature backs (sometimes in at the same time), the offense simply rolls better, that has been the case all the way back to preseason. It appears to many that the offense is at it’s peak when Quizz or Snelling are in the game. Funny enough, when the Falcons offense is rolling and doing great, there is a need to bring Turner back in the game to slow it down and generally make the offense predictable, weak, and not good. If Mike Smith doesn’t adjust accordingly, fans may be looking at 0-4 in the playoffs. This isn’t to say that Turner doesn’t have a place on the offense, but it’s painfully clear that, regardless of what the coaching staff force, he is no longer a feature back and the offense is insanely predictable when he’s in the game.
Anyone Else at Punt Returner
It doesn’t feel good to talk down about any Falcon and Dominique Franks has surely absorbed some criticism, but the simple fact remains that Franks is just not getting it done returning punts. Franks doesn’t fair catch and that leads to terrible starting field position and he looks very timid returning punts. Even when there’s several openings, Franks looks to get tackled as soon as possible and any dynamic ability he showed in the preseason is definitely gone. At what point will the Falcons coaching staff make a change? There’s always Harry Douglas and they brought back Tim Toone and, just like those first down Turner runs, returning punts are becoming wasted plays at best and horrible miscues that lead to awful field position at worst.
Always Ball First
Abe and Kroy Stand Firm (AJC)
This really doesn’t apply to this game since the Cardinals won the toss and elected to defer, but throughout the season, it seems as though the Falcons always get the ball first to open the game. Mike Smith believes in getting the ball first and trying to go down and score to set the tone for the game. That’s all fine and good when you go down and score a touchdown, but more times than not the Falcons are going 3 and out, stalling on drives, and in worst case scenarios, turn the ball over essentially wasting a possession and even helping the opposing team. Most want to get their defense on the field first to see if they can make an early stop, score themselves first, set the tone for the game, and even get the ball back at halftime. Of course you can’t control who wins the toss, but when your defense is outperforming your offense, it may be time to rethink that strategy.
Time to Panic on Run Defense?
The Falcons continue to have major issues stopping the run. Each week the Birds are finding new ways to make rather unheralded running backs look like perennial Pro Bowlers on the ground. To it’s credit, the defense stiffened up when they needed to, but much of that had to do with pitiful quarterback play from the initial starter and then a brand new rookie. It’s a total team failure effort. The defensive tackles are getting blown up, the defensive ends are getting pinched, the linebackers are taking poor angles and getting blocked easily (Akeem Dent looking at you), and the defensive backs are taking poor angles themselves. And many of them are tackling poorly. Fans shudder to think about playing against some of the better running backs in the league and one of the best, rookie Doug Martin, looms in less than a week. Break out those prayer beads.
Offense Has Become Predictable
Great Play by Babs (AJC)
Attribute it to play-calling, the fact that Turner makes the offense predictable, weak offensive line play, or just poor execution, but the strain is becoming apparent on Matt Ryan and the offense. The Cardinals and other defenses are pinning their ears back and going after Ryan and trying to throw him off his game. It worked pretty well on Sunday. Also throw in those wasted 1st down runs and it’s easy to see the offense getting picked up with ease. Evidently there’s a hesitancy to let Ryan run the no-huddle. To be fair, the offense has been pretty good throughout the year, but as the season starts it’s final drive, the Falcons are showing some eerily similarities to seasons past.
McClain a Future Starter?
Some positive news from the game is the continued excellent play by cornerback Robert McClain. The undrafted free agent is potentially moving out of a role player / nickelback and possibly into a future starter for the Falcons at some point. With their two other corners on the downside of 30 and Brent Grimes coming back from a significant injury (and likely not re-signed), McClain’s good play is a great and needed sign for the future.
Spot on Commentary
We all complain about the media and the game announcers, but Daryl Johnston and his crew was pretty spot on. At one point Johnston said that “if the Falcons play like this against a quality opponent, it’s going to be a different outcome.” Also at some point in the game, Tony Siragusa said the “Falcons were doing everything in their power to keep the Cardinals in the game.”
Minimal Impact from new DE’s
This shouldn’t come as a massive surprise, but Ray Edwards release didn’t lead to any new explosions from any of the other defensive ends Lawrence Sidbury, Cliff Matthews, or Jonathan Massaquoi. It was only one game and Kroy Biermann is still taking the majority of snaps as the new starter, but there’s a hope that one of these guys can show some promise.
Just Another Bad Game or Paper Tigers?
Despite Everything, they're 9-1 (AJC)
Are we the ones who are wrong after all? The Falcons are 9-1 and that’s nothing to sneeze at in the NFL, but it’s getting harder and harder to defend some of the things the Falcons do and they way they play. They blew an enormous opportunity to essentially bury the hated Saints and the Bucs are suddenly right on their heels in the division. They obviously can’t control their schedule and have won 90% of the games they’ve played, but many of what seemed big victories at the time (Chargers, Eagles, etc) aren’t looking nearly as good, lost a huge division game, and have looked downright terrible against some of the league’s worst (Raiders, Panthers, Cardinals). Many in the media have felt the Falcons are paper tigers of sorts, gobbling up weaker opponents and looking generally weak overall. Fact is, fans are having a harder and harder time defending the Birds as of late, but they are tied for the best record in the NFL through 10 games and every team beneath them has their own set of problems and issues. Bottom line is we’ll know everything we need to know in the next 11-12 days. It won’t matter how ugly the wins are if they find a way to pull out W’s against the Bucs and Saints.
Game of the Year to Date
What an enormous game looms for the Falcons. The Falcons travel to Tampa Bay to play one of the hottest teams in the NFL and play one of the biggest games of the season. Considering what’s at stake, it has to be the largest. The Bucs are only 3 games behind the Falcons and winning here would put the Birds in a great position for the division, giving them a 4 game lead with 5 games to go. However, if the Falcons lose, the door swings wide open once again putting the Bucs only two games behind the Falcons and some difficult games coming up (Saints, Giants, @ Lions). If the Falcons can go down and win any way possible, fans will get some sense of comfort back. If the Birds go blow one on the road, as they did in New Orleans, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Bird Cage Faithful’s Turn
1) Simple Run Stuff – your thoughts on the Falcons ugly, ugly win?
2) What in goodness name happened to Matt Ryan?
3) What’s your confidence level right now?
4) Did the Falcons suffer from a “loss hangover” or did they just play down to their competition?
5) What’s going on with the play-calling on offense?
6) Will the coaches stick with Turner regardless of the realities on the ground?
7) What is the deal with punt returner?
8.) Does it annoy you that the Falcons always get the ball first?
9) Time to hit the panic button on run defense? Why so bad?
10) Why has the offense become so predictable?
11) Is Robert McClain a potential future starter?
12) Are the Falcons paper tigers after all?
13) How big is the Bucs game on Sunday?
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1,276 comments Add your comment
Matty Bicep
November 20th, 2012
1:14 pm
I learned a long time ago that an apology doesn’t always negate the deed.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
1:18 pm
Do we really, truly know our OL stinks at run blocking? IMHO, the jury is still out. We have 3 RB (Quizz, Turner and Snelling) neither one are speed merchants, Quizz being the most shifty of the lot, their speed is relatively the same, IMO.
I put up some preseason rushing comparisons of the 4 roster RB’s on the previous blog, not surprising (at least for me), my 3 year preseason averages for each of them, had Antone Smith leading the way, with 4.5 yards per carry. Numbers Don’t Lie, even in preseason, IMO.
If we are somehow thinking retooling the OL, make it something of a juggernaut, will solve our rushing problems, We’re sadly mistaken. IMO, gone are the days of a mauling offensive line, in the new age NFL, there are guys on the defensive side of the ball, just as big, strong (stronger) in some cases. Teams are drafting 220lb fast (strong) RB’s that compliments…and makes average OL’s look like World Beaters.
Case in point, Carl Nicks, probowl OLineman, injured, out for the season, his replacement stepped in, Martin didn’t miss a beat,…in fact, Martin has put up some of his most eye popping numbers since Nicks been on IR…and If I am not mistaken? most of his longer runs from scrimmage have been behind Nicks replacement.
Guys, I not saying we’re not in need of a stout OL…all I’m saying is, a top notch RB can and will, mask some deficiencies. IMHO.
Ken Strickland
November 20th, 2012
1:19 pm
Anytime MTurner is in the gm on 3rd down, DEFs know we’ll either run inside, or use him as a blocker rather than pass receiver. That allows the DEF to use an additional LB to blitz rather than cover in pass DEF. With JSnelling and/or JRogers in the gm, a LB and/or safety has to account for 1 or both of them in pass protection. But when we’re in a 3rd and short situation with Turner in the gm, everyone knows it’s going to be an inside run.
Ken Strickland
November 20th, 2012
1:42 pm
SOMEBODY-It’s not just a matter of the OL all by itself not getting the job done. First, the OL isn’t moving defenders off the line with any consistency. Secondly, our FBs haven’t done a good job of clearing out what holes are there. Thirdly, MTurner hasn’t been getting to the line quick enough. And forthly, we’re using the same plays in 3rd and short situations that we’ve used the last 4-5yrs.
Because of our predictability in short yardage situations, especially with MTurner in the gm, DEFs seem to be using the same up the gut blitz approach they use when coming after MRyan. When we were running out the clock and needed a couple of key 3rd downs, we used swing passes to JSnelling and JRogers to seal the deal.
When you see DEFs be so successful at stopping the run by stacking the line up the middle, it stands to reason that the outside should be open to a pitchout or swing pass. We need to start thinking speed, quickness, and versatility(JRogers/ASmith) in short yardage situations rather than continuing to rely on brute power and strength(MTurner/FB).
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
1:53 pm
Dhunt ,
While I don’t have a mammoth ego that I’m aware of, I do find that article unsettling.
I liked your positivity at the end. I’d like it even more if it applied to the postseason…
D3 ,
Oh, Smitty will get his crack at things again. AB has already said his seat isn’t hot…though we shall see if temperatures change according to postseason success or not.
That said, nobody has to like Harbaugh. Very few folks like Tom Coughlin. Including his own employers at times. Jerry Jones hated Jimmy Johnson. It ain’t a popularity contest, it’s all about rings…
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
1:59 pm
I learned a long time ago that an apology doesn’t always negate the deed.
You’re right. An apology can’t negate the deed, whatever the deed is or was.
An apology is an acknowledgement on the part of one party that a second party has been offended (or so they have perceived, at least) or somehow wronged, harmed, etc.
Perception being the key word, though in some cases “common cause and common sense” can turn the subject to black and white whereas other situations may be various shades of gray.
Thus concludes my philosophical ha-penny….
Nookah
November 20th, 2012
2:00 pm
Greetings Cagers!!!
Great read guys, I ‘m having fun reading the myriad of views being spilled in the Cage.
I’m usually an optimistic Falcon fan and I like to see the glass 1/2 full. However, Sunday’s performance left me scratching my head, and I was prepared to blog about the positives until I read the article posted earlier. That article sums up my reasons for optimism. We are finding ways to win and we will see each way is not the same; we are a resourceful team.
With that said, I am still concerned about the imbalance we have on offence. We have become almost 1 dimensional, all pass and no running game. The question is, can we win in the playoffs like this? My guess would be no but with 6 big games to go we will get our act together.
As someone alluded to earlier, Smitty is a percentages guy. He does not take chances and perhaps that’s why we are now throwing on 3rd & short because in the past we have not been able to run it (see Saints & Giants 2011), so he is playing the percentages . One thing is certain, MR2 will not throw 5 ints for the rest of the season, mark my word, so that demon has been exorcised never to rear it’s ugly head in 2012. Thankfully it was vs. the Cardinals and not in the playoffs.
Find of the year – McClain. Wish I could say the same for our DE’s. Hopefully I’ll eat crow against TB. Please Mass, Matthews or Sid, please make me eat crow!!!
Cagers, I’m suffering up here in Toronto, all I can see are Bills games and of course as some of you know, there ain’t no Dish Network or Direct TV this side of the world. I may have to move to the ATL because I gotta see my birds. Please send me some links so I can see them online. Only if it’s a Sunday night, Monday night or Thursday night and we don’t have too many of those at least not enough for me. I need to see my Birds every week.
Go Falcons!!!
Nookah
November 20th, 2012
2:02 pm
Ken S, Big Ray, Wabe, JJ et al, whatup guys. I have been enjoying your posts as usual.
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
2:16 pm
“Please send me some links so I can see them online. Only if it’s a Sunday night, Monday night or Thursday night and we don’t have too many of those at least not enough for me. I need to see my Birds every week.” – Nookah
Can’t make it too easy as we don’t want to ruin a good thing. If you were to Google cough*firstrow*cough or attend a game and sit in the FIRSTROW a link fairy might appear to guide a wayward traveller such as yourself. As far as I know discussing internet ‘pirating is illegal’ , babbling about brooks, fishing ‘pirating is illegal’, or even ‘parrots is illegal’ of consciousness is forbidden and punishable by watching the Jax Jaguars non stop for 2 hours.
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
2:18 pm
As for that article, you take what you want from it.
I noticed a few things:
1) The OL did it’s job, getting good push/protection.
2) The gameplan was very aggressive and was quite successful against a defense that not only has been beating opponents up, but has been scoring by itself as well.
3) The backup QB was given the chance to play aggressive. That builds a LOT of confidence for every guy who gets on the field with him.
That wouldn’t be possible without the QB being talented enough to deliver the goods.
Again…take from that what you want.
I hope we continue to find ways to win. I hope that we get good enough to not NEED to find those ways in the majority of our games. It would be nice if the gameplan worked more often than not.
And if you think that’s too much to ask, well then I hope that we can “find ways to win” every Sunday right on through the end of January, because that’s what it’s gonna take. If it works, then great. Nobody said you have to believe in on method or another. So long as you hang on for the ride, you’re a fan, you’re a fan, you’re a fan….
Nookah
November 20th, 2012
2:19 pm
SP, that’s too funny Bro but as in true Cage style, you are helping a fallen citizen of FalconNation!!
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
2:22 pm
SP ,
“Hey, you cheated!”
“Pirate….”
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
2:23 pm
Nookah ,
Good stuff my man, good to hear from you. Sorry you’re stuck with watching Mario “fail” Williams and the guys who used to employ Doug Flutie, Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, and Bruce Smith…back when they were watchable.
Hoping we fix something in our running game somehow because you only play good teams in the playoffs. And all of them know how to stop something…we need a run game.
Arno
November 20th, 2012
2:59 pm
The Bucs’ six Ws have come against teams that are a combined 16-34. The QBs they have beaten this year have thrown a total of 46 interceptions. They can’t fill their stadium.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
3:09 pm
Yeah, but the Bucs 4 loses against Giants, Saints, Cowboys and Redskins have idividually been 7 points or less. We’re in for a close fought game…know if and buts about that. IMO.
There want be any blowouts come Sunday. We win…it’ll come in a close one.
Nookah
November 20th, 2012
3:11 pm
BR, but waht is it? Is it the Ol or is it the RB? Is it the cart or the horse or is it both?
One thing I know MT cannot run outside so that tells me if he’s on the field we have no alternative but to run between the tackles,unless……………….yes Ken S……we have a good FB.
Do you remember CJ in Tennessee in the early season, wasn’t that his problem too, and if I am not mistaken, they put in a FB and it made a big difference. Is that our “fix” and perhaps as Ken S alluded to that is why we drafted Bradie Ewing but he had season ending injury.
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-Sign-Guard-Gunn/ff4e5b39-7391-4598-9240-0ec151b5b7d8
Perhaps it’s the OL? or is this the Hawley effect?
Go Falcons!!
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
3:12 pm
“SP, that’s too funny Bro but as in true Cage style, you are helping a fallen citizen of FalconNation!!” – Nookah
No worries and Yarrgh me matey. Careful of those ‘parrots is illegal’ as crossing the ‘piracy is really cool’ could cause bad things…( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyaLZHiJJnE ).
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
3:17 pm
“SP ,
“Hey, you cheated!”
“Pirate….” – BR
Hey, I’m just into the total protonic reversal thing. If it gets rid of the Sta-Puft Marshmellow man, I’ll cross the ‘piracy cures prostate problems’ any day! YARRRGHHH!
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
3:53 pm
IMO, our run game…and the lack thereof, is not respected by any team in the league. Even deploying a fullback for lead blocking is not enough, IMHO. We’re working on our second FB and counting this year. We’ve even tried hawley as a lead blocker, Defenses are selling all out plugging running lanes up the middle because they don’t respect our RB’s speed to bounce it to the outside. I noticed on our clock killing, last drive against the Cards, there were 2 toss sweeps, 1 to Turner for 7 yards…and 1 to Quizz for 7 yards resulting in a 1st down and win. Case and point, we out smarted them, I think? You would somehow believe our strategy would be run’em where they aint, what a novel idea, catch’em by surprise.
Now, I will give credit where its due, Cox sprung Turner on the 1 yard TD, aberration? or once in a blue moon phenomenon? I’ll choose the latter.
Predictable play calling, Turner diminished talents are the most glaring problems, IMO. When defenses send more bodies than we can block up the middle, I aint know coach…common sense tells me the peripherals are there for the taking.
Nookah
November 20th, 2012
4:14 pm
Somebody, but I guess you’re sayin’ you can’t run the peripherals if you a’int got the speed!!
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
4:36 pm
Nookah, If I can condense my last post, even with the lack of speed…and predictable running plays, we still should be able to beat them to the edge (eg. toss sweeps) better yet…why not go for the knock out punch, play action? SOMEBODY’S gotta be one on one with 8 denders in the box.
JJ
November 20th, 2012
4:38 pm
Little Dougie will rush for 4 tds and over 150 yds (giving me 50+ fantasy points and sinking all of D3’s dreams of FF playoffs) and since Im benching JJ, he will have a blowout game and Bryant kicks the winning field goal as time expires. 31-28 Falcons
Mr. Obvious, reallyreallyreally need Spoon back, any word?
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
4:39 pm
*defenders
JJ
November 20th, 2012
4:41 pm
Nookah, weve been missing some of your nasta/marley lyrics!!!
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
4:41 pm
JJ, we’re on the same page, I’m thinking we win by 4 pts.
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
4:44 pm
“Mr. Obvious, reallyreallyreally need Spoon back, any word?” – JJ
Paging. I can’t speak for Mr. O but a little illegal parrot with an eye patch told me spoons will be available in the mess hall this weekend.
JJ
November 20th, 2012
4:48 pm
SP, lame my friend, come on…thats not worthy from you!!! lol
Paddy O
November 20th, 2012
4:49 pm
actually, a sincere, heartfelt apology does negate the deed – or does if you know how to forgive and accept that the person apologizing is doing so in earnest – not just to earn brownie points where there is NO change in future behavior. I apologize if I recognize i have made an error and the person I’m apologizing to (or dog or cat) suffered for my error. however, an apology which includes “to those I have offended” is a non- apology done for cowardly motivations – essentially a rationale (or get out of jail free card) for bad behavior. golden rule. but also, what goes around comes around.
Arno
November 20th, 2012
4:50 pm
Somebody– MR could improve on selling the playaction pass IMO. Better job of that could also help the running game.
Paddy O
November 20th, 2012
4:51 pm
TB is a highly competitive opponent. We need to get QB pressure. IF JJ is out, it could be a tough game.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
November 20th, 2012
4:51 pm
SP, where do you come up with this stuff?!?! LOL…
JJ
November 20th, 2012
4:56 pm
Paddy O, Not to rehash last night but anyone who genuinely wants to be part of the cage has to understand its a family of fans who are fanatical about our falcons. All opinions are just that opinions, not facts…except D3 losing this weekend!!!
Big Lou
November 20th, 2012
4:59 pm
I already linked an article saying spoon will most likely play Sunday.
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
4:59 pm
“SP, lame my friend, come on…thats not worthy from you!!! lol” – JJ
You could listen here ( http://www.790thezone.com/podcasts/Episodes.aspx?PID=2611 ) and draw your own conclusions since my parrot is too lame for your tastes.
JJ
November 20th, 2012
5:05 pm
Love the parrot, but the coffee/beer nasal intake was nil this time.
BR, my bad, just got in and havent caught up yet. Wanted to chime in before our brother from the great north left….which brings me back to our fav parrot. SP, how bout a 12 days of christmas, with a falcons and canadian slant…forgot who did it, was it SnL?
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
5:05 pm
Nookah ,
There are few options with Turner on the field. Run between the Tackles, or pick up pass protection. That’s about it. Throwing to him is a RISK. Running a sweep sometimes works…sometimes goes badly.
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
5:06 pm
Nookah,
As for the OL vs. Turner…it’s both.
JJ
November 20th, 2012
5:09 pm
SP, a homework assign, no one could do it better…youve got a month to master it, if your even interested but you know you and BR our the best comic relief in the cage. WR used to be good as well but hes tending to the new wife this yr!
E43
November 20th, 2012
5:14 pm
Big Ray- My reasoning for the falcons problems on the ground have nothing to do with our running backs. I always have thought that all three are pretty much the same guy on the ground +-. I just feel like the coaching staff is putting too much of the blame on the players and not doing enough to fix it. I believe that its the pass happy nature that is killing the run game. The emphasis on power running just isn’t there. When I hear coach Smith talk about fixing it, I hear finesse blocking. I dont hear power run game. I just don’t want to believe that the entire team just forgot how to pick up 1 yard. At some point, there has to be some mathematics involved.
Turner had 15 caries. Rodgers had 5 and howling had 22. Ariz was 0-5 on third down at some point and had 7 first downs all game. Rodgers got 5 receptions for 35 yards. One of his catches was 17 yards bringing his average to 7yp. Both teams had 16 3rd downs. Statistically, once the Falcons ran the ball you could forget about a consecutive touch by a RB. Those stretches without them touching the ball is what I think is killing them. They tried to get Rodgers some touches after halftime but it was a little too late. They really weren’t going to surprise anyone. Roddy and Gonzalez touches will just have to be reduced if they want to run the ball. Flair passes also need to be removed. If not then more people are just going to have to contribute in the passing game.
Big Ray
November 20th, 2012
5:14 pm
LOL@ SP …
Slant Pattern
November 20th, 2012
5:22 pm
“SP, how bout a 12 days of christmas, with a falcons and canadian slant…forgot who did it, was it SnL?” – JJ
I believe that would be Bob and Doug McKenzie ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32CwrOZVobo )off the top of me warped and twisted head. Let me drink some Beer-Nog and think about it before telling yall hosers to take off eh. If thats not right I’ll find something lol.
Arno
November 20th, 2012
7:46 pm
How do you like this headline from the Falcons website?! “Falcons Get Job Done on the Ground.” Quote: “That shows that (offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter) has confidence in his guys,” McClure said. “He’s got confidence in us up front. He’s got confidence in Mike running the ball. We just got it in. It was about will (Sunday) and we got it in when we needed it.” As much a Cagers lament Turner/O line tactics, the folks at Flowery Branch only talk of better execution.
BUT–
That fake toss to Julio, and the shuffle pass to Snelling were things of beauty. I know the Falcons have it in them to be more creative/deceptive. Ryan will not be put up for the Oscar any time soon, but I would like to see him continue better work on fakes. Maybe we can get Samuel L. Jackson off the Rise Up adverts and help Matt in acting class.
Unca' Bob
November 20th, 2012
7:57 pm
I sure have missed the no-huddle, Is it just me?
Going out on a limb here, MT33 is not the problem that we can’t run the ball.
falcon21
November 20th, 2012
8:13 pm
I agree UB on the no-huddle and the running game. MT has slowed down, we all see it but they are bigger problems. I think we have 3 quicker RB’s that can hit the hole faster, problem is they don’t have a hole to hit.
Wabe
November 20th, 2012
8:19 pm
E43,
This line ain’t built for the power running game you’re referencing. The way these guys have struggled to pick up short yardage points to the line’s inability to get the slightest push to get us a yard or two, so that throws any power running capabilities out the window.
They need to be more creative to find holes for the backs. More spread formations, more shotgun runs, whatever. But, pretty much tipping our hand and expecting this line to run over anybody is a shows a serious lapse in judgement on the coaching staffs behalf.
Wabe
November 20th, 2012
8:20 pm
And what up Nookah. Long time man. Good to see you in here.
Ken Strickland
November 20th, 2012
8:36 pm
What’s up NOOKAH? Glad to have you back. While we’ve been disecting the cause of our almost nonexistant rushing OFF, we’ve failed to give our DEF the credit it deserves for overcoming all of those turnovers and poor field position our OFF continuously put them in. Everyone of the sacks we got had an impact on the outcome of the gm. One sack certainly prevented a certain FG or TD.
I do know that playing an extra CB instead of a MLB definitely has an impact of our run DEF, but it doesn’t account for the outside runs. Has anyone else noticed how well CBs DFranks and COwens are doing in the nickel CB position under Nolan? We struggled for 4yrs trying to find a CB to play the position. Yet now we have the same 2 CBs who failed before doing very well at the position.
I wonder what prompted DE REdwards to react the way he did after being asked to attend a meeting? I’m sure his reduced snaps had something to do with it, but he had to know his production hasn’t been up to par.
JB Falcon
November 20th, 2012
8:36 pm
UB, 21, after all this OL discussion and McClure saying it ain’t all them and all the blaming MT the opinion in my little hidey cave is that it is both, so what? We don’t have a running game because we sacrificed a lot of picks to get JJ in order to become a passing team. No problem there, in my little cave, since passing makes us more explosive, and we have proved it is working. The last three SB winners have been weak on one side or the other.
We’re 9-1 using our powerful passing game, when we’re healthy, and it is working. To make up for our running game at this time is to use different plays other than MT up the middle. We’ll work on improving our running game next year so why not use what we currently do our best and make the most of it? NO won their SB by the skin of their teeth and I am perfectly willing to win one on anything thinner than that.
D3
November 20th, 2012
8:42 pm
Arno — Good point. We’ve seen a few times some creative type running designs, it’s just that all we’ve seen lately is power running garbage.
OL vs. Turner — I have to agree with Somebody on this one. We all know that our OL is weak, but we’ve known that forever now and Smitty and Co. refused to change one single thing about this OL and we’re reaping the benefits of it. For all the talk of the “open competition” it was a ruse pretty much plain and simple. And also remember, that The Konz didn’t finally get his starting spot until Reynolds got hurt. So likely, there was no plan to even put him in. I think what many of us are saying is that we have to finally play to our strengths, open the passing game, loosen the defense, and let Quizz / Snelling / A-Smith run in those newly opened creases. You don’t have to have a power run game in the traditional sense, like in the days of yore.
And make no mistake, I am not absolving this offensive line one bit, but the coaching staff doesn’t see fit to try ANYTHING DIFFERENT, so there’s really not much to discuss. Regarding Turner, I’ll just have to respectfully disagree with some of you on this one. It is very true that there’s not much in the way of holes to run through, but Quizz does way more with the same OL as Turner does. Every once in a while Turner will run like the Burner of old, but that’s few and far between. It’s so bad that even my wife and mother were dogging Turner for his “tip-toeing” in the backfield. He doesn’t run with authority the way he used to and that IS ON HIM. We can talk about the chicken v. egg argument all night long regarding the OL vs. Turner, but seeing Turner, he does NOT run hard anymore. Someone made a comment about him seeming lackadaisical and not really caring. I’ve thought that before too.Bottom line is, this is a new offense, a new day, and Turner simply doesn’t fit in this scheme AND he’s just not the same. There really is something to that “30 age wall” for RBs. If it got Ladanian Tomlinson, it is surely getting Turner. Also, look how much the Falcons have overworked Turner since he got here. Much of it is not a smash against Turner himself, but rather an observation of the current situation.
Big Ray — Fair enough. There’s something I just don’t like about the guy, but he’s lost his share of crappy games too. And for all the domination that the Saints have done in the regular season, he’s also gotten bounced the last two years in the first round. One by the lowly Seahawks and the other making Alex Smith look like Tom Brady. And, oh yeah, they cheated too. I guess what I’m saying is, just having an aggressive coach like Harbaugh (who also is an @-hole) doesn’t guarantee Super Bowl success any more than another guy like Coughlin or Mike McCarthy, or even Tony Dungy for that matter.
D3
November 20th, 2012
8:46 pm
JB — Great point. When you give up that many potential OL / DL picks for JJ, you better go use that new strength you’ve developed. Would love to see us move into a Packers type of offense where you’re seeing 4-5 receivers open up that defense and let little Quizz and A-Smith run through those newly formed openings. Can’t for the life of me figure out why HD has performed better. Maybe I’m just biased and always thought he was better than he really was, but even with Koetter, he’s not doing as great as I had hoped. Would like to see more Drew Davis and even speedster Kevin Cone, not to mention our little shifty Tim Toone we re-signed.